A/N: Ask and you shall receive. . .a fast update! Aren't I so nice :) Enjoy.

Dear reviewer:

Disneyisbeautiful: You really think so? I thought I did horrible, well at least until I saw your review. You sure know how to cheer up a guy. Thanks, there are no words to describe my appreciation.

Ashlierthw: Awwh, thanks. I'm still working on the relationship between them and I have quite a few nasty surprises in store. Not cruel but very complex.

P.s. I do NOT, I repeat: NOT own Tangled. Ok my just a little…nope.

Chap 10

Eugene's POV

He nodded, still grinning as if I had finally managed to keep my elbows off the table and stop slouching. And just to prove a point, he took off his helmet to reveal his usual silky black hair, 5 o'clock shadow, and amused face.

Oh. My. God. 'He's the officer?' I thought as a million other questions swarmed into my head all at once. Why didn't he tell me? Is this for real? Why him of all people? Was he really as tough as everyone thought? But the only words that came out were "You're the officer?" I really couldn't decide what else to say. Anything that didn't sound stupid or offensive died in my throat.

He nodded again. "You never suspected a thing. I don't know whether to be impressed or disappointed." He said with his vintage casualness.

"But Mr. Tha-" I started.

He held up his hand for silence and straightened "Over here, it's either Commander, Commander Thames, or sir. Understood cadet!" he said much louder than was necessary, but then I realized we'd been whispering the entire time and it was attracting the stares of the other soldiers.

I furrowed my brow still a bit shocked at his sudden change of tone. The other soldiers were all staring at me bug-eyed. "Yes. . .sir?" I said hesitantly. I heard loud sighs of relief from them, as if they had been holding their breath waiting for me to say something wrong. They acted like they were concerned for me, even though I'm sure they don't know who I am yet.

"Good." He said then turned to the others. "Dismissed!" he yelled as they all filed out and went back to their activities as if nothing had ever happened, though I did see a few still eye me warily.

"Come Eugene, there's so much to explain and so little time." He said as he patted my shoulder and led me around the base.

"So. . ." I began. Where to start; there was so much to ask. I should probably get to know who the real Mr. Thames was, so I asked "Who are you? I mean really. Are you an etiquette teacher or an officer, it's hard for me to tell?"

His normally relaxed, calm expression turned suspicious as his eyes flickered like a matchstick being lit. Somehow, even without the helmet, the uniform made the look even more intimidating than it already was. "My name. . .is Christopher Thomas Thames. I'm 42 years old and a born citizen of Corona. I'm a teacher, an officer, and so much more. Anything else…" he trailed off. If I didn't know better, I'd say he sounded. . .defensive?

He was starting to look scary. I noticed he acted distant as he said it, and not his usual warm, cool self. It was like he didn't want to talk about himself or his past. Personally, I could really relate to that but now… "You don't sound like you're from here."

"I said I was born here, I never said I was from here." He said coldly.

Note to self: back story's a bit of a touchy subject for Mr. Thames, avoid at all costs. Onto the next question, "What am I supposed to do here?" I asked.

He stopped walking. His eyes flickered again, I saw his face soften and return to its usual calm self. He cocked an eyebrow out me, "Isn't it obvious? A smart boy like yourself can figure it out." Did he just compliment me? One minute he snaps at me, then the next he calls me smart. The man must have some issues.

To answer his question; nope. I was still as confused as ever. My expression must've looked the same way because he sighed and looked down in frustration. "Alright, let me explain." He said as we resumed our walk.

"You, and five others, know…the king has taken ill and an all out war is soon likely to follow his passing."

I nodded, "Check."

"You know…that once he does, you'll be next in line for the throne and you haven't got the slightest clue how to run a kingdom. Everyone in Corona already knows that by the way."

Gosh, no one really has any faith in me. Unsurprising, but it still hurt. "Okay…check."

"What you may not know…is that I was chosen to train you for war so on that fateful day…" he stopped and turned to face me "You will be at my side, as a warrior of Corona and help me lead all these men before you to victory against the enemy. Only then will you understand the meaning of true leadership." He finished.

His expression was as serious as a heart attack. This was all too much to take in. How was I supposed to lead them to victory? I was speechless for god knows how many times this month.

"A bit overwhelming isn't it?" he said sarcastically while smiling wryly.

"Ya think?" I said irritated.

He furrowed his brow and replied "Is that anyway to talk to your superiors, cadet?" his voice was slightly sarcastic but there was a hint of seriousness in it. I probably shouldn't test it.

I sighed in defeat. "No sir."

He patted me on the shoulder again; his expression was calm but concerned. "Relax Eugene. You're among friends here, and if there's anything you need, anything at all, just stop by my office. It's the building next to the armory." He nodded over to one of the smaller buildings at the center of the base.

I smiled knowing that I'll never fully understand the man next to me. . .but I sure as hell will respect him more than anyone I've ever met. "Thank you, sir." I replied.

He smiled back. "Oh, before I forget. Here take this." He said pulling out and handing me a piece of parchment and a pen. He carries a piece of paper and a pen with him?

"What's it for?" I asked taking it.

"Write to her, no doubt she'll be worried about you. I'll deliver it when I see her tomorrow for class. I am still her etiquette teacher you know."

I looked up at him in awe. This is great; Rapunzel and I can still communicate to each other.

"Although I will have to read over it, just so you don't give away any 'sensitive information'." He added.

I pretended to look hurt and held a hand over my heart. "After all this time, you really don't trust me."

He just cocked an eyebrow in response. Is it me or was this a serious case of déjà vu here?

"One last thing," he continued. "This is where you'll be staying from now on," he gestured to the cabin right beside us that I hadn't even noticed was there next to me. "And I meant it literally that you're among friends."

I looked inside and couldn't believe what I saw; 3 unruly men in armor were shouting at each other. One of them was short, bald, and had a hook for a left hand, another was taller, skinny, and had a nose that looked like a squashed pickle, and the last was a humongous man with long horns on his helmet. It was Hook-hand, Big Nose, and Vladimir. They were too busy arguing to notice me standing outside but I didn't mind.

"Signed up a week ago. They're more like brawlers than warriors but that'll change once I'm once with 'em and at least they're experienced." Commander Thames said.

"Welcome to the Helios brigade, cadet Fitzherbert." He said then saluted.

I straightened, pocketed the pen and parchment, and saluted back. 'It's official' I thought as he walked away to his office. 'I'm a soldier now.'

A/N: I know it's shorter than usual but that's only because it's one POV. And don't forget to. . .REVIEW!