Chapter III: Rapunzel's Birthday part 1
"Hey, Punzie, get up." Jack demanded. "Today is the day we find out about the top 10, we have to get there first." Jack had a firm grip on Rapunzel's bed covers, which she was wrapped in trying to sleep a little longer. Jack tried tugging at the covers to pull them off but Rapunzel had a tight grip of them over her head.
"Jack, even if we're the first people there, doesn't mean we get the news before anyone else. Besides, we still have a good twenty minutes before we need to get up." Rapunzel groaned.
"You know Jack; he's always eager to get out of this place." Hiccup teased.
"Well, aren't you guys? This room is too crowded. We'll have better rooms and more space at the new place. And they won't treat us like kids." Jack bickered.
Hiccup just shrugged at Jack in fear of saying anything misleading while Jack appeared to be worked up. Rapunzel let out a quiet sigh and finally uncovered herself as she sat up.
"Well, does it look bad?" Rapunzel questioned about her shorter hair.
Hiccup raised his eyebrows a bit while hesitating to speak due to being in shock. He only ever saw Rapunzel with long hair, and this was definitely a change. Jack, however, just stared at her hair, which caused Rapunzel to worry for a second.
"It suits you well, 'Punzel." Hiccup replied after a moment. "That should definitely help out with fighting and getting around."
"Thank you, Hiccup. It's certainly lighter." said Rapunzel while stroking her fingers through her hair. She looked over to Jack and asked for his opinion once more. "Well? If you think it looks bad, don't worry about hurting my feelings or anything."
"I was right. Short hair looks well on you." Jack replied.
Rapunzel smiled at his response, and replied with a small nod.
"Get your Jacket on, Punzie. It's time to head out for real this time." said Jack in a softer tone this time.
Rapunzel got up and quickly got dressed in her Training uniform then met back up with Jack and Hiccup right after.
"Hopefully this will be our year. You guys remember where we agreed to go when we all got past the top 10, right?" Jack questioned to the two.
"Yeah.." Hiccup replied, a little uncertain about everything.
"Survey Corps." said Rapunzel in a surprisingly strong tone.
"And Merida now, too." Hiccup added. "I have no doubt in my mind that she made it to the top 10. She's extremely skilled."
"She's a great addition, but we can't force her to join Survey Corps. We never know if she wants to join Military Police or Stationary Guard. We won't force anything on her, let's just hope she joins us. Or, I guess, let's hope she doesn't, since it's so life threatening and all." Jack replied.
The two nodded in response to Jack. They all started to head to the door, about to leave their room for what will hopefully be the last time. As Hiccup and Jack reached the door, Rapunzel stopped and looked down a little.
"Hey, did you guys forget something? Today's my Birthda-" Rapunzel stopped talking when she realized Jack and Hiccup were already out the door. She smiled a little then let out a soft sigh followed by mumbling to herself. "Right. Today is the big day. The day we join the Survey Corps."
Rapunzel quickly snapped out of it and caught up with the other two. The three were now heading out to the training fields together to hear about who will be continuing up in ranks.
Everyone gathered in the training fields where Jack, Hiccup, and Rapunzel joined up with Merida. Before they could even start-up a conversation the Instructor walked to the front of the field alongside the Commander. All the Trainees got in line and stood still facing the higher ranked men.
"As you all know, today is the day the top ten students will be advancing to different ranks in the military. They get to choose from three different ranks. You should all know which these ranks are and what you do within them, but I will go over them again to the top ten students. So, with that, I'm about to name off the advancing students. If your name is called, move to the front of the line. If your name was not called after I list everyone off, then get back into the training fields. Now, the top ten students are," The Commander shouted loud enough for all the Trainees to hear clearly. "Ten, Hamish. Nine, Astrid. Eight, Tuffnut. Seven, Mavis. Six, Anna. Five, Toothiana. Four, Hiccup. Rank three, Flynn. Rank two, Rapunzel. And Rank one, Jack. May all ten of you come up front to me. Everyone else, go back to training with the Instructor."
Merida was shocked by not hearing her name in the calling. It made her furious, but not wanting to go against instructions, she went back to training, kicking at the ground with every step.
Hiccup and Rapunzel could easily see the distraught in Merida's actions. They were upset, too. They were so confident in Merida's skills, something seemed completely off about this whole situation.
"Guys, come on." Jack motioned the two to follow him to the Commander.
Rapunzel followed behind slowly, while Hiccup took one last look at the upset redhead walking in the opposite direction. "This isn't right." He mumbled to himself, then finally catching up to Rapunzel and the others.
"Like I said, I'm going to go over the three ranks once more. You may only join one. Choose wisely and do not disappoint anyone in your new position. First option, Stationary Guard. In this, you will be patrolling and maintaining the walls, keeping eyes on all the titans outside of it and making sure they do not get in. You will be in the first line of defense against titans if they manage to get through the wall, like the incident that happened five years ago, which I'm sure most of you remember very clearly.
Your second option is Military Police. In this, you are ordered to serve as personal guards for civilians inside the wall. This job is extremely important. And don't get your hopes up. Just because you have a smaller chance of coming face-to-face with a titan, does not mean you will survive until old age.
And last, Survey Corps. Here, you will explore the outsides of the wall. You will be joined with other Survey Corps members to gather wood, food, and reaserch anything that could be an advantage to us against titans. This is the most risky rank of the three, of course, since you will be in the open where a titan can come out at any minute. Do one choose this rank if you will only disappoint me, your teammates, and all the civilians inside the wall.
With that information, I'll give you all a few hours to yourselves to think everything over. I'll be back on the field to hear your answers at noon." The Commander finished speaking. Shortly after all ten students went off to go think over what rank they were going to choose.
Once all the students were clear of sight, including Jack and Rapunzel, Hiccup decided to try talking to the Commander.
"Sir, I think you made a huge mistake. You see-" Hiccup was interrupted.
"What is this about? You should be gone by now." said the Commander in a gruff tone.
"Well.. It's about the top ten students. There's this girl- well, I mean.. Listen, I just really think she should be one of the top the members. Her skills are like no others, and she would be really useful to everyone. Her name is Merida." Hiccup replied in a confident tone.
"I know which one you're talking about. The redhead. I can see where you're coming from; she is a very skilled student. But she strongly lacks in using swords, and is slow on her Maneuver Gear. She would be devoured by a titan in a second. Maybe next year." The Commander started to walk away.
"But, sir-"
"That's all we need to talk about. Meet back here at noon."
Hiccup sighed and started walking the other way. He knew nothing he said would get through to the Commander.
Merida was walking toward the Training field where most of the students were busy training. Everything in her was trying to keep herself from just walking out and giving up. Like many others, Merida has worked hard to get in the top ten, and was sure she would make it this year. On top of that, she was upset that she would have to be apart from her new friends, and one of her own brothers.
Merida decided to walk over to the supply shed which held most of the weapons for training. She looked around and from her peripheral vision she just barely saw something that caught her eye. She walked over to pick it up.
"A Bow and a few arrows? Maybe I can take my anger out on this." Merida whispered to herself.
With her new bow and arrows she walked out of the shed and found a training dummy that no one else was practicing on. Merida stared at the dummy for a bit then took out one of the arrows to carve a target on the wood of the dummy. After, she stepped back a few feet, positioned the bow and aimed her first arrow right at her newly carved target then let go of the arrow. Her first hit got right in the middle. She didn't think much of this since she was just blowing off steam and wasn't very far from the target to begin with. Merida walked back and grabbed the arrow she just used. Deciding she wanted to test herself a little more, she took on a much farther distance from the target.
Hiccup was walking around the training field trying to find his friends when he just so happened to see Merida shooting arrows. Without realizing it, he was watching her for a few minutes. For some reason, he was really fascinated in her skills in archery.
"This is what I mean. This is the kind of person who should be in the top ten." Hiccup said to himself.
"You're right." replied a voice.
Startled, Hiccup looked to his side and saw the Training Instructor.
"Sir." Hiccup shouted and straightened his posture.
"You're not my student anymore. Don't bother with the fancy remarks." said the Instructor. "I see you're disappointed in the results for the top then."
"It's not that. I think the students who made it really did deserve it. But I think Merida deserved it more than most. She works really hard. And look, she has skills in more than just one weapon. How could the Commander look past that?"
"I agree. She does deserve to be in the top ten. But the Commander has his reason, very understandable reasons at that. Maybe if a bow and a few arrows could kill a titan she could have ranked up with you all."
Hiccup pondered for a bit when and idea suddenly hit him. "You're right, maybe a bow and arrow can't kill a titan, but it can slow them down!" Hiccup quickly ran off in a different direction, leaving the Instructor puzzled.
"Where did Hiccup go?" questioned Jack.
"I'm not sure," Rapunzel replied. "but I saw him talking to the Commander a few hours ago.."
"Well, whatever he's doing, he better hurry. It's almost noon."
"You're really taking this day seriously, Jack. Maybe you should stop and think about a few things. Like what else is happening today, or something, you know." Rapunzel attempted to hint about her Birthday.
"Well, we've worked so hard. I'm not just going to treat this day like a joke."
"Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry."
After Rapunzel spoke, Pascal peeked his head out of her jacket pocket.
"You're going to bring the lizard?" Jack questioned.
"His name is Pascal and he's a chameleon. And of course. He's as big a part of this group as you and me."
"I guess I won't complain. He hasn't done anything wrong yet."
Jack and Rapunzel looked at the time and noticed it was nearly noon. They decided to stop waiting for Hiccup and began heading over to the area where the top ten were to meet up with the Commander.
"I'm sure Hiccup's already there." said Rapunzel.
"Let's hope so." Jack replied.
A few minutes later nine students lined up in front of the Commander. As expected, Hiccup was nowhere to be seen.
"I'm only counting nine bodies. Where is the tenth student?" the Commander shouted.
All the students looked around in worry, not sure whether it would be better to answer or just stay quiet. Before Jack was about to say something, Hiccup comes running in carrying 3D Maneuver Gear.
"Sorry, sorry, I know I'm late - but I have something I want to show you." said Hiccup while running up to the Commander and passing the students.
The Commander looked at him with an unforgiving expression. "You come here late and expect to show me 3D Maneuver Gear? Get in line now and I'll save your punishment!" he shouted toward Hiccup.
"I'm sorry, Sir, really. But this is important. It's about Merida."
"We've been over this. It's too risky to have her advance this year. Now drop the gear and get in line, we're done wih this discussion."
"It's too risky NOT to have her advance, Sir." Hiccup paused for a moment to take a second to realize how much trouble he was getting himself into. It didn't take him long to realize he didn't care at this point; he already started his argument and there was no reason to stop now. "Merida is a very skilled student. And I think you would be wrong to leave her out of the top ten."
While Hiccup was talking, Merida overheard her name and decided to spy in on what was going on. "What's he doin'?" she questioned to herself.
"I understand she /may/ be a little slow on her 3D Maneuver Gear and that can be really risky when face-to-face with a Titan." Hiccup continued.
"Is he tryin' ta make sure I /never/ get in the top ten?" questioned Merida.
"But look at this." Hiccup put the 3D Maneuver Gear on himself. "I modified it. See, there's still holders here for swords, but I added this," Hiccup pointed around at the 3DMG "with this, you can easily equip a bow for quick grab and place. And then right here is where it can hold a bunch of arrows. Up to 30. I can fix it to hold more if I need to-" Hiccup was then interrupted.
"What are you going on about? Why would maneuver Gear need bow and arrow holders? You're testing my patience." said the Commander.
"Not any maneuver gear; Merida's maneuver gear. You see, she may be slow, and arrows may not be enough to kill a titan, but if she used these, she could slow the titan down. Say, by shooting it in the eyes to blind it, which would give her a huge advantage to sneak to the neck of the titan and cut a nape in it with her swords. She can even use the arrows to help out teammates that are too far to reach on time. It sounds difficult, but I know Merida could do something like that." Hiccup explained.
"Kid, you're wasting your time. Now get in line and-"
"No! I've seen what she can do. You need her in this group, Sir. With this maneuver gear she's as good as any of us." Hiccup's voice grew louder. "You have no reason to keep her out of the top ten anymore!" Hiccup wasn't sure what it was, but he refused to lose this argument. He wasn't sure what would come of him or if he would still be able to advance with Jack and Rapunzel after this, but he did know he wasn't going to stop arguing until Merida was in the group like he strongly thought she deserved.
"He's right." said the Instructor as he walked up to the Commander and Hiccup. "I've seen her use bow and arrows, and I have to say, I've never seen anything like it. She never missed her target once." he continued. "I know it may not be my place to say this anymore, but if it were my choice, I would let Merida advance. Especially with that custom gear Hiccup worked on."
Hiccup smiled at the Instructor, then turned to the Commander with a more serious look. "I'm not leaving this spot until you let her in. I'll keep arguing all day and night if that's what it comes to."
The Commander looked at both Hiccup and the Instructor. He didn't like feeling teamed up on, especially by one of his own students. Nevertheless, he knew Hiccup was right, and with that argument he knew he hardly had a choice but to accept it. "I get it. But we already have our ten students. I can't take anyone out now." the Commander replied in a more calm but still strong tone.
"U-um, Sir." Hamish walked forward in front of the students. "Merida can take my place. You're better off with her, and I don't feel comfortable advancing just yet. I got in here by luck or something. But the one who really deserves to be here, is Merida."
The commander looked at the students taking a moment with his response.
"You can't say no now. Please, Sir. I promise you won't be disappointed." said Hiccup.
The Commander let out a deep sigh and finally came to a conclusion. "Fine. Merida can advance in rank. Hamish, you will be going back to Training Corps. I expect you not to disappoint me next time."
"Yes, Sir." replied Hamish before he quickly turned around and ran to the training fields in relief to join his brother.
"Merida." shouted the Commander, already knowing she's been listening.
Merida slowly walked in where everyone could see her. "Yes, Sir?"
"From now on you will be continuing in the top ten. I expect you already know which rank you plan on advancing to."
"I do, Sir!" Merida replied with confidence.
"Everyone get back in line. Now."
Merida nodded and walked in line beside Rapunzel as the two girls smiled at each other, trying to hold in their excitement.
"That means you too, kid." the Commander shouted toward Hiccup.
"Ah, yeah, right." Hiccup awkwardly picked up the 3D maneuver gear and ran to his place in line, setting it down in front of him.
"Without anymore distractions, I would like to introduce you all to the head students of the three ranks you will be moving up to." The Commander waited for the three adults to walk up to him from behind. "The first here is Kristoff. He will be the person in charge of anyone who decides to join Stationary Guard. You will follow his orders as your leader. In Military Police, we have Edward. And for Survey Corps, your leader is Elsa. As leaders you will be following every order they give to you." The Commander continued on about how important it is to listen to the leader of the group.
In the group of ten students, a girl named Anna smiled and waved to her older sister, Elsa, who was standing beside the Commander. Elsa gave her a look that could only mean 'knock it off and listen'.
"With everything said and done, I want you to look at your new leader. Tonight, all ten of you and your leaders will be sharing a room in a different cabin from the Trainees. It won't be until tomorrow that you actually start your new positions. This may be your last night of peaceful sleep you will ever get; so expect you to use your time wisely." The Commander then turned his back to the students.
All together the students and leaders shouted "Sir" as the Commander walked away from the group. The students then followed the three leaders to their new room that they will spend the night in.
END.
*Chapter written by Mira, looked over by Lexi.*
PN: Sorry this is up so late! The Holidays were stressful and I had to study a bunch. I had to cut this chapter off a little sharp so I can make part two a full chapter. The next chapter will be a lot less stressful, and we'll be introduced to some new characters. And don't forget, it's still Rapunzel's Birthday. Someone has to remember, right?
Thank you for the reviews you've been sending! I hope I can start speeding the chapters up now that Holidays and everything is over. All the new characters in this chapter are from either a Disney or Dreamworks 3D animated movie. If you're not sure who someone is go ahead and ask.
I hope you enjoyed. Time to write the next chapter. I'm excited for it.