Drago was in his ship walking down the corridors with his generals, they were discussing the recent developments of the previous attack.
"Now the Ranges are able to engage us no matter what size our soldiers become," Drago growled.
"Doesn't mean they can win every single engagement," said Krogan.
"True, but we do have to be smart about this," said Viggo with his hands behind his back. "My immediate concern is that the Ranges of only touched the surface of their powers. We still know very little about the powers that the ranges can now acquire thanks to those Morphers."
"Those Rangers may very well dampen our plans on conquering the galaxy," said Drago. "We need to launch another attack before they have a chance to regroup. This time you'll meet them on the battlefield Krogan."
"It shall be my honour, my lord," Krogan bowed.
"According to many sources on the planet, there have been a good number of other notorious villains attempting to conquer the earth," said Johann looking at Drago. "All of them had been stopped by different Ranges. How these great villainsHow these great villains lost to a bunch of teenagers is beyond me, though I would suggest that we start investigating on their methods to avoid the same fate."
"Do it," Drago nodded.
Meanwhile in the command centre, Stoick was giving everyone a briefing of the other generals that were under Drago's command.
"This is, Viggo Grimborn," said Stoick as important image of Viggo onto the screen. "The man is a tactical genius and had a hand in planning many battles that the Nazis wandering World War II. You have already met his brother, Ryker." Ryker's image then appeared on the monitor.
"Can hardly forget that face," said Snotlout.
"Forgive me for saying this but when I was battling against Ryker, I didn't get the impression that he was quite the strategist," said Hiccup.
"You're right, he isn't," Stoick nodded. "He prefers more brutal forms of combat, direct assaults, overpowering the enemy. He was in fact on the front lines during the Battle of France and crushed any enemy in his path."
"Anyone else we should be concerned about?" Astrid asked.
Stoick nodded and then produced an image of Krogan. "Krogan, is Drago's second-in-command and just like his master he is merciless and cruel. By all contrasts he is Drago's herald and is often the first one to attack a planet, his favourite pastime is enslaving the inhabitants that he conquers."
"Sounds like a pleasant guy," said Heather.
"That's totally barbaric," said Fishlegs.
"You're forgetting that all of them are fascists, all them had contact with Hitler before they were transported to who knows where," Stoick pointed out.
"What I don't get is how we managed to conquer so many planets?" Astrid frowned. "I mean how did they get the equipment, the armies and supplies to launch these campaigns."
Stoick then produced an image of Johann. "We believe that this man is responsible, his name is Johann. You could consider him a black market here, he was the man responsible providing arms to the Nazis during their infancy. Unlike the rest of them he hadn't taken their ideology to heart and cares more about profit than anything else."
"What about those footsoldiers?" Hiccup asked. "Are they alien?"
"We don't believe so," said Stoick and he turned to Ragnar who was in the room with them. "Ragnar, if you would please feel them in with your findings."
Ragnar nodded. "We've been studying the bodies of those creatures you've defeated and our scanners have discovered something interesting. Their genomes are completely over the place, in fact when I'm actually looking at one species here, but it's like several different alien species combined into one."
Snotlout looked at him blankly. "Was he speaking English?"
Hiccup looked at him. "He's basically saying that the creature's DNA is like a jigsaw puzzle made from different jigsaws."
Snotlout nodded. "But what does that mean?"
"It means that Drago has been injecting different genes into a single creature to improve its strength, stamina and speed. Though scanning its brain has proven that their brains produce very little activity, like an organic drone designed for fighting and nothing else."
"Technology involved in this must be out of this world," said Heather.
"That's putting it mildly," Ragnar nodded. "We have only just started with genetic enhancement and fusion, most of which has been banned by the UN."
"Why?" Snotlout asked.
"This planet has been attacked by creatures that have had their genetics enhanced, which led to mutations, not to mention creatures that seem to have been grown in a lab," Ragnar explained.
"Time Force and Dinothunder," said Hiccup.
Ragnar nodded. "And naturally some genetic enhancement has not been banned otherwise the Overdrive Rangers would not be here. Though it's clear that these Drakenoids are extremely dangerous, the more civilisations Drago conquers the stronger they get."
"But what were these creatures before this genetic enhancement?" Heather asked.
Ragnar looked at them awkwardly. "We've been studying them and we believe that they were once human. Possibly the footsoldiers that accompanied Drago when they vanished through the wormhole."
"Are you saying that these things used to be human?" Snotlout stared.
"Yes," Ragnar nodded.
Everyone groaned in disgust.
"As you can see, it's more important than ever that we prevent Drago from conquering earth," said Stoick looking at every single one of them. "Also the best way to weaken his forces to attack major strongholds under his control in other parts of the galaxy. We're still trying to locate them, but once we do will be sending you in to attack these targets."
"But in the meantime we have to see him protect the city," Hiccup assumed.
Stoick nodded. "Drago will no doubt launch another attack swiftly and as we witness he has the ability of regenerating his soldiers and make them as tall as a skyscraper. To that end we need every single advantage we can muster."
"I'm a leading the development of some new equipment, it in the early stages, but they will help you measurably," said Ragnar.
"Then I suggest that we take the opportunity to do some trust exercises so that we are ready," Astrid suggested.
"My thinking exactly," Stoick nodded. "I want all of you in the training hall in half an hour and don't be late."
Within half an hour, Hiccup and the others were in the training hall and the coach was none other than Gobber.
"Okay, Stoick has ordered me to train all of you to the best of my abilities," he said as he paced up and down. "We'll start with trust exercises, the first thing I need is a volunteer."
Snotlout then raised his hand. "Whatever it is you want me to do what I can do it."
Gobber nodded. "Good." He then pulled out a restraining jacket. "The first thing I want you to do is put this on."
When Snotlout volunteered he believed that Gobber was asking for someone to be in charge of the exercise. He was not expecting to be wearing a restraining jacket like an insane inmate.
"Now what?" Snotlout asked once the jacket was secured.
"Just hold still," said Gobber as he grabbed a hook and inserted it in an opening in the back of the jacket. "Now Snotlout is going to have to put his trust in all of you to make the right decisions to free him."
"I what?" Snotlout asked suddenly he was lifted off the ground and once he was about 10 feet off the floor he stopped. "This is what I signed up for."
Gobber ignored him and looked at the others. "Now by working together you will use all of these items to rescue him."
They turned and found that there was a pile of crates, planks and bedsheets in a corner of the room.
"You have about half an hour, to rescue him otherwise the rope will snap and he shall fall," Gobber explained.
"Do I have a say in this?" Snotlout asked.
"Go!"
Hiccup and the others immediately rushed towards the pile began coming up with ideas to rescue him.
"Could we build a ladder?" Fishlegs asked.
Astrid shook her head. "Even if we do reach him, the moment we and do the straps he will fall."
"We could use the bedsheets to cushion his fall," Heather asked.
"That depends how much he weighs," said Hiccup and he looked at Snotlout. "Snotlout, how heavy are you?"
"About a 150 pounds, why?" Snotlout asked.
Hiccup looked at the others. "We're going to have to put a lot of sheets together so that he doesn't just rip through them."
Astrid nodded. "Okay, Fishlegs and Heather, you get the sheets together and Hiccup and I will start by trying to make a makeshift ladder to reach him."
"Sounds like a plan," Hiccup nodded.
Soon Hiccup and Astrid began positioning the crates and planks in order to create a small ladder, are they had very little to work with and were short about 1 foot.
"Brilliant plan, Hiccup," Snotlout glared.
"It was my plan actually," said Astrid dryly.
Snotlout looked at her. "Oh, but I'm sure it wasn't your fault that it failed."
"We haven't failed yet," said Hiccup and turn to Astrid. "Think you can give me a boost?"
Astrid nodded and cupped her hands together, Hiccup then placed his prosthetic into them and she lifted him up towards Snotlout.
"Just hold still," he said as he began to untie the restraints.
"Wait a minute, won't I fall the moment you undo the straps?" Snotlout asked.
"That's the plan."
"That is a terrible plan!"
"Relax, just trust us."
"I want a second opinion, I want another…" said Snotlout. Hiccup then unfastened the last of the straps causing Snotlout to fall. "Plan!"
Snotlout closed his eyes, but then suddenly he felt himself landing in a sheet. He opened his eyes and found that Fishlegs and Heather had caught in by tying several sheets together which cushion his fall.
"You all right?" Heather smiled.
Gobber clapped his hands together. "Excellent work, you showed true teamwork and trust. Though I think Snotlout could have put a little more trust in Hiccup."
Snotlout just folded his arms and grumbled to himself.
For the next hour the team exercises continued, focusing mostly on trust. Snotlout was the only one who's having problems with these exercises, especially whenever he was partnered up with Hiccup. Strangely enough he trusted Astrid and Heather more than anyone else, though it became apparent that he was only doing it to impress them.
Hiccup and Astrid were walking down the corridors and finally Astrid found herself asking the question she had been meaning to ask since she met him.
"How did you get that prosthetic?" she asked.
"Now that's a random question whenever I've heard one," said Hiccup.
"If it's too painful to talk about, then don't," said Astrid.
"No, it's not," Hiccup assured. "My mother wanted me to gain experience in other places so I was sent to New York where I attended my high school years. You remember when Emperor Marvo invaded the planet?"
Astrid nodded. "Yeah, a lot of people were trapped and got injured. The poor we would have wiped out all the cities in America wasn't for the Megaforce Power Rangers."
Hiccup nodded. "Yeah, I was helping to evacuate many people in my school before the building was hit. My leg was caught in some rubble and I lost consciousness, I woke up and found myself back on Berk, short one leg."
Astrid just stared at him. "That must have been quite the wake-up call."
"You don't know the half of it. Ever since then my father refused to me to join the military, despite having a working prosthetic. After which me and my father didn't speak to each other and I left the city."
"I guess he was just trying to protect you," Astrid assumed.
"I get that, but the one thing that I wanted most of always to make him proud of me. How can I do that if I am not given every single opportunity to do so?"
Astrid had to admit that she had Hiccup wrong, he had shirked his duties he was denied them. Not only that but he showed great courage where lesser people would have panicked and lost a leg because of it.
"Maybe this is your chance to do that?" Astrid suggested.
"That's what I'm hoping."
Fishlegs and Ragnar was still going over many of the inscriptions, especially about the part that five become one.
"What do you think it could mean?" Ragnar asked.
"I don't know, but maybe it has something to do with the zoids," Fishlegs offered.
Ragnar nodded. "Makes sense, in the past all Zoids combined with one another."
"But weren't most of them piloted vehicles?" Fishlegs questioned.
Ragnar shrugged. "True, but a good many of them were actually creatures or Ranges transformed into Zoids."
"Good point, still there is still much we don't know about these Morphers."
"Which is why we brought you here," Ragnar reminded as he handed him a book. "Your archaeology skills will be essential in order to discover the secrets."
"I can only do my best, I've never seen symbols like these before, I can't even pronounce them into words," said Fishlegs shaking his head.
"You'll crack it eventually," Ragnar assured.
Stoick meanwhile was facing the committee, who were reviewing the last few battles with the Ranges.
"This Ranger project of yours hasn't exactly met expectations," said Mildew, an ugly old man.
"They fended off two attacks," Stoick pointed out.
"Attacks which should never happened in the first place," Mildew growled. "I warned this committee that by using these wormholes we were only inviting alien invaders."
"For starters they're not aliens and second what you think Drago would have done if he had discovered them before we did?" Stoick questioned.
"By all indications these Morphers can only be operated by user with a specific gene," Mildew reminded.
Gothi, a small old woman, who was mute and had to communicate in other means. "I think that you're being a little unfair Mildew. The Ranges are certainly proven themselves in battling against this threat."
"And yet he put his own son in charge," said Mildew narrowing his eyes. "Not only that but made him a captain, the boy has not proven himself to carry that rank. Not only that the team seems a bit disorganised judging from their last battle."
"They pulled it together and defeated the invaders," Stoick reminded.
"At the cost of a prototype tachyons shield generator, one which will take years to replace according to Ragnar," said Mildew. "And on top of that we now discover that the enemy can regenerate and become super-sized, leading to more destruction of the city."
"The Ranges have developed methods to counter that as you have seen yourself," said Stoick now starting to get impatient.
"By transforming into giants, which will lead to more destruction of the city."
"Gentlemen, I think that we are arguing around in circles," said Gothi strictly. "What's done is done and the Ranges are best means of defending this city. I recommend that we stop bickering and devise ways of supporting them and in their endeavours."
Mildew grumbled to himself.
Gothi then looked at Stoick. "But, even though I do not share his demeanour, he isn't wrong about promoting Hiccup to the rank of captain. He is after all still a civilian."
"I think the boy is proving himself of his rank," said Gobber.
"No one is questioning the boy's courage or his ingenuity," said Gothi raising a hand. "I just pray that you've made the right decision, Stoick. Because of its proven that his own fit for leading this team, then we might have to consider a change of leadership not only with the Ranges but for this city."
Stoick just stood there. "I have great confidence, in the Ranges abilities."
Meanwhile Krogan was preparing his attack on the city and who was busy constructing a Zoid of his own. This Zord was humanoid in shape and was the size of one of their soldiers when regenerated.
The Zoid itself had razor sharp claws that looked like it could slice through a building and on its chest was fitted laser cannons. It had resembled that of a Singetail and it was fitted with an axe to its back, no doubt it could be used for close range combat when necessary.
Drago came to an inspect Krogan's work. "I trust that everything is prepared for your attack?"
"Just about," Krogan nodded. "I've designed this Zoid in order to deal with the Ranger Zoids, I can assure you that they will not know what's coming to them."
Drago just looked at him without a single trace of emotion. "I'll hold you to that."
He then walked off.
"A bit overconfident aren't we?" said Viggo's voice.
Krogan turned and found Viggo leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "What do you want?"
"Just here to make sure that you know what you're getting yourself into," said Viggo casually.
"I don't know what your game is, but where you and your brother failed I shall succeed," Krogan promised.
"That's quite a big promise, but I think you're forgetting about the Red Ranger," said Viggo.
"What about him?"
"He is the linchpin that holds them all together and has so far been the one responsible for rallying his team. I would advise that you take out first, before the others have a chance to counter.
Krogan waved his hand dismissively. "Don't make me laugh, as Ryker proved that team is disorganised. Whatever threat you think that the Red Rangers possesses doesn't exist."
Viggo shrugged and walked off. "I have a feeling you'll be eating those words."
Astrid and Heather were sparring in the training centre, but they were talking at the same time.
"So, I hear you've gone a little easy on Hiccup," said Heather as she blocked Astrid below.
"Where did you hear that?" Astrid asked as she counted Heather's kick.
"I have my sources," Heather smiled.
"I do admit that I have him wrong, he never shirked his duty and in defending this city," Astrid admitted as she performed a spin kick. "And he has proven himself to be a leader."
Heather nodded. "Anyone who is able to control Snotlout certainly has skill."
"I wouldn't say control, more like channel," Astrid joked.
"But you still have your doubts," Heather assumed.
"Unconcerned when it comes to the big decisions, so far everything we've done is just fight off a few small raids, a competent Sergeant can handle that."
"I'm sure he'll rise to the occasion with his own little flare."
"He does have a flair for the dramatic," Astrid admitted.
Then suddenly the entire place shock violently knocking the two of them to the ground.
"What was that?"
"Ranger to the command centre immediately," said Gobber's voice over the radio.
Astrid and Heather quickly made their way to the command centre where the others were waiting.
"What's happening?" Astrid asked.
"It seems as if the city is under attack by a giant Zoid," said Hiccup gesturing to the monitor.
When they looked they found that indeed Zoid was attacking the city, firing lasers down of the buildings destroying them.
"Where did that thing come from?" Astrid asked.
"It just flew from space," said Ragnar. "We sent several aircraft to intercept, but no matter what they did they can find a blindspot."
Stoick look at the Ranges. "I think you all know what needs to be done."
They all nodded raised their Morphers.
"Ready?" Hiccup asked.
"Ready," they all nodded.
"Unleashed the dragon within!"
They immediately activated their Morphers and soon they were wearing their uniforms and were prepared to battle.
Krogan was having fun demolishing the city, though he was doing it only to get his true target out in the open.
"Come on, Rangers, do I have to destroy the entire city to get your attention?" he said with a cruel smile.
"You want us, you've got us," said Hiccup's voice from nowhere.
"Right on cue," Krogan smiled and immediately pulled out his axe.
He then quickly spun around and sliced right through a plasma blast that Hiccup had fired.
Hiccup just stared. "What the?"
Fishlegs and Heather were tried a two-pronged attack, into different directions. However Krogan, somehow anticipated their moves and avoided Heather's tail and managed to grab it. He then spun her around and slammed her right into Fishlegs suddenly the two of them crashing down.
"Sorry," said Heather apologetically.
"Not your fault," said Fishlegs.
"Here I come to save the day!" Snotlout yelled as he charged at Krogan at full speed.
Krogan turned and then grabbed him by the horns and held his ground. Krogan then noticed on his sensors that Astrid was coming in, hoping to perform a sneak attack while he was preoccupied with Snotlout.
"Nice try," he said and then suddenly turned around and held Snotlout up like a shield.
Astrid had already fired her spines, before she realised what had happened and they struck Snotlout in the back.
"Hey, whose side are you on?" Snotlout yelled rubbing his back.
"Sorry," said Astrid.
"Have a taste of this," said Krogan and fired a spread of lasers at Astrid.
Astrid began to perform some fancy aerial manoeuvre in order to avoid the lasers and then flew up to Hiccup.
"We're getting our tail was handed to us," she said.
"I know," Hiccup nodded. "It would seem as if he is able to sense our approach, no matter which way we attack.
"So we can't surprise him," said Astrid.
Hiccup nodded. "We need to find a way to overpower him, but I don't think any of us have the strength." A thought then came into his head. "'When five become one.'"
Astrid frowned. "Sorry?"
"If none of us can beat him individually, then how about all five of us work together," said Hiccup.
"I'm for it, if it means we win," said Snotlout.
"Everyone, concentrate and think of a singular form, one that is strong and durable," said Hiccup.
All them close their eyes and did what Hiccup suggested and soon inside all their minds are single for a merged.
"Megazoids combined!" Hiccup yelled.
Snotlout's Zoid was the first to transform, the wings separated from the body and the head retracted. The waist then separated and soon became a pair of legs. Hiccup's body folded in forming a test with the head in the centre. Then Snotlout's wings attached to the back and soon the waste connected with the lower torso.
Astrid and Heather then immediately flew win and they began to transform into a pair of arms with large hands appearing out of the mouths. They then attached themselves to the chest, Astrid been the right arm and Heather the left, and Heather's tail became a sword which flew into the right hand. Fishlegs then flew Wayne and his body began to transform into a head which then attached itself on top of the chest.
"Dragon Spirit Megazoid," they yelled as they found themselves in some form of cockpit.
Standing right in the city was a Zoid the same size as Krogan.
"Impossible," Krogan stared.
In the command centre Ragnar smiled. "They did it! They managed to combine the Zoids."
"Looks like the tide of the battle has changed," Stoick smiled.
"Krogan won't know what hit him."
Krogan, however, remained entirely confident that he was still in control of the situation.
"You've only just made it easier for me, I can and destroy you all at once," said Krogan as he drew his axe and charged.
"We'll see about that," said Hiccup and he looked at the others. "Let's do it, gang!"
"Right!" they all nodded.
Immediately the two of them clashed sword against axe, but it soon became apparent that the Rangers had the advantage. Krogan had designed his Zoid to fight against five individual opponents, not one powerful one and began pushing him back.
"I won't be beaten by the likes of you!" Krogan roared and began firing his lasers.
At such close range this pushed the Ranges back and dealt some heavy damage, but it was nothing they could not recover from.
"Looks like he's gonna make a fight out of it," said Snotlout.
"Was there really any doubt?" Astrid asked.
"We need to keep fighting," said Heather.
"And we will," Hiccup nodded.
Krogan came in for another attack, but using the sword the Rangers managed to manoeuver the sword so it passed them harmlessly. Then they punched Krogan hard in the chest followed by a quick slash with the sword destroying his axe.
Krogan could see that his systems were beginning to smoke. "No, it can't be!"
"Oh, it can," said Hiccup. "Now it's time for us to finish this fight!"
All of them then extended their hands forwards. "Dragon Rage!"
A powerful beam then out of the Night Fury's mouth and slammed right into Krogan's Zoid. Krogan realising that his Zoid was now going to be destroyed he immediately teleported out and seconds later there was a huge explosion.
Hiccup smiled. "Way to go guys."
"That felt good!" Snotlout cheered.
"Do you think Krogan was in that explosion?" Fishlegs asked.
Ragnar then immediately contacted them. "I'm afraid that's nothing more than hopeful thinking. We detected a teleporter beam, Krogan must have teleported himself out before you destroyed the Zoid."
"So he's still out there," said Hiccup.
Ragnar nodded. "And I'm willing to bet that he's angry."
Krogan was angry, but not as much as Drago, who was absolutely furious.
"You have them on the ropes and you allowed them to beat you!" Drago roared.
"My Lord, as you saw they were able to combine the powers my Zoid was completely overwhelmed," said Krogan humbly.
"The Rangers are getting stronger by the day and every single attempt on our part seems to weaken us," Drago growled.
"The more we learn about the enemy the easier it will be for us to be," said Viggo stepping forward.
"A small comfort, considering the amount of resources we're using on a single city," Drago growled.
"We'll just have to be more strategic in our planning rather than using brute force," said Viggo as his eyes turned to Krogan. "That is how the Allies won World War II after all."
"I can still scarcely believe it myself," said Drago fuming. "When we left we were on the verge of winning the war and now we discover that our period of time is better left forgotten to many." He then looked at everyone present. "I do not care what we have to do, but I want that city destroyed!"
"Of course, my lord," said Krogan humbly.
Stoick was speaking to the committee after the recent attack on Berk.
"As you see our Rangers have managed to oppose yet another attack and it was my son that pulled them together, quite literally," said Stoick smiling.
Mildew was fuming. "I suppose they do know what they're doing."
"Then I take it that I have the permission of the committee to continue the Ranger program?" Stoick asked.
The committee was in agreement that the Ranges should remain to defend the city.
Gobber shook hands with Stoick. "Quite the victory, old friend."
Stoick nodded. "The first of many I hope. How the Ranges doing?"
Gobber smiled. "They're earning some well needed rest and I have to say that they are acting more like a team every day."
"Good, because if you cannot rely on your team then who can you rely on?" said Stoick as they made their way down the corridor. "Keep me updated."
Gobber nodded. "I certainly will and I have a feeling that things are going to get a bit more lively round here."
"Bunch of teenagers fighting bad guys, I would be disappointed if it wasn't," Stoick smiled.
The two of them then laughed.