Chapter 34: Her First Anxiety Attack

Ruby's first anxiety attack, caused by two mischievous youngsters. She's 10, Zephyr is 8, Nuffink is 5.

If Zephyr and Nuffink are OOC, I apologize.

Takes place kind of during HTTYD: Homecoming. May contain spoilers.

"Zephyr has built a contraption...to...do what, exactly?" Astrid asks.

"It's to protect against the dragons...and the babysitter."

"You know, Ruby is a very nice young lady, Zephyr."

"She's only two years older than me! Why is she the one babysitting us?"

"Because she's the oldest of you kids. I don't understand, Zeph, you always got along when you two were younger."

"That was before she had any authority over me!"

"Dad?"

"Yes, Nuffink?"

"Is it true you and Aunt Becky used to go out?"

"Where did you hear that?"

"Uncle Tuffnut."

"Yes, that's true."

Zephyr steps up to her father.

"And, is it also true that Mom tried to murder her?"

Astrid and Hiccup give each other a look.

"I really need to have a talk with your Uncle Tuffnut."

"Yeah, hon, he doesn't censor things very well. Unlike his adoptive sister." Astrid says.

"But Becky has been known to -"

There's a knock at the door.

"I'll get it!" Nuffink says.

"Uncle Eret! Aunt Becky! Ruby!"

"Hey, bud! How's our favorite nephew doing?" Eret asks.

"I'm your only nephew."

"That's true. But you're still our favorite!" Becky says.

"Hey, it's the Nordisks. Some of our favorite people."

"Chief, you flatter me...us." Eret says after his wife lightly nudges him.

"Dad, where are you and Mom going?" Zephyr asks.

"We just have some grown-up things to take care of with Becky and Eret. That's why Ruby is staying with you and Nuffink."

"What kinds of things?"

"Just things around the village."

"We'd better go. Have fun, kids! Be good for Ruby!" Astrid says.

"We will!" Zephyr says.

As soon as the front door closes, an evil look crosses Zephyr's face...towards Ruby.

"Okay, so what do you guys wanna do while our parents our out?"

"I wanna learn more about the dragons!" Nuffink says.

"I wanna build a better defense mechanism! But first..." Zephyr says. She whispers something to her brother. He nods.

"What are you two up to?"

"Nothing."

~.~

Ruby is now tied up in a chair...against her will.

"Okay, Rubes...don't panic. They're just harmless kids. They can't do any real damage."

"Are you sure about that, 'Rubes'?" Zephyr asks.

"Uh...I'm sure your mom and dad have both told you not to play with fire." Ruby says as Zephyr holds a candle to Ruby's face. Ruby, cautiously, blows out the candle.

"Eh, there's always the alternative."

"Al-alternative?"

Ruby opens the front door to reveal her beam attached to a rope...aiming right for Ruby.

"You guys must really hate me...this was fun with the tying up and things...but I think I'm gonna go now."

"You can't! Mom and Dad left you in charge of us."

Ruby's breathing changes dramatically. She's soon hyperventilating.

"Are...you okay?"

"Can't...breathe...I think I'm having a heart attack."

"Nuffink, go get Uncle Eret and Aunt Becky. Hurry!" Zephyr, now feeling guilty, proceeds to untie Ruby.

Meanwhile...

"I think that's a great idea, Hiccup. Everyone will love it." Becky says.

"Uncle Eret! Aunt Becky!" The four turn and see Nuffink running towards them, a panicked look on his face.

"Nuffink? What's going on, bud?" Hiccup asks.

"It's Ruby. She thinks she's having a heart attack!"

Becky and Eret look at each other then the group runs back to the house.

Becky and Eret enter, both fearing the worst for their daughter.

They see Zephyr off to the side, looking guilty. But then they see their sweet jewel Ruby on her knees, gasping for air.

"Ruby, our little love. We're here."

"Dad...Daddy."

"Shhh. Daddy's here. We're right here, Rubes. Let's get your breathing back under control."

"I'm...I'm having a heart attack."

"No, you're not. You're having an anxiety attack." Becky says.

"An anxiety attack?"

"Yes. Your mum gets them, and sometimes, so do I. We know the symptoms and we know what to do."

"Help...me. Please."

"We'll do what we can. Take my hand." Ruby shakily takes her father's hand. He places it on his chest.

Where the branding scar is.

Where his heart is.

"It's beating fast."

"That's because I'm scared for you, Ruby."

"You are?"

"We both are, sweetheart." Becky tells their daughter.

"Follow my breathing, Rubes. In...out...in...out." Ruby follows her father's breathing pattern until her breathing gets back to normal.

Ruby collapses into her father's arms, shaking and sobbing.

"Shhh. You're okay, little love. You're okay."

"Now, how did this occur?" Becky asks, standing up, her arms folded.

Zephyr explains what occurred to her aunt and uncle and parents.

"You guys tried to torture our daughter? For sheer fun?" Eret asks. Eret didn't get mad much anymore, but when he does, he means business.

"Yes. We're sorry." Zephyr says.

"Guys, this is not okay. At all." Astrid says.

"I agree. Torturing someone related to Becky, you might as well be torturing Becky herself. And she's gone through enough torture."

Eret clears his throat. He shakes his head at his chief when Hiccup looks at him.

"That being said, you two are not to torture anyone like that anymore. You hear me?"

"Yes, Dad." Zephyr and Nuffink say.

And, so, ends Zephyr and Nuffink's antics...for now.