Asher groans when he sees the maze of wooden walls - this is going to be harder than yesterday, and yesterday was hard enough. He glances over at Bloom, who's stonily looking away from everyone, but then looks up when Gobber yells down "Today is all about ATTACK! Nadders are light and fast fighters. Your job is to be lighter and faster."

Bloom takes off at a run down one part of the maze, completely forgoing the shield she was supposed to grab - before anyone can question her, she's gone. Gobber just shrugs down at their confused faces, gesturing for them to get a move on.

They've got to find the Nadder's blind spot, get in it, stay in it, and then take it down.

The twins find the Nadder first, managing to get in its blind spot…until they start arguing. Then, they have to split up just to keep from getting shot with poisonous Nadder spines.

Gobber says "Blind spot, yes - deaf spot, not so much."

Asher literally runs into Bloom a second time in as many days, almost hitting the ground on top of her again because he was going so fast. He steadies the both of them, automatically wrapping one arm around Bloom's waist and leaning the other on the wall - is it just him, or is she sick? Because she's warmer than people usually are - but before he can say anything she hisses "Leave me alone, Asher. Leave me alone like you've done for years." She shoves at his chest, actually forcing him a step or two back - he didn't think she had much strength in her at all, but working the Forge with Gobber must have given her at least a little bit of muscle.

"Bloom, this isn't the time for-" He's thoroughly interrupted by the Nadder's roar, as it jumps down behind Bloom - putting her between him and the Nadder.

To Asher's eternal shock, though, Bloom turns around, immediately gets into the Nadder's blind spot…and then the Nadder just collapses. In about…eight seconds, ten max.

Instead of responding to Asher's incredulous question of 'what did you just do, I didn't even see you do anything and now it's out cold!' she pushes the nearby wall down and yells "Gobber, the Nadder's down for the lesson! I'm off to the Forge!" She's gone before Asher can find his voice or Gobber can question him as to what happened.

Bloom heads to the forge, grabs as much leather as she can, writes a note for Gobber, and heads off into the forest before anyone can find her.


Asher gets into the Forge with Gobber, but they don't find Bloom - they do find a note that says Bloom promises to replace all his leather for Snoggletogg.

Gobber just shrugs, and starts working on sharpening a sword.

Asher incredulously asks "Your just going to…what? Accept this?"

"I am. I know Bloom better than any of you. That explosion she had last night means she's fed up with trying to be one of you, the popular kids. She's got her own ideas, and she's going with them, anyone else's opinion be damned. When you treat her well, she's considerate, makes you gifts to surprise you, and is the sweetest kid imaginable. When you don't, though, she completely ignores you and doesn't care what you think or want her to do. And, she's sarcastic and scathing to cover up the fact that you've hurt her, to boot. I'm honestly amazed she hasn't slapped you silly yet after yesterday, Asher. As to the leather, she'll replace it. She always comes through on a promise."

Asher numbly nods, staring at his axe silently before getting up and leaving. He's got a lot to think about, and none of it particularly good.


Bloom finishes the stitching on the saddle she's making, and holds it up excitedly for Brightfire to see - the Light Fury's eyes dilate excitedly, and she crouches down before pouncing away. "Hey, get back here!"

Bloom runs around, chasing after her best friend to try and get the idea she's been designing for a month straight onto her back - she wants to fly, plain and simple. The other dragons always look so carefree when they do, and Bloom wants a piece of that for herself.

And, incidentally, the possibility of escaping this island. This island…and the people on it. All but Gobber, anyway.


AN: Hey, everyone! Yeah, I know, a shorter chapter than usual, but the next one will be longer. And, before anyone says anything, I'm fully aware I'm switching things around like with the scene were Astrid ends up on top of Hiccup by accident. Creative license, and all that. I need him to do that then for the plot - mainly so she can astound everyone in Training.

As a side-note, how do you all like the story so far? I still need to know if you all would like Bloom to go back to Berk - eventually - or leave again until the events of movie 2.

Anyway, enjoy! More chapters coming soon!