(On Berk)
This is Berk, it's twelve days north of Hopeless and a few degrees south of freezing death. It's located solidly on the meridian of misery. A village that's in a word sturdy has been there for seven generations but every single building is new. They have fishing, hunting, and a charming view of the sunsets. The only problems are the pests. Most people have mice or mosquitoes, they have dragons. Most people think it's dangerous to hunt dragons but they're Vikings, it's an occupational hazard.
One fourteen-year-old Viking kid named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III ran out of the forge with his invention to the cliff. He set it up and was ready to shoot down a dragon. He waited and waited for a dragon to come in range. Suddenly he heard a high-pitched roar through the air, then saw something firing at a sea stack. He caught a small black dragon silhouette zoom past him and he fired a net straight at it. Hiccup tumbled backward but he then heard the net something and the dragon roaring in pain and falling straight into the woods. "Oh, I did it? Yes, I hit it! Did anybody see that?" Hiccup said with pride.
However, a Monstrous Nightmare spoiled Hiccup's fun. It crushed Hiccup's invention and started chasing him. Hiccup dodged the blasts of fire and hid behind a wooden post. The Nightmare fired at the post but it only hit the front side. Hiccup could feel the fear crawling up to him, the Nightmare tried to do a sneak attack on him but suddenly, the chief grabbed the Nightmare and shoved it back. The Nightmare had run out of firepower so the chief punched the dragon and scared it off. The wooden pole crumbled and started to fall on the village, making at least half of the captured dragons free and flying off with half of the livestock.
The chief, Stoick the Vast and Hiccup's father, looked at Hiccup with a look of anger. "Ok, but I hit a Night Fury." Hiccup stated to his father.
Stoick grabbed Hiccup by his arm and dragged him back into the village square. "Just stop! Every time you step out, disaster happens! Winter is almost here and I have an entire village to feed!" Stoick shouted at Hiccup.
Stoick asks Gobber to take Hiccup back to the house while he cleans up the mess Hiccup made. As Hiccup walked back to the house, he could see the looks he got from the rest of the village along with hearing the other teens mocking him. Just for once, he would like to have his voice to be heard. Deep within the woods, Hiccup had snuck out of his house to find the Night Fury that he shot down. The poor boy searched for hours and still no sign of the Night Fury. Hiccup started to doubt that he'd find it "The gods hate me." he stated, "Some people lose a knife or a mug. But not me, I managed to have lost an entire dragon."
He slapped away a dead tree branch but it hit him back in the eye. He took a look at the rest of the tree, it was almost destroyed. The rest of the damage made something like a trail for Hiccup to follow. He reached a small hill and walked up it to see that the Night Fury he shot down was there. He ducked down thinking the dragon was going to attack him but it didn't. Hiccup slowly walked towards the Night Fury, he finally did it, he could fix everything with his village.
Hiccup pulled out a small knife and pointed it at the dragon. He was gonna do it, he was gonna kill that dragon and make his father proud. He raised the knife over his head ready to kill but the dragon looked at him with sad eyes. He tried to shake it off but he looked at the Night Fury and he saw himself within its reflection. He dropped the knife, he couldn't kill the dragon "I did this." Hiccup muttered.
Just as Hiccup was about to walk away, he realized that he couldn't leave the Night Fury trapped like that forever. He knew what he had to do. He took his knife and started cutting the ropes off the Night Fury. The dragon could feel its legs feeling more than its own body. Hiccup cut the last rope but suddenly the Night Fury pounced on him. The dragon looked at Hiccup with anger, Hiccup thought the dragon was gonna kill him but it did something else. The dragon just roared in his face and ran off. Hiccup was panting like he had a heart attack but slowly got up from the ground. He didn't understand, why would the dragon spare his life?
(Storybrooke)
Another day in Storybrooke. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the streets buzzed with life. Amid the hum of activity, no one was busier than Harry Jones, the town's so-called guardian angel. The nickname, though kind, felt like a burden sometimes. It came from his relentless dedication to helping others; whether assisting the Sheriff with patrols, rushing orders at Granny's with Ruby, soothing Dr. Hopper's nervous patients, tutoring children alongside Mary Margaret, or even lending Mr. Gold a hand in his mysterious pawnshop. But of all his jobs, the stables and the animal shelter were Harry's haven.
There, among the creatures who couldn't speak for themselves, he found solace. It wasn't just about the animals, though, they reminded him of home. A place he hadn't had in as long as he could remember. Though he poured his heart into helping others, a quiet part of him wondered if anyone would ever do the same for him. That afternoon, Henry surprised Harry at the animal shelter, Emma tagging along. Her curiosity turned to shock as she took in the sheer number of responsibilities the young man juggled. "So why does Harry spend so much time here?" Emma asked, watching him emerge from the shelter with two German Shepherds on leashes.
Henry smiled, admiration shining in his eyes. "He told me it reminds him of home. He gave Pongo to Archie, you know. He just... wants to help anyone who can't help themselves. That's why everyone calls him the guardian angel."
Harry noticed them and offered a polite nod but kept his focus. The dogs tugged eagerly on their leashes as he led them toward the woods for their daily walk, a task he took seriously. After all, this wasn't just a stroll; it was a mission to rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife. Emma asked if she could join, and though Harry hesitated, he allowed her to come along. She took one of the leashes while Henry followed closely, his fairytale book tucked under one arm. "Henry, what are you doing?" Harry asked when the boy strayed from the path.
"I'm looking for Toothless. He's your best friend," Henry said, flipping to a page in his book.
Harry sighed, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Henry, we've been over this. That's just a story."
But Henry wasn't deterred. He turned the book toward Harry, pointing at an illustration of a dragon and its rider. "See? That's Toothless. He's a Night Fury. And this rider? That's you. Your real name is Hiccup Haddock."
Before Harry could respond, a sharp cry of pain pierced the woods. The dogs perked up, their ears swiveling to pinpoint the sound. Harry didn't hesitate—he handed Emma the second leash and sprinted toward the noise. At the bottom of a steep hill, he found the source: a black wolf caught in a hunter's trap. The animal was in bad shape, its leg twisted and broken, its dark fur matted with blood. Something about the wolf felt... familiar. Like an old memory just out of reach.
"Easy," Harry murmured, crouching low.
He pulled a pocket knife from his jacket and began cutting away the net. The wolf growled, its teeth bared, but Harry's voice remained calm and steady. "It's okay. I'm here to help."
The wolf stilled, its golden eyes locking with Harry's. For a moment, the world seemed to fall silent. Even Henry, watching from the ridge above, could sense the connection. Once freed, the wolf tried to stand but collapsed, too weak to move. Harry gently scooped the animal into his arms, ignoring its half-hearted growl of protest. "Let's get you some help," he said softly.
Back at the shelter, the vet assured Harry they would do everything they could to save the wolf, but hours passed with no news. Henry fidgeted nervously while Harry sat in quiet, brooding silence. Finally, a vet emerged. "The wolf will be fine," she said, "but we had to amputate the leg. It was too far gone."
Harry nodded, relief mingling with guilt. He'd saved the animal but at a cost. Before he could dwell on it, Regina burst into the shelter, her heels clicking sharply against the tile. Her expression was a mix of fury and disdain. "Why is there a dangerous animal here?" she demanded.
"I found him in the woods. He was hurt. I couldn't leave him," Harry said, his tone even but firm.
Regina's eyes narrowed. "This wolf doesn't belong here. I want it gone by the end of the week, or I'll handle it myself."
Emma stepped forward, anger flashing in her eyes. "The wolf's injured. You can't just—"
Regina cut her off with a glare. "It's not your concern, Miss Swan." She turned on her heel, dragging Henry with her.
"Harry, why do you let her walk all over you?" Emma asked once Regina was out of earshot.
Harry didn't answer. Instead, he turned and walked back into the shelter, leaving Emma alone with her question.
(On Berk)
Hiccup thought his luck would change when he tried to tell his dad that he didn't want to kill dragons but he jinxed it. His dad signed him up for dragon-killing training with the other teens. It wasn't his day, the first lesson was with a Gronckle, and Hiccup almost got killed. After the lesson, Hiccup went back out into the woods to find the Night Fury. He wanted some answers about why the Night Fury let him go. Hiccup went deeper and deeper into the woods until he found a hidden cove. He didn't see the Night Fury anywhere. Just as he was about to give up, he found scales from a Night Fury on the edge.
He picked one of them up then heard the Night Fury's call and spotted it trying to climb up the cliff but failed. Hiccup got a little closer to examine the Night Fury. He took out his journal and started drawing the Night Fury. He saw that the Night Fury couldn't fly out of the cove. "Why don't you just fly away?" Hiccup asked.
He saw that the Night Fury only had one tail fin, the other one must have been cut off from Hiccup's net. He felt so guilty, he didn't mean to hurt the dragon. The dragon looked up and saw Hiccup, it didn't charge at him it just stared at him. Hiccup flinched when the dragon saw him, but it just still stared at him. Just as Hiccup was about to leave, he lost his footing and fell off the edge. He crashed straight into the lake below, he couldn't swim very well and kept sinking. His vision started to cloud up, and his arms and legs started to give out.
Suddenly, something dove down into the lake and grabbed Hiccup by the back of his shirt. It pulled him out of the water and dragged him onto the shore. Hiccup slowly started to regain consciousness and his vision started to clear up. Hiccup slowly got up but he felt a gentle paw on his chest, pushing him back down. It was the Night Fury, it saved him. The Night Fury took its paw off of Hiccup and turned around to the lake. "What is the name of Thor are you doing?" Hiccup asked.
The Night Fury caught a fish and swallowed it whole. It turned back to Hiccup and walked over to him. Hiccup crawled back till he hit a rock thinking the Night Fury was gonna hurt him. Instead, it regurgitated half of the fish and spat it out onto Hiccup's lap. It looked like the dragon was sharing its meal with Hiccup. He didn't want the dragon to feel bad so Hiccup took a bite of the fish and managed to swallow it. Hiccup looked at the dragon with a smile and it learned how to smile too. Hiccup looked up at the sky and saw storm clouds rolling in. "I should go. Thanks again for saving me." Hiccup said to the dragon.
Just as Hiccup was about to leave, the dragon stopped him from leaving. "Hey, what are you doing?" Hiccup asked.
The rain came pouring down as the dragon pushed Hiccup inside a hidden cave. The dragon used its fire to warm up the cave floor to keep it and Hiccup warm. Hiccup was shocked that the dragon was helping him. He started to think that maybe dragons weren't so bad after all.
(Storybrooke)
Harry headed into the dog kennel to check on the wolf. Emma's words from earlier echoed in his mind. Why do you let Regina walk all over you? He wasn't a pushover, but refusing Regina always came with consequences; ones he couldn't afford. He reached the kennel housing the wolf and knelt to inspect him. The right hind leg was already amputated, a clean bandage covering the stump. Guilt surged through Harry's chest as he stared at the injured animal. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
But even as he apologized, another question gnawed at him: Who had set that trap in the woods? The thought consumed him as the day dragged on. By nightfall, he decided to investigate. But first, he stopped by the abandoned blacksmith shop. It was one of his sanctuaries, a place where the heat of the forge and the clang of metal on metal offered solace. He worked tirelessly, crafting a prosthetic leg for the wolf. The design had to be perfect; lightweight but durable. By the time he finished, the sun was beginning to rise. Exhausted but determined, Harry returned to the spot where he had found the wolf.
He examined the net he'd brought back, his fingers running over the coarse fibers. A flash of recognition hit him, he knew these nets. Before he could process the memory, something struck the back of his head. Pain exploded, and the world went dark.
The next morning, Henry snuck away from Mary Margaret's class trip to the animal shelter. He darted to the back of the kennels, where the wolf was resting. Kneeling beside the cage, he opened his fairytale book. "I know who you are," he whispered. "You're Toothless, the Night Fury. The only one who remembers the curse."
The wolf's golden eyes locked on Henry, its expression unreadable. Henry flipped to a specific page in the book, showing an illustration of a boy and a dragon under a starry sky. "See? This is you and Hiccup. He asked the Blue Fairy to cast a spell so you'd remember him. You're not just a wolf; you're his best friend. His brother."
For a moment, the wolf seemed skeptical, its ears twitching as though weighing the truth in Henry's words. But then it glanced at the page again, something clicking in its gaze. Henry leaned closer. Toothless blinked, the curiosity in his gaze deepening. Henry grinned. "I think if I can get you to Hiccup—er, Harry—it might break part of the curse."
The wolf let out a soft whine, then began nudging the kennel door with its nose, pawing at the latch. Henry understood immediately. Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, he carefully unlatched the door. "Follow me, but stay out of sight," he whispered.
The wolf slipped out silently, trailing Henry as he rejoined Mary Margaret's group. Meanwhile, Emma and Graham were already at the shelter, talking to Mary Margaret about a missing person case. "It's Harry," Emma explained to Henry when he joined them. "No one's seen him since last night. He didn't show up for work."
"Did you check his cabin? He might be sick," Mary Margaret suggested.
Emma shook her head. "No sign of him there. I think he's been taken."
Henry overheard the conversation as he rejoined the group. "I know where his cabin is," he offered quickly.
Henry guides them to Harry's cabin, a small, unassuming structure on the edge of town. Inside, it was cluttered but oddly homey. Emma and Graham began searching for clues. "Well, one thing about Harry," Emma muttered as she sorted through stacks of papers on his desk, "he's not exactly organized."
Graham scanned the room, noting small details; a worn-out blanket on the couch, and an old photo frame turned face down. Emma, meanwhile, sifted through the paperwork: medical bills, therapy notes from Dr. Hopper's office, and sketches of what looked like mechanical designs. "What's with all the hospital bills?" Emma asked, holding up a particularly thick stack.
"Harry splits patient notes with Dr. Hopper sometimes," Graham explained. "As for the medical bills... I'm not sure."
Emma examined the bills more closely. They detailed treatment for an eating disorder, therapy for severe depression, and emergency care for panic attacks. Her brows furrowed as a clearer picture of Harry's struggles began to emerge. Emma's jaw tightened. "All those jobs—he's been paying for this treatment himself."
Graham kept searching while Emma headed to the hospital to speak with Dr. Whale. Dr. Whale greeted Emma in his usual brusque manner. "What brings you here, Ms. Swan?"
"I need to know about Harry," Emma said. "He's missing, and I found some hospital bills. What's wrong with him?"
Dr. Whale sighed. "Harry's been seeing me for months. He's dealing with severe depression, stemming from trauma in the foster system."
Emma's voice softened. "What kind of trauma?"
"Abusive foster families and orphanages," Dr. Whale replied grimly. "He started having flashbacks after he arrived in Storybrooke. They triggered panic attacks—serious ones. At one point, we thought we might lose him."
Emma swallowed hard. "And the eating disorder?"
"It's connected to his depression. He overworks himself to the point of collapse. Those jobs he takes? They're to pay for treatment."
Emma's frustration boiled over. "Hasn't anyone offered to help him? To give him a home?"
"Many of us have," Dr. Whale said. "Dr. Hopper, Mary Margaret, Ruby—even Gold. But he always refuses. He never gives a reason."
Emma frowned. "That kid needs a family. When we find him, I'll make sure he gets one."
Dr. Whale's expression softened. "Start with the abandoned blacksmith shop. He goes there when he wants to be alone."
Emma nodded. "Thank you." As she turned to leave, her voice dropped to a whisper. "Harry, what happened to you?"
When Harry woke, he was tied to a chair in a dimly lit room. His mouth was taped shut, muffling his groans of pain and confusion. He blinked against the fog clouding his vision, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. Whoever had taken him didn't want to be found. The dim bulb above flickered as Harry strained against his bindings, his wrists raw from the coarse rope. The man's voice, sharp and mocking, echoed in the room. Harry's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation, but his thoughts were as tangled as the knot in his stomach. "Still quiet, huh?" the man said, his tone laced with amusement.
He stepped closer, finally lowering the hood that had obscured his face. Harry blinked, his confusion deepening as he took in the man's modern appearance. His fiery red hair was cut short on the sides but left wild on top, styled in a way that made him look both chaotic and intentional. His leather jacket was adorned with patches, the most prominent of which was a dragon-like emblem stitched across the back. A jagged scar ran from his brow to his cheekbone, cutting through his pale skin and giving him a menacing edge. "The name's Damon," the man said, smirking. "Not that it'll mean much to you. But you? You're a bit of a legend."
Harry frowned, his confusion growing. "Legend?" he rasped, his voice hoarse from disuse. "I don't even know you."
Damon tilted his head, his grin widening as though he found Harry's ignorance amusing. "Oh, that's rich. You don't remember, do you? The curse did a number on you, Harry—or should I call you Hiccup?" He let the name hang in the air, watching for a reaction.
Harry's brow furrowed. "Hiccup?" The name felt foreign, yet it sparked something deep within him—a faint, flickering memory just out of reach. "What are you talking about?"
Damon laughed, the sound harsh and grating. "You really don't remember! That's adorable. Let me spell it out for you: you're not just some handyman in a nowhere town. You were a warrior, a dragon rider. And me?" He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I was your worst nightmare."
Harry shook his head, his pulse quickening. "You're insane. I've never ridden a dragon. Dragons aren't even real."
"Oh, they're real," Damon said, his tone dripping with menace. "But thanks to the curse, you're just a shadow of who you were. Toothless remembers, though." His grin widened as Harry's eyes widened at the mention of the wolf. "That's right. Your 'wolf' is no ordinary mutt. He's been waiting for you to wake up, to remember."
Harry's breath hitched as pieces of Damon's words began to chip away at his disbelief. Memories tugged at the edges of his mind; flashes of a night sky, the feel of wind against his face, the warmth of a creature at his side. But as quickly as they came, they vanished, leaving him more confused than ever. "I don't know what you're talking about," Harry said, his voice unsteady. "I'm just Harry. I don't know any dragons, and I sure as hell don't know you."
Damon's expression darkened, his amusement giving way to something far more dangerous. "You can deny it all you want, but it doesn't matter. The curse may have buried the truth, but it can't erase it. You're Hiccup Haddock, and you're a threat to everything I've built here."
Harry's heart pounded in his chest. "Why are you doing this?" he demanded, his voice rising despite his fear.
"Because you don't belong here," Damon said coldly. "This town, this life—it's not yours. And if you remember who you are, everything unravels. I can't let that happen."
Before Harry could respond, Damon straightened and began pacing. "But I'm not unreasonable," he said, his tone shifting back to mockery. "Maybe you'll see things my way. Or maybe I'll have to remind you why you feared me in the first place."
Harry clenched his fists, his frustration and fear boiling over. "I don't fear you," he spat, though his trembling voice betrayed him.
Damon chuckled, a sinister gleam in his eye. "Oh, you will."
(Berk)
Weeks had passed since Hiccup had first met the dragon. Every day after Dragon Training, he'd sneak away to the cove where the creature—now his closest friend—waited. They worked on building trust, Hiccup earning the dragon's cautious respect with patience and care. Over time, he had fashioned a new prosthetic tail fin for the dragon, which he discovered was unable to fly properly on its own. Their bond grew as they spent countless hours practicing flight, the dragon's movements gradually becoming smoother and more confident. Hiccup found himself learning just as much.
Through trial and error with his new friend, he picked up techniques that set him apart in Dragon Training. His sudden rise to the top of the class caught the attention of everyone, especially Astrid, who watched him with a mix of admiration and suspicion. One day, emboldened by their growing connection, Hiccup and the dragon took their first real flight beyond the cove. They soared over the island, the wind rushing past as they climbed higher and higher, feeling a freedom Hiccup had never known. For a brief, shining moment, he forgot all his worries. But reality came crashing back when he returned to the village.
Stoick had decided to observe the final test between Hiccup and Astrid, eager to see his son claim his place as a true Viking. In the ring, Hiccup won decisively, easily outmaneuvering the dragon thanks to the skills he had learned with his secret companion. The crowd erupted in cheers, but Hiccup felt no pride. The thought of killing a dragon—especially after knowing their true nature—twisted his stomach in knots. After the celebration, Hiccup made a choice. He gathered a few belongings into a satchel and headed to the cove. The dragon was there, waiting patiently as always.
"We're leaving, bud," Hiccup said softly, brushing a hand along the dragon's snout. "I don't belong here with them. I want to live somewhere we can both be free. We leave at sundown."
But he wasn't alone. Unbeknownst to him, someone had followed. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Hiccup prepared to mount the dragon. Suddenly, a net came flying through the air, trapping the creature. Hiccup barely had time to react before Stoick and a group of villagers descended upon them, armed with axes and swords.
"Toothless!" Hiccup cried, rushing toward his friend, but Gobber stepped in and grabbed him.
"Easy, lad," Gobber said, his voice heavy with sorrow. "This isn't your fight."
Hiccup struggled against Gobber's grip, his desperation overpowering his fear. "He's my best friend! I'm not going to let you hurt him!"
Breaking free, Hiccup ran to stand between Stoick and the trapped dragon. "Stop! If you kill him, you'll have to kill me too!"
Stoick looked at Hiccup with disbelief, his son was defending a dragon. Stoick finally realized that Hiccup had been lying to him all this time. Stoick became raging red with anger, he ordered a few men to put Toothless in the Dragon Killing Ring with the other dragons. Hiccup's heart dropped; he rushed forward, trying to get to Toothless, but Stoick grabbed him by the arm, dragging him toward the Great Hall. "You're coming with me," Stoick growled, his grip tight as he shoved Hiccup into the hall and slammed the doors shut behind them. "I should've seen the signs," Stoick said through clenched teeth, pacing angrily.
"Dad..." Hiccup began, his voice shaky but resolute.
"We had a deal!" Stoick shouted, turning on his son.
"I wanted to tell you," Hiccup whispered, trying to hold back the tears, "but it just got out of hand. I never meant for any of this to happen."
"And all that training? A trick? More lies?" Stoick's eyes burned with betrayal.
"No, Dad," Hiccup replied, his voice breaking. "You can yell at me all you want, but I never wanted any of this. Just punish me, okay? Just don't hurt Toothless."
"The dragon?!" Stoick sneered. "You're more worried about the dragon? Not the people he could've killed?!"
Hiccup stood tall, defiant even as his heart broke. "He was protecting me! He thought you were going to hurt me!"
Stoick's face contorted with rage. "They've killed hundreds of us!"
"And we've killed thousands of them!" Hiccup shot back, his voice shaking with emotion. "We think they're monsters, but have you ever considered that maybe they're just trying to provide for their families too?"
Stoick's fists clenched. "I've had enough of this, Hiccup! Dragons are nothing more than bloodthirsty beasts!"
"Not Toothless!" Hiccup shouted, his voice raw. "Toothless isn't like that! He saved my life! I wouldn't call that being a monster."
Stoick's eyes hardened, and his voice became a low growl. "Have you forgotten what they've done to us? To your mother?" He paused the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. "She thought the same thing, and look what happened to her. She was taken by a dragon."
Hiccup's breath caught in his throat, the mention of his mother cutting deeper than any insult could. "Don't bring Mom into this!" he shouted, tears welling in his eyes. "I found her journal. She believed dragons were gentle creatures, and you know what? She was right! I don't know what she ever saw in you, but I'm glad I take after her and not you!"
Stoick's rage boiled over, and before Hiccup could even react, he slapped him across the face. Hiccup fell to the ground, stunned by the force of the blow. Stoick stood over him, trembling with fury. "You side with them. You're not a Viking. You're not my son." He turned away, his words sharp and final. "I hereby sentence you and your beast to death tomorrow at dawn."
Hiccup looked up, his voice barely a whisper. "If I have to die, then let me be with Toothless. He shouldn't suffer for what I've done."
With those words, Stoick dragged Hiccup to the Dragon Killing Ring, pushing him inside the cell where Toothless was already locked up. He slammed the door shut and left Hiccup alone, the cold, hard steel between them. All of Hiccup's anger, all his frustration, melted away into heartbreak and despair. He sank to the ground, his tears falling freely. Toothless, sensing his friend's pain, walked over and wrapped his wings around Hiccup in a protective embrace. "I'm sorry, bud," Hiccup whispered, his voice breaking. "This is all my fault."
Nightfall settled over the village, but inside the Killing Ring, Hiccup was anything but calm. His heart raced with thoughts of freedom, of escape—anything to avoid the painful fate that awaited them both. Suddenly, the sounds of shouting and clashing weapons echoed through the village. Hiccup stood up, straining against the bars of the cage. What was going on? A ship unlike anything Hiccup had ever seen was docked on the shore. Its crew, armed and ready for a fight, spilled onto the docks, their footsteps heavy. At their helm was a tall, dark figure—leather-clad with a hook for a hand. Hiccup's heart skipped a beat.
"Pirates..." he murmured, barely able to process what was happening.
(Storybrooke)
Graham scoured Harry's cabin, searching every nook and cranny for clues. Papers were scattered across the desk, sketches and notes blending into a chaotic jumble. Henry, however, was drawn to a particular set of drawings; blueprints for what looked like a prosthetic leg for a wolf. His fingers traced the lines, admiration flickering in his gaze, but then something caught his attention: a soft growl from the doorway. Toothless stood there, his golden eyes fixed on Henry, the wolf's demeanor almost pleading. "I'm gonna get some air," Henry told Graham, slipping the blueprints under his arm as he headed outside.
Toothless sniffed at the blueprints eagerly, his sharp nose catching Harry's scent. Henry knelt beside the wolf. "Can you find him?" he whispered. Toothless let out a soft whine before sniffing the ground, then bolted toward the woods, his movements swift and purposeful.
"Wait up!" Henry called, chasing after him.
Toothless led him through the forest, weaving between trees and overgrown brush until they reached the abandoned blacksmith's shop. The old building was dark, its weathered facade blending with the shadows of the forest. Henry hesitated, glancing around nervously before stepping inside. The shop was eerily quiet, the faint smell of ash and rust still lingering in the air. Toothless didn't pause, his nose pressed to the ground as he sniffed for more of Harry's scent. He led Henry to a heavy wooden desk, stopping abruptly and pawing at the floor beneath it.
"What is it?" Henry murmured, crouching beside him.
Toothless growled softly, his gaze fixed on the desk. Henry pushed against it with all his strength, the desk scraping loudly across the floor. Beneath it lay a trapdoor, its edges worn and splintered with age. Henry hesitated, his heart pounding as he reached for the handle. Just as his fingers grasped it, a hand touched his shoulder. He yelped and spun around to see Graham standing behind him, his expression both curious and concerned. "Anything you'd like to share?" Graham asked, raising an eyebrow.
Henry swallowed hard, trying to explain. "I... I saw the wolf outside. He tracked Harry's scent to here. I think he might be down there."
Graham's gaze flicked to the trapdoor, then to Toothless, who growled impatiently. "Stay close," he ordered Henry before pulling the door open.
Toothless didn't wait for an invitation. He leaped down into the dark space below, his movements determined. Henry and Graham followed, descending into what appeared to be a small, makeshift cellar. The air was damp and stale, the faint glow from above barely illuminating the room. Toothless let out a loud howl, his voice echoing off the walls. At the far end of the cellar, a figure stirred. "Harry," Graham breathed, rushing forward.
Harry was slumped in a chair, his wrists and ankles bound, a strip of duct tape over his mouth. His skin was pale, his breathing shallow. Toothless barked and howled, nuzzling against Harry's limp hand, but there was no response. Graham tore at the ropes, freeing Harry from the chair and peeling the tape from his mouth. Harry's head lolled to the side, his weight sagging against Graham. "He's dehydrated, malnourished," Graham muttered. "He needs help—fast."
Above them, the sound of footsteps echoed. Emma and Regina appeared at the top of the stairs, their faces tense. Henry trailed behind them, worry etched into his features. "Where's the perp?" Emma asked as she descended.
Before Graham could respond, Toothless let out a low growl. His body stiffened as his nose twitched, catching a new scent. He darted toward the far corner of the room, his growl deepening. From the shadows emerged a man with wild, piercing eyes and a smirk that chilled Henry to the bone.
"Damon," Graham said, his tone sharp with recognition.
The man tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Sherrif," he drawled. "Fancy meeting you here. I was just about to—"
Before he could finish, Toothless lunged at him, his jaws snapping. Damon dodged the wolf's attack, his smirk faltering for a moment as he reached for the knife at his belt. Graham stepped forward, his gun drawn. "Don't even think about it," Graham warned.
Damon raised his hands in mock surrender, though his eyes remained calculating. "Fine. You caught me," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But do you even know who this kid really is? What he's hiding?"
Emma ignored him, her focus on Harry. "Graham, cuff him. We'll deal with his questions later."
Graham secured Damon's wrists as Toothless kept a wary eye on him, his growl never ceasing. Emma knelt beside Harry, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "We need to get him to the hospital now," she said, her voice tight with urgency.
She lifted him carefully, her strength steady despite his weight. Damon chuckled as he was led upstairs. "You think you've won, but this is far from over. Harry can't run from the truth forever."
Emma shot him a glare. "Let us worry about Harry. You can rot in a jail cell."
Toothless stayed close to Harry as they ascended, his protective presence a silent reminder of their unbreakable bond. For now, Harry was safe, but Damon's words hung in the air, a foreboding echo of challenges yet to come.
(Berk)
As soon as Hiccup heard the sound of a strange ship docking in the distance, his curiosity shot through the roof. The deep, rumbling tones of the ship's anchor hitting the shore reached his ears, and he knew something was happening. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and worry. He needed to escape, but how? He turned to look at Toothless, who was already moving as if understanding Hiccup's thoughts before he even had the chance to form them. Toothless had rallied the other dragons, and together they worked swiftly, their combined strength enough to blast through the thick wooden door of the cell.
The sound of the impact echoed through the Killing Ring, and Hiccup's heart skipped a beat. He was free. The dragons had made their move, and now, it was time for him to act. With Toothless close behind, Hiccup made his way around the outskirts of the village, careful to avoid the villagers who were still occupied with the pirate crew that had arrived. He couldn't risk being seen; he needed to figure out what was going on with this strange new arrival. They crept toward the shore, their footsteps muffled by the soft grass, until they found a good vantage point, hidden behind the rocks at the water's edge.
From their spot, they could see the captain of the ship step ashore. His dark clothing and weathered features stood in stark contrast to the villagers, who were now gathered to confront him. Stoick's booming voice carried over the crowd. "Who are you? Why have you come here?"
The pirate captain looked around with a devil-may-care grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. He took a theatrical bow, his coat fluttering with the motion. "Ahh, right where are my manners? Names Killian Jones, captain of the Jolly Roger," he said smoothly. "Or as others prefer to call me, Hook. At your service."
Hiccup watched from behind the rocks, fascinated. This man, with his charisma and confidence, was nothing like anyone Hiccup had ever met before. Killian's tales of faraway lands, places beyond Hiccup's wildest dreams, filled the air. The pirate spoke of treasures, distant islands, and adventures that made Hiccup's heart stir with longing. Could it be possible? Was there more to the world than the island he had been confined to his whole life? Hiccup glanced at Toothless, who was just as curious as he was. Hiccup motioned for the dragon to follow him, knowing that now was their chance.
No one was paying attention to them, caught up in the pirate's grand speech. They silently snuck aboard the Jolly Roger, with only the sound of their quiet footsteps and the occasional flick of a dragon's tail to betray them. The captain's quarters were a treasure trove of items from distant lands. Hiccup's eyes widened at the sight of ancient maps, shimmering trinkets, and strange artifacts. But something caught his eye. On the captain's desk lay a single bean, gleaming under the dim light. It was unlike anything Hiccup had ever seen, and his curiosity surged. He reached out to touch it, but before his fingers made contact, the door to the cabin suddenly swung open.
"Ah, well now, what have we here?" the captain's voice rang out, smooth as silk. "Not many people can sneak into me cabin without me noticing. What's your name, lad?"
Hiccup froze, panic rising in his chest. "H-Hiccup," he stammered, too startled to lie.
The pirate raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Hiccup, eh? Interesting name. What are you doing in here, sneaking around on my ship?"
"I... I was just—" Hiccup started, but the words caught in his throat. He had no idea how to explain himself without sounding like a thief.
"Calm down there, lad," the captain interrupted with a reassuring smile. "I'm not going to hurt you."
Hiccup breathed a sigh of relief but didn't move. "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to—"
"Not until you tell me why you're on my ship in the first place," Killian said firmly, his smile fading just a little.
Hiccup hesitated, then glanced at Toothless, who was quietly standing in the shadows, his eyes glinting in the dim light. Hiccup's heart pounded in his chest. Should he tell this man the truth? Could he trust him? Finally, Hiccup spoke, his voice quieter than before. "I was looking for sanctuary. My father... he plans to execute me and my friend."
Killian's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Hiccup. "A friend, huh? And where might your friend be?"
At that, Toothless stepped out from the shadows, his wings twitching as he walked into the room. Killian stared at the dragon, unblinking. "You tamed this dragon?" Killian asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
Hiccup nodded a small hint of pride creeping into his voice. "Uh, yes?"
The pirate smiled. "Not bad, laddy. Never seen someone tame a Night Fury before."
Hiccup was taken aback. "You've seen one?"
Killian's eyes softened with something that could have been nostalgia. "Once. In my old land. They were hunted for their scales, used to make armor. It's a miracle that this one escaped."
Hiccup's mind raced, processing Killian's words. "Maybe not," he said softly. "My father plans to kill us both tomorrow. I'll just leave your ship and accept my punishment."
Killian stepped closer, his expression thoughtful. "Hang on there, lad. How would you and your Night Fury like to stay and join me crew? You'd get to see the world, meet countless others, and have an adventure unlike any you've ever imagined."
Hiccup's breath caught in his throat. The offer was tempting. For the first time in his life, someone was offering him a chance for something more—something beyond the village that had always suffocated him. But what about his father? "But my father..." Hiccup started, conflicted.
"Won't find out," Killian interrupted smoothly. "By the time we're gone, no one will know."
Hiccup felt a rush of emotions. He had always felt invisible, unheard in his own village. But here, with Killian, he felt seen and understood. This pirate wasn't like the people he had grown up with. Killian wasn't judging him or trying to force him into some mold. The thought of escaping this life, of finding a place where he could be truly free, filled Hiccup with a sense of excitement he had never felt before. He looked at Toothless, the dragon who had been his only true friend, and nodded. "Alright," he said, his voice steady. "We'll join you."
And just like that, Hiccup and Toothless set sail on the Jolly Roger, leaving behind the island and the life they had known. For the first time in Hiccup's life, he felt as though he was stepping into something new, something grand. And with Toothless by his side, he knew that no matter what awaited them, they would face it together.
(Storybrooke)
The first thing Harry registered as he stirred awake was the softness of the bed beneath him. The sterile smell of the hospital room soon followed, mingling with the low hum of monitors tracking his vitals. Blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights, he turned his head to see Emma sitting in a chair beside him. "Welcome back," she said gently, her arms crossed but her expression soft.
Harry groaned, shifting slightly. His body ached, his muscles stiff and sore, but he couldn't help the flicker of gratitude for being alive. "What... what happened?"
"You were kidnapped," Emma said plainly. "We found you tied up in the blacksmith's shop. You're lucky we got there when we did."
As the memories began to resurface; Damon, the ropes, the cold darkness, Harry's chest tightened. He dropped his gaze to his lap, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you even bother?"
Emma leaned forward, her tone firm but kind. "Because you matter, Harry. And starting now, things are going to be different."
He frowned, unsure what she meant. Emma seemed to anticipate his confusion because she continued, "Mary Margaret wants you to stay with her for a while. She's offering you a home."
Harry's eyes widened. "What? Why would she want someone like me?"
"Because she sees you for who you are," Emma said, her voice steady but warm. "Not just some kid trying to scrape by or someone who's been through a lot. She sees the good in you. And you need someone to look after you, Harry. You can't keep living like this."
Harry opened his mouth to argue, but Emma cut him off. "Dr. Whale told me everything about the hospital bills," she said, her tone softening. "All the extra jobs you take to pay for your treatment. It's too much, Harry. You've spent so much time helping everyone else in this town—whether it's fixing things, treating animals, or just being there when someone needs a hand. It's time to let someone help you for a change."
Her words hung in the air, wrapping around Harry like a warm blanket. He wanted to argue, to say that he didn't need anyone, that he'd be fine on his own. But deep down, he knew Emma was right. The weight he'd been carrying for so long was too much, and he was tired of shouldering it alone. "Okay," he said finally, his voice barely audible. "I'll try."
Emma smiled, relief washing over her features. "Good. And there's one more thing."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "What now?"
Just then, the door creaked open, and Henry appeared, leading the wolf into the room. The wolf's acid-green eyes lit up the moment it spotted Harry, and it let out a soft whine before trotting to his bedside. "Hey, buddy," Harry murmured, reaching out with a trembling hand.
The wolf nuzzled his palm, its tail wagging gently. Henry grinned as he stepped closer. "Regina said you could keep him. She figured it might help you to have someone to look after."
Harry blinked, overwhelmed by the gesture. "She... really?"
Emma nodded. "Yeah. She said it's your responsibility now. And honestly? I think she's right."
As the wolf settled beside him, resting its head on the bed, Harry smiled faintly. "I guess I should give you a name," he mused, scratching behind the wolf's ears.
Henry's grin widened. "I think he already has one."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? What's that?"
"Toothless," Henry said confidently. "I called him that earlier, and he seemed to like it."
Harry tilted his head, considering the name. The wolf's ears twitched at the sound, and it wagged its tail as though in agreement.
"Toothless," Harry repeated, a small smile playing on his lips. "It suits you."
Henry nodded. "See? He likes it."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Harry let out a soft chuckle. Toothless pressed closer to his side, his warm presence a comforting anchor. Emma watched the interaction, her heart swelling. "You're not alone anymore, Harry," she said softly. "You've got a home now. And a family."
Harry looked up at her, his throat tight with emotion. He didn't trust himself to speak, so he just nodded. For the first time, the idea of staying in one place, of being cared for, didn't feel so terrifying; it felt... right. And as Toothless nuzzled into his side, Harry realized that maybe, just maybe, he could finally start to heal.