Making his way to the cages by the docks was so much more stressful now than back when there were only a dozen Hunters to deal with. But the numbers had doubled if not tripled, and Hiccup was being very careful not to get spotted as he made his way around the canyon and to those cages. Sneaking in close might have been much easier if it had been nighttime. It was easy to move around under the cover of darkness. Not only that, Hunters typically let their guard down once the sun went down, which he always used to his advantage. But the odds weren't on his side this time and Hiccup had to be extra careful to not drag any of attention on him. He relaxed a little when he cleared the open and rushed back into the shade of the trees bordering the beach.
The cages mostly contained common species. The dragons snarled and snapped at the metal bars as he walked by. He observed the creatures with a sympathetic look in his eyes. He hated having to see these dragons stripped from their freedom like this, and he felt even more horrible knowing that he couldn't free them. Not right away, at least. He had himself as well as Heather to rescue first. Hiccup wandered between the cages until one grabbed his attention. While the rest of the dragons were left exposed to the harsh sun, a single one was covered in a drape. Hiccup approached gingerly, hoping he wasn't making a mistake as he pulled down on the cloth and exposed the dragon to all eyes. Hiccup didn't know what to expect; perhaps a rare species or maybe a dragon that was too agitated to leave uncovered. But instead, Hiccup's heart burst when his eyes met his own dragon's toxic-green gaze. The Night Fury's narrowed pupils expanded to black discs as he purred, happier than ever to see his rider's face.
Hiccup didn't wait another second and slid the lid, sending the door swinging wide open. Toothless bumped his head against his rider's chest, nuzzling him affectionately much like he did when reuniting after a near-death experience.
"Toothless!" whispered Hiccup, hugging him back tightly. "Hey, bud! Yes, I'm glad to see you too. Don't worry, I'm getting you out of here. Yes, I know, I know."
He pressed his hand against Toothless' scaly forward, pressing his index against his lips. He watched out for a passing guard and thought that perhaps he'd get lucky to swiftly fly off undetected. But his luck had run out when he came face to face with a Hunter patrolling the yard of cages. Hiccup froze in his tracks, taking a step back as the soldier gestured his way.
"Hey you!" shouted the Hunter, unsheathing his sword. Hiccup backed off as he approached, holding his weapon steady. His loud call had already attracted other Hunters, and Hiccup spun around on his heels as more soldiers peeked between the cages where they remained trapped.
"It's the Rider!" shouted a Hunter, notifying pretty much every soldier nearby. "Get him!"
"Well, looks like they know we're here," said Hiccup, exchanging a glance with his dragon. "No use in keeping a low profile." The Night Fury growled low as the enemy engaged with a battle cry and Hiccup swung on the saddle, thankful the Hunters hadn't dared strip his dragon from his gear. He narrowed his eyes as the Hunter raised his sword over his head, engaging thoughtlessly. "Toothless, if you wouldn't mind, plasma blast."
The explosion went off, not only attracting just a few Hunters working nearby the beach; but everyone that was on the island. Hiccup pulled on the handles with his prosthetic clicked into place and took to the air, twirling for the sky like a harpoon launched from a ballista.
Oh, how he'd missed this sensation.
But he quickly pulled his head out of the clouds as Toothless spread his wings wide, halting them from flying into the sun. There was a moment where they hovered without the beat of a wing before plummeting back down like a boulder. Hiccup whooed excitedly as they fell out of the sky upside down, feeling the fresh air rush through his locks. Hiccup grasped the handles tighter and focused his attention back on the island below - on the canyon, more specifically. He swooped low and fired multiple shots at the buildings and tents, sending off debris that had Hunters running off with terrifies cries.
Ryker's significant form stood out from the crowd as well as Heather's standing close to him, and Hiccup could read the situation to know he better get in closer – dangerously closer.
He came close to the ground, ignoring the inexperienced recruits as they ran for cover, fleeing the scene with whimpers and cries. Toothless flapped his wings as he came down, landing a good distance away from the Dragon Hunter and the Berserker. His paws met the ground heavily, raising a small cloud of dust that was carried away by the breeze. The Night Fury growled deep and low as it lowered its head, allowing its rider to dismount.
There was a moment where everything stood still. A few Hunters had remained at Ryker's side, aiming their crossbows at the Night Fury Rider, daring him to try anything. Heather struggled against the Hunter's grip on her, cursing him out.
Ryker stood tall and proud as he faced off against Hiccup, hands reached to his sides expectantly. His dark eyes scanned him up and down, and Hiccup could tell all too easily what was happening in his head.
"You're a long way from home, Hiccup Haddock," said Ryker, lifting his chin high with a discreet smile stretching his lips.
"Ryker," greeted Hiccup, but letting it come out more as a warning. "Let her go."
"I have a better proposition for you," denied Ryker, shifting his weight confidently before grabbing hold of his sword and holding the sharp tip under Heather's chin. "Surrender, and maybe, I won't kill her right here and now."
"You'll have to do better than that, Ryker," mocked Hiccup, crossing his arms over his chest as confidently as Ryker had unsheathed his weapon. "We both know you're the one walking the plank. Heather's value to Viggo is as priceless as mine."
"Is she now?" he said sarcastically, holding the blade in place. "Viggo only knows what I report to him. Whether this be but an unfortunate event or a proper kill, is mine to say…"
"What's to stop me from dropping you right where you stand?" said Hiccup, balling his fist at his side while Toothless held his ground snarling, ready for a signal.
As if to answer his question, more Hunters joined in, flanking him from the sides and from behind. Hiccup eyed the newcomers from the corner of his eye, kicking himself mentally for having asked such a question. He knew he ought to listen to Ryker now if he didn't want the three of them to end up with their backs full of arrows. He gestured to his dragon to stand down when he accepted they were outmatched. The Night Fury growled, retrieving his head and swallowing back the gas he had readied to light up. Hiccup raised his hands behind his head when he saw a Hunter approach, shoving him forward, closer to their leader.
Hiccup groaned in displeasure as his knees met the ground, hands still held behind his head while the Hunter kept his crossbow pointed down at him, daring him to move a muscle. Ryker took a step forward, using the tip of his sword to lift his chin and force him to look at him. Hiccup scowled, locks dangling before his eyes and casting a shadow over the vivid green.
"Your capture will please Viggo," he said, and Hiccup fled the blade but maintained the glare. Ryker cast a look over his shoulder to Heather, her defiant stare holding his. "Both of you."
Ryker retrieved his sword as he gestured to his men to take them away. Hiccup struggled as the same Hunter shoved him back up on his feet.
"No funny business," warned the soldier, holding his crossbow up to his head before butting it against his skull, indicating him to get a move on.
Hiccup looked back over his shoulder with his hands still linked behind his head. Heather followed with a Hunter holding her by the shoulder, ensuring she wouldn't try to escape. Toothless was muzzled and escorted as well; all sorts of weaponry aimed down at him should the Night Fury attempt anything. The dragon snarled warningly, eyeing the enemy through narrow pupils.
Was this it? Did they really fight so hard just to end up captives again? And to finally be brought to Viggo?
Hiccup knew he'd stand a chance. But he had lied about Heather. And Ryker seemed to know the story too. Heather wasn't as valuable as he was, and he had no doubt she'd be disposed of as soon as Viggo got bored with her. Her defeat would be all he'd request from her. Not information, or even to be used as a decoy against the Dragon Riders. He saw no value in her as long as she lived; much like the dragons he hunted.
He needed to act. He needed to do something.
And in the blink of an idea, Hiccup stopped dead in his tracks, halting the Hunter pressuring him from behind. The soldier aggressively pressed the tip of the arrow against his nuke, ordering him to move it. But Hiccup didn't budge. Instead, he ducked and spun around, slamming his prosthetic against the man's leg and making him drop his weapon while he dealt with the new pain. He ducked another blow from a Hunter's mace, watching as the heavy weapon slammed into another soldier, killing two birds with one stone.
Ryker, who'd been leading the front, turned around to face the disturbance with a disgruntled growl.
Heather rapidly took advantage of the distraction and slammed her head against her captor's face, releasing her in an instant. Despite her shackled hands, she was still able to fight and granted a few well-deserved kicks in many in-betweens as the soldiers rushed to restrain her, ducking and hopping as blades swung high and low.
Toothless didn't hesitate to react either and swept his tail in a full circle. throwing the guards off him. If he wasn't muzzled, he straightforwardly would've blasted the remaining Hunters off the Riders, but such an alternative was not an option in such current circumstances.
The Night Fury bounced over to Heather while she fought off her attacker, helping her even the odds. The young Berserker panted, slamming both fists against her adversaries. When she turned to look over at Hiccup, she was fear-stricken to see Ryker approaching him with his toothed dragon–proof sword in hand. Hiccup was too busy fighting another Hunter, holding him off as he pressed down on the axe.
Ryker swung a punch, sending him skidding against the dusty ground with a loud and pained groan. Hiccup held his middle, pushing himself off the ground while trying to back off at the same time all while Ryker's imposing form towered over him.
Everything was happening too quickly for Heather to react. And as if time stopped, Heather met Hiccup's gaze. She read his expression telling her to get out of here. Heather wanted to stay and help, fight Ryker and take him with her back home. Both Riders knew they didn't stand a chance as the Hunters they had disoriented for a short while recovered and grabbed their weapons, more hostile than before. And for once, Heather didn't think twice. She hopped on Toothless, grasped the handles tightly and took to the air, flying for the blue in a straight line and escaping the arrows fired her way. As much as she wanted to double back, she'd learned it would be unwise. And so she turned her back on the islet, headed back for Dragon's Edge. She'd come back for him, along with the other Riders. She promised herself that.
Hiccup watched proudly from where he lied, looking up at the sky as his dragon spread his wings freely, taking Heather with him. At least they would be safe from harm…
He was dragged out of his delight when Ryker closed his hand on the front of his armour, lifting him clean off the ground. The Rider grabbed his hand but didn't kick or attempt anything to throw him off, fully aware such struggle would be in vain. He held Ryker's dangerous glare.
"Looks like Viggo will have to wait on one of us," commented Hiccup smugly, unable to resist the short-lived smile before getting violently thrown back on the ground with a sickening thud.
"That was a mistake…" growled Ryker before grabbing hold of him again, pulling him up on his feet and shoving him forward to walk back to the ship to be taken to Viggo Grimborn.