Chapitre 32
The hunt

Nuffink didn't manage to get some sleep, this night. No mattered how many time he told himself Frost was Baby Tooth, he couldn't help but wait for his return to finally calm down. Why did he had this nagging feeling something had happened ? Was it because of Selina's reaction ? She had seemed so worried when he told her he was searching for the boy.

He spent half of the night straining his ears in hopes to hear the slightest sound coming from downstairs. A whine for the door, a creak from the wooden floor, ruffling from fur blankets, some footsteps or grumbling dragon… the slightest sound. But he heard none, and it felt like forever before sleep finally claimed him.

Astrid awoke in a jolt when the bed was suddenly lifted and she fell harshly on the floor. She quickly got back on her feet and took a defensive pose to strike back whomever attacked her. Though she dropped it as she recognized Toothless. His paws were covered in sand and salt residues he had spread much on the floor and even on the blankets.

Visibly, he had been trying to wake her up for a while before resorting to lift the bed. The chieftess groaned and rolled her shoulders, trying to sooth the pain on her back, she was about to scold her husband's dragon but she noticed said husband was not there.

Toothless whined and nudge her stomach before jumping through the window. Sun had barely risen and the silent streets indicated no one was up yet. The blonde frowned, wondering what was up with the dragon, then worry built up in her mind and chest. Why was Hiccup not here ? She quickly dressed up and left her bedroom.

She was heading towards the main door but stopped as she noticed the crafter bed on the corner of the room. It was empty. The blankets didn't even move during the night. Frost had not come back. She frowned even more, wondering if this was linked with her husband's missing.

That's when she heard a loud roar coming from oustide. The fact Toothless was calling out with such hurry was really worrysome. The roar was so loud it had made the hutt quake and woke up the remaining inhabitants. Doors upstairs bamed and the chieftess saw her children rush down, weapons in hands and ready to fight.

''What's happening ?!''

''Easy, kids. There's something with Toothless but I got this.''

''Where's Dad ?''

''… I got this, too.''

She saw their confusion but didn't say anything and left the hutt. She found the Night Fury outside, pacing restlessly under the wary gaze of his mate and Pouncer. The black dragon noticed the chieftess at the door and lunged forward. She didn't have the time to do anything he grabbed her in his paws and took off.

''Woah ?! Toothless, what are you doing ?!''

''Mom !'' Zephyr called out from the door. ''Where are you going ?''

''I don't know, but I'll get back as soon as I can !'' She shouted back, seeing her son steeping out of the house, next to her daughter, both looked completely lost.

Astrid didn't like this. Not only the dragon was dragon her away from her home, but he was dragging her away from the village ! When Toothless started to dive along the cliff of the fortress island, Astrid felt a lump form in her throat.

''Where are you taking me ?''

The black dragon didn't answer and kept on flying. When he finally slowed down, he deposited her near a small cave entrance and landed next to the viking, in the sand.

Astrid glared at the cave, then at the dragon.

''What are we doing here, Toothless ?''

Still silent, the dragon ran to the cave, forcing the chieftess to follow him. If Toothless came to fetch her alone, it meant something had happened to Hiccup. Her heart ached in worry and, without tinking, she ran after the dragon.

''Hiccup !'' She called out, swallowing back her increasing panic.

''Astrid, here !'' Her husband replied.

She rolled her eyes as her panic softened and felt the urge to punch him for scaring her like this. When she finally entered the cave, she found her husband there, safe and sound, but got surprised to see Frost next to him, sitting in the water… and with a different appearance. Her ocean blue eyes lingered on the sparkling fins, smoothly floating in the water, and her gawk made her husband chuckle.

''Frost ? You… You're a mermaid ?!''

The chief's chuckle turned into a full blown laugther, but Frost tensed his shoulder and greeted his slighty pointed teeth. Astrid inched closer and swung her fist in her husvand's shoulder before kneeling next to them. Her scowl softened as she stared at the snowy scales and shimmering fins.

''Wow… I thought mermaids were just legend.''

Frost looked up at her, realxed again. She just had the same reaction as Hiccup. Exactly the same, surprise and awe.

All of a sudden, he felt like he had no more reason to fear the viking's opinion on his true self. If identical two reactions, Nuffink and Hiccup's, were a coincidence, he could let three reassure him. Though that thought died as the chieftess face darkened. She grabbed the boy's right forearm and took in the seaweed bandage around it, then she took his jaw and turned his face to look at the bruise on his face. She noted every bruise and injury he had and her eyes seemed to glow with anger, but not directed to him.

''What happened ?''

Hiccup calmed his laugh, his face turning serious anew. He placed his hand on the boy's shoulders, Astrid then noticed her husband's precious fur cloak was wrapped around the boy even if it was soaked wet.

''Igvid tried to kill Frost.''

''What ?!'' Astrid snapped.

She was mortified and looked back to the boy with wide eyes.

''We have to find her.'' Hiccup added. ''But while we don't know where she is, we can't let Frost alone. I'll stay with him, you're in charge of starting the hunt.''

''Fine. Consider it down.''

She stood and was about to leave, but she just had the time to take one step Hiccup called her.

''Honey, can you tell Nuffink to come here ?''

''Of course.'' She smiled.

She looked back to Frost and gave him the same smile.

''It's gonna be alright, Frost.''

He would have lied saying it was not nice the chieftess wanted to reassure him, but he couldn't manage to smile back at her. He was worried for Igvid. Granted she had not been nice to him and had really scared him the previous day, but he couldn't convince himself she was a bad person. He couldn't believe that was had happened at the cliff was her planed. For him, it was an accident, and he didn't like the idea of her being in troubles for that.

Despite the harsh wake up Toothless gave them and the confusion following the dragon and their mother's departure, Zephyr and Nuffink had started their day like any other day. Nuffink had been worried seeing Frost had not come back during the night but kept on convincing himself the boy had fell asleep with Baby Tooth somewhere and that he would see him at the Academy.

So the Haddock heirs were the first to arrive at the arena, quickly followed by Birdlegs who was always the early type. They decided to wait for Gorth before starting a training session, but they plans had to change when they heard a loud commotion at the entrance. Someone had darted in in panic. It was Vikka and Snotlout, Igvid and Sneezelout parents, and they seemed overly worried.

''Have you seen Iggie ?'' The mother asked, or rather yelled.

''No.'' Zephyr replied, puzzled. ''Why ?''

''What's with the commotion ?'' Nuffink enquired.

''There has been an accident, apparently someone had fell from the cliff.''

The three riders froze.

''What ? Who ?''

''We don't know.'' Snotlout said in a hurry. ''All we know is that Igvid and the chief are missing.''

''Igvid ?'' Nuffink shivered. ''Dad ? But… What about Frost ?''

He felt his heart sink and his hands started to shake.

''I don't know, nobody saw him either.''

''Hury up !'' Vikka growled to her husband, rushing back towards the doors. ''She's not here so no need to linger !''

They left as fast as they came, leaving three worried riders. The threesome exchanges looks before dashing after them. Going back tot he village, they noticed everyone was running around, looking for the missing ones. Vikings tend to panic when chieftain was not around. Nuffink was so worried he didn't even noticed when he lost his sister and Birdlegs. He rushed to the Haddock hutt.

However, once he was there, he coudln't find anyone. He remembered Toothless' strange behavior in the morning and how his mother had seem worried, and he hated it. He didn't even understand why he had went home. He tried to steady his breath and clear his mind so he could think straight again. Where could he look for them ? He started when he heard noises above him, seemingly coming from his own bedroom.

''Frost ?''

He didn't wait an answer and rushed upstairs, almost bumping his door open. But that was not Frost in his room. It was Igvid. She seemed nervous and was biting her nails.

''Igvid ?''

''Nuffink ! There you are !''

She rushed to him, relief printed on her face with a broad smile, but at the same time she seemed anxious and sad. What a strange mixture, Nuffink thought.

''I met your parents, they were worried about you, but… Huh… What are you doing here ?''

''I had to see you. Look, I wanted to apologize… for all this story with Frost and-''

''It's okay.'' He said hesitantly, rubbing the back of his neck.

He had to admit he had other things to do right now, more pressing things like find his father and Frost.

''You've already apologize.''

''Please, let me finish.''

It was the expression on her face that convinced him to listen, though he would have rather do this later.

''What I did is wrong, worst than that, it's horrible. Id din't mean to, I swear, not really. I didn't know I could do something like this… But I want you to know that everything I did, everything, was because I love you.''

Nuffink, flaberghasted. She was staring at him right in the eye, hers were pleading. She seemed sad and ashamed, he didn't know why, and he coudln't understand either why she was telling him this right now.

''I love you, Nuffink. I'm in love with you for a while, now. I thought you just needed time to recover from Avock before our friendship would turn into something more, but I realised I was wrong when Frost came by.''

''Is… Is this why you are mean with him ?''

She lowered her head and nodded silently. Nuffink felt bad for her, though she didn't give him the time to pity her as she spoke again.

''I'm sorry, Nuffink. When I realised how close you two were, I got mad. And with this sotry with Selina, I was convinced he didn't deserve you and was like Avock. I thought that, if he hadn't show up, I could have… Do… Do you think that, if he had never come to Berk, you and I… we could have… ?''

The blond viking didn't manage to answer right away. He was embarrassed. Even more than he had been when she had confessed the first time. It would be a lie to say he didn't care about her, she was a really close friend of his but… she couldn't be more. It had nothing to do with how Avock had hurt him, and it had nothing to do with Frost either. Knowing his answer would hurt her, he gave her a sad and sympathetic look.

''Igvid, I… I'm sorry but, even if I hadn't met Frost, you and I couldn't be more than friends.''

''Why ?''

''I thought you knew it, I never hide it once I realised it myself. I never was attracted to girls. I love boys. And, now, more than annything, I love Frost. So… sorry.''

Igvid looked down to the floor. She knew Nuffink didn't like to hurt her, it was clear in his eyes. Yet he was still honest with her, and she mentally thanked him for that.

''I understand…'' She said even if her heart was aching with too much emotions, guilt being the stronger one. ''I think I just needed to tell you before I go.''

''Before you go ? Where are you going ? Why are you leaving ?''

''I can't stay at Berk anymore.''

''Is it because of me ?''

''No !''

Her hands flew and waved around her as she raised her voice.

''It's only because of me. Because of I've done. Everyone will be looking for me, if it's not already the case, so I have to go. But first I needed to see, so I could tell you what I was keeping inside. Forgive me, Nuffink.''

''I don't understand Igvid, what have you done ?''

She pressed her lips firmly, trying to hold back tears that were streaming in her eyes. She didn't have the strength to tell him. She knew he would hate her as soon as he learnt it, and she didn't want her last memory of him being filled with hatred.

''… Goodbye, Nuffink.''

She took a step closer and pressed a soft kiss on his cheek, before retreating towards the window.

''Wait !'' He called out, grabbing her wrist.

She turned around and opened her mouth in try to tell him to let her go, but that's when the door was kicked open. Nuffink started, then smiled with a relieved sigh as he recognize his mother.

However said mother gave a death glare to Igvid and pointed a finger to her.

''Igvid ! Don't you move !''

The young woman disobeyed and tore her wrist from Nuffink's hand before jumping through the window. Both Haddock rushed to it and spoted the viking warrior flying away on her Monstruous Nightmare's back. Astrid looked down to vikings passing by in the street and yelled at them.

''Send all the dragon riders after Igvid ! We have to catch her, quick !''

They didn't ask why and scrambled away to ge tthe riders. The chieftess punched the windowsill in frustration, then turned back to her son, examining him with worry.

''You okay ? Did she do anything to you ?''

''What ? No, but what's wrong mom ? Why did you launch the riders after her'' He asked, half confused and half annoyed, pushing away her hands.

''Nuffink.'' Her voice was serious and her gaze even more. She grabbed her son's shoulders to get his full attention. ''I don't have the time to tell you this with honey so I'll go with the axe. Igvid tried to kiil Frost.''

''… What ?''

Saying he was taken aback was an understatment. He just couldn't believe it. That couldn't be possible. Why would Igvid… ? She would never had gone that far…

''But… W-Why would she… ? H-How is Frost ? Where is he ?''

His breath started to quicken as panic build up in him.

''Look at him, he's fine. Your father saw everything and rescued him. He's with him as we speak. I'll take care of Igvid, you go with them. Toothless will get you there.''

Nuffink tried to keep himself together, but it was difficult considering the hurricane going on in his head. Thoughts about Igvid and Frost, worry and confusion were fogging his mind. He gulped and nodded to his mother, then both of them left the hutt. While Astrid went to Stormfly and left to lead the hunt, Nuffink headed to Toothless.

He found Pouncer and Toothpaste with him. He guessed Dart was with Zephyr, but Ruffrunner… He didn't know where the grumpy dragon was. He rathered flying on his own dragon, then the three winged creatures took off, following the Night Fury. The blond viking had a bad feeling when they started their descent along the tall cliffs. He remembered Vikka said someone had fallen from the cliff. Was it from this cliff ? Was it Frost ?

Despite his mother saying the boy was fine, he couldn't help but feel anxious. He was getting sick worried and though he could throw up right now. When they landed near the cave, Nuffink dismounted and followed the dragons inside. His heart was pounding like crazy and his throat was getting dry from quicken breathing. He didn't dare imagine how Frost was, if he was hurt, but he knew the boy had been scared.

Well, at least that explained why he had not come back home during the night. Nuffink tried to get a hold of his boiling feelings and thoughts, hide his worry and replace it with the impatience of seeing Frost. However, once he stepped inside the cave, he was only meant with silence… and a horrific sight. He found his father, all alone, lying on the ground in the middle of a pool of his own blood.

''Dad ?!''

He rushed past Toothless to his father, kneeling next to his motionless form. He quickly but carefully pushed him on his back and took in the injury. There was blood everywhere, it looked like the chief had been stabbed in the stomach, but who could have done it ? And where was Frost ?

He pressed onto the bloody wound in try to stop the flooding, his father was unconscious but at least still alive. Well, barely alive. Nuffink looked up at the cave trying to find an explanation. Everything was messed up. The sand was strained with numerous prints and other marks, indicating there had been a fight.

There was several sets of footprints. One was obviously the chief – one boot and one peg leg were recognizable – while the rest of it had been made by bare feet. Was it Frost ? Why would Hiccup and him fight ?

Nuffink didn't know, but it was not the most pressing matter, he had to focus on his father. He needed medical attention. The dragon were restless around the two vikings, especially Toothless who was whining in despair.

''We need help !'' The young viking yelled, tears streaming in his grass green eyes. ''Hurry up, go get someone ! Goathi, grandma, Birdlegs, anyone !''

Toothless and Toothpaste immediatly took off, while Pouncer stayed next to his rider, trying to comfort him. Nuffink was shaking like a leaf, trying all his might to stay calm. The worry he had for Frost was still there, but now it was burried deep under an iceberg of fear for his father's life.

However, he got distracted when he spotted his dragon heading next to the river on the right side of the cave. The Night Light walked by the entrance and lowered his head, sniffing something that made him whine.

''What is it, pal ?''

The dragon looked back at him with a sad expression, ears flat against his nape, then he picked up the 'something' and brought it to the viking. He dropped it just next to Nuffink, who froze when he saw the object.

It was a familiar thin, silver bracelet. The icy blue gemstone and circle of pearls around it was unmistakable, it was Frost's bracelet. But why was it here and not the boy ? What did it mean ? Had Frost lost it ? Had he removed it and left it here on purpose ? What had happened in this cave ? Was it the boy who had fought and wounded the chief ? No, that couldn't be… So, what had happened ? Only his father could say, but he was not in conditions to talk right now.

His wound seemed really bad, he needed treatment. Nuffink felt fear, worry and confusion blend in a dangerous mixture that made him feel like he was going to explose. The emotional pain was getting physical. His skin seemed on fire, oustide and inside, the air was getting stiffling, it felt like he couldn't breath anymore.

His father couldn't die. He had to survive. He had to survive to tell his son what had happened. He had to survive because he was the chief od Berk, everyone was counting on him and admiring him for the peace with dragons he had brought. He had to survive, because Nuffink needed him. Hiccup was his father, he couldn't die and leave him alone.

Nuffink couldn't sleep at all, this night. And he was not the only one. Only a rare few of vikings managed to sleep. Between the hunt for Igvid and what happened to the chief, the vikings were concerned. The two healers of the village had been taking care of Hiccup, but he was in a really bad shape.

Nuffink and Zephyr had stayed home, anguished and waiting to hear from Goathi and Valka. Their mother didn't even know for their father, she had not come back yet from the hunt. And she only got home in the middle of the night. Brother and sister were sitting next to the fireplace, and looked up when they heard the front door open. Astrid seemed furious, and she was followed by Igvid's parents, with whom she was arguing.

''Astrid, please, there must be an explanation.'' Vikka pleaded. ''Iggie is a good girl, she would never-''

''Are you saying that Hiccup lied ? He saw her push Frost over the edge !''

All colors were drained from Snotlout's face.

''No, she… She wouldn't… That's not her…''

''Look guys, I know you are worried for her, but it happened. And we have to find her. She had to be judged.''

''But Astrid-''

''I supposed that means you have not caught her yet.'' Zephyr interrupted.

Astrid glared at her daughter, the scowl foresaying she wanted to scold her for interrupting, but she froze saying the young woman's face. Her eyes and nose were red.

''Zephyr ? What's wrong ?''

She froze even more seeing her son was in the same state. But what surprised her the most was her daughter lung to Igvid's parents.

She grabbed Snotlout by the collar and towered over him.

''I'm sure she did it ! She had not manage to kill Frost on first shot so she came back to finish him and look where we are now !''

''Sis, stop !'' Nuffink yelled.

He ran to her and pulled at her arm in try to free the Jorgenson father, though the blond didn't manage to make her move.

''They have nothing to do with this, leave them alone !'' Nuffink pleaded. ''We aren't even sure Igvid is the one who did this, why would she attack Dad ?''

''Something happened to your Dad ?!'' Astrid gasped.

She grabebd both her children by the collar, yanking Zephyr away from Snotlout. Both him and Vikka were chocked to hear the news. Nuffink explained them what happened, his voice breaking here and there. He told them how he had found his father in the cave, alone and badly wounded.

''Who did this ?'' Astrid whispered, chocked. ''Where is Frost ?''

''I don't know… He wasn't there…''

New tears formed in his eyes, running down his cheeks. The young man started to sob as he dropped his head against his mother's shoulder. Her anger died out, she let go of his collar and hugged him instead. She did the same with Zephyr, the young woman was not crying but was just as dejected as them.

''Where is you father ?'' Astrid asked.

''In the bedroom.'' Zephyr replied in a whisper. ''Goathi and grandma are treating him. We are waiting for them but it's taking so long…''

The chieftess and mother didn't know what to say, so she planted a kiss in the auburn-ginger hair. She only wanted to collapse from sorrow, but she coudln't afford it. She had to stay strong. For her children, and for the village. While her husband was down, she had to take on all the chief duties. Her children and clan needed her.

While keeping her family close, wrapped in her arms, she frowned and greeted her teeth.

''We'll find out who did this, and they will pay. I promise.''

Nuffink wasn't even relieved to hear this. He couldn't believe Igvid would have done it, even less Frost. So why was the boy missing ?

They waited the whole night next to the fire. The Jorgenson couple stayed with them for a couple hours before leaving, and the wait in complete silence seemed even worst. They just waited for the healers to tell them if Hiccup would make it… or if they had just lost another member of their family. As if Stoick's death before the kids could even know him, and Astrid's mother death the previous winter had not been enough…

When the two women finally emerged from the bedroom, they found themselve instantly swarmed by the three worried Haddock. Astrid first.

''How is he ?'' She requested.

''He's gonna make it.'' Valka assured. ''He has lost a lot of blood, but he's stable now. He should wake up tomorrow, but we'll have to keep him in bed for a couple of days.''

Astrid sighed heavily and her shoulders staggered, though she quickly pulled herself together.

''What happened ?''

''We'd like to know. He had been stabbed. Judging by how deep the wound is, that must have been some kind of spear, and the fight that lead to this had been pretty harsh.''

''He fought ?'' Zephyr enquired. ''So he had not been attacked by ebhind. His opponent must have been strong, Dad is really good to close fight, especially with his fire sword… Igvid could have never match him.''

''Neither would Frost…'' Nuffink mumbled.

The four women looked quizzically at him.

''You think Frost would do this ?''

''I… No… I don't know. He was supposed to be with Dad, but when I got to the cave, he wasn't there. And… Pouncer found this in the sand…''

He pulled the bracelet out of his pocket, showing it to them.

''He never remove it, usually… I don't know what it means. I don't know if Dad and him had been attacked, if he had been taken away – I don't see who could do this – or if he had attacked Dad to flee… I don't know… I'm completely lost…''

His throat ached when a sob forced its way in it, and Astrid wrapped her arms around him, resting her chin on the top of his head since he was curled against her shoulder.

''That's ridiculous.'' Zephyr huffed. ''Frost would never attack Dad, and certainly coudln't win against him.''

She laughed at it, even if her heart was still filled with pain and worry for her father. Yet her smile dropped as she met her mother's glare.

''Who can tell what these mermaids are capable of.'' The chieftess stated.

''What ?'' Nuffink gulped.

He looked up at his mother and noticed her frown.

''Frost is a mermaid, son.''

''No way…'' Valka gasped.

''But… That's ridiculous.'' Zephyr assured with a nervous chuckle. ''Mermaids aren't real, that's just a legend-''

''How do you know, mom ?'' Nuffink interjected, his voice louder than before.

He grabbed his mother's hands and squeezed it firmly, shock and panic written all of over his face as he scrutinized her eyes.

''I saw him. With my very eyes.''

''But… You saw him in his merman's form ?''

''Why do you sound like you already knew ?'' Zephyr wondered.

Unlike her, Astrid realised Frost had told him before, but she couldn't say anything as her son started to get very agitated.

''If he's in merman's form, then where is his totem ? It was not at the cave, which means he has lost it ! Maybe he had not fled, maybe he's just in the ocean, he-''

''Son, calm down !'' Astrid ordered, grabbing his shoulders.

The young viking couldn't calm down. Actually, it was getting worst. The accumulation of stress and tiredness was getting the best out of him. Between what Igvid had done and said, what happened to his father and what had possibly happened to his boyfriend… it was too much for him, to the extend his body ended up giving up on him. His mother barely had the time to shake his shoulders so he would pull himself together, exhaustion and stress took over her son and he collapsed.