A/N: Another original chapter, enjoy.
Chapter 79: Crazy before the Storm
The Haddock twins and the Riders were flying over the oceans with Hicca holding a map of different islands.
Snotlout flew next to her and took the map, "You sure this thing will lead us to the next lens?" He asked his cousin.
"Not fully, but with any luck we're on the right track." Hicca said as she took back the map.
"So why aren't we going to Berk since we already know there's a lens there?" Tuffnut asked.
"Because Tuff, even if we do find it we'd still need one more lens to find the King of Dragons," Hiccup reminded, "So once we find another lens we'll go after the one on Berk."
"And the last time the Flyers were there, they said they didn't find it." Hicca said while still looking at the map. "But what if they missed something? Because even we know they couldn't search our entire island that quickly when they attacked." She pointed out.
"Exactly, so the sooner we get back home, the sooner we can search around the island to see if there's any hint that a Dragon Eye lens could be." Hiccup continued. "Remember, we are two lenses behind with the five ones we have already while Johann and Krogan have one left to find. Meaning that we can't lose this one." He declared with a determined look.
Raeda then smiled, "Well one good thing." She started, "After freeing Garff's dad, there's bound to be a lot less-"
She was interrupted when they heard the Singetail's roar and looked to see a squadron of Flyers with a few ships behind them, heading right for them.
"Flyers." Raeda said irritability.
"I thought we diminished these guys' numbers when we freed Garff's father!" Valerie called out as she and Camo dodge a fireball.
"Apparently, Krogan had way more numbers than we thought before stopping his operation." Henry said in annoyance as Wildstar blasted a Flyer off the Singetail.
"And must be desperate because they have ships for backup!" Fishlegs called out as the Hunters on the ships started firing arrows at them as they dodge each one.
"Okay, gang! We gotta take care of these guys before we get to Berk!" Hiccup called out.
"So now, we just need to…" Hicca tried to give instructions but was cut off when Astrid drew her ax.
"Way ahead of you two!" Astrid called out as she and Stormfly charged at the Hunters and Flyers with a battle cry.
"Wait! Astrid!" Hiccup called out but sighs. "Or just dive straight in, sure let's go with that."
Henry sighs and pinches his nose, "Is it just me or has her ego of being right gotten worse since our Near Death Song Mission bust?"
"Not just you." Raeda sighs in annoyance. "Even after freeing Garff's father, she's still a bit stubborn at times." She said.
"Worry about that later! We gotta deal with these guys!" Hicca called out as the others nodded in agreement as they turned and charged at the Hunters and Flyers.
Astrid was the first to charge at the Flyers as Stormfly blasted one of them off the Singetails as she dodge a few arrows and blasted one of the ships, which caused the Hunters on them to be knocked back.
"Alright! Way to go girl!" Astrid said to her dragon.
"Dragon Riders!" One of the Hunter's captains on the ship called out. "Take them down!"
And then a plasma blast hit near the captain's feet as he was knocked back as the Haddock twins and the other Riders started charging at them.
"Coming in hot, and blowing out snot!" Tuffnut called out as he and Ruffnut flew Barf and Belch over a ship, spewing gas and lightning up as it exploded, which caused the ship to lose its sails.
"Wahoo!" Snotlout cheered as Hookfang fired at the deck.
"Sparkfire, spine shot!" Raeda called out as Sparkfire shot at the net launchers, disabling them as the Hunters walked back a bit in surprise.
And then suddenly, the Flyers were knocked off the singetails as Camo and Valerie appeared in the place as Camo blasted at the ship, causing a hole on the deck and sinking a bit.
Henry and his dragons are taking out multiple Flyers as they could, but seeing that there are too many as he growls. "There are too many of them! We won't be able to get to Berk with these guys in the way!" He called out as he dodge an incoming bola.
Hicca saw this as Henry was right as she then had an idea as she looked at her brother with a smirk. "Hey, Hiccup. Wanna try out our new projectiles, bro?" She asked while holding up a bag.
Hiccup saw what his sister was thinking as he smirked back. "Oh, you know it, sis." He answered as he looked at Toothless. "Get ready to shoot, bud." He said as Toothless roared in agreement.
Hicca then threw the bag. "Now!" She called out as she threw it at one of the Hunter's ships.
Toothless then fired a plasma bag precisely at the bag as once it hit it, it caused a massive explosion, which caused the Hunters on deck to be pushed back and their weapons destroyed in the process.
"Whoa!" Tuffnut gasped before recognizing the explosion, "Hey, is that Zippleback gas?"
"Compressed into vials for later use." Hicca explained, "Lot lighter and less obvious then Nightmare gel and heck of a lot more powerful."
"A little something that Viggo taught us when he used Zippleback gas for his fire sword." Hiccup added before looking at his sister. "Thanks for giving me some ideas about that, sis." He thanked me with a smile.
"Anytime, bro." Hicca responded with a smile.
"Well we're gonna need a lot more because look!" Raeda pointed as more kept coming.
Hiccup dodge as he grew frustrated. "We have no time for this! We gotta get to Berk, now!" He called out.
"No! If we go, these guys will follow us! We gotta take them down first!" Astrid countered.
"I understand that, Astrid. But we need to…" Hiccup was cut off again.
Astrid gave a battle cry as she flew close to the Hunters and Flyers, which made Hiccup groan in frustration.
"Oh come on now, Astrid!" Hiccup yelled in frustration.
Hicca then flew next to him, "Don't worry bro, I got her cover." She promised as she dove after the Shield Maiden.
She then blasted the Stingetail fighting Astrid, "Astrid! There's too many of them! We need to retreat." Hicca told her friend as Astrid narrowed her eyes, "Oh, don't give me that look, I'm not my brother."
"Dang it. Forgot about that." Astrid muttered before turning to Hicca. "But we can't just leave these guys to follow us, Hicca! We gotta deal with them before we head home!" She countered.
"Astrid! When are you gonna learn that not every battle is gonna…" Hicca was cut off when she saw a large fireball coming right from behind Astrid. "Look out!" She called out as she and Midnight flew in front of her as they took the hit. "Aaaahhh!" She cried out as she and Midnight started falling from the sky.
"Hicca!" Astrid called out with wide eyes.
"Hicca!" Hiccup screamed at seeing his sister and Midnight falling as Toothless roared in panic at seeing his mate falling as he flew down really fast to catch them.
The girls crash into the water while the boys dive in after them, after a few seconds Toothless bursts out of the water with Midnight in his claws and Hiccup holding Hicca in his arms.
"Hiccup!" Raeda called as she flew in close to him, "Is she?" She asked in panic.
"Alive, for now!" He said as he looked at his unconscious sister in worry.
Snotlout screamed with Hookfang flying by with three Singetails behind him, "Somebody get these guys off of my butt!" He cried as he tried to shake off the Flyers.
Fishlegs and Meatlug were dodging the bolts from the ship, Valerie was avoiding the dragon-proof chains fired at her while the Thorston Twin had their hands full with avoiding the fireballs and Henry and his dragons were still firing at the Flyers but her slowly getting overwhelmed.
Hiccup then looks at his unconscious sister as he then looks at his dragon as Toothless looks down at Midnight in worry while said female Night Fury groans from being hit by a fireball as Toothless holds onto his mate tightly.
Hiccup then gave a serious look as he called out. "Dragon Riders, fall back!" He called out seriously.
The others heard Hiccup as they nodded and retreated while Astrid looked at Hiccup in surprise. "Hiccup, we can't retreat now! We gotta…" She was cut off.
"No time to argue! That's an order Astrid!" Hiccup yelled, which made Astrid surprised by his outburst as well as the anger in his eyes.
Anger that, she realized, was directed at her.
With but a small nod, Henry created a diversion as the Riders used the chaos to fly away. As they flew Astrid flew next to Hiccup as he couldn't bring himself to look at her back. This time, Astrid's stubbornness crossed a line.
(Linebreak)
After a quick and fast travel to Berk after escaping from the Hunters and Flyers, Hiccup immediately took Hicca to Gothi, where Hicca is laying on her bed in their family hut as Gothi put a rag on Hicca's head.
The Riders were gathered around Hicca in concern while Henry and Hiccup were the most worried ones as they were close to her on both sides while Toothless is next to Midnight, who is resting on the stone slap as he gave her a quick nuzzle.
And then, they heard the door open as they saw Stoick and Gobber coming in with anxious looks. "Hiccup! Where's Hicca?" He said in worried.
Hiccup turned and gestured to Hicca as Gothi finished her work. Stoick approached her, "How is she?" He asked in worry.
Gothi then grabbed her staff and started writing on a stone slab. Gobber then translated, "She says that Hicca shall be turned into a vegetable, well that's not comforting." He said before Gothi hit him in the head. "Ah! Fine! Saying that she'll be fine, but she needs to rest for a day." He corrected as he rubbed his head.
Everyone immediately relaxed with that news as Stoick then looked at his son. "Hiccup, what happened out there? Hicca's condition looks like they are recent." He pointed out in concern.
"We got ambushed by Flyers and Hunters, dad." Hiccup answered while giving a concerned look to his sister. "They took us by surprise on our way here, we fought them off the best we could, but Hicca got hit when she protected Astrid from a fireball." He explained.
"Which might not have happened if somebody had just listened when Hiccup said to fall back." Henry all but snarled while looking at Astrid.
"Let's not start pointing fingers." Hiccup said firmly as he turned to Astrid. "Astrid, I need to talk to you, outside." He sternly said.
Astrid was taken off guard by Hiccup's tone but nodded as they walked out. The other riders looked at each other in concern. The way Hiccup looked at Astrid was the look he gave them when they messed up, but it was the first time they saw him use it on Astrid.
Once outside, Astrid spoke up, "Alright, so what's your plan?" She asked as Hiccup stopped in his tracks.
"Excuse me?" He asked, glancing at her with an edge of disbelief. "What do you mean, plan?" Hiccup questioned.
"Wasn't you about to discuss a plan on how we're gonna find the lens before the Hunters and Flyers does?" Astrid asked in confusion.
"Seriously?" Hiccup asked in disbelief as he turned to her with a glare. "Astrid, Hicca and Midnight were knocked out by taking a shot for you and Stormfly and all you can think about is the mission?" He questioned.
Astrid was surprise by this as she raised her hand, "Look, I know you're upset and worried about your sister, but Gothi said she'll be fine in a day, meaning while she recovers we need to-"
"Astrid, MY sister almost died because of you!" Hiccup yelled in rage, which made Astrid flinch in surprise by Hiccup's rage. "I said that we should fall back when we were getting outmatched by the Flyers and Hunters out there! But you completely did the opposite of what I just said and it nearly cost Hicca and Midnight their lives!" He pointed out.
Astrid then scoffs in surprise at Hiccup yelling at her. "I was just doing what we usually do, making sure we don't lead the Hunters to the next lens or finally find the King of Dragons." She defended while crossing her arms and looking away.
Hiccup narrowed his eyes and walked towards her, "No. That's not what you were thinking." He said in a tone which made Astrid turn to him and she saw a look she only saw on Stoick's face, "You saw a fight, a challenge for you to take, and when you see a challenge retreat and surrender is never an option isn't that right?" Hiccup asked as Astrid started backing away slightly.
"Okay. Hiccup. Take it easy." Astrid said calmly.
"No. Astrid. Because right now, this has gone too far." Hiccup said firmly with a strict look. "You let your warrior side get the better of you when you see a challenge, and right now, it nearly cost my own blood." He said while gesturing to his hut where Hicca is resting. "How is it fair that when we are trying to find the King of Dragons and find the last two lenses, if one of our own has to pay the price for it?" He questioned.
"Hiccup, Hicca knew the risk when we first started riding dragons." Astrid tried to reason. "We all knew the risks. You even know when you lost your leg." She said, which made her eyes widen at what she said.
Hiccup looked as if he had been struck before his face hardened, "Did you really just go there?" He said in a tone Astrid hadn't heard since he found out she was hiding Heather was a spy as he clenched his fist.
"H-Hiccup. I didn't mean…" Astrid tried to explain before Hiccup spoke again.
"Astrid, what's the point of trying to stop Johann, finding the King of Dragons and making the world better if most of us aren't around to see it through?!" Hiccup yelled as he got close to Astrid, who was walking back a bit. "When Hicca and I lost our mother, I was scared that I would be alone if my Dad and my sister were gone as well! And I know Hicca would feel the same way if she was awake right now! Because right now, I never knew my mother when she was taken from us! And I almost lost my sister because of my girlfriend's ridiculous warrior pride!" He yelled out in rage.
Astrid eyes widened in shock at Hiccup's words as she stood back a bit as she looked down.
Hiccup kept his glare as he turned his back to her. "I don't want to lose anymore of my family, Astrid. Not after not knowing my mother before she was taken when me and Hicca were too young to even remember her face." He said as tears began to form in his eyes as he kept his fists clenched. "But I wouldn't expect you to understand, after all."
He then gave Astrid the same hateful glare Hicca gave her in the arena years ago, "I'm talking to the girl who thought killing a dragon was more important than standing by a friend." He said with the same remorselessness she gave him once.
Astrid eyes widen some more as she remember those times when she treated Hiccup and Hicca badly before the end of the Dragon War, which struck her badly as Hiccup turned his back towards her as he walked off, leaving a hurt and guilty Astrid standing there as she place her hands on her face, never realizing that Hiccup felt this way and for making a mistake that almost cost Hicca and Midnight their lives.
She was so busy feeling bad that she didn't notice a certain Night Fury watching her before leaping out after Hiccup.
(Linebreak)
Hiccup found himself walking in the woods, the same part where he and Hicca met Toothless and Midnight that fateful day.
As he walked, his mind was plagued by his argument with Astrid, the words he said. He felt like he should be sorry for what he said but at the same time he felt like he shouldn't be.
'Is this what Astrid felt before Hicca and I met Toothless and Midnight? Torn between us and her duty to her family?' He thought and kept walking, pushing a branch aside before it hit him in the face. "Oh! Again?! Really?!" He asked, getting deja vu.
And then Hiccup hears rustling in the woods as he looks around, finally noticing that this is the same spot where Toothless crashed before he and his sister found him and freed him before Midnight showed up to save him as some of the bushes rustled.
Hiccup gave a sigh as he had a feeling who it was. "Toothless, I know that's you, bud." He simply said.
The bushes moved a bit as Toothless appeared from it as he looked at Hiccup in concern. 'Are you okay, Hiccup?' He cooed as he walked up to his rider.
Hiccup sighs as he gives a pat to Toothless. "I'm fine, bud. Just exhausted." He sighed as he sat down on a rock. "Hicca getting hurt, me yelling at Astrid, Johann needing one more lens." He took a breath and placed a hand to his face. "What is wrong with us? We usually get ahead of our enemies and not get that tense about it." He said as he sighs.
Toothless looks at Hiccup with a curious look, "Don't suppose you have any great Holy Offspring of Lightning and Death itself wisdom to share with me do you?" Hiccup jokes.
Toothless then smirked, 'No. Just this!' He then pounced on Hiccup as the boy yelped and he proceeded to assault Hiccup with licks.
"Ack! Toothless you know that doesn't wash out!" Hiccup reminds his dragon.
'I know. This is just to cheer you up.' Toothless cooed as he kept licking Hiccup.
Hiccup manages to get free from Toothless as he stands up and tries to shake some of Toothless' saliva off. "Great. That's one wisdom that'll never wash out." He said dryly as she shook some off him.
Toothless gave a dragon-like chuckle as Hiccup gave him a rub on the head, "Thanks bud, I needed that." He said as he looked around the area. "Huh, don't remember being in that part of the woods." He noted looking further down the forest.
Toothless cooed in agreement before turning to Hiccup. The boy smiled, getting the same idea. Hiccup then mounted up and took off. Little did they know that something was watching them from the treetops turning its head like an owl before taking off in silence while following Hiccup and Toothless.
(Linebreak)
Back at Haddock's hut, the Riders were still down while Henry is still next to Hicca with Stoick next to him as well while Astrid sat at the far end of the hut, looking guilty and sad after what Hiccup had just said to her and the realization that he was right that Hicca was like this because of her stubborn pride.
'I'm no better than I was back then. I turned my back on my best friends when they needed me and now I've nearly led one of them to her death.' Astrid thought as she glanced at Hicca sadly, "I'm so sorry." She whispered before burying her face in her arms.
Raeda glanced at her, and sighed before standing up and walking over to her, "Hey, you good?" She asked, crossing her arms and looking down at the shieldmaiden.
"Not really." Astrid answered sadly, not looking up to look at Raeda.
"Astrid. What's wrong? You've been like this since you came back in after Toothless and Hiccup went off." Raeda pointed out in concern.
Astrid pulled her head up, but not completely as she looked towards the still unconscious Haddock girl, "That should've been me lying there, not her." She said.
Raeda looks to where Hicca is as she then realizes what Astrid is thinking. "You felt bad for getting Hicca like this, huh?" She asked as she sat down next to Astrid.
"I should've just retreated like what Hiccup said, but I let my warrior side get the better of me and it caused Hicca and Midnight to get hit by taking a fireball for me." Astrid said in a sad tone. "And now I made Hiccup mad at me for only thinking about the mission over the Riders, Hiccup trusted me to protect." She added.
"Well, Hiccup, as well as Hicca, wanted to make sure we're still alive when we go into battle with our dragons." Raeda said as she turned to Astrid. "Astrid, do you know that Hiccup and Hicca see us as family instead of just teammates?" She asked.
"Really?" Astrid asked in surprise as she turned to Raeda.
"Yeah, really. Way before we even rode dragons, I was Hiccup and Hicca's only friend after you turned your back on them for the cooler vikings, which from back then, wasn't as cool as they are now." She pointed out while gesturing to the other Riders. "And when I was their only friend, they saw me more as a friend, but as another sister to them."
She then looked towards Henry and the others, "And after forming the Dragon Riders, they gained a few more brothers and sisters," Raeda added as she had a small smile.
"Yeah. Because we were there for them and we're a team." Astrid said.
"Not just a team, but a family, Astrid." Raeda said as she sighs. "When Hiccup and Hicca never knew their mother when she was taken, they were afraid to lose anyone else when things got dire. They wanted to make sure that they made it out okay and alive. But when the others do things reckless, that's where they have to cross the line to talk some sense into them. Kinda like how Snotlout did before Alivn found him and saved him from the Screaming Death." She added.
"Yeah, I remember that day." Astrid nodded, seeing how Hiccup finally drew the line with Snotlout's recklessness.
"You see, Astrid. Being a Dragon Rider isn't just about blasting enemies,or charging into battle, but it also means to look out for each other and make sure to never go in alone and leave your fellow riders hanging." Raeda said with a small smile.
Astrid then looked away in guilt, "Then I must be the worst rider ever, since I've been doing that even before I had Stormfly." She said.
"Hey, you are not the worst, I mean compared to Snotlout and the Thorston twins, you are safer than those three." Raeda said as the two girls chuckled. "But Hiccup and Hicca may have founded dragon training, but there's only one Hofferson that helps them through rough times when they are down. Like that time when Toothless and Midnight's secret was out and when Chief Stoick launched an attack on Dragon island to battle the Red Death, you were there to help bring up their spirits and encourage them to show us how to ride dragons." She pointed out with a smile.
Astrid thought back to that memory as she smiled a little. "Yeah. I was there to encourage them to keep going when Toothless and Midnight were taking and from when their father disowned them." She recalled.
"And you were also the one who convinced the others to help the Haddocks find their personal item that belongs to their mother on Breakneck Bog." Raeda added. "If you haven't spoken out, they would've left them behind in situations they don't wanna be in."
Astrid looked down in thought, "Astrid, you might be a bit stubborn, hot-headed, impulsive, reckless, aggressive, sarcastic," Raeda listed as Astrid looked at her dully.
"Okay, I get it, I have a lot of issues. Your point please?" Astrid asked in irritation.
"Okay, okay. Getting to the point." Raeda said while waving her hands. "But what matters is that you have a big heart and care for the ones you hold dear. You love Hiccup, Hicca's your best friend next to me, and you have always helped out the others when things get dark and rough. You lead the Dragon Riders when Hiccup and Hicca are not around, you kept us coming with them in situations we don't wanna be, and you also had us keep fighting the good fight while looking out for us in the past. You are the best out of all of us, Astrid." She explained.
Astrid's smile grew bigger as she then hugged Raeda, "Thanks Rae." She said,
"Anytime, Astrid." Raeda responded as she returned the hug.
A loud honking broke the atmosphere as they turned to see the other riders smiling at them, and Tuffnut blowing his nose, "Oh, that was beautiful. J-just beautiful." He weeped.
"S-so touching that it makes me cry." Ruffnut weeped as well.
"That was so touching." Fishleg sobbed as well.
Snotlout wiped a tear from his eye but then gave a serious look to keep his cool viking image and not break like the others.
Valerie sniffed. "The most beautiful words I've heard in years." She said while wiping her nose.
Stoick and Henry were the only ones who were tearing up as the chief let out a small chuckle.
"Astrid, I've known you as a fine warrior for years, but I've also known that you would be there for Hiccup as well as my daughter in their times of need." Stoick said with a smile as he walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are the best Viking on Berk, Astrid. But you are also still just a young girl, capable of making mistakes." He said as Astrid sighs a bit. "But also the one who would fix those mistakes by making things right." He finished with a smile.
Henry then walked up to her, "It takes a warrior to know when you made a mistake, and even greater one to admit it," He said as he held out his hand, "So I guess I can admit that I was a little too hard on you. But there are times when we make amends with those mistakes and do what we can to make them right." He finished.
Astrid looks at Henry as she looks at the other riders, who are smiling at her as she feels a heartfelt feeling to her friends. "Thanks, guys." She said as she took his hand and stood up. "And I promise, from now on I'll try being the better dragon rider and sister, I can be for all of you."
Raeda smiled and looked out the window, noting how low the sun was, "Hmm, Hiccup's been gone for a while now." She noted.
"Knowing Hiccup, after his little outburst he yelled at you, he needed time to clear his head." Stoick said, knowing his son well when he gets like this.
"But normally, he would've been back by now." Astrid said in concern. "He has never been gone this long." She added.
And then they heard groaning from the otherside of the room as they turned and saw Hicca waking up as she groaned a bit while rubbing her head. "Ow. My head. It feels like a Quaken ran over me." She muttered.
"Hicca!" The Riders called out in joy as Stoick ran up to his daughter as he gave her a hug.
"Haha! Welcome back, Dear!" Stoick said as hugged Hicca tightly.
"ACK! Dad! You're cutting my oxygen supply!" Hicca wheezed as she felt her back crack as well. "And breaking my spine!" She groaned.
"Oh! Hehehe, sorry, sweetie." Stoick said with a small chuckle as he let go of Hicca as she took a deep breath and got some air back in.
Hicca gave a pained chuckle and looked at her friends but noted something, "Where's Hiccup?" She asked.
(Linebreak)
Hiccup and Toothless continued flying through the forest.
"Okay, seriously? How did we not notice this area of the forest the last time we were here?" Hiccup questioned as they've seen unfamiliar areas they are in.
And then, Hiccup and Toothless saw a cave that appeared to be man made, "What the, I didn't know this was on the island," Hiccup noted as got up from Toothless' saddle. "Did you know this was here?" He asked his dragon.
Toothless gave a warble in response as he shook his head. 'No. I have never seen this before either.' He warbled.
"Well, let's go investigate. Shall we-" Hiccup said before something wooshed over his head, "what the?" He said, while looking around.
Toothless then sensed something was out there as his ears flaps perked up and looked around.
"What is it, bud? You got something?" Hiccup asked, before a large shadow fell over them.
The two looked up to see a shadowy four-winged dragon flying down roaring loudly.
(Linebreak)
In the forest the other Riders were looking for Hiccup. Before leaving, Astrid told Hicca that she should stay behind, but being as stubborn as usual Hicca went with them, wanting to make sure her brother was alright.
While they were searching they heard a loud roar that was not familiar to them, followed by the sound of an explosion.
"What in Thor's name is that?!" Snotlout yelled out in surprise.
"That's not from any dragon we know is on Berk." Fishlegs said in concern.
Hicca however paid more attention to the explosion, the explosion of a plasma blast being fired. And since she had Midnight with her, that meant.
"Hiccup!" She said and took off in the direction of the explosion as the others followed after.
When they arrived, they found Hiccup and Toothless on the ground, seeming to be recovering from an attack as around them, trees were knocked down with scorch marks everywhere.
"Hiccup! Toothless!" Hicca called out as she and the others flew down to where the Haddock boy and the male Night Fury were. "Are you okay?" She asked.
"Oh, did anyone get the name of that Buffalord?" Hiccup asked, a bit dazed and smiled at Hicca, "Oh, hey sis." He waved.
Hicca pursed her lips, as Hiccup's reaction was proof that he took a pretty big hit. "Oh boy, Hiccup's got hit hard on the head." She said before looking at Toothless. "And Toothless isn't much better either." She added.
Toothless shook his head as he slowly stood up and blinked a few times, 'Is it time for lunch yet?' He warbled with a goofy smile.
'Oh gods.' Midnight moaned, shaking her head.
Snotlout and Henry then helped Hiccup up, as he shook his head, "Uh hey, do I still have my arms and leg?" He asked.
"Did you see what hit you?" Astrid asked her boyfriend as she helped to keep him stable.
"It all happened so fast that all I saw were four wings with horns coming at me," Hiccup explained, "You know that feeling, when you're in a yak stampede?"
"Yeah." Tuffnut said as he and his sister nodded in understanding while the others looked at them weirdly. "What? When me and my sis tripped the yaks one time, they caused a stampede over us." He explained.
"Yeah. We still feel the hooves in places we don't wanna show." Ruffnut added.
Hiccup then shook his head, "Well, it was like that, only a lot more painful." He said.
"How is it powerful enough to knock out a Night Fury if Toothless is dazed out like that?" Henry asked in confusion as he pointed to the male Night Fury.
Toothless was then chasing his tail as he tried to bite it. 'I'm gonna get you, tail! I'll get you!' He warbled as he spun around to catch his tail while Midnight tried to get him to stop.
'Toothless, stop! That tail isn't for biting!' Midnight warbled out as she tried to get her mate to stop and for him to get his bearings.
"Did I also mention this thing was really big, and incredibly sneaky?" Hiccup asked.
"You didn't until now." Fishlegs said nervously.
Stoick then widened his eyes when Hiccup mentioned the description of this dragon. "Hiccup, you said that this dragon has four wings and horns, right?" He asked nervously while grabbing his son's shoulder.
"Uh, yeah, Dad. I couldn't make it out that quickly, but it definitely has four wings and horns on it." Hiccup confirmed before he noticed his father's reaction. "Wait, dad, you know this type of dragon?" He asked.
Hicca was surprised by this as she turned to their father. "Dad, what is it you're not telling us?" She asked suspiciously.
Stoick looked at his children as he could tell that they wanted explanations as he then sighed, "I had hoped this dragon would never return, but I guess I hoped too soon." He said as he faced his kids. "Hiccup, Hicca, that dragon is the same species that… took your mother away." He revealed.
The Haddock twins widened their eyes in shock by this as the Dragon Riders were surprised by this as their eyes widened from that.
"W-what?" Hicca asked in shock.
"T-That dragon is the one that took mom away?" Hiccup continued in shock.
"I don't know if it's the same one 19 years ago, but it must be one of its kind at least." Stoick he explained with a tone of dread. "Listen, if that dragon is here, then we must leave before it strikes again." He declared.
"No, we can't." Hiccup said as he regained his senses, "Before we got jumped, Toothless and I found out where the Berk Dragon Eye Lens is."
The others were surprised by this. "You have?" Valerie asked in surprise. "When Krogan and his men were here, they were already searching Berk for the lens when they ambushed us." She recalled.
"Yes. But then when me and Toothless were talking through the woods, we found a path that leads to this cave that we haven't noticed before." Hiccup explained as he pointed to the cave they were in front of us.
Stoick was surprised by this as he looked at the cave. "I've mapped out this entire island myself? How long has that cave been here?" He questioned.
"Whoever built this cave, sure picked a good hiding place." Hicca said in astonishment while inspecting the cave. "And this is close to the cove where me and Hiccup first met Toothless and Midnight. How did we never notice until now?" She asked.
Raeda inspected the cave as she can tell from the carven. "Well, judging from the way it's carved and the moss and plants inside, this cave has been here for many, many years. Like during the days of the earlier Dragon Wars." She said while inspecting a rock wall.
Gobber inspected the cave as he tapped it and gave it a lick. "Raeda's right. This cave is really old. Way older when we were kids, Stoick." He said.
Stoick hummed, "This is most disconcerting. But are you sure that the lens is in there, Hiccup?" He asked his son.
"I'm positive." Hiccup nodded as he turned to his sister and the others. "This might be one of our chances to get the lens before Krogan and Johann find the last one for theirs." He told them.
"But we still need one more lens ourselves." Astrid reminded him, "Even if we get this one, how will-"
"We'll cross that bridge later, Astrid." Hiccup interrupted her firmly, while giving him a look, "Understood?"
Astrid looks at Hiccup as he is still mad at her with her as she sighs. "Understood." She said softly.
Hicca saw her brother's reaction as she can tell things are not good between Hiccup and Astrid right now. Having given the heads up on what happened while she was out cold from the others and was shocked at how Hiccup snapped, she can understand since she would've done the same thing if she was in Hiccup's place.
Snotlout then coughed, "Um, so about this giant four winged dragon," He asked, breaking the tension in the air, "Where do you suppose it went?"
He got his answer when they heard a loud roar echoing in the cave, "I think I have an idea." Fishlegs said nervously.
"Oh, great! Just perfect." Snotlout complained.
Hiccup and Hicca look at each other as they nodded together before facing the others. "Okay, gang. We just need to split up into teams to find the lens quickly in the cave and get out before that dragon gets the drop on us." Hiccup started.
"So, we need to be quick." Hicca continued as she then picked partners. "Henry, Raeda, Snotlout you two are with me. Dad, Gobber, you two are known to be a great team together so you two go with the Thorston twins, Fishlegs and Valerie. Hiccup, Astrid, you two are partnered up. We split up in the caves and watch each other's backs and find that lens and get out before that dragon pounce on us." She instructed.
The others nodded while Astrid and Hiccup were feeling uncomfortable/unhappy about this plan.
"Uh, Hicca. Maybe we should pick teams again…" Hiccup was cut off when his sister spoke.
"We don't have time for this, Hiccup. We gotta move if we're ever gonna get that lens." Hicca said firmly as she turned to the others. "Dragon Riders, let's ride!" She declared as they all split up and moved into the cave as quickly as they could.
Astrid and Hiccup were the only ones standing outside of the cave while looking at each other in mixed feelings as they looked at each other for a sec before facing back to the cave.
"Hiccup I…" Astrid tried to say something before Hiccup walked into the cave, leaving her alone. She sighed sadly, knowing this was gonna take awhile, "I hope I can make it right with him." She said as she followed after Hiccup with Stormfly and Toothless right behind them.
(Linebreak)
Hicca's team were in one of the sections in the cave while the others split up in the other sections to search for the lens faster.
"Keep your eyes peeled," Hicca told the others, "Remember, we're dealing with a dragon strong, fast and stealthy enough to catch a Night Fury off guard and knock him silly." She advised as Midnight grunted a bit. "Sorry, girl. But after seeing Toothless like that, it had to be said." She said as Midnight grunted in agreement, knowing that is true.
"Hicca, do you think it's wise to get Hiccup and Astrid to partner up when they are not on good terms at the moment?" Henry asked.
"Hey, they've gotta make up eventually." Hicca told him, "Don't worry, my brother doesn't have the stomach to stay mad at someone, especially Astrid."
"Well, that is true." Raeda said in agreement. "Even when Hiccup snaps at either you, Snotlout or even the Thorston twins, Hiccup never holds a grudge on them from the beginning." She pointed out.
"And I am proud that Hiccup has finally gained a backbone, but he took it way too far even if he did it for me." Hicca said while looking ahead. "But then again, I was like that once when I thought you and Dagur perished at Viggo's old shipyard, Henry." she admitted.
"You think?" Snotlout commented, "For a moment, I thought you were gonna bite Hiccup's head off." He added.
"I would never," Hicca said in shock before grinning, "But I was gonna rip his other leg clean off." She admitted.
The three of them were wide-eyed in shock as Hicca gave a chuckle. "Hey, if I can stand up to Astrid in the past, you think I would've done the same to my bro?" She asked with a smirk.
"You know, she does have a point." Raeda said in agreement, remembering how Hicca snapped at Astrid for treating her brother badly.
"Now come on, let's find the lens. We don't wanna be here any longer than we have to and who knows if that dragon is here or around us." Hicca pointed out as they all nodded in understanding as they kept going farther into the cave.
(Linebreak)
With Stoick's team, the six are in another section of the cave while Stoick keeps his ax up.
"Easy Stoick." Gobber told his chief, recognizing this particular scowl on his face, "I can understand behind your reasons but ya gotta remember this ain't the dragon who took Valka."
Stoick sighs. "I know, Gobber. But still, the night that dragon took Valka still haunts me to this day." He said.
"You never really told us about this dragon, Chief." Fishlegs called out. "I mean, we know that Hiccup and Hicca's mom was taken by a dragon but you never mention what type." He added.
"It is something that I would never mention again, Fishlegs." Stoick said with a stern face that made Fishlegs to be quiet. "Even to this day, I'll never forget that dragon's face." He added.
"Uh, excuse me, Chief? You think when we find it, can we keep it?" Tuffnut suddenly asked.
"Yeah. Because with how it took care of Toothless, it is already fun to keep!" Ruffnut added excitedly.
"No! We are not keeping it!" Stoick yelled out, which made them flinch.
"Whoa, hey. They were just asking, Chief. No need to yell that loud." Valerie said in defense for her friends.
Stoick realized what he did and sighed, "My apologies, it's just with Hicca, then Hiccup, my mind is a little on edge."
"We understand that, Stoick." Gobber said as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "But remember, this is Hiccup and Hicca we're talking about. They've been through worse before and nothing can keep them down." He recalled with a smile.
Stoick gave a small chuckle. "Well, that is true. They have escaped from disasters before, well mostly Hiccup, but still." He said.
"As Johann said when he revealed himself to them, they inheritage your habit of not dying when they're supposed to." Fishlegs said when the Haddock twins told them what Johann said when he revealed his true colors.
Stoick laughs, "Of course they did. We Haddocks don't know the meaning of the word death." He boasts.
"Ain't that the truth." Gobber muttered in amusement.
"Now come on, we got a lens to find." Stoick called out with a confident smirk as the others followed the chief.
(Linebreak)
With Hiccup and Astrid, the two are walking in the tunnel, while at some distance from each other while their dragons follow as the two are walking in silence.
Astrid turned to Hiccup a bit before Hiccup looked at her at the corner of his eyes while Astrid looked away while giving a sheepish look.
Seeing the tension, Toothless nudged Hiccup but the boy righted himself. Stormfly did the same for Astrid but she brushed her off. Seeing these two were playing tough, both Dragons gave their riders a harder nudge forcing them closer together.
Hiccup kept quiet as he gave a sigh. "So…" He started.
"So…" Astrid said at the same time.
The two were quiet again for a moment as they looked at each other with sheepish looks.
"Hiccup, I…" Astrid tried to say.
"Astrid, I…" Hiccup said at the same time again.
"You first." Astrid said.
"No. You go. You're the lady." Hiccup insisted.
"But you are the future Chief." Astrid insisted as well.
They look at each other for a moment before Astrid gives a sigh. "Hiccup, I'm sorry for getting Hicca hurt. I was so caught up in my warrior side, that I was being stubborn and never really considered looking out for others while in battle." She said in guilt.
"And I'm sorry for snapping at you, Astrid." Hiccup spoke next. "Listen, I'm not mad at you. Just disappointed. I mean, I guess I was still a little upset after you told me to bring Garff along on our last adventure. The others and I tried to talk you out of it, but you were getting pretty stubborn on letting him come, which resulted in him being captured." He pointed out while looking down.
Astrid rubbed the back of her neck, "Yeah, I guess that was a bad idea on my part." She admitted while smiling sheepishly, "I guess with Snotlout writing his book, I figured someone had to be the muttonhead of that mission."
"Which is shocking that he could read and write." Hiccup added with a chuckle as Astrid chuckled back before Hiccup spoke again. "But Astrid, you have to consider that not everything can turn out okay the way you expected. Like how in the battle with the Red Death I ended up getting this." He said while gesturing down at this prosthetic leg.
Astrid looks at Hiccup's leg as she sighs. "Yeah. I know. I guess I was so caught up in seeing Garff again that I should've thought that he would be caught just to save his father." She said in guilt.
Hiccup sighs. "Astrid, when going into battle, always considered the possibilities that there are some fights we cannot win. Like how Viggo took the Dragon Eye during the Viggo Fiasco, and Hicca and I took it so hard that we nearly made a mistake that cost Toothless his life. And when he infected you with the Scourge of Odin, that made me even more worried than before when you were sick." He pointed out.
Astrid then placed a hand on his shoulder, "Hiccup, I know what you've been through. I was there. And I'm sorry I put you through one more of it." She said, "As a fellow Dragon Rider and your girlfriend, I can't use your role as leader to get what I want. I promise next time you order something, I'll try and take that order." She promised with a small smile.
Hiccup gave a small smile to Astrid in return. "And I promise as leader and your boyfriend, I'll try to be more firm on missions and try to grow the backbone Snotlout mentioned I was missing, to make sure things turn out okay for everyone. Even us." He said as he took Astrid's hands.
They smiled at each other as the two leaned in and kissed each other as their dragons watched as the two broke apart and smiled at each other.
"Let's never fight again, agreed?" Astrid asked with a small smile.
"Agreed." Hiccup said with a smile as the two walked off holding hands while their dragons followed them as Hiccup then saw something in the distance. "Hey, I think I see the exit."
The two rushed ahead and reached a large chamber which looked like a room like the one in the Titan Wing Zippleback room Gruffnut told the Thorston twins to get a chest while completing the Thorston trials, minus the dragons.
The other teams then appeared from other tunnels, "Looks like we all made it." Hicca noted.
"Hey, does this place look familiar, or is it just me?" Tuffnut asked.
"Actually, it looks like the Titan Wing Zippleback cave from doing the Pseudo Thorston Trials, bro." Ruffnut called out.
"Yeah. Only this time, no dragon of any kind." Tuffnut added in agreement.
"Wait, did these tunnels all go into this room?" Snotlout asked in surprise.
"Looks like whoever built this place really wanted to make it so they could get back here." Raeda said.
Henry looked around and saw a chest in the middle of the room, "There! That must be where the lens is." He pointed out.
"So let's get it." Valerie spoke next as she was about to walk up but then Stoick stopped her.
"Now, hold on, lass." Stoick said. "Something doesn't seem right here?"
"Yeah, this is usually the time where something bad happens when there's a chest in the middle of the room." Fishlegs pointed out while looking at the chest.
Tuffnut then looked up, "You mean like a big angry dragon who's really ticked we came into the house uninvited?" He asked casually.
"Yeah. Something like that. Thank you Tuff." Hiccup said dully.
"Wait, what makes you say that?" Hicca asked suddenly in confusion.
"Because there is a big angry dragon on top of us." Tuffnut casually said as he pointed to the ceiling.
They all looked up and saw hanging upside down from the ceiling was a large, black, gray and greenish blue dragon.
"Oh my thor." Stoick said with wide eyes, seeing that this dragon almost looked like the one that took Valka, but with different scales colored.
Hicca looked at her father, "Dad, is it?" She asked, wondering if it was the same dragon from that night.
Stoick shook his head, "No, it's the wrong color." He said. "Must've been one of its kind." He explained.
Hiccup went wide eyes at it as it turned its head while looking at them. "That is one big dragon. And it looks like an Owl-like dragon from how it turned its head."
"Okay, that's a little gross." Snotlout cringed at seeing it turn its head around.
The dragon narrowed its eyes and growled at him. "Uh, I think he heard you." Fishlegs said nervously.
The Dragon then fired a beam of fire right at them as they all scattered.
"Whoa! Now's an attack!" Raeda called out after seeing the blast.
"And long range as well!" Hicca called out in shock.
The Dragon then unfurled its four wings and flew down towards them, the dragons then started firing their blasts at them, but the dragon dodge as it spun around and fired back at them.
"And a lot faster with those four wings too." Henry commented in awed.
It then landed and roared at them. "And look at those razor sharp ends. Definitely a Sharp Class." Fishlegs noted.
"Can we admire it later!" Gobber called out as he dodge a fireblast. "Let's just get that chest and get out of here!" He called out.
The Riders scrambled as they flew around the Dragon as it was distracted by them while Hiccup and Astrid were still on the ground while looking at the chest in front of them.
"Okay. The others are distracting the dragon. We just need to grab that chest and get out as quickly as we can." Hiccup said.
"What's your plan?" Astrid asked while looking at Hiccup.
"The plan is, run like crazy and grab that chest and not get blasted." Hiccup simply said.
"I like it." Astrid smirked.
"Okay. On three. One, two…" Hiccup counted.
"Three!" Astrid yelled out as she grabbed Hiccup and started running.
"Whoa!" Hiccup yelped in surprise as he was dragged along with Astrid.
The two then started running to the chest as they dodge some incoming blasts from the dragon and the others that were hitting near them in the crossfire as they dodge as many as they could as they kept running towards the chest as they kept dodging incoming projectiles in their way as they finally made it to the chest.
Hiccup was the first to grab it as he smiled and held onto it. "We got it!" He called out to the others.
"Great! So now let's…" Before Hicca could finish, the hold chamber started shaking, "Oh come on! A cave-in, really?!" She asked in disbelief. "Can't mother nature know that we're trying to keep the world safe?!" She questioned in frustration.
Some rocks are starting to fall as the walls and ceilings begin to crack. "We gotta get out of here before we get trapped!" Henry called out.
"But if we take the wrong tunnels' we'll just get lost!" Fishlegs called out.
"Then how do we get out of here?!" Valerie asked.
The four-winged dragon looks at them before deciding on something. He Then flew up to a tunnel above then and gestured his head to it.
"Hey, I think he wants us to follow him!" Raeda told the others.
"Seriously?! That dragon tried to kill us and now it wants to help?!" Snotlout questioned in disbelief.
"It was only offensive because you thought its head turning was gross." Fishlegs pointed out.
"Shut up, Fishlegs!" Snotlout retorted.
Stoick looked at the dragon for a moment before Gobber placed a hook on his shoulder. "Stoick, I know you have a grudge on this type of dragon, but if we don't trust this dragon we're gonna see Valka soon!" He told him.
Stoick nodded and quickly mounted on Skullcrusher, "Follow that Dragon everyone!" He ordered as he took flight.
"You heard the chief!" Henry called out as the others took flight as they followed the four-wing dragon through one of the tunnels.
The four-winged dragon led the way through the tunnels as it blasted some falling rocks while clearing the way as the Dragon Riders followed behind him as they looked in awe at what the four-winged dragon was doing.
"This dragon is amazing!" Hiccup called out in awed.
"He's powerful and fast for his size!" Hicca added in the same expression.
The four-winged dragon then blasted some more as it cleared the way as they saw a light at the end of the tunnel.
"There's the exit!" Stoick yelled out. "We're almost out!" He called out.
The Riders kept following the four-winged dragon as the tunnel was closing in on them as it was about to collapse.
"This is gonna be tight!" Hiccup called out as one by one each dragon flew out of the opening.
The cave then finally collapsed as rocks fell over and blocked the entrance as they all landed their dragons as they dismounted and sat down in exhaustion.
"This didn't happen when me and Ruff were in that Titan-Wing Zippleback cave." Tuffnut commented as he fell on his back.
"Yeah. I'm sorta jealous that it didn't happen to us." Ruffnut commented.
"Yeah, me too." Tuffnut said in agreement.
Snotlout panted face first on the ground, "Whew, that, was too close." He said, pointing at where the cave was. "I vote that we won't do something like that again." He said while raising his hand.
"Agreed." The others said in agreement.
"This isn't the first time me and Hiccup escape a cave-in." Hicca said tiredly while leaning on Midnight.
"Yeah, Bork's old fake cave the Outcast planted while trying to find the Isle of Night. That was the first." Hiccup said in agreement.
"Wait, this happened before you two?" Stoick questioned his kids with a look.
The Haddock twins realized what they said and were quick to change the subject, "Anyway, the Lens?" Hicca asked her brother.
"Right!" Hiccup quickly said in agreement as he opened up the chest, but what they saw inside wasn't what they expected. "What!? It's filled with rocks?!" He questioned as he emptied it as rocks fell to the floor. "Are you kidding me!? Not again." He said in annoyance.
"All that for a bunch of rock?!" Raeda demanded hotly.
Henry growled in aggravation before he noticed something on the corner of the chest. "Wait, wait guys! I think I found something here." He said as he went up to Hiccup and inspected the chest again.
"What do you see, Henry?" Astrid asked in curiosity.
"I think this is…Hmm, yes." Henry started as he then pressed the button on the chest, which caused something to fall off from the bottom of the chest. "A secret compartment." He finished with a smirk.
He then picked up what fell out and held it up, "Ladies and Gentlvikings, I give Lens number 6." He said with a smirk.
Hiccup and Hicca smiled as the others cheered. "Alright, Henry. How did you know that there was a secret compartment there?" Hicca asked in surprise with a smile.
"Yeah, it even has us fooled." Hiccup said in agreement.
"When you're the son of Viggo Grimborn and have knowledge of the Dragon Eye and lenses, you tend to find them in secret areas that might make anyone miss it." Henry answered with a smirk as he gave the lens to Hiccup.
"Nice job everyone," Hiccup said with a smile, "Now, we're just one lens away from finding the King of Dragons."
"And we're tied with Johann and Krogan in this lens race." Hicca added with a smile.
"You know. We wouldn't have made it out of that cave if it hadn't been our four-winged dragon here." Fishlegs said while pointing at the four-winged dragon that is looking at all of them.
The four-winged dragon looked at them as it gave small growls as it looked at them as the Haddock twins walked up to it.
"Hey, we may have gotten to a bad start. But you are alright." Hicca said as she smiled at the dragon.
Hiccup raised his hand to it, "Thank you." He said.
The dragon tilted it's head as it looked at their hands before it slowly moved it's heads towards them as it let their hands touch it's muzzle as it gave a dragon-like purred. The Haddock twins petted it as they smiled while Stoick looked at the scene with proud eyes as the four-winged dragon pushed back and then turned away as it spread its four-wings and took off into the air as it flew off into the sunset.
"Wait, where's it going?" Snotlout asked in surprise.
"It served its purpose, Snotlout." Hicca answered with a smile.
"From what we can tell, it had come here to make sure the lens was protected. Which is why it was lashing out on us." Hiccup continued as he smiled as well as Toothless stood next to him. "But with it's duty done…"
"It wasn't needed anymore. This dragon now needs to find its new territory." Hicca said as Midnight stood next to her.
Fishlegs then remember, "Oh no, we forgot to name it!" He said.
"He's right. We should name this dragon to remember it." Raeda said in agreement.
"Well…" Astrid started. "It is as powerful and unpredictable as a storm and does have a blast that can cut through solid rock." She started.
"And from how sharp it is, it can even cut through solid objects." Raeda added with a thought.
The Haddock twins thought about that name for a sec before they smiled and nod to each other. "How about we call it…" Hiccup started.
"Stormcutter." The Haddock twins both said together as they high-five each other.
The others thought about the name of it as they all seem to like it.
"Stormcutter! That's a fitting name!" Fishlegs squealed in excitement. "Can't wait to put this down in the Book of Dragons!" He excitedly said.
Gobber then coughed, "Look I like celebrating, finding loot and naming dragons as much as the next Viking," He started, "But can we please go home and get some rest? Even my hook feels sore!"
They all chuckled at his complaint as Stoick spoke. "Sure, Gobber. Let's go home." He said.
"Sorry this trip was short, dad. But we had to get back to the Edge and get this lens with the others so no one would surprise us with an ambush." Hiccup said while holding up the lens.
"It's okay, kids. Finding the King of Dragons is what matters to make sure Johann doesn't find it first." Stoick said in understanding as he walked up to his kids with his hands on their shoulders. "Just be more careful out there, Johann is more dangerous than we realize."
"We will dad, but are you sure you'll be okay?" Hicca asked in concern.
Stoick gave a small chuckle. "Did you forget who you're talking to, dear? I'm Stoick the Vast. Nothing can lay a scratch on me." He boasted.
The Haddock twins chuckled at their father's words as they found it true. "Okay, dad. We'll see you soon." Hiccup said as he and the others mounted up on their dragons, "Come on, gang, let's head back to the Edge."" He declared.
"Dragon Riders, let's ride!" Hicca called out as they all took to the air as they flew off while Stoick and Gobber watched them go.
"You think Hicca's phrase is cooler than just flying off with no rally cry?" Gobber asked Stoick in amusement while mounting on Grump.
Stoick gave a chuckle in response. "That's Hicca. Better at words than her brother." He said as he mounted on Skullcrusher. "You head back to the village, Gobber, I'm going to take the first patrol tonight."
"You sure, Stoick? You don't need backup?" Gobber asked uncertainty.
"Nonsense. I can manage. I'm sure I won't run into trouble." Stoick assured as he took off with Skullcrusher as Gobber watched him go.
The blacksmith/dragon dentist sighed tiredly, "The apple doesn't fall far from the stubborn tree." He commented before he and Grump flew back.
(Linebreak)
With the Dragon Riders, they are flying across the ocean as Hiccup and Astrid flew close to each other as the others saw this as they smiled.
"Looks like you were right, Hicca. Having those two spend time alone together really did help them." Raeda said with a smile. "Now if only we did that years ago,"
"I know, it would've made them a couple a lot sooner." Hicca agreed before tapping her chin, "Maybe we should do that so Hiccup can finally ask Astrid to marry him?" She asked a bit cheekily.
"Wait, WHAT?!" Hiccup exclaimed, since they heard what Hicca just said.
"We are not ready for that step!" Astrid yelled out with a huge blush.
"But you two will soon!" Hicca teased as she and the other chuckled at Hiccup and Astrid's embarrassment.
At least until Hiccup put on a smirk, "You know, you're right." He started, "Who knows, maybe it'll work with you and Henry too, sis?"
Hicca and Henry stopped laughing as they both blushed in embarrassment. "Hey! That's not-! You can't just-! I mean-!" Hicca sputtered as the others laughed again as Hicca's own joke turned on her, "Why didn't that Flyer knock me out longer?" She groaned as Midnight gave a dragon-like chuckle. "Oh, don't start, girl. You're just safe because you have Toothless." She countered.
Henry gave a small chuckle as he flew close to Hicca. "Maybe when we get back, we put them in a hole together in their sleep." He suggested playfully.
Hicca smirks back as she likes that idea. "Good idea. Let's hope they sleep with one eye open." She joked.
As they laugh, Tuffnut then remembers, "Hey, wait. That chest was filled with rocks just like the one Gruffnut took, right?" He asked.
Ruffnut thought for a moment, "I guess." She shrugged.
"And we found our in a cave just like the one where we found Gruffnut's during his fake trials, right?" Tuffnut asked again.
"Yeah," Ruffnut answered.
Tuffnut then rubbed his chin, "But as turns out our chest had a lens stuck to its bottom the whole time," He recalled.
And immediately the others caught onto what Tuffnut was trying to say, "Wait so, if Gruffnut's chest is like the one we found on Berk," Hicca started in realization.
"Then Gruff's chest must have the same compartment. Which means…" Hiccup continued with wide eyes.
"Gruffnut has a Dragon Eye lens!" The Riders all said in shock with wide eyes.
"That scamming little weasel!" Astrid called out with a tight fist.
"He tricked us into getting away another lens that would've brought us all seven!" Raeda called out in rage.
"Do you think he would know about it?" Fishlegs asked the Thorston twins.
"Actually, from what we can tell when we last saw him, he was pretty convinced that he had no idea what he was searching for." Tuffnut answered.
"He's always been clueless." Ruffnut retorted, "If treasure, he'll take it."
Hiccup then furrowed his brow, "Alright, new mission gang!" He said to them, "We track down Gruffnut, get that last lens and find the King of Dragons before Krogan and Johann."
"But he could be on the other side of the world for all we know!" Valerie told him.
Hicca however shrugged, "Well no time to start like the present." She said as they prepared to fly ahead.
But before they could go further, they saw a Terrible Terror flying towards them. "Terror Mail, now?" Henry asked in surprise.
The Terrible Terror then flew in front of the Haddock twins as they saw the Berk's crest on it, "It's, from Berk?" Hicca asked in surprise as her brother took the letter attached to the Terror.
Snotlout groaned, "Oh, come on! We were just there!" He complained.
"What is it that wants us to come back now?" Astrid asked in confusion.
Hiccup unrolled the letter as he and Hicca look at it together as they are wide eyes, "No." Hicca gasped in horror.
"We gotta get back home, now!" Hiccup called out as he and Hicca turned around and flew back to Berk, leaving the others surprised by this.
Henry then noticed they left the letter and grabbed it, he then read it as his eyes widened, "Odin's ghost." He whispered.
The others notice Henry's reaction as they turn to him while following the Haddock twins. "What? What is it, Henry?" Raeda asked in concern.
Henry stopped and turned to the others, looking frantic, "Stoick's been injured!" He explained.
The Riders gaped in horror and then without being told, they all flew after the Haddock twins as fast their dragon wings could go.