Hiccup wished that after the events of this morning, he would have a peaceful night's sleep, but unfortunately, that was not to be.

He found himself in what appeared to be a war room, and at the head of the table was Johann, but he wasn't the only one. He saw Krogan and Ryker standing beside them, as well as the orc war chief Zar, Atras, the dark elf terrorist and the treacherous light elf Shiri.

"Why have you summoned us, Johann?" Atras growled.

"So that we can discuss our next move," said Johann.

"I think you mean your next move," Atras corrected. "So far, you happen to help anyone but yourself in your little gambit, and might I add, exactly been going well."

"Yes, thanks to you; I'm now on the run," Shiri snarled. "I can tell you honestly that Surt is none too happy with how you're running things."

"My orcs are also getting impatient; you promised us the slaughter of demigods at their pathetic Academy," Zar glared.

"And I can't help but notice that your orcs could barely handle a single squad of demigods?" Krogan reminded him.

"And they seem to be only getting stronger," Atras pointed out. "Their leader particularly. Not only does he seem to be a very skilled swordsman and has the ability of foresight, but he now has the collective knowledge of the Well of Wisdom and is now able to use rune magic."

"His other friends also getting stronger," said Shiri. "The son of Frey now has his father's weapon, a weapon that you promised to give to Surt."

"I admit things have not been going according to plan, but I believe that we are all to blame for these setbacks," said Johann glaring at each one of them.

"So, what exactly is your plan?" Atras asked.

"Actually, I've already set it in motion," said Johann.

Shiri narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "And you're not going to tell us what it is?"

Johann just merely gave a small smile. "Let us just say that I am softening the people of Midgard when we do attack."

Zar then slammed his fist on the table. "I am getting sick of these secrets, Johann! I am also starting to question your leadership!"

"Would you, dear mine?" said a smooth, silky voice.

Suddenly materialising at the opposite end of the table was Loki, wearing a black business suit. He was still as handsome as ever, though the scar over the right side of his face ruined it with his short blond hair, but when one looked into his eyes and could see a pure evil that led within.

"Loki, this is a rare honour," said Atras.

"It isn't it?" Loki smiled. "Now I understand that there are few objections regarding the leadership qualities of my son."

"You do have to admit that so far, all his plans haven't exactly been going according to plan," Shiri pointed out.

Loki just merely smiled. "I think that mostly goes down to the quality of our enemy. I mean, I've tried manipulating him on a number of occasions, but he still manages to see through my deception."

"Not as if that's difficult. You are the god of deception," Atras reminded.

"True, but sadly he's just like his ancestor. He is not governed by ambition; he does not have the desire to become a king and rule on high. He has a strong moral compass that cannot be altered, and distrusted his comrades is unshaken."

"We've targeted his father, his best friend and his girlfriend and yet not only does he save them, but he also ruined our plans," said Johann.

Hiccup wanted to protest that Astrid was not his girlfriend but decided against it. First of all, he had no idea whether they would be able to hear him and secondly if they could hear him, he didn't want to give away his presence.

"So we aren't going to launch any personal attacks against him anymore?" Ryker asked.

"If the opportunity presents itself, we will, but we should shift our focus to our actual plans."

"Plans which you still don't wish to share," Zar pointed out.

"Rest assured, I will share the information with you in time," Johann promised.

"You had better start delivering on your promises. You might find yourself without support," Zar threatened.

One by one, they left until only Johann and Loki remained.

"I wouldn't take Zar's threat lightly," Loki warned. "And in a way, he is right. You have failed to deliver what you promised."

"Is it my fault that boy interfered with my plans all the time?"

"Because you get him involved," Loki pointed out. "While I do admire your thirst for vengeance against his ancestor, you should not allow it to cloud your judgement, my son."

Johann glared at him. "Don't you dare lecture me; you wish to start doomsday for your vengeance against the Aseir!"

"What the Aseir did to me pales in comparison to that single mortal did to you, and to be honest, it was your own fault. You have the opportunity to take the egg of the King of Dragons, but you felt it was necessary to kill Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, and you and it up getting frozen."

Johann clenched his fist but remained silent. "Is my sister being cooperative?"

"Hel enjoys playing both sides, and believe me, it took a lot of negotiation to free Krogan and put him in your service. She, however, has promised not to hinder us, but at the same time, she will not aid us. So if you do meet your sister, I suggest you be on your best behaviour; she isn't as polite as I am."

Hiccup then sat up covered in sweat in his dorm, he had no idea exactly what Loki and Johann had planned, but it would seem as if they were suffering from dissension in the ranks.


Soon everyone made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast; once there, Hiccup began to inform the rest of his squad about his dream.

"So Loki and Johann are in on it, and Hel has something to do with it," said Astrid.

Hiccup nodded. "That's what I heard, but they didn't exactly explain what it was they had planned."

"While I was interesting, I found the fact that not everyone is too happy with his leadership," said Ragnar as he bit down on some toast.

"Yeah, it sounds like Johann's army is not the welding machine we believed it was," Fishlegs agreed.

"After the number of times we've kicked their butts, can't say I'm surprised," said Snotlout with a mouthful of bacon.

"Loki didn't seem particularly impressed with his son's work either," Heather noted as she drank a glass of orange juice. "Sounds like he's getting personally involved with all the planning now."

"But what could he be planning?" Tuffnut as he took a bite of his porridge.

"Well, there are a number of things you can do, like free his son Fenris for instance," said Fishlegs. "Though another sign of Ragnarok is Loki breaking his chains, and I'm willing to bet that's what he's going for."

"But how?" Hiccup asked. "Last I checked, his prison is on a need-to-know basis; I'm not even sure if he knows exactly where he is locked up. Plus, aren't his chains supposed to be indestructible."

"They are made from hardened God testicles; you would need an incredibly sharp blade to cut through those," said Snotlout.

"Like Sumarbrander?" Ruffnut suggested.

"It is the sharpest blade and all the nine worlds," Ragnar admitted. "But it can only be wielded by its own, which is now me unless I renounce it. However, Surt is said to be wielding a flaming sword, and many people suspect that blade is indeed Sumarbrande, but we don't know for certain."

"Look, all this speculation is fascinating, but it's getting us nowhere," said Astrid bluntly. "Loki no doubt have a master plan on freeing himself and starting Ragnarok. While we have delayed, we obviously haven't stopped his plans, and now it seems he's personally getting involved in the planning stages."

"You think we should inform Mimir about this?" Heather asked.

"I get the feeling he probably only knows; there's not much he doesn't know," said Hiccup.

"None of this explains why zombies are breaking out of Helheim," Astrid pointed out. "I feel as if we should be more focused on that and worry about Loki for another time."

Ragnar looked at Hiccup. "You mentioned that Loki had a talk with his daughter Hel?"

"Yeah, it seems as if he did negotiate very hard for the release of Krogan, and now she sees me turning a blind eye to Loki's involvement regarding her realm. That says she's also not lifting a finger to help her father, so it's safe to say that she is playing both sides."

"Yeah, sounds like our system, all right," Ruffnut grumbled.

"How come our family is filled with a bunch of jerks?" Tuffnut grunted.

"Whatever the case is, obviously something is going on at Helheim, which means a trip to Niflheim," said Heather.

"Which is a problem," said Ragnar. "Niflheim is as cold as Muspellheim is hot; we would die of hypothermia in a matter of hours. Even those of us who come from cold climates or can generate their own heat wouldn't last for long."

"Sounds like a good vacation spot," said Hiccup sarcastically.

"So what is the plan?" Astrid asked.

"Until we're told otherwise, we keep on with our training," said Hiccup.

Astrid stared at him, perplexed. "You can't be serious?"

"I am because nothing has changed."

"Nothing's changed? Johann and Loki are planning something. We have to stop them."

Hiccup sighed. "Astrid, we already knew they were planning something; we still don't know what that is. All we know is that it has something to do with Helheim, but we can't just go and investigate because it's located in Niflheim, where we can easily die of hypothermia."

Ragnar nodded in agreement. "We would need specialised equipment that and to know exactly what were looking for."

"Yeah, I'm all for punching Johann in his ugly face, but I actually want to be around to see it," said Snotlout.

Astrid looked as if she was about to blow her top and glared at Hiccup. "You Hiccup Haddock of the most annoying person I have ever met!"

She then immediately stormed off before anyone could say a word.

Hiccup sighed. "Great, that's just what I need."

"She'll calm down. Just give her some space," said Heather.

"Morning, students!" Mimir announced from the teachers' table. "I have a very important announcement this morning. Starting today, a new student will be joining Midgard Academy; please welcome the daughter of Freya, Miss Jill Jones!"

Then entering the Great Hall was a beautiful redheaded girl, roughly Hiccup's, with golden eyes. As she walked down the tables, she walked with a great deal of elegance, and her smile could brighten the room instantly.

"Whoa, she's a knockout," Snotlout whispered.

"Considering that she's the daughter of the goddess of love and beauty, not surprising," said Fishlegs.

Hiccup looked at Jill as she walked past and could have sworn that he saw her winking at him.

Eventually, she reached the head of the table, where she bowed graciously to everyone.

"Thank you for the warm welcome, everyone," she said.

"Miss Jones will be joining House Thor, but I expect everyone to treat her with respect," said Mimir.

Jill then rather cheerfully went over to join the Thor table and almost immediately sat next to Hiccup.

"Hey, everyone," she said, smiling.

Hiccup immediately held out his hand. "Hi, I'm Hiccup Haddock, the commander of House Thor."

Jill took his hand and shook it. "It's wonderful to meet you, Hiccup."

"The name is Snotlout, and I would be more than happy to give you a tour of the place," Snotlout winked.

"Sadly, Snotlout, I'm afraid that's my job," said Ragnar.

Jill looked at Ragnar curiously. "Are you really a real elf?"

"I am," Ragnar nodded.

"He's also your cousin," Heather added.

"Oh, wow," said Jill excitedly.

Ragnar looked at his watch. "Well, what is say we start the tour now?"

"Great!"

Jill didn't waste any time and extra the Great Hall with Ragnar following close behind.

"When I get the feeling this term is going to be very interesting?" Snotlout smiled.

"I get the feeling that girl is going to cause some trouble," said Heather as she looked at Hiccup. "Did you see the way she looked at you?"

"I saw her winking at me when she walked, if that's what you mean. You think she has a crush on me?"

"Well, you had better hope that Astrid doesn't find out, or she'll become," Heather warned.

"Wait, so not only does Astrid have the hots for you, but also the new girl?" Snotlout stared. "I mean, come on, I've got thick dwarven muscle here? What do you have that I don't!"

"Charm," Fishlegs offered.

"Intelligence," Ruffnut added.

"A good sense of humour," said Tuffnut.

"Courage," said Heather.

"Shut up, everyone," Snotlout muttered as he drank his orange juice.