Chapter Nine

Teeth groaned as she heard something grind. The noise was too familiar for her to forget, as it was the sound of her childhood. It was the noise of metal on the rolling whetstone.

Letting out a long sigh, she finally opened her eyes and tried to find what had fallen on the moving stone. To her surprise, she saw Hiccup sitting at it. Holding a sword, he was too busy sharpening it to notice her wake up.

Grabbing a small hammer on her dresser, she hurled tossed it towards him though not trying to hit him.

"Oh! Teeth! Sorry!" He quickly cried, realizing where the hammer came from. "You two were so out of it, that you slept through almost everything I was doing!"

"Everything? What exactly was everything?" She grunted, rolling out of her hammock. Stretching her arms, she still felt sore, though she did feel rejuvenated.

"Well, for one, you had a bunch of weapons needing sharpened." He explained, gesturing to the sword he was holding. "And you're armor needed to be patched up. Some of the bindings and straps were damaged, so I took the liberty of repairing them for you.

Surprised, she quickly walked to where she had set out her armor. Though it was still scarred from all the recent fighting, the interior was indeed patched up. The lashes and latches were all replaced and repaired, and even a few of the black bolts were swapped out on her right gauntlet.

"Oh…uh…thank you." She stammered, completely taken off guard by the kind action.

"Hey, you're not treating Astrid like a prisoner. It's the least I can do." He replied with a smile, returning his attention to the sword.

Turning around, she stared at Astrid who continued to sleep on. Though her ankle was shackled, she knew she would have stayed if she wasn't. Stormfly was also sleeping next to her, breathing in a rhythm. Toothless was lying next to Hiccup, though he was watching Teeth with an inquisitive look.

Sighing, Teeth walked back over to her dresser and grabbed an extra pair of fur-lined boots. Slipping them on, she then lazily wandered to where she had hung her spear. Taking it off the wall, she sat down on the workbench and began to sharpen its dulling blade.

"Looks like you had a couple of eventful days while I was gone." Hiccup commented, looking at her from the Whetstone. "Just looking at your armor and your spear tip."

"We've been busy." She replied with a flat tone, angling the rock across her spear's bladed edge. "As you were, I'm sure. Flying to and from your home non-stop."

"It was a trip. Not the longest I've done though." He admitted. Inspecting the sword's edge, he then asked. "So, I have to ask. What did you think about flying?"

She shrugged, not taking her eyes off the spear. "It was unique. Memorable. Though I wish I wasn't dragged away."

"Would you have ever chosen to ride if you weren't?"

"Dunno'. I've got a lot on my mind right now. I might have as soon as things slowed down a little bit."

"What kind of things are you thinking of?" He asked, sliding the sword into the barrel of ready to use weapons. Grabbing an axe, he rested the edge against the rolling whetstone and began to sharpen it as well.

"How to beat Viggo. How to keep my men warm during the nights, since they're only getting colder." She began to list. "I'm lucky to live in the same room as the forge. I don't have to worry about freezing. I also have to worry about being the right leader. The one that my dad needs me to be at least." Raising her spear, she inspected part of the tip. "Great. Chipped it."

"Sounds like you're real busy. Even when you're not at war." He observed.

"I'm surprised you're not." She quickly replied. "You said you're the son of a chief. Why aren't you spending your days learning how to rule your island? The more you know about the roles you'll be taking on, the easier it is to adapt."

"Oh, uh…" He stammered, taken off guard with the subject. "I guess I never really thought about it. To be honest, I don't really want it."

"Why?" She asked, resuming sharpening her weapon.

"I guess I never really cared to be the chief." He answered with a shrug. "There's so much out in the world, that I want to discover it all. I mean, look at Toothless."

Toothless instantly perked up, hearing his name called out.

"Not even five years ago, my island believed that dragons were the enemy. Now look at us! We not only ride them, we're friends with them. I believe I can change the way the world looks at dragons for the better."

"Even dragon hunters like us?" She challenged.

Un-phased by the question, he quickly replied with his own. "Do you view dragons differently after meeting us? You have to have noticed how different dragons react when treated as friends."

Looking at Toothless, she again recalled how he had protected her; even saved her from the Speed Stingers. "Yeah, I guess I can see your point. But it doesn't mean that dragons don't have the nature to hurt us. Those Speed Stingers that attacked us sure proved that."

"Dragons are like people." He began to explain. "They react differently to different scenarios. If it were a flock of Nadders, they would have naturally been more curious about you. Changewings would have been more skittish, only attacking if they felt threatened. Gronckles would simply let you go by, since they don't like to be bothered. You can't blame all dragons for the actions of a couple!"

"What about those that killed friends and family we cared about?" She whispered, not even bothering to look at him in the eyes.

Taken back by the question, he simply waited for her to explain what she meant.

"I've lived all my life, knowing its either us or them." She continued to say. "Islands under our banner have always had the threat of being destroyed by dragons. I lost people that I'll never be able to have back in my life because of them." Gesturing to Toothless, she admitted. "It's been strange seeing the calm, and even friendly side to these beasts, but it doesn't change what I experienced and how I feel about them. Maybe a little bit, but not enough to change my mind completely. When I take over as chief, we will still hunt dragons down."

Hiccup looked at her with sadness, wishing she didn't have to feel like that.

"As agreed, we'll leave you and your dragons alone in this part of the world. I can't turn an eye to the fact that you have not only been great allies, but I'd say even friends. Letting you live with your desires is the least we can do."

"Thank you…" He whispered back, letting the whetstone roll to a stop. "But let me just say one thing. I too came from a world that had that same mentality. It's either us or them. I lost my mom because of dragons. I never got to know her. I was born with the idea that there was no hope that we could live side by side with dragons. Berk's existed for hundreds of years! Close to four hundred actually! The thought of being able to coexist with dragons was out of the question, and I'd even say the dragons felt the same way."

Teeth simply stared at him, listening to his words.

"Do I believe the entire world can live in peace with dragons? Including the islands under your banner? I do." He continued to say with a resolute tone. "But it's not possible until one side puts down their guard and makes the effort to be understanding and peaceful. If you ever want that for you and your people, I'll fly across the world to help. And I'd think even Astrid and the rest of the Riders." At that, he spun up the whetstone again and began to sharpen another sword he pulled out.

Teeth stared at him with a quizzical expression. How could someone who came from similar circumstances change so drastically? "Hmm…maybe. Maybe we can. But for now, I can't commit to that."

"And that's fine. It won't work until you want it to."

Contemplating what he explained, she then shook her head and set down her stone. Grabbing the black rod, she focused on sharpening the serrated edge of the tip.

"Oh, I should tell you, Heather and Fishlegs learned where Viggo is."

Teeth's head snapped up, looking at him anxiously.

"A place called Slepnir Island. Apparently, it was where he was having me and Astrid taken to, if you hadn't intercepted us."

"Did you tell my dad yet?"

"Not yet. I figured to tell you first."

"Why?! We could have been sailing there now!"

Hiccup was quick to defend himself though, to which he gave his reason. "I learned about it maybe an hour ago! I wanted to tell you, because you're the future chief of your clan."

See that he was simply trying to help her learn how to receive news, and that he was genuinely interested in her learning to be a ruler, she slowly nodded in acceptance. "I see…well then, I guess I better go tell him." As she was about to leave, a thought hit her. "Hey can I pick your brain, Hiccup?"

Again, surprised by the request, he simply nodded.

"What can we do to catch Viggo off guard? We know where he's at, but how do we surprise him?"

"Hmm…that's actually a good question." He commented, focusing on the sword. Furrowing his eyebrows, he began to explain his thoughts. "Viggo usually takes everything into account. He's always been a step ahead of us. Sometimes two. It's part of the reason why we haven't been able to stop him yet."

"So what do we do?"

"Do you want my honest opinion?" He asked, looking up at her with an unsure look.

"I wouldn't have asked for it if I didn't want you to be honest with me." She growled, glaring at her spear tip. She found another break in it, which didn't help her mood.

"I imagine he expected your dad to come and try to stop him the moment he hunted this area."

"So what? He's waiting for us?"

Hiccup shook his head. "I don't think he's waiting for you. I think he's planned something to counter you. He has no idea when you'll show up. So he would have set something up to make sure he could stop you when he found out you were coming. For all we know, he wants you to find him."

"A trap?"

Hiccup nodded. "Viggo likes to play his opponents into unwinnable scenarios. He lets them use their strengths and advantages and exposes them for it."

Teeth listened to him, not liking what she was hearing.

"I'm in no position to tell you or your dad what to do, but I wouldn't directly attack Viggo. At least, not with your main force and ship."

"Do you have an idea then?"

Hiccup nodded, waiting to see her response.

"Come with me." Teeth snapped, standing up from her seat.

"Bu-but what about Astrid?"

"She'll be fine. Let her rest. Besides, I'm still mad at her for kidnapping me." She huffed, opening the door to reveal a setting sun.

Looking at Astrid, who was still sleeping, he then jogged after Teeth. Toothless was also following him, curious as to where they were going.

Walking down the deck, ignoring the few hails and greetings from some passing men, Teeth walked up to a specific door, looking a little more ornate than the others. Knocking on it, the three heard the words: "Come in."

Opening the door, Hiccup saw Talen sitting at a desk with a large map on it. It was his private quarters.

"Ah, Teeth. Hiccup." He called out, smiling as they walked in. Gesturing to Toothless, he added. "He can come in as well. I can never get enough of seeing that incredible dragon."

"Dad, we need to talk. About attacking Viggo."

"We're waiting until we learn where he's at, then we'll discuss a strategy."

"We know where he's at. And I'm sure we shouldn't use our main force to attack him." She replied, making him look at her with surprise. Even Hiccup was shocked at how she was talking to him.

Hearing the urgency in her voice, he sat back in his chair and studied her. "I'm assuming you know something I don't?"

Gesturing to Hiccup, she began to explain herself. "Apart from knowing where he's at, Hiccup was telling me that Viggo is a player. He's a thinker."

Hiccup swallowed, hoping he didn't plant anything crazy in her head.

"He thinks that Viggo is expecting us, since he purposely sailed into these waters to draw us to him. I for one, agree with him."

"But he doesn't know we're here yet."

"That doesn't matter. He knows we'd be coming the moment we learned he broke our pact; and would have set something up to fight us with. He'll let us think we have the advantage." Turning to Hiccup, she asked. "Right, Hiccup?"

Talen looked at Hiccup with a look that seemed to dig into him, as if trying to read his thoughts. Swallowing Hiccup nodded. "He's always been a step ahead of us. He's always let us think we were going to win when he'd have something we couldn't prepare for. I don't think your situation is any different. Viggo knew he violated the pact between you two. He has to have a reason why, and something to make sure he wouldn't lose."

"My men and the White Wake can handle his fleets. Especially if they're split and separated." Talen defended.

"And he knows that. If he didn't, then he's a different Viggo than the one we've been fighting." Hiccup quickly replied.

Teeth then stepped forward, taking over the conversation. "Dad. Chief. Whatever you want me to call you, I'm asking you to listen to Hiccup. He said he has an idea."

Talen stared at Teeth, seeing the sincerity in her eyes and hearing it in her voice. Slowly nodding, he leaned forward, and poured himself a drink. "And why do you want me to listen to him?"

"Because you're the patriarch of the clan. The ruling authority." She explained. "If it was up to me, I would have already heard his idea and started to move forward with it." Turning to him, she added. "We both trust the Riders. And I trust Hiccup when it comes to his word and what he knows about Viggo."

"You're really growing up, Teeth. Even before we sailed this far north…" He complimented, sitting back and taking a drink from his cup. "Alright, Hiccup Haddock. On behalf of Teeth's request, I'll hear out your idea."

Shocked that he already had an audience, he quickly nodded. "Alright, here's what I'm thinking. Viggo knows you well enough, that he can prepare to receive you. You're dragon hunters, like him and his brother." Looking at Teeth, he added. "He knows us even better, being Dragon Riders. He always has something to counter us for the most part. Hence, why you found me and Astrid tied up on their ship."

Talen and Teeth nodded in agreement.

"But there's one thing he can't prepare for. The two of us together. Because he knows us so well, he probably hasn't even considered us even talking with each other. I mean, think about it. Dragon hunters and Dragon Riders teaming up is an absurd possibility. I'd agree with him if he told me that."

Talen simply sat there, waiting to hear his idea.

"You still have a Dragon Hunter ship, right?" He asked, starting to look excited. "One that was supposed to bring captive Dragon Riders to him directly?"

Talen's eyes brightened, seeing where Hiccup was going.

"You take your men and ship, attack a fleet at random or go somewhere away from Slepnir Island. He'll know where you are, and he'll know where the Dragon Riders are. Being on a prison ship. What he won't expect, is a group of your elitist men, and all the Dragon Riders, on that ship. We could take him and his brother down without having to risk war or loss of life."

"A small operation then." Talen summed up, setting his cup down. Staring at the map, he stroked his silvered beard. "Slepnir Island? How far is that from here?"

"A day and a half trip." Hiccup replied, pointing to an area on Talen's map.

Talen nodded, returning his attention to the map. "Not that far...and it would pull stress off of us to remain hidden from Viggo."

"Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he already knows you're here. He has connections and spies everywhere." Hiccup explained.

Talen nodded, silently agreeing with Hiccup. As long as they have been in these waters, it would be surprised if no one had spotted them yet.

"So are we doing it or not?" Teeth asked.

Talen let an evil smile grow on his face. "Gather ten men that you trust, Teeth. And tell Grange to ready his men as well. You're taking Hiccup and Astrid to Slepnir Island; with their dragons."

Teeth nodded, letting a sinister smile grow on her face.

"I'll take the White Wake and search for a fleet here." He continued to say, dragging his finger to another obscure area on the map. "Far away from Slepnir. Hiccup, if I may, I'd like to have one or two Riders with me."

"Can I ask why?"

"For theatrical reasons. If they're seen 'attacking' us, then that'll sell the point that we're not working together. For the off chance that Viggo and Ryker aren't at Slepnir Island, then we still need to sell the idea we're not associated with each other. Because I agree with you. The fact that we're working together, is something that no one could prepare for."

Hiccup approved of the idea. "I'll lend you Snotlout and the twins. They're the more flamboyant out of our group." Turning to Teeth, he then suggested. "You can take me, Astrid, Heather, and Fishlegs as prisoners. Our dragons too. That way we can guarantee that Viggo or Ryker won't escape. Or any of their men."

Teeth nodded at the suggestion. "Get yourself ready then. I need to talk to Grange."

"Stay for a moment, Teeth. I need to talk to you alone." Talen replied, sitting up straight. "If you can give us a moment, Hiccup."

Hiccup nodded as he turned to leave. "I'll tell Astrid the plan, and then to the others."

"Thank you, Hiccup. I can see why Viggo struggled contending with you." Talen complimented, watching him and Toothless leave. Waiting for the door to close, he turned and smiled at Teeth.

"Yes?" She replied, looking at him curiously.

"I need your thoughts on something."

"Alright, shoot."

Gesturing for her to pour herself a drink, he took his own cup. Staring at nothing for a moment, he waited until she took a swallow herself. "How do you think they'd react to an invitation to join us?"

"Really?" She scoffed, coughing on her drink. "How well does fire mix with water?"

"You don't think they'd consider it?" He quizzed.

"Of course not. We hunt dragons! They save them! What would we even have them do if they said yes? Fly around our ship? Turn a blind eye to what we do?" She continued to list. Suddenly, she froze. Looking at him skeptically, she raised an eyebrow. "You…like them. Don't you?"

Talen simply gestured to her. "No different than yourself. Think of the security we could establish with them and their techniques. We could give them any dragon they wanted, and they could respond to islands in distress faster than any ship. They wouldn't have to help us hunt dragons, but rather, focus on keeping the peace!"

Teeth shook her head. "They have a completely different method of peace. Hiccup and I had an entire discussion on this. They believe one side has to give in, before peace can be achieved. We can't and don't do that. We over power and show them that we have a better way. They would never agree to help us with that."

Frowning, Talen slowly nodded. "It seems Hiccup and I need to have a conversation. But that will have to wait until after we stop Viggo." Gesturing to the door, he then said. "Go ahead. You have a lot to do before you leave."

Nodding, she gave him a quick bow and left him.

Watching the door slowly close, Talen returned his attention to the map. Sitting there, stroking his beard, he simply sat there to contemplate the thoughts in his mind.

"Are you sure about this?" Astrid asked as she sat on the edge of her hammock. She continued to watch Hiccup test the grips of another shield, which he began to do after telling her the plan.

"I am." He replied resolutely, feeling the weight of the shield in hand. "First, it gives us a guaranteed chance at Viggo. He's already expecting us as prisoners. Second, it'll speed up the time we can get you out of here."

Astrid looked down at her cuffed leg. Teeth had taken the key so that Hiccup couldn't unlock it. Though she knew it was her way of getting back at her, it did remind her that she was still bound to the Marauders.

"Besides, it'll be us, Heather and Fishlegs; plus Grange and Teeth with their most trusted men. Viggo isn't going to have an army with him, and if he does, they won't be expecting an attack. He'll only have a few guards with him when we strike. We won't have to worry about being in a big battle or anything like that."

"That we know of." She huffed, shaking her head at the thought. Reaching over, she stroked Stormfly's spikes, making her squawk in enjoyment. "I guess I should be glad that I'm allowed to come help. I was sure that I was going to stuck in this room while you guys were having all the action."

"Right, instead of here, you'll be stuck in another room with me!" Hiccup teased, smiling at her. Satisfied with the shield he had chosen, he set it down next to the Dragon Blade. "Along with Heather and Fishlegs!"

Smiling at his casualness, she shook her head as he took a seat next to her on her hammock. "I hope it works. It has to. We can get rid of Viggo and Ryker."

"Yeah, it'll be something." He replied, looking down with concern.

"Alright, I know that look…" She called out. "What're you thinking?"

"What about the rest of the world? What about the dragons where Talen and his men are from?" He asked, looking dejected at the thought. "We can't just stop here. Or at least be content. The world needs to know that dragons can be our friends instead of our enemies."

"Of course we're going to show the world that! Maybe we can't do it all at once, but we can do it by changing a few peoples' minds. Look at Heather. Look at the Outcasts!" She quickly comforted. "Including Talen and Teeth. There's hope for them! I mean, look!" At that she gestured to both Toothless and Stormfly lying next to each other. "They didn't lock them up and take them away from us. They didn't execute us, or keep us prisoner."

"Ahem?"

Rolling her eyes, she corrected herself. "Okay, I'm still a prisoner, but I don't feel like one. At least, not like I would be with Viggo or Ryker."

"I know, but I'm still worried about you being here…not able to go home."

"Hey, we can't forget why we're doing this." She quietly assured. "We get to keep half of the dragons we find from Viggo, remember?"

"Yeah, I know. It's just…"

"Just what?"

"I don't value any dragon we can find or save over you." He admitted, blushing bright red.

Astrid also blushed, caught off guard by the confession. "Oh, uh, t-thanks."

Rubbing the back of his head, he quickly changed the subject. "So, uh…about Viggo and getting the jump on him. You think it'll work?"

"I do actually. Especially if Heather and Fishlegs are with us. Teeth and her men can handle any guards or soldiers. I've seen them fight. It'd be tough if we were enemies with them. Teeth alone can fight like a dragon. She's made me sore in places I didn't know I could be when we sparred it each other."

Hiccup nodded, looking thoughtful about something.

"What're you thinking about now?"

"Nothing really. I guess just what will happen after we finish this."

"Well, whatever happens, we'll at least have Viggo out of our hair. Right, girl?" She replied, stroking Stormfly again.

Stormfly squawked happily, turning to rub against her.

"Whoa! Stormfly!" She cried out, being pushed over by the happy dragon. Falling back from the hammock, she and Hiccup crashed on the floor. Her leg was held up by the chain, leaving her lying there awkwardly.

"Urgh, hold on, I got ya'." Hiccup grunted, rolling to his feet.

"Thanks." She replied, embarrassed that she was stuck.

As he was trying to help her, the door swung open. The two stared at Teeth and Grange, who were looking at the sight with raised eyebrows.

"Dragons." Astrid huffed, not explaining anything else.

Slowly letting a small smile grow on her face, Teeth walked over with the key in hand. "Well, I guess this is as good as I'm going to get, getting back at you."

"Day's not over yet." She growled in annoyance.

Slipping the key into the cuff, she unlocked it and pulled it off.

"Great, thanks." Astrid replied with a hint of annoyance.

"Come on, we're going to get the ship ready." Teeth announced. "As soon as Fishlegs and Heather are ready to, we'll be leaving. Do you need to get anything?"

"Just my axe."

"I took the liberty of looking at some of your shields." Hiccup replied, grabbing and holding up the shield he selected. "Is that alright?"

"Better in your hands than some of our men." She replied gruffly. Walking over to where her armor was laid out, she then began to strap it on, starting with her bone clad boots.

"Can't say I'm not impressed with the idea, Hiccup." Grange replied with his teasing smile. "Do you usually come up with ideas like this?"

"Almost every plan is like this." Astrid quickly answered.

"I don't care how elaborate it is, so long as it gets us to Viggo. Then, I hope I get a chance to run him through…" Teeth growled, strapping her chest plate on. Sliding her finger through one of the new holes created by the Speed Stingers, she shook her head angrily. "Maybe I'll use his bones to repair my armor."

"Sheesh, Teeth, got some anger issues?" Grange laughed, shaking his head at the threat.

"Don't you need to be doing something useful?" She growled, ignoring his jeering. "Or do I need to think of something for you?"

"Nope. I'm here to help escort our 'prisoners'." He continued to tease. "I already sent our men to the ship. They stripped the Hunters that we either killed or took prisoner, and are wearing their clothes. With one set for me. Viggo won't know it's us until it's too late."

"How many do we have that look like Hunters?" Hiccup asked, strapping the shield to his back.

"Four outfits. I figured since it was a small crew to begin with, I'd be one of Viggo's men. The rest will be hiding in the hold, with you four Riders in the cabin, held convincingly as prisoners. When we 'deliver' you to Viggo, Teeth will make her move to help you get Viggo and Ryker, dead or alive. I'll be leading the men to contend with their soldiers, so you can focus on the Grimborns."

Hiccup nodded at the plan. "I guess it wouldn't be too much to ask to not tie us up until we get near the meeting?"

"Ask me when we start sailing. Depends on how I'm feeling." Teeth replied with a small hint of teasing in her voice.

"I'm feeling less confident in that answer." Astrid groaned, knowing she was still after her.

"Come on, let's get going." She grunted, sliding her helmet on. Snatching her spear off the wall, she then lightly pushed Astrid in front of her. "I guess it's my turn to take you for a ride."

Astrid only rolled her eyes as she and Stormfly walked out of the forge, with Hiccup, Toothless, and Grange following close by.

"She likes you guys." Grange whispered to Hiccup, as they both watched Teeth continue to march Astrid in front of her. Stormfly was thinking it was part of a game, to which she was rubbing against Teeth as to push her around too. "I know she sounds tough and on an agenda; but as someone who actually knows her, she's grateful to have met you."

"Really?" He replied, taken back by the conversation.

Nodding, Grange gestured to her. "She has no friends. Not really. I may be the closest one to her, even then it's more like an employer employee relationship. I tease her because she's never had anyone do that to her. Chief has always been tough on her, so she's always been serious and down to business." Looking down at Hiccup, he let his casual smile grow. "You guys teaming up with us has been the best thing for her to develop her personality. Thanks."

Watching Teeth continue to get pushed by Stormfly, Hiccup also began to nod. "To be fair, she's helped us understand a couple of things as well."

"Such as?"

"That peace can exist between two parties with different beliefs and goals. Didn't think we'd be allies with any kind of dragon hunters."

"Well, I guess there are crazier things in the world." Grange laughed. "People riding on the backs of dragons seem to be ranked up there, right?"

"And there'll be crazier things in the future." Hiccup softly replied, walking with Grange step for step.

"Heh, you're not wrong!" He laughed, slapping Hiccup on the back. "Now, since we got a long trip ahead of us, why don't you tell me how you got that leg of yours? Sounds like it should be a story."

Hiccup smiled as he nodded. "Sure, why not? It all started when I actually wanted to kill a dragon myself. I even shot down Toothless and had a dagger over his heart. Fate had other plans though…"

So, in case you didn't read the memo on my profile, I decided to post all the chapters for the story. As to why, it's explained on my profile. Hope you enjoy the story!