A/N Wow, so I didn't think I would be able to get an update out today but I did! Yay! But y'all are getting a rant from me in the notes. If you don't want to read the rest of the notes, that's fine. Enjoy the chapter! Okay one thing that is really pissing me off right now is that my manager is ghosting me and I haven't been working yet this summer despite applying to a lot of places but oh well life sucks sometimes. And my day started off on the wrong foot when I learned that Bernard Cribbins, the man that plays Wilfred Mott in Doctor Who died today. He was 93 and had just finished filming his come back on Doctor Who I think a week or two ago. Now I don't know Bernard Cribbins outside of Doctor Who but his character is so wholesome and lovable. Wilf is the only character that if you say you hate or dislike I will tell you that your opinion is wrong. (Because it is) Mr. Cribbins may you rest in peace. Thank you for reading my little rant, please do enjoy!
"That's a big dragon," Hange muttered. What was only a small spot in the sky became a massive dragon lumbering towards them when looking through the telescope. They tossed the telescope to Levi who merely narrowed his eyes at the sight of the beast.
"That dragon is going to plow through this island," Hiccup said, jabbing a finger vaguely at the horizon, "Then he'll come straight for us and our islands. Our only option is to stop it here, but we need your help."
Hange and Levi looked at each other and nodded; "Alright," Hange said, "We'll help. We should ride to the shore line, it's a ways to go."
As the Vikings mounted their dragons they began to stretch out their wings making the horses shy away from them. The Scouts could feel the uneasiness from their horses but no one raised a complaint.
"Let's move out," Hange called. The Scouts took off in a V-shaped formation with Hange at the front with Levi at one of their sides and Armin at the other. The rest of the Scouts fell in behind.
"Let's go," Hiccup said, though he didn't need to, his friends always followed him into battle, sometimes with a little convincing.
The dragons flew over the Scouts and the horses managed to stay calm, a surprise to everyone riding them.
"What are we dealing with?" Hange asked, a bit louder than they needed to.
"Fishlegs can break it down."
Hange nodded.
"The Rockfin is a Tidal class dragon approximately 90 meters long with a similar wing span. It has a rock-like hide used to blend in with its surroundings in shallow waters and a flexible tail. It has a small jaw, 6 eyes, and small nostrils. It relies on sight and hearing to find its prey. Prey includes everything from small dragons, to boats, to big dragons, and people. It attacks its prey by wrapping it in its tail then spewing boiling hot water at its victim. Steer clear of mouth and tail when attacking. Targets include eyes, ears, wings, and the underbelly where the skin shouldn't be as thick."
"Thank you, Fishlegs. With Tidal class that spew water they can only spew a finite amount before they have to replenish its water sack. This helps us in two ways: 1 it gives us another area to attack so if you see an irregular bulge on the dragon try to pop it. 2 if we can get it away from the water we significantly limit its attacking ability."
"I think I have a place where we can fight this dragon," Hange said, "There's a stone wall with mountains on either side of it closing off the ocean from that part of the island."
"That's perfect!"
"Only problem is that the dragon isn't heading for it."
"I can lead the dragon there. Which way is it?"
Hange pointed in a seemingly vague direction; "It's that way, you can't miss it."
"Just so the plan is clear I'm going to lead the Rockfin towards the wall and us dragon riders will make sure it gets over the wall. Then it should be able to attack us with much."
"But what about its fire breathing?" Tuff said.
All of the dragon riders turned to stare at him.
"SINCE WHEN DID IT BREATHE FIRE!" Snotlout shouted.
"Since always, duh," Ruff responded.
"How do you know it breathes fire?" Hiccup asked.
"You see, when Tuff and I fell off of Barf and Belch we found massive scorch marks on a ton of trees."
"That doesn't mean it breathes fire," Snotlout said.
"But it does, the only other dragons in the area were changewings…" Fishleges started.
"And they spew acid," Hiccup finished, "So it has to be the Rockfin."
"You didn't think to tell us this sooner?" Astrid shouted.
"Well it didn't seem important until now," Tuff said.
Astrid looked like she was ready to scream but Hiccup cut her off; "Either way the plan will still work and it will limit one of its attacks anyway. I'll go lead the Rockfin over to where it needs to be. Hange, Astrid, can I leave the rest to you?"
Hange nodded, "You've got it."
"Be careful, Hiccup," Astrid said.
"You know me," Hiccup smiled at Astrid, "I'll be fine."
Toothless glanced up at Hiccup and the two nodded at each other. Hiccup leaned in his saddle and the two sped off without another word.
Hange paused for a moment, they knew they had to come up with a plan, which they already partially had, they just took another moment to process Hiccup and Fishlegs words. They were grateful that they had described everything in a simple manner. Hange was unsure if they could describe how to fight a titan like that, but Armin probably could. That's probably why Hiccup asked Fishlegs to do most of the explaining. Just because you're in charge doesn't mean that you have to be the best at everything. Hange paused their thoughts, now isn't the time for that thought process.
"Astrid, do you have a way to guarantee that the dragon gets over the wall?"
"Yes. You guys remember it, right?"
"Yup!" They all responded.
"Right. Levi, Mikasa, I want you two to go after one of its wings once it's over the wall."
The Ackermans both nodded in response.
"Sasha, Connie, Jean, I want you three to look and see if there is a water bulge. Fishlegs, do you know where it would be located?"
"Probably on its neck around where the throat would be."
"Got it," Jean said.
"Armin, Eren, you two are with me, we will go after the eyes and ears to try and confuse this thing."
"Understood, Commander," Armin said.
"Can we count on you dragon riders to keep the attack off of us?"
"That we can do," Astrid said.
"One more thing, if you see a big lightning strike… Don't be afraid of what comes after."
Astrid looked down at Hange, What sort of cryptic message was that? But she didn't question it, she only wished that Hiccup could have heard it too, he could have cracked the message. Maybe it has something to do with the wrath of Thor? Astrid shook her time, she could ask about it when the Rockfin was defeated.
"Let's go," Astrid called, pulling the vikings ahead of the Scouts, "We need to do our part first."
"Was that last bit really necessary?" Levi asked, once the dragons were out of ear shot.
"If we have to use one of the titan shifters then I don't want them to be attacked. I have no idea what this battle will bring so we have to keep our options open."
"I know, but I don't like it."
"Your complaint is noted, Levi. Let's do our best to stick to the plan and dedicate our hearts."
Connie had tuned out his Commander when his orders were given. He was thankful that he had a fairly simple task. And he was also thankful that Hiccup and Fishlegs didn't give very complicated breakdowns. There was a lot of information for him to process but it wasn't like one of Hange's ramblings. He was just happy that he could understand it, which meant that Sasha probably could understand the descriptions too.
Hange pushed their horse to the limit, completely focusing on the task at hand. The rest of the Scout followed Hanges lead, steeling themselves for what was about to come. Though most of the riders couldn't avert their gazes from Hiccup and Toothless. They flew fast, faster than most of them thought possible.
Hiccup had flown Toothless high enough so he could get a glimpse at the wall Hange spoke about. Then they went to engage the Rockfin.
They flew up to it and pretended to be an annoying fly that nobody can seem to whack. The Rockfin narrowed its eyes and tried to bite at them but Toothless was too fast.
"I think we got it's attention, bud. Let's take it to the wall."
Toothless hummed in response and they took off towards the wall. Thankfully the Rockfin followed.
"Hear that," Hiccup muttered to Toothless, the Rockfin had started making a gurgling sound. Their eyes went wide, Hiccup and Toothless had had the same realization at once; "NOW!" Hiccup shouted. And they dodge out to the right just as the Rockfin let out a blast of boiling water that just missed them. As soon as the blast ended Hiccup and Toothless pulled back in front of the Rockfin. Hiccup readjusted his hold on his saddle; "It's go time," He said, as the wall came into view, "We can't let him dip lower than the wall."
Then he saw a green cloud forming below the edge of the wall about a quarter way down. It's too soon! Hiccup thought but there was no time to go back now he just had to pray to whatever Gods would listen that they would all come out of this alive.
A/N Thanks for reading. I also love read, particularly your comment and feedback, I know you hear this everywhere but it's really what keeps us authors going. Have a great day! (Don't forget to check the time and get sleep if you need it)
