Oh my dear gods...
This is the longest chapter I ever write! That's why the translation took so much time! Nevermind, I hope you'll like it and give me your opinions on it because it's very important to me! Indeed, this chapter will be my thoughts on RTTE's end so I need your advice!
I was very happy to share this fic with you!
See you soon!
« Heather,
If you read my previous letter, I can't imagine the way you are now after found this one. Indeed, I am not dead Heather. During the battle, Viggo's men took me prisoner. I'm writing you because being close to them has allowed me to access some information. Then, I know that the Grimborn's brothers are planning a great blow soon.
Don't be fooled.
Besides, I'm sincerely sorry for letting you wonder so long. Please, forgive me.
Take care of yourself,
Dagur. »
That's what Dagur's letter stated. After reading it carefully, Hiccup and Astrid looked at each other. The blond came next to the brown girl and put her arms around her.
– Oh Heather...
When they put an end at their embrace, Astrid kept a hand around Heather's shoulder. Hiccup looked at the girls, looking a bit peaky.
– I admit that I don't know what to say… He said.
Heather smiled faintly, tears in her eyes.
– Then, don't say anything.
In answer, he took her in his arms too.
...
– Dagur is alive?! Fishlegs sreamed.
Heather was sitting at the table with the group that was displaying a perplexed expression.
– But that's awesome! Tuffnut exclaimed.
Everybody turned its head to him.
– What? That's good news, doesn't it?
Heather breathed.
– Of course Tuff but... she began.
– But what? he answered.
The brown girl gave a look to Hiccup.
– And what if it was a trap Tuffnut, you thought about it? asked Hiccup.
The twin lowered his head.
– We must bear in mind that Viggo likes to play. He might as well have made someone do this letter... Unfortunately, we can't be sure of anything. I'm sorry Heather but we can't take the risk of rescuing him, he ended to say by looking at her.
Astrid came put a compassionate hand on her friend's shoulder. But she got up from the table.
– I think that I should rest a little…
– I'm coming with you, Astrid announced.
Heather turned back to her friend.
– That's nice of you Astrid but I think that I need to be alone…
So she let the girl go and the gang looked at her pulling away, helpless.
– We have to do something! Fishlegs outraged.
– I'm with Fishlegs for once. We can't just let her go away like that in knowing that his brother is maybe alive, out there, in the hands of Viggo! Snotlout blew up.
– But that's exactly the point Snotlout…There's this "maybe" and I won't let you take this risk, the future Berk's chief concluded.
So everybody hushed and the meal pursued.
The days passed and the dragons resurfaced soon with a whole flock of newborns that the village didn't wait to care of. The year-end celebrations being passed, it was time to the dragon's trainers to join the Edge and resume their activities to the great displeasure of Stoïk who was very sad to see them leave again.
– Be careful and do not take part in a losing battle, you understand me Hiccup?
– Yes Dad, don't worry about us.
– Take care of yourself, Son.
– You too, Dad. Come on, we take off! He declared, directing the whole group.
So they drew up to the Dragon's Edge, more hurried than ever to go back but with a silent Heather.
The journey seemed extremely long and tiring to them so much that the tension was palpable on the band but Hiccup not paid attention. It was finally Astrid who did something about it by going talk to Heather.
– Ok that's enough now Heather, out with it!
– There's nothing to say.
The blond girl looked at her with obstinacy by frowning but the other lowered her eyes.
– Pleased Heather, the young girl insisted.
– No Astrid, it's not necessary. Hiccup took its decision and he will not change his mind so the debate is closed.
The young man girlfriend sighed.
– Oh pleased Heather, don't be mad at me like that, it's not my fault! Astrid exclaimed.
– Of course, I know that but the point is that if I ask you to come with me in order to search my brother, would you come with me?
Astrid couldn't look straight.
– That's what I thought. Whatever happens, you'll be in his direction because you love him and that's normal. I'm not the one who would reproach you that but the reality is that. I'm alone and so is Dagur.
– Heather, don't believe that. You do think that if someday he get it wrong, I'll be sure to tell him. And even if I love him, that won't stop me. No. In contrast, we've already hide things to him and I will never do it again. It almost destroyed our relationship.
The brown sketched a smile.
– See? You care about him more than anyone else! So put yourself in my place a little! My brother is maybe alive, kept by Viggo and his men, left to his own devices... If it was Hiccup out there what would you do, in Thor's name?!
– I… Astrid began.
– Hey! Look! It looks like a message! Fishlegs noticed.
Without realizing, they were already on the Edge and Fishlegs had just noted a letter was hanging around a terrible terror's neck. He came next to him and took the note.
– What does it say Fishlegs? Hiccup asked.
After reading meticulously the letter, the intellectual made a brief summary of it to the interested:
– It's Mala, the Defenders of the wing needs help…
– What does she say exactly?
– She says that : « […] Viggo Grimborn's men are there, they surround us. We won't be able to hold out. We need backup. Come quickly. […] » That's what she says.
The young chief gets a look at the letter and declared:
– Ok guys, we're going to help them, get ready to...
And that was all Heather had to hear to be offended.
– I can't believe it, you're going to help her like that, without condition! And what makes you think that it is not a trap?!
– Heather… he began.
– Give it up Hiccup, go ahead, go join her because she needs you so badly! She blew up.
The pretty brown moved away, furious.
– I'll stay with her, that way if it's a trap, there will be two of us to defend the Edge, Astrid offered before following her.
– Are you sure it's all right? Hiccup asked.
– Don't worry Hiccup, go on.
Astrid felt like Hiccup wanted to add something but he came around.
The dragons' riders left the two girls on the Dragon's Edge, drawing up at full speed towards the Defenders of the wing's isle.
– What's going on here? Snotlout wondered.
They landed in the middle of Mala's folk. The crowd seemed surprised. The Defenders of the wing's chief appeared in the middle of the assembly.
– Hiccup Haddock, what do I owe this pleasure?
– What does that supposed to mean? Snotlout requested.
– Excuse me but what message are you talking about?
– She's kidding us! Snotlout started to annoy himself.
– Except if she is not the one who sent it… Hiccup pronounced.
– What? You've lost me guys… the twin whinged.
– This is not complicated Tuff, it means that we've fallen into a Viggo's trap, Ruffnut informed.
– Again?! Tuffnut exclaimed.
– Does anyone can explain me what's going on? Mala intervened.
Fishlegs pulled the letter received earlier off and handed it to the isle's queen:
– Here's the message we received from you.
The short haired woman browsed it with interest before saying:
– Obviously, this message is a fake. I would never have named "men" these sort of rats that work for Viggo, they're hunters, nothing more and nothing less.
In his own, Hiccup was trying to give sense to the situation that was playing behind him without feeling concerned. Then, after a time to reflect, it was like everything became clear of a sudden. While all the others were being nervous about the subject, he articulated his girlfriend's name.
– We need to go back! They're in danger! the young man called out.
– What are you talking about, Hiccup? Fishlegs questioned.
– The girls! Astrid. Heather. They're in danger! It's a trap! Viggo will be all over them! On the Edge! We need to go, now.
– But why would Viggo want to attack them? Snotlout asked.
– I don't know yet but we'll soon find out. Ok everybody, we take off!
So they flew away quickly in the opposite direction, abandoning Mala in the way.
– How could I fall into the trap again? Hiccup blew up.
– It's true that it's getting to be a bit much, Tuffnut admit.
The Stoïk' son addressed a sad look to his friend, undone. The others gave him a dark look, full of blames.
– It's gonna be okay Hiccup, we're talking about Heather and Astrid, Fishlegs added quickly.
However, the young man didn't seem reassured about it. On the contrary, his stomach hurt him because of how much he was scared for them. He will blame himself his whole life if ever something happened to them.
But when they sighted the Edge away, they already knew it was too late. Viggo' ships were encircling the isle and there was no sign of the girls over the skyline. They approached their headquarter, that's when he saw them, that he saw her, firmly chained to a mast's vessel of them. She was struggling, trying to overcome her cords, giving kick to anybody who tried to bar her from doing it but when she saw him, she stopped any dissenting activity.
– Hiccup! she screamed.
– Astrid! Are you okay? he called out.
– It's a trap Hiccup! Don't…
The dragon hunters' chief had put his hand on the girl's delicate mouth.
– I forbid you to touch her! Hiccup shouted.
Toothless uttered a growl that was more than threatening.
– My dear Hiccup, we've been waiting for you… and your night fury, Viggo giggled.
The young boy frowned.
– Toothless? What do you want Viggo?
– What I want? Him of course! And the lens of this dear Heather...
So the brown appeared alongside of Viggo, held by the guards. He grabbed her by the chin, smiling and released her.
– It's that simple.
– But what lens is he talking about Heather? Hiccup wondered. And why would you even need Toothless?
– Hiccup, you know as well as I do how the Dragon Eye works so I don't doubt that you'll find the answer by yourself.
Hiccup didn't take more than two seconds to understand.
– You're looking for night furies?! But why? For what purpose?
– This is none of your business my boy. Now, be both reasonable and give me what I ask for.
– Or what?
– How dare you ask this question dear Hiccup? Ryker!
So Viggo's brother positioned himself behind Astrid and put his cutting weapon under the young girl's neck.
– No! Hiccup shouted.
– And as for you, Heather, didn't you keep the hope deep inside yourself of finding your brother one day?
Heather and Hiccup looked at each other, petrified. Viggo gave a head sign to one of his henchmen. Two men went out with a prisoner whose face was hidden by a burlap sack. This one was floundering but the men were maintaining him firmly. The chief of the dragon hunters gave them a new head sign. They bared the prisoner's face.
– Dagur...? Heather murmured in a quivering voice.
Hiccup was wide eyed.
– Here is the deal. The lens and the night fury for this dear Astrid and Dagur.
Heather turned her head towards Hiccup.
– I'm sorry Hiccup.
– Heather...
The brown left the lens into Viggo Grimborn's hands.
– Wise decision, young lady. Let him go.
Dagur was released and arrived into his sister's arms in an affectionate embrace.
– Well, what are you waiting for, Hiccup Haddock? You really want to make me kill your friend in front of you, right now? Ryker!
His brother reduced the margin that existed between the girl's neck and his sword. It was too much, the Grimborn were going too far.
– All right Viggo, you win…
But he didn't have the time to finish his sentence. Against all odds, the night fury came roaring in the form of a shockwave which led the whole ship crew and the Grimborn's brothers to find themselves on the ground. He came next to Astrid with his loyal rider on his back and the latter using his flaming sword to burn the blonde's cords. She climed on Toothless' back and he took off, trying to esacape the men who were already trying to get him back.
– Catch him! Viggo shouted.
They were flying above water when the dragon was finally kept in their nets. So Hiccup and Astrid fell into the sea without having time to take their breath. They went out on the surface soon to see the sad sight of the capture of the boy's best friend. Toothless gave him a sad look.
– Toothless!
– Goodbye Hiccup, I was pleased to know you, Viggo declared.
So the boats pulled away from the Edge, leaving bewildered riders. Hiccup slimmed his fist on the water. Astrid put a comforting hand on his left shoulder. So his gaze felled on her. He sketched a smile with mixed feelings but he was relieved.
– Oh Astrid, thanks Thor, you're all right! he exclaimed by taking her in his arms. I was so worried about you...
...
Viggo gone, the gang was just recovering. He had taken Toohtless with him. The questions about his intentions piled up in the riders' head but they couldn't think about that yet. Dagur had returned. It was as if he had cheated death from their point of view. Heather was in shock, like everyone, but she rejoiced in his brother's comeback into the land of the living. So this is what the riders were doing, they celebrated. Everybody except Astrid. The latter went isolating in her room without anybody knowing why.
– But tell us, we all thought you were dead! Fishlegs exclaimed.
– We saw you disappeared in the smoke! Tuffnut affirmed.
– How did you manage to stay alive? Snotlout asked.
– Actually, when I threw myself into the burning ships with Shattermaster, the men of Viggo didn't kill us, they captured us and since I'm their prisoner. I don't know what happened to my dragon.
– So the letter I received, it was from you?
– You received my letter? Dagur wondered.
– Yes and the one you left before you go...
– Heather…
– I know that you didn't kill our father.
The redhead smiled and took his sister in his arms again. Hiccup was watching the scene with interest, he had been right to give his trust to his old enemy. That's when he noticed Astrid's absence.
– Dinner's almost ready! Heather exclaimed.
– Start without me, I'll check on Astrid, Hiccup stated.
– I think she got into her hut, take a look, the brown informed.
On the advice of Heather, the boy moved towards the Astrid's hut. He knocked. No one was answering so he decided to step in. The girl was lying on her bed, turning her back to the young boy.
– Astrid?
– Is that you Hiccup?
– Are you okay?
– I'm not really hungry, that's all. But go ahead, go join us, don't worry about me.
– I'm not that hungry either actually…
He approached the young woman's bed and sat down on it. He stroked her shoulder.
– Tell me what's wrong Astrid.
She looked at him, then looked down, reluctant. She finally brounced back by redirecting her attention to him.
– This is all my fault.
Her boyfriend displayed a confused face.
– What?
– It's my fault if Toohless get captured… I feel so bad Hiccup if you knew!
– What are you saying? Nothing that happened is your fault, don't believe that Astrid!
– But if you didn't have to choose between him and me, he's still be there, she said close to tears.
Hiccup sighed and embraced her, he caressed her back to reassure her. Then, he took her face in his hands. He declared sweetly:
– If it happened again, I'd do the same Astrid. I love you, don't ever doubt.
So she closed her eyes, some tears overflowed, and the handsome brown came put his lips on hers.
– We'll bring back Toothless. And we'll do that together, as a team.
Astrid smiled to this last comment. They lied down on her bed, interwoven.
– Now sleep Milady, we have a big day tomorrow.
The young girl's breathing start to breath like his bestfriend while he wondered when was the last time they found theirselves in a situation like the one they were living now. He remembered suddenly; it was when they had lost the Dragon Eye.
The Dragon Eye was now in the hands of Viggo Grimborn. Hiccup had failed miserably: he failed to bring back Heather and Windshear who were Thor knows where and above all, he had lost the Dragon Eye. Hiccup felt really bad, he thought he was responsible of this situation. Actually, the events were over his head. He and all the gang were in a difficult position, they must get back the artefact at any cost but they were alone with the dragon hunters' chief. However, Hiccup understood that it was no longer a question of playing anymore: no errors should be permitted again. A stony silence surrounded the band of riders for quite some time. Snotlout decided to break it.
– Ok, I'm not bored but what's next?
Hiccup still had the look lost in the ocean, holding firmly the Viking Chief's piece in his right hand.
– We're going back to the Edge, he declared coldly by still staring at the horizon.
Astrid opened big astonished eyes, she didn't seem okay with the young man's decision.
– What? You want to go back to the Edge? After everything that's happened? The situation is too serious Hiccup, we need to talk to your father.
Hiccup turned over to face her.
– No Astrid, there's no way to involve my father into this.
– But why? she spoke out.
– Astrid, if we wander from Berk I think it was for a precise reason... he began.
– Obviously not the one I imagined… she stopped him.
– Let me remind you that you said it yourself: we're not kids anymore! Hiccup exclaimed. We can deal with our problems ourselves, we don't need Berk's support for that.
The discussion was becoming under control and the fuss was making itself felt, it didn't leave the group indifferent. They were somewhat in retrograde, analysing the situation.
– Well, what should we do? We let them argue until they agree or we intervened? Ruffnut asked?
– Great question sis', we're face to a big dilemma: should we let them do and attend their disagreements, well, rather pleasant or break this magic moment where those two delicate souls are fighting against each other? Hum... difficult choice... Tuffnut answered, stroking his chin by squittting.
– Argh… You're really muttonheads, the both of you… Snotlout sighted.
– Okay, we need figure out something else, Fishlegs interfered, I'll talk to them.
So he came next to Hiccup and Astrid who were facing each other by giving dark looks to each other. Astrid was pointing at Hiccup.
– And you know I'm right! she ended by crossing her arms.
– Astrid, it's a no. We go back to the Edge, that's non-negotiable, Hiccup retorted.
– So what do we do? Fishlegs simply asked.
– You heard the chief? We're going back to the Edge! Astrid exclaimed, annoyed.
She climbed on Stormfly and flew away quickly in the direction of the Dragon's Edge. Hiccup sighed in exasperation and started to follow her. Fishlegs turned back to the rest of the group.
– Let's follow them.
– Hum... it seems that there's a little trouble in paradise... Ruffnut smiled with a vicious tune.
– There's a little trouble in what? Tuffnut questioned.
– Argh… You never understand anything Tuff… she whispered.
They went to the Dragon's Edge like this. Upon arrival, Astrid rushed into her hut and never looked back. Hiccup was going after her, he didn't want to be angry with her, she was his bestfriend. Astrid closed strongly her door's hut. When Hiccup arrived at the door, he hesitated to knock but finally decided himself, racked with guilt.
– Astrid, can we talk, please?
– Go away, Hiccup.
– C'mon Astrid, this is ridiculous!
Hiccup was angry, he didn't want to go to bed knowing that he hadn't made up with the pretty blond. Since no answer reached to him, he got the courage and stepped in.
– Hiccup… she began.
– Okay Astrid, I know that you don't approve my decision and I understand you, I assure you but believe me, it was the right thing to do. You know my dad, he always exaggerated. If we had involved him in it, he'd have taken matters into his own hands and we'd have outlived our usefulness. But that's our problem, I'm the one who left and took you down with me into this. I'm the only one responsible here and I must face the consequences now. We have to learn how we can do things on our own Astrid...
So the young lady approached him, she lifted her head by passing her hand through her hair. Then, she put her hands around her waist and smiled.
– Okay, you're right Hiccup but you don't have to do this alone, we all are responsible in this so we're gonna act as a team, understand?
Hiccup smiled.
– No problem.
– And one more thing, promise me that if it really gets rough, we will inform your father? she said seriously.
– I promise you.
They smiled at each other and Astrid came naturally snuggle into Hiccup's arm.
– Thanks, she murmured.
Then, they split and Hiccup went to the door.
– Good night, Astrid.
– Good night, Hiccup.
It was truly at this time that the word' signification of "team" had begun to change and seemed to all make sense for them. Now, when they said "team", it was as a couple. Hiccup watched Astrid sleep. She was so beautiful when she was sleeping. Soon, he fell asleep too.
The next day, when the Edge woke up, it was time for Heather to tell what she knew about the lens that she had given to Viggo earlier.
– Okay Heather, tell us what you know.
– Well, this lens, I found it on this famous island that they want to find.
– The night fury's island, isn't it? Dagur asked.
The brown nodded. Hiccup was wide eyed at this disclosure.
– Are you saying that… You found it?! he practically choked.
– How did you manage? Astrid said, surprised.
– You know, I discovered it completely by accident! It was at the time when I and Windshear were travelling by ourselves. We rested on this island before leaving on the next day. That's when I found this lens, it was hidden in the trunk of a tree, as if it didn't want to be found. So I began to wonder about it and I recognized the symbol on the lens, even if it was extremely small, I recognized the shape that was ectched on the glass. It was a night fury. That's when I understand, I was on their island, Heather narrated.
– And then, could you get near them? the young rider get excited.
– Hiccup, she said by pausing.
She put her hands on his shoulders.
– They were gone.
– What? How's that?
– There were no night furies on this island. There were just bones, skeletons that you could easily recognize the shape...
– Are you saying that…
– I think that they were exterminated Hiccup…
The future's chief stayed in awe. All hope of gather Toothless and his kind one day had just gone.
– How can you be so sure Heather? Ruffnut asked.
– As I said, all there was on this isle were dead dragons' carcasses but that's not all. Actually, contrary to expectations, we were not alone on this island. There was a Death Song.
– You think that he's responsible of the night furies' death?
– I'm even certain but I'm even more sure that he didn't come on this isle by accident, he was inserted. Here's what I think: dragon hunters maybe wanted to take night furies away in order to catch them easier and thought that the Death Song will do it. But they maybe didn't know that he ate his victims! As a result, they had been exceeded by the situation and didn't dare to go back on the island. So they left the lens on it so that nobody can return!
Heather's theory seemed to be good but the dragon riders were perplexed. A question remained unresolved: why would Viggo want to find night furies that much?
– Why didn't you speak up before? Hiccup suddenly questioned.
– Well, simply because this island is dangerous Hiccup! And I didn't want to hurt you with that story.
– That's nice Heather but now, thanks to you, we know that we've to act very quickly if we want to save Toothless. Is that island far from us?
– I'd say two days' travel from here.
– Master Hiccup! a voice called out.
So the latter turned his head, it was Trader Johann.
– Johann? What are you doing here?
– Oh sir Hiccup! I came to inform you with rather unpleasant news concerning Viggo and his flying reptiles' smuggling! Johann called out, all out of breath.
– Come Johann, come sit down and explain to us what you have to tell us calmly, Hiccup invited him.
– And shortened please! Snotlout added ironically.
Hiccup gave him a dark look. Johann sat down at the dragon riders' table and they approached to listen carefully what he had to say.
– You see my dear friends, I kind of overhear a conversation unintentionally in a tavern that was, well, rather charming. The food was delicious and...
– Johann, please, Hiccup intervened by signing to get back to basics to the trader.
– The conversation Johann? Astrid insisted.
– Oh yes! the old man exclaimed. Two hunters was talking to each other and saying that their master was preparing a trap against your person, sir Hiccup. They said that it was in the final purpose of extracting a valuable asset from you, your dragon, the night fury. As I understand it, he was essential to find a lost island.
– Yes, we know all that Johann, Viggo already came... Fishlegs admitted.
– Did those men evoked something else? Did they say why they had to go there? Hiccup questioned him.
– Let me see… Yes! I think I remember that it has something to do with one of their major buyers... Yes, one of them has commissioned a big shipment of night furies! He's ready to pay a good price, apparently.
So the young man took a look at the dragon riders.
– There's his reason… Thanks Johann.
– At your disposal, master Hiccup.
– That means that Viggo will kill us if we try to wreck this mission! Fishlegs exclaimed.
– It's more serious than we had imagined Hiccup, what's next? Heather requested.
– I think that we must join forces if we want to defeat Viggo this time, the young man announced. We're going to the Defenders of the wing.
So they took off in the direction of Mala's island.
...
After explaining the whole story to the queen of the island, she gladly accepted to help them. For her, it would be the final battle, their last chance to defeat Viggo. She wouldn't have missed this for the world. His folk had been particularly cooperative, now all that is left for them to do was develop a plan in order to damage the dragon hunters once and for all. Especially since the first time, they were one step ahead of him.
– It is not about killing them, right? Hiccup asked one last time.
– Exactly, they will have the right to a trial first, Mala replied.
– We all know that it's all the same? Tuffnut prompted to his sister by laughing.
– Shut up, you idiot! she reprimanded him.
Mala and Hiccup shook hands like two true war's chiefs. The battle will finally begin.
It didn't take long for us to trace Viggo and his men, they had already arrived on the night fury's island. Mala's soldiers already charged off to do battle with the Viggo's army on the boats. The close combats had rapidly followed these organised assaults. Mala's army seemed to take the advantage but nothing was certain. On their side, the dragon riders tried to delay the dragon hunters' progression on the island by burning their ships. Mala was fighting together with her men meanwhile Hiccup was chasing Viggo who was heading for the island with Ryker who was firmly holding Toothless. Dagur was accompanied him.
– You won't find anything here Viggo.
The concerned looked up to the one who had questioned him.
– On the contrary Hiccup, these night furies are going to make me rich beyond imagining! the master of dragon hunters exclaimed.
– Except if there are none of them.
– What is he saying? Ryker groaned.
So Hiccup drew near the Grimborn duo.
– You're trapped Viggo, turn yourself in, now.
– Never! He screamed.
Against all odds, Viggo climbed on the back of the reptile with dark scales and moved away from the little group visibly.
– Go ahead Hiccup, I got him! Dagur said to the young man.
So Hiccup ran in the search of a winged partner by signing "help" to his teammate. So he felt talons grabbed him. It was Astrid and Stormfly. The blond helped the young boy to climb on her dragon's back. So they pursued Viggo who was on Toothless' back. Lucky for them, free again, the dragon was trying every way possible to take his rider down. When they finally found him, the improbable duo was flying very low. Hiccup jumped out of Stormfly in order to land on his best friend's back. He pushed Viggo but since he was struggling in the same time, he took him down with him. Once ashore, a sword fight operated between the two men. Hiccup struck the first blow but the strategist that was Viggo had no trouble catching up. He struck in his turn but much stronger than Hiccup could ever do. But the son of Stoïk the Vast had a little more up his sleeve and this was the precise moment that he turned on his flaming sword to surprise his opponent who got burned. While Hiccup thought he had taken over his sworn enemy, that one avoided feeling overwhelmed by his innovator tactics and retook the advantage on the young boy who was down, at the mercy of Viggo Grimborn. Astrid who was looking at the scene, almost intervened but she was surpassed by an unhoped savior. The Death Song. Viggo had no time to understand what was going on that he was sprayed with amber in what he was prisoner now. So the dragon left with his victim meanwhile Astrid scurried to get back her boyfriend with Toothless' help. All they could hear was the freezing scream of the redoubtable hunter.
So they fled in a hurry in the direction of the island's coasts to escape the imposing dragon who will not delay to come back. Hiccup affectionately stroked his best friend's head and this one answered warmly with a cooing of pleasure. But they must not forget that the time was running out.
– Faster! Hiccup shouted.
– We're doing our best! Astrid answered.
Dagur and Ryker were still clashing in a violent combat. Neither of them seemed to take the advantage on the other. The Death Song' scream didn't defer to ring once more.
– He's coming! Dagur, run! the brown shouted to the intention of his new friend.
So the Berserker's chief turned back and that's when he saw it. He started to run and Toothless didn't delay to catch him while Ryker was still trying to understand what was going on. He finally turned his head to the thing that will lead him to his death before being covered by an orange substance that reimbursed him. It was all over for the Grimborn brothers.
Now, they didn't have much time before the Death Song's come back.
– Astrid, go tell everyone to stop the fight. There's something I need to take care of.
– And where are you going?
Her question remained outstanding, they had already left.
Toothless and his rider crossed the flames in order to reach Viggo's boat. They finally landed not without piquing Dagur's curiosity.
– What are you looking for, brother?
– The Dragon Eye. We have to get it back.
– I follow you.
During this short time, Astrid had informed Mala about the situation and together the two, they had informed their army of what was going on. While everybody started to evacuate the island, the dragon hunters didn't understand what was going on. Soon, the Death Song resurfaced but he was not alone, others accompanied him and Hiccup as well as Dagur hadn't come back. Astrid and Heather started to worry about us while they reappeared in the sky full of smoke alongside the two ladies that they loved the most.
– We're here!
Astrid squinted by nodding her head. They moved away from the island as far as possible while helping Mala's ships to go faster by hauling them. Although they were out of danger, they could nevertheless observe the carnage that was occurring hundred miles further, not far from them.
– The mission was accomplished succesfully, go home now, Mala declared.
Shortly thereafter, they arrived at her island and she congratulated them about the functioning of the mission.
– But I thought that you wished a fair trial for the Grimborn brothers.
– That's what I said, indeed. But you know although, my dear Hiccup, that the only judgement in what I have trust is the dragons' one. And they decided to eliminate them.
This woman impressed him, really. She had an answer for everything and always kept a clear head. Hiccup settled for approving what she said with a half-smile that he accompanied with a shrug.
– I was pleased to fight by your side, Hiccup Haddock. My pleasure.
– Me too Mala. Thanks again for your help. See you soon, hopefully.
– Goodbye Hiccup.
Their adieu presented to the queen of the Defenders of the Wing, it was time for us to leave. They were on the boards of the island, point which they decided to go in order to save their dragons' strength.
It was the precise moment the fearless Hofferson chose to punch her beloved on the shoulder.
– Ouch! Hiccup called out, surprised.
– That's for scaring me.
Hiccup understood immediately where she was going. He grabbed her waist and kissed her on the lips behind the gang. While they were at formalizing the thing, might as well do it thoroughly. He finally got loose from her and declared by looking her straight in the eye:
– That's for everything else.
She smiled and they embraced. Then, they turned back to their band to enjoy their reactions. Heather already knew so it was not a surprise for her, Fishlegs didn't seem surprised either. Dagur was happy for us while the twins seemed to not understand. As for Snotlout, he appeared relieved.
– You were dating all this time and you didn't tell us?! Ruffnut blew up.
– But what just happened also, though? Tuffnut asked.
His sister sighed of annoyance. But it was Snotlout's reaction that amazed them the most. He approached them and Hiccup more particularly.
– At last! It's about time by now!
– Snotlout?
– What? With all the signals I gave you, I really thought that all my efforts have been wasted but when I look at you two together, I realize that it was worth it! He exclaimed.
– But what are you talking about Snotlout? Hiccup asked, a little astounded by the viking's words.
– Wait, did you really think I had designs on Astrid?
He started to laugh.
– I did it to make you jealous, man!
– You can really learn something every day… the young man gasped.
– Well, talking of revelations, Dagur and I have an announcement to make too, Heather intervened.
– Don't tell me that you're dating too?! Tuffnut questioned. Because then, it would be really awkward...
– No Tuffnut, don't worry, it's not about that. Dagur...
– Well, actually, Heather is going to join me to lead the Berserker by my side and reassume her rightful place, Dagur announced by smiling with sincerity.
– Wow Heather, that's amazing, Hiccup affirmed.
Astrid stepped forward her.
– Why didn't you tell me?
– Astrid, we are not leaving each other you know, she said by taking her in her arms.
– Will we keep meeting?
– I promise you.
That was a lot of goodbyes in a day but the dragon riders had already overcome much worse than that.
– And by the way Hiccup, what are you going to do with... well, you know what I'm talking about, didn't you? Dagur asked.
So Hiccup took something out of Toothless' stuff. He weighed the object in his hands.
– The Dragon Eye?
He paused and looked at the artefact attentively.
– I think that it had caused too much damage.
He had said this sentence seriously and that made the dragon riders shiver. Suddenly, he drew up towards the edge of the cliff he was and dropped the old object in the ocean.
– Hiccup! Fishlegs screamed. Are you crazy? All this knowledge… lost forever on the ocean floor... What are we going to do to look for new dragon' species now?
Hiccup had a smirk.
– We'll do things the old fashioned way by discovering the world on our own, Fishlegs.
The intellect seemed to experience mixed feelings but he knew that the young boy was right. They got back on their dragons, preparing themselves to take off. Hiccup readjusted himself on his saddle before adding:
– It's time to come home.
THE END.
