Chapter Ten: Heather Focused
"It sounds like they're looking for something specific." Hiccup replied, glancing back and forth between two maps and Ukiah's list.
"Definitely." Fishlegs affirmed "Something on one of the islands in that cluster." Looking at Hiccup, he then asked "What do you think they're looking for? Supplies? Resources? Dragons?"
"Either way, I doubt it's going to be anything good for us." Hiccup answered, glaring at the circled islands.
"Hey. Eyes up." Ukiah growled, folding his arms with a stern face. Making sure he had their attention, he then gestured to him and Matt, saying "We're still in the dark here. What did the map tell you?"
"It's not really a map, as much as it is a list of instructions." Hiccup replied. Flipping the map over, he pointed at some writing, to which he said "They're instructions from Viggo. Having Ivar take charge of retrieving something from these islands. According to this, Ivar wrote that he sent someone named Turik. He's not on your list Ukiah, so he's probably not that big of a leader. Probably Ivar's go to guy."
"So nothing with new islands or undiscovered ones, huh?" Matt asked, knowing that was the main question on Ukiah's mind.
"Not really. No." Hiccup explained "It goes into details about some of Viggo's operations though. It talks about a location of a major shipyard, as well as Turik's instructions. He's supposed to operate in the night, and then go to the shipyard to drop off his cargo."
"So nothing about Crev." Ukiah answered, looking up at the setting sun. His face was long and even had a hint of depression. Everyone knew why he was looking for Crev, and didn't know what to do to help him.
"I'm sorry Ukiah. Not on this map. But this does give us an opportunity. I'd imagine this Turik guy will be searching the island tonight." Hiccup began to say "Assuming he didn't leave that dragon fighting arena too long ago. But even so, he doesn't know that we shut down the fights; or what Ukiah did to Ivar."
"No. Ivar did that to himself. He chose his fate when he refused to let us go and beat on us." Ukiah excused, finally tearing his eyes from the sunset and walking up to the map "If Turik doesn't know about Ivar, then we have an edge on him."
"The element of surprise." Matt summed up, nodding in agreement.
"If we leave now, we can capitalize on that, stopping Turik and Viggo's plan for whatever he wants on those islands." Ukiah added, looking at Hiccup with resolve.
Hiccup nodded, agreeing with Ukiah. Staring at the map, he then asked "Do you guys feel up to it? I know you guys rode for a few days non-stop trying to find us."
"We're fine Hiccup." Matt huffed, rolling his eyes "It's you and Ukiah we're worried about. Not to mention Toothless, who went through two fights! You've only been free for less than half a day. You were prisoners for three days and two nights!"
"I'm fine." Hiccup replied with a smile. Turning to Ukiah, he asked "How about you, Ukiah? You up for a night ride?"
Ukiah let a smile grow on his face. Glad to feel included, he nodded as he said "It'll be good to burn a little energy I had building inside of me while being cooped up. Not to mention Arrow's going to be energetic as ever. How far is it?"
Fishlegs looked at the map, using his thumb to measure something. "Uh…hmm…" He whispered, trying to guess how far the island was "I'd say three to four hours. Give or take."
Looking at Hiccup, Ukiah then asked "Mind if you can get me another dagger? The Hunters did away with all my weapons."
"Even your crossbow?" Matt asked, looking at him in alarm.
"And my bolts." He added, looking at Matt with a saddened smile "I'm a little hurt about the crossbow, but I can get another one."
"It's settled then. We go tonight." Hiccup announced, rolling up the map "And Ukiah? We'll get you another set of weapons. I actually have an idea for your crossbow. But for now, I have an extra dagger you can have. I'll use my shield. While I get those things, can you find Snotlout? Fishlegs will get the Twins; Matt, you can go tell Heather what we're doing; and I'll go talk to Astrid."
Ukiah nodded happily, knowing Hiccup would be true to his word about rearming him.
"Of course you'll talk to Astrid." Matt teased, smirking at Hiccup's instant blushing face. With everyone laughing, Hiccup quickly stammered "Ju-just like you and Heather!"
Matt just laughed as he turned and walked out of the clubhouse, as did everyone else. "Yup. Because she lives in the same room as me!"
"Matt!" Hiccup shouted, still blushing.
Matt just shook his head as he continued walking away. As he got closer to his room he let his mind drift into the recent adventures. It was a miracle that their rescue mission ended the way it did; and not just with finding them. The fact that none of them were hurt or shot down during their search was incredible, and then the tiny fact that the missing three were all together. In all honesty, Ivar had no reason to keep Hiccup and Ukiah. He could have easily dumped them in the ocean or shipped them elsewhere; even to Viggo Grimborn himself. Breathing a sigh of relief, he simply shook his head as he made it to his deck. Not really paying attention to what was ahead of him, he opened the door and bumped into something scaly. Not long after, a jolt of electricity shot through his body.
"Gah!" He cried, realizing he walked right into Wasatch. He could tell it was him from the shock, given that Teton was still learning to reduce his lightning bolts when shocking him; and by consequence, were significantly stronger. "Hey bud!" He replied with a smile, scratching his chin "Sorry about that, forgot you guys were in here."
Wasatch just growled happily, always enjoying it when Matt scratched him. Turning, he looked over at Teton and Windshear, who were sleeping on their stone slabs. Matt just shook his head as he walked past his Skrill, wishing he could sleep too.
"Matt?" Heather called out, walking out of her little section on their loft "Hey! Finally done for the day?"
"Eh, not exactly." Matt answered, walking over to where all his equipment was mounted on the wall.
"Oh boy, I know that answer a little too well." She answered, shaking her head with a smile. Walking down the stairs, she asked "So what's up? What'd you guys find out?"
"Well. We found out that Ivar sent a Hunter to some specific islands to retrieve something." Matt answered, grabbing a leather backpack off his desk. Checking the inside of it, making sure he had some emergency rations and medical supplies, he then explained "The Hunter's name is Turik, and he's under specific orders to work in the night."
Heather's quickly turned to look out the window and saw the burning orange sky. "So…tonight."
"Yup!" Matt answered with a smile. Buckling his backpack closed, he then said "You don't have to com-"
"Oh shut up. You know I'm coming." She interrupted, laughing at the suggestion of her staying "I'm not going to let you, or anyone of my friends go anywhere without me if I can help it!"
"Ah there's the Heather everyone knows and loves." Matt teased "Er, I guess tolerates."
"Ugh." She growled, walking to her side of the room, where her axe and extra armor were hanging on the wall "You really are something else."
"Heh, I tease you because you can take it." He jeered, grabbing his hatchet off the wall "And you tease me back more often than not. I mean, it's not like we've had this conversation before."
Heather just smiled as she shook her head and strapped her axe to her back. Seeing Matt test the edge of his hatchet, she then commented "Been awhile since you picked that up. You've only used your knife recently."
"Well, I was recovering for a couple of months; and I haven't really needed to fight anyone on the ground recently." Matt explained, tossing the Gronckle Iron hatchet up and balancing it on his finger "But after what happened to Hiccup and Ukiah, I figured I'd like to be prepared rather than sorry I wasn't."
"Makes sense." She replied, nodding in agreement. Looking at him slide it in the small leather loop on his backpack, she then suggested "Maybe you and I can practice fighting sometime soon. Been awhile since we did that."
"You know, I'd like that." He answered, looking up and smiling at her "Maybe we can take a 'vacation' after this mission. Head to some random island to relax, practice, and do whatever to recharge the 'ol batteries."
"Batteries?" She asked, staring at him quizzically.
Matt just laughed, realizing what he just said. Walking up to the slumbering Teton to wake him up, he explained "Little objects that hold electricity in them. We use them to power stuff like my flashlight."
"Oh, I see." She replied with a whisper "Heh, sometimes I wish I could see your world for even an hour. Just to see what it's like."
"It'd probably blow your mind." He replied with a smile. Lightly petting Teton, he then said "Come on bud, time to go. It's your turn to be ridden."
Teton woke from his slumber, glaring at Matt angrily. Letting a larger bolt arc from his spike to Matt, he let a smirk grow as he watched his rider lurch backwards.
"Agh!" He cried out, feeling his muscles cramp and then release. "A little too much there bud." He groaned.
Heather just laughed, gently waking up Windshear. "Come on Matt, we better go before you're unable to; if Wasatch and Teton decide to keep shocking you into paralysis."
"You're positive about that? You're absolutely sure?" Viggo asked quietly, staring blankly at a withering candle.
"I saw them myself. Hiccup and his Night Fury. Ivar had the dragon fighting the Triple Stryke, and Hiccup was locked in the dragon cell." Ryker growled angrily "Somehow that black dragon befriended the Triple Stryke, and they both turned on me in the arena before I could secure them."
Viggo just frowned, shaking his head in frustration.
"Besides that, the rest of the dragon riders arrived when I was in the arena with the Night Fury. Here's something that yeh should know about the rider Matt Haddock. Yeh know, Hiccup's brother? He has two Skrills. He commands one of them while he rides the other." Ryker continued to say "I had to wait until all the dragon riders left before I could sail back here. I found Ivar too. Dead. And missing were the instructions that you gave him. He had a Nadder spine in his heart, which means it was Astrid and her dragon."
"Of course he's dead; and unfortunate that they took the instructions I gave him. No doubt the map that has my shipyard location too." Viggo growled, finally looking up at his brother "But this actually provides an opportunity for us. I'm going to ask Darien to do something for me in that regard; and as far as Matt Haddock flying two Skrills, it wouldn't be a challenge if the Haddocks' didn't have some sort of trick. The Grimborns against the Haddocks; brothers versus brothers. Dragon Hunters fighting Dragon Riders. Quite the tale will come of this."
"Aye, I'm still longing to run my sword through Matt." Ryker growled, taking a seat across from Viggo "That arrogant, smug smile of his was the last thing I saw before I had to leave. The whelp."
"You'll have your revenge in time brother. I'm already getting an idea that may end the Haddocks as we know. At least some of their Riders." Viggo began to say quietly. "I have to say though, what I'm most disappointed in is that I keep hearing how Hiccup gets captured, but is able to get free before we can capitalize on his imprisonment. He'd make great bait for not only the rest of the riders, but also for Berk and their leaders. We could negotiate for their dragons and treasures."
"That's why I sent a letter to all our captains and lieutenants." Darien's voice cut in.
The two Grimborns turned to see Darien standing in the doorway, with Banshee's blue glow behind her; creating an eerie silhouette. "I sent multiple letters to everyone in power or in charge of something, to look out for Hiccup and Toothless. If they get captured, there'll be no chance that they can escape again. Or any of the Riders for that manner."
"Thank you Darien, I didn't think I'd have to tell my men to remain diligent when it came to keeping prisoners." Viggo groaned, rubbing his head as if it hurt "I think I'm going to have to replace some of them."
"Unfortunately, the Triple Stryke is also missing. I imagine it left with all the other dragons in the fight arena." Darien continued to say, turning to walk out "I'll take my fleet and collect a few more dragons to help cover the losses."
"No Darien, not you." Viggo said tiredly, looking up at Ryker "Ryker, you go and fill our ships with dragons. I need Darien to do a specific task for us."
Ryker nodded, standing up from his seat "Very well brother, I'll be back soon." Walking past Darien, he whispered to her "Yeh better be help to him. He's getting tired of losing." At that he kept walking past her.
Unsure of what he meant by that, Darien then took a seat across from Viggo.
"I have a question Darien, one that's been on my mind for a few days." Viggo began to say, sitting back in his chair "And I want you to answer honestly. As usual."
"Alright, what do you want to know?" She asked, now completely confused at the request; as well as the task he was giving her.
"Why do you want to make your family's name great? What's your drive and reasoning?" He asked, looking at her sincerely.
Taken back by the question, she asked "Why do you want to know?"
Viggo just looked at her with understanding eyes "Whatever your reason is, it's one that made you feel that working with me was the best way to accomplish it. I know you Darien, better than you think. You're methodical; patient; well, generally patient; and always thinking. You do your homework. So whatever your reason is, it made you abandon Dagur who was your own ancestor. You were willing to kill Heather, who is also a relative. And then you've been nothing but helpful and willing for me. What is your reason? And why is it your reason?"
Darien thought about what he was asking, trying to think of the words to explain her motivation. It was the first time he ever asked about her and her purpose for coming here. Even Dagur never asked her that. Lightly shaking her head, she explained "I…I guess because you're the best way to achieve victory. Dagur was always too complicated. He always tried to outsmart Hiccup and the riders, when all he had to do was what you're doing. Run your own agenda and twist the Riders into doing what we need them to do. Not to worry about fighting them."
"What kind of victory are you expecting? What kind of…triumph, are you looking for that you think would suffice your need to glorify your family's name?" Viggo asked, raising an eyebrow.
Her eyes narrowed as she thought of the conditions that needed to be accomplished. "Nothing will matter until Hiccup is dead. Hiccup and Toothless. And I guess Matt too, since he's here." Looking at Viggo, she explained "Before I came here, my family's history was that Dagur died in prison, being the last 'Chief' of our family line. We lived in the shadow of the Haddock's from his fall to my time." Growling angrily, she then added "Even I couldn't get away from the Haddock's 'glory'. Matt was an amazing snowboarder, and received all the attention in the world." Looking up at Viggo with a fire in her eyes "Until they're dead, I can't claim that my family is great. Not while the Haddocks exist. That's why I'm working with you. You've taught me everything to be successful, and you have the highest chance for me to end them. I owe you my loyalty, since you're the reason why I'm a threat to them now."
Viggo nodded, letting a small smile grow on his face. "Now that I know what your end goal is, I feel more confident in my decision. I'm giving you a promotion, a big one."
"Oh? What is that?" Darien asked, shocked at the sudden promotion.
"I'm putting you in charge of my shipyard." Viggo announced "I want you there while I send your fleet with a couple extra ships for maintenance and repairs."
"What?! Why?" She gasped, staring at him in disbelief. Seeing him raise an eyebrow, she quickly said "I mean, I'm honored that you're entrusting me with it, but why? Why me?"
Smiling, Viggo began to explain "Honestly, it's a temporary position. A test if you will. I'm using it as a trap to bait in Hiccup and the riders, but leaving it up to you as to how."
"Oh? To capture them?" She asked, smiling at the idea.
"No. To kill them." Viggo replied resolutely. Seeing her wide eyes, he explained "Hiccup and his friends have been more than a thorn in my side of recent. I lost three ports and camps to them. They disrupted the dragon fighting arena that was bringing in a healthy amount of coin. They also cost me my flagship with the Buffalord dragon as well and sunk more than enough ships that could have made up another fleet. So their usefulness is beginning to run out. We need to thin them before we manipulate them for our gains again."
"That's why you want me at your shipyard." Darien whispered, connecting the dots with her promotion "You're giving me an opportunity to kill them."
"Because it means a lot to you, and think of this as a final test for you. You succeed, you'll be greatly rewarded." Viggo explained "You should know that I remember my friends just like my enemies."
"Well, I guess this keeps your neck safe too." Darien then said, letting an evil smile grow on her face.
Shrugging with a smile, Viggo quickly admitted "There's that too; I do expect some loss of life and ships. But if you do this right, they'll strike at a target they think is lightly defended; only to lose some of their friends in the process. Who knows? With you and Banshee, you might be able to stop them all!"
"Oh, I'll give them a surprise." Darien growled, her eyes narrowing "And I'll bring you their heads. Dragons and riders."
"I have no doubt that you will." Viggo replied with a confident smile. Standing up, he walked around his desk and grabbed her is a small hug "Make them pay; for my sake, and your family's sake. If you succeed at this, you will be given a lifelong position along my side. I promise you."
"Alright, everyone with their teammates?" Hiccup asked aloud, letting Toothless hover to a stop.
"We're all set Hiccup." Astrid called out, lining herself up with the twins. She was partnered with them since she was the one that was most able to keep them in line. Hopefully.
"Yeah, just one question." Snotlout growled, glaring at Hiccup "Why am I not partnered with Heather?"
Heather let out a long groan, followed by the twins laughing at her.
"The same reason I'm not." Matt called out while frowning at him "We're partnered in these groups so we can cover as much ground as possible."
"Thank you, Matt." Hiccup replied with relieved face. He didn't want to separate Heather and Matt, but it was true; Matt with his Skrills were more than able to scout out almost all the islands by themselves, given that Teton and Wasatch literally ride on lightning. For that reason, Matt was going to be on standby, ready to help anyone that may need it.
"Fine." Snotlout growled angrily, glaring at Matt. Turning to Heather, he then winked at her, saying "I guess we'll go on a date another time then."
Heather groaned a second time, rolling her eyes and looking away from him.
"Alright, remember the plan. If you find the Hunters, have your dragon signal into the sky." Hiccup began to instruct "The entire point of this mission is to learn why they were sent here in the first place, and to stop them from getting what Viggo wants, got it?"
Everyone nodded, understanding the mission.
Seeing that they all understood, he then began to say "Astrid and the twins will take the two northern islands. Fishlegs and Heather will look at the larger, more eastern one."
"Leaving you and Snotlout with the southern one." Ukiah finished for him, letting Arrow hover next to his new friend, Sleuther. Since the gang brought the Triple Stryke home, and becoming friends with Arrow, he refused to leave their side. He continued to stay close to them and even mimicking Ukiah's and Arrow's actions since he was still re-learning to be on his own. Finishing Hiccup's comment, Ukiah then said "Arrow and I will be on the west island with Sleuther."
"Are you sure you don't want me to tag along with Ukiah?" Matt asked Hiccup, looking over to Ukiah with worry "He only has a dagger. And I guess two pretty vicious dragons."
"No. I need you flying over all the islands." Hiccup answered "You're the fastest and have two dragons; that makes you perfect to be the first one to respond to anyone. Ukiah, Heather, Astrid, the twins, even me. Besides, Ukiah also has two dragons with him."
"Alright." Matt replied, looking a little disappointed at his responsibility. Turning to Heather, he then let a small smile grow on his face "Make sure you're careful. I don't want to save your hide again."
"Again? When was the last time you saved me?" Heather quickly fired back, glaring at him.
"Uh, d-don't worry Matt." Fishlegs began to speak up. Letting Meatlug hover closer to Windshear, he continued to say "I'll make sure nothing happens to her."
"I know you will Fishlegs." Matt replied with a wide smile "That's why I'm ok with her going with you."
"Why is everyone concerned about me? I'm a warrior, remember?!" Heather cried angrily, glaring at both Matt and Fishlegs "If anything, we should be worried about Hiccup and Ukiah! They were the ones captured recently!"
Matt laughed, shaking his head at her angry reaction. Turning to Hiccup, he then said "Well if we're done here, we should get going and find these Hunters. The night's not getting longer."
"Sounds good. Let's break everyone!" Hiccup shouted, turning towards his island.
Everyone then split up, breaking into their teams and towards their designated islands. Hiccup and Snotlout both started to fly towards the southern island. Focusing on the approaching island, his attention to was pulled away as Snotlout began to say aloud "So I need you to put in a good word for me, Hiccup."
"Huh? What?" He replied, looking at him in confusion "With who? Astrid?"
"Pppphhh. Puhlease!" Snotlout scoffed, rolling his eyes with his overconfident smile "I'm so over Astrid. You can have her."
"Oh wow…thanks." Hiccup replied sarcastically, trying hard to hide his smile from Snotlout "I appreciate that."
"Anytime, I'm a giver." Came the quick reply "Listen, I know Heather's been dying to approach me."
Hiccup coughed out loud, staring at him with wide eyes. "Wh-what? What do you mean she's been 'dying' to approach you?"
Snotlout explained "She's just too nervous to talk to me. That's why she's been with Matt for so long. He's weak and not intimidating. Her fears got her 'scurred' of me."
Hiccup quickly tried to kill the growing fire inside Snotlout, saying "Uh…I don't think Heather gets 'scurred', Snotlout. Also, I think Heather likes being with Matt for a couple of different reasons…and none of those are what you said. I mean, she moved into his room with him!"
"Because she was too nervous to even ask if she could stay with me!" Snotlout quickly countered "If you tell her that she can just talk to me, then she'll probably move in with me!"
"Not likely. Besides! Matt's not exactly weak as you said. He's trained two Skrills and walked away from them! Not to mention how many times he's been bed ridden from his injuries! He even beat Heather in a fight when she took him prisoner!" Hiccup began to reply, not believing that Snotlout was trying to get Heather "He's pretty tough. And can be, uh, violent sometimes."
"See?! He's toxic to her!" Snotlout argued, still pressing his point.
Shaking his head, Hiccup then thought of something "You know, I just don't think you're ready for a woman like Heather. She's far too, uh, sincere, honest, brave-"
"Hiccup, Hiccup, Hiccup." Snotlout interrupted "I can fake honesty, I can fake sincerity, I can fake all those things! Trust me Hiccup, I got that covered."
"Oh yeah, and by the way, she's smart too." Hiccup added, now in complete disbelief.
"I can fake being smarters." Snotlout huffed quietly to himself. Seeing Hiccup turn away, he then begged "Please Hiccup! Just tell her that I'm open and am more than happy to talk about her and me dating each other!"
"Ugh!" He sighed, shaking his head in despair "Fine! I'll pass the message. But I don't promise anything will come of it. She really likes Matt you know. I think she's already made a choice."
"Not when she learns there's another option!" Snotlout replied confidently, looking ahead and smiling as he thought of the near future "Guess I'll have to rearrange my room when I get back; you know, to make room for her."
Hiccup could only continue to shake his head, as there was no other suitable reaction. Looking ahead, he then let his thoughts focus on what needed to be done, and what they needed to find that the Hunters were looking for.
Fishlegs and Heather were gliding over some rolling hills, with the occasional grove of trees or boulders that seemed to plague their given island. However, no matter where they looked, they couldn't find anything that even hinted that the Hunters were there. No cages, catapults, arrows, or even a ship!
Heather let out a frustrated huff, letting the thought flash through her mind that they were too late, and the Hunters had already left.
Fishlegs however, was having something else on his mind. He'd actually been secretly longing for the chance to be with Heather alone, without it being obvious that he had a question for her. Flying alongside her, he tried to make eye contact with her, to have her ask him what was on his mind. After a few minutes of fruitless effort, he let out a nervous huff as he knew he wouldn't be able to sway her determined spirit from diligently scanning ahead. "So…no sign of the Hunters, huh?" He asked aloud, trying to spark a conversation.
Heather's head whipped around, glaring at him angrily. Putting her finger to her lips, she then hissed "Shh! I know we're on dragons, but let's not give our position away so easily! Everything helps when it comes to being stealthy."
Fishlegs instantly clamped up, realizing he just mad her angry. Just as he was sure he blew it, he was relieved when he watched her return looking forward and say "But…yeah. I don't think they're on this island. I didn't see any sign of Hunters being here; and they're pretty easy to find some hints that they've been here. They're not very good at cleaning up after themselves."
"Yeah, definitely." Fishlegs replied, though making sure his voice was quiet as well "They're probably on another island."
"Probably." Heather answered back, still scanning the ground.
"Who knows, maybe Matt will see them up from where he is." He continued to say, watching her reaction.
"Heh, wouldn't surprise me if he did." She commented, shaking her head at the subject "He always seems to be pulled into the worse of situations."
"Are you worried about him?" He asked, finally getting to what he wanted to talk about.
"No." She quickly replied, turning to him and flashing a smile "He's Matt! Plus he's a Haddock! They always seem to come out on top."
"Is-is that why you like him?" Fishlegs timidly asked, unsure if he crossed a line that he couldn't go back.
Heather just gaped at him, shocked at the question. "Wh-what did you say?" She asked in surprise "What do you mean if that's why I like him?"
"I-I uh…" Fishlegs stammered, knowing he caught her off guard. Sighing, he simply shook his head as he asked "I just was wondering how, uh, serious you two are."
Heather instantly blushed a bright red. Turning away from him, she simply stammered "That's a little personal don't you think? And I never expected you to ask a question like that, Fishlegs."
"Listen, I'm sorry I just made this awkward!" Fishlegs cried out "It's just…" Looking down, he then quietly explained "Everyone likes you. Including me."
Heather just turned and looked at him, still blushing from the sudden confession.
"I guess I just wanted to know for myself if you and Matt were, uh, official." He continued to say "I mean, you two haven't actually told us that you were." Rubbing the back of his head, he explained "I just wanted to know what you liked about him, so that I could try and do those things too."
Heather let a small, sincere smile grow on her red face. "Fishlegs. You're a kind and thoughtful person! It's just Matt and I have been through a lot with each other; with both amazing and terrifying experiences. I guess we haven't really thought about, I don't know, announcing it."
"Sorry." Fishlegs began to apologize "I…I guess I kind of dreamed that-"
"Fishlegs!" Heather quickly said, stopping Windshear. Looking at him in the eye, she continued to say "Listen. I think you're a great friend. I hope this doesn't change how we act together, but Matt and I are serious with each other. But I will answer your question with why I like him." Flashing him a soft smile, she explained "He's very thoughtful and caring, like you. I can't really think of a time he put himself before anyone else. He's loyal and will fight to make things right, even if he's hopelessly outmatched. Plus, he's a bit unique. I mean, he's a snowboarder from a different time! And the crazy thing is, I don't think I know everything about him."
Fishlegs let a small smile grow on his face too, as he said "I figured those were reasons why you liked him. It's not hard to see how you two feel about each othe-"
Suddenly a bright orange flash lit up the night sky. The two and their dragons quickly turned to face the explosion.
"The north island!" Fishlegs cried out "That's Astrid's and the twin's! They must've found the Hunters!"
"Let's go!" Heather shouted, urging Windshear forward.
The two quickly began to fly towards the island, still in the distance. Looking ahead, Heather stared into the night, as if to interrogate it to reveal Astrid, the twins, or the Hunters. Now well over the ocean, she glanced to her left to see Hiccup and Snotlout flying towards the island as well, with Ukiah and his dragons tailing behind. Hiccup had an anxious look on his face, knowing that it was Stormfly that had shot the signal.
Sensing his worry, Heather let Windshear glide closer to the Toothless, allowing her to say "Don't worry Hiccup. Astrid and the others will be fine."
Realizing that he was getting called out, Hiccup faced her with a sheepish smile growing on his face "Yeah, I know. It's hard not to be worried though."
"Think of it this way. If they did get them, they're not going to leave without us knowing about it. Unlike you and Ukiah!" Heather continued to say with a reassuring smile.
Before Hiccup could reply, a bright, white flash tore through the sky above them. The entire group looked up to see several lightning bolts spider web in the black sky, right over the island they were heading to.
"Looks like Matt beat us there." Hiccup commented, letting a relief flood his face. He felt better knowing someone else was there helping.
"I know you told me, but to see him actually ride lightning!" Ukiah commented, staring at where the lightning was "That's incredible!"
"Boy aren't you a quick one?" Snotlout huffed sarcastically, glaring at Ukiah "That's why he was left up there! He's got the fastest dragons!"
"Debatable." Hiccup quickly said with a smile. Turning to Ukiah, he then said "We'll teach you all that we know about dragons when we get back. You can say a lot was updated since you last read the Dragon Book!"
"Hey, eyes up!" Heather shouted, gripping the handles on her saddle "We're here!"
Hiccup quickly returned his attention ahead of him. Flying over the cliff plagued shoreline, he scanned for any sign of Astrid, the Twins, or even Matt. Flying over a large grove of trees, his fears were finally put to ease. There was a large bay ahead, with a Hunters ship moored there. Hovering outside the range of the ship, was Astrid, who promptly saw the group.
"Hiccup!" She shouted in distress "We tried to stop them, but they have an egg on that ship!"
Being able to stop worrying about her, Hiccup then began to instruct the gang. "Everyone take their partners and surround the ship. They can't hit all of us at once. If your teammate goes down, you take care of them! Forget the ship! Got it?"
"Got it!" Heather and Fishlegs shouted in unison. Just as they were diving to the left, a large lightning strike rained down onto the ship. Heather quickly glanced up to see Matt, Wasatch, and Teton circling high above the ship! With Wasatch, radiating a massive lightning storm and letting massive bolts strike at the ship. Smiling, she knew they had this fight done with; it was just a matter of time until the Hunters either surrendered, or they were sunk.
"Fire!" A loud cry sounded from the ship.
To Heather's delight, she watched the dragon egg get launched from the ship. The twins were already on a course to catch it too!
"Hey babe! Watch this!" Snotlout's voice shouted next to her. Whipping her head in his direction, she stared in a new horror as she saw him fly towards the egg. "Get away twidiots! I got this!" He shouted, focusing on intercepting the egg.
"No! Get away Snotlout!" Ruffnut shouted back.
Heather gasped as she watched him and the twins crash into each other, allowing the egg to slip in-between them. "No!" She shouted, watching it fall towards the jagged rocks below.
Fishlegs saw what was going to happen long before Heather, and already positioned Meatlug below it. Seeing that it was going to be out of arms reach, he spun Meatlug around and batted the egg back up, right towards the remaining Riders.
"Agh!" Ukiah shouted, trying to catch the egg as it arched over him and just out of reach "Astrid!" He shouted, watching it fall back towards her.
Astrid banked Stormfly around, knowing she was well past being able to catch it. Spinning Stormfly, she let her wing bat it right towards Heather. "Heather! Catch!" She shouted, watching it fling up towards her.
"I got it!" Heather shouted, seeing it rise over her and Windshear. Leaping onto her feet, she stood on her saddle as she reached up to grab the egg. She felt it roll off her fingertips, which was now behind her. She watched in both relief and horror as she saw the egg get guided down by Windshear's tail onto the ground. The horror feeling came as she felt herself lose balance and begin to go into a free fall over the cliffside!
"Agh!" She screamed, flinging her arms around as she began to tumble down to the rocky shore below.
Windshear let out a cry of panic, unable to catch her with her tail as she was slowing the egg's fall with it.
Heather didn't see or remember much of the fall, other than the terrifying feeling that flooded through her. Just as she was sure to smash into one of the rocks below, she felt her foot get grabbed, stopping her from falling any further. Getting her sense of direction back, she looked up to see one of Wasatch's claws holding her by her boot and upside down.
"God, Heather!" Matt's voice called out next to her, making her turn to face him. There, hovering on Teton just below her so that he was eye level with her, he just shook his head as he let Teton get him closer to her "I was kidding about me saving your hide. Didn't think you'd actually jump off of Windshear just to get me to save you."
Letting a relieved expression flood her face, she just shook her head and smiled, saying "I guess I didn't want to be away from you any longer." Looking around, she then asked "Did we get the egg? Is it safe?"
Smiling, Matt laughed as he answered "Yeah, Hiccup got it as it was rolling off on the other side of the cliff. Now, quit squirming and let me grab you. Let's get you right side up." Heather smiled as Matt grabbed her arm and back, as if to flip her over. "Alright Wasatch, let her go."
Heather instantly felt dropped. Matt quickly flipped her over and pulled her into him, allowing her to plant her feet solidly on Teton.
"Whew." She huffed, looking down below to see how far of a fall she had left "Thanks Matt."
"Heather, are you alright?" Astrid asked, letting Stormfly hover next to Teton.
"I am now! Especially now that the egg's safe!" She replied with a wide smile.
"The egg doesn't matter if you got yourself killed." Ukiah's voice boomed down. Both Arrow and Sleuther were now hovering above them, all three looking down at her. Ukiah's face was scowling at her "That wasn't worth sacrificing yourself."
"If you say so." Heather retorted back "But we still got it safe and I'm fine."
"On that note," Hiccup interrupted, making everyone turn to look at him. On his lap was the egg, though it was a lot larger than they thought, now being able to see it up close and not flying through the air. "How about we get back to the Edge while we're all in one piece? Including the egg."
Heather smiled as everyone turned and began to head back home. Looking at Matt, who continued to hold her, she asked "Any chance I can ride with you back home?"
"What do you think?" He scoffed, pretending to be angry with her "I'm not letting you ride by yourself until you go through Dragon Training again! If you can't stay on your dragon, I'm not letting you do anything by yourself!"
"Ugh, Matt!" She groaned, realizing she just gave him another reason to tease her with.
Laughing, Matt let Teton follow the others, with Wasatch and Windshear close behind. "Come on, let's go home. I'm exhausted."
Finally! You have no idea how many times I had to re-write this chapter. On a couple of separate occasions, I lost the save file, rendering me back clear to the beginning of the chapter; then, as I was transferring the file to my laptop to work on during the holiday, I accidentally replaced the file I needed with an older one, which once again set me back to the beginning of the chapter. It feels good to finally get this posted! It's been way too much of a struggle for just one chapter.
And that is why I always backup my backups.
Hope you enjoyed reading it! We may be...a little less than half way? Depends on how many chapters the next couple of events take up. Anyways, enjoy!
-Dustnblood