Chapter 284
Hiccups POV:
It's been a week since I took down Claude's slave auction and since then I've had nothing but down time at the insistence of my wives who believed I was overworking myself again. I wasn't complaining though since while I caught up on the sleep I missed, returning the slaves to their tribes and Claude's customers to their homelands to face punishment, Astrid went to inform my dad about what happened. Honestly, when he found out what Claude had been up to and what he intended to do to Xiu, the man destroyed half his hut in rage while letting out a yell of anger that was so loud it woke me up on the island. He did calm down a bit after Astrid telling him what had happened and how it strengthened the bonds we had with our allies since we returned their people safe and sound from the clutches of Claude.
Speaking of Claude, I am happy to say that he was now completely bankrupt due to the loss of his criminal customers and regular customers who somehow found out about what he'd been doing. He had to sell off all his possessions at half the price of their true value since there were so many people who weren't too eager to do big business with him and he was in no position to complain. To make things even harder for him, when the men he hired moved stuff, they'd often trip or bump into stuff while carrying fragile things so the items they were carrying would be either damaged or completely broken so he lost a lot of money. It was easy to tell that the bad luck I'd given him was taking effect and costing him his fortune and whenever he went sailing his ship would sink for one reason or another. The way I see it, he's had it coming for a long time and now he was suffering for all the innocent people that he'd made suffer in the past with his business, including children.
As for my own children, Brant and Chara's weapons had reached the point that they could once more be enhanced and gain new forms and abilities which took their training up to a new level, meaning it was a lot more difficult for them. The reason is their weapons have been able to become entirely new weapons with the kids need to learn how to properly wield them against their opponents for defense and to avoid hurting themselves. They'd already accidentally done that when their weapons first took these new forms, but I knew that with time they'd have as easy a time using them as they do in their main forms.
To begin with, Brants staff could now split into two arm length spears identical to his spear when it's in its short spear form with the short blade, so he had to learn how to duel wield them even though he could reconnect them. Fortunately, while training under the Ancient One, Brant was taught how to use his non dominant hand to wield a weapon in case he ever injured his dominant hand and couldn't use it for a while. This made training a lot easier for him since he was already used to using his other hand to wield a weapon, so he just needed to learn how to use them both at the same time. Luckily both me and a lot of my ninja were well trained in the art of duel-wielding weapons, so we were able to teach him how to fight with them.
Chara on the other hand didn't have it as easy though since her weapon had formed an extra piece like when Brant's armor formed arm guards. The same thing had happened for Chara's kunai sash with it forming a wrist band for each arm but the thing about these bands is if she took one of her kunai, the bands could attach a very thin chain to the ring at the end of the kunai, allowing Chara to throw them and then pull them back or swing them around like a flail or whip. Without the kunai though, the bands could still be of use since when the chains are launched, they instead throw an open ring and when they hit their target, it snaps close and pulls the item or victim in. Chara had been training to use this whip like chain to strike the victims in their arms and legs to trip her foes and drag them into her strike range. This would also be helpful as a grappling hook for when she was climbing walls or need to make it across some sort of gap and needed to swing across.
Then there's little Xiu who I am happy to say, I have been able to spend most of my time with and was able to witness her start crawling around her room and even crawling up to me and raising her little arms to be picked up making me so proud. Still though, this didn't stop from Zhang Yong from watching over her and she absolutely loved him, often cuddling into his belly and playing with his tails. It was absolutely adorable, and I was actually considering having Bucket come by and do a portrait of her doing it since he was the best artist on Berk. Honestly, the best part of my time off is being able to spend with my baby girl before she grows up and is too busy studying or training to just cuddle with her father. Now I was in my forest, laying against Toothless beneath a tree while holding little Xiu against my chest as she slept soundly as Zhang Yong snoozed next to us, but I could tell he was keeping his guard up. With my little girl in my arms, my best friend behind me and my little girls personal guard Zheng next to us, I was truly at peace and allowed my mind to rest and let myself drift off to sleep under the shade of the tree.
Adal's POV:
I stood in the woods that covered my packs territory, watching my master slumber against his winged mount with his youngest cub sleeping on his chest. When I saw this, I couldn't help but look back at my own cubs who were practicing for the hunt and couldn't help but feel my heart swell with pride as they went over their pouncing techniques being taught to them by Snowflake. I looked at my full pack and couldn't help but look back and remember my past and how I was loathed by my own father for simply being weaker than my siblings. He was going to take my life, but I was rescued by the pointy eared beings who looked after me for a few days before handing me over to the human who would become my master. I owe a lot to him including my life, he is the one who placed me with my pack when I was a pup and now, I am the alpha of the pack, and we all serve him by guarding the territory and coming to aid him in battle when he summons us.
I took a breath and looked out at my entire pack that had grown since he had taken me in with the addition of my pups and the wolves that he brought back with those wolf spirited humans known as the wolfwalkers. The time was coming when the wolves brought by the wolfwalkers would go through the same blessing as my pack did and I shall grant them a sliver of my power increasing both their size and strength beneath the light of the full moon. My eyes then landed on the young grey furred wolf with blue eyes, this was the wolf form of the wolfwalker Robyn while her human body rested in the cave. She was enjoying her time with her fellow wolf-walker Mebh and if anyone did not know they'd believe the two were blood sisters with how they played together.
My mind was focused on young Robyne though as I had noticed how her and my master's eldest adopted child, Brant had been acting towards each other. It was easy to tell that they had feelings for each other and may become mates in the future, but knowing how humans are when it comes to getting together with their potential mates, it could take years before they even come close to mating. I shook my head remembering that human mating rituals were a lot different to how we wolves did things, but it did make me long for my own mate and the mother of my pups. I sighed and looked down at my pack and knew the time for the hunt would be soon since there were still a few wild boars running around the forest after my master released a few a week ago for us to hunt them. I howled and my pack members all ran up to me and I told them it was time for the hunt, and we took off in search of the boars that would serve as our prey and meal.
Mayan Jungle section
Ah Tabai's POV:
I was laying down on a tree branch while watching my sisters' cubs who were now grown up, running through the trees as I thought back on my life. I barely remember my mother since she was killed by a large serpent when I was still just a cub along with a male who was going to help her through her heat. Fortunately, the man who would become our master killed the serpent shortly after it killed her and then found us before he found me and my sister. If he hadn't taken us in back, then chances are we never would have made it to the end of the day since if there's one thing I know about the jungle, it's that it's a young one left alone won't last a day with the other beasts who see them as an easy meal.
I still remember how he took us to one of those human cities that our mother always told us that we should avoid going near at all costs since the humans often hunted us for one reason or another. I remember being kept in a basket with my sister where we played as multiple human children watched us with a lot of interest which confused me at the time as we were only playing. It was then an all too familiar shaking followed by a familiar scent caught my attention as a voice asked.
"And what's got you so focused?" I sighed and turned to the familiar capuchin monkey, Jocko an answered.
"I'm just thinking of how I came to live in this jungle on this island under the command of a human." Jocko chuckled.
"I know the feeling, when me and Gina first found the human, we figured we could just use him to get a few free pieces of food, but he treated us kindly and we figured we'd join him and now we have a great life here on this island where we can raise our young in peace."
"How are your little ones by the way?"
"They're all grown up now and helping where they can." I nodded. "How's about you, you think that female you were with caring for your cubs." I nodded.
"I do, she seemed like a strong female."
"And with your blood running through their veins, the cubs will be the rulers of the jungle." I sighed and shook my head.
"Alright, what is it you want from me?"
"What makes you think I want something?"
"Jocko, we've known each other a long time, I know when you want something from me and know I won't like it."
"Well, I was hoping to get a little help with getting some fruit shaken down from the tree and my weight isn't enough to knock a lot of them down." I sighed and stood up.
"Alright, take me to the tree and I'll shake a few fruits down for you." He smiled and took off to lead the way. "Cheeky monkey!" I took after him.
African Savannah section
Mfalmes POV:
Today looked like it would be another peaceful day and I can't deny, although I enjoy the peaceful days, I would love to get a bit of action since it does become boring around here with it being just me and the Savannah Wings. I looked out at the golden grass covered land and smiled since it really was a beautiful thing to watch over and for me this land was full of memories. I still remember when I was just a cub and given to my master when he came to meet the gods of the land who lived in the home of the ancestors. What my master doesn't know though is that the land of the ancestors is where I was created, not by the gods but by the ancestors who knew he would help protect the land and the people and one day, I'd be there to help him. Before I could though, I needed to come into my full power and that would still take time to unlock and time to fully learn how to control it for if I do not then I run the risk of hurting others.
I let out a huff remembering that this was the reason why I was given to my master and my twin brother remained in the realm of the ancestors. It was so we could both focus on learning how to control our powers for if our magic were to meet and not be in control than it could destroy the land and all within it. Still though, it did not mean I did not miss my brother as we were created from the same magic and belonged together for one without the other would always be incomplete. Despite our existence being in two different places though, we were still able to communicate through our thoughts that were connected by our magic, but it was nothing compared to actually being together. I let out a huff and looked around at the savannah before deciding it was time to begin my training and stood up and began making my way to my favorite clearing where I normally do my training.
Outback section
Warragulat POV:
I was sitting by my favorite watering hole and looking at my reflection while going over my life's choices and how they lead me to living here on this island. I admit it's been many moons since I was brought to this land from my home in Australia and I admit it was a big change at first, but I've gotten used to it, and I truly do love it now. I still remember when I first decided to leave my pack hoping to start my own, not realizing how hard surviving on my own would be and had a rough time catching my own food. I couldn't go back to my pack though since that would make my life even more difficult as I'd be looked down upon and mocked by everyone and only given scraps to eat. That's when I met a human who was friendly to us and would often give us meat out of kindness and figuring it would make life easier for me, I decided I'd follow him and serve as a companion.
This would ultimately lead me to being brought here to this island and enjoying my life here in a land where there were few other creatures other than the kangaroos Kalina and her joey Tau. We don't talk that much since while I enjoyed hunting the scraps of meat the master would hide among the land for me to track down and keep my skill sharp, she preferred to just jump around and enjoy the land with Tau. I wish I could do the same, but I needed to keep on training incase my master brought back more dingoes to inhabit this land, I would need to be able to prove to them that this land was my territory, and I was strong enough to protect both it and them. If I wasn't strong enough, then I'd be walked all over and treated as a runt like how I was often treated by the members of my former pack which was the main reason I left them. I was determined to prove that I could make it on my own and be a true alpha of this territory that I will command and pass on to my own cubs.
India jungle
Kanan's POV:
I sat on a tree branch and looked up at the sky, watching the clouds go by and let out a breath while looking down at the ground and remembering when I was first brought to this jungle, so far from my home. I didn't hate it, nor did I hold any ill will towards my master for bringing me here to live when I was just a cub, less than six months old. I still remember the day he found me; it was three days after my mother was taken from me by cruel humans who wished to keep her fur for something the humans value. As for me, they locked me in what I now knew to be a cage, hardly fed me and often kicked the cage just to scare me a bit but I knew they weren't going to kill me. These days I figure they wanted me fully grown so they could do to me what they did to my mother or sell me to some human as a glorified pet to be kept on a chain. Here though, I was free to travel around the jungle, go wherever I like and find ways to pass the time that made up the day since I didn't need to hunt as my master dropped meat off for me to eat. I sighed and got up before hopping down from my resting spot and began making my way to a watering hole where I could enjoy a drink, but if the elephant, Ahana is there I'd have to do my best to avoid being sprayed with his trunk. It's a game we've both being playing since we first came to this jungle since there really wasn't that much for either of us to do these days outside of training and patrolling the jungle for trouble.
Great Planes
Phlegon's POV:
Another beautiful day on the island that I called the home of both me and my mate Aylen and like most days, we were trotting through the lush green fields by the lake together. It was something we did everyday together to keep our strength up incase our rider needed us for something which was rare since he'd often spend his days on his nightfury. Despite this there were days when he would come by and ride Aylen wearing just his pants and boots claiming he wanted to feel the wind flowing against his body, but I think he just wanted to show off his body for his mates. I couldn't fault him for this since I used to do the same for Aylen by spreading out my wings and making sure to leave them out a little longer than needed when I came down to land after a flight to show off my own body.
I still remember how I came to belong to Hiccup Haddock and when I did, I'd always feel a slight pain in my back leg from when a hunter put it in my leg and one beneath my wing that took me out of the sky. The one in my wing came out during the crash but the one in my leg had to be pulled out by Hiccup who protected me from the hunter who wanted to claim me as some sort of trophy. Fortunately, he didn't last long and fled like the coward he was which is when my previous owner, the Roman god of the sun Helios or Sol as he was known in Rome came to collect me. I didn't want to leave though as Hiccup had saved my life and protected me from a mortal who saw me as nothing but a trophy while he saw me as a living creature. I made my desire to stay with him clear to the gods who gave in and allowed me to remain with him and later gave him a chariot to ride in while I pull it.
The chariot was something he'd often use with me pulling it across the various terrains of this island for a bit of fun and I admit, I also enjoyed it since it gave me a bit of a rush, I didn't get that often. When I first came here originally, I would roam this land alone to try and get a bit of that same thrill when I was alone, but then the spirits of a distant land. When I first met her, she was shy, but I found it charming and when she opened up to me and allowing to get to know her and at the end of our first day together, I was determined to make her my mate. Being the only other horse on the island and a good-looking stallion if I do say so myself, it wasn't so difficult to get her attention and make her give into my roguish charm. It was then Aylen brought me out of my memories saying.
"I hope that thoughtful look in your eyes means you're thinking about me." I turned to her.
"Just thinking about what I did to win the heart of such a beautiful mare as my mate." I gave her a smile. "Was it my good sense of humor, my good looks with muscles or my roguish charm?"
"I was lonely, and you were the only other horse on the island." I huffed as she giggled. "I'm just joking, it was your kindness that made me fall for you." I smiled and we continued our trot.
The griffins roost
Plutarach's POV:
I stood on top of my nest that was the head of my territory which my master had named 'The griffins roost' which I believed to be an appropriate name as it was where me and my flock resided. I looked upon my flock seeing them all mingle or fly around the mountain where our home resided and remembered a time where I never thought this would be the life I live. I remember a time when I was free in the land of Greece and had left my flock wishing to see more of the land and stop being under the leadership of a greedy griffin who would often take most of our food for himself and leave us to feed on the scraps. When I first left, I'd never felt so free but my joy was short lived when a group of mortal hunters captured me when I had landed on a rock in the ocean to rest. My time with them though was short as they soon sold me to a cruel mortal who chained me up in a cave to guard his treasure and intended to do away with me when he felt it was time to move his wealth.
I don't know how many weeks passed with me being imprisoned in that cave with the chains holding the collar that was forced around my neck before a giant came to claim both my life and the wealth that I guarded. That is when he appeared on his dragon, not only saving my life from the giant but also freeing me from the chains that had bound me to that cave for so long. Instead of forcing me to serve him though, he told me I was free to go and find my own path, but he was my savior and I was and still am honor bound to serve him. When I was first brought to this island, he called his home, he gave me a roost on top of mighty tower where he kept two statues that were really incredibly powerful weapons and it was my duty to guard them.
Then came the day I returned to Greece with him to help fight against the forces of the titan Cronos who sought to regain his old power and bring the mortal realm under his command. I am ashamed to say that when we faced him, I had been defeated and enslaved by his dark power which he used to control not only me but also the dragons my master had brought to help fought. I was placed at the head of the griffins who had also fallen victim to his power until my master came to fight Cronos in which the dragons and I were summoned to guard the titan and fight our master. Fortunately, we were restrained by a metal bird given to our master by the gods and were able to witness the fight between he and the mighty titan, ending with his victory, freeing me and all others who were under the control of Cronos.
Once the Titan fell my master was taken by the gods to recover, leaving me to handle the flock of griffins who Cronos had enslaved and now knew me to be strong willed with how I was able to fight off the power of Cronos for so long with the aid of what my master had given me. They all knew me to be a strong griffin and made me the head of the flock before I brought them all here where the new mountain, we call home was set up with my original home being merged with it. Now I spend my days watching over my flock, training for the day I would once again be called to the aid of my master whether it be in battle or another task and trying to decide on a mate who shall mother my offspring. With this in mind I stood up from my place and stretched my wings out before taking off for a quiet flight over the island to see if there was any danger.
Nightfall
Hiccups POV:
Today had been relaxing to say the least, I got to spend time with my youngest child and got to take a nice quiet nap in the forest before taking her on a tour of the island. I got a good laugh when she put her hands up Phlegons nostrils and made him huff in irritation, but I knew that he knew Xiu didn't know any better since she was just a baby. I admit, it was nice to just stop being a warrior, bounty hunter, inventor, blacksmith, dragon rider and all the other things I was and just simply be a father who enjoys time with his baby girl. Still the time with Xiu had to come to an end since she was still a baby and needed to be fed while also needing time to be put down to rest a bit in her own room. When this was done, I was left to enjoy my day and spent most of it up in the air on Toothless with us flying full speed around the island and doing various stunts to get my blood rushing.
Now though I was enjoying a nice quiet soak in the tub with my body sunk below in the warm water while my head and arms were laying on the edges. I leaned my head back and looked up at the ceiling while making a mental note to either put up a mosaic or painting on it since right now it looked pretty dull compared to the rest of the bath. I shrugged and marked it as something to plan out tomorrow since the day was over and my wives had prepared Yak Butter parfait with fruit salad and dumpling for dinner and I was looking forward to enjoying the meal and the company of my family. With this in mind I soaked for a few more minutes while using the eye of the dragon to see through the eyes of my automatons and do a quick sweep of the island to see if there were any issues and was relieved to see most of the island inhabitants settling down for the night. The ones who weren't were those who were more nocturnal and preferred to hunt at night were on the prowl and doing their evening patrols of their respective territories.
1 hour later
Dinner was a nice little affair with everyone discussing how they'd spent their day and just enjoying each other's company with some good food prepared by my wives. Now though, the kids were in bed while my wives were each enjoying their own bath to relax a bit before they head to bed and as for me, I was in my private room enjoying a little me time. I sighed in content since the silence was truly nice to have at the end of the day, especially when you've spent most of your life training and fighting to protect others and have trouble finding time to just enjoy a bit of peace. I have to say these past few days of just being able to relax and enjoy time with my family and enjoy my hobbies such as designing new automatons, reading and of course dragon riding. It was nice to get back to doing the things I loved but I knew my downtime wasn't going to last forever since sooner or later I'd be off fighting evil in someway or at the very least learning to be chief of Berk so I have to enjoy the peace while I can. With this in mind I nestled into the pillows and continued with my book since for all I know I might not get to finish it if I keep putting it off.
AN: I wanted to try doing a chapter showing the POV from some of the animals and their thoughts on how they came to live here on Hiccups island. Anyway, review kindly and have a nice day.
