The sun peeked through the fractured window on the side of the garage stabbing me in the eye and rousing me from my much needed and much deserved sleep. Shifting under the heavy wing draped over my shoulder I buried my head in the dragon's side. Hoping he'd maybe block out the rising sun.

The sleek black reptile shifted, cracking open a catlike eye the bright jade startling on the midnight black scales. Huffing out a puff of air to try and convey his annoyance at having his sleep disturbed he shuffled to the side, blocking out the sun but also removing my pillow.

"Good morning Toothless" I greeted, shaking my head to try and resettle my hair. I knew it was stuck out like a porcupine but I didn't care. He was a dragon, what did he care about how I looked? As long as I fed him he was a happy lad.

Giving me a small nod and grunt in what I presumed was a 'good morning' he pushed himself up, stretching like the multitude of cats I'd seen in the village. It never ceases to amuse me how innocent he looks when he lets his guard down and behaves, even slightly, like the child I presume he is. I don't think Toothless is old. He's far too accepting of humans to be old. Then again I don't know about other dragons. But, I suppose if they're forced to fight against hunters they can't be very trusting.

Pulling open the very heavy door a fraction my eyes landed on the house, I was scanning every window for signs of life, nothing. We seemed to be in the clear. I couldn't hear much around us suggesting others were either still in bed or passed out. Either way, they weren't outside. Staring back at the dragon he'd finished stretching and was staring at me curiously. I nodded, indicating that it was safe. He tiptoed after me as I took a few tentative steps out.

The birds in the sky flew across, hiding behind the small clouds they were dotted about. I wasn't sure but I could almost guarantee that it was half six. Far too early for anyone here to be getting up.

We crept across the garden, each of us scanning the surroundings as though we were robbers. In all honesty I would rather that be the case, then I wouldn't have a dragon following me.

I didn't know what we were doing, I could admit that much. But I was stressing about what I should do. And that's send him somewhere safe and forget about him for a few hours so I could go to school. I never thought I'd want to spend my time in that prison. But I did.

I didn't know what I could do. I couldn't hide him in the cove, I couldn't hide him in my house. And I definitely couldn't leave him here. I felt like pulling my hair out, I wanted to rag it from its roots, just so I could vent my frustrations.

A thought crossed my mind as I looked to the sky. If we got high enough he'd look like a bird. It was a risk and the stick still jammed in his tail would probably hold for a long time at low altitude, but high? I wasn't so sure. I'd have to get things sorted soon. A saddle and preferably something to connect the tail and the saddle. I don't like the thought of placing my life in that of a dead branch.

"Toothless, I have an idea. And it involves a little flying." His ears perked up at the mere mention of that word and I was almost swept off my feet as he lunged forwards. Placing my hands on his head I forced him to stand, four feet on the ground. He wasn't helping with my nervousness. "Alright, come on. And quietly."

Moving around his side I threw a quick glance to the tail and a much longer and cautious look around. I placed my hands flat against the slick scales dragging myself up and swinging myself over. I relied heavily on my horse riding background for this. Because, while he was smaller than a horse he was a lot more wriggly. He seemed insistent on staying on the ground, but I was sure that was a combination of anxiety of the hunters we'd both seen and excitement at being somewhat free again.

It was strange. I can't think of any other way to describe it.

"Alright come on" clapping my hands together, and instantly flinching, I tried once more to climb on. Hoping he'd settle down. I must have tried at least four times before my leg stuck. Cheering to myself I dragged my body up, flopping down on his back with a pained hiss as his scales were much harder than they appeared. Placing my hand on his back to keep him still I threw one more look around.

Silence.

"Let's go." I whispered, and not a moment later his wings expanded and he catapulted into the air.

I don't know if I screamed. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if I did but he flew so fast and so high into the sky that my screams were trapped in the back of my throat. We were thrown vertically my body being dragged back and my arms wrapping around his neck to try and stay on.

Thankfully he straightened out, and my screams became tangible. He threw me an incredulous look that made me shift a little uncomfortably as I silenced my screams. The back of my throat burned as I hesitantly took a hand off his back to rub at it.

"Sorry" I croaked out, instantly covering my mouth as thousands of tiny bugs assaulted my face.

A ribbon of clouds below blocked my view of the miniaturised land below and I released a long breath of relief. Thank God we were that high. Now we really did look like birds.

Wind blew my hair back, the short strands ticking the base of my neck. A shiver ran through me, both from the freezing altitude and the tickle I was receiving making it impossible to suppress it. Throwing a glance over my shoulder I stared at the tail, the light leather and stick looking very out of place on the midnight black dragon.

I was tempted to make us rise some more. To pass through the sparse ones above and ensure no one could even contemplate dragon. But I decided against it.

I liked my life. Contrary to my past beliefs.

Hunkering down on his back I clung to him like a baby monkey, letting him take control and hopefully guide me to safety.

Arden's POV

I sat at my desk at school, teachers glared at my front and Sally glared at my back. I tried to stifle the uncomfortable shifts that I was making every few minutes. I was usually a confident boy, but, now I was feeling incredibly awkward.

"Arden. You disappear for days and you have the gall to ignore me." My teacher snapped making my head jar up painfully.

"What? No I wasn't." I defended, though we both knew the truth.

"Then what was I saying?" He pressed, I hated when teachers did that. Knowing you haven't got the answer just to embarrass you.

"I don't know Sir." I answered truthfully, I was having a hard enough time as it was without him making it worse. I was so confused. Sarah, I-I don't know what to do with her. I liked her, but, I guess I kinda overreacted. But can you blame me? I could've died. I know I didn't, and I know she could have too. But, she could've at least tried to be a little more supportive. I wasn't good with heights thanks to Toothless.

"Then pay attention." He snapped turning back to say something with the rest of the class. I couldn't remember his name, not what lesson he taught. I don't even know if I've seen him before. but I do know I don't like him.

Slumping down on my hand I suppressed a heavy sigh. God damn it, I just wanted to go home. Actually, I just wanted to be back with Sarah. As strange as it sounds even to my own ears I wanted to be back with her. I wanted to help Toothless. And it amazed me.

Not a week prior I hated her, I didn't even want to sit beside her. But now, I was starting to like her. Like like her.

"Mr Hofferson. I'm one step away from giving you detention." Snapping my head around I stared up at him, my brows furrowing in confusion. Didn't he have more important things to do than pick on me?

"Sorry Sir." I mumbled, resting on my hand. I stared at the board, watching as he scribbled on some numbers and X's. Apparently this was maths.

Staring down at the closed new book before me I flipped through. Looking at all the strange squares on the paper. I never understood why we had weird paper. Surely we could figure it out on our own. I know my thoughts are insane and make little to no sense. But I couldn't be bothered listening to Mr what's his name. I didn't care. He didn't like me and I didn't like him. We barely knew each other's names.

"Mr Hofferson." He started, but as he paused for my attention I snapped.

"What? What the hell do you want? Just shut the hell up. I don't care."

"Outside."

"Gladly." Grabbing my bag I pushed myself to my feet and swung it over my shoulder. I could hear snickering as I walked through the tables and pushed open the heavy door. I threw the teacher a glare as I slammed it closed behind me. I could hear him through the door. He was ordering the class to calm down, though his relief was palpable.

Glaring at him through the door I didn't stand and wait for a verbal beating like all the other children, I pulled my bag higher and stalked off. If he saw me, which I'm sure he did, I bet he was more relieved that I had decided to leave.

I wasn't sure where I was going but I did know I was going to leave school. And I'd find Sarah.

I walked out of school my head down and not caring who saw me. Pulling out my phone to call someone I pressed a few buttons staring at it bewildered as water swam behind the screen. Throwing it to the ground I growled in annoyance. Great, it was broken. How didn't I figure that out earlier?

Unsure on my own question I stuffed it back into my pocket. I'd have to figure some way to get it fixed. I don't think the insurance covers drowning by dragon.

Glancing back at the school once more I took off running. Unable to quell the feeling that there was something missing. Or someone.

please read review