A/N: Yup. Last chapter was a real drama fest, unfortunately this one doesn't get much better : ( Yeahhhh. I'll add some of Hiccup's sarcastic remarks to lighten up the mood, k? ; )

Thank you, Toothless-the-Nightfury, for being an awesome beta! Seriously, this would probably suck without him. If you like this, read his stories!

Disclaimer: "YESSS! I finally own HTTYD! ALL MINE!" *wakes up* "Not again… ." *sobs*

Chapter 4

And it Just Keeps Falling…. .

My life sucks.

Well there's my gothic rant for the evening, stick around for our next segment of 'I Hate the World'! Coming soon, to a Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the III near you!

Yeah, guess that pretty much sums up how I feel right now, no?

I got no sleep. I could feel the bags under my eyes practically tugging on my eyelids, 'Sleep….Sleep…. .' they whispered tauntingly.But nothing of the sort came. I was still sad, guilt-filled, and now I was full-on exhausted. This is a type of exhaustion none of you have ever experienced before, and I pray you never have to. Not an ounce of beautiful sleep came to me, I was up all night tiring myself out worrying about my dragon and conflicting with my inner thoughts. I was raged at the world, and Odin knows if I was a dragon myself, the very walls that surround me now would be ash. But alas… I am not blessed with the gift of breathing fire.

Right, sorry. I'm probably being a bit of a downer. Why don't we focus on the good things in life!

Astrid's still alive. (THANK YOU GODS! I WILL NEVER SIN AGAINST YOU AGAIN!)

…..

….yeah that's it. No more good things

Odin bless the tough warrior girl. She's strong and hard on the outside – so… brawny? But on the inside, she's so heart-felt and caring, gentler than a flower. Like a geode. It has an outer-appearance that would push you away, and is used for destruction. But crack it open, and you'll find beautiful foggy-purple gems that you would never think could come from such a pimply looking rock. Not that Astrid was ugly—Gods not AT ALL—I'm talking about her personality of course. I don't even know how she puts up with me, of all people. So sensitive, clumsy, scrawny, weak, you know, all that jazz. Wow, real way to brighten up my morning, right?

But of course, I was jostled out of my thoughts by something I never, ever expected.

"O Human Fatness that tried to devour me, Great Wobbling Vomit of Repulsive Man-Flesh… ."

What on Earth was that? Was that—was that singing? It was singing! But from where? I was up in an instant, pulling my prosthetic on and searching the room for the song, ears high on alert.

"I cannot kill you now, though I would like to. But you will regret your mistakes, right in the quiet darkness of the nighttime. When you can do nothing…."

Well that's another pleasant thought.

Wait: blubber man? Devour me? What in the name of Thor's Hammer was going on? The voice droned on about its evil plan of revenge, a singing sung in a voice so tiny and delicate I wouldn't be surprised if it was a mouse. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I rushed to my vest that sprawled over a chair, reaching my hand in the pocket and pulling out the singer of revenge and ruefulness. I was right. It was the dragon I had saved yesterday, the one that was trapped in the honey. I almost laughed at how the tiny creature continued singing about its power and how it would eat the fat Consul himself, yet it was no bigger than my thumb. I frowned deeply at the little dragon, now more annoyed then anything.

"Umm, excuse me? Little dragon, person, thing?" I interrupted, earning an insulted puff from the dragon.

"What a rude, ugly, little speck of a human life-form. Interrupting me! My beautiful voice probably sounds like squabbles to a pea-brain like him. Hmph. Such a commoner. Like I care. He can deal with my singing!" the dragon retorted foully, flicking his chin in the air.

My mouth hung agape at the little creature's hatred for me; I barely knew him! It's not like I saved his freak'n life or anything! I would think he would be a little more thankful towards me.

"Hey! I saved your life; instead of insulting me, why not try thank-you!" I argued back, placing my hand that wasn't holding the little dragon on my hip.

He was astounded that I could understand him, his eyes wide and almost fearful. "How can you understand me, mortal?" he demanded.

I rolled my eyes, lifting the Dragon Stone out from under my tunic and presenting it to the arrogant dragon.

His scales flickered a brilliant red glint as if it was aflame, and his jaw dangled open. "T-the Dragon Stone," his eyes shot a hard look towards me, confusion and slight anger glimmering in his pupils, "How did you get that, boy!" It was not a question. It was a demand.

I felt my blood start to heat, irritated enough with my life and this little thing wasn't helping! "How do you think! I followed the stupid riddle and low'n'behold, I'm the freak'n heir to Grimbeard the Ghastly!" I spat, glaring at the oh-so-great dragon. It may have been a bit harsh but I'm not feeling too charitable right now.

"You speak with such hatred," wonder why…... "do you not know whom you've had the pleasure of saving?"

I scoffed, glancing at the ceiling and putting on a fake smile. "No, whom, oh powerful one, have I saved?"

He smirked, pointing his chin in the air as a satisfied gesture. "That's more like it, human. Now," he sniffed, "I, am the great Ziggerastica! The loved King of all the Nanodragons! Surely, you must already know me….. ."

"Actually, no I don't."

"WHAT!" he bellowed.Boy did I say the wrong thing. "You really don't know me? Ziggerastica greatest King there ever was, isn't that familiar at all?"

I cocked an eyebrow, staring at the mad dragon with confusion. "Doesn't ring any bells…. ."

He huffed with irritation, his little red face becoming an even deeper shade of scarlet. "I should smite thee just for not knowing!" he took a deep breath, displaying his hands out in front of him to calm himself, "But I won't. You have saved my life, ugly human-child, and I am in debt of thee. I owe you one and only one thing. Whenever you will like to take up this offer or are in mortal danger, just say my name and I will hear you and come."

I rolled my eyes again, sighing. "How will you possibly hear me if you're miles away?"

His eyes glistened with knowledge, he snickered slightly. "I will hear you man-child, trust me. You have a King's word."

"Well—thanks, I think," I said warily.

"Thee should feel honored to have such a promise from a King," the Nanodragon retorted defiantly.

I smirked, "If you're so great, how did you get caught by the Romans?"

"Ahhh," he breathed, licking his fingers, "it is the honey! My true weakness, I'm afraid. The taste is so sweet and rich, who could resist?"

I small smile formed on my lips, I liked the nice and wise Ziggerastica better than the proud, rude one. "Yeah, I guess you're right," I commented, even though I really didn't like honey, truthfully. But I don't want a steaming Nanodragon giving me reasons to like it.

"Of course I am!" He looked me up and down, his eyes taking in every inch of my body, "You know, thee is not too horrible for a human."

I smiled sincerely at this. "Thank you."

"Even if you are ugly, with a round nose, and little very displeasing brown spots all over your face…. ."

"Those are freckles!"

"Well I don't like them. Very hurtful to my eye, actually. Well, I bid you farewell, ugly-yet-nice-man-child-thing. Stay safe, call me once and only once. Take care," he said, bowing to me. I awkwardly waved back, watching the little Nanodragon flutter out of the window with a beat of his tiny, rosy wings. I touched my cheek, my cold fingers feeling good across my warm cheeks.

"Are they really that bad looking?"

O~~~~~~O

A short while after my little… talk with the Nanodragon, I found my way downstairs with my heart lagging behind. Of course the little incident with the Ziggerastica had distracted me from, well, you know. But now that the little, irritable dragon was gone…. .I was almost considering using his debt to me just to distract myself. But the all-mighty King wouldn't appreciate that, now would he?

My Father was sitting at the table, chewing on who knows what, a very grave and solemn expression tattooed on his face. He saw me, and instantly smiled a greeting.

"Hello son, sleep well?"

I just smiled with no heart or emotion, that smile you use when someone's embarrassing or picking on you, barely nodding my head. My Father picked up the message, frowning slightly and a tired look fogging into his eyes. "Too worried and upset, son?" he asked.

I heaved a giant sigh, as if letting all my feelings out, and nodded again, puckering my lips. I missed Toothless on a new scale of sadness. He bobbed his head up and down in response, standing up and walking his way over to me. He put a beefy hand on my shoulder, looking straight into my eyes. "It'll be ok, Hiccup. In due time. What does a chief feel?"

I sighed, looking to the side wall as if that would help me. "A chief feels no pain, Dad," I droned, repeating what my Dad had told me the day my Mother had died. He had no idea how much that statement was complete [insert rude word for bull feces here].

He smiled proudly. "Good."

I took his hand off my shoulder, becoming serious. "Dad, I need to tell you something—about the Romans."

His features contorted into a worried, yet thoughtful expression. "What lad?"

"The Romans, they said something about Berk. Dad, I think they're coming here in a few days, it must be part of—some master plan or something. I don't know, but before they do, we should probably find a way to rescue Toothless. Maybe get a couple of ships to invade th—."

"Whoa whoa whoa—what do you mean Hiccup?" he interfered, stopping me in my tracks.

"Well, we gotta rescue Toothless. I thought if we got a couple hundred Vikings, we should be able to take them. And then—"

"Hiccup, stop."

I felt my whole face fall, the blood flowing into my cheeks. "W-what?"

"Stop, son. Just stop. Hiccup, I really don't know how to tell you this! We—we can't rescue the devil—"

"Toothless! His name is Toothless!" I shouted, feeling anger and rage bubble down in my core.

"Right. Toothless, sorry. But—we can't rescue him Hiccup. It's…. .too much of a risk. I'm not risking a hundred of my Villagers for one dragon. I can't do it," he explained gently, his eyes full of sympathy.

Me on the other hand….. .Ha ha. Well isn't that a different story!

"Why? That makes no sense! He risked his life to save all of you, and me! He's saved me a countless number of times—"

"Hiccup calm down. You have to understand—"

"—no Dad! Listen to me, please! I—he—it's not fair! Why can't we?" I protested, narrowing my eyes.

He almost laughed at my question. "Why? I just told you!"

"Yeah? Well what if it were me instead of him, huh? Would you risk all your Villagers then! Please, do explain!" I spat, looking harshly into his eyes.

"Hiccup!" he stomped to me, placing his hands non-too gently on my shoulders, a fierce gaze focused on my own eyes, "You are my son, of course I would!" he ran a hand down my head, my small skull nearly fitting into his giant palm, "You're all I got left, Hiccup. And this tribe cares for you too, whether you see it or not. You are their heir."

I scoffed, "Yeah, well why don't you take that up with some of the other Villagers then? See what they—"

"Do not interrupt me! And yes, I do know of the conflict between them. But you are part of this tribe none the less, part of the brother-hood. This tribe protects you, and you know that," he finished, his face grim.

I gnawed on my bottom lip, cheeks puffing out with stubbornness. "Yes, I know, but Toothless should be no different! The dragons are part of that brother-hood now too, Dad! I, we can't just leave him! He trusts me!"

"I know, Hiccup," he eased, "but I don't know what to tell you. We can't do anything, it's not in our power."

"Well what are you going to do about their plan, then!" I yelled, balling hands into fists.

"Plan? Hiccup, you probably heard wrong, son."

I felt my insides freeze, my stomach turning into a familiar rock I promised never to see again.

He didn't believe me…

"Y-you don't believe me?" I stammered.

His face look hurt, he looked at me like a helpless puppy. "I'm sorry, Hiccup. But I can't, I wasn't there, I didn't hear what you heard. But right now the Romans have no reason to be attacking us; especially if news has gotten around that we have dragons. And there was only one ship, right?" I nodded. "Well a whole ship can't take a whole village plus their dragons," he finished with a nod, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm sorry."

"I—I—I," I started stuttering, dumbfounded. My teeth dug into my lip, my nails piercing my palms as I clenched my fists. With a final glare, I stomped to the door, making sure they were heard, and flung it open.

"Where are you going?"

"Anywhere but here. I'm done with you"

I slammed the door shut behind me.

O~~~~~~O

Distractions. People usually hate them, but right now, that's what I need. That's what I want, I guess is more like it. So that's probably why I found myself trudging my way to training, even though that's probably the second to last place I wanted to be. But it's a distraction none the less, and that's what I want - need.

Astrid immediately spotted me, no doubt watching for me in the first place. Her eyebrows shot up, and she sprinted over to me. "Why are you here, Hiccup? You should probably be home, you're in no condition to be handling anything even remotely sharp."

I sighed, rolling my eyes. "I know Astrid, but—but right now I really, really want a distraction, k?"

She frowned, sympathy flooding into her eyes. She nodded, pulling the tiniest bit of smile for me. Then Ruffnut came by….. .

"OH MY GODS, HICCUP!" And then EVERYBODY saw me. Well, I would be cussing, but I promised the Gods I wouldn't sin against them anymore. Well !#$%!.

"Hiccup!" Ruffnut continued, at the top of her lungs (!#$%!) "I'm so sorry to hear about Toothless! I mean if it were my dragon, oh Gods I wouldn't even be able to live with myself! I mean really, that dragon always risks his own life for yours a lot doesn't he? Well all our dragons risk their lives for us, but you know none of them have died yet, so—"

Tuffnut's fist slapped against the back of her head, causing her to jerk forward. She shot a glare at him, but when Tuffnut indicated me with his head she automatically realized she was only making it ten-times worse and shut-up. Tuffnut then stepped forward with a small frown.

"Sorry to hear about, you-know-who, Hic." I was totally taken off guard when the tone of his voice was drenched with sympathy.

"Yeah—thanks, Tuff."

"Yeah," he trailed off, looking at the ground, "the Gods seem so determined to split you two up, huh?"

Ruffnut stomped on his foot. Hard. He squealed in pain, realizing his mistake and mumbling a sorry. I pressed my lips together, and just nodded. Then they started bickering ("You didn't need to hit me!" "You didn't need to stomp on my foot!" A couple of punches to the gut later….. .), and I felt all the energy drain out of me like a quick tide. Coming here was probably the worst idea I've had—so far, anyway.

"Wow, Hiccup actually came here without his dragon? Oh wait, I forgot—he doesn't have a dragon anymore."

Never mind. Worst idea ever.

I kept my back to the sneering voice of Dogsbreath, while Astrid placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and faced Dogsbreath with a grim expression.

"What do you want?" she demanded, burning a glare at his fat neck.

"What?" his voice mocked, "I just want Hiccup to know how sorry I am to hear about Gutless!"

I whipped around, fires blazing in my eyes. "Toothless! His name is Gods forsaken Toothless!" I snarled, getting a shocked look from watchers.

Dogsbreath open his lips in an 'O' form, speechless at the ferocity in my voice. Then he let out a heavy laugh, holding his hands up in an innocent manner. "Whoa whoa whoa! No need to get feisty, now!"

I narrowed my eyes another degree, if possible. "Well then go away, and maybe I'll smile," I retorted, taking out the stress of the past two days on Dogsbreath. He deserved it.

He howled with forced laughter, wiping tears from his eyes. "Oh, wow. You sure are defensive without the black cat around here, now, huh?" he teased, an evil glint in his eye.

My nails once again found my palms. "He could've taken you down with one blast of fire. Not many cats can do that," I said.

"Yeah…. ." he drawled, "and yet he never did, did he? Cause he was weak, a pathetic excuse for a dragon. Couldn't even fly—" I made to protest, but he continued in a louder voice. "—oh, wait. He could, totally forgot! That was the only reason he hung around a pathetic excuse like you."

The nearly forgotten memory of what the Prefect said came running back, playing over and over again in my mind until it brought insanity.

"Once someone comes along that's better than you and who can control that fin," He laughed again, "GODS! I wouldn't be surprised if you got rid of you HIMSELF!"

The snarling, creepy, sandy voice repeated. Over and over and over. It was menacing, it was intimidating, it was—it was—terrifying. I didn't know what to think of it. My body was becoming numb with hatred, my arms were vibrating with the effort not to rip his throat out. I felt my blood boiling; for a while I convinced myself it was. This whole tingling sensation of anger and stress was prickling its way through my veins like a million sewing needles looking for a good place to start. I'm never this moody; Gods I feel like some pregnant girl. I blame the prefect, life, lack of sleep, and Dogsbreath.

Always blame Dogsbreath.

"Oh," the beast of a boy snarled, smiling a crooked, toothy smirk, "so even you know it's true. HA! Oh Odin, this is too much. He knew! Hear me, he knew the dragon never cared about him!" he bellowed, gesturing at me and wildly looking around the ring for a partner to laugh at my pity, "Wow. Just, wow. Well, don't worry now Hiccup, he's not coming back. Ever. I wonder what the Romans did to him…. ."

My fingers were aching I was squeezing my fists so hard, I felt my throat dry up just at the mention. Because, the only reason Dogsbreath would mention it, was to list all that could happen. Anything that would upset me, and right now that'd do a pretty good job, don't 'cha think?

"I swear on the all-mighty Gods, Dogsbreath, if you say one more word—" I growled, advancing on him. Astrid grabbed my shoulder, easing me back. She shook her head.

"Maybe as a slave—then again, he didn't even have the guts to kill me, so he's probably not even strong enough—"

"Shut-up," I hissed, Astrid gripping my shoulder harder.

"He can't fly without you, hmm, he must feel like real crap. Trapped in the Rome….possibly dead… his Rider didn't even tryto save him…" he continued, sniggering.

My cheeks flared. "That's not true!" Iprotested, Astrid now grabbing my arm also.

"Oh, really?" he inquired. "Well if you did, well you probably wouldn't be here right now. Or you'd at least be here with your dragon, a very minimal chance. But no, instead the powerful Night Fury's probably being tortured, starved, weeping maybe… he always was a weakling," he said, showing his canines.

Now I was fighting against Astrid's grip, the rest of the trainees standing dumbfounded around me. "Not as weak as you!" I shouted.

"Hmm, yeah I guess. Whatever. Poor thing, his Rider abandons him, not that he ever cared about his precious human in the first place, but still. I never thought you had it in you, Hiccup. Finally some heartless-ness! Just like a real Viking! Abandoning the dragon that saved you many times, leaving him to his tortured, slow, painful death? Genius! Really great job," he mocked, his eyes glinting with pleasure.

I growled, fighting against Astrid harder. She gasped with the surprised effort she had to use to hold me back, but finally she yanked my whole body back and took my face in her hands.

"It's not worth it."

I considered her words for all but a moment, looking between the devil boy and Astrid. My mind unfortunately decided she was right, letting her clutch my arm, turn my back to Dogsbreath, and slump out of the ring. Lucky him…. .

"He had pretty scales, though—"

Astrid and I both froze, dumbfounded at the sudden compliment from Dogsbreath. If only I realized sooner what that compliment could build up to.

"—they'll look better as a Roman purse, anyway."

I'm pretty sure I heard some gasps. Snotlout scolded Dogsbreath. Astrid's eyes were wide, her mouth dangling open. I glared softly at her, sending her a silent, clear message. She understood, glaring back at me as a confirmation. She slowly let go of my arm.

"Rip his eyes out."

I launched myself at Dogsbreath, tackling him to the ground with a significant thud. He half-gasped half-laughed at the sudden attack, instinctively throwing his fist at my cheek. He connected hard, sending stinging vibrations up my whole head. I snarled, punching him straight in the nose, drawing blood to my pleasure. He growled, surprised I even got a shot at him, and the burly boy flipped us over so he was on top of me, pinning my arms down with his knees. I struggled against the hold, receiving encouraging cheers from the other trainees, who all knew this was my fight and my fight alone. Dogsbreath sneered, the corner of his mouth turning up into a disgusting grin. I scowled, glaring at Dogsbreath, praying to the Gods my harsh glares would literally burn him. He smirked again, and spit in my eye. I gagged as the thick saliva hit my eye, barring my teeth in hatred. Then I knew what to do – use my disadvantage to my advantage… with a quick, swift movement, I kicked my metal prosthetic right where it hurts. Get where I'm going here?

He squeaked, falling to the side and breathing heavily. I smiled. That's right… wither in pain. Wither….wither…..

Whoa. That was a little dark, not sure I like the dark side of me. It's kinda—scary. And mentally sick. Yup, don't like dark-side Hiccup... .

But before even a normal man should be able to revive himself after a kick like that (metal prosthetic, I repeat), he was up and hurling a balled fist at my eye. I reared back on impact, feeling the blue/black bruise start to blossom across my left eye. I clutched it with both hands, heaving heavy breaths of sweet oxygen. My conscience told me to stop, but just the thought of Toothless's name threw me back into the fight. I burned a hole into the smirking boy, coming back with my own attack and swinging my fist straight into his gut. As Dogsbreath puckered his lips and clutched his abdomen; I heard whoops and cheers of joys at his pain.

Yeah…maybe I'll be dark Hiccup just for a smidge longer.

He breathed out a laugh, as if this were a game, and before I could react he threw his body into my stomach and we both met the harsh dirt painfully. He slapped me right across the cheek, where he had punched me before, the new bruise screeching at the harsh contact. I yelped in pain, earning a satisfied grin from Dogsbreath. I whapped at his throat, hitting hard and knocking the breath right from out of him. Taken off guard, I used this advantage and flipped us so I was pinning him down.

"Why you little—!" he jeered, trying to throw a pinned fist at my other eye. Instead of preparing for the blow, I took my right fist and hit him, hard, across the face. Twice. Just before the third strike, I found myself hanging in the air.

Totally confused, I looked to my left to see Gobber. Great timing… Not. He had the back of my shirt hooked on his metal arm, commanding Dogsbreath to stand up in a harsh voice I never liked hearing. Dogsbreath stood warily, eyeing me. Gobber grabbed the back of his shirt, his own glare piecing through us like a dagger. Dogsbreath and I stared grimly at each other, hyperventilating and clutching our new wounds with disgust. I have t o say, I was quite proud of the fact that Dogsbreath was in a much worse state than I was.

"What ar' ye' two doin!" Gobber demanded, shaking us slightly.

Dogsbreath wasn't going to answer, which was clear after the first couple of moments of strong silence, so I took a shaky breath and answered for him. "We got in a fight, he was insulting Toothless" I dead-panned.

"We 'ourse yoo' did. And 'f I see yoo' two fightin' like dat again, there 'ill be severe consequences! I should be tellin' Stoick, your Father would 'ave a heart-attack, Hiccup!" he warned in a stern shout, shaking us more. I scoffed, rolling my eyes. I kicked my legs, motioning to be let down. He reluctantly unhooked my shirt, watching me curiously.

"Yeah, figured that," I replied bleakly.

I kept my gaze down, and my pace quick. I briskly stomped out of the training arena, and going to my sweet confinement of the forest.

The air had a sweaty, moist taste to it. It eventually became a chore just to inhale it. The forest was, as always, a blanker grey of wood, blanker than the background of the village. Not that this bothered me, I was used to it of course. Growing up alone with no friends; I was here most of the time. Why stay in a village where you're not wanted? Or where you don't want to be? The answer's pretty clear, so I'm not going to bother to mention it. I heard birds chirp a false, joyful melody in the distance, the leaves blowing with the wind and slowly spiraling downward onto the moist dirt. I scrunched my nose up at the sight; it reminded me what I felt like. Everything was just spiraling downward into a tornado of a mess, just to eventually be stepped on and rubbed into the dirt where it'll disintegrate away into nothing. Again with the dark, mopey side—oh burn it. Who cares anymore?

And now, of course, I was lost. Surrounded by shadowing trees that seemed to cackle as the wind brushed against their leaves. Now I'm going mad, great. Just what I needed. I stared helplessly at the tall pines and oaks, wishing they actually were alive and laughing at me just so I could as them the way out. But nope, they just circled around me and taunted me with their, un-live-y-ness. Weird way to put it, I know, but still.

I heard something rustle behind me.

I whipped around, arms spread out in a defensive mode. I met nobody, which strangely made my gut scream.

'Get out of here… .'

I let out a trembling breath, still staring in the distance the rustling had emitted from. I gulped, gazing into the open, foggy space warily, but with pure curiosity. The wonder grew and grew, until the fact my brain didn't know what was going on became too much for it. I felt frightened.

"Excuse me?"

"Gah!" I yelped, jumping around to meet the foreign voice.

I took a sigh of relief at the innocent looking man standing there. He had a muscly build, a rather large nose that looked like it had been scrunched up most of his life, and hairy arms that waved in a surrendering manner.

"Oh," I breathed, clutching my chest, "I'm sorry—you kinda scared me there. Uh, yes? Is something wrong?" I asked, narrowing my eyes in thought. This man had to be from the village, why would he be out here if he wasn't? He seemed familiar, vaguely. So I must know him from somewhere.

"Oh, sorry to give you a fright there lad, I didn't mean to scare you. Just looking for something… ."

"Hm, well I can probably help you. What are you looking for?" I asked, trying to be generous.

"Well, someone actually," he replied, looking to me.

"I can definitely help you there, then. I probably know everybody; who is it you're looking for?" I asked, smiling.

"Ohhh—no one in particular, really," he said, scratching his chin.

"Well who?"

His face became grim and dark, like the shadow of Loki was casted down upon his face. He smirked, raising my suspicions and frightening me further.

"You."

Then, to my horror, I recognized the man.

The Roman guard that had threatened Astrid.

I turn to run, sprint away from him. But a grimy hand wound around my neck and pulled me back. I tried to scream for help, or even just yelp in surprise. His next words horrified me, still to this very day.

"Night night."

Something hard and blunt struck the middle of my head. I immediately saw stars, gripping and scratching at the hand harder as if to stay with reality. The pain streamed through out my whole head, distributing out so that it eventually became unbearable. Fuzzy, black images framed my vision, yet it was welcomed. The peace I began to feel, the slipping into the unconscious world where my hurting head would stop… it sounded so nice.

Everything, went black.

A/N: Well that was long. Sorry, I really did get goth on this. I've had some hard times this week, which reflected a little too much in my writing. I'm so sorry : ( Forgive me? And I really want some critiquing done on this, I want to improve my writing to its full extent, but I need help. Can you review and tell me what you think I need to improve on, please? More reviews, the faster the next chapter will get up!

WARNING: Updates will be getting less frequent, due to the fact I'm racing my friend to see who can finish the Harry Potter series first. Any fans out there? Anyway, be rooting for me! : )

*****God bless!*****