The Gentle Sniper

Chapter 26: Trustless Part 2

A/N: So this chapter was the hardest to write so far; particularly as it was written without a real plan in mind, unlike all the other chapters. So I hope this one doesn't seem disjointed or rushed or anything, but it probably is one or both of these things.

Edit: Apologies for the large number of scenes in this chapter. Couldn't think of any better way to make things flow.

Review Responses

CajunBear73: One moment indeed. Now, I will say strap in…

Scrumblenut: More action-y stuff in this chapter, and more suffering for the main character. Like I said to CajunBear, strap in…

Also, hope you're feeling better right now :)

…

Hello and welcome to the 11 o'clock news. I am Mulch Larsen.

We recently received word that the mayor of Berk; Oswald Jensen, was assaulted and killed during his stay at Eir General Hospital, with the local police, the DSIS and DDIS stating that they will be working together to track down the perpetrators and assign a temporary replacement to the mayor's office later today, until such a time as an election can take place.

We will provide updates on the matter as news becomes available, and our hearts go out to Dagur Oswaldson and Heather Oswaldottir in their time of grief.

Berk has truly lost a great mayor on this day, and times will be uncertain in the future.

…

Amidst the chaos of hearing gunfire coming from the floor above, several minutes prior, the receptionist blinked at the sight of a man in riding leathers and a helmet with the visor down, accompanied by a blonde police officer with her hair down, walking on unsteady legs as both rushed through the automatic doors at the hospital's main entrance, both with guns in hand as they made a beeline for the nearest lift.

Upon finding and entering the room where Fishlegs, Heather and Dagur were located, the latter of the three advanced on Hiccup. "Hey-"

Dagur's fist collided with his cheek, cutting him off and knocking Hiccup back a few steps. "Where the fuck where you?!" he roared.

"Dagur, leave him alone!" Heather barked, while Astrid stood with fists clenched, glaring daggers at him. "Try that again, I dare you!" Astrid snarled, then glanced back at Hiccup. "Are you okay?"

"Just fine, Astrid. Stand down though. Dagur, you as well. Let's talk about this."

"No! You don't get to just waltz in here and act like everything is alright! Especially when the timing could hardly be better! Leaving conveniently minutes before they came here, killed the two guards outside and tried to get inside this room to kill dad! Explain yourself!" Dagur screamed.

"Captain Oswaldson, calm yourself or I will have you removed," ordered Hiccup and pulled himself up to his full height.

Dagur sagged just a little, but the fire in his eyes remained. "Whatever, forget your explanation. I'm going home."

And he set off, purposefully shoving Hiccup out of the way as he passed by.

…

In the aftermath of Oswald's death, Eir General Hospital was descended upon by the authorities; the police, DSIS and DDIS.

Then the bed on which he had been killed was emptied, with his body moved to the morgue and the bloodied bed on which he had lain removed of bedsheets which were then disposed of.

Then came the interviews.

"Heather, are you able to tell us how this event occurred?" Sigrid asked, eyeing the police officer as Fishlegs held her hand while rubbing her back soothingly and Dagur paced the width of the room in silent rage, occasionally sparing helpless glances at his younger sibling as he walked back and forth.

She sniffed, looking at Sigrid with eyes red from crying. "Fishlegs did the fighting. I honestly didn't see much; I-It was a bit of a blur, but what I do remember is them shooting through the wall… Y-You should ask Fishlegs what happened. He'll know more than I do, I'm sure."

Sigrid nodded. "Alright. Lieutenant Ingerman. What happened? Or better yet, did you recognise any of the attackers?"

Fishlegs started to shake his head before his eyes widened. "Savage was there. H-he was there at the end, after they fired through the wall, one of the men looked into the room before they left and I saw him then."

"So the Outcasts were involved then?" Sigrid asked, as she brought out her phone and started typing away at the screen. "Alright. Did you notice anything else perhaps?"

"No, sorry."

After finishing typing, she put the device away again. "That's quite alright." Turning to the door, she nodded at Mogadon who stood there. "We're done here. Let them both back in now."

He nodded in turn and left, with Hiccup and Astrid entering shortly afterwards.

As they approached, Sigrid watched her daughter with a smile and an eyebrow raised. "Interesting way of walking there, dear. Also, having your hair down is a new look for you. I quite like it."

She then looked to Hiccup. "Soon to be son in law, we ought to talk about the state you left my daughter in, I think. Don't worry, she need not be present."

"Mum!" Astrid protested, flushing red while Hiccup coughed awkwardly. "Not exactly the time for that. Especially considering the recent death and… explosive argument on Dagur's part."

"Oh, hush you. I'm lightening the mood. They can mope as much as they want at his funeral. No rule saying they have to be sad before then."

"You know, I actually like that idea," Heather smiled a little, though it was tinged with sadness. "Can we make that a rule on Berk? No moping before the funeral. I'm sick of moping anyways."

"What about Dagur though? Will he be alright? This is much worse than the other time I saw him get angry," said Hiccup.

"He'll be fine. He just needs some time alone," Heather replied.

"Alright then, I'm going to talk with Hiccup. Be right back Heather," said Fishlegs.

Outside the room, Fishlegs moved over to the wall that had been riddled with bullets, then motioned to it as he spoke to his friend in hushed tones. "Tell me; did you know this was going to happen? This shootout that caused Oswald's death?"

Hiccup spoke just as quietly as he. "No. Why would I?"

"The DDIS, you resigning, you leaving not long before it happened… if you knew, it could hardly be better timed. So I need you to swear on your mother's life that you knew nothing. I need to be sure."

"I swear on Valka Haddock's life that I didn't know Oswald would be killed when I left," Hiccup said while Fishlegs stared intently at him. Then he added; "If you want, I can have the DDIS tell you what they told me, if that would make a difference."

"I think it would," Fishlegs nodded. "But have them tell Heather, Dagur and Astrid. They deserve to know as well."

"Not Astrid," Hiccup denied firmly. "She shouldn't get mixed up in all this. Heck, Heather and Dagur shouldn't, but they are now."

"So you want to lie to her? You want to keep secrets from her?"

"Wouldn't be the first time I kept secrets from a girl," Hiccup muttered. "I'll tell her when Drago is dealt with, and not a moment before."

"A good idea, I approve," muttered Sigrid, drawing the attention of the pair. "Now here's one of my own: stay with Heather, Lieutenant Ingerman, for now anyways. She makes a good job of hiding it, but she's putting up a front. I'll speak with my boss in the meantime. If he agrees, you'll find out what we spoke with Hiccup about."

"Did you hear us?"

"No Hiccup. It was always our plan to inform the rest of the Draugr Squad regarding what we told you. However, we knew where you were, so we chose to fill you in first."

"Okay," Hiccup nodded. "So is there anything you need me to do?"

She turned to head back inside the room where Astrid and Heather waited but spoke one last time. "Stay with my daughter and treat her as well as you have been doing. That's all I can really ask."

Then she stepped into the room, leaving Hiccup and Fishlegs alone.

…

"And here we are," Astrid waved a hand dramatically at Berk Central Police Station. "Work sweet work."

Hiccup chuckled as he glanced at the building and his waiting motorbike. "True that. So this is where we part ways I guess. See you later then."

"Hmm. Not quite."

He turned to look at her, confused. "What do you mean?"

Her answer came in the form of her lifting his motorbike helmet's visor and dealing a kiss that left him breathless and rendered his mind blank. "Now you can go. So see you later, babe," she said after several long moments, panting softly with her face flushed.

I'm definitely falling for her.

"Y-you too milady," he replied, voice coming out as a breathless whisper.

She nodded, smiling in satisfaction at what she had done before he got out and headed for his bike.

Taking a few deep breaths, Hiccup lowered his visor, started the engine of his bike and drove off.

Heading home, he found a Range Rover waiting for him already, with Ryker in the driver's seat.

"Why not just have someone pick me and Fishlegs up at the hospital?" the soldier asked the older man once he had parked his motorbike and approached the car.

"Discretion," the man said simply. "Change out of the leathers and into your Jaeger uniform. Why hide what you are?"

"I'll get my combat uniform. My Jaeger attire is for special occasions."

The man snorted and shook his head. "Whatever, just get ready."

…

"So what will you do about Savage?"

"Sigrid is informing the rest of the DDIS of the matter as we speak," the barman replied. "If they show up in Skagen, or indeed anywhere else in mainland Denmark, they'll be found and dealt with discreetly. Worry not," then he added. "That's Sigrid Hofferson by the way, Lieutenant Ingerman. She and others are DDIS agents."

"Okay."

"So the DDIS isn't completely incompetent then? Let's see if they manage to catch Savage then."

"Patient is a more accurate descriptor, Captain Haddock," Viggo corrected, then continued. "Particularly as Drago Bludvist has been dormant for the last fourteen years, while being watched for the same amount of time, a reasonable man wouldn't consider him much of a threat."

"Don't try to justify the DDIS to me, Viggo. People have died on your boss's watch, yours by extension, so I don't care what you say or trust the organisation you work for."

"My apologies, but you can't blame a long serving member of the DDIS such as I, who is working undercover for the DDIS to be loyal to the DDIS, can you?"

"Enough idle chat you two," Fishlegs cut in. "Start the briefing now, please."

"Very well. At the current time, Drago Bludvist is currently staying on the island of Berk at Loki's Surprise hotel-"

"That's the hotel where Cami is staying," Hiccup interrupted. "You could have mentioned that sooner, you know."

"I'm mentioning it now. Do keep up. Now as I was saying, Drago is located at the hotel, but has been keeping a low profile, as you would imagine. However, whether or not this is because he intends not to attract attention from the authorities in general or he is aware of the resident DSIS agent staying at the hotel is currently unknown. Now, it would be a great boon for all parties involved if someone or someones could get close to Drago and help us to arrange for his future capture…" Viggo trailed off.

"Yes yes, real subtle Viggo," Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Alright, try and convince me why we should do that? By which I mean Fishlegs and myself. Why not just have one of your own people do it?"

"Well, you have a point. However, I have a counterpoint."

"Oh? And what would that be?"

Viggo stepped towards him and started to whisper in his ear as Fishlegs watched; with Hiccup's expression conveying a collection of emotions; from shock, then disbelief, then resignation and finally irritation mixed with a hint of fear.

"Touché. Alright, I'd ask how you knew about that, if you weren't working for Denmark's military intelligence agency right now. So what do you need me to do? Also, Fishlegs, you can go if you want to. ."

"No, I'm with you. To the death."

"Hmm. I don't deserve you, clearly."

"Such loyalty. Cute," snorted Viggo. "Whenever you're ready to end this heart to heart of yours, join me in the equipment room, just through there. Once we're done here, feel free to engage in that funeral ritual you do, Haddock. I happen to know a flower shop not far from here."

"Okay, but what equipment do we need? Isn't he just a businessman?"

"Plus Esse Quam Simultatur."

"Oh for the love of Thor! Please tell me he's not also a Jaeger."

"I'm afraid so. Hence the long wait and mention of collateral damage, as stated by Sigrid when we filled you in on our dealings," Viggo continued.

"You should have started with that," one annoyed Hiccup Haddock grumbled.

"You were in no state to listen then. Now come along you two. Time to get acquainted with some useful tools."

"That can wait. I want to know what else you muttonheads haven't told us yet," Hiccup stated, with his voice now containing a firm edge.

"That is everything. Much like Johann, he is a soldier turned businessman. At least on the surface."

There was a tense moment as Hiccup regarded Viggo with a scowl before the moment passed and his scowl gave way for a neutral expression. However, this was worse in Fishlegs opinion as it served as his mask; he was still anything but calm. "Alright. Let's hope for your sake that you're right about that. If not, I know where to find you."

Turning away, Hiccup marched towards his wheelchair-bound friend. "Let's go and get the ever-important equipment now. We both have affairs to set in order after this as well, I believe."

…

So it came to pass that Dagur heard a knock on his door. Opening it, he found Hiccup standing there.

"Oh, it's you."

"Yes, it is I," Hiccup nodded, then promptly shoved a bouquet of black tulips towards Dagur. "Sorry for your loss."

As soon as Dagur took the flowers, Hiccup turned on his heel and left, descending the two steps leading to the house's front door.

"Hey, this doesn't make up for what you did," said Dagur.

"I think it's a start though," Hiccup replied; stopping after taking a few steps down the path through the lawn in front of the house while refusing to turn and face Dagur, keeping his eyes on Fishlegs who was waiting at the end of the path. "Let me know when you want to drink to his memory. I'll be there. Try not to bring your fists if you can. I'm getting sick and tired of being punched. You were the second by the way."

Then he continued on his way.

"Who was the first?" Dagur asked, curious despite himself.

"My girlfriend. The same person who was going to punch you back at the hospital, in fact."

"She's smart then. You seem to irritate people quite well," Dagur commented, then laughed when Hiccup flipped him off as he continued to walk away.

Reaching Fishlegs as Dagur closed the door behind him, Hiccup sighed. "Well this is it. Are you ready, or do you want to stay with Heather?"

"I'll stick with you. I'd rather not say goodbye to her just yet, so let's make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Alright, if you're sure," Hiccup sighed again. "Let's go get some guns."

…

Sometime later, the concierge of Loki's Surprise hotel noticed an auburn-haired man in a soldier's uniform step through the doors and into the lobby.

Looking his way, the man approached the concierge, turning as he did so, and it was only then that the hotel employee noticed the shotgun strapped to his back.

"I was informed by a third party that a Drago Bludvist is currently a guest here. Do you know what room he is in? This third party wants to speak with him."

"I-I'm sorry sir, but I am not allowed to give out information like that. Who even is this third party?"

"The DDIS."

The concierge blinked, surprised. "The DDIS?"

"Yes. Also, I have friends in the DSIS and the police as well, so you best tell me the room he's in. Hurry along now."

The concierge didn't hesitate to comply after that. "He's in room 208, on the floor above. The stairs are just through there," said the man, gesturing to a door on Hiccup's left. "My apologies for the delay sir," the man added, then closed and put away the hotel ledger he had referred to.

Hiccup nodded. "No worries. Thank you."

Leaving then, Hiccup headed through the identified door and ascended the stairs to the floor above as directed. Once at the correct room, he reached for the shotgun he had brought.

"About to make my move, Sal. You know what to do if you don't hear from me in ten minutes."

"Roger that, Fury. Let's hope you're lucky for once, eh?"

"Yeah, that would be nice. Alright, here goes."

Hiccup raised the shotgun in his arms, then kicked the bottom of the door.

It opened, and a scarred face framed by black dreadlocks emerged, connected to a body in a business suit. "What," Drago uttered flatly, then took in Hiccup as well as the gun that was levelled at his torso. "Hmm, how brazen to approach a man with a shotgun in a public place. What is it you want?"

"Hela's crest. Do you know it?"

"I do. It is where my oldest friend lies buried. As do your friends."

"Then you know who I am then. Good. Shall we meet there alone? I wish to know about you; particularly the reason behind your dealings. Otherwise…" he trailed off and pressed the shotgun's barrel into Drago's chest, directly over his heart.

"Bold of you to demand things of me, Hiccup Haddock, but I respect a man who can face his opponent. Be there at six tonight. I will be waiting."

"As will I. Good day to you."

Conversation over, Hiccup turned and headed back to the staircase he had used not long before. Once out of earshot, he spoke.

"Well it worked, Sal, but it depends on him actually showing up though," the soldier said, addressing his friend through his earpiece once more.

"True, but I'm counting it as a win anyway. This has been one of our most successful missions."

"Yeah, that's a depressing thought, isn't it?"

"Indeed. Anyway, I guess I'll see you soon. Gotta prepare an ambush for Drago and everything, like we planned."

"Yeah. You do that. Fury out.

"Sal out."

…

"Are you staying in this safehouse tonight babe, or over at your place?"

"Neither, unfortunately," Hiccup grimaced. "Got something to take care of, now. I'll be back in the morning or later tonight though."

They were standing just outside Berk Central Police Station, and it was 5 PM, with her shift having ended just recently.

"Army stuff again?" she inquired.

"Yeah," Hiccup nodded in confirmation, though it was a lie. "It's something that could take a while to complete, but when I'm done, I'll be leaving the army."

"That's great," Astrid smiled, clearly pleased by the news. "Means I don't have to worry about you getting hurt while on tour or anything like that."

Hiccup matched her smile. "Yeah…"

Still, a chance I will get hurt or killed, milady; which I wish I could tell you about…

"Well anyways, good luck babe," she smiled a dazzling smile and the smile, coupled with the setting sunlight making her hair glow like polished gold, rendered her beautiful. His hands itched to thread through her soft strands and he had to fight the urge to kiss her until she forgot her own name; suffice to say, Hiccup suddenly had regrets about keeping secrets from her.

"Thanks, milady," he said, forcing himself to nod and turn away before he lost his nerve and told her everything. "Hope you have a good night!"

"You too!" she called after him as he headed for his bike, unknowingly making things harder for him. He just barely managed to keep going instead of returning to his girlfriend.

…

"So much for being dead," Hiccup muttered.

It was now 6 PM, and Hiccup, Fishlegs and Cami were all present in Hela's crest; with the latter two situated on the path that ran through the graveyard; idly chatting as they waited for Drago to arrive.

Hiccup himself was stooped by his mother's grave; which he knew was little more than a headstone for the sake of appearances, with her supposed ashes having been dumped at the time of her supposed death six years prior.

He then got up again and looked around, looking at the other headstones.

So, any chance my friends could come back from the dead as well?

Then he returned to the path, standing between Fishlegs and Cami. "So, anyone think he'll not show up? He's gonna know there'll be an ambush waiting for him."

"Don't jinx it, Haddock. Let's not give a Jaeger the benefit of luck."

"If he's a Jaeger, he's probably already lucky. But I'll shut up now anyway."

"Good idea."

Drago's arrival was signalled a minute or two later, with Ryker and Viggo approaching the trio from the north end of the graveyard.

"No funny business now, you three," the man said, before bringing out a phone and holding it to his right ear. "Nothing out of the ordinary, boss," he said into the device, then hung up and pocketed the phone once more.

"Be ready to move on my signal," Viggo told them then, and all three nodded, to show they understood.

Then the man of the hour arrived, at last, still wearing the business suit that Hiccup had seen from earlier, but with the addition of a large leather coat that dwarfed his frame; seeming more like a cloak than a coat.

"So you're Drago Bludvist?" asked Fishlegs; the only one of the three who hadn't seen the man. "You certainly look the part."

"Like what you see?" The man chuckled a little, but the sound ended just as swiftly as it had started. "Let's get down to business."

"Yes, let's do that. What will it take for you to leave Berk? To not attack the town or harm any of its citizens, anymore?"

"Nothing. Nothing you can do will stop that," was Drago's reply. "Why would I give up when I'm close to completing my goal? However, there is information you can give me that would make said goal easier to achieve."

"Oh? And what would that be? I won't be giving you anything, but I am curious nevertheless."

"Didn't think you would, so I guess we are at an impasse, unless I can convince you otherwise. Tell me, what do you know about Valka Haddock?"

"My mother was a vet, but is now dead. Nothing else to say, really."

"What would you say if I told you she were alive?"

Hiccup feigned surprise. "She is? Well, considering I didn't know that until now, I'd say I don't care what happens to her, in all honesty. But now a question for you. What are you trying to do to Berk? It's not just terrorism, is it?"

"Division. There's your answer. And on that note, do your friends know what you've done, I wonder?"

Hiccup blinked. "What I've done?"

"Yes. I mean of course, a time where you were sent to do the government's dirty work; to kill some insurgents in Afghanistan a year and a half ago, only to find that these insurgents weren't insurgents at all, rather danish soldiers much like yourself and your friend in the wheelchair there."

"What is he talking about?" two voices asked, coming from his left and his right.

Hiccup sighed, his eyes closing for a moment as he fought up an answer for Fishlegs and Cami both.

"We'll talk about that after this, guys," Hiccup replied when he found that he couldn't think of any other answer, then shot Viggo a purposeful glance.

As will we.

"Later he says, hoping you'll forget about the matter and never bring it up again. I had a partner like that once."

"Well, I'm not going to do that. What business is it of yours anyway, Drago? I believe we're done here."

"Well then, no better time to talk about that mission you went on then," said Fishlegs.

Hiccup sighed and turned. "Fishlegs-"

And that is when Drago made his move.

At a speed that defied his size, Drago lunged at Cami, advancing on her in the moment of distraction and grabbing her arm in a grip she could not hope to escape from.

With his other hand, he reached into the coat he was wearing and produced a gun - a USP9 - from an inner pocket, which he then pressed to the base of Cami's neck.

And as such, a stalemate formed, as Hiccup and Fishlegs drew their guns, while Viggo and Ryker did the same to play their part.

However, Drago didn't seem to care as he started backing away with Cami, slowly retreating back the way he had arrived from. "Call off your ambush Haddock, or she dies, followed by yourselves dying courtesy of my men."

"What ambush?" Hiccup asked, feigning confusion.

"Don't take me for a fool, boy," Drago spat. "I was a soldier, a Jaeger at that. This would be the perfect place to kill me and rid your hands of the matter. But I have your friend here, so for as long as that is the case, you will do nothing, lest you guarantee her death."

"Hmm, a chance to kill you and end the mission? How can I resist? I won't need an ambush for that."

Drago kept retreating, with Viggo and Ryker doing the same and Hiccup followed the trio at a steady pace, Fishlegs in tow behind him. "She will die."

"Indeed. As will me and you. I'm willing to take that chance. What about you?" Hiccup asked, then chanced a glance at Cami.

Her face went pale and she shook her head, her eyes silently pleading with him as she stared his way.

He tore his eyes away, then met Drago's as they reached the northern end of the graveyard. "Well? Time to choose, Drago. Unhand her and live, or die with me and her. Your choice."

"Hmm, I have another idea,"

"What would that be then?"

Drago didn't reply, instead, there was a bang before he shoved Cami forward then turning and darting away, keeping his body as low as possible. Similarly, Viggo and Ryker made their exit.

"Open fire!" Hiccup barked the order, which was picked up by the comm device pinned to the back of the collar of his uniform before he turned to Cami, whom Fishlegs had caught.

In the seconds that followed, Helheim seemed to break loose, as the staccato of gunfire started up. However, neither he nor Fishlegs focused on that, as the pair exchanged worried glances at their brief observation of the blonde.

Fishlegs handed her to him at once, and Hiccup took off back the way they had arrived. There was no time to lose.

…

"All those in favour of forming a duumvirate until the next election, and having Helga and Malte Ingerman operate as co-mayors for the same length of time, say aye."

Not a single objecting voice was heard among the council, much to the council speaker's relief.

"In that case, this historically brief town council meeting is adjourned. Enjoy the rest of your evening, everyone. Oh, and someone let the pair know of this as soon as possible."

…

It was now nine pm, and Cami was laid on a bed, unconscious while hooked up to a ventilator and all other necessary equipment for a patient in an ICU room.

Hiccup and Fishlegs both gazed at her through the window to her room, before the former turned to the doctor present beside him. "She's in a coma, right? I didn't mishear you?"

"You did not," the man confirmed. "We have no idea when she will recover, as you might imagine."

"Okay."

"Well, I'll leave you two be now."

Hiccup waited until the doctor was gone before speaking. "Drago was right, you know. About those soldiers. They had gone AWOL though, if that makes any difference."

"So they were in the same position as Finn?"

"If they were, do you think I would have kept it a secret?"

"Bertha at 3 o'clock and moving fast. I hope she's as angry as I am."

"Understandable," Hiccup sighed, then turned to face the oncoming storm as she stomped her way over to him. "You ought to go now, Fishlegs."

"Don't need to tell me twice."

…

Later, a light clicked on as Hiccup gazed into the mirror in his bathroom back home.

Both of his eyes were ringed by black bruising and stung a little.

Hiccup managed a humourless chuckle, which became a bit more genuine as he felt Toothless rub himself affectionately against his owner's legs.

"Cami is in a coma because of me, Fishlegs probably hates me, Bertha definitely hates me while she doesn't want me anywhere near her daughter; not that I can blame her, and Astrid is none the wiser. You might be my only remaining friend come morning, bud," he muttered, looking down to meet curious green. "Let's hope that I'm wrong about that, shall we?"

"Meow."

"Yeah, that sounds about right," Hiccup sighed, then stooped to pick up the black cat. "C'mon. You're sleeping with me tonight. I could use the company as I break the news to my girlfriend."

So heading to his bedroom, Hiccup set Toothless down on his bed, then grabbed his phone before climbing in.

'Hey, are you still awake?'

Hiccup waited with bated breath until he got a message back.

'Yeah. What's up?'

He then exhaled slowly. Well here goes nothing…

'We should talk. There's something I once did that you should know about…'

…

A/N: And on that bombshell, I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter.

Will be back with more, hopefully soon.

*waves goodbye*

B/N: Beta-read and approved for publishing by CommanderGreya.