That Night

East Cape Girardeau, Across the Mississippi River

Hiccup woke up in a bed in a Field Hospital, nearby Illinoisan National guard Field Surgeons treated a wounded child, and the sounds of war were coming from the west

Hiccup pulled the cover off him and looked at himself to make sure he wasn't wounded, he only had minor scars from where medics had pulled shrapnel from his body. Hiccup jumped up and quickly walked out of the Field Hospital was in the school, he got of the way as two civilian volunteers helped a wounded APM officer into the hospital

"HICCUP!" Astrid yelled as she hugged Hiccup

"What's going on and where are the others?" Hiccup asked Astrid

"I don't know, I keep on asking the Americans here, but they aren't replying." Astrid replied "All I know is that Cape Girardeau is being hit hard and there are a lot of causalities coming from across the river. Most of them are non-combatants, like children, and the elderly."

Four APM Doctors rushed past carrying stretcher with a teen about Hiccup's age on it, one of his arms had been blown off and had major burns across his body, and he was screaming in pain

"Those ($#%ing Blackwater animals fire bombed a freaking school." One of the doctors growled as he ran past

The sound of jet engines was heard as American jet aircraft flew overhead

"I want to see this." Hiccup said as he ran for the exit, Astrid followed him, they found that the school was surrounded by Field Hospitals and other tents as they made their way for the shores on their way there, they found Snotlout and Tuffnut who joined them. They reached the banks of the Mississippi River, which was filled with boats going from and to Cape Girardeau carrying supplies, reinforcements, refugees, the dead, and the wounded, they looked across the river, where on the onside, Common Pleas Courthouse was illuminated by burning buildings as anti-aircraft guns fired into the sky and explosions lit up the skies. Despite all this, it was snowing heavily as the winter storm raged overhead

"Dear Odin, it's worst than I thought it would be!" Astrid yelled over the sound of two National Guard Helicopters that flew overhead at full speed

"We need to find the others and get on one of those boats!" Hiccup said as he watched a young child being put into a black body bag

Hiccup looked around and saw a the APM officer that was in charge of the boats coming in and out and the Dragon Riders ran over to him

"What do you guys want?" The Officer asked them as he directed a group of refugees to their proper destination "I'm kind of busy here."

"We want to know where our friends and dragons are!" Hiccup replied, the officer looked at them

"They're on the other side of the river, they were injured enough that the infirmary of the Command Bunker was able to treat them over there. You guys are over here because they ran out of room." The Officer said to them "If you want to go back into that hellish inferno that used be Cape Girardeau, get on one of the supply boats, I won't stop you!"

The Dragon Riders went towards the bank of the river and got on one of the supply boats before it began its journey to the other side, the Capitan of the vessel maneuvered to avoid artillery shells, other boats, and sinking ones. In the water, there was ice, bodies, and debris everywhere as the boat sailed across it, the boat docked at a make shift dock that the Dragon Riders climbed onto the dock the gates of the flood wall were opened as they went through them and over the railway tracks and into the riverfront district that had been converted into a forward base, they found a truck that was bound to the command bunker and got onto it, when the truck arrived, they saw Barnes overlooking a table with a map on it as he gave orders to a group of APM Officers

"Blackwater has a self-propelled artillery battery in this area here that has been pounding the evacuation site at Capaha Park; we need you to take your battalions, locate this battery and destroy it!" Barnes said to the Officers, who saluted Barnes and walked away, Barnes saw the Dragon Riders "You guys are stupid to have came back here, you know that?"

"We don't care, we want to help." Hiccup replied "Where are the others and the dragons?"

"The Dragons and your friends are in there." Barnes said motioning to the motor pool, that was serving as a Supply Depot, Hiccup, Astrid, Tuffnut, and Snotlout found their dragons and friends together in the back of the Motor Pool

Toothless jumped up and tackled Hiccup and licked him as the other dragons happily greeted their riders

"I see that you guys are okay." Ruffnut said to the others "What should we do now?"

"We need to ask Barnes that." Hiccup replied as Toothless stopped licking him and helped him got up, the dragon riders went back to Barnes as he got a field report from Samantha, who was a member of his new command stuff along with the rest of the 502nd, and they also saw that Barnes now had braces around his wounded leg to replace his crutches.

"Let me guess you want to know how you guys can help us?" Barnes asked them as looked at the Field Report

"Yes." Hiccup replied, Barnes put down the Field Report

"The Battle is centered in midtown, where we have multiple evac sites trying get civilians and our wounded out of the city. But it seems like the Blackwater Commander in charge of this attack, is trying to prevent that and has been attacking the evac sites with artillery and aircraft." Barnes said as he pointed to several locations on the map "Also Blackwater is using South Kingshighway as a forward airbase for their fixed wing aircraft and has numerous anti-air batteries there to protect it, so I suggest you avoid that general area. But for right now, evacuating civilians and the protection of the evac sites are our first priorities."

"Where are these evac sites?" Hiccup asked Barnes

"The Main one is a Capaha Park, but we have others at Missouri Park, SEMO, Show Me Center, and Fort D." Barnes replied "Our forces are stretched thin trying to protecting these sites and holding the line at the same time, and that's preventing us from launching an effective counter attack to force Blackwater out of the city! But luckily the garrison is due to arrive at 1345 Hours tomorrow afternoon and that will give us the firepower and the numbers to stop and then destroy them, the problem is holding Blackwater off until then."

"What about the airships you and Garter were talking about." Astrid asked Barnes

"The fleet we had stationed here is in the other dimension helping the garrison pack up quicker." Barnes replied "The other airships are still in the Middle East preparing to be transferred here, but that is going to take awhile since our entire command structure is in chaos due to this attack and the second front in Arizona."

"There's a second front?" Astrid asked Barnes

"We don't have time to go over the entire damn war." Barnes replied "If you guys want to help, we need you in the area protecting the evac sites!"

Barnes and the dragon riders ducked as a Blackwater attack plane flew overhead before being shot down by the Anti-Aircraft guns mounted on the roof of the command bunker

"We don't have any radios!" Hiccup said to Barnes

"Newell! Go get some communication headsets for them!" Barnes yelled back to Newell, who ran into the supply depot "Once you're in the air, I'll provide with any updates with the situation down here."

Newell came out of the supply depot carrying six sets of wireless communication headsets for the dragons rider, who took them and put them on their heads

"Thanks." Hiccup said to Barnes and Newell as the dragon riders mounted their dragons

"Be careful out there, guys." Barnes replied

"Danger is an occupational hazard for us." Hiccup said to Barnes before they took off

"They have guts to do this." Samantha said to Barnes as the dragon riders disappeared into the night sky

"Barnes! We're getting reports that Blackwater mechanized forces are attacking the Capaha and Fort D Evacuation Sites!" Ramirez shouted to Barnes "There are reports of heavy civilian causalities from both sites!"

"Tell all battalions to delay their current orders and assist the forces protecting the evac sites!" Barnes replied

Meanwhile Capaha Park Evacuation Site

A National Guardsmen rushed a family of six into a helicopter and closed the cargo bay door before the helicopter took off as another helicopter loaded with civilians was shot down by attacking Blackwater infantry as it also took off, killing all onboard

"HOLD THEM OFF!" A National Guard Officer shouted to his men as Blackwater tanks and infantry advanced

A Blackwater attack helicopter appeared from the dark smoke and headed toward the last of the helicopters that were still on the ground, but before it could fire a single shot from it's weapons, a blue fireball hit the helicopter in the fuselage near the cockpit and exploded, the helicopter fell apart as it burned, the National Guardsmen yelled in celebration as the Dragon Riders joined the defensive of the Evac Site as reinforcements arrived in the form of National Guard armor and infantry, Billy Bob landed on top of a Blackwater tank, Ruffnut forced open the commander's hatch that one head sprayed the flammable acid into, then Tuffnut opened the loader's hatch that the other head ignited the acid, Billy Bob and twins flew away before the tank exploded as on, Firefang and Snotlout along with Astrid and Thorn concentrated on the Blackwater infantry and armor, while Toothless and Hiccup with the support of American Anti-Air weaponry kept the skies clear over the evacuation site as the last helicopters took off along with them the remaining civilian refugees, the Dragon Riders left as the National Guardsmen defending the site fell back to defensive positions

A few minutes later, Fort D Evacuation Site, Blackwater Infantry with the support of mechanized vehicles advanced uphill towards the National Guard and APM held Evacuation Site that was heavily fortified, Artillery positions across the river fired upon the advancing enemy as it tried to take the evac site.

A Blackwater BMP exploded after it was hit by Javelin fired by a group of APM Initiates in a trench. An Evacuation helicopter took off went and safely flew across the river as other helicopters were being overloaded with refugees trying to cram onto them. Reinforcements from the Riverfront began to arrive as another barrage of artillery shells pounded away at the Blackwater attack force. Another helicopter took off and as it began to go across the river, a Blackwater fighter jet hit it with a missile and the helicopter exploded into flames and crashed into the river an destroyed several supply boats that were crossing the river, survivors of the crash quickly swam out of the helicopter as it sank into the muddy water and climbed onto nearby pack ice and the boats that went to their aid. Angered National Guardsmen and APM Soldiers charged at what remained of the Blackwater attack force and a bloody close quarters battle began, eventually Blackwater retreated from the evacuation site

Meanwhile , Garter was being briefed of the situation in Cape Girardeau by Redfield and a small group of APM and US Military leaders

"Along with targeting important military and industrial targets, the Blackwater forces are trying to take out the evacuation sites, but military intelligence thinks this is a ploy to force us to use some of our forces to protect the sites and weaken the defenses of their main targets." Redfield said as he pointed to the Evac sites on the holographic "We have received confirmation that they evacuation of civilians from Capaha Park was finished successfully and a large mechanized attack on the Fort D Site was repulsed by the National Guard, but the other sites are being hit by artillery and aircraft."

"What about the Missouri National Guard's Counterattack on Blackwater's flank?" Garter asked the Military leaders

"It has run into stiff resistance and it is only making limited gains and progressing slowly and the weather isn't really helping, but hopefully once the Cape Girardeau Garrison reinforces them, they will be able to breakthrough to Cape Girardeau." The US Army General replied

"We may also want to position some of our heavier weapons to support the attack." An APM General added "I also think it is time we reassemble the Shock Armies again, Mr. President."

"I agree." Conrad replied "Although it will delay our response to both fronts considerably, but it will ensure a more effective response against Blackwater and Gene Corp."

"Well we can't reassemble the Shock Armies with the APM Command Structure being like it is right now." Garter said to the Generals "But once we finally reorganize command, I the Shock Armies to be assembled and deployed."

"Securing Cape Girardeau will speed up the process of reorganizing APM Command." Another APM General said to Garter "But that is easier said than done. But first we need to lift the Siege of Cape Girardeau. But until we do that, we can't really do much."

Meanwhile Phoenix Complex, Luger is angry at the Blackwater Commander of the Cape Girardeau Attack Force as he talks to him over hologram

"Why the (#$# are your men killing civilians? Are you trying to get the APM even angrier?" Luger yelled at the Commander "You know you have to occupy Cape Girardeau after this battle and defend it from American counter attacks, and the last you are going to want is a long-lasting insurgency from the populace!"

"Sir, the attacks on the Evac sites are to force the enemy to divert some of their forces away from our main targets." The Commander replied

"Then explained why we are getting pictures and footage of dead children being pulled out of rubble that used to be a school!" Luger yelled back at the Commander

"The bombings and shelling of the schools were errors on part of the pilots flying the aircraft and the artillery commanders." The Commander replied trying to keep his temper "Most of those reports and pictures are probably American propaganda."

"Errors my ass, you tell your officers and men that any further unnecessary civilian deaths will be punished severely!" Luger growled at the Commander "And also you should remember that I am still the one who signs your ($$#ing paycheck."

"Yes…Sir." The Commander replied

A hour later, Cape Girardeau Command Center, the Dragon Riders had landed to take a break as Barnes scratched a Evac site from the map

"There is only one evac site and from what I have been hearing from the people there, Blackwater has stopped attacking it and pulled their forces back." Barnes said to the dragon riders "They have also done the same thing along the entire frontline, which means they're preparing to do a major push to the river."

The Dragons Riders approached the table that the map was on

"What's the plan to hold them off then?" Snotlout asked Barnes

"We fight them for every inch." Barnes replied "It's our only option at this point. So this battle is promising to get very ugly."

"How long do we have until reinforcements arrive?" Hiccup asked Barnes

"Well its 3:09 A.M right now, so we have 10 Hours and 36 Minutes." Barnes replied as he looked at his watch "And that is only if there aren't any delays."

"How long have you guys been up?" Astrid asked Barnes

"At least for 21 Hours." Barnes replied "We've been running on coffee and rations."

"21 Hours? You guys really need to get some rest." The APM General in charge of the Defensive Operations of Cape Girardeau said to them "Don't worry I'll get somebody to cover you."

"Sir, that isn't necessary." Barnes replied as he yawned

"Well I don't a tired and exhausted colonel leading my men." The General said to Barnes, Samantha, and the 502nd "Go get some rest, that's a order."

"Yes Sir." Barnes said as he began to limp his way into the command bunker with Samantha and the rest of the 502nd

"Are you Hiccup?" The General asked Hiccup

"Yes Sir." Hiccup replied

"Well I just got word from the president that your father has met with the other Viking chieftains of the Barbaric Archipelago and has formed an alliance against Blackwater and they're supposedly coming here." The General said "I don't really get why Garter is letting them come here, but I guess the situation must be that bad."

The Viking Dragon riders looked surprised at each other and then at the general

"When?" Astrid asked the General, who shrugged

A minute later, Barnes and Samantha along with the rest of the 502nd reached Barnes' living quarters, they came into the room, and Barnes sat down on the bed as Samantha helped him remove the braces from his legs.

"Barnes I know that Conrad didn't give you that GK-45 as a gift, where the hell did you get that?" Ramirez asked Barnes

"Should I tell them for you?" Samantha asked Barnes quietly

"No." Barnes replied "Conrad got it from an APMSF General and he gave it to me as a gift for my service in the F-45."

"Sure he did." Ramirez said quietly under his breath as Barnes put his legs carefully up on the bed, Samantha climbed onto the bed from the other side, and Terry came out from under the bed and climbed on it and lied down at Barnes' feet

Early Morning, as the sun began to rise in the east. The APM General in charge of defending Cape Girardeau met with his command staff

"All units are reporting a new push by Blackwater forces towards the river, this is it. The real Battle of Cape Girardeau is about to begin." One of the Commanders said as he looked at the map of the Cape Girardeau

"We cannot lose Cape Girardeau, gentlemen." The General replied "We will either come out victorious or die trying. Cape Girardeau must not fall, no matter the costs."

Somewhere near Cape Girardeau-Bollinger Country border, APM and US military forces were preparing to break the siege of Cape Girardeau as the Viking forces arrived in US Marine helicopters, in the distance; the early morning sky was being lit up by distant explosions and Anti-Aircraft rounds

The helicopter carrying Stoick, Spitelout, Gobber, and several other Vikings landed and the Vikings jumped out as a column of APM armored vehicles moved past them, nearby a massive APM six-inch railway gun fired at a distant target as three airships pounded other targets with their plasma cannon batteries and cruise missile launchers.

"The Americans weren't joking about bringing out the big guns for this attack!" Gobber yelled as three F-45s flew overhead

Nearby a APM officer shouted words of encouragement and battle cries through a loudspeaker to passing US and APM forces as they headed to the front

"We will fight our enemies in the streets, we will fight them in the hills, we will fight them in the skies, and we will fight them in the deserts!" The Officer shouted "We fight until the job is finished and those who are foolish enough to stand against the might of the American people will cease to exist! Avenge your fallen comrades in Cape Girardeau with the blood of Blackwater's so called "soldiers"! For our country, for our families, for the APP, we will prevail!"

"This is worse than I thought it would be." Spitelout said as he listened to the almost insane cries of the APM Officer

"What are you guys doing just standing there?" A US Marine officer yelled at the Vikings "We have more helicopters coming in that need to land and you're taking up space! Get moving!"

The Vikings moved out of the way and began boarding trucks that were bound to the frontlines, on the same truck that Spitelout, Stoick, and Gobber got on a Viking archer toyed around with his new weapon, the Crossbow

"How in Thor's name do you load this?" The Viking Archer asked Gobber as he tried to load a steel-tipped arrow onto the Crossbow

"First you put your foot in the stirrup and use the rope cocking device to pull the string back." Gobber replied as the Viking followed his instructions to load it

"Thanks Gobber." The Viking said as he finished loading the Crossbow and the trucks started moving, also on the truck, the daughter of the chieftain of the Bog Burglar tribe, Camicazi was looking at the distant battle

"So is that where we're heading?" Camicazi asked Stoick

"Yes." Stoick replied "Don't worry we know how to fight these people now."

Two American Militia pickups with heavy machine guns in the back sped past the convoy followed by an APM M274 Amphibious MLRS

A burning Blackwater attack jet crashed and exploded in a empty field on the side of the road as the convoy passed it, the USAF Fighter Jet that shot it down flew over the convoy and tipped it's wing as the pilot looked at the Vikings and dragons in the back of the trucks before it took off for the rising sun

"This is going to be a long day." Spitelout said, Stoick nodded