It was now morning and the Riders were discussing what to do with Viggo as he paced outside the clubhouse with Toothless on guard.
"I don't trust the guy," said Astrid.
"You know he'd actually be pretty fun to hang with," said Tuffnut. "I mean, if he wasn't trying to kill us all the time."
"Yeah, you gotta love the way he talks," Ruffnut nodded. She then put on her best Viggo impression. "'Hiccup, I'm afraid our time together has come to an end. I must now kill you, if you have no objections.'"
"Yeah, like he is not gonna have objections. And then he'll go, 'All of your Dragon Riders must also go, with my sincere apologies,'" said Tuffnut now impersonating Viggo.
Everyone just shook their heads at them.
"I'm with Astrid," said Fishlegs. "This is all just one big game to him, Hiccup."
"I have to agree," said Ragnar. "I suspect he'll double-cross us at some point."
"Ryker is coming to try to wipe us all out along with his brother. Are we really gonna take any chances with Viggo here?" Astrid asked.
"You guys are right," Hiccup nodded. "I got this."
A few moments later they placed Viggo in one of the dragon pens in the stables.
"Hiccup, you must reconsider," said Viggo.
Hiccup then closed the pen door. "Viggo, I'm sorry. There's too much bad blood for us to trust that you'll do anything but try to, well, you know…" he said as Astrid and Ragnar locked the door with a chain.
"And the Dragon Eye's return, I did nothing to assuage your concerns?" said Viggo.
"Not enough," said Astrid.
"We know you're too smart to give up everything," said Ragnar. "Sooner or later you doublecross us."
"Ryker will attack this island with my Shellfire dragon," said Viggo. "I'm afraid he won't stop until all of you, well, you know…"
"That encouraging is always, Viggo," said Hiccup.
"You see, that's just it. I could be of considerable assistance in helping you defend your home if you would allow me."
"We'll take that under advisement," said Astrid.
"They're here," said Tuffnut as he and his sister ran into the stables. "Well, I may not hear exactly, but very soon. Soon they will be here. I'm thinking we might need to start getting ready."
Hiccup looked at Ruffnut. "Translation, Ruff?"
"Dragon Hunters. Multiple ships heading this way," she said.
"We didn't want to bum you out, you know… what with all the deadly diseases and everything," he said in a hushed whisper.
Hiccup looked at Astrid and Ragnar and they just shrugged.
"But we figured, it is really our place to deny you the right to die during battle instead?" Tuffnut asked.
"What in the name of Thor are you two talking about?" Astrid asked.
Ragnar just rubbed his forehead. "I'll explain later, but I think right now we need to get into the air."
Hiccup and Astrid nodded and the three of them went to their dragons.
"They're both in denial," said Ruffnut looking at her brother.
"Classic stage one," said Tuffnut.
"Sad seeing them so vulnerable," said Ruffnut as they mounted their dragons.
"Just make sure he doesn't try to escape," said Hiccup gesturing to Viggo.
"We got this, my pale, weak, ailing friend," said Tuffnut.
"What?" Hiccup stared.
"I'll explain later," Ragnar repeated as they took off.
Ruffnut looked at her brother. "Poor little guy. Keeping a stiff upper lip must be such a struggle."
Tuffnut then looked at Viggo. "So, Viggo. Vigster. How about we bounce something off you?"
Hiccup, Astrid and Ragnar returned later that night and began to inform everyone of the situation, minus the twins.
"All right, gang. We have until dawn," said Hiccup as he paced up and down. "They'll be in range by then."
"Hiccup, I had a thought," said Snotlout. "Now, follow me on this. Okay. Come along for the ride. I don't know about you guys, but I am not completely attached to this place, right? Let it burn to the ground."
Everyone just stared at him.
"I mean, it's been fun. Great views. But is it worth dying over? That's what you have to ask yourself. All right, let's take a vote." He then raised his hand, but no one else did. "Anyone?"
"Snotlout, if we don't stop them here, when you think they're gonna go next?" Hiccup asked.
Snotlout looked at him blankly. "Uh…"
Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Berk."
"Berk. Berk. Berk," Snotlout nodded.
"They're going to go to Berk. Our Berk. We have to make our stand here and do whatever it takes to stop them," said Hiccup firmly.
"So, that's one nay," said Snotlout folding his arms. "No surprise there."
Hiccup shook his head. "Dagur, could you and Shattermaster cover the backside of the Edge? With the time you've spend sneaking around, you'll have an advantage."
"On my way," Dagur saluted. "And I take that as a compliment, by the way, the sneaking around part."
"Of course you do," said Hiccup as Dagur left. He then turned to Snotlout. "Snotlout, you and Hookfang get the Gronckle Iron walls up on the huts." He then turned to Ragnar. "Ragnar make sure that our medical supplies are stalked and secured, we may be needing." He then looked at Fishlegs. "Fishlegs, take the baby Eruptodon hatchling to the centre of the island and find a safe place to hide."
Snotlout stared at Hiccup as Fishlegs walked off. "Wait, he gets to hide? We can hide just as well."
"Hey, hey! 'There's no crying in Maces and Talons!'" Tuffnut yelled as he and his sister approached. "What do you think?"
The Riders just groaned.
"Our catchphrase," Tuffnut smiled. "It's already got the Viggo stamp of approval."
"That's awesome," said Hiccup tiredly. "Ruff, Tuff and Heather, you take the first wave of ships."
"Don't worry your pretty little head. We're on it," Ruffnut assured.
"I'm not worried," said Astrid.
"Talking to Hiccup." She then looked at Hiccup. "You'll have it before you can say 'ultimate destruction', my friend."
The twins then walked off.
"Uh, you guys coming?" Tuffnut asked looking back at Hiccup and Astrid.
The other Riders began to move out and Heather looked at the twins.
"Um, I think they need to discuss some final strategy alone," she said.
Tuffnut looked at his sister. "You get the feeling Heather knows, you know, about the ailment?"
"I do," Ruffnut nodded. "How can she and Ragnar be so calm when they knows their comrades in arms are close to death?"
Snotlout then pulled the two of them closer towards him. "How many times do I have to tell you this? They're not dying. It's gambling. Gambling! I've seen it," he said.
Hiccup and Astrid then looked at one another as the twisted their hands with one another.
The next morning, the main Hunter invasion fleet arrived along with the Shellfire. Once it was on the surface the Hunters began to emerge out of the hatches with hammers and Ryker stepped onto the bridge.
"Remember. I don't want prisoners," said Ryker. "I want bodies."
He then gave the signal and the Hunters raised the hammers and struck the shellshock. The dragons head then raised up onto the surface and then fired a plasma charged straight at Dragon's Edge.
The Riders were busy we fought to find the huts with Gronckle Iron when they saw the charge heading straight towards them.
"Incoming!" Snotlout yelled.
"Everyone to their hearts. We have to weigh out the initial attack," Hiccup ordered.
The twins then rushed into their heart along with Snotlout, Heather went with Astrid to her heart had as did Ragnar with Hiccup.
Viggo was still trapped in the stables and the heard the explosions and you instantly what was causing it.
"Fools," he said.
In the twins hut, Tuffnut was moving some crates and found Chicken beneath one of them.
"Hey. Chicken," he said hugging her.
Ruffnut looked at Snotlout, who was hiding beneath one of their tables. "So, what's wrong with your hut?"
"I was so busy doing everyone else's that I forgot about mine and Ragnar's," he said quivering.
Suddenly there was a second explosion and Snotlout ducked behind the table again.
In Hiccup's hut, he and Ragnar felt the strikes.
"He's not pulling any punches is he?" said Ragnar.
Toothless was not liking the noises something which Hiccup picked up. "I know, bud. This is no fun for me either."
Astrid and Heather were inside her hut and she couldn't help but worry about Hiccup.
"I hope the others are okay," said Astrid.
Heather knew what she meant. "Astrid, I'm sure Hiccup is safe. Ragnar is with him and he won't let anything happen to him."
Meanwhile, Fishlegs was up in the mountains unaware that Ryker was pounding the Edge relentlessly.
"You see, little guy?" he said rubbing the baby Eruptodon's head. "We're safe here. Nothing can get near us."
Then suddenly a plasma charged struck the dormant volcano opposite them. Fishlegs whimpered slightly as another struck it.
"Except for that," he said.
Fishlegs cradled the baby Eruptodon to keep it calm and Meatlug did the same.
On the Edge, Ryker has finally stopped, but had caused massive damage to its structure. The Riders soon met up in the clubhouse to discuss their next plan of attack.
"Okay, I don't know about any of you, but there's no way I'm sitting through that again," said Snotlout. "We have dragons. We should be out there thinking those ships."
"The fire isn't coming from the ships, it's coming from the Shellfire," Hiccup pointed out.
Then to their utter surprise Viggo entered the clubhouse. "I hate to be the one to say that I told you so, but…" he said.
"How did you get out?" Hiccup stared.
"My friend, Snotlout, was good enough to allow me use of the facilities," said Viggo placing an arm around Snotlout.
Everyone looked at Snotlout.
"Oh, he did, did he?" said Hiccup.
"What? He scares me," said Snotlout. "Besides, when you gotta go, you gotta go. And who knows better than me?"
"Hiccup, you must allow me to assist you, for the sake of us all," said Viggo. "This Shellfire's ranges over a mile. Ryker is using ships. My ships to be exact, to protect it."
"Then we need to get past the ships," said Astrid.
Suddenly the entire place shock as another plasma charged struck the island.
"And we better do it quickly," said Hiccup. "Ruff, Tuff? You're up."
"We're on it," said Ruffnut saluting.
The twins then left the clubhouse and soon everyone else followed.
"Hey, what about me?" Snotlout asked.
Another plasma charged struck the island causing the island to shake.
"Why don't you look after your new best friend there," said Hiccup gesturing to Viggo.
"Where's the fun in that?" Snotlout asked.
"It's not supposed to be fun!" Hiccup yelled as he left. He then stuck his head back out. "And I don't care how scary he is, do not let him out of your sight again."
He then close the clubhouse door behind and Viggo approached Snotlout and he groaned. And suddenly the island shook once more as another plasma charged struck it.
Out at sea there was an entire armada of Hunter ships and the Hiccup, Astrid, Ragnar and Heather were approaching them.
"Okay, we need to slow them down a little and move on," said Hiccup. "If they fire on us, we fire back."
A plasma charged and shot overhead heading towards the Edge.
"Look out!" Hiccup yelled and they dived as arrows and boulders fired at them.
They then flew down towards the ships and unleashed dragon fire upon them. Astrid and Ragnar together took a couple ships between them. Hiccup began to manoeuvre around the ships to avoid being hit and then signalled Heather to make attack run. She died down and sliced the mast of one of the ships.
Unfortunately no matter what they did that didn't stop the Shellfire from firing at the Edge which was proven when they saw a plasma charged flying overhead.
"Hiccup!" said Astrid.
"Shellfire. I know," Hiccup nodded. "Let's go!"
When they approach the Shellfire they saw what was causing it to attack them.
"Uh, are you guys seeing this?" Hiccup asked.
"Unfortunately," said Astrid.
"This explains a few things," said Ragnar.
They watched as the Hunters slammed the hammers onto the Shellfire causing it to fire at Edge.
"Of course it wouldn't fire at us on its own," said Hiccup as the shellfire fired another plasma charged.
"And we can't take them out without endangering the dragon," Heather added.
"I'm pretty sure that was their plan," said Hiccup.
"Definitely a modified version of Ryker's using Seashockers to move dinghies," said Ragnar.
They quickly moved out of the way to avoid another plasma charged.
Meanwhile on the Edge, Viggo was back in his cell in the stables which was now on fire due to the Shellfire firing at the Edge.
"Snotlout, release me immediately!" Viggo yelled. Unfortunately for him, Snotlout was nowhere to be seen. "Snotlout. Snotlout!"
Meanwhile, Hiccup and the others were still taking out the ships that surrounded the Shellshock.
"Split up," Hiccup ordered as he dodged volley of arrows from a ship.
The Hunters on the Shellshock were now firing at them with crossbows while Ryker just folded his arms and smiled triumphantly. A Hunter then charged as Astrid fired several spines at him she then realised too late that a Hunter was firing a ballista at her and barely had time to dodge.
Hunters then began to fire at her with arrows, but Ragnar and Skull appeared out of nowhere to block them. While they were distracted Heather approached them from behind, but before he could get a shot in they saw her and fired arrows at her.
Ryker watched as the Riders were falling back. "They're running scared!" he laughed as the Hunters cheered.
Ryker then slammed her fist against the hull of the ship and the Shellfire fired once again. This time it almost took Hiccup out, but fortunately he manoeuvred out of the way just in time though he was caught in the shockwave.
Hiccup quickly maintained their balance and then looked at the others. "Let's regroup," he ordered.
They then flew up into the air to get out of range of their attacks so they could come up with the next plan of attack.
"There's no way to control it without hurting it," said Hiccup.
"We might not have a choice, Hiccup," said Astrid.
"No. There's gotta be another way," said Hiccup firmly. He then turned and saw Snotlout flying towards them. "Whoa! Aren't you supposed to be watching Viggo?" He then saw the stables were on fire. "Is that the stables on fire?"
"You said don't let him out no matter what," Snotlout reminded.
Hiccup groaned. "Snotlout, use your brain."
"Good Thor, you're so mercurial," Snotlout grumbled. "Viggo taught me that. I don't know what it means." He then started to mumble to himself. "Clearly, it's the gambling losses. This isn't really him."
"Go. We'll be fine," said Astrid.
"Oh, let's hope this isn't the biggest mistake of our lives, bud," said Hiccup looking down at Toothless.
Hiccup and Toothless then headed straight back to the edge while the others engage the remaining ships.
Fishlegs, meanwhile, was still comforting the baby Eruptodon and then saw more plasma charges hitting the volcano. That proved problematic, as they started to reactivate the volcano.
"The volcano's been woken up," he said. "If it had, the Edge is gonna sink into the ocean."
The baby Eruptodon merely growled.
"I know, right?" Fishlegs nodded. His eyes then widened. "Wait, are you saying? Of course you are." He then looked at Meatlug. "Come on, Meatlug."
He quickly mounted Meatlug and headed towards the volcano.
Meanwhile on the other side of the island, Sleuther was engaging the Hunters. Dagur arrived just in time to see them surrounding him.
"Okay, Shattermaster, time for a lesson on bullying," Dagur smiled.
They then flew down towards the Hunters and Shattermaster spewed lava over them causing them to retreat.
"Oh, yes! Oh, easy, big boy," said Dagur as they landed in front of the retreating Hunters.
Shattermaster then struck them with his tail bludgeon, the more hands appeared with arrows.
"Lesson's gonna have to wait," said Dagur. "Let's bury them instead!"
Shattermaster then took off into the air performing a few somersaults and flew back towards them backwards. He then slammed his tail right into the Hunters causing them to retreat and panic.
Dagur then turned to Sleuther. "Go free, Mr. Triple Stryke! Find refuge in the forest!" he yelled.
Sleuther then retreated into the forest and Dagur and Shattermaster slammed into more Hunters. On the ships however, the Hunters fired arrows, no doubt forgetting that Gronckle were immune to Dragon Root. Unfortunately, one of the Hunters fired a boulder that slammed hard into Shattermaster.
The two of them and crash landed on the beach and while Dagur was completely fine, the same could not be said for Shattermaster.
"Shattermaster," Dagur gasped in horror and rushed over towards him. "It's okay, boy. I'm right here."
He then saw that the Hunters had recovered and were now advancing on their position.
"We're warriors, you and me, right? We'll fight together to the end," he said as they limped over towards a rock formation. "They won't take us alive. I promise you that." Shattermaster then laid on the ground weakly. "I admit that it's—it's not the preferred result. But if it's our time, there is no one I'd rather pass through the gates of Valhalla with than you, you hear me?"
Shattermaster growled at him happily.
Meanwhile, Hiccup had reached the burning stables and rushed over towards Viggo, who had become overcome by the smoke. He opened the pen door and grabbed his arm.
"Hiccup, you came all the way back to rescue me," Viggo coughed. "I'm honoured."
"Yeah, don't be," said Hiccup as they made their way outside. "If I left you here to die it would make me no better than you."
"Well, you'll be glad you returned," said Viggo as Hiccup remounted Toothless. "I can help, if you will allow me."
"How? How are you gonna help?" Hiccup asked suspiciously.
"I can advise you on defeating my brother and stopping the Shellfire."
"You got that all figured out, do ya?"
"As luck would've had it, I do."
Hiccup knew that he could trust him, but so far their attempts to stop the shellfire were failing. Plus there was also the fact that he had come up with the plan originally and therefore would know all its flaws.
Hiccup then extended his hand and Viggo took it and was lifted up onto Toothless' back. Toothless then took off.
A few moments later, the Dragon Riders had returned and sealed the dome to plan the next move as the Shellfire fired more plasma charges on the island.
"Okay, I'm confused," said Snotlout. "You said keep him in his cell. You can't toy with my emotions like this, Hiccup. I'm too fragile right now."
"He's right," said Astrid turning to Hiccup. "I mean, sort of. Are we really trusting Viggo to be on the loose, especially now?"
"Well, if Viggo can help figure out how to stop this attack—"
"What if he can't? What if he won't? What if this is all part of the plan?" Astrid asked. "We just walked into it."
"Then, we just walked into it," said Hiccup. "But, I'm making the call. Viggo and I are gonna take this thing down."
The two of them then mounted Toothless and the dome opened. Hiccup looked at Astrid with concern before taking off.
Astrid to was for concern as they left, because he was in more danger than they were right now.
Meanwhile, Fishlegs had reached the volcano avoiding all the plasma charges flying overhead.
"Oh, no. we gotta go get help," he said as plasma charges struck the lava with in the volcano. Streaming he landed, but the lava began to overflow with all the attacks. "Oh, Thor! Oh, Thor!" He then dismounted Meatlug and what of the lava began to overflow. "By the time we get help, it'll be too late." He then took a deep breath. "Like it or not, this is on us, guys."
He then picked up the baby Eruptodon and brought to the lava flow.
"Eat, little guy, eat!" Fishlegs yelled.
The baby Eruptodon then started to munch down on the lava and Meatlug flew around him for added protection.
"That's it, girl. You protected him," he said. "And I'll… I'll protect you."
Meanwhile, Hiccup was following Viggo's directions out to sea.
"You know, there's a word of a tournament. To be hosted by the Tribe of the Whispering Trees," said Viggo.
"Yeah, is that right?" said Hiccup starting to regret bringing Viggo along.
"Maces and Talons?" Viggo continued. "The winner, apparently, received a life-sized game set. Made of solid gold."
"Oh, lucky him," Hiccup mumbled.
Viggo then smiled down on Hiccup. "Pool, dear, Hiccup," he said with a chuckle. "Relationships can be complicated. Am I right?" Hiccup just remain silent. "And while I cannot put myself directly in your shoes, I can no seriously emphasise with your situation."
"You can, huh?" said Hiccup.
"Absolutely," said Viggo smirking. "To be in love with a girl who is your partner in battle?" Hiccup's eyes widened as Viggo sighed. "Not sure how I could balance such a precarious situation. It can certainly cloud the mind, impaired judgement. Making even the simplest decisions vexing."
Hiccup then turned on him. "You know what's 'vexing,' Viggo? Is why you're rambling on trying to get inside my head. I would think that, by now, you'd have given up. You see, I'm focused, I'm clear, decisive. What I am is not your friend, your ally your Maces and Talons buddy, okay? So let's leave our personal lives out of it and get down to business."
Viggo shrugged, slightly surprised by his outburst. "I'm only trying to help."
"Okay, if you wanna help, why don't you tell me where we're going and what we're doing?" Hiccup asked.
Viggo looked down at the water. "Stop, Dragon!" he yelled suddenly.
Toothless growled at him angrily, but start nonetheless. However, they were just hovering under very deep seawater.
"What-what's going on?" Hiccup frowned. "There's not been out here but empty ocean."
"Yes," said Viggo secretly pulling a dagger out that he concealed and raised it high. "So, it would appear."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," said Astrid's voice.
"Astrid," said Viggo turning to say her hovering just above them and not look entirely surprised to see her.
Hiccup turned and saw Astrid hovering just above them and Viggo holding a dagger in his hand.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What the Thor?" he gasped.
"I'm afraid you may have misinterpreted the situation," said Viggo flipping the dagger upright in his hand.
"No, I think I've interpreted it pretty well," Astrid glared. Stormfly growled at him angrily. "Now, drop it."
"Exactly what I planned all along," said Viggo.
"Yeah, right. I'm sure you did," said Astrid sarcastically.
"Give us a moment, Astrid, and all will be revealed," said Viggo calmly. He then held the dagger out pointing it down towards the ocean. "I assure you."
Then to their surprise he released the dagger and it sank beneath the waves and a few seconds later the waves struck as they began to emerge.
Meanwhile Ragnar was leading the Dragon Riders and Heather against the remaining ships.
"Fire!" a Hunter ordered.
Suddenly boulders and arrows flew through the air at them. Fortunately they were able to avoid them and Snotlout fired at one of the ships taking out the catapult and the men on board. The twins then landed on another ship and leaking gas into the hold before Belch ignite it causing an explosion.
Ragnar was charging towards one of the ships as they fired arrows at him, but they merely bounced off Skull's armour, and fired a stream of fire down on top of them. Heather was zigzagging past the arrows and blasted a ship.
Unfortunately, the Shellfire was still attacking the Edge and show no signs of stopping.
"Move!" Ragnar ordered.
He the other Riders and Heather then charged at the Shellfire. Unfortunately, the smoke from the sunken ships was so thick they couldn't see anything.
"I don't see anything," said Snotlout. He then heard a growl and saw the Shellfire right in front of them which fired a plasma charge. "Scratch that."
"More Dragon Riders," Ryker smiled. "Take 'em down!"
The nearby ships then focused their fire upon the Riders and the twins managed to avoid the arrows, but had a dive into the sea to avoid a ballista. Snotlout too was under fire so much so that he and Hookfang had to dive into the sea. Unfortunately, they won't save there, because they came face-to-face with the Shellfire. Snotlout screamed underwater and retreated and they stuck their heads out of the water.
This only let Ragnar and Heather fighting and they took out a few more ships, but then a Hunter ship fired a bolo cannon at him, which grazed him and causing him to fall into the sea.
"Ragnar!" Heather yelled, but then a ballista grazed her across the shoulder knocking her into the sea.
The two of them then then grabbed hold of a log to keep themselves afloat. The twins had managed to emerge out of the water and climbed onto one of the sunken ships, but now they were at the mercy of the Shellfire and Ryker.
"Time to finish them off. Do it," Ryker ordered.
The Hunters then slammed their hammers against the Shellshock and it opened its mouth preparing to finish them off.
"Oh, boy. This is gonna hurt," Snotlout whimpered.
"And there's no cover out here," Heather added.
"We're going to need a miracle," said Ragnar.
And that's exactly what they got. The Shellshock was about to fire, but then suddenly appearing out of nowhere a Submaripper slammed right into it from beneath. This caught the Hunters completely by surprise and they grabbed hold of the wooden beam as firmly as possible as they were pulled into the ocean.
"What was that?" Tuffnut stared.
"That, my friend, was a Submaripper," Ruffnut beamed.
"Where did that come from? And why is it helping us?" Snotlout asked confused.
"I have a pretty good idea," said Ragnar looking up into the sky.
Heather then saw what he was looking at as Hiccup and Astrid flew overhead. "They're alive," she said relieved. "Thank, Thor!"
"For the last time, they're not dying!" Snotlout yelled. "It's gambling. Gambling!"
The Submaripper was now underneath the Shellfire and slammed it with its tail against its soft underbelly. Hiccup and Astrid were watching as the battle unfolded with Viggo on top of Toothless.
"So the dagger was to stir up the water and cause the Submaripper to surface?" said Hiccup.
"Precisely," said Viggo folding his arms.
"But, how could you know it would react like this?" Hiccup frowned.
"Hiccup, the Submaripper is the natural and hidden enemy of the Shellfire," Viggo smiled as the two dragons circled around one another. "A little fact I kept in my tunic for a day just like this."
"The Dragon Eye."
"Precisely."
Hiccup then looked up at Astrid. "All right. The Shellfire is tied up with the Submaripper. This may be our best chance to take out the rest of the ships."
Hiccup and Astrid then flew down towards the Hunter ships were too busy staring at the battle between the Shellfire and the Submaripper to notice. Astrid made in the first move by having Stormfly grasp of the mast of a ship and cause it to tip over. Hiccup then blasted a second ship with a plasma blast.
The Shellfire and the Submaripper were busy with a wrestling match that caused the sink beneath the waves. Naturally this caused problems with the Hunters that were on the ship attached to the Shellfire's back. They soon resurfaced and the Shellfire took out one of the Hunter ships as it surfaced.
The Hunters were starting to realise they were no longer in control the Shellfire and was slowly beginning to abandon ship.
"Don't you dare leave this ship!" Ryker yelled at the top of his voice. "You stay and fight like Hunters!"
Unfortunately, the Hunters didn't have a choice in the matter as the Submaripper slammed into the Shellfire once again causing them to fall overboard.
"Come back here!" Ryker roared furiously. "Do you hear me?"
The shellfire then fired a plasma charge at the Submaripper, who danced at the last second, and destroying one of the Hunter ships. It also almost took Hiccup out, who have to fly a lot slower with Viggo on board.
"Okay. That was way too close," said Hiccup. He then looked at Viggo. "Viggo, I need to drop you on the beach. You're slowing us down."
"Pity. I was going to enjoy watching Ryker go down with the ship," said Viggo slightly disappointed.
Hiccup soon landed on the beach and Viggo dismounted.
"We may be adversaries, Hiccup, but my respect for you is beyond what I could possibly put into words," said Viggo.
Hiccup just remain silent and Toothless growled, neither of them felt the same about him. They then took off to re-join the battle and Viggo merely smiled menacingly as he chuckled to himself.
Dagur was still pinned down by the Hunters with the wounded Shattermaster.
"Berserker, last stand, buddy," he said grasping his axe. "This is how you go out that a man. Well, me as a man, you as a dragon. You know what I'm saying."
The two of them were about to charge the enemy, but then they heard screams from behind their hiding place. They could also hear a dragon roar and winced every time they heard one of the Hunters cry.
When it finally stopped Dagur looked at Shattermaster. "You stay here, boy."
He then looked over behind his cover and saw Sleuther standing over the unconscious Hunters with his three tails raised.
"Well, hello there, Mr. Triple Stryke," said Dagur happily as it wrapped its tails together as one. "You certainly are full surprises, aren't you? Dagur like surprises."
Sleuther roared and then raised its tail towards Dagur. He looked at him confused and saw him roar once again.
Dagur chuckled happily. "We got this, bud," he said grabbing the tail.
Sleuther then placed him on his back and started swapping Hunters away with his tail.
"Whoa. Surprising. Surprising!" Dagur yelled excitedly.
Three Hunters charged at them at once, but Sleuther separated its tail swatting the three Hunters away.
"Have I mentioned how I love the tail? So sharp, so destructive."
Sleuther once again swatted away another group of Hunters with his tails much to Dagur's excitement. He then saw Hiccup and Toothless flying towards them.
"Brother!" he yelled excitedly.
"Made a new friend, huh?" said Hiccup noticing Sleuther.
"Seems so. Don't you just love the tails? And that snapping sound," he squealed. "Whoo! Gives me goosies."
To Hunters then came charging at the, but Toothless merely fired a plasma blast knocking them flat on their backs. A never Hunter came charging in, but Sleuther easily knocked him aside.
Hiccup then took off and then fire plasma blast down on the ships at the beach and then landed back on the beach.
"That's the last of 'em," said Hiccup.
"Well done, brother!" Dagur yelled excitedly.
Unfortunately, this celebration was short lived as they heard a distant rumble and saw the volcano smoking.
"Get Shattermaster back to the Edge," Hiccup ordered. "Ragnar should be able to help."
"Where you going?" Dagur asked.
"I have a feeling Fishlegs is in trouble," said Hiccup looking at the volcano. "Go, brother. Your dragons need you."
"Brother!" Dagur nodded.
Hiccup then took off and Shattermaster limped towards him.
Meanwhile Astrid and the other Dragon Riders along with Heather were taking care of the last of the ships out at sea.
"That's the last of them," said Heather.
"Come on. Do something!" Ryker yelled banging on the ship's hull with his blade.
Suddenly the Submaripper slammed into the Shellfire so hard that the chain connecting the ship to it snapped. Ryker soon found himself pressed against the ship's hull as he felt towards the ocean.
"Viggo!" Ryker roared.
Then he and the ship sank beneath the waves and the boy could do anything else the Submaripper appeared and opened its mouth to create a vortex. Ryker found himself unable to break free as he and the ship spun around and around.
"O.M. Thor!" Tuffnut breathed. "The Submaripper. Submaripper-ama."
"Hate the smell. Love the dragon," said Ruffnut.
The twins then flew away just as the whirlpool began to form in the Shellfire slam away now free of the Hunters. All of the wreckage of the ships fell into the whirlpool and there was no sign of Ryker.
Meanwhile at the volcano, Fishlegs, Meatlug and the baby Eruptodon had managed to calm the volcano down. Fishlegs then saw Hiccup approaching him and was deeply relieved.
"Hiccup, the baby has slowed the flow of lava. The volcano is finally stable, " he informed Hiccup as he dismounted Toothless.
"Go get the others. We need to a flyover to make sure the island is really out of danger," said Hiccup.
Fishlegs nodded and mounted Meatlug and took off.
Toothless gave him a concerned growl.
"We'll be okay, bud," Hiccup assured. "This nightmare looks like it's finally over."
"Are you so sure about that, Hiccup?" said a voice.
Hiccup turned and to his horror he saw Viggo riding on top of Stormfly and holding Astrid with her axe close to her throat.
"Viggo," said Hiccup narrowing his eyes. "Let me guess. You want the Dragon Eye in exchange for Astrid."
"Oh, it sounds so much colder when you say it like that. But, yes," said Viggo. Hiccup narrowed his eyes clenched his fists. "While I do appreciate your assistance in putting my brother back in his rightful place, I must insist that you return it to where it belongs. With me."
He placed the axe close to Astrid throat and Hiccup reached into his saddle and pulled out the Dragon Eye.
"Hiccup, don't even think about it," said Astrid.
"Come, now," said Viggo. "Are you really going to sacrifice your future… all the wonderful years ahead of you for that?"
Hiccup looked down at the Dragon Eye and looked at Astrid, who shook her head. "Wow, Viggo. Well I guess when you put it that way, no, I'm not!"
He then did something completely unexpected and tossed the Dragon Eye towards the mouth of the volcano.
"No," said Viggo jumping off Stormfly.
Astrid quickly grabbed her axe and they watched as Viggo ran after the Dragon Eye frantically, but he was too late. The Dragon Eye went over the mouth of the volcano and was lost forever. He then turned and glared at Hiccup, but before he could do anything the ground beneath his feet broke away
"No! Hiccup!" he yelled as he fell into the volcano.
Hiccup rushed towards the mouth of the volcano, but saw no sign of him. He knew what Ragnar said when they don't see their body, but no one could have survived molten lava. He was gone for good.
"Viggo. It didn't have to end this way," he said.
"Are you okay?" Astrid asked approaching him.
"Yeah. I'll be fine," Hiccup assured.
"It's finally over." Hiccup just remain silent. "It is over, right?"
Hiccup turned and walked away from the volcano. "Yeah, of course. Definitely."
The two of them then looked at each other.
"I should have listened to you," said Astrid. "You are our leader. Our relationship can't get in the way of that. It won't happen again."
Hiccup merely smiled. "Just promise me you won't stop telling me what you're thinking. Astrid, I rely on you. It's what makes us, well, us." He then extended his hand. "Deal?"
Astrid grasped it with both hands and smiled at him. "Deal."
She then pulled him towards her and kissed him. Instinctively, Hiccup wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer towards him and then they broke apart.
They then heard gasp and saw the Dragon Riders standing there and all of them, minus Ragnar, had their mouths wide open.
"This…" said Snotlout staring.
"Changes…" said Fishlegs clapping his hands in excitement.
"Everything," Ruffnut finished.
"Wait, does that mean you're not dying?" Tuffnut asked confused.
"No," said Ragnar shaking his head. "They just been keeping their relationship secret."
Hiccup stared at him. "You knew?"
"I saw the two of you kiss at the stables," said Ragnar folding his arms. "I did mention anything for the sake of your privacy."
"Uh… thanks," said Hiccup.
"You're welcome," Ragnar smiled.
Then all the Riders ran up towards Hiccup and Astrid hugged them.
"Okay, gang. Once more around the island," said Hiccup still holding Astrid's hand. "Let's make sure the Edge is secure."
As they were making their way back to their dragons, Snotlout approached Hiccup.
"Hiccup, I was thinking… I might have a way to help with this gambling problem," he said. "Now, it's gonna take some time. There's, like, I don't know, 10 to 12 steps, I'll finish it in a few days…"
Hiccup looked at him in confusion. "For the last time, why are you guys talking about?"
Ragnar then places arms around Hiccup and Astrid shoulders.
"You say there were some crazy conspiracies of why the two of you were spending so much time together," Ragnar smiled.
Astrid laughed.
Soon the Dragon Riders were making one last round around the island. Hiccup and Astrid grew close together grasping each other's hand.
However, no sooner had they left the volcano that it erupted.
