Christmas and the New Year had passed at last, it had been great too. Hiccup and Astrid were a lot closer, happier too. Stoick had returned to work so to say, saying he'd return again soon and he still wanted daily updates about everything going on. Hiccup agreed. It turned out that Astrid's leg wasn't broken after all, her foot was and she'd be fully healed in about a month. She was cleared to return to school with crutches which was good because now it was time for them to return after the holiday break. Neither of them were thrilled about it but they were together now and having every class together made it much easier for Hiccup to keep an eye on her if she needed help.

Fishlegs, Tuffnut, and Hiccup were already getting back in to the swing of doing their practices only now they had to practice at the recording studio so Astrid would find out about them being Fire Storm, he felt bad that they were a couple and he was still keeping it from her but there was a lot going on with her parents still in a coma, the project, her healing, and returning to school. He would tell her when they graduated, because after that he'd never see any of those people again and didn't care if they knew.

As Hiccup anticipated, when they returned to school everyone had heard about who his father was and was trying to be his friend. Hiccup got fed up fast and exploded on everyone crowding around him beside Astrid, Snotlout, Fishlegs, Tuffnut, Ruffnut, Heather, and Dagur. He wanted no part of the popularity and made that perfectly well known to everyone. People were still envious and curious but Hiccup ignored it, his focus was getting through rest of the year. Some girls even wanted to be with him but Hiccup also made it known that his heart only belonged to Astrid.

Another big thing was that he had to start racing again, everyone was beginning to think something happened to Toothless so Hiccup had to make it known that Toothless was healed and they would be taking part in the next big race held in Berk. It was hard for Hiccup to fly him without Astrid getting curious. He now waited until she was asleep and took Toothless out at night for their flights. The complications didn't stop there though, Hiccup had been contacted by Sven saying that Berk High was going to start a dragon training class since some of the students wanted that as their career and they were requesting a few types of dragons, and if they could, A Night Fury which Hiccup was the only rider with one. It was to start when it got warmer. When it happened, Hiccup dreaded it every minute of it.

He didn't have much choice in the matter but to allow it, in this he knew he couldn't be Fury showing the students how to work with dragons since Astrid wanted Hiccup to join the class with her. Hiccup spoke with another rider and taught him what he needed to about Toothless and said he would have to handle the class, Hiccup made up a lie that he had to leave on a family emergency. Hiccup had to admit this was getting harder to hide but he only had to survive until June, then he wouldn't care, he'd tell everyone the truth. Hiccup took the time to explain to Toothless that when he saw him at the school he had to act normal as in untrusting and mean but not to attack anyone. Hiccup and Toothless had hand signals to communicate and Hiccup told Toothless he would use those during the class.

That is where they were too, the first dragon training class and Astrid couldn't of been more excited as she clung to Hiccup's arm while they walked on to the field. Astrid could walk with the air cast on as long as she didn't over do it. The dragons riders all stood with their dragons, people were gasping in shock at the sight. The girls were looking for none other than Fury with Toothless but didn't see him. "Alright! Decent class and a lot of ground to cover today!" Said the man by the Nadder.

"Where's Fury!?" Asked one of the girls.

"He had a family emergency and won't be able to come today. But I have his permission to let you all see how to train a Night Fury." The rider said. "I am Asger. And to my left in order is Balder, Cuyler, Endre, and Halstein. The dragons we've brought are a Nadder, A Zippleback, A Gronckle, A Nightmare, and finally, The Night Fury." Asger announced. The class had maybe 15 kids there. Toothless was laying on the ground with his eyes closed, obviously acting uninterested in everything going on. Hiccup sighed in relief, least he wasn't bounding towards him like always.

"So, who knows what the first thing to do is when you approach a dragon?" Asked Endre standing with his Gronckle. No one said anything, Astrid put her hand up. "Yes lass?" Endre asked her with a smile.

"You have to show them that you trust them, and earn theirs." Astrid said calmly.

"Correct! Well done. Can you demonstrate?" Endre asked now. Astrid nodded her head slowly as she looked at Hiccup now.

"You can do it." Hiccup said to boost her confidence. She smiled now and slowly limped her way towards the Gronckle, she first offered it a smile and showed she had nothing on her that would hurt him. After such she reached for the fish in the bucket at her feet and took a breath offering it to the dragon. He took it with one bite and licked his lips then purred nuzzling against her hand.

"Very good young lady. You will make a fine dragon trainer in the future." Cuyler said with a smile. Astrid nodded as she walked back to the group and stood with Hiccup happily and gave him a small kiss as they continued to face forward and pay attention.

"So can any of us try with the Night Fury?" Asked Eret from the back, Hiccup narrowed his eyes now. Toothless knew about Eret and started growling a bit, Hiccup looked at Toothless carefully motioned his hand in a up and down fashion. Toothless calmed down and laid back down with a snort. Hiccup sighed, this could get very hard.

"It seems like Toothless isn't up for people today. Fury would be best to explain such, I only know how to earn his trust. While we're on the subject...Who can tell me about Night Furies?" Asked Asger looking around.

"It is true that he might be the last of his kind?" Fishlegs asked quickly.

"So far, that is what we are led to believe. We haven't seen another Night Fury since Fury first joined the races when he was 10." Asger replied.

"Woah, he learned to ride a Night Fury at age 10!?" Someone exclaimed. Hiccup only smiled, he thought back to that day when Toothless crashed in to his life, literally. Lost his tail fin, Hiccup was the only one so far who learned how to train a Night Fury. The two became instant friends and since have been flying together.

"That's what he told us. Fury tends to keep to himself but he is a fine racer." Asger chuckled.

"Have you ever seen him under the mask?" Ruffnut asked now.

"Not a soul has seen Fury without the suit and mask. He comes in fully dressed and barely says a word." Asger said. "Now, back to work. And stay away from Toothless. Fury has said he has a bit of a temper when annoyed." Asger added. Soon everyone was working with a trainer and the dragon they liked most. Hiccup was with Astrid near the Nadder when he saw Eret sneaking towards his dragon. Hiccup watched Toothless crouch as if to pounce on Eret with a deadly snarl. Hiccup snuck away from Astrid's side and ran towards the school gym, he grabbed his duffle bag and changed in to his Fury suit with the mask. After that walked back out seeing everyone freaking out over Toothless about to essentially kill Eret, Hiccup gave a whistle getting everyone's attention.

"Its Fury!" Yelled someone. Everyone looked over seeing Fury walk over slowly.

"Toothless." Hiccup stated gently. Toothless instantly looked up to see him. "Down bud." Hiccup ordered. Toothless backed off and went beside Hiccup, who was staring at Eret now with his arms crossed over his chest. "Irritating a Night Fury is probably the worst thing you could do, especially when his rider and trainer isn't present. My dragon only listens to me. Now get up and get back to your group." Hiccup stated. Eret nodded quickly as he scrambled to his feet and stood with the other students.

"Fury? What are you doing here. You said you were away on an emergency." Asger said approaching him with the others.

"Emergency handled. Figured I'd come help with the lesson. Good thing I did too or someone would be fried." Hiccup stated coldly as his eyes glanced to Eret who kind of just shrank away behind everyone.

"Well, everyone has been asking about the Night Fury so I guess that is your area, Fury. We're going to take our dragons to eat." Cuyler stated as they walked off with their dragons.

"Before we start, I have but one rule. No one touches Toothless without my permission. Is that understood." Hiccup stated firmly. It was now that Astrid noticed Hiccup was missing and looked around for him.

"Wait...my boyfriend is missing...He was just here a second ago. He's part of the class too...I don't want him to miss this." Astrid said quickly.

"Was he a lad my height. Dark brown hair, and green eyes?" Hiccup asked her.

"Yes! Did you see him?" Astrid replied now.

"I did in fact. He was on the phone. I'm sure he'll return soon, he seemed distressed." Hiccup lied to her though he hated to do so.

"I should go check on him..." Astrid said making her way off the field.

"I recognize you. You were the girl from the race that I won, aren't you?" Hiccup asked her.

"Um yes...I was. And you always win, if I can just add that in" Astrid stated with a light blush.

"Excellent. Given your leg there, would you like to be my assistant for the day? After all you do know how to work with Toothless." Hiccup offered her now.

"M–me?" Astrid asked him. He nodded. "Sure...But...does he even remember me?" Astrid asked looking at Toothless now.

"A dragon never forgets. But if you'd like to find out for yourself, why don't you hold out your hand to him. If he remembers you, there won't be any hesitation." Hiccup told her. Astrid nodded as she closed her eyes and held out her hand to Toothless, he sniffed it only a moment before pressing his nose to her palm. Astrid smiled wide as Toothless nuzzled her hand and licked her face. "See? For those of you paying attention, what you just witnessed is how loyal a dragon can be. This young lady met Toothless once, and they earned one another's trust. Toothless knows she will not harm him and that is why he now sees her as a friend." Hiccup explained.

"Have you really been flying him for 7 years?" Asked Heather now.

"Yes, I have." Hiccup replied.

"What happened to his tail?" Asked someone else.

"He crashed in my yard and lost it. I built him a new one." Hiccup said calmly.

"How did you learn to train him. Legend says you're the only one to ever have a Night Fury..." Fishlegs asked.

"Starts with trust, understanding, and kindness." Hiccup stated, "And yes. That legend is true. No other Night Fury has found or seen since Toothless came here." Hiccup added. He saw their eyes light up with excitement.

"What's his wing span?" Someone asked.

"48 feet." Hiccup replied.

"Wow..." People gasped. A scoff from the back made people look, it was Eret again.

"Big deal, you know dragon facts. Doesn't prove anything." Eret said.

"Will you shut up, Eret. Geeze...If you don't like this, leave. This is for those of us who actually like dragons." Astrid snapped angrily. Toothless moved closer to him now snarling angrily, it was like he was protecting Astrid.

"Toothless..." Hiccup warned as Toothless sat back down and Astrid rubbed his head gently.

"Don't worry...he doesn't bother me." Astrid said to Toothless, he purred now.

"He likes you." Hiccup said calmly.

"I can see that. He's adorable...How old is he?" Astrid asked looking at Fury now.

"17." Hiccup answered.

"How can you tell?" Fishlegs asked.

"These little fins right here under his chin. Who can tell me an ability the Night Fury has?" Hiccup asked addressing the group now.

"Oh, he has retractable teeth!" Someone shouted.

"That's right. Now tell me why?" Hiccup grinned from beneath the mask. No one answered. "I thought so. It's so they don't interfere with his plasma blasts. Who knew that Night Furies have the ability to echo locate?" Hiccup asked. A few gasps. He chuckled softly.

"Really, he can?" Astrid asked, "How?"

"Simple really. Dragons have a unique ability to see in the dark without using their eyes. Toothless here, can release a sound wave that bounces around warning him of walls in caves. It can show him the exit if we aren't able to see. This ability also lets him check the air for other dragons in a storm." Hiccup explained.

"That's amazing." Astrid said as Toothless nuzzled her cheek gently. "He's so cuddly for what is supposed to be the most lethal and elusive dragon known to man." Astrid added.

"Who knew that Night Furies have a second set of back fin spikes?" Hiccup asked now.

"But...Toothless only has one right now?" Ruffnut pointed out. Hiccup moved to Toothless and pressed a pressure point just behind his head and before the saddle. Toothless jerked a bit as his one set split in to two sets.

"This ability gives him optimal tight turns, even increases speed." Hiccup said.

"How fast can he fly?" Eret asked suddenly.

"Toothless's speed can break the sound barrier." Hiccup smirked slightly. Eret's eyes widened in shock. "Every dragon has their secret. They can be your best friend as Toothless is mine. Once your earn their loyalty, there is nothing a dragon won't do for you." Hiccup said as he held out his hand and Toothless sat down calmly. "Good boy. I'll see you later okay? I have to go take care of something. Be good for the other riders." Hiccup said softly. Toothless licked him with a croon.

"You're leaving already?" Astrid asked.

"Things to do, people to see." Hiccup shrugged to her.

"Are you gonna leave us here with the dragon? What if he attacks us?!" Eret snapped now.

"If you leave him alone, he won't bother you." Hiccup stated coldly and started walking away and back towards the school. Eret decided to test his luck and jump on Toothless's back, it startled Toothless and he roared out taking off in to the sky. "Fucking idiot..." Hiccup cursed. Asger and the other's returned now watching the scene before them. Hiccup ran over to the Nadder and jumped on her back. "Take me up Stormfly." Hiccup said. The nadder squawked and took to the sky after Toothless. Nearing Toothless with Eret barely hanging on and screaming for help, Hiccup stood up on the nadder's back and waited for the right moment before he jumped off.

Hiccup started to fall but he grabbed two loops on his suit and pulled them out. A set of leather stitched wings appeared as Hiccup soared through the sky beside Toothless now with his hand out trying to grab the saddle, Toothless's tail wasn't locked and now he was falling, they both were. "Almost there buddy, hold on!" Hiccup called to him, Toothless roared a bit. Eret was slowly losing his grip. Toothless was whipping around in the air and his wing whacked Hiccup in the face knocking his mask off. He didn't even care now. Hiccup grabbed the saddle and pulled himself on it, he pressed the stirrup and opened the tail as Toothless evened out in the air. Hiccup grabbed Eret's arm and when they were close enough he dropped him on the ground before flying off so they wouldn't see his face. And because Toothless was so fast, they didn't see him.

Hiccup took Toothless reached his house and Hiccup climbed off him sighing. "That was way to close Toothless...Next time, just drop him..." Hiccup said. Toothless crooned sadly, "Its okay, its not your fault bud. Better text Astrid and tell her there was an emergency and had to come home and that I'll come back in the truck." Hiccup pulled out his phone and started a text to her. ::Sorry I bailed babe. Boss called me saying he got hurt and needed me to close the shop early for him. I'll be back in the truck. -Hiccup.:: Afterwards he ran inside the house to change, then to the truck, he started it up and drove back to the school.

::Thank Odin, Hiccup. I was so worried. You missed all of it! I can't wait to tell you. Love you. -Astrid.:: She replied smiling. Hiccup arrived and parked the truck on the side of the road then inside the school to meet Astrid for lunch time. He plopped down at the table breathing heavily. Astrid kissed his cheek. "Welcome back babe." Astrid greeted.

"Thanks. Man...that was rough." Hiccup panted. Fishlegs tossed him a water bottle and he caught it. "Thanks, Legs." Hiccup said taking a sip.

"So what happened to your boss?" Dagur asked.

"He sliced himself open, had to go to the hospital. He needed me to lock up the shop. He's okay though. Means I get a few days off to spend with you mi'lady." Hiccup smiled at her gently, she blushed softly. "So what did you want to tell me?" Hiccup asked her.

"Oh right! You had the emergency, Eret made Toothless mad and almost got blasted but Fury showed up and stopped him. He gave us a lesson about Night Furies! He remembered me from the day of the race! Then as he was about to leave, Eret jumped on Toothless and they took off. Fury did the coolest thing! He has a fly suit. He lost his mask, saved Eret, then took off before anyone could see his face." Astrid told him in an excited voice.

"Wow. Sucks I missed it all! Eret freak out at all?" Hiccup asked now.

"He was screaming like a girl!" Heather laughed. They all did in fact.

"Man, wish I could of seen it! But Fury losing his mask though and taking off. Guess he really doesn't want to be found out, eh?" Hiccup said smiling.

"I bet he's really handsome!" Ruffnut gleamed.

"No one knows! Not even the other riders have seen what he looks like." Snotlout added.

"I'd marry him any day." Astrid sighed out happily.

"Oh gee thanks babe. I feel the love." Hiccup rolled his eyes. Astrid giggled and kissed him deeply, he returned it fully.

"He's just my fantasy guy, him or Strike from Fire Storm! I'd take those two at the same time." Astrid blushed.

"Psh, sure you'd take them but not me, someone you actually had a chance with..." Eret remarked walking by them.

"A chance with!? Are you kidding me!" Astrid raised her tone now.

"Yeah. I said it. You'll never have them. Instead you chose the twig. Does he bang you good? Bet you wish it was me." Eret scoffed. Hiccup stood up now facing Eret, Hiccup was slightly taller than him.

"Hey Eret, why you don't you shut up and leave her alone?" Hiccup stated.

"Ooh, standing up to me? Think your big and tough just because of who your dad is." Eret laughed.

"Keep my family out of this." Hiccup warned. Eret shoved him back making him stumble. Snotlout and Dagur got up and pushed Eret away as Fishlegs helped Hiccup to his feet.

"Oh if it isn't the traitors." Eret said referring to Snotlout and Dagur now.

"We aren't traitors. We just realized that while you and Hiccup are both popular, he's a way better friend who treats us with respect." Dagur said.

"And we'll have his back." Snotlout added as Hiccup walked between them now.

"And I appreciate the help guys but he's mine to deal with. I'm sick and tired of him giving me a hard time, giving Astrid a hard time...Let's settle this once and for all, Eret." Hiccup told him now.

"Are you challenging me to a fight, Haddock?" Eret laughed at him. The room got quiet now, fight challenges were big in Berk High. If the captain was challenged, it was a legal fight in the school handbook.

"Bet your ass I am." Hiccup replied. People gasped.

"You got balls boy. Lets say we have this fight, what do I get out of it?" Eret asked.

"Me. I'll denounce all my popularity and name you official king of Berk High. I'll never step to you again, I'll never fight you again. You can beat me up all you want and I won't fight back." Hiccup said. Eret grinned a bit, "But...if I win. You leave my friends alone, Astrid alone, and me alone. For the rest of our lives. Deal?" Hiccup stated to him.

"Say you do win, Haddock. Why not make me denounce myself? Aren't the stakes supposed to be even." Eret asked. Everyone waited for his answer.

Hiccup smirked some now, "I won't make you denounce yourself because everyone else will do it for you when they realize the only reason you want to fight me is because you failed and the 'loser' being me, ended up with everything and is levels of happy you will never reach because you're insecure, and jealous." Hiccup said firmly.

"You sound like you've already beaten me. So sure of yourself." Eret told him angrily now.

"Technically, he has beaten you. Twice so far." Ruffnut mentioned with a finger up.

"I was caught off guard, that didn't count!" Eret yelled now.

"You weren't caught off guard, I warned you fair and square if you mentioned my mother again I would make you regret it. We've been here before, Eret. Many times. Come on, lets hear the real reason. No holding back. What's your reason for always picking fights with me!" Hiccup yelled at him.

"Because you don't deserve it! I worked my ass off to get where I am and I'm not letting some skinny, know it all take it away from me!" Eret yelled back. More silence through the room. The tension could be cut with a knife it was so thick.

"Alright, what's going on in here..." Mr. Bludvist came in looking at the two boys staring at one another.

"Hiccup challenged Eret!" Someone called out.

"Is this true Hiccup?" Mr. Bludvist asked looking a little surprised.

"Yes sir, it is. He hasn't left me alone since the day the project was announced. He picks fights with me, he always manages to hurt Astrid's feelings, and he's a downright jerk to my friends. I'm sick of it. I'm done talking about this. Eret. I challenge you, to end this once and for all. If you win, I'll denounce myself and you have all the popularity. I'll stay out of your way unless you feel like beating me up and if you do, I won't fight back. But if I win, you have to leave me, my girlfriend, and my friends alone forever." Hiccup said holding out his hand to Eret.

"I accept. Get ready to lose." Eret spat at him as he shook his hand.

"The fight will be held after the last bell of the day. See you there ass-wipe." Hiccup said to him. Eret nodded and walked off. Hiccup sat back down.

"Hiccup! Are you crazy!?" Astrid said worried now.

"Incredibly. Astrid, I have to do this or he'll never stop. He needs to be put in his place, permanently. No one else will because they are afraid of him, but I'm not so I'll do it." Hiccup told her calmly.

"What if you lose...?" Heather asked him.

"I won't lose." Hiccup replied.

"You don't know that, Hiccup! You can't be sure...he could cheat and take you by surprise...You could get hurt..." Astrid cried softly against him now. Hiccup lifted her chin to stare in to her eyes now with a smile.

"Astrid, I need you to trust me. I won't lose." Hiccup asked her gently.

"How can you be so sure?..." Astrid asked softly now.

"Because I have something he'll never have." Hiccup said.

"What's that?" Astrid asked now. Hiccup only kissed her deeply making her blush.

"That mi'lady, is my secret. You'll find out at the fight. Trust me, Astrid." Hiccup told her.

"I trust you, Hiccup. I love you..." Astrid said to him softly laying her head on his shoulder.

"I love you more." Hiccup replied closing his eyes.