Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hiccup's POV

As Toothless steadily flew northward following my newly found mother and flock of dragons we all travelled in silence.

I think the shock of the day's events was still catching up with us all hence the silence.

Unfortunatly the shock of the day wasn't the only thing to catch up with me...

The exhaustion and pain of the events of the day finally caught up with me as well, and I groaned as the shock that was protecting me from the pain began to wear off and my arm stung in agony.

“You okay Hiccup?” Asked Astrid concerned, “*Brother are you alright?*” Grumbled Toothless. “I’m fine just the burn on my arm it’s a bit sore… But it’s fine!” I mutter wincing.

“Valka are we nearly there Hiccup has a pretty bad burn on his arm that needs some attention!” “I’m fine! Besides, you also got scraped up during the fight!”

“Yeah, but I didn’t get BURNED!!!” She yelled punching me not too hard on my good arm, “Alright alright…” I grumble looking at Astrid who was smirking like she'd won a fight... Which she had... I sighed.

“We should be arriving soon enough. I’ll take us to mine and Cloudjumper’s cavern first to get you both healed up. Then we’ll eat some dinner and you guys can get some rest before I show you the Great Nest and introduce you to the Alpha tomorrow," stated my mum.

“Alpha? This Alpha isn’t like the false Alpha right?” I asked concerned. My mother and Cloudjumper stopped in their tracks and flew backwards to us.

“What do you know about the False Alpha son?” She asked darkly, “Well… Astrid, Toothless and I accidentally got caught in her trance and ended up on her island… We escaped! But we saw her kill other dragons…”

“*They wanted to try and free the dragons but none of us know where to start since only an alpha species can challenge an alpha and defeat them…*” Crooned my brother somberly and I stroked his scales softly trying to let him know that I was there for him, when my mum said, “What? really? But Lightning you're a *Nightwatcher*!”

“What? What's a *Nightwatcher?*” Asked Astrid.

“*It’s the dragon name for my species. But what does that have to do with anything?*” Questioned my brother as we flew.

“Well, my dear Lightning in the beginning when the great spirits or gods as we know them first created dragons, four alpha species were created. They were the guardians, the alphas, the kings, and the queens of Dragonkind. It was their sworn duty to lead, serve, and protect Dragons, and they were known as The Dragon Keepers," My mother responded.

“*The Dragon Keepers? That sounds familiar…*” Rumbled my brother and my mom and Cloudjumper exchanged a knowing look.

“So these species could threaten the reign of the false queen?” asked Astrid.

“Yes, they could. Those species are the Bewilderbeast, our noble king is that species, the Red Protectors, which is the species of the False Queen however her nickname is the Red Death due to her cruel, and abusive actions. Then there are two other species… The most powerful kind of these dragons according to Legend had the ability when they reached the age of 16 to shift between dragon and human form. These two species were specially created to complement each other as both opposites and equals. The moon and the inky night sky, the day, and the night, light and dark. They are known as the Nightwatcher and Lightbringer Dragons, or as humans call them Night Furies and Light Furies.”

“*So that means I- I’m supposed to be an Alpha and I could free the dragons from the False Queen the Red Death?*” Rumbled my brother in awe. “Yes Lightning that means you are destined to become an Alpha and indeed you could challenge the Red Death and free the Nest however you are still young too young to be worrying about that,” said my mother

“*But if I could free them!*” rumbled Toothless, “We could free them together!” I said with excitement. “I knew there was a way!” exclaimed Astrid.

“Yes when you’re older now please just come with us to the Great Hidden Nest you’ll all be safe and happy there I promise,” said my mom begging us to drop the subject.

“We’ll discuss this later…” I muttered to my friends and they both gave a nod of approval. If I was certain about one thing it was that if we could help free those dragons we would…

“So Mum what is the Alpha at the Great Hidden Nest like?” I asked again switching the subject.

“He is a kind, wise, and noble king who rules with compassion, and protectiveness. His name is King Icebreaker. I shall introduce you to him later he’ll be pleased to know that I have returned with you all safely," Said my mother.

“Oh, Thor!” I gasped. “What? What’s wrong?” Asked my mother. “All my notes, and gear… I left it in a sack in the cove… it was there in case people went snooping in my workshop Dam!”

My mom smiled at me and then yelled out, “Shattermaster!”

A green Gronckle flew through the crowd of Dragons with a sack in his claws, which he gently dropped in my mom’s lap. “*Thank you.*” Rumbled my mom as the Gronckle flew back into the flock.

“Wait is that?!” I asked excitedly. “Yes, I got him to retrieve it from the cove for you when I realized things were going in the wrong direction. I just have one concern. Astrid, do you have any important things you left behind dear?”

“No Ma’am I don’t I mean other than clothing I haven’t many things of importance.” She said. “Call me Valka dear, and are you sure that you haven’t anything of importance we can find a way to get it back safely I assure you.”

“I mean other than my Kransen and I suppose my axe I don’t have anything of much importance…” She said softly.

“Well, as far as clothes go we can go and trade for some with my allies in a week or so,” said my mother. “Wait you have human allies?” I asked, “Yes I do they’re good, and noble people and though I don’t visit them often they have always protected dragons,” Explained my mother, “And I have a small forge in the great nest I’m not the best at creating things but perhaps Hiccup can make you a sword?”

“Would you be willing to do that for me?” Asked Astrid.

“I’d be happy to milday,” I said blushing as the milady just slipped out, she smiled back at me brightly. Gratitude evident on her face.

Then I saw it a great big spikey icey island… “Is that?” asked Astrid, “Aye Lass that’s my home, and your new home too! Now first we’ll take the back entrance to our cavern no need to freak out the whole nest with visitors until we’ve all settled down, and you’ve gotten some rest it’s been a rough and long day for you all.”

“*You can say that again… I’m still tired from that dart!*” Yawned Toothless and I gave him a soft pat on the head and he grinned happily.

The flock of dragons dove downwards towards the sea diving straight into the icy depths near the island. “Why did they just dive into the ocean?” I asked slightly concerned at their actions.

“Oh don’t worry that’s just the main entrance, now we’ll be going in a different way through a maze leading to my cavern hurry!” she said and Cloudjumper blasted forward towards the spikey ice

Toothless flapped his wings and dove forward after them and a minute later we dove down into a rocky twisty cavern maze.

After a few minutes of fly back and forth, up, around, and finally down we came to a large crystal icy cavern filled with some small wooden furniture, lit up crystalesque candles, and a nest in the corner of the space.

“Wow this is where you’ve lived for nearly 15 years?” Asked Astrid, “Yes that it is,” said my mother jumping off of Cloudjumper’s back and going to a corner and fetching something from a box.

“It’s surprisingly homey, and bright.” I said. “Yes well we got light through the ice, and from the crystal candles infact Cloud do you mind?” Asked Valka and Cloudjumper shot four fireblasts lighting up the candles in the room illuminating it further.

I got off of Toothless’s back and looked around at the drawings on the walls. “Wow these are incredible! Wait is that?” I asked, starring at a particular painting.

"Aye that was one that I drew one of the times I visited to you when Astrid, Toothless and you were in the cove discussing your plans for well you know…” She said trailing off, and pulling out three chairs from her table.

“Wow you really captured our likeness, it’s incredible, I guess this must be where Hiccup gets his artistic talent,” Said Astrid.

I smiled thinking about the similarities between my mom and I.

“Now come sit I’ll help you with that burn, and the scrapes,” said my mom beckoning us over. “Oh that’s okay I can probably bandage it myself I just don’t have the supplies," I argued.

“No not another word you two sit down and let me help.” She stated firmly, and so Astrid and I walked over and sat on the chairs and I placed my injured arm on the cloth on the table.

“This’ll sting a bit,” my mum said as she began clean the burn.

“It’s fine I’ve had worse,” I said non-chalantly, my mother paled and asked, “What do you mean?”

“You know! Just the odd cuts, and burns, broken arm, sprained ankle I always was getting into trouble… so I learnt from Gothi how to do basic healing," I answered.

My mother frowned, continuing to clean my burn, “It’s okay though really! I survived.” I chuckled but it seems that my mom, brother and Astrid did not share my humour as they looked upset for some reason.

“Sorry did I say the wrong thing gods I probably said the wrong thing I never say the right thing always putting my foot in my mouth…” I rambled anxiously, and my mom took my other hand and Astrid laid her hand on my shoulder and Toothless nudged my side.

“Hiccup you didn’t do or say anything wrong I’m just sorry I couldn’t help you and protect you like I should’ve…” Said my mom.

“I never realized how much you suffered Hiccup… I’m sorry I wasn’t a better friend to you…” Said Astrid softly. “It’s okay I know your parents didn’t want you to associate with the 'village runt’ I understand,” I responded, and my mother looked horrified.

“R-runt?” My mom questioned her voice breaking, “Oh gods Hiccup I’m so sorry my son, I’m sorry you were alone living in a place that didn’t see the value of your intelligence and empathy...”

“It’s alright really I mean it wasn’t exactly wrong. Hiccup the Useless that was me…” I let a small smile cross my face.

“You were never the runt to me…” Said Astrid, and I looked at her confused.

“I told my parents that one night when they yelled at me for not being first in dragon training… They asked how a runt could be ahead of me and I said you were my friend, and that you were NOT a runt… They um didn’t agree. But the point is even before you got good in dragon training you were always special and helpful. You were always Hiccup. Nobody else could work their way around the forge like you could, and your kindness Hiccup throughout your whole life you’ve always been kind, and I know we Vikings don’t take that very well gods knows I didn’t used to, but Hiccup that is your strength. If not for your kindness and compassion none of this would’ve happened, and I for one am glad it did.” Rambled Astrid.

I looked up at Astrid and my mom and tears fell. “That- That means a lot to me that you stood up to your troll-forsaken parents for me. Thank you Astrid for being the first to believe in me.” I said smiling tears still in my eyes.

Toothless nudged my arm and gave a knowing smirk, “Sorry the second to believe in me! First human though.” I chuckled and Toothless growled, “*And don’t you forget it!*”

“Oh my son I am so proud of you, and I promise here together we shall be safe and we will be happy. Here you shall finally understand what it is to live in a place that understands you just like I did son, and you shall never forget that you are valued and loved by us all.” Said my mum stroking my face with her right hand I leaned into her touch it felt nice to be so loved.

After a minute my mom placed a salve on my arm and it instantly helped it feel less painful. “Wow, what is that salve?” I asked curious.

“Just some healing herbs and Lightbringer saliva. Lightbringer and Nightwatcher saliva has great healing properties lots of dragons actually have aspects of themselves that can be used for healing, and other purposes,” said my mom “Really like what?” asked Astrid before the words could even leave my mouth.

“Well Spinetail venom-” My mom started but I cut her off, asking “What’s a Spinetail?”

“Right of course you all would know the dragon species by their Norse names a Spinetail is Deadly Nadder. Anyways the venom from their spines I use to make into sleeping darts yes the same one I pricked Lightning with sorry about that by the way…” My mother explained.

Toothless grumbled softly about being sneaked up on and quote caught off guard.

“As well Flamescales aka Monsterous Nightmare gel can be used to light things on fire, Clodrag’s aka Changewing’s acid I use to break through chains on boats and Rocktals aka Gronckles help to make a strong iron called Rocktals Iron. Unfortunately, that makes them all the more of a target to selfish humans. But I digress... Anyways we’re all done now just give it a few days and it should be healed up. As I said the salve is made from healing herbs and Lightbringer saliva so it should heal fairly quickly," My mum explained and I moved my bandaged arm off the table placing it in my lap.

My mom then moved over and sat nearer to Astrid.

“Alright your turn dear,” she said kindly and I could see the tension on Astrid’s face so I put my good hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze. Astrid looked back at me and smiled nervously.

“Don’t worry it’ll be quick since yours aren’t as bad. It’ll only sting for a minute, I promise.” Said my mother to Astrid.

“Don’t you worry young one, Windwisp has been healing both dragons and her self for years!* Growled Cloudjumper.

Astrid gave a little nod and let my mom tend to her scratched up arms after just a few minutes she said, “Alright all finished. Now I’m sure you are hungry I have dried fish stored in here that you guys can eat and then I am going to go out for a little flight but you guys should get some rest," said my mom

“I’m not even that tired.” I yawned and both Toothless and Astrid gave me a side eye. “Okay yeah maybe I’m a little tired I am kinda hungry too. If it wouldn’t be a bother I would like some food thank you," I said.

"Of course it isn't a bother Gods Hiccup my dear you're my son, and Astrid and Toothless you're my family now too so I am going to take care of you all!" She sighed waving her hands jokingly exasperated.

"Really?" said Astrid, "Of course my dear I mean it you all have a home here with me now and that makes you family," Said my mother smiling as she stood up and walked towards a big smoking rack in the corner.

She quickly grabbed a handful of smoked fish and placed them on a big tray on the table. "Thanks," Said Astrid, Toothless and I in sync and my mom chuckled, "Such good manners and here I thought teenagers were supposed to be rude and sarcastic."

"Oh don't worry Hiccup can be saracastic," laughed Astrid and I rolled my eyes sticking my tongue out at her mockingly. "*I'd have to agree brother!*" Chortled Toothless grinning.

"Oh come on everyone's a critic!" I sighed laughing to myself as we all chuckled and smiled.

Finally after a few minutes we all settled down we ate in silence.

A little while later my mom got up and Cloudjumper followed her to the exit of the cavern. “Alright I’m going out for a little patrol and to inform King Icebreaker of your return. You guys can sleep in the moss nests over there I’ll return in a few hours please try to get some rest,” she said grabbing her staff and climbing onto Cloudjumpers back and with that she flew off down the cavern

“Woah…” I gasped, “What a day eh?”

“Yeah, I have to admit I am actually exhausted… But I hate sleeping.” said Astrid, “How come?” I asked kindly

“Eh I just don’t like that I’m vulnerable when I sleep anybody could attack me and I’d be caught unaware….” She explained red tinting her face as she stared at the ground.

“*You know Nightwatchers have very good senses if anybody tried to hurt you or anyone else here I would protect you both my friends.*” Rumbled Toothless rubbing up against Astrid’s side smiling at her.

“Toothless is right he is very aware of what’s going on trust me. If you want we can stay awake until you doze off?” I offered, “Really? You don’t mind?” She asked.

“Not at all infact it would give me a bit of time to write in my journal before I sleep.” I said, "Okay then…” She said and she walked over to the mossy nest grabbing a blanket and pillow from the basket in the corner and she took off her armour and laid down.

“Wow who knew moss nests could be so comfortable.” Said Astrid and I walked over to the nest right by her and sat next to her as Toothless laid down and I leaned into his back.

“Yeah huh who knew,” I responded.

“*I did! Now sleep friend you’re safe here,*” warbled Toothless wrapping his tail around the both of us.

“Goodnight Toothless, Goodnight Hiccup…” She yawned and closed her eyes and after a few minutes of my writing she had dozed off.

I kept writing for a few more minutes and then as my eyes started to blur I decided it was time to get some rest. I placed my journal at the side of the nest and laid down Toothless placed his wing over me and warbled, “*Goodnight brother I love you.*”

“*I love you too brother*” I yawned and snuggled into his embrace and finally fell into the realm of Nótt.

Chapter Text

Valka’s POV

After I had finally torn myself away from my son and newfound bonus children. By the Gods, I just wanted to stay and watch over them and make sure they were all safe. 14 Years…

14 Years away from my son, it had been for his own good but still it hurt knowing he grew up without me and that he had to suffer alone.

As Cloudjumper flew into the nest's main part, we dove down towards the water where the King was waiting.

As Cloudjumper landed and I slid off his back we both bowed towards our King.

“Welcome back Windwisp. I’m glad to see you made it back safely and I have heard that you brought them home finally. So the Norns were correct in their failed task?” asked the King.

“Indeed… So I suppose then it must really be true my King are they who we think they are?” I asked nervously, a part of me wished for it to be false I didn’t want that pressure on my son and his friends, especially at such a young age.

They deserved to be happy and carefree… To find some semblance of normalcy and happiness in this new world.

“The Norns are rarely wrong my dear Windwisp… They are indeed who we believed them to be and today’s interaction confirmed it.” Proclaimed the King.

I felt my eyes water, “What does this mean for them? Will they be safe will they survive? I can’t lose my son. After all these years of sacrifice, I just got him back….”

“Do not despair, my dear Windwisp, we will help them as best we can but whatever their future holds is up to the Spirits and Norns themselves…” Said the King kindly, “Now go inform your niece of the events of the day, and tomorrow I shall meet our new inhabitants. Rest well Windwisp you did what had to be done.”

I bowed once more, and said, “Thank you your majesty and goodnight.”

I climbed onto Cloudjumper’s back, and said, “Come on Cloud let’s go find Luna,” and he quickly flew off towards the mushroom forest and found Luna’s sleeping spot for the night.

She was curled on a violet crystal glowing ledge and as I got off Cloudjumper and walked towards her she sat up noticing my presence.

“Auntie! You’re here! Are they here? I heard whispers and rumblings but I need to know from you are they here? Is he here? Is LIghtning finally home?” She warbled quickly her tail slashing in the air nervously

“They’re home my dear niece.” I said smiling.

“OH GODS I need to see him! He’s back he’s back! My friend is finally home! He’s home Auntie! He’s home!” she jumps up and down excitedly and flaps her wings.

“I know I know just breathe first, please… They’re sleeping right now but after I introduce them to the Alpha tomorrow you’ll be able to see him again and meet my son and his friend who is also my sort of kid now… Nevertheless, they’re all my family much like you Luna,” I said smiling.

Luna’s POV

I can’t believe that he’s finally home. Finally, I’m not alone Lightbringers and Nightwatchers are meant to be together and being alone in the nest all these years has been painful, but now my friend is back, and maybe I shall meet my soul sibling soon.

Oh I can’t wait!

“Do you think he could be my soul sibling?” I asked my aunt, “No actually he’s already met his soul brother, don’t fear my dear Luna I have a good feeling that you’ll meet your soul sibling very soon,” said my aunt stroking my head.

I yawned and curled my tail around her and she leaned back into the sandy ledge. “Well let’s get some rest tomorrow will be a big day,” said my aunt as Cloudjumper landed himself on the ledge and placed his wings over my aunt.

“*Okay well goodnight auntie I love you,*” I rumbled smiling as I rested my snout on the sandy ledge and slowly fell back asleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning I woke having had the best sleep I’d experienced in years. I rolled over to see Toothless and Hiccup curled around each other still sleeping snoring softly.

I smiled at the scene. I stood up, grabbed my blanket and pillow, and placed them back in their spots. I looked around and realized Valka was not there.

I stood up and walked over to the table and sat on one of the chairs. My hair was all messy from sleeping so I took out my braid and ran my hands through my hair trying to detangle it.

I grunted in frustration when I heard a soft voice say, “Would you like some help?” I turned around and saw Valka standing near me.

“Oh um… I just I don’t have my comb… or Kransen and my hair is being difficult…” I rambled. “Here I can braid it if you’d like?” she offered.

“Oh no! I’ts okay I wouldn’t want to be a bother!” I said quickly continuing to try to untangle my hair.

“You aren’t dear please let me help I’ve been doing my own hair every day for the past 14 years I think I handle yours,” she said smiling.

“Okay then if you say so,” I replied and she walked over to her nest where a crate lay and she came back with a comb and hair ribbon.

She gently combed through my hair detangling it.

I hadn’t had my hair braided since I was 5 years old and my mother had never been so gentle. Having your hair done was such a personal thing for us Vikings only family, betrotheds, or spouses did such an act so having Valka gently comb, and braid through my felt like a message.

She was saying that I was a part of her family now, and honestly, it felt nice to belong.

“One braid? Or would you like two that pull the wisps in front to the back and connect to one braid?” She asked, “Um the second one please and thank you,” I replied.

She gently started to braid my hair pulling the strands back into perfect twists.

“Did you sleep okay?” Asked Valka. “Actually yes very well. Hiccup and Toothless stayed up a little while later than me since I was nervous about going to sleep.” I said softly.

“How come you were nervous dear? Is there anything I can do to make the place more welcoming and feel more like home?” Valka asked as she continued braiding my hair.

“I just get nervous since I can’t defend myself when I’m asleep, and to be honest this place feels more safe and welcoming than my old house- Sorry.” I stopped myself looking down embarrassed.

“No need to be nervous Astrid, you don’t have to apologize I’m always here to talk,” She said softly as she finished braiding my hair.

“Thank you, Valka for everything.” I smiled, as she tied my braid, and said, “You're welcome, now all done!”

“Thank you so much!” I smiled and she hugged me, and replied, “No worries dear”

I smiled and leaned into her embrace, parting after a minute she stood up and straightened her dress.

“Now when is that son of mine and Lightning going to wake up? I can understand that a Nightwatcher would be later to rise and enjoy the territory of night but I’m surprised Hiccup is still asleep. I mean the sun’s been risen for over an hour! ” She chuckled.

“He always has been a creature of the night, Perhaps it’s one of the reasons those two get along so well,” I replied, grinning thinking back to the many nights where he would be working in the forge into the wee hours of the night.

“And you Astrid? Do you like being up early or are you uneasy in a strange new place?” She asked no malice in her tone.

“Always been an early bird. Nothing like a good walk to start the morning and then I would begin training actually this is the first time I’ve gone more than one day and not done that in a long while…” I said trailing off.

“Well once those two wake up and we eat some breakfast we can go for a flight into the main part of the nest and I’ll take you all to meet the Alpha. Not quite the same as a walk but there’s so much to see that I think it may be wise to fly until you guys get the hang of exploring the place,” she suggested.

“I’d like that,” I responded when I heard the tapping of footsteps.

I turned my head to see Hiccup and Toothless had gotten out of their nests and were walking over with their eyes barely open as he walked to the table.

“Well morning sleepy head,” I joked chuckling at the sight.

“It’s too early for jokes,” Hiccup grumbled running his hand through his messy hair.

“We’ve been up for over an hour ready for breakfast?” Asked Valka.

"Grmhm.” He grunted, and Toothless lazily walked over and plopped himself by the table next to Hiccup who slouched into a chair and placed his head on the table on top of his arms.

I reached down and gently patted Toothless on the head he looked up and smiled at me just as Valka came walking over with some fish for Toothless who gobbled it up quickly.

“Thanks,” he gulped as he swallowed the fish, Valka just chuckled and smiled.

“I have some dried jerky and hazelnuts if you’d like something other than fish. I haven’t any fresh bread at the moment I do have a forge that doubles as a cooking area but let’s just say cooking was never an art I fully mastered,” Valka chuckled while grabbing some dried yak jerky, hazelnuts and her jug of water.

She grabbed three bowls and three wooden cups. She then placed the food within them and poured us all some water, then handed one of each to me and placed the others in front of Hiccup who although seemed to still be half asleep yawned a soft, “Thanks,” as he slowly sat up and ate some hazelnuts, I giggled at the humorous sight.

“Oh shhhhhh you I’m not a morning person and the sun’s barely been risen for an hour. Not all of us are morning people like you,” sassed Hiccup rolling his eyes.

“Alright enough teasing kids eat up we’ve got a busy day ahead of us! Don’t you want to explore the nest?” Valka Asked.

Hiccup nodded his head frantically and began shovelling the food into his mouth.

“Okay well maybe try not to choke!” Said Valka, Hiccup gave a sheepish look and slowed down.

I slowly ate the Hazelnuts and jerky relishing in the simplicity of the nice meal.

I watched as Toothless stood up and stretched his forepaws out yawning, “Alright I’m ready!”

Hiccup stood up and walked over to Toothless and said, “Me too! I want to explore!”

No surprise that the idea of exploring got him up and ready I chuckled internally.

“Alright, one minute please!” I said as I finished my meal.

Just as I finished and placed the bowls in a stack, I saw Cloudjumper stroll into the room and Valka went over stroked his scales and hopped onto his back.

“Come on friend let’s go!” warbled Toothless who already had Hiccup on his back, so I quickly walked over, and I got onto Toothless’s back holding onto Hiccup as we took off flying through the cavern after Valka and Cloudjumper.

As we followed them through the dark rocky cavern towards the light, I watched gasping as rich green vines the shade of Hiccup’s eyes began to cover the cavern walls

Then as it started opening up gorgeous fuscia, azure, and violet flowers replaced the rocky ground as the rough, mountainous, cavern walls disappeared to reveal a stunning and awe-inspiring immense landscape.

Ice of hundreds of different shades of blue encapsulated the entire top of the nest. Dragons flew everywhere but as we walked further I saw something even more incredible.

The nest dove down into great glowing crystal caverns, that seemed to stretch indefinitely. Beautiful lagoons, coral, and Dragon nests were everywhere as far as my eyes could see.

I gazed all around with my eyes wide open trying to take everything in at once.

I at the bright, and colourful array of coral figures that filled the caverns with white sandy beaches surrounding them.

I could not quite believe my eyes as I looked at the sight around us, we truly had stepped into another world of wonder and amazement.

“Wow…” I gasped in awe, “This place is incredible, it’s so amazing it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s just so wonderful!”

“I can’t believe you’ve lived here for 14 years!” said Hiccup

“It is indeed incredible I’m so happy I get to share it with you both! Finally other dragon riders here!” She said with glee and CloudJumper grinned happily.

“I just have one question?” Hiccup said, “Yes and what’s that?” asked Valka. “How is it so much bigger inside than outside?”

“Well son have you ever heard of the Hidden World?” asked Valka, “No way is this it! I thought it was just folktales!” Said Hiccup and my eyes widened the Hidden World was a myth an idea that all dragons came from this place.

A place of magic, wonder, and it was said to hold the secrets of all Dragons and even the Gods themselves.

“Well it isn’t this here is one of the entrances to the Hidden World the ancestral home of all dragons!” Stated Cloudjumper

“Wow, I can’t believe that it’s real and that we’re here, there’s so many dragons. I don’t recognize so many species,” I said in awe.

“It is and it has been my home the past 14 years I’ve lived amongst the Dragons learning their ways, their lives, and their secrets. They have given me the honour of becoming a member of their flock and for that I am forever greatful.” Stated Valka as we continued to fly downwards through the nest and past hundreds of Dragons.

Dragons everywhere watched us closely and whispered, “There they are the family of Windwisp.” “Wow, more humans in the nest they look kind.” “Wow a Nightwatcher finally back here…”

Finally I saw him in a large crystal-surrounded lake I saw a great behemouth of a Dragon great white scales, and long spines almost like a crown on the top of his head.

As Toothless dove down we landed gently on the grassy ground in front of the Alpha. Hiccup dismounted first and then held his hand out and helped me off. “Ever the gentleman,” I teased and Hiccup blushed.

Cloudjumper and Valka bowed towards the King so Toothless, Hiccup and I followed their lead and did the same.

The king opened his mouth and bellowed, “Welcome young ones to The Great Hidden Nest.”

“T-thank you your majesty, sir King Icebreaker um-” Hiccup rambled nervously. He’s so cute when he rambles. No don’t think that he doesn’t see you like that.

In fact, I don’t see him like that either no he’s my friend my best friend someone who saved me from a fate of loneliness and pain. I can’t lose that friendship.

The King let out a hearty chuckle, pulling me from my confusing thoughts and rumbling, “You're very welcome young … ?Has your brother gifted you your dragon name yet?”

“Dragon name? Like my mother’s Windwisp?” Hiccup asked, “Indeed. A Dragon name is gifted by a dragon to a human just as Cloudjumper bestowed the name of Windwisp on your mother your brother will bestow one on you and perhaps your friend as well,” explained the King.

“I have but I haven’t told him yet I suppose now is as good as ever! Nightwing his dragon name is Nightwing.” Growled Toothless proudly.

“Nightwing? Why?” Hiccup queried.

“Yes Nightwing because you fly at night with me and returned my wings to me so you are my Nightwing brother,” he rumbled pushing his snout against Hiccup’s chest I scratched his scales and he smiled.

“What about Astrid?” Hiccup asked, “I’m not sure it’s harder to find a name for someone who isn’t my bonded but perhaps we could all brainstorm a name?” suggested Toothless

“I’d like that.” I said smiling and Hiccup hugged me from one side and Toothless from the other.

“Well then welcome young Nightwing, Miss friend of Nightwing and welcome back home, Lightning your presence has been dearly missed by many residents,” said the King almost insinuating something unknown with his words.

“Thank you, your majesty,” replied Toothless.

“Now you all should go and explore I shall see you all later for lunch?” asked the Alpha. “Yes of course, King Icebreaker,” Said Valka and the King disappeared beneath the cyan waves.

“Now there’s lots to see but most importantly Luna is desperate to meet you all, and I said we’d meet at a lake so lets get a move on!” Exclaimed Valka, climbing back onto Cloudjumper’s back.

I smiled excitedly and, alongside Hiccup, climbed back onto Toothless’s back and we leapt into the air. He flew even faster than earlier excited to see this mysterious Luna.

I wonder what she’ll be like…

Chapter Text

Hiccup’s POV

Toothless flew steadily through the nest, following my mom. I gazed at the surroundings as we flew, enjoying the cold air on my face and the freedom flying with my brother gave me.

It was strange flying here. Inside the nest, I wasn’t worried about where we were flying or that someone might find me in the sky and hurt us.

I wasn’t thinking about where I would fly if someone somehow caught sight of Toothless’s silhouette no, we were just flying together as one, and it felt perfect.

“How are you doing?” Astrid asked, pulling my focus to her.

“Oh me, well I’m alright, I mean it’s still a bit much to get my head around if I’m being honest. If someone had told me a month ago that I’d meet a dragon who would be my soul-bonded brother and we’d explore the skies together and that you would join us and we’d meet my long lost not dead mother, I would’ve thought they were mad!” I exclaimed.

Astrid chuckled, “Well, if someone had told me a month ago that I would meet a dragon through a strange wonderful person who showed me a whole new world together, I would’ve thought they were crazy too.”

“Wonderful eh?” I asked, and she punched my shoulder, from which I chuckled/grunted at.

“Yeah Hiccup,” she replied rolling her eyes.

“We’re here!” yelled my mom from ahead and I glanced down to see a small crystal clear lake where dragons lay resting in the sand.

Toothless quickly landed and Astrid and I dismounted.

I leaned down to touch the sandy beach. The sand felt soft and light with little sparkling scales glittering across the beach.

I picked up a beautiful pearly white and slightly pinkish scale, admiring it closely. “Wow, that’s rather beautiful, isn’t it,” said Astrid.

“Yeah, it is. This place is incredible. Do you remember any of this, Toothless?” I asked my friend. “A little bit. It’s all vaguely familiar like a dream,” my brother replied, stretching out on the beach.

As we stood by the lake admiring the view, a blur of pearly white and sparkly scales pounced on Toothless, knocking him forward into the water.

“WHAT THE-” My brother growls, and then we see her.

A pearly white, scaled furyesque dragon with bright crystal blue eyes, and pink undertones to her scales just like the scale we found ontop of my brother was chuckling.

I looked back to see my mother rolling her eyes as she rested lying against Cloudjumper’s back.

“By the Spirits is that how you greet your friend who hasn’t seen you in 10 winters!” Chuckles the dragon still ontop of Toothless.

“LUNA!” He growls excitedly, “In the scales!” She replies, leaping off of him. He stands up, shaking the water off himself and standing in the shallow edge of the water.

“I can’t believe you’re really back! I mean I hoped and beseeched the spirits that someday I’d see you again, and when I heard that a Nightwatcher was the dragon shot down and bringing back the mysterious son of my auntie WindWisp! Oh by the Spirits I hoped it was you!” rambled Luna, pacing and chittering excitedly.

“I missed you Luna, I really did. I’m sorry I left I was trying to help it was foolish and I got caught in the False Queen’s Thrall and it just all went wrong! But… If I hadn’t left I’d of never met my Sibling Soul Bonded!” He said and Astrid and I stood by watching their interactions

“Your Soul-Bonded! Well where are they?! I want to meet your sibling soul-bonded! Are they a skrill? I always thought you end up with a skrill sibling, or maybe a razorwhip!” She rambled excitedly, bouncing around.

“Luna meet my brother Nightwing!” stated Toothless, and Luna’s eyes went wide. “Brother?! Your sibling soul-bonded is a human?!” She gasped.

I went red in the face of course it must be such a disappointment for him to have me as a sibling bonded… Not a dragon no but a lame- “THAT IS SO COOL! WOW! I can’t believe it!” She said and she trotted over to me sniffing at the air around me, bumping her snout on my head, ruffling my hair.

I let out a laugh and she went in front of me smiling.

“Well, his scent is connected to yours! That is crazy! You disappear, come back 10 years later with a two fascinating humans that aren’t bad and try to save dragons and end the war, one of whom is your sibling soul-bonded! WOW!” Exclaimed the excited Fury.

I smiled at Luna, and Toothless.

“Yep they’re pretty cool aren’t they? And they’re my family!” Stated Toothless proudly puffing his chest and placing his tail around me and Astrid pushing us together, causing me to stumble and fall right into Astrid who thankfully caught me with her arm, holding me up from falling to the ground.

I blushed a deep red as she pulled me upwards with ease.

“T-thanks-!” I stuttered trying to hide my blushing face as she replied, “No worries Hiccup!”

I glared at Toothless and Luna, who were both snickering to the side of us.

“You know… Now that we’ve all met we should go for a flight together, I can give you all a proper tour of the Nest and the entrances of the Hidden world!” she exclaimed gidly.

“What do you think, Mom? Is it okay if we go explore for a bit?” I asked my mom.

“Sure just make sure to return by midday’s sun to the nest because then it’ll be time for lunch, alright?” said my mum.

“You got it!” I replied.

“Come one come on let’s go lots to see and not a lot of time!” warbled Luna leaping into the air.

Astrid and I quickly mounted Toothless and he followed with a powerful flap of his wings.

“I’ve got to show you the mushroom forest first it’s beautiful!” exclaimed Luna flying through the air downwards to a crystal open cavern.

“So what’s the deal with you and Luna? Hmmmm?” I asked. “What deal? We’re just old nestmates,” argued Toothless too quickly.

“Okay then,” I muttered and Astrid chuckled.

“Ugh silly humans…” warbled Toothless, rolling his eyes and then he warbled ever so softly, “If you don’t stop bugging me about Luna I will start teasing you about Astrid.”

He smirked at me and I looked down and said, “Okay, okay, I’ll stop!”

The last thing I need is my brother telling Astrid how I feel about her.

I can’t even explain it, I simply always felt a deep affection for her. Something always drew me towards her, and when she chose to trust me and saw what I saw in dragons.

Gods above, what a day that was…

I love her everything about her, her smile, her bravery, her humour, her kindness to those who earn it. No matter what I can’t lose her friendship not for anything…

“Here I want to show you this area!” exclaimed Luna pulling me from my throughts and Toothless followed her down into a sandy landing filled with colourful crystals.

We climbed off of Toothless’s back and wandered deeper into the valley of crystals.

“Wow this is so beautiful! All these crystals and jewels I wonder if they’re carvable?” Astrid pondered.

“Oh yes many of them are very carvable. In fact I have a collection of carved items that I’ve created over the years. Your mother actually was the one to teach me, I keep them in my nest, it’s a bit tricky carving with talons, but over time I mastered the art,” said Luna proudly.

“Wow you’ll have to show me some time!” said Astrid, “I’d love to!” Luna warbled.

“Where is your nest?” asked Toothless.

“Oh it’s just down the ways from Auntie Windwisp and Uncle Cloudjumper. There are also a few unused caverns in that cave system for you guys if you want,” suggested Luna.

“That sounds nice, especially since we’ll be staying for a while, it’ll be wonderful to have a proper nest once more,” rambled Toothless, but I watched as Astrid shuffled nervously at his words.

“Hey you alright?” warbled Luna nudging Astrid with her tail fin.

“Yeah, just the thought of having my own place here its— It’s difficult to get my head fully around the idea that I’m never going home, that this place here is my new home and I don’t entirely know what to do with that,” explained the viking softly.

“Oh well, you’ll figure it out, change is scary. I know I was scared when I lost my family, and Toothless, but my auntie WindWisp and Uncle Cloudjumper showed me that just because change is scary doesn’t mean it’s all terrible. Yes you’ll miss the life you could’ve had but perhaps you’ll come to love the life that you can have here with us,” chittered Luna warmly grinning at Astrid.

Astrid smiled back.

“And hey if you’d like we can take some crystal’s back and you could use them to decorate your new nest! in fact there’s even some that glow in the dark come on I’ll show you!” stated the dragoness nudging her forward Astrid followed eargly as they went to find some crystals.

There’s something similar about Astrid and Luna, something that almost reminded me of Toothless and me.

I watched as those two looked for the perfect gemstones to bring back.

“Toothless do you think that Astrid could have a soul-bonded like me? Do you think that Luna and Astrid could be…?” I whispered.

“I was wondering the same thing. If it hadn’t happened with you and I would say it’s impossible but… it did so…” replied my brother.

“Guys dragons are headed for lunch I think it’s time to get going,” said Toothless and I turned to see he was right as dragons all around were flying towards the water and dissapearing in the waves.

“Awe… But I’m only just starting to gather some crystals,” whined Astrid, pouting.

“We can come back later but we did promise Windwisp that we’d be there in time,” said Toothless, “Yeah I suppose you're right well then Luna would you lead the way?” Asked Astrid as she and I climbed onto Toothless’s back.

“Sure thing!” she warbled, letting off a strong flap of her wings, twirling into the air.

Toothless let out a happy roar and leapt into the air right after her.

Chapter Text

Toothless/Lightning’s POV

As Lightning flew out through the sky his brother, and Astrid chatting away about the wonders of the great nest on his back.

He truly couldn’t believe that he’d made it back here, back home, and now with his soul brother in tow oh how he loved his tiny human brother.

As Lightning followed Luna he watched as she flew gracefully through the icey cavern towards the light.

She looked beautiful as the light bounced off her scales, and she was as kind, and funny as he remembered her to be. She was his best friend when they were little and their parents used to joke about them being bond mates.

Of course that had been proven wrong when he met his brother Nightwing but still he had to wonder if his parents were right but maybe not in the way he had originally thought.

“Toothless!”

Lightning slowed down, surprised at the loudness of Nightwing’s voice.

“Luna was trying to ask you a question,” said his brother and he blanched.

“Sorry Luna what were you saying,” he rambled quickly flying up next to her.

Luna grinned and said, “Are you ready to finally get to eat with the flock?”

Lightning smiled, “Yeah! I really am!”

“What does she mean ready to eat with the flock?” asked Astrid.

“Oh You'll see," snickered Lightning. He was curious as to how his human friends would react to the Alpha's fishing habits.

As they made it to the wide open area of the ocean surrounded by dragons of all scales, Toothless felt a sense of excitement and peace at being back with his kind with his brother, and friend in tow finally safe from humans, and dragons who would wish them harm.

He heard a cheerful voice exclaim, "Are you ready kids?"

He turned to see Valka standing atop Cloudjumper's back, and felt his brother pat his side asking, "What is everyone talking about?"

Before he could say another word, Valka grinned and he watched as the King came bursting out of the water throwing thousands of fish in the air for them all.

His friends gasped in awe and he grinned.

"Hold on tight you two!" he growled, diving down after Luna catching bunches of fish in his snout.

"Come this way Lightning we'll go eat over here!" growled Luna flying besides him with a talon-full of fish.

Together they flew over to an glacier, Luna dropping her catch before landing swiftly.

She always was the more graceful of the two of them.

"You want me to cook it for you?" Toothless asked, as his brother picked up two fish.

"Yes please Toothless," said his brother, placing the fishes on the ground, which Toothless then carefully roasted with a spark of his flame.

Astrid and Nightwing carefully ate their food, alongside Lightning, and Luna.

As he and his friends finished their meal, Valka came walking over towards them.

"Alright kids eat your fill, then we can head back to the nest and get you all set up with a proper nest er- room," said Valka with a chuckle when suddenly, the sound of wing beats grew louder.

"Help please help help please!!" growled a small voice.

Toothless and Luna whipped their snouts around searching for the owner of the voice.

When suddenly Lightning saw a small fledgling a Clodrag flying towards them

“HELP! Please! Somebody HELP!” Cries out a young voice.

Lightning watched as a small dragon flew towards them he was a Clodrag fledgling flying all alone…

“Young one what happened? Why are you all alone? Where are your protectors?” Asked Cloudjumper flying up towards the small dragon offering a talon to rest upon which he gratefully took collapsing on his talon.

“My name is Softail, and my protectors, they got captured! By hunters! They said if anything bad ever happened to find the Dragon Keeper, King Icebreaker and the human who flies with dragons, and that she would help us!” Panted Softail.

“They’re trapped in cages! On-n a- a boat not far from the icebergs of the Southwind canyon! Please! You’ve got to help them, I need my family back!” cried the little fledgling.

“I’m so sorry my dear one, but we can’t risk going out after those dragons…” Said Valka, "The nest is too vulnerable with hunters so close, and we cannot risk them finding our sanctuary."

“But-!” Toothless tried to argue, but Valka interrupted firmly stating, “That is final. I’m sorry but we cannot save them all. Now I will inform the king about our new arrival and we will find you a nest and foster protectors, to go to, just stay here with these two dragons alright?” she said and with that she got onto Cloudjumper’s back and they flew off.

“Well that’s not fair!” Lighting yelled frustrated, looking at the young fledgling who had flown onto the ice near his wing.

"I failed my protectors…" cried Softail, Lightning moved closer gently nudging the fledging offering his paws as comfort.

“Those dragons are going to be enslaved, harmed, or even die!" We can’t just do nothing regardless of what my mom says…” Says Nightwing

“So then let’s go find them!” Yells Astrid, and Lightning looked at the two humans would they really want to risk themselves like that?

Yet his brother looked at Astrid with a nod.

“We’ll find them together," says Hiccup patting Lightning's scales comfortingly.

He really did find his soul bonded, and he was so greatful for him, Lightning thought happily.

"You'll really help me?" warbled the small fledgling nervously, looking up at him.

“Yes! We can’t just leave them to fend for themselves!” he argued, and then Luna swooped up besides him.

“I’ll come too! I already lost my protectors to hunters when I was very young. I’ll be damned if I let another fledgling lose their protectors now! Besides I've recently learned how to camouflage myself and therefore I can provide cover fire and a distraction for you guys to get onto the boat,” rumbled Luna.

“Are we really doing this?” Lightning asked his friends.

“I’m with you all the way brother,” said Nightwing alongside Astrid who nodded proudly.

Lightning looked at Luna who gave a sharp toothed grin, and he knew that they were doing the right thing.

“I’ll lead the way,” growled the little fledgling.

“Alright but once we see them you fly back here, got it and stay camouflaged!” He said sternly to the little dragon.

"Alright you two, let's go before Windwisp and Cloudjumper return," said Lightning as his brother, and Astrid got quickly got aboard his back.

The little young fledgling took off into to the sky, Lightning and Luna following in suit with Hiccup and Astrid holding tightly to his back.

They followed Softail as he flew towards Southwind canyon and hopefully to the young dragon's family.