Rise

Chapter 18: The Race

Heey, guuys. *chuckling nervously*. How's it going? Long time no see, huh? I know I said that I'll try updating more frequently but life was hectic. Firstly, HTTYD3 was amazing. I was weeping! I have seen it 4 times and every time cried even harder. After seeing the movie, I couldn't just write anything good.

For two weeks I was leaving my house at 8am and returning home at 10:30pm. I had problems with my eyes and couldn't come near a computer for a week! Then I was working on my scriptwriting project and barely had any time. And when we top all of that with lots of homework and lots of lots of side projects we get a disaster and many many sleepless nights.

Okay, I'll stop with my complaints and present you chapter 18! This is one of my most favorite chapters. I think you'll like it ;)

Chapter 18: The Race

"We have a problem," Stoick declared dropping a stack of papers in front of the two girls. "These articles were published yesterday."

Heather and Astrid picked the papers from the table and began looking. All of them were about the mysterious pilot, who did aerobatics never performed before. There were articles labeled 'New Mysterious Pilots Shows His Amazing Skills During The Qualifying', 'Night Fury Breaks Records', and 'The New Pilot Beats Astrid Hofferson In Qualifying'.

The last one made Astrid's blood boil. She crossed her arms and leaned back on her chair, a deep scowl on her face. This 'Night Fury' was getting on her nerves. He had performed aerobatics that she couldn't even dream of and the next day the press began questioning if she really is the best pilot in Berk.

The only thing that calmed her a bit was that Night Fury was better than Krogan too. However, the press didn't even mention that! The newbie was better than the champion of five years was, and there wasn't even a word about that! The articles were only focused on criticizing her.

"I can talk with some newspapers about removing the articles," Heather suggested. The raven-haired girl had ties and could do that.

"There's no point in that," Stoick said sitting back in his huge leather chair. "The harm is already done."

Heather nodded firmly. Stoick sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is bad. This is terrible. All of these articles aren't just reflecting on Astrid's career, but also on the company. After all, Astrid is our role model."

His cold gaze landed on Astrid. "Since we started this. May I ask you what happened on the Qualifying? How could a newbie beat you? Have the fame affected you and you stopped training?"

Astrid's eyes widened at the statement. How could he say something like that!? She wasn't one of those celebrities who stopped training after getting famous! Instead, she was training even harder, trying to achieve even more heights!

"In case you're wondering, sir," she spat. "I was training day and night. I was even training all of your pilots when you didn't ask for that. I managed to make an adequate pilot of your stupid nephew. And all I get is that I'm not good enough?" She stood up and put her hands on the table, glaring at the man.

The room's occupants' eyes widened. Heather's in shock and Stoick in anger.

"So, you're saying that I'm ungrateful?" Stoick asked also standing up, glaring back.

"Well, maybe, yes," Astrid hissed.

"Astrid!" Heather whisper-yelled in shock. It was the worst idea, she ever had. She had called Stoick Haddock- the CEO of Berk's Manufacturers ungrateful! Stoick was a big man in aeronautics of Archipelago and if he wanted, he could shut Astrid's career right down!