Berk's New Starfire

by xxmariexxo

Amid the chaos, Starfire grows close to Hiccup, Astrid, and the rest of the Berk warriors, while the events of the movie unfold with Starfire's presence influencing the outcome of their fight against the dragons, and ultimately, the discovery of a deeper bond between humans and dragons.

2. Unlikely Alliances

AUTHOR NOTES:Hello I am Marie and I am from Korea. Now I was posting the chapters on another platform, so it will take me awhile to figure out how to use FF (seriously, it took me awhile to figure it out and I'm still figuring out some stuff) but anyhow! The responses here has been so lovely that it's making me want to keep on posting chapters so I'll do so! Let me know what you guys think about the chapters! Do you guys like the idea of Kori/Astrid/Hiccup? I have minds for this!

Also please check out thewoodseyy on tiktok, they post crossover edits such as Jelsa (Jack/Elsa),Mavunzel (Mavis/Rapunzel), and my favorite atm Hiccelsa (Hiccup/Elsa). WE'RE BRINGING THE FANDOM BACK!

Someone also DM me (I didn't know this platform has this feature) about wanting to post fanart, so here's my gmail as to where you guys can post it! You will be credited and such. Please note that I cannot afford payment as I am in school.marierainbowsmith

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After spending the entire day helping the villagers repair their homes, Starfire was exhausted. Her powers had been drained from constantly using them to assist with the heavy lifting, and she hadn't had the chance to rest properly. As she was about to open the door to Stoick's house that she has been staying in since her crash, she sees someone walking up to her.

"Hello, friend!" Starfire cheered, her voice bright and full of energy, despite her weariness.

Astrid, who had been walking toward her with an air of annoyance, shot her a puzzled look. "Not your friend. Gobber wants us to meet up at the Mead Hall," she said, her tone dry.

Starfire blinked in confusion, tilting her head slightly. "Meadhall? What is that?" she asked, genuinely curious but not understanding the Viking customs.

Astrid groaned, running a hand through her hair. She had to remind herself that while Starfire was a fierce warrior with powerful abilities, she was still new to Berk and didn't fully grasp their way of life. With a sigh, she gestured to Starfire, "Follow me. I won't stop if you get lost," she said, turning on her heel.

Starfire beamed, her face lighting up in her usual unguarded way. "Thank you, friend!" she said, running up to Astrid and throwing her arms around her in an enthusiastic hug.

Astrid froze for a second, feeling a mix of surprise and discomfort at the unexpected affection. She tried to gently shove Starfire off, though the alien girl's strength was unexpected. "Okay, okay, I get it," Astrid muttered, her face flushing a bit. "You're welcome. Now let's just go, alright?"

Starfire finally let go, smiling brightly as she watched Astrid's slightly flustered expression. "You are most kind!" Starfire said, her voice sincere, not realizing that her enthusiasm might have been a little too much for the Viking girl.

Astrid huffed, trying to ignore the strange warmth in her chest from the hug. "Whatever," she muttered under her breath as she turned to walk toward the Mead Hall, Starfire still walking cheerfully beside her.

As they walked, Starfire couldn't help but glance over at Astrid. "You are strong, Astrid! I noticed how you handled yourself during the training session. Truly, you are one of great skill!" Starfire said, her voice full of admiration.

Astrid shot her a side glance, a slight smirk forming on her face. "Thanks, I guess. You're not so bad yourself," she replied, still a little awkward but warming to Starfire's genuine praise.

Starfire tilted her head, her curious nature leading her to ask, "Tell me, Astrid, what is it like to live here on Berk? It seems a place full of... strength and power." Her voice held an eagerness to understand, to learn about the world she had found herself in.

Astrid thought for a moment, her usual tough exterior softening a little at the question. "Berk's... different. It's all about surviving, fighting. We have our traditions, our ways of life. It's not easy. But it's home. We protect each other, and we fight together," she said, her voice steady but with a hint of something Starfire couldn't quite place.

"I see!" Starfire exclaimed, her voice full of understanding. "To fight together, to protect each other... That sounds like something very noble! In my homeland, we did the same. My friends and I, we formed a team known as the Teen Titans, to protect our world and its citizens from the darkness."

Astrid raised an eyebrow. "Teen Titans?" she asked, clearly intrigued but also a little skeptical. "Sounds... strange."

Starfire chuckled lightly, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. "Ah, yes, we were quite the team! Robin, the leader, who had a heart full of justice; Beast Boy, who could change into any animal; Cyborg, who was part machine, part man; Raven, who was wise and strong in mind; and then there was me, Starfire. Together, we fought villains, saved citizens, and learned the true meaning of friendship."

Astrid paused in her tracks, her eyes widening with a mixture of disbelief and awe. "Wait... wait, go back to where you have a friend who can literally turn into any kind of animal he wants?" she asked, her voice almost incredulous.

Starfire smiled at her, completely unaware of the effect her words had on Astrid. "Yes! Beast Boy was very skilled at it. He could change into anything—from a tiny mouse to a mighty elephant! It was incredible to see, and he always made things fun. But, of course, his true strength came from his heart and his dedication to the team."

Astrid stood still for a moment, processing the information. "That... is insane," she muttered under her breath. Then, her eyes softened a little as she looked back at Starfire. "But I guess having powers like that could be pretty useful. If you can control them."

"Oh, Beast Boy could control his transformations quite well! But we all had our struggles, even with our powers. We learned the most when we worked together as a team, not relying solely on our abilities," Starfire explained, her tone thoughtful.

Astrid gave her a curious look. "Huh... I never thought about it like that. I mean, here, it's all about brute strength and using what's at your disposal."

Starfire smiled warmly. "Yes, that is what makes you strong, but remember: true strength comes from within. From your heart, your mind, and your will to protect what matters."

Astrid couldn't help but look down for a moment, slightly lost in thought. Starfire's words had an unexpected weight to them. She hadn't really considered that perspective before—how her own strength could be about more than just physical power.

"Well... I guess I'll try to keep that in mind," Astrid said quietly, surprising herself with how much she had taken to Starfire's words. She then glanced at Starfire, her face slightly flushed but soft. "Thanks for... sharing that."

Starfire's eyes glowed with appreciation. "It is nothing, Astrid! I simply wish to share my thoughts, as you have shared yours with me. Friendship is about learning from one another!"

As the two entered the Mead Hall, the warmth of the fires inside seemed to reflect the small but growing connection between them. Starfire had opened a window into a world Astrid hadn't quite allowed herself to explore — a world of trust, teamwork, and the power of friendship.

Starfire floated in, her glowing eyes scanning the room with an innocent curiosity. She made her way over to where Snotlout was sitting and plopped herself down next to him with a bright smile. Snotlout, noticing she had taken a seat beside him, couldn't help but give her a cocky wink. Ever since he discovered that Starfire was about the same age as him, he'd been trying to charm her, not that Starfire even noticed. Her enthusiasm for life often made her oblivious to his flirtations.

"All right, where did Astrid go wrong in the ring today?" Gobber asked, looking over the group, his arms crossed as he waited for an answer.

Astrid huffed, crossing her arms and glaring at the table. "I mistimed my somersault dive. It was sloppy. It threw off my reverse tumble," she said, her tone tinged with frustration as she replayed the moment in her mind.

"Yeah, we noticed," Ruffnut commented from across the table, her grin wide and teasing.

Snotlout, eager to impress Astrid, jumped in. "No, no, you were great. That was so 'Astrid'!" His voice was exaggerated in an attempt to sound supportive, but it came off as more of an awkward attempt to flatter her.

Gobber nodded, agreeing with her. "She's right. You have to be tough on yourselves." His attention turned to Hiccup, who had just entered the Mead Hall. He looked around for a place to sit, his eyes landing on the spot next to Snotlout. But Snotlout, noticing the awkward tension between him and Hiccup, slid his body toward the end of the bench, blocking the seat.

Hiccup paused for a moment, frowning, before picking up his plate and walking to another table. Starfire watched this, her brow furrowing in confusion as she noticed the odd dynamics between the two boys.

Gobber looked over to the group. "Where did Hiccup go wrong?" he asked, ignoring the drama unfolding at the table.

"He showed up." Ruffnut chimed in. Her brother, Tuffnut, added helpfully, "He didn't get eaten."

Astrid leaned back in her chair and shrugged. "He's never where he should be."

Hiccup, who had taken a seat at the far end of the table, ignored their comments and quietly picked up a cup to drink from, clearly trying to keep to himself. Starfire watched him, feeling a slight twinge of concern but not fully understanding why he was acting that way.

Gobber sighed, walking around the table with a gruff expression. "Thank you, Astrid," he said as he walked behind the twins and thumped both of them on the head. "You need to live and breathe this stuff—the dragon manual," he added, placing a heavy, worn book down on the table in front of them. "Everything we know about every dragon we know of. No attacks tonight. Study up."

The mention of studying the manual seemed to deflate the energy in the room. Tuffnut instantly slouched back in his seat. "Wait, you mean... read?" His voice was filled with dread at the thought of sitting down and reading.

"While we're still alive?" Ruffnut added, her tone just as disinterested.

"Why read words when you can just kill the stuff the words tell you about?" Snotlout commented, clearly more interested in action than books. But Starfire looked at him, puzzled by his dismissal of reading. What could possibly be wrong with learning? "I do not understand," she murmured to herself. "Is reading so unpleasant to you?"

Fishlegs, who had been quiet up until now, perked up. "I've read it seven times. There's this water dragon that sprays boiling water at your face. And there's this other one—"

But Tuffnut interrupted, cutting him off. "Yeah, that sounds great. There was a chance I'd read it..."

"But now…" Ruffnut yawned, clearly uninterested.

Snotlout got up with a dramatic flourish, rolling his eyes. "You guys read. I'll go kill stuff." He walked off, making it clear he wasn't going to stick around for any more talk of books.

As everyone else began to get up, Hiccup approached Astrid, holding the manual. "So... I guess we'll share?" he asked, holding it out to her.

"Read it," Astrid replied flatly, shoving the book back into his arms before standing up to leave.

Hiccup sighed, clearly not looking forward to the task. "Guess I'm stuck with this," he muttered to himself.

Seeing Hiccup's resigned expression, Starfire stood up from her seat and floated over to him, her usual cheerful smile lighting up her face. "I would like to read the book with you, Hiccup," she said, her voice soft and sincere.

Hiccup blinked at her in surprise. "You would?"

"Yes! I know nothing of these dragons. To study with you would be most fascinating! Perhaps we will learn something together!" Starfire said with an eagerness that could only be described as contagious. She really was excited to learn about dragons—after all, this was something completely new to her.

Hiccup smiled, the weight of his earlier loneliness lifting just a little. "Thanks, Starfire. At least one person doesn't hate me," he said with a small, self-deprecating laugh.

Starfire tilted her head, looking at him with genuine confusion. "Hate you? I do not understand, Hiccup. You are a warrior, and you have a good heart. Why would anyone hate you?"

Hiccup blinked, surprised at her words. "Uh, well, let's just say not everyone sees it that way," he said with a shrug, though his tone wasn't bitter, just resigned.

"Well, I think you are quite brave," Starfire said cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "And it is my honor to learn with you!"

Hiccup smiled, a small but genuine smile that reached his eyes. "Alright, then. Let's get to reading."

The Mead Hall had emptied, the echoes of chatter and footsteps fading into silence as the village settled for the night. Hiccup sat at one of the long tables with Starfire beside him, the warm glow of the firelight casting soft shadows across the room. In front of them sat the dragon manual, its weathered cover a testament to years of use. Hiccup opened the book, flipping through the brittle pages carefully.

"Alright," Hiccup began, clearing his throat. "Dragon classifications: Strike Class. Fear Class. Mystery Class." His voice was steady, though there was a tinge of uncertainty in it as if he wasn't sure how much Starfire would actually care about this.

Starfire leaned in, her glowing green eyes wide with curiosity as she watched him turn the page. The illustration on the next spread depicted a dragon with a wide, gaping mouth.

"Thunderdrum," Hiccup read aloud. "This reclusive dragon inhabits sea caves and dark tide pools. When startled, the Thunderdrum produces a concussive sound that can kill a man at close range."

Starfire tilted her head, studying the crude drawing. "It is most curious. This dragon creates sound so powerful that it... removes the heads of men?" she asked, her finger hovering over the illustration of a headless man.

Hiccup nodded grimly. "Yeah. Extremely dangerous. Kill on sight," he added, reading from the text.

Starfire sat back slightly, her expression thoughtful. After a moment of silence, she asked, "Hiccup, do you think that all dragons are evil?"

The question caught Hiccup off guard. He blinked and turned to her. "What? What do you mean?"

"Well," Starfire began, folding her hands neatly on the table, "since my arrival, I have been told many stories of dragons—how they steal and destroy, how they bring terror to your people. But surely, not all dragons can be so horrible. There must be one that is not so bad. Yes?"

Hiccup hesitated, her words stirring something inside him. "I mean… it's complicated. Everyone here thinks of dragons as monsters. They've been our enemies for as long as anyone can remember. But…" His voice trailed off, and he glanced down at the book.

"But?" Starfire prompted gently, leaning closer.

Hiccup sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But sometimes, I wonder if there's more to them. I mean, maybe they're not all bad. Maybe they're just… misunderstood."

Starfire's face brightened. "Yes! That is precisely what I believe! Surely, a creature capable of such power could also be capable of kindness. Perhaps it depends on how they are treated, yes?"

"I guess so," Hiccup admitted, though his voice carried doubt. He looked up at her, noticing how her optimism made the idea feel… possible. "You really think that?"

"Indeed, I do," Starfire said firmly. Then she added with a giggle, "Though I do not yet know much about these dragons, your words give me the hope."

Hiccup flushed slightly, looking back at the manual. "Thanks, Starfire. I mean, Star—uh, sorry," he stammered, realizing he'd shortened her name without asking.

"No, no, I do not mind!" Starfire exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "I like the nickname. You may call me 'Star' if you wish!"

"Really?" Hiccup asked, smiling a little despite himself.

"Yes!" Starfire nodded enthusiastically. "It is what friends do, yes? They give each other nicknames. It is most delightful!"

Hiccup chuckled softly, feeling a warmth in her words. "Alright then, Star." He glanced at her, his smile lingering. "Thanks. For, you know, being so... open-minded. Most people here don't even question the whole 'dragons are evil' thing."

"It is my pleasure," Starfire replied earnestly. "To question is to learn, and I wish to learn all that I can while I am here. Especially about you, Hiccup."

"Me?" Hiccup asked, his voice pitching slightly. "Why me?"

"Because you are… different," she said, tilting her head as if searching for the right words. "You do not look at the world the same way as the others. I find that most intriguing."

Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck, feeling both flattered and embarrassed. "Uh, well… thanks, I guess. You're different too. In a good way, I mean."

Starfire's smile grew, and she placed a hand on his arm. "Then perhaps we shall be different together! And who knows? Maybe we can discover the truth about these dragons—together."

Hiccup glanced at her, surprised by her sincerity, then nodded. "Yeah. Together."

They turned back to the manual, the room quiet save for the crackling fire and the soft rustle of pages. For the first time in a long while, Hiccup didn't feel so alone.

《 ️ 》

"Hey, you know, Starfire and I just happened to notice the book had nothing on Night Furies," Hiccup said, eyeing the dragon warily. "Is there another book, or maybe a Night Fury pamphlet?" He grinned awkwardly, trying to lighten the tension, but as soon as he spoke, the Nadder released a burst of fire straight at him, causing him to yelp and duck.

"Focus, Hiccup! You're not even trying!" Gobber barked from the sidelines. "Today it's all about attack! Nadders are quick and light on their feet. Your job is to be quicker and lighter!"

Hiccup straightened up, his face flushed from the fire, and nodded in determination, but his movements were still hesitant. Starfire floated closer, her hands clasped in front of her, offering silent encouragement.

"Do not be so concerned, Hiccup! You have great potential! You just need to trust in yourself," she called to him, her voice full of warmth and positivity.

Snotlout, in his typical show-off manner, grabbed a spike vector from his bag and hurled it at the Nadder. The spike missed wildly and embedded itself in the ground, causing the dragon to pause and let out what could only be described as a snicker. Starfire stifled a giggle, impressed by the Nadder's unexpected sense of humor.

The battle in the ring was getting more chaotic by the second. The maze of wooden structures, designed to test the recruits' ability to outmaneuver dragons, was falling apart piece by piece. The ground shook as the Deadly Nadder twisted and turned, knocking over the obstacles like they were nothing more than twigs. The recruits scrambled to avoid being crushed by falling debris, but it was too late.

Suddenly, Astrid, in the middle of trying to regain control of her position, slipped and fell, landing right on top of Hiccup, who was still crouched on the ground in the aftermath of dodging the fire. The two of them lay there for a moment, both stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Astrid pushed herself up, her face flushed with a mix of irritation and embarrassment, glaring down at Hiccup. "Is this some kind of joke to you?" she asked, her voice low and stern as she caught her breath. Hiccup was still on the ground, wide-eyed and unsure how to respond.

Before Hiccup could even say anything, Astrid stood, brushing the dust off her clothes and glaring at the dragon. "Our parents' war is about to become ours. Figure out which side you're on," she said coldly, her words laced with the weight of her frustration.

The other recruits, having regrouped after the chaos, followed her out of the ring without another word. Snotlout muttered under his breath as he picked up his fallen shield, his pride stung but still intact.

Starfire hovered near Hiccup, watching the group leave. Her face softened with empathy as she offered him a gentle smile. "Do not be disheartened, Hiccup. Even the greatest warriors must stumble before they rise again." She floated closer to him. "You must learn to embrace your mistakes and use them to grow stronger."

Hiccup sighed, feeling the weight of the day's training pressing down on him. "I just don't know how to fight like they do... It's like they've got it all figured out."

Starfire nodded, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "In time, Hiccup. In time. But remember, every battle teaches us something. You have already shown great courage, and that is something no one can take from you."

Hiccup looked up at her, a small, grateful smile forming on his face. "Thanks, Star," he said, his voice still sounding down.

《 ️ 》

After the intense training session had ended, Starfire couldn't help but notice that Hiccup often disappeared shortly after the others left the arena. His usual awkwardness and self-doubt seemed to linger in the air, leaving a quiet emptiness behind. Concerned, Starfire decided to follow him. She wasn't entirely sure what she wanted to say, but she felt the need to cheer him up. Something about him seemed so heavy, like he was carrying a burden that no one else could see.

Her curiosity led her to quietly trail behind him, her footsteps light and barely audible, as she tried to make sense of his actions. Hiccup moved cautiously, as though trying not to be noticed. The oddity of his movements made her wonder what he was hiding, so she decided to follow him into the forest, keeping her distance, careful not to alert him to her presence just yet.

Hiccup led her deeper into the trees, until they reached a secluded area by a small pond. Starfire stayed hidden behind a large tree, watching closely as Hiccup glanced around to make sure no one was following him. He pulled a fish from his bag, and Starfire's curiosity only deepened. What was he up to?

Then, from the shadows of a nearby rock, she saw it—the dragon. Perched calmly, watching Hiccup with a quiet intensity, its eyes gleaming in the fading light. Starfire's heart skipped a beat. She had seen dragons before, but none quite like this. There was something different about him—something she couldn't quite place.

She started to move toward Hiccup, eager to speak, but before she could say anything, Hiccup did something that completely threw her off guard. He took out a small knife and threw it into the water.

What happened next left Starfire completely bewildered. The dragon, in an oddly precise move, spat the fish back up onto Hiccup's lap. Both Hiccup and the dragon locked eyes, engaging in a silent staring contest that seemed to stretch on forever. It was as though they were speaking without words—communicating some kind of unspoken understanding. Starfire watched this exchange in complete silence, confusion and awe building in her chest.

She was about to step forward and call out to Hiccup when something shocking happened. Hiccup, without hesitation, picked up the fish that had just been spat back out and took a bite. Starfire's stomach turned at the sight, and she couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Oh, that is the gross…" She winced, a wave of disgust washing over her as she watched him swallow it. How could he eat something that had been in the dragon's mouth?

But then, as bizarre as it seemed, Starfire couldn't deny that there was something strangely intimate about the moment—the way Hiccup interacted with the dragon, as if they were equals, both understanding something that no one else did. Starfire found herself smiling, though she was still processing the oddity of the situation.

She decided it was time to make her presence known. "Hiccup!" she called cheerfully, stepping into the clearing with a wide grin on her face.

The dragon whipped around, clearly startled by the sudden intrusion, and let out a fierce roar. Starfire instinctively took a step back, her eyes widening. The dragon bared its teeth, and Starfire could feel the tension in the air as the creature prepared to attack. But before she could react further, Hiccup stood in front of her, holding up his hands.

"No, no!" Hiccup shouted, his voice steady but firm. "She's a friend!"

For a moment, the dragon and Hiccup stared each other down, a tense standoff between the two. The dragon's body was coiled and ready to strike, its gaze unyielding, but Hiccup never flinched. Starfire watched, her heart pounding, as the standoff continued. Then, finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the dragon huffed and turned away, his wings flaring as he took off into the sky.

Hiccup let out a deep sigh, his posture sagging with relief. He turned to face Starfire, his expression a mixture of frustration and surprise. "What are you doing here?" he asked softly, his voice tinged with panic. "You shouldn't be here."

Starfire floated over to him, her usual cheerful demeanor unshaken. "I followed you! I wanted to talk to cheer you up, but you seem to have found a dragon!" she exclaimed, her smile wide and genuine, completely unaware of the gravity of the situation.

Hiccup's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly glanced around, making sure no one else had seen. "Please don't tell anyone," he whispered urgently. "I—I can't let anyone know about this dragon."

Starfire blinked, her face softening with understanding. She floated closer to him, her voice gentle. "You have my word, Hiccup. I will not tell anyone. But you know, you do not have to keep everything inside. I would be happy to listen if you ever need someone to talk to."

Hiccup hesitated, the weight of his secret pressing heavily on him. He could feel the burden of his choice, but something about Starfire's unwavering support made him feel a little lighter. He offered her a small but sincere smile. "Thanks, Starfire," he said quietly. "It's just… complicated. I don't know what to do with this dragon. It's not like I can just—tell people about it."

Starfire's expression softened even further, her eyes filled with understanding. "I do not know what it is like to have such a secret, but I can only imagine it is very heavy. But if you ever need help, you need not carry it alone."

The two sat in silence for a while, the sound of the dragon's wings fading in the distance. Starfire could see the weight in Hiccup's eyes, and she silently promised herself to support him, no matter the challenges ahead.

After a long pause, Hiccup picked up a stick from the ground, absentmindedly drawing in the dirt. He scratched out random shapes and lines, his mind clearly distracted. Starfire, floating beside him, couldn't help but watch in amusement as he scribbled away in the dirt.

The dragon, still lurking nearby, noticed the activity and slowly approached them once more, this time with more curiosity than aggression. Starfire's eyes sparkled as she watched the dragon move closer.

"He's coming closer," she said softly, not wanting to startle him.

Hiccup, absorbed in his dirt drawing of the dragon, didn't even glance up. His hand moved quickly across the earth, carving lines and circles absentmindedly. The dragon, sensing Hiccup's growing awareness, came even closer, standing just a few feet away. Hiccup continued drawing, trying his best to ignore the dragon's piercing gaze, but he could feel its eyes upon him.

The dragon, after a few moments, bent down and snapped a branch from a nearby tree with a swift movement. Starfire raised an eyebrow, surprised by the creature's strength. The dragon dropped the branch and began to scratch it in the dirt with its clawed foot, making its own marks on the earth.

Hiccup blinked in disbelief. "Wait—what's he doing?" he asked, a mix of amusement and surprise in his voice.

Starfire leaned in, her eyes widening in fascination. "It appears he is making his own mark," she said with a smile. "Perhaps he is trying to communicate with you. In his own way."

Hiccup watched, stunned, as the dragon carefully traced lines in the dirt, drawing with purpose. "He's… drawing something," he muttered. "But it's not just random lines. These look like a map or something."

Starfire nodded, her eyes gleaming with wonder. "Maybe he is telling you something," she said softly. "Perhaps this dragon understands more than we give him credit for."

Hiccup studied the dragon's markings closely, a new understanding dawning in his mind. For the first time in a long time, he didn't feel fear or uncertainty. He felt a connection—an understanding. This dragon wasn't just another beast to be feared. It was different. Just like him.

The dragon, satisfied with its work, gave a low rumble and lowered its head, meeting Hiccup's gaze. It seemed content, watching the two humans. Starfire smiled, her heart swelling with joy at the quiet bond forming between them.

Hiccup put down his stick, leaning closer to examine the markings in the dirt. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Starfire smiles at him and watches as the sun slowly sets, "I have to get back now. Hope you enjoy your time with the dragon" she says.

"Yeah..thanks for spending time with me Star" Hiccup says and gives her an awkward but genuine smile. Starfire smiles and waves goodbye as she flies back to the village.

《 ️ 》

After that day, Hiccup began to open up more to Starfire. It wasn't easy at first—he was still a bit unsure, but Starfire's warmth and encouragement made it easier for him to talk. The first thing he shared was how he'd figured out that Toothless, the dragon he had befriended, couldn't fly on his own. The Night Fury needed a new wing, and Hiccup was determined to make one. Starfire watched as Hiccup painstakingly crafted the new wing, his hands moving with a focus she rarely saw from him.

The first attempt was a disaster. Toothless, confused and irritated, threw Hiccup off and sent him tumbling through the air. Starfire couldn't help but laugh lightly as she watched the scene unfold. Hiccup had to scramble to get up, dusting himself off while Toothless sat nearby, looking almost embarrassed by the whole affair.

"That… that didn't work," Hiccup muttered, rubbing his head.

Starfire floated closer, her voice cheerful. "Do not worry, Hiccup! You will try again and succeed, I am certain of it!"

Hiccup smiled at her words, though it was clear he was still disappointed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just wish it was easier."

The second wing attempt was a little more successful. Toothless hesitated at first, but when he took flight, Hiccup managed to hang on—at least for a few moments. Eventually, he slipped off the dragon's back and fell, landing in the pond.

Starfire hovered next to him, her smile bright as ever. "Better, much better! You are improving."

"Thanks," Hiccup said, catching his breath. He seemed genuinely pleased with his progress, even if it hadn't worked perfectly.

As the days went by, Starfire couldn't help but notice how much Hiccup was improving in his dragon training. It was like he had a special connection with Toothless that no one else had. During the combat training sessions, Hiccup started to shine. He would find the dragons' weak spots with ease, learning where to rub them to calm them down, or finding specific herbs that acted like catnip to dragons. The more time he spent with Toothless, the more he learned. And the more he learned, the better he got.

Starfire found herself genuinely impressed. Whenever she watched him in training, she couldn't help but cheer him on. "Good job, Hiccup!" or "You've improved a lot!" she would say, her voice full of admiration.

Fishlegs was the same way, always eager to talk about dragons with Hiccup. But Starfire noticed something else, too—something she hadn't expected. Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut had started treating Hiccup better. Even the villagers had started to show him more respect, recognizing his skills and efforts. Starfire was happy for him. For once, he was getting the recognition he deserved.

But not everyone was on board with the sudden change.

"I don't get it," Astrid grumbled, throwing her axe with frustration. "How is he suddenly so good at dragon training?!"

Starfire let out a quiet sigh. "Well, he has been training, Astrid," she said, trying to stay calm. She had promised Hiccup that she wouldn't reveal the secret of Toothless, but it was getting harder and harder to keep it. Besides, it didn't feel right to lie.

Astrid shook her head, clearly unconvinced. "No, no, something else is going on. And I'm going to get to the bottom of it."

Starfire winced. "I'm sure you will, but maybe... maybe you should just let it go for now."

Astrid's eyes flashed with determination. "I'm not letting it go, Starfire. I'll figure it out. You'll see."

Starfire bit her lip. She hated to lie, but she had to keep Hiccup's secret. She watched as Astrid picked up her axe again, ready to throw it.

"Your aim is off," Starfire pointed out, glancing at the target in the distance. "Go to the left a little."

Astrid gave her a sharp look but then followed her advice. With a determined grunt, she threw the axe again—and this time, it hit the target squarely in the center. Astrid looked over at Starfire, surprised.

"Hmm," Astrid muttered, a slight grin creeping onto her face. "Maybe you do know something about throwing axes."

Starfire smiled, nodding. "I have learned from experience," she said playfully. "But you must focus, Astrid. If your mind is filled with distractions, your aim will falter."

Astrid sighed, her earlier frustration settling into a more thoughtful expression. "Yeah… I guess so."

Starfire floated closer to her friend, her voice gentle. "I understand how it feels to be uncertain. But perhaps, like Hiccup, you will find your answers in time. It is not always easy to understand someone else's path."

Astrid nodded slowly. "I guess you're right." She threw one more axe, and this time, it hit even closer to the bullseye.

"Good job!" Starfire cheered, beaming at her friend. "You are getting better as well!"

Astrid chuckled. "Yeah, guess so."

As they practiced, Starfire's thoughts drifted to the evening. There was something she'd been meaning to ask Astrid for a while, and now seemed like the perfect time.

"Astrid, I have a question," she said, her voice suddenly hesitant.

"What is it, Starfire?" Astrid asked, pausing mid-throw and giving her a curious look.

Starfire smiled shyly. "Well… I was wondering if you might braid my hair. I have seen how beautiful yours is, and I would love to learn how to braid it like you do."

Astrid blinked in surprise but then smiled warmly. "You want me to braid your hair?" she asked, clearly flattered. "Sure, I've never braided anyone else's hair before, but I can give it a shot."

Starfire beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ""Oh! You would braid my hair? That would be most wonderful, Astrid! I have always admired how your hair looks."

Astrid sits down next to Starfire. She smirked, already running her fingers through Starfire's hair, expertly detangling it. "Well, it's easy enough once you get the hang of it. So, does your mom ever braid your hair?" she asked, glancing up at Starfire.

Starfire tilted her head thoughtfully, her smile softening a bit as she thought about her family. "No... not really. In Tamaran, most of us wear our hair down or tie it in a simple ponytail. My mother, my sister, and I, we all have long hair, but we don't typically braid it like you do." Her voice had a nostalgic tone, and she paused for a moment, as if lost in the memories of her family.

Astrid raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? That's interesting. I would've thought your mother would've done something special with your hair."

Starfire nodded, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she began to speak more deeply. "My mother... she was a very busy woman, the queen of Tamaran. She had so much to do, to care for, and she never had time for such things. She would always tell me that there was no need for such fuss with our hair, as long as it was clean and free from tangles. So... no braids, no fancy styles. It was simply a way to keep it out of our faces."

Astrid listened intently, her hands still working with Starfire's hair. "Sounds like she was a strong woman. But, I bet it wasn't easy growing up without someone to show you how to do this stuff."

Starfire's gaze turned distant, and she nodded slowly, her voice soft. "It wasn't... always easy. But I had my sister, Komand'r. She would sometimes try to teach me how to do things like braiding or other human customs, though she didn't enjoy it much. She... she was a very different person. Always so serious, so determined to be the best at everything."

Astrid raised an eyebrow at that, pausing for a second. "You said 'was'—did something happen to her?"

Starfire's expression shifted, the warmth in her eyes dimming slightly. "Yes, she... she became angry with me. I was the one who was favored. I was the one who was allowed to be free, to roam around, and to be happy. She wanted to be the one to be loved, to be adored by our people. But she grew bitter and angry, and that... that is when she became my enemy."

There was a long pause. Astrid, sensing the weight of Starfire's words, gave her a sympathetic look. "Sounds like a tough situation."

Starfire nodded, trying to push away the sadness that was creeping into her voice. "It was. But we are family, and there is always a part of me that will love her. Even though she became my enemy, I never wanted her to suffer. I wanted her to find peace."

Astrid kept braiding Starfire's hair, her fingers moving carefully as she listened. "I understand. It sounds like you really tried, even when things got hard. That's... that's something I admire. I mean, even if your sister was hard to deal with, you still cared about her."

Starfire looked down at the ground, her thoughts wandering back to her home. "I did. I still do. But it is not always easy to understand someone else's pain, especially when they push it onto others." She took a deep breath and smiled brightly, trying to shake off the somber mood. "But it is good to talk about it. I never get to speak of it much, especially not with my other friends."

Astrid finished the braid, tying it off at the end with a bit of string she found. She looked at her work and then turned her attention back to Starfire, who was beaming with pride. "There you go. You've got a nice, neat braid now. How does it feel?"

Starfire turned her head to look at the braid and then looked back at Astrid with wide eyes. "It feels... wonderful! I cannot believe you did it so perfectly. You have amazing skills, Astrid."

Astrid chuckled, leaning back on her hands, clearly proud of her work. "Well, I've had a lot of practice. It's good to know I'm not the only one who thinks hair stuff is important."

Starfire laughed, a bright, carefree sound that filled the clearing. "It is very important! It is an expression of ourselves, is it not? I have seen many humans who take great care in how they dress and wear their hair. It is a reflection of how we feel inside."

Astrid grinned, feeling a bond growing between them. "You're right, I guess. It's more than just looking good; it's about who you are."

Starfire nodded, smiling softly. "Exactly! Thank you for spending time with me Astrid!" Starfire says, making the blonde smile. The two start to bond with each other before they head back to the village.

《 ️ 》

Starfire's heart raced with excitement as she wandered through the forest, the training session with the other Vikings still fresh in her mind. She hadn't expected to be so intrigued by the dragons, but the more she learned about them, the more her curiosity grew. As the sun began to dip behind the trees, she walked slowly, thinking about how much there was left to understand. Her thoughts were interrupted by a faint, whimpering sound in the distance.

The sound was soft, but distinct. Starfire froze, her keen senses immediately alert. "What is this noise?" she whispered to herself, her eyes scanning the area. Her curiosity led her further into the woods, where the sound grew louder, more desperate.

After a few moments, she reached a cave. The entrance was narrow, barely large enough for her to fit through, but the noise inside was unmistakable. Starfire approached cautiously, stepping lightly over the forest floor, her heart pounding in her chest. Peering inside, her eyes widened as she saw the source of the noise.

A dragon.

The creature was large, with sleek black scales that shimmered faintly in the dim light. It had a powerful build, but its wing was bent in an unnatural angle, clearly broken. The dragon's eyes flickered toward her, glowing a fierce red, and Starfire felt a surge of sympathy.

"Oh dear!" she exclaimed, her voice full of concern as she took a step closer. "What is this, my friend? You are hurt!"

The dragon growled softly, clearly wary of her presence, but the pain in its eyes was undeniable. Starfire's heart ached. She knelt down, her face softening as she extended her hands toward the creature, her voice calm and soothing. "I will not harm you," she promised, her tone gentle. "I only wish to help."

The dragon flinched, backing away slightly, but Starfire, determined to aid the creature, reached out with her powers, moving the rocks that blocked the entrance. "There," she murmured. "Now you are free."

With a grunt, the dragon slowly crawled out of the cave. Starfire stayed low, watching carefully as the creature tested its wings, but it seemed to wince in pain, clearly unable to use its broken wing.

"Do not worry," Starfire whispered, her heart full of compassion. "I will help you, I promise."

Over the following days, after dragon training, Starfire returned to the forest, carrying food and herbs, all the while tending to the injured dragon. She spoke to him softly, feeding him, trying to ease his discomfort. At first, the dragon resisted, backing away from her every time she tried to get close. But Starfire, ever patient, never grew frustrated. She spent hours sitting beside the dragon, speaking softly to him, allowing him to grow accustomed to her presence.

It wasn't easy, but over time, the dragon began to trust her. One evening, after a particularly long day of training, Starfire approached the dragon with a fresh meal. This time, the creature didn't recoil. Instead, it lowered its head, sniffing at the food she offered, before accepting it with a tentative growl. Starfire smiled, her eyes sparkling with hope. "Ah, my friend, you are growing stronger."

It was then that she decided it was time. She had heard the Vikings mention names for their dragons, and she wondered if perhaps her new companion needed a name of his own. "What do you think of 'Stormclaw'?" she asked gently, running her fingers over the dragon's uninjured side. The dragon, however, growled and pulled away, displeased.

"Not 'Stormclaw' then?" she mused. "What about 'Flarewing'? Or perhaps 'Firestorm'?"

The dragon growled louder, clearly unimpressed. Starfire laughed softly, her eyes lighting up as she looked at the dragon's fiery nature. "Ah, I see, you are not fond of those names, hmm?" She thought for a moment, a playful grin crossing her face. "What if I call you… 'Inferno'?"

At the mention of the name, the dragon paused. His glowing eyes narrowed, focusing on her, as if weighing her words carefully. For a long moment, there was silence. Then, with a low rumble, the dragon moved closer to her, his head tilting as if in agreement.

Starfire's heart soared. "Ah, yes!" she exclaimed, her voice full of joy. "Inferno it is, then!" she says, then she goes on to introduce herself, "I am Starfire!"

The dragon let out a satisfied growl, nuzzling her gently. Starfire laughed, her eyes sparkling as she reached out to touch the top of his head. The dragon didn't pull away this time. Instead, he leaned into her touch, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment.

"You and I, Inferno," Starfire said softly, her voice full of warmth. "We are going to be great friends."

And with that, the dragon and the alien warrior shared an unspoken promise—a promise that, no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together.

《 ️ 》

The next day, everyone gathered around to watch the dragon training. Stoick was front and center, watching with a proud gaze as Hiccup faced off with dragons. While the rest of the crowd cheered for Hiccup's progress, Starfire stood beside them, frowning slightly. She felt bad that everyone was focusing so heavily on Hiccup. Both he and Astrid were putting in so much effort, yet only one seemed to be getting the recognition he deserved. Her heart went out to Astrid, who, despite her strong will, didn't seem to get the attention she deserved.

When the elder declared Hiccup the victor for taking down the dragon, the crowd cheered. But Astrid's face darkened, her jaw clenched in frustration. Starfire noticed this and immediately felt her friend's discomfort. Astrid stood there seething.

She spotted Hiccup walking away from the crowd, the weight of his victory clearly burdening him, though the cheers still echoed in the background. Starfire, intending to go speak with Stoick, found herself unexpectedly grabbed by the arm.

"Yes, Astrid?" Starfire said with a raised brow, glancing at the girl beside her.

"Come on, we're following him," Astrid muttered, her voice low with frustration, as she dragged Starfire away from the main crowd.

Starfire didn't resist, though she could easily have. The two watched Hiccup pace nervously around the rocks, seemingly lost in his thoughts. Astrid jumped up onto one of the large boulders, sharpening her axe with a fierce determination. Starfire sat nearby, carefully watching her sharpen the blade.

Hiccup jumped at her words, clearly startled. "What?! What are you guys doing here?" He stammered, trying to keep his composure.

Astrid threw a stone away and stood tall, her axe held at the ready. "I want to know what's going on, and I'm not leaving until you tell me."

Starfire interjected, her tone a little more light-hearted than the tension in the air called for. "She promised me a dish called Mead Pie!" Starfire said with a big, innocent smile, her voice cheerful and full of enthusiasm.

Astrid turned to Starfire with a frown but quickly ignored her. She focused back on Hiccup, approaching him with an intensity that almost made the air feel thick. "No one just gets as good as you. Especially you. Start talking! Are you training with someone? Because I know it isn't with Starfire."

Hiccup backed up slightly, his hand running through his messy hair. "Training?" he squeaked, trying to dodge the question. His eyes flicked down to his overalls, and he winced. "Uh, I know this looks bad, but you see..."

Hiccup's words trailed off as he struggled to come up with a convincing excuse. As he spoke, he lost his balance, tripping over a rock and nearly falling to the ground. Astrid didn't show any mercy as she yanked him back to his feet, her frustration growing.

Starfire couldn't help but chuckle, her laugh coming out as a soft giggle. She sat back and watched, finding the whole situation a bit amusing. Hiccup's awkwardness was clear to her, but she admired the way Astrid was handling him.

"You're right. You're right. You're right," Hiccup finally exclaimed, his voice cracking under the pressure.

Starfire glanced around and muttered, "Maybe we should go back?"

Astrid, however, was in no mood to back down. Her eyes scanned the area as if she were searching for something. "No. I heard something," she said quietly.

Before Hiccup could respond, he sighed heavily. "I'm through with the lies. I've been making outfits. So you got me. It's time everyone knew. Drag me back, go ahead. Here we go." He slumped his shoulders, defeated.

Starfire rolled her eyes and murmured under her breath, "You are not good at the lying…"

Astrid bent down, seizing Hiccup's hands and twisting them behind him. A small crack echoed, and Hiccup groaned in pain as he was forced to his knees. "Why would you do that?!" he gasped.

Astrid didn't answer right away. She kicked him to the ground, her anger boiling over. "That's for the lies," she said, her voice low and cold. She then dropped her axe onto him, catching it just before it could fall. "And that's for everything else," she added, her voice laced with frustration.

Before Hiccup could reply, the sound of a dragon's roar reached their ears. Starfire's expression shifted, a sigh escaping her lips. "Oh boy," she murmured, a sense of impending danger creeping up her spine.

The roar grew louder, and soon, Toothless appeared in the clearing. Astrid, seeing the dragon, immediately reached for her axe, but Starfire quickly intervened, pushing her friend behind her to shield her from the approaching beast. "Get down!" she shouted to both Hiccup and Astrid.

"Maybe it's a friendly dragon?" Starfire said, trying to inject some optimism into the situation, though she knew it probably wasn't true. She glanced back at Toothless, who was eyeing the humans warily.

"Or maybe not," Starfire added, seeing the dragon's tense posture as it lunged toward Astrid. She quickly moved in front of her friend, placing herself between the dragon and Astrid. "Stay behind me," Starfire ordered, her voice firm.

Hiccup, realizing what was happening, quickly tackled Starfire to the ground to protect her, knocking the axe from Astrid's hands in the process. Toothless halted his advance, still watching the humans suspiciously.

"You just scared him!" Hiccup said, turning toward Astrid, who was staring at him in disbelief.

"I scared him?!" Astrid demanded, clearly irritated. "Who is him?" she spat, pointing at the dragon.

Hiccup gulped nervously but introduced them. "Astrid, Toothless. Toothless, Astrid."

Starfire and Astrid exchanged a look—one filled with confusion, disbelief, and curiosity. Toothless, for his part, seemed almost indifferent to the humans now, his gaze turning away as if he had better things to do.

Without warning, Astrid bolted, running off as fast as she could, leaving Starfire, Hiccup, and Toothless behind.

"I cannot believe that she left me," Starfire mumbled, her face blank with disbelief.

"Da-da-da. We're dead," Hiccup said, staring after Astrid, who had disappeared into the distance.

Toothless snorted in frustration, shaking his head. He'd clearly had enough of humans and their strange behavior.

"Whoa, whoa, where do you think you're going?" Hiccup asked, approaching Toothless cautiously as the dragon began to wander away.

Starfire crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow at Hiccup's words. "I told you that you should have mentioned the dragon to the others," she said, her tone light but firm.

Hiccup sighed, clearly exhausted. "Not now, Star." He waved off her words with a dismissive hand, focusing on the dragon who was now stepping away.

Astrid bolted through the forest, her breath ragged as her mind raced. A dragon! A dragon that Hiccup has been hiding, and he dragged poor Starfire into it too! What is he thinking? Her heart pounded with fury and panic as she leapt over fallen logs and dodged low-hanging branches. She couldn't shake the thought: I have to tell the village. I have to tell Stoick. Oh, the Chief… this will destroy him. His own son, a traitor!

Her foot pushed off a rock as she prepared to clear another obstacle when suddenly she felt herself yanked violently into the air. The ground disappeared beneath her feet.

"Oh great Odin's ghost! This is it! I'm going to die!" Astrid screamed, flailing as she ascended higher and higher.

From somewhere behind her, a calm, familiar voice answered. "You are not going to die, dear Astrid," Starfire said softly, trying to sound reassuring despite the chaotic situation.

Astrid's head whipped around, but before she could see anything, she was dropped unceremoniously onto a thick tree branch perched atop the tallest tree in the forest. She clung to it instinctively, her knuckles turning white.

"Toothless!" Starfire's voice rang out, equal parts shock and scolding. "You did not need to throw her in such a manner!"

Toothless huffed, a low rumble escaping him as he gave the dragon equivalent of a shrug and a small shake of his head, as if to say, What else was I supposed to do?

The dragon then bent the very top of the tree forward, making Astrid gasp as the branch swayed precariously. Her stomach dropped as she realized just how far off the ground she was.

"Hiccup, get me down from here!" she demanded, her voice trembling with fear and fury.

Hiccup, still seated on Toothless's back, shook his head firmly. "Not until you give me a chance to explain."

Astrid glared at him, then turned her attention to Starfire. "You're my friend! You get me down from here!"

Starfire's eyes softened, but she shook her head as well. "Astrid, you are my friend, and as your friend, I must also say… no."

Astrid's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! What kind of friend are you?"

"The kind who knows you would not listen if we simply told you," Starfire replied earnestly. "Please, let us show you instead. It is the truth, I promise."

Astrid's glare returned, now fixed on Hiccup. "I'm not listening to anything you have to say!" she snapped.

"Then I won't speak," Hiccup said, his voice unusually calm. "Just let me show you. Let us show you. Please, Astrid."

Astrid looked down, then back at Hiccup and Starfire. She wanted to resist, to keep holding onto her anger, but something about Starfire's expression made her pause. The alien girl's big, earnest eyes radiated sincerity, her voice carrying a gentleness that softened Astrid's defenses.

"I will not let anything happen to my friend, Astrid," Starfire said, her voice quiet but firm. "Please, trust us."

Astrid hesitated for a moment longer, then let out a resigned sigh. Starfire beamed at her friend's agreement, and Hiccup let out a relieved breath. Astrid carefully climbed back up the tree, keeping her eyes on the branch until she reached Toothless. The dragon growled low in his throat, his yellow eyes narrowing slightly as she hesitated.

"It's okay, bud," Hiccup murmured, patting Toothless's side reassuringly. "She's with us."

With a deep breath, Astrid swung her leg over and climbed onto Toothless's back, wedging herself between Hiccup and Starfire. The position was awkward, but manageable.

As she adjusted herself, Starfire suddenly asked, "Should I just fly next to you guys, or—"

"No!" Hiccup and Astrid shouted simultaneously.

Hiccup winced, realizing how harsh they sounded. "Uh, I mean… no, it's better if you stay here. Safer. For everyone," he added quickly, casting a nervous glance at Astrid.

Astrid crossed her arms, muttering, "Safer for you, maybe. You're lucky I don't throw you off right now."

Starfire tilted her head, looking at both of them curiously. "It seems there is much tension here! Perhaps this is what you humans call 'bonding.'"

Both Astrid and Hiccup groaned simultaneously. "Not the time, Star!"

Astrid's voice was sharp and demanding as she clung tightly to Toothless's saddle. "Now get me down!"

Hiccup, trying his best to calm her, looked at Toothless. "Alright, bud. Down. Gently this time."

Toothless opened his wings, adjusting his stance as if preparing for a calm descent. "See? Nothing to be afraid of," Hiccup said reassuringly, glancing over his shoulder at Astrid.

But Toothless had other plans. With a mischievous flick of his tail, he launched off the branch like a bolt of lightning, diving and weaving through the air at breakneck speed.

Astrid screamed in terror, clinging to the saddle with one hand while her other latched onto Starfire's arm in a death grip. Starfire winced slightly but remained calm, her cheer undeterred. "Oh, how delightful! Such excitement! This is the thrill of life, is it not?" she exclaimed joyfully.

"Toothless!" Hiccup yelled, gripping the reins tightly. "What is wrong with you?! Bad dragon! Bad!"

Toothless responded by shooting upward, climbing higher into the sky. Astrid let out another scream and released Starfire's arm to grab Hiccup's face instead.

"Okay! Okay!" Hiccup groaned, his words muffled by Astrid's hand. "He's not usually like this. Oh… oh no." His eyes widened as Toothless leaned to the side, angling downward toward the water below.

Astrid's screams reached a new pitch. "Oh gods, oh gods, oh gods, I'm going to die! I knew it!"

Toothless skimmed the water's surface with expert precision, sending up sprays of cool mist as his wings tilted just enough to create the illusion of chaos.

"Toothless!" Hiccup shouted, his frustration growing. "We need her to like us, not throw her off into the ocean!"

But Toothless ignored him entirely, picking up speed and then starting a series of tight, dizzying spins across the water. The motion was fluid, deliberate, but absolutely terrifying for Astrid.

"And now the spinning," Hiccup deadpanned, his face pulled into a grimace as he tried to keep hold of the reins. "Thanks for nothing, you stupid reptile."

"This is the most glorious of experiences!" Starfire shouted gleefully, her hair streaming behind her in the wind. "I can feel the joy of flight coursing through my very soul! You must agree, Astrid!"

Astrid, however, was far from agreeing. "I am so sorry!" she finally screamed, her voice breaking with desperation. "I'm sorry, okay? Just get me off this thing! I can't—" Her words faltered as she shut her eyes tightly, her knuckles white from gripping the saddle.

Toothless's ears twitched at her tone, and he slowed his frantic pace. With a calm grace, he shifted into a smoother glide, lifting them away from the water and soaring higher. The setting sun stretched out before them, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold.

Hiccup let out a long breath of relief. "Finally," he muttered.

Starfire leaned forward, her voice soft and filled with awe. "Look, Astrid. The colors of the evening—they are most breathtaking, are they not?"

Astrid hesitated, her grip on the saddle still tight. Slowly, she opened her eyes. The fiery sky stretched endlessly before them, the ocean reflecting the sunset like a vast, shimmering mirror. The moment was surreal, quiet, and utterly beautiful.

Toothless ascended higher, breaking through the clouds. "Take your hand out and touch it!" Starfire exclaimed excitedly.

Astrid hesitated, casting a wary glance at the ever-enthusiastic alien girl, but curiosity won. She extended her hand into the cloud, gasping softly as her fingers brushed against the cool, misty texture. "It's... soft," she muttered, her awe momentarily overshadowing her fear.

Toothless gave a pleased rumble and suddenly spun through the clouds, bursting into a darker expanse of sky where the northern lights shimmered in vibrant greens and blues. Astrid's breath caught as she took in the ethereal glow of the auroras against the dark canvas of the heavens. Below them, the tiny lights of Berk twinkled like stars reflected in the ocean.

Toothless rumbled contentedly, his eyes glowing faintly as he watched Astrid's expression. Hiccup glanced back at her, relieved to see the beginnings of a smile.

"Is this what you see every day?" Astrid asked Starfire, her voice quiet, reverent.

Starfire beamed, clasping her hands together. "Oh yes! When I am soaring through the skies, I feel the joy of true freedom. I see the clouds embracing the earth, the stars singing their silent songs, and the glorious dance of sun and moon as they trade places. It is most wondrous!"

Astrid's gaze returned to the northern lights. "It's amazing," she whispered. Her eyes shifted to Toothless, a newfound admiration softening her expression. "He's amazing." Slowly, she reached out and patted Toothless's head. The dragon leaned into the touch, his eyes narrowing in contentment.

"So what now?" Astrid finally asked, breaking the silence. "Hiccup, your final exam is tomorrow. You know you'll have to... kill a dragon." She whispered the last part as if saying it too loudly would make it worse.

Hiccup groaned, slumping in his seat. "Don't remind me."

Before anyone could say more, Toothless stiffened, his ears perking up. He let out a low growl. Starfire tilted her head. "Toothless? What troubles you, dear friend?"

Without warning, Toothless dashed toward a distant noise. Hiccup grabbed the saddle tightly. "Whoa, bud! What's wrong?"

Toothless slowed as they approached a group of dragons in the distance. One of them carried a large net of fish. Starfire, sensing the tension, placed a gentle hand on Astrid's back and pushed her low against the dragon's neck, whispering, "Remain silent."

Astrid, for once, didn't argue, lowering herself instinctively. Hiccup followed suit, flattening himself against Toothless. They watched in silence as a flock of dragons flew overhead, carrying sheep, fish, and other goods.

"Where are they going?" Astrid murmured.

Toothless followed the group cautiously, weaving through the rocks and trees until they came to a massive clearing. At the center was a jagged cliff with a gaping hole that seemed to lead into the earth. Dragons of all kinds flew in and out, each depositing their cargo into the abyss.

"What my dad would give to see this," Hiccup muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with dread.

Toothless landed behind a large boulder, crouching low. "It's... satisfying to know that all of our food has been dumped down a hole," Hiccup added, his sarcasm unable to mask his unease.

"They're not eating any of it," Astrid observed, her brow furrowing. "It's like they're—"

"Offering it," Starfire interjected, her voice laced with curiosity. "In some cultures, sacrifices are made to appease the gods or powerful beings. Perhaps this is similar? A tribute from the dragons."

Astrid gave her a skeptical look. "Sacrifices? To what? Dragons don't have gods."

"Perhaps not gods," Starfire said thoughtfully, her emerald eyes fixed on the gaping hole. "But something mighty and fearsome. A leader, perhaps?"

Hiccup stared at the abyss, his mind racing. "Yeah, but what kind of leader makes dragons—dragons—afraid?"

Toothless let out a low growl, his pupils narrowing to slits as the sound of a deafening roar echoed from deep within the hole. The trio stiffened, their bodies tense, the hair on the back of their necks standing on end.

They watched silently as a Gronckle approached the edge of the pit, dropping a fish into the darkness below. The dragon paused, hesitating, and then reluctantly regurgitated another fish, dropping it into the same void. Just as the Gronckle turned to fly away, the ground seemed to shift. A massive dragon's neck shot upward, its maw snapping shut around the Gronckle, swallowing it whole.

Astrid gasped, her voice barely above a whisper. "What is that?"

The massive dragon loomed ominously for a moment before retreating back into the hole. The remaining dragons scattered, flying off in panic, their fear palpable. Toothless crouched low, muscles coiled.

Hiccup leaned forward, his voice urgent. "All right, bud, we've got to get out of here... now."

The larger dragon paused, sniffing the air, its nostrils flaring as it picked up an unfamiliar scent. Hiccup's heart sank as its massive head began to turn. "Go, Toothless, go!"

Without hesitation, Toothless launched into the air, weaving through the other fleeing dragons as the monstrous beast let out another ground-shaking roar. They raced toward the horizon, the oppressive heat of the dragon's nest fading behind them as they soared into the cool night air.

As Berk's familiar silhouette came into view, the tension in the air began to ease. Astrid broke the silence first. "It totally makes sense now," she said, her tone thoughtful. "It's like a giant beehive. They're the workers, and that... thing is their queen. It controls them."

Starfire, sitting upright with her hands on her hips, tilted her head. "But that is a most unkind queen. A tyrant! She eats her subjects! That is not the way of good leadership."

"Exactly," Astrid agreed, glancing at Hiccup. "We need to tell your dad."

At her words, Hiccup's face paled, and he immediately slid off Toothless as they landed. "No! No. No, not yet!" he said quickly, stepping in front of her and grabbing her arm. "If we tell them now, they'll kill Toothless. They'll kill all the dragons. We have to think this through carefully."

Astrid's eyes narrowed, her voice rising. "Hiccup, we just found the dragons' nest—the thing our tribe has been fighting for generations—and you want to keep it a secret? All to protect your pet dragon? Are you serious?"

"Yes!" Hiccup snapped, his voice firm. "Because he's not just a pet! He's my friend. And I'm not going to let anyone hurt him. Not my dad, not anyone!"

Starfire, sensing the escalating tension, raised her hands. "Enough!" Her voice was commanding but gentle. "You are both dear to me, but the shouting will accomplish nothing. Please, let us speak with the calmness."

Both Hiccup and Astrid fell silent, though the tension lingered in the air. After a few moments, Astrid sighed and folded her arms. "Okay," she said reluctantly. "Then what do we do?"

Hiccup glanced at her, his voice softening. "Just... give me until tomorrow. I'll figure something out. I promise."

Astrid stared at him for a moment before her expression softened. "Fine." Without warning, she punched him hard on the shoulder. "That's for kidnapping me."

Hiccup winced, rubbing his arm. Before he could say anything, Astrid grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled him close, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "And that's for... everything else." She turned on her heel and began walking toward the village, her steps confident and brisk.

Starfire beamed at the interaction, her hands clasped together. "Oh, how delightful! I had the most wonderful time with you, Hiccup. We shall see you tomorrow, yes?"

Before Hiccup could respond, Astrid called over her shoulder, "Hurry up, Star!"

Starfire gave Hiccup one last cheerful wave before skipping after the blonde. As she caught up to Astrid, she said with a bright smile, "Thank you for not leaving me behind this time, Astrid! I very much appreciate it." Her voice faded as she and Astrid disappeared into the village, their voices melding into quiet chatter.

Hiccup stood there, watching the two girls vanish, a dazed smile spreading across his face from the kiss and the whirlwind of emotions, watched them go. His expression softened into a grin, but it quickly faded when Toothless crept into his line of sight, fixing him with an unimpressed look.

"What are you looking at?" Hiccup muttered, scowling at the dragon, who snorted in reply.

《 ️ 》

The next day arrived, and Starfire tried her best to keep her worries at bay. Yet, no matter how she tried, the dread gnawed at her. Hiccup was going to face a dragon in front of a crowd of bloodthirsty giants, their roaring cheers echoing throughout the arena. Starfire's heart ached as she stood among them, surrounded by a frenzy that made her uneasy. These were not cheers of bravery but of cruelty—calls for violence that she could not reconcile with her gentle spirit.

Her vibrant green eyes darted toward Hiccup, standing alone in the ring. His small frame looked impossibly fragile compared to the monstrous dragon emerging from the gate. The beast growled menacingly, its massive form casting a shadow over him.

Hiccup raised a trembling hand toward the dragon. He extended his hand, daring to touch its snout. For a fleeting moment, it seemed like the dragon might relent—but then it roared, flames erupting from its maw.

Starfire gasped, her heart lurching in terror. "Hiccup!" she cried. Without hesitation, she burst free from the chains holding her back, her Tamaranean strength shattering them effortlessly. She flew toward him, her hands glowing faintly with her starbolts. "Do not harm him, beast!"

Just as she reached Hiccup, the dragon's tail lashed out, striking her mid-flight. Starfire's body collided with the stone wall with a sickening thud, and she crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"Starfire!" Astrid's voice rang out in panic. Hiccup, his own fear surging, moved to shield both himself and Starfire with his shield as the dragon turned its fire toward them. The flames licked the edges of the shield, and Hiccup screamed in terror.

From his seat, Stoick leapt to his feet. "Open the gate!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos. The arena gates swung wide as Astrid raced to her fallen friend, snatching up a hammer along the way. With a determined yell, she hurled the weapon at the dragon, hitting it squarely in the side.

The dragon's attention snapped to Astrid. Its fiery eyes locked onto her, and it lunged. She barely dodged, stumbling as she scrambled to get away. "Astrid, run!" Hiccup shouted, desperately trying to draw the dragon's focus back to him.

Astrid didn't waste the chance. She darted toward Starfire and dragged her limp form away from the fray, her muscles straining under the effort. Bruises blossomed on Starfire's skin, but her chest rose and fell steadily—she was alive.

Stoick met Astrid halfway and scooped Starfire into his arms. He frowned at the angry bump forming on her forehead. "She's hurt," he muttered. "Gobber, take her."

"Ah, you're a strong lass, you'll be fine," Gobber said gruffly as he carried Starfire away from the chaos.

Hiccup barely had time to breathe before a deafening roar filled the arena. Everyone froze, their eyes darting upward. A dark silhouette appeared through the mist, and a plasma blast tore through the metal fence. Toothless descended into the ring with ferocious speed, his eyes blazing as he launched himself between Hiccup and the Monstrous Nightmare.

"Night Fury!" Gobber yelled. The crowd erupted in gasps and shouts of alarm as Toothless unleashed another plasma blast, driving the Monstrous Nightmare into retreat. The larger dragon snarled in defeat before slinking back through the gate.

Hiccup turned to Toothless, his relief quickly replaced by urgency. "Toothless, go! Get out of here!" he pleaded. The Night Fury growled, refusing to move.

The Vikings surged forward, weapons raised.

"Toothless, no!" Hiccup yelled as Toothless lunged at Stoick, knocking the chief to the ground. The dragon's claws pinned him, and his mouth opened, plasma charging.

"No! Stop!" Hiccup cried. Toothless hesitated, his green eyes flicking to Hiccup. The boy's voice cracked with desperation. "Stop!"

Toothless closed his mouth, a sorrowful whimper escaping him. His posture softened, and he stepped back. But the moment of peace was shattered as the Vikings pounced, tackling Toothless and forcing him into submission.

"Stop it! You're hurting him!" Hiccup shouted, but his cries fell on deaf ears. He watched helplessly as they dragged Toothless toward a cage, the dragon's eyes wide with betrayal.

《 ️ 》

When Starfire finally opened her eyes, she noticed she was lying on a bed. It wasn't the usual spot she was used to. The walls of the room were made of wooden beams, with a few weapons hanging nearby.

"You're up. Good," came a voice from across the room. Starfire turned her head to see Astrid sitting on a nearby bench, wiping her axe.

"My head hurts," Starfire mumbled, gingerly pressing her fingers to her forehead, wincing at the dull ache.

"Well, you did take a strong hit from a dragon," Astrid replied, not looking up. Her tone was practical, but there was a hint of concern in her voice.

Starfire sat up slowly, scanning the unfamiliar room. "Is this your room?"

Astrid nodded without missing a beat. "Yeah, told Gothi I'd look after you."

Starfire's brow furrowed. "Gothi?"

Astrid sighed heavily, clearly frustrated. "You've been here for weeks, and you don't know who Gothi is? Never mind. We'll fix that later. Let's get you a shower and see what pit Hiccup's gotten himself into this time."

Starfire blinked in confusion. "Wait... you guys have a shower?"

Astrid paused mid-motion, staring at her. "Star, you do know we shower—wait, you haven't taken a bath since you've been here?" She looked at Starfire like she had just sprouted wings.

Starfire tilted her head. "I was using the pond in the forest. Mr. Stoick and Hiccup never showed me where the showers were. I thought you vikings just don't know what a bath is."

Astrid gagged in disgust and shook her head. "Oh my gods, Starfire, you—" She paused, trying to regain some composure. "I can't believe you thought that! We absolutely bathe!" She rubbed her temples in disbelief. "And how could Hiccup not show you where the bucket showers are?"

Starfire frowned, still not quite understanding what the big deal was. "Oh, well... I was also using the fire to dry my clothes after washing them in the water."

Astrid froze, staring at her wide-eyed. "Oh god."

Starfire blinked. "Did I say something wrong?"

Astrid took a deep breath. "Okay, that's it. We're going to get you cleaned up properly." She exhaled slowly, wiping a hand over her face. "You're getting a real shower, some fresh clothes, and then we'll go find Hiccup."

Starfire grinned brightly, her enthusiasm unfazed by the minor disaster of her previous attempts at cleanliness. "Okay!" she exclaimed cheerfully, hopping to her feet and following Astrid out of the room.

《 ️ 》

Astrid paced back and forth outside the wooden door of her house, occasionally glancing at the faint light spilling from under the door. Starfire had been in there for what felt like ages, and Astrid was curious to see how the outfit she had picked out would suit the vibrant, alien princess.

"Starfire, are you done yet?" Astrid called, crossing her arms but trying not to sound impatient.

"Yes! I am most finished!" came Starfire's bright, musical voice from inside. The door creaked open a moment later, and Starfire stepped out with a flourish, her orange hair shimmering in the firelight as if it were a sunset come to life.

Astrid's jaw nearly dropped. The outfit she had chosen—a mix of Viking practicality and elegance—looked incredible on Starfire. Starfire's outfit was a stunning blend of rugged Viking craftsmanship and ethereal elegance, perfectly tailored to her vibrant presence. The sleeveless bodice was made of dark, supple leather, intricately tooling with swirling Norse designs that mimicked the spiraling movements of dragons in flight. The leather was accented with silver-threaded embroidery that shimmered faintly, catching the light with every movement.

Beneath the bodice, a layered underskirt of shimmering violet scales peeked out, reminiscent of dragonhide. The fabric shifted hues in the firelight, from deep amethyst to lighter lavender, as though alive with magic. This was paired with form-fitting leather leggings that were reinforced with subtle stitching, blending functionality with style. Matching bracers on her forearms mirrored the boots, their carvings intricate and purposeful.

Her boots were equally impressive: tal, knee high, fur-lined creations that laced up the front and hugged her legs snugly. The fur trim at the tops of the boots was thick and warm, a soft beige that contrasted beautifully with the dark leather and violet accents. The backs of the boots featured a decorative panel of scale-like patterns matching her underskirt, further tying the ensemble together.

To complete the look, her fiery orange hair was styled in a loose, sweeping braid that fell over one shoulder, its natural glow enhanced by delicate silver ornaments woven into the braid was adorned with small golden rings that glinted subtly. The overall effect was breathtaking—a blend of warrior strength and regal grace, as if she were a princess of both Tamaran and Berk.

Astrid blinked, taking a step back. "Whoa…" she breathed, unable to hide her awe. "You look… really good."

Starfire's eyes sparkled as she beamed at Astrid. "Oh! Your words of kindness bring me the most joy! These garments are truly delightful—so snug yet allowing for freedom of movement."

Astrid couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I guess that's the goal. You pull it off better than I thought anyone could." She paused, smirking. "You're going to make the boys look twice!"

Starfire tilted her head curiously. "Why? Are they not already in possession of his two eyes? Why would they require a second look?"

Astrid rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "It's an expression. It means he's going to be surprised—and impressed."

Starfire nodded, her expression still tinged with confusion. She followed Astrid as they searched for Hiccup. When they finally found him, he was standing on the edge of the wooden platform, gazing out at the sea with a melancholy expression.

"Hiccup!" Astrid called out.

Hiccup looked up, his gaze falling on them—and then froze. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in Starfire's new appearance.

"Whoa…" he said, his voice reflecting his astonishment. "You look… amazing."

Starfire beamed, her smile as radiant as ever. "Your compliment is most appreciated," she said, her voice full of warmth.

Hiccup blinked, still in a bit of shock, and turned to Astrid. "Where did you even get something like that?"

Astrid shrugged casually, her lips curling into a smirk. "Eh, just something I had lying around. Thought it might suit her."

Starfire's eyes brightened with curiosity as she took in the compliment. "This is what you call 'Viking fashion?' It feels… very practical."

Hiccup nodded, still processing the sight of her. "Yeah, it's definitely practical, but... I didn't expect it to look so good on you."

Starfire twirled lightly, showing off her new attire. "Thank you! It is very comfortable." Her voice radiated genuine joy, and she seemed to glow with the excitement of her transformation.

Hiccup smiled, albeit a bit awkwardly. "I… I don't know what to say. You just... wow."

Starfire's grin only widened, her enthusiasm unshaken. "You are most kind, Hiccup."

The trio stood silently, the vast expanse of the sea before them. The wind gently swept through their hair, but the atmosphere was heavy, filled with unspoken thoughts. Starfire watched both Astrid and Hiccup closely, noticing how their expressions seemed to darken as they stared out at the water.

Astrid was the first to break the silence, her voice low and laced with sympathy. "It's a mess. You must feel horrible. You've lost everything."

Starfire frowned, her eyes flickering between Astrid and Hiccup, unsure of how to respond. "Astrid, please—" she began, but Astrid continued, undeterred.

"Your father, your tribe, your best friend…" she said, her voice tinged with frustration, as though the words had been eating away at her for a while.

Hiccup let out a bitter laugh. "Thank you for summing that up," he muttered, rubbing his face with his hands. "Why couldn't I have just killed that dragon when I found him in the woods? Would've been better for everyone."

Starfire's eyes softened at his words, her heart aching for him. Astrid, however, crossed her arms, unfazed. "Yep. The rest of us would've done it. So why didn't you?" she asked, her voice sharp. "Why didn't you?"

Hiccup clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling over. "I don't know," he muttered, his voice cracking slightly. "I just… I couldn't. I thought I had to be like everyone else, but I couldn't do it."

Starfire stepped closer, her voice gentle yet firm. "You know why," she said, her tone calm, as if she understood the depth of his inner conflict.

Hiccup's head snapped up, his eyes widening in confusion. "No, I don't! Why is this important all of a sudden?!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms out in exasperation.

Astrid, seeing the raw emotion on Hiccup's face, turned to face him fully, her expression softening. She made sure he could see the sincerity in her eyes. "Because I want to remember what you say right now," she said, her voice quiet but filled with resolve.

Hiccup sighed heavily, looking away from them. "Oh, for the love of… I was a coward! Okay! I was weak. I wouldn't kill a dragon." He laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "I wouldn't. I just couldn't."

"You said 'wouldn't' that time," Astrid responded, raising an eyebrow. Her voice was quieter now, as though she was trying to understand what he was truly feeling.

Hiccup let out a frustrated groan, running a hand through his hair. "Oh, okay, fine! Whatever! I wouldn't! Three hundred years of Vikings, and I'm the first one who wouldn't kill a dragon!" He turned away, clearly overwhelmed by the weight of his own feelings.

Starfire, who had been quietly watching him, placed a hand gently on his shoulder. Her voice was full of warmth and understanding. "That is what makes you special," she said softly, her eyes kind as she looked at him. Astrid decides to add her own input "Also, the first to ride one, though. So?"

Hiccup's gaze turned back to the ground, his voice quiet but filled with uncertainty. "I couldn't kill him because… because he looked just as frightened as I was. I looked at him, and I saw myself."

Starfire's smile softened, her eyes glowing with understanding. Astrid, ever the realist, looked at Hiccup with a raised brow. "I bet he's really frightened now," she said, her voice turning serious. "What are you going to do about it?"

"Probably something stupid" Hiccup mumbles. Starfire smiled, catching on to the subtle hint. "Ah, yes. Something stupider," she said knowingly.

"Good. But you've already done that." Astrid grinned.

Hiccup chuckled nervously. "That's not a word, Star, but yeah, probably something crazy," he said, before turning and sprinting off. Both Starfire and Astrid watched him go.

Both Starfire and Astrid watched him go.

"That's more like it," Astrid said, a proud grin on her face as she watched him run.

Starfire smiled, her eyes twinkling with a spark of excitement. "Indeed, he is very brave. But he will need our help." She turned to Astrid, her face beaming. "He will surely need us, yes?"

Astrid smirked, shaking her head. "Of course, but that's what makes it fun, right?" She began running after Hiccup, calling over her shoulder, "Come on!"

Starfire laughed, her pace quickening as she followed Astrid.