Fate is a tricky one ~ HTTYD RUNAWAY

Part 2 ~ Ch 6 - Cheating the Reaper

Ik ik, this one is long but there's a little surprise at the end ;)

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It had been a month after Hiccup's tragic death.

His unexpected passing had shook the whole archipeligo and farther. Hiccup — the dragon master — an emperor — a father — and a husband...
If Grimmel could kill the bravest, strongest, and smartest man in the archipeligo, he could kill anyone.

~

Einvald, along with its many allies, were preparing to leave for a very large counter attack on Grimmel and his men. Eret, Valka, Heather, and Astrid were atop of their dragons, getting ready to take off.

Valka didn't think that Astrid should go on this trip, however, she couldn't say anything because she knew that Astrid needed vengeance. Being the village healer, Valka always worried; especially since Astrid lost her baby due to grief and Grimmel's torture. The poor girl had been through so much and she is only 22. Valka loved Stoick but she hadn't seen a girl love a man as much as Astrid loved Hiccup. The only thing she could do now is be there for Astrid and Nuffink.

Valka hoped off of Cloudjumper and approached Astrid.

"Are you ready for this my dear?" Valka softly grabbed Astrid's hand.

Astrid's blank expression went to one of determination, "All I want is to kill this monster who killed my love."

Valka's heart broke, " I know how it feels to lose your other half, however, you must not let the anger take over. I lost my husband and my only son and I would love nothing more than to rip Grimmel's head off, but if you go too far you will be just like him."

Astrid nodded at Valka's wisdom," I have never been good at controlling my emotions but I will try." They both chuckled.

~

Eret signaled Astrid that the troops were ready. Everything was trippled in size, including the hopes of the Berkians and their allies. Everyone said their goodbyes and took off to Grimmel's fortress.

The enormous fleet of ships and dragons soared through the sky, headed towards Grimmel's fortress. Astrid gripped Stormfly's saddle, her knuckles turning white. This was the dreaded place where she was tortured, along with her husband. She was determined to make Grimmel pay for what he had done, no matter the cost.

As they approached the ominous fortress, Astrid could see the full scale of Grimmel's operation. Hundreds of dragon traps lined the perimeter, and Grimmel's men stood at the ready, armed to the teeth. They somehow knew they were being attacked.

"Remember the plan," Eret shouted from his position at the front of the fleet. "We need to take out those traps first, then focus our assault on the fortress itself. Everyone know their positions?"

The riders all nodded, gripping their weapons tightly. Astrid felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Valka looking at her with concern.

"Be careful out there, my dear. Promise me you'll come back to us," Valka said, her eyes pleading.

Astrid swallowed hard. "I promise, Valka. I can't let Hiccup's sacrifice be in vain."

With that, Astrid urged Stormfly forward, joining the rest of the riders as they began their assault on the fortress. Arrows and bolas rained down from the enemy, but the Einvaldian and Berkian forces pressed on, taking out trap after trap.

Astrid's eyes narrowed as she caught sight of Grimmel himself, directing his men from the top of the fortress. She tightened her grip on her ax, ready to make him pay.