Viggo was way better than Astrid expected. She stroke furiously, her axe above her head, but her blow was blocked once again by the man's sword. She yelled, shouted insults, but Viggo stayed calmed and didn't even seem to be trying at all.

''With a predictable attack comes a predictable comeback, dear.'' Viggo purred, hitting her in the guts with his free fist, sending her flying backwards, landing on her back on the ground inside the tent. Viggo approached her and kneeled down beside her. ''You have a lot to learn, girl. Even your one-legged friend is better than that,''

At the mention of Hiccup, Astrid punched the man in the face, giving herself the chance to get to her feet while he held his lower jaw. Viggo smiled at her once she was up, taking good grip of his sword.

''Fierce and aggressive...'' he chuckled, swinging his blade at her, but was avoided by her axe, held in front of her face. ''You're not a match for me...'' He swooshed his weapon upwards, Astrid's following his, leaving her middle exposed, he kicked her in the abdomen, sending her collapsing on the ground once again, but this time, her axe didn't land close to her. She was completely defenceless. Viggo had a sword, which was a huge advantage in a fight...

Astrid looked up at Viggo, who smiled in satisfaction, and from behind him, two men came in, grabbing her by her forearms and dragged her out, who-knows-where.

''NO! Let me go!'' she shouted, fighting to get free, kicking and attempting to punch them even though her fists couldn't reach any of the two guards' faces. ''Let go of me!''

''Spicy one isn't she?'' one said, chuckling at his mate. ''I like it!''

''You're gonna be sorry! You're messing with the wrong Viking!'' Astrid yelled back at Viggo, trying to turn around to meet his gaze.

''Oh, don't despair, dear...'' Viggo purred, sheathing his sword back. ''By the time you get back to your sick friend, it'll be too late... Even though you do get the cure.''

But Astrid couldn't say another word for she was now to far from the man and was forced to walk forward.

...

Surely this couldn't be the end of their mission, could it? The rest of the team had seen absolutely everything, and couldn't believe what they were seeing as they hovered there, above their friend and enemy, hidden in the night sky.

There wasn't much they could do... They were outnumbered, and their temporary leader had been captured. Who else was there now to follow?

Only one option was left.

Let Hiccup know.

...

The gang were on their way back to Dragon's Edge after they knew that whatever they did, they wouldn't win. It was kind of depressing, for it's not every day your leader is poisoned and probably dying, failed an important mission, and got a teammate captured...

How would they tell that to Hiccup? Tell him Astrid is between Viggo's clutches at the moment they spoke? Surely he would go after her. And in his condition? Might get worst in the process... or maybe even...

Let's not think about that.

Towards the island they flew, Stormfly following even though knowing she was leaving her rider behind. But she was a reasonable dragon. She understood it was for the best right now. Until they found out the plan to save her.

Announcing the news to Hiccup wouldn't be easy. But they would have to sooner or later.

The dragons landed in front of Hiccup's hut, and the door opened the moment they dismounted, a confused look on their friend's face.

''Back already?'' he asked, but none answered, simply lowered their heads. ''What's going on? Where's Astrid?''

They all tried to avoid eye contact, turning their gaze elsewhere.

''Guys, what happened?'' he demanded. ''Where's Astrid?'' He had noticed she wasn't with them, and awful thoughts came to his mind.

There was a moment of silence and then Snotlout spoke.

''She was taken.'' he answered him, emotionless, but feeling guilty deep down just like everyone else.

Hiccup felt like he was losing balance for a moment, almost stumbling backwards, and you couldn't quite tell what he was thinking or if he was thinking at all.

''No...'' he exhaled, backing down, looking at each of them, scared, his heart suddenly feeling quite heavy. ''No, she-she can't be—''

''When she went searching for the cure, Viggo got hold of her, and that's the last we saw of her...'' Fishlegs informed, hopefully giving Hiccup an idea for a plan.

''The cure...'' Hiccup breathed out, thinking about what all this was really about. ''She was captured because... because of me?'' he said, talking to no one in particular. ''This is all my fault...'' He breathed heavily, closing his eyes, pulling himself back together to figure out a plan. He wouldn't be going anywhere, distressed like that. ''I'm getting her back...''

''Uh, how?'' Tuffnut asked, confused.

''We're outnumbered, we don't stand a chance against Viggo and his men.'' Fishlegs pointed out.

''Oh nonono... You're not coming with me.'' Hiccup informed, shocking them for a second. ''I'm not putting anymore lives at peril. I caused this. It's my mess, so it's up to me to clean it up.''

''But—''

''You will all stay here. That is an order.'' Despite his state and knowing he might fail, Hiccup saddled Toothless up, put all the material he might need in his satchel and walked up to the stables. He took one last look at his wound, the dark purple veins gaining more of him every passing minute. Now that it reached down his ribs, the pain from that section of his body made him walk limply. Every step seemed painful, and it was. But it wouldn't stop him from going after Viggo... after Astrid. After all she had done for him; it was time for him to return the favor. The favors.

Hiccup entered the stables, where Dagur was still kept in, unvisited since Astrid.

''Well... Didn't think you would be paying me a little visit anytime soon,'' Dagur spoke, advancing forward, closer to Hiccup standing in front of his cell. He could tell something happened or his brother wouldn't be out here, but in bed, resting, trying to recover.

''I wasn't...'' Hiccup replied, Toothless by his side, growling warningly at Dagur. Hiccup patted him gently, letting him know he'll be alright. ''I need your help.''

''My help?'' Dagur asked, confused. ''Now you're gonna trust me?''

''No. Of course I'm not. You're gonna trust me.''

Dagur raised his head, narrowing his eyes, wondering what exactly he was up to.

''Is this some kind of trick about testing me on what side I'm on now?''

''You think I would be playing a game when Astrid's life is on the line? Hear me out. This is a favor I'm asking you. You've been on that island longer than I have. Perhaps you can help me find her.''

''And what do I get in return..?''

''That's up to you.''

Thanks 1 Fan.

I know this isn't my best story ever. I'm not putting all my energy on this, so... yeah. I promise I'll work harder on the next stories to come. ;)