The next two days consisted of nothing other than training, training, and more combat training. Hiccup's stiffness did wear off, and soon he felt like he could actually move again.

Astrid was a very stern and harsh teacher, Hiccup soon learned. Well, he'd known that for a long time, but he'd never actually experienced it before. Now that he had, he hoped he'd never have to again. It wasn't exactly what he'd call pleasant. AT ALL.

"Good!" Astrid shouted, her voice breathless. Hiccup stepped back, smirking in satisfaction at her signs of fatigue. Not that he wasn't tuckered out either, it was just nice to actually see her equally the same. It felt like he was making at least a little bit of headway on her. He was by no means better than her, but definitely equal.

Astrid stood there for a moment, huffing and puffing quickly, beads of sweat standing out on her forehead. Hiccup was doing the same, except for his cloths were soaked in sweat, sticking to his skin, making Hiccup feel absolutely gross. He couldn't wait to be done so he could go for a nice cooling swim in the cove.

"Okay, I-I think y-your good… you've progressed… a lot since… five days ago." Astrid said, gasping in between every other words. Hiccup smiled, happy to hear her say them none the less. Maybe this meant he could be done?

"I-I think your good to go. Don't bother coming back tomorrow." Astrid said, smiling up at him.

Hiccup whooped joyfully, rushing over to Toothless to hug him tightly. "Finally!" he shouted happily.

Astrid glared at him, although it wasn't all there. Her mouth twitched as though hinting a smile, "Come on, it wasn't that bad now was it? Admit it."

Hiccup looked at her, feigning horror. "What!? Over my dead body!"

Astrid picked up her sword again, grinning manically, "That can be arranged, Dragon Boy!"

She rushed at him, forcing Hiccup to swung up his sword again, blocking her onslaught easily. Toothless backed away, not really wanting to get between one of those swords by accident. He sat down on his rear, rapping his tail around his legs while his eyes followed the two "enemies".

Hiccup laughed easily, swiping his sword at Astrid. Astrid caught him by surprise, her sword swiftly hitting his sword handle, knocking it right out his hand. Her foot swung out, tripping him, causing him to fall on his back.

Her sword was aimed at his nose, and Hiccup laughed nervously. "Okay, okay, Astrid. It wasn't that bad."

Astrid stepped back, giving Hiccup a hand, "That's more like it. And don't you forget that I'm still better with a sword."

Hiccup shook his head while dusting himself off. "Never, milady."

Astrid snapped her head over as the nickname slipped out. Hiccup chose to ignore it, smiling softly instead. He wasn't looking at her, so it very well might've looked like he smiled at absolutely no one, but that was the opposite of the truth.

Hiccup finally looked up at her, his face breaking into a grin at her harsh look, "Come on, you call me Dragon Boy, why can't I call you Milady?"

"Because I don't like it." Astrid responded, trying to sound mad. But she was almost sure she failed, because she really wasn't angry at all. On top of that, she was lying. She had come to enjoy the nickname Hiccup had given her, although she'd never admit it.

"Well, why not? You're a lady, and I should address you as one." Hiccup said simply. He bent down to retrieve his sword, straightening up then giving her a sideways glance hesitantly.

"Well… I mean…" Astrid stuttered slightly. She sighed, "Fine, but that means I get to call you Dragon Boy whenever I feel like it."

Hiccup smiled slowly. "Alright… MIilady."

"Dragon Boy!" Astrid scolded, once again trying to sound angry. But her smile ruined it, so she might as well had not even tried.

Hiccup laughed, "Ha! You do like it. Admit it." He repeated what she'd said early, smirking like a dork.

Astrid glared at him then turned to climb onto Stormfly's back. "Never. And don't challenge me to a sword fight, remember who's still the best."

Hiccup rolled his eyes, calling out, "See ya, Milady!" when Stormfly took off out the gate into the air.

Toothless nudged Hiccup's arm while Hiccup put his sword back into the barrel. The dragon pulled away almost immediately. He snorted, his nose twitching and his eyes bugged out slightly.

Hiccup smiled, rubbing the dragon's head. "Yeah, I know bud, I stink. But let's go to the cove and I'll get rid of this smell."

Toothless cooed in agreement, snorting again as Hiccup climbed on. Toothless took a few running leaps up to the gate, before leaping into the air, extending his wings as he took flight.

Hiccup leaned wearily against Toothless's neck, glad that the tiring lessons were over. Toothless glided over the trees slowly and gracefully, making Hiccup relax even more. He was almost tempted to go asleep, but knew he couldn't do that.

Toothless took a turn, heading for the ocean to take the short cut. They flew over a hidden spot of the island which couldn't be seen from Berk, where Raven's Point was not too far ahead.

Hiccup sat up, but was startled when large thick ropes suddenly rapped around both him and Toothless. The dragon let out a shriek, trying to flap his wings but being unable to as the ropes tightened. Hiccup forget to breath when he realized that he and Toothless were falling towards the ocean- and fast.

Before Hiccup could register what happened, he hit the cold water with a harsh splash. He struggled against the ropes, trying to free them. But they were taught, going through the water to whatever they were tied to. He tried to reach for his knife, but he couldn't reach it with his arms in the position they were in.

Poor Toothless was struggling harshly against the ropes, trying to find some way to free his wings. Hiccup's vision blurred slightly, and he wasn't really sure what happened next to Toothless. All he knew was that his lungs needed air, and they needed air now. He gasped, sucking water into his lungs. He choked, only dragging in more water. His senses dulled, although he could dimly feel him and Toothless being pulled through the water. He drew in another breath, trying to find air somewhere in the cold sea water.

His vision blackened, and he knew no more.

HAHAHA! FINALLY! A CLIFFHANGER! I haven't done one of these in so long, guys. It feels good to do one again. XD Doubt if you guys like it though.

Ugh, I feel so horrible for updating a chapter that's under my goal of 1500 words. This thing is only 1200. Sorry about that, will try to make the next one longer.

Did you like the milady interchange? I had fun writing it. More Hiccstrid (like, lots of Hiccstrid) in future chapters! You Hiccstrid lovers will not be let down!

See you in the next chapter guys!