The Edge of Black Wing

10 Blow us Away, Show us the Way I

Tuffnutt Thorston

Hiccup sighed, "And, go."

The Riders had split up, each carrying out their part of the plan. And it all went swimmingly. Tuffnut wasn't exactly sure how Hiccup and Ska'i got Astrid free, but they did. Or how Snotlout antagonized the Hunters enough to leave their ships safe, familiar comfort. And he compelled them to step foot on this evil-looking island. But they did, and the twins began their shenanigans.

They started by following Hiccup's suggestions, by picking up rocks to hurl at the the Hunters' heads. Until Ruff accidentally picked up a miniature shell-encased demon of Hel. Its black was so shiny, that it reflected the sun perfectly. It had two giant pinchers in the front like a crab and a giant pokey stinger-looking thing in the back. Thank Odin she tossed it at a Hunter's face who'd popped up behind them before it seemed to hurt her.

"This island really does inhabit the aura of death, bro."

"It appears you are right, sister," he agreed as he proceeded to pick up a stray helmet to chuck it at another Hunter. His twin followed suit, deftly picking up a spear while remaining seated on Barf, to heave at a retreating Hunter. They assumed they were assigned to keep them away from their ships for as long as possible. Ha, that was a total lie! It was just fun, throwing objects at these jerks.

Before they knew it, every Hunter was knocked out or had stupidly panicked, running further into the Neverending Cacti Forest of Death.

"Oooh. What do you think of that title, sis?"

"Hmmm, not bad. But I how's this for better, 'The Endless Pokey Forest of Doom'?"

"Uh, I'm sure the cacti forest already has a name, you guys."

"Hey, Astrid!" The twins cried in unison.

"We missed you."

"We did?"

"Alright, gang. Let's get up in the air, and as far away from these ships, in general."

They all rose in the air, at Hiccup's command with Ska'i seated astride Hookfang. "I have to say, Hiccup. Ska'i," Snotlout added as an afterthought. "That was the fastest rescue extraction we've ever had."

"You know what, Snotlout?" Astrid asked. "I think I'm going to take that as a compliment."

"It is such a relief to have you back though, Astrid," Fishlegs voiced.

"Thanks, Fishlegs. It's great to be back."

"So what happened?"

"Yeah, did they threaten to blood eagle you?"

Sigh. "You guys. . . ."

"Did you happen to gather any information?"

Before Astrid could answer, an arrow flew up at them from nowhere. Tuffnut couldn't see how it happened, but Snotlout cried out and slid off Hookfang.

And he tumbled out of the sky.