Sorry about the delay on this chapter, things got pretty rough IRL over here. Nevertheless, I'm back with a new chapter, and this one is very long. I'll try and have two updates this week to compensate, one today (Monday) and one on Friday.

Something of note here: we're skipping Episodes 8 and 9 of 'Riders of Berk.'

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Brothers

Chapter 22: Sophia

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me

There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me

A touch of your hand says you'll catch me, if ever I fall

I woke up again quite loudly in the middle of the night, panting heavily and chest hurting. I look around, finding myself grounded in "reality" once more. I shook my head, giving an internal sigh.

"Are you alright, WildWing?" I heard an awakened Hiccup ask, still in bed. Toothless, also, had woken up by my gasp.

"Flint? Are you okay?" Toothless repeated Hiccup's question, giving a concerned warble. It wasn't the first time this happened, but with each time it happened, he became ever more worried.

I rub my head, grunting in my kid voice as I did, "yes…"

Hiccup got off his bed and approached me, trying to find anything that might be a problem. He petted me to calm my nerves and it seemed to work, he rubbed the back of my ear fins with a hand, "bad dream, bud?"

I nodded, closing my eyes to him.

"It's okay…" the boy kept rubbing his hand all over my ears and fins to comfort me and I couldn't help but allow him…Toothless next to me nudged the other side of my face, "Same dream again?"

I looked toward him, with half-closed eyes, and croaked a "what" to him.

"Was it about that person again?"

Wait…how does he know?

"What…person…" I tried deflecting his question but the Night Fury, unsurprisingly, is stubborn, "the girl."

I prick my ears up as I tried averting his gaze. I gulped at this, if I wasn't awake before…I am now!

"I have no idea what you're talking about-"

"I hear you say her name sometimes in your sleep, Flint. Who is she?" The dragon countered, giving a concerned look.

"She's…nobody, okay?" Why are you suddenly SO interested?" I clapped back.

"Flint…" Toothless gave a stern, anxious, look back.

I soon fell silent, however…resting my muzzle on the bed.

Hiccup pulled back and sighed at our "Fury" conversation, "I wish I could understand what the two of you are saying…I'd really like to help you WildWing…but I guess that's why we got our bud, Toothless, here to help you."

Toothless nodded, "Hiccup is right, I can help you" Haddock moved so that the teen dragon could nudge me affectionately as I turn my eyes away in solemn, "come on…you can't keep leaving me in the dark, I KNOW she's somebody important to you."

I dared not make eye contact with him, I whined in return…closing my eyes to try and somehow make this conversation end.

"Wing, I'll go get you some water," Hiccup said, standing up and heading downstairs to bring a pot of water for me.

Toothless looks back to me, "Callahan, you can't keep bottling up your emotions like this…it's hurting you. I know you've been feeling this way for a while now."

Suddenly, I snapped my head up toward him, giving a harsh glare, "what is the point!? I'm NEVER going to see her or my loved ones again! I mean really, what's the point in telling you!?" I howled in despair as he pulled back, ears flattened. He remained resolute, despite my outburst, "you…don't…know that…" the black dragon tried to reason, but even his tone was filled with uncertainty.

"Toothless…how would YOU feel if you were stuck in another world with NO way to return home?" That last part I collapsed in sobs, covering my eyes with my paws. Tooth moved closer, now practically against me, he patted me with his paw as I whined.

"I know what it's like not knowing…I don't even know if my family is still out there…" Toothless licked the side of my face slowly like a comforting dog. I stopped myself, reflecting carefully on what the Night Fury just said. He put that into perspective…at least I KNOW where my family is more or less…Toothless hasn't seen his in YEARS…maybe I'm being a bit selfish…what if the dragon is right? Still, should I tell him? Is there a point in doing so?

Ultimately, I sighed, looking back at him, "her name…is Sophia…"

His eyes rested on mine; his ears perked as that name vibrated around them. Now, Tooth knew for sure that was her name, "you…were close with her…" he muttered silently, knowing deep in his heart this was the truth…even though I didn't reply to confirm this. "Did something happen between you two?"

"No…" I scowled under my dragon breath, "it's what didn't happen…between us…" I finished, fresh tears soaking the dry ones on my face.

He looked very confused, and I scoffed silently, "you wouldn't know…you're still very young…you haven't had relationships yet."

Though Toothless would have taken offense to that comment, he knew that I was much older than him and he never had fallen in love before, "Flint…" I haven't seen him this speechless since I showed him the future on Dragon Island.

The Night Fury pondered; I can't imagine how he must feel…I want Flint to feel better…but how…

"I won't say anymore" Toothless nudged the side of my face apologetically, as if this was all his fault…but it wasn't, and I don't want him to think that way…

"Toothless…I…"

"I just hate seeing you like this…" his long dragon ears had drooped. I placed a small paw on his larger arm before he could return to bed, "I…I shouldn't have barked at you like that. I'm sorry…this is something that has been troubling me for a long time. I'm sorry" I sighed as I let go.

By this time, Hiccup came back upstairs holding a pot of water for me to drink out of. He placed it by my bed, giving a faint grin, "there you go, little bud. I hope you feel better."

I decided to drink from it, using my forked tongue to pull the water up into my mouth as a dog would. Toothless also gave a light smile, trying to lighten the air around us, "let's go back to sleep. We can talk about it more tomorrow if you like." He finished, returning to bed. Hiccup rubbed his hand on my head softly, "let us know if you need anything, WildWing" the Viking said before also returning to his bed. I fell silent, wondering what is the right thing to do. Toothless wants what's best for me…what if all I need to do to feel better is to SHARE my experience with the Fury? Maybe Galadriel on Dragon Island can show him? Toothless is still a teenager and I wouldn't want him to make the same mistakes I did…

Maybe that is a GOOD reason to share my story of Sophia with him…make sure he doesn't mess up as I had. Tomorrow, I'll…show him tomorrow…

The morning after, I got out of bed…realizing that everyone else must have left for their daily routines in the village. I grab my medallion necklace and throw it around my neck with my paw before setting off.

I find Toothless in the forge with Hiccup (who is with Gobber, the old man is working on some devices to help brush dragon teeth). The teen Viking is working on some ideas for improving the dragon's tail fin. It turned out to be the perfect opportunity: with Hiccup working on the red Tail fin, maybe the boy would let Toothless use the "Auto Tail" that was kept after SnoggleTog so he could fly on his own?

I had thought about it…I shouldn't keep Toothless in the dark anymore regarding Sophia. I might as well use this day to share my life with him. If it means I find closure or at least take the mountain of stress off me then so be it!

And so, I walked over to a shelf where the Auto Tail fin was and grabbed it with my jaws. Toothless the Night Fury raised an eyebrow as he saw me walking by him with it. I placed it down beside him, chirping up to Hiccup who saw me.

"Hey, 'lil bud! Feeling better I see!" Haddock commented, noting my tail thumping against the ground wildly. Upon seeing the newer tail, he knows what I'm asking for. Toothless stands up, curiosity running down his face. I meet his questioning gaze head-on with a nod, "come on, I want to share something with you."

Hiccup soon attached the Auto Tail and now his dragon can fly on his own again. It's been a while since he's done so, but he felt he might as well do this for my sake. Since Hiccup is working on his favorite prosthetic fin (the red tail fin) he might as well spend time with me. Haddock didn't seem to mind either, so he sends us off, waving to us as we head off for a cliff outside of town.

As we make our way there, I turn to my fellow dragon, he is eyeing me very carefully…knowing why I'm doing this. I scoffed silently to him, "last night…I thought about it…I thought long and hard…"

"I understand, am I correct to assume you're taking me to the Queen again?"

I nodded.

"We don't have to do this if you don't want to…"

"Yea…" I scoffed momentarily, "we do. I rather just share it with you."

Then, it was his turn to stop me, jumping in my path to stop me…lifting a paw down towards me as he does so, "if all it does is make you feel worse…then I rather we DON'T."

"I'm not doing this for me…I'm doing this for you" I retorted. I walked past him as he glances at me in a puzzling manner, "w-what do you mean, Flint?"

I heaved a long and loud sigh toward him, "humans are complicated. I've lived long enough to share my mistakes with you…maybe…maybe you'll take something out of this…"

"Flint…" Toothless had a distraught look on his face, it ran down his black scales like a waterfall. I expected this and motioned him over regardless, "come on."

Once we reach the cliff, Stormfly and Meatlug managed to pass by us in the air as we wave.

"Hello Toothless, Flint" the Gronckle bellowed.

"Hey, guys!" Stormfly the Deadly Nadder squawked happily.

"Morning ladies!" Toothless chuckled, waving back.

"We'll catch you girls later, we both got to get some things done today" I added.

"Alright, stay safe!" Stormfly and Meatlug said before flying off towards the center of town.

"Heh…ever thought about showing Stormfly everything you know?" Toothless smiled as I rolled my eyes, "maybe someday…I don't think she minds."

"Maybe."

I take off a moment later before the other male dragon follows behind. As usual, we travel across the sea to enter Helheim's Gate where we end up on Dragon Island once more. The dragons roosting all over the sea rocks, and cliffs, all sense our presence. Toothless and I land on the black beach and survey the landscape around us.

He and I both know what to expect next:

Galadriel the Ex-Queen appears from the volcanic interior with Belin the Terrible Terror resting on her gigantic shoulder. This is the first time Toothless sees Belin and he's visibly confused as a result.

"Welcome back, Night Furies" the behemoth bowed in respect before the Terror flies down to meet us. He takes notice of my medallion, having seen it the day I met him, but he's more focused on the larger Night Fury next to me, "hi Flint! This must be your brother!"

The other Fury and I look at one another and we couldn't help but chuckle at this.

"Yea…this is Toothless" I gestured to the teen dragon right next to me.

Belin walks up to the bigger dragon, all the while licking his eye with his tongue, "it's nice to meet you, Toothless, gosh it must be cool to have a brother! I heard Night Furies don't hunt in packs, so how do you guys LIVE together?"

Toothless was already irritated once the overjoyed Belin started going off on his questions, so I trotted over to the small green dragon and placed a paw on top of his head. And as if it were an off switch, the Terrible Terror stopped and looked toward me.

"You kinda rambled there a bit, buddy" I retorted.

"S-sorry" Belin drooped a bit.

"It's all good…listen, we got to speak with Galadriel" I explained.

Toothless raised an eyebrow and leaned over, "Gala-what?" He whispered.

"It's the name for the Queen" I whispered back, "Galadriel."

"Strange name, but alright" the black dragon rolled his eyes at me as I chuckled, "come on you big goof!"

And so, we walked past Belin and stopped right underneath the base of the Volcano where we are met by her. The Ex-Queen's scales have become more vibrant in color. After being hidden away from the sun for so long her scales were now healthy and bright since she now stayed outside a lot more than before. Now, she glowed, much like the person her name is based of from. Galadriel looks down and nods, reading my mind and what I'm requesting from her.

It shall be done

She has all the other dragons, including Belin, move away from us for a few minutes. The terror didn't want to, but he also didn't want to anger anybody, so he did as he was told…

Before we know it, the world around Toothless and I warped and distorted, surprising the dragon again. Despite all he saw during his last time inside my "mind" he was NOT prepared for what happened next:

The volcanic Island is soon replaced by a large, industrial, room made of concrete…with exposed air ducts on the ceiling. All around us dozens of people materialize, jumping up and down to the music being played. Lights, both white and colored, flood the air and surround the entire place…

The room is so large that it has a second-floor balcony that is filled with people dancing.

Toothless blinked dazedly, momentarily stunned by the transition, but his head soon shot up and to his great astonishment he now finds himself in a Night Club from the future. His jaw dropped and his ears tilted backward in response, he soon finds himself feeling claustrophobic from all the humans crunched together like a pack of sardines. I had to calm him down, reminding him that NONE of this is real.

Sure enough, Toothless is distracted by the music being played all around us, Techno music is being played by the DJ on the other side of the room.

I recognize the song…it's "Naplam in Bohemia" by Girl Eats Boy.

Once the Night Fury beside me had composed himself, his ears perk up again and he grimaced suddenly, "w-what is that awful noise?" He sits on his legs and plugs his ears with his front paws as I laugh, "it's music, Techno!"

Because of how loud it is, the reptile next to me must yell in my ear so I can hear, "that is NOT music! It's just noise!" I laughed in response.

"You sound like my parents!"

"Don't tell me this is what future humans listen to…and I thought the stuff I heard in the Great Hall was bad!" Toothless snarled lightly.

"Heck yeah, we do!" I retorted proudly, showing teeth to him. The medieval Night Fury shook their head in response.

"What exactly are we doing here, Flint?" Tooth asked, irritated.

"This is where I worked as a human." His ears move up in response, taking in what I said. Amidst all the stuff happening all around us, I saw an area I knew personally: the bar.

"Follow me" I requested as the Night Fury had no choice but to move close behind me.

Sure enough, the song had changed to "Tonpooleins" by Computer Data as we made our way through the crowd of people dancing.

I expected to bump into people and Toothless as well; however, we're both surprised to find that we moved through everybody as if we were ghosts…it shouldn't be surprising: this is all fake after all. We stop by the brightly lit bar where we see dozens of empty glasses lined up, along with alcoholic bottles and puree (namely Finest Call for those who are familiar with this kind of stuff). Toothless places his front paws on the counter as I jump on him…resting on his back. The dragon glances over at a man working behind the counter. The Night Fury tilts his head, ears falling in that direction, "that…human…I can't help but think I know them…"

I jumped off him, landing on the counter to face him, "that's because you do…he's me." I gave the widest grin back to him and he, rightfully so, pulls back in shock.

"That's you!? W-wow!" He roared in astonishment. I nodded before we look back to my human self. Just as I had told the dragon weeks prior: human Flint had short black hair, brown eyes, slightly tan skin…and is pretty short compared to most people.

Toothless gave a slightly smug grin, "that's how you look, eh? You look shorter than I expected…I think you're just as short as Hiccup and he's only a teen!"

"Thanks for rubbing it in…" I grunted; eyes squinted in annoyance.

That's when I begin examining my past self again…jeez…it's been so long since I've seen myself…my human self I mean…it's like I'm looking in a reflection right now. Yet, if you put me, my current Night Fury form, beside human Flint…there would be absolutely no resemblance whatsoever…people would have NO IDEA that these two creatures are the same person!

"Flint…Flint?"

I snapped out of my trance, shaking my head, turning to face the other Night Fury, "sorry, I was just thinking about how much things have changed…"

"I understand" he nudged the side of my face with his head to comfort me. I couldn't help but appreciate that gesture from the dragon, "thanks bud." Toothless smiled back in response, nodding gleefully.

"So, you mind telling me what this all is exactly?"

I laughed at this, but then I remembered he has no context whatsoever…or DOES he?

I jumped into his line of sight, smiling like a dog, "it's a place where people dance and drink…basically have a good time…" he appeared still confused and I scratched my muzzle-chin in thought for a moment before I grinned, "think of the Great Hall back on Berk…this place is kind of like that."

"I see" his ear flinched as I chuckled, "I wouldn't imagine you going here if you were human anyway."

"No, I wouldn't…it's too loud…and too crowded…"

I couldn't help but laugh again. Suddenly, my eyes catch sight of somebody walking into view sitting down beside the bar. My ears and ear fins perked up once I realize exactly who it is who just sat down…

Toothless noticed my reaction: how I'm suddenly frozen in place…as if time stopped around my body. He sees my tail flicking back and forth repeatedly…my ears so vertical that it's like they're magnets trying to hit the ceiling above.

"It's…it's her…"

As soon as I had whispered that, the Night Fury glanced over at the young adult that is sitting next to my human form: she has long black hair tied into a ponytail (long enough that it rests on her shoulder.) Her skin is so fair and smooth, but most striking are her deep light green eyes…

It's Sophia…

I muttered her name silently under my breath. My paws shake and my body trembles…this is the first time I see her since…oh man…

"That's her, isn't it?" The adolescent reptile queried before I nodded softly, "yea…" which is soon followed by a deep sigh from me.

"Hi" she said to my human self, "are you still open?"

Human Flint, who was closing a tab, turned around to face her, a smile runs down his face. It was my first look into her eyes…our first time meeting. Her green eyes…so lively and bright…so complex in their design…

"We sure are. Last call hasn't been announced yet."

"Ah, neat. I'll get a 'Rockin' Rita' please" Sophia smiled.

"Sure thing" 'Flint' nodded, "let me see your ID, please" he requested.

Toothless looked confused as heck, wondering what an "I.D." was and what exactly this "ritual" was all about. I scoffed at this and playfully tapped him, "I'll explain later, bud."

We both look back to see the other two across from us: human Flint hands Sophia a lime-colored glass bowl to her, "thanks."

"You visiting?" Past Me opens the conversation as she takes a sip from the drink.

"Yup, there was an art fair."

Toothless the dragon, still resting with his paws on the counter, takes note of what she said.

"Let me guess…Nomi Art Walk?" She shakes her head at "Flint's" question, "I'm sorry, it must be the Lourve I'm thinking about!" He jokingly said as she scoffed at him.

Heh…I remember this conversation…I almost couldn't help saying my lines again almost perfectly from memory. Toothless couldn't help but look back and forth between me and my human self as this goes on.

Sophia laughed at this, "actually, it's Art Basel. You're off by about 4,500 miles."

"Am I now?" Human Flint gave a slight grin, "I feel like the Lourve visits now and then." Again, she can't help but giggle at this.

Amid the lively chatter around the bar, my human counterpart asked her, "so…are you an artist?"

"You bet!"

Suddenly, I sense Toothless looking at me with glee…realizing that she's an artist just like him.

"Want me to draw something for you?" Sophia inquired to human Flint who nodded, "sure. Let me get this patron real quick!" He pulled away to help another customer as she took out a sketchbook and starting drawing…taking a sip from her margarita in the process.

Toothless the dragon walked over to Sophia…because this is all just a memory, she doesn't sense him behind her. He laid his head over her shoulder to stare into the art piece she is making. The reptile's smile widened even more as he saw the drawing of what appeared to be a bird being made. The beast couldn't help but make the most excited grin I've seen him do today…heck…even his green eyes are shining!

"W-wow! She draws really good!" The Night Fury murmured.

I nodded, giving a slight grin back in response, "and those are just her sketches."

Soon enough, my past self walks up to see the result and Sophia handed him the sketch, "wow, this is good." Human Flint said as Toothless nodded vigorously in agreement…as if he would have actually seen it…we're basically ghosts to them…but it's still funny to imagine it regardless…heh.

"I know this bird; I see them all the time."

"It's a Turtledove" her, human Callahan, and I said in unison.

Toothless next to me gives a scaly brow to me as I scoffed in return at his confusion yet again. Man, at this point I may as well end up "charging" him for classes on the modern world.

"It's a dumb bird where I'm from."

The Night Fury couldn't help but give a silly frown and turn away, "that's mean…"

"What? They're bird brains" I chuckled back to him.

"You want me to tell Stormfly you said that?" He grinned mischievously as I rolled my eyes.

Anyways, human Flint noticed the name engraved on the artwork given to him by the girl sitting on the other side of the counter, "Sophia."

"That's me!"

"Nice to meet you, Sophia" he smiled.

"What's your name?"

"Flint."

"Really, what a name."

"I guess" he handed the sketch back to her and she smiled.

Then, time fast forward around us as Toothless and I were momentarily confused and disoriented.

Soon enough, however, we come to our senses and see the bar and the club closing…an hour after Last Call…I remember this scene…it's the SAME night. As human Flint is cleaning the bar and setting the drinks away, Sophia had returned to the bar uneasily.

"Oh hi, Sophia…what's wrong?" His face darkened once he saw her panicked form.

"S-somebody is following me…"

"W-what?"

"I was walking back to my hotel…and I saw somebody following me from across the street…it wasn't too long after I left so I decided to come back…"

"You did the right thing. Stay here, I'll go see what I can do" Flint began walking out of the bar as Sophia composed herself. Toothless was equally worried as she was…as if he were watching a serial drama. Human Flint turned to face her once again, "you're safe here. I'll be right back, okay?"

"T-thanks."

"No problem" he smiled and left.

Sure enough, the person who was supposedly following her had vanished and the staff at the club were alerted.

"We'll call a taxi for you to get you on your way" human Flint explained to Sophia who had calmed down.

"I really appreciate it…how can people be so creepy!"

"I don't know, but you made the right choice coming back here" Flint added.

Before she left the building, she suddenly gave past me the sketch she had made earlier, but now it had a series of numbers on them, "listen, I appreciate the help. You know…I could use a tour guide tomorrow if you're able to."

My past self dwelled on it as Toothless and I focused carefully on him. I already knew what was going to happen. I almost didn't accept the "invitation" but something in me decided to hang on to it regardless…maybe Sophia wanted to feel safe while she was around the beachfront. I don't blame her…our city is notorious for kidnappings…and I felt bad she was traveling to this area alone. At the time, I supposed I could have lent a hand and shown her around, even for just a bit…point her in the right direction and be on my way. It turned out to be a fateful decision for me once I took that sketch from her hands.

"I suppose I could squeeze in some free time. This city actually has a lot of galleries and other cool spots you can see."

"Sounds great, thanks" she smiled as "Flint" nodded, "take care, please be careful!"

"I will!" She walked off toward the exit for the taxi as the dragon and I watched her leave.

The scene around us soon changed and we both find ourselves outside in the summer sun: by modern shops and restaurants close to the beach. Toothless and I can see my past self: showing past Sophia around…this was a day after I met her.

Soon enough it becomes a montage of human Flint showing her the sights…including the art galleries as we get to know each other.

Toothless is still amazed by urban life and he tried his best to distract himself by focusing on the two humans in front of him.

"So…you two…"

"I showed her around" I interrupted, "she LOVED Miami…it's a tropical city…lots of sunshine…lots of rain…beautiful year-round…heck…our winters are like…two weeks and they're not even cold. I can't believe I thought winters here were cold…until I ended up in Berk…"

"It does look beautiful…" the Night Fury muttered, looking around to catch sight of the skyline on the horizon and the seaplanes flying overhead displaying advertisements. The silly reptile tried to mimic some of the actions other humans were doing as the two of us follow "Flint" and "Sophia." Like, he tried copying a man reading a newspaper next to a bus stop…and a man drinking coffee. Then, the dragon came across a canine. Now for him, the only dogs he's ever seen are wolves…the breed of dogs we modern humans are familiar with didn't really exist in his time. So, naturally, Toothless became surprised, pulling back in momentary fright like a scaredy-cat…especially when the dog barked at another dog and Toothless jumped in the air like a feline. I couldn't help but laugh, "come on, you silly dragon."

They (as in the duo in front of us) stopped for a moment. Soon, the beast catches sight of Sophia using her smartphone, and that greatly interested him, eyeing her actions VERY carefully, "w-what is that thing she is holding?"

I couldn't help but laugh next to him as he pretends to be her "texting." It's quite an amazing sight…I'm blown away by his curiosity. Nevertheless, I explained what it is to him as best as I could.

"You mean to tell me that little thing can give you knowledge…like a book?"

"That's what it was intended for, yes."

He raised an eyebrow, "and you can communicate with people from other places with it?"

I nodded.

"AMAZING! I cannot believe you humans have this technology in only a thousand years! So much progress…if only…if only they could somehow share that with us.

"It's not meant to be in your era, Toothless."

"Guess you're right" he drooped a little at that.

Soon, his momentary sadness is lifted when the scene changes again and changes over and over: showing quick glances of my time with Sophia.

Eventually, we ended up in a familiar place: my apartment. Turns out that somebody around her hotel was robbed the other night, so she panicked…and we ended up here. It took a while to calm her down but sure enough, she became comfortable again as we shared our time together. This is my living room where Sophia had brought some of her tools to paint with. Toothless the Night Fury looked around, surprised by the room we were in, "this is where you lived?"

I smiled.

"Heh…Hiccup needs to make some changes to the house" the dragon grinned as I rolled my eyes.

That's when I realized…the Ex-Queen has finally brought us here…to the moment that has been plaguing my dreams…

The Fury next to me takes note of all the interesting furniture and items all over the room before noticing my trance. I couldn't help but walk forward toward the two human projections. I sniffed them carefully; I guess my instincts took over there for a second…

Unfortunately, no smell returned to my black nostrils, and I backed away…sighing softly in despair.

Toothless and I can both see the musical instrument that human Flint has. Tooth looks at me curiously before I explain, "it's an instrument. It's called a guitar…it's like some instruments on Berk. It's a "modernized" version of them, I guess…"

He too goes to sniff the mahogany on its surface but again…there's no scent.

It isn't too long after that the scene in front of us plays…and the dreams I've been having of Sophia become a "reality" only this time I have Toothless witnessing them alongside me…

"Flint" begins playing 'When you say Nothing at All by Keith Whitley'

Sure enough, the Night Fury sits down on the floor and curls up, listening closely to the music being played and my voice echoing off the walls around us. He can't help but turn to me and warble, "you are amazing" he complimented wholeheartedly.

I couldn't help but look away embarrassingly. The reptile continued with his praises, "you played for people, you have talent…if you played at Berk…people would be enamored with you, Flint."

I sigh softly in response, "I miss playing…"

"I can't imagine how you feel…honestly…I'm sorry."

I scoffed back, "it's…how it is…I got these now…" I display my huge paws and talons to him, and he gave me such a painful look back…a deep look of pity for me. I could have sworn he would have cried there for me, but Toothless gathered himself. He did, however, stand up and nudge me affectionately to calm my despair.

Unlike all the other times in the dream, Tooth and I see Sophia finishing her artwork: which depicts a Canadian Jay.

"So…why this bird in particular?" Dream Flint inquired before dream Sophia giggled, "this bird is very friendly, very skillful in crafts. They may be a follower but most usually become great inspirations for those around them."

I already knew what all this mean, but my past self doesn't. Sure enough, he puts two and two together and deduces that she made an allegory toward him…the young woman wasn't describing the bird at all…she was describing me!

Human Flint felt flattered upon realizing this from her.

"Thanks for being an awesome tour guide, Flint" she smiled, and he returned the gesture.

"We should keep in touch. Here's my page" she pulled out her phone and shared her information with him.

"Alright, awesome. Sophia, I'll be sure to keep in touch!"

"You better!"

"Flint" and Sophia laugh in unison…enjoying their moment together. Toothless smiled, appreciating the tender moment between her and me.

Suddenly, however, Toothless and I end up in a blank room…white all over like the art gallery we were in last time I showed the ancient dragon my future world.

The older Night Fury looks back and forth, bewildered by the change in scenery this time, "w-what happened? I want to see what happens next!" He sounded so disappointed…well…I'm about to make him even MORE disappointed.

"There's nothing more to show…"

He gave a look of surprise back, "what do you mean Flint…what happened?"

I sighed, looking up and meeting his gaze head-on. Depression hits me like a truck, my eyes get watery, and my voice begins trembling, "I-I never saw her again…" I looked away; tears fall down the sides of my face. Toothless stopped himself, staring blankly ahead to digest what was just said from me.

"She…went home…we went our separate ways. I kept in touch for a while…but then I ended up in your world…"

"W-w-why? I don't understand…you obviously had feelings for her…"

"And I didn't do ANYTHING with them!" I cried out, my tears soaking the ground beneath my front paws, "she left before I could tell her…spill my true feelings onto her…tell Sophia, despite the short time we had, that I…I really liked her. It took me a while to figure out I had these feelings for her…"

I trembled, biting my lip with my sharp fangs…anything to try and hold back my emotions…but sure enough they flooded the room and Toothless was caught in the middle of it.

"Nobody else in my life I felt the way I did for her! I messed up…I missed my chance…"

"Your chance…" Toothless stepped forward to try to comfort me but I snapped my head up to him to stare into his green orbs, "you loved her."

I look away…

"You loved her, didn't you?"

"I should have told her that before I left…but I didn't…" I whimpered, "I guess I was afraid…afraid that it was just a few days we had to tell her that…but some people all it takes to fall in love is for them to share their eyes…share time together. For others, they could fall in love right away and be together forever…but not me…"

He ran over to me, held me…this shouldn't come as a surprise…he often did this with me when I got like this.

"W-why didn't you tell her after?"

"She…got in a relationship…"

Toothless fell silent…eyes widening.

"I should have told her…but I'm a coward…"

"No…no, Flint…you're NOT a coward…" He picked up my limp head and guided it to meet his face, "you are NOT a coward, Flint Callahan…"

"I…lost my chance at true love…Toothless…and now I'm here…I won't ever see her again…I'm stuck here!"

Toothless couldn't help it anymore, he started shedding tears beside me, holding me close, "Flint…it's okay…it's alright…at least you see that…at least you understand the significance of meeting her…getting to know her…at least you know how precious those moments you had with her are to you" the dragon stated. That's when I stopped crying…remembering why I did all this in the first place…

"Toothless…that's why I brought you here…showed you Sophia…you need to know this from me: if you ever have a feeling in you…telling you to go the distance…try everything you need to find the one for you…don't stop yourself. Don't make the same mistake I made…you might never get the same chance again…"

He placed a paw against my tiny shoulder, our green reptilian eyes locked on to one another, "you're still young, Flint…not as young as me…but you still got your whole life ahead of you…and I'm talking about your human life. Because…we WILL get you home…and even if you can't be with Sophia…you have to move on…Flint…you can't keep hurting yourself like this. I know this hurts for you…but you have to let go of this past…for your sake…"

"Toothless…" I begged to be heard; however, the "world" around us dissipates and we are back on Dragon Island in front of the Ex-Queen. Everyone, including Belin the Terrible Terror, is looking at us in confusion.

"What happened? Why is he crying?" Belin asked, quite worried for me. Toothless deflected the small creature's question almost immediately, still holding me, "just…personal business. We're leaving."

"Already!? You've only been here for two minutes!" The Terror objected.

Despite my crying state, Toothless and I stared at one another from this, it must be because of the Queen's projections in our minds. It felt like we were in that "world" she made for hours! We must have been standing there like idiots while everyone watched us…

Nevertheless, Toothless placed me on his back and unfurled his wings…bidding farewell to the Ex-Queen and the others. He and I quitted Dragon Island.

As he flies back to Berk with me on his back, the dragon turns to face me with a beckoning face, "Flint…remember my promise to you?"

I gaze into his eyes, wondering what he meant.

"I promised I would help you get home…that's all I want…to make sure you return to your own time and be happy."

"In my months here, Tooth, we haven't found any clues and signs of anything that could help me get back. I thought at first the Queen had something to do with my existence here, but she has NO idea!" I wiped my drying tears off my face, sniffing now and then.

He turns around to face the endless sky in front of us, seeing the sun beginning its descent to welcome the night, "I wanted to tell you about Sophia…why I felt so…alone…I figured telling you would help me feel better…"

"Did it help…telling me about it?" Toothless asked. I remained silent for a few moments, pondering the thought, "I-I don't know…I felt like sharing it with you…I thought maybe having someone else here know would make me think less about it…as stupid as that sounds…"

"Did it help…" he repeated the question, almost in a stern voice, "please tell me…what can I do to make you happy?" He asked softly…the Night Fury probably felt pathetic asking it that way, but I didn't mind.

"you've helped me so much so far, bud…I should do as you said…I should…move on from this…"

The black dragon, as we approach the outskirts of Berk, sighs softly, "you want to fly together for a while, work on your maneuvers? We might as well since I have this fin attached today."

I thought about it…the last time he had that fin on was after SnoggleTog…

"I guess" I shrugged.

"Come on, Flint" he smiled encouragingly, "you still got to beat me racing, buddy!"

"I suppose."

"Come on, I'll let you rub it in Stormfly's face!" He chuckled.

"Oh, come on…Toothless…" I rolled my eyes, "I know EXACTLY what you're doing…you might as well spit it out."

"Come on, let's dry those tears, buddy" the Fury nodded, looking back at me again.

I finally decided to let go of the thoughts that had been plaguing me all day. I jumped off his back to join him in flight as we make a few laps around the edge of Berk.

Flying with him did help a little in dispelling the negative thoughts…but my thoughts surrounding Sophia lingered. Little did I know that it would haunt me further…

For not too long after, Toothless and I would revisit the subject again within a few days…when a mysterious boat ended up on the shore of Berk…and a mysterious girl ended up on our island.

Phew! Now THAT was a long chapter, heh! I hope you all enjoyed this recent chapter. I hope it wasn't too cheesy or whatnot. I really hope Flint's backstory before becoming a dragon is good. Let me know what you all think if you like.

Anyways, I'll try and have the next chapter out by Friday, if not…expect a new chapter next week.

See you all next time, cheers!