Chapter 20: The deathsong nest

Following the trio, the seven groups landed on a secluded island after two days of intense flying. Said island was covered with a rocky surface that broke into a few jagged peaks, progressively leading into a main summit that overlooked the whole island. A few sizeable forests dotted the remaining surface, cut in half by a river that sourced itself deep within the highest mountain. The island was by no means small, but when they landed, it was eerily quiet. Looking around, traces of living animals, even dragons can be seen.

"Why is it so quiet" Snotlout asked. By some miracle, he did not shout out loud.

"Don't know, but I got a bad feeling" Fishleg squealed quietly.

Soon, the troupes followed the Guards into the forest. As they walked in the direction of the rocky hills, a faint weave of whispers could be heard through the woods.

"God's no." Fishleg pleaded as traumatic memories flooded his mind.

"Are you alright?" Heather asked, seeing color being drained from Fishleg face.

"No, how can I be alright? Don't any of you recognize this sound." Fishleg spat out, forcing his voice down.

"Nah."

"No." Daggur and Snotlout answered, not surpassing Fishleg's expectations.

"Maybe? Tuffnut added, without a single care.

Odin help me Fishleg though, despite knowing full well how the twins would answer his question. He turned his hopes towards Hiccup and Astrid. "And you?"

"Fishelg, please tell me I'm wrong, but I think it's a deathsong." Astrid voice quivered. Despite Garf being a good friend, she knows that Deathsongs are an infamous fierce species, and Garf is just the exception.

"Yeah, and I think there's more than one on this island."

"How? Deathsongs are usually solitary dragons?"Heather chimed in

"Not if there's alpha, like a titanwing," Fishleg uttered doom. "Let's hope the trial doesn't involve them." He prayed.

"As if," Hiccup countered. "I bet the trial is going to be like, Go in and get an egg or something. If you fail, you get eaten for dinner."

As the groups progressed, the green forest was being decorated with splatters of orange ambers. And soon enough, bodies of all sizes of animal can be seen through the amber, ranging from small boars to sizeable dragons. A faint scream of pain alerted everyone, but only Hiccup's groups decided to investigate. Clearing a few branches revealed a Gronckle encased in that same hardened amber, only leaving its head exposed.

"We got to save him" Fishleg shouted under his breath, while recomforting Meatlug.

"No, stay still Fishleg." Hiccup spat out.

"Why, it's a dragon!" Argued back Fishleg.

"I know, and I know that you have a particular affinity for Gronckle, but we can't save it, it's the dragon's world, Fishleg, that's how it works."

"Absolutely not, that didn't prevent us, didn't prevent you from doing the most dangerous things to save a single dragon, from hunter or dragons. " Fishleg angered, pushed a finger strongly down Hiccup's chest.

"I know, but we can't take risks here." Hiccup saw the anger in his friend's eyes and gently removed the finger. "They are watching." He gestured with a discrete head nod.

Fishleg looked over and saw one of the Guard starting right at them. Reluctantly backing down, he raised his hands. "Alright, I won't do anything rash."

As Hiccup turned his attention away, Fishleg discretely scooted over to Heather.

"Something's wrong." She said as she saw the worry look on his face.

"You noticed it too?" Fishleg said.

"Yeah, Hiccup changed, after the Headless's island. He looks more driven, more, hateful, I should say?"

"Like he will kill the Headless clan if the opportunity present itself?"

"Without hesitation." Heather nodded

"So what exactly happened on during his capture, on the Headless island?"

"I don't know. The odd thing is that everyone on the island looked happy to be there?"

"Wait what?" Fishleg could not keep up with the revelation. "Aren't they supposed to be captive?"

"That is what we thought, but we feasted, and danced together. Well until Hiccup managed to blow the whole island up."

"Tell me more about that island later, maybe we can find out what happened to him. You told Astrid about what's wrong with Hiccup?" Fishleg brought back the conversatoin to the more important matter

"No, but I'm sure she noticed by now, beside, I think something changed in her too?" "Like usually, she was the one that could calm Hiccup down when he goes crazy, but this time, I guess, "Heather paused, voicing out concerns wasn't easy, it was like acknowledging something you don't want. "I guess she on board with Hiccup this time, whatever he does."

The rest of the trip was basked in silence between Hiccup, Fishleg, Astrid, and Heather. The twins, as per usuals, where behaving like the average Thorston, and Snotlout and Dagger didn't look concerned, even if Heather shared her concerns with her brother, only for Daggur to respond nonchalantly: "You think I didn't noticed? Maybe you don't see what Brother Hiccup is carrying."

"Then why don't you say anything?"

"Because I trust him that he knows what his doing."

"Sometimes trust is blind" Heather replied

"Then say something to Astrid?" Daggur spat back.

"Keep your tone down, they are going to hear you." Heather covered the Berserker's mouth.

The discreet sibling quarrel died down when they reached a mountain covered in jagged orange crystals. The groups spaced around the gaping entrance into the core of the nest. Echoed melodies bounced out of the mountain, and dragons with weaker wills were starting to get entranced by the deathsongs. Their respective alpha's quickly brough them back under controls, while Hiccup's groups were putting their custom moss made earplugs into the dragons' ears. All three non-dragons-only groups noticed that the two guards weren't affected by the deathsongs, and quiet chatter arose to discuss their origin but was quickly drowned out by a Guard's roar that started the explanation.

"The emperor must know how to negotiate with others. Be kind without wavering, be strong without tyranny. Be thoughtful without conceding. You will each go into this nest and retrieve a purple crystal. Any form of immobilization and or aggressions between the tribes will be penalized."

"We have to go in?" Gulped Fishleg. "And grab something inside, We will be lucky if we even get out alive !."

"I don't think bringing the twins in is a good idea," Heather said quietly to Hiccup, eyeing the two blond Viking currently toying with their dragons.

"Thank you, Heather, for volunteering." Hiccup replied with an honest smile.

Giving a blank eye in response, Heather walked back, relieved. Calling Daggur to help hold down the two undisciplined Vikinig. She made sure to be out of Hiccup's attention before eyeing Fishleg a comforting sign while discreetly gesturing Hiccup.

Meanwhile, Hiccup focused his attention on the other two groups. He noted down all the things that had been prepared to be exchanged with the deathsongs. At first, he was surprised that dragons could hold such complex interactions, the cave chapter only confirmed that dragons are intelligent creatures not far from humans. He saw the tribes and the Headless bring back all kinds of hunted creatures, and even some captured dragons, that Tyrad baited with his newly learned techniques, chained and muzzled. Looking left, he saw Astrid's revolted face as the scene unfolded before her.

"Maybe we should do something," Astrid said.

"Not a good idea Astrid. I don't think it's allowed to interfere we each other during this trial." Hiccup pointed at the ruling trio monopolizing a large, flat rock.

"I'll go." Astrid walked forward determined.

"Wait." Hiccup tried, but before he was even able to move, the Guards answered his wish. The paler one fired a small blast that detonated at Astrid feet, singeing the tip of her fur boots. Giving a killing look towards the dragon, Astrid walked back towards her camp. Hiccup placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, before addressing Snotlout and Fishleg.

"Snotlout, you go hunt some wildlife, and Fishleg, try to fetch some rare rocks or crystals. Since we are trying to get one from the deathsongs, maybe something equal will be better."

"You got it." Snotlout slapped his fist into his palm. "Let's go Hooky"

"Good idea Hiccup" Fishleg answered with forced enthusiasm before turning foot and walking away. On the way, he grabbed Heather and whispered

"You saw that right? Hiccup gave up trying to save a dragon."

"Yeah, but I mean, he couldn't do much," Heather replied

"I know, but for him not even bothering thinking of anything. Something must have happened during his capture." Fishleg bit down on the "must" word, convinced.

As the day goes on, the groups each went in one by one. Some came out unharmed and were told to wait aside, others came up covered in solid amber and, in some cases, the Guards had to go in to fetch out their asphyxiated bodies. However, apart from some light stains, any members who needed exterior help to be released from the deadly amber had their groups disqualified, such was the fate of the ForeverWing group. One tempered skrill tried to object and charged up lighting. However, one Guard countered it with a purple blast while the other jumped off the rock, and leaped onto the skrill. Roar and growls quickly filled. The Guard dodged a sharp talon, wrapped his tails around the other, and in an incredible twist of agility, leaped over the back of the skrill, pinging the bigger dragon down.

"Dusk, Stop" The Messenger ordered, stopping the darker Guards from biting down on its neck. Nevertheless, the dragon shot a precise plasma blast right onto the Skrill's left eye, singeing its vision away. Walking off, Dusk accepted the bow and ordered the flock of Skrill to leave. The remaining members looked in fear as the slender beast walked nonchalantly back on its rock.

"As you may see," The Messenger told in a Viking tone for the two remaining groups: Hiccup's and the Headless clan, "Accept the judgment of the Guards without remorse, as such as one of the consequences. And you, your turn." He concluded by pointing at Toothless.

The black dragon bowed slightly before joining his group.

"Let's not have everyone going in." Hiccup suggested.

"Absolutely not." Astrid put her hand down. "It's way too dangerous."

"The less we are, the less likely the deathsongs are to see us as a threat." Hiccup argued back.

"He's right." Fishleg shyly chimed in.

"I know, I know. The all-knowing dragon master Hiccup is always right." Astrid spat back. "But he is very good at getting himself in danger, and absolutely not going in there alone."

"Fine, fine." Hiccup surrendered. "You are coming with me, Astrid." But glancing at her fierce look, "And you too Fishleg."

"Me?" Surprised,

"Yeah, you." Hiccup calmed his tone. Briefly explaining his choice, he then instructed the rest of the group to stand near the cave entrance and to charge if necessary.

\/—•—\/

Sharp, irregular amber crystals drew out a beautiful, almost enchanting pattern on the walls. The footsteps: two pairs of feet, a pair of talons and four pawns chimed on the jaggy crystals, giving the solemn cave some liveness. Spotting a shape darting around the place, Astrid gestured for the small team to stop. The two dragons immediately took care of each flank while Astrid and Hiccup focused on the fronts. Only their breathing now echoed in the chamber, which was quickly covered by dreadful hissing. A shape emerged beyond the rock a blocked their way.

A Death song in front of them stood, warning the quartet to back off by deploying its wings.

"Tell them we came here with no ill will." Hiccup gestured Toothless to step forward.

The Night Fury slowly approached the orange dragon, all four paws tensing up the dodge a probable amber jet. Seeing that its threats were not landing, the Deathsong raised itself on its hind legs and roared towards the black dragon, before he started hissing the deadly lullaby. Unfortunately for him, not only dragons stood in front of him; and, Hiccup, like any sensible being venturing in dragons nest ruled by a Titanwing whose simple singing could walk you down the aisle of death, or more accurately, their belly, placed double layers of mosses in all of their ear. Seeing the Night Fury still conscious and ready to pounce, the Deathsong, startled by its all-famous hunting tool not working on the potential prays right in front, rose out of the attacking pose and stared at the black dragon. Toothless gently growled out their intentions and nudged a shiny piece of rock toward the orange dragon. One moment later, the Deathsong turned tails and walked deeper into the nest, Toothless following after looking back at the two Vikings.

"Did it work ?" Asked Astrid, still doubtful. Past memories with unknown Deathsongs weren't always pleasant ones.

"I think?" Hiccup voice, unsecured, bounced around in the jagged tunnel.

\/—•—\/

Outside the nest, the last group was preparing for their turn. Magnus walked up to Tyrad, who was fastening some good on his dragons.

"What's the play?" Asked the buff Viking

"I was thinking just Ombre, this dragon and you go in. Ombre is not going to get hit and you are strong enough to break out of it, so it shouldn't count as immobilization."

"What do you mean it shouldn't?"

"The Messenger said any form of immobilization resulted in a failure. And from the previous trials, the rules are inclusive, anything not said is allowed."

"You tested it?"

"Yeah, we drugged the dragons back in the caves, and they never said anything."

"So go in, exchange, and run out I guess?" Magnus concluded.

"Pretty much, but don't slow Ombre down, he won't wait for you," Tyrad added back cheekily.

"Your point is that you always find a way to piss someone off." Threatened Magnus with a malicious tint in his eyes.

"Is that a challenge?" Tryad spat back, without missing a beat. After many years of mutual rebutting, the two Headless got used to threatening each other with a challenge. I think it started when we saw how far ahead Ombre was Tyrad though, thinking back. Despite having joined the Headless' rank at the same time, both were left in the shadow of Ombre's astonishing talent at differentiating himself.

"No, I don't want to soil my fist," Magnus said before leading the dragon towards the nest's entrance, where the masked Headless was waiting for him.

"Oh, and keep a look out for the Berkians when they come out, and taunt them on everything possible," Tyrad instructed.

"Fine," Magnus grumbled.

\/—•—\/

Meanwhile, inside the nest， the four members of Berk's group reached the main chamber. Before them laid an enormous Titanwing Deathsong. The arrival of the group drew its attention towards them.

"Gently, bud." Hiccup guided Toothless forward. They gently laid down their offering in front of the dragon. The Titanwing, apparently used to this scene playing out, threw the closest crystal at them before looking away, disinterested. Gently backing away, Hiccup and Toothless joined the other two, waiting for them at the entrance. As soon as they turned their back, the Titanwing spit out a small jet of amber.

"Look out," Astrid said while throwing herself against Hiccup.

With his newly trained reflex, Hiccup did not tumble away, and instead, embraced her into a controlled dived. However, the splash from the amber still managed to taint her boots and some spilled out on her armor.

Suppressing her anger, Astrid quickly removed her boots and unfasted the plate before the amber fully solidified. God bless Hiccup's ingenuity as she undone the bolts. Meanwhile, Hiccup took out his weapon but didn't activate the flaming blade. He eyed the TitanWing dangerously while putting a hand out to prevent Toothless from escalating the situation. Tension was palpable within the suffocating chamber and silence was crushing the Viking's shoulder. The deathtsong let out a light growl, almost like a laugh before laying down again and closing its eyes.

"Did he just toy with us?" Ask Astrid, flaggerbasted.

"I think so?" Hiccup asked, uneasy. Once again, his encounters lead him to realize that he truly underestimated the intelligence of dragons. "Let's just back away, slowly."

The four took a step back, still facing the Titanwing, and only when they were sure the huge dragon wasn't posing any more threats, they pace up and quickly exited the cavern. On the way out, they passed the two Headless and their dragons.

Magnus eyed the pair from head to toe and noticed that Astrid was missing her boots. Abiding by the orders he was given, he said out loud, making sure that he could be heard.

"Lost your shoes?"

"Hey." But before Astrid could her short temper through, Hiccup held her back.

"Don't, control yourself Astrid." Hiccup warned, eyeing the two Headless menacingly.

"Fine."Astrid spat out before following Hiccup to join the others.

Stopping before the Guards, they presented the crystal before them. One dragon nodded, indicating they had completed this trial as well. Bowing lightly in return, both pairs regrouped with their friend and filled them in with what happened in the cave.

0—0

Ombre turned to Magnus and stared at him blankly.

"What, Tyrad told me to do it," Magnus answered. Years of being under the same creed allowed him to decipher what was written on the mask.

Without a word, the Headless leader turned and went into the cave.

"Hush." Magnus ushered the dragon in front, before entering the death song nest.

Inside the nest, the duo of Headless didn't bother masking their presence. Their usually light footstep was intentionally resonated within the cavern. As expected, a death song quickly showed up. Standing tall on its hind leg, the dragon let out a screech, warding the intruders off. Looking at the dragon dancing in front of him, Ombre gestured to Magnus to draw its attention.

"Why can't you do it?" Magnus asked,

Ombre pulled out a small brown pill that immediately filled up the cavern with a strong herbal scent. Knowing exactly what it was, Magnus quickly blocked his breathing, before running at the deathsong, not having much choice. The dragon, seeing that one prey was charging at him, spat out a jet of molten amber to stop the Headless. Diving to his side, Magnus rolled out the shock on the jagged grunt and suppressed any sign of pain.

Using the attack, Ombre quickly threw the pill into the dragon's mouth. A few breaths later, the orange dragon fell loudly to the ground.

"Worm dung." Cussed Magnus, he banged his arm on the rocky surface to try and remove the splatter of amber that covered his glove. The few violent bangings resulted in a loud sound and what should be severe wrist pain but this didn't apply to the buff Headless. Giving up, he walked to Ombre who was eyeing him menacingly.

"I'll get it off before, plus I don't think it counts as breaking the rules."

Without a word, Ombre walked forward deeper into the cavern.

"Hrr." Magnus suppressed a cuss word, knowing that Ombre had an unparalleled sense of hearing when someone insulted him. Clenching his fist with all his strength, he managed to make some leeway into the crystal's structure. This will do.

As the duo went into the chamber of the Titanwing, Ombre took out a handful of herbs from the dragon's pack and scattered them around the chamber. As he expected, the dragons went mad, starting to blast amber at him. With swift and light movement, he dodged each orange jet with feline grace. The unpredictable splatters smoothly glided off his armor, which he previously coated with a substance that prevented the amber from sticking. Dashing around the chamber, the Headless threw around smoking bouquets of herbs that he lit up with a small friction flint embedded in his gloves. Light smoke that shines blue under the refracted sunlight filled up the chamber. Magnus scurrily reached into his pouch and grabbed two portions of a small paste, eating one half and smearing the other into his nostril, before doing the same to the dragon beside him. Not long before all dragons fell down from the perch, the meaty sound of collision low enough to pass through their moss ear plug.

"Drying the Cuizui was a good idea, make the modification official," Ombre said, giving Magnus the prize of their mission as he walked back towards the duo.

"Yes," Magnus answered, before placing the rock into the dragon's side pouch. before gesturing the dragon to follow the other Headless, already exiting the chamber.

During the way, Magnus constantly tried to clench his fist, fragilizing the amber's internal structure. After shortly adjusting to the change in lighting, the Headless duo went forward to present to Messenger the crystal.

"Wait" Astrid shouted, " Is that deathsong amber on your hands?" pointing at Magnus' orange glowing hand. Hiccup tried to shut her up but the Messenger already noticed.

"So?" Magnus turned around, eyeing the blonde Berkian menacingly.

"You should be disqualified! "Astrid insisted after shooking off Hiccup, who, under the stern and surprised stare of his friends, stood back silently. "If I remember correctly" She turned to Messenger " Any form of immobilization counts as the failure. Since his fingers are immobilized, he failed."

"Those are the rules." The Messenger agreed. "So, are your fingers immobilized?" He asked.

"What?" Magnus, but seeing Ombre's deadly glare, he quickly answered. "Of course not, just watch." Taking a deep breath, Magnus started clenching his fist with all his strength. A few moments passed before he started to breathe heavily, and bystanders could feel the soreness that gradually merged into pain from just watching the action. It was Death song amber, capable of sustaining forces beneath the oceans, but the Headless never let go of his grip.

Seeing the soft armor deforming against his contracting muscle, a ripple that, somehow, never reached Magnus' face, is he that strong Hiccup wondered, or is he simply pushing it through?

Finally, the amber cracked, falling into pieces from Magnus' fist.

"See? They are moving just fine" Magnus wiggled his fingers while snapping off the last remaining bits of ambers of his gloves.

"Then you have succeeded in the trials," Messenger said out loud, sealing the incident. "We rest here for tonight, and we'll leave at first light."