A/N: Surprises all around!

The next day at school, I'm still lost in the horror of the images Toothless showed me yesterday.

When school's over, I walk Astrid home and stop to see Toothless before going home.

There's nothing else that can be done. I've been thinking of making different arrangements for him, but I can't think of any fail-proof way to keep him safe.

I hug him quickly around the neck. "How you doing buddy?"

Toothless gives me a look. Hmph.

"What's wrong?"

I want to fly! I don't like being earthbound!

"I can't help it," I tell him. "You have to let your wing heal. Technically, we could push it a day, but I don't want to take that risk."

Toothless knows it's a lost cause, though and doesn't try to push it.

"We'll go flying in a few days," I tell him. "I promise."

Toothless nods, displeased.

I sit down on the ground next to him. "Toothless?"

There's no response. Why isn't he speaking to me?

I turn and see he's staring at me questioningly.

I sigh and lock eyes with him. "You didn't show me…everything that happened during the dragon rebellion, did you?"

Toothless gives a miserable shake of the head. There are things you can't handle, Hiccup.

"Toothless, what are you keeping from me?" I hate the feeling that he's shutting me out, leaving me on the outside to keep looking in.

Toothless breaks the gaze. Hiccup, listen, and forget about it. When you're ready, I'll tell you.

Dad is downstairs and I am upstairs.

Once again, we're far from each other, but still aware that the other is here somewhere.

I sigh and fall back on my pillow, contemplating what Toothless said today.

"When you're ready, I'll tell you."

The words come back to me as I lie there and I sit up suddenly, overwhelmed by the feeling that I need to talk to Toothless right now.

"Toothless…" I mumble to myself. "Gotta get to Toothless."

Suddenly, I hear a loud roar that makes my windows rattle in the panes.

Frozen, I stare at the sky, where a black shape circles…right above Astrid's house.

Toothless can't fly by himself.

My heart beats fast with fear.

I grow weary of this childish game, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.

That voice. That voice like frozen steel, the voice that renders me completely paralyzed every time I hear it.

I quickly shake myself and start running.

Come to me.

I'm coming.