News of Snotlout and Ranger's heroic actions has now spread, and the two of them were being interviewed by a reporter.
"Whoa, pro-level work minutes after earning your Provisional Licences," said the reporter. "This morning, we welcome two students from Berk. Young heroes who recently took down some rampaging villains. Ranger Iceburn and Snotlout Jorgenson. What a pleasure it is to have you join us. The two you must have bonded during your training, given how well you work together, huh?"
Snotlout snorted. "Did we really give that impression?"
"That's right, we're friends," said Ranger.
"Hey, where do you get off making such baseless claims?"
"We have spent a lot of time together in supplementary classes."
"Because the school forced us to! Training alongside each other does not make us friends!"
"So, how do you define friendship?"
"I don't know. I don't have friends!"
Hiccup and the others just watched from afar, shaking their heads.
Hiccup sighed. "The more things change, the more they stay the same it would seem."
It was now the end of March, just a few weeks before the second term came to a close. In-class, everyone was looking at Snotlout and Ranger's interview.
"The two you must have bonded during your training, given how well you work together, huh?" said the reporter.
"That's right, we're friends," said Ranger.
"It must have been frightening."
"No, not frightening; I've been taught to focus on the task at hand."
It was clear to the entire class that the interview was edited, cutting off everything Snotlout had said during the interview.
Clueless and the twins burst out laughing as they watch the interview.
"They interviewed you for the entire hour, and all of Snotlout's answers were trashed!" said Clueless. "He's just an angry blip on the corner."
"Why do they cut me out?" Snotlout growled through gritted teeth.
"Honestly, they kinda did him a favour," said Fishlegs.
"And he had already done two interviews before this one," said Astrid.
"So much for racking any good press over that throwdown," said Ingrid.
Hiccup continued watching the News Report as Snotlout and Ranger's takedown wasn't the only story there running. About nine days ago, villains wreaked havoc in a small town resulting in its destruction in many casualties.
"The newly minted, but those students were reliable. It is my sincere hope that they can work as actual pros in the near future. We must not have a repeat of what happened in Hercorn. It's been nine days since that fateful incident when a rise of only 20 people destroyed the city and scarcely less than an hour."
"I heard that the damage in Hercorn was worse than that in D.C, but since it was less populated, there were fewer casualties," said Speedfist.
"And to blame villains hoping to lower the public perception of heroes through the destruction and loss of innocent life," the anchorwoman continued.
"It's foolish to blame the heroes of Hercon for this event," said a middle-aged man. "In my opinion, the entire system needs to be reformed."
"Don't hate on the heroes for doing their best; it's not like they have office gigs," said a young woman.
"I hope this makes them want to work even harder!"
"We keep doing our best so long as the pros do too!"
"Let's ask our commentator Karl Cranuck what he has to say," said the anchorwoman.
The camera then turned to a Hero Critic. "In the past, if there was an incident with this many casualties, everyone would be blaming the heroes for ineptitude in the field. But right now, I suppose you can say that we're at a critical junction in time. For the most part, I've seen more encouragement than disapproval."
"Ever since that fan, Snotlout's dad spoke out on my TV every once been looking at things differently," said Fishlegs.
"He certainly made everyone the new number one," said Ruffnut.
"A good thing, especially since villains seem to become more active since my dad retired," said Hiccup. "Though when you see the destruction of Hercorn, you can't help but worry that things are going to get worse."
The class door then opened, and everyone was stunned to see Mt Lady and Midnight entering the classroom.
"Which is exactly why no one can relax," she said. "Currently, the world is on fire, and everyone is scared. They could either be to cheer for heroes they have ample faith in or praying desperately that we don't get our butts kicked. Up until recently, our job has been mostly celebrity in past years, but now the world wants to see real heroes again."
"Mt Lady?" Hiccup stared.
"Mt Lady has dropped in as a guest instructor; she'll deal with you on how to deal with publicity, and Midnight is here to assist her," said Eret as he walked in.
"What publicity? I keep getting cut!" Snotlout grumbled.
"Maybe you could do better after training," Dogsbreath offered.
"I'm excited to see her, but isn't she the most celebrity-obsessed pro there is?" Agnar questioned.
"Quiet shrimp," said Mt Lady. "Today's lesson is media 101, taught by an active pro and an unseemly hot commodity, namely me. The perfect person to show you how to behave like savvy heroes."
"I've got no idea what we're going to be doing, but let's do our best and go beyond, guys!" Dogsbreath yelled enthusiastically.
"Yeah!" everyone cheered.
Moments later, they were all outside in the hero costumes as Mt Lady stood on a platform.
"Today's classes, you will be practising hero interviews," said Mt Lady. "Glacier you first, dear."
"Okay," said Ranger as he made his way onto the platform.
Mt Lady then placed the microphone up to his mouth. "My goodness, you are amazing out there."
"Wait? What are you talking about?" Ranger frowned.
"Pretend you just finished up a big mission. Go!" Mt Lady hissed.
"Right," said Ranger.
"Tell us, Ranger, what kind of hero would you like to be?"
"Well, I guess a hero makes people feel safer."
"Lovely, the problem is the handsome boy like you showed to save me; I'm afraid my heart would go into overdrive."
"Oh, do you have heart problems?"
'So dense, but cute,' Mt Lady noted. 'He's just my type.' She then praised the microphone up to his mouth. "So, do you have any kind of special moves you're working on?"
Ranger turned and then unleashed a powerful stream of ice, and everyone felt a rush of cold air hitting them.
"By creating a massive ice wall, I can cover an entire area to stop villains and use it as a platform. Additionally, I can create a powerful arctic wind that would make my enemies' movement even more sluggish."
"Yeah, he used that against Class B," said Ingrid.
"My biggest problem is that it affects me as well, even with the built-in radiator in my suit," Ranger explained. "So I'm working on how to increase my cold resistance."
"That is impressive, but I would recommend you to smile at everyone at least once," Mt Lady suggested. "You flash those pearly whites, and ladies will drop dead, you feel me?"
Ranger just stared at her, horrified. "If I smile, they'll die?"
"Moving on!"
"So when we do an interview, we show off our moves?" Ragnar asked.
"Sweet baby, first years, remember you're just starting out," said Mt Lady bending down to them. "It's not like everyone knows who you are. Your signature moves are your personal calling cards; people won't forget you if you show off your assets. They are also handy for teaming up with others and have ways of frightening off villains too. Those moves help people to learn to trust you with their lives."
"I'm pretty sure until recently she didn't think about anything else but how she looked on camera," said Agnar.
"It's not just Mt Lady," said Eret. "Right now, all the pros are being challenged to do better. Hellfire's ascent is motivating them."
"Now then, let's keep the interviews coming, shall we?" said Mt Lady.
"I chose my hero name because it was my brother's, and I want to live onto the honour and passion as he embodied as Speedy," said Speedfist.
"You're oozing with sincerity."
"My name is Valkyrie, and your safety is guaranteed as your defender," said Astrid.
"Confidence makes people rely on you."
"I'm Graviton, and I'm able to erase the gravity on anything I touch," said Fishlegs. "With me around, your problems and fears are completely weightless."
"Everyone loves a gentle hero."
"And not only here to protect people, but the trees and animals are around us that are not able to protect themselves," said Ragnar.
"How chivalrous."
"I'm Red Riot! I'm an impenetrable wall of protection!" said Dogsbreath.
"If you say so, boss."
"I can melt anything, even your heart," said Ruffnut.
"And I'm shocking, the name is Chargebolt," said Clueless.
"Nice going, guys; I thought you would be hopeless. You're killing this exercise."
"I'm not gonna stay stupid stuff like that! Shut your trap, and trust me!" Snotlout yelled.
"You're just as bad in an interview by yourself, huh?" Mt Lady sighed. "I think I understand now; you just have a problem, humanity."
"I'm sorry, Snotlout, you are completely cut because I was there," said Ranger.
"You're not so great! I don't give a damn what you think, and I don't really want your apologies!" Snotlout snapped.
"Okay."
"Eret maybe would be prudent to teach Snotlout to follow your lead and avoid the media entirely," Midnight suggested.
"No, I think there someone out he should be learning from right now," said Eret.
Hiccup then stepped onto the podium.
"Night Fury, yes," said Mt Lady holding the microphone to his face. "You're the son of two of the world's greatest heroes, have failed to carry on their legacy?"
"Daunting," said Hiccup. "I'm not only afraid that I might let them down, but I let everyone around me down."
"Really, there must be quite the burden, but it's not really reassuring to those you're saving."
"On the contrary, it just means I have to work just as hard, and I promise that I will do everything in my power to carry on my father's legacy as will every other hero."
Everyone then immediately cheered.
Just before the Easter holidays began, Principal Dustin summoned the teaching faculty to an important meeting. Apparently, the Public Safety Commission decided to restart the Hero Work Studies program, much to their surprise.
"I have several questions," said Midnight.
"We're resuming the Work Studies program this quickly?" said Cementos.
"We had originally decided to pause the programme after talking with the agencies; we wanted to reassess everything," said Principal Dustin. "But the Public Safety Commission is now requesting that all Heroes Course students get in the field training again."
"Requesting?" said Blood King. "Are they ordering us to send these kids out?"
"Yes."
"Does this say… we're somehow shorthanded when it comes to pros?" Midnight frowned. "I fought. There was an oversaturation of us."
"Putin heroes must learn to deal with the recent increase in villainous organisations," said Multiple Man as he read through the report. "This is a reaction to what happened in Hercorn."
"The League must be involved," said Snipe. "It's obvious they're beating around the bush here."
"The Commission must have intelligence that another crisis might be in the pipeline," Principal Dustin deduced. "If they're being vague and not making the information they have public, then they're either hiding what they're doing or protecting sources of information. As Blood said, then telling us to restart Work Studies feels like a mandate rather than a suggestion from the Commission."
"Makes sense; they can't publicly admit they want to mobilise students, bad publicity," said Eret.
"I don't like it; this is unethical," said Cementos.
"But we can't go against the Commission's instructions," said Forge. "Besides, I'm confident that they just want the students to assist in the evacuations and rescues, not fighting villains directly."
"True, but nothing ever goes as planned," said Eret.
"Whatever the case, any hero, will find themselves in danger regularly," said Principal Dustin. "Let's try our best to put the kids in agencies with good track records. Consider that your Easter vacation homework. Please tell your students after this meeting."
"We understand, sir," said everyone.
Principal Justin then turned towards Eret and Forge. "Eret… Gobber… Considering the Commissioner's other program?"
A few days later, Principal Dustin was talking to both Stoick and Alvin over his tablet.
"It's been four months since Berk moved the kids into the dorms; no one seems suspicious," said Principal Dustin.
"You're saying you don't think there is a spy for the League of Villains among the students?" said Alvin.
"If the League acts in the future and we spot no connection, then I say it is a fair assumption to make."
"I agree," said Stoick. "Everyone of our Hero Course students has a heart that beats for justice."
Principal Dustin nodded. "You got that right."
"Anyway, we're pretty busy, so I will be returning anytime soon, is my son doing okay?" Stoick asked.
"He's doing fine; in fact is organising an extraordinary occasion."
"1… 2… 3… Happy Birthday, Astrid!" Class 1-A announced.
It was indeed Astrid's birthday, and throwing a big birthday party for her.
"Guys, you didn't have to do this," said Astrid looking slightly embarrassed.
"The course we had to, it's not every day one turn 17," said Hiccup.
"Yeah, that's why they called it a birthday," said Tuffnut.
Every one of them began congratulating Astrid, presenting her with birthday presents.
"Work Studies are back in action," said Dogsbreath excitedly. "I'm pumped, but we must be the busiest first years in Berk Academy history."
"Are there two of you going back to Scarlett?" Ingrid asked, looking at Astrid and Heather.
"Yep, we are," Astrid nodded. "What about you?"
"This is the best party ever," said Agnar as he took pictures with his phone.
"What do you have planned, Hiccup?" Speedfist asked. "Going back to the Nighteye Agency?"
"Yeah, isn't Centipede the one running that operation?" Dogsbreath asked. "Be cool to work with that guy again."
"I thought so too, but it turns out—"
Hiccup had already tried to sign up for Nighteye Agency, but apparently, things are rather hectic.
"Apologies, Hiccup, I'm ashamed to say this, but right now, we don't have time to take anyone on," said Centipede.
"Night Fury, it's been a long time," said Bubble Girl. "Sir always did the paperwork by himself, so it's been crazy hard to keep up on our own."
"I did my internship with my mother, but she is also busy," Hiccup explained. "Right now, I'm stuck in limbo."
"That sucks," said Dogsbreath. "You got a massive amount of requests, so it should be easy for you to find an Agency to work with."
"Yeah, and unlike last time when they were optional, this round is mandatory, so there's no need to worry," said Hiccup.
"Still, it's got to feel weird," said Dogsbreath.
"You're not the only one having problems," said Ranger. "I did my internship with my father, but apparently, he's rather busy in the Arctic. Apparently, there's this villain trying to melt the polar ice caps, so he won't be back in America for some time now."
"Certainly seems a hard time to do Work Studies," Ragnar noted.
"This is supposed to be a party, you guys!" Agnar yelled, banging on the table. "Less with the school staff and more partying!"
"Chill, dude," said Clueless.
"Come on, you guys," said Calder as he walked in with more party food. "Might sound weird, but Agnar has a point. It's time for us to truly dig in."
The door then opened, and Eret stepped inside.
"Sorry we're late," said Eret. "Have you started the party already?"
Everyone turned around and smiled as Ariel stepped inside.
"I'm supposed to say Merry Christmas?" said Ariel looking up at Eret.
"Not quite," said Eret.
"Oh, she's adorable," said Fishlegs.
"And I'm glad you were able to come to my birthday party," Astrid smiled as she bent down to her.
"Trick-or-treat?" said Ariel.
"No, you're better off," said Eret. "But go and enjoy yourself; go on."
Ariel nodded and walked over to the girls, who immediately crowded around.
"Here, take these eggs I painted," said Ariel giving Astrid some painted eggs.
Astrid laughed as he took the eggs. "I'm afraid that Easter, but thanks."
"Are you thirsty?" Heather asked.
Ariel nodded.
Hiccup looked at Ariel and noticed something. "Her horn, it looks like it's gotten bigger."
"Yeah, her attitude has remained positive," said Eret. "She's taking what you said to heart."
Hiccup couldn't help but smile.
Soon the birthday party was in full swing; Ingrid had written a song and was now saying it while strumming her guitar while Speedfist did the conducting. Snotlout attempted to flirt with her, only for Astrid to spurn his advances.
Then came the moment of the birthday cake where they all sang happy birthday to Astrid. When Ariel to a piece of the birthday cake and ate it, she soon discovered that she couldn't get enough of it.
Then came the moment when they handed Astrid birthday presents. While she loved all the gifts that her friend had given her, a favourite by far had to be Hiccup's gift. It was an advanced gauntlet with a holographic display of blueprints of everything ever made, the stuff they were made from, along with the height and width. With this, she could look up anything she needed just by thinking, which would be very useful in battle.
The response that she gave stunned practically everyone, but Hiccup had been taken aback more than anyone. As she kissed him on the cheek, it had only been for a few seconds, but it was enough to make him forget his own name.
It was dark when the party finally died down, and everyone began clearing everything up. Naturally, with the party over, they immediately turned to where they were going for their Work Studies.
Snotlout looked at Hiccup and Ranger and sighed. "Hey, you two."
Hiccup and Ranger looked up at Snotlout.
"I still owe the two of you a favour, so I was thinking that you could do your Work Studies with my dad, the number one hero," Snotlout offered.
Hiccup and Ranger looked at him, stunned.