Disclaimer: *scowls* Oh, you know already. No need to rub it in.

Chapter 7

The Tribes Assemble or The Plot Thickens

Two days later at breakfast Hiccup made an announcement that Tuffnut honestly didn't expect. The sort-of chief let them eat until everyone was finished – or almost – and then spoke up.

"Alright, everyone, listen up," Hiccup began, and every Viking at the table immediately gave him their attention. "The Red Death has been getting stronger; Hall and Aesa have been keeping an eye on it and told me. We've waited long enough. So I've decided it's time."

The group shuffled nervously but Tuffnut saw a determined glint in every eye. As for himself he sat up straighter. They were Vikings, right? They could defeat a dragon.

"I'll be honest with you all," Hiccup said. "I'm not sure we can win. But we have to try, for all Vikings' sake."

Nods went all around the table.

"Hanna and Aesa," Hiccup said, turning to the two girls. "You two aren't going to fight. I want you on the sidelines ready to pull one of our own out of the way if they get overwhelmed."

The girls nodded, and Hanna looked a little relieved. She was a brave girl to be sure, but not ready to be fighting dragonback. Aesa didn't have a flying dragon either, just two feisty little Terrible Terrors, so she was an obvious choice to keep an eye on things as well.

"The rest of us are going to fight the Red Death. I don't know if it can order other dragons to attack us, but we're going to plan for that. I'm going on a scouting mission before we attack to see if I can find anything else before we go."

Tension was high at the table, Tuffnut could tell. Torfi and Tofa had their shoulders rigid, Drott's fists were clenched on the table, and Lodin had his lips pressed together into a thin line. Arni was shaking a little, staring at his plate. Hall seemed the least affected, staring calmly and supporting at Hiccup. For his part, Tuffnut wasn't exactly sure how to feel. He was excited at the prospect of a battle, but not particularly his last battle.

His mind flashed suddenly to Ruffnut, and Tuffnut admitted to himself that he missed her. He'd regret it if his last words with her were childish bickering.

"You've all come a long way," Hiccup said, breaking into Tuffnut's musings. "And I'm proud of every one of you. That said, this is going to be dangerous, and very probably deadly. So if any of you want to back out—"

"What!" Lodin interrupted, starting in surprise. "We're not going anywhere, Cloudyhead!"

Tofa glared at Lodin and kicked him under the table. "Without that last bit, I agree with Lodin. We're a team, Hiccup, all of us. We're in this together... to the end or glory."

Everyone smiled around the table, except for Hanna and Tuffnut. Evidently, this was something they'd said before the newer arrivals' time.

"To the end or glory," Drott and Torfi agreed at the same time.

"Of course we're coming," Aesa said with a smile.

"Yep," Hanna chirped in addition.

"I'm coming," Arni put in.

"You know I support you," Hall said simply.

"Just give the word, Chief," Tuffnut added with a grin. "I got your back too."

Hiccup grinned at all of them, pride rolling off him in waves. "Good, I'm glad to have you all."

Hall lifted his wooden cup and said, "To the end or glory."

Everyone copied the toast.

After a moment of silence, Hiccup spoke up again. "Drott and I are going to get some supplies from Bardikk. Hall and Aesa are in charge until I get back. Expect to be gearing for battle a week from today."

Everyone nodded and dispersed. Tuffnut went to find Staticzapboom. The Skrill was on the edge of the island, head erect. Sidling up next to his dragon, Tuffnut followed Staticzapboom's line of sight and saw a dark tinge of storm clouds on the horizon (quite normal weather for the Barbaric Archipelago).

"See a storm there, Staticzapboom?" Tuffnut asked conversationally.

Staticzapboom warbled in agreement and nudged Tuffnut's shoulder.

"Yeah, it's probably a good idea," Tuffnut agreed, patting the dragon's shoulder. "You need to get your strength up. We're gonna fight the evil Red Death next week."

"You shouldn't go alone," a voice called over.

Tuffnut looked over his shoulder and saw Lodin approach with Flire trailing behind.

"Hiccup doesn't like us going out alone unless we're on a patrol," Lodin explained. "Doesn't want anyone getting lost or hurt."

Tuffnut nodded. That made sense. "You up for a little storm chasing?" he asked.

Hiccup and Drott decided to take the boat to Bardikk since it would make carrying their purchases much easier. They tied a rope to the stern, as usual, and Blackmetal (Drott's dark green-brown Gronckle) pulled them along at a steady pace. Toothless, being the lazy dragon that he was, let Blackmetal do most of the work, though he pulled them along for a quick sprint to give Blackmetal a break.

As a result, they arrived at Bardikk around noon with both dragons stowed below and out of sight so they could enter the market without their disguises, which attracted an unfortunate amount of attention at this point. Drott in tow, Hiccup navigated the now bustling market of Bardikk with purpose. They quickly bought all the leather, metal, and rubber they needed as well as some medicinal herbs and bandages, just in case they survived. All in all, it was a productive, efficient, and quick trip... until they ran into Trader Johan.

"Hiccup!"

Surprised, Hiccup turned to see the trader hurrying towards him from the direction of the docks. "Trader Johan?"

"I'm glad I've run into you, lad," Johan said by way of greeting. "I'm sure you're busy so I'll get right down to it."

"Oookay," Hiccup said slowly, shifting his wicker basket on his shoulder. "You go ahead, Drott, I'll catch up."

Drott nodded and headed down to the docks.

"What is it?" Hiccup asked, hoping he didn't sound too anxious. What could Johan want?

Johan lowered his voice and leaned in a little. "Can you get into contact with The First?"

Hiccup was so surprised he didn't say anything for a second.

When he hesitated Johan plowed forward. "It's just, with you getting into all that dragon business back on Berk, I thought you might know him, and I have a very important message for him."

Recovering from his surprise, Hiccup found his voice and said, "Yes, I know him. What's this message about?"

Johan pulled a letter from his belt and handed it to Hiccup. "I don't know. Astrid Hofferson gave it to me and said that it was very important this get to him as soon as possible."

Hiccup took the letter and his hands instantly itched to open it. An urgent letter from Astrid? What could possibly be in it?

"You'll make sure it gets to him quickly?" Johan asked, concern shining in his gaze. "Lives depend on it, she said."

Hiccup didn't like the sound of that, but a smirk still threatened to escape. "He'll get it today."

"Thank you, Hiccup," Johan said with a grateful grin. "I have to get back to my ship. Perhaps we'll have time for a chat later?"

"I hope so," Hiccup said. Maybe, just maybe, he would still be around later.

Trader Johan left and Hiccup hurried down to the docks where Drott waited. He forced himself not to read the letter until Bardikk was behind the horizon, but he kept it clutched tightly in his hand the whole time.

Finally, they were secluded enough and Drott went to release the dragons while Hiccup opened the letter. He read it twice before looking up at his three companions.

"What does it say?" Drott asked, a little anxious at the look on Hiccup's face.

Taking a deep breath, Hiccup responded grimly. "Looks like we're moving up the attack time."

Ruffnut and Astrid hung onto the edge of the ship and leaned out, doing their best to catch the voices of the two chiefs. Although, really, it wasn't that hard. Vikings aren't generally known for being soft speakers. Stoick had gone over to greet the Meathead chief, Magadon the Murderous, and Astrid and Ruffnut were intent on knowing everything.

"Ah, Stoick the Vast," Magadon boomed. "Chief of the Berkians, I knew I could count on you."

"Well, we are the closest to the Nest," Stoick said. "We bear the brunt of the devils' attacks. It's good to see you as well, Magadon. Who else has come?"

"Almost everyone," Magadon replied. "Those pests are reaching out far. We have the Bog-Burglers, the Uglithugs, Berkserkers, Bashem Oiks, the Murderous, and the Hysterics."

"That's a good force," Stoick said. "As long as we can make it there, we should have enough Vikings to deal with the dragons."

"My thinking exactly," Magadon agreed. "We heard that only dragons can lead you to the Dragons' Nest, so we tested it out. The little devil lead our scout straight there."

Astrid's eyes widened. Who could have told him that? As far as she knew, only she and Hiccup knew about that.

"Do you think this many Vikings can at least do a little damage?" Ruffnut whispered.

Astrid looked around at the huge assembled fleet. Almost a hundred Vikings ships, all coming together to fight dragons and free them from the raids. It was impressive. Then she remembered the enormity of the queen dragon and her very thick skin.

"I don't think they can do much," Astrid answered quietly.

"At least we can fight the other dragons, right?" Ruffnut suggested.

"If they even attack," Astrid pointed out. "Last time they just fled."

"Hey," Ruffnut said, punching her lightly on the shoulder. "Try to be a little positive. It won't kill anyone."

Astrid managed a smile and said, "Of course, everything will turn out perfectly. Hiccup will show up on his dragon, defeat the queen dragon. And we'll all go home safely."

"Good," Ruffnut said. "Now say it like you believe it."

Astrid sighed and looked away.

As soon as they got back to the Wingback Isles Hiccup shoved Astrid's letter into Hall's surprised hands and said, "We leave tomorrow morning."

Hall raised his eyebrows high and unfolded the letter. Hiccup had already memorized what it said. It was a short note and he had stared at the whole way home.

Dear Hiccup,

I'm pretty sure this is you. I've only ever heard of one Night Fury, and you are the first I ever heard of riding a dragon so I'm assuming you're the First.

I have some bad news for you. Our tribe has decided to join the Meatheads in a joint attack against the Dragon Nest. The Meatheads claim to have a way of finding the Nest and have requested the backing of all the tribes. I have a feeling most tribes will agree to come. You and I both know they won't survive the queen dragon, no matter how many of them there are. I hope there's something you can do, and that this letter finds you in time. Otherwise we'll be looking at the beginning of the end of the Vikings.

Please, wherever you are, help us.

Astrid Hofferson

"I don't know how close they are to the Nest," Hiccup said when Hall looked up. "But we can't take any chances with this. Go tell everyone else."

Without waiting for Hall's reply, Hiccup turned on his heel and hurried toward the forge. Drott had already gone ahead with their supplies and was no doubt stoking up the fires. They had a lot of work to do.

Hiccup and Drott spent the rest of the day and a good portion of the night in the forge while all the dragons rested for their upcoming flight. They checked everyone's gear for faults or breakings, repaired those, and fine tuned Tuffnut's saddle as best they could. As for his armor, they quickly put together a firm leather set but without the intricate decorations and style Hiccup liked to put on them. They simply didn't have enough time. They finished the helmet they had been working on for him, and by then it was time for dinner.

The meal was a silent, serious affair. Hiccup ordered everyone straight to their stone cabins to get as much rest as possible before they left early the next morning. No complained, though no one would be sleeping very well, they all knew.

Not with the possibility of never seeing another evening.

It was a tricky business, navigating through Helheim's Gate. Ships were continually crashing into the rock columns. A few went down. Others were attacked by dragons so very hard to see in the mist. But they managed. Most of the ships made through in one piece with the Meatheads in the lead. Too soon the Viking ships ran onto the pebbly beach.

Astrid shared a pensive look with Ruffnut as Vikings left and right started to prepare. Ships were anchored, people unloaded, and weapons readied. The eight Viking chiefs gathered privately to discuss the plan of action.

The two girls stayed out of the way; Ruffnut watching the proceedings and Astrid watching the sky.

Hiccup wasn't there.

"This is going to end badly," Astrid said, twisting her hands around her ax handle. "Very badly. A lot of people are going to get hurt. Maybe… maybe I should tell the chief."

"Not going to change anything," Ruffnut said gruffly.

Astrid glanced over at the other girl. "What are you thinking about?"

Ruffnut stared at the spear in her hand and said quietly, "Tuffnut."

Astrid could only nod.

"FORM YOUR RANKS!" a Viking with a particularly loud voice boomed. The call was echoed down the multitude of Vikings.

Astrid and Ruffnut quickly joined the mass of Berkian warriors. Standing on her tip-toes, Astrid saw that the Viking army stretched almost halfway around the island. The ships ringed the shore behind them in a semicircle. Clustered together in what must have been a strategic location sat the catapults, loaded and ready.

The eight chiefs stood out in front of their respective tribes. Magadon, apparently chosen as spoksman, stepped up to deliver your typical, rousing, Viking speech.

"IT'S TIME TO FIGHT! TO END THIS!" he boomed. And that was it... very rousing. "CATAPULTS!"

The catapults were immediately released, slinging enormous boulders straight at the mountain behind the chieftans. No one covered their ears at the loud crash of stone against stone.

Three boulder-sized tunnels were created in the side of the mountain. No dragons came charging out. The chiefs took things into their own hands rushing toward the openings yelling Viking war cries. Then the dragons came. The swirled out of the tunnels, squawking and roaring, but they didn't stay low to the ground. They flew straight up into the sky away from the Vikings. A few were quickly downed by bolas but three seconds later the Vikings' attention was diverted elsewhere.

The mountain trembled. The whole island fell deadly silent before suddenly the air rippled with a deafening roar. Then out came the queen.

It smashed through the side of the mountain with the huge horns on its snout. The Viking mass could only stare.

"Sweet baby Thor," Ruffnut whispered.

Astrid swallowed. The monstrosity was even scarier now that she could see the whole thing.

Viking after Viking attacked the queen's legs with swords and axes, shot at her with bows and bolas, and a few managed to fire the catapults. Those did the most damage, making the queen waver and stumble. But she quickly realized that and put an end to the catapults with on effective swing of her tail.

Pandemonium erupted. The queen stomped and roared. Seeing the Vikings trying to retreat, it released a stream of fire at all the ships in three concise bursts. Then it roared angrily at them. For what seemed like forever there was only chaos.

Astrid and Ruffnut managed to stay together, mostly trying to dodge Vikings and the queen dragon's huge attacks.

"I guess this is it!" Astrid shouted to Ruffnut, and the two had to drop as the queen's tail swung over them.

"Yeah, it was a pleasure causing mayhem with you!" Ruffnut responded.

Astrid grinned, despite the situation, at her friend. "Always!"

Just then, a new sound was heard by all above the screaming, yelling, and roaring; a high-pitched, screaming sound.

"NIGHT FURY!" several Vikings shouted.

"GET DOWN!" more called.

"We're not gonna die!" Astrid screamed ecstatically, throwing a fist in the air with a ridiculous grin across her face.

"YEAH!" Ruffnut shouted.

From the mist of Helheim's Gate nine dragons emerged, flying in too perfect a formation to be natural. On their backs, were the people Astrid knew to be their saviors.

So, not too much happening in this chapter, just leading up to The Epic Battle (aka Chapter 8). Next time will be more exciting I promise!

And OH MY GOSH OVER 150 FOLLOWERS I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Okay, got that out of my system. Now for the reviewers :) Extra special love to you all. And, can I get more than fourteen reviews this chapter? *Toothlesseyes* Okay, maybe not this one, not as exciting. But next one? It'll make me write faster! :) :)

: Thank you so much :)

Fleightfire: A little different than the movie, that's for sure. I hope you aren't expecting me to go easy on anybody though. *winkwink*

Ramen-luver101: Oh, they'll probably make it...

Pokeshadow55: I'm very glad to have you :) And yes, Torch is still a baby, I felt like to have what Tuff and Torch had in the series they'd have to meet him first. They ran into him on the Dragon Islands but the whole Skrill deal popped up so they'll have to go back for him, but they will, don't worry. And you're not the only one anxious about the Red Death :) Several readers and characters are a little worried about it too.

TheGallopingCupcake: Phew! I'm guessing that means I should update fast to keep you alive? I envy Tuffnut too. I want a skrill :( Although, I don't envy the hair problems ;) .

: Yep, yep. Lotsa colliding :)

God of Spirits-Spirit Black: You and me both!

EnrichedWhiteBread: As demanded :D Here y'are.

CommanderD3RP: Thank you so much :) I'm glad you're enjoying it.

faisyah865: My thinking exactly :) . Although, I still have no idea who to ship him with...

flame101: Thanks :D

RoseJustice: It's just the truth *beamsback*

Jay1997: Goody :)

Guest: Ah, thank you so much! I really appreciate your thoughtful and lengthy review :) It made me smile for days.