FRIENDSHIPS:

BUILT, REVIVED, AND EVOLVED

(A How To Train Your Dragon Fanfiction)

By: Astrid Camicazi N. Hofferson

Summary: Harper "Hiccup" Haddock is ditched by his best friend, Astrid Hofferson for fame and reputation. Can one event revive their friendship and make it even more? (MODERN AU!)

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

A/N: English isn't my first language so please bear with me. Constructive criticisms are pretty much appreciated.

- HTTYD-

XVII

THE INCIDENT

HARPER

THIS NIGHT, ADMITTEDLY, was the most incredible moment of Hiccup's life so far. The night was filled with joy as he spent time with his friends and his dream girl. They danced and embraced the freedom of the moment. Everything felt perfect. As the night progressed, it was finally time for the announcement of this year's Prom King and Queen. Excitement filled the air as Hiccup and his fellow students gathered together for the coronation. Their principal, Mr. Sven Anderson, stepped onto the stage to reveal the winners.

"Greetings to the Junior and Senior students of Berk High. Tonight, as we celebrate our promenade, my heart flutters seeing you all so happy. Now, it is time to announce this year's Royalties. Are you all excited?" Mr. Anderson asked.

"YES!" The entire function hall resounded with enthusiasm.

"Let us not keep you waiting any longer. This year's King and Queen of the night are none other than-"

Just as he was about to declare the winners, the fire alarm abruptly rang out, triggering panic among the crowd. Flames erupted from the hotel's electrical room, located right next to the function hall where they all stood. To their horror, the sprinklers failed, allowing the fire to rapidly spread. Frantically, everyone rushed towards the nearest exit, desperate to escape the impending danger. Miraculously, they all made it out of the hotel safely. However, Hiccup quickly scanned his surroundings and realized someone was missing—Snotlout. He must still be trapped inside, risking his life. Despite their tumultuous history, Hiccup couldn't bear the thought of leaving him to die. Determinedly, he made up his mind to go back in.

As he prepared to enter the burning hotel, Astrid grabbed hold of his arm, concern etched on her face. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

"I'm going back inside. Please, release my arm," Hiccup calmly replied.

"No! It's too dangerous! What's the reason for going back? Did you lose something? Never mind that. Things can be replaced, but people cannot," Astrid reasoned, trying to dissuade him.

"I'm going back for Snotlout. I can't leave him to die. You said it yourself, things can be replaced, but people cannot. Sorry, Milady, but I have to go," Hiccup explained firmly, gently removing her hand from his arm. Before he embarked on his perilous journey, he planted a heartfelt kiss on her cheek.

"Be safe," Astrid pleaded.

"I will. Don't worry," Hiccup reassured her with a determined smile.

Returning to the burning hotel, Hiccup confronted the raging fire, fighting his way through the smoke to find and rescue Snotlout. The thick, suffocating black smoke made it challenging for Hiccup to locate him. But determination fueled his every step. After what felt like an eternity, Hiccup finally spotted Snotlout lying near some debris, struggling to breathe. Without hesitation, Hiccup helped him to his feet, guiding him towards the nearest exit. As they made their way, Snotlout mustered the strength to utter a few words through his labored coughs.

"Thank you, Hiccup... for saving my life," he weakly expressed his gratitude.

"No time to thank me now. Let's just get out of here," Hiccup replied, focusing on their escape.

Their progress was halted when a shower of burning debris suddenly plummeted from the ceiling, blocking their path to the exit. Instinctively, Hiccup pushed Snotlout away from the danger, ensuring his safety outside the fire's reach. But before Hiccup could make his own escape, a deafening explosion erupted, unleashing chaos and uncertainty upon them both.

oOo

SHAUN

A FIRE HAD ravaged the Vanaheim Hotel, creating a nightmarish scene of chaos and danger. In the midst of the burning hotel, Snotlout found himself trapped, resigned to his imminent demise. However, to his surprise, an unexpected savior emerged through the smoke-filled haze. It was Hiccup, the last person Snotlout had anticipated would risk their life to save him. Hiccup swiftly helped Snotlout to their feet, their urgent escape becoming their shared priority. Despite his struggle to speak due to the dense smoke, Snotlout managed to convey his gratitude to Hiccup, their words lost amidst the roaring flames.

For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though their desperate plan would succeed. Almost within reach of the exit, their path was abruptly obstructed by falling debris, separating them and sealing Hiccup's fate inside the fiery inferno. Snotlout's heart sank, knowing that in his weakened condition, he couldn't offer any assistance. Helplessness washed over him, but he understood that he needed to call for aid. With all the strength he could muster, Snotlout shouted desperately, his voice strained by the overwhelming circumstances.

"PLEASE, ANYONE, HELP HICCUP! HE IS TRAPPED INSIDE!"

oOo

ASTRID

YET, BEFORE ANYONE could respond, a sudden explosion mercilessly shattered their hopes and plunged them into further chaos and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Astrid paced anxiously, consumed by worry as Hiccup ventured back into the burning hotel to rescue Snotlout against her pleas. Time dragged on, and neither Hiccup nor Snotlout emerged from the hazardous depths. Suddenly, Snotlout's voice carried to her ears, filled with desperation and a plea for help.

"PLEASE, ANYONE, HELP HICCUP! HE IS TRAPPED INSIDE!"

In an instant, fear gripped Astrid's heart. She rushed towards the source of the plea, her thoughts racing, hoping to find a way to assist Hiccup. But before she could reach him, a deafening explosion shook the surroundings, leaving Astrid devastated and falling to her knees. The loss of Hiccup, her beloved boyfriend, struck her with a profound sadness. She wept, tormented by the cruel twist of fate that had taken him away. Hiccup's selflessness and inherent goodness made his untimely departure even more tragic.

Moments later, the sound of sirens pierced the night as firefighters and rescue teams arrived. The twins had called for their assistance an hour earlier, but due to the distance and traffic, they had only just arrived. Working tirelessly, they managed to bring the raging fire under control and successfully locate Hiccup. Though alive, his condition was dire, his appearance a testament to the harrowing ordeal he had endured. Placed on a stretcher, the medical team rushed him into the ambulance, with Astrid as his designated companion during the journey. The rest of their friends decided to follow closely behind.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Hiccup was promptly whisked away to the Emergency Room, leaving his loved ones consumed with worry for his well-being. Even Snotlout, wracked with guilt at his own inability to aid Hiccup, insisted on joining them. Moments later, Stoick Haddock and Gobber, Hiccup's father and godfather/boss, arrived, their faces etched with panic and fear. They immediately sought out Astrid for answers, desperate to know the fate of their beloved Hiccup.

"Where is Harper? What happened to him?" they queried; their distress palpable.

-HTTYD-

Originally Published: March 5, 2019
Wattpad Publishing Date: April 22, 2019
Updated: February 20, 2024