Today was the day that Gobber was outfitting Hiccup with his new prosthetic, but it didn't look any more different than that of a normal foot.

"I was expecting something a bit more metallic," said Hiccup as Gobber place against his stump.

"Ah, can't have people staring at ya," said Gobber. "For some strange reason people today seem to stare at those with prosthetics. Now hold her shoulders down lass, this is going to hurt."

"Okay," said Astrid and immediately pinned Hiccup to the bed.

Hiccup braced himself, but no matter preparation was going to brace himself the pain he was about to receive. It felt as if the leg welding itself onto his leg, he made the mistake of looking down and saw that was exactly what was going on. The metal was actually fusing itself with his skin, and it wasn't for the leather strap in his mouth he would have bitten his tongue off.

Astrid wasn't the only one here has the rest of the gang were also present all of them watching attentively. Fishlegs stared for a few seconds before he fainted, the twins were looking as if this was the coolest thing in the world. Snotlout and Eret showed no emotion in the slightest, and Heather immediately looked away, placing her face against Ragnar's shoulder and covered her ears.

After a few gruelling minutes of absolute pain, the leg was now fully attached to his stump, but it still stung.

"Ragnar, you're up," said Gobber.

Ragnar immediately stepped up and began using his healing magic to soothe Hiccup's pain. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off Hiccup's shoulders as the pain subsided.

"Couldn't you have given me anaesthesia?" Hiccup asked sweating in buckets.

"Mimir said no, apparently he wanted you to get used to the pain," said Gobber.

"Why?" Hiccup asked curiously.

"You're the one with the infinite knowledge, you tell me."

"That's not exactly how it works," said Hiccup.

"Then let's see how your new leg works," said Gobber. "Begin trying to wiggle your toes."

Hiccup wasn't exactly sure how that was going to work, but he did what he was told. Miraculously he discovered that he was able to wiggle the toes on his new leg.

"I can actually feel them," said Hiccup astonished.

"That means it's working, now all that's left is for you to get used to the feeling of walking again," said Gobber.

"I think we can all help with that," said Astrid.

"I have no doubt, but remember you still have your schoolwork to do," Gobber reminded them. "Hiccup may be excused, at least until he gets a new feel for that new leg of his, but the rest of you can't play hockey."

"Is it over?" Fishlegs asked as he regained consciousness.

"Okay the show's over, I think it's time for all of us to get back to the dorm," said Eret rubbing his hands together.

"Before you do, there's something I need to do first," said Hiccup.

Everyone watched confused as Hiccup reached for his bedside cabinet and seconds later he pulled out the same case that Freya had given him last year. This was the same case when they got there dragon spirit rings, and there were still two left inside.

Astrid stated them. "Wait, aren't those…"

"The rings that Freya gave me," Hiccup nodded. "With these, one will be able to summon a dragon spirit from the very depths of Vanaheim, where all dragons spirits go once they die. However, there are still two remaining, and now it's time to give them to the proper owners."

"Us?" said Eret gesturing to himself and Heather. "Are you sure we're the ones?"

"Positive," said Hiccup without hesitation.

"I hope you know what you're doing," said Astrid.

Astrid still didn't fully trust Eret, despite everything they had gone through. He could understand her reasoning for hating giants, but she shouldn't cling on to them. Of course, there was the whole thing about Heather as well, she was still much a mystery. However, he knew deep down inside that these rings were there.

"Just take your rings," said Hiccup looking at the two of them.

Eret reached out and grabbed a green and brown ring which resembled a Rumblehorn, a powerful dragon that could bash through pretty much anything. Heather took the silver ring which resembled a Razorwhip, named after its razor-sharp tail which acted like a whip and they would slice through pretty much anything. The moment they took the rings, they began to glow telling everyone that they had bonded to them.

"Now I think everyone should leave Hiccup to his own devices now," said Gobber.

With that everyone slowly began to leave, but Heather remained behind.

"You're not coming?" said Ragnar looking back at her.

"No, there's something I need to discuss with Hiccup privately," she said.

"Can't this wait until tomorrow?" Gobber asked.

Heather shook her head. "No, it can't."

"All right, but don't take too long he needs his rest."

With that everyone left the infirmary leaving Hiccup alone with Heather and he had a feeling he knew what this was about.

"You knew about the ambush, didn't you?" said Hiccup.

Heather closed her eyes. "So, you know."

"Infinite wisdom, plus it is a really makes sense that someone with super hearing failed to notice an approaching army."

"Believe me, I really wish I could have warned the others," said Heather. "You remember when I went down to see the Norns?"

"Yes, and they gave you a series of visions," Hiccup nodded.

"They also showed me on what could happen if we failed," said Heather.

Hiccup blinked. "I thought what was weaved their tapestry could not be changed."

"Believe me, I was just a surprised, but they explained that nothing is truly set in stone that there are multiple roads to take down the path of life."

"And what path did you see?"

Heather sat down and looked at him, solemnly. "In one version I did want Astrid and the others, and we were able to subdue Johann and his followers."

Hiccup frowned rather confused. "Isn't that a good thing?"

"I thought so at first, but then you would not have sacrificed your leg to save Astrid, and you would not have gained the wisdom from the Eye. Apparently, without the wisdom, you would not be able to stop Ragnarok and the destruction of the Academy."

"So you're saying that I have to be super smart in order to prevent doomsday," Hiccup blinked.

"Not just that, but gaining the infinite wisdom is the first stepping stone apparently. So when I heard their approach, I didn't say anything, because if I did, then we would not be able to stop Ragnarok."

Hiccup leaned back on his pillow. "So to save the world, I had to lose a leg."

"I'm really sorry," said Heather sincerely.

Hiccup could understand why she had to hold back this certain piece of information, though that didn't mean that he liked it.

Hiccup then grabbed her hand, and she looked up. "Can't say that I like losing a leg, but I understand why you did it."

Heather smiled. "Thank you."

She then rose to her feet.

"I suppose I should let you recover now."

"Yeah, take care of yourself and don't mention what we discussed anyone," said Hiccup. "I don't think Astrid would see it this way."

Heather nodded. "Yeah, she was very overprotective you when you collapsed."

Hiccup watched as she left and then thrust his head against his pillow and then try to get some sleep.

A full month had passed since their little adventure, and now Hiccup was discharged from the infirmary. He had finally managed to get used to his new leg, the first time he tried walking with it, he collapsed, but Astrid and the others were very supportive.

He had made it was strange having a prosthetic, it was like having a leg and no leg at the same time if that made any sense. Of course, when you looked at it, and there was no way to tell whether it was fake or not, it was only when you touched that you realised it was metal.

He was now just about the start of winter break, and Hiccup was packing his bags ready to visit his father over Christmas. He had received one letter from him ever since he returned from his quest, which made him slightly concerned. He knew Mimir had taught with him to smooth things over, but other than that he hadn't heard a peep.

"Getting ready to face the music?" Ragnar asked as he approached him.

Hiccup shrugged. "You expect to get an ear full."

"Don't you think you might be overreacting?"

Hiccup looked at him with a stern look. "Ragnar, I have just recently returned from a dangerous quest would result in the loss of my leg, and my father is extremely overprotective. So no, I don't think I'm overreacting."

Ragnar shook his head and folded his arms. "Come on, you would have been the first soldier to lose a limb in war and believe you me we are at war."

"So are you going to be any more secret missions?" Hiccup asked as he sipped his case.

"No, I'll be here waiting for our next move," Ragnar assured him.

"Then I don't suppose you heard anything about Atras and his Purists?" Hiccup asked curiously.

Ragnar smiled. "Word got out that he allied himself with the human. So All his rhetoric collapsed almost right away, and it got worse when some rumours that he is assisting in the beginning of Ragnarok."

"I take it that the Dark Elves aren't looking forward to Ragnarok?" Hiccup assumed.

"Hard to say, the prophecies don't really say what happens to the dwarfs and elves, but I imagine that we won't be spared the end of all worlds. Even some of our enemies wish to delay Ragnarok as long as possible remember Utgard-Loki?"

It was very hard to forget that guy, he created a series of challenges meant to humiliate them on their first quest. Thankfully they were able to outsmart the giants, and while he did provide them with crucial intel, he didn't exactly stop the Giants from chasing them down for humiliating them.

"I think I remember him," said Hiccup.

"Though I doubt this will stop the Purists now they have even more reason to hate us."

"Great more people that want to kill us, exactly what we needed," said Hiccup dryly as he picked up a suitcase.

"I hope you weren't leaving without saying goodbye," said a voice.

Hiccup turned and saw Astrid stand in the doorway with her own suitcase, clearly, she decided to go home over Christmas as well.

"I'll leave you to alone," said Ragnar smiling.

Hiccup and Astrid were soon making their way down the corridor towards the front door.

"Your mum is cool having you over Christmas?" Hiccup asked.

"Yeah, she's really mellowed since the orc attack," Astrid nodded.

"That's good."

Astrid looked at him, concerned. "What about your Dad?"

"Don't know we haven't stayed in contact with one another," said Hiccup honestly. "But I understand that Mimir has calmed him down. Apparently, he hit the roof when he found out about my injury."

"It's my fault," said Astrid looking at the ground.

"Astrid, it's no one's fault," said Hiccup.

"Just promise me you don't ever do something like that again."

Hiccup really wish he could promise something like that, but given how dangerous their lives are there was no way to guarantee something like this would happen again.

"You know I can't promise anything like that," he said solemnly.

Astrid sighed. "I know, I just hope that things will have settled down when we get back."

"Since when has that ever happened?"

"Point taken, just as these tried to stay safe."

"I'll certainly try, not promising if I'll succeed or not."

They finally reached the entrance, and Astrid stopped briefly, then a surprising move she kissed him on the cheek.

"See you after the holidays," she said her face bright pink and then rushed out the door before Hiccup could say anything.

Hiccup had managed to reach London, it was amazing want to do when one has access to a dragon spirit. He naturally landed in a secluded spot, he knew the glamour would hide Toothless, but it was better not to ask so many tricky questions in a crowded place.

He made his way home, and everything looked perfectly normal, he took a deep breath and pressed thing on the doorbell. He waited for about 30 seconds when the door opened, and he stood face-to-face with his father.

"Hiccup," he said and immediately gave him a giant bear hug.

"Dad, can't breathe," Hiccup wheezed.

His father managed to finally release him and looked at him. "Mimir told me everything that happened."

"Dad, I can explain…"

His father then placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm just happy that you're alive, son. Now get inside, Violet should be round soon."

Hiccup looked at him curiously. "For a meeting or a date?"

His father chuckled. "Let's just say that I took your advice and everything has been going smoothly."

Hiccup couldn't help but smile, it was certainly nice to be home again, especially for Christmas.