Chapter Text
Hiccup slept soundly as the stars twinkled outside of his little cozy home. The light from the stars shone through the window, hitting Hiccup's closed eyes, causing him to stir. He wrapped his arms around his pillow and buried his face into the soft cushion.
Hiccup wanted to stay in his bed, no matter how brightly the stars shone in the galaxy. The stars always dim their lights when it's night and let their lights shine bright when it's daytime.
It's not like Hiccup had to get up for anything, for he had no responsibilities. He was an immortal being who had an immortal dragon friend named Toothless. Together, they flew around the galaxies with no destination. Hiccup is the son of the god and goddess Stoick and Valka. They were the guardians of all dragons. His parents live on a star not too far from here and lived in peace together.
Though Hiccup had no responsibilities, he had dreams. Ever since he was a little child, he had always wanted to visit to Tsar and Tsarina. They flew in a big golden ship that often disguised itself as a moon. Stoick would tell Hiccup stories about the Tsar and Tsarina and how they sailed through the galaxy. They had the most highly advanced technology and were respected by many immortals out of all of the Constellations.
The Tsar and Tsarina also pledged to rid of all evil from the Golden Age and built a prison out of lead in the farthermost regions of space. There they entombed the criminals of the cosmos in eternal darkness until they became more than shadows.
Now Hiccup was an adult, but he still dreamed of going. He wanted to ask the Tsar so many questions. Like how was the ship built? How long did it take to build the ship? Why disguise it as a moon? How long had they imprisoned the darkness? So many questions lingered in Hiccup's mind that are yet to be answered. Hiccup was a curious person by heart, so it wasn't his fault he constantly thought about meeting the Tsar and Tsarina one day.
Toothless suddenly pushed open Hiccup's bedroom door with his snout. The dragon entered the room and towered over Hiccup. He had a letter in his mouth and dropped it onto Hiccup. Then he crooned and licked Hiccup's head, making his auburn hair stick up.
That got Hiccup to finally open his eyes. "Ugh! Toothless! What did we say about licking?", Hiccup groaned tiredly, swatting Toothless away.
Hiccup sat up in his bed and wiped the drool off of his hair and flicked the drool to the side. Toothless rumbled softly and pushed the letter closer to Hiccup with his nose. Hiccup looked down and picked up the letter.
"What's this?", Hiccup asked, mainly to himself.
He unfolded the letter and read it. Toothless shuffled closer and studied Hiccup's face.
Hiccup gasped quietly after he finished reading the letter. The letter was from the Tsar and Tsarina. They announced that they had just had a baby, a son. And they had invited Hiccup and Toothless to come see the little boy.
Hiccup could hardly believe it. How the Tsar and Tsarina knew about Hiccup he didn't know. He guessed they knew about him because of Stoick and Valka. Perhaps they had been invited too.
Hiccup put the letter in his pocket and grinned at Toothless. "Guess what, bud? We're going to the Tsar's ship!"
Toothless garbled excitedly. Hiccup hopped off his bed and darted out of his house. Toothless quickly followed behind him. Toothless wiggled his tail and presented his back to Hiccup.
Hiccup climbed onto the dragon's back and soon the two took off. As they flew through the colorful sky, Hiccup pulled out the letter again. It had a location on it. Meanwhile, Hiccup's heart raced faster than a shooting star. After all these years, he would finally meet the Tsar and Tsarina.
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As Hiccup and Toothless approached the magnificent ship, they couldn't help but stare in awe. The ship was more beautiful than Hiccup could have ever imagined. As they got closer to the ship, they saw other spirits landing on the ship's landing site. Some spirits had ships while others had creatures.
Finally, Toothless landed on the landing site. Hiccup climbed off of Toothless and darted his green eyes around the area. The ship was a lot larger in person.
As he looked around, he spotted Stoick and Valka, who had just landed with Valka's dragon friend CloudJumper. Hiccup and Toothless went over to them to greet them.
Stoick was the first to spot his son. "Hiccup, there you are. I figured you also got an invitation."
Hiccup went to hug his father. "I did. When did you guys get your invitation?"
Valka patted CloudJumper's head. "Just this morning. This is quite the big event", Valka answered.
Stoick pulled away from Hiccup and nodded. "It looks like everyone had been invited to see the Tsar's son", Stoick added.
"I'm just so excited to be here", Hiccup said with a big grin.
Stoick grinned back and patted Hiccup's shoulder. "As am I, son. But remember to be respectful to the Tsar and Tsarina. Don't ask too many questions."
Hiccup chuckled. "I'll try."
Toothless went to stand by CloudJumper and greeted him with a soft growl. The dragons would stay behind according to the rules from the Tsar.
Hiccup, Stoick and Valka went further into the ship to see the Tsar and Tsarina's son. They walked through a crowd of happy spirits. The air was filled with chatter.
Hiccup was occupied looking around the mighty ship. He was so occupied that he didn't see in front of him.
He bumped into someone, causing the person to fall. Hiccup snapped his head around from the impact and looked at where the person fell. His eyes widened with shock.
"Oh no! I-I'm so sorry about that, sir!", Hiccup apologized, reaching a hand down to the stranger.
The boy pushed himself off the ground and turned his head to Hiccup.
Hiccup couldn't help but stare at the boy. The boy had a head of white glowing hair and bright pale blue eyes. He wore some kind of dark armor with some pointy shoes to match. In one hand he had a spear.
The boy took Hiccup's hand and let himself be pulled up to his feet. Hiccup blinked at the boy.
"Um, sorry about that...", Hiccup said quietly and shyly.
The boy gave Hiccup a small smile. "This is your first time here, isn't it?", he asked in a smooth voice.
Hiccup nodded. "Yes. I've always wanted to come here."
The boy chuckled. "Everyone always loses themselves when they first come here to this ship. You're not the first to bump into me just because you were too busy looking around."
Hiccup blushed slightly. "Yes well, I..."
The boy smiled in slight amusement and leaned closer to Hiccup. "You seem nervous", he whispered softly.
Hiccup's face flushed into a brighter red color. This handsome stranger was being a bit bold.
"Well, I thought maybe you'd be angry that I bumped into you", Hiccup spoke, his voice cracking slightly.
The boy stared into Hiccup's eyes. "How can I be angry at a marvelous person such as yourself?"
Hiccup felt like he was going to explode like a star right before it turned into a black hole.
The boy chuckled in amusement. "Relax, I'm just messing around with you. Didn't mean to make you blush."
Hiccup shook his head to try and rid of the blush on his face. "I'm not blushing at all."
The boy hummed. "Sure. Well, anyways, where are my manners? I'm Nightlight", he said, holding out a hand.
Hiccup swallowed and shook Nightlight's hand. "My name is Hiccup."
Nightlight beamed. "That's quite an interesting name."
Hiccup shrugged. "My parents named me. I guess they thought it was good for a name."
"Well, I think it suits you, Hiccup", Nightlight said softly.
"Uh, thanks", Hiccup spoke a bit shyly.
The two stared at each other for a little while until Hiccup realized that he was holding Nightlight's hand for longer than he wanted to. Hiccup quickly released Nightlight's hand and cleared his throat.
"So, what brings you here, Nightlight?", Hiccup asked.
"The Tsar and Tsarina invited me. They asked me to be the protecter of their son. I'm the eighth Nightlight", Nightlight explained simply.
Hiccup blinked. "Eighth?"
Nightlight nodded. "There were seven before me. Each of them made the ultimate sacrifice long ago. And now, I'm here."
"That's... interesting", Hiccup admitted.
Nightlight smiled at Hiccup and put a hand on his shoulder. "But enough about me. What about you? What brings you here?"
Hiccup tried not to shiver as he felt Nightlight's cool hand on his shoulder. "I was invited, along with my parents. But I've always wanted to visit this ship and meet the Tsar and Tsarina."
Nightlight hummed as he studied Hiccup's face. "I see. Well, welcome."
"Uh, thanks", Hiccup said lowly.
Nightlight moved his hand away from Hiccup's shoulder, much to Hiccup's disappointment. Nightlight twirled his spear in his hand.
"Well, I better be off. The Tsar is expecting me", Nightlight chirped.
Hiccup rubbed the back of his head. "Um, will I see you again?", he asked quietly.
Nightlight gave Hiccup a smirk and a wink. "Maybe. It depends. See you around, Hiccup."
As Nightlight left for the Tsar and Tsarina, Hiccup just stood there, his mouth gaped open. Nightlight was by far the most beautiful and ethereal being he had ever laid eyes on. Hiccup secretly hoped one day he could see him again.
"Hiccup!", Stoick shouted suddenly.
Hiccup blinked and turned to Stoick, who was walking toward him.
"Hiccup, you could have gotten lost on this ship. Stay close", Stoick ordered.
"Uh, right. Sorry, Dad", Hiccup said a bit shyly.
Stoick hummed in content and beckoned Hiccup and follow.
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Hiccup, Stoick and Valka waited in a line as everyone went to see the little baby boy. It was almost their turn.
"Remember, don't ask too many questions", Stoick reminded Hiccup in a whisper.
Hiccup rolled his eyes. "I know, Dad."
Soon, the line moved. Stoick patted Hiccup's back. Valka nodded to her son as if telling him to go first. Hiccup gulped down a lump in his throat and entered the small room where the little boy was.
He saw the little baby laying in his crib, cooing up at his parents happily. Hiccup nearly froze when he saw the Tsar and Tsarina.
The Tsar wore a green suit with a red cape draped over his shoulders. He had gold shoulder pads that were connected to his cape. He had a kind smile on his face as he looked down at his son.
The Tsarina wore a beautiful white gown with puffy sleeves. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail. She smiled down at her son with kind and soft eyes.
Hiccup got nervous then. He was face-to-face with the Tsar and Tsarina. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of them.
The Tsarina soon spotted Hiccup and smiled kindly at him. "Hello there, dear. You can come closer", she spoke softly.
Hiccup almost jumped when the Tsarina spoke to him. He nodded once and slowly went over to the baby.
The Tsar offered Hiccup a greeting smile. "You must be Hiccup. Your parents have told me so much about you on their travels."
"Oh, uh yep. That's me", Hiccup stuttered.
The Tsarina hummed sweetly. "Why don't you say hi to Manny?"
Hiccup looked down at the baby, whose name was apparently Manny. The baby wore a white shirt with red sleeves and red pants. He had a head of blonde hair and small brown eyes.
Manny giggled and reached his hands up to Hiccup like he wanted him. Hiccup's eyes twinkled in awe and lowered his finger so Manny could grab it. Manny latched his small hand onto Hiccup's finger and babbled cutely.
"It looks like Manny likes you", the Tsarina spoke.
The Tsar nodded in agreement. "Hiccup, would you like to be a protecter of our son?"
Hiccup looked up at the Tsar and Tsarina quickly. His eyes were wide with shock. "Me? But I couldn't possibly..."
"You'd be a great protecter, Hiccup. We insist. Besides, you won't be alone. You'll have Nightlight to help", the Tsarina explained.
Hiccup blushed slightly from the mention of Nightlight. "You... you really think I'd be fit for the job?"
The Tsar blinked slowly. "Indeed. With that mighty dragon of yours, you'd be an excellent protecter", the Tsar beamed.
Hiccup looked back down at Manny. The baby smiled up at him and giggled happily. Hiccup smiled down at the baby.
"I'll do it", Hiccup confirmed.
"That's wonderful to hear. We'll have your room set up for both you and your dragon", the Tsarina said.
Hiccup nodded with a smile. Manny let go of Hiccup's finger then. Hiccup took this time to leave the room.
"We'll see you soon, Hiccup", the Tsar said, waving.
Hiccup exited the room to meet up with his parents.
Valka put a hand on Hiccup's back. "So, how did it go?", she asked softly.
Hiccup blinked. "I was so nervous that I didn't get to ask my questions."
Stoick chuckled. "Well, that's a relief", he joked.
Hiccup looked up at Stoick. "But they asked me to be a protecter of their son. And I said yes."
Valka grinned widely. "That sound wonderful, Hiccup. Now you have a big responsibility."
"I'm proud of you, son. You'll do great", Stoick added proudly.
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Valka and Stoick climbed onto CloudJumper and waved good-bye to their son. Hiccup waved good-bye back, with Toothless crooning by his side. When CloudJumper was out of sight, Hiccup turned to Toothless and petted his head.
"Well, let's head on to our new home", Hiccup said softly at Toothless.
Toothless nodded in agreement. Then Hiccup and Toothless went to their room. The Tsar had some of his other guards make the room for them. There was a bed for Hiccup and a nest for Toothless.
Right as Hiccup was about to open the door to his room, Nightlight approached him.
"Hello there again, Hiccup", Nightlight greeted with a warm smile.
Hiccup smiled back. "Hi, Nightlight. How are you?"
"I'm good. I was heading to my room when I spotted you. What are you doing here?", Nightlight wondered.
"The Tsar and Tsarina made me a protecter for their baby. So, I'm staying here", Hiccup explained.
Nightlight's eyes twinkled. "That's cool. So, we're both going to be protecters together?"
Hiccup nodded. "Yep. Guess so."
Toothless sniffed Nightlight curiously. Nightlight chuckled softly as the dragon sniffed him.
"And who's this friendly guy?", Nightlight asked.
"That is Toothless. He's my best friend", Hiccup answered, chuckling.
Nightlight rubbed Toothless's snout lovingly. "He's gorgeous."
Hiccup smiled warmly at Nightlight. He has a nice shining smile, Hiccup thought.
Nightlight soon stopped petting Toothless and turned his head to Hiccup. "Well, I'll let you two get some rest. I'll see you later."
Hiccup nodded. "Yeah. See you around, Nightlight."
Nightlight went to walk past Hiccup, his shoulder brushing against Hiccup's own. Hiccup felt his face heat up when he felt Nightlight's shoulder brush past him.
Toothless wiggled his brows at Hiccup, making a rumbling sound.
Hiccup rolled his eyes and lightly smacked Toothless's head playfully. "Don't even, Toothless."
Dragons could sense when someone was in love, and Toothless had a small feeling that Hiccup liked Nightlight in a more than friendly manner.
The two entered their room and settled into their respected beds.
"Goodnight, Toothless", Hiccup spoke softly.
Toothless growled softly back as if saying goodnight.
Hiccup looked up at the ceiling with a big smile on his face. He couldn't wait to start his new job. And he couldn't wait to see Nightlight the next day.