Chapter 10: A Surprise Ally
Hiccup's POV
I stood outside of the clubhouse looking down at the troops that had gathered. We had quite the army.
Jack walked up to me. He looked down at the crowds of people.
"Wow, that's a lot of people."
"Yeah, and it's our job to give them their homes back."
Jack shook his head. "How are we going to do that?"
I motioned him to follow. We went to the War room.
"So, I think we should take the kingdoms back in this order." I then started to point them out. "Berk, then Arendelle, then Dunbrock, and finally Corona."
"Ok then, Berk is first," Jack said. "Where do we begin?"
"We need to scout Berk, find out what's going on there, maybe find people who want to join the cause."
"Ok. I can do that, but who should I bring?"
"Bring Rapunzel, Snoutlout, and anyone Heather can spare. I already have her busy with other missions.
"Sound good, Hiccup." Jack patted my back and started to walk away.
"And Jack, no dragons. Also, get some disguises."
"Will do."
…
Rapunzel's POV
We finally arrived at Berk. Hiccup told us to scout it out, but with no dragons, we had to sail here.
It was Jack, Snotlout, Lance, and myself on this mission. We were dressed for the occasion, thanks to Snotlout. So, everyone was dressed like Vikings.
"Come on, let's look around," Jack said as he exited the boat.
"Right-o. Another adventure with my girl Rapunzel here." Lance said as he helped me out of the boat.
"Thank you," I said as we walked up the docks.
We entered the main square. Dragons in cages surrounded the square. It broke my heart as walked past all the dragons, their eyes full of pain.
"So, Snotlout, is the defenses the same?" Jack asked.
"About the same." He said as he looked around.
"Not quite."
A stranger cloaked spoke from behind a stand.
"Oh really?" Jack asked. "How do you know?"
"Because I've been stuck here for years. Follow me, I'll explain."
The stranger motioned them to follow. We followed after him confused. He led us through the main marketplace until we came to an abandoned house.
"Wait, this is Astrid's old house." Snotlout said. "What are we doing here?"
"Grimmel had it abandoned a couple of months after the takeover." The stranger said as he took his cloak.
The black hair, the scars on the left side of his face, the red-eye. It was Jake Cross.
"Jake!" I ran forward and hugged him.
Jack stood there blank-faced. "How?"
Jake nodded and let me go. "Narissa raised me after you disappeared. She wanted me to be her weapon when she took over. But I refused and ran. But she has my staff, so I can't leave."
Lance looked at Jake suspiciously. "Wait, the man who almost torn the Big Six apart. How can we trust you?"
"Well, I know I don't deserve your trust, but I don't want to be here. So, let me help you."
This town is not a nice place
For little agents, all alone
There are lots of twists and corners
That could lead to the unknown
Let me guide your way
And I'll be sure to help you through
You could really use a friend out here
And luckily for you
I'm the friend that you need
When you're lost and don't know what to do
I'm your pal, your amigo
Useful and resourceful, too
And my help, you'll concede
Is a plus guaranteed
You can call and I'll come running
Just follow my lead
'Cause I'm the friend you need!
He's a friend
Quite a friend
He's a friend, indeed
You need a bud to spot the danger
A pal to stop the creep
A chum and not a stranger to assist
You need a bro who is cunning
That can help you take the leap
A friend who knows what's lying in the mist
Don't fear these darkened alleys
They're scary, yes, I know
Why you could use a friend
To protect you wherever you go
And such a dazzling beauty
Covered in dirt and muck
But now your fate is changing
Now you are in luck
'Cause I'm the friend that you need
When you're lost and don't know what to do
I'm your pal, your amigo
Lookin' out for friends like you
And my help, you'll concede
Is a plus guaranteed
Just call and I'll come running
We'll say it's agreed
'Cause I'm the friend you need!
He's a friend
Quite a friend
He's a friend, indeed!
…
Jake led us to the top of the mountain. There he showed us the defenses. All vantage points, chokepoints, and areas to control in the upcoming battle.
"What about a distraction assault?" Jack asked.
"Further down the island is a secondary dock. That's where they bring in the valuable items. If you hit that dock, the troops will rush over there."
"Sounds good," Jack said as he wrote down the last thing Jake said. "We have all we need. Jake, we'll be in touch." He then turned to leave. Snotlout and Lance followed.
I looked at Jake. "I missed you, Jake."
Jake nodded. "So did I."
I hugged him tightly. "You can start a new life."
"If I can find my staff," Jake said with a sigh.
I looked down at his chest. The scar from Pitch's blade jumped out from his chest. I looked at the scars on his face. The feelings I had for him came rushing back to me. The way he treated me all those years ago caused me to feel something for him.
"Jake, I..."
Jake leaned in and kissed me. I hesitantly kissed him back.
"Stay with me." He whispered as he held me close.
I looked down at the docks below, knowing I should go back to Base. But part of me wanted to stay with him.
"Just for tonight."
…
The next morning, I walked back to the docks. I told the others I was going to scout some of the others' points, but in reality, I spent the night with Jake.
Jack stood next to the boat.
"So... how are the targets?" Jack asked.
"Fine. They're worth checking out." I said as I went to get into the boat.
Jack grabbed my arm. "Punzie, why?"
I avoided looking at him. "Why what?"
"Did you not think of Eugene?"
"He won't know. Cause if you're my friend, you won't tell him." I pulled my arm out of his grip.
"Fine, I won't. But you should."
As Jack got the ship ready, I stood at the front of the ship. I looked up. Jake stood there. He waved at me. I waved back. I sighed.
"What have I done?"
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Stick around for more.
The Song Used in this Chapter is I'm the Friend You Need by Taye Diggs
Thanks for Reading. Please Review. Chapter 11 will be here soon.