Chapter 6

I'm glad you guys seem to like my story so far, and to answer the Astrid/Keila/Hiccup triangle question. The answer to that will be totally revealed within the next two chapters. I want to have it, but quickly and nothing serious. It's mostly within one of the character's heads.

Astrid patted Stormfly's scales as they neared the island. "Almost home, girl."

It had been a long trip and Astrid was ready to be home. She had left early the morning before to check on the different islands and see how all the different dragon habitats were holding up. She was also supposed to keep an eye for the white dragon they called the Screaming Death.

If the others had come with her it wouldn't have taken so long, but Hiccup had to stay on Berk and wait for the visitors and he needed help with his demonstration.

Snotlout and the twins would most likely create chaos wherever they went, Fishlegs might have been able to handle it, but his dragon was slow and he would have slowed anyone else going down, and plus if Astrid was going Hiccup needed at least one semi-sane person to help him wrangle the dragons, and the other three.

In the Astrid was the only one who could be trusted to take on the task alone, without getting into too much trouble. Stormfly was also the fastest dragon in the group next to Toothless and it would only take her about a day to take care of business.

All in all the trip had been pretty quiet, the islands were pretty calm and there was no sign of the monster dragon.

Astrid leaned forward and whispered to her dragon. "Come on girl let's go. There's fresh chicken waiting in that direction!"

They sped off in the direction of the island.

Astrid loved flying and couldn't believe that only about a year and a half ago she had been prepared to become a dragon killer. She guessed she had Hiccup to thank for that, although she never told him that, probably never would. It would just go to his head anyway.

When the reached the island Astrid decided to find Hiccup before doing anything else. She flew past the port where the visitors were packing up their ships and preparing to set sail again. Hiccup wasn't there. She flew to the Academy and didn't see Hiccup there either. Fishlegs was there with Meatlug and few of the Rusian visitors, it looked like they were being taught how to bond with a dragon. Astrid sighed, that must mean everything went well.

She landed and hopped off Stormfly's back. She ran into the arena and shouted to Fishlegs, "Hey Fishlegs! Have you seen Hiccup?"

"Oh Astrid! You're back! Hiccup left a little while ago. He is giving a quick lesson before everyone leaves this afternoon. He's around somewhere."

Astrid nodded and ran back to Stormfly. After that it didn't take long for her to find Hiccup. He was demonstrating how he was able to communicate with Toothless in the air. A group of onlookers watched from the ground, including the chiefs of both tribes, and two Thunderdrum dragons, which Astrid recognized as Thornado, Stoick's dragon, and his purple friend they had yet to name.

Hiccup landed and put his hand out to a girl in the crowd. She nervously stepped forward and took his hand. Hiccup led her back to Toothless and they mounted together. Hiccup was shouting instructions to Stoick and the Rusian chief as they mounted their dragons, Rus's chief was a little unsteady, but Astrid hardly noticed. All she noticed was how tight the girl riding with Hiccup was hugging him. She even buried her face into Hiccup's neck.

Astrid sped to meet them as they took off from the ledge. The girl hugged Hiccup even tighter as they left the ground.

"Hiccup!" Astrid called, waving. Hiccup put his hand in the air returning her greeting, "Hey Astrid how'd it go?"

Astrid smiled, "Everything looked ok, and I didn't see the Screaming Death anywhere."

"Great, you can go rest if you want!" Hiccup shouted to her. Astrid considered it for a minute and then saw the girl with Hiccup.

"I think I'll stay and help."

"Ok, but I've got it pretty under con-"

"Don't be silly you could always use my help."

"Uh…ok then."

Hiccup led the group in lap around one of the sea stacks, telling Astrid to make sure Garknot was balanced enough. The chief was unsteady at first, but his dragon seemed to realize this and fixed himself. The pair was already becoming pretty in sync, and Astrid was able to focus her energy on boring a hole into the girl's back with her glare.

Keila's neck itched as she got that feeling she was being stared at. She opened her eyes slightly where she sat behind Hiccup and glanced back through her bangs.

Astrid was staring at her and Hiccup like she was ticked off about something. Keila couldn't fathom what, she remembered the girl having a bit of a temper when they were little, but Keila didn't know what she could possibly be mad about.

Keila considered the conversation she had overheard between Astrid and Hiccup the name "the Screaming Death" had stood out to her. She knew the names of almost every dragon in the book and she didn't remember that being on the list. Whatever it was it didn't sound friendly.

They landed and Keila practically flung herself off of Toothless and onto the ground. Toothless looked over at her and sighed as if he was exasperated by her. Hiccup dismounted and helped steady Keila.

"Well, I think you were better that time!" Hiccup rubbed his side, "I think I've only got minor bruises this time."

Keila groaned, "I'm sorry Hiccup, I don't know if I'll ever be-"

Hiccup put his hand on her shoulder. "Hey, hey, hey you're doing fine, it'll take a bit-" Keila squealed a bit as Toothless nudged her, but then she nervously pet his nose.

"See you're already getting more comfortable with Toothless, everything else will…" Hiccup was cut off by Astrid.

"So whose this, Hiccup?" Astrid butted in.

"Um…you don't recognize her? This is Keila, my-"

"So, you are going home today?" Astrid said suddenly to Keila.

"Um, actually I'm staying on Berk. I'm moving back here…actually."

"Moving back?"

"Yeah I…um…used to live here. I was born here actually."

"Oh?" Astrid's tone was leveling on accusatory now.

"Yeah…um…she's going to stay with me and my dad until something else can be figured out." Hiccup said carefully.

Astrid looked murderous for a split second and then she became very calm. "Well Hiccup I will see you at dinner."

"What the hell was that all about?" Keira asked pushing Toothless back.

"I don't know."