Frosted Scales - When Worlds Collide: A HTTYD X Frozen Tale

Reunion and The Chief

Hiccup pulled up his looking glass, peering through it as Toothless floated high above the churning waters. The island of Berk appeared as a tiny dot on the horizon, gradually expanding in his vision until it filled the lens. Relief washed over him as he saw no signs of destruction—no fires, no screaming, just Berkian Vikings going about their day. The tension that had knotted in his chest for the entire journey slowly unwound, and he exhaled a long breath he had not realized he was holding.

"Thank the Gods, Bud. It wasn’t real," Hiccup murmured, giving Toothless a gentle thump on the neck.

Toothless growled softly in response, a low, almost grumbling sound that vibrated through Hiccup's entire body. He could sense Toothless’ reluctance through their bond, a feeling of unease that mirrored his own.

"I know you don’t like the plan," Hiccup continued, his voice filled with a mix of reassurance and resolve. "But we still have to do it. If we’re careful, you can swoop down and grab me. Come on, let’s do this."

Hiccup stowed away the looking glass and gripped the saddle pommel tightly. With a mental signal, Toothless responded instantly, diving into a steep incline. The wind roared past them as they plummeted toward the ocean, the horizon tilting crazily before Toothless adjusted his course, leveling out just in time to avoid skimming the surface of the waves. The water churned below them, dark and cold, but Toothless zipped across it with the precision of a master flyer.

They aimed for the least populated side of Berk, where the cliffs jutted out like jagged teeth from the sea. As they neared the shore, Hiccup braced himself and, at the perfect moment, kicked off the saddle. He rolled as he hit the ground, using the momentum to tuck and slide behind a large rock. Toothless shot upward, disappearing into the sky like a shadow.

Hiccup lay still for a moment, his heart pounding as he listened for any nearby Vikings. The sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs and the distant cries of seagulls filled the air, but there were no voices, no footsteps. He let out a slow breath, grateful that their practice had paid off. With the coast clear, he began to move from cover to cover, making his way toward the Mead Hall.

The village of Berk spread out before him, a familiar yet slightly foreign sight. It was the home he knew so well, yet it felt distant, as if he were seeing it through the eyes of a stranger. The stone and timber buildings clustered together; their roofs coated with a thin layer of snow that sparkled in the sunlight. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the scent of roasting meat drifted on the breeze. The bustling activity of the villagers, the sounds of hammers striking anvils, the bleating of sheep—all were the comforting noises of home.

But Hiccup could not afford to be comforted now. He had a mission to complete, and that meant getting to Stoick without being seen. He skidded to a stop behind a small shack when he heard voices approaching from the direction of the Mead Hall. He pressed himself against the wall, straining to listen.

"Come on, Astrid. You can’t stay mad at me forever. I did the right thing," a familiar voice grumbled. It was Snotlout, and he sounded defensive.

Astrid’s voice was sharp with anger. "You turned what was potentially our strongest warrior and asset into the one man who’d have a problem with it. Of course I can stay mad at you. You heard the reports."

"The reports be damned," Snotlout snapped back. "There’s no way I was going to sit around and watch him..."

"Watch him what? Huh? Steal your glory?" Astrid cut him off, her tone dripping with scorn.

"Damn straight. That little pipsqueak doesn’t deserve any honor or glory," Snotlout spat, and the sound of metal on metal followed, as if Astrid had just smacked him upside the head with her battle-ax.