August 11th 1935

Stoick was sitting in his office with Hiccup as an old friend of his was about to enter. Hiccup had heard his father making mentions of the man for as long as he could remember and today was the day that he was finally going to meet him.

The steward then entered the office. "Presenting, Mr Winston Churchill."

Hiccup watched as a man as beefy as his father entered the room, he had to be around 60 years old. His head was almost completely bald and he had a cane firmly in his hand, but it was clear to see that the man was larger-than-life. Hiccup could sense just how powerful the man was, despite his age and it was going to be something he would remember for a long time.

Stoick rose out of his seat and immediately shook hands with Winston. "It's a pleasure to have you here, my old friend."

"The feeling is quite neutral you're Majesty," Winston smiled.

Stoick shook his head. "You know full well that we are more informal than your monarchy, you can easily just call me Stoick."

"That wouldn't be very proper, but your Majesty's word is law while I am here," Winston chuckled. His eyes then turned to Hiccup and was a small gleam within them. "And I take it that this is your son."

Stoick nodded proudly. "My pride and joy."

Winston nodded as he looked at Hiccup. "My boy, you have shown the world the true valour of the Berkian people, though I find this terror attack quite disturbing."

Stoick nodded as he poured out some British brandy. "My spymaster believes that Drago Bludvist is behind it, but we don't have any proof sadly."

"Tell me about this Drago Bludvist," said Winston as he took the brandy.

"He's a radical and a powerful speaker, in that regard sees no different to Adolf Hitler," Stoick explained. "He also rules with fear, keeping people in line and destroying those that getting his way. He is currently the governor of a small island called Icestoke. He has been fighting for a seat within the Council, but he doesn't provide with any resources that allows his island become a member. Instead he's and lying with all the other small islands saying that they should be recognised as equals."

"You think he would attempt to warn your own homeland?" Winston asked.

"Possibly, he might also be trying to sow confusion among us so that we can provide any aid when Hitler makes his big move," said Stoick.

"What is the latest from Germany?" Hiccup asked.

"Not good, my boy. Not good indeed," Winston grimaced. "Hitler is still on the rise and has become even more popular than before, his air force now outnumbers us 4 to 1. We also believe that he is making alliances with Mussolini, two fascist states joining forces is not present thought."

"I suppose we should consider what Hitler's first move would be once he establishes a powerful enough army," said Stoick.

"I would be interested to listen to your son's thought on the matter," Winston smiled.

Stoick smiled at his son. "So would I?"

Hiccup then immediately pulled out a map of Europe and lead it in front of them.

"I've done as much research as I could on Hitler and I would say that his first move would be to have his homeland join with Germany," said Hiccup as he pointed at Austria.

"Any particular reason why?" Stoick asked.

"Partly because Austria contains land that Germany lost over a hundred years ago, but mostly because the fascist regime has taken root then making an invasion all the more easy," Hiccup explained.

Winston nodded. "My thoughts precisely and then what would his next move be?"

"Same as before, keep on taking land that Germany lost so he would make a move on Czechoslovakia," said Hiccup as he pointed around the edge of Czechoslovakia. "Just beyond the border are ethnic Germans and regaining Germany's lost land would be a massive victory for him. He would then make a move on Poland or more precisely on the Polish Corridor that cuts this small piece of land from Germany."

Winston looked up at Stoick. "Your son has a knack of strategy."

Stoick chuckled. "He was the best in his class, he favoured surprise tactics."

Winston nodded. "I was feeling that will need his assistance in the war come."

"However before he invaded Austria, I think that he wanted general feel of round several surrounding nations to see whether they would stop him from carrying out his plan," said Hiccup.

"You mean Britain and France," said Winston as he leaned back in his chair.

Hiccup nodded. "Unfortunately I don't see France putting up much of a fight, they're still stark in 1918. They spend a massive amount of money on the Maginot Line, a completely stationary defence not to mention the not using radio."

Winston nodded in agreement. "I fear that you're right, France is stuck in the past."

"And then there's Britain, meaning no disrespect Mr Churchill," said Hiccup quickly. "But your defence budget is an all-time low and both your air force and navy is a bit of a shambles with all due respect."

"I actually agree with you, my boy," said Winston regretfully. "I fear that the only countries that might stand a chance against Germany are Berk and Russia."

"And unfortunately for us Joseph Stalin is a paranoid dictator," Stoick added. "He is beginning purges amongst anyone who stands against him, that includes generals and other commanding officers that would leave the army and a complete disarray. Though I'm positive that Russia will make a move if Hitler makes a move on Poland, he'll feel threatened and sent forces to face him."

"That he is my general feeling to, dad," Hiccup nodded. "I would suggest that we tried to hold off Hitler until everyone is ready to face him. The things they are now, I don't think we would stand much of a chance even if we pour all our resources together."

"My boy is right, we may be the only ones who you contrast and can put up a fight, but it will take time in order to produce troops in France and anywhere else," said Stoick regretfully.

"I also believe that we should try and get America into the war as soon as possible," Hiccup added. "Far sooner than they did before."

I've been having a few words with President Roosevelt, I'm hoping to get as much support as we can from him," said Winston. "However, there is a big pacifist movement going on and Joseph Kennedy, the American ambassador in London, is in agreement with the current cabinet."

Stoick shook his head. "It's almost been 20 years since the Great War and it was supposed to be the war that ended all war, I guess that was wishful thinking on our part."

Winston closed his eyes. "My people think that I'm a warmonger, but I do not want war as much as the next person. However, if we do not stand up against tyranny we are as good as defeated without firing a single shot."

Stoick looked at Hiccup. "Son, I can't stress how important it is for you to complete your second year and passed with flying colours. We are going to need as many good men and women in our army as possible and you need to get ready for war yourself, in case the worst does happen."

"I just hope it doesn't happen," said Hiccup.


September 2nd 1935

Hiccup soon found himself in his second and final year at the Academy, they were in the same team like they were before and Hiccup didn't waste any time with informing them with his meeting with Winston Churchill.

"You met Winston Churchill?" said Astrid looking up.

"Even asked me about my opinions," said Hiccup.

"What was he like?" Ragnar asked curiously.

"Larger-than-life," said Hiccup.

"He was that big?" said Ruffnut.

"The guy must be even fatter than our King," said Tuffnut.

"Hiccup was saying that the Winston Churchill's reputation wasn't exaggerated," said Fishlegs shaking his head.

"Tell me again why his Majesty is putting so much faith into Winston Churchill?" Snotlout asked. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't he cause the military disaster Gallipoli?"

"Not exactly," Hiccup sighed. "The strategy was sound and it was a good idea, but he kind of jumped the gun. In fact most of the blame actually was with the leaders of the invasion force, miscommunication along with poor decisions and tactics."

Astrid nodded. "Winston Churchill merely misjudged the time of the attack, but to say that he was fully responsible would be unfair to say the least."

"But he still got kicked out of office," said Snotlout.

Hiccup sighed. "That's the thing with politics, someone has to take the blame and Winston was the one who suggested the idea."

"Then I hate politics," said Snotlout.

Astrid looked at Hiccup curiously. "You said that he asked you of your opinions?"

"He asked me what I believe to be Hitler strategy," Hiccup explained. "I said that he would no doubt go after Austria followed by Czechoslovakia and then Poland. I also believe that he wants to see the reaction about Britain and France and see if he can't get any more territory."

Astrid nodded. "I agree, he won't declare war, not if he can't help it. Though I imagine if he invades Poland, Russia won't stand idly by."

"According to my father Joseph Stalin has created a purge, he's getting rid of anyone that could be a threat to him and that includes many of his generals and commanding officers in his army," Hiccup explained.

Snotlout looked up. "Wait a minute, he's going to leave his entire army leaderless?"

"Not completely, but enough to leave it in disarray if Hitler does invade Russia," Hiccup explained.

"Hitler might even gain some extra troops if he takes back Yugoslavia," Fishlegs added.

"He won't," said Hiccup plainly. "It would go against his radical beliefs."

"You're saying that he won't put extra troops in his army from conquered countries," Snotlout frowned.

"Hitler believes in a sort of structural society, he believes that the Aryan race is superior and everyone else falls down in groups, we Western powers would be considered second-class citizens and communists, gypsies and Jews are at the bottom. But it blundered having Yugoslavia join their ranks would be hypocritical and a great insult to Hitler."

"Even if it would make his life easier?" Fishlegs asked.

"Especially if it made his life easier," said Hiccup.

"I've heard that he is already making concentration camps for Jews, gypsies and any undesirables," said Ragnar.

"Undesirables?" Snotlout frowned.

"Anyone with a learning, mental or physical disability, even those who have different skin tones or gay," Ragnar explained. "He says that he is doing this to create a stronger Germany."

Fishlegs looked appalled. "But that's ridiculous, it's the way the evolution works. If we get rid of anyone who has a simple difference then we will be stagnated, we won't gain the antibodies needed to fight certain diseases."

"We know, Fishlegs," Hiccup sighed. "Unfortunately he doesn't see it like that."

"Surely not everyone likes this new regime," said Snotlout.

"It's not exactly is easy to start a coup," Hiccup pointed out.

"But the French Revolution and the American War of Independence, didn't those began because the people hated the society they lived in?" Snotlout questioned.

"Those were different circumstances," Hiccup sighed. "The American War of Independence happened because of the rise of taxes and the colonials felt as if they were treated like second-class citizens. The French Revolution began because the King and it the entirety of his court did not took care of the common people, in fact they just ignored them and kept on eating and partying while there people starved."

Astrid nodded in agreement. "The situation in Germany is completely different, Hitler was able to get Germany back on its feet and many of them did not agree with the Treaty of Versailles. He is also an extremely powerful speaker and hungry people lead to angry people and he just points them to people who are to blame for their misfortune. A few Germans might disagree with his policies, but they are in the minority and those who stood against him have already been killed."

"I doubt that the coup will ever happen in Germany," Hiccup sighed. "Hitler has had enough time to put his ideology into the minds of many people, he's even doing it to the young with the Hitler Youth. The only way for the Nazis to be destroyed is through outside channels either through diplomacy or warfare."

"But none of the other countries want to do anything to stop him," said Fishlegs.

"Exactly," said Hiccup shaking his head. "They want to use Hitler as a blunt instrument against communism, he's already announced how he hates communism. As the old saying goes the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

"But that will only work if Marshall Stalin decides to attack the Western world," Astrid added.

"He's more than isolationist unfortunately," said Hiccup shaking his head. "Stalin knows what happened to Tsars during the Great War, I mean he was right there in the front lines when they opposed them. He doesn't want the same thing to happen to him so he'll just stay behind his border and continue with his own policy."

"Which will leave Hitler to go about his business with no one to stop him," said Ragnar simply. "Our military force might be equal to that of Germany, but the problem is we can't use it fully. We can't land ground forces, because France and neither can we do in naval battle because of Britain. All we can do is lie in wait into the balloon goes up, by which time it might very well be too late."

"Which is why my father is giving as much aid as he can to Winston Churchill, he is our only hope to get everyone to see the true threat," said Hiccup regretfully.


January 20th 1936

Things had been going well during the previous semester, thanks to their hard work they were now in the lead by a massive majority in point value. The second year was even harder than the first, they were given extreme training exercises and now had to content with live fire from professional troops.

They also had to coordinate with both the air force as well as the naval force, it had been a very gruelling semester, but compared to last year they had improved immensely. His team were now listen to him much more thoroughly, the twins sometimes acted on their own, but it wasn't as bad as before and Snotlout was actually listening. Fishlegs didn't jump at his own shadow anymore and Ragnar was finding it easier with reading and writing.

Of course that overshadowed with he and Astrid, who had gotten quite close since the incident. She might kissed him on the day he received his medal, but they hadn't started a relationship though many people believe that they had started one. Annoyingly that included his parents, it took every bit of his willpower to point out that the two of them were friends.

Heather was comely in their apartment and she could not resist the urge to point out the attraction that Astrid felt for Hiccup.

"I'm telling you, life is too short," said Heather as she looked at Astrid shaking her head. "You should jump at the chance, I mean you do like him, right?"

"Look we're just friends," said Astrid put in a lot of definitions of the word friends.

The phone then immediately rang and Hiccup answered it and found that it was his father on the other end.

"Dad, why you calling so late at night?" Hiccup asked. He listened to what his father had to say and his eyes widened. "What? Are you sure?"

Everyone then immediately fell silent as they looked at Hiccup wondering what Stoick had just told his son.

Hiccup immediately placed the phone down and rushed towards the wireless. He turned the dial and soon everyone was hearing a transmission from the BBC.

"Not covering stories, it is my regret to inform you that his Majesty King George V has passed away," said the broadcaster. Everyone in the room immediately fell silent. "We are thankful to hear that at the time of death he was with his beloved wife and two eldest sons and we are thankful that he stood strong at the time where the world was in utter chaos. It now falls to his oldest son, who has taken the name Edward VIII like his grandfather and we feel confident that he will lead us through these difficult times—"

Hiccup switched off the wireless and looked at everyone. "It looks like England's got itself a new king."

"I'm not sure entirely confident with the new king," said Ragnar folding his arms. "I've heard from my father that the rumours about him and Wallis Simpson are correct."

"Dad told me that his own father said that he would ruin his family and his country in 12 months," said Hiccup.

"Sounds harsh," said Fishlegs.

"But accurate," said Astrid. "Especially since he has certain feelings to Nazi Germany."

"Before radio, all King had to do was look respectable and not all of his horse, but now we've become actors," Hiccup sighed. "We can't afford making one single mistake or else the media will pick it up like a bunch of vultures and twist our words."

"You really think that would happen in England?" Fishlegs asked.

"Not now, but it will have in the future," said Hiccup as he looked into the wireless. "Thanks to the wireless, we can now be heard in everyone's homes and that is great power with in this, but it can be a double-edged sword."

"I hate to say it, but he's right," Ragnar agreed. "No one is untouchable, not even kings and queens."

"Do you really think the new King of England is going to be a problem?" Heather asked.

"If he keeps on doing what he wants, yes," said Hiccup as he walked towards the window. "As King he serves the people, they don't serve him. Doing whatever he wants without considering the consequences is a good way of destroying the monarchy in England for good."

"So they just kick off and put his brother on the throne," said Snotlout shrugging. "I don't see the big issue."

"Because his brother doesn't want the throne," Hiccup sighed. "I told you this before, he has a speech impediment and thanks to the radio people expect him to do some public speaking, like the Christmas speech. Plus father didn't exactly give him any encouragement, he kept on telling him to bark it out and in case he was having difficulties."

"Whether he wants to be King or not, the fact the matter is if his brother does not produce an heir, he is next in line," Astrid pointed out. "Besides I've heard that he is getting special help with public speaking, I mean it's better than it used to be."

Hiccup looked at her. "I agree, but where our current crisis, I myself am reluctant to take the mantle of King."