=Astrid's POV=
{Thursday, May 19, 2022- 12:15 pm}
(Archian Preparatory)
I haven't been able to shake it since Sunday. The phone call from whoever it was, I'm assuming Drago Bludvist, had me rattled to the core with worry. And what was worse; tomorrow is Friday. The day this guy said he would have a car waiting to collect this key that I had no idea about. It was the truth; I didn't know what he wanted. I didn't have any key. Was this guy crazy? Well, that's a stupid question. Agent Haggard mentioned Drago wanted to take over the world, so yes; he was absolutely insane. However, this caller knew where I lived, went to school, and where I was at the moment he had called. And to make things scarier for me; this man threatened Hiccup's family. It's been days, and I have no idea what to do still. The male warned me not to tell anyone about the call, and since he knew all those things about my location…I had to assume he had people watching me. What choice did that leave me? Stay quiet? Tell whoever was in the car tomorrow that I didn't have the key? And yet, none of that made sense because Hiccup was never going to let me out of his sight. I had to tell him, didn't I?
I'm stressed about everything going on, so much in fact that I'm feeling sick. Or maybe I'm actually sick. I don't know anymore. It's Thursday; there was only one more day of Finals to go. Tomorrow, and that would be the Dragon Training ones. We two parts to it. The first was to do a written exam, and the second would be a physical portion to show calls, signals, training, and riding. Hiccup had been kind enough all this week to review things with us once more, a majority of what would be on the tests, but not even he knew exactly what would be given. Hiccup mentioned that it changed every year so there couldn't be any copying. Also, Hiccup wouldn't be doing this next year; Mr. Meatsen found someone to take over as long as Hiccup finished out this semester. I still had no idea what Hiccup was going to do career-wise now that he couldn't join the military. I had a feeling it would be Archia Burger, and maybe that's what the meeting on Sunday was about, but I didn't know.
It's lunchtime at school, and I'm barely paying attention. I know the rest are talking, but I'm just out of it and have a massive headache from trying to deal with Finals and figure everything else out.
"Astrid!" I heard Hiccup call my name. I shook my head some and looked at him.
"Hm?" I replied quickly.
"That is seriously the eighth time you've zoned out at lunch alone," Camicazi pointed out.
"Couple times in classes too," Hiccup added.
"You okay?" Heather asked.
"Yeah, I'm great," I smiled.
"And I'm the King of Denmark," Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Come on, Ast; We've been friends for years; I know when you're lying," he mentioned. The sad part is that Hiccup isn't wrong. He's always known when something isn't right in a sense I'm not honest, or I'm hiding something. "What's going on?" he asked.
I sighed looking down a bit. "I guess I'm just not feeling well today,"
"Period coming?" Nadia asked.
"TMI," Snotlout remarked.
"Yeah, you girls keep that to yourselves," Thuggory added in.
"Screw you," I muttered. "And no…I finished that last week,"
"So what's bothering you then? Come on; you can tell me?" Hiccup moved his hand over to sit on top of mine under the table where the others couldn't see.
"Just feeling kind'a blah today," I glanced at him. "I'll be okay, don't worry," I offered a smile.
"Are you sure?" Hiccup asked. I nodded to him and reached for my water bottle to take a sip. Hiccup pulled his hand back and continued eating and talking with the others.
. . .
{2:30 pm}
(Dragon Training Field)
"Are we using our dragons for the exam?" Ragna wondered.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I'm going to be on the safe side and say no. It's different everywhere you go, but I believe the High School standards are that you can't use yours because you know how to train with them," Hiccup replied.
"And they know we'd pass using dragons we've worked with all year?" Eret stated.
"Correct. As I said; I'm not sure how they'll do it," Hiccup shrugged while scratching under Toothless's chin.
"What was it like when you tested?" Camicazi asked.
"And how did you manage to test so early? Fifteen, right?" Thuggory questioned.
"No, I bonded to Toothless at fifteen and spent a good amount of time figuring out dragon flight with the first model of the rig. A lot of test flights and crashing were involved in those few weeks," Hiccup chuckled a bit. "There was a lot of confusion and debates leading up to me taking the tests at sixteen. See, I got seen flying without an adult guide, also; it was the first public sighting of Toothless. As you can imagine; it was pretty crazy,"
"What happened?" Nadia inquired.
"Well, I didn't get into much trouble for flying without a guide; it was during one of the test flights, and I didn't think Toothless, and I had been seen since it was almost dark. People learning there was a Night Fury around, and it was bonded to me sparked a lot of interest. Moreso because Toothless had his prosthetic, so that brought on the Department of Dragon Affairs investigating. It involved doctors, checkups, so on and so forth. At first, no one believed we bonded, but when they saw how relaxed Toothless was with me, and how he protected me; no one could deny our bond. I was able to get a lot of information for them on Night Furies. The fact I trained Toothless with no prior knowledge of dragon training or bonding. I knew the aspects of dragon anatomy and his flight just by testing things out and following my gut. There was a lot of debate and arguing, but after showing them what I could do with Toothless; they decided to push it a bit farther," Hiccup explained.
"By putting you against other dragons?" Eret blinked.
"Well, they tested my knowledge of classifications. My mother is a dragon vet, so I knew most of the basics from volunteering at the shelter before I got my job at Archia Burger. I knew classifications, and the dragons in each. I was given a pre-test by the Dragon Affairs Department, something to see if I could see a dragon picture or name of one and give what class it belonged to. I scored perfect on it, and then they knew I could fly obviously. I mean, if I can control a prosthetic dragon tail to let Toothless fly; it stood to reason that I could fly any dragon that didn't have a handicap," Hiccup continued.
"So they just let you take the tests after all that?" I asked.
"Basically. No one has ever tested at sixteen; its usually eighteen or older. I had to train one dragon from each class. I had to work with wild dragons too; earning their trust, giving hand signals, knowing their roar, then finally flying. It was an all-day event, but I passed. Stoker Class was the only hard one that took the longest because I had to calm down a ticked off Nightmare, which is where I learned the horn trick you saw at the beginning of the year," Hiccup smiled.
"So you've had your Dragon Owner ID since fifteen, and the Trainer and Flier License since sixteen? Which goes for all dragons types?" Ragna stared.
Hiccup got out his wallet and showed them two cards. The first was his dragon ownership identification. It read top to bottom:
Dragon Ownership Identification
[Picture of Toothless]
Dragon Information
Name:Toothless
Rider/Owner: Hiccup H. Haddock III
Class: Strike
Species: Night Fury
Sex: Male
[Picture of Hiccup at 18]
Owner Information
ID #: 10172015
Name: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III
DOB: 2/29/2004
ID Issue Date: September 2019
Bonding Date: June 2019
Sex: Male
Dragon: Toothless-Male, Night Fury
The second card was around the same size as the other one reading basic information.
Department of Dragon Affairs
Dragon Trainer/Flier License
Licensee Information:
Name: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third
License #: 06172010
Issue Date: March 2020
D.O.B: February 29, 2004
Residence: Barbaric Archipelago
Home Island: Archia Isle
Address: 1 Alpha Drive, Raven Point Hills, Berk, 909209
Allowances: Dragon Training, Dragon Riding/Flying, Dragon Racing
Specialized Class: Strike
Approved Classes: Strike, Tracker, Sharp, Mystery, Tidal, Stoker, Boulder
License Allowances: Training, Wrangling, Racing, Flying, Racing
Limitations: None
"Woah…That's awesome…" Eret said. "Do we all get that?" he asked while Hiccup put the cards away.
"Depends on how well you do, and mind you that my license covers everything involving dragons. Yours may only be approved for training and flying your bonded dragons. I went out for it all," Hiccup stated. "For example, mine is labeled a Flier and Trainer license because I am allowed to train and fly any dragon. My allowances for this license is everything, and I'm approved to train any classification, but I specialize in Strike because of Toothless," he explained.
"So ours would probably just say Flier License?" I asked.
"Likely, yes. And it wouldn't have some of the things mine does. Yours will just say approved to train and fly your dragon, and limitations are kept to your bonded dragon only," Hiccup mentioned. Yeah, that made sense. I really wasn't feeling well now. "So, any other questions about tomorrow's exam?" he asked.
"Well, are you going to be the one giving it?" Snotlout wondered.
"I'll be present, but so will one of the workers from the Department of Dragon Affairs; it's protocol. However, they just sit back and observe everything. Tomorrow will be the longest of your testing because as you know; it's in two parts. You will get an hour and fifteen minutes on your written portion. I believe it's mostly multiple choice with a scantron sheet. Afterward; you'll get a short break before I start calling you individually for the second half, which is the physical bit," Hiccup informed.
"Each of you will get fifteen minutes to do whatever is asked for your physical portion. The ones who finish have to come sit with me and can't share with those who haven't gone yet," Dagur interjected.
"How soon until we know if we passed or not?" Ragna wondered.
"I will tell you personally before the school day is over," Hiccup enlightened. "Then within two to three weeks, you'll receive your licenses by mail. That's the other reason the person from the DDA comes. I give final grades and the information needed to have the licenses issued. You should all have them before or right after graduation,"
"What happens if we don't pass?" Fishlegs questioned.
"You will," Hiccup smiled. "You guys know your stuff; just don't get psyched out by the DDA representative, and pretend its another day in class," he offered. Stormfly came over and squawked by nuzzling against my arm after I closed my eyes and laid back against her. "Ast? You sure you're okay? I mean, even Stormfly is worried for you…" Hiccup asked.
"She looks pale," Heather frowned. Hiccup came over and checked my forehead; then cheek.
"And feels warm," Hiccup closed his eyes.
"I told you; I just don't feel good today," I sighed.
"How so? Tell me what's bothering you," Hiccup asked.
"Head and stomach hurt," I admitted.
"Maybe something you ate today?" Camicazi offered.
"Or stressing over Finals," Minden frowned.
"Guys…I'm good, seriously. I'll be okay once I get some sleep," I muttered. Hiccup sighed, and I knew he was bothered by the fact I wasn't completely honest. Hiccup always knew and technically I'm his girlfriend; we shouldn't have secrets. I guess I was just scared that if I talked about the call; it would get him or someone else I care about hurt.
. . .
{5:30 pm}
(Berk; Haddock Manor)
The rest of the day was uneventful. Dragon Training ended, and everyone went home. I flew Stormfly next to Hiccup, who was on Toothless. Upon getting home; I went right to my room to get some sleep. There was only a couple of assignments to do and hand in tomorrow which would get calculated into our final grade along with the Finals scores; those would be out by Monday the 23rd, then students would have until the 30th for re-takes. Prom tickets were going on sale Friday the 27th; I wasn't sure if I was going or not. Eret and I aren't dating anymore, and Hiccup and I were keeping our relationship a secret for a bit. I suppose I could go with friends. Junior and Senior Proms are experiences you only get once, and part of the High School rite of passage or whatever. I went to Junior with Eret, so who knew what would happen for Senior. It wasn't my top concern right now.
My eyes opened to knocking on my door. I groaned a bit as I turned my head towards the source. "Yeah?" I called, ignoring the pounding in my head. I saw the door open as Hiccup walked in.
"Hey…How are you feeling?" Hiccup inquired quietly as he moved to the side of my bed.
"Little better," I admitted.
"You're still warm," Hiccup pointed out after checking my forehead. "It's dinner time, you coming?"
"I think I'll pass tonight, Hiccup…I haven't thrown up, and I'd like to keep it that way," I offered a smile.
"Alright," Hiccup leaned over and kissed my forehead. "I'll come to check on you after. Let me know if you need anything," I nodded to him as Hiccup exited the room and closed the door behind him. I sighed out and rolled over to my other side. I really should tell him the truth; I didn't want to lose him if he ended up finding out another way. Hiccup and I were together, and he's my protector; he needed to know about the call I got on Sunday. I would tell him later tonight and pray he didn't become furious with me. I closed my eyes and ended up falling back to sleep.
. . .
{8:15 pm}
Hiccup did come into my room around 6:20 pm to check on me, but I made it seem like I was sleeping. I felt him kiss my cheek gently; then leave the room again. I did manage to fall asleep until 7:50 pm, and then I woke up to use the bathroom and take another aspirin. I saw the time him 8:05 pm and knew I needed to talk to Hiccup. Maybe I'd feel better if I got this off my chest? It was worth a shot, and the right thing to do. I left the room and moved down the hall to Hiccup's; I stood before the door and took a breath before knocking a few times.
The door opened revealing Hiccup with a phone to his ear. "Hey, what's up?"
"I wanted to talk to you about something…" I admitted while playing with my fingers.
"Let me call you back," Hiccup said, then ended the call as he moved aside to let me into his room. Hiccup closed his door and followed behind.
"I-I hope I didn't interrupt anything important?" I said softly.
"It's nothing that I can't take care of later, so what did you want to talk about? Are you okay?" Hiccup asked as we sat on the edge of his bed.
"Hiccup…I got a call last Sunday while I was in the bathroom at Archia Burger, and I think it might have been Drago Bludvist…" I confessed with my head down.
"What?" Hiccup stared.
"I don't know if it was him; I didn't have anything to compare it to as I've never seen or heard the guy before. The call came up Restricted and only lasted about a minute, maybe a minute and thirty seconds," I went on.
"Astrid, why didn't you tell me about this right away? I'm your boyfriend, and bodyguard…You can't keep secrets like this, or it defeats the purpose of me protecting you; this guy is dangerous…" Hiccup reminded.
"I-I know…And I'm sorry; he just…scared me, and I didn't know what to do…" I replied. Hiccup sighed.
"Tell me how the call went, and don't leave anything out," Hiccup asked. I took a breath and explained everything to him as best as I could.
"And that was it…He said a car would be waiting on Friday for me, and promised that all of this stopped if I gave him what he wanted," I finished. "I just…Don't know what he's talking about key-wise…"
"That doesn't matter. You won't be giving him anything because he's a liar and won't keep to his word. Whatever he promised; he won't deliver. Astrid, you heard what Agent Haggard said; this guy wants to take over the world. Nobody is safe if he gets whatever he's after and sees his plan through," Hiccup stated. "You said he told you not to tell anyone?"
"I think he's watching me or has people doing it for him. Hiccup, he knows I live here and where I go to school…Even that I was at Archia Burger with you during the call…" I said nervously.
"But what is going to do, Astrid? I'm with you all the time, and I'm sure he's gotten reports by his spotters or whatever that you're never alone and his people are getting beaten. It's to lure you out and away from me. Perhaps he does want this key from you, but it wouldn't have been as easy as giving him the key, and you're off the hook. People like Drago don't work that way," Hiccup muttered.
"So what do we do?" I asked.
"First off, we're gonna call Spitelout or Hoark and tell them about this. Secondly; I assume we'll be trying to figure out what key he's after. The guy said it was something you have, and belonged to your father, so it must be something you collected from the house after the fire and have with you now," Hiccup informed as I nodded, understanding. "And lastly, Astrid…Don't ever keep information like this from me," he said as I looked at him. "Drago Bludvist is a madman with no conscience of mercy; that's what Hoark told us at the station. Astrid; he had your parents killed, and you attacked more than once since their deaths in November; he dangerous and after you, because you have what he needs. That makes you safe for the time being, but if he got what he wanted; he would probably kill you,"
"I-I know, and I'm sorry Hiccup…But he scared me by threatening to go after your family…A-And you…" I reminded sadly.
"My family is safe; he's just using it to get you to do what he wants; it's a mind game," Hiccup put his arm over me. "The only way to win is not to play. If anything else happens, Astrid; you bring it to me immediately from now on. Okay? I promise you we'll catch this guy and get justice for your parents while keeping you safe as we do it,"
"I won't keep anything else from you," I replied.
"Good," Hiccup lifted my chin and kissed me lightly; then he got up and lifted his phone. "Agent Haggard? It's Hiccup Haddock. I know it's past office hours, but your target made contact," there was a pause. "How about tomorrow at 3:30?" he suggested. "Done. See you then," Hiccup ended the call. "We meet with Hoark tomorrow after school, so you can tell him everything. Spitelout will be there too, and possibly Alvin,"
"Is this going to be over soon?" I asked.
"That depends on how much more information you keep; we could have had this matter in the works already if ya told me you were called last Sunday…" Hiccup reminded as I frowned. "I know he scared you, but keeping information puts you in more danger. I need to know about these kinds of things, alright? Astrid, I know this is hard…But you have to believe that everything is under control, and you are safe no matter what. Okay? Trust in me when I tell you that,"
"I trust you," I responded. Hiccup hugged me tightly, and we kissed again.
"Go get some sleep; you're still warm," Hiccup suggested. However, I was scared to go back to the room knowing I talked about the call. What if they came after me? "You're scared to sleep alone, aren't you?" I nodded to him. "Want to sleep in here tonight?"
"Y-You wouldn't mind?" I asked.
"If it makes you feel safer, babe. I can pull out the couch, and you can take the bed," Hiccup suggested.
"I'm not taking your bed, Hiccup…" I sighed.
"We can share if you want; it's big enough. I just don't want to make you uncomfortable," Hiccup shrugged.
"I think I'm more comfortable next to you after all this anyway," I admitted.
"Well, get your stuff to spend the night in here then," Hiccup informed. I kissed his cheek and hurried to my room to get my pajamas; then back into Hiccup's. I used the bathroom and laid in his bed afterward. "I've got a couple things to do before I sleep, but I can see you the whole time and won't be out of the room, okay? Get some sleep," I nodded and yawned. Hiccup kissed my forehead; then he went down the hall after turned out the bedroom lights for me. I smiled as I drifted off feeling safer and better now that I'd told him about the call. Hiccup set me at ease, and I absolutely trusted him that everything was under control and I was safe.
