Shepherd had regained consciousness after the explosion, though he was rather battered and bruised.
"Help!" he yelled as he tried to crawl his way out of the rubble, feet, which was not easy considering that his hands were still trapped in stocks.
"What do you know looks like the Dragon Riders left their pal Condoriano behind," said a Marine as he and two others approached him with rifles.
"For the last time, I am not Condoriano I'm Major Shepherd!" he yelled angrily. "An Inspector from HQ!"
"An Inspector?" a Marine scoffed.
"I have to contact them immediately and tell them the incompetence of Navarone allowed pirates to escape."
"Nice try, but you're not fooling us. Your one lying pirate that won't escape Condoriano. Take him!"
The Marines then began dragging him to another cell, one which had not been destroyed during the explosion.
"I'm Special Inspector Major Shepherd! he yelled.
"Sure, you are."
"I'm from HQ you dolts, you're all going to be court-martialed for this! Do you hear me? Court-martialed!"
Meanwhile, Hiccup and the others were still making their way through the corridors but stopped when they reached the T-junction.
"What? What is it?" Snotlout asked.
That's when they saw Marines coming down all three corridors.
"Marines!" Snotlout cried.
"And they're coming up behind us," Ruffnut added.
"We're trapped like rats!" Snotlout yelled.
"About time things got interesting," said Hiccup as he cracked his knuckles.
"Come again?"
"I want to see the Commander was telling the truth," said Hiccup. "He said escape was impossible and that it would take a miracle."
"It might," said Ragnar. "The odds aren't in our favour, that's for sure. There's a 1000 troops stationed here."
"And you find this interesting?" Snotlout are staring at Hiccup as if he was crazy.
"Because I like to prove that nothing is impossible," said Hiccup simply.
Hiccup then transformed into his hybrid form and flew directly at the troops coming down one of the corridors.
"Dragon Fist!" he yelled.
He then began punching the Marines in front of them so hard that he knocked out cold, creating an opening for them.
"Let's move," said Hiccup transforming back to human.
"After them! On the double!" Drake yelled.
Jonathan was on the balcony in his office with the Chief Petty Officer when he saw several Marines being sent flying over the cliff.
"Sir, look," said the Chief Petty Officer as Hiccup stepped into full view. "The Dragon Rider Captain!"
"Great a dead-end," said Toothless as they joined up with Hiccup.
"No, we can run along this cliff," Hiccup pointed.
They then heard gunfire and everyone apart from Hiccup took cover.
"So you've finally shown yourselves," said Jonathan above them.
Hiccup looked up until the Chief Petty Officer was the one that fired the shots, but driving had raised his hand to stop them from firing any more.
"It's the base Commander," said Snotlout.
"Vice-Admiral Jonathan," said Ragnar.
"Fancy meeting you here," Hiccup smiled.
"Well, this is the balcony to my office," said Jonathan.
The Chief Petty Officer had made his way into the office and alerted the cannoneers on the other side of the island.
"Now fire the cannons," he ordered.
"Sir, if we fire the central tower wouldn't that cause some kind of—"
"You heard me, fire!"
"As you can see, I've rescued my crew," said Hiccup looking at him. "Sorry about roughing up your guys, but I did tell you that I was going to leave when I wanted to didn't I?"
"Indeed, are you still planning to do that Dragon Conqueror Hiccup?" Jonathan asked.
"Yeah, we're going to be leaving right now."
Jonathan laughed. "I like a man with a sense of humour, but do you actually think you can escape from Navarone with your treasure?"
"Well, we are pirates, and you won't be able to catch us," Hiccup shrugged.
Then on the other side of the island, the cannoneers had finished their preparations and fired.
"Run!" Snotlout yelled.
Hiccup and the others immediately scampered down the cliff just before the cannonball hit the cliff, causing a bit of damage.
"They escaped," said the Chief Petty Officer while Jonathan only facepalmed himself. "Commander, don't fret! We can still catch them, Unit 21 is waiting at Block 7 if the pirates head down there we can take them down once and for all."
"No, have Unit 21 withdraw from Block 7 immediately," Jonathan ordered.
"But sir it's a dead-end, perfect for an ambush."
"Only if the Dragon Riders play by the book. That kid didn't get a 100 million Gil bounty by doing the obvious. Besides, it would just result in more injuries and damage to this base. Navarone has seen enough of both, don't you agree Sergeant?"
"Yes, sir," said the Chief Petty Officer looking down the damage caused by the cannon.
"Instead of focusing on where they might go, let's focus on where they will go," said Jonathan. "This ship is moored at Dock 88, and it's only a matter of time before those pirates reach it."
Drake was still chasing after the Dragon Riders of all the men in his disposal.
"Stop them!" he yelled.
He then heard his transponder snail ringing and stopped in order to answer it.
"Drake," said Jonathan.
"Sir!"
"I want you and your men to break off your pursuit and rushed at Dock 88, set up an ambush there and apprehend the Dragon Riders. Use of force is granted."
"Yes, sir!"
"Sir, won't it take Lieutenant-Commander Drake sometimes you reach Dock 88?" the Chief Petty Officer asked.
"That's true," said Jonathan as he sat down at his desk and looked at the map of the fortress. "There's only one way for the Dragon Riders to reach Dock 88, by crossing this bridge. We'll leave the straw gate on the upper deck seemingly unguarded and law them across. Yes, that should work. We will have troopers concealed on both ends to ambush the pirates when they cross. They don't need to stop them, just slow them down that should buy some time."
"Good thinking," the Chief Petty Officer nodded.
"Now then, which unit should I send to defend the bridge?" Jonathan pondered. "I guess there's only really one unit that could really slow them down. Tell Unit 55 to move out."
Meanwhile, there was quite a ruckus outside the infirmary, and Doctor Lily stepped out to find out what was going on.
"Hello, excuse me," she said to the Marines guarding the door.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"The alarm, what's going on?"
"Jailbreak ma'am, it's those pirates. We're under code red situation until they've been recaptured."
"The brass think some of them might behold upon the base somewhere."
Astrid and the others were listening intently.
"Sounds like Hiccup busted our captive crewmates," said Astrid.
"Couldn't they have wait until we were all together?" Fishlegs asked.
"That would have put all of us in even more risk," said Astrid looking at him. "This is his way of signalling to us to get back to the Going Tiger."
"But we don't know the layout of this fortress or even have an escape plan," said Fishlegs pointed out.
"Thinking on-the-fly is what Hiccup does best," Astrid smiled.
"Whatever the case, we don't have any choice but got to get to that dock and quick," said Chopper.
Astrid nodded. "You're right, we've got to get out of here and meet up with the others before it's too late."
"Except we're kinda stuck here," Fishlegs pointed out.
The Marines were still briefing the Lily on current events.
"In fact, Lieutenant-Commander Drake is sure one of the pirates is disguised as a med lab of Doctor."
"We have to search the premises, bloodthirsty pirates could be in there with you."
Lily then suddenly closed the door in front of them, much to their shock.
"Doctor Lily!"
After hearing that the Marines trying to bang their way inside.
"Bloodthirsty pirates in disguise," she said and then she looked directly at the three of them. "You three…"
She then began making her way towards, Astrid quickly placed herself in front of Fishlegs and Chopper. She may not have her axe on hand, and she was very confident that she could easily overpower the doctor, but the Marines outside were another story.
"Yes, Doctor Lily?" said Astrid calmly.
Chopper looked at her nervously. "I guess we should have told you this earlier, but the pirates there looking for…"
She then suddenly grasp their hands. "Don't you worry, everything will be okay? We'll get you to safety, you what those men said. There are pirates disguised as doctors, and for all, we know they could be nearby."
"Uh, yeah, about that," said Chopper stunned. "They are nearby because they're kind of us. We're who they're looking for."
Lily just sat knelt stood there in silence.
"Don't you get it, lady, we're the pirates," said Chopper.
Lily still didn't say anything. Clearly, she was in shock.
"Look you seem like a nice person, and we're sorry to put you through this," said Fishlegs. "We won't hurt you, just don't scream. All we want from you is the location of the docks so that we can get back to our ship."
Unsurprisingly, Lily then began to scream. "You're the pirates!"
"Should have seen that coming," Astrid sighed.
"That scream," said one of the Marines outside. "Doctor Lily!"
The Marines then began hammering at the door, they would break through at any second. Fortunately, Lily had at that point fainted, and Astrid quickly came up with a plan.
"Are you all right?" said one of the Marines.
There was no answer.
"Something's wrong, let's knock it down."
They then began slamming their shoulders into the door and eventually broke through. Once inside, they saw Astrid tied up and Fishlegs on the floor with a black eye.
"Doctor?" said the Marines when they saw Lily.
They immediately rushed over towards Astrid and Fishlegs.
"You two all right, please say something."
One of them began searching for anyone suspicious, but all he saw were Marine soldiers on the beds. In fact, Chopper was hiding in the sheets with one of the Marines, but they would find if they examined the sheets.
"They escape through the air, ducts!" said a Marine.
Sure enough, the vent was open.
"Of the two of you sure the pirates went up there?"
"I've got the black guide to prove it," Fishlegs groaned.
"If you hurry, you might be able to catch them," said Astrid.
Without the two Marines climbed into the air vent.
Fishlegs looked at Astrid, rubbing his sore eye. "Did you really had to punch me that hard?"
"We had to make it look convincing," said Astrid. Lily then began to regain consciousness. "Oh, you're awake." Lily was about to scream, but Astrid quickly covered her mouth. "None of that, I know you want to screen right now, but right now I need you to promise to stay quiet for a little bit."
Lily nodded nervously.
"Guys, we've got a get out of here right now," said Chopper as he climbed down from the bed.
Lily blinked. "You… you were big, but how?"
"Oh, that?" said Chopper. "Here, I'll show you." He then transformed into his human form. "You see, I ate a Devil Fruit, and that is what gave me the ability to transform."
Lily still looked rather confused.
'She really is at dits,' said Astrid.
"Look we would like to sit and chat and explain to you how Chopper's powers work, but if you haven't already noticed we're a little pressed for time," said Fishlegs as Chopper transformed back into his hybrid form.
"It's okay," said Lily looking pretty worn out. "What a strange day this has come."
"We've got a get going," said Astrid. "I doubt it will take those Marines too long to figure out that when not in the ducts."
"Mr Deer, wait," said Lily before they left. "Hold on, even if you are a pirate and the magical deer, you are still the only person who ever told me what it truly means to be a doctor. I would really like to find a way to thank you."
"You don't have to thank me," said Chopper twiddling his hooves. "And for the record, I'm a reindeer."
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Lily and then her eyes lit up. "Hang on, you two said that you needed to go to the docks, didn't you?"
"Yeah," Chopper nodded.
"Well, I can show you the way there if you like me to," Lily offered.
"You'll take us there?" Astrid asked.
"But won't you get into trouble for helping pirates?" Chopper asked. "They would throw you into the brig for sure if anyone ever finds out about it."
"Oh yeah, you're right," Lily nodded. "But in the event that you get caught, I'll just look real scared and tell them that you've taken the hostage."
"That could work," said Fishlegs.
"I'm so glad I can be of service," Lily smiled.
Meanwhile, Hiccup and the others had reached the bridge and were now discussing the best way to cross it.
"I don't think they can see us here guys," said Snotlout.
"Either way, be careful, I imagine that the Commander has a few tricks up his sleeve," said Hiccup.
"Is he a magician?" Ruffnut asked as she stuck her head out from behind the rock.
"I thought he was a Vice-Admiral?" said Tuffnut doing exactly the same thing.
"Get your heads down!" Ragnar snapped at them as he pulled them down.
The bottom of the bridge was completely guarded by Marines, he would be a hard fight to get past them.
"See the passage down there," said Snotlout. "Dock 88 is on the other side of it. That's where they've got the Going Tiger stowed."
"Yeah, but how do we get across?" Ragnar asked. "There's lots of guards."
"One of there?" Ruffnut suggested pointing at the top of the bridge.
"It does look crossable," said Snotlout.
"Yeah, it sure does, but isn't it strange that there are no guards," said Toothless suspiciously. "It's almost like they're inviting is up there."
"A trap," Ragnar nodded.
"Giving us tempting target while making it clear that it's a trap," said Hiccup folding his arms. "I have to hand it to the Commander, he sure is cunning."
"I have to agree," said Toothless. "That said it's like we have any other option, but to spring the trap."
"We can't take the off chance that it's not a trap," said Ragnar.
"Are you guys nuts?" Snotlout stared. "You want to spring a trap even knowing that is a trap?"
"That bridge is our only means to get to the Going Tiger, and the longer we wait, the more chance there is that Dock 88 gets reinforcements," Hiccup explained. "They know that my head in that direction, which is why the Marines have no longer been chasing us."
"So you're saying that it's now or never," Snotlout groaned.
"Pretty much."
Snotlout sighed. "All right, let's go."
Elsewhere Astrid and Lily were moving a bed towards docks with Fishlegs resting on top of it and Chopper hiding under the sheets.
"Do you have any idea which dock your ship was taken to?" Lily asked. "There are actually a number of docks here, but they're scattered all over the base."
"I can't be certain, but judging where our ship touchdown I have to guess at the dock of the western side of the base," said Fishlegs.
"Oh, then I think I know where your ship may be… Dock 88," Lily smiled.
"What makes you think that?" Chopper asked.
"Well, due to recent budget cuts a lot of docks have been shut down, including most of the ones on the western side of the base. However, Dock 88 is one of the few docks on that site that are still operational. My father works there, I'm sure that were your ship is."
"You think that's where Hiccup and the others are headed?" Chopper asked.
"We've got no way of knowing, but I say it's a good bet," said Astrid. "Plus thanks to all the commotion they cause we have to take advantage of it and get while the getting is good. Okay, Doctor Lily, Dock 88 it is lead on."
Hiccup and the others had reached the top of the bridge, and there was still no sign of any Marines.
"Nobody here," said Toothless.
Ragnar looked at Hiccup. "If you have any second thought, now would be the only time to act on them."
"Let's move, but proceed with caution," said Hiccup.
All then ran across the bridge, but as they predicted, it was a trap. Marines were hiding in the crates, and the scaffolding above the bridge and below it. Then when you got about halfway across the Marines then jumped into action.
"Here they are," said Hiccup.
Within seconds they were completely surrounded by Marine soldiers, but unlike the previous ones they had encountered these ones have far more muscle on them.
"Has to be at least 50 front of us," said Ragnar.
"And just as many behind us," Toothless added.
"I'm only gonna say this once," said Hiccup as he took up a fighting stance. "Get out of the wave you don't want to get hurt."
The unit commander then stepped forward. "Please allow us to introduce ourselves, we are a legendary Unit 55, and no pirates will ever cross this bridge on our watch."
"We already crossed this bridge once, but I guess you guys off the clock then," Ragnar smirked.
"I'm going to make you eat those words, pirate. 55 attack!"
The Marines then charged at them on both sides, and several then climbed over the side of the bridge. Toothless quickly punched one in the face, and Ragnar leaned back to avoid a pair of kicks and then hit them back with a kick of his own.
Hiccup transformed into his hybrid form and began fighting the Marines in front of him, knocking a few off the bridge.
The twins drew their blades and began clashing with Marines behind them, and Snotlout raised his fists.
"I can't fend off this many!" Snotlout yelled.
Hiccup then reached his pocket and found the Impact Dial and tossed it towards him. "This might help!"
Snotlout caught it. "Huh, thanks."
However, the twins are already engaging with the Marines in front of him and quickly backed up by Toothless.
"Guess they don't need me," said Snotlout.
"Dragon Whip!" Hiccup yelled, swinging his tail.
He not a few Marines with it, but most jumped on him when his guard was down and quickly pinned him to the ground.
"We have you now," a Marine smirked. "All we had to do was carefully study your moves Dragon."
Ragnar was still kicking several Marines in the face, but just too many of them and one of them managed to grab hold of his leg. The others then rushed in and began picking him down.
"Let go of me!" Ragnar yelled as he struggled to free himself.
"Surrender pirate, it's over you and your friends," said a particularly fat Marine.
"Yeah, I don't think so tabby," said Ragnar.
Snotlout groaned. "Do I have to do everything myself?"
He then saw Marine charging at him with a sword and quickly dodged it. The Marine then swung his sword once again and out of pure instinct Snotlout use the Impact Dial that Hiccup gave him to block it. The Impact Dial instantly absorbed the impact of the attack stopping the Marine right in his tracks.
"What the? How did that little seashell stop my sword?"
'Good thing I have this Impact Dial,' said Snotlout breathing a single sigh of relief.
The Marine kept on swinging at Snotlout, and he kept on blocking the attack with his Impact Dial, much to the Marines frustration. Snotlout then punched the Marines in the face and spun around in time to see another Marine charging towards him with an axe in hand. Once again, he is the Impact Dial to absorb the attack's impact and then quickly counter-attacked.
Toothless and the twins were still combating with the Marines, but it was only a matter of time before they got overrun as well.
"There so many of them," said Toothless.
"I'm having a hard time keeping track," said Ruffnut as she blocked a blade.
"Yeah, do these guys ever give up?" Tuffnut asked as he dodged to swing.
"Listen up pirates and listen good, we put the N in Navarone see," said a Marine. "We're the special forces unit at the other special forces unit are scared of, you should give up now."
"And you shouldn't talk so much," said Toothless.
Ragnar managed to free himself by using his free guide to kick the fat Marine behind him right in the face. He then used his momentum to spin sensory on his grabbing hold of his right leg flying before kicking a Marine in front of him in the face. However, he was still very much surrounded.
"All right, who's next?" Ragnar asked panting slightly.
Hiccup used all his strength in order to send Marines on top of him flying.
"You're going to have to do better than that," said Hiccup and then opened his mouth wide. "Plasma Blast!"
He then fired a powerful plasma blast directly at the Marine in front of him, it had so much force into the attack that it sent him crashing to the Marines behind him. However, the Marines behind Hiccup quickly responded.
"Now man, grab him!"
Hiccup suddenly found himself surrounded by Marines once again as they began holding him down, pointing his head directly below him.
"We're not letting go this time Dragon."
"You guys are stubborn, I'll give you that," said Hiccup and then looked back at the others. "Guys, brace yourselves!"
Toothless looked back. "What are you going to do?"
"Something crazy," said Hiccup and opened his mouth which was still aimed down at the bridge. "Plasma Blast!"
The blast completely destroyed the second of the bridge they were all standing on. So, the Dragon Riders, as well as Unit 55, fell into the sea.
Hiccup and the Dragon Riders had managed to swim ashore.
"A bit of warning would have been nice," Snotlout snapped at Hiccup.
"I did give you a warning," Hiccup reminded him.
"Let's just focus on getting to the dock," Toothless suggested.
The Chief Petty Officer was giving Jonathan the update on what happened on the bridge.
"Sir, part of the strong gate bridge has just collapsed," he said. "Unit 55 and the Dragon Riders Pirates fell into the bay. Luckily Unit 55 have reported no casualties, and all members have been accounted for."
Jonathan sighed. "I didn't think they would cause that much damage. Still, they did do their job and borders the time we needed, and it sounds as though they gave the Dragon Riders quite a surprise."
Drake was currently in Dock 88, setting up an ambush.
"Commander, we're placed in Dock 88 and ready to carry out the Capture Operation," said Drake over the transponder snail. "We're ready for those lousy Dragon Riders, sir."
"Excellent, they were just spotted passing through the strong gate route so they should be arriving at any minute," said Jonathan. "Now remember, these pirates are crafty don't let your guard down."
Hiccup and the others were making their way to Dock 88.
"You sure it's this way, Snotlout?" Toothless asked.
"Yeah, trust me, it's just around the corner," said Snotlout.
Drake and his men were getting ready when they heard footsteps.
"Sir!"
"Here, they come! Ready… aim…"
Hiccup and the Dragon Riders then entered the dark and were soon face-to-face with an entire battalion of Marines.
A few moments later, Astrid and her group were making their way to the dock as well.
"Make way, medical emergency! Let us through!" Lily yelled at the went past a few Marines.
They then entered the dark and found that Hiccup and the others were doing battle.
"Astrid?" Ragnar blinked.
"In a nurse's outfit no less," Snotlout smirked.
Astrid groaned discussed and then saw beside her was Hiccup trapped in a net.
"Hiccup?" she stared.
"Hey," he said, looking as if he was going to throw up at any moment.