=Astrid's POV=

{Thursday, May 26, 2022-9 pm}

(Berk Haddock Manor)

Hiccup was hiding something for sure. I didn't know what it was, but I knew it was big. Last week, Hiccup seemed ridiculously busy with work. That's what Hiccup kept saying at least. Every call or text he got when all of our friends were together; he said he was dealing with work. I knew it could be possible; Hiccup's position at Archia Burger was that of a General Manager. I guess Hiccup could be doing paperwork and whatnot since he didn't feel his leg was ready for standing up during long shifts. I understood, and the only reason I wasn't back to work is that I doubt it's safe unless Hiccup is there. I knew I'd be okay during a shift; there were coworkers and cameras everywhere. And I could text Hiccup when my shift ended, that way we could fly back to his house together. I guess things are just easier this way. I could hold off on working until this Drago situation was taken care of, or at least High School was over. But back to Hiccup hiding something; I was convinced ever since last week when he asked me to the senior prom.

Hiccup had been taking calls, texting, and being distracted most of the night until prom came up when Snotlout asked Minden to go with him; then the conversation went in that direction. I had planned not to go to prom; there wasn't a point if Hiccup wasn't going to go, and I knew that was a night asking to get attacked or kidnapped if I went by myself. I was shocked to learn Hiccup never went to Junior Prom, though. It made sense once he mentioned that Runa was a newborn; I had forgotten about that. Maybe Hiccup asked me to prom because he realized I wanted to go, but wouldn't without him. Or he asked because we're test dating and knew prom was a big thing in high school. Who knew? I was glad to be going with him. Tickets were going on sale tomorrow, and I hope Hiccup remembered since he's been distracted all week. I had no idea what it was about.

Last week, Hiccup at the sleepover disappeared for a few hours after midnight. I didn't know where he went, but I saw him get up and leave the basement. Something else that was weird; my necklace was missing the next morning. I didn't realize it until I went to shower, but I fell asleep with it around 12:20 am. I only know Hiccup was gone a while because I heard Dagur ask Hiccup where he went, and Hiccup said he had to take care of something with Runa, who was staying with the Holgerson's. I knocked out again after that; then I woke up at 7 am and went to shower to wake up more, and the pendant was going. I told Hiccup, and he said he would look while I showered. When I got out fifteen minutes later, Hiccup said it was under the pillow in his spare room from the sleepover, since the girls and I slept in there while the guys were in the Gamer's Paradise. Hiccup said he located it when he was making up the bed. I was relieved, and Hiccup put it back on me saying that it might be a good idea to get a new chain because mine was warped, which is why it probably came off while I was sleeping.

The rest of the weekend was quiet; Hiccup ended up with a migraine around lunchtime on Saturday, so our friends left, and I went to relax a bit in my room while Hiccup went to rest in the darkness of his room. I never saw him for dinner, but he did pop out around 9:30 pm to say goodnight to me, and maybe Sunday we could have a picnic together at the park. And when Sunday came; that's what we did. Hiccup said his head still hurt, but it was more of a headache than a migraine. Monday, the 23rd brought us back to school to get final grades for our classes. However, there had been some computer problem, and it wasn't ready until Wednesday for us to view. I passed with two A, a few B's, and a C for Senior Year, but all that meant to me was that I was set to graduate on June 18th. In fact, all our friends were. Hiccup passed with all A's, and yet, I didn't expect anything less. Graduation preparation would start May 30th with fittings for cap and gown; then ordering them.

Seniors would get Friday, the 3rd off for prom, and if one of the seniors had a date who was an underclassman; that student could miss school too as long as they had a note from their parents turned in by the 2nd of June. The girls and I have been prom dress shopping, but I haven't bought mine yet. The one I wanted wasn't in stock, so I ordered it, and it would be here sometime next week but before Friday. Hiccup mentioned something about us celebrating that High School was over for us; there were just the small details to handle such as prom and graduation. After June 18th; we never had to step foot in Archian Prep again. Hiccup said there would be a big graduation party too; he would be throwing it. So that was exciting, all of this was. But I still worried about my boyfriend. Hiccup has been secretive, and I don't like it.

All this week; he's been quiet and working on something in his room at night. It would start at 9 pm, and I wouldn't see him the rest of the evening. I knew he was up to something. All Hiccup tells me is that it's for me, and not to worry because it will make sense soon. Also, Hiccup asked me to trust him, and I said I did. I guess I needed to stick to that and not go back on my word. Right now, Hiccup's in his room because it's 9 pm and he said he wasn't feeling well. I guess I can buy it because his mother did say he felt warm after dinner at 6:15 pm. So, I'm relaxing in my room and will probably fall asleep shortly.

. . .

=Normal POV=

{9:15 pm}

Hiccup groaned a bit as he flopped his head down on his arm while sitting at his desk.

"None of these maps make any sense…" Hiccup sighed. But at least I have the upper hand in locating the Dragon Eye since Drago didn't have access to opening the safe. Hiccup thought.

Last week, Hiccup got Astrid's locket from her while she was fast asleep; then met Viggo and Ryker in the woods behind his house. Hiccup used the locket to open the safe and get high-quality pictures of everything inside. Hiccup locked the safe once more and instructed the Grimborn brothers to give it to Drago. Hiccup sent them off while he got inside and uploaded everything to his computer and placed it in an encrypted file to study, which has been what he's working on every night this week. Hiccup was determined to find the Dragon Eye.

If he did, though; Hiccup had no idea what he'd do with it. Hand it over to Agent Haggard? Destroy it? Hiccup didn't know. All that mattered first was finding it. Hiccup lifted his head once more, going over things. By 9:45 pm, Hiccup was ready to call it a night. His phone vibrated as he lifted it and checked the caller ID. It was Viggo.

"Yeah?" Hiccup asked.

"Any luck deciphering those maps?" Viggo inquired.

"Not really, no," Hiccup stated. "A lot of symbols that I'm not sure about, and there isn't much history on them,"

"We're not sure if it will help, but it's rumored the Dragon Eye was constructed and belonged to the Dragon Hunters back in Viking times," Viggo informed.

"Yeah, I don't know how that helps me," Hiccup muttered.

"No, but this might. The Chief of the Hunters sailed on a ship called the Reaper. We only know this because my brother and I derive from the Dragon Hunter tribe; it's in our family history. After seeing some of the maps when you were taking pictures; we recognized a couple of things, so we decided to dig through our family notes that have been passed down. The last known location of the Reaper is in the Ship Graveyard," Ryker added.

"I'm sending you the symbol on the flag," Viggo interjected. Hiccup got a picture message and opened it; then his eyes fell on the map.

"Northeast of here. I'll go check it out. Thanks, guys," Hiccup said.

"Hiccup…Be careful. Those ships are ridiculously boobie-trapped…" Ryker warned.

"Understood. Appreciate the lead to follow," Hiccup said, then ended the call as he got up and headed out of his room once he shut the lights off. Hiccup rushed to the stables and saddled Toothless to depart, seconds later; they were gone heading Northeast from Berk.

. . .

{10:30 pm}

(Ship Graveyard)

"Man, that's a lot of ships…" Hiccup paled at the sight. "But we only need the one that matches this…" he added while checking the image on his phone again. Hiccup scanned the area and spotted it after a few moments. "There," Hiccup pointed with a smile. Toothless headed forward carefully and landed on the deck; then Hiccup got off his Night Fury. "Be on guard, bud," Toothless warbled in response as the two began walking around.

"Now…If I were a Dragon Hunter with an object that could tell me anything I wanted to know about dragons in the Viking Era; I'd be keeping it in a place that no one else would enter. That would probably be the Captain's Quarters…" Hiccup thought out loud as he motioned to Toothless to follow him while they made their way inside the ship and started going down the levels. After twenty minutes or so; Hiccup and Toothless reached the room they wanted. Finding it hadn't been easy with all the traps that Viggo and Ryker warned him would be hidden. Thank Odin for that much.

Hiccup opened the door and got inside slowly; it looked safe, but he knew better. Navigating through the traps was hard, but now at the desk of the captain; his skeleton was still there, and it creeped Hiccup out, but under his hand was a tube like object. Hiccup peered it over carefully. "This has gotta be it; the guy died with his hand on it…It's got a lens inside the dragon's mouth…" Hiccup whispered as he picked up the device slow and pulled it towards him. A giant ax dropped down where his hands had been. "Giant ax!" he got on Toothless's back. "Go, bud!" Hiccup tucked the Dragon Eye away in his saddleback as Toothless bolted them out of the ship avoiding spears and arrows coming out of the walls.

Once outside, Hiccup had Toothless hover while he inspected the Dragon Eye more. "I think we got it, pal. Come on, let's get home," Hiccup rubbed Toothless's head. With a roar of approval; Toothless darted back towards Berk.

. . .

{12:10 am}

(Berk; Haddock Manor)

Hiccup put Toothless away in the stables as he made his way back inside the house and went to get to his room, tired and ready for bed. Hiccup had the side satchel on his shoulder while dragging his feet through the house.

"Hiccup?" Stoick's voice said.

"Dad? What are you doing up?" Hiccup asked while turning to get into the Great Room. Soon after he saw Astrid being comforted by Valka. Gobber, Alvin, and Spitelout were present as well. Astrid looked a little ruffed up, and Hiccup got worried as he immediately moved to her side. "What happened?"

"Someone broke into Astrid's room and took her necklace from her. No idea why," Gobber shrugged. "Happened around 11:15 when she was getting ready for bed,"

Astrid threw her arms around his neck and cried into his shoulder. "I-I tried to get i-it back…But he was too strong," she sobbed.

"Hiccup, where have you been. And don't say sleeping because we checked your room at 11:30 pm," Spitelout asked firmly.

"I went flying with Toothless at 9:30 because I couldn't sleep," Hiccup informed.

"You said you didn't feel good," Valka reminded.

"And I still don't, but I couldn't sleep, and a late-night flight usually fixes that. Didn't mean to be gone so long…Had a rough landing and Toothless's tail needed some replacement parts that I keep with me when we fly," Hiccup explained.

"We'll find who broke in; we've got security camera footage we can go over," Alvin assured.

"I just want my necklace…" Astrid whimpered.

"We'll get it back…Don't worry…" Hiccup held her close. "I promise…" he added. Hiccup should never have left; she was attacked as soon as he was gone. Drago must be watching her closely if he figured out her pendant was the key and waited to strike until Hiccup was gone. This was his fault, and he needed to make it right. Astrid treasured the locket, and Hiccup's carelessness caused her to be attacked and lose it in his absence to get the Dragon Eye before Drago pulled a stunt like this. Drago had the key to open the safe, but locating the Dragon Eye was useless since Hiccup had it now.

"We'll be in touch, Stoick," Alvin stated as he and Spitelout prepared to leave and Stoick went to lead them out.

"Can I stay with you tonight?" Astrid asked.

"Of course," Hiccup replied as he looked at Gobber and Valka. "Goodnight," he said as he helped Astrid out of the room, then brought her upstairs to his room. "How badly are you hurt?" he asked once he helped her to sit on the bed.

"Nothing that needs a hospital…" Astrid sighed. "We scuffled a bit, but he got me in the side of the face, and I hit the ground hard. I was disorientated, and by the time I recovered; the guy was gone,"

"Did he say anything?" Hiccup inquired.

"Something about I should have just given Drago the key, and it wouldn't have come to this…" Astrid said.

"Did you tell Spitelout?" Hiccup inquired.

"Yeah, when he pulled me aside. Spitelout thinks that my locket must have been the key to whatever Drago wants to be opened, and he's going to tell Hoark in the morning. I-I'm probably never getting it back, am I?" Astrid wiped her eyes.

"Never say never, Milady…" Hiccup hugged her softly and kissed her forehead. "I shouldn't have gone flying. Drago's probably been watching you, and waiting for me to leave…I'm so stupid…I'm sorry…"

"Hiccup, you can't always be around to protect me…Come on; this guy broke into your house; a place shrouded with security and your parents right down the hall. And they only came in after I'd been slammed down because I yelled out in pain…Nobody knew what was happening until it was over," Astrid explained.

"I could have gone after the guy on Toothless…I could have made sure he didn't get away," Hiccup put his head down. Yeah, this was his fault. And he would make it right somehow. "Why don't you take a quick shower, ease away some of the soreness? And then we can get some sleep; it's late after all," he suggested. Astrid nodded as she moved into Hiccup's bathroom and closed the door, once he heard the shower go on, he got his phone out, pressed a button, and put it to his ear.

"Any luck?" Ryker asked upon answering.

"Don't worry about it. Maybe you can give me something, though," Hiccup said.

"And that is?" Viggo inquired.

"Who broke into my house at 11 and took the silver heart-shaped pendant necklace from Astrid?" Hiccup asked.

"We'll figure it out and get back to you. This is the pendant that unlocked the safe, right? So Drago has access to the information you have. Tell me, did you find the object?" Viggo hoped.

"I did. If you find the locket…Bring it to Astrid, who is always with me. You can say you saw her name on the inside," Hiccup informed.

"We'll get it back to you," Ryker said.

"Good. That's all for tonight; I'll secure the Dragon Eye," Hiccup stated. A moment later; the call ended as Hiccup put his phone on the charger. By 12:45 pm, Astrid was out and crawled into Hiccup's bed, snuggling up to him. Hiccup held her close and kissed her lightly. Astrid drifted off to sleep by 1 am, and Hiccup was not far behind her.

. . .

{Saturday, May 28, 2022-3 pm}

(Berk; Haddock Manor)

Friday was a quiet day. Astrid was upset over her stolen pendant, and the friends were worried about the few marks that were on her arms and face. Hiccup explained about the break-in to them, and they understood but felt bad. Hiccup purchased the prom tickets as soon as they went on sale at lunch while Astrid was in the nurse's office to get an aspirin for her headache. That night, there was a sleepover as always, which cheered Astrid up a bit. Now, it was Saturday, and there was to be a small party to celebrate that they had all passed their finals and were graduating in a few weeks. The festivities were beginning, and thankfully; it was a nice day out.

"Alright, Hiccup gets to kick it off!" Tuffnut chuckled.

"Kick what off?" Astrid blinked.

"We do this every year; enjoy a party after finals. And Hiccup always starts the celebration with a song," Dagur informed.

"Ah. Well, then I can't wait to hear this," Camicazi giggled. "It's so much fun,"

"When I sing?" Hiccup asked.

"No, hanging out with good friends," Eret said.

"Told you," Hiccup rolled his eyes. "And not singing this time,"

"Dude, come on; you always do," Snotlout reminded.

"Yeah, well, my throat is bothering me, so I'd rather not lose my voice, thanks," Hiccup remarked.

"Fair enough," Astrid giggled.

"But…There is something else I gotta do before I forget," Hiccup stated as he moved closer to her and Astrid looked at him with a smile. "I suppose it wasn't fair to smooth-talk my way into getting you to come to prom with me, so…" Hiccup pulled something out of his pocket and knelt down on one knee while using his left hand to hold Astrid's. "Would you like to go to the Senior Prom with me?" Hiccup pulled out his right hand and revealed two tickets to the prom there.

Astrid gasped a little. "Oh, Hiccup…I'd love to go with you!" she tried not to squeal, but she was excited. Sure, she would have gone after what happened last week when Hiccup smooth-talked her into agreeing with his sarcasm. However, this was adorable and really warmed her heart, and cheered her up after losing her necklace.

"Awe, that was so sweet!" the girls beamed.

"Nicely done, Hiccup," Fishlegs clapped his hands as the males agreed.

"Alright, now let's get this party started!" Hiccup called out to them as he pressed a button on a remote to start the music. Astrid remained next to Hiccup while enjoying this, but she absolutely couldn't wait for next Friday; it was the Senior Prom, and she was going with her best friend/boyfriend. Nothing could be more perfect in her eyes.