Zephyr's Crush
Written by: An Httyd Fan
1 — September 10, 1015 CE
The New Berk Dragon Training Academy opens under Gobber's guidance. We're introduced to 12-year-old Zephyr Haddock, daughter of Hiccup and Astrid; 13-year-old Kai Stormbraid; 11-year-old Julius Ingerman, son of Fishlegs and Ruffnut; and 10-year-old Hildegard "Hildy" the Bright, daughter of Heather. During dragon combat training, Kai performs impressive stunts and earns praise from Gobber. Zephyr, watching from afar, blushes. Kai glances her way. She quickly turns away. Julius notices.
Julius: "Aww, look at that. Zeph's blushing again."
Zephyr: "Am not."
Julius: "Totally are. You've got that goo-goo eye thing going on."
Zephyr (muttering): "Do not."
Hildy: "He is pretty cool though. Not that I care. Much."
1.5 — September 10, 1015 CE, Afternoon
Between training sessions, the kids take a break in the dragon pens.
Hildy: "So, who do you think Gobber's going to let fly first this year?"
Kai: "Hopefully someone who doesn't crash into the chicken coop."
Zephyr: "Hey, that only happened once!"
Julius: "Zeph's still the fastest on Stormtail. Just don't let her near a fish barrel."
Hildy: "Or Kai, apparently."
Zephyr (groaning): "I am surrounded by traitors."
2 — September 10, 1015 CE, Evening
At dinner in the Haddock household. Astrid serves her signature beef stew. Hiccup teases her lovingly. 10 year old Nuffink eats happily while Zephyr pokes at her food.
Hiccup: "You know, your mom makes the best beef stew ever. But her yaknog still scares me."
Astrid (laughing): "Well, some culinary risks don't pay off. But I worked hard on this!"
Zephyr: pokes at stew in silence
Astrid: "Zeph, sweetie, you've barely touched your food. Bad first day?"
Zephyr: "No, just... not hungry."
Nuffink: "She's saving space for Kai Stormbraid."
Zephyr: "Nuffink!"
Hiccup: "Wait, what now?"
Nuffink: "Yep. My big sis is in loooove."
Zephyr: "I swear, I will glue your helmet shut."
Astrid: "I noticed it during that camping trip, remember? She was extra talkative around him."
Hiccup: "So, let me get this straight... my dragon-obsessed little girl has her first crush?"
Zephyr (blushing furiously): "It's not a big deal. Just... can we not talk about it?"
Astrid: "Of course, honey."
Hiccup: "Sure, no pressure. But Nuffink—ease up a bit, okay?"
Nuffink (sipping water, smirking): "We can talk about how Kai has totally scrambled her brain."
Zephyr: "That's it!" She chases Nuffink around the table.
2.5 — September 10, 1015 CE, Late Evening
Later that night, Zephyr sits at her window, looking out over New Berk.
Zephyr (whispering to herself): "Why do I feel like this? I've faced wild dragons, but talking to Kai makes me freeze up. Ugh. Get it together."
Stormtail, her dragon, nudges her shoulder gently.
Zephyr: "You don't get it, do you? Lucky you. No crushes, no blushing."
Stormtail snorts and gently bumps her head.
Zephyr (smiling): "Fine, okay. I'll try not to be a total disaster tomorrow."
3 — September 10, 1015 CE, Bedtime
Hiccup tucks Nuffink into bed.
Nuffink: "I got her good today, huh?"
Hiccup: "You did, champ. But remember—teasing's okay if it's gentle. Zeph's figuring out new feelings, and that's not always easy."
Nuffink: "Yeah, yeah. Can I still get extra hugs for being the cute one?"
Hiccup (laughing): "Deal. The youngest always gets more cuddles. But don't tell Zeph."
He ruffles Nuffink's hair and kisses his forehead.
3.5 — September 11, 1015 CE, Early Morning
Hiccup and Astrid chat while prepping breakfast.
Astrid: "Do you think Zeph's ready to start falling in love?"
Hiccup: "She's our daughter. She's got our stubbornness. But yeah... she's got a big heart. Just needs time to figure it all out."
Astrid: "Maybe Kai's not a bad first crush. He's got a good head on his shoulders."
Hiccup (chuckling): "I'll keep an eye on him anyway."
4 — September 11, 1015 CE, Morning
Astrid brushes Zephyr's hair.
Astrid: "You've got my cheekbones, but your dad's auburn hair and left-handedness. Funny, huh?"
Zephyr: "Nuffink's just mini-Dad with your hair."
Astrid: "Exactly. We swapped traits. Now... about Kai."
Zephyr (groaning): "Moooom."
Astrid: "It's okay. Your dad liked me first too. I wasn't nice about it. Hit him with stuff a lot."
Zephyr: "No way."
Astrid: "Way. Then I saw him with Toothless and realized he wasn't a dragon slayer. He was something more. Just... give it time, okay?"
Zephyr: "Thanks, Mom."
5 — September 12, 1015 CE
Dragon fencing practice with Fishlegs. Julius pairs with Zephyr, Kai with Hildy.
Julius: "Eyes over here, Zeph. Not on Mr. Hero over there."
Zephyr (flustered): "Sorry! I wasn't... I mean, I was just thinking."
Hildy: "It's okay. He's easy on the eyes. Doesn't mean you can slack off!"
Julius: "Focus, team. Wooden sword, not wooden brain!"
Certainly! Here's the revised version of Chapters 6-20, with the adjusted date for Zephyr's birthday and some extra content to make the story flow seamlessly:
6 — September 12, 1015 CE
Zephyr and Nuffink are assigned a task at the market: Zephyr carries stinky fish, and Nuffink holds the herbs and eggs.
Zephyr (annoyed): "I can't believe I got stuck with the fish."
Nuffink (grinning): "Well, I called dibs on the herbs and eggs, so you're stuck with the stinky stuff."
Zephyr (sighing): "This is so unfair..."
Suddenly, Kai passes by, and Nuffink, ever the mischief maker, waves enthusiastically.
Nuffink: "Hey Kai!"
Kai (smiling): "Hey, Nuffink! Hey, Zephyr!"
Zephyr immediately turns bright red, stumbles, and bolts away.
Kai (calling after her): "Did I say something wrong?"
Nuffink (laughing): "Nah, she just gets like that."
Zephyr, mortified, speeds up to leave the market.
7 — September 13, 1015 CE
At the Haddock household, the family is enjoying a quiet evening. Nuffink is telling Hiccup about Zephyr's embarrassing incident from the market.
Nuffink: "And then she ran away! Can you believe that?"
Hiccup (laughing): "Oh, I can believe that. Zeph has always been a little… shy."
Zephyr (groaning): "Thanks, Nuffink. I really appreciate the public humiliation."
Hiccup: "Hey, it happens to all of us. At least you didn't run into the village wall again."
Zephyr: "You promised never to bring that up again!"
Astrid: "You're just going to have to get used to it, honey. Feelings can be complicated, and Kai's a nice kid. No shame in liking him."
Zephyr (muttering): "I'll just be the weird girl who can't talk to boys without making a fool of herself."
Astrid: "I remember someone who felt the same way about a certain someone…"
Hiccup (laughing): "Your mom wasn't exactly smooth around me either."
Zephyr (deadpan): "Great. Thanks, Mom."
8 — November 4, 1015 CE — A week before Zephyr's 13th
Zephyr's 13th birthday is a big deal for the Haddocks, and it's all hands on deck. Decorations fill the house, and even Snotlout and Fishlegs join in to help out.
Hiccup (teasing): "So, any birthday wishes, Zeph?"
Zephyr: "Nah, I'm fine. It's just another birthday."
Nuffink (grinning mischievously): "How about a Kai-shaped doll?"
Zephyr's eyes widen in shock, and she glares at Nuffink.
Zephyr: "Seriously? You're gonna bring that up now?"
Nuffink: "Yup! It's a great idea."
Zephyr: "I swear, you're the worst."
Astrid: "Come on, Zeph, Nuffink's just teasing. You are getting older, you know."
Zephyr: "Ugh, don't remind me."
Zephyr storms off, muttering under her breath, while Nuffink laughs and high-fives his dad.
Hiccup: "All right, let's get back to work. A little chaos never hurt anyone."
Zephyr walks out to where the other kids are setting up for the party, trying to shake off her embarrassment.
8.5 — November 11, 1015 CE, Morning – Zephyr's 13th Birthday
Zephyr wakes up the morning after her birthday party, her mind replaying everything that happened last night, especially her conversation with Kai.
Zephyr (to herself): "Did I really kiss him? Oh gods, did I really do that?"
Stormtail nudges her shoulder, as if to comfort her.
Zephyr (groaning): "I can't believe I actually kissed him... I need to stop thinking about it."
Stormtail snorts, rubbing his head against her gently.
Zephyr: "Lucky you... no embarrassing moments, no awkward crushes."
Stormtail tilts his head, as if to say, Just breathe.
Zephyr (softly smiling): "Yeah... I'll try to calm down. But it was pretty embarrassing."
She glances at her reflection in the mirror and sighs.
Zephyr (muttering): "Well, at least I'm not alone in my awkwardness. Mom and Dad had their fair share of embarrassing moments too."
9 — November 11, 1015 CE, Evening
It's evening in the Haddock Household and Fishlegs, Snotlout, the Thorston twins, Gobber, Valka, and other guests (both kids and adults) including Gothi are in attendance. Hiccup calls Zephyr to the door. Someone's knocking, and everyone knows what it means—Kai's arrival.
Zephyr: "Uh, who's at the door?"
Hiccup: "Someone special. Go ahead, answer it."
Zephyr hesitates before pulling open the door. Standing there, as expected, is Kai Stormbraid, holding a gift wrapped in bright paper.
Kai: "Happy birthday, Carrots!" (he's referring to her auburn hair)
Zephyr: "Kai! What... what are you doing here?"
Kai (grinning): "Your dad invited me to celebrate. Hope that's okay."
Zephyr: "Of course it is! I mean... thank you."
She steps aside, letting him in. The two exchange glances, and she feels her heart race again.
Hiccup (chuckling): "There's a seat reserved just for both of you."
Zephyr and Kai share some quiet conversation as everyone gathers for dinner. The talk shifts from party games to birthday wishes, but all Zephyr can think about is Kai and her growing feelings for him.
10 — November 11, 1015 CE, Evening
During the dinner, Zephyr is caught in another awkward moment. After some conversation, she gathers the courage to speak to Kai about her feelings.
Zephyr (nervously): "Um... so, I've been thinking. I... I like you, Kai. And I think maybe... maybe we were meant to be together?"
Kai looks at her, slightly confused.
Kai: "Wait... what do you mean?"
Zephyr: "Well, I started feeling something for you back at the camp... and when you're around, I can't think straight. I start blushing and get all... distracted."
Kai smiles, understanding now.
Kai: "I feel the same way, Zeph. It's... it's a little hard to believe, but I like you too."
The two look at each other for a moment, the chemistry undeniable.
Zephyr (shyly): "So, do you think we should... go on a couple of dates before we decide, you know, if we're meant to be 'us'?"
Kai (grinning): "Yeah. That sounds like a great idea."
As the night winds down, Zephyr gives Kai a soft kiss on the cheek.
Zephyr: "Thanks for coming. This was... perfect."
Kai (blushing): "You're welcome, Carrots. I'll see you soon."
Kai heads out, and Zephyr stands there for a moment, still in disbelief at how the night went.
11 — November 12, 1015 CE
The next morning, Zephyr finds herself daydreaming as she helps clean the dishes. Her thoughts constantly drift back to Kai and his kind words.
Zephyr (to herself): "He likes me back. He really likes me. I never thought I'd be this lucky."
Astrid (entering the room): "Looks like someone's got their head in the clouds."
Zephyr snaps out of her thoughts, startled.
Zephyr: "Oh, um... I was just thinking."
Astrid (smiling): "I can see that. I'm glad to see you so happy. Just don't forget to do your chores."
Zephyr continues washing the dishes, smiling to herself.
Zephyr: "I used to think I was a weirdo for liking Kai. But now that I know he likes me back... it's like I'm finally understood. You gave me the best birthday ever Mom and Dad."
12 — November 15, 1015 CE
Zephyr and Kai have their first official date. It's simple, just a walk through the village, but it's all they need to begin exploring their relationship.
Zephyr: "So, uh, what do you like to do when you're not showing off on a dragon or practicing fencing?"
Kai (laughing): "Honestly? I like fishing. It's peaceful. And I like to work on my boat."
Zephyr (smiling): "I didn't know you were so... chill."
Kai: "I try to be. You don't always have to be the hero."
They walk along the path together, side by side, learning more about each other with
every step.
13 — November 20, 1015 CE
Zephyr spends the day with Kai at the dragon pens, helping with the care and feeding of the dragons. They joke around and share stories.
Kai: "I'm not sure which one is scarier: a Night Fury or a... uh... what's the one with the big horns again?"
Zephyr (laughing): "That's a Thunderdrum. They're big and loud, but not that scary."
Kai: "Right, right. But do you think I could train one?"
Zephyr (teasing): "Not with that attitude, you can't."
They both laugh, and for the first time, Zephyr feels completely at ease with him.
14 — December 1, 1015 CE
Hiccup and Astrid take a trip out to visit another village, leaving Zephyr, Nuffink, and the others behind. Zephyr takes this opportunity to go to the dragon pens and spend time with Kai.
15 — December 5, 1015 CE
Julius and Hildy join Zephyr and Kai at the pens, making it a group outing. It's light-hearted and fun, full of laughter and playful bickering.
16 — December 7, 1015 CE
Kai and Zephyr continue to grow closer as they spend more time together. They share a quiet conversation by the edge of a cliff, watching the sunset.
17 — December 10, 1015 CE
Zephyr, feeling more comfortable with her feelings, talks openly to Hildy about Kai.
18 — December 12, 1015 CE
Zephyr realizes that she's no longer just crushing on Kai—she's really in love with him.
19 — December 15, 1015 CE
Zephyr and Kai share their first kiss, under the stars. Their relationship has fully blossomed.
20 — December 20, 1015 CE
A celebration takes place in New Berk, with everyone joining in to celebrate the achievements of the dragon riders, as well as prepare for Snoggletog. Zephyr and Kai stand together, proud of what they've accomplished—and excited for the future.