Chapter Two: First Battle at the Edge

"Alright, guys, change in plans." Hiccup announced, causing Matt to stir from under Wasatch's wing. Groaning, he pushed the wing away from himself and let the blinding light flood him. Squinting, he saw the academy all standing around in a circle, with Stoick amidst them.

"Oh great, slept in…" He mumbled, rolling quickly to his feet.

"Hey! Look at that, he's finally up…" Snotlout growled, glaring at Matt.

"Hey, sorry! Didn't fall asleep 'till late." Matt explained, dodging a punch from Ruffnut.

"Not a problem!" Hiccup replied with a smile "We kind of had a change in plans anyways."

"Oh? What's the new plan then?" He asked while stopping next to him. Looking down at Astrid who was still sitting on her bed rest, he continued to ask "We staying in case of a follow-up attack?"

"Kind of. Astrid is staying to train a new crew of dragon riders. For defense reasons, so this doesn't happen again." Hiccup replied.

"Really? That's actually sounds like a good idea!" Matt complimented, looking down at Astrid with approval.

"I'll stay and patrol, in case of what you said; a follow-up attack." Hiccup continued "I'm sending you, Fishlegs, the twins, and Snotlout to head up north to try and find Dagur. If you don't find him, head to Dragon's Edge and use that as a base of operations. Keep searching for him when you get there until we get back."

"Sounds like a plan." Matt smiled, looking back Wasatch who was yawning and trying to wake up "Come on bud! You're getting lazier than a Gronckle eating a pile a granite!"

"Hey!" Fishlegs cried out, glaring at Matt.

"What? It's true! I remember that day when-" Matt began to say, only to interrupted.

"Alright, let's get going!" Hiccup said, ushering people to move along.

"Yeah, yeah, let me get my stuff packed up real quick." Matt replied, turning and jogging to his bedroll that lay on the ground. As he approached his gear, a thunderbolt of a sharp pain riveted through his leg; running up his body. Crashing to the ground, he shouted painfully "Gahh! What the!? Why now? What did I do to it?"

Everyone ran to Matt, who was gripping his leg and crumpled up on the ground.

"What happened?!" Hiccup cried out, kneeling over him.

"My leg! It just gave out with no warning!" Matt growled, eyes clenched shut "It didn't bug me like this for weeks!"

"I'd say it's doing more than just bug you." Astrid said, moving his hand to try and get a look at the leg; even though she knew it was pointless. His injury was with the bone.

"Alright, I'm going to change some of your plans, son." Stoick announced, stepping next to Hiccup and looking down on Matt "I'm taking Matt to Gothi, just for her to check up on him."

"I'll agree with that." Hiccup said, helping Matt sit up.

"I'll be fine! I promise!" Matt grunted, gritting his teeth to fight the needle like pain that he was still learning to live with "I can still go!"

"Uh-huh, sure." Astrid huffed sarcastically, helping Hiccup stand him on his feet.

"I will be!" He growled, glaring at Astrid "How many times have I helped you guys when it was worse than this?"

"This isn't a suggestion." Stoick growled "It's an order. You're coming with me to see Gothi."

"Fine…twist my arm." Matt growled, knowing Stoick would haul him on his shoulders regardless. Realizing what he said, he quickly whirled around and shouted "Don't even think about it Astrid!"

"Ooooohhh, I was excited to do that...and just about got you too." Astrid replied bummed at being caught in the action.

"Come on. She shouldn't be more than an hour with you." Stoick ordered, helping Matt walk to Skull Crusher.

"Fine! Whatever…" Matt growled, limping with Stoick.

"Now, you guys are still expected to finish your job." Hiccup instructed, turning to the others "Get going!"

"Fine!" Snotlout growled, walking over to Hookfang. Suddenly he fell over, gripping his leg. "Ooh! Oh! My leg!"

Groaning, Astrid was the first to respond to him. Standing over him, she glared at the distressed Viking.

"Astrid! Worried about me?" He asked, looking at him with hopeful eyes.

"Oh yes, Snotlout. Very." Astrid growled, narrowing her eyes "Here, let me give you a real reason to cry about your leg."

"Eeeek!" Snotlout cried out, rolling away from Astrid. Jumping on Hookfang, he shouted "Go, go, go, go! Get out of here Hookfang!"

Matt laughed as he watched Snotlout, the twins, and Fishlegs launch into the air and leave their view. Looking at Astrid, he then joked "Glad you don't have to do that to me. I'm sure I'd have to cut the leg off if you had to give me a reason to whine about it."

"Mmmm…never say never." She teased, grinning at him mischievously.

Matt's smile quickly disappeared, knowing she was teasing him, but still had some doubt. Astrid was good at that.

Chuckling, Stoick quickly said "Let's go Matt. The sooner we get you checked out, the sooner you can help Hiccup."

At that, Skull Crusher launched into the air, with Wasatch flying by closely.


"Whoa…a few people showed up didn't they?" Matt called out, landing near Hiccup who was watching Astrid instruct a few people, including Gothi.

"Matt! How's the leg? What did Gothi have you do?" Hiccup asked, anxious to hear what Matt had to say.

"Eh, she think I just tweaked it wrong when I woke up. She had me rest it the entire day in a small tub of special water she prepared, and then left me." Matt answered, shaking his head at seeing Gothi climb on the back of a purple Gronckle "Is she really trying out for being part of Astrid's team?"

"Yeah! She's pretty good actually." Hiccup answered, returning his attention to the group, all trying to hit targets while on their dragons.

Gustav nailed his perfectly, causing both Hiccup and Matt to applaud.

"Fail. Lucky shot. Do it again." Astrid ordered, staring at the smiling Gustav.

Gustav quickly turned Fanghook around, ready to strike at the target again. Doing a barrel roll, he then aimed and fired. Right as the fire was about to blast the target, Astrid pushed it with her foot, causing him to miss.

"Hey! That's not fair!" Gustav cried out, staring at Astrid angrily.

"Element of surprise. Key to any battle. Now land and give me 20." Astrid replied, un-phased by the angry outburst.

"Look at this! She's been like this all day!" Hiccup cried out in disbelief "It's like she wants them to fail!"

"Well, that's good military training." Matt commented, swinging his leg off of Wasatch's neck. His leg sent a smaller, throbbing pain, forcing him to limp towards Hiccup "You break down the soldier to build them to what they need to be."

"Who's ready to fail next?" Astrid yelled out, staring at the recruits.

"I know that!" Hiccup replied, watching the new riders groan "It's just at this rate, she'll never finish…" At that, Hiccup then whispered "Huh…"

"What are you thinking?" Matt asked, recognizing the face Hiccup had whenever he had an idea.

"Stay here, I'll be right back." Hiccup replied, walking down the ramp to the arena.

"Alright…I'll be right here." Matt huffed, sitting down and groaning. His leg was really giving him grief, more than the usual. Letting his legs dangle over the edge of the arena, he then whispered "Heh, guess I better take it easy when we wakeboard, huh boy?"

Wasatch growled, laying down next to his rider. Looking at Matt with a worried expression, he gently nuzzled him, shocking him slightly.

"Gah!" He gasped, staring at the Skrill. Smiling at seeing the concerned look, Matt chuckled as he scratched Wasatch's head "I'm fine boy! Just need to rest it more." Letting his hand rest on Wasatch, he turned to see watch Hiccup and Astrid in a deep conversation, with Astrid whirling around and folding her arms.

"Oooh boy…" Matt whispered, knowing the reaction that Astrid usually gave when she was upset about something "Tread lightly Hiccup…"

"Just…think about it." Hiccup's voice replied loud enough for Matt to hear "I'll be heading to Dragon's Edge to see if the guys found Dagur. I'll be back in a few days and we can talk about it. Ok?" At that, Hiccup turned and walked away, looking down at the ground.

Letting out a sigh, Matt grunted as he pushed himself back up onto his feet. Limping towards Hiccup, who was walking up the ramp, he then asked "What was that about?"

"Just Astrid being Astrid." Hiccup replied, shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head "I'm heading to Dragon's Edge to check up on the guys."

"I'm ready to go too." Matt announced, turning to climb on Wasatch.

"No. I want you to stay here and rest your leg. You did something to aggravate it, and you need to stay off of it. I'll be back in a few days and then we'll head back." Hiccup instructed, climbing on Toothless.

"Hiccup!" Matt whined, rolling his eyes at the order "I can rest my leg there!"

"But you won't." Hiccup pointed out, smiling at him "We both know that. While you have your wakeboards, you'll be doing something all the time!"

"Fine…" Matt growled, not wanting to admit that he was right. Shaking his head, he then added "So help me if something happens while I'm gone. You'll have to be worried about me coming after you."

"Fair enough." Hiccup laughed "I'll see you in a few days! Rest up!" At that, he launched into the air, letting Matt and Wasatch watch them fly into the horizon.

"Hiccup's making you stay?" Astrid asked, walking behind where the two stood.

"Yeah…kind of frustrating…" Matt huffed, shaking his head as Toothless became a dot in the distance.

"Hey Matt, can we talk?" She asked, looking down at the ground slightly.

"Wha-of course!" He exclaimed, turning to face her with surprise in his eyes.

"Not here. I just want to go for a ride real quick. To clear my head." She continued to say¸ rubbing one arm sheepishly.

"I understand." Matt replied, a small comforting grin appearing on his face. Stepping over Wasatch's neck, careful with his leg, he then said "Come on, I'll lead for a bit. Since I never get to choose where we go!"

"I guess it's your turn anyways." Astrid replied, a small smile appearing on her face. Letting Stormfly get closer, she easily bounded onto her saddle.

Seeing her jump on, Matt let Wasatch launch into the air. Banking towards the west side of the island, he then shouted "I haven't really explored this part of Berk. Mind if we go this way?"

"Not at all! Been awhile since I've been in that direction too!" Astrid replied, flying closely behind him.

"Sweet!" Matt laughed, returning his gaze forward. The view was amazing. There was no beach, only a cliff face that connected directly to the ocean. Rock pillars were everywhere in the water. Some large, some small. The terrain was grassy hills, with small pockets of trees littered across the plains.

"I forgot how pretty it is here…" Astrid said aloud, speaking what was on both their minds.

"Why doesn't Hiccup fly this way?" Matt asked, staring at the rock pillars towering over the ocean "It's beautiful."

"I have an idea why, but I think it's mainly the fact he likes to explore a lot. Berk doesn't interest him anymore." She replied, letting Stormfly glide closer to Wasatch.

"Makes sense. He's always itching to go somewhere new huh?" Matt smiled, turning to face her.

"Always." She huffed, shaking her head "Before we started exploring outside of the archipelago, he was driving me crazy! All of us actually."

"I bet! Hey, come on, I think I found a spot to sit and talk at. That grove below us." Matt said, gesturing for her to follow "I know something's got you bugged."

"Is it that obvious?" She asked, watching him begin to descend. Shaking her head, she silently thanked Matt. He was always easy to talk to. She didn't fear of being judged whenever she had a disagreement or problem with someone or something. Hiccup, who usually agreed with her, was caring that way too, but Matt just had a knack for being able to help calm her mind. That, and they both had an agreement to just be friends, so that they could be open with each other.

"Here we go…whoa! Didn't know a house was clear out here!" He called out, landing in a grove of trees.

Astrid stared at the building, seeing what Matt was talking about. A single room hut, with the roof mostly missing and the walls overgrown with vines and other vegetation. She remembered it. Something she forgot about a long time ago.

"What kind of place was this?" Matt asked, gently sliding off of Wasatch. The Skrill also looked at the building with curiosity, sniffing at the old, warped wood that made the remnants of the walls.

"This…This was someone's home…" Astrid whispered, walking behind Matt.

"Huh, who owned it?" He asked, limping in the doorway. Stepping over a crashed bench, he then joked "Can't say they've been really good with the upkeep…"

"He's gone. You can say he was forced to leave." Astrid answered, staring at a table that had a pile of dead leaves and other debris on it. A few plates were buried in the leaves, as well as a dirty mug.

"What's his name? What did he do?" Matt asked again, tenderly kneeling down and opening a chest to see what was in it. Pulling out an old leather vest with a few straps on it, he sized it up against himself.

"His name doesn't matter. The only thing you need to know is that he betrayed Berk." Astrid answered softly, going into the memory the person. Sitting on the table, she closed her eyes as if trying to forget it.

"How'd he betray Berk?" Matt asked, his interest perked at the story. Putting the vest back and inspecting some boots that were hardened by the weather, he turned to see Astrid looking down with her eyes closed. Concerned, he struggled to stand up. Once he did, he limped over and leaned against the table with her, waiting for a response.

"He didn't just betray Berk. He betrayed Hiccup! He betrayed…me" She whispered, still not looking at Matt. "Listen, I don't really like to talk about it." Astrid quickly said, finally looking at Matt with a hint of frustration "I'll give you a quick explanation though. Someone lived here almost…four years ago maybe? Yeah, a little less than four years."

"So before I even came here the first time." Matt commented, listening to Astrid

"Yeah…I'd say a few months before you showed up. Heh, been a long time, hasn't it?" Astrid confirmed, nodding her head slightly "He was a member of our tribe. We adopted him as much. We did so much to protect and welcome him. But…after he made some choices, we couldn't trust him. When we were going to throw him in prison, he bailed. Never to be seen again."

"Sounds like Heather's situation." Matt pointed out, watching Astrid's reaction.

"Don't say that ever!" She spat back, her eyes glaring "Heather's case is very different!"

"Fine, fine! Sorry I said anything like that!" Matt quickly said in surprise, seeing Astrid on edge. Shifting uncomfortably, he then asked "So…he's still out there?"

Nodding, Astrid then held herself and whispered "I think this is the real reason why Hiccup doesn't come here. He never really got over it. That traitor, he saved Hiccup and Toothless. He saved me. Technically, he saved all of Berk. But it didn't excuse what he did after."

"Hey, you don't need to tell me anymore. Not even the name." Matt said gently, resting his hand on Astrid's arm "Sorry for prying."

"It's alright, it's just…it's complicated." Astrid whispered, looking at Matt with a very small, forced grin.

Glad to see her easing up, Matt then said "Hey, so what did you want to talk about? What's on your mind?"

"Ugh, Matt…" Astrid huffed, shaking her head and folding her arms "I don't even know really…"

"Hey, start from the beginning. I don't care if you repeat yourself." Matt smiled, scooting closer to her "Let me help if I can…"

"You know why I'm here right?" She asked, not looking at Matt "Why I'm staying at Berk?"

"To train another group of dragon riders. To help defend Berk. Right?" Matt answered, raising an eyebrow.

Sighing, Astrid explained "That's what I said, but not the real reason. It's really for me to stay here. To stay here and protect Berk." Looking at Matt, she softly added "To protect my parents."

The lightbulb turned on for Matt. "That's why you were so tough on your recruits! I just thought you were trying to prepare them!"

"I am preparing them!" Astrid quickly defended "It's just…I'm not sure I want to go back to Dragon's Edge. Especially now."

Matt didn't say anything for a moment. Thinking about what she was saying, and also remembering a few conversations he had with her a few months back, he then quietly asked "So, I never really asked this before; since you wanted to think about it for yourself, but why did you want to join the Berk Guard? And don't say because it was your dream. I'm not buying that anymore."

Surprised at the question, she turned to see that he was being very sincere. Thinking about it, she then said "I guess because I wanted to help defend those that couldn't for themselves."

"It sounds like that's still in your heart." Matt suggested, slightly looking down at from Astrid's gaze in a methodical expression "You told me, Hiccup, even Stoick that you weren't going to join the Berk Guard, because you knew you would still protect others anywhere and everywhere. Berk and at the Edge."

"But that's the problem!" Astrid abruptly shouted, obviously frustrated "I can't be everywhere! I can't defend everyone!"

"True, but I actually think you can. In fact, I'm going to say that you're doing it now." Matt kept on saying, looking back at Astrid.

"Ugh, Matt. You're impossible to figure out sometimes you know? How am I defending both here and the Edge?" She breathed out, giving up on trying to follow Matt's reasoning.

"You're putting together a team. You're training others to do what you would do in your place. Am I right? Sure you're doing it so you stay here, but think of what you're actually doing. You're preparing Berk for future events. Future raids. So that little girls don't have to experience the heart break experience of losing a home. Or God- er, Gods forbid losing a parent."

Astrid quickly looked at Matt, seeing his eyes mist a little as he put a careless smile on his face.

"As far as what you should do, I stand by what I told you a few months back. You make that choice only for you. Not for me, not for Hiccup, not-"

"For Stormfly." She finished for him, remembering the first time he told her that.

"Hey! See! You're learning!" Matt laughed, lightly pushing her "You're not a lost cause after all!"

"Shut up Matt." Astrid laughed, punching him square in the shoulder.

"Gaagghh!" Matt groaned, his shoulder going dead "Great. Now I got a bum leg and arm! Keep it up Astrid, soon I won't be able to talk!"

Laughing, Astrid helped guide Matt out of the ruined house. "Come on, I got to prepare tomorrow's training."

Smiling, Matt let her help him, saying "Need help? I know you wanted to do this yourself, but I have no problem helping 'fail' them with you."

"You know what, sure. How about a few demonstrations tomorrow?" She asked, letting Matt limp to Wasatch.

"Sure! Be happy to!" Matt replied with a smile "Come on, let's go…"

As the two dragons took off, their wings created a gust that disturbed all the dead leaves. Had Matt or Astrid been on the ground as the leaves blew around, they would have seen a fresh, lightly pressed boot print in the dirt.


"Not all combat is in the air." Astrid announced, her arms behind her back as an instructor would have them "Today, we're going to practice precision landings." Gesturing to Matt, who was sitting on Wasatch, she then said "Matt kindly volunteered to give you a quick demonstration."

"Or…Stoick can do that." Matt interrupted, staring at the massive Rumblehorn that landed exactly on the painted target.

"Huh. Like that!" Astrid said, impressed with the landing.

"Astrid! We just got a Terrible Terror from Hiccup! Dragon's Edge is under siege by Dagur's fleet." Stoick thundered, his eyes narrowing with anger.

"How many ships?" She asked, gasping at the news.

"At least a dozen." He replied, sitting back in his saddle.

"Don't really like those odds…" Matt growled, situating himself on his saddle. Standing on Wasatch, he then began to strap himself in the snowboard bindings "Chief, I'm coming! My legs' a ton better and I'm sick of being on the sidelines!"

"I need you to come help even out the fight Matt." Stoick answered, turning to him "You and Wasatch."

"Let us come too!" Spitelout yelled, running to Astrid.

"I'm going anyways!" Gustav yelled, his fists curling as he spoke.

Gothi ran behind them, swinging her stick like a club and smiling evilly.

"Absolutly not. You are not ready for combat!" Astrid immediately protested.

"Better listen to her guys. Flying dragons in a battle is completely different than flying them anywhere else." Matt affirmed, letting Wasatch walk next to Stormfly "Trust her on this."

"You will all stay here. That's an order!" Astrid continued to say, looking at the recruits with a stern look.

The group looked devastated, looking at each other with confusion and resentment.

"Let's go." Astrid said, ignoring the angry stares. Launching into the air, she turned to see Matt right behind her, as well as Stoick. "Your leg going to be ok Matt?"

"Pshhhh." Matt blew off, rolling his eyes at the concern "How many times have I fought fights, duels, and battles while my leg was killing me? Countless! And don't even get me started when my back had a hole in it!"

"Right, guess we better be extra careful with you." Astrid teased back, her relaxed smile returning to her face.

"Funny. Real funny Astrid." Matt huffed, shaking his head "I recall you were needing some help when I was still recovering with my back. Remember that cold swim you took? I do!"

"Agh! Had to bring that up?!" she cried out, remembering the time Matt saved her from a watery grave.

"Yeah I brought it up! I still haven't been paid back yet!" Matt rubbed in, smirking at her "That and when I originally saved you and Hiccup!"

"That's enough. Right now, focus on what needs to be done." Stoick interrupted, flying Skull Crusher in between Stormfly and Wasatch.

"Right. You want me to hang back a little? Hit them afar?" Matt asked, turning to face Stoick "Or shower them in lightning?"

"If they have more than a dozen, I'd imagine they're going to be close to each other." Stoick thought methodically "We'll have to call it as we see it. If they are close, feel free to send lighting down all around. If not, focus on the ships closer to the Edge."

"Got it." Matt agreed, nodding with a resolute expression on his face. Checking his hatchets, he made sure they were in a position that would be easy to grab them. One being his survival hatchet, back from home. The other was one that Hiccup made him, designed the same way as his other.

"Astrid. We're going to take the fight right to them." Stoick said, turning to face her "We'll focus on reinforcing the front line. Whatever you do, stop those ships from getting to the dock."

"Got it." Astrid nodded, her hand gripping her axe out of reflex.

While Stoick continued to strategize, Matt couldn't help but think of what the future battle would bring.

"Alright Dagur…" Matt whispered, his eyes narrowing "Let's see if you still remember me and Wasatch..."


A plasma blast exploded on a ship heading straight for the dock. Already Berserkers were charging the many ladders and ramps that led deeper into Dragon's Edge.

Dagur stared in anger as the ship began to sink from the blue explosion. Watching Toothless and Hiccup climb vertically into the sky, he angrily roared "Is that the best you can do Hiccup? 'Cause it's not enough!" Turning to one of his men, he then ordered "Focus all your fire on-"

"Dragons! Approaching from the-" A lookout shouted, only to be cut off by Dagur pushing him overboard and grabbing the telescope the soldier had.

"Two, no, three late guests!" Dagur laughed, seeing Stoick, Astrid, and Matt cruising right at them "Clearly, not aware of party etiquette." Whirling around, he then shouted "Take them down!"

The three broke formation, Matt heading straight up, Stoick diving down and Astrid rolling to the right.

Stoick never slowed from the dive. Urging Skull Crusher to fly faster, he ran into one of the ships. The momentum of the massive dragon was so great, that it never slowed him! He kept on going until he burst through the other side the ship! Almost immediately it began to sink, causing the Berserkers on it to jump off.

Astrid flew by another ship, letting Stormfly send a hail of spine shots at a crew of crossbowmen. All of them took cover, not wanting to be hit with the armor piercing spines.

Matt, seeing one ship make a fast one towards the dock, yelled to Wasatch "How about that one shot you've been practicing? You know, the one that breaks boulders?"

Wasatch roared in excitement. Lighting began to spark on his wings and up and down his spikes along his back. Smiling, the Skrill reared its head back, screeching a terrifying sound. Lightning began to emit from his mouth in a small chaotic bursts. Looking back down, Wasatch sent a single, large lightning bolt that chewed through the deck of the ship at the bow. Cutting through the ship clean, the two watched it sink as it drove itself under the water.

"Eh…7 out of 10." Matt teased, kneeling down on Wasatch.

Wasatch turned his head and glared at Matt, daring him to say it again.

Stoick, seeing the spectacle of the lighting strike, stopped to make sure no other ships were trying to make their way to the docks. Unbeknownst, he parked right above a ship! A heavy net was thrown over him and Skull Crusher, pulling them down onto the deck.

Having been thrown off his saddle, Stoick looked up to see two Berserkers wielding swords. Seeing what happened, Stoick began to chuckle as he stood up. Grabbing his axe through the net, he then said "Heheheh, don't worry boy. This'll only take a minute." Suddenly, a third Berserker appeared behind him, pointing a crossbow at him. "Maybe two." Stoick quickly said, jumping off Skull Crusher to dodge the bolt that was launched at him. Charging the two with swords, Stoick quickly deflected a strike and threw his fist into the Berserker's face with the same speed as a catapulted rock. The Berserker was laid out flat, but the second one was already swinging his sword at Stoick. Blocking it with his axe handle, he felt the third Berserker grab him from behind.

Hiccup, finished strafing a ship and turned to see his dad being wrestled. "Dad!" He shouted "Toothless look out!" Three bolas were thrown, two of which Toothless easily dodged. The third he simply plasma blasted. "Hold on, I'm coming!"

Astrid, seeing Dagur's ship open, went straight for it. Flying over it, Stormfly let out another hail of spines, causing the Berserkers to hit the deck.

Dagur, using a shield to protect himself, whirled around to see her begin to fly away. Angry, he ran to a chain launcher and grabbed the entire thing! Aiming the launcher, he shot out the chain strapped bolas and lashed them around Stormfly's legs.

"No!" Astrid cried out, turning around to see what happened.

Dagur laughed maniacally as two of his men began to heave the chain backwards, pulling Stormfly to the ship.

Astrid, letting her anger fuel her already hot temper, roared loudly as she jumped off of Stormfly and slid down on the chain while raising her axe.

Matt watching what was happening, yelled "Holy crap! She just grinded that like nothing!" Looking down at Wasatch, he shouted "Let's go help 'em out! Come on bud!"

Astrid finished sliding down the chain, jumping off just before Dagur swung his axe. Dodging the strike, she then, swung her axe at his stomach, causing him and the men holding the chain to jump back. The chain loosened and Stormfly crashed into the water as the slack in the chain allowed it to slip off her legs.

"No!" Matt shouted, urging Wasatch to fly faster. Grabbing the hatchet on his right side, he quickly launched off of Wasatch to help Astrid. Landing on the railing of the ship, he pushed off of it while hurling the hatchet at one of the men about to turn on Astrid. The throw was true, as it stuck into the metal helmet of the Berserker, knocking him flat on his stomach. Grabbing his survival hatchet, he was about to focus on the second Berserker, only to see a shadow move behind him. Lunging forward, he could feel the whiff of a blade slice at his vest. Whirling around in a defensive stance, he saw a person that took his breath away. Darien.

"Hello Matt! Didn't bring the hot chocolate again?" She teased, readying her sword to fight him. Wearing a grey chest plate similar to Dagur's, she also wore grey leather strapped boots that went up to her knees. She had brown leather pants and a single arm guard on her right arm; her sword arm. Her reddish blonde hair, usually in a ponytail, had a single braid on the side, and was a little messy.

"You witch! I'll kill you!" Matt shouted, tossing the hatchet from his left into right left. The shock factor didn't last long, as it was overwhelmed by a raging fury and hatred.

"Tch, tch, tch, tch…" She clicked with her tongue "Not really a great way to start a first date, Matt. Is that why Heather left you?"

Charging her, he roared angrily "Let me try again; how about my hot blood? Will that do?!" Swinging his hatchet violently down, he crashed it into her chest plate. Grabbing her sword arm, he stopped her from swiping at him. Trying to pull his hatchet out, he knew he didn't pierce it, as she kept on fighting back. Her free hand then reached up and began to push back on his face, trying to get him away from her. The two struggled; Darien trying to get her sword arm free from his grasp, and Matt trying to pull the hatchet out of the metal chest plate.

"Ugh!" She grunted, trying to push Matt off "Heather's gonna be disappointed when she learns we're dating!"

"We're not dating!" He roared, his blood pumping that she was dragging Heather into their fight. At that, he kept on jerking on his hatchet, feeling it slowly come out with each tug.

Astrid at this point, locked Dagur's axe against hers. He was laughing at her, teasing and edging her on. Gritting her teeth, she pushed off of him. Raising her axe, she began to slice at him. This way and that, she kept the onslaught of strikes, forcing him to back up with every stroke. Raising the axe over her head, she was about to bring it down on top of him when a Berserker grabbed the axe out of her hands. Staring at her empty hands in surprise, she felt her arms grabbed by the brute of a Berserker, and held firmly behind her back. Struggling to get free, she shouted "Gagh! No! Let go!"

Dagur just giggled, his eyes narrowing and expression turning dark. Raising his axe over his head, he took a single step towards Astrid. Her face was that of anger and desperation, trying to escape the firm grasp that held her. If she couldn't, death was certain.

Pausing for only a split second to relish in the fact he was going to end Astrid right there, Dagur then brought the axe down.

"Yeeeaaaaggghhh!" A voice yelled, accompanied with a fire blast that melted the axe head mid swing.

"What!?" Dagur screamed, staring at the axe handle. Looking up, he stared at Gustav riding Fanghook.

"Element of surprise. Key to any battle!" He laughed, grinning at the bewildered Dagur.

At that, Gothi, Spitelout, and Bucket and Mulch flew into view.

"More dragon riders!? That's cheating!" Dagur screamed, stomping his foot down on the deck.

"Yes!" Astrid shouted, excited at the change in the momentum. Swinging her head back, she bashed the Berserker's nose.

"D'ooh…" He groaned, letting go to try and caress the pain in his face.

Feeling let go, she instantly used her captors shoulder to boost herself up. Pushing off into the air, Fanghook grabbed her, taking her off the ship and flying her alongside Stormfly.

Matt, seeing what happened, knew he had only seconds to get off the ship before Dagur would be helping Darien. Glaring at her, he then yelled "Heh, you know, Astrid gave me a pretty good idea!"

Confused at what he was saying, Darien suddenly had her world rocked as Matt head butted her in the forehead. Dazed, she collapsed on the deck.

Grunting, Matt shook his head, trying to recover from the head-ache he just acquired. Focusing the best he could, he gripped the stuck hatchet and yanked it out the of the chest plate. Pulling it free, he then growled as he ran to the edge of the ship and slid the hatchet into his strap "Next time, count on me gutting you clean!" At that, he launched off of the railing and dove into the water, since Wasatch wasn't anywhere near him.

Swimming as fast as he could, he saw Toothless blast the Berserker holding Stoick hostage. They did it! Barely, but they did it! They turned the Battle of the Edge! Focusing on the ship Hiccup and Stoick were on, Matt felt himself jolted out of the water. Looking around, he was relieved to see Wasatch had grabbed him. "Hey better late than never!" He laughed, relaxing a little. Wasatch then climbed higher into the air, doing a back flip. Tossing Matt from his claws, he then hovered in one place and let him land on his neck.

"Oof!" Matt grunted, landing roughly on the Skrill. "Alright boy, let's help them clean up this mess!"

Wasatch roared loudly, diving down at a ship. Smiling, Matt watched as the rest of the dragon riders began to clean house as well. Berserkers being thrown into the water, ships exploding, and smoke filling the air. Relishing in the victory, the thought of Darien flashed across his mind. He was so close, but he couldn't pull it off. He was almost able to finish her; end the nightmare. It probably would have let Heather return.

"Gah! Why didn't I swing harder?!" he yelled, staring into nothing. Not even noticing Wasatch sending a hail of lightning bolts at a ship, he just kept on thinking of what could have been.


All around the small arena; Matt, along with Hiccup, Stoick, and the rest of the riders, watched Astrid as she paced back and forth in front of the new recruits that were all lined up and ready to be disciplined.

"Hope she's not too rough on 'em." Matt whispered to Hiccup, leaning closer to him.

"I guess we'll find out." Hiccup whispered, turning to face him. Looking at Matt, Hiccup quickly frowned. Shaking his head, he then lightly tapped his own forehead, as if signaling at something.

Confused, Matt lifted his hand and pressed it against his forehead. He felt something moist. Pulling it back, he stared at a little blood that highlighted his fingerprints. "Must have been when I head butted Darien." He whispered. "I'm fine. Don't feel a thing. At least, now I don't."

Hiccup just frowned, returning his attention to Astrid's lecture.

"Whose idea was this little mutiny?" She asked, staring at each recruit.

"Mine." Gustav called out, dropping and starting to do pushups.

"Nope, mine." Spitelout said, also dropping and doing some pushups.

And so each recruit confessed to being the mastermind. And starting to do pushups.

"Okay, everybody get up!" Astrid ordered, walking up to them.

As they all stood up, she continued to say "What you did was dangerous, foolish and completely not what you were trained to do."

The recruits looked down, knowing she was telling the truth.

"But it was also brave. And you worked together as a team. I couldn't be more proud to call you fellow dragon riders." She quickly followed up with, folding her arms and smiling at them proudly.

The recruits shouted in joy, happy that they finally achieved the title of dragon rider.

"Gustav, as the most experience rider, I'm putting you in charge of the Dragon Rider's Auxiliary." Astrid continued to instruct "I'll be staying here. On Dragon's Edge. After all, I can't protect Berk all by myself every second of every day." Walking up to them closer, she added "And you guys proved you're ready for the job."

Matt smiled as the recruits continued to listen to Astrid. Looking nowhere specifically, he remembered the time when he felt like he was welcomed into Hiccup's group of friends. Trusted with the secret knowledge of training dragons. He felt the proud feeling emitting from the recruits, a rare feeling indeed.

As the recruits launched into the air, Snotlout walked up to Astrid and leaned against her shoulder. "They grow up so fast don't they?" He asked, smiling at her.

Frowning, she quickly grabbed his arm and threw him onto the ground.

"Gah!" he groaned "Your welcome!"

Shaking her head, Astrid just smiled as Hiccup and Matt walked up to her. Facing them, she just nodded in satisfaction. Turning, all three looked up to stare at the departing riders, happy the day ended the way it did.