Band of Misfits: Taking Flight Chapter 10

...

A.N. Okay, so I haven't really had access to a computer in a while, and I just achieved wifi connection. So here we are.

I'm very sore from airsofting, where I managed to get a kill with my tomahawk, so I might just chill and write another chapter. Either way, I really don't know when I'm going to update again. Most likely on the weekend.

I feel kind of mean about this chapter; it's a bit of a cliffie. But I think it should be somewhat enjoyable.

Oh, and I got a Beta.

…

Merida was starting to become worried. Judging from the moon's position in the sky, it was getting late. They ought to have regrouped by now, and Hiccup would have rented a room at a nearby inn. Come to think of it, Rapunzel and Eugene were missing, too. Jack and Maximus were still with her, and Merida wasn't sure if Jack understood the possible magnitude of their current predicament. Judging from the looks that Maximus was giving, though, it was clear that she wasn't the only one who was worried about their missing companions. The trio had left the café to walk along the coast. If Hiccup and Elsa had left, there would be no trace of them – but they wouldn't leave the Scottish princess. A darkened hull caught her gaze from the docks.

Judging from the miniscule architectural knowledge that Merida had managed to glean from her dragon riding friend, the harbor had an interlocking series of fortifications linking to a main barracks. One that would hold sleeping quarters, armories, and a prison. A familiar gondola was drifting directly towards them. It resembled the one Eugene and Rapunzel had taken in their endeavor to see the lights. Almost immediately, Merida took off, hoping to gain a closer look; her companions following curiously.

There was Eugene, lashed to the boat and sporting a particularly nasty head wound that bled profusely. His hands were tied to the steering port, and he seemed unconscious. "Merida made one more crucial observation: Rapunzel wasn't there. Merida saw Jack stiffen in the corner of her eye, and beside him, Maximus was attempting to crawl closer, though the horse's attempt at stealth was ruined by the pale rear end hanging a good foot above the underbrush- but it was the thought that counted. Across the water, Merida's sharp eyes caught frantic movement.

The guards had spotted him. This wasn't going to end well.

Readying her bow, Merida notched an arrow. Though she was all for going out in a blaze of glory, the cautious side that Hiccup had pounded into her stalled her hand. Jack was ready to charge, but Merida reluctantly held out her hand, signaling him to back down. Despite the situation, Maximus saw no need to launch an assault. A great cheer arose from the guards, audible even to Merida, as Eugene slowly stirred. He was dazed and confused, more so than usual, but the thief instantly grasped the situation. If Flynn Rider was caught, Eugene Fitzherbert would be sentenced to the gallows. What was worse was that Merida could not do a blasted thing.

When he saw them, though, Eugene immediately began to struggle against the guards. Looking the Scottish princess directly in the eye, the thief began to scream. "You have to help her! Please, she's in trouble! She's in troub-" As the guards silenced the man, Merida's heart clawed its way into her throat as the guards bound her friend. Despite his past, Eugene was a good man; he did not deserve this.

…

Hiccup's head was pounding. It was furious, unrelenting, and absolutely unbearable, but two thoughts persisted, even through the pain. The first was Elsa; the second was Toothless.

With a groan, the Viking stood. The cold hard floor served no relief from the pain wracking Hiccup's body; closer examination revealed a slash wound across his chest. Wonderful. Thankfully, while his weapons were gone, his bandages were still in his possession. How the guards had managed to overlook the life saving supplies was beyond Hiccup's understanding, but it was a welcome realization. Gritting his teeth, the Viking patched himself up. At this rate, the wound would probably become infected.

As the world stopped spinning, Hiccup looked around in a bid to understand his surroundings.

The events were slowly coming into context. They had crashed; everyone had survived, unless an unlucky bystander had been unfortunate enough to be standing underneath them. The guards had found them, and they had recognized Elsa. While they would not dare to hurt a royal, Elsa would be on her way to Arendelle as soon as she was able. Back to her parents. Back to isolation. And this time, there would be no way for her to escape her bonds.

Toothless would probably be kept alive. If something of this magnitude had occurred, what with the "kidnapped" princess of Arendelle coming back into the light, it would warrant a personal attendance from the royals, and the Corona monarchs were animal lovers. The problem, however, was Hiccup himself. Odds were that Elsa's story would be dismissed, leaving him to face the death sentence, probably by beheading or hanging.

While Corona was strictly an imprisonment based society, where the death penalty was exchanged for a life in prison, those who were caught for more nefarious plots usually ended up in his predicament. The skies, visible through the small, barred window in the cell, were dark and cold. A bale of hay was the only form of comfort here. This was the bottom of the heap in Corona. Either way, the architecture in this room was splendid.

What a Viking thing to do; observe the architecture instead of attempting to escape. What would the Bog Burglers think? A brief shuffling drew Hiccup's notice, and he looked to see a contingent of guards walking down the hall, lead by an… odd woman. She was short and hairy, and by Thor, those things were massive… All thoughts of escape went out the metaphorical window when she reached between those bags and pulled out a set of keys. Opening his cell, the "female" made room for the guards. Two hulking, oddly familiar bodies fell to his feet, and the stench of blood reached his nostrils. The lead guard spat at his feet.

"You've got company."

As the soldiers walked away, Hiccup inspected his new room mates. Yes, they were familiar. Scars, side burns, although the malicious scowls were absent at the moment. These were the Stabbingtons. And from the look of it, they were dead.

No, not dead. They were breathing, though their breaths were shallow, and there were thin, almost delicate holes in their sides. It was apparent that a skilled fighter had taken them down. Whatever the case, though, something stirred in Hiccup. Sure, he wasn't one to care about those that had tried to kill him and his friends, but he couldn't exactly leave these two to die…

Sighing in exasperation, Hiccup pulled out his remaining bandages, and set to work. Perhaps he could save them, though at the rate things were going, death would be a welcome relief.

…

Eugene spat blood. It had a metallic taste, and not one he cared to experience again. But he didn't really have a say right now.

Drawing back, a guard swung another punch. Bells rang, and Eugene saw stars. Every bone in his body ached. But that wasn't his issue right now. Rapunzel was in danger, and while Merida, Jack and Wonder-Horse were on the case, he didn't exactly favor their chances. They couldn't find Rapunzel, not on their own. A pause in the malicious torture came about as the captain from earlier came into the room. And while he had a disapproving look towards his men, there was no sympathy towards Eugene.

Taking a knee, the soldier came level with the bound Eugene. "You're getting everything you deserve, Flynn Rider. You stole the one relic we have left of the princess, so it seems only fitting that we give you a reminder."

Standing up, the captain waved his hand. "Put him with the others."

…

Yet another scuffle echoed through the gloomy halls. Big-Boobied Bertha, as Hiccup had dubbed her in honor of the late Bog Burglar chieftain, was leading another group of soldiers. In the center of the knot of guards was a familiar, albeit battered, face. With a shove, Eugene was thrown to the floor, and the cell door was closed behind them with a resounding slam. Exchanging glances with some of the glaring guards, Hiccup draped the barely conscious thief under his shoulder and lowered him into the softer hay.

What was going on? Judging from the wounds, Eugene had been through various levels of suffering this evening. He had a head wound, something Hiccup immediately set out to fix. As he wrapped the last of his bandages around the wound, the Viking heard a grinding noise. It seemed that there were a couple broken bones. A haunting scrape reached his ears, and Hiccup amended his statement. More then a couple. Times like this called for drastic measures

Tugging off his favorite shirt, Hiccup mopped up the dripping blood, before fashioning a temporary sling for the thief's arm, wrapping it around Eugene's body to secure his arm. Perhaps, this would fix things. Or at least, relieve some of the pain in their final hours. The luck of a thief was admirable, broken ribs and a fractured arm. Those would take time to heal. But that was a commodity they didn't have.

With a sigh, Hiccup collapsed, leaning against the stone wall. The Stabbingtons would be okay for now. Though it wouldn't really matter, with their impending execution. Usually, petty thieves would have faced a simple sentence, but their theft of the crown would be a direct offense against Corona's royals. Hiccup had stopped the bleeding, and their content looks showed a blissful peace. If the two thieves killed him in the morning, the Viking myths of a Draugr would be enacted, so there was comfort in that. Not that these men knew of Draugrs.

Eugene was still unconscious, and there was no sign of Rapunzel. It pained him to say it, but there was not a cursed thing Hiccup could do at the moment. Closing his eyes, the Viking resolved to rest, and wait for daybreak.

…

"What's going on?!"

Jack was hyperventilating, and Merida was becoming frustrated. Despite her time with Hiccup and the patience she had gleaned from the Viking, her father wasn't called the "Bear King" for to his gentle and abiding nature.

"Shut it!"

That drew some looks, and the area around them quieted. Too late, Merida recalled that no one else could see Jack. In other words, she appeared to be talking to herself, as if she didn't look mad enough already. Clenching her fists, the Scot racked her mind for a plan. She couldn't come up with anything, and Jack was still incomprehensible.

Gripping his shirt, she shoved him, "Would yeh quit it? Ah'm tryin' ta'h thin'."

The winter spirit reluctantly settled down. They could not be certain of what was going on. Hiccup and Elsa were still missing, and Rapunzel was obviously in trouble, leaving Eugene as the only person who could help them. Someone who happened to be residing in a high security prison. Brilliant. They would need help in freeing him. But where would they- Maximus was looking at her expectantly. Goodness, that horse was brilliant. Already, the mighty stallion was bent over, and Merida slowly straddled the stead. It was good, being back in the saddle, but memories of Angus still rang in her mind. She pushed the colt, her colt, out of her mind and offered a hand to Jack.

"Are ye'h comin'?"

Giving her a look, and turning to the horse, Jack met her eyes. And it made her heart flutter. Why did her heart stuttered? That look of of childish innocence and worry seemed so familiar. Galloping down the streets, with the winds streaking by, Merida could feel Jack holding on for dear life.

"Where are we going?"

Merida clenched the reins tightly. Not taking her eyes off the road, Maximus leapt through the forest, leaving the paved paths of the city behind. Trusting for her friend to guide the way, she turned to Jack.

"We need tah 'elp Eugene. An' tah do tha', we need 'elp ourselves."

Maximus skidded to a halt without warning. Merida held fast in the stirrups, but Jack was not so lucky; the winter spirit was sent flying. He would be fine. A familiar face regarded them with surprise, and curiosity. Oh what was his name? Trader John? Trader Yoe?

"Ah, Merida DunBronch. How may I be of service?" Trader Johann, their saving grace.

…

The smell of food tickled Hiccup's nose, and he rose slowly. His eyes were heavy, his limbs were stiff with pain, and the smell… this was prison. Hiccup's eyes darted around the room, then focused on Eugene, who was still in the corner. He looked downright wasted; worse then Gobber on the Eve of Snoggletog. But he was breathing, and that was what counted. Additionally, one of the Stabbingtons was awake. The man was grimacing, but still managed to grasp a wooden spoon. There was a sloppy smell. What appeared to be food rested in a bowl at the criminal's feet. Prison food. Because this was prison. Wonderful. Giving the Viking a glance, the man offered him a spare spoon.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, Hiccup took it, and poked around the mess bowl. "You must have done something pretty bad, being slated for execution."

Hiccup nearly choked on his spoon. Not that he wasn't already. Hacking it down, the Viking looked at the criminal, but there was no mirth in his eyes. The Stabbington nodded slowly, "So, what'd you do?"

Hiccup sighed, "I 'kidnapped' the princess of Arendelle."

The thief raised an eyebrow, before turning back to his meal. "Nice."

Hiccup shrugged.

The thief raised another spoonful. "Name's Brutus. My brother there, that's Cato. We stole the lost princess's diadem."

Hiccup nodded, "I heard."

Brutus shrugged. "Word travels fast. Flynn Rider helped."

Hiccup didn't bat an eye, "Indeed he did. He's a friend of mine."

Brutus clenched his fists, but the criminal winced. They sat in silence for a moment before a thought occurred to Hiccup.

"Why did you do it?"

Brutus looked at him with a puzzled expression. Hiccup set down his spoon. "Why did you take the diadem?"

The thief looked down. "Why should I tell you?"

Hiccup turned back, the sun beat down of the waves. It was beautiful.

"Because apparently I'm going to die soon, and I'm simply trying to kill time." The two warriors met each others gaze, before Brutus sighed. "My brother and I, we have nothing. We have no one. We're on our own, and we need a better life. So we took the crown." Hiccup nodded slowly as the conversation once again delved into the realm of silence.

As the criminal opposite of him finished his gruel, Hiccup cleared his throat. "What would you do differently, if you were given the chance?"

The thief set down set down his bowl. "To be honest… I'd like to be a body guard. My brother and I… we'd always thought it'd be nice. But now… No one would hire us. We needed to make a living."

Turning back, the pair once again met each others gaze.

"So… what about you?"

Hiccup smiled. "To be honest… I don't think I'd do anything differently."

And with that, their brief interaction came to a close.

…

Berk held many memories for Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. Its beautiful forests, daunting peaks and raging rivers held many mysteries. That air of privacy, one that spoke with magnitude of adventure and life, was an ever-abundant feeling for the young Viking. The village was simply a place to return to. Those scornful looks could never be forgotten. Perhaps this was for the best. There were many times, when the chief wasn't around of course, that he would be told to off himself. To end the countless mishaps and accidents. And there were many times when the Viking considered it. After all, what was the point of living in denial? He wasn't a Viking. He was the village screw up… a Hiccup. There was a reason that the runt of a litter was nicknamed "Hiccup." Snotlout had dubbed him "Hiccup the Useless," and perhaps, it was true. He was useless to the residents of Berk.

Not a single villager chose to fight by a sword Hiccup had forged. Save Gobber of course. Even his Father chose to forego the sword his son had spent days making in favor of his dented, broken and warped battle tested blade. And yet, after Gobber had managed to persuade the local warriors that the unusually elegant blades were of his work, every fighter on Berk happened to own a blade that Hiccup had custom forged, which was highly ironic. Even Astrid's prized axe was forged by Hiccup. But it didn't stop there. The cranes used to move supplies from boat to dock, the spyglass that allowed long range observation, even the newly minted door hinges belonging to the Great Hall... all of it was designed and at least partially created by Hiccup. Who was useless now?

Berk was a home, but it wasn't Hiccup's home. No, his home was elsewhere. When he had met Toothless all those years ago, he had never imagined that it would lead to this. Here, out of the sky, a variable had fallen. One that could have changed his life from a mishap to a Viking, or from a Hiccup to a traitor. And he had chosen to forego every single defining principle he was raised on, and befriend the dragon. His first and oldest friend. And without Toothless, Hiccup would have never met Elsa.

The love of his life, and he couldn't raise his courage to say it. They still danced around each other, as if they had just met. And yet, Hiccup had never felt this strongly about anyone… save Toothless. But Toothless was a friend. And Elsa… was Elsa. She knew him, and he knew her. They were best friends. And now, it was time to admit it.

Hiccup loved Elsa. If only he had had the chance to tell her before everything took a turn for the worse.

Hopefully, Merida could organize something. She could probably live her life in the forests. At least she would have a happy ending. But what about Rapunzel? If Eugene was here, then where was the lost princess of Corona? Regardless, Hiccup's thoughts drifted back and fourth. His friends were his priorities. Perhaps they could have a better life now. He was going to die, and there was nothing that could save him.

…

Eugene's head felt like it had been split in two. His lip was bleeding. His smolder had officially been broken. Worst of all, though, was the fact that Rapunzel was in danger, and there was not a blasted thing anyone could do.

He was on something soft. Why was he on something soft? The guards would have undoubtedly left him for dead on the stone floor. Cracking a weary eye open, Eugene observed a very familiar face gazing out the window. Groaning, he attempted to stretch, but immediately decided against it. The pain was too much.

"What are you doing here?"

Hiccup smiled sadly. "We crashed. Elsa's okay. And so is Toothless… But I need to know; what are you doing here?"

Immediately, the events of the previous night came to pass. Sitting straight up, Eugene grit his teeth. "Rapunzel, she's in trouble! The Stabbingtons have her!"

Hiccup raised an eyebrow. "As she is not in this cell, I doubt that."

A very familiar face sneered. "'Ello, Flynn."

"Eugene's breathing sped up as he let out a manly shriek that would make any man proud." But only one rational thought came to mind. Rising to his feet, Eugene summoned a strength that had never come to light before. Gripping the grimy sleeves of the twin named Brutus, Eugene all but spat out his demands.

"Where is she?" Brutus was not expecting that. Eugene knew that this wasn't his normal behavior. But frankly, it was of little concern to the thief. Rapunzel was in danger, and that took priority. Suddenly, everything came into context. This was how Hiccup regarded Elsa. And if they were into each other… Did he really love Rapunzel? Brutus's frantic answer drew Eugene out of his thoughts.

"I-It wasn't us, it was the old lady!" Eugene's heart stopped cold. Old lady… Gothel.

Obviously, Hiccup had reached the same conclusion. Slowly pushing Eugene's hands into a submission, Hiccup took on a determined look. "Where is she?"

Brutus slowly calmed himself. "We don't know; she stabbed us and fled into the woods with the girl."

Hiccups eyes narrowed, "The tower. But she won't stay."

Eugene clenched his fists. "Then we need to break out; we need to-"

A slamming sound echoed down the hall, and a group of guards stopped at their cells. Hiccup rose with a passive look. "Can we help you?" Stony glares met his quip. The captain stepped forwards. And there was pity in his eyes… pity.

"Time to go." Eugene's mind was still slow, and he hadn't managed to understand the severity of their situation. But Hiccup's sharp intake of breath made it very clear. There would be no trial for their crimes. 'I'm traveling with two princesses, if I'm caught…'

They were going to the gallows. … The corridor seemed to grow colder, as if the very air they breathed had rejected them. Snow, however light, was falling. This was odd. But Hiccup stared at it like a lifeline, and Eugene could only guess as to the meaning. Looking through the damp corridor, the guards brought them ever closer to the end. Each footstep sent shivers down the thief's subconscious. Every thief gets caught at some point, but only the good ones can admit it. The winds were howling, and it seemed that Jack was angry, not, of course, that that would change anything.

Rapunzel was on his mind. He could only hope that the resourceful princess could somehow escape, and find Merida. There would be no knight in shining armor in this story. Hiccup's granite-strong gaze stared ahead. And if the Viking, the so-called savage, could face his death with such dignity, then Eugene could strive to do the same. The Stabbingtons behind them apparently thought otherwise. They were visibly shaking. Eventually, they reached the final door. Once outside, there would be the noose. And it would end. The captain turned to them, and unlocked the door.

"Any volunteers?" Obviously, the man believed that he would have to pick his first victim. But as Eugene steeled his nerves, Hiccup stepped forwards, offering his hands.

The captain was surprised. Who wouldn't be? But he unlocked the iron shackles binding the warrior's hands, a look of respect on his face. Breathing deeply, the Viking turned back, and gave a small smile. It spoke a thousand words. The door creaked open, and Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third stepped out to his demise. … He couldn't watch.

There was an official, brought in from the Southern Isles. The man was short, and stumbled over the words with a pompous air. When asked about his guilt over the crimes, Hiccup didn't even falter.

"I admit to 'kidnapping' Elsa of Arendelle."

A drum began to beat as Eugene turned away. Hiccup was looking up to the sky, a wintery flurry whirling around him. Something caught the thief's eye. It was odd, looking into death, only to notice a small ceramic unicorn. In fact, it looked exactly like the one that thug had had back at the Snuggly Duckling. Abruptly, a strangled gasp resounded, and the drum stopped. Eugene stepped forwards. Hiccup would have been proud. The captain turned back, and the look of shock that crossed his face made the situation slightly better.

This was it, the point of no return.

...

A.N. Like I said, I'll post another chapter eventually.

-Ipods-And-Buds-1239