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

Berk or Arendelle

Falling snow and ice burned Hiccup's cheeks as Toothless cut through the sky, the powerful wings of the Night Fury straining against the fierce winds. The flight through Arendelle had been gentle after Hans' curse was broken, with the skies clear and the air calm. But now, as they crossed the sea between the mainland and the archipelago, the weather turned brutal, the storm lashing at them with icy fury.

Hiccup’s thoughts were a whirlwind of urgency and worry, but he forced himself to focus on the immediate task—getting home to Berk. He leaned low over Toothless’ neck, the dragon’s scales slick with melting snow. Despite the worsening weather, Hiccup urged Toothless onward, feeling the dragon's powerful muscles flex and stretch beneath him.

Toothless was eager to get home as well, flying farther and faster than they ever had before. But even the indomitable Night Fury was showing signs of exhaustion. His wing beats grew slower, and his breaths came in deep, ragged gulps of air.

Hiccup reached down, stroking the dragon's neck gently. "Next island, Bud. We'll land and take a break," he said, his voice barely audible over the howling wind. He felt more than heard the dragon's accepting grunt, a vibration that resonated through his entire body.

On the horizon, the dark shape of an island began to emerge from the storm. Hiccup’s heart leaped when he realized it was one of his bases he had built while Elsa was planning her return to Arendelle. The structure was a hidden refuge, designed to be both inconspicuous and defensible, and it had weathered many a storm before. Relief washed over him as they approached, the thought of a brief respite giving him renewed strength.

Toothless glided down toward the island, his landing precise despite the blustering winds. The base’s roof opened automatically, allowing the dragon to slip through with practiced ease. Hiccup dismounted as soon as they touched down, his muscles stiff and sore from the long flight. He stretched, feeling the tension ease from his body as Toothless shook water from his scales and wings.

The Night Fury let out a tired grunt and headed straight for his bed, a cozy nest of furs and warm stones. Hiccup watched him fondly as the dragon curled up, plasma erupting from his mouth as he circled the stone floor, warming it for his rest.

"Get some sleep, Bud. We only have a bit more to go," Hiccup said softly, patting the dragon’s side before turning to look out toward the sea. Berk was out there, waiting for them. Tomorrow, he promised himself. Tomorrow, he would finally return home.

********

Back in Arendelle, Elsa sat before an empty hearth in her personal quarters, her thoughts as cold and lifeless as the ashes before her. The last few days since Hiccup’s departure had been awful. Not only had the people of Arendelle refused to allow her to reclaim her throne, but they had also shunned her attempts to help rebuild. Everywhere she went, she was met with distrust and fear, as if she were still the Ice Queen who had brought the Eternal Winter upon them.

She had led all the refugees out of the ice city, watching as the magnificent structures she had created began to melt without the Witch’s Stone fueling their magic. She had tried to contribute, going from town to town, offering her assistance in the reconstruction efforts. But no one wanted anything to do with her. They whispered behind her back, their eyes filled with suspicion, as if she were a curse rather than a savior.

Elsa had eventually taken Anna’s advice and tried to rest. But resting was impossible when her mind was a storm of rejection and longing. She found no solace in the comfortable confines of the castle, and the idle days stretched on, each one blending into the next in a haze of helplessness.

"I need to go for a walk," she said aloud, her voice echoing in the empty room. The sound of her own voice was jarring, a reminder of how isolated she felt. She stood up, pulling on some comfortable outdoor wear—one of the few blessings of having her full wardrobe back.