Now knowing what they had to do, Hiccup and the others left Arial's house.
"Care to explain why we went up and left like that?" Snotlout asked.
"If we stay we'll just cause more trouble for Arial and her dad," said Hiccup.
"So where do we plan on going?" Ragnar asked.
"We need to get to the sacrificial altar," said Hiccup.
"So you're going to fly us there?" Tuffnut asked.
Hiccup shook his head. "No way I can carry all of you and I don't think it's a good idea leaving anyone behind. Polo so the only way to get theirs by waver so we need to acquire one."
"Preferably one large enough for all of us, but we don't know where they are," said Ragnar and then pulled out the old map of Skypiea. "Not to mention the only thing we can go on is this old map and we don't even know where we are this thing. Plus the Milky Road is not on him at all."
"Yeah, but she might know," Ruffnut pointed.
Everyone turned their head and saw Arial standing there.
"Excuse me," she said.
"Come to see us off?" Ragnar asked.
"Actually, I'm here because of my father," she said. "He asked me to help you find your way to the sacrificial altar. I can accompany you as far as the Valkyrie Island docks, we should be able to find you a suitable boat there."
Hiccup looked at her. "You really don't have to do this, you could get into even more trouble."
"It's no problem, just follow me," she said and they followed her back up the steps.
Unbeknownst to them watching them from behind the bushes was Arron, who was smiling.
"There's no way I'll let you escape," he said. "I'm going to send all of you to Upper Yard to receive Valhalla's Judgement."
Arial had led them to a street on the island which was filled with houses and shops.
"What's that?" Hiccup asked.
"Oh, that's Freya Street," said Arial. "If you want a closer look you're in luck, we actually have to pass through it to reach the docks."
Arron and his men were following them silently hiding within the clouds so as not to be noticed.
"Captain, aren't they already heading to Upper Yard?" said one of his men.
"Yeah, what we sneaking around for?"
"Idiots, you both know how these Blue Sea people are," said Arron. "They're all the same, oh sure they talk about excitement and adventure, but when they actually face danger they cry and run for their lives."
"You know if it wasn't for the fact that our friends are held hostage, I would be enjoying myself," said Hiccup.
"You realise there's a chance you'll be killed up there," Arial reminded him.
"Yeah, but I doubt that Enel will let us wander around aimlessly here."
"So you're not worried at all?"
"Of course I'm worried, but I'm not gonna let it drag me down."
Agatha was completely turned back.
Soon they entered the street and began taking in the sights.
"This place is great," said Hiccup.
"Freya Street is the centre of commerce on the island, it has everything," Arial explained.
The twins looked around excitedly.
"Look floating stores!" Ruffnut pointed.
"It takes a special variety of island cloud to build those," Arial explained.
"So where is all the floating restaurants?" Tuffnut asked.
As they walked for the street they noticed that everyone was giving them a wide berth and dirty looks, not surprising considering that they had been just declared second-degree criminals.
"Hey, everyone's avoiding us again us?" Snotlout frowned.
"Can't I blame them, word has probably spread that were criminals," said Ragnar.
"So what else is new," Hiccup joked. "At least we know that no one is going to bother us."
Arron was still keeping a close eye on them to make sure they weren't making a run for it.
"Sure a lot of weird stuff for sale around here," said Ruffnut as she looked at a store. She then began poking a planned on display and immediately bloomed. "Shame I don't have any money."
She then looked at the owner. "Hey, do you take treasure?"
He immediately shook his head frantically and disappointed Ruffnut walked away.
Tuffnut then grabbed some sort of pulley and found himself been pulled towards one of the floating clouds. He then suddenly found himself in some sort of store that sailed dials.
"Oow, this must be a dial shop," he said as he looked around. Then he knows an extremely large breath dial. "Wow these breath dials was a huge. We should put a couple on the Going Tiger we would be as fast as a waver."
He then accidentally pressed down on the apex of the shell as he examined it and was then blown completely out of the shop. He probably would have died if it hadn't been for the fact that Hiccup caught in just the nick of time.
When they landed back on the ground he then looked at the twins strictly. "When you two are done pulling around, there is still the matter of rescuing our friends. If you two don't get serious and so on are going to get sacrificed."
"You worry too much, they're fine," said Ruffnut.
"Yeah, live a little," said Tuffnut. "After all Astrid and Toothless with them."
"Which means the two of them are going to have their hands full trying to protect Fishlegs and Chopper," Ragnar pointed out.
"I'm more concerned that the ship has sustained more damage, I mean she has had her share of abuse lately," said Snotlout.
"There something in the middle of the street," Ruffnut pointed.
Naturally, everything they said fell on deaf ears and the twins as they began to examine a statue in the central Plaza of the street. The statue was in a glass container of some kind and it didn't match any the architecture in the street.
"What a weird face," said Tuffnut.
"Yeah, what's it supposed to be?" Ruffnut asked.
"Looks like some kind of figure made out of mud, knowing this place it could be some sort of religious statue," said Ragnar.
"They could also be a form of art," Hiccup added.
"This is vearth, you might save represents the eternal earnings of the people of the sky," said Arial.
"Vearth, huh?" Snotlout frowned folding his arms. "Just looks like a mud statue to me."
"Well, I guess it would be difficult for someone from the Blue Sea to understand," said Arial. "Oh, we're almost to the docks right this way."
With that, they continue to follow Arial towards the docks. The elves looked relieved as they were heading their way to the docks.
"Phew, looks like it worked."
"Yeah, they're headed straight for the docks."
"We're saved."
Arron was still watching from afar and smiled.
Eventually, they reached the port and began looking at all the different kinds of boats.
"Look at all these boats," said Hiccup.
"Yes, you'll notice that there are boats of all shapes and sizes anchored in this harbour," said Arial. "From luxurious hotel ships where you can spend the night, to slicker models that are built for speed and loaded up with giant dials. If you look over there there are even more types."
"That one looks perfect!" said Tuffnut pointing at a particularly large one with a wolf's figurehead.
"Look back there, I bet those dials will make this baby move quicker than lightning," said Ruffnut.
"In case you two muttonhead's have forgotten, we're supposed to rescue the crew first remember," said Snotlout.
"Actually your boat is right over here," said Arial.
"Great," said Hiccup.
"I hope we will be even more awesome than that boat," said Tuffnut.
"I can't wait to see it," said Ruffnut.
"Presenting the Raven," said Arial.
The Raven was not as grand of abodes the twins had been hoping for, it was a tiny little thing that looked as if it was designed for a pleasure cruise.
"You've got to be kidding," said Snotlout.
"Raven's don't even swim," said Ragnar.
"I have only learned how to ride a waver recently, before then I used the Raven to get around," Arial explained. "It's not as fast as a waver of course, but it has to breathe dials and is quite reliable. Please feel free to use it."
The twins then looked at her.
"We're not going anywhere," said Tuffnut.
Arial's eyes widened.
Arron smiled. "Ah huh, I knew they would finally show his true colours. No one in their right mind doesn't value their own life."
Ruffnut then pointed to the boat from earlier. "Unless we can take that one."
"They're not scared they're selfish," Arron stared in disbelief.
Arial looked at them. "That one, huh? You don't like the Raven, I'm sorry."
Hiccup then immediately grabbed the twins and pulled them back. "You two should apologise right now! She goes through all the trouble of getting us a boat and you two just complain! I must apologise for these two Arial."
"It's okay," said Arial guiding them to the Raven.
As though making their way to the boat Hiccup couldn't help but notice that all the elves were watching them acutely. They then came to a stop and Arial looked at them smiling and then pointed out towards the sea.
"Your exit is gate number two, it leads right to the Milky Road and that will take you all the way up to Upper Yard," she explained. "Just follow it and you'll be fine."
Hiccup knew that something was up. "Arial…"
"Yes," she said looking up.
"You've been trembling ever since we left, is everything okay?" Hiccup asked.
Everyone was just watching them closely.
"Can't hear, what are they talking about?" Arron frowned.
"Is it that noticeable?" Arial asked.
"Yes, it's like you're scared or something," said Hiccup.
Arron just watched. "No wait, she wouldn't…"
"She's just worried about us," said Snotlout dismissively.
Arial will act slightly, but Ragnar was now suspicious. "Speaking of worried and you afraid that you and Polo are going to be all right? I mean everyone in town is avoiding us like the plague, but you're leading us around, giving us your boat, giving us directions… is helping us going to get into trouble? When that make you an accomplices or something?"
Hiccup looked at her. "Arial you're going to be fine, okay. You should have told us that you were scared really we can just come here on our own."
"No it's— it's not—" she stuttered. "It's not what you think…"
The elves watching just stared in shock.
"She wouldn't dare."
"Don't say anything you'll regret," said Arron.
"Don't you get it?" Arial asked. "Even after telling you how terrifying Upper Yard is still led you here. I even got your boat and told you which route to take, don't you find that hard? Isn't it obvious what's going on here?"
"Watch your tongue little girl!" Arron yelled from his hiding place. "Don't say anything foolish!"
He then quickly high just as the twins turned around.
"Did you hear something?" Ruffnut frowned.
"Probably just the wind," said Tuffnut.
The elves were now slowly moving away from them, which didn't get unnoticed.
'Don't tell me their all in on this,' said Ragnar.
Before they left, Polo had pulled her daughter aside and told her what they had to do.
"But why?" Arial asked. "We shouldn't do this, they're not like the others. Besides is no need for me to guide them, they're already headed for Upper Yard."
"Arial, if that was truly so I would not have to burden you with this task," he said. "But we must face facts, you've seen how other Blue Sea dwellers act when they come here. These five are probably no different, once the initial excitement was off the reality of what they're facing sets in. They get scared and start a value their own lives over their dreams of adventure, that is why we must lead them to the Milky Road End, all the way to Upper Yard."
Polo was currently in his house traumatised by what he told his daughter to do.
"Oh Arial, please forgive me," he begged. "But it is every citizen's duty. You know what will happen if we don't follow Almighty Enel's will."
Back in the present at the docks, Arial fell to her knees.
"Just run away, please," she pleaded as she cried. "I'm so sorry you guys!"
The elves from afar were utterly terrified.
"No, no, please stop!"
"What do you think you're doing?"
"I called the Super Express Lobster, it was all my fault," she cried.
"You mean that thing that took our friends away! You called Arial!" Ragnar yelled.
"While you three were inside talking to my father, I went aboard and lied to your friends about the current that would lead you to Cloud End. They believed me and I had them raise anchor, that was the signal that summoned Almighty Enel's Super Express Lobster."
"What? Do you want to die?" Arron hissed. "You stupid girl!"
"Once we know someone is a criminal, we must lead them to Upper Yard," Arial cried. "If we don't, then the penalty is death."
The elves were now completely appalled with Arial.
"You idiot!"
"You're gonna bring his wrath right down on top of us all!"
"This is outrageous!"
"Somebody stop her!"
"It's our duty, the duty of every citizen," Arial cried.
"That's crazy," said Snotlout.
"I know," Arial cried. "I'm sorry I should have told you sooner."
"Wait a second, you're saying that they forced you to lead us all here!" Hiccup yelled.
Arial nodded.
"If that's true…" said he and the others looked at her darkly.
"Then why even tell us at all!" the five of them yelled.
Arial just stared up at them.
Hiccup then bent down towards her. "Are you nuts? Now your life is in danger!"
The elves watching from afar then started to walk away.
"It's all over we're too late."
"Get away from the girl."
"The judgement is coming."
Suddenly a bright light appeared directly over them and the powerful surge of lightning rained down towards them. Hiccup quickly grabbed Arial and tried to run for safety, but they weren't going to escape the blast radius in time.
"It's too big," he said.
The attack and struck them dead on causing the entire island to shake. A lot of people had been knocked over by the shockwave alone now there was a giant hole within the island cloud.
"What in the world was that thing?" said Ragnar and then he saw the massive hole.
Snotlout then saw the massive hole in the ground. "It did that!"
Ragnar began looking around for Hiccup and Arial. "Hiccup? Arial? Where are you?"
"That's what happens to those that defy Almighty Enel," said an elf.
Ragnar the others just looked them fearing the worst.
"Do not fear, they are both safe," said a voice above them.
Immediately they looked up and saw flying out of the hall was Gabriel riding on Swift in his hybrid form. To their utter relief riding behind him were Hiccup and Arial not looking to worse for wear.
"It's him… Gabriel," said an elf.
"Oh, the weird old man," said Tuffnut.
Gabriel looked at them insulted. "Me weird? No, I am the Sky Knight friend and this one is on the house."
He then dropped Hiccup back onto the island.
"Looks like he saved Arial was well," Ragnar noted.
"And she will remain so under my watch, you have my word," Gabriel promised. "I shall not allow Enel to harm her."
"Appreciate it," said Hiccup as he stood back up.
Gabriel looked at him. "So after seen the scope of Enel's power and anger what are you going to do next?"
"The same thing we're going to do from the start, go to Upper Yard and rescue our friends," said Hiccup firmly.
"I see, may luck be with you," said debut as he galloped away.
Arial looked at Gabriel as they flew away.
"What about them?" she asked gesturing to Hiccup and the others.
"They have chosen their own course, do not blame yourself, child," said Gabriel gently.
"I know who you really are," she said.
"Of course, it's no secret. I am the Sky Knight."
Arial shook her head. "No, we all know. Please come back to us, All-Father."
Gabriel just remained quiet as they flew off.
Back at the docks everyone just stared in astonishment as Hiccup and the others mounted the Raven.
"We better get moving before Enel decides to bring down judgement on top of us," said Hiccup.
"Then lead the way captain," Ragnar smiled.
"Guess we get to go to that island after all," said Ruffnut as she climbed aboard.
"Everyone wins," Tuffnut smiled.
"We'll certainly have one story to tell if we survive this," Snotlout grumbled as he reluctantly boarded the Raven.
Hiccup press down the petal only began moving out towards the Milky Road. "All right, Upper Yard here we come!"
Arron just stared at them as they moved out. "Th-they went? Without any fear or hesitation?"
They began following Arial's directions towards the gate marked with the number two and so began yet another dangerous adventure for them.
