The arrival of Gildarts was a welcome sight to everyone and brought new hope to the battle.

"Old Gildarts is here," Hiccup smiled.

"I knew we would see him again someday!" said Toothless.

"Awesome!" Ruby cheered.

"Oh wow," said Heather.

"That's what I call serious backup," said Ragnar.

"I'll say," said Astrid.

"Always been your style, always showing up whenever you please, huh?" said Agatha.

Gildarts smiled at her. "Hi, Agatha." He then turned back to God Serena. "This guy… his magic power feels weird like it's coming from a corpse or something."

"Say what?" God Serena roared looking insulted.

"Too bad really, if you were alive you would be one hell of a Viking, but like this your punchline."

"You like to run your mouth, don't you?" said God Serena as he took a fighting stance. "Soon you're standing awe of the might of Eight Dragon God Serena!"

The two of them then immediately charged one another at the same time and head-butted each other, creating a massive shockwave that spanned across the area.

"Oh no, so much magic power!" Merrill cried.

"From a head-butt? That's crazy," Ragnar stared.

"Would you expect from Gildarts and the most powerful Viking in Septem?" Hiccup asked.

Merrill looked at Gustav. "Hey, Gustav are you okay?"

"Well honestly… no, not really," he said shaking. "I was so pumped up before, I thought I could handle this. But now… I realise how horribly outnumbered and I'm terrified. It's pathetic, my knees are shaking like crazy, I feel like they can't even walk."

"Don't feel bad, we're all scared," Merrill assured him. "But we can stay strong together."

They were then suddenly struck by a powerful sandstorm.

"A sandstorm?"

"Where did it come from?"

"I can't see anything!"

"Hey, Dragons!" Chaghatai yelled as he stepped through the sandstorm. "Time for you to shrivel up and die!"

"That guy again?" said Ragnar.

"Yes, and he is using the same spell as before," said Astrid.

"I'm not afraid to get dirty!" Snotlout roared as he charged in.

"Snotlout!" Hiccup yelled.

Snotlout then started to transform into a large creature which had the upper torso of a gorilla and the legs of a bull. He charged into the sandstorm at full speed and it seemed to part for him.

"I'll handle this jackass, his dusty old attacks won't work against my Sandbeast!"

"An oaf like you will sink like a stone!" said Chaghatai as he pointed his hands towards the ground. Immediately erupting beneath Snotlout was a sinkhole when he found himself sinking into it. "Antlion Pit!"

Spitelout then suddenly flew over him in the form of some sort of wind beast and managed to grab him, pulling him out of the sand.

"Thanks for the save, Dad," he said gratefully.

"You can fly away, but you will never escape the Drake Twelve!" Chaghatai yelled.

"Right then," said Grimmel as he moved in. "I'll make a lot of you disappear."

Adelaide then appeared out of nowhere and punched him right across the face. "Sorry, but you're going to have to deal with me."

"Go Adelaide!" everyone cheered.

"I like your spunk, but you've made me very angry," said Grimmel as he slowly turned towards her. That's when he noticed that she was still rather exposed and quickly closed his eyes. "Ow, so indecent!"

"Whoopsy," said Adelaide trying to cover herself up.

Wall and Ragnar the Rock then charged in.

"Oh yeah, while it a lot of fun playing judge my very favoured always is executioner!" Wall laughed.

Rogue then immediately shot out of the shadows and confronted Ragnar.

"It's boom boom time!" Wall laughed as he fired a wave of missiles.

However, they exploded before they made any kind of contact and then stepping forward was Minerva.

"I don't like all these insects in my territorial," she said.

"Rogan and Minerva are here!" Vala beamed.

"We are to render aid," said Rogue.

"Thank you," said Vala looking relieved. "Where's Master Sting?"

"We became separated after the sky lit up," Rogue explained. "But I'm not worried, he can handle himself."

"I'm curious, how did the two of you find your way here?" Vala asked curiously.

"We were lucky to have this girl guide us," said Minerva gesturing to Brila.

"More Vikings for us to devastate," Wall chuckled.

"Do you feel their strange magic power my lady?" Rogue asked.

Minerva nodded. "It's quite odd, I believe they may be dead."

"Which means someone is controlling them," said Rogan then turned to Vala. "Vala, will you deal with that?"

"Of course," Vala nodded.

"It's amazing how friendly you are to people who aren't in your Guild," Shiva smiled.

Minerva looked at Vala. "Just who exactly is this over sappy girl?"

"Uh, long story."

Meanwhile, the rest of Drago's army was attacking Dragon Tail tried to overpower them with overwhelming force.

"Look at them all go," said Hiccup noting that there were several openings in the enemy's formation as they engaged them. "Everyone is trying to clear a path for the killed."

Gustav was still shaking as the enemy began advancing towards Hiccup.

"You won't move past us!"

"We will defend his Majesty to death!"

God Serena wasn't having any luck against Gildart, who kept on using his magic to shatter his spells before they even reached him.

"How does he keep on shattering my attacks?" God Serena yelled.

"It's a damn shame, I wish I could have fought you at your original strength," said Gildarts as he clenched his fist. "Crushing Evil, Spreading the Truth: Empyrean!"

He then slammed his fist so hard into God Serena that he was sent flying backwards dispelling his men as he rocketed past them.

"I hope you're ready guys," said Gildarts. "We're headed to the Guildhall!"

"Charge!" Hiccup yelled as he led the charge.

Gustav just stood there, swallowed his fear and clenched his fist before he ran after the others.

Meanwhile, within the Guildhall, Irene was using her enchantment in order to remove the Dragon Heart from Hiccup's body and it was not a painless transaction.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you don't recognise me, it has been a long time," she said. "Both your power and intellect made you incredibly fearsome, but now they're utterly useless to you. His Majesty's Dragon Taming Magic is certainly impressive, it prevents you from moving a single muscle where at his word, you can't even speak without his permission."

"How long will it take for your separation enchantment work?" Drago asked impatiently.

"You understand more than anyone that this elf has incredible power," said Irene. "It won't be quick nor painless."

"Need I remind you that Acnologia will make every effort to get here which means every single second is vital."

"I am well aware of your Majesty and forgive me for being insolent, but a spell like this cannot be rushed. And need I remind you that your the one that created Acnologia gave him the power he now possesses which gave him the title Dragon King."

"I am well aware," said Drago narrowing his eyes, he then turned around and made his way to the exit. "Tell me when you're done."

Neinhart then appeared. "Excuse me, my lady."

"Clearly I'm a bit occupied at the moment, Neinhart," said Irene. "Can you wait to discuss your problem later?"

"It's about Astrid, I found her," he said.

Irene remembered seen Astrid back at the Royal Palace last night, at the time she was pretty beaten up and she was unable to determine whether she would live or not.

"So she survived, as I expected."

"What do you advise I do? I felt as if I had to consult you before acting."

"Kill her."

"But—"

"You know I take no pleasure in repeating myself."

"I hear you… however, my Historias have proven to be completely ineffective against her."

Irene then turned towards him. "Then you must go and fight her yourself obviously. You do remember who you are don't you?"

"Remember who I am?" said Neinhart as his eyes turned black.

Outside the battle continued to rage on, explosions could be seen throughout the entire battlefield as the enemy army kept on sending men against Dragon Tail and its allies.

Astrid sliced through several enemy soldiers and then transformed into her Rumblehorn Armour smashing through their ranks with her massive greatsword.

"Now follow me!" she yelled.

"She's so incredibly brave," said Vala in awe. "She's like a flower that blooms in a bottle."

Gildarts jumped down directly on an entire platoon of enemy soldiers. He slammed his fist into the ground and cause it to break apart knocking them right off their feet.

"Watch out!" Agatha yelled. "You'll take everyone down!"

"Come on, Agatha, you're going to make me blush."

"It was in a compliment!"

Chaghatai looked at Snotlout and Spitelout within his sandstorm.

"Why you just standing there?" he said. "Do you want me to put you out of your misery or what!"

"It's great to fight alongside you, Dad," said Snotlout.

"Happy to be a wingman boyo," said Spitelout.

Grimmel still had his eyes shut as he faced against Adelaide.

"I can't look it's too racy!" he said.

"You're being kind of rude you know!" said Adelaide.

Rogue and Ragnar the Rock was still trading blows with one another.

"I'll knock away your baneparticles!" Rogue yelled.

Minerva had just kicked Wall hard in the face.

"The Alchemist is no match for me!" she yelled.

Hiccup had engaged entire platoon that was standing in front of some ruined houses.

"Fire Dragon Roar!" he yelled unleashing his breath attack. However, it then froze completely much to his shock and he quickly looked back at Ragnar. "Please tell me you're the one responsible."

"I didn't do it," he said and then he noticed the cold. "It's weird the air is changing."

"Cold," said Ruby as she shivered.

"Perhaps you should wear warm clothes," Heather suggested though she was feeling the cold as well.

Then suddenly felt a massive surge of cold wind slamming into them and even Toothless with all his fur was been hit. The only ones that weren't as affected with Ragnar, as he was resistant to cold, and Hiccup who had internal body heat.

"It's freezing," Ruby shivered.

"I'm going numb," said Heather.

"Then let's heat things up," said Hiccup.

He then immediately unleashed a burst of flames around them, but within seconds they were frozen completely.

"What?" Hiccup stared. "No way…"

Then suddenly he transformed into an ice statue.

"Hiccup!" Ragnar yelled and that when he noticed the same thing happened to the others. "Ruby! Heather!"

"Ah, it would seem you're resistant to cold," said a voice.

Ragnar turned and saw standing there was Drago's right-hand man, Krogan.

"I'll freeze you out," said Ragnar as he places hands together.

But before he could launch a single attack was immediately struck by a powerful burst of ice and he was sent crashing into a nearby building. He looked down and saw the left side of his chest was completely frozen, he could even feel the cold. Krogan then raised two fingers across his face and then suddenly Ragnar was bombarded by shards of ice that moved so fast you could barely see them.

'What's going on?' said Ragnar.

"I am Krogan, the Winter General, a title that I have earned for obvious reasons," said Krogan. "You may handle the chill, but I bring Winter itself."

Ragnar was completely shocked. 'No! How can this be happening? I actually feel cold… it's like the blood in my veins is freezing.'

Krogan then waved his hand once again, but this time Ragnar created an ice shield to block his attack.

"Ice-Make: Shield!" he said and then quickly put his hands together. "Ice-Make: Impact!"

A massive eye's Hammer then slammed down on top of Krogan, but he stopped it with a single hand.

"Ice Creation Magic, I see," said Krogan looking completely emotionless. "It's no wonder you have an immunity to the cold."

Ragnar couldn't believe his eyes. 'I don't believe it, he froze my ice spell?'

The hammer then slowly began to crack into it shattered.

"I use ice magic in a more absolute sense," Krogan explained. "Not merely creating objects from ice, but instead freezing everything to its very core. This Maker Magic you wield is an inferior derivative of true ice Vikings, I can shatter your spells with barely a thought."

"Is that so? Then what about this?" said Ragnar as he raised his hand. "I got this for my mother, the power to slay demons!"

His black markings then began to cover the right side of his body and Krogan was completely taken aback by this.

Ragnar wasted no time and placed his hands together. "This is how I'm going to kill Dragrach!"

Suddenly he started to create a massive ice sword. "Ice Demon Zero Long Sword!"

He then shot forwards and struck Krogan before he had a chance to counter-attack. Ragnar then quickly spun around in and struck him once again and the two attacks caused Krogan to fold to his knees.

"How can this be?" he croaked. "I've never seen it before… Demon Slayer Magic?" He then noticed that Ragnar was panting. 'He can use it to create powerful magic weapons, but it seems as if there is a steep cost involved as if it's taken something away from him. Perhaps this power robs the wield of their very own humanity. How intriguing.'

Ragnar then charged at him once again, but this time Krogan was ready for him and raised his hand to block his attack. Krogan smiled then unleashed a powerful burst of ice across the entire battlefield creating a massive snowstorm.

All the other combatants were completely bewildered by this.

"What's going on?"

"It's snowing?"

"Feels more like a blizzard to me."

"First we had a sandstorm…"

"…now this."

Within the Guildhall, Drago noticed the blizzard raging outside.

"This is Krogan doing," he said.

Ragnar noticed that the entire area around them was completely frozen in ice as the blizzard raged on now even he could feel the cold.

'It's so cold, but I can't let him freeze me. I've got to fight,' he said to himself.

"Your unique," Krogan admitted. "I believe you have what it takes to be one of us."

Ragnar was rather taken aback because it sounded as if Krogan had just acknowledged him as being one of the Twelve.

"You must realise this by now, but your heart is slowly filling with darkness," Krogan continued.

"What?" Ragnar stared. "I'm not going to listen to this crap!"

"Magic grew from the darkness, the abyss of sorcery," said Krogan. "This is why his Majesty uses himself."

"So you mean you guys actually see yourselves as villains, huh?"

"Our side has no concept of good or evil, darkness is a powerful force that exists inside everyone. Regardless of your creed, it's strong in you, you can barely contain it."

"I've heard enough of this, if you knew me at all then you would know that I have never been much of a white knight type," said Ragnar as he clenched his fist. "I will protect my Dragon Tail friends by doing whatever needs to be done."

"Your time Rag!" Hiccup's voice yelled.

Both Ragnar and Krogan looked up and turned, that when they discovered that Hiccup and the others had completely thawed out. It only took Ragnar a few moments to realise that Hiccup had used his flames in order to melt their icy prison.

"Because that is the Dragon Tail way," Hiccup announced.

"And not a popsicle any more!" Toothless cheered.

"Are you okay Ragnar?" Heather asked.

'Hiccup managed to melt my ice,' said Krogan looking somewhat impressed. 'I suppose it makes sense considering his destiny.'

"All right it's our turn now, I say we give him a dragon stampede," said Ruby.

Unfortunately, before they could do anything a giant hand grabbed her, Hiccup and Toothless. Ragnar Heather quickly turned around and saw a giant Brandish standing directly behind them.

"What the?" Ragnar stared. "Put them down!"

"What are you doing?" Ruby yelled at Brandish.

"I'm taking what's rightfully mine," she said.

"Not going to happen! Let us go!" Hiccup yelled.

"I realise you're mad Brandish, but we didn't know," said Ruby remembering the little incident with August.

"Be quiet," she said and then suddenly she began walking off carrying them with her.

"Get back here!" Ragnar demanded.

"What are we supposed to do now?" Heather asked.

Before they could do anything Krogan extended his hand and then suddenly ice chains appeared around their necks and they found themselves attached to one another.

"Heather?" said Ragnar.

"Ragnar?" said Heather.

The two of them then suddenly felt funny was as if their mind was in some sort of daze.

"I feel so weird," said Ragnar. "Like my head is spinning out of control."

"I can't move at all, it's like my body refuses to," said Heather.

"It's Ice Lock," said Krogan. "It constrains your mind, thus turning you into my puppet. Regardless of how you may feel inside, you will do my bidding, you will fight to the death."

"Kill each other?" Ragnar yelled.

"Yes, and you will remain in the shackles until one of you dies."

Ragnar then immediately grasped the ice chain. "This won't hold me." He tried to use his magic to break free, but it had absolutely no effect. "I can't…"

"This is perfect," Krogan smiled. 'I know that Ragnar will prevail in this fight and at the very moment, he kills his friend, the darkness in him will take over. Hiccup will never get the chance to fulfil his destiny of killing his Majesty, Ragnar will kill him before that I have no doubt."

Ragnar then slowly turned towards Heather. "Heather…"

Heather then looked at him. "Ragnar."

Heather, however, was determined not to go through with this. 'No! I refuse, I can't kill the man I love! Instead… while I still have a little control, I will have to kill myself.'