TWENTY FIVE:

It was becoming a habit, sitting in front of Principal Queen, though it never failed to cause his heart rate to rise and his leg bounce with anxiety. Mala Queen's green eyes scanned his anxious face and then she smiled.

"I am uncertain why I am seeing you again, Hiccup," she said calmly.

"I requested to see you, Principal Queen, because I think we have a problem," he explained, meeting her gaze honestly. "There are things I can deal with-but this isn't one of them." She rested her hands flat on the desk, her expression very serious.

"Explain," she invited him. He took a slow breath.

"I think Atali Winger is determined to cause trouble," he revealed. She nodded so he flipped his phone out and played the video that Tuffnut had taken of the encounter between Snotlout and Mindy. "I mean it's not Tuff's finest work-in fact, Ruffnut is a better cameraperson-but it gets the point across."

He watched as her brow furrowed at Atali's parting shot. Finally, she handed him the phone back.

"I have a couple of questions," the Principal asked him gravely and he sighed, his shoulders slumping.

"I guessed," he admitted and looked up. But she was smiling.

"I am proud that you decided to help Simon," she told him as he glanced at his lap and chewed a lip.

"Um…not with his work, as you asked," he corrected her self-consciously. "Sorry, but that really is his problem and he wouldn't have missed it if he hadn't been trying to kill me-or hurt me badly, at least." Then he took a deep breath. "But he is my cousin and he asked me to help him-not with his work but with his girlfriend." Mala Queen's eyebrow arched imperceptibly.

"Explain," she invited.

"Snot and Mindy had an argument-and he came to me because she wouldn't return his calls and her friends were blocking him from any chance to speak to her and try to explain or reconcile," he revealed. "He came to me because he realised that I actually knew more about forming a relationship than he did. So I helped him."

"Why did all your friends arrive?" Mala asked.

"I was pretty sure that they would interfere and prevent Snot and Mindy speaking," Hiccup told her honestly. "So they sat by them and suggested the two people involved got the chance to talk." Mala frowned.

"It looked rather…aggressive…" she commented. But Hiccup smiled.

"It really wasn't," he replied. "All we did was stop the others interfering. Astrid was especially imposing and everyone knows not to anger Fishlegs. But we all made a pact: if Mindy told Snot that she didn't want to speak to him or she told him to go away, we all left." He met her eyes. "I don't believe anyone should be pressurised into doing something they don't want. All I wanted was to give Snot a chance to apologise." He shrugged. "I mean, he's useless at it, to be honest. But he really has lost a lot through his own stupidity and if I could give him one last chance with the girl he actually does seem to care for, it's the right thing to do."

"You organised the musical interlude, I presume," the Principal guessed. He nodded.

"I had to make it easy-he's not the best at recalling words or tunes or…really any plan," he confessed with a wry expression. "But it showed he was willing to make the effort. And I am so glad that she decided to go to the Prom with him." And then he looked pensive. "But I'm concerned about what Atali was threatening at the end."

"Senior Prom is a a School Event," Mala Queen reminded him as he sighed.

"And Atali is Chair of the Prom Committee which is packed with her friends," Hiccup pointed out. "I am concerned that somehow, she will refuse to sell us tickets or we'll give them the money and the tickets just won't reappear." He shrugged. "Astrid has missed out on so much and she deserves her Prom. And I really want to take her to the Prom…but I worry that Atali will try to ruin it."

"Her final words did indicate that intent," the Principal murmured. "I hope she reconsiders her actions. And she has done nothing yet so I cannot do anything. I am away the week prior to the Prom yet I will be there for the event." She pursed her lips. "I will send a directive to those staff members assigned to supervise the Prom which I will copy you and Astrid into. I will remind them that every Senior has the right to attend Prom unless specifically excluded on my directive. And that in case of any ticketing 'errors', the senior only needs to attend with the funds required to purchase a ticket and he or she shall be admitted without question."

"Thanks, Principal Queen," Hiccup said, his face relieved. She smiled.

"Hiccup-your actions in helping someone who deliberately harmed you are generous and honourable," she told him gravely. "You have already learned lessons that your peers still need to consider. I hope they will learn them before their time here is done." And then she smiled. "Be reassured. If Atali decides to try to ruin anyone's Prom for her personal reasons, she will be facing me 8am the following Monday." Hiccup rose.

"I really hope it doesn't come to that," he sighed. "I just want a chance to go to the Prom with Astrid."

oOo

The whole school was abuzz, because the First Trailer of 'Son of Odin' had been released and everyone was looking to see if they could recognise any of the locations. Tuff winked to the gang and pulled them aside, huddled around the posted video by 'Heimdallr's Eye', the top 'Son of Odin' vlogger.

"This is gonna make Atali explode with jealousy," he explained as he showed them the piece.

"Hello, hello-and I am absolutely pumped at the First Trailer of 'Son of Odin'!" the vlogger explained.

"That's Dag-I know him through the Interior Decorating Online course I'm taking," Tuff whispered loudly. Everyone stared at him.

"Let me get this straight: 'Heimdallr's Eye is an Interior Design freak?" Hiccup checked.

"How do you think his set on his vlog always looks so good?" Tuff asked him, as if it was obvious.

"I suppose that makes sense," Astrid commented as the young man continued.

"Of course, Fearless Films have served up the usual goodies-awesome set pieces, plenty of Dane Olsen and enough slightly shonky mythology to keep the story semi-coherent while not alienating the entire Berk community," Dag continued. "And I'm not being mean-a serious discussion of Norse Theology would be crashingly dull but Dane grinning as Thor, DagBjoern Ulricson hamming it up as Loki and the always excellent Ulf Hammersdall as Odin absolutely dominate the story as they should. But it's the other characters that are actually more intriguing…"

The screen changed to the small segments that featured Astrid, in full Valkyrie mode. She offered her hand to Thor and nodded.

"Lord Thor-you are the only one who can do this," she said firmly. "I will stand by you, to the very end." Nodding, Dane took her hand and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet.

The scene switched to the battle, with Astrid fighting furiously, the axe swinging lethally. And her eyes lit as the lean shape of Hiccup intercepted a blow aimed at her head, her eyes lighting at his face. She smiled and flung the axe, splitting a dwarf rearing behind him.

"So this character is absolutely fascinating," Dag continued. "She's just called 'the Valkyrie' and seems to have a pivotal role in helping Thor just before and during the big battle. There's not much else on her-except that she is hot hot HOT and can swing an axe like a pro. And of course, that she is played by Astrid Hofferson." He winked. "Yes, Fearless Finn's niece-and she is looking amazing. I can say without hesitation that she has total screen presence, right up there with the established stars. I mean, she IS a Valkyrie. If she flew in on a winged horse, I wouldn't be at all shocked. Rumours are she was asked to fill a costume for a no-show and she was so amazing that Dane insisted her part was expanded."

"How did he know that?" Astrid murmured.

"Presumably because the Studio wanted it to be known," Hiccup guessed. Her eyes flicked up.

"I didn't do this to be a show-off or…" she began but he chuckled.

"Milady, no one would consider that…except someone who would think like that…" he reminded her. "Like Atali, for instance…" There was a thud as the blonde rested her face on the table.

"And now she has another reason to hate me and try to mess up the remainder of my school career," she groaned. He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head.

"Not going to happen-because I will chase her with my rake," he whispered, causing her to chuckle. "I promise, she won't ruin anything-and she'll only hurt herself of she wants to act on her jealousy." She looked up. "Astrid-you are beautiful and amazing and for once-allow yourself to accept the plaudits you deserve," he added softly. She sat up, leaning against him as the murmuring in the canteen grew a little more obvious. There were whispers and people pointing and for a moment, Astrid was taken back to the horrific memory of all those years, being ghosted or ostracised or the butt of bullying and cruelty. She shrank back, against Hiccup's warm shape, feeling his hand instinctively close on hers and his arm wrap around her body.

"I…" she whispered and closed her eyes, swallowing silently. He wrapped his other arm around her and kissed her cheek.

"Astrid-it's okay," he whispered. "They're looking at you with admiration. They're seeing the real you-the amazing, beautiful fierce woman I…I…I love…" She looked up into his eyes, seeing nothing but honesty in the emerald depths. Her lips parted in shock.

"Hiccup…" she murmured and his eyes widened in dismay.

"Sorry…" he mumbled. "Sorry, sorry, sorry…" He looked away. "I've ruined it…" But she raised her hand to rest on his flushed cheek and a tiny smile lifted her lips.

"I don't think you've ruined anything…" she told him softly. "Hiccup…do you mean it?" He nodded.

"Yes," he admitted ashamedly. "I…"

"Hiccup-Babe…it's okay…" she told him and smiled. "You're a great friend…and a great boyfriend…and I think I love you too…" His eyes lit and a slow smile lifted his lips.

"Um…really…?" he checked and she nodded.

"Valkyrie's Honour," she reassured him and pressed a quick kiss on his cheek. "And thank you. You always know what to say, what to do to make me feel better…" He smiled.

"You wanna come over this evening-for pizza night?" he asked. She made a show of thinking and then grinned.

"Babe-I would love to," she said and then smiled. "And I'll bring a rainbow salad over so your Dad doesn't feel too self conscious?" Hiccup chuckled.

"I think he would appreciate that," he admitted. "Though don't be upset if he barely touches it and instead stocks up on 'Ultra-Meaty Supersized Viking with Extra Chillis and extra yak bacon' and 'Cheezie Garlic Bread Plus'."

"Duly noted," Astrid commented as the bell rang. "Phys Ed next-oh joy…" He pecked a kiss on her cheek.

"Yeah-and as a bonus you can watch an auburn one-legged fishbone get annihilated at dodgeball," he reminded her and she leapt up.

"How can I refuse that offer," she grinned and gathered her things. The others followed and Hiccup paused, looking around the room. Atali was staring stonily at him and he felt a shiver run down his spine. And he swore again that he wouldn't let the spoilt girl ruin Astrid's Prom.

oOo

"So you're a friend of Astrid Hofferson?"

There was a pause as Atali gave a small smile.

"Yes, we were friends," she said and then sighed.

"Were?"

"Yes. I'm sad to say she's changed. She boasted about how her Uncle was the great Finn Hofferson and then she started turning my friends against me. She's so manipulative and spiteful…"

"Really? That's certainly not the impression the studio gives…"

Atali thinned her lips.

"Well, I'm sorry to say they aren't going to tell the truth, are they? She's Finn Hofferson's niece so he's invested making her look good…"

"While you aren't." The question was sharp and Atali's green eyes widened.

"I just think it's unfair that everyone is saying how nice she is when she's actually a bitch and a manipulative calculating user," she argued.

"And yet you contacted 'Heindallr's Eye' to trash her, didn't you?" Dag-the interviewer-was staring challengingly into her face now. "If you were a friend, you wouldn't. But you aren't a friend. You're a vindictive bitch who is jealous of her and wants to ruin any chance she may have because she threatens your popularity!"

"NO!" Atali's tone was outraged but Dag cast a sideways look at the camera and grinned.

"And what you just said was a load of yak dung, wasn't it?" Dag persisted. "In fact, you found out that Astrid Hofferson was related to Fearless Finn by accident and invited her to be your friend and join your clique. You expected access to 'Son of Odin' immediately but instead, there was a brawl at your school Valentines Dance and you cast Astrid out. Some of your friends didn't like how you treated her and left you. And you're furious because you never even knew she was actually in the film until the first trailer came out! And you were suspended from school for lying and cyber-bullying Astrid and her boyfriend. So I advise my watcher to disregard anything this lying ho says and go see the film!" Then he turned to Atali. "I think we're done here, liar!"

Atali flung herself to her feet and almost lunged at him but he armed himself with an Incredible Hulk and a four foot Toothless plushie and she backed away as he yodelled furiously.

"No one will see this piece of trash!" she yelled. "And if you put this out, I'll sue!"

"You do understand what a 'live stream' is?" he asked her as she screamed in frustration and stormed out. Sighing, he looked back at the camera. "And so, we come to the end of this week's exciting broadcast. Be sure to like and subscribe to Heimdallr's Eye! I'm watching you!" And then he cut the feed.

"You okay, man?" Tuff asked, popping his head round the door from his bathroom. Dag ran his hands through his spiky fair hair.

"You warned me she was like a Red Death with indigestion but honestly…I couldn't even pretend to like her…" he complained. "You heard her tone? She couldn't wait to put the boot into your friend…"

"I'm just glad you called me," Tuff said honestly. "Astrid is a good person. Decent, kind and brave. She was an outcast for years until they saw her Uncle pull up to collect her when her Mom was seriously ill. And it was disgusting how they plotted to manipulate her and use her-then discard her."

"Your sis knows her, doesn't she?" Dag asked hopefully. "Maybe could I…?" Tuff sighed.

"I can ask Astrid…but she might want to clear it through her Uncle…or you could call Fearless Films yourself…because I'm sure Finn wouldn't mind the chance to put the record straight. And help his niece feel better. Atali is a menace." Dag looked at the plushie in his hand and sighed.

"No argument there," he admitted. "Okay. I'll make the call. But could you put in a good word for me?" Tuff grinned.

"Thorston honour!" he said. Dag grinned.

"Is that even a thing?" he asked.

oOo

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Dag asked Astrid for the fifth time as she sat stiffly in an old armchair he had dragged into his bedroom/studio for his vlog. She pressed her lips together and gave a nod, her face solemn.

"My Uncle said it was okay," she said thoughtfully and then she sighed. "And he showed me the interview with Atali. I mean…that was so…vicious…"

"Typical Atali," Ruff commented from behind Dag, where Tuff and Hiccup were also standing. "I mean, I'm shocked her nose didn't take out the cameraman…"

"She did seem rather aggressive in her attack on your integrity," Dag commented as Astrid groaned and sat back.

"Why am I doing this?" she asked. "Won't this just look petty and mean?"

"Or maybe it will look like I've got an exclusive with the unexpected mystery woman in 'Son of Odin'. And if you come across as a decent, humble person then who is Atali to say anything else?" Dag suggested and then he frowned. "Maybe you want your boyfriend with you?"

"NO!" Hiccup yelped.

"Hmm…" Astrid hummed, her azure gaze seeing him blush and dip his head.

"Hic-cy! Hic-cy! Hic-cy!" the twins chanted, both flinging their arms in the air while Hiccup groaned.

"I really don't think anyone wants to see me," he reminded them and then sighed. "I will be just here-but this is yours, Milady. Your hard work. Your talent. Your beauty. Please accept the plaudits you have earned. I don't want to even be seen to try to steal any of your credit." There was a pause and then Astrid rose and walked to face him, grabbing his tee-shirt and pulling him into a fierce kiss, her fingers threading through his auburn locks. Finally, she released him, dazed and thoroughly kissed.

"You are the sweetest, most selfless, most decent, most handsome guy I know," she breathed. "Thank you."

"Awwww!" the twins said, weirdly in unison and even Dag had to wipe a tear from his eye.

"You know, I'm gonna destroy Atali Winger," he promised as he got into position and then smiled. "Astrid-talk to me as if I was Tuff or Hiccup. I'm here to let you show the person they know-the person they care for and like…" Then he winked. She managed a small smile as Dag cued himself in.

"And now-welcome to a special edition of Heimdallr's Eye and I am super pumped to have with me-the Valkyrie herself, Astrid Hofferson! Welcome to my little cave, Astrid!"

"Thanks for having me, Dag. And I love the decor here!" Dag grinned.

"Thank you! So apart from being the mysterious Valkyrie in 'Son of Odin', you're also a High School Senior, right?" he checked.

"Yes, Dag. I'm in my last couple of months at Berk High." Dag winked.

"So you must be popular, right?" he asked and Astrid shook her head.

"High School is…complicated," she explained and then she chewed her lip. "When I started, not that long after…my Dad died. I had to take time out and when I got back…I was kind of a pariah. Most people referred to me as Nerdstrid because I valued my grades. And I guess I wasn't the most welcoming because I was hurt and sad and people were kinda…cruel. So I got on with life…until the start of February when Mom was taken sick and my Uncle had to collect me from school."

"Your uncle being-Fearless Finn Hofferson, owner of Fearless Films, Berk's very own film studio?" Dag prompted her. She nodded.

"No one knew he was my uncle," she admitted. "I mean, he was very busy and to be honest, Mom and he weren't on great terms after we lost Dad. But he was so kind and caring when Mom was ill. He looked after me, he visited Mom with no expectation she would see him and he collected me from school. He was…and is…amazing. And he and Mom smoothed out their misunderstandings from when we lost Dad and he became a big part of our life once more." Her smile was brilliant and genuine.

"So you didn't really talk about him to your friends?" he checked.

"What friends?" she asked him dryly. "I really wasn't joking about the pariah bit. I was about as popular as a double dose of Eel Pox. The only person who was my friend is Hiccup-my boyfriend. Until I returned after my Mom was in hospital and suddenly all the Populars and Jocks wanted to be my friend. They'd seen Finn and put two and two together."

Dag rolled his eyes.

"You know, if Fearless Films ever want to make a Teen RomCom, you're pretty much the story,' he commented with a knowing wink to the camera. "So how did you get to be a Valkyrie?" She smiled.

"It was on Valentines-Finn took me on a visit to the set before the dance in the evening," she explained. "It was just meant to be a treat, to see how they made films…and meet Dane. But when we arrived, the actress meant to fill the costume didn't show and Finn asked me if I would stand in. There were very good reasons why they needed the shot finished that day. So I agreed-because it would help Finn. I was scared stiff, to be honest. I mean, what did I know about acting in a film? But the other actors-the proper actors-were so lovely and supportive and I just did what I was told. I was so relieved when they said 'cut' and the shooting was finished. So I thought that was it."

"But it wasn't?" Dag prompted her. She shook her head.

"At the Valentine's Dance, there was…a disagreement. The Populars and Jocks objected when I danced with Hiccup-who isn't counted as either, despite it being my choice who I dance with. Atali's date punched Hiccup and in the end, half of her group came home with us when we were all kicked out of the dance." She blushed, "Not my finest hour but it just confirmed my suspicions that they only wanted to be friends with me for my famous uncle. It was sad but in the people Hiccup took home when he gave me a lift, I found a group of friends who were more honest and decent than any of the people the school looked up to. So when Finn asked me back to the set, I asked if they could come. He was happy to oblige and when we got there, I found he and Dane had asked me to do a little more as the Valkyrie-and all my friends got to take part as well as extras in the battle scene. And it was our secret-though maybe less now…" And she blushed but Dag grinned at her.

"So you never told anyone about that either?" he checked.

"Why should we?" Astrid replied calmly. "It was a kind act from my uncle and I hope my friends didn't feel self-conscious or embarrassed…"

"We didn't!" Ruff yelled from out of shot and Dag chuckled.

"For the record, three of her friends are here to support Astrid," he revealed. "And now…it seems your role was expanded so you're even in the promotional posters…" She dipped her head.

"I asked Finn not to do it but he asked me if I would because his publicists said it would balance the image," she shrugged. "Only my friends knew about the film until…well the trailer came out."

"And you looked awesome in it!" Dag assured her. "So did they give you special training to use the axe? Or walk like a Valkyrie?" At that, Astrid looked up and her expression was determined.

"I am a Berkian Hooligan!" she reminded him. "I learned to use the axe when I was an Elementary School kid! And I always walk like that!"

Dag burst out laughing.

"You know, I don't doubt it," he chuckled. "And no one would ever doubt a true Berkian wouldn't be able to wield an axe like a Valkyrie!" Then he nodded. "So what next?"

"Prom,' she told him honestly. "Graduation. College."

"Any more films?" Dag asked her and she sighed, then shook her head.

"I never set out to even be in one," she admitted. "It's like a dream but reality awaits. Life awaits. Who knows what the future can bring but my Dad always taught me to plan ahead, work hard and try my best. So I have a career planned, a normal life planned. I'm never saying never but I have no ambitions in that direction. All I want is to go to Prom with my boyfriend and look forward to finishing school and then summer with my friends, my Mom and my Uncle." Dag nodded.

"You know, I for one would love to see you in something else," he admitted.

"You should see me in the 'Son of Odin' first," she advised him. "I could be useless! I know trailers always pick out the best bits because they want people to see the film-and I know that Finn will produce an awesome film but that's down to Dane and Thorbjoern rather than anything I did…" Dag winked.

"Astrid Hofferson-Valkyrie, High School Senior and I have to say, definitely the only person who should be Berk High's Prom Queen!-thanks for talking to me today. That's all from Heimdallr's Eye for today. Don't forget to like and subscribe and watch for more specials on the amazing upcoming 'Son of Odin'. May Thor be with you!"

And he nodded as the light on the camera went out so that Astrid sagged in her seat. Hiccup grinned and walked forward to crouch by her.

"You were awesome," he told her as she wrapped her arms around him.

"I seriously hate all this,' she murmured as he hugged her back.

"But you were completely honest and I know who I believed,' he reminded her.

"You're biased," she reminded him, nuzzling his neck. He ghosted a kiss onto her hair.

"Probably," he admitted. "But I would suggest you take your own advice. This may well be the only time you get to do something like this. So treasure the experience-and the kindness of Dag and your friends. File it away for the future. Maybe one day, in the future, your children will see 'Son of Odin' and you may have to explain why the Valkyrie looks a lot like Mommy."

"I'll let you explain that," Astrid mumbled. Hiccup's jaw dropped.

"Um…what?" he mumbled as the twins burst out laughing.

"You've broken him again!" Ruff chuckled as Astrid leaned in to kiss the dumbfounded Hiccup. Tuff and Dag high-fived.

"That was the best interview I've done," Dag confessed. "Thanks, T." But Tuff leaned closer and fist-bumped him.

"Thanks, Dag," he said seriously. "Now we can see what Atali does. Because you've issued her a challenge. And any move on her part will be seen for what it truly is." He looked over to his sister and she nodded. "Prom tickets go on sale tomorrow."