epag88

[epag88]

found on fb - tried searching to see if I could find origins, only found something similar on wattpad - if anyone know writer, please tell me so I can credit

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 23

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

The dragons and Vikings were once again gathered in the great hall to discuss their attack on the queen. The Night Furies were being the translators between the two species as they had been debating on how they were to attack all morning.

"From what the dragons tell us the best attack is to surround the island since she has eyes around it. Besides the fact that this creature is larger than life we'll need all the help we can get just to take her down. Unfortunately any other dragon clans that I know of would take at least a month to get to, leaving Berk vulnerable. Uncle, are you certain there are no other human tribes that could assist us?" Tyra asked Stoick.

"Yes, we could contact them but by the time boats reached their islands and if they agreed it would take weeks for them to get here," the chief replied rubbing his eyes.

The room was silent for quite some time as everyone mumbled different ideas but quickly dismissed them when they didn't work. Meanwhile in the back of the room the children of Berk were quietly listening to what they adults were saying.

"Screw backup I'll just go and glare the dragon down with my manliness and smash it's skull with my fist," Snotlout said smashing his fist into his other hand.

"Ya know that just might work," Ruffnut piped up surprising the other kids.

"Really?" Astrid replied praying that this was a joke.

"Oh ya I agree. Ya see guys, Snotlout here is so ugly and smelly that if his face doesn't scare the dragon to death the smell should choke it out nicely," Tuffnut said in a matter of fact tone before the twins burst into laughter.

Astrid, Hiccup, and Fishlegs were trying not to laugh at their friend who was glaring at the twins for the comment. Another chuckle behind them caught their attention and they all turned to see a Nightmare chuckling before he realized he had an audience.

'What? It was funny' the Nightmare growled at them as he gave them a look.

"What I don't get is why they just don't ask the dragons to help," Hiccup said getting everyone's attention.

"That could work," Astrid said in agreement remembering the idea from the dinner they had the night the Night Furies came.

"Ya, your right. See guys that's why he's my cousin. Genius runs in the family," Snotlout bragged making Hiccup blush a little and the other roll their eyes.

Before anyone could stop him Snotlout jumped onto a table and put two fingers in his mouth before letting out a huge whistle that got everyone's attention.

"Listen up! Hiccup has an idea that you guys should hear," the boy shouted to the room before he pulled Hiccup onto the table with him.

"What are you doing?" Hiccup whispered to Snotlout in shock.

"You need to tell them your idea Hiccup," Fishlegs said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"How? I'm not very loud and they can't even see me," Hiccup replied.

"Well then speak up idiot," Tuffnut said crossing his arms.

Hiccup just sighed, "I don't think this is a good idea."

"Oh ya they can't see him right? Snotlout give the man a life," Ruffnut said.

"On it," the boy replied before he crouched down low enough to put Hiccup onto his shoulders and lifted him up so he could be seen over the crowd. Hiccup yelped in surprise as he was lifted high up into the air and his eyes bugged out of his head when he saw all eyes on him.

"Uh...hi," he said nervously.

"You're good to go. Tell them Hiccup," Astrid encouraged him.

Hiccup looked down at the other kids who were all nodding in agreement with Astrid and then back to all the people who were giving him their undivided attention.

"Well speak up lad, what is it you wish to say?" one of the Vikings hollered from the crowd followed by murmurs of agreement.

"I uh…I think maybe if we ask the dragons we could fly to the other tribes and then it won't take as long," Hiccup said feeling more confident as he spoke.

"Time wise it's a fine idea but what if the tribes think they are being attacked by dragons?" someone else hollered in the crowd.

"What about if they saw Vikings riding the dragons. Maybe they wouldn't attack if they saw that," Hiccup replied.

"Boy, do we look like horses?" one of the Night Furies said irritated at the idea.

"N-no, not like that. The humans would be riders ya, but not to ride you like a horse but to watch out for you like a partner," Hiccup explained quickly silencing the room.

The little boy didn't know what to make of the silence. He looked down at Snotlout to see if he knew but he just shrugged back in return and urged Hiccup to keep talking.

"Your rider is your partner and you are their partner to. So you protect and trust each other like a family…After all isn't that what we're doing now?" the little boy explained standing taller as he spoke.

He waited hesitantly for somebody, anybody to say something before he started to become self-conscious and immediately looked into the crowd for Toothless. Even in his dragon form Hiccup could tell the Night Fury was smiling proudly at him as the dragon walked over to him and stood beside him supportively.

"You would ride with him boy and trust him with your life? Do you think he trusts you?" a Viking asked still uncertain.

"Of course we're like brothers," Hiccup replied without a second thought.

The crowd murmured among themselves about the idea and the pros and cons of accomplishing such a thing to gain allies.

"Why don't we leave it to a vote then," Stoick boomed over the crowd to which they nodded in reply.

"All in favor say Ai," he commanded.

"Ai!" he heard in reply across the room.

"All opposed say Neh," he yelled.

The only one to object was Mildew and since everyone was choosing to ignore him anyway the decision was settled. Everyone suddenly began discussing how partners were to be chosen and how training would happen. Tyra looked around in amazement, the excitement in the room giving her chills as she looked over to Hiccup and Toothless smiling.

'Great job' she mouthed to Hiccup when she caught his gaze and applauded him as she nodded her head to him making the boy blush.

'You did good hatchling' Toothless growled gently to the boy as he nuzzled him feeling happy as he thought about what Hiccup said about them being brothers.

'Yes, my precious little brother' he thought fondly of the child.

"Excuse me can the cuddle fest wait till I'm not trying to balance on a table with someone on my shoulders," Snotlout said in a disgruntled tone.

'What's that? Make it harder? Ok' the Night Fury teased as he tickled the boy with his paws making Snotlout start snickering.

"Woh," Hiccup yelped as he started being twisted side to side.

"HA HA HA H-Hiccup tell him to s-stop I'm gonna pee HA HA HA," Snotlout struggled to say between laughs.  

Finally the Night Fury noticed that Snotlout was losing his grip on Hiccup's legs and stopped his torturing. The young Viking glared at the dragon as he put his little cousin back on solid ground making Toothless snicker as much as a dragon could.

"You're a jerk of a dragon you know that," Snotlout growled at the dragon.

'It's a gift' Toothless replied before turning his attention back to Hiccup.

Snotlout glared at the dragon's retreating form with Hiccup at his side when a warm puff of air caught his attention and turned to come face to face with a Nightmare.

"You again. What do you want?" he scoffed fearlessly remembering the dragon that made him go in the shelter the night of the raid as he crossed his arms.

The Nightmare gave him a toothy grin before knocking the boy off the table and pinning him to the floor with his enormous paw. The boy looked a little scared before the dragon leaned his snout down on to the child's belly and began tickling him mercilessly. He had watched the Night Fury torture the boy and thought it looked like fun so he decided to try it for himself.

"Ah! I'm really gonna pee now!" Snotlout shouted as he laughed out loud.

"Baha! It appears someone has chosen Snotlout as their partner," someone joked from nearby.

'Me? Partnered with this annoying creature?' The Nightmare thought as he stopped his assault to look over the child in his grasp.

He never forgot the hatchling with large muscles that covered an even bigger heart. Surely this child who he now knew as Snotlout should have someone as a partner that could keep his cocky nature in check but also to make sure he didn't get himself killed using his big heart and big muscles to protect the other humans.

"Get off me you hook fanged freak of nature," the boy said pulling him from his thoughts.

'Hook fang am I? Well hook fang this brat' the dragon said before continuing his attack but this time bringing his tail around for some fun and used it to get under the boy's shirt to find more ticklish spots.

…

Toothless carried Hiccup on his back as he walked just ahead of Valka and Stoick as they travelled home from the dinner at the great hall that night. He didn't entirely know what was going on with those two but they seemed happy together and decided they needed alone time. The dragon did envy them a bit in regard to the fact that one of them was a leader and yet they did not have to sacrifice their love to be together and was even supported by their clan. Why couldn't it be this simple with the dragons?

"Toothless are you playing match maker?" The Night Fury turned his head to look at the little boy giving him a knowing smile.

'What of it? They both deserve to be happy with a mate and you little one should have a mother to care for you' the Night Fury growled as he nodded his head making the boy giggle. Hiccup shook his head at his friend's confession before twisting himself so that he was able to see his father and the nice lady.

"Daddy, are we walking Valka home?" he asked when they hit the crossroads. One way led to Kelda's hut where Valka was staying and the other to their hut.

The two adults looked at each other not really sure before Stoick said, "Come for a bit and I will walk you home."

"Are you certain? It is late as it is and you'd be leaving your sleeping boy alone when you walk me home," the woman replied.

"Valka, my son is protected by a dragon who believes him as precious and rare to the world as I do. Hiccup's safety is never questioned with him around…however if said dragon could stop scratching up my home that would be great," the chief explained.

The humans heard a growl up ahead indicating Toothless heard Stoick. It distinctly sounded like he said, "ya ya whatever."

The group walked in silence until they arrived at the hut and Toothless immediately climbed the stairs up to the child's bedroom before he plopped him into his bed. Hiccup crossed his arms not looking impressed by any means.

'Come little one it's time to sleep' Toothless growly sternly recognizing this familiar bedtime rebellion.

"I'm not tired," the boy said in a matter of fact tone.

The Night Fury accepted the challenge with a smirk and used his snout to gently shove the boy forcing him to lie down on his pillow.

'Oh look at that you must have be sleepy now, I'll tuck you in' Toothless growled sarcastically as he used his teeth to pull the blanket to the boy's chin and tucked the rest of the blanket underneath him.

Hiccup squirmed and kicked the blanket off before sitting up again and crossed his arms again but this time with a glare.

"I'm not sleepy," he said emphasizing each word amusing the dragon.

"I wanna stay up with the grownups," Hiccup decided and jumped out of his bed opposite of where Toothless was standing.

'Hey! Get back here' Toothless demanded before he chased after the giggling boy who thought this was a delightful game.

Downstairs Stoick and Valka stared at the ceiling where the stomping and giggling were coming from with amused expressions.

"Poor bugger," Stoick said out loud sympathetically.

"Been on bed time duty for 6 years and not once has it ever gone smoothly," he explained with a chuckle.

"I think I'll go give him a hand. I know a thing or two about stubborn hatchlings at bed time," Valka said laughing.

Stoick smiled as he watched her go and couldn't help but wonder how much trouble Tyra was as a little girl. After all that stubborn Haddock nature tended to run from generation to generation and was never easily swayed.

When Valka got to the top of the stairs and opened the door she tried desperately not to laugh at the sight before her. Toothless had finally caught Hiccup by the middle of the back of his shirt looking like a cat holding a kitten that was squirming desperately to get away from the irritated adult.

"No, no, no," Hiccup repeated over and over squirming in his captor's grasp.

'Yes, yes, yes' Toothless replied irritated.

Hiccup smiled when he came up with an idea and twisted his body so he could tickle under the dragon's neck. Toothless dropped to the floor from the happiness of the sudden chin scratch causing his grip on the child to loosen. Hiccup quickly got up and ran over to Valka before hiding behind her skirt.

"Save me! He's trying to make me go to sleep," Hiccup cried between giggles.

"Oh the horror, the horror," she replied in mock despair as she scooped up the child in her arms and cradled him to her chest. Toothless looked up from his spot looking extremely unimpressed with his hatchling at the moment and a little embarrassed by his defeat.

"I can take it from here," Valka said to him sympathetically before Toothless left the room grumbling in his dragon tongue.

"You young man are not very nice to your friend," the woman said giving the boy a look.  

Hiccup just gave her a mischievous smile as she walked over to the bed and sat on it. Thinking quickly she came up with a fail proof plan to get the boy to sleep.

"How about we make a deal you and I?" she said.

"I'm listening," Hiccup replied intrigued.

"Give me five minutes to get you to go to sleep and if I don't you can stay up as long as you like, deal?" she explained and smirked when Hiccup replied with a nod confident he would not lose.

"Alright get comfy," she said tucking the boy into his bed.

Valka smiled at the little boy as she began to hum and run her fingers through his baby soft hair. Before long she began to sing a lullaby that had been stuck in her head since her memories slowly began to surface.

'The sky is dark and the hills are white

As the storm-king speeds from the north to-night;

And this is the song the storm-king sings,

As over the world his cloak he flings:

"Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep;"

He rustles his wings and gruffly sings:

"Sleep, little one, sleep."

As she sang suddenly images began to flash in her head of a baby in a cradle that looked very much like the boy that laid in the bed in front of her. She remembers watching over the baby as she stirs something over the pot that hangs over the fire, the home looking very much like the one she is in now.

On yonder mountain-side a vine

Clings at the foot of a mother pine;

The tree bends over the trembling thing,

And only the vine can hear her sing:

"Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep;

What shall you fear when I am here?

Sleep, little one, sleep."

She remembers the smile that comes to her lips every time she hears the creak of the door but does not turn around from her chore. She sighs as two strong arms wrap around her waist.

She remembers trying to sound irritated as she says, "You're late."

She remembers she always ends up laughing when he replies, "And you're beautiful as ever. Now quit pretending you're mad and give us a kiss."

The king may sing in his bitter flight,

The pine may croon to the vine to-night,

But the little snowflake at my breast

Liketh the song I sing the best, -

"Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep;

Weary thou art, anext my heart;

Sleep, little one, sleep."

She remembers looking up into the face of the one she loves and seeing…

"Stoick," she whispers out loud as tears come to her eyes.

"Valka, are you alright? Do you need me to take you home?" Stoick asks surprising her as she looks up to see him at the door.

"I am home," she replies simply still in shock before she runs over to the chief and embraces him tightly.

"Do…do you remember?" Stoick asked hesitantly not wanting to give himself false hopes.

"Yes, my love I remember now," she replies and feels herself being held onto tightly.

"You're late," Stoick states in a teasing manner.

"And you're as handsome as ever now quit pretending to be mad and give us a kiss," she teases back before pulling her husband into a kiss.

*Whistle*

The couple are so captured in the moment that they don't realize they have an audience until they hear the noise. They turn around to see an amused dragon that somehow snuck back in the room sitting beside a shocked little boy.

"Thanks for killing the moment ya devil," Stoick hisses at Toothless knowing damn well he was the one who whistled.

'Anytime' Toothless growls in reply smirking before leaving the room to give the family some privacy.

"You're my mama?" Hiccup asks hesitantly.

"Yes, forgive me for taking so long to get back to you Hiccup," she said gently.

Hiccup jumped out of bed and wrapped his tiny arms around the woman's neck as she clung to him just as tightly. Stoick sat on the bed side his wife and pulled his family into his arms feeling bliss at having them together again.

"Mama…you still have one minute to get me to go to sleep before I win the bet," Hiccup said after a while and pulled away from his mother smirking.

The woman stared at him for a moment before she matched his smirk and said, "Hiccup, you've got one minute to go to sleep or you're grounded from flying for three days."

"Oh boy am I tired well goodnight," the child replied leaning forward on his mother's chest with closed eyes and made snoring sounds.

The two Vikings laughed at the child's antics before kissing him on the head and tucking him in for the night. The pair thought nothing of the Night Fury leaping into the child's bed and curling around their son as they left. Toothless watched them leave and the envy that he had for them earlier disappeared because he knew as he watched over the small family that the happiness they now had was earned through for their suffering.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 22

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Eira had found them first in a crumpled heap outside of her door. She had no idea how long the two Night Furies had been there but it was a sight she wouldn't soon forget. She decided not to disturb their moment and turned back to Gobber's house where she had stayed the night to break the news to the blacksmith. She figured it would be best to break the news to Stoick and Spitelout with as much support as she could provide. Who better to be by his side at this moment then his best friend. It didn't take her long to return to his hut and walked in catching Gobber by surprise.

"When?" he asked her when he saw the look on her face. Gobber may not be the most brilliant of Vikings but he was good at reading people.

"I'm not sure. The girl is in a heap in front of my hut with Toothless so I doubt she is taking this well," the healer explained trying not to cry at the memory of the heart broken child.

"Poor lass," Gobber mumbled as he walked over and wrapped his arms around Eira and pulled her to his chest.

As professional as the healer tried to be she had a bad habit of getting attached to some of her patients, Hàkon and Eldrid were no exception. She had built a friendship with the couple in the short period of time she had with them and adored Tyra since she reminded Eria so much of herself as a young apprentice healer.

"Will you come with me to tell Stoick and Spitelout?" Eira asked almost desperately to her lover.

"Of course I will. He'll need back up to tell the village," Gobber said before kissing Eira's head and pulling away from give her an encouraging smile.

Gobber quickly got himself dressed and together Eria and he walked what felt like the longest trip to Stoick's hut to tell him the news. It didn't take Stoick long to answer the door and for a moment looked confused to see his old friends at his front door.

"Stoick, I'm sorry," was all Eira got out before Stoick nodded to her in reply understanding immediately what was going on.

Eira quickly stepped forward and pulled her friend into a tight hug and he hugged her back even tighter as he hid his face in her shoulder. Stoick could hardly breathe let alone ask the healer when his brother and his wife had passed until a tiny voice shook him from his stupor.

"Daddy? What's wrong?" Hiccup asked as he noticed how serious all the adults looked.

Gobber patted Stoick on the shoulder before walking over to Hiccup and kneeling down in front of him and explained, "Lad you know your uncle Hàkon and his wife were very ill when they came here. Last night sometime both he and Eldrid passed away to Valhalla in their sleep."

The blacksmith could see the telltale signs beginning, first the downward gaze followed the clenched fists and shakes, finally the bottom lip came out and the sniffling started. Before Gobber knew it he was picking up Hiccup into his strong arms and hid his tear stained face against his chest before turning back to his friend. He was basically in the same position except Stoick refused to cry especially with his son in the room no matter how much his chest hurt in that moment.

"Where's Tyra? I want Tyra and Toothless," Hiccup mumbled into Gobber's chest and looked to Stoick wondering what he wanted.

"The dragons are at the hut. I have no idea how long they have been there," Eira explained.

The chief pulled away from Eira giving her a grateful smile before turning to Gobber and taking his son from his friend.

"Hiccup I want you to go with Eira to the hut to see Tyra and Toothless while Gobber and I go talk to your uncle, alright?" Stoick said and hugged his son tight after he nodded in reply.

"Good lad," he added putting his son down and nodded to Eira before he and Gobber went to find Spitelout.

…

The two Night Furies had broken their embrace shortly after they heard the healer find them and just sat in front of the door. The girl could neither go back inside nor could she leave her self-appointed post guarding her parents' bodies and Toothless couldn't leave her. He tried to think of something, anything that he could say to Tyra to comfort her but he was never good at words so they sat in silence staring at the ground.

"Tyra!"

The two dragons looked up from their spot to see Hiccup running up to them. As soon as he was close enough to them he wrapped his tiny arms around Tyra's neck with an impressive strength for one his size. The dragon's resolve finally broke and she sobbed silently into the child's embrace as she wrapped her paws around him pulling him into her chest.

"It's gonna be ok. We're here," Toothless heard Hiccup whisper into her hair.

It amazed the Night Fury how easily his little human could express in a few words what he wanted to say to Tyra since she came out. Eira quickly followed Hiccup and kneeled down beside Tyra before gently placing a hand on the back of her neck.

"Tyra, I'd like to prepare your parents but I am unfamiliar with the death rituals of dragons," the healer explained trying to be as gentle as possible.

Toothless could see her struggling to wrap her head around what she was being asked and knew that although he might not be any good at comforting her he could at least do this for her.

The Night Fury quickly shifted into his human form before he walked over to the healer and explained, "We have no rituals. When we are killed by humans or eaten by the mad queen there is nothing to recover.

'Do you want a human's death ritual for your mother?' Toothless asked Tyra gently.

The girl hugged Hiccup tighter before she said 'yes…I want them to be together.'

Toothless nodded to Eira and the healer nodded back in reply before turning to the girl and pet her neck gently.

"I will take care of them with upmost respect," Eira vowed to Tyra who nuzzled the woman's gratefully.

With a sympathetic smile Eira stood up and walked inside the hut to begin preparing the bodies for their funeral. Tyra heard the door click and sighed knowing she would have to tell the others what had happened. She nuzzled Hiccup a final time before gently shaking him off of her and standing at her full dragon height.

'I must gather the others…they need to know as well' Tyra said to Toothless who watched in astonishment as the girl pulled herself together and held her head high.

'We will co-'

'No…thank you but no I must do this alone. After all I am queen and our people need to see me as a strong one in their grief' Tyra explained before she turned and left to get the others.

"Where is she going?" Hiccup mumbled with tears still rolling down his gathered up his little human in his paws and cradled him like an infant as he sat on his haunches nuzzling the child comfortingly.

'It's alright little one, she needs to go support her people. We will be right here when she gets back to support her' Toothless tried to explain but Hiccup just continued to silently cry into the dragon's chest for his loved ones and the pain they were in that he couldn't understand.

…

Many offered to help the brothers build a pyre for the couple which they gratefully accepted and by the end of the day it was built in an open space near the docks designated for the ceremony. Others did their part by creating a feast in the great hall to celebrate the lives of their new friends. The dragons at first were confused by it all until Tyra explained to them that the humans were having a ceremony to honor the memory of their queen and her mate followed by a feast to celebrate their lives. The dragons were grateful for all the work going into the celebration of their beloved queen as they mourned not only for her and Hàkon but their fates as well. Would the humans make them leave now? Would they let them stay?

Toothless was probably one of the most surprised of the dragons by the humans' efforts and amazed by the amount of thought and respect that went into everything for their ceremony. The sound of a horn took the Night Fury from his thoughts and he looked to see everyone gathering around the wooden structure he learned was a 'pyre'.

"That means the ceremony will start soon, we should find my dad," Hiccup said who had been sitting on the dragon's back all day not wanting to leave Toothless' side for even a minute.

For the ceremony Hiccup stood by his father's side while Toothless stood with the other dragons at the front of the crowd. Spitelout along with other men from the tribe slowly carried the bodies of Eldrid and Hàkon to the alter where they gently laid them. When they returned to the crowd Stoick stepped forward and turned to face the Vikings and dragons.

"There is nothing I can say that you all don't already know about these two. They were fighters, lovers, leaders and parents. To some they were traitors to their kind but to me above all those things they were kin and I must right a wrong that was done to that kin some time ago," Stoick explained smiling as he nodded to Tyra.

"I send my brother and his mate off to Valhalla not as Hàkon the traitor and Eldrid the exiled ruler but as Hàkon the loyal, the man who fought for us even after we turned him away and his mate Eldrid, the true queen. I reimburse this betrayal by opening our home to their people and I declare this day forward that the dragons who wish to stay may call themselves clan," Stoick declared.

The crowd cheered in agreement both human and Viking alike with the declaration but Stoick only cared about one person in that moment. It was the girl staring back at him with sad eyes and a grateful smile. He smiled back as he walked over to her and pulled her into a tight embrace making her feel safe and reassured that everything was going to be ok.

"This isn't much but it's all I can do lass. Welcome home," Stoick whispered into Tyra's ear and she tightened her hold on him unable to form the words 'thank you' to her uncle.

As the crowd died down the girl pulled away to stand in front of the crowd. Stoick saw determination and hope in her eyes that he didn't see a few moments ago. Everyone became silent when they saw the young woman stand before them with something to say.

"I will speak to you in this form so everyone can understand me," she began her voice noticeably soft.

"I'd like to thank everyone for this ceremony. My father's last wish to die in his home and mother's to die by his side were met respectfully and for that I along with the rest of the dragons who loved them are grateful. This day may be difficult for us but for them this was the first day of a new beginning for all of us for the better. New friends, a new home that doesn't float…" she said making the crowd chuckle a little.

"…and of course a new queen," she added and the crowd went silent once more.

"I mention this only because although we dragons hold no ceremonies for these things I feel a promise needs to be made to both the former queen and her people," she explained before walking over the pyre and grasping one of its polls.

"Hear me, I Tyra daughter of Eldrid ruler of the dragons and Hàkon the loyal of the hairy hooligans, swear on the souls of my parents to step forward as the true queen. I stand before you all as a queen who will not enslave her people but instead be a slave and guardian to her people and an ally to the tribe of my father. I will fight by your side from now until my end," the young woman swore to all those in front of her.

The crowd cheered but this time the dragons did not respond. It was not that they rejected the girl as their queen as she feared but were in shock for no queen before now had promised them protection or swore their life to them as she had just done. Tyra stood before them with no expression on her face but fear and uncertainty brewed inside her belly as she stared at her people who had not responded to her yet.

It was Toothless who stepped forward first and stood before Tyra and said 'Keep your promise and we your people will reward you with loyalty, respect and love.’

The Night Fury then bowed his head and touched his snout to the ground before her followed by the other dragons like a domino effect that mesmerized the Vikings. Tyra returned the bow to them before walking over to Toothless and raised his snout from the ground until he was looking at her in the eye before she smiled and turned to the others.

"This is the first and last time you will bow before this queen until her people feel she is in deserving of such respect," Tyra said and the dragon's rose from their positions feeling confident in their leader.

With that the dragons gathered on either side of the pyre and set it ablaze sending the ashes of the misfit couple into the sky so that their souls could be free. When the fire burnt out everyone gathered into the great hall to celebrate with a feast and regaled each other in amusing stories of their recently passed loved ones.

The dragons had their fun telling their versions of their adventures on the sea with the couple. Valka told stories of how Tyra terrorized her poor parents with the mischief she got into much to the new queen's displeasure and Stoick told tales of his brother's adventures. Toothless laid on the floor off to the side with a sleeping Hiccup in his paws and he couldn't help watching Tyra with his gaze. She looked so proud and strong in that moment, a completely different dragon from the one he held this morning as she sobbed. He wanted her more than ever and now he couldn't deny it. He has another problem now, with that declaration with the other dragons would they accept him taking their now beloved queen as his mate.

'She will protect our people and I will protect her and fight by her side. Perhaps then I will be worthy of her' he decided.

Just then something moving around below Toothless caught his attention and he looked down to see his little human squirming around to get comfortable. He couldn't help smiling down at the adorable creature in his paws and leaned down to nuzzle and purr at the boy until he was settled down and mumbling in his sleep.

'He's so well behaved when he's asleep' a voice teased and Toothless turned to see the owner was the same person who occupied his thoughts.

Tyra walked over and laid down next to him before nuzzling the little boy causing him to squirm a bit again.

"Nooo….nooo bad kitty that's my yak pie," Hiccup mumbled as he rolled over and went back to sleep.

Toothless and Tyra just stared at each other before laughing uncontrollably at the little boy who was strange even in his sleep.

'It is frightening to think about how easily attached you can become to these creatures when you only have such a short time with them' Tyra mumbled to herself but Toothless heard her.

'What do you mean? Your parents had a long time together’ Toothless said confused.

Tyra looked at the other dragon in shock before she hesitantly asked, ‘Toothless…you do know how long a dragon lives compared to a human don't you?’

She saw the confusion in his eyes and knew the next thing she said would be difficult to say and explained, 'Humans don't live any longer than 100 years if they are lucky to live that long…dragons live centuries. My father mated with a dragon and therefore shared her life span.'

The look on the other dragon was heart breaking as he looked at her with a look that said 'Tell me your lying.' When her expression didn't change he knew it to be true. Someday he was going to outlive his wonderfully strange, precious little human. Without a word Toothless laid his head down next to the little boy and nuzzled him gently.

'I'm so sorry…I thought you knew I did not mean to upset you' Tyra said upset nuzzling the dragon's head.

'So then this will be it…when Hiccup dies he's gone forever and I am alone again' Toothless said disturbed.

'Wrong on both accounts I'm afraid' Tyra replied and Toothless' head shot up and stared at her for an explanation.

'Yes, Hiccup will someday grow up and get old before he will eventually pass away. However, he will not be gone forever. He will live on in the love you have for him and the memories you share. Likely he will have hatchlings of his own and live on through them and perhaps even one day his soul will reincarnate into another wonderful little boy. As for you being alone, as long as I am queen you Toothless will never be alone. I will not allow it' she explained.

Before Tyra could wonder if what she said was any comfort to the dragon, she found herself being licked and nuzzled by the other dragon.

'Toothless?' she asked him confused by his actions.

'Promise me something' he whispered to her.

'Promise me you will always be by my side…help me watch over him as he grows up and has a family of his own.'

If Tyra were in her human form she'd be blushing, if she didn't know any better she'd say this was a proposal to be mates. To be honest if it was she didn't think she could say no, not to him.

'Do you really want that with me?' she asked hopefully.

'Yes' he replied feeling uneasy by her silence.

Tyra knew she wanted that more than anything but this was not the time to be thinking of a mate so with a heavy sigh she leaned forward and touched her nuzzle to his.

'I promise to help you watch over him along with our people and I can promise you will never be alone but please understand that I cannot be by your side just yet' she said the sadness evident in her tone.

Toothless couldn't help the smile that played on his lips when he heard the words 'just yet' it was hope for the Night Fury, she would save herself for him so how could he not wait for her.

'I understand, I will wait for you my queen' he replied making her smile.

They pulled away from each other and smiled before a certain little boy decided to kill the mood by flopping around some more.

"So that's what purple smells like," he mumbled in his sleep making the two Night Furies go into fits of laughter once again.

…

A nightmare once again licked at its injury cursing the human that injured him, he would have his revenge he just needed a plan. Just as he was once again cursing the humans a nadder dropped in front of him with a smile.

'What do you want?' the nightmare demanded of the newcomer believing it to be the one he flew into battle with. However he saw that the colouring of this one's scales were different.

'I'm here for the same thing you want. We are going to steal the brat and bring it to the queen.'

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 21

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Stoick stood with Hiccup in front of the arena waiting for Valka to arrive, both were excited to spend the afternoon together. The chief was also nervous about this, he had no idea how either of his loved ones would react to the news he was about to tell them but he was determined to tell them the truth so they could become a family again. He had been pacing for about five minutes to ease his anxiety but stopped when he saw the Valka running towards them. At first he smiled simply happy that she had not changed her mind about meeting with him and his son but his face soon fell when he saw the expression on her face.

Valka looked incredibly upset and scared as tears ran down her face. As she got closer, Stoick saw she had blood on her dress. The moment he saw that, he ran to meet her half way and caught her as she was about to collapse.

"What's happened, are you alright?" Stoick asked holding her by her shoulders.

"The blood is not mine but Eldrid's, they are at their end. Please help me find Tyra I can't find her anywhere we need to find her," Valka cried breathing heavily.

Stoick was stunned he was definitely not expecting that of all things to be the news and felt a tightness in his chest and throat. The chief had only just reconciled with his older brother and just as quickly as his brother came into his life he was now leaving it. He quickly shook himself out of his stupor as he helped Valka to her feet and picked Hiccup up into his strong arms.

"The lass is likely with Toothless. Son, where did you see them last?" Stoick asked the child in his arms.

"I think they said they were going to the great hall. Tyra wanted to see the map of the islands," the child explained.

"Alright, I need to get Spitelout. Valka if you could get Tyra and Toothless we will meet you at the healer's hut," Stoick said.

With that they went their separate ways and took off to find everyone.

…

Tyra and Toothless were leaning over the map of the great hall gazing at the many different islands that surrounded Berk. The only island it didn't show however was where Dragon Island was but that did not surprise either one of the Night Furies since only dragons could find that island. Toothless was the only one that knew the general vicinity of the island so he was more than happy to point out its location. Toothless told her every possible way he knew to sneak on and off that place and together they were forming a strategy to plan an ambush to take over the queen along what few allies she had left in that place.

"You know we would be stronger with the Vikings. Hiccup's vision may not have to wait till he is chief to become a reality," Tyra explained.

"You would let a human ride you like a horse mighty dragon queen," Toothless teased staring at her from across the image below them.

"You should know better than anyone that the humans have become dear allies to our cause, with them we can win and begin a better life for us all. They would not belittle us in such a way that they would treat us as pets…at least not these ones," the girl argued.

"Don't get me wrong I love it here but it still feels strange to me sometimes trusting the humans so easily after all this time being at war with them," Toothless replied.

Tyra gave the dragon a confused look and said, “It is strange having this conversation with you. What has made you think this way?"

"I just see the actions of the humans sometimes and their capacity for destruction is terrifying. I see them manipulate their own kind for their own gain and destroy anything that stands in their way," the Night Fury explained.

"Everything that crawls into existence in this world is capable of great destruction, just look at the mad queen. Could you honestly compare your treasure to her?" Toothless glared at her for asking him such a thing.

"Hiccup is different. He's not like any other human I've yet to meet he's-"

"Hope," Tyra interrupted him with a smile.

"The child carries hope in him. Just like all children he is capable of moving mountains. What makes him so special is that he was brave enough to question things and open minded enough to learn. You speak of his kind being easily swayed but Hiccup is the spark to inspire them for the better. He has already opened the eyes of his village at seven years old. Imagine what he'll do as a man," Tyra explained.

Toothless stared at the future queen humbled by her wisdom and at the same time feeling so foolish for doubting his new friends. He was suddenly reminded of the first time he met Hiccup and the important lesson the child taught him. If they were going to get anywhere with each other there had to be trust. The Night Fury felt a gaze on him and looked up to see Tyra smiling at him from across the image below them.

"Have faith Toothless. People will always surprise you," she said and he couldn't help smiling back at her.

The door suddenly flew open and it was hard to see who had entered at first but they quickly recognized it to be Valka.

"Nurse?" Tyra asked confused by the woman's sad expression.

"Child, we must make haste your parents haven't much time," she explained.

Tyra gasped in shock before quickly shifting into her dragon form and flew faster than the blink of an eye out of the great hall. Toothless was beside himself and didn't know whether or not he should follow after her and looked over to Valka who was gathering up Tyra'a clothes.

"What are you waiting for dragon?" Valka asked him calmly asked she picked up the last of the items and stared at the confused dragon.

"Won't you follow her?" she asked him when he didn't move.

"Should I?" he replied unsure.

"In the darkest hour when we are weakest, love is our strength and our light," Valka explained before she walked over in gently placed her hand on his cheek.

"Go be her beacon," she commanded smiling.

Toothless nodded and smiled at her in response before he shifted and ran after Tyra.

…

Hàkon could feel his all of his energy slipping away from him but he clung to every last bit of it he had left. He needed to say goodbye to them first. He did not get such a luxury the first time he had to leave Berk but he was determined to have it this time. He looked over to his wife who wished to die in her dragon form. It broke his heart to see her in such a weakened state.

"I'm so sorry my love," he whispered to her as she slowly opened her eyes.

'What is it that are you are sorry for?' she whispered back.

"I never wanted you to share this fate with me. You should be here taking care of the dragons with Tyra. Seeing you suffer because of me is worse than suffering it on my own," he explained scratching under her chin gently.

'My place is by your side in this life and the next. Tyra may be young but she will be a strong and proud queen' Eldrid explained before she slowly wrapped her paws around her mate and covered them both with her wings.

For a moment it was them together embracing each other in a comfortable silence. It was rare for the mismatched couple to be alone together. The moment was over as quickly as it began when the door slammed open revealing a somber Stroick, Spitelout and Hiccup. Stoick held his son a bit tighter as he slowly approached the bed and gazed over the couple. Eldrid slowly retracted her wings revealing the dying figure of their strong older brother.

"Hàkon..." Stoick whispered before getting chocked up over the sight.

"It's alright Stoick. Eira already gave me something for the pain, we're not suffering," he assured Stoick with a smile.

Hàkon could see the guilt forming in his brother's eyes. He knew how devoted Stoick was to their father he was not to blame for this.

"Stoick look at me," he demanded.

Feeling like a child again the chief slowly turned his gaze to his older brother trying his hardest not to break down.

"This is not your fault, things were very different when father was chief and you were just a child younger than the one in your arms. I never once turned the blame on you for any of my misfortunes…in fact I missed you little brother. I thought of you often," he explained.

"So did I," Stoick said quietly making Hàkon smile.

"I'm proud of you, both of you," the older brother said turning his gaze to Spitelout.

"We did not have much time together did we?" he said to Spitelout who could only shake his head in reply.

"I'm glad we met Spitelout. Thank you for giving me the chance to be your family," he said.

Spitelout stood looking unsure for a moment before he mumbled, "What the hell."  

The strong, proud viking walked over to the bed and pulled his oldest brother into a hug.

"I love you both little brothers. Please watch over my daughter in my place," Hàkon said with difficulty.

The two men nodded in agreement when Hiccup piped in and said, "I'll help to."

"Me to," Snotlout chimed in who had been too short for Hàkon to see over the bed.

"I know you will my dear nephews you are both such good boys," the older Viking chuckled as he motioned for the two boys to come to him. The boys climbed into the bed before they found themselves pulled into a hug from their uncle.

"Hiccup I have to thank you my boy. If not for you I would not have been able to come home," Hàkon said gratefully.

"But all I did was fall down into a cove during a rainstorm," the boy replied innocently making the other Vikings chuckle.

"Amazing how such a small moment could have intertwined so many lives," Eldrid said affectionately.

Heavy breathing caught their attention and everyone looked up to see Tyra in her dragon form standing in the doorway.

"Come, they need a moment alone,"Spitelout said helping the boys off the bed and the two brothers left with their sons to give the family their last moment together.

As they were leaving Stoick and Spitelout turned one last time to their brother and gave him a nod before doing the same to Eldrid. She nodded back to them and smiled at them comfortingly as if to say 'I'll take care of him.'

When everyone was gone Tyra went over to her parents' bed and climbed into it curling in between them before sobbing uncontrollably. Hàkon quickly gathered his daughter in his arms while his mate wrapped her paws and wings around them.

'I don't want you to go yet' she cried into her father's chest.

'We have no choice hatchling, but we are not leaving you alone. You have family here, new friends….a possible mate' her mother said and then chuckled when she felt her mate tighten his hold on their daughter.

"I guess I can't really say over my dead body in this case can I?" he said half kidding.

‘No my love that ship has sailed. You'll just have to face that your daughter is a grown woman with a mate of her own’ Eldrid replied.

Hàkon was quite for a few minutes before he hugged Tyra tighter if it was possible and sulked, "No I don't wanna."

The couple were relieved when they heard their daughter chuckle at their antics breaking the tense atmosphere in the room.

"Tyra, you are a wonderful daughter and honored our wishes to stay with us till our end. You have made us proud since the day you hatched and it has been an honor to watch you grow," Hàkon said before he kissed his daughter's head and laid his head down on the pillow.

'I love you' Tyra said before licking her father's cheek and nuzzling under her mother's chin. Finally she laid her head against her father's chest and closed her eyes.

'And we love you our little queen' Eldrid replied laying her head down also.

…

It was some time later that Toothless decided to check on Tyra pacing out front of the hut in worry for the girl. Reluctantly he walked into the hut and saw the family lying on the bed and for a moment and wondered what it was like to feel the love of a parent. He silently walked over to the bed and saw the peaceful sleeping face of Tyra and smiled. Movement below him caught Toothless' attention and looked down to see that Hàkon was awake and staring at him.

"Ya know dying isn't a spectator sport," Hàkon said casually.

'I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come in here' Toothless said panicking and stepped back to leave.

"Hold it, get back here. I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to you before I go," the Viking said freaking out the dragon a bit.

Toothless stared at him feeling nervous about speaking to the father of the girl he couldn't get off of his mind as of late.

"I need you to tell me something and I expect nothing less the truth," he whispered seriously.

Toothless quickly shifted into his human form and kneeled beside the man's bed and nodded to him to ask his question.

"It seems as though my daughter has grown rather fond of you lately so I need to know man to man….Are you intending on mating with her?" Hàkon asked.

"I-I don't know I just know for sure that I'd do anything to support her as queen and that I'm fond of her too. So I guess the answer to your question is yes. I'd like to but only if she'll have me," Toothless said honestly not sure what it was exactly that he shared with the girl.

"Good answer, but just remember if you hurt my little girl then my brothers are on strict orders to skin you alive are we clear?" Hàkon replied smiling at the dragon who nodded his head repeatedly.

"Good then you have my blessing and I leave her to you," Hàkon said before closing his eyes peacefully.

After they talked Toothless left to wait outside the hut. He wanted to be the first person Tyra saw when she came out of that hut. It was sunrise when Toothless heard the door click open and quickly woke up to come face to face with Tyra still in her dragon form. She looked at him with deep sadness in her deep blue eyes and in that moment as Toothless wrapped his wings around her he knew.

They were gone.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 20

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Kelda walked through the village enjoying the rare warmth that had come with the morning and couldn't help but smile as she made her way to the great hall. She remembered before the dragons came, her job was to help school the young girls of the village on how to be a proper wife. It seemed funny now that she should be teaching such things when she had bashed her own husband over the head with a mace little over a month ago and had him exiled. According to the village her actions to save her child from her husband gave them all the more reason to respect her teachings not only as a Viking but as a mother. After her husband was exiled Kelda had changed her teachings a bit with the approval of Stoick the Vast since it was something near and dear to his heart as well. Her class now not only taught both boys and girls of the village how to be proper partners to each other and how to take care of babies but also taught the children how to run a home as a single parent.

'Would you be proud Valka?' Kelda wondered as she continued her walk.

The Viking new very well that her friend was alive and well but her presence almost seemed like torture since she remembered nothing of them. She was the one that had encouraged Kelda to become a teacher in the first place and was her rock after she found out about her arranged marriage. It still ate at her that she could not save her friend during the dragon attack since she was pregnant with Astrid at the time but Valka would have been furious with her if she tried.

Humming distracted her from her thoughts. She looked down smiling at her daughter as the little girl continued to hum and focus on kicking the rock on the ground like a ball. She could not get over how much she loved this child. The only reason she had stayed with her husband was that she was under the impression it somehow was in her daughter's benefit. Thankfully those dark days were behind them and now brighter ones laid ahead for the pair. For the first time in their home there was laughter, warmth, and safety for the little girl that always felt so afraid of her father.

Neither of them noticed the rock Astrid was kicking had rolled into the heel of someone's foot until the person turned around to pick up the round stone.

"Excuse me," the voice of the person called.

Both Kelda and Astrid turned around to see Valka holding the rock out with a smile on her face. When she had their attention, she walked over to return the rock to its owner.

"I believe this is yours, child," she said gently as she knelt in front of Astrid a place the rock in her hand.

"Thank you," Astrid replied smiling back.

The little girl felt strangely comfortable around this stranger and immediately took a liking to the new woman. Kelda watched the interaction and felt her heart ache in that moment for her friend that had been very much like a sister to her.

"You are quite welcome. You seemed very determined to kick that rock all over the island," Valka said the little girl with a chuckle.

"Not the whole island," Astrid said giggling at the idea of someone kicking a rock around the entire island of Berk.

"Just to the great hall. Mama has a class," the little girl explained proudly.

"My, that is impressive," Valka said.

"Would you like to walk with us?" Kelda asked suddenly surprising herself.

Valka seemed just as surprised by the question but it quickly disappeared and her expression suddenly turned into a happy smile.

"I would love to," she replied and the trio began walking towards the great hall.

The two women walked in a comfortable silence as Astrid continued to contently kick her rock just a little ways up ahead.

"You have a beautiful daughter," Valka said suddenly.

"Thank you, Valka is it?" Kelda replied hoping she still went by her name before she was taken.

"Yes, and my apologies I didn't catch your name," the other woman said smiling.

"Kelda, and this is my daughter Astrid," she explained.

Valka seemed lost in her thoughts for a moment as the name seemed to ring a bell somewhere in her memories. Her heart seemed to leap at the sight of this woman and felt a bit guilty knowing that this woman had clearly meant something to her a long time ago but she had forgotten her.

…

Stoick stood in front of the doors of the great hall waiting for Kelda to arrive for her class. The students already inside having their breakfast with the other Vikings. Everyone in the village knew that they had to be out of the hall by the time Kelda got there to teach the class or they had to stay to participate. Needless to say, most of the men were finishing up their breakfast quickly before they had to start learning how to sew clothes. A lot of the women and some men stayed for the class however interested in her class on running a home as a single parent. It was a realization a lot of them were ready to face being Vikings.

The chief tried to encourage more of the older Vikings to attend and even took them himself feeling it would benefit the tribe to know how to care for themselves and their children should they lose their partner.

A smile crept onto Stoick's face when he saw Astrid run up ahead smiling at him before she picked up her rock and walked over to him.

"Morning Chief," she greeted politely.

"Morning Astrid, where is your mother?" he asked the little girl.

"Oh Mama made a new friend this morning and she walked with us to see her class," Astrid explained before she looked over her shoulder to see the two women approaching.

In the short walk the pair had suddenly started to act as if they had never left each other's side. The pair had their arms loosely intertwined as they laughed and smiled about whatever they were talking about. Stoick thought that for a moment he had travelled to the past to when they were much younger when this was a constant sight that warmed his heart.

"Oh, good morning Stoick. We were just talking about you," Kelda said wiping a tear from her eye.

"Two she-devils laughing away, tell me that they are talking about me. Oh, that's comforting," he joked at pair.

"Oh, come now Stoick. It was only the story of how you and Gobber lost some kind of bet…"

'Oh Thor not that story' he thought.

"…and you and Gobber had to dress like a couple of maidens…"

'Please stop talking.'

"…then Kelda's brother truly thought in his drunken stupor that you pair were the pretest Vikings he'd ever seen," Valka explained laughing hysterically.

Stoick glared at her before turning his sights on Kelda who was looking quite proud of herself at the moment before she excused herself, taking Astrid inside with her.

"So glad my misery brings you such delight," he joked with the hint of a smile on his face which he tried to cover up with a glare.

"I'm so sorry but it was funny," Valka replied wiping the last of her tears away from laughing so hard at the image of Stoick in a dress.

"Uh huh," Stoick said.

Valka smiled as she walked over and tapped the man on his face. Her expression suddenly changed which did not go unnoticed by the Viking chief.

"You look like you have something to say," he said encouraging to say what was on her mind.

"Can you keep a secret?" she asked and smiled when he nodded.

"I actually, remember her. Kelda I mean," she explained surprising the chief.

"It was from a long time ago, we must have been children then but we were walking through the forest and found some boys swimming. We stole their clothes and we ran away with them back to the village," Valka thought fondly with a chuckle.

"That was you chuckleheads," Stoick said not realizing he had used the nickname he had given the pair from when they were children.

"Sorry," she replied with a smile.

Stoick couldn't stay angry, how could he? His beloved was slowly having her memories return to her and soon she might remember him as well and how much he adored her.

"I asked her about the baby," she said suddenly.

"What did she say?" Stoick replied slightly scared of the answer.

"What you said, to give it time before I crossed that bridge," she explained slightly frustrated that perhaps the one person who could lead her to her child wouldn't tell her.

Stoick nodded his head as a plan began to form in his head that he hoped would give him an opportunity to tell both her and Hiccup of what happened that night.

"She did tell me one thing though," Valka said sounding hopeful.

"Kelda told me the child lives in the village and is one of the most beautiful, kind hearted and smartest children she had ever laid eyes on," she explained feeling proud of this child she had yet to meet.

She stared at Stoick with a smile looking determined to learn as much as she could about herself so she could meet her child. She wanted to hold it close and never let go again. Even in the time she had spent among the dragons Valka had always felt she had left something very important behind the day she was taken.

"Kelda speaks truth to you. It will happen in time," Stoick said trying to sound supportive.

"Come let us go see this class. Perhaps afterwards you would do me the honor of having lunch with my son and I," Stoick said leading them inside the great hall.

"I would like that," Valka said feeling her heart flutter at the invitation.

…

It was later in the afternoon that Valka had come into the healer's hut to check on Eldrid and Hàkon to make sure they were comfortable. The dragon immediately noticed the smile on the woman's face and the way she hummed to herself as she busied herself with the tray of food.

"You seem happy here Valka," Eldrid said quietly surprising the other woman.

"M'lady you are awake, how wonderful. Shall I fetch your daughter?" Valka replied excited to see the dragon with her eyes open.

"In a while, I wish to speak with you a bit. Come sit," the dragon queen said inviting the woman to sit in the chair by her bed.

"Tell me what brings you such joy. This happiness in your eyes pleases me," the dragon said genuinely happy to see Valka happy.

"M'lady, I believe some of my memory is returning to me. My heart is remembering a woman that was dear to me as a sister. I also believe there may be a child that is mine in this village, St-the chief has been kind and wants to help me," Valka explained happily.

Eldrid smiled fondly catching the way she almost referred to the human by his first name and said, "You very much like human ruler, don't you?"

The dragon queen already knew of Valka's connection to these people from her mate. As she gazed at the human woman she had come to love she could see the affection Valka held for the one known as Stoick, even if she couldn't remember why.

"He is a good man-"

"With a handsome face and a soft spot for you lass," Eldrid said interrupting her.

"His heart is with his wife m'lady and their child. Any affection he could have for me is platonic," Valka explained glaring at the dragon.

"Yet something he's done is exciting you I can feel it," the dragon said.

Valka was quite for a few minutes as a small smile grew on her face and she said, "He has invited me to have lunch with him and his son."

Eldrid's smile grew back at the woman as she reached over and squeezed the human's hand affectionately. She still remembered the young woman her dragons had brought to her ship injured and frightened. It had taken no time to earn her trust which the dragon queen found remarkable but it was something she cherished dearly for she had also quickly found herself caring for this woman as a member of her clan. She rewarded that trust by offering her own to the human by entrusting her with the care of her only hatchling. Valka would come to her for hours about anything and everything that was on her mind. Knowing that her dear friend had finally found home in this place and possibly even the human family she yearned for made her feel like she wasn't abandoning the human after she passed away.

"Tell me child. Are you happy in this place with that human?" Eldrid asked needing to know for sure.

"Yes m'lady," she replied.

"Then I leave you in their care my precious friend. Embrace the opportunities that have come before you and find peace in them," Eldrid explained with a smile.

The dragon queen's face suddenly became scared and her hand went to her chest when she felt she could no longer breathe. Eldrid quickly turned to her mate and realized he begun to make chocking sounds and suddenly sat up coughing up blood.

Eldrid turned back toa  frightened Valka with her own blood running down her mouth and wheezed, "Find my daughter and please make haste."

"I will m'lady. Please both of you stay strong for her," Valka begged.

With that the woman bolted and ran out of the hut yelling to the Vikings to fetch the healer before she quickly ran to find Tyra, Stoick, and Spitelout.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 19

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure.

'I'm sorry, you want what?!' Toothless growled at the smirking Night Fury in front of him wagging her tail in amusement.

It had been a week since the raid and Toothless had recovered from his battle wounds along with the rest of the village. As promised Tyra came to him to demand her prize from the training and Toothless was not happy about it.

'You heard me. You and Hiccup shall be my prize' she repeated nonchalantly.

'WE ARE NOT DESSERT!' Toothless roared at her making her laugh.

'No scales for brains I'm not going to eat you. YOU will be my slave for one day and as my slave that means what's yours is mine. So I'm taking Hiccup flying and you will wait on us hand, foot, and paw for the entire day' she explained making the Night Fury angrier by the minute.

'Deal is a deal, not my fault you forgot to negotiate the terms. Maybe if you practiced more it would be you who could be doing anything you wanted to me' she teased.

Toothless stood there not knowing how else to argue with the other dragon. The truth of the matter was as much as he didn't want to admit it….she was right. Now he wished more than ever that he had practiced more.

'Oh what I wouldn't do to you' the Night Fury thought to himself until he saw the expression on the other dragon's face.

'I said that out loud didn't I?' Toothless asked humiliated.

Tyra simply nodded to him with an amused expression on her face as she watched Toothless facepalm himself. (or facepaw whichever you prefer)

'When exactly does my slavery begin?' he asked with a sigh desperate to change the subject.

'Now' she replied simply and threw herself on Toothless' back.

'I relieve you at sunset but in the meantime slave, take me to my treasure' she demanded.

The villagers thought it a strange sight to see one dragon lying lazily on its belly with its wings dragging across the ground on top of another disgruntled looking dragon. Everyone stared at the odd pair as they walked through the village.

Gobber happened to be coming out of his shop at the same time that the strange pair were slowly making their way past him. Toothless glared at the human with a stare that said 'don't ask' before continuing on his journey to his human's house. The poor dragon tried desperately to ignore the man's inconsolable laughter behind him.

When they got to the house Tyra gracefully rolled off of Toothless' back and shifted into her human form before she landed into a crouching position beside him. She smiled at him before standing up and knocking on the door before she entered the residence.

"Tyra!" Cried a small voice before a blur ran head on into the girl's stomach and knocked her over.

"Hello little one I am excited you are happy to see me," she said smiling at the boy.

"What are you doing here?" he asked innocently.

"I've come for my prize," she said as she sat up and held the boy closer to herself making the other dragon growl in annoyance.

"I'm your prize?" Hiccup asked confused.

"Yes, today you are my treasure and the grumpy looking thing behind me is my slave until sunset. He will do anything we tell him to," she explained with a wicked smile on her face.

Wanting to confirm this new information for himself he looked over his cousin's bare shoulder and asked, "Toothless…I'm not your treasure today?"

The Night Fury reluctantly shook his head before he watched a mischievous smirk find its way on to his little human's face.

"Toothless…" Hiccup said looking like he was thinking really hard.

'Uh oh' the dragon thought horrified.

"…..do a funny dance," the boy finished excitedly.

Tyra turned to look at him over her shoulder wearing an expression on her face that said 'do it or else.' The other Night Fury glared at them both before he stood up on his haunches and started to wiggle his body around as he spun around in a circle. When he was done he turned to see the pair laughing their heads off as they fell to the floor.

'I hate you both' he growled and sat down awaiting his next command.

"Don't be mad. This is supposed to be fun," Hiccup said as he got up from Tyra's lap and crossed the distance to Toothless before wrapping his arms around his front leg.

'Fun for who exactly?' Toothless replied looking down at his little friend.

"Slave, I demand you do my treasure's chores while we go flying for the afternoon. When we return I expect nothing less than a delicious meal, am I clear?" she demanded like a true queen.

Within moments Toothless transformed into his human form looking just as disgruntled as he did as a dragon and said through gritted teeth, "Yes m'lady."

"Good slave," she teased before taking Hiccup by the hand and off they went.

When they got outside she shifted back into a dragon and waited for Hiccup to climb on before she took to the skies. It was breath taking to see Berk from so high above the ground as they glided through the clouds and dove in and out of the water. Deciding to take Hiccup somewhere comfortable she flew into the forest and found the cove.

"What are we doing here?" Hiccup asked after they landed.

"I thought we'd have a little spar to see if you've been practicing," Tyra explained after she shifted back into a human.

"Really?!" Hiccup cried excited.

"Yes. Go get the wooden swords," Tyra chuckled and watched the excited boy go get his things.

When he returned she was pleased to see that not only had he brought the wooden swords but the shields as well.

"Excellent. You can practice against a human first and then a dragon," she explained as she picked up the sword and shield.

Both took fighting positions in front of each other and nodded before they flew at each other. Hiccup immediately slid onto his knees and skidded between Tyra's legs, but as he spun around to hit her from behind she turned also and blocked his attack.

"Very clever little one. Always remember to use your size to your advantage," she instructed before she pushed him away with her sword and went back into position.

"Can I ask you a question?" Hiccup asked as he dodged one of her attacks.

"Of course," she replied as their swords met once more.

"Do you like Toothless?" he asked surprising her and landing a hit in the leg.

"Ow, nice hit and good form," she said as if she didn't hear the question.

"Well?" asked impatiently.

Tyra was silent for a moment before she sighed and said, "Yes, I suppose I do."

"Then why are you so mean to him?" Hiccup asked.

Tyra slashed her sword against the boy's before answering, "I'm…testing him."

Hiccup stepped back from the attack and looked at her confused as he waited for an explanation.

"You see little one when a lady chooses a mate she must be careful for she will only mate once. I'm testing him by being mean to test how honest his affections are. If his love is genuine, then I will spend the rest of my life making it up to him and forever stay by his side," she explained smiling softly.

"Kinda backwards from how I see human mommies and daddies do it. First they act really nice to each other and then drive each other crazy for the rest of their lives," Hiccup said innocently making Tyra laugh.

"Either way we get to have a bit of fun right?" she said smiling when Hiccup nodded back.

"Alright hatchling time to fight the dragon," she said before transforming once again.

…

Stoick was once again tending to his duties as chief with Valka by his side. He couldn't help but notice she didn't seem herself and was concerned.

"Are you alright m'lady?" Stoick asked.

"Of course nothing to trouble yourself with," she replied quickly but the chief saw through her act and gave her a look.

"Forgive me. I didn't want to trouble you with my silly problem," she replied looking away.

Stoick quickly made her look back at him by gently grasping her chin and leading her gaze back to him before he said, "Your problems are not troublesome to me."

Valka couldn't help the blush that formed on her face but quickly laughed it off when Stoick destroyed his charming moment when he added, "Unless it's woman problems, then I can't help you."

"I believe this place is bringing back memories for me. After all it used to be my home before I was taken…I-I think I had a child Stoick. I can't be sure but I remember singing to a wee babe but…I cannot recall what became of him," Valka explained as she began to quietly sob.

Stoick immediately pulled her into a protective embrace and held her while she cried. He wanted to tell her more than anything that the babe was their son but he was still worried it would cause more harm than good.

"Give it time lass, these things take time. You take as long as ya need just don't force it," Stoick said gently as he held her tight.

Valka could only nod in reply and pulled away giving him a watery smile that reminded him of Hiccup's and couldn't help smiling back.

"C'mon we can go back to my place for a while I think I still have some tea there," he offered.

"I'd like that," she replied.

When they got to the house Stoick stopped them when he saw there was smoke coming out of his chimney and slamming going on inside his hut. Pulling out an axe he motioned for Valka to stay where she was before he slammed the door open ready for a fight but what he saw disturbed him greatly.

There was a naked young man in his house facing away from him and stirring the large pot that hung over the open flame. The chief looked around his home to find it immaculate and whatever he was cooking smelt good. Stoick was so surprised he took a few steps back out and counted the huts on both sides to make sure he was in fact in his own home before turning his attention back on the surprised teen that had finally noticed him. The young man in question was clearly a Night Fury in disguise judging by his eyes and Stoick quickly recognized him as Toothless.

"I can explain," Toothless said quickly but Stoick put his hand up to silence him.

"No need lad. I don't wanna know," he replied before turning to leave.

"But-"

"AHH!" Stoick cut him off before putting a finger to his lips and made a 'shh' sound before leaving and closing the door behind him.

"Something wrong?" Valka asked.

"Nope, it's a lovely day let's go for a walk," he said quickly wrapping his arm around her shoulder and led him away from his home.

…

Tyra and Hiccup came home laughing and covered in dirt from their spar but when they walked into the hut all the laughter stopped.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" a voice shouted catching the pair off guard.

"I'M HERE ALL AFTERNOON COOKING OVER A HOT FIRE WORRIED SICK AND YOU STROLL IN AND COVER MY CLEAN FLOOR WITH FILTH!" the dragon ranted with a spoon in his hand.

Hiccup and Tyra were shocked by the outburst. The two cousins carefully looked at each other before looking back at the other dragon seriously wondering if they walked into the wrong hut.

"Are you her slave or her wife?" Hiccup asked confused.

The boy could have sworn slaves were more compliant but Toothless sounded like the lady that lived next door when she got mad at her husband. Tyra burst out laughing not able to hold back the laughter anymore which seemed to make Toothless even angrier.

"Go eat your dinner," he hissed at the boy who quickly obeyed trying not to laugh.

As the child walked by the smell of blood reached Toothless' nose and he instantly saw red. He immediately grabbed Hiccup and began sniffing him until he found the source of the smell from the palms of his hands.

"What happened?" he demanded.

"Tripped on a rock on the way home," the boy replied.

"And since we were on a hill, he took me out on the way down and we landed in mud. Hence why we're late and filthy," Tyra said giggling at the memory as Toothless began licking the cut clean.

"You'll need to bathe us after dinner slave," Tyra said sitting down to her stew that actually looked quite edible.

"Both of you?" Toothless inquired suddenly no longer interested in the tiny cut.

"Of course, slave. Do you expect me to wash myself?" Tyra replied as she ate.

"As you wish m'lady," the dragon replied suddenly very compliant.

Hiccup was first to be washed which took far longer than it should have with all the splashing going on. By the time the bath was done Hiccup was clean but Toothless was soaked much to the boy's amusement. The dragon got Hiccup dressed while Tyra soaked in the outdoor bath and set him down in front of the warm fire before passing him a bowl of blueberries for dessert. The dragon felt himself suddenly very excited to do his next chore. The idea of being able to touch the other girl was very appealing to him.

"Toothless," Hiccup's tiny voice said distracting the dragon from his thoughts.

He looked down at the boy and noticed he was holding out the bowl for him. The dragon became confused knowing blueberries were Hiccup's favorite.

"What's wrong? Are they not good?" Toothless asked.

"Their good but I want you to have them. You did a good job on my chores," Hiccup explained warming the dragon's heart.

Suddenly all the chores he did for his human, all the cooking, and silly dancing for entertainment at dinner were worth every second for this precious moment with his hatchling.

"I do not need dessert Hiccup but your kindness is appreciated," Toothless said putting the bowl back in the human's lap before kissing the top of his head.

"I am still a slave for ten minutes so behave while I tend to the queen alright," Toothless said and smiled when he received a nod in reply.

The Night Fury adjusted the warm blanket on the chair around the little boy before ruffling his hair and going outside to where Tyra was soaking in the tub.

"Slave, you may wash my hair now," Tyra said secretly excited for the head massage.

Toothless smirked as he approached the outdoor tub, taking in Tyra's amazing scent before he began using the oils and gently ran them through the girl's hair. They were quiet as Toothless worked on grooming his queen.

"Thank you," she said suddenly.

"For what?" Toothless asked.

"For putting up with my demands. You could have told me to bugger off but you did it with only…mild complaint. More importantly you trusted me with Hiccup. You didn't doubt for a moment that I'd take care of him," Tyra explained.

"It was nothing," he replied quickly before grabbing the soap.

Toothless was about to start washing her when her hand shot out and stopped him from continuing. He looked at her confused as she smiled at him.

"It has been ten minutes, you are my slave no longer. You may go back to your treasure if you wish," Tyra explained gently before releasing his hand.

It looked as though Toothless was about to do just that as he bent down to the ground. Tyra assumed he was putting the soap down before he left but to her surprise he popped back up not only with the soap but a cloth as well.

"What kind of slave would I be if I left the job half finished?" Toothless teased before he lathered the soap.

"Alright, turn around so I can get your back," Toothless demanded.

"As you wish," she replied with a smirk and obeyed the Night Fury's command.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 18

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Tyra ran desperately through the village carrying her mother terrified that she was already dead. She had promised her parents that when the time came for them to leave this world that they would go side by side and Tyra would see to it that she kept that promise. She could sense her father's presence close by but was also disturbed by the strong smell of his blood making her run faster. She found herself in the healer's hut and when her terrified blue eyes found his comforting grey ones staring back at her, she collapsed in a heap on the floor breathing heavily. The Night Furies that had been following behind quickly lifted Eldrid off of Tyra and carried her to her mate's side. Tyra quickly shifted into her human form and stood at the foot of her father's bed observing him caress her mother's paw as she laid beside him.

'I'm here my love' Eldrid cooed to her mate as she slowly moved closer to him and nuzzled his face.

"Leave us," Tyra said to the others in the room who quickly obeyed her leaving only the family of three.

The young dragon stared with an unreadable expression at the weakened state of her parents but on the inside she was lost in her emotions.

'This is it. I'm really going to lose them' she thought wanting nothing more than to scream in rage and go destroy the queen and her minions herself.

Hàkon smiled fondly at his mate before turning his gaze to his hatchling. The girl had her hair covering her eyes and her body was tense while she clenched her fists.

"Tyra look at me," the man demanded.

Slowly Tyra obeyed her father and looked up at him with tears streaming down her face. Suddenly it wasn't a future queen he was seeing but his little girl that ran to him for every nightmare, hurt feeling, and monster under her cot.

"Come to me my little wild child," he whispered in a hoarse voice with a chuckle.

The teen quickly went to her father and curled up beside him in his bed as tears continued to fall from her eyes. Hàkon held his daughter as tight as he could before kissing her hair gently and humming to her as he did when she was just a newly hatched dragon. Eldrid took the last of her energy and changed into her human form. With great effort she snuggled deeper into her mate's embrace on his other side and wrapped her arm around both her mate and her hatchling.

"Will you leave me this night?" Tyra asked her parents.

"No little one not this night but I am weakened and I fear our time with you grows shorter," he explained feeling guilty as he felt his daughter cling on tighter to them.

"I am afraid," she admitted.

"You have nothing to fear child, you were a force to be reckoned with this night. Tonight I fought at the side of a true queen strong, proud, and fierce protecting her people," Eldrid said to her hatchling.

The dragon queen then tilted Tyra's face to look at her with her paw and said, "Know this and never doubt it. We are always with you whether we are here in flesh or in spirit and we will always be proud of you true dragon queen."

The small family stayed in each other's embrace for quite some time before there was a knock at the door and in walked the healer smiling warmly at the trio.

"You have guests," Eira said to them when they turned their attention on her.

The healer stepped aside and in walked Stoick and Spitelout before taking her leave to give them privacy. Neither Stoick nor Spitelout had moved from outside the hut since they brought their older brother there after the battle. Still adorned in Night Fury armor and the blood of both humans and dragons they nodded to Eira as they walked further into the room to stand by their brother's bed.

"It lives!" Spitelout teased.

"And it's looking better then you grungy pair on your best day," Hàkon chuckled back.

"Quiet you lot. We come on business although it is good to see you breathing old man," Stoick said before turning to Tyra.

"I've got a mob of dragons standing around outside trying to figure out what to do. Can you help me out here lass?" Stoick pleaded.

The girl chuckled before she gracefully rose from the bed and bowed respectfully to everyone in the room. After she took her leave the two brothers sat down and looked seriously at the couple.

"I don't like that expression," the oldest brother said looking at Stoick.

"I have good news and bad news brother. Which do you want first?" the chief said.

"Bad news. Get it over with," Hàkon replied.

"Alright, well during the battle there were two dragons unaccounted for. The one that stabbed you and got away from us as well as another that took off with the others back to the queen. Nobody seemed to realize the second was a spy and the Night Furies fear that it will expose our plans," the chief explained.

Eldrid and Hàkon looked shocked by the news. They had been so certain that they had gotten all of the traitors in the raid.

"We must hope for the best. Hope that the others going back to the queen have covered their tracks enough to protect themselves from the threat. Perhaps with a true spy returning it will seem less suspicious about the attack and will buy us more time," Eldrid said finally seeming hopeful.

"One can only hope my love," Hàkon said before turning to his brothers.

"So, tell me then. What is the good news?" he asked them.

"A few people say the injured spy maybe hiding in the forest. I distinctly remember stabbing the thing in its wing after it attacked you. We can send out a few people to retrieve the beast and destroy it once and for all," Spitelout said proudly.

"Agreed, the dragon must be found but I want him brought to me alive. I wish to bestow my own justice on him for daring to harm my mate," Eldrid said in a dark tone that mildly terrified the other Vikings.

"You're so lovely when you're vengeful my love," Hàkon joked making his mate's expression suddenly change from malicious to amused.

Stoick smiled as he watched the couple interact and couldn't help but feel like he was watching himself and Valka before her disappearance. They truly were a perfect match for one another and willing to fight for each other to the ends of the Earth. The only thing Stoick found regrettable about them was that his father could not see what he and Spitelout saw.

"Brother I have more news for you."

…

Hiccup sat with the terrible terror that seemed to be adamant about having Hiccup's attention. The other children of the village seemed to like the little dragon as well and began taking turns holding the little terror and petting it under its chin, much to the little creature's delight.

Valka watched from her side of the shelter where she held many small children in her lap throughout the night. Her attention continually seemed to focus on the little boy with messy hair and twinkling green eyes. After the battle was over the child seemed to be sitting alone waiting for someone as the other children left with their parents. She took the opportunity to walk over to the child and sat beside him as she smiled gently at him.

"Hello," he said smiling back at her.

"Hello to you to young man. Are you waiting for someone?" she asked kindly.

"I'm waiting for my friend Toothless. He promised he'd come take me home since daddy will be busy with the battle," he explained.

"Ah yes, you are the chief's son if I'm not mistaken. Hiccup is it?" Valka replied surprised by how friendly the child was.

"That's me! I'm sorry I don't know who you are," Hiccup said.

"My name is Valka. I've lived with the dragons for a very long time," the woman explained studying the child's face.

'He must look like his mother. I see very little of Stoick's features in him other than that shy smile' Valka thought affectionately.

"You like my daddy don't you?" Hiccup suddenly asked her as if he were reading her thoughts and catching the woman off guard.

"He has become a friend to me. My first human one that I can remember in fact," Valka explained quickly to the boy.

"I'm glad you are his friend. He's lonely without mommy, he smiles a lot around you. It's nice seeing him happy," Hiccup explained before getting up and wrapping his arms around her.

"Thank you," he mumbled as he held onto her and slowly she returned the embrace holding him tightly as if she had longed to for a very long time.

"May we also be friends?" Valka asked the child in her arms that was quickly wiggling his way into her heart.

"I'd like that," he replied.

A grumbling caught Hiccup's attention and he turned to see Toothless coming into the arena, looking around while sniffing the air. The human child's eyes lit up at the sight of his friend and he quickly pulled himself away from Valka.

"I'm sorry I gotta go Toothless is here," he explained quickly before smiling at her and ran towards the dragon.

Valka smiled as she watched him go when suddenly her head felt like it was splitting in two and voices played in her head.

'Sleep little one sleep; what shall you fear when I am here? Sleep little one sleep'

'What is this? These words mean something….memories come to me' Valka thought as she leaned against the wall and held her head in her hands.

…

"Toothless!"

The Night Fury heard his name called and barely had time to turn his head before a speeding bundle of Hiccup ran into him and clung tightly onto his neck. The dragon was knocked over by the unsuspecting force but he quickly recovered and wrapped his paws around the tiny child. He chuckled as he nuzzled the top of Hiccup's head consuming his senses with the boy's scent and relaxed in his presence. Toothless looked over Hiccup's shoulder to see the terrible terror nodding his head at him and returned the nod grateful to the tiny dragon for staying with his human until he had come for him.

"I missed you," Hiccup said bluntly into the dragon's neck making Toothless smile.

'I missed you as well little one. You are safe now' the dragon replied pulling the boy closer to his chest as he sat up.

As Toothless sat on his haunches Hiccup had a perfect view of the deep scratches on his friend's back and immediately became concerned.

"You're bleeding," Hiccup said pulling away from the dragon so that they were face to face.

'I am alright that weak traitor could not do any real damage to me. I would not allow anything to stop me from keeping my promise' he cooed to the child as he rested his forehead on Hiccup's.

"Those are deep and should be tended to," a voice behind them said and the pair turned around to see Tyra still looking visibly upset.

'They will heal' he argued.

"They will heal better with ointment now get to the healer. I cannot be worrying about you also," she demanded gently.

Not wanting to make the girl more upset then she was with her parents wounded and several dragons to worry about, he put down Hiccup and dropped to all fours. The little boy quickly climbed onto the dragon's neck and Toothless led them out of the arena grumbling which made Tyra smirk and Hiccup giggle.

"You will need the rest Toothless. After all you still owe me from the training," she said with a smirk that made the other Night Fury squirm.

"That's right I owe Astrid my dessert...So what do you have to give her?" Hiccup asked innocently.

'That's a good damn question' Toothless thought suddenly terrified of what his fate would be in the hands of the girl.

"Oh you'll see," she smiled mischievously.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 17

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure.

It had taken a lot of work on behalf of the Night Furies but they were happy to help keep their new friends safe. The Gronkle that Fish Legs had affectionately dubbed Meatlug was hesitant at first to help the humans with their quest. However as soon as the words dragon raid met her ears she took one glance at the adorably chubby lad that she'd come to love and her maternal instincts kicked in instantly. One by one the Vikings slowly approached each dragon and with Eldrid as a negotiator made a deal between human and dragon. It guaranteed their freedom and possible residence if they so choose in exchange for allegiance as well as a promise of no harm coming to the human village or its residents. Everything happened very quickly and it had to since none of them had any idea when the dragon raid would actually take place but they would be ready.

Everyone was currently gathered around the arena. The dragons had eagerly gathered their Viking hosts and hostesses to show them what they had made for them. Only Gobber knew what was going on since he was the one forging them and was excited to see the reaction. Everyone waited impatiently to see what this surprise was all about especially a certain little boy who had wiggled his way to the front of the arena along with some of the other village children to see what the fuss about. Hiccup didn't really like that his friend had kept a secret form him even if it was a surprise but since he was getting a present he decided that he could let it slide just this once.

The royal dragon family and Stoick walked into the middle of the arena where tables with sheets over them were currently standing. The dragons stood by the tables in human disguise smirking at the excitement they could feel around them. Toothless looked over the crowd until he spotted Hiccup waving at him and smiled back at the excited child. Everyone suddenly started shouting upon their arrival demanding to know what was going on and finally Stoick raised his fists into the air and silenced them all without so much as a word.

"I'm not gonna lie to you lot I have no idea why we are here but it seems our guests have something to show us," Stoick explained once everyone had settled down.

"So give them your attention and then we need to discuss the raid. We were lucky last night but they may try tonight so we must be ready," the chief added.

"Quite right Stoick. We need to be ready for tonight," Hàkon replied as he stepped forward to speak to the crowd.

All the Vikings were instantly interested in what this man was going to tell them, they had seen very little of their chief's older brother. To have him suddenly appear in front of them and speak to them was very much a shock. One thing they could not help but notice was how thin this man was and he appeared exhausted. The young man the older Vikings would remember was a brave, bright eyed, handsome lad with a strong body and an even stronger spirit.

"For those of you too young to remember me my name is Hàkon Haddock, or as my father called me after I was exhiled, Hàkon the forgotten. My friends I have come back here to protect my home one last time and thanks to our friends this is possible. With great effort from the Night Furies and our new gronkle friend we have a gift for you," the man explained.

As he finished speaking the dragons removed the cloths from the tables revealing black armor and weapons that gleamed in the light. The Vikings were in awe of what they were seeing and were in such shock that they actually stopped talking and for the first time since before they came to the island it was quiet. Hàkon walked over to one table and grabbed something off of it and brought it over to Stoick and handed it to him. The chief was still surprised by the action and looked over the new gift when he realized it was armor. The protective clothing covered his back and chest as well as the tops of his shoulders and on the outside to the chief's amazement was covered in shining, black scales.

"Scales of a Night Fury can only de damaged by other Night Furies so this village is under their complete protection," Hàkon explained with a hint of a smile.

"Come my friends there is enough for everyone," the man said turning to the Vikings who were more than happy to oblige.

Hiccup darted through the crowd and immediately looked for Toothless but could not find him anywhere. The child yelped in surprise when somebody picked him up from behind and spun him around so that he was face to face with the person he was looking for. Hiccup chuckled at seeing the familiar face.

"Scare you?" Toothless asked amused.

"No way I could smell you all the way from my house," Hiccup teased.

The dragon chuckled as he carried his tiny friend possessively to the table where he had his present waiting. He smiled as he watched Hiccup's face light up at the sight of his new armor which was basically a miniature version of Stoick's armor.

"Do you like it?" he asked the boy as he sat him down.

"Are you kidding? This is amazing I love it," the boy replied in excitement.

Toothless grabbed the armor off the table and began dressing it on the little boy who couldn't have been more excited standing still. After it was on Hiccup stretched his arms in front of him and behind him to make sure the armor fit right before tackling his dragon in a fit of happiness repeating 'thank you' over and over again.

'I love this strange little hatchling' Toothless thought as he chuckled and ruffled the child's hair that was laying on his chest.

Yes, he truly did love his clever, adorable, cuddly human hatchling. As Hiccup smiled at him the dragon wondered for probably the millionth time since he met the child how anyone could possibly not want him around.

...

"You didn't have to do this you know," Stoick said to his brother as Hàkon inspected the armor on his little brother.

"I didn't do it cause I felt I had to Stoick. I did it because I wanted to protect my home. This is all I can do," the man replied as he finished looking over the armor.

"You can't fight off the dragons can you?" the chief suddenly realized suddenly looking at his brother as if he were seeing him for the first time.

The man that stood before him was weak and his hands were shaking. Although he had the youth of the dragons anyone with eyes could see the fairness of his skin and the darkness under his eyes. In that moment Stoick truly understood that his brother did not have much time left on this Earth and felt a heaviness in his chest at the realization. As a child he adored this man and wanted nothing more than to grow up to be just like him, even after he was exiled it was still Hàkon he was trying to please not his father.

"I can fight just fine as long as I'm breathing," Hàkon replied quickly looking mildly offended before he started chuckling to himself.

"What's so funny?" Stoick asked taken aback by his brother's sudden change of mood.

"I have a disease of the lungs," he explained.

Suddenly both brothers started chukling and as it got louder it turned into hysterical laughter causing Hàkon to lean on Stoick both with tears in their eyes. Everyone else in the arena just stared at them oddly and wondered how the pair went from having such serious expressions to laughing their butts off. Spitelout looked over at his older brothers and shook his head with a chuckle before he continued putting the armor on his son.

The laughter slowly died down and both men were wiping tears from their eyes just as Hàkon started coughing uncontrollably. It didn't take long for the coughing to subside but when Hàkon pulled his hand away from his mouth Stoick saw the blood on it and became worried again.

"Ow, I brought that one on myself," the older man commented more to himself as he rubbed his chest.

"Hàkon, I mean it. Don't be going out there if ya can't fight," Stoick said.

"What kind of wayward son would I be if I followed orders," the man smirked before he walked off to join his family.

…

Hiccup and Toothless had just landed back in the village after a flight when they started telling everyone that the dragons were coming. Everyone immediately jumped into action and started gathering their armor and weapons. Toothless ran as fast as his legs could carry him to his human's home and nudged the boy in to go grab his armor and weapons. When Hiccup had his things they ran for the arena where they were taking all of the younger children to hide from the raid.

When they arrived, there were already several families guiding their children into the shelter they had made. Several of the walls were opened up and slowly the dragons that were held there were released allowing a great deal of space for the children to enter.

The dragons themselves were incredibly hesitant about being free after they were locked away for so long but they were also determined to fight for their freedom. As they watched the young hatchlings go inside they could feel the fear radiating off them. Being the paternal creatures they were lowered their snouts to the ground and cooed at the upset children to try and comfort them. This was something else that greatly surprised the Vikings especially when some of dragons were even staying behind to protect their children.

Meatlug being one of them was nuzzling children as they sat down on the ground with blankets wrapped around them when she saw Fish Legs. The little boy looked absolutely terrified but seemed to relax when he saw the gronkle and quickly made his way over to her. He immediately wrapped his chubby arms around her and sobbed.

'Hush little one all is well. This will be over soon´ she growled gently to him as she let the child cling to her for comfort.

Yelling caught Meatlug's attention and she looked up and chuckled at the sight of a Nightmare that had agreed to help gather the children. He was currently carrying a scowling child by his vest while his mother walked beside the dragon carrying a bundle of blankets that appeared to be moving.

"Mom I can fight!" he whined before the Nightmare rolled his eyes and gently plopped the boy on his backside.

"You heard your father Snotlout. We are to stay here until after the battle," the woman replied shaking her head at her tuff little Viking.

"Besides I can't fight with your little brother with me. We need you to protect us," she explained.

The boy seemed to consider her words before he finally nodded his head and got up to go sit beside his mother and little brother. The Nightmare couldn't help but chuckle at this human, he wasn't scared at all he was mad and wanted a fight.

'All that muscle covering up such a big heart' he thought as he observed the boy's mother pass him his baby brother. When Snotlout thought nobody was looking he made silly faces and smiled at the smaller human making the baby make funny noises but stopped when he saw anyone walk by.

"Don't worry Gustav I got you. If a dragon tries to get you or mommy I'll kill them with my face," he promised confidently.

'Big heart but no brain' the Nightmare thought before he turned to walk off. As he did he passed a set of twins who were slamming their heads against a zippleback that had offered to stay behind to entertain the head slammers as they were now dubbed by the dragons.

Hiccup clung onto his dragon as he watched all the children and women with babies go into the shelters not wanting to go without his friend.

'Hiccup I have to go. You need to let go' he growled at the child trying to wiggle out of his grasp.

"I want you to stay here with me," he sobbed.

Toothless could feel his resolve breaking at the sight of his human crying for him but he knew he needed to be out there fighting with his kind. With a heavy sigh he licked the human's face and slipped his head out from Hiccup's grasp. With a forceful nudge he made the point that Hiccup needed to go where it was safe and the boy reluctantly started to walk to the shelter when he stopped and looked over his shoulder.

"Toothless promise you'll come back ok" Hiccup said and when the dragon stood up and drew a cross over his heart the little boy smiled and ran off.

Toothless stood there for a moment watching him go when a tiny dragon with big eyes known to the humans as a terrible terror came and sat beside him. The Night Fury growled a command to the dragon and watched it run ahead of him before leaving.

The terror ran through the crowds until it found what it was looking for. He found Hiccup sitting on the floor with Astrid. He scurried up to the boy and climbed in his lap before licking his face and nuzzling his chest remembering his command from the Night Fury.

'Stay with Hiccup till I come for him. Keep his happy and keep him safe'

…

Toothless flew into the sky hiding in the clouds with the other Night Furies ready for the attack. Tyra found him looking solemn and growled at him to get his attention.

'He's safe Toothless. His scent is covered by the other humans and the arena was lined with eels after we left. I promise you they won't get to him so please focus' she said concerned about the dragon going into battle. He nodded back and his eyes suddenly went into slits indicating he was ready to fight.

On the ground the Vikings were hiding behind houses and other buildings. They had deliberately left out livestock to distract the beasts.

"Here they come," Gobber said as he heard them flying overhead and before they knew it the battle was underway.

Stoick jumped out and immediately began to attack the first dragon he saw, a Nadder to be precise. The blue dragon saw the human and immediately jumped into defensive position. The Viking found this odd from a dragon but what was even stranger was that the beast bowed it's head to him and didn't attack him back.

"The Nadder is with us Stoick, she's been in hiding for some time. She's watching our backs to help us find the queen's spies," Hàkon explained before running off to fight off more dragons. The ground was heavy with battle, the sounds of war cries and dragon screams filled the air along with the blood of human and beast alike.

Up in the sky the dragons fought and it was there that they seemed to find their spies. They took them down ferociously with their blasts and their claws. One found Toothless and dived onto his back clawing into his scales.

'The queen will reward me greatly for bringing her your treasure Night Fury. I look forward to watching her feast on his flesh' the speed stinger mocked.

What the creature didn't realize however is that was probably the worst thing you could've said to the other dragon to get the upper hand against him. Toothless saw red and within seconds the Night Fury had flipped himself so he was face to face with his enemy before he grabbed him with his powerful claws. He turned them so the speed stinger's back was facing the ground and shot a beam right into the dragon's face followed by three more.

'NEVER threaten my human' he hissed before he let the dragon fall to his death.

Toothless watched before a scream rang out through the clouds loud and clear. He quickly rushed over when he recognized it as a Night Fury scream.

…

"That's right beasts get off my island," Stoick hollered as he watched the remaining dragons fly off into the night.

He turned to see all the dragons lying on the ground amongst Vikings and without another thought yelled, "Alright up ya get the coast is clear."

Suddenly all of the 'dead' dragons and Vikings stood up and brushed themselves off mumbling about how this was the strangest raid in history. Stoick chuckled as he watched them before he heard his younger brother calling for him.

Quickly he ran through the crowd concern growing by the minute for his younger brother until at last he found him looking terrified.

"What is it Spitelout?" he demanded.

"I've called for the healer but there is a lot of blood. One of the spies got to Hàkon...they attacked him from behind and speared him."

Stoick was in shock he hadn't expected this and slowly turned to find his brother on the ground holding onto his wound near his heart. Hàkon smiled at Stoick with blood running down his mouth.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 16

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure.

Stoick had been patrolling the village as normal but there had been a change in his routine for the past while that made the residence of Berk very happy. He no longer made his rounds by himself, it seemed like all day long Valka was by his side during his strolls and smiled quietly as she watched the chief work. Although the village kept Stoick as busy as ever he seemed passionate about it again and it reminded the Vikings of when the chief was a young man and taking his father's place. Everyone had recognized the man's long lost wife almost instantly making it very awkward for poor Valka to go anywhere without being stared at. Stoick had made it clear to everyone that neither Valka nor Hiccup were to know anything about the woman's past until he could properly bring it up or have the memories resurface on their own.

'I forgot how beautiful she is Thor how I miss her' Stoick thought as he gazed at the woman adoringly.

"Chief, are you alright?" she asked looking at him concerned.

"Of course why do you ask?" he replied.

"You seemed to be staring off into space and drooling so I was concerned," Valka explained and the Viking chief immediately wiped his face on the back of his sleeve as she giggled at him.

'He's ridiculous and disgusting and yet I feel so natural here in this moment' Valka thought to herself as she shook her head at Stoick.

Gobber watched on from the healer's hut with a smile before a distraction caught his eye….a round curvy distraction in the form of Eira's backside as the healer was gathering her things. Suddenly the viking's smile grew into a happy grin.

"Gobber...I can see you," Eira said over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow.

"I have no ide-"

Gobber was cut off in mid-sentence by the healer pointing to the potion bottles on the shelf that clearly reflected Gobber's form sitting on the bed.

"Can't blame a guy for admiring. It's a compliment," he said with a smirk.

This only seemed to make the healer's glare intensify in his direction before she turned around and continued rummaging. When she completed her task she turned her attention to Gobber's prosthetic hand and began examining it. Since the Viking first lost a limb at the age of eighteen Gobber had been a frequent visitor to Eira's hut to be examined and refitted particularly after battle or bad weather that could rust the metal on his detachable limbs. On some occasions Gobber would just go there after a very long voyage for what he liked to call a bed breaking good time.

"The arm looks good. I see you've been actually cleaning it," she commented in her work tone.

"Ai, damedest thing happened. When I cleaned the stump it stopped gettin' infected," Gobber said proud of his discovery.

"Imagine that," Eira replied in mock surprise.

"No kiddin'," Gobber said completely missing the healer's sarcasm.

"So I think we should celebrate this grand news. My hut or yours?" he asked with a sly grin.

Eira rolled her eyes but before she could say anything, a panic stricken pair of dragons and their human partners ran up to Stoick before transforming into their human form.

"What's going on?" Stoick demanded them.

"Find my mother and father we need to meet in your great room immediately," Tyra explained quickly before turning to the Night Furies and speaking her native tongue while still in her human form.

The humans were beside themselves in surprise at the display of a young human looking girl releasing an animalistic growl to the crowd around them.

"What the hell was that?" Stoick asked Valka as they ran to the last known location of Hàkon and Eldrid.

"She was speaking the language of dragons. Basically she was summoning the Night Furies to the great hall. It must be important for her to suddenly become so authoritative," Valka explained.

"She usually leaves business to her mother then?" Stoick inquired.

"Yes, she's an extremely obedient daughter and will not take command unless her mother tells her to or when Eldrid is not around," she explained.

Valka was silent for a moment before she started giggling to herself and noticed Stoick giving her a look and smiled at him.

"There is actually one other reason a female Night Fury would suddenly become feisty and bossy towards someone," she said.

"Oh do tell," Stoick said suddenly amused.

"When the females find themselves attracted to a male they give off a scent full of pheromones and each distinct to that woman. After the female has the male's attention she will test him by bossing him around and torturing him a bit to ensure he is loyal no matter what," Valka explained before nodding towards Toothless and Tyra.

"Take the children somewhere safe," Tyra demanded.

"What?! No I should be there this concerns me as well," Toothless replied.

"I will send for you now go!" she shouted back to the stubborn dragon.

"No! Who do you think yo-"

"GET THOSE CHILDREN TO SAFETY NOW. IF I HAVE TO REPEAT MYSELF AGAIN I'LL RIP OFF YOUR LEFT TAIL FIN NOW FLY YOU FOOL," Tyra roared at the other Night Fury.

Rather than test the girl's anger Toothless transformed back into a dragon and stopped long enough to let Hiccup and Astrid on his back before taking off in another direction. Satisfied Tyra took off towards the hall. Stoick and Valka ran towards the cliff where they knew the dragon and human were resting. When he knew the dragon girl was out of ear shot Stoick turned to Valka chuckling and shook his head.

"That beastie is doomed," he joked making the other woman laugh.

It didn't take much longer after that for the pair to locate Hàkon and Eldrid. They quickly told them of what happened before they ran to the Great Hall to meet the others. When they got to the great hall Eldrid immediately went to her daughter who was standing in front of everyone. Like the first day of their arrival, all of the Vikings and dragons were gathered together to figure out what was going on.

"Child what has happened?" she asked.

"The one known as Toothless has had rebels spying on the mad queen for quite some time now. Others have been hiding waiting for the next move including the ones the humans have locked away. They have informed him that there will be a raid on the village. We don't know when it will be but we do know that they will hit hard and viciously for something specific," Tyra explained.

"What the hel could they possibly want from us other than food?" Stoick asked furiously.

Tyra hesitated before she admitted, "They come for your child Stoick. When Toothless escaped her, it was because he stood his ground against her tyranny and the mad queen wanted him destroyed for it. She has found out through the food raids that Hiccup is his treasure and means to take what's his."

The crowd suddenly went into shocked mumbling wondering what would become of the child and what would become of their home. Before Stoick could respond Mildew stood up and made his way over to Tyra and stopped when he was standing in front of her before facing the crowd.

"Let the beasts have him then, he's been nothing but an annoyance to us. These devils can take him and then this island can go back to the way it was before," Mildew said before turning to Tyra.

"You can lead them. After all you are their disgusting half breed bitch of a queen," he hissed.

Mildew suddenly felt dazed. One minute he was trying to convince the Vikings of his 'common sense' and the next he was being held up against a poll by a half transformed Night Fury. Mildew watched in horror as the dragon's sharp teeth slowly came out of his gums.

"I'm assuming Kelda is with the children," Tyra said trying desperately to sound calm so nobody would hear how much that actually stung.

Toothless was too furious to verbally answer and simply nodded not taking his eyes off the old Viking for anything in the world. Not only had this sad excuse of a creature insulted his future queen and all of the Night Furies collectively, but he also dare demand that they hand over his hatchling to that monster. As far as the dragon was concerned there was not a whole deep enough to bury this thing alive in. Oh how he wanted to rip out his still beating heart in that moment but a scent filled the air that he knew very well that seemed to calm him instantly followed by the owner's gentle touch on his human shaped scaly shoulder.

"Release him. His kind will deal with him appropriately," Tyra whispered comfortingly to him before she reached over and gently pried the black human hand with the ferocious claws off the man's neck.

Toothless continued to glare at the man with rage filled eyes even though he was facing the other Night Fury.

"I suggest you leave old man you will find no friend here," Stoick commanded Mildew with a dark glare. For once he was only happy to obey and quickly left the hall but not without a glare or growl from everyone in the hall.

"Toothless I need you to focus on me right now," Tyra said gently as she put two hands on either side of his face and forced his gaze on her.

"You are in mid transformation this will cause you a lot of pain if you stay this way much longer. Take deep breaths and go completely dragon or human. It doesn't matter which just which ever you are closest to," she explained.

Toothless gazed into the girl's blue eyes before doing as she instructed. He took heavy breaths, focused on where he was in his transformation, and decided he was still more dragon. Slowly he felt his body reverse until he was completely dragon once more. Tyra smiled at him before she laid her forehead on his snout to help him calm down completely.

"You are a natural," she teased as she gave him a quick rub under his chin before turning to the others.

"You better have a plan lass because I will be dammed if I let some beasties take my boy," Stoick said darkly. Suddenly remembering the room full of Night Furies he turned to the group and mumbled an apology before going back to business.

"We do have a plan but you need to trust us. This is going to require all of our reinforcements," Tyra explained.

"Are you seriously suggesting that we release those dragons in the arena. Dunno if you noticed lass but they kinda want our heads," Stoick explained.

"We will speak with them," Eldrid said stepping forward.

"What of us, how are we to protect ourselves?" someone asked.

Both Night Furies were at a loss they didn't know how they were going to protect the humans. How could they have forgotten that these creatures did not have the protection they did? Suddenly an idea came to Eldrid and she hoped that this idea would work.

"I have heard rumors of gronkle medal and its strength but it requires specific nourishment to create it," she explained.

"There is a gronkle in the arena that we've been working with to train the children. It seems to be taken with a lad that sweeps out the cages," Gobber explained.

"She," a tiny voice piped up and everyone turned to look at the shy little boy with chubby cheeks and messy blond hair.

"What are ya saying there Fishlegs? Speak up boy," Gobber demanded.

"The gronkle in the arena...is a she not an it," the boy explained then looked as though he was second guessing saying anything.

"Is that the lad?" Hàakon asked Gobber who only nodded in reply.

"Come here boy," he told the boy who reluctantly approached him.

"Ya like the dragons? Like learning about them?" Hàkon asked Fish legs. The boy nodded and gave a hint of a smile secretly excited to have someone ask him about his secret obsession with dragons.

"Would you like to come with us to ask her for help. You two seem to be friends so it would be easier to approach her to talk if she saw you with us," the man explained and watched in amusement as the boy's lit up like torches.

"I don't think this is a good idea," Stoick said concerned for Fish Legs on behalf of his parents who stood in the crowd scared for their only son.

Hàkon turned to his younger brother with a confident smile and said, "I will personally take responsibility for this boy's safety until he is returned to his parents."

With that the meeting was adjourned and slowly everyone started walking out of the great hall. Tyra turned to leave but was stopped by Toothless gently biting on to her wrist with a toothless hold to keep her in place.

'What is it?' she asked him in their native tongue.

'I know how we can help protect the humans. I've done it before for Hiccup so I know it works' he replied to her.

For a moment Tyra stared at him confused until it suddenly dawned on her what Toothless was talking and she smiled back at him.

'I will speak to mother about this. She can help us gather the others and discuss your plan' the girl replied.

Toothless looked at her nervously before she smiled at him before and said 'Don't worry, I will support you'

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 15

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoic is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

It had been a month since the Night Fury clan had come to the shores of Berk in search of an alliance with the human tribe. A month since one mistake led a little boy literally tumbling into the life of a dragon and a friendship was born. In just one month the course of destiny had been changed for both the dragon and human clans forever.

Toothless stood in the cove, disguised as a human looking around his temporary home in awe. He never would have thought in a million years that this place would be such an important place for him. The dragon smiled as his ears picked up the sounds of stomping feet and a child's giggles coming his way before he casually turned around to look up at the cliff.

The tiny head of his little human hatchling came into view, his tiny body leaning over the side smiling back at him before he said, "What are you doing Toothless?"

"Just thinking," he replied as he uncrossed his arms and approached the cliff.

"About wha-"

Hiccup could not finish asking his question before his hand slipped and he fell head first into the cove. The Night Fury had predicted this in advance when he saw the clumsy little boy leaning a bit too far out and easily caught the child.

"Omf," they both grunted as the power behind the fall knocked them both back to the ground.

Toothless took one hand away from his protective embrace on Hiccup and rubbed the bump that was forming on the back of his head. He looked down at the little boy that was lying on his chest who was staring back at him with concerned eyes.

"Sorry, are you ok?" Hiccup asked worried.

"Yes. I am fine," Toothless replied ruffling the child's hair as he sat up pulling the boy into his lap to check him over for scrapes.

"How did you know I was gonna fall?" Hiccup asked in amazement.

The dragon smiled before he replied, "Because you have got to be the most accident-prone creature I have ever met in my life."

Hiccup glared at him and stuck his tongue out before crossing his arms and turning away from his friend pouting.

"Don't be like that hatchling, I was only…half kidding. My bond with you as my treasure tells me when you need me. So, no matter how far you are from me I will always find you," Toothless explained pulling the boy in his lap into a strong, protective hug.

"You're still a jerk," the boy replied making the dragon chuckle.

"You're still clumsy but alas, we love each other anyhow, don't we?" the dragon said as he stood up still holding on to the human who reluctantly nodded in reply.

"So, what were you thinking about?" Hiccup asked curiously.

"I was wondering how terribly dull it would have been around here if my clumsy little human hadn't found me," He teased as he continued to tussle the boy's hair.

"Unbearably," the child teased back with a grin.

"HICCUP!" a voice called and the boys looked up to see Astrid and Tyra's terrified faces.

"It's alright I got him," Toothless assured them.

Tyra let out a sigh of relief as Astrid said, "He ran ahead of us and we saw him fall."

When the girl and human had climbed down into the cove, Astrid immediately stomped over to the pair as the dragon put Hiccup down. The blond girl pulled back her arm and punched the boy right in the arm making the boy cry out in shock before she let another fist fly to the same spot.

"That's for scaring the crap out of me," she cried to the boy who was rubbing his sore arm.

When Tyra heard the distinct warning growl of the other Night Fury she decided to step in before Toothless' papa dragon instincts kicked in.

"Alright I think we need to get started on today's training, don't you?" she declared.

The children nodded enthusiastically before pulling the equipment out of the cave so that they could begin their practice.

They had been working with the villagers of Berk to prepare themselves for the fight of their lives since their arrival. Toothless being the overly protective dragon that he was demanded more training for Hiccup so that he could protect himself the very best that he could.

"Brace yourself Toothless. Today's training is for you as well to practice what I've taught you," Tyra said as she watched the children grab their things.

Toothless looked at her confused before the human children came back with their shields and weapons and stood anxious to get started.

"Alright, first we review everything we've learned up until now," she explained as she began removing her clothing and smirked at the trio of groans.

As she removed the last of her attire she turned her head to them and said, "We review them up there."

"Astrid, you ride with me and Hiccup will ride with Toothless. Each team will have a ribbon tied to the dragon's tail and the first team to capture the other's ribbon will get the losing team's dessert," she explained handing a silver ribbon to Hiccup and a purple ribbon to Astrid.

The dragon and children quickly realized they were going to fight in the sky. As Hiccup and Astrid cheered with excitement of being able to fly, Toothless was completely terrified. He followed Tyra's lead and quickly transformed into his dragon form before glaring at her.

'What are you thinking taking them up there?' Toothless demanded.

'Like I said this would be training for you as well' she replied calmly.

The children quickly climbed onto the dragons and took to the skies. Toothless still didn't know how he felt about all this and only got more uncomfortable when Tyra nodded to him and flew into the clouds with Astrid.

"We gotta go in there?" Hiccup said gripping onto the back of the dragon.

'I'm with you. Don't be scared' Toothless cooed to the boy before flying off after the girls into the thick grey clouds.

Hiccup felt like he was going blind and tried desperately to see what was in front of him making sure to have his shield held out in front of him. Toothless looked around carefully keeping his eyes and ears open to anything that could attack them. They both suddenly heard the whining sound of a blast coming at them and Toothless quickly dived down to avoid the attack. The Night Fury couldn't believe it, as hard as he was concentrating he could not find the girls anywhere. It was as if they had dissolved into the clouds and had become invisible.

Suddenly out of nowhere there they were facing them with a smirk as if mocking them with their presence.

"What do we do she's so fast," Hiccup yelled over the clouds.

'I have a plan' Toothless grunted before he smirked at Tyra and flew up disappearing into the clouds.

Tyra watched him fly off and shook her head before flying off after them into the thick mass of grey but to her surprise they vanished.

'He's learning' she thought as she assessed her surroundings.

She could hear them above her and began flying up until she had to stop because she could hear Toothless' wings beating behind her…and then beside her. When she began hearing them in every direction she had to stop and focus.

'He's using my hearing and his speed against me, clever' she thought to herself.

Toothless was acting like a hummingbird zipping through the clouds to distract her, he had to have mastered his gliding in order to fly all around so fast that she couldn’t find him. When Tyra realized he was in front of her she decided to use his own tactic against him. She flew up and flew high before she assessed where he was below her. She looked over her shoulder to her passenger and nodded towards her weapons. Astrid looked at her strangely not understanding until Tyra nodded her snout to the pair below them. The little girl's eyes bulged out of her head before she did as she was told, putting her axe in its sheath and put her shield on her back before gripping the dragon's neck. When she felt Astrid was secure Tyra brought her wings in close allowing her to freefall on top of her prey.

Toothless yelped in shock by the sudden weight on his back. He could feel Hiccup clinging onto him terrified and became desperate to sturdy himself. He struggled to stretch out his wings to try and slow them down while trying to wiggle out of his attacker's grasp.

'What are you going to do? From here I could easily take your treasure away' he heard Tyra say.

Suddenly the Night Fury's eyes became slits and he angrily whipped out his wings to sturdy himself. In one swift motion he spun around and clawed at his captor who let him go before yelping in surprise at the sudden action. He moved so fast that Hiccup was suction cupped to the dragon's back and as quickly as he was upside down he was right side up again flying towards the safety of the ground.

'I think that's enough training for today' Toothless thought to himself as they landed.

Tyra and Astrid were not far behind them and landed soon after them. As soon as Hiccup had collapsed onto the ground shaken from the experience Toothless went after Tyra.

'What was that? Were you trying to get us killed?!' The Night Fury demanded.

'I told you this was training for you as much as him. You want to be able to protect him but yet you want me to go easy on you' she replied calmly as Astrid climbed down from her back just as shaken from the experience.

She gently nuzzled the girl's side forcing her to sit down beside her to rest before she turned back to the fuming dragon before her.

Toothless couldn't remember a time where he had been more furious then he was right this second with one of his own kind. Not only had she risked his boy but both children could have fallen out of the sky at any moment.

'She is right Night Fury the mad queen would not go so easily on you both simply because they are children. She wants the boy for herself to devoir not to coddle' a new voice said. The dragons turned around to see a colourful Nadder.

"Woh," Astrid said as she gazed at the new dragon before she slowly approached it.

The Nadder noticed her immediately. She crouched down on all fours to try and reach the little girl's eye level the best she could.

'Hello little one' the Nadder cooed at Astrid.

The blue dragon had always had a soft spot for hatchlings of any breed and had always chalked it up to maternal instincts. This little one though specifically had her undivided attention almost immediately which was strange even for her since she was usually very cautious around humans.

"You are very pretty," Astrid said holding her hand out to the dragon to smell just as Hiccup had shown her.

'Thank you, child. You are very lovely also hatchling, like gold' she replied taking in the little girl's scent and nuzzling her hand and arm making her giggle.

'Are you just here to spoil the humans with affection or are you risking your presence here for a reason?' Toothless asked still upset by events from before.

'Yes, forgive me I do have information given by the Nightmare. He has been instructed by the queen herself to lead the next raid into Berk. She is determined to have your treasure and will destroy the village in order to do so," she explained.

Toothless growled possessively as he claws dug deep into the ground. He looked over to Hiccup who simply stared back at him in confusion.

'He can't know that the queen is after him. He'll be terrified' Toothless thought to himself.

'I have a plan' Tyra said suddenly surprising both dragons.

'Tell your leader that the raid will happen, and Berk will attack you. We will take this opportunity to find out who the queen's spies are and destroy them. Then many of you will go into hiding and the rest of the raid party will go back to the queen and say that there are powerful allies on the side of humans and they 'destroyed' the missing dragons.' She explained.

'Won't that make the mad queen want to attack you more?' The Nadder asked.

'Yes, but she will be forced to realize that she has underestimated our power. She will have to think of a proper strategy which will buy us time to get stronger' Tyra explained to the two dragons who nodded in agreement.

'Very well I will inform the Nightmare and I wish you luck' the Nadder said and nodded to the little girl at her side before taking off.

Tyra and Toothless looked at each other thinking the same thing 'They needed to get the village to warn the others.'

They quickly scooped up their clothes and put the children on to their backs before they ran off towards the village. As they ran Tyra looked over Toothless thinking back to that day's lessons.

'Toothless' she called getting the dragon's attention.

'You did well today' Tyra commented to the dragon simply who nodded in reply as they continued their journey in silence.

"Hey guys who won?" Astrid asked suddenly.

The two dragons looked at each other curiously before they stopped and looked at their tails only to realize that they never did finish their 'game.' Astrid quickly jumped off the Night Fury and plucked the ribbon off Toothless' tail and held it over her head in victory.

"Your dessert is mine," she said to Hiccup who groaned in defeat making the dragon's laugh.

Toothless suddenly stopped and looked over to the other dragon and said 'Wait if she won Hiccup's dessert…what did you win?'

Tyra just smiled evilly at Toothless before the human girl climbed back on her back and they took off back towards the village.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 14

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoick is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

It was late in the evening when Toothless finally decided to join the Vikings and dragons in the great hall for a modest meal that was quickly put together on short notice. It was a long and painful self-debate for the Night Fury before he finally decided to stick to his human form not feeling the urge to go through the pain a second time. Gobber had stopped him along the way and gave him some clothes that he hadn't fit in since he was younger which Toothless took gratefully so people would stop gawking at him. After he received his portion for dinner he scanned the room until his eyes locked in on her.

Tyra was sitting across from Hiccup and Astrid laughing at something the children were doing along with a few other of the Night Furies. As he made his way over he couldn't help the smirk on his face as he watched the long lost cousins interact. They'd only known each other for a day and already they acted as if they'd been joined at the hip since birth. There was also a small hint of jealousy that was starting to rise in the pit of his stomach that he wanted to desperately shake off.

'Why don't you just claim them both?' a voice inside his head hissed.

'Not you again.' Toothless replied irritated.

'You know I'm right boy. The child is your possession and the girl would be a fine mate' the voice argued but the Night Fury ignored it.

'Strong, beautiful, powerful…just imagine the hatchlings she could produce for you' the voice continued to taunt the Night Fury.

'Silence!' Toothless cried in his head to his primitive sub conscious.

'You cannot silence your own thoughts. I am simply its voice.' The being said before it did indeed leave Toothless alone. He soon found himself sitting beside Hiccup and across from the person who had been haunting his thoughts since the moment she arrived.

"How are you adjusting in your new body?" one of the male Night Furies asked Toothless.

"It is strange to say the least, but I will manage," he replied to the man.

"You have our sympathies friend, none of us remember that pain. It was kind of the princess to begin that training first. Now the rest of your training will feel like flying through clear weather after a bad storm," an older female dragon said resting a kind hand on his shoulder.

Toothless' head shot towards Tyra who was sighing in irritation at the information that had been revealed to the newcomer. She reluctantly met his gaze and nodded confirming that what he had just been told was true.

"Wow. That's just like Hiccup," Astrid said innocently.

"I'm not a prince," the boy said replied.

"You sort of are. The chief is like the king of our village so when you take over as chief you're the new king," Astrid explained.

Hiccup seemed to think about it as everyone continued their conversations and ate happily. After a few moments of thought, the little human looked over at his friend and casually asked, "Wanna be the queen?"

This moment had apparently been the exact moment all the people at the table were drinking or eating. Suddenly they were all spitting out their drinks or choking on their food in shock. This boy was either incredibly confident in what he was asking the girl, or he had no idea what he was asking of her.

They were even more stunned when the little girl seemed to actually think about the question and replied, "Eh why not? Sounds like fun."

Everyone at the table minus Toothless and Tyra were laughing their heads off at what was just declared.

"Sure lass. You two will have LOT'S of fun. Kings and queens play all sorts of games together," one of the Vikings said making everyone laugh even harder.

Toothless still couldn't believe what he just heard when the man made the comment and looked down at the two naïve children who were looking back at him innocently and confused.

"Well we do like to play hide and seek," Hiccup suggested.

"With a whole house to ourselves nobody could tell us not to jump on the bed," Astrid said excitedly making Hiccup very excited in turn.

'Somebody pleeeeease make them stop' Toothless thought as he hid his face in his hands and groaned when the table only got louder with laughter.

"Hiccup what other things would you do if you were chief?" Tyra asked trying desperately to change the subject.

The boy thought to himself for a moment and said, "Well…I'd like to stop the war with the dragons, so we could all be friends. Then we could show other tribes that dragons weren't scary and then they'd be friends, and maybe we could work together to make a better life for everybody. We could have groups where dragons could help with trading to other islands and they could have human riders with them with maps so they wouldn't get lost."

"Humans and dragons as partners in trade…," one Night Fury said contemplating the idea.

"It would also work in everyone's favor in battle. Imagine Vikings riding into battle on dragons. Not like riding them as if they were horses but as a tribe to protect each other and our home," Hiccup said smiling until he saw everyone's stunned faces and his face fell.

"Was that a silly idea?" he asked looking disappointed as the silent table.

They were all still in awe by what the boy had said to respond to him. The child that all the Vikings called the dreamer, the strange boy had probably said one of most insightful ideas that any Viking leader had ever suggested. The dragons' view of humans suddenly had a different light in that moment inspired by this hatchling who they were glad to know would become the leader of the human tribe.

"I would ride with you," Toothless said to the boy breaking the silence.

"Really?" Hiccup asked as his eyes lit up in excitement.

"Yes. When I believe you are fit enough to go into battle," the Night Fury replied.

"Sooo never," Hiccup said annoyed.

Toothless gave him a look before he asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Means you're a big old mama hen of a dragon," Astrid replied casually looking up from her meal before she grinned from ear to ear at the Night Fury's irritated glare.

This once again sent the table into a huge fit of laughter this time including Tyra who was in tears at the bluntness of the hatchling girl.

"Why don't you two go over and tell Stoick your plans of the future," Tyra said finally wiping tears from her eyes.

When the adorable pair left the table holding hands to walk through the crowd of people the remaining group that stayed were still surprised by the children.

"Could you imagine if what the boy suggested came to pass," one of the dragons said smiling at the possibility.

"Hmm," the Viking beside him grunted in reply.

"Why couldn't it?" Kelda spoke up who had been sitting on the other side of her daughter the entire time.

"I would ride with you," Tyra spoke up reaching her hand across the table to the other woman.

"And I you," Kelda replied to the young girl that reminded her so much of her lost friend as she grasped her hand in return.

The others at the table looked around at each other before one of the Vikings stood up and said as he raised his pint, "I dunno any one of ya from a hole in the ground but I'd ride with any of ya."

A female Night Fury rose from her seat beside him and rested a hand on his shoulder before she said," I agree. I feel what we know about your kind is just as twisted and warped as whatever it is you humans know about us."

Tyra stood and lifted her mug to the table and said, "Than let us bring down the mad queen and begin a new age of peace…or at least to a point for both our kinds."

"Ai!" Everyone replied cheering their mugs clanking together in merriment.

Unknown to them, they had caught the attention of others from nearby tables. All of them had been listening and smiled with them as they all thought the same thing:

'Dragons and Vikings working together, imagine that.'

…

Stoick and Gobber had been staring at the woman for a few minutes now, she was at the other side of Hàkon's wife happily chatting away. Her brown hair was pulled back into a braid that flowed down her back and her beautiful green eyes twinkled as she laughed at whatever they were talking about.

'Valka, my wife.'

Across the table Hàkon sat contently with his wife by his side surrounded by their friends as they regaled the Vikings at the table with tales of their travels. The stories brought back happy memories of when his daughter was still young and shy clinging to his leg believing daddy could protect her everything. Suddenly sensing something amiss Hàkon looked around him until his eyes fell on his younger brother looking as if he had seen a ghost and followed his gaze to the woman sitting beside his mate. He politely excused himself from his wife's side before he went and sat beside his brother.

"See something you like little brother?" the older man asked spooking the Viking chief who did not see him sit down.

"How did you...Where did you…," Stoick mumbled still in shock.

Still confused Hàkon tried to make out his brother's ramblings before he finally understood what Stoick was trying to ask him.

"You remember Valka, Stoick? A few of the dragons from my clan saved her while they were chasing down the queen's dragons stealing our supplies from our boats. I recognized her when I saw the birthmark on her neck and the armor could only be made by one man," the older man said smiling as he leaned over to Gobber.

"Was it the fine craftsmanship?" the other man smiled proudly.

"No, my friend. It was the carving inside the armor along her breast plate that read 'Gobber was here'," Hàkon replied.

"Oh ya," Gobber replied before both men started chuckling while the man in the middle looked none to amused.

"Really Gobber?" Stoick asked his friend.

"Oh, Stoick it was a joke as a wedding present. You know damn well we were like family. I had my eye on someone else," the man replied looking over at another table.

"She stayed with us insisting to repay our kindness, so we trusted her as Tyra's nurse. We even named her guardian of our daughter," Hàkon changing the subject.

Stoick smiled at the idea of being the guardian of his brother's child in his place. Such an honor was heavily discussed amongst Vikings and the elders before the child's birth. Gobber was Hiccup's guardian in the event of his death since his brother had a full house already.

"Stoick I have to warn you," Hàkon said seriously.

"When Valka was captured something happened that even I don't know. She knows nothing of her life here on Berk. Whoever her husband is, her children, they need to be…oh Stoick I'm so sorry," the man said as he saw the pained expression on his little brother.

Stoick remained silent as he continued to watch the love of his life ignorant to the pain he was in only a few short feet away.

"The fall…it must have been the fall the night she was taken," the chief said trying not get chocked up.

"Walk with me Stoick," Hàkon said picking up his brother's massive form and wrapping his arm around his neck before they exited the great hall unnoticed to all except Gobber.

The older man watched with great difficulty as his brother clung to his shoulder struggling with the pain that he thought he had let go of years ago.

"What happened Stoick?" he asked gently.

"She was protecting Hiccup, one of the beasts grabbed our baby and she went after it. It dropped the boy, so she jumped off and protected Hiccup as they landed knocking her unconscious. The beast got to her before I could and carried her off leaving the baby behind. I thought her dead," Stoick said as he continued to lean on his brother.

"I was so numb I blamed the dragons, I blamed myself but worst of all I-I actually blamed Hiccup for a while. I actually told him that I did one night while I was drunk, and I've never forgiven myself for it cause I know it rooted somewhere inside of him," Stoick said as tears of grief finally allowed themselves to fall.

"How could I have done that to him? He is our only son, our miracle boy. Took us five years of marriage to gain that blessing and I abused it," he ranted on.

Hàkon clung onto his brother just as he had done when he was a little boy scared of the monsters under his bed. Silently he held the large man in a protective embrace and allowed the mighty Stoick the Vast to let go the past at last. When he finished neither brother said a thing until Stoick got himself together and nodded gratefully to the other man.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

"Anytime little brother," he replied with a gentle smile.

"Stoick!" Spitelout said running out of the hall. He stopped when he saw his older brothers standing together one looking depressed and the other looking sympathetic.

"You saw her?" he asked.

"Ya," Stoick replied.

"Then what troubles you go after your woman," he demanded.

"Spitelout she hit her head. She doesn't know who Hiccup and I are," the chief explained.

The youngest of the three stood silently as he understood his brother's distress. Finally he walked over to his older brother and said, "Stoick she's still your wife. She just can't remember. So, do whatever it was that ya did last time to win her over."

"Can't believe I'm saying this but your right," Stoick replied after a few minutes before he slapped his brother's arm and took a deep breath before walking back into the hall.

Spitelout and Hàkon watched happily as Stoick bravely walked over to the table where Valka was sitting and asked if he could join her. The two brothers were silent as they observed the pair strike up a lively conversation when the older brother suddenly started to chuckle.

"What are you laughing about?" Spitelout asked.

"I'm just wondering how they got together in the first place. They hated each other as children," Hàkon explained in amusement.

"Really?" the younger brother asked surprised.

"Oh, ya. Stoick used to pull on her braids and call her a stupid head with yak butt breath and she told him he looked like a giant ugly bellybutton that pulled her hair like a girl," Hàkon laughed at the memory of him and Valka's mother pulling those two away from each other.

"Stupid head and the giant ugly button together at last," Spitelout teased.

The older brother laughed as he wrapped his arm around his youngest brother's neck and said, "Come on. Nothing builds a bond between two brothers together like a barrel of mead."

…

Tyra and Toothless sat in silence still picking at their dinners. The other Vikings and dragons had wandered off to mingle with the other occupants and go on their own way.

"I'm sorry," Tyra said breaking the silence.

"For what?" Toothless asked.

"For embarrassing you in front of your treasure. You really did do a good job on your first try dragon," she explained finally meeting his glaze.

"That's quite a compliment coming from the future queen of dragons," the Night Fury replied meaning it as a joke.

"You are right. I should have spoken up about that when we were talking but I am still trying to accept it myself. In human years I may be an adult but in dragon years I am barely out of childhood and now I must accept that both my parents are dying, defeat the mad one, and take on the responsibility as queen after I destroy her. It is a difficult task to be given…especially for something like me," Tyra explained.

"I'm sorry," Toothless said not knowing what else to say sending them back into silence.

"You are not a thing princess," the Night Fury said catching the girl across the table off guard.

No stranger that found out what she was had ever said that to her before and she was grateful for the kindness.

"Thank you….and don't call me princess my name is sufficient," she replied.

"Then don't call me dragon," the dragon across from her replied.

"Then what am I to call you?" she asked.

"My friends call me Toothless," he replied with a handsome smirk which Tyra found contagious.

"By the way I'll forgive you for today on one condition," he said looking serious.

Tyra raised a brow at him and nodded to him with her business face on before he said, "I wanna know what you whispered to Hiccup."

"Not a chance," she replied returning her attention to her meal.

"Oh, come on," he said but before Tyra could reply everyone that was sitting at the same table as Stoick suddenly spat out their drinks and chocked on their food.

"Probably should have specified to Hiccup to just mention his dragon plan," Toothless said before the pair burst out laughing.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 13

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoick is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Tyra, Eldrid and the other Night Furies had followed Hiccup along with some of the other Vikings to the arena where the dragon training would normally take place. The dragons could hear the cries of their kind crying from behind the gates as they entered.

"Why are they locked away like animals?" Tyra demanded.

"They were captured during raids when they attacked our village," Gobber said looking over his shoulder to the young girl.

"We use them to train the children. They learn about what they can do and…how to kill them," he explained reluctant to tell her the last part.

The other Night Furies began to growl but were quickly silenced with one look from Eldrid before she turned to Gobber. The man didn't know a time when he had felt more uncomfortable than now under the glare of the dragon queen.

"I want them released," she said simply.

"What?!" a voice said out of nowhere.

Everyone looked around for the owner of the voice until the form of a little old man appeared much to the annoyance of the Vikings.

"You want us to release those beasts so that they can help you rip us limb from limb!" Mildew cried as he approached the queen at a steady pace much to the objection of the others.

"Mildew! Stoick will handle this when he gets back. Stand down," Gobber said sternly.

"Bugger off Gobber! You and Stoick may have been taken in but I will not be so bewitched by Hàkon's dragon whore wife and unholy spawn," Mildew spewed.

Dragon and Viking alike stood in shock as Tyra seemed to teleport from her spot beside her mother to holding the old man by his neck above her head. In her anger she had allowed the hand grasping Mildew to revert to her dragon form, dark scales slowly began to appear on her face and neck standing out against her piercing blue eyes that held a fury unlike anything any of them had ever seen.

"Watch your mouth old man before I slit your throat and watch the dust fly out," she hissed sending the group into a terrified silence as she squeezed his neck harder.

Toothless watched surprise completely mesmerized by the girl's strength considering her heritage until he heard a whimper. He looked down to see Hiccup had backed up into his leg and had hidden his face into it afraid of the sight before him. He quickly wrapped his wing over Hiccup's body and gently cooed to him comfortingly.

"Tyra release him," Eldrid commanded her daughter.

The Night Fury turned to her mother and nodded respectfully before returning a dark glare at Mildew. Tyra roared in his face before dropping him to the ground roughly. The girl returned to her mother's side in an instant and lowered her head as they began walking further into the arena leading the way for everyone else.

"Forgive me mother. My temper got the better of me," she apologized after a while.

Eldrid smiled gently at her daughter before resting her hand on Tyra's head and said, "It is a strong leader that can admit when they have made a mistake. We will focus on meditating to help you control your emotions."

"I would like that very much mother," Tyra replied obediently.

"Very well but for now it is time for you to be the teacher, my child. Our friend is very much behind on his knowledge as a proper member of our court and our young Hiccup will need to know how to protect himself from the mad queen. I expect you to teach them both properly in the art of fighting like a dragon," Eldrid said.

"You are not going to train them mother?" Tyra asked confused.

"I have business to attend to concerning our people that have been taken prisoner with Stoick," the older dragon explained looking over to the cages.

"Besides child, you need to start growing into the leader they need you to be," she explained resting her hands on her daughter's shoulders.

Tyra became silent as her head remained lowered and her shaky hands held tightly onto her mother's wrists firmly. Guilt ate away at Eldrid knowing that the journey ahead for her daughter would be a difficult one because of what she was. It was hard enough being responsible for so many lives but trying to earn the trust of those lives was a harder task when you were a half breed.

'Oh yes a young, half breed queen to follow the mad one…that should go over well among the others' Eldrid thought before she tipped her daughter's chin to look at her.

"I know your father and I will not be with you long. It saddens me that it is possible we will not be here to watch you become the leader we know you were born to become. My heart breaks for you Tyra and the burden you carry on your young shoulders and the difficulties that will come with it. I truly believe child that even though you will be the youngest queen in our history and the first half dragon queen, you will above all be a great queen," Eldrid said before kissing her daughter on her forehead.

"I am not as strong as you. I will be lost without you both here to guide me," Tyra mumbled trying desperately not to cry in front of her mother.

"I am always with you and I will always be proud of you," Eldrid replied as she pulled the girl into a protective embrace just as she had done when Tyra was just a little girl.

The older dragon pulled the girl away and touched their foreheads together before she whispered, "Go."

Tyra took a deep breath before she turned around with her head held high and walked over to where Toothless and Hiccup were. When she approached the group again the other Vikings were telling the old man that he had brought the wrath of the dragons down upon himself. Hiccup was the one scolding Mildew the most much to the amusement of everyone watching the seven-year-old yelling at the grown up half his size.

"…and your nothing but a bully Mildew so just go back to your smelly sheep," she heard the little boy say before he stuck his tongue out at the sheep farmer.

"Why you little-"

Mildew went to hit the little boy with his walking stick but was stopped in mid strike by a small hand with a big grip.

"Touch him again you disgusting old thing, and I'll shove that stick up your backside sideways," she hissed before she pushed on the stick shoving the man back in surprise.

With one final authoritative glare she turned as she grabbed Hiccup's hand. She and the others began to walk away from him as Toothless gave him a warning growl.

'Consider yourself lucky that I didn't get to you first' he roared before following the group.

She looked over her shoulder as she continued to walk away and firmly said," Be gone…Moldy was it?"

Gobber and the other Vikings had to stop because they were laughing so hard from the jab at Mildew's expense. The old man was furious as he stomped off the best he could with the sheep following behind him. After he left Tyra turned her attention to the Night Fury that had caught up and was walking beside Hiccup chuckling away.

'Heh Moldy…' Toothless thought amused.

"Dragon," Toothless heard and turned to see Tyra's blue eyes staring back at him.

"Are you ready to embrace your true potential?" she asked him and smiled when the dragon's expression went from an amused grin to a look of determination.

"Very well," she said before she turned to the others and said, "Take the boy up where he can watch. It will be too dangerous in here for any of the humans."

"But I wanna train to," Hiccup said a bit disappointed.

'Soon little one. Don't worry I will not leave you defenseless' Toothless said he nuzzled the boy's hair before he nudged him over to a waiting woman.

Tyra watched the interaction with great interest at the affection Toothless showed the human. Even if Hiccup was a treasure never had she seen a male give a hatchling that was not his own so much affection. She was curious to see just how quickly the male would take to the training. After the humans had left and were safely in the viewing area Toothless followed Tyra to the middle of the ring.

"I will do you a favor and get the painful training out of the way," she said as she slowly began untying the strings of her bodice the way she had watched the woman do when she was helping her.

"The shape shift?" Toothless asked.

"The shape shift," she confirmed as she carefully removed her outfit and folded it over the shields.

She quietly walked over and stood in front of Toothless facing him before the sound of Tyra's bones started rumbling and crunching underneath her skin. Her porcelain white complexion was replaced with shimmering black scales. Her hands and feet were transformed into slender claws as she crouched onto all fours. Her tail and wings sprung out from her body revealing her transformation.

'Incredible' he thought out loud as he beheld the stunning creature in front of him.

'In your case the word that you are looking for is painful. Most Night Furies have already gotten used to the feeling of the change while they are still hatchlings' Tyra explained as she walked towards him.

Toothless was having a tough time concentrating at the task at hand. The girl's scent was even stronger to him now than when she was in her human form. The poor dragon was finding it harder and harder to not admit that he's was taken with the girl as he stared at her breath-taking wings.

*whistle*

'Eyes over here novice. You want to learn or not' Tyra said irritated at the Night Fury in front of her.

'Sorry, where do I start?' he asked.

'Just focus on your breathing and have an image in your head of the kind of human you would look like. Keep that picture in your mind and just continue to breathe as your body does what comes naturally. You'll know you're doing it right when you feel it' she explained.

The Night Fury did as he was told, within seconds his breathing had become calm. As he focused on breathing in and out, a vision of a young, slender man appeared in his mind. His dark, untamed hair reached the length of his chin and blew wildly around his face. His piercing green eyes were the only indication of his true nature showing the world his dragon soul through his unreadable glare.

*Crunch*

*Snap*

*Grind*

The white-hot pain hit him suddenly like a punch tearing through his insides. He could feel every bone and every muscle in his body reshaping itself into his new form. He wondered if the process would always feel this slow and painful if he lived through it. The Night Fury could no longer hold back and let out a cry of excruciating pain.

"TOOTHLESS!" he heard someone cry from the gate and automatically knew it was Hiccup.

He looked over to see that his hatchling had run down from the viewing area and into the ring trying desperately to get to his friend. Gobber was holding the tear stained boy back as he struggled out of the man's hold crying for the Night Fury.

"H-HicuuuaaaaaaAAAHHHHH" Toothless cried through his torment trying to call for the boy to tell him that everything was okay, but the truth was nothing in his body felt ok right now.

He suddenly felt comforting hands on his shoulders and looked up to see Tyra once more in her human form staring down at him with sympathy.

"Focus on the breathing you are nearly finished. I promise," she encouraged him as his transformation completed itself.

When the last of the dragon's bones completed twisting and bending to his will, Toothless laid naked on the ground soaked with sweat and breathing heavily. The first thing he saw in his new form was her smiling at him proud of his accomplishment before he turned to the distressed boy.

"Toothless?" Hiccup mumbled through his tears still in Gobber's arms.

The Night Fury replied with a giant grin spread from ear to ear and complete with Night Fury fangs being shown off. Hiccup quickly squirmed away from Gobber and ran full throttle right into Toothless' chest before wrapping his arms around his friend's neck and squeezing the life out of him.

"Hiccup…air," Toothless managed to wheeze out surprising the boy enough to loosen his grip.

"You can talk?!" the boy squealed in shock.

"Of course, I can talk. Always could it's just that now HOLY CRAP I SPEAK PEOPLE," Toothless said suddenly distracted and excited all at the same time of his accomplishment.

"I did it," he said more to himself as he stood up taking Hiccup with him in his protective embrace.

"Uh-huh," Hiccup replied finding his friend's excitement contagious.

"I DID IT! I DID IT!" he cheered spinning a giggling Hiccup up in the air and doing a ridiculous victory dance.

Dragon and Viking alike struck their faces with the palm of their hands at the awkward sight before them. Tyra giggled at them as she stood aside with her arms crossed and shook her head at the silly, handsome Night Fury.

'Handsome? Where did that come from?' she thought to herself before giving her head a shake.

"Tyra," she heard her name called and looked up to the owner of the voice.

The male Night Fury was in a dramatic masculine pose curling his arms parallel to his head and standing proudly with Hiccup beside him mimicking his stance.

"Well what do you think?" he asked clearly fishing for praise.

She put a finger to her lips and looked as though she was in deep thought before she answered, "I give you an 8 out of 10."

"What?!" he demanded to her retreating form that was secretly smirking in amusement.

"I am the embodiment of the perfect human male," he defended as he followed her over to where her clothes were.

"Is that a fact?" she replied putting on her clothes.

"I have perfect muscular physique, an attractive face…" he listed off to the girl who only nodded her head in agreement as he continued.

"I have two legs, feet, arms, and hands…10 fingers and…10 toes which is the correct number of appendages that a human rewires…" he continued making sure to double check his numbers by comparing them to Hiccup's.

"Yes, this is all very true, but my score still stands," she said firmly as she finished tying the bodice back on.

"Why," he whined as she walked over to him and crossed her arms, standing in front of the taller boy in an authoritative stance.

"Let me ask you this. Have you ever seen a human with a tail?" she asked looking irritated as Toothless shook his head no.

"Then why do you?" she added leaning slightly to the side to see the Night Fury's tail.

Toothless leaned over to see his tail swish when it dawned on him and he looked back at her desperately and said, "you wouldn't make me…."

Tyra nodded her head with a deadly serious expression on her face and a chuckling Gobber standing a little ways behind her. He tried to look to Hiccup for help, but he just looked back at his friend sympathetically. After a sigh of defeat Toothless took a deep breath and braised himself for the worst before his tail suddenly shot back into his tailbone.

"OOOWWWWWW," he cried as he fell to the ground and groaned in pain.

"Talk about a pain in the butt," Gobber chuckled as he turned and walked to the great hall for dinner.

"Toothless are you ok?" the little boy asked.

Not wanting to lose face in front of his hatchling the dragon put on a fake grin and hissed, "Feel great…sooo good."

"There now that's a perfect score," Tyra said standing over the dragon with an amused smirk.

"Thank you so very much," he hissed at her.

"You're welcome," she replied before stepping over him to walk over to Hiccup.

As she took his hand to lead him to the Great Hall for dinner she said, "Next time don't get cocky and question my judgement."

Toothless learned a very valuable lesson in that moment and swore he would never question his teacher again. As he rose to his shaky feet to go to dinner another very dark, awful realization came to him and he could help but groan.

'I still need to change back into a dragon.'

...

Stoick rubbed his eyes in exhaustion as he entered the great hall for his meal. He had spent all afternoon listening to Mildew complain about what his 'evil and unholy' niece did to him.

"This day could not possibly get any longer," he said out loud as he sat beside Gobber who was looking ahead in shock.

"Gobber, what is it?" Stoick asked.

"Let's just say your day got a whole lot longer," Gobber replied leading his friend's gaze to across the table.

Stoick's eye went wide in shock when he saw who his friend was pointing to. There across the table sitting among the Night Furries was a face he thought he'd never see again.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 12

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoick is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Hiccup carefully thumbed through his mother's belongings until he found what he was looking for and gently pulled it out of the trunk. Realization dawned on Toothless as he watched the child hug the clothing to his chest before folding it beside him and continued to rummage through the trunk. The Night Fury remained curled around his hatchling while he continued his search waiting for the little boy to say something. When Hiccup found everything he was looking for, he gave the drawing one last glance before gently closing the lid and sat back on his knees furiously wiping his at his eyes.

'I'm sorry little one' he cooed nuzzling the boy's arm.

"There was a dragon raid and one took off our roof," Hiccup said making Toothless' head rise in interest.

"It grabbed me and set my crib on fire before taking off. Mama jumped on its tail before it flew to high and climbed over to me before she stabbed its leg. The dragon dropped me, but we were too high up so mama jumped after me and we fell to the ground. Daddy said that he tried to get to us, but the dragon got there first and carried mama away while she wasn't awake anymore. He said that he probably didn't see me so that's why it didn't take me to," Hiccup explained.

'Please tell me she wasn't fed to the mad queen' Toothless thought horrified.

"It was me. Mama died because of me," The little boy mumbled pulling his legs to his chest and laid his head on his knees.

Toothless quickly sat up and pulled Hiccup to his chest before he laid his forehead on the child's as he wraped his wings around them.

'Of course, she protected you; you were her hatchling. You should not feel guilt for a mother doing her duty to her child.' Toothless growled and felt the child relax on his chest but Hiccup would not meet the dragon's eye.

With a smirk the Night Fury scooped the boy up and cradled him in his stubby arms before using one claw to tip his chin up forcing the child's big green eyes to look at him.

'I will you tell you this as many times as I have to Hiccup before you understand. You are worth protecting more than any other treasure I have ever seen and I will with my life' Toothless growled.

Hiccup had no idea what the Night Fury was trying to tell him, but he knew that his friend was trying his best to comfort him. The rumbling from the dragon's warm chest helped Hiccup relax and he gave Toothless a grateful smile.

"We should probably go. Your girlfriend is still butt naked," Hiccup teased earning him an irritated look from the dragon.

Toothless unceremoniously dropped the little human in the giant chair in the middle of the room making the boy yelp. Hiccup giggled as he jumped off the chair, gently picked up the belongings and followed after his friend.

When they got back to the great hall the villagers had already returned and dressed their new allies. Eldrid was wearing a dress given to her from Eira. The dragon and the healer were talking when the pair arrived; both women looking like their conversation was quite serious.

Tyra stood nearby looking distant and lost in her thoughts when she heard Hiccup call her name and she instantly grinned ear to ear at the sight of him. Toothless stayed back to let the pair have a minute to themselves but stayed close enough that he could still keep an eye on his hatchling.

"These are for you," Hiccup said handing over the carefully folded items.

Tyra looked over the clothing before smiling back at human and said, "I shall treasure them."

The Night Fury changed into the long sleeved, brown linen dress that reached mid-thigh with a pair of leggings underneath and fur boots. Kelda was nearby helping others when she noticed the girl in her friend's dress, staring at the leather bodice in confusion. With a chuckle the woman walked over to the girl to see what she could do for her.

"Do you need a hand?" she offered surprising the dragon.

She nodded quickly before handing the strange thing to the new woman.

"This clothing suits you," Kelda said with a smile as she turned the girl so her side was facing the woman and instructed her to hold the bodice in place. It covered from her breasts to waist completely covering her torso with the protective leather.

"You know there's a story about this bodice," the blond woman said feeling nostalgic when she noticed the girl's curious gaze.

"Valka designed this for battle. She was always inventing new ways to help the tribe but she never had good luck with getting it right the first time until she thought of this. You see how over the first layer of leather she weaved a second layer of small tight knots, she did that to better protect her body when she found out she was pregnant. She also designed it to tie from the side instead of the front so no part of her back or front could be exposed to an attack. It was also designed so that as the baby grew she could fit it where she needed it for proper protection for her and the child," Kelda explained fondly as she finished tying the bodice on the one side.

"She sounds like a very clever woman," Tyra replied impressed by the tale.

"Valka was one of the best. Naturally she became the chief's wife and helped protect the village from harm," Kelda replied sending the pair into silence while continued tying the other side.

"Was she scared?" the Night Fury asked the woman.

"Scared of what?" Kelda asked raising her head from her work.

"Becoming a leader. Taking responsibility of so many lives," Tyra replied staring at the human woman with an unreadable expression.

"She was terrified. Truth be told Valka was not first choice to become the wife of the chief," Kelda explained before she looked up at the girl and added, "I was."

Tyra was shocked by the woman's words and urged her to continue her tale of the aunt she'd never known.

"Stoick's father and my father made the arrangement while we were young so naturally we were often seen together. However, I saw the way he looked at my best friend. He would pretend not to notice her while she and Gobber would talk about her ideas she had drawn. Finally, I found them together one day while we were older. It was just before our wedding and they looked as though this was causing them both great pain. I was in a little pain myself. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hurt but my love for them both was stronger. So, I called off the wedding and stepped back," Kelda explained her story to the curious girl.

"I regret nothing to this day. I would have forever followed Valka into battle blindly. Scared as she was to become a leader, she was strong and loved her tribe. She fought for it till her last breath," the blond woman added as she finished and inspected her work.

"Thank you for telling me…you are strong as well. I feel like I would gladly fight by your side," the Night Fury said and bowed respectfully to the other woman.

"You remind me of her. Valka would be honored to see you where her clothes," Kelda replied before giving the girl's hand a squeeze and walked off.

Tyra looked down at her new attire and smiled feeling truly honored to be wearing the belongings of her aunt. She turned to look over at Hiccup and Toothless, and tried desperately to hide the giggle that was trying to come forth. The little boy looked excited and very proud of himself for thinking of allowing her to wear his mother's things. The Night Fury was staring at anything and everything in the room that was not her.

"Do you think me ugly in this Night Fury?" she asked Toothless amused.

His neck suddenly moved his head in her direction so fast she thought for a moment that it might snap in half. He simply continued to stare at her falling into the trap without realizing it frozen in place until she spoke again.

"Should I judge by your silence that you do think me ugly?" she asked putting her hands on her hips.

The Night Fury quickly shook his head before he realized that he had dug himself even further into the trap until Hiccup said, "See I told you he thinks you're pretty."

"So, you did little one," she chuckled.

"Did your keep our secret?" she asked deliberately mentioning it in front of Toothless to bother him.

She knew her plan was working when she saw the dragon whip his tail in irritation as the little boy nodded his head enthusiastically. Toothless growled at them both before Tyra smirked at him and turned to walk over to her mother.

'Wait!' he called after her making her stop and look back at him over her shoulder.

'How do you do it?' Toothless asked.

"I was born pretty silly," she teased.

'That's not what I meant! How can you shape shift? What other magic are you capable of?' he asked.

He realized he sounded desperate, but these were the first of his kind that he had ever met and he realized he was capable of so much more than the mad queen let him believe. Toothless was determined to be the most powerful he could be, not just for himself and Hiccup but to defeat the queen and free his friends.

"You truly have no idea what you're capable of do you?" she asked him in surprise.

Tyra was silent for a moment as she looked over at her mother who smiled back at her before turning back to the Night Fury in front of her.

"Very well. I will teach you what should have been taught to you as a hatchling and together we will train the boy. However, I will need your help with something," she explained.

'Name it' he replied.

Tyra seemed to hesitate with her words before finally finding the ones she needed and said finally, "Help me find a home for the others. If not here then somewhere near Dragon Island."

Toothless looked at her confused as she gazed back at her mother once more before leaning in close to him and whispered, "Time is of the essence."

...

"What do you mean there is something else we must know? What else could there possibly be other than the fact that my brother married a dragon and with her brought a hybrid into the world," Stoick demanded.

"How old do I look to you both?" Hàkon asked the pair.

Stoick and Spitelout looked at each other surprised by the strange question before returning their gaze to their brother and the younger one said, "Thirty I suppose."

"Little brother, I left Berk at the age of fifteen with my mate and unhatched child…I am now forty-seven years old," Hàkon explained.

Stoick was in shock, his older brother did not look his age at all but how could that have happened.

"Are you telling me your daughter is thirty-two years old by human standards?" Spitelout said shocked.

"They grow so fast, don't they?" Hàkon said confirming their suspicions.

"What is the point Hàkon?" Stoick demanded.

"When I took Eldrid as my mate she shared her lifespan and youth with me in return for my love and devotion. However, the dragon bond does not protect me from human disease…unfortunately I share that part of being human with her," Hàkon explained.

The man looked at his shocked little brothers giving them a moment to process what he had just said.

"So, you're saying-"

"Stoick you can't expect to live on a boat for thirty-two years in exile and not catch something," Hàkon cut him off.

With a heavy sigh and a solemn expression Hàkon said, "Brothers I'm dying and my wife joins me in death because of our bond much to my regret. This war needs to end before we do for the sake of Tyra."

"What becomes of her?" Stoick asked.

"Eldrid was exiled by her own people because of me. She was the true queen of dragons before banned by her second in command the mad queen. In the event that the mad queen falls, Tyra must take up the role of protector of the dragons after he die," Hàkon explained.

"This is why she was in such a need for a home," Spitelout said.

The three brothers stood in silence not sure where to go from this point. It was all so much happening at the same time. First their older brother returns and now just as quickly as he came back into their lives he was going to leave. It was not just them he was leaving behind but a child as well, a daughter that was to become a queen to rule over their thousand-year-old enemy no less.

"Hàkon," Stoick finally said getting both his brothers' attention.

"Help us bring down this beast and you can consider the exile on you and your family lifted," Stoick offered holding out his arm.

"Thank you, little brother," Hàkon replied accepting his brother's hand before turning to Spitelout.

"What say you?" the oldest brother asked the youngest.

"I'll tell ya the same thing I tell Stoick before a raid," Spitelout said as he walked over and clapped a hand on his older brother's back.

"The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can drink."

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 11

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoick is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Stoick and Hàkon chased their brother through the village until Spitelout finally stopped at the edge of the forest and turned to face the two men.

"Why didn't you tell me? Why was I not supposed to know that I had another brother?" he demanded.

"It happened before you were born. I certainly thought we'd never see him again," Stoick explained.

"Ouch," Hàkon mumbled as he stood with his arms crossed.

Stoick turned a glare at his older brother before turning his attention back to Spitelout and walked closer to him.

"Look, I was only five at the time when he was exiled. I barely remember the guy, and father didn't want his memory to be remembered. So, he made it law that no one even utter the name Hàkon after the betrayal he felt," the chief explained.

"Stoick replaced me and they made you to replace Stoick. Father was never without a backup plan," Hàkon said bitterly.

The three brothers stood in awkward silence before Spitelout finally asked, "How do we know we can trust you? This could be some trick for revenge against Berk."

"Little brother, I am in company with a Night Fury pack. Don't you think I would've attacked a long time ago if this was about revenge?" the older man replied.

"Then why are you here?" Spitelout demanded not liking the casual use of little brother that up until now was only reserved for Stoick.

"Home, this is about being home with my family. I received word that my brother needed help and thought perhaps Stoick was not the same man our father was and wanted us a family again, fighting as one for the same cause," Hàkon explained sounding once again disappointed.

"My child also needs a home. The only one she has known has been on that boat. To human to be a dragon, but to dragon to be a human," he added hopefully.

Stoick and Spitelout looked at each other silently considering Hàkon's words before turning back to their brother's gaze. Hàkon felt like this was telling his father about his mate and child all over again and couldn't help feeling anxious.

"Why now? You must have heard of father's death years ago. So why not come back then if this was so important to you?" Stoick asked.

"I did not know the kind of man that little boy would grow into under father's influence. However, it seems it was the influence of your own son that would be stronger," Hàkon said with an affectionate smile as he remembered the little boy shying away from him between his parent and his protector.

"There is something else as well," he added suddenly looking quite solemn and in the moment both men saw that although their older brother looked no older than them he was not the healthy man Stoick remembered.

…

It was shortly after the three brothers ran from the great hall and no one knew what to do next. It was Hiccup that finally felt brave enough to make the first move. Before Toothless could stop him the little boy casually walked up to the naked girl and poked her thigh. When he had her attention, he motioned for her to kneel down. The girl smiled before gracefully falling to her knees to meet the child's eye level.

"Hello," he said casually to her with a kind smile.

"You must be Hiccup," Tyra said for the first time making the little boy excited.

"How did you know my name? Can dragons read minds?" he asked.

"No little one just observant. I heard the villagers refer to you by that name," she explained kindly as she ruffled his hair affectionately.

Tyra enjoyed this little human boy that she learned was her cousin. He was very special indeed and she could already feel herself falling in love with him and his pure scent. She could smell the other dragon's scent on him as well warning her of the dangers that came with even a thought to harm this hatchling.

"Neat, are you gonna stay? Wanna sleep over at my house? What's your favorite game? Does it hurt to breath fire? Can dragons swim?"

Both female Night Furies were in awe by the child's ability to ask that many questions in a single breath until finally Tyra had to stop him.

"Forgive me that is a lot of questions in such a short period of time. Perhaps you could show me your home and we can get to know each other better," Tyra suggested.

Ever the eager child Hiccup closed the short gap between them and wrapped his tiny arms around his cousin's neck. Tyra was caught off guard by the child's actions. Up until this moment, no one other than her parents dared to approach her never mind hug her without a hint of fear and soon found herself smiling.

"I'll take that as a yes," she chuckled hugging the boy back.

In the corner of her eye the dragoness saw another person approach and turned her head to see it was another child. This one looked very much like the man that had just left with her father and uncle. He seemed reluctant to approach her but determined so she tried to make him more comfortable by smiling at him.

"Hello there," she greeted him.

Hiccup lifted his head and turned to see who had joined them. He smiled when he saw who it was and said, "That's Snotlout, he's our cousin to."

Eldrid watched with pride as her daughter held out her free hand to the other little boy and quickly pulled him into a hug with Hiccup. Although she could not see her child's face, she knew that Tyra was smiling, feeling accepted for the first time in her life holding on for dear life to the hatchlings.

The humans and dragons watched on in fascination at the interaction between the children. Both parties feeling humbled to witness such a site before Kelda finally rose from her seat and stood before the crowd.

"I think before any exploring takes place, the people of Berk should lend a hand of hospitality to our guests," she announced to them all.

"Yes, we shall prepare a feast," one man hollered.

"Get out more mead," cried another.

"Those are all fine ideas, but I was thinking perhaps we could donate some clothes," Kelda suggested to the crowd.

The Vikings looked around them at all the naked Night Furies and all suddenly nodded in agreement, mumbling to one another about spare things they may have. It wasn't long before the villagers all left to find clothing for the newcomers and all that remained were the dragons, the two human boys, and Kelda.

"So, you really are a dragon?" Snotlout asked finally feeling brave enough to ask as she still held onto him and Hiccup.

Tyra nodded and smiled before the boys suddenly felt the bones and muscle under the skin of the girl's back start to crack and rumble. Before they knew it two large black wings sprouted from her back and curled around all three of them.

"Woh," the boys said at the same time and Tyra and Eldrid giggled in response.

"No offense Hiccup but she is officially my favorite relative," Snotlout said in awe.

"Likewise," Hiccup replied.

Toothless had been silently watching the girl up until this point consuming his senses with everything about her. Her smell was hypnotic to him leaving him constantly needing more of her scent, the sound of her voice sent shivers through his scales. Her smile was contagious, and her wings were breathtaking and he longed to see those blue eyes glow against onyx black scales. He wondered if she'd look this beautiful holding her own hatchlings as she did holding these two human ones…but he didn't have a crush on her, absolutely not.

"I'm really glad you're a Night Fury," Toothless heard Hiccup say to the girl.

"Why is that?" she asked.

"Cause my friend Toothless over there has a big crush on you," he replied casually.

'You did not just do that' Toothless thought horrified by his little human.

Perhaps this was his idea of revenge for not knowing that he was a treasure. Or perhaps this was just a child doing what children did best, which was embarrass people to death.

"Oh really," he heard Tyra say as her amused blue eyes met his anxious green ones.

He watched in anticipation as the female Night Fury leaned into to Hiccup's ear and whisper something in it for a few minutes while he stood there and tapped his claws on the ground in anticipation. When she was finished whispering she gazed at him once more but this time with an unreadable smile before she nodded and let the boys go.

"Wait here Tyra. I think I have something of mama's you can have," Hiccup said before he started walking out of the great hall.

"Me to," Snotlout said beside him with Toothless following behind them.

As they were about to leave, the black haired boy stopped before he turned to look at Hiccup rubbing the back of his head nervously.

"Hey uh…about what I said…ya know about him…,"the child mumbled having a hard time finding the words.

"It’s ok," Hiccup said with a smile knowing his cousin was never very good with words let alone apologizing.

Snotlout smiled before running off to tell his mama everything that had happened since she had to stay home with his baby brother. As they started walking back towards Hiccup's house the Night Fury's curiosity got the better of him.

'Soo…did she say anything about me?' he growled at the boy forgetting that the child didn't speak dragon.

Hiccup looked at his friend confused but quickly understood what he was growling about by the way he wouldn't look him in the eye. Hiccup tried to hide his smile as he pretended not to notice the dragon talking to him.

'I must know! What did she say?' Toothless growled as he continued bumping the boy's arm again making Hiccup giggle which only irritated the Night Fury more.

'What.'

'Did'

'She'

'Say?'

Toothless growled again emphasizing each word by bumping Hiccup's arm.

The boy turned around and glared at the dragon for a few minutes before a devious grin spread on the child's face. Toothless did not like that look.

"It's a secret," he said simply and continued his way home.

Toothless stood there in shock. He couldn't believe his sweet little human was deliberately hiding something from him. Quickly, he caught up to Hiccup and glared at his back as they walked towards their home.

"Ya know if you want to know so badly…you could always ask her," Hiccup suggested with a smirk.

'Oh, I see now. My hatchling is trying to be a matchmaker, is he? Well two can play that game little one' Toothless thought reminding himself to remember this moment later down the road when his human had a crush.

Not that he had a crush of course but still he would use this moment against him somehow.

"Well here we are. Home sweet home," Hiccup announced as he opened the door to a tall hut.

They walked into a wide-open space with a large fire place, and strange things that looked like the humans used them for sitting by the shape of it. Hiccup walked over to a large thing Toothless had seen once or twice before, the humans called it a trunk if he wasn't mistaken. With a deep sigh Hiccup opened the chest which the dragon discovered was full of clothes and human hunting tools and one drawing on the lid of the trunk of a woman and a man with a small child.

"That's daddy and that's me when I was a little baby," Hiccup explained as he pointed to each person in the photo.

His eyes started to look sad as he pointed to the last person in the photo which was a woman and said, "and that's my mama."

Toothless could already see the signs of Hiccup getting upset and quickly wrapped himself around the distraught child.

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 10

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoick is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Hiccup and Toothless were having the time of their lives flying through the rarely clear blue sky. Toothless had wanted to share this moment with his human for quite some time but unfortunately Hiccup didn't remember their first fly together and quite frankly the dragon didn't want to remember either since it involved the boy being very sick.

Looking over his shoulder he shook his head at the boy in amusement who was the embodiment of happiness with his eyes the biggest he's ever seen them and smile to match.

"This is amazing! Can we go higher?" Hiccup asked.

'Uh ya' the dragon thought as he flapped his wings bringing them higher and higher into the clouds making Hiccup cheer in excitement.

The Night Fury was happy to see his hatchling so excited, but this was only the beginning of the fun. Since it was Hiccup's first flight he could remember, Toothless intended to make it memorable.

When Toothless felt he was high enough he stopped flapping all together and just let his body free fall back to Earth. Hiccup could feel his stomach tingling as his body quickly fell away from the dragon's back and was beside himself with the rush he was feeling. The pair were eye to eye as they descended back down and Toothless was shocked when he saw the little boy's expression. He was expecting to see shock or fear in his eyes, instead all the Night Fury saw was happiness and excitement. The child didn't doubt for a second that Toothless would reach out and grab him if he was in real danger which made the Night Fury grateful that someone trusted him that much.

The dragon smiled as he used his paw to spin Hiccup in a circle producing the giggles that Toothless loved to hear so much. After a while he looked up to see the ground was getting closer. He quickly grabbed his human, held him to his chest as he spread his wings and began flapping them once more. Other than a few spins and flips through the air the rest of the flight back to Berk was uneventful until the Night Fury noticed the ships.

There was something strange about them, they smelt very odd and they were heading for his hatchling's home. Whoever they were he intended to find out quickly whether they were friend or foe and with that flapped his wings harder to quickly bring them home.

…

The pale girl stared out at the sky and became surprised when she saw a dragon with a human child as a companion. As she tried to get a closer look a hand gently found its way onto her bare shoulder and she turned to see the familiar face of her nurse.

"Come child, your mother requests your presence before landing so she may speak to you," the woman said smiling kindly to her.

"Very well," the girl replied before looking back at the Night Fury with her deep blue eyes once more mesmerized by his flying before following the human woman.

"Mother," the girl greeted bowing respectfully to the Night Fury in front of her.

'Your training is proving useful to you my daughter. Your shift is flawless' the black dragon commented proudly.

"I couldn’t agree more. You make us proud child," a man replied.

The young girl looked over to the familiar voice with a smile as a tall muscular human man with auburn hair and smoky grey eyes walked over to her. Gently he grasped her shoulders and placed a loving kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you, father," she replied.

The small family heard one of the crew yell out that they were nearly to shore before the man looked to his wife and said, "Alright my love, time to put on your makeup."

…

Toothless landed in the middle of the village before he and Hiccup made a dash for the docks where they found Stoick waiting for the ships. As they got closer they noticed the boats had already docked and were being tied to let everyone off.

"Whose coming dad?" Hiccup asked.

"I don't know son," Stoick replied looking distracted.

As he said that, figures slowly began walking off the boats. Stoick and the other vikings couldn’t help staring in shock at their new guests. Most of the people coming off were completely naked and with no shame at all, walking past the people of Berk towards Stoick. When the chief came face to face with a slightly taller man that was wearing clothes his breathing hitched and Stoick thought he truly was staring at a ghost.

"Brother?" he asked in shock making the other Vikings gasp in surprise.

The man that looked no older than Stoick, confirmed the chief's accusation with a kind smile before nodding his head.

"It has been a very long time little brother. You had less hair then," the man replied in a deep voice followed by a chuckle.

"I was 5 and as I vaguely recall you were exiled Hàkon," Stoick replied irritated.

"Ai, I was but I was under the impression by the messengers that things have changed, and you are ready for help," the man replied before looking over to Hiccup and Toothless.

"I see much has changed around here indeed," Hàkon replied.

Stoick pushed Hiccup behind him so he was no longer in eyesight of his older brother. The Viking chief was confused by this sudden appearance but until he knew the truth the man in front of him was not to be trusted.

"What messengers do you speak of? I have sent no one," Stoick demanded.

"You didn't send the messengers from Berk?" the older man asked suddenly confused.

"What messengers?" the chief asked again.

"The dragons of course. Dragon scouts came to our boats seeking help in taking down the Green death. When they said come to Berk I thought for certain you were calling me home," Hàkon explained almost saddened that his brother was not the one who sent the messengers.

The atmosphere became tense as the brothers continued to stare at each other in front of the shocked crowd of Vikings and new comers. The chief decided nothing would accomplished standing around the dock and took action.

"Hàkon, I assume you know where the great hall is. Follow me we can talk there," Stoick said determined to get some answers.

Toothless was furious at what he had just heard. The scouts had not found dragons but human allies to help accomplish their quest. What if these people were seeking revenge for being exiled by his human's father and put Hiccup in danger?

Toothless was fuming over the results of the failed plan when an overwhelming scent consumed his senses. One of these people carried the smell of the ocean, wood from the boats and something else that seemed intoxicating to him. He looked around desperately for the owner of that smell until he realized the person giving off the aroma was standing beside Stoick's brother. It was a young human girl with long black hair pulled into a triple ponytail going down the back of her head, she felt him staring at the back of her head and gracefully turned her head to look in the Night Fury's direction. Her beauty took Toothless' breath away as her deep blue eyes that seemed to pop against her naked porcelain skin met his forest green ones.

She gave him a sweet smile before she turned away trying to hide a laugh that was trying to escape her lips. For a moment he wondered why she was laughing until he felt Hiccup push his mouth closed with his finger…apparently she made his jaw drop.

"Somebody's got a cruuuuush," the little boy teased in a sing song voice before running off to follow his father while the dragon chased after him.

'I do NOT have a crush' he growled after the child as they all made their way to the great hall.

Hiccup quickly caught up to his father and walked into the great hall by his side as Toothless who had caught up by then walked behind them. It took a few minutes for everyone to get settled, especially for those Vikings who sat beside someone who was naked. Poor Gobber was one of the Vikings sitting in between two newcomers. The young man sitting to his left, simply looked over and nodded at him as if his appearance didn't bother anyone.

"Alright Hàkon we're all here. Now what exactly are you doing here?" Stoick asked the man.

"In short brother we are here to help bring down the mad queen," the man explained.

"Who is the mad queen? What's it got to do with us?"

"She is the false dragon queen that took over the place after we were exiled. She is the reason for all the raids on Berk and other islands. She needs to be taken down and we can help with the assistance of the rebel dragons. However, I have a condition,"Hàkon said.

Stoick stared at the man not sure what was crazier, his brother or the fact that they were all listening to him. Instinct was telling him though that what he was saying was indeed the truth, so giving him the benefit of the doubt he indulged the man.

"What are your conditions?" he asked his brother.

"Just one thing, I want to be no longer exiled from Berk. These people here are good and wish for nothing less than the home that was stolen from them. My child deserves a home Stoick," Hàkon explained.

"You think all these people are going to be able to live on Berk. We have a hard enough time feeding the people we have already," Stoick said looking at the full room.

Hàkon looked at his brother confused before following his gaze. When he realized what his little brother was thinking he gave a hearty chuckle.

"Oh no Stoick, just the clothed ones. The naked ones are dragons," the man chuckled.

At first everyone sighed in relief seeing only maybe 4 or 5 clothed people other than Hàkon. That quickly dissipated when they realized they were surrounded by dragons. Stoick didn't think his eyes could get any bigger, had his older brother seriously brought ships of dragons to his shores?

"You do recall why I was exiled in the first place don't you?" the man asked when he saw the confused look on his brother's face.

Stoick only looked at the man in shock still wrapping his head around room full of dragons disguised as naked humans.

"Stoick, I'd like you to meet my mate Eldrid," Hàkon said helping the naked woman to her feet.

The woman gazed her blue eyes adoringly at her mate as her onyx hair fell wildly down her back before turning to Stoick and bowing to him respectfully. Then Hàkon held his hand out and smiled as the tiny pale hand of the girl from before grasped it. Gracefully she stepped forward and bowed to the chief just as the woman had done.

"Stoick, this is my daughter Tyra. My love for them was the reason I was exiled little brother," the Viking explained as he wrapped his arms around the two women on either side of him.

"They are both dragons," Stoick said out loud mostly to himself.

"They are both Night Furies. Just as all the others," Hàkon said in a matter of fact tone.

Hiccup gasped in surprise before looking up at Toothless who looked beside himself at the new information. He wasn't alone, there were others like him and now they were here to help fight for their home.

"The other dragons are on their way. They had keep their presence secret from both you and the queen until it was safe. Since Night Furies are the few breeds of dragon that can shape shift, they came on the ships with us," Hàkon explained.

Silence filled the hall as everyone absorbed what was happening before a loud slam disturbed it. All heads turned to see Spitelout quickly stand and walk out of the Great Hall without a word.

"Who was that?" asked Hàkon confused by the man's behavior.

"That was Spitelout. He's your youngest brother," Stoick explained feeling guilty that he never spoke of their older brother to him but he never thought he would ever meet him either.

Without a word, the two men followed after their little brother leaving the room full of Vikings and dragons alone with no instruction. Gobber feeling like he needed to break the ice looked between the two naked men that he now knew was a Night Furies.

"So, you're both dragons eh?" he asked the men who just stared at him and nodded with expressionless faces.

"How's that workin' out for ya?"

[epag88]

I had a very unfortunate incident recently involving someone wanting me to read their stories. When I agreed that I would, they started copying and pasting the same message over and over again. They were also extremely rude during some of our conversations. Tonight, I did something I’ve never done to anyone and blocked them. 

This greatly bothered me because I love when fellow fanfic writers message me and tell me how much they love my stories and ask me to read their work. It’s the ultimate form of flattery as a writer in my opinion.

I want to continue to be welcoming to people but at the same time I have ZERO tolerance for rudeness! 

That said thank you everyone who likes my story, it gives me the warm fuzzies :)

[epag88]

Dragon Treasure Chapter: 9

Summary:  Hiccup is just a little seven year old boy running away from his father’s disappointment and meets a new friend hiding in the woods. Stoick is about to learn that one man’s burden is another man’s treasure. 

Hiccup sat anxiously in his bed. He felt like he had been waiting for this moment for what felt like eternity for this moment. Looking at the woman in anticipation he tried very hard to wait patiently for her answer. The healer gave him one last skeptical look before making her decision.

"Alright lad, I declare a clean bill of health for ya," she said casually.

"Does that mean I can go now?" the boy asked excitedly.

Eira nodded with a smirk and watched in amusement as the little boy ripped the blankets off and shot out of the bed.

"FREEDOM!" the child cheered as he barrelled out of the hut.

Many Vikings had to jump out of Hiccup's way to avoid being plowed by him followed casually by a Night Fury shaking his head at the boy's antics. Hiccup didn't know what he wanted to do first. He was just so happy to not be in a bed anymore that he was beside himself with his new found freedom.

"Hiccup, over here," a voice called and the little boy and the dragon both looked up to see Astrid with some other children.

Astrid heard Hiccup was 'getting out' today and decided to gather some of the other children from the tribe to celebrate. As the human and the dragon approached the group however the children became a little hesitant.

"Hey guys…what's wrong?" Hiccup asked confused by their behaviour.

Toothless was amused by how naive his hatchling could be. Of course the children were skittish around him after all he was the unbeatable, never before seen Night Fury.

"Wow, I had an idea of what a Night Fury looked like but it was never like this," a taller chubby boy said in awe of the dragon and unconsciously stroking the beast's over fed ego.

"How'd you do it Hiccup?" another boy asked with messy black hair.

"I bet he farts lightening since he's the unholy offspring of it and all," the scrawny boy with blond hair said in a matter of fact tone.

"They probably smell like death to," the girl beside him that had a very similar appearance to the other boy piped in and the strange pair laughed at their own joke.

Hiccup giggled nervously as he looked over his shoulder at the Night Fury who did not look in the least bit amused.

'I do NOT have lightening farts that smell like death' the dragon growled.

"Man you guys are excited all of a sudden," Hiccup replied to them.

"Well it's not every day a guy tames a Night Fury Hiccup. So how did you do it?" the black haired boy asked again more persistently.

Toothless growled at the child for even thinking that he was tamed like some kind of house pet if anything the boy belonged to him.

"Snotlout I didn't tame him. Toothless is my friend and he can come and go as he pleases," Hiccup defended his friend.

"Then why is everybody saying to be extra nice to you so that the dragon doesn't eat us," the chubby boy asked reluctantly as if he was afraid Hiccup would actually do it.

The little boy was shocked by what the other boy had said to him. Was everyone in the village only going to be nice to him now because of Toothless. Did that mean that these children really weren't his friends?

"It's cause everybody is scared. Nobody has ever seen a Night Fury and now there's one walking in our village freely. It's probably a little unnerving to the grownups but just because Hiccup is his treasure doesn't mean Toothless isn't a nice dragon. He just treats people the way they treat him. So if you're only here to ask stupid questions than scram," Astrid scolded the others not realizing the cat she had let out of the bag.

The atmosphere suddenly became very tense as the children suddenly felt very foolish for their behaviour and Hiccup let what he just heard sink in. Toothless wish he could have applauded the human girl for defending them when he looked over at his human and saw that he looked very distressed.

'Hiccup? What is wrong hatchling?' Toothless cooed as he nudged the boy's hand before the child looked at him with watery eyes.

"A treasure? Is that why you took care of me? You thought I was just something you could take and hide away," Hiccup asked the dragon who was surprised by the sudden change in the boy.

'No!...Well perhaps at first but that was not the plan' the Night Fury growled wishing more than ever that he could talk to his human.

"The whole time I was in the cave and you were keeping my dad away, it wasn't because you were protecting me as a friend…it was so you could keep me to yourself," Hiccup accused as more tears started forming.

'Hiccup, please don't cry I didn't mean to' Toothless purred trying to get the boy to understand as he nuzzled him but was disturbed to see him backing away.

"Are you even my friend?" the boy asked bluntly shocking them all before Hiccup took off leaving the stunned children behind.

'HIICCUP!' the beast roared but Astrid stopped him and he looked up at her desperately.

'What do I do?' Toothless pleaded to her.

"He's just upset. I'll talk to him when he calms down I promise…I'll fix this," Astrid said to the dragon who only nodded in reply.

"Astrid we-"

"Just go please," Astrid said cutting off Fish legs.

Toothless heard the other children walk away to go play. The distraught dragon stared at the ground until he heard a sniffling sound. He looked up to see Astrid with her hands covering her eyes and tears leaking through her fingers.

'Oh don't you start. Why are all the hatchlings crying today? What's wrong with you now?' the dragon thought as he nuzzled the girl.

"It's my fault, I'm sorry. I didn't know it was a secret I thought he knew. I was trying to help I promise I was," the girl sobbed wrecked with guilt.

The dragon didn't know what to say to her to give her comfort. He knew she was trying to help but that didn't stop the six year old from feeling bad. Astrid slid to the ground as she cried and the dragon sat patiently beside her until her tears stopped and she leaned against him.

"Daddy was right. Girls are nothing but trouble," she mumbled.

'Your daddy is a twit' Toothless huffed in reply.

"Well it's about damn time ya learned," a slurred voice said and both looked up to see a man dishevelled brown hair and mud brown eyes to match.

The man who smelt awful in the dragon's opinion stumbled over and smirked at the distraught girl instead of asking her what was wrong. Before Toothless could stop him he reached out and grabbed Astrid by the arm, hoisting her to her feet.

"What did you do now useless girl?" he sneered at her.

"Daddy that hurts," the girl replied coldly.

'Leave her alone' Toothless hissed at the man.

"Oh I'm sorry did I interrupt your meal beast. My apologies," the man replied before throwing Astrid to the ground again.

Astrid fell with a hard thump and screamed as she landed earning the attention of a view Vikings that were rushing over to see what was going on.

'Stop that!' Toothless roared at him as he slowly approached the girl.

"Well what are you waiting for beast, go ahead and eat her. WHAT'S WR-"

The last thing the man saw before he lost consciousness was the surprised look of both Astrid and Toothless as well as his enraged wife holding a bloody mace. Kelda had officially had enough of this useless man. The only thing good she got out their arranged marriage was their daughter and she'd be dammed if that changed.

"Dragon," Kelda hissed at the Night Fury who was standing over her child sniffing her over.

"Lick even a sample of that child and your head will be beside his on my mantle," she threatened in a deadly calm voice as she pointed the bloody mace at him.

Toothless was taken back the woman and quickly nodded before taking a couple large steps away from Astrid making the girl giggle.

"I knew you were scared of my mom," she teased earning her a glare from the dragon.

"What is going on here?!" Stoick's voice boomed through the small crowd and quickly made his way to them.

"He tried to feed my daughter to the dragon. He's a traitor Stoick and I want him killed," Kelda demanded.

"Kelda, give me the mace. Ya need to calm down," Stoick said with his hands up to show he was not being hostile.

"Promise me something will be done Stoick. I did not ask to be married to that man but the child we created is my treasure. I will not let anyone hurt her as long as my heart beats so that means his must stop," the warrior woman insisted.

"Agreed Stoick, he is a traitor. We've had so few girls born to the tribe in the past few years that he's endangering the tribe by killing them off," a man called out and the crowd roared in agreement.

"Stoick, this isn't about a personal scuffle. Fact is he tried to kill his own kin and that's a traitor through and through. I know ya like your fair trials and all, but I think this is a no brainer," Gobber said to his friend who nodded in reply.

"Alright, I've decided. He'll be exiled, tied to a mass and shipped off so that the sea can have him. Then he can face Thor's judgement," Stoick declared raising his fist above his head and all the villagers followed suit cheering including Kelda raising the bloody mace to the sky.

Toothless hissed at the man's prone form as two large Vikings carried him off and the crowd dispersed. The dragon looked over at Astrid who still seemed to be upset by what happened and went over to the distraught child who was sitting with her legs drawn up to her chest and her arms wrapped around them.

"Thanks," she said with a sad smile when she saw him sitting beside her and huffed in reply.

"Astrid, we're going home now," Kelda said gently picking up the girl minding whatever bruising that were going to form.

"Mama I pro-"

Astrid was cut off by Toothless grunting at her. She turned to look at him and he motioned for her to go home. They kept their eyes locked on each other as Astrid was carried by her mother but just before she was out of site he mouthed the words 'I'm sorry.'

Yes, Toothless still had another problem he had to fix and it wasn't even lunchtime yet. The dragon wondered where he was even going to start looking for his little friend when Stoick walked up to him.

"Now what to do with you," he said casually to the Night Fury who looked at him curiously.

"Damndest thing happened just an hour ago. Hiccup came up to me in tears saying you didn't want to be his friend," Stoick explained surprising the dragon.

"Turns out he found out he was your treasure and thought the worst from the stories I tell him about dragons….no offense," the man continued.

'None taken" the Night Fury grunted in reply.

"Found myself with two choices when he came to me. Tell him treasure was all he was to ya and get my son back…or tell him the truth," Stoick said looking once more to the distraught dragon.

'What exactly was that?' the dragon wondered.

"Told him there different kinds of treasure. There's the literal jewels and gold and what have ya. Then there's another kind that's even more precious than money, and it's the kind you wait your whole life for. It's the love a parent has for their child, the joy of finding your soul mate that will be by your side in battle and in life, the loyalty that comes with having a beloved friend…or in your case the bond between brothers," Stoick told him.

Toothless couldn't believe what this human had done for him. He was going to take his child away and now here he was trying to save their friendship.

"He's in the cove. Make sure he's back by lunch," the chief stated before he got up and walked away from the Night Fury.

…

Hiccup had no idea how long he had been sitting there drawing with a stick but he was happy to have the spot to himself so he could think. He felt awful for what he said to Toothless and was afraid to face the dragon in case he really didn't want to be his friend now and he wouldn't blame him either. He was just doing the finishing touches on his Toothless drawing when he heard a grunt and turned his head slightly surprised to see the dragon behind him staring at the drawing.

"Toothless?"

As if he didn't hear the child the dragon ran off and Hiccup watched as he came back with a giant branch and started drawing all around him. The boy followed his every move until he finished his masterpiece and slowly got up to see the giant lines drawn in the dirt.

"Just so we're clear I do not look like that," Hiccup said assuming the dragon was trying to draw him.

As he continued to look at his friend's art, he suddenly got the urge to step in between the lines. He stopped when he heard Toothless growling and realized he stepped on one of the lines. After he quickly got off he suddenly began to smirk and put his foot back down on purpose to see the dragon's reaction and when he received another growl quickly took his foot off. He did this a few more times and giggled when the Night Fury started tapping his claws in irritation.

'You're lucky you're cute' Toothless thought and continued to watch the boy dance around his picture until Hiccup backed up into his chest.

He smiled down at the surprised green eyes staring back at him before he nuzzled the boy's cheek affectionately. To his relief Hiccup responded back by wrapping his arms around his neck and hiding his face against it.

'Come out come out wherever you are' Toothless purred to the child.

Slowly the tiny face made its appearance after a while and looked up to the smiling dragon and mumbled, "Sorry Toothless."

'I know. Me to little one' he replied as he wrapped his wings around them and stayed like that until Toothless remembered his hatchling needed to be fed when he heard his tummy rumble.

"Guess we better go back," Hiccup said stepping back.

Toothless nodded before he walked behind Hiccup and put his head between the boy's legs and lifted him up so he could slide onto his back. Hiccup yelped in surprise when he fell back on Toothless and then got excited when he saw the dragon spread his wings.

"Really?!" the boy squeaked.

'Oh ya' he grunted back with a smirk before they took off into the sky and flew back to Berk.

…

The chief was waiting for Hiccup's return when Gobber came running up to him as quickly as his prosthetic leg would carry him.

"Stoick, we need you to get to the docks there are boats coming our way. The flags have your family crest on them," the man explained quickly.

"Seriously, what is with this day and problems. It's like the universe knows Hiccup is out of bed," the man replied irritated as he followed his best friend.

When they got to the dock another Viking handed Stoick a telescope, so he could see these ships for himself. When he saw the crest, he pulled the telescope away from his eye looking as if he'd seen a ghost.

"It can't be."