A/N: Good Morning, Afternoon, Evening. Whatever time you are reading this hope all is well. So I will cut right to it, this is a very dialogue heavy chapter. A lot of interaction between Helga and Henry and a little bit between Hiccup and Stoick. Also I will explain something down in the comment at the end that I feel will have some of you confused but hopefully will clear things up. This chapter is a bit shorter but I feel that it gives motivation for Henry and explain how we will get to the secret meetings with our favorite dragon friend.
Anonymous Noob the 2nd: I'm glad you are enjoying this, I am having a blast writing it.
Httydastrid4ever: I can see how last chapter might have been a bit confusing, but the idea is that camera's are everywhere around the village like Helga explained. So when Henry saw Audrey in costume he assumed that they were being filmed so he slipped into character and just kept with it as they were going through the hills and trees. So their whole interaction Henry thought they were being filmed, which they were. Whenever they are being filmed or not I will try to make it obvious, by either stating it or by how I type their names, so like if you start seeing Hiccup, Astrid, Snotlout; they are filming. Start seeing Henry, Audrey, Simon; they are not. Now I will have some moments where the two worlds come together that will be indicated to make the scenes easier on you the readers. I understand that it might make sense to me but be a bit confusing to you guys. Hope that clears it up, if you get confused again let me know and I will work on it to make it more clear. Hope you are enjoying the story otherwise.
CB73: Oh Hiccup and Henry could not be more similar if they tried. Helga is very interested with Henry and tries to take him under her wing so to speak. Audrey is working on being there for Henry but her character Astrid and her in life personality are very stubborn. Not to mention that a big dragon wrench is about to be thrown into the mix. Should go over well... Right?
Guest: I'm pretty sure I forgot to mention you in my last chapter as the question and review are kind of the same. Sorry. As for the Red Death, I'm still working on that to be honest, there are a few ideas that I am toying with so we shall see. I know that doesn't do much for you but at the same time I can't reveal everything now can I? Glad you are enjoying the story. It is funny that Hiccup does his job a little too well.
gandalfnho: I like using Sharpshot as you can and will see throughout the story. I also enjoy the character Helga and her mysterious abilities. It adds a certain enigma that I am enjoying. There are a few ideas that I have for her and I love the intrigue that people are having with her.
Great reviews everyone, I love reading them. Keep those coming and if you are by chance new to me and my stories check out my other works and show them some love. Until next time.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Mexican ;p
Disclaimer: Sadly I do not own HTTYD otherwise I would be funding movies and short stories based off other stories. Who else would love that?!
(Saturday, October 13th, 2018)
The long walk back to the village had done nothing to calm Henry's nerves or his heartrate. His encounter with the NightFury was exciting and terrifying. He was also saddened that he couldn't bring the dragon back to the village with him, he was certain it would have made everyone believe in his abilities. He trudged onward and watched as the setting sun cast long shadows over the village. It was quite serene and peaceful looking, it calmed him down just a bit.
Henry was almost to his hut when he felt something nudge the bottom of his leg. He looked down to see Sharpshot nudging him with his snout. Henry looked to the small camera that had been place on Sharpshot and noticed that the little red light, which would indicate that it is recording, was off. Seeing that he was not being filmed Henry smiled down at his dragon and picked him giving him some long overdue attention.
The tiny dragon eagerly accepted the scratches and rewarded Henry with licks to his hand and a deep purr. Though as the dragon's eyes fluttered open and shut his gaze landed on the recording hut and he remembered the mission he was on. His pupils narrowed slightly, and his body stiffened as the small dragon heard a soft voice in his head.
"Bring him to me." The voice called out.
Sharpshot flew out of Henry's grasp and grabbed his tunic with his claws and started to tug him in the direction of the recording hut.
"Sharpshot what has gotten into you?" Henry asked, confused by his dragon's unusual behavior.
Sharpshot didn't acknowledge him, the dragon just kept pulling him toward the recording hut. Seeing where Sharpshot was dragging him Henry's heartrate started to pick up once again. It felt like he was at school getting called to the principal's office. Every student's worst nightmare. He continued to walk toward the hut, as it was obvious that Helga wanted to speak with him. Arriving at the door he swallowed and looked to his dragon one last time, Sharpshot had released Henry and was staring ahead at the door, as if Henry wasn't even there.
Sighing Henry knocked on the door and waited for a response, the few silent moments he waited did not help the anxiety he felt from being dragged to the hut.
"Come in." Helga replied.
Henry opened the door and watched as Sharpshot rushed up to Helga and stood at attention. Helga smiled at the dragon as she knelt down in front of the dragon. She gently grabbed the dragon's small head and stared into his eyes with her mysterious purple gaze and finally touched the center of his head. Sharpshot looked as though he was about to faint as the dragon grew wobbly on all four legs.
Henry went to catch his dragon but before he could get there Sharpshot had recovered from his drunken like behavior and was looking around the room, a blank look back in his eyes. As the dragon laid its bug like eyes on Henry it jumped at the boy and firmly planted himself on his face. Henry didn't have time to scream out instead he just sighed as the dim-witted dragons decided to latch itself to Henry's face.
"Dumb dragon." Henry muttered as he pulled Sharpshot off his face.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that; he does have his moments." Helga replied as she laughed at the sight.
"Oh, he does have his moments, they are just few and far between." Henry drawled out as he looked down at his dragon, who licked one of its own eyes.
Henry just shook his head and smiled. His dragon might have fleeting moments of genius and be an utter numbskull most of the time, but he did love the dragon to death and didn't want anything to change.
"So, did you need something Helga? Sharpshot drug me here, well tried to drag me here." Henry corrected himself.
"Yes, I wanted to speak with you Henry. How is everything going?" Helga asked.
"All things considered, I guess they are going okay. I just wish I didn't cause so many accidents." Henry said honestly.
His voice was downtrodden, and he was clearly hard on himself. Helga felt bad for the boy, she knew he was trying his hardest. She walked closer to him and place a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry about it too much Henry, accidents happen. You have done more than enough to help repair the damages. George tells me you are getting really good in the forge." Helga prompted Henry.
She watched as Henry turned red and tried to shy away, but the small smile that grew on his lips did not go unnoticed. She could see that he appreciated the praise.
"Tell that to the other cast members, and I think George is being a little too kind, but I do like working in there. It is fun to tinker around." Henry said honestly.
"Well I'm glad you enjoy it. Now then about the NightFury." Helga began.
The color from Henry's face evaporated, he sucked in a quick breath and his eyes flew open in worry. Seeing the sudden change Helga put her hands up in an effort to calm Henry down.
"Hold on, I'm not mad." Helga said softly.
"You aren't?" Henry asked in disbelief.
"No, I'm not. I know you didn't mean to actually shoot it out of the sky. I know you went looking for it earlier, though it didn't go as planned." Helga said with a smile.
"So, you saw all that huh." Henry said with a nervous chuckle as he scratched the back of his neck.
"I see a great many things Henry, but more to the point I have an idea for the movie, but it has to stay between you and I. None of the other cast members can know about it. Understand?" Helga explained, her voice growing serious by the end.
Henry nodded his head, understanding that this was serious and listened closely to Helga's plan. When she was done Henry was in awe and very excited, his role was just expanded beyond all meaning and he was given more responsibility. He fist pumped the air and let out a series of nervous and excited laughs that Helga found amusing. Henry finally stopped his excited motions and sheepishly reigned himself in, embarrassed by his outburst.
"Don't worry about it Henry, you are allowed to feel excited. This is a big deal for someone so young. Just keep being all of…This." Helga said as she gestured to all of Henry.
"You just gestured to all of me." Henry replied.
"Exactly, now run along back to your hut and leave Sharpshot here. When you step out the hut, the next scene will be filming and there is a scene between you and the chief up at your hut remember." Helga instructed Henry.
"I remember." Henry confirmed.
"Oh, and Helga I had a question for you? What is it you do to Sharpshot when you look in his eyes and touch his head?" Henry asked as he recalled the strange encounter when he first walked in.
"All in good time Henry. Just perform well and remember this is our little secret." Helga reminded him as she put her finger to her lips.
Henry copied the gesture and slipped back into character as he walked out the door, leaving Sharpshot in the hut. Helga smiled at the retreating form of the young actor and leaned down to pick up his dragon. She gazed into Sharpshot's eyes again, fixing her purple gaze on the dragon.
"You know what to do my little friend." She said to the dragon, her voice soft and silky.
Sharpshot's pupils narrowed and his body stiffened slightly again. Helga placed him on the floor and opened a small dragon door at the back of the hut and watched as Sharpshot took off in the direction of Henry's hut.
Hiccup walked through the village as night had finally set in. It was getting close to winter as the air was brisk and had a small bite to it. As he neared his hut, he could hear the sounds of embers being pushed around and brought back to life. A sign that his dad, the chief, was still up.
Opening the door as quietly as he could Hiccup walked quickly over to the stairs and started to crawl up them. he got halfway when Stoick called him.
"Hiccup." Stoick called out and stopped poking at the fire.
Hiccup cringed and accepted that he would have to talk with his dad, though maybe this wouldn't be so bad. He did need to speak to him.
"I need to talk to you dad." Hiccup said as he came down the stairs.
"I need to speak with you too." Stoick replied, clasping his hands together.
Despite being halfway up the stairs Stoick was still at eye level with his son. The difference between the mountain of a man that was the chief, and the small stature of Hiccup was made even more obvious in the light of the fire.
Both father and son took a breath as they prepared to drop world shattering news on each other.
"I don't want to fight dragons."
"I think it is time you learned to fight dragons."
Both father and son spoke at the same time, their words becoming mixed together with neither one hearing the other.
"You go first." Hiccup said, deferring to his dad, as he usually did.
Stoick took in a deep breath, resolute in his decision, even if he didn't like it.
"You get your wish; you start dragon training in the morning." Stoick explained.
"OH man, I should have gone first." Hiccup exclaimed, as panic set in.
He tried to come up with a variety of excuses that would get him out of dragon training, but as it was Stoick had made up his mind. Resolute in his choice Stoick hoisted up an axe and placed it in Hiccup's arms.
"You'll need this." Stoick said as he looked back toward the fire.
"Dad, I don't want to fight dragons." Hiccup tried again.
"Yes, you do." Stoick laughed as if it were a good joke.
They went around and round with each other, Hiccup trying to explain that he couldn't kill dragons, Stoick stating that he would, after training of course. Hiccup started to get a familiar feeling part way through the conversation. Nothing he said was getting through to his dad and he was now stuck in a place he didn't want to be.
"It is time Hiccup, when you enter dragon training you begin your journey to take your place among us. That means you walk like us, you talk like us, and you think like us. No more of…this." Stoick declared, his voice was serious as he gestured to Hiccup.
"You just gestured to all of me." Hiccup replied, having seen the gesture and heard the phrase so many times before. It still hurt coming from his dad.
Seeing that he was not getting out of this, Hiccup agreed to the very one-sided deal his dad had given him and trudged up the stairs to bed. As Hiccup went to bed his thoughts were racing a mile a minute. Trying to figure out how he was supposed to stop being all this with Hiccup and keeping being this with Henry.
A/N: So what I was talking about earlier, the character Stoick in this story is not played by Henry's dad. That is a completely different person. So when I talk about Stoick it is a different person than Steven, Henry's dad. Hopefully that helps and doesn't confuse you guys. The character Stoick and Steven are too different that I couldn't make them the same person, if that makes sense. I hope it does. So this chapter was shorter but the dialogue moved it along I think. I've been watching the first movie a lot lately to help me along. Be sure to leave a review as you can see I love reading them. See you next time.
(Published 1/22/2020)