Chapter 39: Last Auction Heroes
Johann was sitting in a tavern with a tankard of mead in his hands. The tavern was full of Dragon Hunters and other scrupulous types, but he remained quiet and kept as he was open.
It was then that he heard a couple of Dragon Hunters talking behind him and he listened to what they were saying with great interest.
"Grimborn auction? What's on the block this time?" a Hunter asked.
"Dragons." The second Hunter said.
"Think what we can do with our own dragons. Its hide alone." The Hunter said with greed.
"Only the richest Vikings dare to show up."
"So, how do you know about it?" the Hunter laughed.
The Hunter then grabbed his mouth and glared at him. "Because I have this map." He then removed his hand and reached into his pocket and pulled out a small map. "Got it from a gold baron. Told him I'd let him live if he showed me what it was." The Hunter scoffed. "Idiot."
The other Hunter laughed.
The Hunter with a map then finished his mead and chucked his tankard away. He then looked at the other Hunter with a firm look. "Don't let that out of your sight." He told him.
Johann watched as the Hunter with the map walked away from the table and that's when he saw his chance.
Seconds later he was running for his life out of the tavern with the two Hunters in close pursuit. When the Hunters left the tavern they found that he had vanished, but seconds later Hiccup and Toothless soon passed with Johann riding with them.
"You get, Johann?" Hiccup asked. Johann didn't speak, still freaked by what happened. "Johann!"
"Huh?" said Johann looking at Hiccup. "Oh. Of course."'
He then pulled out the map he took from the Hunters.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile, at an unknown island, Viggo was going over his brother with the preparations for the auction. All around them were cages for dragons, prize dragons that they were going to sell to wealthy Vikings.
"Ah! Do you smell that, brother?" Viggo asked, taking in a deep sniff.
Ryker sniffed. "Dragon droppings." He said in disgust.
Viggo rolled his eyes. "Gold. This auction will not only bring us wealth, but will cement my reputation as the most prolific dealer of dragons, both living and not." He then turned to his brother with a firm look. "But everything must go off with perfection. How is security coming along?"
"Catapults are doubled. Watchtowers are going up. No Riders will spoil the auction," Ryker assured.
Viggo then patted Ryker on his head, much to his annoyance. "See what you can do, when you put your mind to it, big brother?"
Ryker growled, since the dragon riders and Henry started stirring up trouble Viggo had taken every chance to belittle him.
"Any news on our special guest?" Viggo asked.
"Are you sure he's coming?" Ryker frowned.
"Positive. The second you have confirmation of his arrival…" Viggo told him.
"I will let you know." Ryker finished.
"Of course you will." Viggo said as he then looked up to the sky as if he knew someone was watching from above.
In truth, someone was. It was Hicca, who was looking down at the auction with her spyglass. She made clear to Hiccup she didn't want any screw ups, still holding a bit of animosity for what happened with Henry and Dagur, so she went to scout the island.
"I see Terrible Terrors and a few crates of Fireworms," she noted. "But where are they hiding all the big dragons?" She wondered before giving a hateful look at Viggo. "I would cut you down right now Viggo, but not yet." She said as she turned and left to return to the Edge.
(Linebreak)
Hicca soon returned to the Edge and began to discuss her findings with the other Riders and Johann.
"Extra ships on the perimeter," Hicca described as she was looking over the map. "Guard everywhere. Catapult and watchtowers on the cliffs. Dragon Root arrows launchers on every sea stack within a half mile. There's no way in or out. Period." She told them
"Hicca, Hicca, Hicca, think positive," Tuffnut said.
"And how do you suggest I do that, Tuffnut?" Hicca asked with a little more of an edge.
"Rapid-fire. Mug, half-empty or half-full?" Tuffnut asked.
"How about, Definitely empty?" She answered.
"Don't waste your time." Ruffnut told her.
Hiccup then spoke as he turned his attention back to the matter in hand. "It is, however, the perfect opportunity to put a big dent in Viggo's dragon trade." He pointed out.
"Or for all of us to get killed and our dragons sold to the highest bidder." Hicca commented.
Hiccup glanced at her before rolling his eyes, "Yes but only if we fail and we won't because we are going to save those dragons." He said confidently.
"But how?" Astrid asked him.
Fishlegs laughed. "Astrid, I'm sure Hiccup has an idea." He then looked to Hiccup hopefully. "You do have an idea, right?"
"Let me guess. Cruise riding to the place and announce ourselves," Snotlout said as he laughed.
"It's either that or something else completely out of the blue." Raeda said.
"You know, I think we need some of us to get close to Viggo." Hiccup said as he placed his fingers on his chin. "Keeping busy while we find the rest of those dragons. Now, it has to be people Viggo wouldn't suspect, because he's never seen them up close."
He then turned and looked at Snotlout and Raeda, Snotlout was busy picking his nose. He then offered his finger to Hookfang, who then sniffed it and then licked it. Hiccup, Hicca, Raeda, Astrid, and Heather groaned in disgust at the site.
"You've got to be kidding me," said Astrid as Heather walked while looking ready to hurl.
"Yup this plan is gonna be a flop," Hicca said simply.
"Wait, no, They're the only ones who were never captured by Viggo or Ryker. They're the only ones they don't know," Hiccup told them.
"They're the only ones who are clever and clueless enough to actually pull it off," Fishlegs added.
"Ha. Sounds like a real winner, Hookfang. Right?" said Snotlout, unaware they were talking about him. "I hate to be caught dead with that guy." It took several seconds to realize they were talking about him. "Wait, what?"
Raeda smacked him at the back of Snotlout's head, as she gave a blank expression. "They're talking about us, muttonhead." She said in an 'It's so obvious' tone while Snotlout glanced at her and rubbed his head.
"Yeah, he's talking about sending you and our best friend into the heart of Dragon Hunter activity with the hope you'll just slip those dragons out of there." Hicca said with a frown and eye roll.
The others looked at Hicca while feeling the harshness in her voice. Ever since the incident with ship yards, Hicca's personality seemed to have totally flipped, it was like she was edgy as Heather and as snarky as Snotlout. She barely acknowledged Heather and she took every opportunity to give a negative comment to Hiccup.
Johann then made his way over to Hiccup, breaking the tension with a grim face. "I hate to be the bearer of most unfortunate news, Master Hiccup. Unless you're hiding a pile of gold in the crevices of your tunic, you won't see the dragons let alone bid on them."
Hiccup then got an idea.
"Great, now we're in trouble." Hicca groaned.
(Linebreak)
Hours later, The Haddock twins were standing in front of his father and Gobber, who were both laughing their heads off, in the Great Hall.
"Oh, sure," Stoick laughed sarcastically. "Yeah. Take Berk's entire cache of gold." He and Gobber laughed.
"Here, take it all," Gobber laughed as he removed his hook, pegged leg and tooth and placed them on the table. He and Stoick then looked at the Haddock twins. "Not funny, Hiccup."
"I tried to tell Hiccup it was a bad idea but did he listened, no." Hicca told her father bitterly.
"If you weren't my son, Hiccup, I'd lock you up right now." Stoick told them. "You're sister seems to be the only one against it, which is surprising since you two always agree on something."
"Trust me, Dad. She wasn't speaking from the heart." Hiccup told him.
"What makes you think I'd go along with one of your bad ideas?" She asked her brother.
Hiccup sighs as Stoick continues. "I agree with your sister, son. You have no idea what you're suggesting, Hiccup." He pointed out.
"Viggo Grimborn is the most ruthless Viking we've come in contact with," Hiccup said, looking at their father firmly. "If we don't do something to disrupt this auction, Viggo will make so much gold, he'll be able to buy an entire armada of dragon-hunting ships and reinforces his empire. No dragon will be safe, and eventually, he will set his sights on Berk. And on our dragons."
Stoick then turned and looked at Skullcrusher, who was sleeping peacefully in the corner. He then looked at his kids.
"Well?" he said.
"'Well' what?" Hiccup frowned.
"Well, son, I'm assuming you didn't fly all the way here without a plan," said Stoick.
Hiccup nodded.
Hicca frowns at them before she sighs as she places a hand to her forehead. "Are you seriously going along with this, dad?" She asked.
"As much as I rather not, your brother is right Hicca," Stoick told his daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder, "If Berk and our dragons are at risk, we'll have to take any chance to protect we can get."
"And what are you gonna do if 'Genius' over here loses all that gold?" She asked, jerking a thumb at Hiccup.
"If he does, which I hope he doesn't, we'll use the trade routes so that Berk will have provisions to survive for a while." Stoick assured, since the trade routes are one of the things Berk uses to get some food and supplies.
Hicca frowns before raising her arms up in exasperation, "Fine, let's see how your faith in the future chief fairs." Hicca said before walking out of the great, "And spoiler, it will end in three ways, 'failure', 'disaster' or 'death'." She said, holding up three fingers before opening the doors and walking out.
Hiccup frowned and groaned in annoyance at his sister's constant discrediting of him.
Stoick notices his daughter's expression as he looks at his son in concern. "What's been going on with you and Hicca lately, son?" He asked Hiccup.
Hiccup then sighed looking ashamed and guilty, "It's all because of a bad call I made." He said, turning to his father.
Stoick then nodded in understanding, "Ah, one of those cases, huh?" He asked, knowing a thing or two about bad decisions. "Tell me what happened?"
Hiccup sighs. "Okay, dad. It all started when we found some of Viggo's ships…" He starts as he begins to tell Stoick and Gobber everything on why Hicca is like this from their last Viggo Missions as Stoick and Gobber widen their eyes when he mentions the battle and the aftermath. "...And that's why Hicca is like this." He finished as he looked down in guilt.
Stoick and Gobber looked down sadly, though they didn't know Henry that well they still saw him as a good kid and brave warrior. "Poor guy." Gobber said, lowering his head at the loss of Henry.
"He was a good lad and a true warrior." Stoick said as he sighs in grief. "So Hicca is having a hard time after that. I know that feeling really well." He said, knowing when losing someone you cared about is hard, especially for a young Viking like Hicca to go through with it.
"Yeah, and it was all my fault." Hiccup said, crossing his arms and looking away.
Stoick the places a hand Hiccup's back, "Hiccup, every leader makes a bad decision in battle every once and a while." He said as he gave his son a soft look. "And in every war, there's gonna be a battle where not everyone makes it out. No one can ever predict every worst case scenario. And I'm sure you will earn Hicca's respect again, understand that. But it will take some time for her to accept the burden of war. I was the same when I lost your mother and it took me years to accept that she is gone." He said as he remembered what happened to Valka and still can't get over losing her.
Hiccup sighs as he looks at his father. "I hope you're right, Dad." He said.
(Linebreak)
A little bit later, Hiccup then began to tell his father his plan as the Haddock family made their way to the arena.
"Hmm. Two special convoys, you say?" Stoick asked Hiccup.
"Exactly," Hiccup told him.
He then turned to the wooden board and saw Fishlegs poking his head, giving him the thumbs up.
"Going into the auction under an assumed identity." Stoick said.
"Exactly."
"Well, they've gonna have to be smart, crafty, quick on their feet, and, most importantly…"
Stoick stopped when he discovered who were going to be the spies. It was Snotlout and Raeda, with Snotlout's hair painted gold, his clothes painted gold, his helmet painted gold and wearing a fake ruby ring on his finger. Raeda's hair is white, she is wearing grayish clothing and has a fake silver necklace around her neck.
"Okay, I would accept Raeda being the spy, but not with Snotlout!" Stoick finished.
"Yeah, I had a feeling you would not agree with Snotlout." Hicca said in a dull tone. "Just one more sign this plan is gonna be a flop."
Snotlout then walked up snobbish and clapped his hands together and when nothing happened, he did it again. He then growled at the others.
"I'm clapping," Snotlout said in a fake posh voice. "When I clap, that means you two servants serve us!"
Raeda just rolled her eyes, "Just do it." She told them.
Fishlegs then shove the Thorston twins towards them as they began to clean their boots.
Stoick growled angrily. "You're right, Hicca. This plan is gonna be a flop." He said in agreement with his daughter as he made his way to the exit.
Hiccup quickly grabbed his father's arm to hear him out. "Now, before you two shoot this down, and by the way, you both have every reason in the entire archipelago that you should, there's a method to my—" He paused trying to come up with the right word.
"Madness?" Stoick offered.
"Insane plan?" Hicca added.
"Yes." Hiccup said awkwardly. "I need you both to trust me on this, guys. It's foolproof."
Unfortunately it was at that moment that Tuffnut grabbed Snotlout arm and tried to pull his fake ring off while Ruffnut was doing Raeda's hair as the art maiden just sighs.
" 50% 'Fool'' with Raeda, maybe. Another 50% 'Proof' with Snotlout? Not quite with you on that, bro." Hicca pointed out again.
"I agree with your sister on this, son." Stoick said in agreement with Hicca. They then saw the firm's expression on Hiccup's face and knew that all too well. "Oh, don't look at us like that, son."
"Hiccup, that trick won't work on me. We came up with that together." Hicca said with a raised eyebrow.
Stoick looked to Hicca and then to Hiccup. He knew deep down in his heart there was nothing that would dissuade his son from consuming this crazy plan, even with Hicca understanding, they both know Hiccup is stubborn and determined to make it work.
Stoick then sighs in defeat. "Fine, on one condition." He said as he raised a finger.
"Which is?" Hicca asked with a raised eyebrow.
(Linebreak)
The next day, Gobber was standing on a boat at the dragon auction. Stoick had insisted on having Gobber accompany Snotlout and Raeda, to make sure the former didn't do anything stupid.
"Hear ye, hear ye. The honorable…" Gobber paused to come up with a proper name for Snotlout and Raeda's character. "Sir Ulgerthorpe and Lady Artistrougta."
Snotlout and Raeda then come walking down the gangplank while Snotlout is carrying a chest of Berk's gold.
"Don't just stand there babbling to the peasants." Snotlout snapped. He then shoved the chest into Gobber. "Carry our gold."
Gobber swore to himself once this job was done he was going to have a nice long talk with Snotlout.
They made their way through the harbor and got the attention of a few nasty looking Vikings, but Snotlout acted completely oblivious to this while Raeda made sure to not draw attention to themselves as she played it cool. He then fumbled with a few gold coins and tossed them to several Vikings.
"Get yourself a new axe," Snotlout said to one of them. "You? Get yourself a new tunic." He said to another.
Raeda glanced at them, "He only speaks the truth." She told them in her best posh voice, walking past them.
Once they reached the end of the harbor they came across both Viggo and Ryker, who didn't look entirely pleased with their presence.
"Sir—" said Viggo with a fixed gaze.
"Ulgerthorpe," said Snotlout. "Learn the name. Live the name. Love the name."
Viggo then turned to Raeda, "And Lady…"
"Artistrougta. Pleasure to meet you." Raeda said as she bowed her head to Viggo.
"Of?" Viggo asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Does it matter?" Snotlout asked, gesturing to Gobber.
Gobber then opened the chest to reveal the gold coins in it.
"You have the beast, we have the gold. You let us in and we all leave happy." Raeda told him as she and Snotlout were about to walk off, but Viggo grabbed her arm firmly.
"There is one thing." Viggo said, frowning. "I feel like I know you two from somewhere. Do I?"
Snotlout and Raeda weren't quite sure how to answer that question.
"My brother asked you both a question," Ryker said, marching up and grabbing the scruff of Snotlout's shirt. "Does he know you two from somewhere?"
"Wha… Ha!" Snotlout said nervously. "Does he know us from somewhere? Does he know us from somewhere?" He quickly looked at Gobber and Raeda. "Hey, does he know us from somewhere?"
"It's none of your beeswax who they are or where you know them or don't know them from." Gobber said confidently.
"Beeswax?" Snotlout laughed and shoveRyker away.
He then slapped Gobber across the face twice earning a few gasps from Dragon Hunters and several muttered indignantly.
Raeda widens her eyes in surprise that Snotlout just slapped Gobber as she gives Jorgenson a surprise and a look while turning her eyes at Viggo to tell him that he and Ryker are watching.
Viggo and Ryker looked at one another, slightly taken aback.
"You do not speak to us." Snotlout said firmly to Gobber, who was narrowing his eyes at him. "Do you understand?"
Gobber was very tempted to steal him with his hook, but his eyes were focused on Viggo and Ryker, who were watching with great interest.
"Do you understand?" Snotlout yelled, filing some spit over Gobber's face as Raeda glared at Snotlout.
"Yes, Sir Ulgerthorpe," Gobber said, wiping the bit off with his hook. "Please accept my humble apologies."
"Try getting good help these days. Boof. Very hard," Snotlout said to Viggo and Ryker.
Raeda then gave a fake apologetic expression to Viggo and Ryker. "You'll have to excuse my dear." She said with a bit of disgust, "He never gives our loyal servant the respect he deserves."
"He sure doesn't." Gobber said, knowing that Raeda is not just saying that as part of the disguise.
"All right, be a good boy and tip the attendant. Come on." Snotlout told Gobber.
Gobber sighed as he walked to them. "Now, on to business." Raeda added as she walked after Snotlout.
Ryker reached for his sword, but Viggo stopped him.
"We don't want to refuse their money, now, do we?" Viggo asked with a smirk.
Gobber walked past and tossed the coin to Viggo.
(Linebreak)
A few hours later, Johann showed up and Ryker was still in an angry mood.
"I'd turn it around. You've no business here." Ryker said to Johann.
"Says who?" Johann asked nervously.
"You haven't the gold nor the constitution to stomach this," Ryker reminded.
"While you certainly speak the truth, Mr. Ryker, I do bring your brother an offering," said Johann.
"What kind of offering?" Ryker asked curiously.
(Linebreak)
Moments later he was aboard Johann's ship and opened the hatch that led to the below deck. He looked down into the cargo bay and then turned to his men.
"Get Viggo. He needs to see this," Ryker ordered.
"You must have misunderstood me, Mr. Ryker. I've simply brought an offering," said Johann. "I'd just as soon offload it and be on my merry way, if it's all the same to you."
"Yeah, well, it's not all the same to me," said Ryker angrily. He looked at his men. "Get Viggo."
"No need, big brother," said a voice as they turned and saw Viggo walking across the gangplank.
"Mr. Grimborn. What a pleasant surprise," said Johann pleasantly.
Viggo made his way below deck with Ryker and Johann. There he saw several dragons locked-in dragon proof cages. Luckily he didn't recognize them as Stormfly, Hookfang, Barf and Belch, Meatlug and Sparkfire.
"As I was endeavoring to explain to your brother, I wanted to present you with these dragons for your auction as a sign of respect," Johann explained, gesturing to the dragon riders' dragons. "And as an exchange for future safe passage in my trading lanes. Maybe?"
Viggo gave him an emotionless look as one of the Hunters shoved Johann towards him.
"Trader Johann, perhaps I've judged you a bit harshly," said Viggo. "This is a splendid and most generous gesture." He then walked over to him and the floorboards creaked.
Underneath the floorboards with the Dragon Riders, Toothless and Midnight. They had used Johann's ship as a way to sneak onto the island with their dragons and were now very tense when they heard Viggo above them. They didn't bring Windshear along though, since Viggo had seen her up close it was likely he'd recognize her
"The downside to an old ship," said Johann. "Not nearly the quality and excellence you have, no doubt, come to expect from the vessels in your fleet. Perhaps when the day comes that you feel the need to part—"
"Shh!" Viggo said, raising a finger.
He then flipped his hand and a gold coin appeared. He then dropped it into the cracks of the floorboards and heard the coin clunking. This indicated that the floorboards below them were hollow and an unusual sign from a trader that visited many Viking colonies.
"The trade has been a bit, shall we say, 'sluggish', lately." Johann explained nervously. "My stories are empty as a tree following a ring-tailed lemur migration." He then chuckled nervously asViggo then made his way above deck and Johann sighed with relief.
However, it was short lived when Viggo came rushing down the steps again and smashed through one of the floorboards. He looked through the hole, but found nothing but darkness. He took a few seconds more to look around, but he saw nothing out of the ordinary except for an empty hold.
When he looked away, Toothless and Midnight removed his wings that he used to shield the Riders. His wings were so dark that it made it look like the ship was indeed hollow which was relieved to them all.
However, when Viggo made his way back to Johann some dust fell through the cracks and on top of Tuffnut, who began to sneeze. The others tenses up as Tuffnut tried his best to hold it in, but he couldn't.
Fortunately, Fishlegs places hand over Tuffnut mouth just as he was about to sneeze and Viggo was none the wiser.
"We accept your terms." Viggo told the trader as he then looked up the hatch to his men. "Offload Trader Johann's dragons and place them with the others."
"Aye, sir," one of the men confirmed. "Ready to offload."
When Viggo left the hold, Johann sighed with relief. "My poor heart will surely not withstand any more of these harrowing moments." He said with a hand on his chest.
(Linebreak)
Snotlout, Raeda and Gobber meanwhile were outside Viggo's tent.
"Where is this simpleton?" said Snotlout, still acting as a snobbish Viking, which came quite naturally to him. "Does he make it a practice of disrespecting his best clients like this?" He demanded
"You do realize you actually aren't his best client." Gobber pointed out.
"I'm in character, Gobber, so, no. No, I do not realize that," Snotlout retorted.
Raeda shook her head, "Snotlout, there's no one around, you don't have to keep up that act now." She told him.
"You can never be cautious my dear Raeda." Snotlout told her, still with his snobbish Viking voice.
They suddenly heard rustling in the bushes and suddenly a very large and lazy dragon emerging out of the bushes. It then waddled over towards a heap of scrap metal and began to eat it seconds later it fell asleep.
It greatly resembled that of a Gronckle, although it had a larger body and wings, its eyes were positioned closer to the snout than to the ears. It also had a larger tail bludgeon and a slightly wider head, but with sharper and smaller teeth compared to Gronckles'.
Gobber was automatically transfixed upon it. "Look at that big boy." Gobber said in awe.
Raed recognised it from the Book of Dragons, "A Hotburple." She said in surprise.
"Gazuntite." Snotlout said to her.
"No, muttonhead." Raeda said in annoyance. "A Hotburple is a species of dragons and distant cousin to the Gronckles. I read about them through the Book of Dragons sometime back." She explained. "Their boulder class dragons like Gronckles, only their a lot lazier and not only rocks, they also eat metal."
The Hotburple had woken up and began eating the scrap metal again, 'Mm, Delicious.' He said before falling asleep again.
"Ugliest dragon I've ever seen." Snotlout said, looking at his fingers.
"I think he's magnificent." Gobber said as he hobbled towards the Hotburple.
"Of course you do." Snotlout said as he still looked at his ring on his finger.
"Hello," said Gobber waving his hook at the Hotburple.
'Hello.' the Hotburple groaned back.
Gobber raised his hand to him and the Hotburple automatically placed his snout upon the palm of his hand and began to purr. Gobber grabbed a piece of scrap metal and gave it to him, which he ate happily. Gobber then happily hugged the hulking dragon.
"Looks like you made a friend, Gobber." Raeda said with a smile after seeing Gobber bonding with the Hotburple, "You know, once we save all these dragons, you can take this guy back to Berk with you." She said.
"Can I?!" Gobber said excitedly.
"Out of my way, Grump. Fat beast," A rude and angry voice said.
The three looked up to see Ryker kicking the poor dragon. Gobber watched as he walked away, he would have wrung his neck if it wasn't for the fact that they were undercover.
"Do you auction off the ugly, fat one as well?" Gobber enquired.
Ryker laughed. "Who would buy him? Besides, he eats all the scrap iron and is the only dragon that can bite through a dragon-proof cage." He then made his way over to Grump. "Personally, I'd just as soon skin them and eat him. He then leaned down towards Grump and rubbed the dragon. "That fat would be tasty on toast squares with some yak butter. Eh, Grump?"
He then shoved Grump sadistically, much to Gobber's annoyance.
"But Viggo likes having him around. Says there's a use for everyone." Ryker said as Grump looked scared.
Gobber looked at Ryker angrily and took a step towards him for bullying his new friend. Seeing the tension between the two of them, Snotlout spoke up.
"When you two ladies are done blabbing about whatever, I like to do business." Snotlout said. "Is that not what we came for?" He asked.
Raeda then spoke up, "Indeed, so if you're done harassing these brutish beasts, we'd like to move on to ones that you're selling?" She said, getting in character again.
"What, are you waiting for my permission?" Ryker frowned.
"Am waiting for some 'us' time," Snotlout said. "A private place to count our money out of the eyesight or earshot of your goons. Offense intended." He then looked to the tent beside them. "This will do. Come, valet."
Ryker stopped Snotlout before he could enter the tent. "Nobody goes inside Viggo's tent." He said firmly.
Snotlout chuckled. "Very nice. First of all, Sir Ulgerthorpe and Lady Artistrougta goes where Sir Ulgerthorpe and Lady Artistrougta wants. Second, I need to count my gold. It's not gonna count itself." He then looked angrily at Ryker. "And unless you plan on building us a hut in the next five minutes, I'll do what I want!" He then calmed down. "Of course, I can go somewhere else and you can explain to your brother—"
Ryker grumbled. "Go ahead. Count your coin. But make it quick," he warned and walked off.
Gobber went to pick up the chest and saw Grump snoring peacefully. He felt sympathy for the poor dragon, as Raeda placed a hand on him, "Don't worry Gobber, we'll get him and the other dragons out of here but we can't break our cover." She told him.
Gobber sighed and nodded as they followed Snotlout into the tent.
"Can you believe that barbarian?" Snotlout said as they entered the tent. "The nerve to question my intentions."
"You can drop the act," Gobber said. "We're alone."
"Sir Ulgerthorpe does not kowtow to pressure, nor does he break character," said Snotlout. "He lives within. He becomes it."
Raeda narrowed her eyes. "Well, you tell Sir Ulgerthorpe that if he doesn't help Lady Artistrougta find the manifest for the auction," She warned before raising her foot, "Her foot has a gracious meeting between his…" She threatened Snotlout as she brought her foot close to his legs.
"All right, fine," Snotlout said quickly, not wanting a kick there again.
Then they began to search the tent for the manifest.
"You know, you two could be a better scene partner," said Snotlout, still maintaining his snobbish voice. "It is two-sided. I'm giving for myself and I would appreciate a return on that energy." Snotlout then found a piece of paper. "Ooh, what's this? Looks important," he said.
Raeda then took the paper and looked at it, "It's a list of all the buyers who came to the auction. But nothing on the dragons they have or where they're kept." She said, but noticed one name was underlined, "Hmm, 'Krogan'? Whose that?"
Gobber snatched the paper from Raeda and blew his nose with it. "Doesn't matter as much as the auction manifest." He said, holding the manifest out.
"You found it, Gobber. Nice work." Raeda said with a smile.
"Thanks, Raeda." Gobber said with a smile to Raeda.
Snotlout, however, gave them a blank look.
Gobber sighed. "Manifest, Snotlout. The list of dragons and where they are kept."
"I actually know what a manifest is, Gobber," Snotlout said, laughing boisterously.
"Sure you do." Raeda sarcastically said.
"All right, time's up." Ryker's voice said outside the tent. Gobber quickly hit the manifest behind his back just as Ryker entered the tent with several guards. "And the bidding is about to begin."
They then followed Ryker outside and as they walked towards the auction Gobber tossed the manifest onto the ground where seconds later Hiccup grabbed it.
He, Hicca, Midnight and Toothless then quickly hid behind Viggo's tent and looked at the manifest.
"See, so far so good." Hiccup told his sister with a smile.
"I wouldn't count our dragons yet, Hiccup. We gotta make sure to get the dragons out first and get off the island as quickly as possible or someone is gonna die." Hicca said seriously, making sure they keep their guard up if Viggo planned this out.
"Don't worry. After today, Viggo's business of selling dragons will take a major downfall." He told her.
Hicca then furrowed her brows, "Really? Because since this is 'your' plan we're following, I bet all Raeda, Gobber and Snotlout did is just delay your inevitable failure." She said as she gestured to Midnight to follow.
Hiccup watches her go as he gives a small aggravated groan. "Is she ever gonna let this go, bud?" He asked Toothless next to him.
'She will, eventually.' Toothless warbled, a bit unsurely.
"Yeah, tell me about it." Hiccup grumbled to his dragon as they watched where Hicca and Midnight snuck off to as they followed.
(Linebreak)
Moments later, Fishlegs and the twins began to look for their dragons.
"Now, once we find our dragons, we wait for Hiccup or Hicca's signal." Fishlegs said as simply as possible to the Thorston twins.
"Yeah. Then we release the rest of the dragons." Tuffnut said. "We get it." He then looked at his sister. "Is this guy serious?"
They then began wandering through the dragon cages for any sign of their dragons.
"Belch!" Tuffnut whispered.
"Barf!" Ruffnut whispered.
"Shh!" Fishlegs hissed. "Meatlug!"
"Do you hear something?" A voice said.
Fishlegs and the Thorston twins quickly hit behind one of the cages just as two Hunters appeared.
"I'm sure I did." One of the Hunters said.
"We're gonna get caught and thrown into a Whispering Death hole." Fishlegs quivered.
"Fishlegs. It's all in your noggin, my man." Tuffnut told him.
"If you believe we're gonna get caught, we're toast." Ruffnut told him.
Unfortunately, the Hunters were one cage away from them and they heard their voices. One of the Hunters gestured to the cage and the other nodded and they turned yelling and raised their swords.
Fishlegs shrieked and covered his eyes.
Then he suddenly heard grunts and groans. He then removed his hands to find Astrid and Heather directly behind the Hunters, who appeared to have just kicked them from behind.
"Keep looking!" Astrid told them.
"We rest our case," Tuffnut.
Astrid and Heather dragged the Hunters away so no one would spot them and Fishlegs and the twins kept on looking for their dragons.
Fishlegs remove the tarpaulin over one of the cages to reveal a Speed Stinger but try to sting him.
"Not my Meatlug," Fishlegs shrieked backing away from the Speed Stinger.
He then rushed up towards the twins looking quite frantic. "Right. If I think Astrid, Ragnar and Heather will show up to save us…" He then looked back and quivered. "Oh, what do we do have they don't?"
He then noticed the twins had vanished.
"You hide," Tuffnut whispered.
"Where'd he go?" a Hunter's voice said.
"I don't see," said another voice.
Hunters were now patrolling the cages looking for any intruders. Once they've passed, Fishlegs, who had been hiding under a tarpaulin that was covering a cage, came out of hiding.
He watched as Hunters began to move the cages, it became apparent that the auction was about to begin and they still haven't found their dragons.
(Linebreak)
It was now evening and the auction was about to begin. Viggo was standing on a podium looking at all the buyers with Ryker by his side. Ryker gestured to Snotlout and Raeda, while Snotlout was busy talking to a man with a hood over his head.
"Are you from around here?" Snotlout asked him. "Having a little fiesta back on my island after. I can put you on the list."
The man didn't respond, just looked forward. Raeda then swapped places with Snotlout as she had a strong feeling who this man was, "You are Krogan I presume?" She asked.
The man didn't even glance at her, "I wasn't aware my reputation preceded me. In which case you would presume correctly." He said.
"Ah I see. Well then Krogan, from one buyer to another, what is it you hope to find here?" She asked, if Viggo had underlined this guy's name she knew that he had to be someone important.
"All that I seek are dragons worthy for my master." Krogan answered simply.
Raeda blinked in surprise, "And who is this master?" She asked.
Krogan just let out a hollow chuckle, "You do not even have the honor of even hearing his name." He told her, "All you must know is that he has a goal that far exceeds anything Grimborn could even fathom."
That put Raeda on high alert, but she still kept her cover, "Well then, I wish you well in your bidding." She said to Krogan.
"As I do you." Krogan said as Raeda turned away, knowing she had to tell this to the Haddock twins.
"Our special guest." Ryker said after he saw Krogan.
Viggo then stepped forward to look at all the buyers. "Friends, buyers, honored guests, I believe we have assembled the most unique and comprehensive group of dragons in the archipelago. I think you will agree."
Viggo then removes the tarpaulin of the cage to reveal the Thorston twins clinging onto the cage of a Speed Stinger. It appeared that the twins were now paralyzed and were unable to remove themselves from the cage.
Snotlout, Raeda and Gobber flinched, "Oh yak dung." Raeda muttered.
There was incessant mumbling at the site and Snotlout jumped to his feet at once as did Gobber and Raeda. Snotlout quickly opened the chest and began to toss gold coins around.
"I'm making it rain." Snotlout said nervously. "It's raining gold."
Unfortunately, no one jumped for the coins and Viggo and Ryker were now glaring at him.
"I think our cover's blown, Snotlout." Raeda said with a sigh as she placed a hand to her face.
"I knew I recognised them." Viggo said to Ryker. "They're Dragon Riders. Seize them. Seize them all!"
Seconds later, Snotlout, Raeda, Gobber and the Thorston twins were surrounded by heavily armed Vikings. Though no one noticed Krogan glancing at the two in intrigue.
(Linebreak)
It was now night and Fishlegs deal had not located the dragons. To make things worse the guards were now searching for them, it appeared that someone had blown their cover.
He secretly kept on looking for the dragons and removed the tarpaulin to reveal Stormfly and he soon of the other tarpaulins to reveal the other dragons.
"Stormfly. Sparkfire. Hookfang. Barf and Belch," he said excitedly. He then spotted Meatlug and ran over to a cage. "Meatlug! Oh, I missed you, girl."
Meatlug spewed lava over the cage, but it did not melt. He then turned and saw two hunters charging at him with bolas in their hands.
"I'm not gonna get caught," he said to himself. "I'm not going to get—" He got caught, the bolas wrapped around him. "That doesn't work."
A bola then wrapped around his legs and he toppled over face first in the ground.
"Come on." A Hunter said as he grabbed Fishlegs away while straining. Meatlug tries to bite the bars off to save her rider, but to no avail.
(Linebreak)
Astrid and Heather were sneaking around, keeping their guard up. Heather looked away sadly, the events of the Shipyard mission still fresh in her memory.
Astrid noticed her expression and gave her a sympathetic look. Ever since they lost Henry and Dagur, Hicca and Heather weren't on good terms like the Haddock twins were. But while Hicca didn't acknowledge Heather, Heather seemed to be avoiding talking to Hicca.
"Heather, you can't let this keep going." Astrid told her, "You need to talk to her."
Heather looked at Astrid, "What can I possibly say to her, Astrid? It's because of me that Henry and my brother are gone and it's my fault that Hicca and Hiccup's relationship is ruined." She said in regret.
Astrid placed a hand on Heather's shoulder as she spoke. "Hicca and Hiccup may be the only ones who can fix it, but only you can get Hicca to let go of her anger." She told her as she smiled. "Maybe you were too late to patch things up with Henry or Dagur, but you still have a chance with Hicca."
Heather looked at Astrid hopefully, "Do you really think so?" She asked.
"I know, so." Astrid said with a smile, as the two girls don't know that a couple of Hunters running towards them without them knowing.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile, the Haddock twins had finally found the dragons deep within the island's caverns. All of them were locked in the cages and wanted to be free more than anything in the world.
Hiccup rushed over to the first cage, which contained a Quaken and began to fumble with some keys that he took off from a guard.
Hicca and Midnight stood watch for any guards as they along with Toothless looked around. Hiccup was taking longer than he thought with finding the right key.
Hicca then huffed and rolled her eyes, "You seriously can't find the right key?" She asked.
"Hey, these are a lot of keys to even find it for the right locks." Hiccup retorted in annoyance at his sister.
"Gee, maybe you should've thought of that when you came up with this lunatic plan." Hicca told him.
Hiccup stopped as he turned to Hicca. "Oh, like any hunter would label their keys to know which ones are for each cage." He told her.
"Well, then I guess you're just gonna have to guess the key while this plan ends in even greater disaster." Hicca told him, getting close to him.
"Oh and I suppose you think you could do better?" Hiccup challenged as Toothless and Midnight looked at the two in worry.
"I don't think so, I know I could do this mission better without making a choice because Astrid told me to." Hicca shot back.
Hiccup stepped back a bit when Hicca mentioned Astrid as he glared at her. "You keep her out of this!" He warned her, he was willing to put up Hicca's comment before but bringing up Astrid was the final straw.
"Or what? You'll put me in the stables too?" Hicca snarked as Midnight and Toothless could sense this could get ugly.
"Don't tempt me." Hiccup growled.
"Face it, Hiccup. Whenever you and Astrid talk, you somehow agree with her suggestions when she's quick to judge very easily without second thought." Hicca growled back. "You didn't even try to hear Dagur out when he warned us that it was a trap, which you, Astrid, and Heather chose to ignore while me and Henry believed him!" She said in anger.
"Well as the leader of this team, my choices out way yours!" Hiccup told her.
"And as second-in-command and healer of this team, my choice deserves recognition!" Hicca shot back, but before they could continue they heard Toothless and Midnight growling.
The twins quickly looked down the corridor and saw large figures heading straight towards them.
"Toothless, make 'em count," Hiccup said as Toothless prepared to defy a plasma blast.
"Blast 'em where they stand, Midnight." Hicca ordered Midnight but when they got into the light, Midnight and Toothless quickly stopped. For it was two Hunters holding Astrid and Heather captive.
"Sorry, guys." Heather apologized.
"It's okay, Heather." Hiccup said.
He turned and found more guards down the other end of the corridor. They were trapped.
"Well what do you know? Hiccup's plan failed everyone! What a shocker!" Hicca said sarcastically as Hiccup growled.
(Linebreak)
Moments later he joined the rest of the Riders and Gobber in a cell which was being closed by Viggo himself.
"Assuming this is all Berk's gold, I'm guessing that Berk will take quite the hit on his bottom line," Viggo smirked as Hiccup gave a blank while Hicca gave a murderous glare. "That is most unfortunate. But please know that it's all going to a wonderful cause. As are your dragons."
He then gestured to Toothless and Midnight, who are bound to two carts and muzzled.
"Toothless!" Hiccup yelled.
"Midnight!" Hicca cried.
"All of them," Viggo said, smiling sinisterly. He then made his way over to the two Night Furies, who snarled at him. "These two will fetch a considerable price. Almost a pity to sell them. But I'll get over it." He then looked at the Haddock Twins smirking. "If you're good, I might even let you two watch."
Hicca growled, "Just keep smirking like that Viggo, it makes ramming my staff through your head and my sword to your black heart all the more easier!" She snarled.
Viggo then let out a pained groan, "Such untoward speech, my dear Hicca." He said walking up to her, "Henry would not be proud."
At the Mention of Henry, Hicca clenched her teeth, gave a yell of fury and shot her hand out to grab Viggo, but he pulled back and watched her in amusement, "Don't you DARE talk about him!" She yelled in rage.
Viggo gave a smirk at Hicca as he chuckled. "My, so feisty my dear. I can see why my son was so fond of you, and perhaps the feeling was mutual?" He asked as Hicca growled even more and gripped the cage bars so tightly she felt like she could bend them.
"Let me out of this cage and I'll show you how feisty I can be, you snake!" Hicca demanded as Raeda and Astrid pulled her back.
"Alright Hicca, calm down." Raeda told her.
"Yeah, he's not worth it." Astrid sneered at Viggo.
Viggo then gave a mock bow, "Well then, I hope you enjoy your accommodations my friends, you're going to be here for a long stay." He said as he turned away from them.
The Haddock twins watched helplessly as Viggo and his men dragged Toothless and Midnight down the tunnel, no doubt to the auction to sell them.
Hicca rushed back to the cage bars and looked outside with anger, "We're captured, Viggo has our dragons and all of Berk's gold!" She said before turning to Hiccup with glare, "I told you this plan was gonna be a flop but no, Hiccup Haddock just had to make a choice that always comes at the cost of others!" She yelled.
Hiccup glared and clenched his fist, "Well at least I had a plan!" He told her.
"A plan that you never have a second thought about if things go south! Which for Viggo's case, it does!" Hicca pointed out.
"At least I'm trying something and not pointing out the bad odds!" Hiccup yelled.
"And at least I consider every possibility of negative results, like a good future chief would!" Hicca yelled as the others backed away, seeing this was getting personal.
"Oh, yeah like dad would ever think that a girl would make a better chief of Berk someday?!" Hiccup retorted as Hicca looked at him in shock.
"Well, at least this girl has all her limbs and a dragon that doesn't have cripple tail that I gave them!" Hicca told him as the others gasped in shock as Hiccup glared.
"Oh, you are just begging me to kick you off Berk someday!" Hiccup yelled.
"Like how father did with Alvin?! Please, be my guess! I'd rather be on Outcast Island than on an Island whose Chief makes choices that always gets someone killed!" Hicca yelled back as Hiccup clenched his fist.
Heather, who was watching the whole thing, finally had enough, "WOULD! YOU! TWO! STOP! FIGHTING!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.
The Haddock twins and the others flinched as they looked at Heather in shock as she looked at the two, "Now, is that any way for a family to talk to each other?" She asked.
"That's funny coming from you when you didn't want to talk to Dagur!" Hicca spat.
Hiccup opened his mouth to answer back, but Heather put a finger to his lips, "You're right, I didn't." She admitted without hesitation. "I didn't listen to my brother and he and Henry paid the price for it, that truth still haunts me." She added while lowering her head.
"You got that right! Especially since you hurt Henry when you think Vikings can't have second chances! Since he was Viggo's son!" Hicca added spitefully.
Heather didn't say anything before she raised her head and looked Hicca dead in the eye, "I know, that's why, if for thor blessed reason, Dagur and Henry survived that battle and I see them again, I'll be the sister I could've been for Dagur and the friend I've should've been to Henry." She said in a low voice with total seriousness, as Hicca looked at her in shock.
Hicca recovered and just raised a brow at her, "And if they didn't survive?"
Then Heather's face softened, "Then, I'll approach something else I broke but still have a chance to fix." She said as walked up to Hicca and hugged her, catching the Haddock girl off guard, "My friendship with you."
Hicca just stood still in shock as she glanced at Heather, "Heather…" She started.
"Hicca, I'm so, so sorry about what I said to Henry, I shouldn't have said those things to him." Heather apologized as she kept hugging. "And I should've given Dagur a second chance."
"We all should've." Astrid said, gesturing to everyone else.
"I wasn't there, but I agree either way." Gobber said with a shrug.
Heather then pulled away and looked at Hicca in the eye, "But now, when I realize Dagur did what he did because he loved me, I know that Henry did it because of how much he loved the dragon riders," She said before giving Hicca a sincere smile, "And how much he loved, you."
Hicca stared at her before she thought about Henry and closed her eyes in sorrow as a tear slipped down her cheek. She then began to sob as she whimpered. "I…I should've told him." She whimpered. "I thought we had enough time."
"And I should've been a better sister to Dagur." Heather said as she placed a comforting hand on Hicca's shoulder as the Haddock girl looked at her, "Maybe you can't have the relationship you could've had with Henry, but you can have back the relationship you had with someone just as precious to you." She said, gesturing to Hiccup who gave his sister an unsure smile.
Hicca blinked as she approached Hiccup, while looking away and holding her arm, "Hiccup, I, I'm so sorry for all those things I said." She apologized.
"Well, I don't blame you, Hicca." Hiccup said in a calm tone in understanding. "I would've done the same way if it was either you or the others who took the fall instead of Dagur and Henry. Even now, I still think about them and how they risked their lives to save us from that trap and I still feel bad for not trusting Dagur's warning." He said.
"I was just so upset about Henry that I-I just lost myself." Hicca sighed with guilt.
"And you have the right to feel that way of us not listening to you taking your words seriously." Hiccup told her. "And I know this plan had a chance of failing but in this war with the dragon hunters, we have to take risks. And plans will only work if we're all working together."
"As a team." Hicca finished with a smile as Hiccup smiled back and held out his hand. Hicca then just gives him a hug as Hiccup recovers and hugs her back.
The other Riders watched this heartful sibling moment as they smiled, while Snotlout tried to keep his tears in check while pretending that he's not crying.
The Haddock twins kept hugging for a moment before they broke apart as they gave each other a smile. "You're the best brother, Hiccup." Hicca said with a smile.
"And you're the best sister, Hicca." Hiccup said with a smile.
Astrid placed a hand on Hiccup's shoulder for extra comfort to him and then he placed his hand over hers. She then gave Hicca a smile which she returned.
"Okay, now that everything's been forgiven, can we get back to the situation at hand?" Fishlegs called out, getting them back on topic. "Hiccup, Hicca, we have to get out of here and stop them selling our dragons," Fishlegs told them.
"We will, Fishlegs." Hiccup assured.
"We'll find a way to escape and free them." Hicca added.
"How?" Fishlegs asked.
"This guy's killing me," said Tuffnut to his sister.
"Oh, I'm killing you?" Fishlegs chuckled looking at him.
"Please! Guards! Don't you know who we are?" Snotlout demanded, slamming his hand in the cell door and still putting on his posh snobbish voice.
"Snotlout, they do know who we are." Raeda said with rolled eyes as she leaned against a wall.
"Yeah, Ulgerthorpe," Gobber said in agreement. "Which is why you two are here with us."
"Okay, grumpy." Snotlout muttered.
Hiccup then began looking at their cell. "Hey, Gobber, what do you think these walls are made of?" he asked.
Suddenly Tuffnut slammed his head into the cell wall.
"Huh." Gobber said, looking at Tuffnut, who was now lying on the ground.
"It feels like iron ore." Tuffnut said, picking himself up and rubbing his head. "It's tough to run through."
"You should try it again." Ruffnut suggested.
"You think so?" Tuffnut asked.
"Yes." Ruffnut smirked
Tuffnut then took a running start and head-butted the cell wall again. "Definitely iron ore," said Tuffnut with a dazed expression before toppling over.
Gobber simply shrugged it Hiccup.
"We'll, at least we know that we can't bust our way out." Hicca said as she went and checked on Tuffnut. "We're gonna have to find another way to get out of here. If only we had a dragon that could yank these bars off." She commented.
Gobber and Raeda widened their eyes as they gave each other a smirk. "I think we have an idea how." Gobber said as the others turned to him as he kept smirking.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile the auction, Viggo was going well underway as he was busy selling a Deadly Nadder.
"Sold. To the Viking with no teeth," Viggo said.
Two Vikings laughed and they soon discovered that both of them had no teeth and began hitting one another.
Then several Hunters rolled Toothless and Midnightonto the podium and many of the buyers gasped. Krogan took exceptional interest.
"That's right, gentlemen," said Viggo. "Your eyes do not deceive you. Night Furies. The Night Furies. The only two in existence. The prized centerpiece of any collection. Let us start the bidding at—"
Automatically all the buyers began yelling at once, all of them wanting a piece of the Night Furies. Krogan himself smirked as he may have found the perfect dragons to join his master's cause.
"Get the Haddocks," Viggo said looking at his men. "I want them to remember this moment."
He looked down at Midnight and Toothless, who growled at him.
'You won't get away with this!' Midnight told him.
'Hiccup and Hicca will stop you!' Toothless told him as the two gave worried glances, hoping their riders patched things up.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile in the cells, Gobber and Raeda were now tossing several chunks of iron ore at the guards. The guards turned and watched him toss another piece.
"Oh? Look out. You might get pebbled to death," One of them mocked.
Gobber tossed another one.
"Oh, come on. Is that all you got?" the guard asked.
"Give it your best shot," The other guard taunted as he raised his axe.
Gobber tossed another one in the guard swung, but missed as the two guards laughed.
Raeda just smirked, "Who said they were for you?" She asked as the riders Gobber heard a roar that was familiar to Gobber and Raeda. Next second appearing round the corner was Grump, who was eating the iron ore happily.
'Mm, yummy.' He rumbled.
"Is that a Hotburple?" Hicca asked.
The two guards turned and looked at the large dragon but were far from scared. "Oh, it's Grump," The guard said, laughing. "Come on."
"Oh no!" A guard yelled sarcastically as he danced. "It's the fat, lazy dragon." he and his partner began laughing.
Grump began chewing the iron ore and then he looked to Gobber, who was giving him a pleading look. 'Friend?' He asked.
"Help me, Grump. Please? Please, Grump?" Gobber begged.
It was that point that Grump's attitude changed completely, he was now growling angrily at the guards with his wings outstretched. 'No one puts friend in cag!' Grump roared as the two guards looked at each other slightly uneasy and slowly backed away from the angry dragon.
"Right. Easy, Grump. Easy." One said.
"Good dragon." the other eased.
"That's it, Grump. Get them!" Gobber encouraged.
Grump then fired a fire blast at the Hunters. He did it directly, but did cause their feet to set a light. Then before they knew what hit them, he whacked his bludgeon-like tail at one of them sending him flying. He then head-butted the second guard, tossing him up into the air and struck him with his bludgeon-like tail.
Grump walked past the two now unconscious guards towards the Riders and Gobber's cell. Gobber then placed his hand on top of Grump's snout and he purred happily.
"These are dragon-proof bars." Fishlegs reminded. "He'll never be able to…" He stopped when Grump took a large bite out of the cell as if it was a piece of meat. "Ooh! Amazing!"
"He can bite through dragon-proof metal? Impressive." Hicca said.
"Is he ever going to learn?" Ruffnut asked, looking at her brother, gesturing to Fishlegs.
"None of them will." Tuffnut said.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile at the auction, the enthusiasm was reaching its peak as everyone bidded on Toothless. Then Krogan held out a large bag of gold coins and the buyers groaned in disappointment.
"Sold!" Viggo announced.
Toothless and Midnight growled at him.
It was at that point that they saw Hunters were running for their lives as all the dragons they were holding suddenly charged through. The dragons had been locked up in abuse and were now wanting payback destroying everything in sight.
The buyers saw the calamity gone up from his seat and screamed heading straight towards the docks. To Viggo's annoyance that included Krogan, who snatched his gold coins back from him and walked off. Even without dragons he at least had some information to please his master.
Viggo knew exactly who was responsible for this debacle. "Hiccup and Hicca." He growled.
Then jumping out of flames caused by a Monstrous Nightmare were the Riders. "And that's how you make an entrance!" Raeda smirked.
"Everyone, to your dragons." Hiccup ordered. "Check the decks of the ships that are leaving." He instructed.
"And make sure every other dragon is free from their cages." Hicca added determinedly.
"We'll find them, guys." Fishlegs assured.
"I like the attitude, Fishlegs." Tuffnut said as he and his sister clapped enthusiastically.
The Haddock twins then saw Toothless and Midnight on the podium. "Toothless." Hiccup said.
"Midnight. We're coming guys!" Hicca called out to them before she smirked at her brother. "You ready for a crazy plan Hiccup?"
"You sister, are speaking my language." Hiccup smirked back as the Riders then ran in different directions to find their dragons.
Hiccup and Hicca looked up at the podium where Ryker stood. "Ryker, it's over," He said.
"This auction is done for." Hicca added with a serious look.
"Says the one-legged boy and the healer with an attitude and no backup," Ryker mocked as he drew his sword. He then jumped off the podium and raised his sword up high straight at the Haddock twins, but then his sword was blocked by Gobber, who held up a battle-axe.
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" Gobber told him, Hiccup and Hicca saw their chance and made their way over to the podium. "Someone like me."
Ryker growled as the two Vikings pushed their weapons to overpower the other. They soon broke apart and began swiping at each other. Gobber blocked the low swing Ryker attempted and the high one.
Ryker placed his body weight into his sword and pushed Gobber back, as the old Viking held his ground. Gobber then broke it apart and began going on the offensive by swinging his axe.
"Is that all you got?" Gobber mocked he pushed back towards the cliffside and then spun and disarmed Ryker with his hook. Ryker swung a first at Gobber, who ducked and allowed Ryker to go past him.
"Come on!" Ryker roared.
The two Vikings then charged at one another, but at the last second Gobber bent down and knocked him off his feet with his hook. He then jumped off the wall and performed a power dive right on top of Ryker.
However, it wasn't enough to take Ryker down as he got back onto his feet. Ryker then charged headfirst into Gobber, who then did the same to him. Ryker tried to head-butt him again.
"Oh, no, you don't." Gobber said and grabbed him and tossed them into the cliff wall.
Hiccup and Hicca had finally reached the podium and were now attempting to free Toothless and Midnight from the carts. They then saw Gobber rolling past and slammed into one of the dragon-proof cages.
"You both think this might be an opportunity to go after Viggo and get Berk's gold back?" Gobber enquired. "Just a thought."
"Right." Hiccup said. "Sorry."
"We're on it, Gobber." Hicca said to him.
The Haddock twins then removed the muzzle around Toothless and Midnight's mouths and then gave them a good hug. They then looked back at Gobber. "You good?" Hiccup asked Gobber.
Ryker then jumped onto the podium.
"Never been better!" Gobber yelled with smile as he charged at Ryker, wrapped his arms around him and then jumped off the podium.
"I think Gobber got this, bro." Hicca said with a smirk as Hiccup nodded in agreement. "Now, how about we go get Berk's gold back?" She asked as her brother smirked back in response.
Toothless and Midnight looked at their riders with smiles as they noticed that the two of them made amends with one another.
(Linebreak)
Once the Haddock twins had freed their dragons, they made their way down to the docks and found Viggo's flagship and Viggo himself with the chest in his arms. The ship was already setting sail.
"I see him, guys," Hiccup said.
"This ends now Viggo!" Hicca called out as they flew down towards him.
Viggo looked up and saw the Haddock twins and the Night Furies approaching him. He then raised the chest above his head and then tossed it right into the sea.
"No! Toothless, dive!" Hiccup yelled.
Toothless quickly dived into the water and began searching for the chest, which was sinking fast.
"Hiccup!" Hicca called out in worry.
Hiccup then jumped off Toothless and slammed towards the chest. He grabbed it, but it was far too heavy for him and it was pulling him down as well. Hicca looked down in conflict, this was her chance to get Viggo and avenge Henry and Dagur but she couldn't let Hiccup and the Gold be lost either.
"What shall your next move be my dear Hicca? Strike down the chief of the Marauders and avenge your accomplice or secure your Viking King's safety?" Viggo asked as Hicca growled at him.
Toothless tried to swim after him, but he wasn't a Tidal Class and could only watch as Hiccup sank to the bottom of the ocean. Hiccup could hold his breath much longer knee felt the chest slipping from his fingers and then suddenly something grabbed him from out of nowhere.
It was when he was pulled out of the sea he saw it was Hicca and Midnight had saved him just in time.
"You okay, bro?" Hicca asked in concern as she looked down at him as Midnight gave him a cooed.
"I am now thanks to you, sis." Hiccup answered with a smile as he looked to his side and saw Fishlegs and Meatlug holding onto Toothless, who roared at him happily.
Fishlegs then took the chest from Hiccup and he then jumped onto Toothless' back and they hovered next to the other Riders.
"Where's Gobber?" Astrid asked.
Hiccup pulled out his spyglass and looked at the island which was now burning and dragons were flying out of every direction.
"He was fighting Ryker, but I don't see him," Hiccup said, worried.
"I hope he's okay." Hicca said in concern.
"There! My valet!" Snotlout yelled, still in his posh and snobbish voice.
There sure enough was Gobber riding on top of Grump laughing triumphantly.
"Looks like you have your own dragon, Gobber." Raeda said with a chuckle as Heather rode with her.
"That's right. And I love this guy!" Gobber cheered.
"Where's Ryker?" Hiccup asked.
"Yeah, did he escape?" Hicca asked as well.
"Turn tail after old Gobber taught him a thing or two." Gobber answered with a nostalgic smile. It was then that they noticed that he was missing his hook and he quickly heard the stump behind his back. "He might have gotten in a few moves of his own." He said as he chuckled nervously, Ryker did get some hits that Gobber didn't manage to block but he held his own.
"Well, at least we got the dragons freed and Berk's gold back." Hicca said, seeing the brightside.
"Uh, Hiccup, Hicca?" Fishlegs called out to them as he was holding out a rock from the chest.
Hiccup and Hicca flew over and Hiccup looked at the rock Fishlegs took out. "He switched chests on us." Hiccup said grimly.
"He took all the gold and used the chest to lure us away." Hicca said with narrowed eyes.
"Well, let's go after him." Astrid said.
"He's long gone." Hicca pointed out while giving a down-expression.
"That's a 'chest half-empty' point of view, Hicca." Tuffnut said.
"Tuff, the chest isn't half-empty. It's totally empty. Of all of Berk's gold, gone. Viggo took them all." Hiccup said in shame as he lost all of their island's gold.
Hicca looked at the dragons that were flying past, the ones they saved. "We may have lost the gold Hiccup but the mission wasn't a total loss." She said with a smile.
"She right Hiccup. Look at all the dragons we saved," Astrid said to Hiccup.
"And I imagine that Viggo has lost some credibility for not being able to keep his dragons under lock and key," Raeda added with comforting smile. "So I call that one a win."
"I just hope our dad feels the same way." Hiccup said hopelessly.
"Remember Hiccup, we still have the trade routes to get provisions." Hicca said, remembering what their father said if we lost the gold. "That should give us plenty of time to figure out a totally insane plan to get the gold, and I'll be behind you all the way." She promised as Hiccup smiled at him.
"And I'll take the heat from Stoick, Hiccup." Gobber assured the Haddock twins, taking the chest from Fishlegs. "You two just worry about how we'll get that gold back." He then grabbed one of the rocks from inside the chest and gave it to Grump, who aided happily. He then saw the faces of both Hiccup and Hicca.
"What? We shouldn't let it go to waste." Gobber said and then fed Grump another rock. "Besides, this guy needs to eat. Constantly."
With that, the Riders flew back home just as the sun began to dawn.
"Look, everyone." Snotlout said, still performing his posh and smuggler's voice. "My valet has secured a dragon to call his own. Oh, it's so beautiful."
Gobber then slapped him across the face, twice. "I know it's wrong, but that felt good," He said blissfully.
Snotlout just stared at him as he rubbed his cheek. "The face. The one thing you don't slap."
"Oh, sorry, Sir Ulgerthorpe. But you have it coming my young man." Raeda said while using her acting voice.
"Actors." Gobber scoffed as he gave a light chuckle at Raeda taunting Snotlout as the Riders flew off into the distance.
Raeda then remember something and flew over to the Haddock Twins, "Guys, there's something you should know about one of those buyers." She said as they turned to her, "Apparently he was at Viggo's auction to buy dragons worthy for his master." She recalled what Krogan told her.
"Master?" Hiccup repeated in surprise.
"Who?" Hicca asked.
Raeda shook her head, "He never gave me a name, all he said was that this guy a had goal that was a lot more than Viggo could ever think of." She told them as a grim face came to her, "Now maybe its just me, but sounds like world domination."
The Haddock Twins looked at each other in concern, "Did you get this buyer's name?" Hiccup asked.
"His name is Krogan." Raeda answered as her face looked concern, "Guys, if there's really someone out there whose more dangerous than Viggo, we need to watch our backs."
Hicca nodded, "Agreed but for now, let's just focus on our current enemy, The Dragon Hunters." She said as they continued the flight home, wondering if they would ever encounter Krogan or this master of his in the future.
(Linebreak)
In an unknown location far up north, Krogan walked across a wooden structure, passing by certain warriors. Eventually he came to a stop just behind a large figure, draped in a cloak of dragon skin.
Krogan kneeled down, "Master." He said humbly.
The figure didn't even look back, "Report." He said in a low, griesly tone.
"I'm afraid while I failed to procure any new dragons for you, I did learn of a group of young vikings that could be problematic to our-" Krogan explained but his master cut him off.
"I am not interested in children." He said firmly as Krogan flinched a bit, "Do you have anything else to say?"
Krogan then raised his head a bit, "Perhaps you would be interested to know that this children know how to ride dragons?" He asked as his master perked up at this. He then smirked pulled out the juiciest bit of info, "And perhaps you would also like to know that their leaders own, not just one but two Night Furies?"
Krogan's Master perked up again and turned his head as he narrowed his eyes, "Are you sure?" He asked in dangerous tone.
"I saw them with my own eyes." Krogan confirmed.
The larger man then turned around fully revealing his face to be covered in scars, with black dreadlocks and beard, dressed in dark armor and his cloak over his left arm. "Find out, everything about these 'Dragon Riders' and report back to me." He demanded.
"As you wish, Drago Bludvist." Krogan bowed his head again.