A/N: So this chapter was supposed to be the scene where the Nadder starts to chase after everyone and it all goes awry and Astrid/Audrey loses her cool with Hiccup/Henry. But as I was typing I got a wonderful idea of what I wanted to do with Helga and how to plant seeds for a question that most everyone has had. Plus I felt like we needed a bit of father and son bonding time, plus get a way to show that Henry likes going to forge and establish that he likes to tinker around, which should come in handy later on. Now for the reviews:
Httydastrid4ever: I like to include characters more to try and make the conversion more realistic. Don't get me wrong I love the movies and I understand that they have time limits and such but I always feel like some things were rushed. I hope you are ready because I just added new ingredients to the soup and I hope it turns out better than Astrid's Yaknog. LOL!
WinterBreath0602: That is so cool that you would use one of my stories as inspiration. I honestly never thought anyone would look at my stories and think that so thank you for that. If you need some help I would gladly toss ideas back and forth. Good vibes to you as well.
CB73: I have decided what role I am going to give Helga and I think you will be able to determine what that is, it took some time but I will love writing it now that I have a plan. This chapter we see the cost of Henry and Helga's subterfuge on poor Henry. This poor boy is going through so much he is going to need all the help he can get. If he can survive that is
Lovely reviews all around I hope you all enjoy the chapter and the new twist that I put in.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Mexican ;p
(Wednesday, October 17th, 2018)
The torrential downpour that had lasted for a couple of days, effectively stopping production until it passed. Showing that the weather of Norway was unpredictable and harsh. Most of the cast had been forced to stay in their huts to avoid being chilled to the bone. Thankfully though some of the catering workers braved the storm and got some food and water to the young cast members. While most of the cast members were trying to avoid going stir crazy or thinking about the upcoming scene, Henry was thinking about one thing and one thing only, the NightFury.
The creature had fascinated him like nothing he had seen before. He could still see the hypnotic green eyes holding him in place, there was a curiousness to those eyes as well as a healthy dose of caution. Even in his dreams the dragon did not leave him, always looking at him, sometimes for him, and every time their eyes met, it felt like they were each gazing into each other's very being. Henry always woke up after that, breathing heavily and his heart beating against his ribcage. He never could get back to sleep after that, which led to sleepless nights.
Waking up in the middle of the night always gave Henry plenty of time to think. He wasn't sure how long he could keep up this charade that he and Helga had formulated. Audrey was already suspicious, and he really didn't want to jeopardize his only friendship on the set. He also didn't want to let Helga down, she's placed so much trust in him that whether the movie succeeds or fails could depend on him. Hating the position he found himself in and not wanting to think about it anymore, Henry threw off the furs more harshly than it required and started to get dressed.
At this point in time he didn't even bother getting into his own clothes that he had brought. It was easier to get dressed in his character's costume as there were literally dozens of the same outfit in his room. Heading downstairs, he found that his dad had apparently had trouble sleeping as well. Steven was staring into the flames of the fire, occasionally poking it with an iron rod and watching the embers fly up like fireworks. The mountain of a man let out a massive yet sad sigh and if Henry wasn't already in the room, he would have missed it.
"Oh Veronica, how I wish you were here." Steven whispered, the love and hurt in his voice filling the room.
Henry instantly grabbed the dragon scale pendant and felt his own eyes tear up. He could remember the absolute love and devotion that his mom and dad had for each other, and the utter devastation of learning his mom and passed away. It was the only time he had seen his dad openly weep.
Recalling one of the many counseling sessions that he and his father had gone through, Henry quietly walked up to his dad and took a seat next to him. Henry didn't say anything, he just stared at the fire and pulled off his dragon scale pendant. Gently, he put it in his dad's open palm and closed his hand around it.
Steven had known his son was there, though he didn't know how much he had heard. It didn't take a genius to know what was going through his head right now though. It was a rare moment where the big man let his emotions rise to surface and you could read him from space. He lifted his hand to see what his son had placed in it and upon seeing the pendant that his wife had gifted their son he allowed a single tear to fall.
"I miss her too dad." Henry said after moments of silence.
There wasn't much more to say. Just being around each other during these moments was more than enough for both of them. Sharing the grief and the pain made it bearable, but sharing the love and the strength that Veronica had instilled in them allowed them to push on.
Steven had brought the pendant close to him and placed a gentle kiss upon it before handing it back to his son. Henry placed the pendant back around his neck and gave his dad a silent nod, a confirmation that he would always be there even in the dead of night.
"Couldn't sleep either huh son?" Steven asked after taking a few moments to regain himself.
"Yeah, been having some trouble to past couple of nights." Henry admitted, the atmosphere from before bringing out a truth he had been trying to keep hidden.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Steven asked, his voice filling with concern.
Henry mentally chastised himself, he didn't want to worry his father anymore than he already was. His thoughts from the past few nights though brought themselves forward, against Henry's will and coupled with the fragile atmosphere Henry found that he couldn't lie, not to his dad, not now. So, he told him.
Henry told his dad everything that was plaguing his mind. The secrecy, the strain it was putting on him, his worry about the growing friendship with Audrey, the bullying from the others, his need for this all to succeed, his worry about the dragon. When he was finally done Henry felt his shoulders get a little lighter, like a great weight had been lifted from him.
"I see, that is quite a lot to keep inside. But why wait to tell me, or Audrey? I'm sure we could have helped you." Steven told his son.
"I know dad, but I didn't want to disappoint Helga, she has placed so much trust in me. I just wanted to make everyone proud." Henry said softly.
"We are proud Henry; you are doing a wonderful job. From what I've seen you and Audrey are the best and for Helga to place that kind of trust in you, shows you how much faith she has in you." Steven encouraged.
"I know it hasn't been easy son, but it is time for you to realize how good you are, and that people notice it." Steven said proudly.
"I know this might be hard and I know you are trying to make friends. I know you want people your own age around but always remember that I am here, I will always be here. If you ever feel the need to tell me something Henry, please tell me. I love you son and nothing on this earth will change that." Steven said as he pulled his son in for a hug.
"I love you too dad." Henry said softly, his dad's words hitting home and reminding him how lucky he was.
The two separated and nodded to each other, a silent confirmation that the message had gotten through. Looking to the table behind them Henry spotted a few pieces of bread and some dried meat. Grabbing the items, he made for the door which got his father's attention.
"Where you off to son?" The Steven asked.
"I was heading to the forge; I like to go there and tinker about. George has given me permission and it helps clear my head." Henry said as he opened the door.
The rain had lightened and looked like it would clear out later in the day. Henry grabbed a cloak that was hanging and threw it on.
"If anyone asks tell them I'm at the forge." Henry called back as he left the house.
"Alright son, be safe." Steven replied just before the door shut.
(The Forge)
Henry fired up the furnace and started to look around. George certainly belonged to the group of people that found organization in chaos. Henry did too but not this much chaos, he started to tidy up a bit and soon enough found that it was easier to walk around and find certain tools. Henry found some scarp metal from a few broken props and put them into a cast to be melted by the forge.
Waiting for the metal to melt he found himself sitting at a desk staring into the flames. The flames seemed to send him into a daydreaming like state as he soon began to recall all his experiences with the NightFury. The dragon had such a hold on him that Henry was wondering if he had been brainwashed into thinking about the dragon. Groaning and running his hands through his hair Henry turned away from the fire lest he be drawn back in and unable to get out.
Henry noticed a small leather-bound book on the edge of the table, and curious as to what could be inside of it, he brought close to him and opened it. He wasn't sure what to expect but an entire blank book was not it, slightly disappointed he left the book open. He looked into the cast and saw that the metal was not yet melted down all the way, growing bored he tried to find something to occupy his time. He noticed a pencil, or what he guessed was supposed to be a pencil and picked it up.
Without thinking he sat back at the desk and started to doodle aimlessly on the page. He had no real design in mind it was just to keep his mind busy. He had no idea how long he stayed in that position but when Henry realized that he was no longer alone he jumped out of the chair and found Helga looking at, amused smirk on her face.
"Getting lost in thought are we now." She teased the boy.
"Something like that." Henry admitted.
Helga walked into the room and saw that Henry had cleaned up a bit and was melting down some scrap metal for something and appeared to be drawing. Curious as to what the boy was doing, she focused her mysterious purple eyes on him.
"So, what are you doing in here?" She asked, her voice taking on a slight echo.
"I was just trying to clear my head; I like coming in here to tinker around and see what I can make." Henry admitted.
"And what were you going to make?" Helga asked, her interest piqued.
"Not sure really, it was probably just going to be a few nails, ball bearings, or gears. Nothing to fancy but just some stuff that I could make with scrap in case we need it." Henry explained.
"Though I got bored waiting and apparently started to draw…something." He gestured with his hands and he turned back to the book.
Surprised to see that he had drawn a rough sketch of the dragon that had plagued his thoughts and dreams for many nights, the NightFury. Shocked by what he drew and just a tiny bit angry Henry groaned and slumped down in the chair.
"This dragon is going to be the death of me." Henry exaggerated with a sigh.
"I highly doubt it will be the death of you." Helga chuckled.
"I hope not, this dragon just won't leave my thoughts alone. He burrowed in and made himself nice and cozy." Henry lamented.
"Some dragons have that affect, it can be a gift or a curse." Helga replied cryptically.
Henry missed the way her eyes flashed red for a brief moment and how her stance went stiff. Though she was able to shake it off and remember why she had come here in the first place.
"Anyway, I came looking for you. The rain let up and we are ready for the next scene, so if you would make your way down to the holding pens, we are all set up." Helga explained.
"Okay." Henry sighed.
"You alright Henry?" Helga asked, showing her concern for the young cast member.
"This whole subterfuge is starting to wear me down is all." Henry admitted.
"I understand Henry, but please try and bear with it a bit longer. I know the others don't see it, but this is helping the movie, and soon enough you will be able to tell them okay. Just bear with it for now, please?" Helga implored him.
"I can do it, just if we can I would like Audrey to be in on it soon. She is kind of my only friend here and I know she knows that something is up." Henry suggested.
"When the time is right, I will let you tell her but for know she can't know." Helga agreed but reminded Henry of their plan.
"Thank you." Henry replied, having relaxed a little.
"Of course, now then remember what you are doing today?" She asked.
Henry nodded and stood up making his way out the door. Helga followed him only to stagger once she reached the door, her eyes flashed from their vibrant purple to a dark red before shifting back to the purple gaze everyone knew. Her back straightened, her walk was stiff, and the caring and kind nature in her eyes was nowhere to be found. She walked with purpose to the holding pens and right up to the Nadder pen. She held the Nadder's gaze just like she did for every dragon before the start of a scene, so no one questioned her.
"I want him dead." Helga said but it was not her voice. In place of the soft and echoey tone that she normally had, was a low and demonic growl.
The Nadder reacted accordingly, thrashing about as its eyes flashed from its natural yellow tinge, to purple and red. They finally stopped with some strange mix of all three colors and prepared for the doors to open. Helga stepped back and onto her platform. The Gronkles lifted it slowly into the air and as they got higher Helga felt a pressure in her head like it was going to explode. It brought her to her knees and her breathing to deepen. When she regained her senses, she was confused as to how she had gotten to the holding pens and on to her platform.
Seeing that the scene below her was set and they couldn't afford any more delays, she prepared to set the scene in motion hoping that nothing would go wrong.
"ACTION!"
A/N: A touching scene between father and son, a conflicted teenager trying to do what is asked of him without losing what he has gained, and a mysterious force has introduced itself. If they all survive the film the entire cast will have one hell of a story to tell. Leave a review and tell me what you think as you can see from above I read them all. See you all next time.
Published 2/12/20