Living The Dream
Rated; M
Pairing; Hiccup X Astrid
Disclaimer; I do not own anything from HTTYD; it belongs to Dreamworks/Cressida Cowell
You'll Be Sorry
=Hiccup's POV=
(Saturday, September 7, 2019-11 am)
{Denmark, Drakonian Palace}
It's been a little over twenty-four hours since I accidentally happened to overhear Johann outside the stables when I returned from my flight with Toothless. It's been an entire day since the man threatened me with a blade to my neck to stay out of his business. Johann warned me not to say anything to anyone, or I'd regret it. So what am I supposed to do here? I can't ignore what I heard this Krogan guy and Johann were talking about. A second Dragon War? It would be bad for all humans and dragons. Johann kept saying he needed to get the Dragon Manual for his and Krogan's boss, who didn't like failure and both men were aware of punishments if they did. The Dragon Manual was a book that had information about every type of dragon we knew about; habitat, mating, colors, attacks, training methods, etc. This was not an object that needed to be in the hands of someone who was trying to bring back the old days where dragons and humans were against one another. Peace was made centuries before this period when it was Vikings versus Dragons. My fear rested with what Johann would do to me if he found out I told anyone about this plan.
"HICCUP!" someone yelled to get my attention. I snapped out of my thoughts and felt Astrid shaking me a bit. "Babe, are you okay?" I wanted to say yes, and that I was zoning off, but I couldn't Having your life threatened wasn't something you could forget about. I sighed and shook my head to my girlfriend of six months.
"No…No, I'm not," Hiccup admitted.
"What's going on?" Astrid inquired softly. I glanced around the stables for Johann quickly, then motioned for her to get her dragon and follow me. Astrid seemed to understand, so she saddled Stormfly while I worked on Toothless's rig. Afterward, we took to the sky. Astrid and I reached a comfortable level in the air and a safe distance that I knew Johann wouldn't see us and suspect I said something. "Hiccup…Tell me what's up, babe?"
I sighed closing my eyes. "Johann isn't the guy we think he is,"
"I'm not following," Astrid replied.
"I took my flight with Toothless yesterday, and when I came back; I heard talking. I searched around and found Johann talking with some guy named Krogan; he's not someone who works for Dreki Heart, though. They were talking about looking for the Dragon Manual and needing it for their plan to start Dragon War Two," I began to explain.
Astrid's eyes widened. "What?!" I continued telling her everything else from yesterday morning, and all the other times in the last couple of months that I noticed odd behavior, and strange things about Johann. By the time I'd finished, it was almost 11:20 am, and we were still in the air.
"Yesterday after Johann and this Krogan guy talked, Johann found me in the stables. We talked casually at first, then he threatened me with a knife," I informed as Astrid's eyes widened more.
"Oh, my Gods! Why haven't you said anything! What happened, tell me, right now," Astrid demanded.
"It started casual, as I said, then I mentioned he had no reason to be in the stables since he has no dragon. I was heavily implying that I knew something seemed off about finding him in all the places he never had to be in because of what his job is with Dreki Heart. I was walking away after our small chat, and he grabbed my arm and backed me into one of those cement beams in the stables; he put a knife to my throat and threatened me," Hiccup said.
"Tell me exactly what he said, Hiccup," Astrid stated.
"Listen well, Hiccup Haddock. My business is no concern of yours, so stay out of it unless you'd like to find out what happens to people who meddle in such affairs. Good chatting with you again, and if you know what's good for you, you'll keep this little talk between us," I repeated, then looked down a little. "After that, he walked away, and I've been…Trying to figure out what to do, which is why I've been so distracted,"
Astrid faced me, shocked to hear everything. "Hiccup, you need to tell Viggo or Ryker," Astrid stated quickly.
"But Johann said-," I began.
"But Johann nothing, Hiccup! That traitor is working with people who want to start a second dragon war!" Astrid said quickly as I knew she was right. "Johann can't hurt you if everyone is aware of what's going on; you'll be safe. Tell Viggo and Ryker; we'll go back right now," she added. "He threatened you with a knife to your neck, Hiccup…He can't be allowed to go free,"
"Okay, I'll tell Viggo and Ryker…" I agreed. I just hoped I wouldn't regret this, and I likely wouldn't. Astrid was right; I had to tell Viggo and Ryker, so they could get Johann out of Dreki Heart before something happened. Astrid had Stormfly turn around as I did the same with Toothless, and then we were headed back to Drakonian Palace.
. . .
=Normal POV=
{Drakonian Palace; Office of Viggo & Ryker}
After landing with Toothless, Astrid said she'd get my dragon settled back into his stall while I handle my business. I was nervous, but who wouldn't be after getting threatened with a knife to their neck. I reached Viggo and Ryker's office and took a deep breath as I knocked on the door.
"Come in," Viggo said. I turned the handle and walked in, then closed the door behind me. "Ah, Hiccup. Afternoon to you. What brings you by?" he asked.
"I got threatened by one of your employees," I said firmly. Ryker and Viggo instantly stopped what they were doing as the looks on their faces became severe.
"Threatened how?" Ryker questioned.
"With a knife to my neck," I informed.
"Come, have a seat, Hiccup. Tell us everything," Viggo offered. I moved forward, sitting before Viggo's desk as Ryker came over to listen as well. I took a deep breath and began informing them about the big incident that happened yesterday with Johann. I finished after leaving nothing out and looked at them.
"After that, he let me go and walked away," I stated. Ryker and Viggo shared a look, then faced me once more. "And that's not everything I've caught him doing. What I told you was just yesterday, but I've seen other moments over the last couple of months. I didn't bring it forward because I wasn't sure if I should accuse him of such severe things without proof," I mentioned.
"Please," Ryker invited, "Tell us everything," he added. Once more, I began; telling the brothers about all the incidents involving Johann and I running into one another because I caught him doing something that didn't seem right. By the time I'd finished; it was well past lunchtime. Viggo had told the others to go ahead and start; then we'd catch up after we finished discussing a serious matter. That's exactly what this was after all.
"Those are all the times I've seen him in places he does not need to be in or happened to overhear phone conversations about questionable motives. I'm sorry I didn't come forward sooner," I lowered my head.
"Hiccup, it's alright. We understand you weren't sure how to take the situations mentioned before, and with Johann threatening you, the nervousness of coming forward," Viggo assured.
"What's important is that now we can bring Johann in and settle this; you will be safe, not to worry there," Ryker added in.
"Do I have to be here for it?" I asked.
"Yes. I don't trust from all I've heard that Johann doesn't have people around here posing as staff or just watching from the shadows. If word gets to Johann you spoke up after he warned you not too; I wouldn't want someone cornering you to make good on Johann's threat. It's best you stay with us until this is cleared up," Viggo said. I nodded, understanding. Viggo looked at Ryker, then nodded. "Let's bring Johann in,"
"I'll send word for him," Ryker went to his desk to lift the phone from the cradle, then pressing a button. "Find Mr. Traytor, and deliver him to mine and Viggo's office immediately," he ordered, then set the phone down a moment later. "Security is on it," Ryker reported.
"Good. Now, Hiccup, are you alright? Would you like a little water? Something to eat while we wait?" Viggo asked.
"I'm okay right now, thank you," I replied. Viggo nodded as I stayed where I was, hoping that I did the right thing here. Even with telling Ryker and Viggo about being threatened; the bigger picture in all this was that someone out there was trying to start a war, which would be awful for humans and dragons. I did not doubt that Dreki Heart would be stepping up to ensure that this plan never got carried out.
. . .
=Normal POV=
(1:10 pm)
{Denmark; Drakonian Palace, Office of Viggo & Ryker}
The only person Hiccup had talked to since arriving in the office was Astrid, who wanted to know what was happening. Hiccup cautiously informed Astrid that Viggo and Ryker were bringing Johann in, then added for her not to tell the others until we knew what was going to happen. Astrid said that all she stated to the others who wondered where Ryker, Hiccup, and Viggo were was that she hadn't seen Hiccup since their flight before lunch. Hiccup was glad Astrid hadn't mentioned anything; this was a severe matter that needed to be handled carefully to avoid anyone getting hurt. Ten minutes after Ryker made the call to security, there was a knock on the door.
"Hiccup, come sit behind the desk," Ryker stated. Hiccup got up, moving to a chair that was behind Viggo's desk, and Hiccup assumed that this was to keep him safe from Johann.
"Enter," Viggo called once Hiccup had moved. The door opened to reveal two security guard behind Johann. Instantly, Hiccup felt Johann's stare on him, so Hiccup refused to make eye contact. "Bring Johann forward, please?" Viggo asked. The officers led Johann in and had him sit across from Viggo, then continued to stand behind the man. Ryker closed the door, then returned to his spot on Viggo's left side.
"Have I done something wrong?" Johann asked innocently.
"Mr. Traytor, several matters of concern have been brought to my attention regarding you. I'm hoping we can clear everything up," Viggo said formally.
"I-I am sure we can," Johann replied as Hiccup already noticed the man's nervousness.
"Hiccup here has found you in more than a few questionable situations over the last few months. Such as being in places your job here doesn't require you to be in, suspicious behavior, strange phone conversations, having people here who are not part of our staff, hiding behind buildings…The point is that we'd like some clarification on all this," Viggo began. From there, Hiccup listened as Viggo and Ryker broke down each incident as Hiccup had explained it to them, then they'd give Johann a chance to explain what Hiccup saw. However, Johann didn't seem to have answers, or he stammered with being nervous and trying to find a way to pacify Viggo and Ryker to have them back off.
Almost an hour later, and Hiccup could tell that Viggo had enough of this, and was more than satisfied with his decision to get rid of Johann, though it hadn't gotten mentioned yet. "One more thing," Ryker asked.
"Yes?" Johann replied.
"Why did you threaten Mr. Haddock with a knife to his neck yesterday morning in the stables?" Viggo raised his eyes to stare at Johann.
"Threaten him?" Johan asked, shocked at the accusation.
"Hiccup claims that you told him to stay out of your business, and not to tell anyone or something bad would happen to him. You did this with a knife to his neck. Why?" Ryker stated. Johann didn't talk; he had no answer or lie to give the Grimborn brothers. "So everything Hiccup told us earlier is true then. You're a traitor, and have only been here to gather information,"
Johann's innocent act fell, and his eyes narrowed as he stood, but the security guards held Johann's arms to keep him from attacking anyone. "Yes, all of it was a ploy. For years I've worked here to collect information about dragons, learn how to train them, what they eat, what makes them fight one another, scared. As soon as this Dragon Manual started; I knew it would have all I needed. I've been trying to steal it for months, and always thwarted by a skinny, auburn-haired, green-eyed teenager, who shows up at the most inconvenient time," Johann informed. "And he has an annoying habit of always being where I don't want him," Hiccup had a remark, but wouldn't say it. "I warned you to stay out of my affairs, boy," Johann glared.
"Enough! I want this traitor locked up until the authorities arrive," Viggo stated firmly, rising to his feet.
"This isn't over. I will be back, and coming for you, Hiccup Haddock. There will be war, and you'll all be sorry!" Johann bellowed as he was dragged out by the two guards. Hiccup was uneasy about the verbal threat because he knew that even if Johann didn't come after him; he'd get someone else to do the dirty work. Hiccup sat there as Viggo and Ryker handled Johann by calling the police to report the crimes. Hiccup sat back, trying to relax a little. What worried Hiccup more was the second half of Johann's words; that there would be war, and they'd all be sorry. No one knew what it meant, but Hiccup knew for sure that it was going to be bad, and they needed to prepare for anything.