Darkheart Prison... notorious for the stories of how no one and very few has escaped it's walls, any from above results in death or by capture. Because of this abandoned prison now being taken over by the Hunters, every hope for rescue will have to be from below it's caverns. Especially for my sister and for us to finally have closure on our father, Oswald the Agreeable
-Dagur the Deranged
(A/N: After that long Chapter, why not take it slow here because you sure can use some insight on what has become of the Knights since their capture in "Chapter 21: Duel of the Brothers" every hero has a weakness they say; but having to fight your own brother you've bonded with under the control of an abused Bewilderbeast is just whore shit. Here's something to rest your eyes on for a spell, Enjoy!)
The Conqueror, an massive battleship belonging to that of Drago Bludvist; larger than the others around them as it was much more elevated and consisted of three masts to four sails, being depicted with an M. Nightmare's skull having an sword pierce through the middle. Other varieties included an similar head shot at with arrows and catapulted with rocks around it, another had three swords and even had the first crest on a horizontal view; with three main segments that were next to each other, the bowsprit for each of the segments were the skulls of the Dragons that have been slain. Having numerous anchors to attract the Black King from below the sea, having Dragon Cages controlled by an rotating gear mechanism with muzzled Dragons that were also held fast by Dragon Hunter Restraining Net ropes; also transporting several of the traps and weaponry as well. Regardless it was ran by an small crew that was guarded by numerous pontoons of smaller battleships, with supply ships being in the shape of the Dragon Trapper Yachts
The Knights were forced onto their knees, hands at the back of their heads as they restrained and disarmed of their weapons with Frost being disarmed of the cold vial of liquid nitrogen that kept him surviving due to his severe heat intolerance as a means of torture; Raedwit would've vanished had it not been for the Hunters all threatening to shoot their weapons against them if he did, but Drago wanted them alive to lure out Drayko for it was made clear that he faked his suicide just so he could have his Night Fury back. But at the same time, further thoughts of doubt crossed him as he may never get the chance to kill him by his hand
As the massive Dragon Hunter fleet of Brigantines, Yachts of the Dragon Trappers, Submarines of the Dragon Divers, Ketches of the Dragon Marauders and Barques of the Dragonroot Company had all docked at the entrance; the Knights were taken off the flagship which was being loaded with powerful weapons and machines which consist of the usual Dragon Root Arrow Launchers, Gronckle Iron Chain Launchers and Dragon Hunter Restraining Net Launchers made from fire resistant rope. There were also rotating Ballista platforms that fired spearbolts, large twin ballistas with two wheels on the sides for ground combat, weaponized version of the Gronckle Cannon, catapults and cannons deadlier than the Outcasts and Berserkers used
As the Knights were being led up the stairs, they saw many of the enslaved Dragons who were being beaten by the Hunters, Flyers, Trappers, Divers and Marauders of Bludvist's Army. Among them were all forced to endure the painful effects of Dragon Root and even laced whips made from the flesh of Eels. Fishlegs just had to say it to himself
"I knew it, they do have Dragon Root Excavation Sites. What else could they do next?" A Dragon Hunter who was leading their prisoners up the stairs turned around and landed a punch to his jaw
"Silence!" He yelled before continuing the escort up, tugging at the chains as the Knights were now at their mercy
"We've got to figure out where their excavation sites are once we're out of here, can't let them get an sudden boost in their Dragon Root laced weaponry; of course they're bound to write down an Map for where they all are and burn it so no one would ever steal it from them, we'll cut them off soon..." Fishlegs thought to himself silently
The clouded fate of the Knights looked bleak in the cloudy sunrise that came from the shadows, but there was more afoot then what they really knew from inside as an once thought friend of the Archipelago was really an evil and manipulative man all this time. Someone who was an sea faring Trader and told the stories of his travels, his deception will not be taken lightly by the Hairy Hooligans of Berk at all and they would act on this treacherous lie they've been led to believe all this time
Especially now as the shrouded figure from within the prison left the window and retreated back to the shadows within...
In the meantime as Drayko and Toothless were now joined by both Dagur the Deranged and of course, the Volcanripper known as Chainsmoke and Brimstone; they had flown from high above the clouds and traveled by the wind and sky, wanting to keep themselves hidden from the eyes and ears of the United Army of Bludvist. Riding in silence as Drayko completated with his eyes closed in deep thought while Dagur just shook his head after taking notice, he may have lost his vengeful nature and insanity towards him; but that was only because he learned of his Sister and wanted nothing more but to help her, that was not all in fact...
The Volcanripper flew close to the two brothers and gave them an warm ride through the cold flight in the Archipelago, it never really was truly warm and Berk was the worst offender of them all: snowed nine months of the year and hailed the other three, Winter lasted there for most of the year as it hung on with both hands and refused to let go; it's just one hell of a balmy fun in the sun climite that will give anybody frostbite on one's spleen, the only comfort against the cold was those who were kept close to the warm hearts and Hiccup just wasn't one of those Vikings as he had no one to hold close to whenever Berk's "Snoggletog" season began. Thank god they've changed their own name that doesn't sound so shitty
Chainsmoke and Brimstone proceeded to grab them both in mid-flight and place them inside of his pouch, which Toothless didn't seem to understand but got all warm and snug inside without a care in the world. Dagur took this time to tease him though
"Riding in the pouch of an Volcanripper now are we? Oh I give my sympathy for you when the Dragon Hunters see you like that" Chainsmoke only barked at him in response. "Easy fido, or would you like to be treated with an bone then, hmm?" Brimstone growled before turning his attention up ahead. Continuing their flight in the air as they both began growling, although much louder as they were approaching Dragon Hunter Territory up ahead
"Looks like we're coming up ahead on Darkheart Prison, one of these bastards are going to bring me to the cell where they locked up my sister" Dagur thought to himself, keeping his wild and angry eyes ahead as the clouds parted to show the massive and impregnable fortress below
Darkheart Prison was beyond massive as it spanned on for miles, large and tall battlement walls stood with it's defensive weaponry remained as deadly as ever; powerful thanks to the Dragon Hunters that took control of this former Lava Lout Tribe slavery fortress, the stone made from granite in the form of regular stone bricks. Because it spanned on for miles, the walls were long and wide as the fortress was situated on an very, very tall Island above. The huge gates were ancient and has not been opened since the age of Hiccup I and II's time, because of the Hooligan's War with the Lava Lout Tribe; this place was abandoned until the Hunter's eventual occupation of it to bring captured victims with them to this place. Knowing for holding many Dragons taken from Sanctauries that were left in ruins and snatching both hatchlings and younglings away from the warmth comfort of their parent's arms like children snatched away from their mothers by vicious ravenous wolves blinded by hunger. Finally, not only did it stand as tall and foreboding like the ruins of an Castle, but there were many Dragon Hunter Catapults and Ballistas standing atop; ready to fend off against any and all attacks from the outside. It should also be mentioned that as a prison this was built into a city as the time passed on in order to beat any and all competitors like the Outcast Jail. A mountainside was formed all around the eastern to northern edges as tall while the western edges were small but still menacing, this prison contained many rooms in it's unforgiving brutality as even the outside patio was covered by a strong rooftarp; shielding all prisoners out of the sun as well as having them get their breakfast out here where a fight could break out at any time
"We can't break through the defenses or drop from above, we're going to have to go below the Prison" Drayko strategized as they came up close to this massive prison fortress. Dagur kept his eyes close on everything that was around him, with both Shattermaster and Sleuther growling at the sight of the prison they were arriving at; dark clouds swarmed in a vortex above and tidal waves smacked against the rocks with the spark of anger in their eyes
As they came up close, they found an massive sea cave hidden in the wall and entered inside while Chainsmoke and Brimstone stayed behind; wanting and beginning to plan an assault that will distract Bludvist's Army while they infiltrated from within. Although the sea water had entered inside and was actually quite calm, the rocky shore they landed on was safe and did not seem to be noticed nor cared for by the Hunters; seeing as it was an long way inside of the dark hallway of the cavern, Drayko ignited Inferno and led the way inside with Dagur and the Dragons following from behind. It was then that Dagur had begun to suspect something about Drayko that felt, familiar to him; something that made him feel like he had known him since the days before he came to the Archipelago...
"From the time I had hidden myself on Dragonscale Cliff with Shattermaster and Sleuther, I can smell the scent on you and I know that scent anywhere. But it's not coming to me at the moment" Dagur thought outloud as Drayko didn't want to hear it, remaining silent all the way through the dark cavern
Eventually throughout the stone walls and flat ground that was littered with pebbles, they reached the end and found themselves within the most infamous part of Darkheart Prison: the Labyrinth of Mirrors, an maze of mirrors within an dark cavern very dimly lit with torches that light the path as the entire cavern itself was as dark as the heart of those imprisoned within. They wanted none of each other to get lost in the maze and entered inside together with no return
For as long as they roamed within the Labyrinth in an attempt to reach the center, the vengeful spirits of those who roamed Darkheart Prison and it's dark cells within had begun to torment them both; with Dagur contemplating the nuggets of information and his own madness that he's been suffering ever since he fooled everyone into thinking he killed Oswald the Agreeable. Drayko on the other hand silently roamed around until the face of Stoick the Vast began to form in the dark and thick mist, angrily starting down on him as he called him out by his name in a growly voice: "Hiccup..."
"Stoick...?" Drayko spoke out at the sudden appearance
"Stoick?" Dagur asked in confusion
"My bastard monster of an father" Drayko explained silently
"Your father was Stoick? No wonder..."
The illusion had vanished once more and Drayko continued on with Toothless, with Dagur hearing Drayko that he was no father of his and he'll be dead soon so they can finally escape the remains of the past; one that he swore to leave buried along with the rest of Berk, but the Chief of the Berserkers had other plans as he continued to think to himself. Drayko was being soothed by Toothless all the way as they walked silently, navigating the reflective mirror images that seem to be reflecting what they once were and what they now were before their eyes; Dagur was bound to find out who he was one way or another. "Your father was Stoick..." Drayko really didn't want to hear this and instead power walked ahead
"I finally understand now, I'm following the lead of the bloody Champion of Berk!" Drayko had immediately dug the claws of his gauntlets into Toothless and scratched his scales painfully, leaving behind scars that would fade as he didn't hurt him enough to make him bleed
"Do NOT call me that" He reprimanded angrily, but calmly in a voice gurgled with mucus and blood from fighting at the Titan Wing Nightmare on Dragonscale Cliff
"Oh relax brother, that cranky old bastard's gonna get it soon and I knew you hated Vikings from the beginning; but you just can't seem to stay away from them at all, can you?" Drayko's eyes narrowed
"You will tell no one and say nothing to Heather, I am THEIR Champion no more..."
For now, nothing was spoken as Dagur returned to thinking while they continued to walk through the labyrinth of mirrors; coming across some dead ends from here to there before finding the exact path that would lead them to the center. It wasn't like Dagur to think to himself, especially once he was on a roll in his insanity as he hated being interrupted in his special time; but times have changed since then and there clearly was no point to think back on what has happened, but those memories returned and they were as familiar as the scars on his body. Once they were on the path to reaching the center of the labyrinth, they continued to walk for a few silent moments until Dagur broke it all to admit this to Drayko:
"Lots of time for me to think on Dragonscale Cliff in the Flaming Deathlands, when you care for no one but yourself; life is simple and actions are clear because who would give one shit about consequences. Sooner or later, that all changes..."
"Finally, an Berserker Journal monologue worth hearing" Now this was something Drayko was listening in on, wondering what has brought this change into the Chief of the Berserkers all of a sudden
"It can begin to kill you from the inside. Revenge, Anger, Obsession; it'll make you do things you never thought you were really capable of, ending up to cause you to take chances and make mistakes. If none of that ends you, it eats away at you slowly; I found Shattermaster at the Dark Deep all alone and acted docile towards me regardless of my previous madness while Sleuther came from an Dragon Fight you've put an end to with Toothless, now the fights have really ended before they even begun. I'll see to Savage that he's locked up in our Island's Jail and if he escapes, then I know one of you Knights as you call yourselves would do the task of putting an sword through his skull; you have nothing to say, brother?" Dagur asked at the end, noticing that Drayko has not spoken an word about his reason for turning away from his madness
"You can't learn to be one of the Hairy Hooligans and nor can you live among them. Hiccup learned that the hard way and ended up suffering for years until being whipped in the back drove him down the same path as you were previously, but it's now clear to both of us that Stoick's gone from abuse and neglection to trying to kill him; his only child like Zeus would do his father, Cronos" He scowled, thinking about how all of his past actions had led up to him going into an self exile just to bring down the end of the Hairy Hooligans Tribe
"But you will live, unlike me for what I've become for so long" Dagur scowled, looking back on all his previous actions and how he has fooled everyone into becoming the Chief of the Berserkers by spreading the falsehood story of how he slain his father. He only wanted to make sure that the Berserkers had an leader and discovering that he had an sister really made him think about his past encounters with Drayko, how he had tried to take him and Toothless down
"Let's focus on getting into the Prison's Cell Hallways, there is still an task left for us and we will see it completed before I move on in my journey to kill Drago Bludvist" Dagur nodded and they did just that, continued deeper into the Labyrinth of Mirrors while the spirits who were cursed to roam this prison pestered them both. "Considering that the realm of Helheim below us is known for torturing it's baddies down there, we could only assume that Darkheart Prison torture's it's prisoners even worse; if they aren't being done so by Bludvist first" He spoke with seriousness in his voice as he began explaining that he was also imprisoned here, taking longer to escape with his men thanks to those damn walls
The weapons that were armed and were mounted on the battlement's embrasures didn't allow his own fleet with the Sons of Drayko Ryder to rescue him, but since then he's always been learning something new about this place everyday until he would make his eventual escape and presumed death after he went fully head on against an frontal swarm of Dragon Hunters that captured his Shattermaster. At that time he had gotten injured and took Sleuther as his own ride for he could not risk his Gronckle having to be killed and taken away from him; he hid himself at Dragonscale Cliff and recovered for he knew that the Sons of Drayko Ryder would be formidable either with or without him in anyway as they've learned to adapt to fighting without an leader
As they reached the center of the Labyrinth of Mirrors, Drayko's sparrow like attention span had kicked in yet again and spotted an object that caught his attention; coming over to pick it up and examine it before his eyes: An dark blood red diamond that fit the size of his palm, an large octagonal shaped jewel that was pointed downward; featuring actual liquid darkblood of the Dragons inside that was warm no matter the environment, but there were also some bloodied bones and warm flesh of them inside as well. On the outside it featured four crescent blades on the top and bottom right to left edges of this Diamond, sharply pointed at the tips as there were four chains that attached to the crescent blades and made up one long chain to wrap around the arm. Finally, this Diamond appeared give Drayko some dark memories that flooded his mind and had the cursed tainted blood flowing in his bloodstream the moment he held it; holding it very close to his forehead as he began to experience the flashbacks of his former acenstrial life in the ancient past
HTTYD
Before the Knights of the Dragon Riders, the Fall of Berk, the Downfall of Red Death, Drago Bludvist and all who would oppose our heroes and before the time that all Dragons were led to reside within The Hidden World; there was Merciless himself...
From deep within the Lair of Merciless, the Seahydramus Tidalmus Maximus had begun to foresee the future of his downfall from where the day would come that he would be killed by the human boy named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock I; deep in the slumbering and restless nights of the dreams that continued for the past few months. This boy was young and was not like the many other Hooligan Vikings upon Berk, with his curiosity however he was not afraid to be brave nor adventurous; Merciless had took it upon himself to stop his death, Hiccup must be killed and thus he could bring the extinction of all humans in the Barbaric Archipelago. At this time, he called upon Wodensfang to enter within his Lair
"Wodensfang, I summon you to me this instant" The fellow Dragon of the same species had flown to the edge close enough where the massive Seahydramus had gotten low enough to speak with him face to face
"You ask of me, Merciless?" Wodensfang asked, awaiting in fear for his response to which he had begun to speak
"I have begun to foresee the future has it was told to me in the restless nights as I dream, that there comes a time when an young, brave and adventurous boy would arrive here at my lair and kill me from where I stand. He is among the Hairy Hooligans Tribe on Berk and is the cause of the future that is to come, but fate itself can be changed and I will see to it that the boy named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock I is no more. Head out to the Isle of Berk where no one shall witness what you are about to do and kill him, this will be a simple task for you to execute and soon; we shall have the Archipelago belonging to us at it's mercy, for we Dragons of The Hidden World will prevail" Merciless ordered
"Right away, Merciless" Wodensfang understood and flew out of his Lair and out to the Barbaric Archipelago, where he would make his destination to Berk in no time
As the servant of Merciless known as Wodensfang flew through and above the skies, appearing over his destination at Berk; he descended into the forests to find the target whom he was supposed to kill, by order of Merciless himself. It was here that because of his focus that blinded his thoughts, he had accidently caught himself among the tree branches; scratching himself on the wings and injured by the sharp blades of the branches, falling to the foundations of the earth and being left to die. Before then, it was when he had saw him: the young boy and warrior that he was supposed to kill, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock I
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock I was near identical to his descendant 300 Years Later, though his clothing was much more ancient and alot more hated by the Vikings for he was nothing but a runt that costed them of their mainland at Scandinavia thanks to their treacherous enemies known only to them as the infamous Lava Lout Tribe; now forced to move onto Berk. It was this reason that he did not look too thrilled nor did he look interested in being the Chief of his Tribe, but like his descendants he was fated to turn the tides of war and change the fate of all others. The young boy had found Wodensfang severely injured on the branches and by using his fabled and beloved Silver Knife, made from Volcanripper Metal and forged by Bladehead's ancestor at Owl Gut Island who was visiting from the Berserker Tribe; it was this knife alone that he favored more than any other weapon as he wanted to give to his future descendants after his time was up
As Hiccup Horrendous Haddock I released him from the branches, he began to take him into the Cove and from there: done everything he could to heal him back into shape, cultivating an bond of trust between the two; Wodensfang had taught him Dragonese and in return taught the Seahydramus his own language, Norse. He has since became the first one to ride upon an Dragon as Emeperor Dretzymiro would do so in the future of his ever evolving land of Mierveia Vde Rallie, surpassing all who would evolve slowly with time like the dawnings of an new era. Wodensfang had seen the nature of this boy from his eyes and knew that he was the one who could end this war, he betrayed Merciless and stolen both the sacred sword Endeavor and the Cursed Diamond of Extinction as he handed them to his new friend
In return, he allowed himself to shed his dark blood to create an symbol that would become his tattoo known as the Mark of the Dragon; as he tamed his Silver Phantom with the help of Wodensfang, he told him that it was an oath that he would not use the Diamond's cursed powers for such evil purposes and would destroy it due to the nature of what it could to all Dragons alike. Wodensfang had nodded and thus, flew off alone into the sky to go and end the war so that both Man and Dragonkind may live together. Wherever the Cursed Diamond of Extinction was resting at and what the fate of it was, the Dragon Hunters may never get their hands upon them for Drayko and Toothless will use the Journal of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock II to find and destroy it; for it's cursed power to send all Dragons to the edge of extinction was not meant to be threatenly used by all who sought genocide on these innocent beasts. For now, revenge against Stoick must be dealt with and they will soon set out to destroy this demonic spawn of an jewel
Returning back to reality and for as long as Drayko held the now identified Cursed Diamond of Extinction to his forehead, Dagur had been taking this time to think about the memories of his past and the last time he's seen his father Oswald around; taking an much calmer approach to the knowledge of his sister now being known to him. Looking back on how he had murdered her adoptive parents and led the Berserkers to attack her home with the Outcasts serving as their allies, none of it mattered as he betrayed Alvin and tried to take over with no success in doing such act; the one thing he would rather forget was the duel between him and Drayko, of how he had revealed Fishleg's relation to the Berserker Tribe in front of the whole Knights minus Bladehead of course
The one thing he would rather forget about was the Duel between Drayko and Him, how he had at the time been heavily wounded and exposed Fishlegs for being one of them. But it didn't seem to affect Drayko at all. He was absolutely sure as all hell that the Hooligans would banish him for knowing about it, but not bothering to tell him; but it's not the reason for that, it was for the reason that he was lying and commiting treachery against them for teaming up with the Dragons. Well, at least he no longer has to worry about it since he left a long time ago; that's all that matters. Finally, Drayko came out of his mind as he examined the Diamond closer to him in his palm
"This one is fake" Drayko examined as he continued his reasoning to why he believed it wasn't the real Cursed Diamond of Extinction: "The real Diamond features two living Dragons inside of the jewel itself, the reason for it's cursed powers due to one of them suffering an deathly and murderous disease that can cause the extinction of all these innocent beasts" He threw it to the ground and smashed it underneath his foot, the sound of glass breaking and smothering under his boot being so satisfying to hear
"You're going to destroy it I see, now we've really got ourselves a problem; especially for Shattermaster and Sleuther" Dagur thought, not wanting to part with his two Dragons after his experiences on Dragonscale Cliff took an turn for the best
"Everyone is an Dragon Hunter out there, it must be destroyed so no one especially Grimmel can use it for their own plans for genocide" He declared as the Dragons sniffed the false diamond, nodding in agreement for what Drayko planned
Before they were about to leave however, the Labyrinth of Mirrors had sunken down below to the ground and opened up an staircase to allow them hidden entry into Darkheart Prison. Drayko took the first steps up as he turned to Dagur: "Let's get going, Heather's bound to kill you after you've done; but that was then and now she's trying to find out if you're still alive"
"Then I say I give her an family reunion"
Drayko and Dagur along with their Dragons ascended up the stairs and began their rescue. Chainsmoke and Brimstone on the other hand who had decided not to enter, had begun his assault; knowing that they have conquered the Labyrinth of Mirrors below and deciding that now was the chance to begin by taking out the weapons as the main defense first before attacking head on. In the meantime however, an traitor to even the Hairy Hooligans Tribe was about to be revealed to Drayko as he would begin their escape from this treacherous prison
The truth must be known to all and the truth must taken into action, no matter the ignorance the Vikings of the Hairy Hooligans Tribe shows...
After such a long chapter beforehand, I decided to show some mercy to you all by taking it slow this time around so that you'll have a easier time reading. This is the first half of them rescuing their friends and allies at Darkheart Prison and the second half is coming next, stay tuned for more that's coming up ahead
Remember this suggestion: Don't like it, don't read it. Otherwise, Feel free to Review and Until we meet again as I will return...
TheLegendaryBlackDragonKnight
P.S: I'd also like to mention that I came up with an idea for the final battle between Drayko and Grimmel in an future story, it's based off of God of War's Final Boss "Ares" the second act where you must defend Lysandra and Calliope from Kratos' evil Doppelgangers and like I mentioned multiple times; that part is an total nightmare on God Mode. Regardless however, do not bother upgrading the Blade of Artemis and just focus on upgrading both Poseidon's Rage and Army of Hades while also using the Rage of the Gods as you will emerge victorious in the end. Seriously, I promise you that for sure