=Normal POV=
{Tuesday, June 14, 2022-3:30 pm}
(Dragon Hunter; Abandoned Warehouse)
Hiccup awoke fast upon feeling like his body was being thrown around and had landed hard. Instantly, his green hues blinked fast to open and focus on his surroundings. Hiccup took in quickly that he was laying on his right side in some cellar. There was cement walls, no windows, some pipes leading up to the next level, and then a ladder leading up to a hole in the ceiling. Hiccup saw figures retreating up the ladder, snickering about how well they did; that Drago would be pleased with their work when he got back from business. Hiccup groaned as he forced himself to sit up and got their attention.
"Hey!" Hiccup yelled. "Let me go," he said, struggling against the ropes that had his hands bound behind his back and legs tied together too.
"Can't take the chance of you escapin'," one man said.
"No, idiot. I mean let me go as in releasing me, so I can go home," Hiccup rolled his eyes.
"No," the second man at the top of the opening stated. "Drago's offerin quite a bit for your death, but more if we bring ya in alive," he added.
"Well, I don't really feel like dying…So how about we just let me leave before anyone gets hurt?" Hiccup suggested.
"And who knows you were taken? No one saw it and if anyone suspects anything; we're too far ahead with no trail to follow. Face it, kid, by the end of this week; you'll be dead, and we'll-," the man on the stairs began.
"Be dead or under arrest," Hiccup finished while sitting against the wall and looking at them with a bored look. "Do you even know who you're dealing with, or did you just see a bounty on my head and decided to go for it?" he asked while the two men looked at one another. "Seriously?" Hiccup asked. "Come on. Drago Bludvist is a madman who wants to take over the world with dragons; to make people follow him and get rid of those who don't. Do you really think he's gonna hand over a large sum of money to you over me and let you go? No, you're pawns he plans to use. Either do as he says, or he'll kill you,"
"Well, you're dead either way then, aren't you?" the man remarked with a scoff.
"Obviously you missed what I said. You will end or dead or arrested; I will be fine," Hiccup informed with a roll of his green eyes. "Either I will break out, or someone will come to save me. I bet you they have already noticed my disappearance and are looking," he added.
"Yeah, who would that be? Your little friends? Your girlfriend?" a man huffed.
"Yep. My girlfriend, our fourteen friends, my two uncles; both of which are officers to Archia Isle, and one of them is the Chief of Police. You can add the entire department to that as well. There are also my parents; my mother and father, who is the Mayor of Archia Isle. The ABI-," Hiccup listed as the two got a bit nervous. "Oh, almost forgot; my Night Fury, who, might I add, is ridiculously protective over me," Hiccup informed. "As I said, you will either end up dead by Drago at some point or arrested because I have a bunch of people looking for me,"
"Don't listen to the boy," came a familiar voice. Hiccup's eyes narrowed as he saw Johann Traytor emerge at the top next to another tall man, Krogan Hunters, as Hiccup believed him to be from the photo he saw in Spitelout's office the day he met Hoark. "Hiccup Haddock is known for inspiring others and talking his way out of certain situations that otherwise compromise him,"
"Johann…" Hiccup glared.
"So good to see you again, Master Hiccup," Johann kept his fingers together in front of his chest while smirking almost. "Not to worry, gentleman; you did the right thing in sending word that you captured the young man. We'll take it from here. Please see my man here to collect your reward," he added calmly. The two men made their way upstairs fully and went with Krogan. Hiccup's eyes narrowed.
"So you managed to escape police custody," Hiccup stated the obvious.
"I have good friends who came to my aid in a time of need. I must ask, where are your loyal friends? Or perhaps Miss. Astrid? It seems you don't mean that much to them after all," Johann chuckled softly while coming down the stairs slowly and stood before Hiccup now.
"They'll come…And you'll be sorry," Hiccup responded coldly.
"This I doubt. No one knows you were taken; it's only been a few hours," Johann informed.
"You took me from school and tossed my phone while it was in the middle of dialing Emergency SOS. Believe me, Johann…They'll notice, and they'll come," Hiccup spat out. "My friends know me more than you think they do,"
"Whatever you say, but by the time they discover you; it will be too late. Drago returns on Friday, and you will be dead within that hour of him arriving/ Your friends will find nothing more than a corpse," Johann grinned.
"Maybe yours when Toothless fries your ass," Hiccup huffed.
"I must say, your faith is astounding, Hiccup Haddock," spoke another voice; it belonged to Krogan. "You actually believe you will make it out of this cellar alive,"
"And you actually believe that you will prevail working for a madman…" Hiccup laughed a little. "That's cute," he added as Krogan punched Hiccup on the left side of his jaw.
"Easy, Krogan…" Johann reminded.
"Hey, all is fair as long as we don't kill him…I'd love to see how strong this brat is when he's defenseless…" Krogan enlightened.
Not as defenseless as you think. Hiccup thought as he slid down more and kicked both of their legs out from under them. Johann and Krogan fell on their backs, grunting as Hiccup rolled and managed to get up while jumping up and getting his arms in front of him by bringing them forward and under his legs. Hiccup panted as he moved to get up the ladder; he made it to the top and headed for the exit of the warehouse. However, he knew he wouldn't get far as he heard Johann and Krogan getting up, mumbling and cursing about how clever Hiccup was.
Needing another plan because he wouldn't escape on foot; Hiccup spotted a cell phone sitting on a table as he dashed for it quickly. Hiccup brought up the text messages; then typed in Viggo's number.
You[3:40 pm]
HELP! Kidnapped. IDK where. Find b4 Fri. Plan B if no choice. -HHH
"There he is!" Krogan yelled.
"He's got a phone," Johann and Krogan rushed towards him. It was a time like this that Hiccup was beyond glad he was a fast typer and he got the message he wanted to convey in. Hiccup pressed send as it went. Immediately afterward; Hiccup went into settings and factory reset the phone; then he threw the phone down and smashed it under his prosthetic three times before Krogan tacked Hiccup down and punched him hard in the face to make his disorientated. Johann lifted the device as Hiccup began to come through.
"Damn it; he erased the phone before he smashed it…I don't know who he messaged or what he said," Johann growled. "No matter. They'll be too late. Take him downstairs; you know what to do. And make sure he can't pull off any more of his little escape attempts this time,"
"My pleasure," Krogan smirked as he pulled Hiccup up by his arm and practically dragged him down into the cellar. Hiccup cringed when Krogan threw him against the wall and used the chains dangling to secure Hiccup's wrists above his head. Krogan laid into him with punches to the face, stomach, and sides. Hiccup held firm and stayed quiet through the entire beating.
. . .
{4:05 pm}
"Maybe that will teach you," Krogan dropped Hiccup to the floor after loosening the chains so his arms wouldn't be above his head anymore. Hiccup now knew what his punching bag at home felt like after being used as one for the past twenty minutes. Hiccup laid there in pain, not wanting to move or speak. "Give it up, boy,"
"You're not leaving here alive," Johann added from a few steps behind Krogan. "Drago wants us to keep you busy until he comes to kill you, and we have permission to whoop your ass if you don't comply with orders,"
"Never…" Hiccup forced out. Johann snapped his fingers as Krogan socked Hiccup in the stomach again. Hiccup winced and coughed a bit as he felt like he was going to throw up.
"We're also allowed to withhold meals," Johann added while getting closer to Hiccup's face with a glare. "So maybe you didn't hear me; you will do as your told or suffer,"
Hiccup forced himself to sit up, panting. Barely conscious now; he looked at Johann and managed a laugh. "Maybe you didn't hear me; never. Do your worst to me because I will never do what you say," Johann glared, shaking with rage at Hiccup's refusal. "And I am getting out of here alive. Perhaps a little beaten up. Someone will come for me, or I will escape, but I won't die here. So you can go fuck yourself," Hiccup spat in his face. Johann wiped it off, closing his eyes; then he brought his fist back and got Hiccup in the face. Hiccup went unconscious, and his body slumped onto the floor.
"He's got determination and faith," Krogan scoffed.
"And it will get him killed because if Drago doesn't; I will…" Johann remarked coldly as he headed up the ladder and Krogan followed. Once the two were up, they removed the ladder and closed the hatch leaving Hiccup knocked out and beaten up.
. . .
{4:30 pm}
(Archia Isle)
Viggo and Ryker didn't have any orders from Drago or Hiccup this evening as Drago was rumored to be out of the Archipelago for business and would be returning Friday morning. Ryker and Viggo both went to visit their daughters. Viggo had a daughter, Katja Oliversen-Grimborn, with his High School Sweetheart, Kelda Oliversen. The two lover broke up after High School graduation because Kelda didn't approve of Viggo's Dragon Hunter background. Much later on, Viggo and Kelda found one another again; this was when Viggo learned he had a daughter with Kelda and had since been being an active part of her life, but Kelda and Viggo remain as friends despite Viggo not being part of his past any longer. Katja also has an uncle who hates Viggo, and his name is Brenden Oliversen.
Ryker also has a daughter, Verena Grimborn, whom he had with Hertha Vollan during college years. Sadly, Hertha died and because Ryker was busy with his Dragon Hunter lifestyle; Verena went to live with Bertha Boggs; her Godmother, and Camicazi Boggs; her somewhat of a sister figure. Verena is three years younger than Katja. Viggo and Ryker, in their downtime, do visit their children, and tonight happened to be one of them. Katja and Kelda lived in Hysteria while Verena was in Bog-Burglar. Viggo currently was at Kelda's home visiting with Katja, Kelda, and Brenden for what would be a weekly dinner for the family since Katja enjoyed having everyone together. Viggo had his phone off originally because he took Katja and Kelda to lunch; then to do some shopping. Now, they were back at Kelda's, and Viggo flipped his phone back on in case Ryker or anyone else tried to contact him while he was out.
"How has work been, Dad?" Katja asked.
"Slow as of late," Viggo replied as he felt his phone vibrating a bit.
"Go on and take the call, Viggo. Dinner won't be ready for another fifteen minutes," Kelda informed as Viggo had looked at her, knowing she didn't like cell phones at the table.
"Not a call, just a text," Viggo informed as he pulled the device out and read the message that came across the screen.
Johann[3:40 pm]
HELP! Kidnapped. IDK where. Find b4 Fri. Plan B if no choice. -HHH
Viggo's eyes widened a bit. Hiccup had been kidnapped and used Johann's phone to send a message out for help? This was almost an hour ago! Viggo stood quickly as he scrolled for Ryker's number.
"Dad, what's wrong?" Katja inquired.
"Sorry, Princess. Something has come up with work; I promise we'll reschedule. I love you," Viggo said as he kissed Katja's cheek; then hurried towards the kitchen door while pulling the phone to his ear. "Ryker. Where are you?" A pause as Viggo got his hand on the doorknob. "We've got a problem. Work-related. Meet me at the apartment," after that, Viggo ended the call and slipped the phone away into his pocket as he exited the Oliversen household and rushed to his Monstrous Nightmare, a male named Frelser(Norwegian for Savior); then quickly mounted and had his dragon take to the sky.
. . .
{5:10 pm}
(Town of Dragon Hunter-Grimborn Apartment)
Viggo landed his dragon and hurried inside to find Ryker waiting there.
"What's going on?" Ryker asked quickly.
"I received a text for Johann, but it wasn't him," Viggo reported, turning the phone to let Ryker see the message. Ryker's eyes widened a bit.
"Hiccup was kidnapped?" Ryker asked.
"Yes, I believe so. I didn't receive the message right away; the phone was off, but this came through as soon as I had the device on again at 4:30," Viggo informed. "Someone working for Drago in the department must have released Johann from custody, and now Hiccup has been taken captive,"
"But what does his message mean? Find before Friday?" Ryker looked at Viggo now.
"Drago is due to return Friday morning, and he put that hit out on Hiccup to either kill or bring in alive to be killed for more money," Viggo reminded. "Hiccup is being held a prisoner until Friday when he will undoubtedly be killed,"
"And using plan B?" Ryker stared.
"That means if we can't save Hiccup ourselves; we go to the police and tell them we have been working undercover for Hiccup and know how to find him," Viggo stated.
"But we don't," Ryker said. "And Hiccup doesn't know where he is either. Did you try to call Johann?"
"I did, but I heard an automated voice inform me that the device is not active. If I had to take a guess; Hiccup sent the distressed text in a hurry, then erased the phone and destroyed it to make sure no one found out who he messaged," Viggo enlightened while stroking his goatee.
"So what do we do?" Ryker asked firmly.
"We may as well use our cover to obtain information on the matter. I'm sure plenty of workers know what has happened; we can use that to our advantage," Viggo offered. "Someone will know of the kidnapping, and perhaps where Hiccup is being held. We'll scope out what we're dealing with, and if we can't get him out safely, we'll resort to plan B," Ryker nodded understanding as the two packed up and headed for the compound in Dragon Hunter Town.
. . .
{6:15 pm}
(Berk; Haddock Manor)
Everyone was at Stoick and Valka's home, sitting around and waiting for any kind of update from Spitelout, Alvin, or Agent Hoark Haggard of the AIB about the status of the search for Hiccup. Valka was a mess while Stoick tried to comfort his wife, and stay on top of things. The friends were worried sick, and Astrid; she wasn't sure what she should do; cry, be angry, praying, pace. No, Astrid didn't know how to deal with his; her boyfriend had been kidnapped for interfering in Drago's operations and apparently stopping two of his plans for world domination. And Drago reached a point where he'd put a bounty on Hiccup for him to be killed, or get brought in to be killed. Spitelout, Alvin and Hoark were at Haddock Manor, trying to set up a home base of operations of their own to run the search from.
There were officers, notepads, phones, and laptops set up in the formal dining room to analyze and take calls about possible tops. Other agents from AIB were also doing this from the Great Room. Haddock Manor was a busy place right now, and yet, no one seemed to mind. The friends were over but knew they couldn't stay past a certain time, most were present of offer support for Valka and Stoick, Astrid too. By 9 pm at the latest, all of them would leave and then resort to asking Astrid for updated on the situation since it was still Tuesday, and they had school, which was really only for more graduation prep. None of them cared about graduating now; a ceremony didn't define them passing; it was just another event to receive their diplomas, which they'd get anyway even if they didn't attend.
"Spitelout, give me something! Anything…It's been about four hours!" Stoick tried.
"Stoick, I'm doing the best I can, alright? You need to sit down and stop interfering in this police work. We'll find Hiccup, I promise…" Spitelout assured.
Valka stood quickly. "You were there, Spitelout; we all were! Hiccup had a HIT put out on him! The guy said that either someone would kill him, or kidnap him to be brought in and killed! And now he's been kidnapped, right from school!" the woman was hysterical.
"Val, stop," Gobber reminded. "Now sit down, and breathe," he demanded. Valka sat down, crying softly. "We know Hiccup was kidnapped from school and in grave danger. The police are doing the best they can, but you need to understand that we have nothing to go off of as far as possible location or who did it. Alright? All we have is that Hiccup got taken from school when he was backstage around 2 pm today. We know Hiccup tried to call for help, and either they took the phone and tossed it aside, or Hiccup dropped it in a struggle to get free. Either way; he's been taken and all available sources to search for him are doing so,"
"Hiccup is a fighter, Valka. I'm sure he's not giving them an easy time," Alvin reminded.
"We'll find the lad," Spitelout vowed. "Until then, you need just to hold faith and let us do our job,"
Stoick got Valka a few tissues as she nodded slowly and he continued to hold her comfortingly. "Just find my baby alive…" she whimpered. Sadly, no matter what anyone wanted this to turn out as, Valka was right. Drago was after Hiccup, going as far as putting a bounty on the eighteen-year-old's head. The orders were to either kill Hiccup or capture and bring in for Drago to kill; it would see that Hiccup has been taken and will be killed upon arriving to Drago. Hiccup was taken four hours ago, and each minute that passed was one closer to running out of time to save him.
