Krogan was a bit frantic, he needed to do something that put him back in Drago's graces. The only upside you could see with this situation was the fact that Viggo's attention was now more focused on the Dragkons.
"Having problems are we?" said a voice behind.
Krogan turned and found Johann approaching him with his hands behind his back. "What's it to you?"
"Just like your master I am deeply concerned with the recent failures," he said.
Krogan narrowed his eyes. "So far you have an even lifted a finger to help any of us."
"I am the one that make sure that we get the equipment we need, I have many contacts in the criminal underworld that have given us the advantage we maintain across the galaxy," Johann reminded.
"Yet it doesn't seem too efficient enough to conquer this one planet, we haven't even taken down there floating city," Krogan reminded.
"You're too focused on fear tactics, I'm afraid those kind of tactics don't work in this kind of situation," said Johann calmly. "You are forgetting one major detail of Berk?"
"And what is that?" said Krogan starting to get annoyed.
"Berk is a floating city. That means they have to get their supplies elsewhere, food, equipment," Johann reminded.
Hiccup meanwhile was giving Toothless the grand tour of Berk's facilities.
"This is the command centre, where city operations are controlled," said Hiccup as he gestured around.
"We don't have anything like this back on Dragnax," said Toothless as he looked around to study every single gizmo. "This is a floating city correct?"
Hiccup nodded. "That's right."
"But how do you get supplies?"
"We do have farms on Berk, but the materials that we need we do trade with other countries," Hiccup explained. "Not many people know of the existence of Berk, mostly heads of key governments. Earth has been attacked constantly and it is only been saved by other Power Rangers."
Toothless stared at him. "There are other Power Rangers on Earth?"
Hiccup nodded. "Yes, though some have lost their powers and many have put away their helmets. They are summoned to deal with a single threat and once that threat has been neutralised they go their separate ways."
"Showing a new guest around, son," said Stoick as he approached them.
"Toothless, this is my father, the General Stephen Haddock, he is the commander of Berk," said Hiccup.
"It's a pleasure," said Stoick shaking hands with Toothless.
"We owe your son and his team and immense gratitude," said Toothless.
"And we hope to continue aiding your people," said Stoick.
"I still don't understand why Drago has launched a massive invasion of your planet," Toothless asked curiously.
"We don't know either, but it's possible that he is after the Morphers," said Stoick. "We are still trying to figure out more about them and we could use some help. I understand that you're people have some sort of connection with them."
"I'll help in any way I can, but I wouldn't hold your breath," said Toothless.
Meanwhile in space, Drago was listening to Johann's plan of action.
"So far we have launched direct attacks against the Rangers, but instead we should have focused on the economy of Berk," said Johann. "I know that our standard tactic is to annihilate and enemies military force first and foremost, but they have proven themselves quite was awful and as you know my lord, we can't launch a full-scale attack like we did in many other worlds."
Drago nodded. "So what do you suggest?"
"I suggest that we should shift our efforts and destroy their commerce," Johann advised. "Without any produce coming in or out not only will they starve, but they will like the materials they need to get the edge over us."
"And who would you send on this mission?" Drago questioned.
"I have already selected a candidate," said Johann and he gestured towards the door.
The door opened and stepping out of it was a plant like alien, judging from its body shape it was female. She had sharp claws and her hair will like vines and her armour was covered in what looked like mould.
"Allow me to introduce to you Vinestress," said Johann. "As she specialises in damaging crops leaving the inhabitant quite hungry."
"I am honoured to serve," she said bowing.
"One she does enough damage to their farms, we can focus our efforts on transport ships coming from the planet's surface and soon they will be forced to surrender if they wish to feed the civilians," Johann smiled.
Drago looked at him for a moment. "Do it."
Meanwhile on Berk, Toothless was in Fishlegs' offers assisting him in translating the text.
"This is some ancient Dragkonain you have here," said Toothless as he looked at the symbols. "Unfortunately, I'm a bit rusty in ancient Dragkonain."
"I've only been able to translate a few sentences myself," said Fishlegs. "But if I had an alphabet of your current language, I could use it as a starting point to interpret the text."
"Now do that right away," said Toothless.
"By the way, I was wondering if you could tell me more about the Morphers," said Fishlegs.
"They were used in ancient times, to combat evil," Toothless began. "They were selected by five of the most powerful warriors and was sent to a distant planet. It was said that they had been chosen by the ancient Dragon Spirits, who forged the Morphers with both magic and science. It took many years, but eventually managed to defeat this evil and then they locked their Morphers away in an ancient temple in case they were needed again."
"Okay, but why are we able to access the Morphers if they were designed for your people," Fishlegs frowned.
Toothless shrugged. "I don't know, you said that you needed a gene to activate them?"
Fishlegs nodded. "We're still trying to figure out what that gene is."
"It was said that they had followers during their massive battles, maybe your ancestors were close enough to the Morphers that it affected their DNA," Toothless offered.
"Sounds as good as theory as we've got, maybe you should take it up to Ragnar?" Fishlegs suggested.
Ragnar was currently working on the bikes with Hiccup, they had gathered a lot of sand when they travelled across the vast desert of Dragkon.
"I can't believe how much sand there is in here," said Ragnar.
"These things are hardly designed for that kind of terrain," said Hiccup looking back at him. "We're going to need to design them to deal with all kinds of terrain."
Ragnar nodded. "I'll work on something, if only to get the twins off my back."
"What have they done now?"
"They nearly blew up my lab, because they were so bored. I think those two need some kind of distraction far away from my lab."
"Everyone seems to be hard and working this base," said Toothless as he entered.
"Toothless, what are you doing here?" Hiccup asked.
"I was told to give my theory on the Morphers to Ragnar."
"Well, you found him," said Ragnar as he began to wash his hands. "Now tell me this theory of yours."
Toothless began relaying his theory to Ragnar, who listened intently. After he was finished explaining Ragnar scratched his chin in thought.
"An interesting theory to say the least," he said.
"Do you think that's how some of us are able to access the Morphers?" Hiccup asked curiously.
"It's possible, I have detected some kind of radiation coming from them. Nothing harmless," he added quickly looking at Hiccup's face.
"I'm still a little confused why there is only five Rangers," said Toothless folding his arms.
Hiccup and Ragnar immediately looked up.
"What you mean only five Rangers?" Hiccup asked curiously.
Toothless looked at them. "You mean, you don't know."
"Now what?" Ragnar asked.
"Well, according to our legends there were more than just five Rangers."
"Are you saying that there could be other Morphers out there?" Ragnar stared open eyed.
"There are references, but I always assume that all of the Morphers will not win the same temple, clearly that's not the case," said Toothless curiously.
Ragnar looked at Hiccup. "We need to inform your father of this right away."
They didn't waste any time to inform of their discovery to Stoick.
"You're saying there's more Morphers out there?" said Stoick rising to his feet.
"According to Toothless," said Hiccup.
"Then we need a fine those other Morphers immediately."
"But we don't know where they are," said Ragnar. "Toothless said that they were all supposed to be in the same temple, which is now nothing more than a bunch of rubble."
"Maybe the text holds the answer," Hiccup suggested.
"Then I want every single resource we have in order to translate the text," said Stoick. "It is important that we find these other Morphers and quickly."
Then suddenly are alarms sounded out throughout the room.
"Now what?" Stoick groaned.
They quickly made their way to the command centre where Astrid and the others had gathered.
"What seems to be the problem?" Stoick demanded.
"Another attack, but this time it at the farms," said Gobber.
"This is bad," said Astrid. "Without those farms we will be able to feed our people and we we even more depended upon trade with other countries."
"Go," Stoick ordered.
Hiccup looked at the others. "Ready?"
"Ready!" they all nodded. The then flung their Morphers forwards. "Unleashed the dragon within!"
Immediately they took on their Ranger of forms.
Vinestress was at the farms enjoying herself, she was unleashing some kind of pollen that had effect on the crops. They then began to wither and rot upon contact with that strange pollen.
"Stop right there," said Hiccup as he and the others appeared.
Vinestress turned on them. "So you are the mighty Rangers, for your sake I hope that your top of the new look."
"Oh, we're plenty enough," said Snotlout.
"Johann predicted that you would show and made sure that I was well prepared," she said and snapped her fingers. Immediately appearing on the fields were Drakenoids. "Attack!"
The Drakenoids immediately charged in began to engage the Ranges. Snotlout immediately moved in as close as he could and began swinging his fists at the Drakenoids, knocking one down already. He quickly ducked in order to avoid claw coming from another and immediately slammed a powerful uppercut beneath its jaw. He then thrusted his leg backwards hitting another causing it to knock to the floor.
Heather was blocking the attacks coming from the Drakenoids that were engaging her, she quickly then dealt a few powerful fists against a single Drakenoid when its guard was down, she then spun around and dealt a powerful kick against another before performing a powerful jab towards another.
Fishlegs was still feeling a bit frantic engaging with so many enemies, but miraculously he somehow managed to catch a Drakenoid's claw and immediately spun around striking it against others. He then quickly ducked in order to avoid claw coming from another and then slammed a powerful shoulder into its chest knocking it to the ground.
Astrid meanwhile had leaned back to avoid getting sliced to pieces and then slammed a powerful kick right beneath a Drakenoid's jaw. She then avoided yet another claw from another before it had a chance to retaliate she slammed an elbow right in its face and then she spun around and punched another hard in the face.
Hiccup was both blocking and attacking at the same time, he blocked the attacks from a Drakenoid and while its guard was down struck it hard in the chest. Three Drakenoids then tried to gang up on him, but he quickly ducked to avoid their claws and immediately performed a sweep kick knocking them to the ground.
Eventually they dealt with all the Drakenoids, leaving only Vinestress to content with.
"So, you defeated a few goons, that means nothing to me," she said and immediately outstretched her hand.
She then fired an energy blast from her palm straight at them, which caught them completely by surprise. Hiccup then immediately drew his sword and charge straight at her, but the vines around her acting like a shield and blocked his attack.
He quickly jumped back in order to avoid getting ensnared by the vines, but they proved too quick and struck him. The damage was even more extends considering that they had thorns all over them and he was not to the ground.
"Hiccup!" Astrid yelled and immediately drew her axe.
She then quickly charge towards Vinestress, who once again used her vines to block the attack. She was about to strike Astrid like she did with Hiccup, but Heather used her whip and struck her first while the guard was down.
"Why you little…" Vinestress snarled.
"Did you really think that we would stand idly by while you attack our friends?" Heather asked.
Snotlout and Fishlegs then immediately charged in with their weapons in their hands.
"I will not be made of fool of!" she yelled and plunged her vines into the ground.
They immediately erupted out of the ground and ensnared Snotlout and Fishlegs, trapping the two of them in place. Then suddenly the same kind of pollen that Vinestress use on the crops covered the two of them.
"Snotlout! Fishlegs!" Hiccup yelled as he rose to his feet.
Vinestress smiled viciously. "I've done enough damage for now, but this will be the last time you see of me."
She then teleported away vanished.
With her gone the vines wrapping around Snotlout and Fishlegs vanished as well and the two of them collapsed. They then revert back to their normal forms, but they remain completely unconscious and now they were going some kind of rash on their arms.
"What's wrong with them?" Heather asked as she kneeled down towards them.
Hiccup looked at the two of them. "We need to get a medic to look at them immediately."
Up in space, Johann and Vinestress were relaying their first report to Drago, but Krogan was looking annoyed.
"You had a chance to destroy them, but you allowed it to slip for your vines?" Krogan yelled.
Vinestress narrowed her eyes at him. "My mission was to destroy the city's crops and need I point out that I have done considerable damage. Plus I managed to infect two Power Rangers, they should be cringing with agony at this point."
"You've certainly achieved more than anyone here," Drago acknowledged. "Yet, Krogan has a point, the Rangers will still be a nuisance and I want them eliminated."
"With two Ranges down, that task shall come even faster," said Johann graciously.
Krogan gritted his teeth, he had thought Viggo was going to be a problem, but now Johann was getting close to Drago. It would seem there were no short of people looking to take his position from him.
Meanwhile on Berk, Ragnar was studying the effects that the pollen had on Snotlout and Fishlegs, who was still unconscious and now lying in a hospital bed.
"What's wrong with them?" Stoick asked.
"I don't know, that it would seem as if whatever they were here has given them an allergic reaction," said Ragnar looking at his notes. "Thankfully as far as I can tell it's not contagious, but from what I can tell it is eating away at them. I say they only have a few days."
"Is there no cure?" Hiccup asked.
"We're trying to find one, but if I had samples of the pollen it would make my job easier," said Ragnar.
"What about the crops," Astrid questioned.
"Yes, it seems to have a very different effect on plant life," said Ragnar looking for his notes. "As far as I can tell it has a much quicker reaction."
"If we cannot defend against this attack, we are going to be more depending on supplies coming from other countries," said Stoick folding his arms.
"And I get the impression that this is only phase 1 of their master plan," said Hiccup rubbing his chin.
"What makes you say that?" Heather asked.
"Well, attacking the farms are obviously phase 1," said Hiccup. "Possibly the main reason why the change their attacks is so to damage our economy. We'll be forced to ration and rely on the countries below no doubt they will then focus their efforts on attacking transport ships coming to the city."
"To lower our morale," Astrid assumed.
Hiccup nodded. "Hungry people always lead to angry people. They will demand us to make a deal with Drago and I get the impression it will be a favourable deal. You might even try and ask for our Morphers."
"That can't happen," said Stoick strictly. "But we hardly know anything about this alien."
"Unfortunately I do," said Toothless as he entered the room. "I've just been in contact with Skullcrusher and he transmitted a dossier. Her name is Vinestress and she is responsible many crimes are people. You remember that desert you crossed to get to our encampment, there was a time when it was fresh fields of grass and farmland. However when she came and unleashed a pollen upon our lands it became inhabitable, over the first few years we began fighting amongst ourselves for the smallest scrap of food while we should be more focused on the enemy."
"I'm liking this lesson less, but it clear they are agriculture before they knock out our military," Stoick noted.
"No doubt that is Johann's doing, all the forces under his command specialised in damaging commerce and trade routes," Toothless explained.
"She did mention the name Johann," said Astrid.
Ragnar looked at Toothless. "I don't suppose you have some kind of cure."
Toothless shook his head. "Our scientists have been trying to work on a cure, but it came far too late for planet and so they were diverted to more important tasks. However, I can send what they discovered so that you will be starting from scratch."
"I would appreciate it," said Ragnar.
Toothless looked at Snotlout and Fishlegs. "This is the first time that she is actually attacked anyone with a pollen."
"And I wanted to be the last," said Stoick looking at all them. "I don't care what you have to do, but I want her gone."
"Hey, sir," they said saluting.
Ragnar was working constantly to find a cure for the pollen, frankly the research that Toothless promised proved to be useful. At the very least he did had started square one, but he knew that time was the enemy.
"I only wish we could be of more help," said Toothless.
"The research that you gave me is more than enough," Ragnar assured. "Though what really could help is getting a sample that pollen."
"Don't you have enough samples?" Toothless asked curiously.
"Unfortunately the pollen seems to dissolve on contact the moment it touches vegetation. I've only been able to get small samples from blood from Snotlout and Fishlegs, but I need more."
"Chances are she will launch another attack, the only problem is getting the pollen," said Toothless.
"Hiccup is working on a plan with Astrid and Heather right now."
Hiccup was looking at Astrid and Heather as the three of them were discussing plans to get samples of the pollen.
"Ragnar is working the best he can, but he says he needs a good sample of the pollen that Vinestress used," Hiccup informed them.
"But the moment we get in contact with the pollen will end up just like Snotlout and Fishlegs," Heather reminded.
"Also there's a problem of her using it," Astrid added.
"I doubt she'll hold back the pollen," Hiccup admitted. "However, extracting a sample will be extremely difficult. I have been working on something that could help us."
Hiccup then took them to a strange-looking device, it looked like a vacuum cleaner that was designed to be like a backpack.
"Is that a vacuum cleaner?" Astrid frowned.
"I've made some adjustments," said Hiccup awkwardly. "One of us will have to wear this and operate it in order to get the pollen. The only problem is that they'll have to stay hidden so that Vinestress doesn't get suspicious."
"So effectively only two of us will be fighting," Astrid concluded.
"Considering that she just mop the floor with five of us it's not exactly a pleasing concept, but I can't think of anything else."
"Okay, but which one of us is going to wear this being?"
"I'll do it," said Heather as she sat up.
"You sure?" Astrid asked.
"It will look to suspicious if Hiccup doesn't show up to face and you are a much better fighter than I am, I'm the only logical choice," said Heather.
"It will still look suspicious if only to show," Hiccup admitted.
"Then why don't you allow me to do it," said a voice.
The three of them turned and found Toothless standing there.
"Toothless, you do realise what you're asking don't you?" said Hiccup.
"I am, and I need to remind you that the pollen does not have the same effect on my people as it has on yours," Toothless reminded. "I'll be in less danger and the three of you can concentrate on fighting against Vinestress without arousing her suspicion."
Astrid looked at Hiccup. "It does seem like our best option, I mean it does look as if that pollen is able to penetrate our suits."
Hiccup sighed. "All right, I have a plan on how we can contend with her."
Vinestress was once again on the farms and this time she was at the storage facility where they kept all the food from the harvest.
"Once my pollen infiltrates here, they will have no choice but to trade elsewhere," she smiled viciously.
"Not if we have anything to say about it," said a voice.
Vinestress turned her head and saw Hiccup and the others blocking her path to the door to the storage facility.
"You again?" she smiled. "Where are the other two, I hope nothing serious has happened to them."
Hiccup looked to the others. "Get ready, we may only have one shot at this."
"Drago has made it extremely clear that he wants you out of the way and I am more than happy to oblige," Vinestress smiled.
She then immediately unleashed her vines and they quickly wrap themselves around Hiccup and the others before they had a chance to do anything.
"Now you three will be joining your friends in the hospital," she smiled.
Then with one powerful she unleashed her pollen which began to flow towards them, but then suddenly Toothless appeared out of nowhere and used Hiccup's device to suck in the pollen.
"What?" Vinestress roared.
Toothless looked at Hiccup. "Your plan works like a dream."
"The tricky part was to make it seem as if we had been captured," said Hiccup.
He then suddenly freed himself thanks to the sharpness of his sword which he had summoned at the last moment before Vinestress ensnared them behind his back. Then with one good slice he also freed Astrid and Heather.
"You tricked me," Vinestress snarled.
"You make it sound as if it was difficult," Astrid smiled.
"I'll get the pollen to Ragnar, hopefully he'll be able to find a cure," said Toothless and he immediately ran off.
"You're not going anywhere," said Vinestress as she attempted to chase after him.
Heather, however, used her whip and immediately wrapped it around her wrist trapping him in place. "You're not going anywhere."
"Now it's time to finish what we started," said Hiccup.
Hiccup and Astrid then immediately charged in with their weapons in hand and Vinestress immediately unleashed her vines towards them. However, they merely sliced right through them as if they were nothing more than weeds and she was forced to jump back in order to avoid getting struck by them.
She then quickly wrapped her hand around Heather's whip and with all the strength she had she pulled her towards her. Heather, however, quickly recovered and use the momentum to deal a powerful kick right in her chest sending her backwards.
Hiccup then immediately moved in and she quickly used her vines to create a shield to block his attack. However, she had been so focused on Hiccup she failed to notice Astrid moving in behind and she dealt a devastating blow with axe.
Vinestress outstretched her free hand and immediately fired her vines at Astrid, who quickly leaned back in order to avoid them. She then spun around and sliced right through them with her axe and then Hiccup punched him in the stomach catching her completely offguard.
Heather then immediately joined in and swung her whip violently sending some powerful slashes straight at her bringing her down to one knee. Hiccup and Astrid then immediately moved in and then dealt a powerful blow riding her chest with their weapons.
Vinestress eyes widened as he immediately fell over and then exploded leaving the three of them victorious.
Up in space, Drago was deeply annoyed with the outcome of the battle.
"Make her big!" Drago ordered.
"Activating regenerator," said Krogan accessing the controls.
They immediately fired a beam straight down on the remains of Vinestress and now she was gigantic.
Hiccup immediately reached for his radio. "Dad, we've got a big problem on our hands. Tell us that Snotlout and Fishlegs are all right."
"Ragnar has been able to design a cure," Stoick informed him. "Those two are back on their feet and will be joining you very soon."
They then heard the sound of motorbikes and saw Snotlout and Fishlegs driving towards them.
"Sorry we're late," said Snotlout.
"Better late than never," said Hiccup. "You guys ready to go big?"
Snotlout and Fishlegs nodded.
"Then let's do it," said Hiccup.
"Dragon spirits arise!" they yelled.
The immediately shot up into the air and transformed into their Zoids.
"Dragon Spirits combined!" they yelled as they combined to form their Megazoid. "Dragon Spirit Megazoid!"
Vinestress snarled at them. "If you think you can take me down you have another thing coming!"
She then immediately unleashed her vines and they began to wrap themselves around the Megazoid.
"She's got us," said Fishlegs as they try to free themselves.
"Hold together," said Hiccup.
Vinestress then immediately raised her palm towards them and then fired and energy blast striking them.
"We can't move like this," said Heather.
"I might have an idea," said Astrid.
"At this point am open to any suggestion," said Hiccup.
Astrid nodded and immediately took point. "Spine Shot!"
Then shooting out of their right shoulder was a barrage of spines which slammed right into Vinestress, catching her completely offguard. They then used the chance to use their sword to slice right through the vines and then immediately charge straight at her.
Vinestress had no time to garden the sword went straight through her, she stood there for a few seconds and then she toppled over. The moment she struck the ground there was a huge explosion and they stood victorious.
Drago slammed his hand on the armrest of his throne. "Another failure! I am beginning to lose my patience."
Hiccup and the others soon returned to HQ where Ragnar was given a full report.
"With administering the cure to all the corrupted vegetation in the farms," Ragnar informed them. "Unfortunately, a good majority of the crops are now completely useless. However, given the circumstances it could have been a lot worse."
Stoick nodded. "Any chance they will launch similar attacks?"
"It's quite possible," said Toothless. "Though Drago might be a bit pushed, with now a cure to this plague our own crops are starting to heal. With any lager that desert you found your cells in should be a beautiful meadow in a few decades."
"All the same we really dodged a bullet," said Hiccup.
"We need to keep putting the pressure on Drago," Stoick concluded looking at all them. "And I can't think of any better means than finding those other Morphers. I want that to be our top priority."
"We'll find them, sir," Fishlegs assured.
"In that case you all dismissed and let us hope we don't have an incident like this again," said Stoick as he rose from his chair.
Hiccup can help but agree, Drago was now not only attacking the city itself, but the farms now. There was no telling what he was capable of or what he was going to do next.