There was an important conference regarding the syringe that Grimmel had given Eret, and everyone present was just waiting for Zachary.

"Looks like I'm late," he said as he entered the room. "Sorry." He then sat down at the table then looked at the case containing the syringe. "Have any luck? Were you able to establish what in the container?"

"We have a vague idea, but unfortunately, with our technology, I'm afraid we can't dig much deeper," said Valka regretfully. "Like we've heard from Ragnar and Historia, it seems to have originated from some sort of human body fluid. However, it evaporates when exposed to air, making further analysis virtually impossible to perform. Whoever made it must have technology far superior to ours. I can't imagine how the Tradesman family could have managed to do it."

"In that case, rather than tamper with it, we should put it to use for our current objective," Alvin advised.

"But to whom do we entrust it?" Zachary asked and turned to Stoick. "To you, Stoick?"

"No," he said, rubbing his stump. "With my wound, I would be a poor choice. The syringe, it belongs in the hands of one of our elite. Someone with the best odds of survival… Eret, will you accept it?"

"If it's an order, just say so," said Eret. "Why even bother asking?"

"When we need to use this, there may not be time to plan. We'll be allying upon you to make a decision swiftly, with little deliberation. Judging when to use it and on whom will be your responsibility. Will you accept it?"

"If this dream of yours comes true, what will you do then?" Eret asked.

"I don't know, and I won't, not until it happens," he said honestly.

"I see. All right, I'll do it."

With that agreed-upon, they handed Eret the case.

"Now then, I would like to discuss that work of mine; you know I'm hoping to reveal it soon," said Zachary. "Have you given it any thought?"

"You mean you still haven't given up upon that?" said Alvin rolling his eyes. "If the public were to see such a propulsive display, whatever trust they have in the military would evaporate."

"You don't know art when you see it."

Stoick soon gathered all the squad leaders to discuss the final plans of their biggest operation yet. They have lost quite a number of veterans in the past few months alone, leaving only Valka, Eret, Dagur and Mala the only ones capable of leading; they were even forced to bring in Gobber to lead the young recruits.

"Are you sure you wish to go along with this Gobber?" Stoick asked, looking at his old friend.

"I will be on the front lines, and you need someone to keep these young recruits from panicking," said Gobber. "I would be more concerned with yourself, with that injury."

Stoick decided to change the topic to the recent discussion they had with Gunner. "I believe that you spoke with Gunner and based upon what he told you. It would seem as if Freida Keatson was a human that came from outside the Walls."

"Yes," said Valka. "And like the others, Eir, Dogsbreath and Clueless, it appears that she also had the power of the Titans. While those three sought to undermine it, she was supportive of humanity within the Walls."

"Ironic, my family has been trying to find the truth of the fate of humanity, and it was practically next door," said Stoick. "To think the number of times I had the opportunity to ask her."

"Even if you did, there's no guarantee she would have told you anything, especially with MPs sniffing around," said Dagur.

"I wonder," said Valka pondering. "The moment she entered the Walls, she was searching for the Royal family. A heavy burden to shoulder alone. If you ask me, that's not something you'd do unless you have an iron will and incredible resolve.

And let's not forget, that same woman later wanted to show her young son something important. Staring death in the face, she said that the truth of it all was there in the cellar. What's down there? What was she hiding?"

Stoick had a feeling that this was the key that his family had been searching for for the past hundred years. "Things that mustn't be said… no things which can't be spoken. Things she couldn't say even she wanted to, that which the first Tradesman king white from our consciousness, memories of our world.

At least that's my hope, but speculating more won't accomplish anything. The final preparations are now complete; the operation to retake Wall Maria begins in two days. What's know what in that cellar, let's go see for ourselves. We're Scouts; it's what we do."

All of them merely smiled and nodded.

"I'll leave it to you to alert your squads," Stoick finished.

"Right, we'll keep it quiet for now, though," said Gobber.

"I think our troops deserve some meat on a day like this," said Dagur.

"Good idea, we've got to show those rookies that we veterans can be counted on," said Gobber.

"But what about Gunner?" Mala asked as they began to leave the room. "Keeping important secrets from us?"

"Forget it; we don't have time to deal with it now," said Valka.

Soon they all left apart from Eret, who stood in front of Stoick.

"What is it, Eret?" Stoick asked.

"This might seem impatient, but what do you think you'll do after retaking Wall Maria?" Eret asked. "I'm guessing a defence plan comes first, but after that? What's next?"

"Eliminating threats, outside the Walls there seems to be someone hoping that the Titans will eat us all right down to the last person. As to who, well we have any luck, we'll find an answer in the cellar. A full plan will have to wait. First, we need to see what's in that room."

"You realise that I'm asking this now because you might not live that long. You're not exactly a spry as you used to be."

"The same could be said for Gobber, and he is much older," Stoick pointed out.

"True, but he's lived with this condition a lot longer, and his only job is to keep the recruits in line. You should let Valka call the shots on this mission; your son can handle the tactical standpoint you know he's more than capable. Just sit back and wait for the good news. We can tell the others that we argued until you gave it, which I will, so why don't you make this easy on both of us? What do you say?"

"No," said Stoick. "It would hardly look good on the new recruits, and their commanders just sit back and let them take all the risk. Just do what you need to do; use me as bait. The chain of command still remains; if I'm gone, then Valka and if Valka's gone the next.

It's true that this operation will be extremely dangerous, but it will also be the most important in human history. That is why I have gone to such lengths; this is my plan, Eret. Without me leaving you, you're less likely to succeed."

"That's true; without you, the operation might fail," Eret admitted. "But if you bite the dust out there, we're really screwed. So just stay safe at your desk and keep using that head of yours. As far as I'm concerned, that is the last thing the Titans will want and the best weapon humanity's got."

"No, you're wrong. Our best option is for me to gamble it all on the plan that I came up with."

"Okay, that's enough! Stop right there! Any more of those dumbass excuses, and I'm going to break both your damn legs! Not too badly, they'll heal just fine, but you will be a way to bust up to even think about joining us on the operation, and it will be a bit to get to the toilet."

Stoick laughed. "Don't like that idea much. Normally I'd agree with you; wounded soldiers should stay off the battlefield. Gobber has suffered from his condition longer than I have, so he's better used to it and knows his limitations. However, I'm sending might own son and my wife into battle; if there's even a chance I can get them out alive, I will take it."

"Those two are more than capable of looking after themselves, you know this."

"But sadly, so is our enemy, and if they die, I knew there was something I could do to prevent their deaths. I would never forgive myself."

"Do you care more for the love of your family than humanity's victory?"

Stoick looked at him. "Eret, there's no greater gift than love."

"I see," said Eret knowing that he was fighting a losing battle. He then turned and made his way to the door. "Fine, Stoick, in that case, I'll trust your judgement."

He then left the room and closed the door behind him.

The Scouts had prepared a feast at the barracks, knowing they probably wouldn't get another opportunity.

"This may be a special night, but we don't need the public knowing our plans," said Gobber. "So behave like the discipline soldiers you are!"

However, the Scouts were more preoccupied with the food that had been prepared, especially considering they were now serving meat.

"What? No way," said Tuffnut. "Is that… meat?"

"Am I dreaming?" Ruffnut stared.

"All right, here's the retaking of Wall Maria!" said Gobber and raised his tankard. "A toast!"

It was then that the Scouts immediately began fighting over the meat, resulting in chaos.

"Wait! Calm down, everyone will get some okay!"

"Hey, a piece that big counters two!"

"You're crazy!"

"Well, I work like the two of you on the battlefield, so I think I should get your portion!"

"Like hell!"

Wartihog just blinked as he ate. "So the Scout Regiment doesn't get any meat? Really that's just sad."

"Not all of us have the luxury of working in the interior," Heather pointed out.

The squad leader is just eight peacefully as they watch the mayhem.

"I think we've got casualties," said Dagur.

"Whose bland idea was it to serve meat again?" Valka asked.

"I guess now we know what happens when we blow the whole food budget for two months on one night celebrating," said Mala.

After the initial shock, they had meat to eat, everyone slowly began to calm down.

"Looks like everyone has finally calmed down," said Ragnar.

"Yeah, good thing they weren't around when Ruff offered to share meet with everybody," said Tuffnut.

"What? She did?" Ragnar frowned.

"Yeah, four months ago, when we were servicing the cannons."

Ragnar then began looking back and did remember Ruffnut mentioned she had pilfered from the office's pantry. Everything seems so normal back then, but then the Colossal appeared and kicked down the gate, and everyone ended up right here.

Of course, back then, they had no idea the Colossal was, in fact Clueless, it stands to reason that he had been standing outside the Wall he transformed. He then used to seem as cover to transform back before Hiccup and Ragnar could deal the finishing blow.

"It's hard to believe that it's only been four months," said Ragnar.

"Yeah, so much as happened that can barely keep track of it," Fishlegs agreed.

"On the plus side, that's all it took for us to get into Eret Squad," said Tuffnut. "I mean, how is that for climbing the ranks?"

Wartihog was still a little miffed that he wouldn't be with the vanguard and instead in the rear garden with the rest of the recruits.

"Don't you get it you've got no experience; that's why you're in the rearguard, rookie," said Snotlout.

"I may be less knowledgeable than the rest of you, but is in the vanguard the best place to learn where the enemy moves?" Wartihog asked.

"You think you can lecture a veteran about self-sacrifice?"

"Isn't that what makes us effective, being willing to put ourselves in harm's way?"

"Listen, everyone starts out as a recruit, okay. If we throw recruits into battle like cannon folder, then they'll all be too dead to learn, and that's why for now, it's your job to watch and learn from the rear. So that you can make it back in one piece."

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Snotlout has a point," said Hiccup. "Look, all those, except for Ragnar, started out in the rearguard."

"Yeah, and we saw plenty of action," Astrid agreed. "Don't be too eager to see some action; there's going to be losses I can tell you that much."

"Hopefully not as many as our first mission," said Ragnar.

Everyone continued celebrating, getting a little drunk in the process. Eventually, most people had either gone to bed or lying flat on the floor.

Ragnar had decided to go outside to get some fresh air and was sitting down on the steps when he was soon joined by Hiccup, Astrid and Fishlegs.

"That has to be the craziest meals we've ever had," said Hiccup.

"Yeah, I'm betting half the Scouts are going to have hangovers," Fishlegs agreed.

"At least we were able to party, maybe for the last time," said Ragnar as he looked out towards the Wall.

"No," said Astrid. "We'll make it out alive, and then we can celebrate our victory once all the Titans are eradicated."

"And once that's done, we can go exploring; we can see the entire world," said Fishlegs eagerly. "I mean, it's the main reason why I joined the Scouts."

Ragnar smiled. "You know I'm glad that we met with the former Commander; I think it really helped. Now I have a reason to see this through; I want to find out who my mother truly is and where she came from."

"You know when we join together, making this pledge to join the Scouts," said Hiccup as he looked up at the night sky. "I was concerned whether we were going to make it, not through lack of ability, but by the sheer power of the Titans. However, these past four months, that small glimmer of hope that we had has grown exponentially. In those four months, we learn that everyone has their own strengths."

Fishlegs looked back and remembered the day where he first made friends with Hiccup and the others. He had been beaten up by some bullies and was hiding behind some crates, but he was found by Hiccup and the others, and they helped him get back on his feet.

"Yeah, I think you're right," said Fishlegs.

Heather looked down to the street. Their eyes widened because, for a brief moment before that, they saw Finn. However, it was just a trick of the light, and they only saw someone who bore a slight resemblance to him.

"Once we retake Wall Maria and defeated every last one of our enemies, can we go back to how things used to be?" Astrid asked.

"Somethings will be the same, but some things have changed forever," said Hiccup solemnly. "And we will make them pay for that."

"Yeah," Astrid agreed.

Ragnar looked at Hiccup. "You know you've never mentioned why he wanted to join the Scouts in the beginning. Astrid wanted to join to fight back, Fishlegs wanted to explore the world outside the Walls, and I wanted to help as many people as possible. However, you never mentioned what you want."

Hiccup frowned. "I guess I want to find the truth."

"The truth of what the first king trying to hide?" Astrid asked.

"My family spent the past hundred years trying to find the truth, but we've never even thought once decided what to do with it once we found it? However, the one thing that my ancestors all agreed on was that they wanted to make a better world. I always thought that perhaps they meant inside the Walls, but now maybe the talking in a much grander scheme of things."

"You mean the world outside the Walls?" Fishlegs blinked.

"Possibly, I suppose that's another reason to retake Wall Maria, huh?"

"Then together we can go and explore outside the Walls," said Fishlegs jumping to his feet. "We can go and see the sea. This is our chance to go and explore the world!"

"Oh, great, here we go again," said Astrid rolling her eyes.

Hiccup laughed. "Okay, I promise."

Eret had been listening to their conversation behind a building and just sat there solemnly.

The next day, the sun was just beginning to set, and the Scouts were getting prepared to move out. They had the Executioner eliminate Titans practically all day to make it easier for them to move out.

"It's finally time," said Ragnar as they stood on top of the Wall and looked out towards the horizon.

Stoick and the other squad leaders were receiving a final farewell from Zachary and the rest of the military officials. All of them immediately saluted, knowing that their mission was a dangerous one, and chances were no one would come back alive.

Stoick and the others did the same thing, though Stoick had to salute with his left hand as his right hand was missing. They then soon made their way to the elevator and were halfway out when they heard yells coming from below.

"Hey! Valka!" Cleaver yelled.

They looked down and saw a huge group of people had gathered at the base of the Wall.

"Good luck!" Cleaver cried.

"Cleaver?" Valka stared.

"Go out there and take back Wall Maria for us!"

"The future of mankind is up to you!"

"Captain Eret, good luck out there! Thanks for saving our city!"

"You guys come back in one piece, all right!"

"Yeah, but give us back our land too!"

The Scouts were completely astonished, never have they had been given such a farewell usually was just the opposite. Though there were a little bit more surprised that the people knew what they were planning as they kept it secret.

"Someone's got a big mouth," said Eret.

"Yeah, well… that celebration meal did get a little rowdy," Valka admitted.

"Actually, we ordered or that meet from the Gulson Company so…" said Dagur.

"Cleaver," Gobber moaned.

"Yeah, you can count on us!" Snotlout and the twins yelled.

"I wonder how long it's been since the Scouts got a sendoff like this?" Mala wondered.

"I don't know, I'm not sure we ever have," said Gobber.

"Well, as far as I'm aware, at least this is a first," Stoick admitted.

He then smiled and raised his hand high in the air, and roared as loudly as he could. The people below then unmatched his yells; he then drew his sword and pointed towards the lifts.

"The operation to retake Wall Maira begins now!" Stoick commanded.

The Scouts immediately cheered as they mounted their steeds and were lowered towards the opposite side of the Wall, into Titan country.

"Scouts, move out!" Stoick ordered.

Then the 133 Scout that had gathered charged towards Berk, not knowing what would await them.

At Berk, Dogsbreath and Clueless stood on top of the Wall, waiting for the Scouts to arrive for what would be the most decisive battle in humanities war against the Titans.