Two Day Later

Hiccup woke up and went to his desk. His plans for a new invention. A new shield similar to his Gronckle Iron shield. But in addition to the grappling line, bolo launcher, and crossbow. It'll have a Monstrous Nightmare Gel shooter, Zippleback gas canister, tranquilizer darts, and retractable spikes for emergencies. But he'll need Grockle Iron. So the plan was for Astrid and Gustav to go to the Edge and get the molten iron. Easy enough, but they'll need to bring back some Death Song amber for Inferno III. Hopefully, his theory is correct. A stronger sword could make things easier. But first, he'll need Stoick's blessing. After finishing the plans, Hiccup went downstairs to find his father still asleep. The Rider walked out and walked to the Great Hall saying hi to the villagers. As he got to the Great Hall, Snoutlout was inside next to the doors as if he was waiting for something. Hiccup hasn't talked to the Viking much since his return, but Hiccup knew him enough to know that he was up to no good. "What is it Snoutlouit?"

"You are a coward." Snoutlout replied getting into Hiccup's face.

"What is this about?" Hiccup asked acting confused.

"A runt, failure, a walking disaster. When you left like a coward we moved on. We were stronger. So strong the dragons stopped raiding us." Snoutlout replied raising his voice gaining the attention of the Vikings gathered for breakfast.

"Actually the Red Death's well death stopped the Raids." Hiccup corrected infuriating the Viking.

"Oh yeah. Your story of facing the Dragon's Nest and you were knocked out. Such a mighty warrior." Snoutlout said and Gobber rushed over.

"For the past several years, I faced new dragons, armies, and far fiercer warriors than you Snoutlout." Hiccup shot back.

"Was that before or after someone else fought your battle?" Snoutlout asked and Gobber split the two up.

"Now knock it off you two." Gobber remarked.

"Unlike you Snoutlout I faced the Red Death and other dragons larger than you." Hiccup added and Gobber gave Hiccup a look.

"Is that a challenge?" Snoutlout yelled and the crowd listened closer.

"It wasn't but it can be Snoutlout." Hiccup replied.

"What are you doing lad?" Gobber asked.

"Then do it!" Snoutlout yelled.

"Snoutlout Jorgenson. I challenge you to a Holmgang." Hiccup challenge and Gobber gave up.

"I accept." Snoutlout replied and Hiccup knew it went according to plan.


"Stoick!" Gobber yelled outside of the Chief's door. The Viking walked to the slamming door and opened it to see a distraught Gobber.

"What is it Gobber?" Stoick asked putting his helmet on.

"Hiccup challenge Snoutlout to a Holmgang." Gobber answered and Stoick's eyes widen.

"What?" he yelled. "How did this happen?"

"Snoutlout insulted Hiccup's honor and his tales of battle." Gobber answered as Stoick rushed past the blacksmith.

"Where's Hiccup?" the Chief yelled.

"In the arena practicing." Gobber answered following the Chief.


"Are you sure this was a good idea?" Astrid asked as Hiccup practiced basic maneuvers. The Rider had the great idea of getting everyone's respect by having Gustav trick Snoutlout into a duel. A idiotic idea, but it was out of Astids hands now.

"Yeah." Hiccup said blocking an invisible blow. "In the satchel is a parchment with a list of things I need from the edge. Can you and Gustav get them for me?"

"First a Holmgang, now you want what?" Astrid asked shuffling through the bag. She grabbed the parchment and read what he needs. "Really?"

"All part of the plan." Hiccup comforted as Astrid put the parchment away.

"Hiccup!" Stoick yelled and the two Vikings turned to their Chief. "What in the name of the gods were you thinking?"

"Standing my ground." Hiccup answered. "I need to prove to Snoutlout and Berk that I'm not the same disaster as I was before. Then they might take me seriously."

"Or you'll get yourself killed!" Stoick remarked.

"I won't. I survived much worst things in the wild than Snoutlout." Hiccup replied as Stoick waved his arms in the air.

"Snoutlout is grown up now. He has the strength to kill a man." Stoick said.

"I've grown up too. I have done things I never thought I could. I made an alliance unlike anything Berk has known. I fought things far greater than anything Berk has. I can do this." Hiccup replied trying to comfort his father.

"Fine, but please return safely." Stoick asked and Hiccup nodded. The two hugged and Hiccup was happy. When the two let go, Hiccup added one more thing.

"Since I got to stay here for the Holmgang, can I send Astrid to get some material from my base? I'm planning on building something new." Hiccup asked and Stoick nodded. The Rider turned to Astrid. "Good luck.

"Survive then wish me good luck." Astrid warned before punching him in the arm.


Later

Astrid and Gustav packed up the supplies they need for their journey to the Edge. Astrid could tell the boy was excited to see the Edge. He was asking her many questions when no one was listening. She answered the best she could and gave him tips on how not to get on a dragon's bad side. She told him how the Dragon Riders operate and about the local Night Terrors. She couldn't wait to see Glider again. It has been so long since she was able to see the small dragon. Now as she going to fetch some things for Hiccup so he can use it for some project. If he survives the Holmgang.


Elsewhere

"Why must he be so stubborn?" Stoick asked Gobber about Hiccup and this challenge. The two were enjoying lunch in the Great Hall discussing Hiccup's Holmgang in three days time. Holmgangs were dangerous and could lead to the death of any Viking. Hiccup could be killed and Stoick just got his son back.

"He's a Haddock. Just like his father." Gobber answered and Stoick wondered what his son is going to do.


Three Days Later

Hiccup checked his Nightmare Gel and Zippleback Gas canisters for his sword while the crowd packed itself. When he heard footsteps, Hiccup hid the weapon away. No one on Berk knows of it as of yet, but he was going to show it off today. As Gobber entered the ring, Snoutlout was cheering himself not far behind. Hiccup looked up to see Stoick in his chair with Gothi next to him. Gobber got everyone's attention and the Vikings settled down. "Welcome to this Holmgang between the Heir to the throne of Berk. Hiccup Haddock!" Gobber yelled introducing Hiccup. Several Vikings cheered for the young Viking "And Snoutlout Jorgenson!" he added and the only cheers came from his family. Gobber walked to the weapon stand. "Snoutlout. Choice a weapon."

"I will pick the ax of course." Snoutlout boasted as he grabbed an ax.

"Hiccup." Gobber said and Hiccup grabbed his shield from his back and Inferno. Several Vikings laughed at the small weapon seeing no blade. Snoutlout laughed and nearly dropped the ax. Gobber, Stoick, and Gothi looked concerned.

"I'm fine with mine." Hiccup replied and Gobber left the ring. Stoick stood up.

"Begin." Stoick ordered and Snoutlout charged. He swung the ax down onto Hiccup's Gronckle Iron shield, but he still managed to keep his balance. The Rider extended the blade and ignited the Nightmare Gel earning awe from the Vikings. Snoutlout face turned to fear.

"Where did you get that?" Snoutlout yelled and Hiccup smiled.

"Made it myself." Hiccup answered and the two circled around the ring. Snoutlout charged and both blades struck each other. The flames heated the two warriors and Hiccup back against Snoutlout. Hiccup retracted the blade and the arrogant Viking charged again. But Zippleback Gas covered the ground. As Snoutlout screamed, Hiccup ignited the gas sending his foe back to the wall. Now that Hiccup made his point, next time Snoutlout charged. Hiccup raised his shield and fired a bola. The bola tangled up Snoutlout who fell to the ground defeated. The crowd cheered at the amazing display.


That Night

The Great Hall was cheering at Hiccup's victory today. The young Viking managed to beat Snoutlout in a way never seen before. Stoick looked at his son as he explained how his sword worked. Gobber took extensive notes seeing the possibilities. But it made the Chief more worried some. The blade used elements from dragons. Monstrous Nightmare Gel. Hideous Zippleback Gas. The only way for anyone to get those things is if the dragon allowed them to collect them. So either Hiccup traded for them or he was indeed a Dragon Rider. Either way, Stoick worried for the future of Berk. Hopefully Viggo returns soon with a mighty dragon.


Elsewhere

"The Deathgripper is loaded into the cage." Ryker reported to his little brother. Viggo smiled knowing that Hiccup was about to face a test, unlike anything he has faced before. The Hunter turned to his older brother.

"Ready the fleet. Hiccup has gotten time to convince Berk to join his side. If he did then we'll take Berk by iron." Viggo promised noticing Ryker's smile. Hiccup was going to lose this war and Viggo will get the King of Dragons. He will unleash it upon Drago and the dragons.