Ragnar, Fishlegs and Chopper were sailing down the canal on their Bull as they exchanged stories about Heather.

"This sucks," said Ragnar as Chopper finished his story.

"I'm sorry, guys," said Chopper apologetically. "It was so focused on the books that I didn't notice when she left."

"There's nothing you should apologise for," said Fishlegs. "We assume that person we saw walking with her had to be you in your human form."

"Which begs the question, who was that masked man, and how are they able to disappear so suddenly?" Ragnar frowned.

"Yeah, even Heather's scent disappeared," said Chopper.

"I hope everything is all right," said Fishlegs. "I mean, it was like she was in some sort of trance."

"I just can't help but think back to what Asmund said, and that worries me," Ragnar frowned.

"What did he say that worried you?" Chopper asked.

"All that terrible stuff he said about Heather's past and then very soon we would regret have been on our crew," said Ragnar.

"Oh yeah, right," Chopper nodded.

"So you think what he said might have something to do with her disappearance?" Fishlegs asked.

"I don't know, but I don't believe it's a coincidence," said Ragnar. "Either way, we're getting nowhere trying to look for her. Let's head back to the ship, for now, if nothing is wrong, shall come back on her own eventually."

"Yeah, you're right," Chopper agreed.

"And we should at least inform the others," said Fishlegs.

Ragnar looked at the Bull. "Hurry back to the Tiger."

The Bull then took off down the canal as quickly as it could.

At Dock One, Hiccup wasn't too pleased with the assessment made by Silvernose.

"What? You can't fix the Going Tiger?" Hiccup yelled. "Why not? I was under the impression that all of you were very skilled shipwrights. We got plenty of money to make any repairs necessary to make her seaworthy."

"It's not about the money, son," said Silvernose. "No matter how much you pay, that ship can't be restored to how she used to be. To be honest, I'm rather impressed that you were able to get that all go this far, considering the condition she is currently in."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Astrid snarled. "What exactly is going on with the Tiger?"

"Do you know what the keel is, immoral girl?" Palmer asked.

"Imm—" Astrid glared but quickly regained her composure. "You mean a thing at the bottom of the boat?"

"Yeah, it's the most important piece of lumber on a ship. It crosses from stem to stern and provides support. When you build a ship, you start off by placing the keel, then you set the wood for the stem, stern, frame, frame brackets and deck beams. All of the pieces are carefully assembled together, with the keel serving as the core. It is the very backbone, framework and life of every vessel constructed, and when it severely damaged, then that the end of her.

"You can't just replace it with a new one; that would be the same thing as building a new ship from scratch. That's the reason we, or anyone, won't be able to fix her. Your ship is just a bunch of wood stuck together awaiting for her end."

"Hey, you don't you say such horrible things!" Astrid snapped.

"Horrible or not, it's the truth," said Palmer.

"If that's the case, then just rebuild her from the ground up like you said before," said Hiccup. "Building at the Going Tiger."

"Sorry, not possible," said Lael.

"And why not?"

"We could build you a very similar ship, but no one could build you one that would be exactly the same. Nowhere in the world are there to completely identical ships; it simply can't be done."

"What do you mean? Why?" Astrid asked.

"Tell me, are there any trees in the world that grow exactly the same way?" Lael asked. "A sailing ship is mostly built out of lumber, so the overall size and shape of the vessels determined what type of wood used. That's why an exact duplicate of your ship can't be built by us or anyone, even using the same blueprints. If we make a ship like that to those specifications, the ones who would notice the difference, and feel that it's a completely different ship, would be all of you guys."

"No way," said Astrid clenching her fist. "So you're saying that it absolutely impossible for us to continue sailing on the Going Tiger?"

"Unfortunately, yes," said Silvernose. "You can either wait around for her to sink, or you can dismantle her immediately."

Hiccup couldn't accept either of those choices; they had all been sailing on the Going Tiger since nearly at the beginning of forming a pirate crew. They'd been through so much, and now they had to give up on her.

"Your ship is on her last legs. Why don't you look at this as an opportunity?" said Iceberg. "You happen to be in the best place in the world to buy a new ship. You have money, right? I understand if your ship was a caravel. Sailing on the Grand Line in an old ship like that would be difficult, to begin with."

"Are you sure that there is no other way?" Hiccup asked.

"I know it's hard to accept, but if you wish to keep on sailing, you going to need a new ship," said Silvernose. "Though I will say an amateur, you did an excellent job keeping her afloat, but I'm afraid she's had."

"I would suggest that you think about it," said Iceberg. "If you do decide to buy a ship, let me know; my people can help. If you are able to spend 300 million, we can build a state-of-the-art ship for you. Kala…"

Kala then handed Hiccup a catalogue. "Here, if you would look this over, please. It's a catalogue of our new and used models; use it as a price reference."

"Hey, Iceberg!" said Lasse as he approached them. "There someone at the front gate who wants to see you."

Iceberg looked at Kala, and she quickly looked at his schedule. "There doesn't appear to be any appointment scheduled today."

"It looks like those World Government officials again," said Kala. "Should I tell them that you're unavailable?"

"Please do, say I'm gone," said Iceberg.

"Then I'll ask them to leave."

"Thanks, I appreciated."

"Hold it right there, Iceberg," said a voice.

Everyone turned and saw three guys in black suits approaching them, the one in front appeared to be in his 60s with a scar running across his right eye.

"Looks like you're here after all," he said.

Palmer quickly turned towards Hiccup and Astrid. "Hey, you two need to hide! Government officials are here!"

"Okay," said Astrid.

The two of them quickly grabbed their briefcases and hit behind some lumbar just before the Government officials arrived.

"Hello, Corgi," said Iceberg, not looking particularly pleased. "What I owe this displeasure?"

"Very funny, but I suggest you lose the attitude," said Corgi. "After all, I came all the way out here by Sea Train. Don't turn me away; it's impolite." He then sniffed the air and frowned. "For some reason, I detect the scent of pirates, but whatever. In any case, I want to talk to you."

"Well, I don't want to talk to you so you can go away," said Iceberg folding his arms.

"Are you a child?" Corgi glared.

"No, I'm totally an adult," said Iceberg picking his nose as if mocking him.

Corgi was doing his best to control his temper. "Then start acting like one. There's something of special importance I need to discuss with you; I would appreciate it if you hear me out. Come on, let's talk this over in private."

Reluctantly Iceberg left with Kala, following Corgi and his men to a more private location.

"Those Government guys are so damn persistent," said Palmer. "What the hell do they want with Iceberg anyway?"

"Look, it has nothing to do with us; it's probably political stuff," said Lael.

"Should I beat them up?" Lael asked.

"I wouldn't, I mean, they are Government guys after all," said Silvernose.

Hiccup then found something rather strange about the briefcases he was carrying, the same ones the shipwright had returned to them.

"What? What's wrong?" Astrid asked, noting his troubled look.

"There was something where about these briefcases when I grab them," said Hiccup and to demonstrate, he lifted one up. "They're really light."

Astrid looked at him, confused. "What do you mean? How could they be like with all that money inside them?"

"I think I have a pretty good idea; I just hope I'm wrong," said Hiccup as he began to open the briefcases.

The moment they were opened, the two of them screamed so loudly they could be heard all across the dock.

Palmer quickly rushed over to them, looking furious. "Idiots! What the hell are you—" He stopped when he saw Astrid sitting there. "Hey, lady! If you set like that, everyone is going to see your—"

"Don't tell me; there's no way," said Astrid horrified.

"I'm afraid it is," said Hiccup.

Both briefcases were completely empty.

"200 million…" Hiccup yelled.

"…gone!" Astrid yelled. "It's really gone! Look at the briefcases. They're not even ours!"

"Hey, hey, keep it down," said Lael. "What's wrong?"

"Our money… our money is gone," said Hiccup.

"Vanished… gone… disappeared," said Astrid.

"What?" Palmer stared.

"Palmer, was it you again?" Lael asked, giving him an accusing look.

"No!" he yelled, looking insulted.

"Honest?"

"Why would I lie?"

"You mean it?"

"Yes, I mean it!"

"They're so noisy," Lasse sighed and then looked at Silvernose. "Hey, Silvernose, what were the Eret Family doing here? I wasn't aware that they were selling lumbar or anything."

"What are you talking about?" Silvernose frowned. "I haven't seen one member of the Eret Family today."

"That strange; I'm so certain that I saw them," he said, rubbing his chin. "They appear to be dragging a young man with greasy black hair."

"Hey, hold up!" said Astrid, quickly approaching him. "What did you say?"

"You're saying that you saw Snotlout was kidnapped by the Eret Family?" Hiccup asked.

"I suppose you can call it that," said Lasse.

Astrid looked at Hiccup. "Hiccup, we've got to find him."

Hiccup nodded and looked at Palmer. "Where can we find the Eret Family's hideout?"

"It's not really a hideout; it's more like a workshop," said Palmer. "From where your ship is docked, it's way up the seashore to the northeast. It's all by itself you can't miss it. It's called the Eret House."

"Good, Astrid and check the air, and here I can't cut them off before they reach the hideout; you take the canals," said Hiccup.

"Right," Astrid nodded.

Hiccup then took on his dragon form and then took off, and Astrid ran towards their parked Bulls, carrying their only briefcase of money.

"I hope Hiccup is able to find them before they reach the hideout," said Astrid. "Before I do my search, I better return this money back to the ship. Hiccup is still working on my axe, and I might as well tell Toothless and the others of the situation. Squire, please take me to the Bull Shop, short about possible."

The Squire nodded and took off like a rocket towards the water elevator.

"Those guys made a mistake messing with the Dragon Riders," said Astrid gritting her teeth. "Stealing from pirates makes the Eret Family the lowest of the low!"

She managed to reach the water elevator and immediately lowered her down towards the lower levels. Once the gate was open, she wasted no time and zoomed off down the canals heading back towards the Going Tiger.

"Hurry, I'm counting on you!" Astrid yelled at her Squire.

The Squire swam down the canal as quickly as possible, and a lot of people watched as she zoomed by.

"What's her problem?"

Astrid nearly collided with a man. "Hey, what are you going!"

"Sorry, sir!" she yelled back. 'I hope Snotlout was able to escape from them somehow.'

Astrid was riding up a canal when she saw a huge group of people gathered around on the street.

"This is terrible."

"Where is this guy from?"

"Hey, does anyone know him? Who is he?"

Astrid frowned when she saw them. "What's with them? Squire, wait! Hold on a second! Stop, stop!"

The Squire came to a stop, and when Astrid looked down at the crowd of people, she saw they were all gathered around someone. Her eyes widened when she got a better look because it was none other than Snotlout, battered and bruised and covered in his blood.

"Snotlout!" Astrid cried, jumping off the Squire and rushing over towards him. "Snotlout, say something! Are you all right? Open your eyes! Snotlout! Hey, Snotlout, wake up!"

"Excuse me, but I used two pirates by any chance?" a man asked cautiously.

"Shut up!" Astrid snapped. "Stop scaring him in mind your own business!" She then turned her head back towards Snotlout, who had just regained consciousness. "Snotlout, who did this to you? Was it the Eret Family?"

"It was," he said weakly. "It happened… because I'm weak. They took—they took all the money. Astrid… how… can… I… face the others… now?" Astrid just stared as tears began flooding his eyes. "We… were finally able to… fix the Tiger. I… am so ashamed. Dammit!"

"Snotlout, I understand," said Astrid. "Don't worry about the money; we'll get it back together." However, she may not be a doctor, but even she could tell that he was seriously injured. 'He's been beaten up pretty badly; I probably should move him.'

Astrid then propped up against the wall. "Listen, stay right here, okay. I'm going to go back to the ship to get the others to come and help. Chopper will have you fixed up good as new in no time and listen, don't worry about the stolen money all right. From what I heard there hideout is not too far away from here. We'll crush them, and that will be the end of it, okay?"

Astrid and looked at the crowd, who was still hanging around. "Hey, do you think this is some kind of show! Get lost!" People then slowly began to leave, and Astrid turned her attention back towards Snotlout. "Stay here, okay. I'm going to get you some help. I'll be right back!"

Astrid quickly got back on her Squire and began heading back towards the ship as quickly as possible.

"Hey, Squire! Go faster!" she yelled.

Astrid knew that Snotlout wanted to fix the Going Tiger, but in his stay, she didn't have the heart to tell him that she was unfixable.

'Whether we decide to give in and buy a new ship or we have someone else to fix and improve the Tiger. If we don't put the entire 300 million into this, our future journeys together will be difficult for sure,' said Astrid. 'We need that money. All of it, we have to get it back.'

Ragnar's group had finally reached the Tiger and Toothless, and the twins gave them the bad news.

"What? Is that true?" Ragnar asked.

"That's what the shipwright said," said Toothless regretfully.

"This ship…" said Fishlegs looking heartbroken.

"It can't be fixed, even if we have money?" said Chopper horrified. "Then… then what's going to happen to the Tiger?"

"No clue, it really just depends how Hiccup and the others react after hearing the assessment," said Toothless. "Either way, I'm sure they'll get it sorted out while they're at the shipyard."

"Still doesn't feel real," said Tuffnut.

"Yeah, we've been sailing on her for months now, and we never had a problem," said Ruffnut. "So why now?"

"You just answered your own question," said Toothless. "Living creatures become stronger, hardship after hardship, but ships are different. Their wounds just pile up."

"I'm a bit more concerned about how Snotlout is going to react," said Ragnar folding his arms. "We all know how much he cares for this ship."

"I don't want to leave her either; I love the Tiger," said Chopper.

"I know, we all do," said Toothless. "But her wounds are too deep; there's nothing we can do."

"This day just gets better and better," said Ragnar shaking his head. "But Heather disappears, and now the Tiger is beyond repair. I'm almost afraid to find out what's going to happen next."

As if on cue, they heard Astrid's voice.

"Hey, everyone!" Astrid yelled.

Everyone looked over the side and saw that she was approaching them.

"Hey, look, it's Astrid, and she's all alone," said Chopper.

"That's not a good sign," said Ragnar.

"Is everything all right, Astrid?" Fishlegs yelled.

At the Eret House, which was a large shack near the coast, the Eret Family celebrated with their newly required money. Their leader Eret, who was wearing a mask and a black robe, sat on the couch.

"200 million?" he said.

"Yes, 200 million!" they yelled.

"When you think, bro?" said his second-in-command Teeny. "Awesome, right?"

"Incredible, you guys are amazing," said Eret as he began counting the money. "Now that we have this much money, we'll be able to get what we always wanted."

"We actually did it, didn't we? After three years, our perseverance has finally paid off. I'm stoked."

"Me too," said Eret.

"Every time we have a little money, we always betted on the Squire races," said Teeny.

"And lose every time!" the other members yelled.

"Each time we collect a criminal's bounty, we party and drink!"

"And spend it all!"

"We could never ever say that the 200 million Gil that we needed, until now," said Teeny. "We finally have enough to get it done."

"And then some," Eret nodded. "You guys did a hell of a job."

They then all cheered enthusiastically.

Eret then rose to his feet. "Now then, I know this is not much, but here is 5 million Gil to show you how grateful I am. Eat, drink and have a blast!"

He then tossed several notes into the air, and all of them immediately began grabbing the notes.

"That's our, bro!" Teeny cheered.

"Party time!"

Then suddenly there was a huge explosion at the front door.

"What the hell?"

"What was that?"

"Show yourself! What fool would dare to impose the Eret Family!"

When the smoke finally cleared, they saw standing there was Snotlout; he had ignored Astrid advice and decided to attack them head-on. He had set up a cannon to blow up the door and was panting quite heavily, clearly not fully recovered.

"Huh, it's that weakly we ran into earlier," said Teeny.

"How did you even managed to stand up?"

"Give us our money back," Snotlout demanded.

"Give us our money back, you say?" said Eret. "Does that mean you're one of the Dragon Riders?"

"That's right, bro! He totally is! I was expecting all the Dragon Riders crew to be really strong, but this one is not at all!"

"Yeah, he's a complete weakling a weak show!"

Snotlout then charged them furiously. "Mind your damn business!"

He ran towards the briefcases, but Eret merely lifted them out of the way just as he jumped towards them. He skidded across the ground before hitting the wall.

"Oops," said Eret.

The Eret Family immediately laughed.

"What's he doing?"

"You've got some guts to try to take back the money all by yourself, but I'm afraid I can't let you have it," said Eret.

"Give it back," said Snotlout as he lifted himself. "We need the money… to fix the Tiger. Her scars are deep. That our money, it's to heal her wounds understand me! You can't have it! Give it back to me right now!"