-JenniferTjandrajana

Hiccup groaned as he was tossed on the hard wooden floor.

Gunner was tossed inside the cage soon after, while he struggled to break free from the henchmen clutches.

The boys never thought they'd end up this way; caged up like many of the dragons here.

Somehow, Horas proved he was too smart and too strong for them.

How did he even know they were down here?

One question did troubled Hiccup; what did Horas want from two dragon riders?

"You can't keep us locked up!" Gunner yelled, fuming, "I demand to have my freedom. Now! My dad is the Chief. He knows we are missing and will probably send a search party and when he finds you, I swear you'll wish you were never born!"

Horas chuckled darkly, "Oh, really? Well, we're in the middle of the ocean, in case you haven't noticed. There is no way anyone will find you,"

Gunner clenched his fists. He scrunched his face in anger.

"I swear my dad will make you pay. You are looking at the next heir. He will come for us. So you can get off your high horse,"

Horas swung his head back, chuckling. He turned to the boys with a sneer.

"Boys, you're not getting out. Not until I get what I want,"

Hiccup knew what Horas was after. He looked up at Horas with a cold glare.

"There's no way I am surrounding my dragon to you," he declared, "And what do you want with him anyway?"

Horas smirked evilly as he paced around the cages lined along the bottom deck.

"He'll be the perfect weapon," Horas declared smugly, "Once I get to tame him, I'll be able to not conquer all of the archipelago but other pathetic serpents. All dragons and humans will be nothing but slaves to me,"

Hiccup scrunched his face, disgusted by Horas' evil schemes.

"I need a trainer. A little birdy told me you tamed the unholy offspring of lightning and death. A beast so powerful, so lethal that it could conquer anything,"

Hiccup glared daggers, "I won't do it, Horas. I won't help you train so you can conquer the archipelago. It isn't right,"

There was a muffled scream close by, followed by men shouting for the screamer to quiet down.

"Oh, I found one of your other friends," Horas announced with a chuckle.

Hiccup watched in horror as two men dragged a struggling Runa.

Chains were tangled around her wrist. Sweat rolled uncontrollably down her face.

Her matted blonde hair was all over the place. Her olive green eyes displayed nothing but fear and a flash of anger.

The men tossed her into the cage, joining the two boys.

Anger boiled inside Hiccup's blood that these men would man handle their friend like this.

"You let us go right now, Horas!" Gunner screamed, clutching onto the metal bars, "Or there will be consequences!"

Oblivious to the boy's pleads; Horas locked the cage, grinning darkly at the three teens.

"One last time," Horas' gaze was fixed on Hiccup's, "Where is that damn Night Fury?"

Hiccup lowered his eyes, suddenly fearing Toothless' safety.

He hoped he was safe with Ingrid and Arrow. He hoped he hadn't wandered off and hurt himself.

If he got himself into any dangerous, Hiccup swore he will never forgive himself.

"I...I don't know," Hiccup said, facing Horas.

Horas narrowed his cold brown eyes. "You're bluffing, boy. Tell me where he is and I will let you free,"

Hiccup scrunched his face in anger. "I'm not, Horas. I don't know where he is. And there is no way I am going to let you lay one finger on him,"

Scowling, Horas walked away with his men. He then froze giving the teens a sidelong glance.

"Have fun caged up. There is no escape when you're in my ship,"

Hiccup watched the dragon hunter vanish into the darkness, perplexed. He wasn't sure what Horas' intentions of locking them here was, but he was concerned on getting out of here.

A sigh escaped from the brunet as he leaned his back against the wall.

Gunner continued cursing and throwing insults at Horas and his men, who were now long gone. He wasn't going to give up without a fight.

"Ugh, I hate this!" Gunner collapsed on the cold ground, "We're all trapped with no food, no water and with none of our dragons," he huffed, crossing his arms, "And this day just gets better and better since we're stranded in the middle of the ocean!"

Hiccup frowned. He suddenly heard feint sobbing, and looked up to find Runa in a distraught state.

Tears rolled down her face. Scars, bloodied scars slashed across her cheeks.

Honestly, Hiccup had never seen her this vulnerable, this low before. He wondered what things Horas and his men did to her.

"Runa, are you okay?" Hiccup eyed Runa closely, "Did they try to hurt you? How did they capture you? I thought you were with-''

"They got Echo, Hiccup," Runa cried, wiping her tears, "They shot her down and we got separated and I don't know if they have hurt her. But I'm...scared," she shut her eyes for a moment, "Hiccup, what if they try to kill her? Make her into some...coat,"

Guilt gnawed inside Hiccup. He knew this had been his fault. He did this to himself and his friends.

If he hadn't suggested sneaking in to rescue all these dragons, then they wouldn't be here as Horas' prisoners.

Glancing through the thin gap above, Hiccup hoped Ingrid and their dragons were safe.

He prayed to the Norse gods that nothing had hurt any of them, especially his best friend.

"They won't Runa," Hiccup reassured the sobbing Viking, "I promise we'll get her out," he paused, then let out a sigh, "Guys, I'm sorry for getting us into this mess. I just thought we could rescue these dragons. I thought everything would go according to plan. But...I was wrong,"

Gunner shook his head, "No, it's not your fault. You knew that was the right thing to do; rescuing these dragons. We're dragon riders. It's our sole responsibility-''

"I got you guys into danger," Hiccup cut him off, letting a tear fall down his face, "Horas only wants me. I tamed a Night Fury. I ended a war between Vikings and dragons. I lost my leg in the process. He knows I can train dragons, especially a Night Fury. Back on Berk, the Night Fury was known to be the ultimate-''

"Wait, you're from the isle of Berk?" Runa asked suspiciously, "You mean the island where people kill dragons?"

Silence hung in the air as the two Edonians tried to grasp at this face.

Hiccup felt his stomach turn at the mention of his home. He never told the others where he was from. Yet, now that it had accidently slipped out, Hiccup was afraid they will never trust him again.

"So, you're a dragon killer?" Gunner asked; his eyes widened shell-shocked, "You were born in a place where you actually kill dragons? Yet, you never told us?"

Hiccup stared at the ground, avoiding the others' eye contact. He knew he shouldn't have said anything.

Now, he needed time to explain himself, to let them know he was not like his father or those other dragon killers.

"I think it's probably time you know," the brunet turned to the others, "Yes, my people kill dragons for three hundred years. But I am not like them. I could never kill dragons, which is why I never exactly fit in,"

Runa looked at him incredulously, and then her face softened. Hiccup was her friend, and he means well. Yet, she needed an explanation for not telling them about this in the first place.

"Alright, why didn't you tell us sooner?" Runa asked, eyeing him closer.

Hiccup drew a breath, "I was afraid you guys wouldn't trust me. I was afraid you'll see me differently because my people were dragon killers. I can assure you I'm not one of them,"

Gunner and Runa exchanged looks then turned to the brunet.

"Well, no offense, but you don't seem to look like a dragon killer," Gunner gestured at the boy's lean physique, "Anybody who tames an awesome dragon like a Night Fury wouldn't be a killer anyway,"

Hiccup rolled his eyes, "Well, I'll take that as a compliment,"

"So why did you leave Berk anyway?" Runa asked.

That was the question he feared would be ask.

The truth did hurt him in the gut as he could only remember those painful memories on that fateful day.

But the others have waited long enough. It was time for them to know the truth.

"My dad, he...found out I had trained a dragon, I had befriended Toothless. He's the Chief of the tribe and he...banished me. He disowned me as a Viking of Berk and his son. I..." he felt tears stung in his ears but held them back, "That's why Toothless and I left and decided to make Edon our new home,"

There was dead silence. But that was all they needed as Runa and Gunner tried to process the explanation.

"That's pretty harsh," Gunner shuddered, "I can't imagine what that must have been like. So, that means you're also an heir? Since your dad is the chief?"

Hiccup gave a nod, "Yeah...well used to. Because I'm banished, I'm an outcast. Snotlout will take my place as heir,"

Runa cocked her head to the side, "Snot-lout? Who's that?"

"Oh, he's my cousin. We...never got along," Hiccup replied, "And I'm not disappointed. I didn't plan to be chief anyway,"

Silence hung in the air until Runa finally spoke.

"So, does anybody know about this?" she asked.

Hiccup nodded, "Only Ingrid. Other than that, nobody else knows. Oh, and you mustn't tell anybody else. Not even the Chief. If he finds out I'm from the isle of Berk, then I'll be in trouble,"

Runa nodded, "Don't worry your secret is safe with us. We won't tell anyone,"

"Yeah, you can trust us, Hiccup," Gunner replied in agreement, "We'll keep this between us,"

Hiccup let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you, guys. I'm glad you can still trust me because of...you know..."

Runa waved it off, "Of course. We know you're one of us,"

The group fell silent as the sound of footsteps passed by.

Once the guard passed, Hiccup let out a crestfallen breath.

"Guys, I know Horas wants me. Like I said, I'm the one who tamed a Night Fury. If anyone deserves to be here, it's me,"

The others exchanged unnerving looks.

"What are you saying, Hiccup?" Runa asked, baffled.

Hiccup clutched onto the metal bars. He lowered his eyes, fearing what he will say might upset the others.

"I'm going to give myself in," the brunet turned to the others while keeping a brave face, "I can tell him to free you guys and Echo. He can hurt me all he wants as long as he doesn't get to Toothless or our dragons,"

When the others heard this, they gape at him in shock.

"No, Hiccup," Runa protested, standing up, "We're a team, remember? We are not letting you get hurt. If we are going to escape, we'll have to do it together,"

Gunner nodded, rising to his full height.

"She's right. I am not going to let my brother get hurt. Come on, we need to think of a way to get out of here," he paused and stroke his non-existent beard, "We need a plan so clever, so smart, so...so..."

Runa rolled her eyes, "So, we better get a move on. My dragon is somewhere here, caged and ready to be turned into some fashion accessory," she grabbed onto Hiccup's shoulders, "Hiccup, you are not going to give yourself to Horas. We are getting out of here. It was not your fault that we're here,"

Hiccup hadn't been listening. Instead, he was focused on formulating an escape plan.

His forest-green eyes lit up once he thought of one.

"I may have an idea. It's...kinda crazy," he declared, turning to the others.

Runa and Gunner's head perked up.

"You had me at crazy," Gunner grinned, eager about this plan, "Does it involve butt kicking?"

"So, what's the plan?" Runa asked, interested, "If it's crazy enough to free Echo, then I'm in. After all, we need to take risks,"

Hiccup glanced over his shoulder; hoping one of Horas' henchmen weren't around to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Turning to the others, Hiccup began to discuss about his plan.

~

The plan was simple, but rather crazy, according to Hiccup.

First, they would distract the guards then all at once, they'd run, fighting any incoming henchmen.

Together, they'll find Echo's cage, free her then escape to where Ingrid was.

Although it seems so perfect in his head, Hiccup wasn't sure if the plan would be perfectly executed.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Runa asked; worried how this plan will turn out.

Hiccup gave an uneasy look, ""Sure" wouldn't be the best word to put it. I guess we'll never know. But we have to try,"

"So, who's going to be the one to free Echo?" Gunner asked while fiddling with his hunting knife.

"I will," Runa declared with determination, "Echo is trapped because of me. Once I find her, I'll give you guys a signal,"

Hiccup lifted a brow, "Are you sure you want to go alone? We can all distract the guards and then free Echo at the same time,"

Runa gave an affirm nod, "Absolutely. Besides, with you guys distracting the guards, this will buy me some time,"

The boys exchanged worried looks then nodded.

"Be careful, Runa," Hiccup then turned to Gunner, "We must be careful. We don't know how strong Horas' men are. I don't want either of you guys to get hurt,"

Gunner waved it off, "Nah, you don't have to worry about me. I can handle it. I was raised to fight off bastards like a true warrior," he boasted, "If Horas does catch me, there is no way I am giving in. I won't tell where our dragons are,"

When they heard footsteps approaching, the three teens immediately got themselves into position.

Clutching onto the metal bars, Hiccup gave a dramatic cry of desperation.

"Guard! Guard! Please let us out," he collapsed on his knees, "I'm starving, parched and I can't go on. Please, let us out. I'll give myself to Horas. I'll even let him conquer my dragon,"

The guard leaned forward with a snarl.

"Oh, really?" he peered closer, flashing his crooked teeth, "Now, why should we believe you, boy?"

"Because the greatest dragon trainer, the one who tamed a Night Fury-the unholy offspring of lightning and death is giving himself in," Gunner boasted dramatically, "He is no match for Horas. He's only 17; so young, so fragile; so vulnerable. He is a fishbone after all,"

Thank you for summing that up, Gunner, Hiccup thought to himself.

Runa nodded then cried out, "We're no match against Horas' greatness. Neither are our dragons. Please, please, let us go. I'm begging you,"

The guard glanced at each teen suspiciously. He let out a sigh then grabbed his key from his pocket.

As the guard slowly jerked the key into the lock, Hiccup slowly unsheathes his sword.

Gunner drew out his axe while Runa got herself prepared to escape.

The boys immediately swung their weapons, knocking the guard. At least temporarily.

"Runa, go find Echo," Runa nodded at Hiccup's command.

She then sprinted through the dark corridors, unsheathing her axe to fend off guards.

Roars of desperation rang in her ears as Runa sprinted further down.

Seeing so many dragons caged up in horrible states was heartbreaking. She feared, deep in her heart that she may be too late to save Echo.

For all she knew, Echo might be severely hurt.

Shaking that thought aside, Runa kept running while checking every cage for signs of her dragon. She shouldn't let any pessimistic thoughts get to her; not when the life of her dragon was on the line.

Meanwhile, the boys were cornered by Horas' guards, who had hideous snarls on their scarred faces.

Determination spread across the boys' faces as they prepared to fend off these guards.

"So, the plan is to run them through?" Gunner asked, raising his axe.

Hiccup's flaming sword lit up in the darkness. He smirked at the frightened faces of the guards.

His sword would frighten them off, creating the perfect distraction.

"That's one way to put it. Now, stand back,"

Raising his sword, Hiccup swung his sword in the air in swift motions.

The guards backed away, their eyes widened in awe at the sight of the flames.

Hiccup then pressed a button on his sword, which instantly turned the sword to a silver canister that had the ability to release Zippleback gas. A trick he usually pulled to get wild dragons to trust he was a friend not foe.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Gunner whispered.

"Watch," Hiccup replied.

Bending down, Hiccup swivelled his body while spraying the canister in the air, blocking the view of the guards.

The guards immediately backed away, whimpering.

Moments passed then suddenly an electric spark ignited with the gas.

The guards screamed as they were hit by the blast.

"That should knock them out. Come on, we better find Runa and Echo-''

"Hiccup, look out!" Gunner pushed the smaller teen out of the way as a guard came charging towards them.

Letting out a mighty war cry, Gunner raised his axe, slashing it against the guard's shoulder blade.

Blood seeped through his shirt, but that didn't stop him from attacking the boys.

"Man, I can feel my heart pumping. I've never felt this good before!" Gunner grinned with excitement.

Hiccup watched Gunner fought off the guard. It was mace versus axe, and he was quite amazed Gunner could hold up against the guard's quick attacks.

"You're doing a good job, Gunner," he glanced at the other guards' unconscious bodies, "We gotta hurry. We don't know how long they will stay unconscious,"

There was a yell from behind, which sent goosebumps all over Hiccup's skin.

Quickly, he turned around dodging an attack from a scruffy looking guard.

The guard snarled at him as he swung his mace towards the boy.

Hiccup backed away, dodging the guard's attacks as he tried flicking the switch on his sword.

But the man's movements were quick and agile that Hiccup was no match against him.

He was suddenly pinned down by the man, staring wide eyed at the man's menacing glare.

"Horas will be so pleased to see you," the guard hefted Hiccup by the shirt, "There is no escape from him, boy. Now that you tried to escape, you will suffer the consequences. What do you have say-''

The guard was knocked down by sudden blast, sending Hiccup sprawled on the floor.

Groggily, he looked up to find the blast had come from a familiar looking Thunderdrum and its rider.

"Good, you found Echo," Hiccup sighed with relief, "Now, let's get out of here while we still have the chance,"

Runa glanced over at the unconscious guards, "What about those guys? How long will they be unconscious?"

"Not very long," Hiccup hefted himself onto Echo's back, "Right now we need to escape,"

Footsteps thundered nearby as Gunner mounted onto Echo.

"Horas' men are coming. So can we get out of here?"

Nodding, Runa motioned Echo to go.

Echo released a mighty shriek, knocking the incoming guards with her deadly blasts.

They flew further down the dark deck until they could see a glint of sunlight in the distant.

Once they broke out, they were welcomed by a chaotic scene.