Hel, Zathralan and Muk were staring speechless at Drago Bludvist. Almost immediately Zathralan and Muk fell to their knees.
"Lord Drago," Hel briefed. "I cannot believe my eye, Lord Drago is standing before me. Is this merely a dream? A fantasy?" She then turned and looked at Zathralan and Muk. "The keys! Bring them at once!"
However, both Zathralan and Muk found themselves unable to move.
"I'm stuck," said Zathralan in a terrified voice.
"I can't move a muscle," said Muk.
"There is no need for those keys of yours," said Drago in a booming voice. "As you can see, I'm wide awake." Hel just stared at him in disbelief. "You certainly have put a lot of trouble in collecting worthless trinkets. To think all that time and you could have done something a bit more practical, like wiping out the truth of my rule."
"But—but that is impossible," said Hel.
"The keys you sought were just stories cooked up by a group of desperate fanatics, cultists who longed for my resurrection. And you took their fiction as gospel, what a sad and horrific legacy to leave behind.
Hel just stared at him. "What you mean we never needed the keys? "She then placed a hand on her bad eye. "I sort myself, I watched you fall with my demons eye. You were so weak that you can hold your own against one of my underlings."
"I'll explain this simply, so that even a fool like you can understand," said Drago. "At the time that was my full power, but no longer."
Drago's unrequited a black mist that terrified all three of them and suddenly materialise in his hand was a bullhook. He then slammed the ending to the ground and turned his gaze upon Hel.
"Long ago, eight hundred years to be exact, I fought against your guild is first master. I intended to rule this world with an iron fist and destroy all dragons in existence. However, Hiccup rose up and started to fight my regime and then he made allies with the most unexpected of allies. My sister!"
Hel's eyes widened, she had never heard that Drago had a sister. "My sister loved life and eventually she fell in love with Hiccup. Together they created the most powerful spell in existence, the Primordial Magic." Hel's eyes widened. "You for that I was I that could conjure the Primordial Magic, but no it was both Hiccup and my sister that conjured it and entrapped me with it.
"However, the magic, while powerful, started to fade away until it was strong enough for me to break. Unfortunately, it was a lot sooner than I had intended no doubt due to your influence. And now I have met the one that would end me, if the prophecy is to be believed."
"Prophecy? What prophecy?" Hel stared.
"A prophecy that is unknown to all, but me and my sister. A prophecy that foretells my destruction and defeat. It foretells a long legged warrior, with the fire of dragons in his heart and who bears the name of a great hero."
Hel's eyes widened. "Stoick's boy?"
"Indeed, and thanks to you he now knows of my existence. The spell was first cast upon me I had intended to work my powers in secret, but thanks to your influence the world now knows of my return. The world will be forever changed to day, for that and I have summoned Acnologia to wipe out those who would stand against me and bring an end to this era."
Hel stood up. "What are you talking about? What is Acnologia? What is the Primordial Magic?"
"It is shame that you messed up, because if you had left enough alone I could have used you," said Drago as he slowly raised his Bullhook. "But I do not tolerate fools and imbecile is to do my work and as such…"
"No! Wait! There are so many questions I have yet to ask you!" Hel cried desperately.
"Then you will die in ignorance, for this is punishment for your foolish actions and created the tools for the one that is destined to kill me," said Drago.
Zathralan and Muk could do nothing but watch the dark mist intensified around them. Hel just stood there, motionless and for the first time in her life she was completely afraid.
"I do not tolerate fools like you," said Drago.
Meanwhile, sailing away from Cove Island were Ultear and Orara. The two of them had change their clothing and were in a rowboat.
They just sat there in silence for what felt like hours.
"Orara," said Ultear breaking the silence. "You don't seem to be very happy."
Orara just sat there in silence.
"I know it's not going to be easy, but here's an idea. Let's forget about Grimoire Heart and Drago Bludvist too."
Ultear turned and saw dolphins jumping out of the water and she smiled. "Dolphins? Do you see them?"
"Ultear… is it true?" Orara asked at last.
Ultear smile suddenly vanished.
"Were you the one in charge… of destroying my clan?"
Ultear just remain silent.
"I lost my family, all of my friends… I deserve to know."
Ultear closed her eyes. "It was me." She looked at the expression on Orara and wasn't surprised to see at the devastation. "I'm sorry, I always intended to tell you the truth someday. I used to consider the life we currently live in our first try and I thought mastering Arc of Time on reaching the Grand Magic World I could bring about our second try.
"I believed our actions in this life had no real meaning, because we would be able to start all over again. This philosophy enabled me to act in horrific ways without remorse. I honestly thought that second time around would be my true life and yours as well. A life of happiness and peace. That's the reason I did what I did."
Orara then stood up causing the boat to shake and Ultear could see her crying.
"I'm so wrong, I had no right to cause so much suffering. I was a fool, a fool who committed countless atrocities in the pursuit of an illusion. While all I needed to be to be happy was right in front of me. And I know I can't ask for your forgiveness, but at least let me say I'm sorry."
Ultear saw Orara fists clenching and knew that she was resisting the urge to kill. "I understand, you're filled with hatred for me. However…" Orara eyes widened when she summoned her sword and plunged the blade into her chest. "Now there is no need for you to dirty your hands ever again." The sword then vanished. "I promise you that, because after today… I won't be here."
Ultear then stood up and began to fall into the ocean.
"Ultear!" Orara screamed.
"Find your joy, you're free to live your life Orara. So, go out there and make something of yourself," said Ultear she felt towards the ocean. "I love you… Orara."
She then landed in the ocean and Orara gestured at water horrified and then screamed, "Ultear!"
Ultear sank into the water and everything around her started to turn black. As she sank she knew that she was with her mother once again and it made this a happy ending. Then everything went black.
When she opened her eyes she found herself on the water surface and that someone had their arms around her. She turned and found Orara directly behind.
"You saved me?" she said shocked.
"Let's live… together," she said.
Ultear just stared at her and then noticed the tears within her eyes, but they were in tears of sadness they were of pain. She then looked down at her wrist and saw a one of Orara's Sensory Links on it.
"A Sensory Link?" she gasped.
"I feel it all, your frustration and your sadness," said Orara. "You can't… blame yourself." Ultear just stared at her and then suddenly Orara wrapped her arms around her. "You made a mistake, but you're still a mother to me. Nothing will ever change that. It's okay, I forgive you. Just promise me you won't talk like that ever again. I can't bear the thought of being alone without you Ultear. I love you too, so please live life with me."
Ultear found herself unable to hold back the tears and then they wrap their arms around each other like a true mother and daughter.
Meanwhile on, Grimoire Heart airship a beam shot right out of the middle of it and up into the sky above and into the sea below.
Inside Hel's dining room Zathralan and Muk just watched in horror as Hel toppled over in horror.
"No! What did you do to our master?" Zathralan demanded.
"She's… she's dead as a door nail," Muk quivered.
"She should be thankful that I'm so merciless," said Drago as he looked down at Hel's with an emotionless look. "All others who have failed me have suffered a far worse fate."
He then looked up as he sensed something powerful approaching. "It's here, Acnologia."
Meanwhile on Cove Island, Stoick was informing the members of Dragon Tail was intended to do about the trial.
"I have thought long and hard and I have finally come to a conclusion," said Stoick. "While it was not planned, I have decided that your battles between Grimoire Heart served as a test. Certainly a much harder test than any I could ever concoct."
"So who are the three who will become S-Class?" Hiccup asked.
"It was a difficult decision and of course I could not count those who have failed the first part of the trial," he said and looked to Heather. "Which is unfortunate considering that some of you found your resolve afterwards. Despite your hard efforts I only find two that had the stone to become S-Class."
Everyone looked up some slightly nervous and others eager.
"Those who will become S-Class are Hiccup Haddock and Ragnar Keatson!" Stoick announced.
The two Vikings in question were completely speechless.
"Nice work boys," said Astrid as he placed an arm over each one of the boys. "Looks like all the founding members of Team Asgard finally become S-Class."
"What about the third?" Fishlegs asked. "You said you be choosing three S-Class Vikings this year."
"I am sorry Fishlegs, but you and the others have yet to show strength of character that is needed for an S-Class Viking."
"I guess we'll just have to try next year," said Fishlegs.
"I still say I'm S-Class material," Snotlout fumed.
Alvin was leaning against a tree where Valka was sitting on the Thunder Legion went too far behind him.
"So you're alive," he said.
"Yes, and you're no longer in the guild," she said.
Alvin nodded. "Yes, it's clear that we have a lot of catching up to do."
"That's an understatement," said Rubbella.
"He suddenly changed over the past few months," said Fenris. "I suppose all that solitude gave new perspective."
"Yeah, he was never this friendly, even to us," said Dogsbreath.
Merrill was hiding behind a tree of deserving Alvin, this was the first time she had laid eyes on him and she remembered the stories that the other members of the Guild told about him.
"He seems like a pretty decent guy, but I'm still scared of him," said Merrill looking down at Stormfly. "Weird, huh?"
Stormfly looked at her startled. "What? Don't be silly, child. He's fine."
"Don't believe the rumours you hear about Alvin," said Astrid as she walked up to Merrill. "Deep down he is a decent guy."
"You think so?" Merrill asked.
"He just doesn't know how to express it, that's all," said Astrid.
Merrill looked at Alvin and found that he was laughing with Valka about something. "Really? I guess I should meet and see what he's like for myself."
Meanwhile, Ruby and Agatha were in an herbal spring trying to recover from their wounds. While the spring had great medicinal healing properties, it still stung quite a lot.
"This is supposed to help, right?" Ruby winced.
"This brings herbs as opposed to be medicinal, but knowing that sure doesn't make it sting any less does it?" said Agatha as she looked at one of the leaves in the spring.
"So… uh, how is your arm holding up?" Ruby asked.
"Well, I kind of liked the way it lurked when it was still the Dragon Sword," said Agatha and raised her arm out of the spring. There Ruby sword of the mark that had been on her arm had vanished. "It seems like the spell wore off and everything is back to normal again."
Ruby smiled.
Agatha then looked at Ruby quite guiltily. "Hey, Ruby, I wanted to apologise."
"For what?" Ruby frowned.
"You know, for ditching you I was looking for Hiccup the First's grave, for being selfish," said Agatha not able to look at Ruby in the eyes. "I'm sorry."
"Oh, that doesn't bother me," Ruby assured.
"But it bothers me a lot. I betrayed one of my closest friends and I will regret it forever."
"Well, I never thought of it as a betrayal," said Ruby. "You were just doing what you had to win. It's no biggie. I'm your partner and I know how important S-Class rank is to you. So, please don't worry about it anymore, okay."
Agatha just smiled and then frowned. "Even though I did make S-Class this year either. I still need to bite the bullet and tell my dad the truth."
Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Hiccup and Gildarts were fishing.
"So, how does it feel to become S-Class at long last?" Gildarts asked.
Hiccup shrugged. "It feels great, but I feel as if Grimoire Heart's present was a bit overkill. With the emphasis on the 'kill'."
Gildarts laughed. "You can only bring your father that. But at least it proved that you're capable of being S-Class like a girlfriend."
"True, but sometimes I feel as if she is more capable."
"First I was a long time coming," said Toothless. "And I think you're more than capable of being S-Class."
"I have to agree with the cat," Gildarts smiled. "I mean how many people can claim that they have defeated one of the Guild's old Masters."
"About might have something to do with the fact that we were on the island, that Toothless and his team managed to weaken him, and I wasn't exactly alone," Hiccup pointed out.
"Just take the compliment," said Gildarts shaking his head.
"How's it going guys!" a voice behind them yelled.
They turned and found Ruby and Agatha standing behind them.
"Still haven't got a bite," Hiccup groaned. He then noticed the look on Agatha's face. "Is there anything you want?"
"Yeah, Agatha wishes to talk to Gildarts about something," said Ruby.
Gildarts turned slightly surprised.
Then to the greatest surprise Hiccup stood up as if he had been expecting this moment. "There is probably best if you discuss it in private."
He then ushered Toothless and ruby away leaving Agatha and Gildarts alone. The two of them just looked at each other in silence.
"So what's up?" Gildarts asked breaking the silence.
"Did you know that… the reason I joined the Guild was so that I find…" She paused she rubbed her forearm. "My father."
"Actually, that's the first time I've heard of it," said Gildarts. He then looked at Agatha's face and saw that the something was wrong. "Wait, you join to find him? You're telling me your old man was a member of Dragon Tail too?"
"Uh… yes," said Agatha nervously.
Hiccup, Ruby and Toothless were hiding in the bushes not too far away.
"Come on, Agatha tell him," said Ruby in a hushed voice.
"Surprise it took her this long to tell him," said Hiccup.
Ruby then quickly turned on him. "You mean you knew?"
Hiccup raise an eyebrow. "Haven't you forgotten that I've known her ever since she joined the Guild? And since then she been asking a lot of questions about Gildarts and about the relationship of my dad, I put two and two together."
"Am I missing something," said Toothless looking at them.
Agatha clenched her fists trying to work up the courage to finally tell her father the truth. "His name is Gildarts," she said at last.
Gildarts just stared at Agatha. "I tried to tell you, but things kept getting in the way."
Gildarts was completely blown away. "Wait—are you saying that your my—?"
"Yeah," said Agatha quietly. "I guess it's hard to believe, huh?" Then her attitude completely changed and she glared down at him. "I only came to let you know. See you."
Agatha then stormed off to the surprise of everyone.
"Wait!" Gildarts cried getting up.
"I don't have anything left to say to you!" Agatha snapped. "Don't worry, I won't be moving in. Just carry on like I'm not around—"
She then stopped when Gildarts pulled her into a hug. "Your Ingrid's daughter, no doubt about it. She gave me a hard time as well."
Agatha wasn't quite sure what to say only said the only thing that came to mind, "Please, let go."
"Why did you wait so long to tell me?" he asked.
"Like I said, things kept coming up," said Agatha and felt Gildarts' hand brushing against her hair. "Maybe I was just too afraid to tell you."
"Your mother, Ingrid, was the only woman I truly loved," said Gildarts. "Marrying her was the happiest moment of my life. She let me twenty years ago, because all I ever did was work. It killed me and when I heard of her passing it was like a shot to the heart. I never knew that Ingrid had a baby, if I did I would have gone after her."
Agatha just remain quiet she took in everything her father said.
"I'm sorry, I should have realised long ago," said Gildarts.
Agatha then finally pulled away from her father and looked at him. "Don't worry, I'm the one who tried to keep it hidden all this time remember. I'm sorry I didn't tell you soon, it's just nice to finally have this weight lifted off my chest."
"I had a daughter all this time and she was right in front of me," Gildarts said with tears in his eyes.
"Hey, now, there's no need for waterworks Gildarts," said Agatha. "I don't expect anything from you okay. You don't have to treat me any differently, but if you don't mind may I say just this once? I'm glad I met you, dad. I really am."
Gildarts looked at her and started to remember the little girl he met twelve years ago and remembered her growing up. In some ways he did praise her, even if he didn't know it, but in others he missed the chance to attribute part of her life.
Gildarts then pulled into a hug once more and she could feel the tears rushing down on her shoulder.
"I promise, I'll never make you feel sad again. I'll always be here for you," he promised. "I'll be right by your side, it doesn't matter whether it's on the job or hitting it up on the bars."
"I'm not so sure you could keep up with me," Agatha smiled.
"True, I could never keep up with your mother," he joked. "All that I ask is… that that you give me the opportunity to be a loving father."
In the bushes Hiccup just smiled and Toothless still looks slightly confused about what had just happened. Ruby on the other hand was at the verge of tears.
A loving father? Maybe it was time that she saw hers again, for old time's sake. As she stood there bathed in the warm sunlight she can help but think what a perfect day was. Of course no one could have predicted what happened next.
"It was December sixteenth and the year of 784, on Cove Island. When without warning, destruction arrived."