The Cove
There is a punishment in this chapter and evidence of self-harm.
After trying but failing to rest, Hakken paced back and forth on the grassy floor of the cove, growling softly. The black in his eyes slit then dilated as his instincts told him he needed to be with Hiccup, to not leave him unprotected in the human village. Every fiber of his being urged him not to let his little mate return. He could sense that they both still needed comfort after witnessing the horrific scene in the nest. However, he also feared that his human lover could be in danger if the other humans found him. Hakken looked up at the night sky, and a lone whine escaped his mouth as his eyes dilated slightly. "Please, my Hiccup, please be okay." He whispers.
Haddock Residence
Hiccup quietly sneaks up the hill, slowly opens the door to his house, and breathes a sigh of relief to find all the people cleared out, and his father is out for the time being. However, his relief is short-lived, as he sees a black robe with Nordic insignia sowed into the sides and a neck collar with a brown belt and black hood. The young teen signed heavily, looking at the attire with disdain, wishing for the millionth time his father didn't believe he had some pact with the gods. His thoughts are interrupted by the door opening and his father walking in with a bright smile on his pale-skinned face.
"Ah ha, there he is, the Pride of Berk, the future dragon killer." Stoick laughs as he comes up and places a large hand on Hiccup's shoulder, unaware of his son's grimace. He looks over the funeral attire for his son with a nod of approval. "It's a perfect outfit to send the fallen to their eternal paradise where they'll feast and finally know peace." He explains. And then once that's complete, you can finally show those mindless beasts what it means to be a Viking." His light green eyes flashed with pride at the thought of any dragon dying by Viking hands.
Hiccup bit his lip nervously and went cross-eyed, looking at anything but his father. "But are they really mindless? I mean, the nadder and gronkle hell, even the terrible terror seemed to know what they were doing during training." Hiccup counters, wishing he had stayed in the safety of the cove with his dominant mate, only to be startled by his dad's hand slamming down onto the table loudly.
"Of course, they're mindless and can never be trusted. That's the type of thinking that got your mother taken and killed by dragons, and underestimating them is what made your aunts' widows and your younger cousins fatherless! Stoick roared, his green eyes boiling with rage. He stalked closer to his offspring, his large shadow towering over the young boy. "And if I ever hear such nonsense from you again, I will give you a flogging you will never forget. Do I make myself clear, Hiccup?" He growled, leaving no room for argument as his eyes blazed with the fierce Viking anger that Hiccup grew up seeing.
Now more than ever, he wishes he had stayed with his mate. Hiccup nods and quickly runs up the stairs into his room. Unbeknownst to Hiccup, Stoick sighs sadly, not liking that he has to be harsh with his son as he sits down in his wooden chair; his eyes soften to a calmer green, and he rubs his temple as he feels a headache forming. "Ah, Odin above, please don't let the seal be broken; I can't lose my son; he's all I've got." He whispers to himself softly.
Hiccup stands later seen preparing for bed. Once he's changed into his nightclothes, he lies down and attempts to sleep. However, after several hours of tossing and turning in every conceivable position, he finds himself unable to doze off, unknowingly transmitting feelings of fear and anxiety through the bond. With a frustrated sigh, he finally lights a candle, making sure to peek down into the lower level to confirm that his dad is asleep—there's no point in risking another scolding or, worse, a flogging. He pulls out a piece of parchment and a charcoal pencil and draws aimlessly.
Hakken's ears perk up, and he feels the turmoil within the bond, believing his mate is in trouble. The black dragon scurries up the rocky side of the cove, digging his claws into the top ground of the cove. He launches into the forest, and thinking back to when he was a hatchling, he remembers where Hiccup lives. Using the cover of night, Hakken leaps from roof to roof until he reaches the chief's house, as the scent of his beloved is vital in the upper part of the house. He uses his tail and knocks on the window.
Hearing tapping on the wood of his escape hatch that acts as a window, Hiccup gulps a little and grabs the closest thing to a weapon, his cutting knife. He slowly goes over and pulls on the lever that allows the large piece of wood to move, and his eyes widen to see none other than Hakken.
"Hakken, what are you doing here?" He asked in a confused tone, keeping his voice down to not alert his dad as he tossed the weapon into the corner.
The Night Fury's toxic eyes tried to look his submissive mate over to see if there were any new injuries on his body but couldn't. "You were overflowing our bond with overwhelming fear; please, my love, let me in so I can make sure you're okay." The dominant dragon asked politely, but there was an urgency in his voice.
Hiccup pales in fear as his forest green eyes swim with terror. "You can't; my dad is right down stairs!" He shrieks through the bond.
Hakken's eyes slit a little at the denial to check over his love's well-being. "Let me inside. Now," he commands, using his dominant voice.
Hearing the voice of his dominant, Hiccup's forest green eyes glaze over, and he moves out of the way, allowing the midnight dragon to sneak into the room.
Once inside, Hakken curls around his beloved and sniffs around his mate. He smells a strong scent near the mating mark and nuzzles the spot, again covering the area with his musky scent. Once he deems his love unharmed, his defense posture relaxes, and he bites down on the clothed mark, "Awaken Hiccup." He commands once again.
Forest green eyes return to normal as Hiccup gets his bearings back. "Okay, you checked me over right; see no injuries." He whispers as his eyes frantically look towards the hole leading to the lower level, listening for any indication that his father is awake.
Continuing to feel the anxiety from his beloved, Hakken nuzzles under Hiccup's chin, "Would you like to come back to the cove and stay with me? I don't wish to leave you here in this unprotected place more than I have to." He offered, and Hiccup swore he heard a bit of pleading in his mate's voice.
Hiccup bites his lip and looks at the ground as the temptation to do right what his love is offering is just what he wanted to do in the first place, but he shakes his head. "I can't; if my dad comes up here and sees I'm gone, he'll organize a search party, and then they'll find you and then take you away, or worse, and then I'll never see you again." He begins to panic; his breathing accelerates as the images of what might happen if Hakken lives are discovered flood his mind.
Looking towards the hole in his mate's den, Hakken begins walking towards it. "Then I'll make sure he can't ever harm you again, " he growls, his eyes slit.
"NO!" Hiccup yelled as he went and clung to the dragon's neck, falling to his knees in the process. "Please, my dominant, I know he's not the nicest person to me and he's not the greatest dad either, but he's the only dad I have, and I still love him. Please don't kill him." Hiccup cries, his eyes flooded by the tears that threaten to fall.
Hakken halts in his step, lowers to the floor, brings his crying submissive close to him, and licks his love's face to soothe. "Okay, Hiccup, I won't hurt him, but if he hurts you again, he will learn the consequences of hurting my most precious love." The dragon coos, soothing his love, until both hear a loud crash downstairs and the sound of footsteps.
"Hakken, hide, please." Hiccup pleads through the bond as the dragon nods, hops onto the rafters in the small den, and hides safely in the shadows. From his spot, he can see Hiccup.
Stoick quickly approaches his son's room with his war axe in hand and sees Hiccup on his knees with a few tear streaks on his face. "Son, what's wrong? I heard you screaming. Who do I need to hang?" He asked, sounding worried, scanning the room for any intruders.
"Oh, um, I was just praying to Freya again, hoping this time she would open my womb so that someday I could birth the future of Berk." Hiccup lied with a hollow laugh.
Buying the lie, Stoick nodded. "Yes, well, best get some sleep; you've got a big day tomorrow, and you can't kill a dragon when you're swaying on your feet from lack of sleep." As Stoick returned to the lower level, Hiccup waited until he heard the snoring before looking around the room.
"Hakken?" He called out through the bond and stood rewarded with the sight of his beloved dragon lover.
"I'm here, my love." Hakken greeted, glaring at the hole where Stoick came in through. "Your sire is right though, you have been through a lot today and must sleep."
Hiccup grabbed the dragon's head. "Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?" he asked gently.
Hakken nuzzles his mate as he licks the exposed skin under Hiccup's chin, earning a small moan from the human. "Of course, my love, where is your nest?" He wondered as Hiccup pointed towards a small rectangular bed with one pillow but no blanket. "Alright, go lay down, and I shall stand guard." He watches as his human lover gets comfortable and drapes his tail and wings over the boy but keeps his weight off the nest.
Hiccup tries to sleep and is almost there until he remembers something and giggles. "Remember when we first met Hakken, when you came to my house during that raid?" He wondered out of the blue.
Hakken peeks into the cocoon his wings made and chuckles a little. He also remembers the memory: "I remember thinking you were small, even for a human child, but very adorable. I didn't want to scare you." Now it's late, and you need rest; don't make me force you, "the night fury orders firmly.
Hiccup inherited his father's stubbornness by crossing his arms over his chest, but his eyes shined with confusion. "Really?" he challenged.
Hakken's eyes slit as he stares down his defiant submissive, "Ten." He begins counting.
The confusion within the human's eyes deepens as he wonders why his love is counting.
"Nine, eight." Hakken continues.
"Um Hakken, why are you counting backwards?" Hiccup asked, puzzled.
"Seven, six, five. I'm giving you a chance to take back your challenge." The black dragon confesses as he sees in Hiccup's eyes that he's really, honestly tired but somehow still awake.
Hiccup's eyes droop a little, but he remains awake, the stubbornness still present though it begins to waver.
"Four, three, two, one. Times up." Hakken uncurls from his submissive position and stands beside the bed. "Stand, " he orders in his dominant voice.
Hiccup obeys silently, wondering what's going on. He begins to back up to the wall, and the night fury stalks towards him until there is only a little room between him and the wall, and his lover corners him.
"Lift your arms above your head. Hiccup so you can receive your punishment for defying me." Hakken commands.
The submissive human does as he's told, but his body trembles slightly, "Oh." All he can say at the thought of his first punishment is a mutter.
"Yes, I did inform you after we mated that I, as your dominant, am allowed to punish you since you're my submissive. I gave a command for your health and well-being, but you challenged it, so now you must be punished. Does that make sense?" Hakken explained that he noticed Hiccup nodding and the dragon stood on his hind legs. He used one paw to hold the human's hands above his head and against the wall. He then brought his tail around and roomed his human lover out into the opening a little more before swatting twice at Hiccup's backside, not hard enough to cause pain but enough to get the point across.
Hiccup's eyes widened; yes, he felt a little pain, but not nearly as much as he did whenever he got a flogging from his dad or beaten up by his fellow teens. After two more swats, he feels his hands be released.
"I'm glad you understand, my love; I wouldn't say I like to punish you. Now, it is time for you to sleep, and I can see in your eyes and body that you are beyond exhausted." Hakken cooed as he began nudging Hiccup to his nest.
"Least I know you're punishing me out of love and protectiveness and not out of anger or spite and not to hurt me." Hiccup slurred his words, his body quickly giving in to sleep as the dragon's lover's vision slowly blurred.
"Hakken leans down as he kisses his lover's forehead. "Of course not, Hiccup; I would never hurt you with punishment or out of anger. Remember, these are helpful punishments, never harmful."
Hiccup nods, thinking it'll be easier said than done to get rid of all the self-negativity he has dealt with his whole life but decides to think about it later as he enters the lands of dreams.
Hakken stays until the early morning when there's still enough darkness to hide in. After kissing his still-sleeping submissive, the black dragon pulls a black scale from his paw and gently lays it in Hiccup's open palm. He then goes out the window and hides in the shadows of the trees, not wanting to leave his submissive alone in a village of humans who have hurt his love until the sun shines directly into the trees. The rare dragon must retreat deep into the forest to avoid existing.
Hiccup wakes up and sees he's alone in his bedroom. He remembers what happened today—the funeral and the final test. He stretches until he feels something in his palm and opens his fist to reveal a small black scale. "Hakken, did you leave this scale with me for a reason?" he questions through the bond.
"Yes, I did, my love; use it during your final test. Show it to the nightmare, whose name is Hookfang, and he'll remember me and protect you from harm." Hakken responses.
Hiccup smiles, trusting that his dominant knows best. As he trots down the stairs, he notices his funeral attire still on the table. Hiccup removes his night clothes with a heavy sigh and replaces them with the black robe and pants. He goes to the mirror and looks at his reflection with an unfocused gaze. He's worn attire similar to this before, ever since he could walk, and his dad decided that since Hiccup had the god's powers, he should carry out the funerals for the fallen Vikings. So, at every funeral, Hiccup would dress up and then pray for the blessings of the fallen. He moves the collar of his robe to cover his mating mark. His thoughts were interrupted by his father coming into the house.
Stoick strolls over to his son and places a hand on Hiccup's shoulder. "Aye, you look great, son, and when you are done sending our fallen to their eternal home, you can come back here and prepare for your big moment." He beamed with excitement before he became serious and kneeled to his son's level, "Hiccup, I know that I can be hard on you sometimes, but you're my only son, and I want to protect you from everything, including yourself sometimes. I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm proud of you, son, and I love you." Stoick admits, looking directly into his son's forest-green eyes.
Hiccup's mind was in turmoil. For so long, he had wanted to hear those words from his dad, but now they twisted the knots in his stomach because he knew he was not what his father believed him to be. Instead, he smiled and replied, "Thanks, Dad. I'll try my best today." earned him a hearty laugh from his father as they both left the house and went to the shore, where the prayers floated alongside the bodies or ashes of fallen Vikings.
"Oh, so many funerals this island has seen, and yet we have a runt officiating them just because he can do a few party tricks." An elderly pale man with a skinny cane curved into himself at the top. It also had dragon teeth embedded within the top. His white hair stuck out under his helmet, and his sheep walked beside him.
"You know full well why Hiccup does these funerals, Mildew, so keep your opinions to yourself," Gobber remarked as he shoved a bow and arrow roughly into the elder Vikings' hands.
Mildew grumbled and wobbled away just as Hiccup and Stoick arrived. Stoick ordered all the Vikings to take their positions and instructed Harok to fire the arrows. Once he had followed his orders, he signaled for Hiccup to begin.
After making his way to the shoreline, Hiccup sees all the funeral boats floating in the water and sighs sadly. 'So much death on both sides, and neither one knows they're more alike than different.' Taking one of the bows and placing it beside him, the black outfit teen lowers to the ground and prays, "Brave souls, may you be welcome in Valhalla, where your long journey has finally led you. May your souls be at peace as we bid farewell to your earthly vessels, and know that we carry your strength, determination, and courage inside us. May the Gods greet you and celebrate your weary journey, and know that one day we shall meet together again in the halls of Valhalla." He recites as he watches the prices preparers push the prices out to sea. Hiccup then lights the arrow from the fire that Hoark made. He then fires the arrow, which lands on one of the prices. "Send them off." He says to his dad. He then sees many more flaming arrows fly and land on the funeral vessels as they burn, some sinking.
"May they know peace." Stoick whispers, "Go and get ready, Hiccup." He orders his son, who nods, quietly escapes the scene, and returns home. Once inside, Hiccup lets out a frustrated yell. His feelings of terror and anger unknowingly transfer over the bond as Hiccup sighs and changes his clothes from a black robe to a long-sleeved green shirt, brown-furred vest, and brown boots.
"I have to show them the truth; dragons aren't evil or dangerous like they think." He speaks to his reflection in the mirror as he runs his hand over the mating mark and begins to head out. He quickly returns to his room and grabs the helmet his dad gave him and the small black scale. He silently prays that his mother is watching and protecting him. Once he steps outside, his little cousins Sif and Melody tackle him.
"Good morning, Systrungr." They both say in childlike innocence that, unlike Snotlout, who picks on Hiccup regularly, Haddock's younger cousins treat him like a human being and are very polite to him.
"Um, guys, it's early afternoon." Hiccup corrects them but greets them with a smile nonetheless.
"We just woke up; is it true, cousin Hiccup, that you're going to kill the big bad dragon?" Sif asked, pushing his oversized helmet up as it kept slipping over his eyes.
Hiccup nods slowly. "That's what everyone wants me to do, and it's not like I have much say in the matter." He explains to the seven-year-old twins.
"But has that dragon ever hurt you or anyone you know?" Melody countered with her hands on her hips, which reminded Hiccup so much of his aunt Ama.
"Well no, and that's what I'm trying to prove that dragons don't hurt unless it's necessary." Hiccup returned with a small smile.
"Well, if they haven't hurt you, then you shouldn't hurt them; it's not very nice." The seven-year-old twin girl commented.
"You're right, Melody; that's exactly what I've been thinking." Hiccup beams as he notices Sif looking at him funny. "Um, Sif, are you okay?"
"Cousin Hiccup, why do you have that mark near your shoulder?" The seven-year-old twin boy asked as he tried to touch the mating mark, but Hiccup stopped him.
"It's a long story unsuitable for kids your age." Hiccup replies. "Now, why don't you guys head to the arena, find a good seat, and try not to get trampled?" He goes to shoo his younger cousins, only to be surprised when they both come up and hug him.
"Be safe, cousin Hiccup." They both say as they end the hug and race to the arena.
Smiling that someone in his family loves him, Hiccup makes his way to the arena.
The Arena
The arena seats were packed with Vikings cheering and shouting with Astrid, Snotlout, the twins, and Fishlegs all in the front rows, with Snotlout and the Thronston twins leaning on the metal bars of the arena. Dogsbreath and his goons were on the other side of the arena, seething with annoyance and anger at all the fuss about Hiccup. At last, Stoick makes his way to the stage where the chief's chair is. "Well, I can finally show my face in public again." He joked as the crowd roared with laughter. Stoick held his hand up, and the crowd instantly became silent. If someone had told me in a few weeks that Hiccup would go from being, well, Hiccup to placing first in dragon training, I would have tied him to a mast and shipped him off the island for fear he'd gone mad, and you know it." He announced as another roar of cheers and laughter came from the excited Vikings. "But here we are; no one is more surprised or proud than me; today, my boy becomes a man; today, he becomes one of us!" Stoick yells as the Vikings, twins, and Snotlout cheer loudly.
Hiccup stands in the tunnel connecting to the arena; the metal door separates him from the arena as he listens to his father's speech and runs his hand over the helmet he brings with him. He's so engrossed in his thoughts he doesn't see the shadow approaching him until he feels the hot breath of a dragon and his dominant mate's voice. He jumps in fright and nearly drops his helmet. "Hakken, what are you doing here?" He questions through the bond; his eyes dart to look behind the dragon to ensure no one is there.
"Did you believe that I would leave you to deal with this alone? I'm here to ensure your safety and well-being." Hakken answered straight as he picked up another scent on his beloved one, but it smelled of innocence, "You've been sending terror and anger through the bond a lot today."
"I have to try and show everyone—show my dad that dragons aren't mindless killing tools and that you guys can be trusted." Hiccup responds as Hakken nuzzles his beloved's chest, and Hiccup responds by lifting the dragon's head so he can kiss scaly lips and breathe in the musky scent that is quickly becoming his favorite scent.
"Be safe, my love, and show those Vikings that we're better together than apart." Hakken cheered as Hiccup giggled when the night fury licked his exposed skin between his collarbone, giggles turning into small moans.
Hiccup moves away from his dominance as Hakken jumps to the tunnel's roof and hangs upside down. The human puts on his helmet and moves into the arena once the door lifts. Once inside the roaring arena, Hiccup goes over and picks out a small knife and a shield.
"Hmm, I would've gone with the hammer," Stoick mutters as he and Gobber look at the scene curiously.
Once he's in the middle of the arena, Hiccup announces, "I'm ready." As the cage door opens, a giant dragon bursts out. Its body is completely engulfed in flames as it climbs on the metal surrounding the arena.
"Hey, runt, if you last five seconds, maybe it'll only burn half of you, the lower half." Dogsbreath sniggers as Hookfang circles around lower to the ground and snarls at Hiccup.
Hiccup drops the shield and knife, much to the confusion of his father and the spectators in the stands. "Hey, it's okay." He whispers in dragonese to the monstrous nightmare.
"You shot down the Prince; where is he human? Tell me now!" Hookfang roared as he began to flame up, his tail lashing wildly behind him, only for the male nightmare to look in confusion as Hiccup held up the black scale from before.
"He's right in that tunnel, is also my dominant mate, and is very protective of me. I promise I'm truly sorry for what I did to him, but know I would never harm him or any dragon." Hiccup pleaded vaguely and heard the dominant mate's low growls at the tone directed at his submissive from the monstrous nightmare.
Hookfang immediately ceased his flames and bowed his head to the auburn hair, "Forgive me, my Lord, for believing you to be a threat and for thinking you killed Prince Hakken. I will if you allow me to protect you from these humans."
Hiccup nods as he sends calmness to his dominant. "But we have to make this look like an actual fight, and hopefully Hakken won't come bursting in here thinking you're actually trying to kill me." He quips, knowing that said Night Fury would do precisely that.
While all this was happening, Stoick looked at the scene with anger and fear. "Stop the fight." He ordered.
Hiccup places his hand on his dad, saying, "No, I need you all to see this." He begins to put his hand on Hookfang's snout. "They are not what we think they are; we don't have to kill them." His eyes show genuine trust in the massive dragon before him as Hookfang purrs.
The entire arena was silent as Stoick fumed, pulled out his hammer, and yelled, "I SAID STOP THE FIGHT!" As his hammer slammed onto the metal, it caused a loud, echoing sound, and Hookfang jolted and protected Hiccup by pinning him down with his massive claws.
"Oh no." Hiccup gasped as everything happened at once. Vikings began pouring into the arena, and Hookfang growled and tried to shield Hiccup from the onslaught of humans, but he was overpowered by metal nets and tied down, but not before he let Hiccup go and urged him to go back to the Prince. He stood then placed back into the cage. Hiccup tries to run out of the chaos in the arena, only to run into Hakken, who ran into the arena once the door lifted. The night fury curls around his submissive and inspects him for injuries. "Hakken, go; you must leave before they get you too." He urges the male night fury as he tries to push the dragon away.
Hakken growls and shakes his head, his toxic pupils flaring with fierce anger and protectiveness. "No, I won't leave you unprotected, my love; I knew this was a bad idea." Both mates suddenly hear a loud war roar as Stoick comes charging towards Hakken. He sees the night fury curling around his son, and he believes the dragon is hurting Hiccup.
"NO HAKKEN!" Hiccup screamed as he saw his dominant lunge for his father. The two fought, tumbling over one another until Hakken eventually pinched The Chief to the ground hard and began to build up a plasma blast.
"No, no, NO HAKKEN STOP!" Hiccup screams as Hakken ceases his attack. He looks over and sees his beloved with tears in his eyes, and the midnight-colored dragon's demeanor dramatically changes to one of concern and distress that his submissive is hurt and he's part of the reason why.
"My Hiccup, I'm sorry he was going to hurt me, and I didn't mean to cause you so much suffering, my submissive." Hakken apologized profusely through the bond, to which Hiccup nodded, knowing his mate was following his dominant instincts to protect the young heir.
Stoick takes the moment and punches Hakken, which makes the dragon back up and off the chief of Berk. Ten Vikings tie the night fury down as Stoick swiftly and over grabs his son, who tries to run to the downed dragon. The elder Haddock looks between his son and the dragon and sees them struggling to get to one another as a sense of deja vu comes upon him. "Lock that dragon up with the others and bolt down its bindings." He begins to pull his struggling son out of the arena.
"No, no, no dad, please, Hakken. No, please don't take him away from me." Hiccup screeches as he suddenly feels something in his mind slip into place. A memory from long ago as a similar scene replays itself in his mind of when he was six years old and his father separated him and Hakken before he ordered Gothi to. 'No, it's impossible.' His thoughts begged it not to be accurate, but his memories didn't lie as he saw his father order Gothi to seal Hiccup's memories of Hakken. "HAKKEN!" Hiccup shouts in pure anguish, his heart breaking.
"HICCUP!" Hakken roared just as heartbroken.
Hiccup is dragged to the Great Hall by his father and tossed into the room as his sire mutters to himself. "I should've known; the signs were all there. All this time it was a lie." Stoick mutters in anger, his prominent figure trembling with an intense fury that Hiccup rarely sees but terrifies him when he does.
"It was you; you had my memories sealed away. Eight years of my life, I've been living with these holes in my memories, and I believed the lie for what? Tell me!" Hiccup shouted the last part, his eyes shining with tears as they begged for it not to be true.
Stoick gave his offspring an icy glare, a dark shadow cast over his features, making him look more intimidating. "I did what I had to. Your destiny is Berk, not dragons, and I refuse to let you accept otherwise. Tomorrow, that Night Fury will die!" He declares.
Hiccup roars as he steps before his father, "I won't let you take him away from me again. I refuse to let you hurt my dominant mate."
Stoick's eyes widened. "Dominant mate, what are you?" He pauses as his eyes narrow on Hiccup's collarbone and notices a bite mark. "You gave yourself to that dragon. You mated to that beast!" Stoick roared, red in the face from anger.
"I gave myself to the love of my life. Hakken loves me and has treated me better in a month than I have been here for fourteen years. You don't understand them; the dragons are forced into slavery because of the Red Death. She makes them bring her food to the nest, including Hakken, because he's her second in command." Hiccup reveals as Stoick's eyes widen.
"Nest, so you've been to the nest?" He exclaimed with a whisper that sounded more deadly than comforting.
Hiccup begins to panic at the words as he sees the gears in his dad's mind conducting an idea. "Well, I didn't; Hakken did; only a dragon can." He stutters, his voice shaky as he sways back and forth, his eyes darting back and forth from the wall to his father as he observes his dad straightening up and walking towards the large doors. "Oh no, dad, you can't. No, Dad, please, for once in your life, listen to me!" Hiccup pleads as he clings to his father's arm, only to be tossed back onto the floor. He looks up and sees no love or warmth in his father's eyes, only disgust and anger.
"They've killed hundreds of us, my father, my brothers, and your mother, yet you try to defend them," Stoick accuses his only child.
"And we've killed thousands of them; they're not much different from us. They were just defending themselves. Please, dad, don't. I'm begging you; please don't go. Don't take Hakken away from me again." Hiccup begins to weep, his forest green orbs drowning with unshed tears, his tone brittle compared to what it was in the arena.
Stoick glares down at his son and sees the six-year-old Hiccup begging his father not to take the black hatchling away; he also sees his son giving himself to the night fury. He sees his son leaving and never returning, only to hear that Hiccup died because of dragons. "You throw your lot in with them; you give your virginity to that night fury and allow yourself to stand defiled by it as well; you're not a Viking." You're not my son." With that, Stoick walks out of the Great Hall and yells for the fastest ships to stand, prepared to leave at first light.
The arena (Nightfall)
Loud clanking could be heard, chains rattling as Hakken struggled desperately to get free and to his submissive. "Hiccup!" "HICCUP!" He roars through the bond, which has been sad and hurt since Hiccup stood taken away from the arena. "Please, my love, let me know you're okay. Please don't harm yourself, my Hiccup." He begged, remembering his beloved's unhealthy coping style.
"My prince, it's no use; our fire can't blast through metal no matter how hot." Barf cooed but stood met with more struggles from the night fury. The dragons were grateful to see their Prince alive but knew not to ask him about the status of the nest, not with the night fury in distress wondering about his mate.
Suddenly a scent could stand smelled coming from the entrance of the arena, and every dragon peeked through the top of their cages, though Hakken smelled a familiar scent, and his eyes softened from their slit form. "Hiccup." He coos through the bond, but no response calls back to him, just silence. "Hiccup, please, my heart, talk to me; tell me you're okay, something, please." Hakken pleads until his snout picks up another familiar scent, the scent of blood, and it's coming from Hiccup's wrists. "Oh, Hiccup." The Fury coos, knowing why his love wasn't answering through the bond. He hears whimpers that turn into sniffles until the smell of tears reaches his snout.
"It was him; he was the one who ordered my memories to be sealed eight years ago." Hiccup finally talked, his voice thick with sadness and pain.
"Who did my love, you're father?" the dragon asked, and the human answered with a choked sob, and that was all he needed to know. He growled despite the muzzle on his person until he saw a bloody hand reaching out for him under the cage door.
"Please, Hakken, please, I need to feel you." Hiccup begs and stands rewarded when a dry snout presses into his palm. "I punished myself; I just couldn't take it all. Please, Hakken, don't leave me again. I finally got you back, and now I will be alone again." Hiccup cried, leaning against the cold, steel door that separated him from his beloved.
Hakken wished he could comfort his love correctly. "You'll never lose me, Hiccup; your father is taking me to the nest so that I can direct them to the exact location to strike. Also, remember that if I pass then so will you. Although it may take a while for you to pass, perhaps a few months at least, but eventually we'll be together again and always."
Hiccup's anguished cries grew louder, his heart breaking at the thought of being separated from his love, even in death. The pain of knowing he would live for a few months while his dominance was gone overwhelmed him. He wept until his tears ran dry, refusing to leave his beloved's side because he couldn't bear the thought of being without Hakken. As exhaustion set in, he fought against sleep, feeling restless without Hakken curling around him.
Feeling his submissive's fatigue through the bond, the midnight-colored dragon tries to coax his beloved to rest. "Hiccup, please sleep; you're physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted." Hakken cooed firmly. He remembered a song Hiccup hummed to himself one night in the cove when it was raining and the mates took shelter in the small cave. Hakken began humming the tune, and he heard his beloved gasp and a small whimper before he heard Hiccup humming as well. While Hakken continued to hum, he soon heard tiny snores from outside the cage. He leans down and licks the hand clean of blood. "I love you, Hiccup Haddock; no matter what happens I'll never be separated again."