Race to The Edge 4
Defender of the Wing pt. 2
Mala glared daggers at Hiccup as she pressed the sharp tip of her sword to Hiccup's throat. Hiccup could feel sweat on the back of his neck, though he couldn't tell if it was fear or the heat of the volcano. The dragons growled and took a fighting stance.
"I warned you Hiccup," Mala hissed, backing Hiccup towards the other riders. All at once the riders, dragons and defenders took aim at each other. Hiccup stood in the middle of it all. But then just as they were about to fight, there came a loud roar from above. Everyone looked up to see two dragons, one green and one black flying towards them, both wearing armor. Hiccup almost fainted from relief. Re and Tenor landed beside him.
"Boy am I glad to see you Re," he said. Re turned and glared at him.
"I got a few things to say to you later," he growled. "Concerning my gold." He then turned to Mala. The defender queen looked him up and down.
"I am Mala, Queen Defender of the Wing," she said. "Who my I say are you?"
"I am Re, and this is Tenor," Re answered. "We speak for the dragons." Mala instantly lowered her sword.
"These riders are our allies," Tenor said. "Killing them will only be doing Viggo a favor."
"You are here to vouch for them?" Mala asked.
"Yes," Re and Tenor said in unison. The Defenders backed down.
"Now from what I see," Re said. "You're in a bit of a pickle. This volcano is getting full."
"Viggo's dragon hunters stole our Eruptadon," Mala explained.
"Lava Eater," Re said.
"Viggo used us as a distraction so he could steal their dragon," Hiccup said. "He tricked us all."
"How long ago?" Re asked.
"Not long," Hiccup said. "We arrived about an hour ago, he would have taken it between then and now." He turned to Mala again. "We will go and get your dragon back. I'll even leave some riders here to help you block that lava flow."
"You're best riders," Mala said.
"Of course," Hiccup said. "Heather's a survivalist, she's dealt with lava before. And Ruff and Tuff, are really good a clearing things up."
"I'll stay behind as well," Re said. "I am no Eruptadon, but I have spent my life studying volcanoes. I know a few tricks." Mala sighed.
"Very well," she said. "I accept your offer, on one condition. I go with you to save our dragon." Everyone looked surprised at this.
"I thought you said you wouldn't ride a dragon," said Hiccup.
"I will do whatever it takes to save our Great Protecter," Mala said. Suddenly the dragons growled and tensed up. Arrows show out of the bushes, but missed. One almost hit Hookfang, which set him off. He roared and whipped his tail around, smacking into Snotlout. He sailed through the air and landed in front of Mala. More arrows shot out. One was headed right for Mala, and she had no way of stopping it. When it seemed like it would hit her, Snotlout stood up and it bounced off his helmet. Mala smiled at him, then jumped into the bushes. Everyone waited, and soon Mala came back out dragging two hunters. She threw them to the ground, and pointed her sword at them.
"Where's the Eruptadon?" she demanded. The hunters said nothing. Toothless came up beside Mala and growled. The hunters cracked.
"Viggo's traveling north with your dragon," one said. Mala smirked. Hiccup ran to Toothless and mounted up.
"Saddle up everyone," he ordered. "Come on Mala." All the riders except Heather and the Twins mounted up. Mala hesitated.
"No, I won't be riding with you Hiccup," she said. "I'll ride with him." She pointed at Snotlout of all people. Everyone looked stunned, even Snotlout. Hiccup turned to Tenor.
"Tenor, will you lead us north?" he asked.
"Yeah, no problem," Tenor said. He seemed eager. "Let's get going. My queen's waiting for us." Mala got on Hookfang behind Snotlout. They took off and Tenor lead them north.
As they headed after the hunters, Hiccup noticed that Tenor was more excited than usual.
"What's up with you?" Hiccup asked. "Why are you so excited?"
"You'll see," Tenor said. "We're about to meet up with Serenity and Aurora." He picked up the pace. "We'll be making a short pit stop, but it'll increase our chances of getting this Eruptadon. Viggo won't see it coming."
"How far 'til this pit stop?" asked Astrid.
"It's straight ahead," Tenor said. They followed his gaze and they were all surprised at what they saw.
Sailing towards them was large boat, except it was sailing in mid air. The ship was clearly an old hunting ship, but instead of masts and sails it was being held in the air by a huge red balloon, the size of a Scauldron. A large metal box in the middle of the deck with flames coming out of the top, sending hot air in to the balloon. A large pair of dragon-like wings were attached to each side of the ship's haul, a large tail came out the back of it, and there were a few fin-like sails on the bottom of it. The ship was painted a dark red and was lined with Gronkle iron. The prow was carved in the shape of a dragon's head. All along the top deck were catapults and ballistas. Queen Aurora was waiting for them on the main deck. She smiled as they landed.
"Welcome aboard Skywalker," she said.
"We need to head north," Tenor said. "The hunters have captured a Lava Eater, and they'er heading north. It's crucial we find it, this one's village is under threat from a volcano." He pointed at Mala.
"We'll get it," Aurora said. She went to the large metal box in the middle of the deck and opened a small door. She shot her blue fire into the metal box, and sent more heat into the balloon. The ship started to move. Tenor looked up at the driving deck.
"Serenity go left," he called. "Full speed." Serenity, who was the one steering the ship, tipped her hat. She gripped a large joy stick and tilted it to the left. The large wings tilted, causing the ship to go left. She then pulled a leaver on either side of her chair. A pair of triangular sails folded out on either side of the haul, and the ship picked up speed. Serenity then turned the chair around and pulled a rope. A half moon shaped sail on the very back of the deck opened up, and the wind caught it, making the ship go even faster. Serenity spun back round, and took the helm again. She used peddles on the floor to control the tail. The ship sped north at the speed of a Nadder. Serenity kept it straight. The riders and dragons got themselves ready for the battle.
In no time at all, they spotted a hunting ship bellow. It was heading in the same direction as Skywalker.
"There they are," Hiccup said, getting back on Toothless.
"Viggo, without any backup?" said Fishlegs. "That's a bit unusual."
"You're right Fishlegs," Hiccup said. "He's up to something." They flew closer.
"Why don't we just bomb it?" Tenor asked. "Give this ship something to chew one."
"We can't, if the Eruptadon is on that ship and we sink it, it'll go down with it and Eruptadons can't survive in water," Aurora argued. "We'll have to use regular dragon fire for now, and only aim at the sails."
"We'll ambush it," Hiccup said. He then turned to Mala. "You should stay up here, something doesn't feel right and you're not used to arial combat." Mala nodded in agreement.
"Remember Hiccup, if you fail me," she threatened.
"I know you will kill me," Hiccup said.
"Or perhaps I'll have my new king do it for me," Mala said, and she gestured to Snotlout. They were all taken aback.
"Since when is that a thing?" Hiccup asked.
"Unlike the rest of you, she recognizes quality in me," Snotlout boasted.
"Come on," Tenor said, getting impatient. "We're running out of time." The riders got on their dragons and followed Tenor and Aurora off the airship and towards the hunters. Mala watched from the deck. The riders and dragons attacked the ship. Mala watched, clearly intrigued by the riders. Serenity pulled a chain which connected to a large bellow, that blew air and Zippleback gas onto the fire, making it bigger and sending more heat into the balloon. She then steered the ship in wide circles over the hunting ship. Mala glanced up at her, and she swallowed nervously. Though she seemed to be on the good side, Serenity still feared Mala. She had never met her before, and Mala reminded her of a spider almost, so still and unpredictable. But she shook her head and returned her focus to flying the airship.
Soon the riders and dragon succeeded in clearing the deck of the hunting ship, as the sun went down. They landed on the deck and Serenity flew the airship right over them, pulling it to a stop. She dropped a rope ladder allowing Mala to climb down to join them. Hiccup went below to look for the Eruptadon.
He came back empty handed. He sighed as he faced the others.
"No sign of Viggo, or the Eruptadon," he said. They all glanced at Mala. She looked nervous and was silent for a few minuets.
"This does put me in a bit of a predicament," she said after a while. "On the one hand the valor in which you fly your dragons in battle is, undeniable. But on the other hand..." She stopped, and they all knew the end of that sentence. But then her face lit up. "There could be a way out of this however. New rulers of the Defender of the Wing are granted one pardon." She looked at Snotlout, waiting to hear his opinion. Snotlout began pacing, muttering to himself. Tenor and Aurora exchanged a bored glance.
"Let us know what the outcome is," Tenor said. He and Aurora flew back up onto Skywalker. Tenor went up to sit beside Serenity.
"When we get this Lava Eater back, we should demonstrate this ship's weapons," Tenor said. "I'm sure the riders will be very impressed." Serenity looked at him sadly, also looking slightly bored.
"I'm going to have to fly this through battles aren't I?" she said, placing a hand on the helm. Tenor sighed.
"You're going to have to step outside your comfort zone my dear," he said. "It'll be scary, but if you follow our lead, nothing will happen to you. You don't have to fire any weapons, Re made you that promise. All you need to focus on, is flying the ship." Serenity didn't looked at him, staring at the helm but not really seeing it.
"Serenity," Tenor said, looking her in the eye. "We need you to trust us. Can you do that?" Serenity sighed and rested her head on Tenor's neck.
"I trust you Tenor," she said. Tenor smiled and licked her cheek.
"You'll be alright," he said. "Re's even going to let you use this ship as a portable hospital."
"That would be nice," Serenity said. "I like this ship, excluding the weapons."
At that moment Mala came back up the ladder, and the riders circled the airship on their dragons.
"We're heading south," Hiccup said. Serenity sat up and stretched. She pulled on the bellow and the fire blazed. The ship drifted away, and Serenity steered them in the direction Tenor pointed. Then she steered the ship up higher. The riders flew along side it, keeping well clear of its wings and balloon. No one spoke for a while. Tenor laid down beside Serenity's chair, reserving his strength. Serenity kept the ship steady.
As they headed over the ocean, the sun started to rise again. The atmosphere was very quiet, except for the roar of the fire filling Skywalker's balloon. Hiccup suddenly noticed that Mala looked very sad. She stared down at the water below, clutching the side of the ship. Hiccup flew Toothless near enough to talk.
"You okay Mala?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," said Mala.
"If you're feeling air sick, we'll be landing soon to water the dragons," Hiccup said. Mala looked at him.
"He's hungry Hiccup," she said.
"Who Snotlout?" asked Hiccup. "He's always hungry." Snotlout scowled.
"No, the Eruptadon," Mala said. "He must constantly eat lava, or he will die." The riders exchanged a glance. Mala continued. "When I was little girl, an earthquake disrupted the lava flow. The Eruptadon went for weeks without food. He soon became so weak that he couldn't fly to a different food source. Our beloved dragon was in danger of starving to death. Preyers to the gods eventually got the lava flowing again."
"A starved dragon is no good to Viggo," Hiccup said. "He has our dragon eye, he must know this about the Eruptadon. We'll fly around every active volcano until we find him."
"The Eruptadon doesn't necessarily need an active volcano," Aurora said. "If it's hungry enough, it'll burrow through a dormant volcano until it erupts and it can get the lava."
"Like a vampire?" Serenity asked.
"More or less," Aurora said. Everyone fell silent, a sense of dread filled the air.
"Dormant volcano?" Fishlegs said. "The snowcapped mountain on Dragon's Edge is a dormant volcano."
"What! When did you discover this?" Tenor asked, confused.
"Meatlug and I discovered it last month," Fishlegs explained.
"Viggo's going to use the Eruptadon to destroy our home," Hiccup hissed.
"It'll explode like Vesuvius," said Serenity said. They turned towards Dragon's Edge, and flew a bit higher where the wind was slightly stronger. The sun came up as they neared it.
They soon reached the Edge, and found it surrounded by hunters. The Eruptadon was nowhere in sight, Hiccup suspected it as already at the volcano.
"The quickest way to the volcano is straight over the island," Hiccup said. "We'll go that way and find the Eruptadon."
"Um, Hiccup we can't fly over the island," said Fishlegs.
"Why?" Hiccup asked.
"Because of them," said Fishlegs. He pointed to several hunters aiming the Edge's own catapults and ballista at the riders.
"Ok, then we'll fly around the edge," said Hiccup.
"We can't do that either," said Fishlegs. He pointed to ships blocking the way around the island. Hiccup roared in frustration.
"We can take out the ships," Tenor said. "If you guys will take out the others."
"Ok, thanks," Hiccup said. Mala jumped back onto Hookfang, and the riders separated from the airship. Tenor turned to Serenity.
"Take us down towards those ships," he said. Serenity sighed and gripped the helm nervously.
"It'll be okay," Aurora said. "You won't get hit, as long as you stay right there." Serenity nodded and drove the airship towards the hunter's ships.
"Ready a Nadder attack!" Aurora called. At once more Draconian dragons came up from bellow decks, and positioned themselves beside the ballistas. There were spears already in place, their tips were shaped like Nadder spines, and made of Gronkle iron. The dragons aimed the ballistas at the first ship. When they were in range, they fired. The spears sailed right through the ship's deck, putting several holes in it. The ship sank in minuets. Serenity steered Skywalker away, and towards another ship. The dragons reloaded the ballistas. When the next ship was in range they fired and again hit the ship, sinking it as well. Serenity flew the ship out of harms way again. A third ship was firing at Skywalker, but it was flying too high and the haul was too tough.
"What should we do with this one?" asked Tenor. "Viggo and Ryker are on it."
"I haven't decided yet," Aurora said. "We'll just stay out of their range for now, maybe run them out of ammo. We'll circle above them, keep them distracted." Serenity steered the ship in circles as she watched the riders.
They weren't having as much luck in getting passed their own defenses. Hiccup was forcing his brain to work overtime. He had to come up with a plan, and fast, of everyone's sake. He looked around at his fellow riders and then at the circling airship. He then looked at Astrid's ballista and the Edge's catapults. They had very little weapons on the Edge, which Hiccup knew would work to their advantage. He just had to get passed them. Then an idea came up to him.
"Guys I have an idea," he announced. "We can use that airship as a distraction." He steered Toothless over to Skywalker. He ran his idea though them. They agreed to his idea. Hiccup returned to the other riders and ran his plan through them as well. They were all for it, including Mala. The squadron readied to play it out. Hiccup positioned Toothless in front the big ballista. Serenity brought the airship around and headed for the outpost. She brought it as low as she dared, and aimed it at Astrid's house. Catapults were fired at it, but they made no dent. They shot over the ballista and the wind from the wings knocked the hunters off balance. Hiccup made his move at the same time. Toothless shot towards the ballista at top speed. Then when Skywalker passed he fishtailed in the air, and Mala jumped off his back at the stunned hunters. She managed to knock them out in seconds, and all the remaining hunters ran off when they saw they didn't stand a chance now.
"Let them go, we need to get to the Eruptadon," said Hiccup. He lead the way towards the snowcapped mountain. Smoke was leaking out of the mountain's peak, followed by a faint orange glow. They closer they got, the more they could hear a strong rumbling.
They soon found the Eruptadon. He was a very big, bulky dragon. His scales resembled freshly dried lava. His lava colored eyes were very small. He roared loudly, sounding very much like an erupting volcano, and was burrowing desperately into the mountain's side. He didn't even look up when the riders landed around him and Hiccup dismounted. Skywalker hovered overhead. Hiccup approached the Eruptadon trying to calm him. But the dragon turned and roared angrily at him. Hiccup backed up.
"He's in a feeding frenzy," said Mala. "Nothing will stop him."
"Oh, Hiccup it's going to erupt," Fishlegs cried franticly, hovering overhead on Meatlug.
"We can't lose the edge," said Astrid, flying over them on Stormfly. The mountain rumbled again, it seemed to be about to burst.
"I'm more worried about all the other dragons on this island," said Hiccup said. "If that volcano blows, what will happen to them?"
"I now understand Hiccup," Mala said. "You're not an enemy to dragons. The good of the many outnumber the good of the few, but with all this knowledge you have what good will it do for one starving dragon." She looked like she was about to cry.
"What did she say?" Serenity asked, looking over the airship's railing.
"I think she means if they can't stop this Eruptadon from setting off the volcano, they may have to kill him to save the other dragons on this island," Tenor said. Hiccup considered. He then glanced up at Meatlug, and another idea came to him.
"I have another idea," Hiccup said. "We won't kill your dragon Mala. Hey Meatlug!" Fishlegs suddenly lit up, catching onto Hiccup's idea.
"Of course," he said. "Come on Meatlug, spew that lava." Meatlug opened her mouth excitedly, but no lava came out. She looked worried.
"Oh, no," said Fishlegs. "She must have used it all on the hunters." But then Meatlug remember that she wasn't the only Gronkle on the Edge. She let out a call, that reached the ears of her fellows.
In no time, a heard of Gronkles came flying towards them. They hovered in a circle around Meatlug. She beamed at them.
"Come friends," she said. "This Lava Eater is hungry, what do you say we give him a snack." The Gronkles all roared happily. They didn't hesitate and spat lava at the ground near the Eruptadon. The bigger dragon paused, and spotted the lava. He seemed relieved and began lapping it up. Every breathed a sigh of relief. The mountain did not explode. The Eruptadon calmed down.
"I think it's about time this one was returned to his own volcano," said Aurora.
"I couldn't agree with you more Queen Aurora," Mala said. Serenity threw down the rope ladder. The riders flew their dragons up onto Skywalker's deck, and Mala climbed the ladder. When everyone is onboard, Serenity pulled the ladder back up and took the helm. She pumped more Zippleback gas into the flames. More heat shot into the balloon and the ship lifted away from the mountain. Serenity lowered all the sails and steered the ship over the island and over the ocean. She carried it up higher as Dragon's Edge vanished over the horizon. The Gronkles flew on either side of the Eruptadon like pilot fish, feeding him lava every few minuets. They were all happy as they headed back to the Defenders of the Wing.
The riders talked quietly among themselves. The dragons rested their wings after all that flying. The other Draconian dragons had gone back down below. Hiccup had that thought it was a clever move to have them below and not show how many were on the ship, it seemed more intimidating. He told Aurora this. She smiled.
"These hunters are human," she said. "And do defeat humans, we must think like humans and then some. Before now, we would never have built this ship. But Viggo is proving hard to defeat, we will do what we must."
Mala glanced up at the driving deck where Serenity was focusing on keeping the ship on course. Tenor was asleep by her chair. Mala went up the stairs to the deck.
"You are Serenity," she said, sounding as friendly as she could.
"I am," Serenity said. "You are Mala?"
"Yes," Mala said. "The riders have told me a lot about you. You're a dragon healer." Serenity nodded.
"My bag is over there," she said, pointed to her medial bag which was next to the mast that held the half moon sail. "I refuse to fight, I refuse to learn to fight. Healing saves more lives then fighting does."
"I heal dragons as well," Mala said. "I also look after our Great Protecter when ever he's sick or injured."
"Is that what you call him?" Serenity asked. "Very fitting." Mala smiled.
"You can also speak to dragons," she said.
"It's my first language," Serenity said. "I have three great talents, well four now: Healing, riding, speaking to dragons, and now flying this ship."
"Those are good talents to have," Mala said. "I would be interested in seeing your methods."
"Certainly," Serenity said. "Whenever I am not helping the riders with their dragons, I can help you with your Eruptadon. I imagine I'll be flying this ship quite a lot, I'm sure Re will allow my to use it for personal things."
"We would appreciate that," Mala said. Suddenly Aurora shouted from the main deck.
"Serenity, take us down we're here," she said. Serenity used the helm to tilt the wings down and the ship headed for the island below.
The Eruptadon flew eagerly back into his volcano, the Gronkles went back Dark Deep, and everyone on the airship reunited with their own. Serenity made the ship hover over the main plaza, then climbed down the ladder. She stretched her stiff muscles. She was happy to be on the ground again after hours of flying the ship. She stayed by the ladder and listened to the conversation.
"How did you stop the lava flow?" asked Hiccup.
"I used what I learned from my studies," Re said. "I instructed these guys to chop down a few trees and use them to channel the lava towards a crevasse. But then the Twins did something stupid and dropped a block of ice on top of the trees, cutting a gap in them. The lava was again headed for the village. We put boulders in front of it, to no avail. We thought the lava would win this time. But then Barf and Belch knocked over the Eruptadon statue and it landed right in the lava's path, blocking it." Hiccup shot a glare at the Twins. "Anyway that what happened with us. What did you guys think of my airship?"
"It's very impressive," Hiccup said. "And it certainly came in handy, in rescuing the Eruptadon."
"That's why we built it," said Re.
"And I'm sorry I lost your gold," Hiccup said.
"It's not just me you should be apologizing to," Re said. "I was giving that gold to Berk, so they could stay well fed, in exchange for parts for the airship. But now because Viggo has it, life will be a little bit harder for them."
"We can get that gold back I swear," Hiccup said.
"You better, because I'm not going to give Berk all of Draconia's gold," Re said. "Berk should be able to stand on it's own feet, without us having to hand feed them." He went over to stand beside Aurora.
Serenity stood there quietly. She hoped they'd be on their way soon, she wanted to ride dragons again. She glanced up at Skywalker, overing over the buildings. She then looked around at the Defrenders of the Wing, as they all gathered around their queen and the riders. Serenity thought they looked very much like black chess pieces.
Just then Windshear came up beside her.
"Are you okay after all that?" she asked.
"Yes," Serenity said. "All I had to do was fly the ship."
"What do you think of these ninja folk?" Windshear asked.
"They're very interesting," Serenity said. "They look like black chess pieces." Windshear tilted her head in thought.
"Hmm, I can I kind of see that," she said. "Mala's the queen piece."
"That Eruptadon would be the king piece," said Serenity.
"And Throck would probably be the rook piece," said Windshear. Serenity glanced over at Throck, who caught her looking. She smiled at him and he seemed to blush. Windshear noticed but didn't say anything, because Mala spoke at that time.
"Today is a good day for us," she said, speaking loudly. "The Great Protecter has been returned, our village is safe once more, and we have new allies in the fight against the dragon hunters; Hiccup and the dragon riders." Hiccup waved bashfully at the crowd.
"I guess they would be the knight pieces," said Serenity.
"Still missing a bishop though," said Windshear. Mala spoke again.
"I have also chosen a new king," she said. "One that I'm sure will be worthy and serve you well, his name is Snotlout." Serenity exchanged a glance with Windshear.
"What's happening?" she asked.
"I think the queen piece has a crush on Snotlout," said Windshear. "Due to him accidentally blocking that arrow. What are the odds of that?"
"Someone has a crush on Snotlout," Serenity laughed. "Never thought I'd say that in a sentence. Well I'm glad I have Re for a king."
"Here, here," Windshear agreed.
The riders and defenders congratulated each other. Serenity stayed where she was, by the rope ladder. The dragons came over to her on occasion, and she petted them. Then Throck came up to her, as she was scratching Toothless behind his ears.
"What is your name?" Throck asked.
"Serenity, what's yours?" Serenity said, cautiously.
"I am Throck," Throck said. "You are the one who can speak to dragons."
"Yes I am," said Serenity. "I'm the only human who can."
"That is quite a skill to have," Throck said.
"Dragons are not that hard to figure out," Serenity said, looking down at Toothless. "You don't necessarily need to speak their language to know what they want." Toothless purred in agreement. Just then Hiccup called Toothless over. Re looked over at Serenity.
"Come on Serenity, it's time to head back," he said. Serenity turned back to Throck.
"I guess I should go," she said.
"I hope to see you again," Throck said.
"Count on it," Serenity said. "If Viggo doesn't kill us all first." She climbed the rope ladder back onto the ship, and pulled the ladder up. She went to her post and got the ship moving again. She steered it away from the island, and followed the dragons. She lowered all the sails and the ship sped after them. The Defenders of the Wing waved at them as they headed home.
