A/N: This is planned as a simple two-shot. Let me know if you would like me to expand this universe and continue with the plot, maybe even until the events of the second movie. I have all the ideas but I want to gauge reader interest before I commit to such a large project. Reviews and feedback are appreciated and welcome :)
Viggo Grimborn.
Chief of the Dragon Hunters.
Arch-nemesis of Hiccup Haddock.
Well, he was up until 2 months ago.
Up until that day at Johann's base, I was a ruthless business man and hunter, infatuated with the riches the world has to offer and hell-bent on eliminating any and all dragons. And those who get in the way of achieving that too.
Yet the entire foundations upon which I stand were left broken and weak. Ironic, really. I spend my entire life dedicated to the killing of dragons, providing myself a reason for existence in the demise of others. Even with all that, it was a dragon that saved me from death by betrayal at the hands of my supposed allies and partners. One of the creatures I vowed to end and destroy, saving a man who so far had despised them. Poetic.
Speaking of betrayal, I must say that changed me even more radically. The man who thought everyone was expendable has the tables turned on him. It gave me a taste of my own medicine. Or poison, rather.
And the catalyst of my radical change: the man Hiccup Haddock and his team of Dragon Riders. Throughout our multiple engagements I have come to respect the young leader and his accomplishments, my selfishness however keeping the illusion of superiority in my head. He ultimately showed me what it is to earn a dragon's loyalty, and how they are worthy and deserving of being treated as equals and companions, as opposed to mere money-making, walking hides.
I got a first-hand experience of this when the Monstrous Nightmare saved me at the cave where Johann and his men left me for dead. He approached me yet did not attack or attempt to harm me in any way. I was left confused and bitter, not knowing what to do, when I thought of Hiccup and his bond with his dragon. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and still not being the changed man I am, I only committed to try training the Nightmare out of will to live and see another day. So, it only shocked me when I slowly approached the dragon, my face pointed at the floor, my hand outstretched, holding it just above his snout, and have him press into it gently with a relaxed snore. I had seen the relationships the riders had with their dragons, yet my obliviousness disregarded the wonder and beauty of it. Only then did I finally realise the truth about dragons.
Later at Johann's base, I experienced more of a dragon's true, undying loyalty to its friends. The Skrill fought by my side with such ferocity and power it was unbelievable. Former enemies fighting alongside each other, sworn to protect until the end. And protect we did. The Skrill covered me from its lightning with its wings, and I deflected as many dragon root arrows as humanly possible away from his vulnerable body. Eventually, we fought through all the men and took the chance to escape while Johann and Krogan were distracted.
As for the arrows in my back, I managed to stay conscious through sheer willpower and flew my dragon to a healer I knew in the Northern Markets. I had to stay hidden from any hunters of course, but I managed to find him. After having the arrows removed and being bandaged I immediately left, not wanting to risk attracting any attention to myself or the Skrill.
And here I am now, 2 months later, camping on a remote island with my loyal friend and dragon. I decided to name him Haddock. Odd, yes, but in memory of my former adversary. Speaking of him, I have not reinitiated contact since we last met. As far as he and anyone knows, I am dead, killed by arrows at the base, and I ensured it remained like that until I was certain Johann and Krogan were done for. This is why I am writing a terror mail to him right now. It is time we caught up and re-established ourselves. As friends, allies, and partners in the fight against whatever lies ahead. Namely, there is still Krogan's mysterious employer to worry about. But all in due time, I guess.