*Hangs head in shame* I'm terrible guys. Simply terrible. I really hoped this would be the last chapter, but I didn't have enough time. Though, you all have waited long enough. I hope you enjoy!
—
Fishlegs twiddled his thumbs. He waited until his parents slipped the chains over their necks, and without question, thankfully. He gulped and went outside, leaving the door wide open.
When Rose's tail came into view, the Ingerman's were startled.
"Mom, Dad, this is Rosethorn."
Mama Ingerman rose a hand to stifle her gasp. But as soon as her breath left her lips, her legs gave out beneath her, and she fainted.
His father stood suddenly, and made a clatter. He helped his woozy wife off the floor and then stared at his son. His voice was soft, but indignation was scrawled all over his face.
"What's the meaning of this?"
The teen trembled, terrified of his father, even if the man seemed calm.
"I—I—I—uh—uh…" He stuttered.
Rose reached back and touched his hand in reassurance. That was enough to give him strength.
He breathed deep and met his father's gaze. "According to Hiccup, Dagur is coming back with a hunter. Someone that will take care of the mermaids so he can invade." He swallowed. "I care a lot about Rose, and I don't want anything to happen to her. So…I thought she'd be safer here, with us."
His mother had recovered, and she sat at the table. "How did you happen about her?" She asked curiously, if not a bit worried.
Rose spoke, "He saved me. I was washed ashore after Dagur's first attack, and trapped. Fishlegs found me, and helped me back to the water."
Mama Ingerman was rather proud at that moment, knowing that her child would see value in a life and save it.
Fishlegs continued, "After I saved her, she thanked me and introduced herself…then we began talking, and that's that." He nodded.
Papa Ingerman slowly sat down, taking in all this information. "So, how long are you going to have her stay?"
Fishlegs smiled minutely, seeing the agreement unfolding. "Not long, just until the threat is passed. Besides, I don't want to keep her from the water too long."
The Ingermans looked at each other, having a silent conversation. Finally, Fishlegs' mother sighed. "Come on in and close the door. Dinner is almost ready."
Fishlegs and Rose smiled warmly at each other.
—
A dragon, two mermaids, a young woman, and a Viking chief, all assembled in the Haddock home. One would think a combination like that would be the cause of nervousness and awkward tension, but contrariwise, the room was alive with merriment and love. Astrid leaned against her companion, her arm snugly around his waist as her head rested on his shoulder.
"And then," stated Stoick, "he says, 'fine, don't believe me. But you will...when it's too late.' I swear Dagur lost all the color in his face."
Valka laughed jovially. "Oh, I didn't know our son would be so dramatic!"
"I thought it was going to work," admitted Hiccup, "but I didn't account for Viking pride."
"Aye lad, that's something to consider for sure."
"He came back because Hiccup had embarrassed him, not for the mermaids." Astrid acknowledged.
Hiccup snorted. "He was absolutely terrified, no doubt he regretted not listening to me. We wiped out that entire army."
Stoick was concerned about his son's seemingly casual regard to the death of several hundred men. Even if they were the enemy, they were still human lives. He narrowed his eyes at his son. "How do you feel about that?"
Hiccup glanced down, a look of shame fleeting across his face. "I mean, I'm glad I could save everyone…" He began.
"But you wish there was another way," Stoick finished.
Hiccup sighed, "yeah."
"I don't blame you. We are all very grateful what you did for us, don't you fret. But I'm glad that you feel bad about it," he admitted.
"You are?"
"Yes, because it shows your humanity. You spent all those years with the mermaids, and I didn't want that to change you."
"They didn't change me, per say. But I was influenced by them."
"Oh?"
Hiccup nodded. "Family was huge with them, even bigger then it is here."
"Oh, is that why you kissed Gobber and I?" Stoick asked.
Hiccup blinked. "Ah, no. Actually, that was to protect you from the call over the water."
"Okay!" Astrid shouted, pulling away from Hiccup. "Please, please explain what you mean when you say that! You, Cami, and Heather— you've all talked about 'the water' like it's some sort of sentient being. What do you mean?"
Hiccup furrowed his brow. "you're right, I should have explained it. The thing is, I don't really know how…" He bit his tongue. "It's like—…well, it's a voice, but…" He looked to Valka. "How would you explain it?"
She thought for a moment. "A sentient being would be a good description. The Water…is an entity in the form of…well, water."
"Okay…"
"She's sort of like the queen," elaborated Hiccup. "She dictates what goes on in the ocean, but she's kind of hands off."
"She? The water has a gender?" Astrid cocked an eyebrow.
"The Water takes form as a woman sometimes, when she has to speak."
Stoick folded his hands in front of his face and furrowed his brow.
"So, did she know about Dagur?" Astrid asked.
"Most likely."
"Then…can't we get her help?"
Hiccup shook his head. "She's not like a god. She can't control the waves and cause a storm. And she definitely won't put her people into danger."
"Okay…" Astrid nodded slowly. "So, then what does 'silencing the water' mean? I'm just a little confused."
Valka answered. "The Water takes care of her people, it's like…a lure for prey, but also a defense mechanism."
"Then if Drago is a successful hunter, he must have figured out a way to block it out," Hiccup mused.
"Maybe even reverse it…"
Hiccup and his mother looked at each other. "Can that happen?"
"I don't know, but it may be possible."
"So what are we going to do?" Asked Stoick. "We need a plan."
At that moment, there was a loud bang from the roof. The house shook and dust rained from the ceiling.
"What was that?" The man of the house questioned.
Valka smiled, "I know. Darling, can you take me outside?"
Hiccup perked up as he figured out what she was saying. He reached for his wheelchair. Astrid brought it over, seeing his eagerness.
Stoick scooped up his wife, and warily went outside, Hiccup and Astrid on his heels. Looking around, there seemed to be nothing notable, but then he looked to his house and froze.
A dragon, huge, and owl like in nature, sat on his roof, and looked down at them.
"There he is!" Valka cooed, reaching for the dragon. "There's my Cloudjumper!"
The huge Stormcutter dragon glided down from the roof and sat next to the viking chief. They evaluated each other while Valka scratched the mane of her pet.
"Wow! He's so cool!" spoke Hiccup in awe. "His name is Cloudjumper?"
"Yes, a Stormcutter, and one of the most fierce dragons in the archipelago. Except when he's with me, then he's a big softy."
"Like Toothless." The merman added, patting the Nightfury on the side.
Stoick eased his wife onto the back of the great beast, and held out his hand. The Stormcutter clicked his nose, and blinked his huge owlish eyes at the man. With a slight tilt, he brushed the appendage, showing full trust in the man.
Stoick smiled, "these dragons are amazing creatures." He swallowed and watched as his wife hugged the reptile around the neck. "How wrong I've been all these years." He lamented.
It was then that horns and drums echoed over the horizon.
"No...not now!" Gasped the chief.
Hiccup grabbed the reigns dangling from Toothless and pulled himself up. "Mom, can you fly out and scout out what we're up against?"
She nodded.
Stoick grabbed her hand. "Let me come with you Val, I put Spitelout in charge of the ground defense. I need to lead."
She smiled at him. "Alright." Cloudjumper guided down his wing and allowed the man to board.
"Meet at the town square, stay out of sight!" Hiccup commanded.
His parents nodded once and the Stormcutter was off.
"What about us?" Asked Astrid.
He held out his hand and helped her climb up on Toothless. "We're going to gather those that have dragons."
—
After they had gathered in the square, Cloudjumper landed in the middle.
"Only one ship, there's a small arsenal a way back, but if we eradicate the main ship, they will retreat."
"Just one ship?" Scoffed Snotlout from his Monstrous Nightmare. "Me and Hookfang could take that out in one blast!"
Stoick scowled. "It's not just a ship. It's the central hub of the army. It's equivalent to the size of our Grand Hall, tall iron walls, armed to the teeth with swords and nets. You really want to go against it alone? Or do you want to be the decoy?"
Snotlout held his hands up in surrender. "I'm good."
"Drago doesn't know that the mermaids are gone. He's baiting to catch them first before the army can attack." Hiccup explained.
"The tall iron sides would keep the mermaids from fighting back." Fishlegs added.
"I sensed some of us down in the hull," added Valka. "We need to get them out."
"Alright," Stoick stated, looking out to the horizon. "Those of us with legs need to land on board and fight. There's plenty to do, plenty to destroy." He looked to each teen. "Fishlegs, take out bolas. Ruff, Tuff, be loud and cause chaos. I am giving you permission to destroy everything. Just make sure not to hurt any of us."
The twins cheered and smacked their helmets together.
"Astrid, you're on stealth. You need to find a way down the the hull and free whatever's down there. If you can find what's powering the ship and take it out, that would be a bonus. Snotlout, you are to cover her."
Astrid nodded while Snoutlout saluted.
"What about us?" Asked Hiccup.
Stoick frowned, gripping his wife's shoulder. "You and your mother are targets. He specializes in catching mermaids. I'd like to think that having dragons would make a difference, but I'm not willing to risk it."
"But—!"
"I know you're different, and I know Toothless is powerful, but I—" His final words went unsaid, but it was understood. He sighed. "Just do as I ask."
Hiccup agreed, nodding resigned.
"Val, I need you to keep back and scout. Take care of those of us that fall off, and make sure the ships in the distance stay there." Then he looked to his son. "You have the most powerful dragon, I need Toothless to blast the ship from the side. Blow it to bits."
"Okay."
—
Fishlegs hurried back up to his house where Rose was waiting on the porch with his parents.
"What's going on?" His mother asked.
"Drago is here," he answered. "I have to go."
"I'm coming too." His father stated firmly.
"Spitelout needs you here on land on the defensive, in case anyone gets to shore."
"You aren't going out there alone!" Scolded mama Ingerman.
"I've got a Gronkle to protect me. I'll be fine."
"Fishlegs?" Rose spoke quietly.
He reached out and took her hand. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."
—
The team flew out to sea above the clouds. Cloudjumper and Toothless were in the lead.
"Alright, when we get up to the ship, Val's going to drop me off. At that moment, I need all of you on deck, fighting. Astrid, wait for an opening and stay out of sight!"
Hiccup listened intently to his father's plans, but struggled knowing that he wasn't going to be in the fight. If everyone else was putting their lives on the line, why couldn't he?
Hello!
Hiccup's attention instantly shifted. He could hear a voice calling over the sky. It was strangely familiar, but unlike anything he heard before.
Hello!
He looked over to his mother who was intently scanning the horizon.
"Do you hear it too?"
Help me!
"Yes!" She shouted back. "It sounds like a mermaid!"
I'm here! Come here!
"It sounds like one of the one's caught by Drago!"
Help me! Help me, please!
Without intending to, Valka began to dive down, under the clouds. "Val, stop!" Stoick called.
At that instant, a bola sang through the air, right at the Stormcutter. It hit it's target, and tangled in his wings, making him fall from the sky. Both Astrid and Hiccup acted immediately and dived after, Toothless snatching Valka from the saddle and Stormfly setting a spine into the ropes. Stoick leapt from the beast and caught hold of the horns of the Nadder.
"It's a trick!" Hiccup shouted to his mother. "Drago's using some sort of call to lure us in!"
"Stay back!" commanded Stoick. "Change of plans! Val, Hiccup, circle the ship, but stay away. We'll call you in once we take out whatever is making that sound."
Valka and Hiccup looked at each other and agreed resigned.
Hiccup watched as this family and friends descended on the ship. There was so much to watch, too much to follow, that it all became a blur in an instant. As he departed into the wind, he prayed with everything within him, that they would be safe.
—
Stormfly dropped to the ship first, Stoick's feet hitting the deck and bounding into action. There was no time for chit-chat, only fighting. The Nadder swung her tail and knocked down two guards, as Snotlout and Hookfang landed nearby. Astrid scanned the ship looking for the cabins, or a way to get down into the ship. The twins were circling the ship, lighting various weapons and supplies on fire. Now was the perfect time for her to slip into the background. She darted behind a stack of boxes, staying out of sight of the crew. Stormfly squawked and sent an array of spines into the fray. She stormed off to cover her rider.
Astrid found the hatch, which would lead down to the hold. She just needed to get down there. When the path was clear, she broke into a sprint, narrowly dodging stray arrows and friendly fire. She tucked and rolled, landing safely within the confines of the ship, just a few steps below deck. Listening, she heard the fighting continue without interruption. She hadn't been spotted.
Now that she was out of the battle, she had to focus on the task at hand. That didn't mean she was out of danger though. Who knew what lurked in the bowels of the madman's ship? Still, looking down the halls, she saw nothing but utter darkness. She was a viking, and would not be scared. The chief and Hiccup were counting on her, so she gripped the axe tighter and booked it into the unknown.
The deeper she travelled, the darker and quieter it became. There seemed to be no sign of life. The sounds of the battle seemed to be replaced with the crunch of gears and machines. She opened every door she came to, searching for something. Either the hostages, or something to change the tides of war.
Gold. Hundreds of pounds of it. That's what she found. Her heart sunk as she realized that Drago had been successful in his hunt and had done dirty deals.
"Help!" The echoing cry of a young woman bellowed from down below. "Somebody please!"
Astrid seized her axe from her shoulder, and continued down into the ship.
A iron door sat at the end of a hall, a grate cut out of the front.
"Help!" The mermaid called again.
"Let it rest." Another maid spoke. "Our sisters cannot hear us. Even if they could, they would only get trapped.
Astrid took her axe and wedged the blade in the crease of the hinge, then she pulled up and unbolted it. She stepped aside and the door fell with a clang. Peering inside, she could see about a dozen mermaids, all hanging from chains on their wrists. Their tales were dipped in water, just enough to keep from drying out. When she entered, about half of them hissed and growled, baring teeth. The other half seemed to not care.
"Don't worry." She coaxed, her hands raised in surrender. "We're going to get you out of here."
"And how, pray tell, are you going to do that?" A red head snapped.
Astrid glanced at the thick iron walls, and the daunting chains that held them prisoner. The mermaid had a point.
—
Even before he touched down on deck, Stoick was screaming in rage. He leapt from the Nadder's side and raised his hammer. A swarm of guards came at him, drawn by his battle cry. But the huge viking plowed through them all, easily, knocking them to and fro. The chief was focused on finding Drago, and as he waded through the ship, his eyes darted around for the captain of the hell ship.
Then he spotted him. A great man, covered in armor with a spear at his side. Grizzly dreads falling over his shoulder, and his face, hideously refigured by scars, curled into a sneer. He stood above the fight, looking down like a hawk at the chief.
Incited by anger, Stoick charged at the man. The final battle began.
—