Thanks again for all the kind reviews, it's very much appreciated and helps to motivate me to write.

Sorry again for the long wait in between chapters, I've got exams coming up later in the summer so revision has to take priority till there finished. I imagine that the next chapter won't be posted for a couple of months, but I do plan on finishing this story, it just might take some time cos' of well you know, life.

HICCUP POV

After a delicious dinner served by Mrs. Hofferson, myself and Mr. Hofferson went downstairs into his basement/office. Having been in here before, I was already familiar with my surroundings of the room and took a seat in-front of his varnished oak desk, with a state of the art computer and a leather note book.

After making myself comfortable, Mr Hofferson began to explain what this new rule change could possibly mean.

"So as you are aware the new rule states that 'Those under 21 will no longer be able to race due to safety reasons'. I figure that we have two options to combat this." Said Mr. Hofferson

"Go on, let's hear them" I encouraged

"Firstly, all dragon racers could reject and strike against the new law and not race…"

"Or?"

"We use your injuries against your father and force him into rescinding the law."

Both options carried risks and both could end up in myself revealing who I am, and I'm not sure I'm ready for that, not yet.

I began to voice my concern, "The problem with the first option is that the other racers know I'm under 21 and could not agree just to increase their chances of winning and in the other option, I'd have to reveal myself to him and I don't think I could do it. I mean, he still despises me for Mum's death all those years ago and he hates dragon racing with a passion because of it."

"Well we've got before the next race, next Saturday to decide. This rule won't come in to affect until the race the Saturday after that. So think about it and no matter what decision you make I'm going to stand by you and help you race again." Explained Mr Hofferson in a kind and supportive tone. "Oh, before you go Hiccup I want you to know that when I asked you to keep Astrid safe I hadn't expected you to throw yourself in front of her from a speeding car or rescue her from a dragon."

"Mr. Hofferson, if I hadn't pushed her out of the way of that car, she'd probably be dead and you know that I'm the only person who could have saved Astrid from the dragon."

"Hmm, is there another reason Night Rider?" questioned Mr. Hofferson

Reluctantly, I replied, "Yes there is. I care about her, a lot and she is very er important to me."

Mr. Hofferson did nothing other than smile knowingly with that glint in his eyes.

After our chat I brushed my teeth and went to bed.

Astrid's POV

I was so shocked to see Hiccup in that state and it was something I had never expected to see. His bruised face and ribs looked painful, but not as painful as the story his eyes told. I would never have imagined Hiccup having to go through these things with his father, Mayor Stoick is very good at his job and is never seen to be angry in front of his people, passionate and fights for what he cares about, yes but not angry.

I let my thoughts dwell on the matter at hand, and after some time found myself in a deep thoughtful sleep.

"Astrid watch out!" I heard a very nasal voice say from behind me.

Then from behind me somebody had pushed me. I picked myself up from the floor, with a large gash along my forearm and elbow. My now ripped jumper and a fine trickle of blood running down me. I then looked to my knees and noticed they were also grazed.

I guess it was at the same time that I had turned around to see the person who had dared to push me, only to find a limp lifeless body lying in front of the road with a large black SUV speeding off into the distance.

I awoke with a start and found myself wondering to the fact at why I had awoken and such a strange time. What could it of been?

After drifting back to sleep, I was awoken this time by a voice.

Hiccup's voice.

This was weird, seeing as he would be asleep, surely? Not everyone wakes up at this time of the night, do they? I've never done this before. Just as I began to close my eyes again, Hiccup's voice could be heard louder.

By now, I had figured that it wasn't a figure of my imagination. It must really be Hiccup's voice echoing through the quiet house. So I went and had a look at the problem, leaving my warm bed for my fear of Hiccup's safety and for my own comfort.

As I crept closer to the spare room, I could now hear what he was saying and those words shocked me.

"Astrid watch out!" was being murmured by a sleeping Hiccup. So my dream earlier, might not have been a dream, but in fact reality? Had I really heard Hiccup talking and then was reminded of the events of that dreadful day?

I continued to venture on and by now had opened the door and could see Hiccup there sleeping in a rather uncomfortable looking position, all whilst repeating the same three words. His body was sprawled out across the bed and one leg was hanging off the side of the bed.

"Astrid watch out!" echoed again through his room. By now I had crept round to the bed and wondered what to do next.

If I awoke him, how would he take it? But if I left him to sleep it off I wouldn't be able to get it out of my head. My decision was made; I had to wake him to help myself and him.

I gently nudged his shoulder and called out a soft "Hiccup, it's alright your safe, it's me Astrid."

After a few moments the boy awoke and he looked confused, so I tried my best to reassure him.

"Astrid?" questioned a groggy eyed Hiccup "Is that you?"

"Yeah it's me Hiccup, you had a nightmare but your safe now. I'm here"

"Nightmare about what?" asked to sleepy Hiccup

"The accident, you kept repeating those three words you said to me before you saved my life."

"Ahh, yeah. I've been having that nightmare ever since the accident and it never gets any better. Sometimes though I don't even get to save you, I was too late, too slow, and too useless and you died" explained a sobering Hiccup.

"Hiccup, listen to me. You're not useless and you weren't too late or slow. Anytime, you need to explain or let out your feelings tell someone who cares. It's not good for you to keep it bottled up inside you like that. Do you understand?"

"That's great and all, but who do I tell? Nobody cares Astrid and it's not like you would understand or care either."

"I do care Hiccup, I do. I might not show it all time, but that's who I am. I'm more an actions speak louder than words kinda girl. But why wouldn't I understand?

"Because you're popular, you have two legs, both of your parents adore you and love you lots. Whereas I'm as unpopular as you get, missing a leg and my mother was murdered and my father is still struggling with grief over my mother and instead of helping me, he simply ignores me, because it's easier for him that way."

"Hiccup, I'm always going to be here for you, I owe you that at least. You have saved me twice and that's all within the last month. If you need help or anything just ask me. Because, I'm entirely grateful for it."

"Ok, I believe you"

"You do?" I was surprised it took that little to convince him. if I was him, I'd probably wouldn't trust anybody.

"Yes, I do." Replied Hiccup

"Right, Mr I believe it's time for you to go back to sleep, we've got school tomorrow and we don't want you falling asleep during class do we now?" I asked

"No I guess not. Thank you Astrid, it means a lot to me you know you doing this. I really, really, really appreciate it." He said as I began to leave the room.

"Your welcome and anytime Hiccup. Goodnight and sleep tight Hiccup."

"Goodnight Astrid, see you in the morning." He replied as he gave me his goofy smile that was simply adorable. There was no other way of putting it.

'Beep, Beep, Beep' my alarm clock was blaring out, signalling it was time for me to get up. After getting dressed into a blue skirt and a red tank top, I firstly made my way to Hiccup's room to see if he was awake.

He wasn't even in the room. The sheets had been folded and the bed had been set out again, almost as if he wasn't even there. Where did he go?

But by now I could smell something cooking downstairs, bacon maybe? I went downstairs and found Hiccup turning over some bacon and flipping a pancake. I didn't know he could cook? And it smelt so good.

"Morning, you're up early" I said to him.

"Well I had to take my painkillers and do some physio for my leg. So then I figured you'd want to eat some breakfast and well here we are." Explained Hiccup

"Well thank you, it smells wonderful."

"No problem, go and sit down and l will bring it out to you in a minute."

Sure enough he did. Hiccup brought the food out to me and it tasted just as good as it smelled. We eat in a comfortable silence, until I broke it. "You know, as nice as this was Hiccup you didn't have to do this. It should be me cooking for you."

"I was just trying to say thank you after what you did for me last night and I've heard about your cooking skills. Apparently you once set fire to the pan, which by the way is extremely difficult."

"Who told you that?" I asked glowing with embarrassment.

"Er probably your father before a big…" said Hiccup

"A big what?" I questioned, when he ignored my question I pressed again but got no answer.

"Forget I said anything, but don't worry I will tell you what's going on eventually. When I'm ready and not any sooner. Your Father knows, he got me into it." Explained a cryptic Hiccup

What could my father have to do with all this? He's an agent for dragon racers, could Hiccup be a dragon racer or does he know a dragon racer?