~EA~
The day had come. Hiccup arrived at the palace to say his goodbyes before traveling to the Southern Isles. Elsa was nervous. So much had changed in the past month, including her feelings for him. She was in love. Watching him prepare to leave Arendelle, even if only for a short while, was harder than she expected.
He walked toward her, their hands intertwining.
"I'll see you soon," he promised, their foreheads gently touching.
She didn't want him to go, but she knew there was no talking him out of it. So she stood and watched as he climbed onto Toothless's saddle and launched into the sky, heading toward the Southern Isles. Anna held Elsa's arm, offering quiet comfort.
~HW~
This was to be a day to remember. A legacy to shine through the ages. Hans sat in the study, writing out decrees that he would sign into law upon his coronation. But for now, he still had to wait a few more hours. Then, everything he ever wanted would finally be his. His focus was broken as the doors opened, revealing a servant.
"What is it?" Hans asked, mildly frustrated.
"The representative of Arendelle has arrived," the servant reported, surprising the soon-to-be king. He hadn't expected Arendelle to respond, meaning Johann still had a hold over him. Perhaps there was still a chance to rid himself of that loose end.
Hans waved the servant away, expecting that to be the end of it. But the servant remained standing.
"What else is there?" he asked, now irritated.
"The representative rode a dragon here," the servant said.
Hans scoffed at the absurdity. Dragons were fiction. Clearly, these servants were either mistaken or stupid.
"I do not have time for foolish stories," Hans said, tempted to exile the servant for such nonsense.
"Sir, look outside. I urge you."
Annoyed and eager to be rid of the interruption, Hans walked to the window, only to find a stunning sight: a black dragon. A real dragon. Impossible. Clenching his fist, he dismissed the servant. This time, they left. Hans stood fuming. How could such a thing be?
Then, the door creaked open again.
"I do not want to be disturbed." Hans snapped.
"You really need to be nicer to your allies, Prince Hans," Johann said, stepping inside.
Hans turned, fury in his eyes. Now it made sense why Johann wanted Arendelle involved.
"You knew about the dragon, didn't you?" Hans asked through gritted teeth.
"Of course," Johann replied, dropping a box onto the desk. "These darts are filled with Dragon Root. Have your guards use them on that dragon, and it won't be a problem. Once that's taken care of, I want Hiccup Haddock in chains."
That name. A bitter reminder of Hans's failure in Arendelle. Hiccup, the peasant who dared challenge his authority. And now, he was Arendelle's representative? The reason for Johann's obsession was clear now. That dragon. That was why he needed Hans.
Opening the box, Hans found five darts with green-tipped ends. A vile-looking substance coated each one.
"I'll take care of it," Hans said. "But after he's captured, I want Bjorn dead."
Johann nodded, then left without a word. Once again, Hans was alone. And still, he had no idea where Johann was hiding. Now, the schemer was risking a war with Arendelle. Hans could either follow his orders… or turn everything to his advantage. Leaving the study, he began searching for a servant. He had a message to deliver.
~HHH~
The Southern Isles now knew that Arendelle had dragons. Many were in awe when Hiccup and Toothless first arrived in the kingdom. That awe quickly turned to fear. The Dragon Rider had proven that dragons weren't myths, but living, breathing creatures. Maybe, one day, he could show them they were kind and gentle as well. But with Hans set to become king, he doubted it.
At the stables, Hiccup helped Toothless settle in while a few servants watched from a cautious distance. The Night Fury remained calm, enjoying the open skies of the isles. What he didn't enjoy was Hiccup adjusting the tail fin for solo flight.
"I know," Hiccup said as he worked, "but if things go wrong, I need you to return to Arendelle."
This tail fin would only last one trip, something he'd need to improve if they ever faced this situation again. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that. As he gently petted the dragon, a nervous voice cut through the air.
"Mister Haddock?"
Turning, Hiccup saw a man dressed in a fine red robe. The servant looked terrified at the sight of Toothless.
"Captain Haddock. What do you want?" Hiccup asked, standing straighter.
"Crowned Prince Hans would like to speak with you in the council chambers," the man said, voice cracking mid-sentence.
Not surprising. Arendelle had shown up with a dragon, which was bound to spark a conversation. But Hiccup suspected there was much more at play here.
"Okay then. I'm ready to meet His Royal Highness."
Toothless groaned softly, and Hiccup scratched his head. "Don't worry. I'll be alright." He hoped.
Walking through the Southern Isles' castle beside the servant, Hiccup couldn't help but take in the grandeur. It gleamed with fine marble and ornate design, a castle meant to impress. In a real battle, it wouldn't last. The inside matched the exterior's luxury, carpets from foreign lands, artwork from long-dead masters, and too many signs of excessive wealth. It was everything Hiccup disliked. He preferred simplicity. But that path was long behind him now.
They reached a pair of doors made from exotic wood, guarded on either side. The servant pushed them open, revealing a vast council chamber. A large crystal chandelier glinted overhead, suspended above a massive table. On the far side of the room, gazing out a stained-glass window, stood the soon-to-be king.
"Captain Hiccup Haddock of Arendelle," the servant announced.
Hans didn't move. He simply raised a hand and waved the servant away. Only after the doors shut did he finally turn.
"Long time no see, Captain," Hans said with a smug chuckle. "Oh, how your pathetic kingdom has changed."
"What do you want, Hans?" Hiccup said sharply. He wasn't in the mood for games.
"I didn't know you had a dragon," Hans mused, walking toward the fireplace. "A mistake. Yours and mine."
He rested his hand on the mantle, voice lowering. "You see, there's a man using me to get to you."
And there it was. The real reason for this meeting. Hiccup could already guess the name.
"Johann," he said.
Hans turned, surprised. "So you've heard of him."
"He kidnapped Elsa. I stopped him."
"Should've killed him. Would've saved me the trouble," Hans muttered. Then he looked back at Hiccup, a glint in his eye. "But it seems we have a common enemy."
Hiccup bristled. He hated where this was going, some kind of truce or alliance. One he had no interest in making. But with Johann still out there, his options were limited.
"You'll attend my coronation and the ball tonight," Hans said, walking closer. "Pay Arendelle's respect. Then, you'll leave, only to be intercepted by two of my guards. They'll take you to the dungeons."
Hans smiled wickedly now. "When Johann comes asking about your capture, you'll play along. Wherever he takes you, leave a trail. I'll follow and end this."
It was a clever plan, but Hiccup could tell Hans wasn't telling the whole story. He was leaving something out.
"He has one of your brothers or nephews, doesn't he?" Hiccup asked.
Hans's smile vanished. His arm dropped.
"That's why you can't move against him. You're his puppet."
Hans's eyes narrowed. "Oh, Haddock. Do you want this man caught so your queen is safe or do you want him out there, plotting, killing, ruling over kings?"
Hiccup clenched his fist. He wanted Johann gone. The man had kidnapped Elsa, manipulated kingdoms, and caused endless suffering. But working with Hans? The man who tricked Arendelle and attempted to murder the royal family. That cost was too high.
"No," Hiccup said. "Johann needs justice. And so do you. If he's here, I'll find him."
Hans chuckled darkly. "Very well."
"Guards!"
Two men stormed in, gripping their weapons.
"Arrest this man. Take him to the dungeons," Hans ordered. "Search him for anything. Even if it doesn't seem important."
As they seized Hiccup's arms, the Rider stayed still. This wasn't war, yet. But it was going to be complicated.
~J~
Waiting for nightfall was supposed to be pleasant. Calming, even. Johann sat outside a quiet bakery, enjoying a warm pastry, letting the sweetness settle his nerves. But the distant roar of a dragon shattered the peace.
He looked up, eyes narrowing as he spotted the unmistakable silhouette of a Night Fury soaring away from the castle. Toothless. Which meant Hiccup had escaped. A frown crept across Johann's face. Hans was supposed to capture him. How could he botch something so simple? This would complicate things.
But no matter. Tossing the remains of the pastry aside, Johann rose from his seat and slipped into the shadows. He made his way toward the castle, ready to bribe a few guards and uncover exactly what had gone wrong.
~HW~
This was a disaster. The dragon had escaped. Hans's guards failed at what should've been a simple job. That Night Fury would no doubt return to Arendelle and when it did, it would bring their full wrath with it. Then there was Johann. He would find out the truth soon enough and come for Hiccup Haddock. Hans needed that Arendellian to wise up and assist him, but that seemed unlikely.
In the council chamber, voices echoed in a rising storm of arguments. His councilors were demanding explanations, theorizing, and debating. Hans stayed silent, fingers clenched under the table. They were waiting for answers. They had no idea how deep the lies went. He finally raised a hand, and the chamber fell quiet.
"Haddock has dragons," he began smoothly. "We need his knowledge. And after my... departure from Arendelle, they wouldn't willingly share that power. So we had to act."
A few councilors murmured, uneasy.
"But, sire," Councilor Edvin Lunn said carefully, "after all that's happened between you and Arendelle, won't they see this as... retaliation? A power grab?"
Before Hans could answer, the doors creaked open. Johann walked into the chamber as if he owned the place. He didn't even try to hide.
The room tensed. Councilor Olav Aarflot stood. "Who are you?"
Hans's jaw tightened, fury boiling beneath his royal mask. Still, he smiled and stood.
"I suggest you leave, stranger," he said coldly. "Before I ask the guards to escort you to the dungeons."
Johann ignored him, casually picking up a goblet and pouring himself wine.
"The Night Fury escaped your guards," he said, sipping. "But I trust you at least managed to capture Hiccup Haddock?"
The councilors turned to Hans, startled and confused. He was losing control. Fast.
"Everyone out," Hans snapped. "Except the stranger."
But Johann merely chuckled.
"Do that, and Prince Bjorn will never see the light of day."
Gasps rippled through the chamber. Hans slammed a fist against the table.
"Where is my brother?" he barked.
"Not dead, like you wanted," Johann said smoothly. "But you've proven yourself… disappointing. You called for Hiccup, but didn't capture him right away. You wanted to use him to get to me."
The eyes on Hans were no longer questioning, they were condemning. Councilor Eirik Blom stood in a flash, his fist swinging across Hans's jaw, sending the prince sprawling to the floor.
"Guards!" Blom shouted.
Johann chuckled behind his goblet. "Might take them a while. But I want Hiccup Haddock brought to the study. If not, say goodbye to Bjorn and settle for that whimpering brat of a brother instead."
Hans seethed on the floor, rage consuming him. His plans, his crown, slipping away once more. The guards arrived moments later, hauling him to his feet and dragging him away. All of it, lost again, because of Johann.
~HHH~
Tossing pebbles against the wall, Hiccup waited. He had heard Toothless roar a while ago, distant, but clear. His friend had escaped. Relief washed over him. The plan was working... mostly. Complications, sure. But there was progress.
Now he just had to escape these dungeons, warn Arendelle, and meet up with whoever Elsa sent in response. Approaching the solid iron door, Hiccup studied it, eyes searching for any weak point, any flaw. Reaching down, he pulled a Zippleback Gas Canister from the heel of his boot, preparing to make his move.
That's when he heard shouting.
"Let go of me! I am to be your king!" Hans yelled.
Hiccup stashed the canister and stepped back from the door. "I take it Johann released your brother?" he called out, testing the situation. Hans didn't answer. He kept screaming about his lineage until the dungeon echoed with his fury. But then, Hiccup's cell door creaked open, revealing two guards.
Hiccup started forward, but they grabbed him by the arms and pulled him into the corridor. Not a release, then. Just movement. Still, it told him something important: Johann hadn't released Hans's brother.
As the guards led him through the halls, familiar from when he was first dragged in. He wondered if they were taking him to the Council Chambers. If so, why? A formal release? A new threat? Something worse?
In the corridor outside the chambers, a group of councilors stood waiting. One of them stepped forward, voice tense but respectful.
"Captain Haddock. I'm sorry for all of this, but we need your help. Prince Bjorn is missing. That man, Johann, knows where he is. Please. Find out where our prince is being held."
It all clicked into place. Johann was blackmailing the Isles. Holding Bjorn, manipulating Hans, playing the court. And now, they wanted Hiccup to be their way out. He nodded. The guards opened the chamber doors.
Johann stood at the center, a goblet of wine in his hand, and that same smug grin stretched across his face.
"Hiccup! Glad to see you again," he said brightly. "Please, sit. Sit."
Hiccup walked to the seat opposite him, never breaking eye contact. This man had caused pain. Kidnapped Elsa. Played nations like chess. He wasn't going to let him win.
"Sorry about my friend Hans," Johann added, pouring another goblet and sliding it toward him. "He was supposed to make this simple. But... no. Had to be an idiot."
"What do you want?" Hiccup asked, voice low.
Johann smiled. "Believe it or not, we share some of the same enemies. You struck at the Dragon Hunters. Bold move. Viggo Grimborn was just a pawn, though. There's someone far worse above him."
He leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper.
"Drago Bludvist."
The name meant nothing, but the chill behind it said enough.
"He has ways of controlling dragons. Like you can. But he wants more. He and I both seek the King of Dragons. And I suspect he already has one."
That was new. And troubling.
"So here's my proposal," Johann said, leaning back. "Help me overthrow him. In return, I'll leave your little kingdom untouched. Free rein. No war."
Hiccup said nothing. Instead, he crossed one leg over the other and reached subtly toward his boot, fingers brushing the canister hidden there. He now knew so much more about Viggo, Johann's ambitions, and the looming threat of Drago. It was almost enough to wish he'd known all this years ago. Almost.
But that was the past. This was now. He wasn't the boy Johann once knew. He was a Rider. A leader. A warrior.
"Where is Bjorn?" Hiccup asked, fingers tightening around the canister.
"Do you accept the deal?" Johann shot back.
Of course he wouldn't give up information for free.
"Do you still use that old longship?" Hiccup asked casually. Johann's smile faltered.
"Well then," Hiccup said. "My answer is no. You're going to face justice."
Johann moved fast. So did Hiccup.
He ducked as twin daggers whipped over his head, then hurled the Zippleback gas canister to the floor. Gas burst out, thick and swirling. Hiccup ran for the door, shoulder-slamming it open just as an explosion rocked the chamber behind him. He hit the ground hard in the hall. Looking back, Johann was gone.
"Captain! Are you alright?" a councilor asked, rushing to help him up.
"I'm fine," Hiccup said, brushing himself off. "Johann uses a Viking longship. Search your ports, your rivers, your bays. If we find that ship, we find Prince Bjorn."
The councilors sprang into action while Hiccup stepped toward the windows, scanning the horizon. Somewhere out there, Johann was slipping away again. But this time? He would be ready.