Staying near the surface while the ship and Snowball sank below the waves, Max drew in a huge gulp of air before diving. Swimming after the sinking ship, he returned to the task of trying to pull off the metal collar. However, the task was impossible for someone like him. Still he tried. Snowball helped as best as he could but it just wasn't enough. After some time, Max felt lightheaded.
He was running out of air.
Determined to save Snowball, Max shrugged it off. He was more concerned about the Rabbu right now. Air would have to wait for now. Before he could continue trying to free his dragon though, something grabbed him from behind and pulled him away. The next thing Max knew, he was out of the water and laying on the rocky beach. Sitting up, he watched as Rooster dove back into the murky water. There was only one question on Max's mind right now.
What the freak did he just witness?!
Crawling over to the edge of the rock covered beach, Max peered down into the murky depths of the water. It was too dark to see anything though. Plus, the waves weren't helping at all, making the surface choppy. His heart pounding in his chest, Max was beginning to think the worst had happened to both his dad and dragon. That's when he saw a flicker of movement.
Then they resurfaced.
Free from his chains, Snowball clambered out of the water. Rooster followed after him, the broken iron collar in his hands. Tossing it aside, he looked down at his son. "You're going up, aren't you?" he asked solemnly. Rubbing his arm nervously, Max nodded his head quietly. "I have to," he explained, "This is what Vikings do." Lowering his gaze as he remembered the argument he and his father had back on Bark, he continued, "This is what I need to do."
"Son, you are more of a Viking than any of us," Rooster stated. Surprised when he heard that, Max looked up at his dad. A soft smile could be seen on the chief's face. Smiling too, Max rushed forward and hugged his father without warning. His dad returned the embrace. After a few seconds, they parted. Watching as his son climbed up onto the back of the Rabbu, Rooster spoke softly, "Be safe."
"Don't worry, I will," Max promised before he and Snowball took to the sky.
