Chapter 1: The Plan
Inside the mead hall a group of almost 30 Vikings were gathered around a large wooden table. Spread out on the table was a map of the known regions of the archipelago. A little over half the Vikings consisted of Hooligan tribe and the remaining number were the Outcasts.
Staring intently at the map and focused on one island in particular was the largest man in the entire room. Stoick the Vast, chief of the Hooligan tribe and a Viking known throughout the entire waters of the archipelago for his strength and leadership. With his massive size and wild red beard he embodied the epitome of what it meant to be a Viking. He wore a green tunic with a cape of yak fur draped across his back, a metal helmet with great horns jutting from the right and left side, and studded leather cuffs and a belt with a dragon insignia inscribed on it. With a deep sigh he looked up from the map at the Viking standing across the large table from him.
"Are you certain Alvin? Are you really certain that Dagur is here on this island?" Stoick asked gesturing to an island on the map with his massive forefinger.
"For the last time Stoick. I'm positive that he's there. My scouts have confirmed his location multiple times already" Said the man in annoyance. Alvin the Treacherous was a man with a stature that rivaled even Stoicks. He was broader than Stoick but a little shorter and he had a horned helmet, with spiked metal shoulder pads, a wild beard of brown hair, with chainmail covering his entire torso, and leather wristbands one with spikes and one with studs.
Looming over the map with his head down once more Stoick continued to stare at the island. This war had gone on long enough and though the Hooligans had hardly lost any of its members due in thanks to the dragons it was cutting into resources. For the sake of his people Stoick needed this war to end and for the plan the alliance had formulated to work Dagur needed to be on that island.
"I know Alvin. It just—For this plan to be successful we need Dagur to be here."
At that a young Viking to Stoicks right reached out and placed an arm on his shoulder to get his attention. "It true dad, Gustav Larson has confirmed to seeing Dagur on that island he's definitely there" the young man said.
Stoick glanced down to his right into the green eyes of his son. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III had come a long way from the boy he once was. In the four years since the peace with the dragons he grown both physically and mentally. His brown hair was longer and shaggy with two braids on tied at the back. He sported a light stubble on his chin. He was taller now, standing at an impressive 6'1 and had grown quite muscular from his time in the forge and riding dragons. Of course he would forever be small and scrawny in comparison to his gigantic tribesman, but he walked with an air of confidence that made other Viking see him as a man of equal size. His torso was covered in black leather armor with the one his left should was a large black shoulder pad with a red Viking skull adorned on it. On a strap connecting the right shoulder pad was the insignia of the Hooligan tribe to show his allegiance. His forearms were of a red leather and on his left one was a dagger. His right leg had leather strap that ran down and tucked into his boot. The left leg had a metal prosthetic just below the shin. The prosthetic was a design of his own creation that he had made and continuously upgraded after losing his leg in the battle with the red death.
"Don't worry dad this plan will work and we'll finally put an end to this war" he said with a determination written all over his face.
Stoick had never been more proud of his son. The young man had grown into someone he could trust wholeheartedly with the safety of Berk. He was intelligent, brave, and compassionate, with a brilliant strategic mind. Yes one day Hiccup would make a fine chief one who would surpass all his predecessors. Stoick was sure of that.
"Ok son." Stoick took a deep breath and rose to his full height. Taking a sweep of the room to make sure he had everyone's attention he spoke. "Now let's go over the plan one more time. We take five Hooligan ships and ten Outcast ships with our men and surround the island to ensure Dagur can't escape by ship."
Hiccup step up and spoke the next part of the plan "Then the riders will swoop in and burn the ship that are ashore. Then we capture Dagur, bring him to Berk, and force him to call off this stupid war."
"Right son" Stoick said turning his head toward his son and nodding. "Is everyone clear on the plan? Anyone object?" Stoick said surveying the room to see if anyone had anything to input.
When he saw no one move to say anything he put his hands on his hips, "Ok good." Turning to Alvin he said "Alvin get your men and get to your ships" he paused and turned to face his own people before continuing "HOOLIGANS. Get your weapons ready and head to the ships. And son." He added before turning to face Hiccup, "Assemble 10 riders and tell them to saddle up. We're going to end this."
Hiccup nodded before dashing out of the hall. Exiting the giant doors to the hall he saw his trusted companion lightly dozing in the light of the setting sun. A smile crept to his face as he approached his scaly best friend. The dragon, like Hiccup, had grown in the last few years. He gained an additional four feet of length and he now sported an impressive 52 foot wingspan. Hiccup had also improved the dragon's saddle and prosthetic tail fin allowing them to increase their speed even more over the years. Upon hearing his approach the black dragon's eyes opened and turned his yellow-green eyes to Hiccup. The dragon quickly rose to his feet before bounding over to meet his rider and bumping his snout into his chest and warbling in greeting.
Hiccup scratched the dragon under the chin earning a rumbling purr in response. "I know bud that took longer than expected. But right now we gotta go to the academy and tell the other to get ready." Toothless nodded and lowered himself slightly while Hiccup moved to the dragon's side before mounting and clicking his prosthetic into the stirrup. "Let's go bud," Hiccup said while patting the black dragon on the head.
Toothless nodded in agreement before crouching, spreading his wings, and taking to the sky. Hiccup adjusted the tailfin to level Toothless out before turning him in direction of the academy
At the dragon academy the riders were patiently waiting for Hiccup to return give them an update on what was happening. Along with the original five riders present the academy had grown to include 15 more riders.
Snotlout was sitting against his partner Hookfang wondering what was going to happen. Snotlout had changed little over the years. He was now the shortest of his friends and had a light stubble long his chin and upper lip. Being the shortest didn't seem to anything to hurt his arrogance though for he had pride to spare. He was still cocky and boastful but he had matured a little and put the village's safety above everything else. He wore a jacket of black fur with a leather belt inscribed with symbol of the Jorgenson clan. On his head was a metal helmet with ram horns on both sides.
To his left was the biggest and most intelligent of the riders, Fishlegs, with his dragon Meatlug. The large Viking was recognized as the top authority on dragon (after Hiccup of course) and keeper of the Book of Dragons. He was now the head teacher when it came to the more educational activities in the academy. The walking dragon encyclopedia had grown even bigger than when he was younger. He was still chubby but his arms and body were also packed with solid muscle. His helmet was ridiculously small on his head with tiny horns jutting from both sides. He wore a fur shirt of light brown fur with a cape of darker shade hanging from his shoulders and going down his back. He was lovingly scratching his partner's head and speaking in a baby voice to her telling her how pretty she was and how much he loved her eyes.
To the left of Fishlegs were the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. They were currently arguing about who knows what and getting into each other's face while throwing punches and kicks while their respective dragon heads just watched apathetically (they were very used to their riders constant quarrels and learned it was best let them fight it out). Tuffnut had grown taller over the years and had styled his hair into dreadlock that rand down the front and back of his head. He wore a vest of dark fur with studded leather armband that ran the length of his wrist to his just below his elbows. He also wore studded boots with spiked knee pads. His helmet had a series of spikes going down its middle with two sets of horn on both sides. His sister had also grown and had a slender frame and face. She wore a dark tunic with a fur vest of a light brown shade. Her blond hair was tied in two ponytails that extended the length of her body and reached down to waist. She sported a helmet similar to her brother but with a smaller set of horns. The twins had hardly changed over the years. They still loved destruction and would often pull pranks at the expense of the villagers while they just watched on and laughed.
Lastly there was Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup's lieutenant and lover for a little over three years. She was currently standing and scratching her Deadly Nadder, Stormfly, under the chin while they waited for Hiccup to arrive. Like her friends Astrid had grown taller over the years. Her face had matured and lost all of its baby fat and her body was now full figured. Her hair had gotten longer and was tied in a single braid that ran down her left side of her head and came over her shoulder and reached to just above her ribcage. She was relatively small for a shieldmaiden but her skill made her one of the fiercest and toughest Vikings of her generation. Her outfit had changed to a red form fitting shirt with fingerless fur gloves that extended up to her elbow. She wore a spiked skirt with a belt of skulls over blue legging which tucked into fur boots. She still wore her studded metal shoulder pad that she had as a kid and draped over them was a beige colored fur cape than went down to her mid back.
In the beginning days of the academy Astrid kept her relationship with Hiccup fairly platonic. She wasn't in any urge to rush into a relationship with the savior of the village for concern that her intention may have been seen as an attempt to climb the social ladder. Plus she still hadn't full come to terms with what she felt for the young hero. After years of seeing him as nothing but a nuisance she couldn't accept that she could just fall head over heels in love with him at the drop of a yak. Plus head over heels was not the Astrid way. But after spending time with Hiccup and watching his cunning, bravery, and compassion for dragon and human alike and countlessly saving the village from danger her feeling started to blossom. She finally saw Hiccup for who he truly was an awkward, intelligent, brave, and adorable Viking. A strange Viking without a doubt, but a Viking in his own right. And his recent growth spurt also hadn't hurt either.
Suddenly a familiar roar drew all the riders' attention and as they looked up they saw the infamous duo approach and come in the gateway and into the academy.
After dismounting Toothless Hiccup approached his friends and prepared to tell them the situation. The main riders all dropped what they were doing and approached Hiccup anxious to hear what was going to happen. On the outside of the academy the other younger riders in their teens all listened closely for they knew seriousness of what was supposed to happen.
"Ok everyone listen up. The plan is a go. We know where Dagur is and we're preparing to go capture him," Hiccup said loudly so that all the riders could hear.
"Finally! You know how long I've been waiting to get some action," Snotlout said excitedly while cracking his neck. "Hookfang has been wanting to get out there too. His inner warrior has been caged too long. Ain't that right Hookfang," Snotlout said looking back to his partner.
The Monstrous Nightmare raised its head slightly, growled in agreement before exhaling smoke from his nostrils.
"I know, I know, we were just confirming Dagur's location and going over the plan once more. Speaking of which does everybody remember the plan?" Hiccup asked looking to all the riders for confirmation.
"Of course we do" interjected Tuffnut. "It's…uh…uh…wait…don't rush me….It's on the tip of my tongue."
"We blow stuff up?" His sister so helpfully offered.
"Yeah exactly, what she said. I like the way you think sis." Tuffnut said before he and his sister clanged their helmets together in a familiar head-butt.
Astrid sighed in annoyance and rolled her eyes before turning to Hiccup. "How about you tell us the plan one more time. Just so we ALL know it." Astrid said while motioning with her head toward the twins.
Hiccup resisted the urge to palm his face and nodded his head in agreement. He took a deep breath before continuing. "Ok the plan is to capture Dagur, who is currently hiding out on Blackraven Island. Five of our ships and ten Outcast ships will surround the island on all sides to make sure he can't escape on a small boat that may be hidden on the island. Then the six of us along with five more riders will attack the camp and capture him. Then we bring him to Berk and force him to call off this pointless war." Hiccup raised his hand to silence Tuffnut before continuing, "And yes Tuffnut we will be blowing stuff up."
"I like this plan. That's much better than our plan," Tuffnut said while rubbing his hand together excitedly.
"So besides us who else are we gonna take?" Fishlegs added.
Hiccup looked to his friend before averting his gaze and tapping his chin in thought. He went through a mental list of the academy members before coming to decision.
"Ok coming with us will be Gustav, Erlend, Frodi, Amma, and Snagtooth." Hiccup said while looking up the academy members outside the kill ring.
They all nodded their head in confirmation before Hiccup addressed the rest of the academy. "The rest of you stay on Berk and protect the tribe. We'll be back. Everyone going on the mission grab your gear, saddle up, and head down to the docks. You got five minutes." Hiccup said with seriousness.
He turned toward Toothless and then mounted. He was about to tell his friend to go before and hand on his shoulder got his attention. He turned right and looked into the beautiful blue eyes of his girlfriend.
"You okay?" She asked mildly concerned.
"Yeah. I'm just ready for this war to be over ya know?"
"Trust me I know…Just don't worry so much. The plan is solid it'll work," Astrid said giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"I know. Just get everyone ready and meet me at the docks ok?"
Astrid nodded in agreement before grabbing Hiccup by the front of his leather armor and pulling him down for a quick peck on the lips. Pulling back she gave a small smile while lightly blushing. Hiccup return the smile with his trademark crooked grin before directing Toothless out of the academy. His scaly mount quickly took to the sky and headed straight for the dock where men were preparing to set sail.
"This ends today bud," Hiccup said quietly to Toothless. He dragon gave a growl in agreement before descending and preparing to land.