1,300 Years Later - Berk
The island of Berk had changed drastically over the centuries, evolving into a bustling, modern hub where dragons and humans coexisted in an uneasy but functional harmony. Henry Haddock, a 20-year-old descendant of the famous Haddock line, worked at Dragon's Edge Repairs, a small shop specializing in fixing dragon gear and repairing minor dragon-inflicted damages. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but it paid the bills.
Henry wasn't particularly remarkable. He was doing decently for someone his age, renting a modest apartment in the city. What set him apart, though, was his deep-seated fear of dragons—an oddity in a world where dragons were as commonplace as pets.
As the clock struck the end of his shift, Henry packed up his tools, clocked out, and headed home. His small apartment offered a quiet escape from the noisy city. Tossing his keys on the counter, he collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling and trying not to think about the dragons he had spent the day fixing gear for. He drifted off, unaware that his life was about to change forever.
--
Unknown Location - The Awakening
Far away, deep within an icy cavern untouched by time, something stirred. The ice, which had encased its prisoners for centuries, began to crack and melt. A glimmer of light pierced the frosty darkness, illuminating the still forms within.
Toothless moved first, shaking off the remnants of ice as his luminous green eyes opened. Moments later, Hiccup stirred, groaning as he pushed himself upright. His body felt stiff, as though he'd been asleep for ages.
He looked around, confused by the strange, unfamiliar environment. The last thing he remembered was their final days in Berk, a place that now seemed like a distant memory.
"How long do you think we've been out, bud?" Hiccup asked Toothless, his voice echoing in the cavern. The dragon let out a low rumble, as confused as his rider.
Emerging from the cave, they saw the world had changed beyond recognition. A village lay in the distance, but it was unlike any Hiccup had ever seen. Buildings rose taller, strange glowing signs flickered, and people carried peculiar rectangular devices that emitted light.
Curiosity piqued, Hiccup made his way toward the village, Toothless following close behind. The sight of the dragon caused an immediate stir. People stopped in their tracks, pointing and whispering. Some held up their glowing devices, capturing images of the duo.
It wasn't long before someone approached Hiccup, speaking in a language he didn't fully understand. They asked strange questions about his parents and Toothless. Bewildered, Hiccup could only respond with confused shrugs. Eventually, he was taken to an office where they drew blood and performed tests. Despite his attempts to escape, he was always gently but firmly stopped.
What struck him as most bizarre, though, was the "human cave" he found himself in—a large, brightly lit building where the sun seemed to shine indoors.
--
Berk - One Week Later
Henry Haddock's phone rang just as he was settling in for the night.
"Hello?" he answered, his voice groggy.
"Hello, Mr. Haddock," said a polite voice on the other end. "This is the Family Haven Center. We've identified a relative of yours who needs a home. He doesn't speak the language yet, so we've been keeping him here temporarily while he adjusts. Can you come in to discuss arrangements?"
Henry frowned. A relative? That didn't make sense. The only family he knew was his father, and even they weren't close.
"Uh… sure," he replied hesitantly, though his mind buzzed with confusion.
--
One Month Later
Hiccup adjusted quickly to the language and customs of this new world, though he still found much of it bewildering. Toothless, however, was restless and distrustful, irritated by the constant attention they received. People were endlessly fascinated, taking pictures and asking questions.
The day finally came when Hiccup was told someone related to him would take him in. He was skeptical but eager to leave the confines of the strange human cave.
Henry arrived at the Family Haven Center with cautious curiosity. The thought of having a relative was baffling, but he couldn't ignore the connection.
Stepping up to the front desk, he announced, "Hi, I'm here about a relative? Haddock family?"
The worker nodded. "Right, one moment."
Henry waited, fidgeting nervously until he saw someone approach—a young man, around sixteen, with auburn hair and striking green eyes that mirrored his own. Behind him loomed a sleek, black dragon with piercing green eyes.
"Hi, I'm Henry," he greeted, his voice uncertain. "What's your name? And… who's that?"
The boy looked shy and unsure but managed to answer. "I'm Hiccup. This is Toothless."
Henry blinked, processing the surreal introduction. "Hiccup? Toothless? Wait… you're him, aren't you? From the stories?"
Hiccup frowned slightly. "What stories?"
Before Henry could respond, the worker returned with a stack of paperwork. "If you're ready to take custody, please sign these forms."
Still in a daze, Henry signed the documents, officially becoming Hiccup's guardian. As they left the center together, Henry couldn't help but wonder what kind of life he had just signed up for—and what secrets the past held for his newfound relative.