Astrid's POV

It was two days since the museum event and Hiccup had taken Soren and I to a room in a high-end hotel. When I asked him why here he simply replied with. "Drago's men would be searching the motels for us. They would never suspect us of staying in a place like this."

I was playing a boardgame with Soren while Hiccup was taking a nap when there was a knock on the door.

"Hello is anyone here? It's me Fishlegs." Came from the other side. I go to the peephole to see that Fishlegs was alone and that he was holding many rolls of paper.

I unlock the door and open it to peak once more before opening it fully.

"Good afternoon Astrid." Fishlegs tells me and I greet him as well.

"Is Hiccup around? I got something exciting to show you both."

"I'm right here Fishlegs." Hiccup says as he walks out of the bedroom with Soren trailing behind.

"Then both of you will be happy to know that I've identified the area on the shield." Fishlegs replied happily as he begins to unroll various maps. "After cross-referencing all the maps I've come to the conclusion that the next item is on the continent of Hysteria."

"How sure of this are you Fishlegs?" I asked hopefully.

"I've triple-checked my findings." Fishlegs told us.

"And do you know which item is hidden there?" Hiccup asked as he took one of the smaller maps.

"Unfortunately no." Fishlegs replied sadly. "It's a big continent but for an ancient map it was quite accurate. I've marked the area where the item should have been hidden."

"That isn't really the problem. It seems both of you have actually forgotten that Hysteria is currently in the middle of a civil war." Hiccup replied.

"A civil war?" I asked and saw Fishlegs flush with embarrassment. 'He must have actually forgotten.'

"You don't know about it?" Fishlegs asked me and I shrugged.

"You don't actually get to hear a lot of world news when you're stuck in a cult that believes that dragons would enslave us all." I stated. "So what civil war exactly?"

"The continent of Hysteria is controlled by the Deranged corporation." Hiccup begins telling me. "Its CEO is a man named Dagur the Deranged, and he's exactly like his name said. He governs Hysteria with an iron fist and many of the citizens aren't happy with that. In the last couple of years unrest broke out as Dagur began building more industrial buildings where his people had to work for low wages."

"That sounds terrible." I say and see both Fishlegs and Hiccup nod.

"The other corporations didn't like how Dagur was such a tyrant and placed embargoes on Hysteria hoping that he would reform his policies, but that didn't work. There is almost no transport to Hysteria and those that exist are heavily monitored."

"So we have no way of reaching it?" I ask but Hiccup shakes his head.

"I have a way of reaching Hysteria." He told us. "But I'm not taking the kid."

"Why not!!" Soren whined. "And I'm no kid. I'm already 7 and a half."

"Because brat, we are going to be entering a country, which is controlled by a madman, illegally and having a kid with us would not stop them from shooting if we get caught. You'll be staying with a friend of mine."

"Shooting!!" Fishlegs squeaked.

"Yes shooting." Hiccup replies. "You can back out you know."

"N...No" Fishlegs stammered. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to find these items. I'm going." Fishlegs stated more confidently.

I saw a look of astonishment on Hiccup's face before he hid it. I think Fishlegs might have just impressed Hiccup.

"So how will we reach Hysteria?" I ask Hiccup.

"First we'll need to head back to Berk so that I can drop the brat off at my friend's place and then we can find my ride." Hiccup stated.

After discussing some more plans we decided to leave the hotel after grabbing lunch while Fishlegs went to pack. He told us that he would be bringing the shield with him as well.

Hiccup told us to get plenty of rest on the ride back to Berk because we would need it.

When we finally reached the city limits Hiccup took an exit which led us to a seedier part of the city.

"Hiccup?" I ask as I look at the various bars and shops which were illuminated by neon lights.

"Don't worry. This is where the underground is located." Hiccup replied as he parked his car. He then led us to a bar named 'The Forge'.

"Well if it isn't the toothpick." Said the bartender.

"Hello to you too Gobber." Hiccup greeted as the man came from behind the bar and picked Hiccup up in a bone crushing hug.

"Gobber can't breathe." Hiccup rasped out.

"Aye... Sorry about that." Gobber said a bit sheepishly as he put Hiccup down. "Now what brings you into this neck of the woods."

"I'm sure you've heard it over the grapevine by now." Hiccup muttered and motioned us to take a seat at the bar.

"Ah yes, you threatening to disembowel your client after he double crossed ya." Gobber chuckled "And this must be Astrid." I turned to look at Hiccup with a raised brow when Gobber knew my name.

"Gobber knows almost everything that goes on in the underground." Hiccup informs us.

"Aye and word on the street is that those guys tried to hire other mercenaries because they didn't want to get their hands dirty. Didn't actually work when they heard just who they had to go up against." Gobber laughed and then clapped Hiccup on the back. "Ya sure made a name for yourself here boy."

"I was wondering if you could do me a favor Gobber." I ask and the man nods.

"Of course toothpick. Just name it." Gobber says and Hiccup points to Soren.

"This is Soren. I need you to look after him. It would be too dangerous where we're heading." Hiccup explained.

"Of course I can look after the boy." Gobber happily said. "He can have your old room. Now where you lot heading off to?"

"Hysteria." Hiccup replied which caused Gobber to still.

"Ya got a death wish don't ya Hiccup." Gobber said turning serious. "Ya know what Dagur would do if he catches ya."

"What!" Both Fishlegs and I exclaim in astonishment.

"Let's just say that Dagur and I have some issues." Hiccup vaguely stated.

"Some issues is an understatement." Gobber mumbled. "So ya here looking for that cousin of yours?"

"Of course. He usually hangs around here." Hiccup said and Gobber nodded.

Then the sound of a 'Thunk' rang through the building and brunette carrying a bent serving tray came to the bar.

"Gobber I broke another one." She stated and then noticed us. "Hiccup!!" She greeted happily. "Haven't seen you in a while."

"Nice to see you too Heather." Hiccup said and then introduced us. "This is Astrid, Soren and Fishlegs."

We greet Heather and I see that she was eyeing Fishlegs. Hiccup must have noticed it too because he smirked.

"Say Fishlegs, why don't you keep Heather company for a bit while I go talk to my cousin." Hiccup said and then turned to Heather. "I'm assuming he's conscious?"

"I didn't hit him that hard this time Hiccup." Heather simply stated and then went to join Fishlegs at the bar.

I raise an eyebrow at Hiccup and he simply said "You'll see." As we walked towards a booth.