Chapter 1: Usual Morning

Hey everyone! This is just a short part of The Erica Assignment that I didn't include. It takes place after chapter 20, so if you want to check it out, go ahead. You don't have to, but it would be nice if you did (and left a review). It would tell you about how Erica got to Berk.

Now to start with the story.

Morning had arrived on Berk once again. The sun was peeking over the horizon and Vikings were getting started on the day.

In the back of the Haddock house, a girl was waking up. She rubbed her eyes tiredly and pushed the blanket away. She crawled out of bed, pulled on her boots, and started brushing her hair. She quickly, but carefully, made two braids. Once she was done, she walked out of the small little bedroom that the chief and the blacksmith made for her.

She saw the chief and his son eating breakfast in front of the fire. "Erica, you're awake!" he smiled. "Would you like to join us?"

"Yes, please." she nodded and took a seat next to the brunette, while Stoick got up to serve her a bowl. "Morning, Hiccup."

"Morning, Erica." he greeted back. "How'd you sleep?"

"I slept well, thank you for asking." The chief placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of the girl. "Thank you." she said again.

"You're welcome," he responded. "Alright, I'll see you two later. I have to go now." he said as he walked out the door.

"Bye," Hiccup and I said in unison. The room turned silent, except the sound of the two Vikings eating.

"What are you going to do after breakfast?" Erica asked Hiccup, trying to create a conversation.

"I'll probably go on my usual flight with Toothless." he answered. "What about you?"

"I don't really know." she admitted. "I didn't really plan anything for the day." Another moment of silence filled in, before she asked, "Do you mind if Whirlpool and I join you two?"

"Not at all." he smiled as he looked at the younger girl. "But first let's finish eating." Erica nodded and both of them did just that.

...

While Hiccup was adjusting the saddle on his Night Fury, Erica glanced around, searching for her dragon. Whirlpool was a Scauldron, and Erica knew that he would usually go to sleep in the ocean and come back in the morning.

"Do you see him yet?" Hiccup asked.

"No, but he should be here soon." Erica replied. "He's probably finishing up his own breakfast."

Hiccup walked up to the girl and said, "He better come quick. Toothless is anxious to hit the skies."

"Don't worry, I know he's on his way. He usually comes around this time in the morning." she assured him. On cue, her Scauldron waddled up to the teenagers. "See. What did I tell you?" she walked up to the pale beast and smiled. "Hey there, boy. Ready to start the day?" The dragon nodded and allowed her to strap the saddle on his neck. She climbed on and met up with Hiccup and Toothless.

"Ready?"

"Ready." she confirmed and they took off into the sky. "So, where are we going?" she asked.

"I thought that you'd like to just fly around Berk and relax." he answered. "Anyway, how are you with Whirlpool? Any trouble?"

"No," she shook her head. "Everything is great. We couldn't have a better friendship." she smiled and everything went silent, except for the sound of the wind. "Do you think I should head back soon?"

"Why do you asked?" he wondered why she was asking him.

"Well, I'm just wondering what you'd think. I mean, they must be worried about me. They're probably wondering where I am. I did sneak off in the middle of the night." she sighed.

"Well, if I were you your parents, I would definitely be worried." he said and gave her a warm smile. "Do you miss them?"

"Of course I do." she said without hesitation. "Who wouldn't miss their own family?" she asked to no one in particular. "They may yell at me for doing wrong or getting into trouble, but they're still my family. Although, sometimes I wish they would overlook the mistakes I made and focus on the good things I accomplish, you know?"

"Yes, I do." Hiccup nodded, knowing exactly how the younger Viking felt.

Erica smiled at the boy, but before she said anything they heard shouting from behind. "Hiccup! Hey Hiccup!" They both looked back to see Fishlegs on Meatlug. "You're dad is looking for you," he finally said when he caught up to them.

"Of course he is." Hiccup murmured to himself. "Where is he?" he asked his friend.

"He's in the middle of town." Fishlegs answered.

"Alright." he said as he started flying with Toothless. "Wait! Can you stay with Erica?" he turned around and asked the other boy.

"Well, actually-"

"It's okay, Hiccup." Erica interrupted. "I'll be fine being alone. Plus, I have Whirlpool with me. How much trouble can I get into?"

"Plenty." Hiccup scoffed. "Maybe worse than the twins."

"Oh please, no one can cause more mischief than them." Erica returned, crossing her arms.

"She's right about that." Fishlegs agreed.

"Fine," Hiccup finally gave in. "I'll see you back at the arena for class." Erica nodded and everyone went their separate ways. Hiccup and Fishlegs flew back to the village, while Erica flew down to the beach.

Once she got there, she climbed off her Scauldron and strolled down the beach. Meanwhile, she was debating with herself on whether she should return home. She didn't want to leave, but she knew that she would have to eventually.

BOOM!

She turned around to see and explosion coming from the forest. Her eyes widened and did the only thing she could do. Check it out.

What do you guys think? Is it off to a good start or what? Tell me in your reviews and until next time.