Next chapter of Moana and the Dragons.
Enjoy.
"Oh, fishpaste, so that's how you met Krogan?" Coral asked Tara.
The Dragon Riders and Freedom Bringers were in the clubhouse, listening to Tara's story of how she met Krogan. They learned from Tara that Krogan was a skillful man in both weaponry and hand to hand combat. She knows this because when she was little, she met Krogan at the Northern Markets when her mom was selling rare silk fabrics. Tara was wandering through the markets when she stumbled upon Krogan, who was looking for fine weaponry. And Tara, being an ambitious and helpful girl she is, helps him find the finest weapons in the market. At first, she notices Krogan was skeptical about her, thinking that she was fooling him. But Tara was an excellent expert in weapons and products and showed Krogan a shop that sells topnotch weapons with a fair price. Krogan, who was impressed by this, appreciated her help. Tara was happy to help before heading back to her mom, who just finished with her trading, but she had no idea that Krogan followed her.
And as he does so, he instantly falls head over heels towards Tara's mother, Fiona Aaberg. He was entranced by her beautiful emerald, green eyes as her red hair flowed through the wind. And because of this, Krogan became a frequent customer whenever Fiona and Tara were in the Northern Markets. Heck, they met up unexpectedly in some towns or villages. Tara, admittedly, says that Krogan was like a father to her since her real dad, Loki, wasn't around or be there for her, Krogan filled in the gaps of the fatherly love that Tara ever wanted. As he was the one that trained her in combat as well as some tips in weaponry. She and her mother had no idea that Krogan was actually a dragon hunter as they only see each other frequently and have some small chitchat. Tara also remembered multiple times Krogan tried to win her mom's hand in marriage since she's a single mother and is unmarried, it was a golden opportunity for him, and he's also a close bond with Tara.
But, of course, her mom refuses since she is an independent woman and isn't ready to get married, after the last guy she fall for was nothing but a jerk god **COUGH!**LOKI**COUGH!**.
However, Krogan was patient, he will wait till Fiona was tangled in his web and make her his wife as well as making Tara his official daughter. And he's also interested in a woman who can fight back, making all the challenges, and he likes that about a woman. It was a shocker to hear that Tara's mom was a beautiful woman, literally! They heard from Gobber that her beauty won over every male in the village of Berk. Anyways, as Tara recalls, the last time she saw Krogan was when she was thirteen, before the storm that killed her mother.
"Yup, that was the last time I saw him. I never knew he was a dragon hunter until Amista told us his true identity." Tara said, gesturing to the Albino Speed Stinger, who was growling at Krogan's name.
"So...if this Krogan guy is skillful as he is...that means he must lead those dragon hunters to go after Garf and the other Death Song." Gil said in shock.
"But why? Why capture a Death Song?" Fishlegs asked.
"My guess, to use its ability to lure dragons with its song and encasing them by using its amber." Lani said as he picked up the pieces of the clue, "An easy way to capture dragons."
"And without damaging them in the process." Hiccup added as he rubbed his chin, "We need to figure out this guy's next move before any more dragons fall victim."
"How? From what I know when I was kid, Krogan's really smart and elusive. He could be anywhere!" Tara exclaims, remembering the man always disappearing and appearing out of nowhere whenever her mom and her were trading.
"Maybe...but what if we can find him." Moana said, getting everybody's attention, "Do you think he's at the Northern Markets?"
"Possibly, however, I'm not sure. I haven't been there for like, what? Five years? I don't even if he's there." Tara said, scratching her head.
"We'll find out, together." Hiccup said with a smile before looking at the group, "We need to go to the Northern Markets and scout the area. We have to make sure that we don't make a scene, who knows how many spies are out there."
"Got it!" Tuffnut grins as he begins rubbing his chin, "Now, how are we gonna find Krogey?"
"Oh! How about we put a bounty on him!" Ruffnut said with a grin.
"Or missing posters!" Tuffnutt added, grinning as well.
"What part of 'don't make a scene' that you two don't understand?!" Tara exclaims at them in annoyance.
"Uh...we don't?" Tuff said stupidly, earning a facepalm from Tara.
"We need to go there without any suspicion. Mostly us." Moana said, gesturing to her and her team. "Seriously, we kinda stand out from the crowd."
"She's right," Keoni said, agreeing with his fiancé, "Due to our strange appearance and attire, we'll be easily recognized. But how..."
That's when Tara has an idea, "I got one." She said, getting everyone's attention, "Four of us will come along with the Northern Markets with Hiccup and other Dragon Riders, we'll disguise them as Vikings in order to blend in."
"And who are the ones going to Northern Markets with them?" Nasir asked Tara.
"Easy, me, Moana, Gil, and Coral will go." Tara announced and all eyes were on her.
"Wait. Us?" Gil suddenly asked, pointing at himself and then to Coral, "Us in...us? But, Tara, we're amphibian people!"
"True, but Yasmina here has been working on a magical spell to disguise anyone. Isn't that right Yas-Yas?" Tara grins at Yasmina.
The half-Jinn girl glanced towards with an unamused expression. "First of all, do not ever call me that again, and second, the spell that Tara is referring to is called a Glamour Spell."
"A Glamour Spell? What's that?" Astrid asked Yasmina curiously.
"A Glamour Spell is a form of magic that creates an illusion, concealing the true form of something or someone. Hiding one's true self." Yasmina explains to them.
"A magical disguise, that's brilliant!" Lani said in an awe.
"It is, that way, we can split up easily." Tara explains her plan to the group, "We pretend to buy at the market while the rest of our friends scout around the area. And we can communicate via telepathy."
"Good plan, Tara." Astrid complimented her with a grin, "This will help us find out what Krogan's plan is."
"That's right," Tara grins at her plan.
"Yeah, but Moana, Gil, and Coral? Why not the rest of us?" Maui asked Tara.
"Because we need to be in a small group. So, Krogan won't expect the Dragon Riders to have a huge group."
Hiccup nodded his head in agreement, "She's right, we need to lay low without drawing any suspicion. You guys know how to sneak in and out easily, while we spy around the island."
"Now..." Tara turns to Moana, Gil, and Coral, "Ready for your makeup?"
The Northern Markets, an island that has a bustling market of sketchy Viking traders and weapon-smiths. Along the shoreline are suitable for docking ships filled with any possible item's merchants would want to sell to anyone who visits or wants to trade.
It sounds great, but there's also some chances that someone might get robbed, pickpocket, scammed, threatened, and etcetera...you get the picture. Moving on, the Dragon Riders came first. Tara, Moana, Gil, and Coral will come later, making sure that they don't draw attention. And for safety measures, they didn't bring their dragons along since they didn't want the hunters to find out about them. So, instead, they use a boat that Tara claims to 'borrow' one from Berk. When I say borrow, I meant, stole. Yeah, she stole a boat right under Stoick and the villager's noses. Moana was annoyed that Tara stole it and told her to return it back. Which she will...if she wants to.
Back to the plan, Tara docks the boat and puts the gangplank down. She comes strolling down with a wide grin on her face as she takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the island, before exhaling happily.
"Smell that? That's the smell of good trading." Tara announced happily.
"Really? I only smell cooked meat and metal being forged." Gil said, coming down the gangplank with Coral and Moana.
Gil and Coral are magically disguised as humans. Gil's human disguise has tan skin, dark brown hair, his eyes remain the same. And he's wearing a sea-green tunic, brown pants, a grey leathered belt, a brown fur vest, and carries a brown sling bag. Coral's human disguise has mocha skin, coal black hair, her eyes remain the same, and her attire consists of long pinkish sleeve-tunic like dress, grey leggings, brown boots, a white fur vest and armbands. While Moana wears a Viking attire, making her look like a shieldmaiden.
"Oh, don't be like that, this is where I made fond memories with my mom! Nothing's wrong with that!" Tara stated out, her grin never leaving her face.
"Didn't you mention to us that you threw a guy overboard after he tried to kiss your mom?" Coral asked, playing around with her hooded cloak that Tara gave her.
Tara rolled her eyes, "It was a fond memory for me!"
"Enough, guys, we need to stay focused, all right?" Moana said to them in a serious tone, "The others are already in position, we need to look around and act like we're buying something."
"Don't worry, Moana, we're all ready." Tara said as she telepathically connected with the others, "Right, guys?"
"Right!" Everyone responded through the telepathic message.
"Okay, let's do this!" Moana said.
And with that, the journey to the Northern Markets. They stay close and look around, fascinated, and awestruck at the markets and shops set up. Coral was ecstatic, running around, asking shopkeepers and traders about the items they were selling and where they got them. Heck, she even listened to their real or not real tales on how they got their items.
Gil, on the other hand, did some trading of his own. He made special oceanic herbal medicines to trade for land herbs. The Herbalist wonders how Gil made this rare herbal medicine since oceanic plants are very rare and hard to find. Gil had to make a little white lie saying that he was a very good swimmer and was able to find these rare oceanic herbs.
Tara and Moana, on the other hand, searched around many shops to find any clues of Krogan. So far, they found nothing, except some shops with interesting items to sell. They were not the only ones with no luck. The rest of the Dragon Riders and Freedom Bringers didn't find anything. They only saw some Dragon Hunters, but no Krogan. Astrid, Keoni, and Nasir went to investigate while the rest continued onward.
"Found anything?" Tara questions the others through telepathy, eating chicken leg that she bought from the market.
"Nothing yet," Lani replied through the telepathy, "But we're still looking."
Moana sighs and shakes her head, "He must be in hiding." She mutters out, "Krogan could be on the other side of the island, what do you think, Tara?" No reply came from the Lycanwing girl, causing Moana to look on her right to see Tara no longer beside her. Instead, she was near a shop where two blacksmiths were arguing about their products being better. There, a huge crowd gathered, watching the two Vikings bicker, trying to decide which one should they believe.
"My weapons are stronger and can pierce through a dragon's hide!" A brown bearded Viking exclaims at the cocky looking blacksmith that has a black beard that is tied into two.
"BAH! My weapons are made of the finest metals ever created! It can slice through more than one dragon!" Yelled the cocky blacksmith.
"Really?" Tara spoke through the crowd, drawing attention, "If what guys say is true, then why don't you prove it."
"What?" The cocky blacksmith asked, stunned by her words.
"Show us which of your weapons are stronger. That way, the people here know what to buy or not to buy." Tara explains the idea to everyone.
"The lass has a point." A Viking male agreed with her words.
"Aye, I want to see which is telling the truth." A female Viking woman also agrees.
The whole crowd soon agrees to Tara's suggestion, causing the cocky blacksmith to grow pale. The Lycanwing girl notices this and smirks, figuring out who is the faker. The first blacksmith agreed to the term while the cocky one was trying to make excuses, saying that the weapons might get damaged if used. That's when Tara knew that he was stalling, making sure the weapons he had wouldn't get exposed. Without any warning, Tara took two swords, one from the professional and one from the cocky blacksmith.
"You know, you're wasting our time here, why don't we find out, RIGHT NOW!"
And with that, Tara slams the two swords at the stone. The first blacksmith's sword cracked the stone while the cocky blacksmith's sword bent like paper. This proves Tara's theory. The cocky blacksmith used cheaper metal, making it lighter, but not durable. But the professional blacksmith's sword has the right materials used in the making.
"Huh, lying to your customers in order to get a higher price on your products." Tara then glares at the no scared cocky blacksmith, "Cheating them out of their money and getting themselves killed with your false products!"
"Why you little! COME HERE!"
The cocky blacksmith was about to attack Tara, but the Lycanwing girl was quick. She easily avoided his hand by ducking underneath him. And fast as lightning, Tara punched his stomach so hard that the cocky blacksmith yelled in pain, he didn't have time to recover when Tara did a powerful uppercut under his chin, sending the Viking to fall backwards, rendering him unconscious. The whole crowd, including her friends, were dumbstruck, amazed at how strong Tara is. Although, the Vikings here have no idea that Tara is actually a Demigod and a Lycanwing, and of course she has advanced strength. And thanks to her detective work, the costumers now know to buy their weapons to the first blacksmith.
"Now, that's taken care of, you can buy your weapons here with the right price and efficiency." Tara said to the crowd happily.
Satisfied by the demonstration Tara put up, the costumers decided to buy from the first blacksmith's weapons, much to his joy. Tara smiles at this, watching as the people buy the real weapons while some are dragging phony blacksmith away, probably to a holding cell somewhere. Moana, Gil, and Coral came to her side, stunned by how she fought so well against someone twice her size.
"Tara, that was awesome!" Coral cheered happily, raising her fist in the air.
"Why thank you." Tara grins, happy to accept the compliment.
"By the great ocean, what were you thinking fighting someone like that!? You could've been pulverized!" Gil exclaims with a worried expression. Yet, Tara finds it hilarious to see him acting like a mother hen.
"Relax, Y'know I dealt with people like them before the same goes to the dragons." Tara said happily.
"But still...why did you do it?" Moana asked her friend curiously.
Tara looks at her and then to the professional blacksmith, who was happily showing off his products, a smile slowly spreads to her face as she explains her reason, "I don't like it when people get scammed from their money. My mom always says it is not fair for those who were tricked. After all, my mom was tricked by Loki and gave birth to me, and is a cursed child that she had to raise on her own."
This surprised her friends. Her words made them feel pity towards Tara. They know for a fact because of Loki, Tara had to hide her Lycanwing powers, keeping it in bay. And another reason why her mom, Fiona, raised Tara in her ship, because she can't raise her in a village because the villagers there would kill her for being a Lycanwing. That's why they travel and never stay in one place for too long. They had to keep hiding and keeping Tara's Lycanwing's power a secret. Moana placed a gentle hand on Tara's shoulder, giving the red haired girl an assuring smile.
"You're welcome with us, Tara, no matter what." Moana assures Tara, which she smiles back.
"Thanks, Moana, I know for a fact that you will be the greatest chief in history." Tara said before she tosses the bent sword away and then returns the sword back to the first blacksmith, "Here's your sword, sorry for testing it without your permission." She apologizes to the blacksmith.
The blacksmith lets out a heartfelt laugh, "No worries there, lass! Keep it! To show my thanks for proving that my weapons are genuine."
Tara grins, "Gee, thanks!" Tara said happily, knowing that she got a new sword for her collection.
After bidding the blacksmith farewell, they continue their search for Krogan. But stopped by a local market that was selling fruits and veggies that Gil plans to make for dinner later. However, as Gil finished buying the ingredients, someone unexpectedly showed up.
"You know, you always have a talent for getting into trouble." Came a familiar voice that they recognized.
Turning around, they saw nonother than Krogan, standing a few feet from them. He wore his hooded cloak, smirking towards Tara with an amusement in his eyes. Moana, Gil, and Coral were speechless at the sight of Krogan, having no idea that he was following them this whole time. Tara, on the other hand, knew very well that Krogan was following them, witnessing her little act with the two blacksmiths. But Tara and her friends had to make sure he couldn't find out their plan.
"It's been a while...Tara." Krogan said towards the red haired girl, "You look so much like your mother."
Tara smirks at him and crosses her arms, "And you're still the same as ever, Krogan."
Krogan lets out a small chuckle as he makes his way to Tara. Gil, Coral, and Moana moved back a bit, not wanting to be in his way. Tara knows how to handle this man. After all, she spent time with him when she was just a child.
"How have you been? It's been five years since I last saw you." Krogan said to Tara calmly.
Tara shrugs casually, "Well...I've been sailing for quite some time with my friends." She gestures to Moana, Gil, and Coral.
Krogan looks at the three, who flinched at his gaze. They weren't sure what to do, fearing that they might accidentally expose themselves and ruin the plan. Yet, Tara, of course, has readied the whole backstory, "Krogan, I would like you to meet Molly the Cunning, Gilligan the Caring, and Coal the Cheery."
Her friends gave Tara a dumbfounded look, unsure what to say about their given names. Heck, they didn't even agree to the names. However, Krogan actually believes their names and Tara quickly explains to them through telepathy that Krogan should never know their real names or else he'll find out the truth and hurt them. They had to agree and play along, not wanting to lose the opportunity in finding Krogan's true intention.
"Interesting friends you have, Tara. Where are they from?" Krogan asked Tara curiously.
"Where-Where we came from?" Gil stutters out fearfully, "We...um...come from uh..."
Tara pats Gil's back, calming his nerves down, "What Gilligan is trying to say is that they came from the Island of Gallagher."
Gallagher Island of Gallagher is a village far from any other islands. But it was known to be the best place to get foreign herbs. It is also known to teach young healers new techniques when treating sick or injured people. Moana, Gil, and Coral know about that island because Tara told them that when she was about eight or nine years old, her mother took her to Gallagher, learning some ways in healing, just in case one of them got sick, so they know how to treat each other. And thanks to that, Krogan believed them since he could tell that the three of them knew about healing.
"Hmm...interesting." Krogan hums in interest. "And where's your mother? I haven't seen her come by."
Tara mentally flinched. Of course, Krogan still has feelings for her mother. Yet, he has no idea that her mother had passed away, killed by a storm while Tara survived. "She's...not coming here today, or ever..."
Hearing this news, Krogan knew very well what she meant, as he looked at the ground with a hint of sorrowness in his eyes, "I am...sorry to hear that, Tara. I know what she means to you."
"I know...she was the best mother a girl could ever ask for." Tara said softly, arms slowly crossed to her chest. Moana placed a comforting hand onto Tara's shoulder along with a smile, which Tara returned.
"But since you are here, how about I get you and your friends something to drink? My treat." Krogan offered.
"Oh, you don't have to do that. We were just about to head off." Moana lied. This was not the plan they were hoping for. Literally. They were hoping to get close to Krogan to get the information, but not this CLOSE!
"But I insist, I want to get to know Tara's new friends." Krogan said, sounding wayyy too nice for his own good.
"Tara, I'm scared." Gil said via telepathy, balls of sweat fall down his Glamour Spell disguise.
"Just play along and don't worry, I know how to deal in this type of situation." Tara assures him before giving Krogan a friendly smile. "Sounds great, Krogan. Lead the way."
Smirking, Krogan leads the way with them following. They need to know what he is up to as well as what's the next game plan.
Meanwhile, at the other side of the island, Hiccup, Snotlout, Fishlegs, and the Thorston Twins were scouting the area, searching for any signs of Dragon Hunters or Krogan. Lani was with Astrid and the rest of the Freedom Bringers; they were searching the ocean as Yasmina spotted some Hunter's ships close by.
"Okay, gang, stay close, we don't know if Krogan's nearby." Hiccup said to them quietly.
"Come on, Hiccup, there's no way he'll find out we're here," Snotlout guaranteed, "And if we do spot him and the dragon hunters, let's just get on these very effective fire-breathing war machines and go off and blast them into oblivion."
Hiccup sighs in annoyance and shakes his head, and expresses his annoyance, "We don't go blasting people into oblivion! And we need Krogan alive to find out his plans."
Snotlout responded by rolling his eyes, "Much easier that way." He mutters out while Hookfang snorted.
Suddenly, Toothless lets out a growl, glaring around their area, causing everyone to halt. "What is it, bud?"
Not long, the other dragons suddenly became agitated, like something was about to happen. Before anyone could react, dragon root arrows were shot from the undergrowth, hitting Hookfang, Barf & Belch. Both dragons roared and lashed out, forcing their screaming riders off their backs before collapsing on to the ground. Toothless was able to dodge the arrows and Meatlug was lucky that she was not affected, due to her rock diet. However, they were quickly surrounded by Dragon Hunters. Arrows and swords were pointed at them, ready to strike. Toothless about to fire but stopped by Hiccup when they saw Snotlout and the Thorston twins already ended up being hostages as swords were pointed at them.
"You're coming with us, Haddock." Said a Dragon Hunter, glaring at him under his mask helmet.
Hiccup and Toothless glared at him but had no choice as he and the others were taken prisoner to the hunter's ship.
A dagger came flying through the air before pinned at target on the wall. And soon, cheering was heard. It revealed that Tara was the one who threw that dagger, grinning as she, her friends, and Krogan were in some kind of pub with other Vikings. She was showing off her dagger throwing skills, impressing the crowd, which earned the cheers. They seem to be enjoying themselves. Well, most of them. Moana and Gil felt out of place. Moana wasn't sure if it was a good idea coming here, as she could tell that there were some hunters here. Gil, on the other hand, was nervously sitting on his seat, holding his drink in his shaking hands while glancing around nervously to see many humans with weapons. And Coral...yeah, Coral has a different reaction to this situation since she was the curious of the bunch, not scared at everything around her. She was also one of the people that cheered for Tara's amazing dagger throw.
"Hahaha, your skills have not been lacking since the past few years." Krogan chuckles, handing Tara her drink, which she gladly takes.
"Well, I have been training every day, and I don't want to lose my touch." Tara grins at her answer before taking a swig of her drink.
"Same as ever." Krogan said in amusement before he glanced over to her friends, mostly Gil, who looked like he was going to faint. "What's wrong with him?"
Gil flinched when Krogan looked at him, the poor amphibian man couldnot respond, his body was frozen in fear. He couldn't even utter a single word. However, Tara saw her friend's petrified state and quickly responded to Krogan's question, saving Gil in the process.
"Oh, Gilligan isn't much of a wildcard. He's a gentle kind of man that prefers helping others rather than fighting."
"Ah, then he is pacifist then?" Krogan looks at Gil with suspicion, who was trying to avoid his gaze.
"Well, that, and he's completely terrified of you." Tara said in amusement.
"And he should be." Krogan said with a simple hum.
Tara laughs as she sits next to Krogan, "Give him a break, Krogan! Gilligan is not gonna try to make a move on me! He knows better. Right, Gilligan?"
Hearing this, Gil responded by nodding his head really fast, "Yes, I have no feelings for your daughter! I mean, Tara! I meant Tara!" He corrected quickly, blushing in embarrassment. He called Tara Krogan's daughter!
Moana winced, fearing for Gil's life as he mistakenly said those words. Coral pats her best friend's back as he stutters up a storm, trying to make up the words she just said. But both Krogan and Tara heard it, but instead of being annoyed, the two of them let out a hearty laugh. Finding this amusing. But the others were giving confused looks.
"If I had a gold coin every time I heard that, I would be rich!" Tara laughs loudly.
"Hold on...are you saying that people accidentally think you were Krogan's daughter?" Moana questions them with a dumbfounded look.
Krogan slowly stops chuckling, "Indeed, when me, Tara, and her mother were a village once, the people there mistook me as Tara's father."
"Yup, and we laughed, correcting everyone that Krogan was a friend of ours." Tara laughed again.
The trio made nervous laughs, finding it very uncomfortable and terrified at this situation. I know Tara is their friend but seeing her being social with the enemy was kind of uncomfortable to them. Gil was doing his best not to faint at this situation.
"So, tell me, Molly." Krogan suddenly looked towards Moana, who suddenly froze in place, "May I ask, how did you and your friends meet Tara? I'm quite curious."
"How we met?" Moana asked in surprise, which earned a nod from the dragon hunter, the chieftest quickly made up the explanation with a hint of lie, "Few years ago at the Island of Gallagher, we found Tara washed up ashore. We took her in and helped her get a boat."
Moana prayed to her ancestor that Krogan would believe it, and to her relief, he did. He simply nodded his head in understanding, believing her tale, before he noticed something or someone behind them. Krogan got up from his seat, startling the group.
"Excuse me, there's something that I need to do." Krogan excused himself from the table.
"Is there something wrong?" Tara asked Krogan with a hint of concern.
Krogan gave her an assuring look, "It's fine, Tara, I'll be right back. Don't worry." With that, Krogan left, leaving the group alone.
The mysterious man went out of the pub. There, he meets up with one of his Dragon Hunters, waiting for Krogan outside. "Any news?" Krogan questions him quietly.
"Your plan worked," Dragon Hunter responded quietly, "We successfully captured the Dragon Riders, they're at the ship as we speak."
Krogan nodded in satisfaction, "Good, make sure they and their dragons are restrained." He ordered, waving his hand in irritation when a bug was flying around him and the hunter. "I want Haddock in a private room, I have some questions for him about the Dragon Eye." The hunter obeyed and was about to leave until Krogan added, "Also, prepare a room, I am bringing someone special on board."
"Understood, Krogan." He said with a simple nod before leaving, grunting annoyance as he tries to swat away the bug buzzing around him.
Krogan returns back inside the pub and to his surprise, he sees Tara trying to teach Coral how to throw the dagger at the target, but Gil was hysterical as he begs them to stop, and Moana was trying to keep him calm. Krogan couldn't help but smirk in amusement, he always knew that Tara always gets into kinds of trouble. He remembered the time she tricked a con artist to lose all his profits after she exposed him. She was chased by him while laughing, but he was apprehended when Krogan showed up and beat the con artist senselessly. Those were good times.
"Hey, Krogan," Tara greets him, giving the dagger to Coral, which was then taken by a terrified Gil.
"Sorry for making you wait; I had some business that I needed to attend to." Krogan said, going back to his seat.
"What kind of business do you do, Krogan?" Moana asked him, doing her best not to sound suspicious.
"I do some...unique trading." Krogan said to them casually.
"...What kind of unique trading?" Gil dared to ask, putting the dagger away and out of reach from a pouting Coral.
"In due time, but right now, let's enjoy ourselves, shall we?" Krogan suggested to the group. "And maybe tonight, we'll have some dinner at my ship.
"I don't know...we promised to meet our friends later." Moana said, finding it strange for Krogan to be so...generous.
"Come now, don't be shy, it would be nice to get to know you all." Krogan said with a small smirk, much to the worried trio.
Tara, on the other hand, finds it a great opportunity to snoop around. "Sure! I always wonder what your shop looks like."
"Oh? What do you think my ship looks like?" Krogan questions with a challenging smirk.
Tara grins and responds, "Some kind of fortress with trading goods scattered around below deck and unsupervised."
This made Krogan laugh in amusement, much to the discomfort of Tara's friends. They have yet to understand the neutral friendship between these two. However, they can't do their mission of course as they decided to make an excuse.
"You know what Tara, maybe you should go with Krogan." Moana suggested, "We'll meet with the others and tell them about your delay."
Tara grins, understanding the plan, and nodded, "Sure thing, Molly! I'll meet you guys soon!"
"Wonderful, everything is sorted out." Krogan then lifted his mug up and said, "Cheers?"
Tara and the others lifted their drinks and cheered with Krogan, "Cheers!"
Time moves by and soon, Tara was following Krogan through the forest to the other side of the island where his ship was at. The two of them catch up with some chatting about what they have been doing. Although Tara had to make a white lie about her adventure, saying that she and her friends sailed from island to island, collecting rare herbs or materials found there. And sure enough, Krogan believed her. Soon, they reached the edge and Tara saw a huge ship docked at the beach along with some tents. Tara wonders what they were for and Krogan said that some of his men are resting there. Suddenly, they heard a loud roar, causing Tara to look around with a startled expression.
"What was that?"
She wasn't aware that Krogan was glaring down at the tents as he quickly changed the subject. "It's nothing, why don't wait here for a bit, I have to check on something first."
Tara was skeptical but nods her head as she waits on top of the coast while Krogan went down towards the tents. As he did, his expression darkness when he enters the tent. Inside reveals the Dragon Riders bond and their dragons locked up in dragon proof cages. Krogan went towards a glaring Hiccup, clearly showing how irritated he was to see the man that hunted him for a bounty once.
"Comfortable?" Krogan questions them in a sarcastic tone.
But of course, Tuffnut was the one who answered idiotically, "Meh, kind of, the ropes are kinda itchy, and I'm kind of thirsty. And..."
"Tuff, he was being sarcastic." Fishlegs stop Tuffnut's rambling.
"Oh..." Was all Tuffnut said.
Krogan frowns at him before focusing his gaze towards Hiccup, "I bet you are wondering why you are here."
"I already know the answer there, Krogan." Hiccup glares at Krogan, noticing his mildly surprised expression when Hiccup said his name, "You're searching for the Dragon Eye."
"Ah, so I don't need to tell you then." Krogan said casually as he continued, "But why do you think I want the Dragon Eye?"
"What else? To know all the secrets of the dragons." Hiccup said with anger in his voice.
Krogan lets out a dry chuckle, "Oh, dear Haddock, there is more to it. There is something else that you do not know about."
This caught Hiccup's attention, "What do you mean by that?" He asked the man with a suspicious glare.
"You just barely scratched the surface, the Dragon Eye holds something much greater, and more...powerful than you can ever imagine." Krogan said in a serious tone, catching Hiccup off guard.
"Wh...what do you mean? What do you know?" Hiccup demands, earning a dry laugh from Krogan.
"I would...if you tell me where you hid the Dragon Eye." Krogan bargained with Hiccup who froze but continued glaring.
"Sorry to disappoint you Krogan, but the Dragon Eye is no more." Hiccup said to Krogan in a dead serious tone.
Krogan narrowed his eyes at him, "And why is that?"
"Because it was destroyed by the lava." Hiccup answered seriously.
Upon hearing this, Krogan glares at him in rage, but instead of going on an outburst, he simply and calmly said to Hiccup in a sickly tone, "Well, then...this means you all are worthless to me." He then looks at the Dragon Hunters in the tent and gives an order, "Kill them."
The Dragon Hunters unsheathed their swords, ready to kill the dragon riders and their dragons. When the group struggles to break free, but before the Dragon Hunters could harm them, they heard a loud roar, followed by the screams of men.
"What's going on?!" Krogan yelled in demand.
A Dragon Hunter came in a rush, answering his boss's question, "SIR! Dragons are attacking us as we speak!"
"WHAT?! HOW MANY?!" Krogan demanded.
"It's about-AH!" The dragon hunter suddenly screamed when he was suddenly dragged out from the tenth, followed by a roar that belonged to Cayden.
Before anyone could reach, they heard a high pitched shriek followed by something being fired. A flaming sand ball came out of nowhere and exploded, sending the dragon hunters flying while destroying the tent. When Krogan recovered, Sandstorm the Sand Wraith came out of nowhere and quickly came to aid Hiccup and the others, cutting the binds to free them. The hunters were about to recover from the blast to shoot their arrows, but a loud shriek appeared from the sky. And to their surprise, it was a giant hawk!
"CheeHoo!"
The Giant Hawk lets out a loud cry before transforming to a human, revealing to be Maui, as he slams his mighty hook to the ground, creating a powerful shockwave that sends the hunters flying yet again. Maui then processed breaking the cages with his hook. Since it was magical, it easily broke the cage, allowing the dragons to be free.
"Thanks, Maui!" Hiccup thanked him.
"No problem!" Maui said, readying his hook as they face Krogan and his men.
Krogan glared at them before taking out his crossbow and was about to fire but was then thwarted when an arrow came out of nowhere and disarmed Krogan. The leader yells before turning to the direction, and to his surprise, it was Hiccup, but wearing different attire. This confuses Krogan before he slowly notices a blonde hair attached to his belt, or better yet, a wig. Krogan slowly realizes something. Glancing towards the other group, Krogan's eyes widened in disbelief to see the 'Hiccup' there was removing an auburn wig, revealing a blonde hair. It revealed that this Hiccup, wasn't really Hiccup, but a decoy, and this decoy is none other than Lani Flokidottir.
"What's wrong, Krogan? Can't tell the difference?" Lani mocked, with Sandstorm standing by his side, glaring towards Krogan with a growl.
It was revealed that both males did a switcheroo. Lani pretended to be Hiccup while Hiccup pretended to be Lani. They would be separated and Krogan would only target Hiccup since he is the leader and has the knowledge of the Dragon Eye. And thanks to Maui's shapeshifting abilities, he transformed as a bug to secretly spy on them and pass along the message to the others, who were in hiding. That way, they can easily find them along with the Freedom Bringers, Hiccup, and Astrid.
This was Tara's plan all along. That way, Krogan may think that he has the upper advantage.
Krogan glares at him, "So, it was all a ruse to make my guard down."
"Yeah, and guess what, we know all about your plans, Krogan." Hiccup said, pointing his Gronckle Iron crossbow at him.
"Oh, but you're not the only ones with tricks, Haddock." Krogan lets out a sharp loud whistle.
This confused everyone but soon became startled when they heard roars that belong to Singetails. They look up and were flabbergasted at the sight before them. There, on the night sky, were packs of Singetails, and on their backs were Krogan's dragon hunters!
"Oh...my...Thor..." Ruffnut said in jaw drop.
"They're...they're riding Singetails!" Fishlegs gasped with a perplexed expression.
"How is this possible!?" Lani exclaimed.
Krogan smirked, "You're not the only ones who have greater secrets. Now, I think it's time for you all to surrender."
"How about...no." Came Tara's response.
Krogan's eyes widen as he whips around to see Tara, holding up a bow and arrow, pointing it towards Krogan. This astonished and stunned the group, mostly Krogan. He didn't not expect Tara working along with Dragon Riders. Although there were doubts that he would find out eventually, he never thought it could happen.
"So, this is what you been doing behind our backs." Tara said to Krogan coldly, referring to herself and her deceased mother.
Krogan's expression didn't change as he looked at Tara calmly, "It was business, Tara, you of all people would understand."
"No, I don't." Tara said blankly, still pointing her arrow at him, ignoring the Singetails loud roars.
Krogan wasn't afraid of Tara, knowing that she won't actually shoot him, he simply walks towards her, causing Tara to ready to fire, "Tara, I know that you love dragons, but you can't simply believe that taming them and being your friend, is nothing compare of what we can do."
"Like what? Forcing, breaking, and controlling dragons like mindless slaves? Yeah, that's not gonna happened." Tara said with a growl.
"The Dragon Riders made you soft," Krogan said to Tara, coming face to face with her, ignoring the arrow that was threatened to be released. "When I saw you for the first time, I knew you had great potential for being a dragon hunter. And I knew one day you will become a great apprentice to me. You and I, we could've been unstoppable, and your mother...she would've been alive with us today."
"Don't listen to her, Tara!" Lani yelled, "He's trying to manipulate you!"
"I am not manipulating her, I am just showing her truth," Krogan said, glaring towards Lani, before turning towards to Tara with an unreadable expression, "And what I am doing, is nothing personal, your so called 'friends' are in the way of my...our business. So, you could either join me, or watch your friends die. Right here, right now."
The dragon hunters riding the Singetails, using chains to restrain the fire dragons, ready for them to fire at the Dragon Riders. Tara watched as her friends were ready for battle, even if they are vastly outnumbered. Lowering her bow and arrow, Tara looked towards Krogan, showing an unreadable expression.
"No hard feelings, huh?" Tara questions the man in front of her.
Krogan smirks at her before lifting up his hand for her to shake, "Joining me, and your friends will be spared."
Tara closes her eyes, no longer looking at Krogan, "My mom always said to me, there is things in this world we have yet to understand...and you have yet to understand me...I'm sorry, Krogan, but this isn't how will end...for you and your hunters."
Before Krogan could ask why, Tara's snaps open her now draconic eyes as she releases an ear-piercing roar that could shatter glass. Then she began transforming into her Lycanwing form. This caused the hunters and Krogan to be dumbstruck at her new form. Lycanwing Tara lets out another loud roar that shook the earth and not long after, the Freedom Bringers came with their dragons, wearing masks to hide their faces. They battle the Hunters riding the Singetails, giving the riders enough time to get on their dragons to help them out. Tara's Lycanwing form uses her tail to whack Krogan aside, sending the man flying. Luckily, he was able to skid to a halt by the sand as he watched in bewilderment when Lycanwing Tara used her fire to push away the hunters, creating a wall of fire.
Soon, she took off to the sky to join with the others, helping them face the Singetails. They were able to push them away but were getting outnumbered. Cayden, being a Vahlok, decides to use his powerful move. He lets out a roar that Malie translated, saying to move away, and they did. This gave Cayden enough space to unleash his fire rings. The same move he used on the Dragon Riders three years ago. Emitting a powerful roar and fire, Cayden uses his move to send the Singetails and the hunters falling off the sky and to the ocean, allowing the Dragon Riders and Freedom Bringers to escape the catastrophe.
But as they leave, Tara glanced back towards the beach, where she saw Krogan watching her leave with her friends. She felt a pang on her chest, feeling that she betrayed a good friend/father figure that she knew since childhood. However, he was the one that betrayed her, for he hunts dragons, and she is one. That means, they are no longer friends. No, they were now enemies.
"Tara." Moana spoke, lifting her mask as Tara looked at her, "Are you...are you gonna be alright?"
"I don't know but...I just lost a good friend." Tara said in a sad yet soft tone. "I just need some time for myself."
"Are you sure?" Malie asked, riding with Lani on Sandstorm after Cayden used his fire on the hunters. "We didn't mean to lose your friend."
"Don't worry, I'll manage, and besides, he was going to Jill you guys.I can't let that slide." Tara assured them
"Great, since that's out of the way," Snotlout proceeded to exclaim his question, "Why didn't you tell me that you guys have another plan?!"
"Yeah! You didn't even tell us!" Tuffnut also exclaimed with his sister agreeing with him.
Tara rolled her draconic eyes, "Because you guys are terrible at acting and will blurt out everything to them."
"She's right." Astrid said, agreeing with Tara.
"Shut up, Astrid." Snotlout grumbles with his arms crossed.
"Look on the bright side, at least we know what Krogan is up to." Gil said, his glamour spell worn off along with Coral's.
Hawk Maui flies by, "Yeah, and from what I heard, they're searching for something big!" He said, remembering what he heard when she shapeshifted to a bug.
"What did you hear?" Moana asked the Demigod.
"Okay, the reason why they need the Dragon Eye is to find a certain location."
"Location?" Hiccup asked in confusion and wonder, "Location for what exactly?"
"They said that they need it to find the location of…the King of All Dragons."
There, I did the Hiccup and Lani trading places thing. The next chapter will come up soon.