Ruby was preparing to take a bath when she heard someone knocking at her door. She wandered down and found Agatha standing there much to her confusion.
"May I come in?" she asked gloomily.
"Sure," said Ruby puzzled and open the door for her.
For some reason she wanted to take a bath with her. Ruby knew that that she was a member of the younger generation of Dragon Tail and had been there for the longest, except for Hiccup who grew up in the guild.
Agatha sighed.
"What's up?" Ruby frowned. "Is something bothering you?"
"No, I'm okay, but I've got ask you make it a habit of bathing with other people?"
"This is my bath," Ruby reminded.
"So, how thing gone between you and your dad these days?" Agatha asked from nowhere.
This this question was a bit of a surprise. "Um… I don't know… okay I guess, but I actually haven't heard from him for while."
Agatha sighed once again.
"Just spill it already, I'll always listen if you want help."
Agatha then stood up. "All right, then, I've been seriously considering quitting the Guild."
Ruby blinked at her. "What?" she yelled.
The next morning she discussed with her weird encounter with Agatha to Adelaide in the Guildhall.
"Can you believe that," said Ruby shaking ahead. "I mean I for Agatha was in Dragon Tail for life. I tried to get to tell me why, but she wouldn't say."
"I wouldn't worry about it," Adelaide assured. "She always talks about quitting whenever this time of year rolls around."
"Say what?" Ruby said nervously. "Something bad going to happen?"
It might have felt longer, but had been less than a year since Ruby joined Dragon Tail. As such they have a lot of events and major traditions that she knew nothing of and little did she know that one of the biggest was about to be taken place soon.
"Time to go to work," said Hiccup running past the bar.
Ruby stared at him. "Hey! If you go in job take me with you!"
"Sorry Ruby, but it solo mission season," said Hiccup as he ran to the door. He then ran past Ragnar. "See ya, Rag!"
"Good luck, buddy," Ragnar called run up to the bar. "I'm back."
"That was quick," said Adelaide.
"After to be," said Ragnar and held up another request form. "I'll be taking this job. See ya!"
"Bye-bye and good luck!" Adderley called.
"He's on a solo mission too?" Ruby frowned.
"I'll be taking this one, sis," said Snotlout approaching the bar.
"Good luck out there," said Adelaide.
"Aren't you taking a job soon?" he asked.
"I will, when the stampeding stops," Adelaide smiled.
That was when the stampeding happened as every single member of Dragon Tail surrounded the bar with job request forms. Ruby just backed away looking quite scared.
"Why is everyone going crazy?" she asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Adelaide assured.
Not far away on a different table Stormfly explain to both Merrill and Valka about her prosthetic powers.
"You can see into the future?" the two of them said in unison.
"Yes, a trait that me and my mother share," said Stormfly. "Both of us were blessed with rare gift of Clairvoyance. I wasn't aware of it until recently, but I believe I have a small degree of control over it."
"Wow," said Merrill in awe. "That's totally amazing."
"So can you tell whether Astrid is going to be my future daughter-in-law," Valka joked.
"I'm afraid I'm not able to see that far ahead," Stormfly shrugged. She then looked around. "But maybe something sooner…"
She then noticed Spitelout reading a paper. "Okay, keep an eye on Spitelout over there. I predict that any minute now Gobber will walk up to him and the will start discussing the younger folks in the guild."
The two of them then looked curiously and sure enough Gobber hobbled over to Spitelout.
"Anything good?" he asked.
"Nothing very exciting," said Spitelout looking up from his paper.
"Well, were getting to that time of year again," said Gobber taking a seat next to Spitelout.
"Yeah, it really takes me back," Spitelout smiled.
"Ya got to miss the good old days."
"We were full of spunk as well."
"Goddess a, this new crop is something else," said Gobber. He then snatched the paper from Spitelout.
"Yeah, what are you doing?"
Gobber removes the paper and revealed a magazine and judging from the picture it had images of certain supermodels.
"Yeh, a dirty old man, ya know that, right?" Gobber frowned.
Spitelout just shrugged.
The three girls just laughed nervously, while they were talking about the younger generation it wasn't exactly the conversation they expected.
"Whoa," said Merrill looking at Stormfly.
"Yeah, you hit it right on the nose," said Valka. "Though you were slightly off."
"Yes, but honestly we should have all seen that one coming," said Stormfly rubbing the back of the head.
"Still, I'm super impressed," said Merrill.
"So am I," said Valka.
"Thank you," said Stormfly. "But I still have much more to learn about how to properly control it."
"Same could be said for Toothless," said Valka.
"By the way Valka, I've been meaning to ask you, did you learn Dragon Slaying Magic from a dragon, like me and Hiccup."
Valka shook her head. "No. Like Alvin I had a Stormcutter lacrima embedded in me. Though unlike Alvin I did not lose control. Now I have heard that the dragons have vanished."
"Yes, me and Hiccup are trying to find a masters, but we found nothing so far."
"Dragons can't just vanish, something must have happened," said Valka grimly.
In the arena, Toothless and Cloudjumper were sparring in the battle modes. Since they had returned, Cloudjumper had said that he would teach Toothless the proper etiquette of hand-to-hand combat.
"You're getting better," said Cloudjumper as he blocked Toothless jab.
He then performed a leg sweep knocking Toothless on his back and the two of them return to their normal form. "But you've still got much to learn."
"I know," said Toothless as Cloudjumper helped him up. "Still at least now I can help Hiccup more than just helping him to fly."
"True, but that will mean squat if you don't know how to fight."
Not far away Astrid and Skullcrusher were also sparring, though they were using sword and some of their bare hands. It looked like they were quite evenly matched.
"Had enough?" Astrid asked as they backed off.
Skullcrusher then returned to normal. "It seems I can't stay in my original form for very long," he said wiping the sweat off his brow.
"Still find it quite impressive," said Astrid. "Your blade skills are top-notch."
"You flatter me, I think I should be the one complimenting you," said Skullcrusher.
"Still there's only a handful of people who can go toe to toe with Astrid," said Toothless.
"He's got that right, we'll be excellent partners," said Eret from the stands.
Ruby just after the bar and frowned, because while some people were taking jobs others were just sitting around and doing nothing.
"I don't understand why so many people are gung ho about going on jars while everyone else is just giving off like nothing is happening," said Ruby.
"It all makes sense to you tomorrow," said Valka smiling slightly.
The next day almost every member of Dragon Tail had gathered in the Guildhall.
"What's all the commotion about?" Skullcrusher asked.
"Beats me," said Eret.
"I think the master is going to tell us about something big happening," said Merrill.
"Can't say I'm excited," said Stormfly.
"Come on, the suspense is killing us," Tuffnut said fidgeting.
"I know, he should get it over and done with," said Ruffnut.
"Once going on Hiccup?" Toothless asked.
"Everything will become clear in a moment," said Hiccup.
"The tension here is huge," said Snotlout.
"At putting it mildly," said Ragnar.
Agatha was the only one not excited.
"I'm dying to know what's going on," said Ruby.
"I know what you mean," said Heather.
Then the curtains on the stage rose up and everyone cheered as Stoick, Gildarts, Valka and Astrid came into view.
Stoick cleared his throat and everyone stopped cheering. "In accordance with the Dragon Tail time-honoured tradition, I will now announce this year's entrance to the S-Class Viking promotion trials."
Everyone cheered at the top of their lungs.
"This is why everyone's been acting crazy lately," said Ruby.
"Please be quiet everyone," said Astrid.
"Shut up and let the Master finish talking," said Gildarts.
"The trial this year will take place on Cove Island, our guilds sacred ground," Stoick announced.
Ruby leaned over towards Speedfist and Wartihog. "Do you guys know what he's gonna make them do?"
"While it's something different every year," said Wartihog.
"It's basically a series of tough tests," said Speedfist.
"But if you're able to pull it off you'll make you an S-Class Viking," said Tuffnut.
"Yeah, and we're so can make it this year," said Ruffnut.
"The strength that you possess inside, your character and your hearts," Stoick continued. "These are what I considered when making my selection and I have chosen nine participants. Hiccup Haddock!"
"Yes, dad," said Hiccup.
"You can do this, buddy," said Toothless.
"Ragnar Keatson!"
"It's finally my time to move up," said Ragnar.
"Heather Valha!"
"Really, me? The master chose me?" Heather said stunned.
"Snotlout and Adelaide Jorgenson!"
"Looks like it's you and me sis," said Snotlout.
"I won't be holding back," Adelaide warned.
"Make your old man proud!" Spitelout yelled.
"Agatha Berdis!"
Agatha just remain quiet.
"Fenris Clearwater!"
"So I'll be walking in Alvin's footsteps," said Fenris.
"Fishlegs Ingerman!"
"I can't believe he chose me," said Fishlegs stunned.
"Show them what you've got!" Helga and Ingrid yelled.
"And Garon Truearrow!"
Their eyes turned to a black haired elf with huge scars on the left side of his face.
"Garon!"
"He almost made S-Class last time!"
"We didn't get picked," Ruffnut groaned.
"So unfair," muttered Tuffnut.
"So Stoick chose Hiccup, I suppose that is in a surprise," said Wartihog.
"Don't forget about Ragnar," said Speedfist.
"I'm so proud of those kids," Spitelout cried.
"Pull yourself together, man," said Gobber.
"I get it now," said Ruby. "Everyone wanted Stoick to pick them for the trials so they sweat their butts off to impress him."
"I know you can do it you guys!" Merrill yelled.
Ruby however noticed that, Agatha wasn't enjoying herself like the others. She began to wonder if this was the reason why she mentioned she was quitting the Guild.
"Although nine writings have been selected only three will emerge victorious, due to the decrease of S-Class Viking's," said Stoick. "The trial will begin in one week time so you better step up your preparations."
"Only three again selected?" said Iosa, the barmaid.
"I'm putting my money on Fenris this year."
"I've got a go with Garon."
"Hiccup and Ragnar no slouches."
"Hang on, how come he picked Heather and not me?" said Eret confused.
"You seem to have a shady reputation in the guild for some reason," said Skullcrusher. "I get the feeling they don't trust you very much."
"That's crazy, they can trust me just fine," Eret snapped. "I just can't tell them what I'm really doing around here."
"You can take it up with Astrid," Skullcrusher suggested.
"Sorry, but you're not ready yet," Astrid smirked.
"That figures," Eret muttered.
Stormfly shook her head while the rest of them Guild went crazy. "And as usual everybody loses control."
Her eyes then widened.
Merrill looked at her concernedly. "Hey, is there something wrong, Stormfly?" she asked.
"No, I'm fine," Stormfly assured.
It was strange, she had just had a vision of a tree falling, Agatha crying, Hiccup looking frightened and a hand lane down on the ground. She then saw silhouette of a large muscular man with a scarred face and a metal arm and everything around him was dying. She had no idea who it was, but whoever it was had frightened her to the bone.
Ruby didn't know it then that while she were hadn't been chosen as a participate, she would still play a role in something else unexpected would take place.
"For the benefit of our newcomers let's go over the roles of the challenge shall we," said Stoick.
"The nine participants will each choose a partner, this person will also be allowed to train with them during the week leading up to the event," said Valka.
"A partner?" Ruby blinked.
"Yeah, ultimately it's a battle between two-person teams," Wartihog explained.
"A big part of it is putting their friendship to the test as well," Speedfist added.
"Observe these two rules when choosing your partner," said Astrid. "Number one: they must be a member of Dragon Tail. And number two: your choice cannot be an S-Class Viking."
"But that only rules out a handful of people," said Skullcrusher. "Neither Astrid, Valka or Gildarts can be chosen."
"Get a team of those guys would be pretty hard to beat," said Merrill.
"We'll reveal all the particulars details of the trial once we arrived on Cove Island, but know you have to go past Astrid to claim victory," said Stoick.
Everyone's eyes widened.
"I'll also be weeding out the rest of you right beside her," said Valka.
This frightened everyone even more.
"So the only way someone can become an S-Class Viking is to defeat Astrid and Valka," Ruby gasped.
"But the rumour has it they have been ordered to hold back a little bit," said Wartihog.
"I still don't envy anyone that has to take them on," said Speedfist.
"Quit your bellyaching," said Gildarts. "The three of us had to go through this trial. It's only fair that you do to."
"No way, he said the 'three of us'," Snotlout gaped.
"Oh boy," said Toothless.
"It looks like this things have got a lot harder," said Hiccup.
"No kidding," said Ragnar.
"The nine participants I named earlier and their chosen partners are asked to meet at the docks one week from today," said Stoick. He then looked down at them all with a firmed look. "So get to work."
An hour later they were all sitting at a table having lunch and discussing the trial.
"Man, this at the bar crazy high this year," said Ragnar.
"I'm kinda surprised that none of you have ever been chosen," said Ruby.
"Well, considering that I've been on a journey for five years and at Heather has only recently joined it's really not surprising," Hiccup pointed out.
"Yeah, good point," said Ruby.
"This isn't gonna be easy," said Snotlout.
"It certainly sounds tough to me," said Merrill.
Ruby looked over her shoulder and saw that Fenris was talking to Dogsbreath.
"I'll be counting on you," he said.
"Don't worry, I got your back or buddy," Dogsbreath assured. "We need an S-Class in our ranks now that Alvin isn't around. He's got big shoes to fill, but I can't think of anyone better. Besides, we've got showed on the Thunder Legion still got it."
"Looks like Fenris' partner is going to be Dogsbreath," Ruby noted. "I think I'll be a pretty tough team to beat."
"Jeez, way to be encouraging, Ruby," said Toothless rolled his eyes.
"Speaking of partners," said Ruby looking at the others. "Do you guys know who you're gonna choose yet?"
"I've already chosen and that's going to be Toothless," Hiccup smiled.
"Hey, not so fast there, if this thing ends up to be some sort of race having a partner that can fly is an unfair advantage," Snotlout snorted.
"Stoick didn't set a rule against it," Ragnar reminded. He then looked at Hiccup. "Are you sure? Toothless has only gained his new powers only recently."
"I'm a quick study," said Toothless.
"And who is your partner going to be?" Hiccup asked curiously.
"Like you I've got my partner down," Ragnar smiled.
"Really? How?" Ruby asked.
"Long time no see guys," said a smooth voice.
They turned and saw Leo approaching them.
"You're using one of my spirits!" Ruby yelled furiously.
"Seriously?" Snotlout blinked.
"We work this whole thing out a year ago," Ragnar explained.
"Please don't take this too hard, Ruby, but I'm going to have to put a hold on our contract while I team up with Ragnar," Leo smiled. "Just in case you're wondering, I use my own power to get past through the gate. So don't worry about running out of magic, because of me."
"Okay, but I kinda wished you run this by me first," Ruby muttered.
"Hang on, Leo, are you still a full-fledged member of the Guild?" Snotlout demanded.
Leo removed his shirt and show them the green Dragon Tail emblem on his back. "See, I'm still a proud Dragon Tail Viking and as such it's my duty to help Ragnar reaches full potential and make it to S-Class."
"I appreciate the help, buddy," said Ragnar.
"I've got your back," Leo smiled.
"I do remember them being each other's BFFs before today," Ruby muttered.
"Well, he can hardly choose me," Hiccup shrugged.
"So you can pick Heather?" Merrill asked.
"I—I don't know," Heather admitted.
"You can be my partner," said a voice.
They turned and found Ruffnut standing behind them.
"Ruff? You sure?" Hiccup asked.
"Listen, my brothers already Adelaide's partner and there's no way I'm going to miss out on this," said Ruffnut placing a hand on her hips.
"I suppose I can do worse," said Heather.
"Wait? Who's gonna be my partner?" Snotlout demanded.
"Thought the way she was giving you an intense stare that you already had one," Ruffnut blinked gesturing towards the bar.
Everyone looked over towards the bar and saw Rubbella looking at them with a very intense stare.
"Apparently she's upset that Fenris teamed up with Dogsbreath instead of her," Ruffnut explained.
"She's looking right at me," said Snotlout as he felt a jolt of fear passed through his spine.
"Her intense stare is more like petrifying," said Snotlout, he hadn't forgotten that Rubbella had turned into stone during Alvin's little coup.
Hiccup then stood up. "Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to start training."
They watched as Hiccup left the Guildhall with Toothless following close behind.
"I think he's got the right idea, come on Leo, we've got some training to do," said Ragnar.
Ruby watched as one by one they took their partners and left.
"This is certainly going to be interesting and a little terrifying," said Ruby.
Hiccup and Toothless were already training with one another in the mountains. Toothless was in his battle form and was sparring with Hiccup.
"I hope you're ready for this, bud," said Hiccup as he swung his fist.
"I was born ready and there's no way I'm gonna let you down," said Toothless blocking the fist.
Unknown to them Gildarts was watching their training from a far and he just smiled.
"I guess I better head over to Cove Island," he said. "I'll see you there Hiccup."
"There's no way we're going to lose," said Hiccup as he performed a spin kick.
"Got that right," said Toothless and blocked the kick with his leg.
Meanwhile in the Guildhall, Fishlegs was still trying to decide his partner. Helga and Ingrid kept on arguing that it should be one of them.
"It should be me," said Helga.
"No it should be me," Ingrid argued.
"If he want to make it to S-Class use a pick me instead of those two," Eret advised.
Helga and Ingrid turned and stared at him dumbfounded.
"Seriously?" Fishlegs asked looking up.
"You think I'm gonna miss this?"
"I guess I need all the help I can get."
"There is best we start training now," said Eret.
Hiccup was looking down at Berk from his house. His house had a great view of Berk and at night it was most beautiful site.
"Food ready," said Toothless walking over him. "Are you ready to eat?"
He stopped when he found Hiccup staring down at Berk. "Is there something wrong, Hiccup?"
"I'm finally getting my big chance and I will be an S-Class Viking, like my parents before me," said Hiccup firmly.
"And I'll be helping you all the way," said Toothless.
It was later night and Merrill and Stormfly were making their way back to the girls' dormitory. It was also snowing, unsurprising since it was the beginning of winter.
"How come you've been so quiet today?" Merrill asked. "I wish you could tell me what's bothering you."
"I'm not sure," Stormfly admitted. "I keep having these strange visions of something going wrong in the trial." She then looked up at Merrill with a firmed look. "I don't want you to take part in it, do you understand?"
"Don't worry, I don't think anyone is going to pick me as their partner."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Sea Maiden," said a voice behind them.
They turned and found Garon Truearrow standing behind them.
"Oh, it's you," said Merrill remembering him from the Guildhall. "Who are you again?"
"My name is Garon Truearrow," said Garon. "I was Mystogan's pupil."
Ruby was making her way back to her flat and just stared at the snow that was falling.
"Wow, I never thought it snowed in Berk," said Ruby in awe.
She then turned round the corner and just stared, because Lane in the ground covered in snow was Agatha with tons of whiskey bottles around her.
"What are you doing passed out in the alley way!" she yelled.
Minutes later, Ruby dragged Agatha back to her flat and was now wrapped in a warm blanket.
"I owe you one," said Agatha. "If you hadn't noticed me I would have frozen my butt off out there tonight."
"No joke," said Ruby. "Now, you want to tell me why attacking such like a lunatic lately?"
"You mean Adelaide hasn't told you about it," Agatha blinked. "I get a bit crazy around S-Class trial time. It happens every year."
Ruby looked up. "Does this have anything to do with you saying you want to quit the Guild?"
"This will be my fifth trial," Adelaide admitted. "That means I've tried four times, but I've never been able to go all the way, because I suck."
"Don't be silly. Is that all?" said Ruby smoothly. "Just because you haven't made it yet doesn't mean you can't."
"I'm the only person who's failed four times, that's why this will be my last one. If I don't pass it this time I'm going to leave Dragon Tail."
"Hey, now. There are plenty of Guild members who aren't S-Class."
"Well, I don't wanna be one of those losers!" Agatha snapped.
Ruby was slightly taken aback and Agatha calmed herself. "I have to be an S-Class Viking or I'll never be able to look at him in the eye."
Ruby frowned and Agatha whispered something in her ear that made her eyes widen. It became apparently clear why she was so focused on becoming S-Class and why she wanted to quit the Guild.
"Do you understand? That's why… if I don't make it this time I'm quitting Dragon Tail for good," said Agatha with tears in her eyes. "My mind is made up."
Ruby just stared at her open-mouthed. She then looked down at the floor and then looked back at Agatha determinedly. "Agatha, will you please let me be your partner! Dragon Tail just wouldn't be the same without you!" she yelled. "I promise I can help you become an S-Class Viking!"
The two girls looked at one another with tears in their eyes.
"Thank you," said Agatha.
One week later, all the contestants and their partners had gathered at the docks where ship stood waiting for them. With the heart racing and their dreams on the line they began the S-Class Viking Promotion Trial. None of them knew who would advance, none of them would give up their dreams.