Forge had just taken a blow for Night Fury by shoving him out of the way just before Krogan's spikes stabbed him.
"Gobber!" Hiccup cried.
"You can't do this by yourself," Forge winced.
"Let go!" Krogan yelled, removing the spikes from Forge, who then plummeted towards the ground.
"Gobber!" Hiccup cried.
Hookfang was really having his hands full, grabbing Hellfire and Glacier and flying in and grabbing Forge. Carrying all this way was extremely difficult for him, and he gently lowered them to the ground, struggling all the while.
"It's my body!" said Krogan.
"You fought and fought today," said Krogan, once again sounding like two people speaking simultaneously. "Spilling so much blood for no reason."
"No reason?" Night Fury glared.
"This last hero who interferes now suffers," said Krogan's duelled voice. "Because he mistook foolishness for bravery."
Night Fury was completely enraged just as Krogan fired off the spikes from his fingers once more. He then quickly began smashing through the spikes and flew towards him, and within seconds, he was right in his face.
"You take that back!" he roared.
Krogan then suddenly grabbed his face.
"Hiccup!" Glacier yelled.
'Damnit, there's nothing I can do,' Hookfang cursed. 'I'm doing everything I can to keep us aloft.'
"You're finally mine," Krogan said in a duelled voice as he began to take Night Fury's power. Come to me, Skullcrusher's legacy."
Night Fury then suddenly found himself in what appeared to be an empty void.
"Where am I?" he said, looking around. "Where is everyone?"
Then suddenly, he saw him approaching from out of the void Krogan, but he was limping. He also noticed that he seemed to be growing an extra body out of him, and it bore a strong resemblance to that of Drago.
"Krogan?" Hiccup stared. "No, it's not just him.
"Learn your place, Master," Krogan winced.
"There's no need to be petulant," said Drago as he placed a hand on top of his head. "If I hadn't lent you my power, you would be nothing but ash right now. Dead from Hellfire's blast from the resulting fall."
"Did I tell you to shut up earlier?" Krogan glared. "I'm in charge; this is my will. The dream I chase as mine."
Hiccup tried to move, but for some reason, his body was incapable of following his instructions. He didn't know what was going on, but it looked as if she was unable to move at all.
Meanwhile, a news helicopter flew over Giganton as he continued on his destructive path, not showing any signs of stopping.
"Currently, the villain is continuing north with no sign of slowing down! This is catastrophic; the city is being demolished!"
Giganton was running forward at top speed, crashing through any building in his path and crushing anyone who got in his way.
"I smell two masters," he said.
Back in Los Angeles, the heroes were still evacuating the civilians but were also aware of Giganton making his way towards the city.
"Heroes leave the evacuation to the hero teams and the police! We need to focus on saving people from the giant! Evacuations are almost done here, but countless others are in danger. With the comms down, we can't update those who went after Krogan; we must act. Push ourselves to the limit work quickly and keep harm from coming to anyone else."
The heroes immediately began to scramble.
The hero in charge then looked at Surge and a few flyers. "You three flyers help spread the word! Tell Hellfire and the others of the situation."
"Roger that," Surge nodded and took off.
"I'll lend you support," said Speedy, chasing after them.
"No, kid, you'll be caught in Krogan's decay," said the hero, but then he noticed how fast he was running. "Damn, he's fast."
"Wait, Speedy," said Surge. "Why are you coming with us?"
"I should be punished for disobeying orders, but I have three classmates who may be in danger," he said.
"Then let's hurry."
"Right!"
Valkyrie was with another group of heroes, helping them with the evacuation.
'We were supposed to make things better, but have we?' Valkyrie frowned. 'Since that day, has fallen over this world with no sun insight.' She then looked up to the sun, which was blocked by a cloud of dust. 'Come on, guys.'
Hiccup was currently in the void, which he assumed to be inside Krogan's mind. He could see that Drago was somehow connected. It looked like he was trying to mould himself with Krogan, which was rather disgusting.
Krogan didn't look too happy about this arrangement and appeared to be fighting back. Clearly, the genetic experiments he took part in did more than enhance his physical body.
"Try to figure out what is going on?" said Drago with a smile.
"I'm guessing we formed some sort of link when Krogan tried to take my power," Hiccup assumed. "However, I doubt there was the intended purpose, and I suspect having you along for the ride was not part of his plan."
"Very observant," said Drago. "Yes, I am here to give my protégé a hand, and he seems to resent me for it. Additionally, his body was not yet ready to receive my power, which is why we find ourselves in this situation. However, I am confident that, given time, he will take your powers."
"Like I will let that happen," said Hiccup stubbornly.
"We'll see about that," said Drago. "Sadly, I don't think today is that day, as your spirit is still rather strong. You see, it is easier for me to steal the powers with my victim's consent, but it's far more difficult when they resist. Fortunately, my own spirit is rather strong in that regard, and after all, I am over 80 years old. Sadly, Krogan is nowhere near that strong, even with my assistance, which he is resisting, and your own spirit is quite formidable."
"Why are you so interested in my power?" Hiccup asked. "Surely you can find those with more extraordinary powers."
"Don't be so modest; the power you possess is rather unique," said Drago. "You inherited your father's ability to store energy and unleash it throughout your body. However, he's only able to store kinetic energy. You, on the other hand, can absorb energy from the air."
"I can what?" Hiccup stared.
"That is down to your mother's Technopathic powers you inherited from her. You can absorb the planet's magnetic energy, not enough to harm the planet itself, but certainly enough to give you heightened power. Over the past 16 years, you have been storing that power within your body, plus the beatings you took from your cousin also amplified your powers. With that ability of yours, Krogan here would be unstoppable; he would be able to absorb all kinds of energy, giving him strength, and others can only daydream."
"Enough of this chatter," Krogan snarled. "I don't plan on leaving until I get what I want!"
The entire place then suddenly shook violently.
"This place is falling apart," said Hiccup.
A powerful force headed straight towards him, and he suddenly found the ability to move his hands. He placed them in front of him, creating a barrier that blocked the force.
"Very good, Krogan," said Drago. "Your hatred is breaking through. As I said earlier, the strength of one spirit is the deciding factor of stealing powers. Your hatred is actually breaking down Hiccup's defences."
He then looked down and saw Krogan glaring at him.
"Ah, that's right," he said. "You decided to hate me as well. A fine development, you are becoming the new Symbol of Fear, aren't you? Sadly, your hatred is not strong enough, though, as Hiccup Haddock is indeed quite stubborn."
"I won't let you steal my power and use it to cause harm," said Hiccup determinedly.
"Maybe not today, but there will be other days," said Drago.
"Just get out of my head!" Hiccup yelled and began pushing them back.
Krogan narrowed his eyes. 'He is pushing me back with his sheer force of will. Skullcrusher ruined things for my master, and now his son is ruining things for me.'
He then glared at Hiccup. "What the hell is this?"
Drago then slowly began to consume him. "It is abject power, Krogan. If we join forces and combine forces, we might have the strength to steal it. With two wills, we can easily overcome Hiccup Haddock's indomitable will."
The entire void looked as if it was going to break up at any moment, but Hiccup remained strong and continued to push them back.
"I won't lose to you!" Hiccup yelled.
"You've already lost, boy," said Drago. "I have been observing this conflict through Krogan; even though your power is remarkable, you're incapable of protecting those you love. Instead, they end up hurting themselves, trying to protect you. Not only that, we're allowing your anger to overcome your body. As a result, you can barely move right now. You're absolutely powerless."
"Say what you will, but I know the truth," said Hiccup. "Since you only use people, you can't see what drives me to keep going. I rage for others; I work as hard as I can for those who can't fight for themselves. My will to save others is completely foreign to you, and as a result, you can never overcome me. Now get out of my head!"
One almighty put, she was able to force both Krogan and Drago out.
He suddenly found himself falling, and he soon realised that he was back in Los Angeles. What was more, he still had his power.
'He wasn't able to steal it,' said Night Fury, looking at Krogan as he fell.
'Since the power transplant was incomplete, you can find enough power to take the boy's power,' said Drago in Krogan's mind. 'Do stay awake, Krogan. Your new body must be completed. Withdraw for now and regain strength.'
'Krogan… please… stay down,' said Night Fury.
He then suddenly lost consciousness.
Back at their headquarters, the police were still trying to get a handle on the situation.
"Central local police to help the firefighters! Everyone else help the victims of the rampaging villain!"
"It appears the real Healson has been arrested!"
"That can wait until later. I want real-time information on the giant location and predicted path! Keep villa members updated!"
"He keeps cutting for a path through cities. We've clocked him running 62 miles per hour."
"He's moving back quickly?"
"Our best estimate is if he's heading to the remains of the Healson hospital, he will be on-site in less than 10 minutes."
The League was still on Giganton's back as he charged towards Los Angeles. Sceptic was hacking into the security cameras to better understand what was happening in Los Angeles.
"I got a visual on Krogan," he reported. "He is currently fighting Hellfire."
"Excellent," Diablo smiled fiendishly. "Get ready."
"Get ready for what?" Sceptic asked.
"You're going to help me tear down this society built on false heroes," he said fiendishly.
Compress looked at Turid, who was currently looking at the city that Giganton was demolishing. "Penny for your thoughts?"
"Huh?" she said without turning around.
"I saw your face earlier," he said. "You like those Berk kids. But their heroes, too, so are you okay with our plan?"
"Where do these pros draw the line?" she asked. "If their purpose is to say people, did they not think that Gruffnut was not a person? The heroes didn't hesitate to murder him, so will they kill me if they get the chance? I would like to ask them. Hiccup, of course, Fishlegs or any of them. I think once I know how they feel, I'll be okay."
Heroes were now scrambling to evacuate civilians and try to engage Giganton.
"He's bowing through everything in his wake at 62 miles an hour!"
"That speed can't be right."
"Even if he was standing still, he is too big and too tough to fight."
"His giant claws are tearing through the buildings; he's following debris everywhere. The scale of destruction is horrifying. We have to evacuate areas anywhere near his path."
"If we keep advancing at our current rate and the villain continues to run in a straight line, we'll engage approximately eight minutes. The damage wrought is unprecedented."
"We are the ones to blame for this! The citizens in danger here were just going about their day protecting them even if it cost you your life! Don't make innocent people suffer any more on account of our failures."
"The heroes are getting closer," said Sceptic.
"Is that a satellite feed?" Compress asked, looking over his shoulder. "How ingenious."
"If you're that impressed with simple tech, you should be embarrassed," said Sceptic.
"Not all of us have access to the technology you do, Sceptic or have the technical expertise of hacking every single security camera simultaneously," said Viggo.
"It's not as many as we have at the villa, but there are plenty," said Sceptic. "We've only got as far as we have dutiful to fortuitous hindsight. For now, we must continue to act with caution."
"Stop, long hair," said Compress. "Zoom in there."
"Are you always so impolite when you ask for a favour?" Sceptic grumbled.
He was a security feed that showed Valkyrie and Windshear evacuating civilians.
"Speak of the devils, and they appear…" said Compress. He then turned to Turid. "…Turid."
"Quick, Mister, do you have any of my equipment?" Turid asked excitedly.
"My dear, you're making this old man blush," said Compress.
"Given to me now! Now!" Turid demanded.
"Sure, fine, just one moment," said Compress.
Moments later, Compress handed Turid her equipment, and she began strapping on.
"Later," she said, running off.
"You can't just jump off. It's dangerous!" Compress yelled.
"It feels gross to feel confused and pent up like this," she said. "It would be way better if I get some answers."
"You don't have to do it right now," said Compress. He then turned to Diablo, who just stood there smiling. "Diablo, stop winning and agree with me."
"I don't care," said Diablo dismissively. He then looked at Sceptic. "Hey, stop eavesdropping and focus on what's important, or you'll burn."
"You bastards are impossible," Sceptic grumbled as he continued to work.
Viggo folded his arms. "I will admit that the death of Twice was unexpected, but in fairness to Hawks, he did try to take him in a live, only killing him when he felt he had no other choice."
"You're defending him?" Compress stared. "Who's side are you on?"
"One could say that we're at war with the heroes, so casualties are to be expected on both sides; that said, I do think the heroes need to set a higher standard. On the other hand, can we really criticise the heroes when we ourselves have taken lives? He was supposed to be better than us, I won't argue that, but dwelling on the past will not help us achieve our goal."
Diablo snorted. "You really should decide which side you're on, but you're right. We should focus on the here and now."
"Turid," said Spinner. "I know we're basically just a bunch of misfits that happen to find each other, but you're not the only one who's upset. I liked Twice. The League was the only place where he felt like he belonged, and the boss probably wants us to stick together now that he's gone. We're experts in doing whatever the hell we want."
Turid smiled broadly.
"But make sure you come back to us," Spinner added.
"Bye," she said and then jumped down into the city.
"You sure about letting her run off like that?" Compress asked, looking at Spinner.
"You think she'd listen if we tried to stop?" Spinner scoffed.
The heroes were still evacuating the city as quickly as they could before Giganton arrived.
"Please evacuate in the opposite direction of the villain's path! We need to keep you out of the way from falling rubble! There are still people stuck indoors. Split up and rescue them! Don't let there be any more victims; do your best."
Valkyrie was still searching for citizens when she heard a loud thundering noise. She turned around and saw a massive dust cloud on the horizon, and it was approaching rather quickly.
"I can see the beast now!"
"So fast."
"Keep searching!"
'He's already made his way here?' Valkyrie stared.
"Valkyrie!" Windshear yelled from above, hovering in front of a window. "Two civilians!"
"Coming!" she yelled and saw a large piece of rubble heading straight towards her. "Windshear!"
The rubble struck the apartment building and began falling down onto the street where other civilians were gathered. The heroes quickly jumped in, creating a mud-like shield blocking most of the debris. Valkyrie quickly created some cables to pull Windshear to safety when she grabbed the two civilians.
"Thanks for the save," said Windshear relieved.
"Sorry if I was too rough," she apologised.
They quickly landed on the ground and gently placed the civilians down.
"Are you injured?" Windshear asked.
"No, I'm fine."
"Thanks, girls."
An old woman then rushed up to them. "Please, I need a hero! My poor husband is bedridden. I can't get out of here by myself. He's heavy, and I've got a bad back." She then quickly pointed down to an alleyway. "Our place is right down the corner. Follow me!"
Valkyrie looked at Windshear. "You make sure they're safe, and I'll go and help her."
"Just be careful," said Windshear. "I don't want you getting hurt."
"I'm good!"
Valkyrie began making her way down the alley, following the old woman. 'I've got to help everyone I can.'
"I'm coming, darling!" the old woman yelled, moving at an incredible pace.
Valkyrie frowned. 'I thought she said she had a bad back.'
"There's no time to spare!" she cried. "He must be so scared. Our love is fuelling my legs."
"Don't worry, I'll protect him," Valkyrie promises. They turned round the corner.
Then suddenly, the old lady's skin began to melt, and standing before Valkyrie was Turid.
"Oh, you're so nice," she said.
Valkyrie's eyes widened. "No… Turid!"
"Nice to finally meet you, Astrid," she smiled before making her way into the house.
"Get back here!" Valkyrie yelled, chasing after her.
When she entered the house, she found that Turid had vanished, no doubt, into one of the side rooms. She then conjured up a sword and began making her way inside, keeping her eyes peeled.
"How sad," said Turid's voice. "I wanted to talk to you and Heather together. How is my precious little summer breeze, hmm? Of course, I also want to see Hiccup really badly. He's so cool when he gets all bloodied and beaten up. I love her like that, don't you?"
Valkyrie tried to pinpoint her voice, but it was everywhere. 'It sounds like she's in every direction.'
"I also love my floaty friend, Fishlegs," said Turid. "I saw him briefly at the villa, but I never got the chance to talk to him. I know the two of us have never officially met, but I would love to get to know you. In fact, I would love to be you, so be honest with me, Astrid…"
Turid then burst through the ceiling directly above her and swung her knife down at her. Valkyrie quickly responded by blocking it with her blade, but she found herself being pinned to the floor by Turid.
"Hero, what do you want to do to me?" she asked. "Do you want to kill me like Gruffnut was killed? Will you murder me, too? Start talking… just what exactly are your intentions."
"You pulled this whole stunt just to ask me that?" said Valkyrie furiously.
"Well, it's important."
"You think so? What are you tell that to the old lady whose blood you took? Did you kill her to ask a stupid question?"
"Did you say stupid?" said Turid.
"Okay, fine," Astrid glared. "What I want to do is save as many people as I possibly can, and you're in my way…" She then kicked her off of her, sending her flying into another room. "… Turid Bladedotter! So I'm going to have to stop you right now!"