A heavy cloud of smoke hanged over the pit where the trio had joined their powers into one massive ball of energy. Astrid had seen it all, and nothing like that had flipped her insides so strongly. She knew Hiccup and Heather were different from the rest of them, but could even they survive such a forceful blast? She waved her hand before her face in attempt to clear the smoke that now stretched out into the woods surrounding the crashing site, hovering above the ground like a spooky fog.

''Hiccup?'' she called, deeply hoping for a response. The other riders were close to her, spreading out in search for their friends. ''Heather?''

The place was awfully quiet, every noise muffled from the ashes that floated in the air. It reminded her of when Hiccup and Toothless had defeated the Red Death and the whole Hooligan Tribe had searched for their heir that had saved them all. Her heart skipped a beat when she replayed the scene in her head, finding the Night Fury lying on the ground with Hiccup nowhere in sight. She remembered she felt heartbroken, just like now. It was as if history was repeating itself. But were the outcomes the same?

''We'll find them, Astrid.'' came Fishlegs' voice, and she turned around to face her teammate. The Gronckle rider placed a reassuring hand on her spiky shoulder pad, and she raised her gaze to meet her friend's.

Astrid sighed, eyeing her cloudy grey surroundings, trying not to feel defeat and replied, ''I hope you're right…''

''Astrid!'' yelled Ruffnut somewhere ahead, distress clear in her call.

The two riders shared a concerned look and sped towards the cry. The frame of the twin girl soon came in sight, crouching over the frail form of their unconscious leader.

Astrid couldn't help let a gasp escape as her eyes landed on Hiccup. She collapsed by his side, pressing an ear against his burnt chest, searching for a sign of life. It felt like forever, but at last, a weak rhythmic pulse assured her he was alive.

''Is he okay?'' dared ask Snotlout after noticing the wave of relief washing over the girl's face.

Astrid pulled herself back up, examining the state of her chief. His skin was covered with scratches and his armor ruined. A sudden spark of light from between Hiccup's hand caught her attention, and she noticed how weak it looked. It flashed couple times, as if it was trying to survive, and soon died, never to return.

Hiccup gave a grunt, reaching his hand to his temple painfully.

Fishlegs jumped in, grapping his best friend's upper arms to help him sit up. ''Easy, Hiccup, I got yah.'' he said after making sure he was stable.

''You took a mighty blow.'' said Astrid, placing her caring hand on his shoulder. ''How you feeling?''

But Hiccup did not reply. His eyes were tightly shut, as if he was still battling for life.

''What's happening?'' asked Astrid immediately to Fishlegs, but the boy seemed clueless and as frightened as she was.

Hiccup opened his eyes, a bright glow masking his green color. He shut his eyes again, to reopen them the same as every Viking.

''Where's Heather?'' he instantly asked, looking out to the blinding smoke before him.

''She's over here!'' called Tuffnut a short distance away. Unlike his sister's call for help, he sounded more cheerful, bringing some reassurance to the group. Soon enough, two frames approached.

Tuffnut held Heather, an arm wrapped around her back while Heather's own gripped at his shoulder. She was limping badly, but she was alive, and that's all that mattered.

''Are you okay?'' demanded Astrid, reaching her friend and leaving Fishlegs to Hiccup.

''Yes,'' she replied, coughing. She took a deep breath, gathering her strength. ''But my powers were ripped away from me.''

Hiccup turned his head to look at his sister, clear fatigue showing in his eyes. ''So have mine.'' he sighed. There was a tension in the group, but Hiccup soon killed it. ''We won't need to worry about Dagur anymore. There must be three, or else the powers are lost.''

A long uncomfortable silence followed where everybody stared at each other, daring the other to say it. Snotlout finally couldn't stand it anymore and asked.

''So Dagur is..?''

''Dead.'' finished Hiccup grimly. ''Dagur's dead.''

…

The Dragon Riders had waited a while to recover after the battle before deciding to set out on a mission to steal one of Viggo's ships to return to Dragon's Edge. Hiccup and Heather rested for that time, taking in that they no longer had their powers and were now riders like the rest of the gang. Dagur's body had been found by Astrid and Snotlout, impaled by a large branch that'd been sticking out from a dead tree he'd landed on. His death had undoubtedly been a long and painful one, but Astrid didn't feel much sorrow for the ex-Berserker chief.

When the two warriors returned to the temporary campsite, the sun was going down, announcing it was time to leave. Astrid just hoped the docks would be poorly guarded given two of their greatest warriors were in no shape to fight by their side and needed to be protected.

''It's time.'' called Astrid as she reached her team. She offered her hand to Hiccup who grabbed it gratefully and pulled himself to his feet, his prosthetic leg pressing on the forest floor awkwardly.

The riders gathered and started in direction of the ships in sight through the trees now that the smoke had cleared. They were a fair distance away and Astrid hoped they'd manage to move quickly to spend less possible time in plain sight.

…

Viggo Grimborn stared down on top of the hill at the site where it had all happened. He'd seen it all and had a hard time believing Hiccup and Heather had made it out alive, unlike their brother. He could see the small form of the deranged man impaled by a rigid branch from where he stood, deceiving him. It was just disappointing to have seen him try so hard only to fail. But that's what happens when you attack physically. Viggo had a different tactic that was more effective. Sometimes you need to kill the beast from inside…

His hands at his back with his brother at his side, the Hunter chief watched as the Dragon Riders walked out of their hiding place and progressed to the docks, careful for any sudden attack. He could see their leader wasn't at his best and couldn't help but feel deception.

Ryker growled low and pulled out a crossbow, pointing it down at the boy below. The movement caught Hiccup's attention and he didn't waste time to warn the others. They looked up, facing the arrow that could be shot at one of them at any moment.

Suddenly, Viggo placed his hand on his brother's crossbow, a command not to fire. Shocked, Ryker turned his dark eyes on his leader, challenging him. Yet, he couldn't refuse an order from his brother.

Hiccup's gaze was locked with Viggo, a silent conversation going on between them.

Then Viggo shut his eyes and nodded, accepting to release them. Hiccup nodded back and ordered his teammates to carry on their way home.

The Hunter chief gazed at the sunset across the ocean, its warm red light resembling blood washing on the island. He had refused to defeat Hiccup today or anytime soon. He turned on his heels, his brother following crossly.

Because what fun is a game if it is to end so soon?

After 2 long years, ''Control'' is finally over. Yay for me, I can move on.

This ending might seem a little abrupt, but the Viggo thing is actually a bridge to the next phase for the riders with Maces and Talons and everything. And for those of you who aren't aware, the sunset announces dark times to come. Just so you know.

So, I hoped you liked it 'cause I've been kicking myself in the rear to finish this story.

Alright, so 'till next time!