History in the Taking
"In a World of Thieves, the only Final Sin is Stupidity"
– Hunter S. Thompson
The day had finally come.
The first signs of daybreak began inching across the welcoming land. Dew glistened on every leaf, stone, spider's web, and blade of grass throughout Corona. The lower tiers of the island capitol —on which the royal palace peaked like a cherry crowning a decadent, delicious sundae— were shrouded in the thick morning mist from the sea. The pre-dawn haze was thick on the water, like the soft beds that supported the king and queen within the palace itself. Soft, fluffy, and thick, albeit not nearly as accommodating for most men.
But the hawk was not like most men.
It perched high on a support strut, gazing with cunning eyes at the palace, first one way, then the other, enjoying greater vision than lesser creatures. The fog was an advantage to the hawk's aims. It soon gave a confident cry as it spread its wings and took to the sky.
High in the air, it soared. Not even the castles of royalty could reach so high.
Its feathers, brown and white in color, rippled with each flap of its impressive wings. Its eyes, a sharp and piercing gold, surveyed the land below it, watching for the faintest hint of its goal. Once it found its prize, the bird will strike. It will dive, talons at the ready, swooping in to snatch its juicy prize swiftly, decisively, and without hesitation. And once the deed was done, the hawk will make its escape, disappearing into the vast azure sky once again.
The bird veered right and began a steady descent, gliding over the castle and its many towers. This castle, built from limestone and marble, stood tall above the vast city capitol. An inspiration for its subjects and a fortress against those with ignoble hearts. It stood resolute; its tall defenses unconquered for centuries. And yet, such defenses were meaningless to the hawk as it effortlessly glided through them. The hawk went wherever it pleased, for it possessed a rare freedom in the world that so few truly understood, let alone claim for themselves.
It dived towards the surf, flicking its tail to arrow between the beams of the bridge, skimming the tops of the waves as it swooped first under, then away from the bridge, arrowing through the fog with assurance and daring. As it swept around the island, it flew past the course of a small boat with three hooded figures rowing slowly, as the hawk's eyes scanned the water for unsuspecting salmon.
Soon, it would have its prize and eat well on this new day.
Soon.
~o~O~o~
A hooded Flynn Rider couldn't help smiling as he watched a nearby hawk soar past in search of its morning meal.
"See that, fellas? Bright and early! The best examples of nature know that's how you climb to the top."
"We were in the navy, Rider." Sideburns whispered back to avoid sound traveling across the water. He and Flynn were on lookout while Patchy silently rowed their boat closer to shore. "If there's one thing we learned from those idiots, it's how to be fresh and ready at any time of day. Only way to be prepared for anything trouble throws at ya."
"Story of my life." Flynn chuckled. It was always refreshing to have people with the right experience at your side. "It's like there's always some goon or murderous hobo lurking, waiting to grab you. Thinking they're some master genius, taking on a professional. It's weird, but you get used to it."
"Heh!" Sideburns snorted. "No argument there, Rider. Always someone stupid or on a rival's payroll needing a proper lesson. The second one is business. First one is a favor to the human race."
"And yet, they still keep trying for some reason!" Flynn added. "What is the world of crime coming to?"
Patchy nodded sagely in agreement, causing Sideburns to let out a quiet chortle. There wasn't always room for friendship in this business for numerous reasons, but an experienced man knew to have a good rapport with his partners in crime. Especially after sharing drinks the night before a good caper.
Flynn Rider cast his gaze up, the castle's regal silhouette clear to see even in the fog. The sight made him tingle in anticipation. 'Sorry, your majesties. I figured you'd say no if I asked, so I decided to avoid introducing myself.' The thief grinned and breathed in deeply, savoring the moment and what he was about to pull off. Getting in would be easy. Getting out would be fun.
They came at six in the morning, the sky only barely beginning to lighten, and even then, the thick fog forced streetlamps to stay lit. They rowed across the bay from the forest, silent as the mist itself. With a final push from the oars, their boat glided onto the eastern sandy shore of the island capital. Heavy boots stomped into the soft sand as the three thieves disembarked. The two brothers pulled the boat ashore, placing it where the island's own steep outline prevented it from being spotted above. The plan didn't need it for their escape.
Step 1 was now complete.
"Alright boys," Flynn checked the sword under his cloak, then rubbed his hands in eagerness. "You remember the rest of the plan?"
"Yeah, of course." Sideburns strapped a broadsword to his back while Patchy secured a long set of rope. "You still got the purse?"
"Satchel!" The thief said indignantly.
"…You keep saying that."
"Because it's a satchel!" How many times did he need to tell them?
"Whatever." Sideburns rolled his eyes. "We've made it to shore. You're up now, Rider. Where's this big secret passage of yours?"
The young thief glanced around, mentally reviewing his prior reconnaissance. "Not far from here. Just follow me, keep your eyes peeled and your stance low, and we'll be swimming in fabulous riches before you know it!"
"We better be," Sideburns grunted. "We've got our own debts to pay, so the reward better be worth all this risk."
"Relax, just stick to the plan!" Flynn shot them his signature smile. "Just six more straightforward steps and we're home free. Do the job together and split the profits together. It's called symbiosis! Or busywork, depending on your age range."
The Stabbington Brothers glanced at each other, then shrugged. "Fine. Lead the way, then. To the palace." Sideburns' lips broke into a snicker. "Heh, always wanted to say that. Guess this will at least be interesting."
"That's what I'm going for!" Flynn gave a thumbs up. "So let's get this illegal show on the road!"
With that, the three hooded men snuck across the rest of the shoreline. At Flynn's discretion, they stuck to the driest patches; a boot slamming down against soaked sand was louder than many would expect, while traveling over the soft and dry patches was as silent as a still wind. And with such light activity at this ungodly hour, it was unlikely for any passersby to see their approach.
However, the Captain of the Guard also preferred working bright and early. And he made sure his men followed suit. As they neared the city's bridge entrance, Flynn and the twins had to take cover behind a large boulder. The thief peeked his head around, eyeing the bridge above them. The fog was almost lifted, making it easy to make out the guards patrolling the stone crossing. Back and forth, marching in perfect sync, always in teams of six. With such well-coordinated positions between their groups, nothing on the bridge was ever outside of their notice. And any trespassers down below could be easily spotted.
"This really the only way, Rider?" Sideburns whispered. "We're exposed down here, and I've never seen this many of the gold pigs on the bridge."
"Yeah, the Cap'n doubled the guard after our last run-in."
"What?!" Sideburns hissed under his breath. "So this is your fault. Then why'd you think this would work?"
"Because the Cap'n is an overachieving idiot," Flynn gave a knowing grin. "Contrary to popular belief, doubling the guard isn't as effective as you'd think. It just means swamping important positions with new faces and less experienced hands." The thief's sharp eyes caught something, and he pointed a finger. "And there's more. Look, see there?"
The Brothers followed his direction. As one group passed by, they watched as the first man in front tried to suppress a yawn but failed miserably. His fellows were no better; everyone had bags under their eyes and were barely keeping their march in rhythm. Their movements were purely mechanical, and each wore a face that screamed 'I'm dead inside'.
"See? He's been pushing them too hard!" Flynn whispered with glee. "They've been working double shifts the last few days. These guys have been patrolling the bridge since midnight with no breaks. At this time of day, they can barely think straight, let alone spot us down here. It's six in the morning; they're tired, freezing, and just want a hot meal and a nap before they start their second shift in the afternoon."
"Hnnngggh… Yeah, we know the type, by-the-book morons running the show." Sideburns nodded in open agreement. "They never learn that these city-watch types aren't sailors. Sticking them to march all night in the cold open air, right above the sea? Heh, saps your head like a hangover, soaks through your fancy city clothes, and you'll be miserable under that armor. Don't know how they're not already sick in bed, but yeah, this will be easy. Not bad Rider, not bad."
Flynn nodded back. After scouting the palace, he studied the guards for most of the week. Their rigorous but repetitive routine was obvious, predictable, and easy to memorize. And thanks to Norris, Flynn knew that the bridge patrols always beelined straight for the Honeycomb once their shift was done at eight. At shift change, the bridge patrols would cut down to only two teams to cover even wider perimeters. Slipping back out past them would be child's play.
"Alright, put on your game faces and follow my lead. I've timed their march; I know when they're most blind to anything down here. We go one at a time to give them even less chance of spotting us. And remember," Flynn held up a finger. "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast."
Without another word, the handsome thief took off, cloak flowing in the air. His stance was low and focused as he glided over the sand, swift and silent, not even taking another breath before he made it underneath the bridge eight seconds later. As expected, he went completely unnoticed. Flynn listened to the rhythm steps of the marching guards above, mentally counting down, and then waved his hand in signal. There was no hesitation or uncertainty; Sideburns immediately slipped around the rock and followed Flynn's example. His large build was not as nimble or adept at stealth, but he still moved as a man of military training and experience, and he made it across without issue.
However, it seemed that the Rule of Three decided it wouldn't be as easy for Patchy as the man knocked over a rock against the stone wall. The silent twin made it under the bridge in time, but the guards above still rushed to investigate the sudden noise and peered down from the bridge. The Brothers grew tense, but Flynn calmly held up a hand.
A moment passed before the guards above grunted. "Great, now we're finding excitement from a bunch of crumbling rocks. I hate graveyard shifts." The marching resumed and soon faded in the distance.
"Okay. So far so good, Rider," Sideburns exhaled as he looked out through the other side of the bridge. "And the next run looks even easier."
"No need, we're already here." Flynn gently rapped a knuckle against a section of the bridge's last support column built into the island.
"What? There's nothing there."
"Exactly what they want you to think." Flynn pulled a few vines away and blew off some grounded dust, revealing a small, faded crevice in the stone where a door could open. There it was. Just as he had found it two days ago.
Sideburns stared in amazement. Even Patchy's single eye widened in disbelief. "You gotta be joking. There really is a secret entrance?"
"What, surprised I knew a way in?" Flynn chuckled as he got to work. "Much as I'd like a private tour of the palace, there's just no way I'm paying full-price admission."
He whipped out a knife and slipped it into the crevice, feeling for the lock on the other side through years of practice, mentally keeping track of the patrols above as he worked. According to Norris' documents, there were half a dozen of King Soone's ancient passages that would have aided Flynn's heist, but this one offered the best chance of remaining undetected on both ends. In the event of a massive invasion from the sea, this was one of several tunnels meant to allow anyone to evacuate from the palace further inland.
Several minutes passed without result. There was only the clinking of Flynn's knife, the rush of ocean waves, and marching boots from above. Before long, the Brothers grew anxious and began to fidget.
"Whatever you're doing, better pick it up," Sideburns pressed, glancing up at the bridge as another patrol neared. He shared a look with his brother. "Otherwise…"
"Patience guys, this isn't like most locks," Flynn grunted as he worked his knife through the door's crevice. "Also, this is the tunnel's exit, not the entrance. And like any secret evacuation tunnel, the exit is carefully built to only open from the inside. Keeps intruders from trying exactly what we're doing here."
"Nnnngggh, fine. But what's with the knife? Thought you were some big pro. Don't you locksmith types use those tiny little… toothpick things?"
"Hehe, usually yes, but no need in this case. The royal family never had to use this tunnel and eventually forgot about it. And here's the thing: when you leave a hidden door all the way out here, the lock starts to corrode from the salty sea air…"
A soft snap was heard from the other side, followed by the dull thud of metal hitting the ground.
"And three hundred years of rust is easy to break." Flynn grinned as he pried the door open with a proud gesture. "Honestly, people should secure their secret passages better. Don't they know I'm a genius?"
The tunnel behind yawned wide as the door opened, a scent of musty dust rolling over all three of them. The dirt floors were spotted here and there by small mushrooms, and the ceiling overhead was held up by ancient wooden beams that had seen better decades. Even so, the beams remained sturdy and kept the tunnel solid.
"Huh, impressive," Sideburns noted, to which Patchy nodded approval. "And this will really lead us all the way into the palace? Past the whole city, the walls, and the guards?"
"And Bingo was his name-o." Flynn gave a cheerful thumbs up. "Right into a barely used storage room on the third floor of the east wing."
"Huh..." Excitement glinted in Sideburn's eyes. "This job might really work."
Step 2: Take the secret tunnel inside the castle through the secret tunnel.
After this, they only had another five steps before they were home free. So far, so good.
"Keep your guard up," Flynn stated as he proceeded inside. "This is our ticket inside but remember, it's still the royal palace. We're heading into the lair of the beast."
Sideburns scrunched his nose from the tunnel's musty air. "The lair of the beast smells like grandma's house."
Following their partner inside, Patchy closed the door behind them while Sideburns opened the shutters of their lantern, allowing the green glow of fireflies to illuminate the path ahead. Flynn, however, wasn't a fan of the prospect of being followed by creepy green light in an ancient underground tunnel. He promptly grabbed an old torch from the wall and quickly lit it, bringing a much warmer orange glow. The soft earth beneath their feet squished with mold from thousands of days and nights alone and undisturbed, but as they climbed up the long, winding passage, it gave way to first rough slabs, then more finely leveled stones, still rough-edged, but no longer dragging at the feet. Luckily for the trio, their mud-caked boots were soundless on the stones as they had been in the earth farther down, and though they could faintly hear things through the now-masonry walls, they themselves were not heard in return.
The tunnel had passed out of the native bedrock some time ago, narrowing them first to single-file, then to slipping along nearly sideways as the passage narrowed still more. Twice, they had to climb up rough ladders nailed into one end of the narrow passage, iron bars as if from a jail cell bent and hammered into place. Climbing up them left them off again at the same corridor, only one floor higher, for another wrap around the ancient stone building, before a similar ladder led them up to the third floor.
The passage, little more than a couple feet wide now, was barely big enough for Sideburns and his brother to fit, making him grumble and shuffle along sideways. "How old did you say this place was, Rider? You sure this is safe?"
"C'mon guys, think positive!" Flynn called back. "Don't force yourself into a box. Force yourself into a hat! And be stylish!"
Sideburns blinked uncomprehendingly. "Huh?"
Flynn just kept moving. Left with no choice, the twins continued to follow.
~o~O~o~
Soon after the hidden door had closed, the hawk swept under the bridge for another pass over the waters, its proud wings sharply cutting a path through the fog.
Despite its razor-sharp eye, it had yet to catch the meal it hungered for. The usual schools of salmon were not venturing close enough to the surface yet. There was a change in the winds this morning that many animals felt from their most primordial instincts, an in-born memory of something older and greater. It was as if the land of Corona was holding its breath for something, and it stirred uncertainty in the land's many flocks of life. Which now included fish being frustratingly cautious.
No matter. This was one of the hawk's favored places to hunt and knew the area well. If it continued to watch the waters for another hour, it was guaranteed to find its meal. However, while this area was simple and uncontested, it did not always provide the most bountiful of meals. And today felt… different. The hawk did not know why, but it could sense there was something very special about today, and so found itself craving for something rare. Something truly special and delicious.
Yes, the hawk knew of another spot where it would always find such a meal. A very daring spot for it to hunt, very dangerous and risky. Few ever tried to brave it. But there was no finer or more delectable fish to be found. And the hawk could go anywhere. No prize was beyond its reach.
And so it moved on from the easier hunt for a bigger and much juicier fish, undeterred by thoughts of danger.
After all, what could possibly threaten a hawk?
~o~O~o~
"End of the line, fellas, and the beginning of the next." Flynn grinned, his eyes flicking both high and low, as he surveyed the seemingly dead-end passage.
After a few seconds, he caught it, a slightly different brick in what he took to be the inner wall. It wasn't something as prosaic as 'push the secret switch' to open the hidden door, not from this side. Instead, the block, which was on a slightly larger column to support the ceiling overhead, rotated, outwards, showing an iron bar to be pulled.
As Flynn did so, a section of the wall on that side swung out slightly and took little pressure from his hand to open it into a narrow angle, through which all three could pass with ease.
The three partners-in-crime stepped out into a storage room, packed with wooden barrels, crates, knitted sacks, and many other containers. But what caught everyone's attention was the surplus of royal purple banners, along with the instantly recognizable white stone walls. Only one structure in the entire capitol used such fine stonework. The twins moved towards the room's single window, where they gaped at the view of the courtyard three stories below, the main entrance to the castle. From high above, they watched various servants bustle about their work of setting up for the upcoming Festival.
"Well, I'll be a great boar's uncle," Sideburns breathed in amazement. "We're actually inside the palace! Guess the stories about you didn't lie, Rider. Color us impressed."
"It's always nice to be appreciated." Flynn couldn't help but feel his ego inflate a little from well-deserved praise. He alone had gotten everyone inside the house of royalty itself, and no one was the wiser. It's hard to be humble knowing how great you are. "Anyway, we're making excellent progress, so let's keep it up! On to Step 3!"
The Brothers blinked. "Riiiight… what was that again?"
Flynn stared, and the two giant men almost looked embarrassed. "We, uh, didn't think this crazy plan of yours would get this far."
"Fair enough," The handsome thief shrugged as he pressed another switch, sealing the secret passage. "Okay, I chose this place for several reasons but the most important one is that window there. No bars and it's close to the rooftops. Step 3 is for me to climb up to the rooftop ledge, where I'll lower the rope for you boys."
Sideburns glanced at the rope his brother carried, then raised an eyebrow. "All by yourself?"
"Of course." Flynn gestured to the room's white stone walls. "I know you guys sailed in the navy, but how good are you at scaling up hewn stone blocks?"
Sideburns frowned. Patchy glanced through the window at the outside stone walls, then shook his head in the negative.
"Thought so," Flynn nodded. "I, however, have scaled through plenty of places like this, and I figure sailors are better at climbing if there's already rope. Y'know, all those sails and rigging and such. We've got a good plan, so let's stick to it. Just a few more steps and before you know it, we'll be sipping fruity drinks on the tropics of—"
His inner hawk screeched.
(Very Suspicious - Thief (2014) Soundtrack)
Flynn's voice caught in his throat. For the first time, he sensed the heist was in danger.
His instincts snapped his eyes towards the door. A second later, even the Brothers heard the sound of boots marching in perfect rhythm. At least six men, maybe eight. Flynn wanted to wave it off, he knew that patrols occasionally passed by this room, but his hawk was insistent. Then the footsteps stopped, just outside the door. A pregnant silence followed. The three of them stared at the door, their bones tense in anticipation. No one moved a muscle.
Then a jingling of keys, and everyone darted for cover. Three seconds later, the door opened, and a small wave of golden uniforms swept inside. Flynn and the Brothers had barely slipped behind a large stack of crates in time.
The three partners-in-crime barely dared to even breathe as they listened to the guards spreading out. The tension skyrocketed at the sound of the keys again, locking them inside with the guards. The Stabbington Brothers grasped their weapons, looking ready to spring out any second. Flynn frantically gestured for them to stay put. Even if they managed to escape an entire army of palace guards, they'd lose their only chance at the crown. They could not break cover unless discovery was imminent.
"Where are you?" One of the guards asked aloud, his voice heavy with suspicion. "I know you're in here somewhere…"
Flynn tried not to swallow. As they heard the guards were now moving crates and boxes aside, even searching inside some of them, he felt a cold sweat breaking out and his hand reached for his own sword. Brown eyes darted between the window and the secret passage, Flynn gritted his teeth at realizing both escape routes were too exposed. Just the noise of either being opened would give them away.
How was this even happening? The plan was supposed to be perfect; no one had touched the tunnel in centuries, and only the palace servants used this room and only to store surplus after nightfall! The Corona guards were never this good on their own! Wait, did that mean the Captain somehow anticipated Flynn's plan? But how?
"AH-HA! There you are!"
Flynn and the twins tensed, grabbed their swords, and—
"Hey guys, found our food stash! Sorry it took so long."
"Thank heaven, throw me a sandwich, I'm starving!"
The three criminals slumped over as tension bled out of them. It was just a patrol sneaking in a quick meal. Few things tasted as sweet as the rush of relief.
"Mmmmmm!" A guard moaned through a stuffed mouth. "Oh, yes! I needed this, thank you lord. I swear, the graveyard shift makes corned beef taste like the food of the gods."
"Agreed," His friend answered. "Hope the Festival ends soon, I haven't had a decent meal in two days! Hey, pass the honey mead, will you?"
"Sure, but just a few sips. We're still on duty for a good while."
Locking eyes with the twins, Flynn silently brought up a finger to his frown, the universal gesture for quiet. They weren't busted just yet, but the situation was still far from ideal. There were only a few stacks of crates concealing them from seven or eight guards. It was a lot of men to fight without causing an alarm, especially in such tight quarters, and Flynn preferred not to jeopardize already risky odds. All they needed to do was stay patient and stay hidden until the guards finished their emergency meal. For now, the three thieves had no choice but to sit and listen to the guards venting as they stuffed their faces.
"I wouldn't want to be on bridge patrol, but they at least get to visit the Honeycomb after shift change!"
"Yeah, they got a gorgeous new girl there, an amazing dancer… oh, it's been so long since I've had company…"
There was a distinct slap on someone's shoulder. "Save the daydreaming for patrol! We only have another eight minutes, and that's pushing it. If the Captain catches us in here…!"
"All the more reason to eat up quick, you three. We might have time to split a slice of the pie in here."
"What? Split a slice?"
Another man groaned. "Yeah, Tony said six more farms reported another crop shortage. And you know what that means: tighter rations and no extra pay."
"No extra—?!" Someone coughed, almost choking on his food. "You can't be serious; we're already doing fourteen hours a day for the busiest time of year! And Stilton expects us to keep pulling double shifts on the payroll of one?"
"Don't let him hear you say that, or you'll get a reprimand for 'putting your selfish desires before your oath to the king.'"
"Selfish? I've got two kids! My oath isn't what puts bread on the table or pays for Isabella's medicine!"
"Shut it," another man shushed. "Our time's almost up, the next group will be here any second."
Flynn's eyes widened. Next group?
As if on cue, an insistent knocking was heard outside the door. There were messy noises as the guards rushed to wolf down their food. A single set of footsteps marched over. Keys jingled. The door opened. And to Flynn's dismay, he heard another group of armored guards enter the room.
"You're missing two." The voices resumed. "Where's the rest of your group?"
"Sorry, they had a kitchen delivery inspection on the ground floor."
"Inspection? Perimeter takes priority over inspection; you know that's how we slip away here."
"They'll be here any second."
"Not good enough, this is already the most we can squeeze from the schedule."
"They were stretched thin down there. They had to pull another two guys out for garden patrol, we came as quick as I could."
"Post up, we're already behind. We'll have to book it before we're missed."
"Fine, here's the key, but it's on your head if we get noticed. Remember, keep it secret, keep it safe."
"Yeah, yeah."
A shuffling of footsteps, then the door closed.
"'Keep it secret, keep it safe', he says. Who needs to be so melodramatic?"
"Don't ask me. Hey, we have an extra three minutes. Perhaps we can sneak in a quick nap?"
"Don't get sleepy now, Stan. Even if I'd love to join you for some shuteye, we still need to open the door for Patrol Eight, their meal portion's next on the list. Patrol 3 won't be far behind, and they've got the Gap in their schedule."
"They pulled the Golden Gap? Lucky geezers, a whole thirty minutes…"
List? Scheduled portions? Thirty minutes? Flynn buried his face in his hands. The hidden passage had been perfect because no one cared about this room, but apparently, the palace guards had the same idea! And they had gone and made it their own Secret Snack Chamber!
'Something you forgot to mention, Norris?! This is not what I was hoping for. The guards in Corona are always so universally incompetent! How is it that they only come this close to catching me when they aren't doing their jobs?'
Flynn Rider was a man of adventure. He cherished freedom and the joyous thrills of life. He sought the world's greatest treasures and reveled in overcoming the impossible. But just because he was adept didn't mean he wanted needless complications, especially during a job. Only a fool asked for such things. Once again, Flynn was not that kind of gambling man.
And from what he was hearing, they could be stuck here for another whole hour. Flynn glanced at the window and grimaced. The sun was coming up, and the next phase of the plan needed as much shadow as possible. Every minute they were stuck here, Step 3's chances of success were dropping, along with the rest of the plan. They didn't have time for the entire garrison to finish their improvised breakfast. Although, it made perfect sense, to be honest. When management pushed their men as hard as the Captain did, even the most loyal would inevitably look for small, discreet ways to get back some breathing room. This upset to the plan was all because these guards were overworked and disgruntled from the pressure to… to catch Flynn Rider… after he… provoked their boss.
Flynn made a sour face at realizing this situation was merely the latest complication because he hadn't been able to resist showing off. He went out of his way to humiliate a captain who annoyed him, instead of just giving them the slip.
Evidently, his culpability was obvious even to the Stabbingtons. "I take back what I said, Rider. You're an idiot." Sideburns hissed under his breath. Patchy's fingers were clawing at the air as if he really wanted to strangle a certain someone.
Flynn waved them off, even as he mentally groaned. The truth feels like a mouthful of bitter cough syrup. Especially as the same words of his idol came rushing back from when he first realized he had pushed the Captain too far.
Bravery and folly often ride in company. Fight wisely, never overcommit. A fool vents his spirit without restraint, but a wise man channels it with foresight.
'Hey, I get it, I get it! I wasn't thinking and now I'm paying the price for it, alright?! Self-reflecting later! Focus on the situation at hand!'
Besides, he couldn't be held responsible for how hard the Captain always pressed the people or the harsh conditions he demanded of his own men! No, that one was on Stilton! Flynn shook his head and focused on the present by reaching instead for one of his favorite teachings from his idol.
A single-minded man who sees only his goal is never able to truly live his life. You must also carry an awareness of the world around you, of both opportunities and danger. The obstacles in your path define the path. What stands in the way becomes the way.
Flynn nodded, much more helpful. When it seems there are only obstacles, always look on the bright side of life. Use the senses to create a new solution by finding a new angle. That was when he noticed the voices and footsteps had reduced in number. There were now fewer guards in the room, and according to what he had overheard, the guards only had one key for this room. Yes, they were still overworked and stretched thin, that was their advantage! Shifting soundlessly, he moved to the edge of their cover and peeked around the edge. Keen eyes swept the room, practiced senses absorbing everything, and he ducked back three seconds later. Noticing his grin, the Stabbington Brothers gave him an expectant look that said How many?
Flynn held up four fingers, and then one finger before laying his head down atop his hands. Four guards, and one's napping.
The Stabbington Brothers smiled back.
Twelve seconds later…
Sideburns and Patchy dragged the four unconscious guards around while Flynn locked the door before placing the key back on one of the men.
'Good boy, now sleep it off. And no snoring during the infiltration!'
Knocking them out had been child's play. With the door locked, they wouldn't be bothered again, and by positioning the sleeping guards the right way, they'd probably wake up thinking they fell asleep from exhaustion. If they didn't, eh, Flynn and the twins would already be long gone. At least they got the nap they wished for. Soon, the three of them discovered how they had acted not a moment too soon. Before long, the three of them paused upon hearing another patrol approach. The guards knocked on the door, then repeated more incessantly, calling to be let in for their own unofficial break. But after several minutes of silence, they were forced to resume patrol and move on.
Once Flynn could no longer hear their grumbled promises of revenge for whichever idiot abandoned their secret arrangement, he let out a sigh of relief. "Whew, alright, you guys still good?" The Brothers nodded. "Then back to making some rich people mad!"
The window wasn't easy to open, Flynn had to use a few drops of oil to get the latch to break free. Once loosened and freed of its dull station, the window slid open easily, allowing a breath of fresh, clean air to whip through the storage room. A quick glance out the window showed that not only was the coast clear, but the side of the castle was still covered in shadow from the early sun, which would go far in concealing their climb. Even better, the nearest seam of the hewn stone blocks was in easy reach once he slid through the open window and stood balancing for a moment on the sill.
"Rope, gimme!"
Patchy took the bundle of rope off his shoulder and handed it to Sideburns who easily tossed it to Flynn. "That was still pretty close, Rider. You sure this job can still work?"
"No worries," Flynn answered as he fastened the rope around himself. "We lost about twenty-five minutes, more than I'd prefer, but Step 3 is still well on schedule, plenty of time to spare. Besides, unless they charge that door with a battering ram in the next few minutes, no one can stop us at this point from getting the crown."
The twins shared a look. "Then good luck with the climb. And no one'll see you?"
"Nah. They won't see me because I'm me." He took a moment to savor the wind, the clean, cool air this high up seeming almost to buoy him up. But he had a job to do, and the clock was ticking. "Going up and up and up!"
Maneuvering along the edges of the stone slabs that made this side of the castle was tricky, but the mortar, while hard, was not impervious. A few well-placed metal pitons driven into the cracks between slabs made excellent hand grips and footrests as he climbed his way up the side of the seemingly sheer stone wall. This high up, climbing through shadow in a dark cloak, he was nearly impossible to spot. A grin creased his lips as he peeked over the edge of the roof. He smoothly pulled his lean body up and over, matching the grace and elegance of a cat as he perched on the rooftop edge, the breathtaking sunrise giving him pause.
A soft and warm wind was blowing through his hair, and Flynn inhaled deeply, eagerly sucking in the salty ocean air. The ocean was gorgeous, the sun slowly peeking over that endless horizon to herald an already crystal-clear sky. He couldn't help but bask it in, taking a deep, grateful breath of the crisp, sea-washed air. A hawk circled overhead. A gleaming smile flashed in the rising sunlight. It was days like this that he lived for. Within the hour, he would have a royal prize and be on his way out of Corona to a new land, new riches, and new adventures. Who knew what awaited him after today? Flynn smiled as another of his favorite quotes came back to him.
Our ignorance of what is to come is a gift. It allows us to treasure the thrilling prospects of the unknown. Do not simply go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail!
A new wave of exhilaration thrilled through Flynn Rider. How many out there could claim to do what he had done today, and so early in the morning? Because here he was, standing, invisible and untouchable, atop the house of royalty, a challenge that others would think impossible, riding at full speed with everything to lose and everything to gain! And even better, he knew he could always do it again. Such deeds were proof that he could truly go anywhere.
No doubt, this was going to be a great day!
~o~O~o~
Sideburns watched as Flynn disappeared through the window and out of sight. "Well, well. He's not half bad. Guess there's some truth to the legend after all. And just look at us, inside the king's own house. So this is what the big leagues feel like."
His brother shared his smile as they gazed out the window. Then he turned his own to Sideburns and spoke for the first time since meeting Flynn. "So, when are we going to do it?"
"Let's just make sure we have the crown first. He got us a lot further than I thought. Might as well snag a royal ransom in the process."
Patchy looked more intently. "But we are going to cash in the bounty? I hear that guy in Weselton is offering thirty-thousand gold."
"Hehehe…" Sideburns chuckled darkly as he clasped his twin's shoulder. "You gotta think bigger, little brother. Forget Weselton. The Alliance kingdoms are getting weaker every day, which means the richest criminal kingpin in Europe will be expanding his operations."
"The Baron?" Patchy's single eye widened. "Thought he wasn't an option for us no more."
"That was before today." Sideburns grinned devilishly. "Once we bring in the man that broke his daughter's heart? The Baron'll welcome us with open arms. A red carpet and everything. Just imagine, a favored place in his syndicate and our weight in gold. Best of all, we'll finally have respect. Then we'll be in the big leagues for real."
Now Patchy was smiling as well. "And I bet the Baron will also appreciate a certain crown as a gift."
"Now you're getting it, little brother." Sideburns nodded. "Rider should know better than to be so trusting with the big jobs. He's got talent, sure, but it's a dog-eat-dog world while he's got his head up in the clouds. He's not fit to run with the wolves."
"What else you'd expect from a stupid, pansy haircut like that? 'Split the profits' he says, what a classic. Might as well offer himself up wearing a buncha meat 'round his neck."
A few seconds later, the rope dropped down in front of the window. "Look out below!" Rider cheerfully called down. "And mind the ledges, unless you fancy death by scenic view. Seriously, the view is amazing!"
The Stabbington Brothers shared a look and chuckled to themselves at the idiot Pretty Boy proving their point. Like taking candy from a baby. Rolling their muscled shoulders, they began climbing the rope up the castle walls with practiced ease, eager to keep following their golden goose. Soon, they would have all the wine, women, and blood they wanted. You know, the perfect life.
No doubt, this was going to be a great day.
~o~O~o~
High above the city streets, the hawk glided at ease through the wind. It had taken much longer than expected, and the hawk's great appetite was growing stronger. But through practice and patience, the prize it sought was now within reach.
Every morning, a tradesman was inspecting and filling their wagon with barrels of goods to be delivered to villages of the kingdom further inland. Goods that could only be imported from other lands or caught at sea, including barrels of fish from Arendelle. Nestled between the warm open seas and frozen mountain winds, the Kingdom of the North's unique climate offered some of the finest bounties of fish in all of Europe. The hawk richly enjoyed the meals it had occasionally stolen away from here.
But today was truly a special day. Today's barrel of fish to be inspected had the finest quality of all.
A very rare catch, found only during the brief pause in-between spring and summer, instead of in fall when salmon was generally in season. At this specific time of year, salmon were in the stage just before full maturity and therefore their bellies were not yet diluted by eggs or sperm. Instead, all available nutrients were spread evenly throughout the fish's body. In other words, it was salmon at its ultimate best. Expensive, hard to find, and absolutely delicious.
Spotting its chance, the hawk dived sharply, talons outstretched to snatch its finest meal of the year. In mere moments, it would have its prize and swoop away to the forest to feast.
But far up ahead, in the depths of the forest, dwelled a pair of black coyotes. Over time, the two had watched with envious eyes the hawk's great successes, richer than their scavenged findings. The coyotes watched from behind and below until they had tracked the hawk to its favored spot to eat in peace. Now they lay hidden, waiting in ambush for their overconfident prey, which more than likely carried an extra prize for them to enjoy. As their jaws watered, the two predators licked their lips, revealing teeth dripping with anticipation.
Perhaps this beautiful day would not go as anyone expected.
~o~O~o~
(Running with Erin - Thief (2014) Soundtrack)
Step 4: Navigate across the palace rooftops to the throne room.
Loose tiles and fine gravel crunched underneath as Flynn alighted as softly as he could on the castle rooftops. All eyes of the palace guard away from him and on the perimeter far below. The Stabbington Brothers stood closely behind him.
"Alright, leave the cloaks behind. Follow my lead, keep a steady grip, and let's move!"
And so the three professionals did. They hopped, leaped, climbed, and swung with ease. Every agile movement carried gravity's momentum into the next step; nothing was wasted. Skillful, efficient, and invisible.
The slates clattered underneath Flynn, not fully secured, but smooth enough to slide down. He leaped onto the minaret's roof from the narrow edge of the steeply slanted roof, working his way around it as the soft clattering of the two brothers slid down the roof behind him. While not as nimble as Flynn at parkour, years of navy experience would teach anyone how to keep their balance, especially during treacherous climbing. From the minaret's roof to the ornamental turrets at the frontispiece of the main roof was a short leap away, and scaling that took but a moment. Flynn gave a wide grin as he negotiated along the narrow flat rail along the peak of the roof, pausing only momentarily to launch himself to the ornamental curve along the turret's octagonal roof. The twins followed him to the side roof, climbing down behind him.
Step 4 was now complete. They had smoothly navigated the steep towers and rooftops from one end of the royal palace to the other. And they had done it in only half a minute. Complete awesomeness expected nothing less.
"What now?" Sideburns asked, panting lightly.
Step 5: Open the roof panel to rappel down and grab the payday.
Flynn held up a hand for quiet as his sharp eyes swept the area, scanning for something out of place right…
"There!" He suddenly pointed to a loose section of the turquoise roof tiles. "That's our entrance!"
The twins advanced on the designated spot, then kneeled to inspect the damage with a trained eye. "Mmmmm… a storm did this. About three weeks ago, I'd say."
"That probably hurt the resale value," Flynn smirked. "And the timing couldn't be better. The only mason in the city who can fix it sprained his ankle earlier this week, and probably won't be able to repair it for another few days. And just underneath this thing is a far less secure interior panel for the throne room's ceiling. We get that up, and we're inside!"
However, his smile slowly dropped. Now that he was finally up close, Flynn's eyes saw the damage wasn't as bad as he had hoped. Most of it was still relatively intact. His features turned serious as he gritted his teeth. "Alright, this is the part where everything hinges on you two. Can you get this open?"
"Hmmmm…" The twins were silent for a moment as they studied it. "It'd be easier if we had the right tools, but this shouldn't be a problem. Give us ten minutes. Fifteen tops."
A small sigh of relief escaped Flynn's lungs. "Good to hear. Do whatever you need to, but keep it as quiet as possible. Our ticket to early retirement is just beneath our feet. We're this close guys, so let's do it right."
"On that, we can agree." The two heavily muscled brothers got to work. Sideburns drew his broadsword, using it as a crowbar to pry between the panel's weakest joints, allowing Patchy to begin steadily wrenching it open as it loosened. In the meantime, Flynn took watch at the edge of the roof, checking the patrols below as he mentally reviewed their exit route. And once again, he could not help but be enraptured by the vista before him. The view from this side of the castle was even better!
Day had now fully arrived in the Kingdom of the Sun. A kingdom that truly earned its name. Beyond the city, several mountain ranges stood tall in the great distance, their snowcapped peaks rising toward its sapphire blue sky. The air was crisp and clean but not cool, and the sun shone down upon the brilliant white snowcapped peaks. A dense forest of spruce, pine, and fir trees blanketed the sides of the mountains as well as the foothills below, the healthiest shade of green he ever saw. The trees were tall and mournful, and even from a distance, Flynn could see the beards of moss and lichen that hung from their heavy branches. A dozen or more rivers flowed out of the mountains and wandered across the verdant ground until they poured into a large, still lake near the center of the valley, until the lake finally led to the picturesque island city of Corona.
"Wow… I could get used to a view like this." Flynn Rider exhaled in awe, his smile wide as the vision of paradise swept over him. He began to imagine waking up to a view like this, every morning, on his private island…
"Rider!" A gruff voice rudely interrupted the wonder of his imaginings. "Get over here!"
"Shhhhh! Shhhh, shhh, shhh… hold on…" Flynn stood to his full height, the wind whipping around him, savoring the moment. "Annnnnd I'm used to it. Guys, my island is getting a castle. Yup. Needs to happen."
The Stabbington Brothers shared a look. Patchy raised his brow in silent suggestion. Sideburns shook his head and gestured with a pointed glance at their new opening in the roof. "Rider! We're ready, now come on!"
"Hey, no need to spoil the moment, guys! We're standing on top of the royal palace! Isn't that awesome? And this view is like a priceless painting come to life! Do you guys just have no appreciation for art? Gyah!" Flynn would've kept savoring the view until he got a rough jerk from a rough jerk; Sideburn's beefy hand grabbed him by the collar and yanked him away. "CRITIC!"
"We do this job, and you can buy that castle. Then you can go be awesome on your own time!"
Flynn sighed but conceded the point. They had a job to do, and he couldn't have his castle until they finished. "Alright, you got it open?"
"As far as we could get it." Sideburns gestured to the panel. Most of the stone cover had refused to come off. The twins still managed to pry it up enough for them to lift the wooden panel open, but only just. "Got any bright ideas?"
Flynn knelt and examined it. The opening between the panels was about ten inches wide. "Heh, no need! I can slip through just fine."
"You? You're still a bit big to fit in there, Pretty Boy."
"Watch me." Flynn grabbed the rope and tied it securely around his waist. Flynn smiled inwardly. It was crown time! The crown hour… crown o'clock? Eh, whatever. "When I tug two times, that means I'm low enough. And when I tug again, pull me up as fast as you can!"
To the twin's surprise, Flynn slipped himself through the narrow gap as easily as butter. Shaking it off, the former sailors grasped the rope and lowered him down as smoothly as possible. The narrow opening greatly limited their angle of view, and they could not see whatever was directly below. The Brothers could only wait for the signal.
The moment he had the space, Flynn adjusted his body's grip around the rope to keep himself vertical as he descended. It didn't matter how adventure novels made it look when someone rappelled down with a rope holding them by the waist, limbs stretched out like a frog. Amateur mistake. Experience had taught him that dangling your entire body weight like that was pure murder on the stomach. He tried that once during his first year and was left unable to walk straight for several days.
Flynn slowly lowered further down, where the golden morning light shined through the decorative stained-glass windows, illuminating the entire throne room. Like every royal palace, it was the biggest room in the castle. It yawned spaciously wide to allow enough room for all that overstuffed pomp and self-importance. But other than that, he was mildly surprised by how basic Corona's throne room was compared to other palaces he had seen, or even the Duke's mansion. The walls were lined with rich ironwood, but no priceless paintings, gaudy decorations, or any kind of lavish architecture. Even the royal thrones themselves were little more than cushioned high chairs with fine wood carving. In fact, the only ostentatious touch was the sheer abundance of Corona's colors; purple and gold banners were everywhere.
But what drew Flynn's full attention was the nine men in golden armor, standing statue-still in V-formation with halberds at the ready. The guards were facing the throne room's massive doors, their backs to him while they watched for a nonexistent threat to come in through the super-obvious main entrance. The thief smiled. Norris' info on the guard's formation for the throne room was spot on, as always, and the Corona guards never deviated from the book. 'Oh! And there's the shiny expensive crown! Imma take that.'
Indeed, Flynn's eyes sighted the Crown of the Lost Princess at long last, almost directly below him. It was just as his friend described: a tiara of pure gold, every inch covered with perfectly-cut gems, some of them easily five or six times larger than a man's finger. Such a royal prize was the very definition of priceless. It sat peacefully, comfortably, on a lavender cushion atop a marble pedestal between the two royal thrones. Abandoned to a hopeless sort of loneliness, never to be touched by a fear of reprisal. A tragic tale of love unknown. Doing absolutely nothing and contributing the same nothing to everyone's day.
Until now, of course, to help Flynn's dream of an island home come true. 'Come to papa, you sweet delicious payday!'
His smile grew as he tugged the rope and his descent slowed. He took out his waiting satchel as the prize was almost within his grasp. It seemed like he was meant to come to Corona for this. Lady Luck was truly with him; the storm loosened the one roof panel that placed him perfectly within reach of the crown. Even better. The guards were oblivious, no one had even the slightest inkling that Flynn Rider was inside the king's own throne room. All his planning had worked. This was going to go perfectly.
"Hey," one guard said to his partner.
"Yeah?" the other man answered, in as bored a tone as the first guard felt. Sometimes boredom was a more effective ally than stealth.
"You ever wonder why we're here?"
"Oh yeah, that's one of the big questions, isn't it? I mean, why are we here? Is it some celestial coincidence of the universe? Did space dust just happen to make us? Do we choose our own path, or are we the pawns in some big, cosmic game? Is some God controlling us with a plan and everything, or is there even a God at all? How can we prove a God is real? In truth, how can any of us prove that we are real? I don't know, man… but it keeps me up at night."
All eyes stared at the man in complete befuddlement. "What the hell are you talking about? I asked why we are here, in this room. We're standing guard in the most secure room of the castle, the most heavily fortified place in Corona. Nobody even knows that the Lost Princess' crown still exists! We have hundreds of other men out there, and the doors are impenetrable. Are we really needed this far in? How's an intruder even supposed to get in here?"
'Maybe in-thru-der rooftop? They're just so cute when they're oblivious.'
"Peter, this is still your first year." Another guard spoke up. "We do it every Festival. It isn't just Captain Stilton, these orders come from His Majesty, King Frederic himself: Don't let anything near the crown."
"…My mistake, I will not disappoint our king." The first guard immediately straightened up, resolute. A moment passed. "Still, it doesn't change the fact that it will be a long, boring day of nothing."
"Hopefully, not much longer," Flynn added, casually resting his elbow atop the now-empty pedestal. "TGIF, am I right?"
"Oh, you know it!" The guard answered over his shoulder before looking back to the door.
Five heartbeats went by.
Something finally clicked. Then, the nine guards began to turn, ever so slowly, to stare at the dangling thief uncomprehendingly.
Flynn stared back at them expectantly.
An awkward silence settled between them.
"Sorry, forgot my skeleton keys, had to take the long way around."
"…Hey, wait," One guard pointed dumbly in slow recognition. "Aren't… you…?"
Flynn gave an impish shrug. "Security breach."
The guards finally snapped out of their stupor, brandishing their weapons as training kicked in. "Stop! You've violated the law! Pay the court the price and serve your sentence! Your stolen goods are now forfe—!"
"WHOA!" Flynn suddenly pointed past the guards. "Your Majesty, put your clothes back on!"
They looked. Of course they looked. And by the time they turned back, he had flown up through the roof like a shot from a ballista. "Wuh-wait! Hey, wait! Come back here so we can arrest you!"
An anticipatory grin bled through Flynn's face. Now the fun began.
"Did you do it?" Sideburns prompted as he slipped back out onto the roof. "Royal jewels in the purse?"
"Satchel. And you bet! Just feast your eyes!" The man smiled as he fished out their prize, and all three men stared openly at the Crown of the Lost Princess.
The Stabbington Brother's eyes alighted with a mix of awe and greed. They had never seen such valuable treasure in their lives. The gleam of the crown jewels called out to them like a siren's song, rousing their appetite. Sideburns gave his brother a silent nod, prompting a wicked grin. Patchy slowly stepped to the side, readying to flank their prey, while Sideburns began to reach for his sword.
But even as they finally readied to take everything for themselves as planned, there was one thing the Brothers never accounted for. Just as the residents of the palace had now learned, one does not simply 'plan' for Flynn Rider. And pity the poor fool who would think otherwise.
"You guys drooling? I'm sorry, I can't hear over the sound of me drooling," the thief chuckled before he suddenly slipped the crown back into his satchel. "But there will be plenty of time for that after Step 7: Set sail on the Fitjabranden to Arendelle! But first, we have to complete Step 6!"
Sideburns grunted, discreetly releasing his sword grip. "And what's Step 6?"
"Escape the heavily armed guards, of course!" Flynn grinned unrepentantly.
Freeze frame, record scratch.
"…Wait, what?" The twins went from greedy to dumbstruck in no time flat.
"They're up on the roof!"
"Sound the alarm!"
"Alert the king!"
"See?" Flynn gestured as they heard the voices coming up through the panel. "We're about to have a party! With arrows!"
"The pigs know?!" Sideburns shouted. "How?!"
"Seriously?" The handsome thief looked at them incredulously. "You guys really didn't listen to the plan last night?"
"The plan was to set off the alarm and put a target on our backs?!" Sideburns cried.
"Of course it is!" He answered easily. "You can't just be a common street urchin, you gotta be more than that. Something different. When you ride off into the horizon, spoils in hand, and bursting with pride and song, that is what makes you a legend! Soon, the whole world will know that the three of us stole the Crown of the Lost Princess!" Flynn waved the satchel above his head, his laughter echoing across the roof and into the sky. "Oh, the things we've seen and done, and it's only eight in the morning! Gentlemen, this is a very big day!"
The Stabbington Brothers looked at each in unconcealed horror, finally realizing the madness they had hitched their fates to. They remembered too late that he had even asked them the night before what made them think he was even sane.
As they fought down their worries, the twins missed the sneaky, satisfied glint in Flynn's eyes. 'Hehe… didn't expect this turn from me and my 'stupid, pansy haircut', did you?'
"Alright, fine, guess it's the plan after all!" Sideburns growled in furious resignation. "So, what was the rest of it? How do we get out of here?"
"By trying something I saw in a newspaper comic!"
"…What?!" Now the twins were downright alarmed. "What do you mean by newspaper cartoons?! How often do you do things like this?!"
"Buddy, I don't think you can afford to be picky about how uniquely you want your life to be saved! Any questions? Didn't think so! Now let's find out how good we really are, folks!"
"RIDER!"
~o~O~o~
With little effort, the hawk fled the kingdom and into the forest, clutching its fat prize tightly.
But even so, it was not blinded by the thrill of flying nor the rush of success from its latest catch. The hawk was sharper than others believed and had seen the coyote's trap a mile away. Bold and clever, it chose to lure them on and into the sights of a huntsman and his bow. The coyotes were seasoned and fierce predators, but their forms were large and slow compared to the hawk's nimble speed. For all their prowess, they could not escape through the forest as easily as a creature of the sky. Whether or not the coyotes were caught, the hawk would be long gone.
And yet, the hawk had still made a grave mistake.
The huntsman narrowed his eyes and rose to his feet; his weapon loaded and his leather garb fitted, the symbol of the royal palace showing proudly on his breast. Catching the two coyotes would be a welcome bonus, but his eyes never left the thieving hawk's outline.
His son had been visiting Seahaven on business, but his returning ship was eighteen days overdue and the royal huntsman feared the worst. For the sake of his own mind, he prepared dishes of salmon every night in the hopes his son would come bursting through the door, as the boy always did upon smelling his favorite meal. In his mind, it was the only thing he could do to help his only child come home.
And this thieving hawk dared to keep stealing the prized catch meant for his missing child? A great fury rose from within the royal huntsmen's chest, mighty as a dragon of legend that realized its egg had been stolen. The hawk could not fathom the promised wrath of a desperate father.
"Bring. Me. His. Head."
The word was given. Behind him, dozens of archers emerged from the foliage to join the hunt.
Today was a big day, and it was only just beginning. The thief's life and Corona would never be the same again.
I deeply apologize to everyone for the extended hiatus! Six months of Professional Screenwriting class was brutal and demanded every scrap of my creativity and spare time. I learned so much and I valued the challenges as they forced me to break past what I knew, allowing me to develop new standards in writing. But those same demands were absolutely colossal in order to train and prepare us for the demands of a career in Screenwriting. I simply could not afford to spare time for anything else; not my fic-writing or even my friends. I felt thirty-seven flavors of awful for that. And I was still completely drained once I got out, and it took a while to get back into my Fanfiction mojo. But I'm back now, the hiatus is over, and I will be thrilled to bring everything I've now learned to my writing and my friends!
And what a chapter to come back with! Flynn Rider's legendary heist! I'm so excited! At long last, the events of the movie have finally commenced! The hall is rented, the actors assembled, and the orchestra engaged. Are you ready to see what comes next?
Special thanks to my friend and beta, DarkDragonFires12, as well as to my other dear friend, Vyrexuviel, who helped me work out a few toughies in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Disney franchise, nor the Tangled film or the TV series. Everything original that you see, such as OCs, are mine.