A suspicious dragon rider

Astrid paced around the edge, trying to figure out a plan to rescue Hiccup. She'd been thinking for days about how to rescue him. However, there was something else on her mind as well. It was Elliot. He'd been acting weird ever since they got back to Berk. He'd been disappearing, with no excuse when he came back. Plus, he didn't seem at all worried about Hiccup. Last night, Astrid had called a dragon riders meeting to invent a rescue plan, and Elliot didn't show. When she'd confronted him about, he'd made up some excuse about helping Bucket and Mulch. Neither of them knew anything about Elliot's supposed help.

"Astrid! There you are." Astrid turned around to see Elliot running up her pathway.

"Elliot? What is it?" She asked, confused.

"Look I know you've been worried lately. So I was wondering if I could have you over for dinner at my place tonight. It might help you to forget."

"Forget?" Astrid asked. "Even if I was fighting the entire hunter army I would still be worried to death about Hiccup." Elliot looked flustered, anger entering his eyes. He quickly shook it out.

"No, I didn't mean forget. I just wanted you to stop worrying for a while. I know you care about Hiccup, but you need to take a break. And maybe, you should give this a rest." Astrid sighed, feeling her last spark of hope die. She knew exactly what Elliot was implying. That she shouldn't look for Hiccup any more.

"Astrid? What'd you say?"

"Huh? Oh right. Sure." Astrid looked away, distracted. Elliot smiled, heading back down the path.

"Great! See you at 6." Astrid waved weakly, her brain still processing their conversation. She had always tried to be honest with herself, and not pursue worthless things. And to be honest with herself, all she had with Elliot was a friendship. At first, she had wanted to potentially further their relationship. Now, the choice was clear. And she couldn't believe that she had almost chosen Elliot.

"Things were just so simple with him. I always knew I was in love with Hiccup. But Elliot was just so easy." It was as if a great weight had been lifted off her as she finally realized why she had strayed from Hiccup. She wasn't one to generally be torn between emotions. But this time… with Hiccup and Elliot.

"I guess I just wanted to protect my heart." She smiled, feeling energetic for the first time in days.

"Come on Tempest, blast it!" Astrid waved the shield, throwing it up into the air. Tempest fired a perfect shot, torching the wooden shield.

"Nice job girl," Astrid praised. She knew that part of what Elliot was true. She was running herself into the ground with worry. Dragon training would give her mind the break it needed. She prepared another shield, waiting for Tempest to prepare.

"Spikes this time." Tempest gave the equivalent of a nod, preparing herself. Her tail became spiked, as she waited for Astrid's throw. Astrid threw the shield high, watching it spin in neat circles before beginning it's descent. Tempest aimed, and shot, 2 out of her 3 spikes driving deep into the wood. The last one flew across the academy, striking the stone wall.

"Well, that was better than last time." She pulled the spikes out of the shield, leaving deep gashes in her wake. Tempest studied the shield, seeing the deep gouges. She then looked up at the setting sun, nudging Astrid towards the academy entrance.

"Oh right," Astrid exclaimed, remembering Elliot's invitation. She knew they had now future, but they could still be friends right? She sprinted out of the academy to meet him.

Hiccup paced around his cell, going out of his mind again. Well, he couldn't really call it pacing. He was chained to the right side of the cell, and the chain only extended 10 feet. Hiccup was lucky. Most prisoner got 1 foot, if they got any at all. Just within the 2 and ½ weeks he'd been here, he'd already seen three executions. They were ordinary people. From different lands who had stumbled upon the dragon hunters. Vigo eliminated anyone who was a threat to him. Unfortunately, on that rather long list, Hiccup was smack dab number 1. And yet, he wasn't dead. It was like Vigo was playing with him. Hiccup was smart enough to be a challenging adversary, yet he was young, and still learning. That's all I am. A toy that's new and interesting. The very thought made him sick. He stiffened, when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. It was Riker, Vigo's second in command.

"Come with me oh great and mighty dragon rider." He smiled at Hiccup mockingly. Hiccup glared at him, knowing he would just have to take his taunts. Riker undid his chains, and Hiccup flexed his sore wrist. He was sorely tempted to attack Riker now. But it was a stupid plan. He needed to be sensible. Riker led him up the stairs, onto the deck of the ship. Vigo was sitting at a large desk. Hiccup cautiously approached, hating being close to Vigo.

"Oh Hiccup. I don't bite. Come closer," Vigo said, motioning to Riker. The large man roughly pushed Hiccup forward.

"What do you want Vigo?" Hiccup spat. "You have me now. You have the dragons. What else you do want?" Vigo began reorganizing some papers, not answering right away. It drove Hiccup crazy.

"A certain client of mine has a rather interesting deal he's proposed. He'll let me use his island for trade, if I do something in return. He's asked for me to kill your dragon riders." Hiccup's eyes widened in horror, shock pulsing through him.

"We had a deal." Vigo shrugged, pretending to look conflicted.

"Oh that's right. Well I guess I should turn down the deal." He laughed, staring at Hiccup straight in the eye.

"Never going to happen son. Perhaps you know him? His name's Daguar the deranged."

Astrid knocked on Elliot's door, wondering how to tell him she just wanted to be friends. She really didn't want to lose him as a friend. But she knew she wanted Hiccup now, and didn't want to lead Elliot on.

"Hey Astrid, come on in." Astrid entered the house, smelling the distinct smell of yak.

"Elliot is that?"

"Yup. I knew that yak steaks were your favorite. Especially the way I make them." Elliot had invented a kind of berry sauce, that made the Berk food not taste quite so bland. It was Astrid's favorite.

"This way milady," Elliot teased, bowing deeply. Astrid laughed, following him to is eating room. She scratched Nightwhisper, and the dragon gave her a friendly lick. The table was nicely set, with two candles in the middle. The entire thing felt comfortable.

"Please sit." Astrid happily took a seat, waiting for Elliot to bring out the main dish. He revealed it with a dramatic flourish, carefully setting it down. Astrid began thinking of casual ways to bring up their relationship. She didn't have to.

"Astrid, thanks for coming over. I really need to talk to you." Astrid looked at Elliot's serious face and turned to face him.

"What's wrong Elliot?" She asked worried. He gestured to everything, sweeping his hand across the room.

"This can all be yours Astrid. If you agree to marry me."

I'd like to give credit to CrazyHunter36 for sparking ideas for the fic. Please tell me where you think this should go, and whether you want more adult themes. Also for the core of justice, I hope to get the sotry started this week.