Ryder couldn't believe what he just heard come out of Astrid's mouth, she was holding his arm tightly and pleading him to not to leave her, to take her with him. Ryder looked at Toothless now who growled out a bit and Ryder knew what that meant, Toothless was saying no. "No." Ryder said firmly to Astrid now.

"I promise I won't be any trouble to you or Toothless! I–I'll do anything, Ryder. Please just take me with you, don't leave me here alone." Astrid asked him with pleading eyes.

"Astrid, it's out of the question. I can't take you with me, your place is here on Berk with the tribe. Toothless and I travel alone. We go far off from the archipelago boundaries." Ryder stated to her. Tears began to well up in her eyes now, fear in them as well.

"Please...please take me with you. I don't want...to stay here anymore...I have nothing, have no one...Please Ryder..." Astrid said gently as tears fell from her blue eyes now. Ryder stayed quiet, he knew why she didn't want to stay on Berk. Astrid was afraid that as soon as he left, they'd hurt her again. She was willing to leave with him to get away and she didn't even know him.

"Please tell me you're not considering this...?" Toothless asked suddenly. Silence. "Hiccup. No. Absolutely not. We are not taking her with us, we're not even considering it. Send her back home and lets go." Toothless said firmly.

"Bud...she's terrified of this place and frankly I'm afraid if I leave her...they won't stop hurting her." Hiccup replied.

"Oh Gods you're actually considering this. Does anything I say get through your thick skull?" Toothless asked with a growl.

"Yes...Toothless just...let me think about this..." Hiccup sighed.

"Stubborn Viking...Fine. Send her home for now so we can actually discuss this logically. You may want to bring her but its my back that suffers." Toothless grumbled out.

"Thanks bud..." Hiccup smiled. "Look...Astrid. You don't understand the things Toothless and I do, where we go...any of that. I need to think about this..." Ryder sighed to her, "Go back to your house for now...I'll come see you when I've made my choice." Astrid nodded as she quickly ran off to her house down the hill. Ryder groaned as Toothless growled at him.

"You. Are. An. Idiot." Toothless told him.

"Yeah yeah...Just get to the cove so we can talk about this before anyone thinks we're nuts." Hiccup ordered. Toothless took off towards the cove, they landed as Ryder climbed off and sat down on the grass as Toothless laid beside him.

"Hiccup. I understand you love this girl and care for her deeply but we cannot simply bring her with us." Toothless stated to him.

"Toothless, what if they hurt her while we're gone. I have no way of knowing if she's okay...and if I came back and something happened...I'd lose it." Hiccup closed his eyes now.

"We can't take her, Hiccup. We fly long distances and I can't carry the both of you, we would make way more stops than necessary. She'd be in more danger with us." Toothless explained.

"I know bud but..." Hiccup began.

"No buts, Hiccup. We do a lot of dangerous things when we rescue dragons, we've been captured before and lucky to of made it out with our lives in tact. Do you really want Astrid in our lifestyle? I normally go with you on a lot of things but this...I can't agree to in good conscious..." Toothless said as he licked Hiccup's cheek.

"You know...I've been thinking about telling her who I am..." Hiccup finally said after a few minutes of silence.

"You have lost it, Hiccup. You would throw away what we worked for 5 years to conceal!?" Toothless snapped at him.

"Easy...I said I was thinking about it...I know I can't...She'd never keep it a secret." Hiccup sighed.

"Its too much a risk to tell her." Toothless said, he saw his rider close his eyes and sigh heavily. Toothless wanted to help him, he knew how much Hiccup loved Astrid but bringing her with them would not only slow them down but also put her in far more danger than she'd be in on Berk. "I'm sorry Hiccup..." Toothless added.

"Its okay, Toothless...I know you're only looking out for me. Alright we won't take her but I gotta set something up in case there is a problem..." Hiccup said firmly. "Lets go to the nest so I can get a dragon to watch her." Hiccup said.

"Now you're thinking like Hiccup again." Toothless smiled at him. Ryder got on Toothless as they took off in to the sky silently and flew towards the dragon nest where he resided with Toothless and all the other dragons.

(The Dragon Nest)

The flight took an hour at best, the wind was against them so it was a little harder but once they landed inside, Ryder got off and looked around seeing all his dragons lounging about on the ground or flying with others, some playing around. He did want to take Astrid but knew it wasn't safe for her to be with him and Toothless, he still had to make sure she was safe while he was gone. This was a longer trip and he'd be gone a few weeks, possibly longer depending how things went.

"Who are you choosing to watch her?" Toothless asked now.

"Not sure. I'm picking two." Hiccup stated.

"Why two?" Toothless asked curiously.

"A terror who will be able to send me a message if there is a problem and one to take her to safety. I'll train her how to ride before we go...I guess I'll pick Sharpshot for the terror, he's the fastest to deliver messages. Now...Lets see..." Hiccup began to think about the choice. He needed a dragon who was fast, one that could be a guard for her and make an impression that this was no joke. Hiccup walked around past the different classes of dragons in the nest.

"How about a nightmare? Or gronckle?" Toothless offered.

"Nightmare's are too big to just walk around with Astrid in town and a Gronckle is too slow, if the village tried to stop her from going they could easily capture one and she'd be in trouble..." Hiccup groaned a bit, this was harder than he anticipated.

"Pick a nadder. Quick and light on their feet, flies with the second fastest speed next to me, flame that burns with the heat of the sun, poisonous tail spines, and extremely loyal." Toothless stated calmly.

"You know bud, you're right. A nadder is perfect." Hiccup replied nodding now. Ryder knew this was the right choice seeing as taking Astrid wasn't much on an option for him. Ryder walked to the nadder's sitting in a group, he saw a blue and yellow one with red in the wings. This was one he rescued from Berk originally, one they trained with. Ryder smiled softly. "Stormfly." Ryder called to her. The nadder squawked and walked over to him, nuzzling his hand that was held out. "That's a girl...I have a special job for you. You're going to protect someone for me...Tell her Toothless." Ryder said.

Toothless nodded and made a few mouths, clearly talking to Stormfly about what Ryder wanted her to do. Toothless stopped and smiled to Ryder with a nod. "Great. Sharpshot!" Ryder called out. A two different shades of green terrible terror came over and landed on his shoulder. "You're going to stay with Stormfly on Berk buddy and if anyone hurts her the girl she's watching, you come get me okay? We're heading towards Scotland to handle a dragon problem. You know the drill..." Ryder told him. Sharpshot responded by licking Ryder's hand. "Lets get back to Berk...We'll leave tomorrow, Toothless okay? Just so I have time to train her and let her know what's going on." Ryder said. Toothless warbled in response as Ryder got on his back and the took off towards Berk again, Stormfly and Sharpshot following him.

(Berk)

Astrid had been sitting in her shack patiently waiting for Ryder to return, she had the door locked not wanting anyone to come see her. Astrid was praying to every god they believed in to have Ryder take her with him and Toothless, she didn't want to stay on Berk alone. It was strange to her though how she could talk so easily to Ryder, how his hugs seemed to give her an unexplained comfort when she was upset and he always made her listen to reason. Astrid didn't understand how this happened, why was she so afraid with him gone but felt safe with him around? Was it because he saved her from the village's torment and beatings.

After it had been 2 hours since Ryder told her to stay at her house, Astrid was beginning to think he just took off. As she was about to go find him, she opened the door to find Ryder standing there with a hand up ready to knock on her door. "Oh, Ryder! Hi..." Astrid said gently.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting so long." Ryder stated calmly.

"Its okay...D–did you...think about what I asked?" Astrid asked quickly, she saw no reason to waste time on meaningless conversation. Ryder expected such a question as he nodded.

"May I come in?" Ryder asked.

"Yes, of course." Astrid said as she moved aside and opened the door more, Ryder walked in with a nod.

"Stay outside bud, keep watch." Ryder instructed him.

"On it." Toothless replied. Ryder watched as Astrid closed the door and walked beside him, he knew this was going to hurt her and he didn't want to but he had to. "Astrid, I can't take you with me." Ryder said firmly, he saw her face drop instantly. Astrid couldn't believe it, he wasn't going to take her? Even though she pleaded him too? Astrid felt her heart shatter in to pieces and tears began to form in her eyes.

"I–I get it...its fine..." Astrid choked out turning from him now.

"Its too dangerous. You'd be in more danger with us than here...and I'd be breaking my promise to Hiccup if I willingly allowed any harm to befall you." Ryder stated.

"Promise to Hiccup...You told him you'd watch over me, leaving me here with these abusive people is going to be breaking that promise...But its fine, I'll live...Maybe." Astrid said angrily, but Ryder knew it was just her way to hide her sadness.

"Astrid. I never go back on my word, I can't take you with me. But I can ensure your safety while I'm on business." Ryder said, Astrid turned and looked at him now.

"H–how?..." Astrid asked.

"I'm going to assign two dragons to be with you at all times while I'm gone. One to get you to a safe place, and another to come and get me." Ryder informed her.

"Stoick is never going to allow a dragon to reside here...He'll trap it or kill it...Just take me with you...I promise I'll stay out of the way...Please!" Astrid grabbed the front of his armor now looking up at Ryder. Gods why did she have to make this difficult for him, he hated seeing her cry.

"I'll make it known that if you are harmed while I'm away then I will return with every dragon in the nest and tare this place to shreds." Ryder sighed out now. "Its not just the danger Toothless and I face on our missions Astrid...Toothless can't carry us both on his back. It's to much for him and we'd never be able to evade attacks and other such things with two people riding him. Toothless and I live a very complex lifestyle, one that a young woman like yourself should be apart of. Do you...understand what I'm telling you?" Ryder asked, she lowered her head sadly and nodded to him.

"I do...I just...don't want to be alone again..." Astrid sighed as she went to sit down in a nearby chair. Ryder turned and watched her sit.

"You won't be alone with Stormfly and Sharpshot, Astrid. Toothless might be a dragon but he's my best friend." Ryder walked over to her now.

"I get that...but they are just here to protect me right? I can't...talk to them." Astrid stated. "You're the first person to acknowledge me in 5 years, Ryder...You were there for me when no one else was, you've been my shoulder to cry on since you arrived...you even let me sleep on you..." Astrid closed her eyes.

'Astrid don't say it...Please for the love of Thor don't say what I think you're going to say...' Ryder thought to himself.

"How easy it was for me to talk to him...Crying on his shoulder when my parents died...You...remind me of Hiccup, Ryder...I feel...comfortable with you, safe around you and that's a feeling I haven't felt in a very long time...I don't want...to lose it again..." Astrid sobbed lightly. Ryder clenched his fist tightly as he closed his eyes, she just had to say it. That he reminded her of Hiccup. "Please...please Ryder...I am begging you to take me with you...Please don't leave me here alone...please don't go...I'll do anything, I–I'll even fly a dragon. Teach me how, I'm a fast learner. Please...Just get me away from Berk..." Astrid pleaded quietly.

Ryder couldn't do it, he couldn't bring himself to tell her no. Her face was breaking his heart, he'd been longing to be with her again like they used to be and she didn't even know who was sitting under that mask. Her coming with them meant the chance of her finding out but would that be so bad if they were both away from Berk? She was willing to fly a dragon and everything just to get away from this place. She was willing to do whatever it took, just like he did when he arranged Toothless to swoop in and grab him, then fake his death. Could he really do it, bring her with them? It was incredibly dangerous just as Toothless had said but maybe he could make her stay on land when he went to handle problems that way she wouldn't be in harms way and she'd be away from Berk. He was seriously considering this, Toothless was going to kill him.

Ryder closed his eyes and sighed. "You really want out of this place that bad, don't you?" Ryder asked her.

"Don't you even dare..." Toothless warned growling through the door.

"More than anything...I don't care about the lifestyle you and Toothless lead...I'll stay out of your way...I won't be a bother. I just want a new life, a fresh start that doesn't involve Berk...Please, Ryder...please?" Astrid asked through her tears.

"Hiccup I swear to Odin!..." Toothless warned again.

"I can't believe I'm saying this..." Ryder whispered, "You are to do everything I say to the letter or I will bring you back here. Is that clear?" Ryder stated crossing his arms over his chest with a sigh. Astrid's head snapped up as she couldn't help but smile wide, she jumped to her feet and wrapped her arms around his neck happily.

"I'm going to fucking kill you!" Toothless screeched through the door now.

"Yes, perfectly clear! Thank you, thank you so much! I promise you won't regret this." Astrid exclaimed, Ryder couldn't help but chuckle seeing how happy she was. It reminded him of when they were kids, Ryder could already hear Toothless growling from outside the door. Ryder looked down at her now.

"He's dead...I'm going to kill him...He's so gods damn dead! I cannot believe you fucking told her she could come, you moron! You imbecile! I hate you right now, I friggen hate you!" Toothless yelled, though it came off as a roar to anyone listening. Hiccup ignored it for now, he'd already told Astrid she could come. If he took it back she would kill him, not that it mattered because Toothless was going to kill him as soon as he stepped outside.

"Pack up then and meet me in the cove in an hour. You only need clothes, blankets, a pillow, and bedroll. I have the rest." Ryder told her.

"Got it." Astrid nodded finally backing up from the hug she'd given him.

"I'll see you in an hour." Ryder said as he opened the door and exited the house to see Toothless glaring at him. He was in so much trouble. Toothless instantly head-butted him making him fall over and snarled at him angrily. Yep so much trouble.

"You damned, stupid, foolish, IDIOT! It was a simple statement. No you can't come, and I'm having two dragons protect you!" Toothless yelled at him angrily.

"Alright alright, easy Toothless...You don't understand what happened in there..." Hiccup said quickly.

"I'm a DRAGON. A Night Fury no less. I heard EVERYTHING! My hearing is far more advanced than yours!" Toothless snarled out.

"What did you want me to do, Toothless! I couldn't stand seeing her so upset..." Hiccup winced a bit hearing how angry Toothless was with him.

"I wanted you to do what you said you would! To tell her no! For a hardened dragon master, you're a damn sap for a pair of big blue eyes!" Toothless growled.

"Toothless for Odin's sake, I love her! I couldn't tell her no, I couldn't stand those teary eyes of her begging me to take her with us. Toothless, you don't know Astrid like I do okay? She was a strong warrior for years and never took any crap from anyone. Look what 5 years has done to her? I've never seen her so afraid. I can't leave her here...I can't, I'm sorry I went back on what I said but I won't do it. I won't leave her in this place. I hated it enough to fake my death, because I was sick of suffering the torture and beatings. She had to deal with all that while I was 'dead'! Toothless you saw how upset she was, she wanted to die...I can't leave her here. Dragon guards would protect her from the others, they can't protect her from herself..." Hiccup said as Toothless sighed heavily.

"It means that much to you that we take her along, even though you know how much danger she'll be in?" Toothless asked now.

"She means everything to me, Toothless...You and her are the only two friends I have ever had...And she suffered for my choice once, I can't do it to her again..." Hiccup told him.

"Fine. But I am not carrying you two, and all the gear. I'm a Night Fury and I'm known for stealth and camouflage in the night sky. That's why we travel at night. You're armor makes you blend in with me, she is severely unequipped to do the same and the gear will weigh me down." Toothless remarked.

"What are you suggesting then? Take a boat?" Hiccup asked.

"No lover boy. She said she was willing to ride a dragon...teach her to ride Stormfly then. We can leave tomorrow night." Toothless told him.

"You want me to teach her to ride Stormfly in 24 hours!? It took me weeks with you." Hiccup replied now.

"That's because you had no idea what you were doing, you were winging it with me. You know how to do it now. It shouldn't be a problem for you Hiccup. If you can't do it then you better get back in there and tell Astrid to forget it. I won't carry you both. You wanted me to allow this add on, these are my terms to agree. She rides her own dragon." Toothless huffed.

"Fine...lets get to the cove, I told her to meet me there and that's where Stormfly and Sharpshot are." Hiccup said.

"Lets go then. You're so lucky we're such good friends because I'd fry you otherwise for doing this..." Toothless mumbled.

"I know. You're the best, Toothless. I don't know where I'd be without you." Hiccup smiled.

"Dead." Toothless stated. After that, Toothless took off in to the sky with Hiccup on his back and flying towards the cove. Once they were there, Hiccup got off and sighed out. Toothless laid down in the grass, this was going to be a long 24 hours.