Chapter 3

Hiccup's POV

My life right about now is pretty complicated, I'll admit, but I still love it. Each day carried out the same as the next, starting with me getting up early to work at the forge. Next I would go to the cove to train with Astrid. She really likes the cove, seems to have made it her new work out area. After that, we'd head off to Dragon Training and bomb it. I'm not the best in training right now, but holding a steady 2nd or 3rd, rarely a 4th place in it. After we would go to lunch and put up with Snotlout's flirting. Next me and her would go train some more in the cove, me sometimes teaching her stuff about Mermaids. Then we'd go off to dinner and head our separate ways. I know it's usually takes hours after dinner for me to actually fall asleep so that's when I go back to the cove to meet up with Toothless.

My dad and most of the villagers are still out hunting for the nest, so that leaves the village quiet and empty as I'm walking through it this early in the morning. I couldn't fall back asleep, my body taking less and less sleep each week so I decided to wake up earlier than normal. Reaching the forge, I picked up a sack of coal and began to heat up the hearth. It was about 2 hours later that Gobber walked in. "Mornin' lass, sleep well?" I shook my head answering "Barely a wink, but I'm fine". He sighed; there wasn't anything he could do so he started to help me in repairs.

Because almost everyone was out hunting, there was little to do in the forge, and I fixed most of that little. We finished early and I felt a little off. Like I hadn't slept for a week which was pretty much true. I walked outside as Gobber began to put things away and I began to feel….energized? No seriously, I actually feel like I could run around the island 20 times straight! "Hiccup, are ya alrigh'?" I gave an enthusiastic smile and said "Yep, I'm feeling great, so when does training start?"

He put his hand on my head and searched my temperature. "Are ya sure yur feel'in alright?" I nodded a little too enthusiastically and replied "What? I'm feeling fine! I feel like I could run 20 laps around the island!" He sighed and said "I don' know lass, yur act'in a little off". "No, I'm fine, please let me go in training today, please? Pretty, pretty please? With a cherry on top?" I gave him my puppy eyes and he groaned. "Alrigh', but the minute ya feel'in strang, yur out, understand?" I once again nodded like I was 5.

"Hey Hiccup! Come on, it's time for training" I heard Astrid yell. "I'm coming!" I shouted back. I took my apron off, put on my jacket, took down my hair, and ran up to her. "So, what are we doing today? Cartwheels? Handstands? Back flips? Running laps around the island?" She just laughed and asked "Where is all this energy coming from? Did you finally get some sleep?" I shook my head "Barely an hour, but I feel like I could swim to the edge of the world and back! Come on, I'll race you to the cove!" I challenged. I didn't wait for a reply because I already began to run.

For the first time, I made it to the cove before her. I was still jumping around with the energy of a 5 year old when she arrived. "Come on! Come on! Come on! Why are you acting so slow today?" She had her hands on her knees and was almost gasping for air. "I'm (breath) not (breath) being (breath) slow. You're (breath) being (breath) very fast (breath)". I just laughed and began to practice what she already taught me while she was recovering. After an hour she was out of breath again, but I was still energized. "Where is this energy coming from? I mean seriously, who does 150 burpees and still has enough energy to run?"

I shrugged when I looked up at the time. "Oh! Oh! It's time for Dragon Training, comeoncomeoncomeon!" I repeated pulling on her arm. I seriously was acting like her younger sister here. She laughed again. "Alright! Alright! I'm going, no need to act like a child". On the way there she somehow got me to stay at her pace. Jogging. I wanted to run, but she said to save it for training. I didn't stay when I saw the ring and I ran there, leaving behind a worn out Astrid.

I was practically bouncing off the walls when the rest of the group arrived. "Seriously! Why is everyone so slow today!?" I complained. "Wow, what's wrong with her? She's never this childish". Tuff piped up and said "Ha! Uncontrollable euphoria! Classic sleep deprivation symptom". Everyone looked at him. "And, you know this how?" Fishlegs asked. "Uncle Gorgstave. He had insomnia for 27 years!" he replied. "Ya, we're experts in the field" Ruff added. "Well, she said she had barely an hour of sleep so I guess it makes sense" Astrid piped up.

The rest of training was a blur after that. All I can really remember is being extremely energized until it was over. Then I think I passed out. I woke up in my bed who knows how long after. I felt extremely sore and worn out. Probably all the work I did catching up to me. I felt something cold on my forehead so I took it off. It was a wet rag. I took a sharp breath as a jolt of pain zapped through my muscles. Everywhere ached, burned, or hurt when I moved. Placing a hand on my head I looked around to see I was at Gothi's house in the emergency bed she had.

I could see out of the window she had that the sun had just finished setting. I could also hear a few voices outside the room. I slowly stood up, with plenty of trouble because of my soreness and dizziness, but made it to the door. I saw Gobber and Astrid talking to Gothi. I decided to stay quiet for a few minutes. "Come on Gothi, there has to be something you can give her!" Astrid complained worriedly. She scribbled down on the sand and Gobber translated. "She says because of her disease, her op'ions are lim'ed". Astrid stomped her feet and looked my way. "You're up already?" I just nodded. Gobber and Gothi joined and saw me at the door way.

Gobber hobbled up to me and put an arm around me. "Alrigh' lass, why don' we get ya home". I nodded again. "I'll go with" Astrid said, trailing us. I just tiredly rested my head against his arm and let him lead me back home. "What happened during training? I can't remember". "Well, with all your 'magically fueled energy', you actually were the last one out. We went in pairs against a Zippleback. Me and Ruff, Tuff and Snotlout, and you with Fishlegs.

No one knows how you did it, but you were supposed to throw a bucket of water over it's head. You did, but missed and somehow scared the dragon back into it's cage. You had your hands out and were telling it to get back and such. It was kind of cool". I blinked, but nodded. "As much as I'd love to answer how I did that, I can't remember how or what I did". "It's fine, we all were more scared that you didn't run or move than how you did it". I smiled at her. We continued walking back to the house when my legs gave out on me.

Gobber caught me and carried me back into my bed. "Ge' some sleep, Hiccup. We don' need a repeat of today". I just nodded as Astrid leaned down and gave me a hug. "I hope I didn't wear you out too much. Might have been why I was the last one standing" I softly said. She just nodded. "Alright, well, get some more rest. I'll let everyone know you're ok". I nodded. "Gobber, you wouldn't mind if I stayed home tomorrow, would you?". "Na, I expec' with how much exercise ya did and how little sleep ya go' ya'd be worn out". "Thank you, I appreciate it".

I laid back down and waited 20 minutes after I heard them leave to get up and make my way to the cove. Toothless was there looking a bit worried until I stumbled into the cove. "Hiccup! There you are, I was beginning to think you weren't going to show tonight" he said in relief. "Ya, sorry, I had another episode, a big one. I got less than an hour of sleep last night and passed out in training". He gave a horrified look. "Oh! I'm ok, though, I'm ok. I passed out after I somehow scared a Zippleback into it's cage". I watched his shoulders and wing muscles relax as he walked up to me and greeted me with our annual kiss.

"Come on then, if you got so little sleep, you shouldn't even be up now" He purred gently. I wrapped my right arm around his neck and leaned into him. It was night and day temperatures from now since I met Toothless. It was freezing out right now and his wing was an extremely warm blanket. We laid down at our normal spot in an area typically shaded from the sun so Astrid couldn't see it. I cuddled into his warm chest and relaxed into his larger frame. He always felt so...safe. I kissed his chin and asked while rubbing along his chest "How was your day?".

"Ah, aside from normal tension around with word of my pre-mate, pretty normal" he said, enhancing the word pre-mate. I have a feeling he likes to use that term with me. I closed my eyes, his warmth making me feel tired and asked "Could you wake me up right before dawn? I need to head back before Astrid comes here to practice". I felt his head nod and I let myself fall almost asleep when I heard him ask "When we become mates, which I assume we will, will your sleeping problems stop?". I let out a breath and replied "It will, but it will show up again when we need to renew our mateship. It normally happens around after their first child is born. Mostly because a mermaid's gestation period is 12 months".

I felt his breathing pause. "It takes a year for a mermaid hatchling to grow?" I nodded and explained "The reason for that is because it takes time to gather the magic from the mother and for the genes from the father to coexist. It takes less time with other animals, the typical 9 months, but that's because they aren't magical creatures. You on the other hand, will take a year if our relationship goes that far". "Wait, humans have magic?" "It's so little and is only used with enough emotional turmoil. Some learn to harness their magic and make it grow by doing unnatural things". "Witches. Yes, I've heard about you humans turning on witches before".

"That's because they do satanic things for power. Or, calling upon evil with the sacrifice of blood, animals, children. Selling their souls for the chance to have powers that are horrible to think about. But, not all witches are bad. These satanic witches aren't born with more magic, they strengthen it. Natural born witches are known as servants at the hands of nature. Their power comes naturally, and is used for natural things".

I looked up at him to see his eyes wide with curiosity. "Least to say, you would be able to tell the difference between a satanic witch and a natural one. Now, if you don't mind, I'm actually tired for once". He laughed at that and laid his head down on his paws. "Alright my pre-mate, sleep well. I'll wake you before dawn". We shared one last kiss before my world went black from sleep.

Toothless' POV

It was early in the morning before the sun came up, I looked down at my gorgeous pre-mate. I told her that I'd wake her when it was time, but I just can't do it. She for once was sleeping soundly, and not pretending to like I've caught her doing. I decided I'd let her sleep, but I'll fly her back to her wooden structure. I, as gently as I could, set her on my back and took off. Unfortunately, she woke up mid flight. "Holy Thor! Toothless, put me down!" I sighed. "Sorry, I meant for you to sleep as I brought you back". I felt her cling to my neck. It eased up after a minute and I could hear her breath catch as the sun was coming up.

She sat up on my back and looked around. "Wow, it's so...beautiful up here". "That it is, my Hiccup, that it is". She was lightly stroking my neck as the village was approaching. We were still hidden among the shades of the trees as I landed. "Well, it's not the wakeup call I imagined, but it could have been worse. Thank you". I licked her lips lightly and nuzzled her cheek. "I'll see you tonight, Hiccup. Try and fall back asleep. For me?" She kissed my head, then nose, and finally mouth. "I'll try. I promise".

"Good. I'll be back at sunset. Until then, sleep well". I was gone with a few flaps of my wings. I soared high above the land and sea, and far across the island. I flew until I reached the bank of fog that held the creature within. I passed sea stacks, burned and broken ships, and ones currently fighting for entrance. I flew passed them and into the view of the volcano that is our nest. Lava spewed out from the sides and hints of smoke dissolved into the atmosphere.

I flew through the entrance and felt a heat flash that normally comes when entering a volcano. Landing on my ledge, I watched as the latest raid came back with yaks, sheep, and chickens. "Shadow Blaster! Come forth!" a monstrous growl came after the last of the animals were dropped. I flew down to a ledge in front of her lair as a giant shadow came over me. "Word has spread that you have came into a relationship with a human. Is this true?" "This is false, your majesty. She is no human, but she is no dragon".

"I have seen in Doubleshot, you have lied straight to your Queen's face!" "You have seen wrong, your highness!" I argued. "I've known her for more than Doubleshot has! She has human form, and when he saw her that is what she was in. She is no human, humans can't perform magic". She was quiet for a few seconds when she spoke. "You have 5 minutes to explain why I shouldn't kill either of you". "I can't explain what she is without proof. If you wish to know what she is, you'll need to look through my mind to see it. I do not lie, your majesty, but I do not wish to endanger the one I care about".

"You argue with your Queen? This is a disrespectful act, and I will not tolerate disrespect! Remember what you owe me, Shadow Blaster. I saved you from the sea and from your enemy. I won't hesitate to throw you back out into the wild". She ranted. "I don't doubt it for a second. I only speak with such disrespect because she isn't here to defend her case. I do not deny I have a pre-mate who isn't a dragon, and I do not deny your access to prove it. You may do as you please, but I will not voluntarily put her in danger because of a misunderstanding!" I finished.

She was rendered speechless at my heavy, heartfelt words. The nest went quiet at my roar. And I meant every bit of it. "Don't think this conversation is over, Shadow Blaster. I will not enter your low, useless mind for something so small and inconvenient. But I would like to meet her. If she's no human, then it shouldn't be a problem" she finished smugly as she lowered back into her hole like the coward she was. 'Only in your dreams are you meeting my Hiccup, tyrant!' I wanted to say. I kept it in for the good or greater.

I flew back up to my ledge and rested. I was going to fly to the other nest within the next hour or so. I have yet to say anything about Hiccup to my family. We had been in a pretty brutal fight before I met her. I haven't spoken to them, despite moving between nests. I fell asleep and woke up at the time I had hoped. Stretching, I caught some fish and began my flight to the Nest I grew up in. On my way out I noticed the Viking hunters from Hiccup's island leaving. 'I guess they are finished. Hiccup will be happy that they're returning'.

Nothing eventful happened as I approached the icy haven I call home. I saw Perry and Lilac keeping watch. They didn't look at me, and that hurt more then I let on. I flew in through thick, icy caves and caverns until I reached the heavily vegetated nest inside. I could see my parents talking to some other dragons. I didn't look for long as I flew to FireMouth's cave to rest. "Well, look who finally decided to show up!" he commented. "Yeah, sorry. I'm living on a rough schedule right now". "Yeah, with the Queen and all. So what's the plan with her? I mean, you can't keep living between nests".

"I'm not sure, Mouth. She's too powerful to kill". "What makes you think you can't? Sure she's big, but she's just like every other dragon". I sighed, and rested my head. "I know. I'll figure something out, I usually do". "Yeah, something crazy and most likely going to get you killed". I huffed in amusement before falling back asleep. I was awoken to my angry parents' growling. "Uhh, what?". My father just growled in disgust. "Don't 'what' me, Toothless!" I stood up, with a stressed and pleading face. "Please, father, can we not do this now?" "No, we are most definitely doing this now! We will not have our only son living to serve a monster". "I'm trying to help all those innocent dragons! Just the other day, one tried to kill me because he was so scared. He was one of the smartest ones there!".

"Our point exactly! Son, please" my mother added. "Mother, I can't just sit here and watch. I half to do something". "But Toothless, look at what it's doing to you! Your scales are going a little grey, you sleep at any free time you get...none of us want to see you like this. We love you Toothless, please". She continued. I sighed, eyes a bit watery. I walked up and wrapped a wing around both of them. "I love you guys, more than I can speak. But I can't just watch as innocent dragons are being held in such fear".

They both wrapped a wing around me and held me tight. "Besides, I think the twins are feeling a little unappreciated. I know you love me and I love you, but I'm old enough to make my own decisions. Perry and Lilac, however are still learning". I gave a lick to each of them. "I can take care of myself. If I want to live between two nests, then that's how I'm going to live". My dad's gaze held, still not approving of my decision. My mom however looked down, teary eyed.

I sighed and looked at the sunlight. I had to start heading back to see Hiccup. I turned away from them and left. "I have to go". "Toothless, wai.." was all I heard from my father before I flew off. I couldn't deal with this now, not after everything today. I flew back to Berk and landed with a start. I was earlier then I needed to be. I went to my sleeping spot and began to cry. The stress, from everything was just getting to me. I didn't know how long I was there, just crying until I felt soothing hands wrap around my neck.

"I don't know what's bothering you, Toothless, but it's going to be ok". I looked back at her worried face and buried mine into her chest and stomach. She hummed and stroked my head in hopes to calm me down. I couldn't sense any magic so she wasn't using her voice in a bad way. I stopped after a few minutes, exhausted from today. "You ok, Toothless?". I nodded; "Yeah, just...just stressed, that's all" I replied looking at her sadly.

She kissed a few places on my face, rubbing my neck in a sort of massage. "Well, things are going to get better, I promise". I huffed in amusement. Then I licked her cheek. "Thanks. It's just that, the Queen is up my tail about having you as a pre-mate, then my family is up my tail about living the way I am...I just need a break from it all". She smiled and rested her head against mine, saying "You could always spend a few days here".

"But what about your friend? Won't she know that I'm here?". "I don't know, would she?" She ended on an edge. To me, that was a challenge to see if I was good enough at stealth. "No, she won't". "At-a-boy, Toothless. This morning had me thinking about flying. If you're not sore….or if you want to, maybe you could…". I laughed and licked her cheek. "It's fine, I'm not sore or tired. Hop on". She nervously got on and I slowly brought her up to the sky. The sun was just finishing it's journey across the sky. She was entranced.

Hiccup's POV

The view was absolutely breathtaking. Far better than the one we took this morning. The clouds were pink and felt wet at the touch. They looked like pillars in the sky, large and wide. We flew until pink turned to purple, and purple turned to blue. The clouds remained white under the moonlight, and glowed into beautiful colors when our famous Northern Lights lit up in action. I gasped at the beauty and instantly knew I loved it up here. He flew on into view of Berk from above, and it looked better than ever.

He flew down in front of the statues and finally passed them, making his way back to the cove. "Wow, it way better up here than I thought". "I knew you'd like it". I just nodded while continuing to look around. He flew around until we reached the cove. I slid off in a daze, still mesmerized by the images that played off in my mind. I jumped out of it when Toothless wrapped his tail around my waist and pulled me into his arms. "Thank You, Toothless. This was amazing". He nuzzled my hair and purred "Anything for my Hiccup".

My cheeks held a steady pink as I drifted to sleep.

Author's Note: Hey guys, sorry for another short chapter, I felt like I was being super slow, so I wanted to get some content out quickly. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, and comment if you want more!

-LlamaQueen666