Hey guys! I know half of you hate me because I haven't updated this in over a year, but I've been really busy. I've been trying to finish up some short stories and so that kind of put this one on a hiatus. But I'm back to this one now! This chapter is pretty short compared to how long I'm going to start making these chapters. It's short because I just wanted to get back into writing this story and I wanted to get the plot going without showing TOO much plot. So thank you guys for waiting. I know some of you were tired of waiting because I had about 3 people message me. It's back now guys! Thanks!

Disclaimer: Not mine.

-Ash

Chapter 5

"A dragon? Are you shitting me? Do you think I'm stupid Hiccup?" Astrid called down from her boulder she sat on.

I shook my head vigorously, "No I swear! I don't think you're stupid at all! He's a dragon called a Night Fury. I found out from Franklin and his weird dragon knowledge." Toothless was growling lowly in the back of his throat. I stroked his scales lightly to get him to calm down. Yeah, that wasn't working very well.

She backed up slightly and cocked a brow at me, "Franklin?"

"Fishlegs."

"Oh! The weird nerdy kid… But still, I thought dragons were just made up."

"Yeah I did too, until I found Toothless."

"This is unnatural… I can't do this Hiccup, I'm sorry." Astrid spun around swiftly and began climbing back up the rocks.

"Wait, don't leave! Please! Astrid you don't understand!" I sprinted over to the boulders and began crawling as quickly as possible. When I reached the top, Astrid was far ahead of me. I'd have to muster up all my small guy speed to catch up to her. I ran as fast as I could. Finally I was in front of her blocking her path.

"Get out of the way Haddock!" She growled trying to past me.

"Please stop and listen to me." I begged and held my arms out to prevent her escape.

"Why?"

I gulped down my nervousness, "Because you have to give me a chance to explain. I don't know how Toothless exist or why. But you can't tell anyone, okay?"

She crossed her arms irritably, "And why not?"

"If you tell, someone will take him away and experiment on him. They'll put it in the news that a real live dragon was found. I can't handle that type of thing happening to him. Please, he is the only friend I have."

Astrid snorted and smiled, "I thought I was your friend, but if that's how you feel…"

I blinked in confusion and slumped my shoulders, "You consider me a friend?"

"I might Haddock. And look, I'll keep your secret, but we'll just have to see how this goes." The blonde girl pointed a finger at me, "If you make one wrong move or that thing comes after me. I will not hesitate to tell about your over grown lizard, got it?"

"Got it." I replied anxiously.

Astrid crossed her arms, "Alright. Good. Now, can I go finish my art tutoring and try to pretend there isn't a fire breathing dragon in your backyard?"

"Well actually he's in a cove not in my backyard." I stated but Astrid seemed unamused. I glanced away awkwardly, "Yeah, you know what? Let's just go back."

"Yeah, that's for the best." She nodded as she followed me back to the house.

I couldn't sleep that night. I was so worried about someone else knowing about Toothless. What if she was lying? What if she does tell someone about Toothless? They would probably think she was crazy. No one is going to believe I have a dragon of all things behind my house. (Except for Franklin.) I'm thinking way too much. I just need to relax and trust that Astrid is true to her word.

I strode down the school hallways. Were people staring at me more than usual? No, I'm just being paranoid. People always give me odd looks when I walk down the hallway. I struggle to open my locker, like I do every day, and begin to get out my books. Of course, due to my luck, my drawing pad tumbles out of my locker and on to the tile floor. I groan and lean over to pick it up. I get it in my hands and begin to stand, only to hit my head on the open locker door. I should be used to pain by now. I grip my head in pain and attempt to re-grip my art book, only to have it fall on the floor once again.

"You really have the worst luck, don't you Haddock?"

I glance up to see Astrid chuckling at me. I grit my teeth in pain and hiss, "Just a little."

"Here let me help." She bends over to pick up my sketch pad. When she gets it in her hands, she pauses staring at the page it had flipped to. Her eyes widen, "That's Toothless."

I clutch my books in one arm while I continue holding my head with the other. I give her a nod, "Yeah, I draw him a lot. It gives me something to enjoy."

"They look just like him." She examines the art, "Hey, why is he missing a fin on his tail? Did you forget to draw it?"

I shook my head, "No Toothless is actually missing a tail fin. I think he somehow lost it."

"Huh, I didn't notice that. Is that why he doesn't fly away?" She asked.

"I guess," I replied with a shrug.

Astrid handed me my sketch pad, "Well didn't you say you can craft things? Why don't you make him one and help him fly again?"

My eyes grew wide. Why hadn't I even thought of that!? I bounced excitedly for a moment, "Astrid! You're a genius! I can't believe I hadn't thought of that!"

She flipped her braid over her shoulder, "Thanks, I try."

I started to trot down the hallway, but I paused and spun on my heel, "Are you coming for art lessons today?"

"Yeah, the exam is in two days."

"Okay. I'll have to feed Toothless, if you don't mind."

"You can do that by yourself. I think I'll just stay behind on that one."

I tilted my head, "Are you sure? I think if you got to know him better then he'll like you."

"Eh… maybe some other day."

"Alright. See you later." I sped off to class.

It was then I realized that I had had an entire conversation with Astrid and she didn't punch, slap, hit, or make fun of me. Did this mean she was beginning to like me? Was she serious when she said she considered me a friend? My emotions were all over the place right now. But I knew for sure I was going to get my dragon up in the air again.