Hey everybody! Happy Sunday! Hope you guys like this chapter- its one of my favorites! Mostly cause of Flynn but... haha

Read, Relax, Review!

~o0o~

18.

Flynn Rider carefully slid open the panel to the roof. He took pride in the fact that (as far as he could tell, anyway) he was the only person in all of Corona who truly knew all of the palace's many secrets.

Every secret passage, he'd explored it. Every nook and cranny, he'd found it. Every closely guarded secret, he'd figured it out.

Not only was he dashingly handsome, he was clever!

So of course he knew about the secret room in the palace where Corona's most prized possession was supposedly kept. And of course he knew exactly what that object was.

And of course he knew exactly how to steal… sorry, retrieve… it.

Flynn carefully lowered himself so he lay flat on his stomach on the roof tiles, high, high up, hidden in plain sight on one of the palace's many tiers, and peeked his head down to examine what lay in the room below.

Chuckling to himself in the sheer thought of victory, he pushed himself up and ambled his way to stand behind a pillar while he waited for his 'hired help'.

He didn't really need them… except he didn't trust his skills at tying knots.

My one fatal flaw, he mused to himself dramatically.

He placed his hands on his hips and stared out at the city below- he'd never had the pleasure of viewing it from this high up before.

"Wow!" he exclaimed, an awed grin plastered on his face as leaned out over the edge. "I could get used to a view like this!"

"Rider! C'mon!" A voice called behind him. So they'd arrived after all. Flynn didn't bother to turn around.

"Hold on-" he said leisurely, waving a hand behind him. "Yup," he smirked, pulling himself back and placing his hands back on his hips. "Already used to it. Guys, I want a castle!" he commanded, as if he owned the place.

Oops.

"Oh wait!" he laughed, turning around to face the thugs he'd 'hired'. "I do have a castle!"

"Can we just do this job?" One thug asked, rolling his eyes, clearly not wanting to put up with the cocky man… and prince.

With a satisfied chuckle, Flynn patted the big man on the back (much to that man's displeasure) fastened a strong rope around his waist, and allowed the two thugs to lower him down through the roof panel into the secret room below.

Flynn took in his surroundings as he went.

Low security- two guards stationed on either side of his target, and then three next to them on either side- and all facing away from him- towards the door.

Flynn resisted the urge to laugh again. Idiots, he thought to himself.

The lowering of the rope slowed to a stop, leaving Flynn hovering just over his target… an elegant, and clearly very expensive, jeweled tiara.

Some family heirloom this is, he thought to himself as he very quietly picked it up from the cushion it rested on. Mom and Dad won't be pleased… then again, bad security is their own fault, the crown's just begging to be stolen…

Just then one of the guards sneezed.

"Ughh, hay fever?" Flynn sympathized aloud, resting his elbow on the pillow and placing his chin in his hand.

The guard that sneezed grinned and looked at him. "Yeah," he affirmed sheepishly. He looked away. Then his eyes widened. "What? Wait!" he yelled as all eight guards turned and pointed their weapons threateningly.

But Flynn's boys had already hoisted him up through the panel in the ceiling, out of sight.

Flynn swiftly stowed the crown in the satchel swung over his shoulder, and the three fled the palace roof.

"Oh the things we've seen and it's only eight in the morning!" Flynn yelled triumphantly as the thieves sprinted through the streets out of the city to where they picketed their getaway horses. "Gentlemen, this is a very big day!"

Off to see his sister and deliver his prize.

….

(The Previous Night)

"Ready?" Hiccup asked the group gathered around the table with him. All were seated except Jack, who restlessly paced.

"Only as ready as you are," Rapunzel reminded him from her seat on his left. The boy nodded in agreement, staring at the maps and notes that littered the table's surface.

"Good luck," Merida told him meaningfully, squeezing his hand under the table. Hiccup squeezed it back, then shut his eyes and began to empty his mind.

Then, concentrating solely on the thought and image of Pitch Black, he cast his consciousness outward, searching blindly until he felt the dark mind, and latched onto it.

Just before their minds connected, Hiccup thought to himself, I'm completely crazy for agreeing to do this.

Then Hiccup Haddock became one with Pitch Black.

Jack, Merida and Rapunzel waited with bated breath as Hiccup searched Pitch's mind undetected, seeing what the dark man saw, feeling what he felt, thinking what he thought. They waited as he attempted to learn the ex-Guardian's plans and motives, discover where he was hiding, and gather any other information that might prove useful for the Guardians.

But Hiccup couldn't keep up the link forever. Pitch's mind was a repulsive place, full of darkness and despair. After only a minute or so, Hiccup was forced to sever the connection.

His eyes flew open to find the other three Guardians staring at him expectantly.

"That was fast," Jack said, surprised. "Did you get what we needed?"

"Did he sense you?" Rapunzel cut in, concerned.

"No," Hiccup shook his head. "No… the connection between my mind and another is completely traceless."

"Did ye see anything?" Merida asked, eager.

"Everything was dark, as if it was the dead of night," Hiccup recalled slowly. "He's… calm. I'm not sure where we were, or if we were even in his secret lair."

"Could you find it in his memories?" Rapunzel asked.

"No," Hiccup apologized. "I didn't really check though… I knew the connection wouldn't last long so I focused on something else."

Hiccup reached for a piece of paper and began scribbling down notes with a quick and messy hand. "Before I forget," he explained.

"Ok," he said when he was done, looking at the paper. "He knows about the relics, and he's trying to collect all four. He has the DunBroch one and has cloaked it somehow so we can't find it."

"If North is right about the relics' magic, then that would explain your powers, Merida," Rapunzel pointed out.

"Oh, North is right," Hiccup confirmed with a nod. "That's why Pitch wants to unite them… I think he believes that uniting them will combine all the Guardian powers- not just ours, but the powers of all the past Guardians as well- and give him absolute power and invincibility… perhaps even immortality… and weaken us, the only ones who can really stop him, in the process."

"He can do that?" Jack exclaimed, his jaw dropped in astonishment. Merida was equally as shocked. Rapunzel just grimaced.

Hiccup shrugged. "I'm not sure… he believes he can, and that's cause enough for alarm."

No one else commented, but Jack ran his hands through his messy hair stressfully.

"Pitch plans to go after the Corona relic next. He knows what it is, just not where it is."

"Hiccup," Rapunzel interrupted, "Since, hypothetically, these relics are connected, would they be able to sense the state of each other? Almost as if they had minds of their own?"

Hiccup thought that over. "It's possible I suppose… you're thinking the Corona relic can sense danger because your powers are not fully effective?"

Rapunzel nodded. "We have to get the relic before Pitch does," she insisted.

"Agreed," Jack said, walking toward the table, leaning his hands on it palms down.

"I think he plans to take it during the festival when the whole city will be celebrating and the palace security will be at a minimum," Hiccup explained.

"But thet's only a few days away!" Merida argued.

"The perfect distraction," Jack agreed. "He's careful."

"Yew sure ye don't know what the relic is Punz?" Merida asked.

Rapunzel grinned as something occurred to her. "I don't, but I know someone who might. He could get it for us."

Hiccup whipped around to face her. "Eugene? You're going to trust him to find something as important as this?"

Rapunzel rolled her eyes. "He's reliable Hiccup, I promise."

"If you say so," Hiccup sighed. "…I'll send him a message. If he doesn't know what it is, I'll tell him to look for something old, protected, and secret."

The brunette Guardian stared intently at the papers on the table for a moment, then spoke up again.

"He says he believes he knows exactly what we're looking for, and that'll he'll have it here by tomorrow afternoon."

Rapunzel blinked, surprised. "How did you know that without entering his mind?"

Hiccup took a deep breath, looking at Merida with a small smile. "I've discovered that when I use my mind to send messages, people tend to instinctively respond, even non-verbally, as if we were having a normal conversation," he explained. "That response will be at the surface of their thoughts, easy for me to access without having to meld my consciousness with theirs."

Merida returned his smile, squeezing his hand in hers. "Ye can do more with yer power than yew thought after all."

Hiccup grinned. "Yeah… Toothless and I have been doing it ever since I became a Guardian, and I didn't even realize…" he trailed off, smiling fondly at the thought of his dragon.

"Did he say what it was Hiccup?" Rapunzel asked, curiously.

"No, just that he could get it to us, piece of cake," Hiccup confirmed.

"We'll find out soon enough," Jack muttered.

…

(Present Time)

Of course Flynn had been able to (and very cleverly, he might add) ditch his companions on the way to Corinthia.

Literally ditch them.

He left them stuck at the bottom of a trench, surrounded by rock walls on one side and Corona soldiers on the other.

He couldn't have them trailing behind him on this very important mission now, could he?

Prince Eugene, or "Flynn Rider" as most called him these days, arrived at Corinthia midday, while the sun was shining brightly high in the sky. Rapunzel lifted her skirts and ran down the palace entrance steps to meet him at the gate in an excited flurry.

"There's my baby sister!" Flynn called out in greeting as he dismounted his horse. "Nice to see you, Blondie," he said, pulling her in for a hug. He'd nicknamed her Blondie ever since she became a Guardian and her hair changed color and grew… he still hadn't gotten used to it.

"How did you manage to figure out what-" Rapunzel excitedly began to ask, but her brother clamped his hand over her mouth and muffled the rest of her question.

"Not out here, Blondie," he whispered mysteriously. "You never know… Black might have… evil crows… watching us."

Rapunzel gaped at him. "Crows," she deadpanned.

"Well, one can never be too careful," Flynn shrugged with a smirk as the two walked around to the back of the palace to dispose of his horse in the stables.

"How did you even know this had to do with Pitch?" she smiled.

Flynn rolled his eyes. "Blondie, this is the Guardians we're talking about here. The guy is literally the reason for your every move. Did you think I would believe you just wanted me to steal… it… for no reason?"

Rapunzel's eyes widened in shock. "You stole it? Eugene!"

"Well in my defense, did you think mom and dad would've just handed it over?" he argued as they entered the palace and walked down the halls to meet the other Guardians. "It's obviously important if they have eight guards stationed to protect it in a secret part of the castle."

"Eight guards!" Rapunzel cried. "Are you ok? Are you hurt at all? How did you manage- oh no what a disaster-" the blonde girl fretted as they marched into the Common Room.

"Wha's a disaster?" Merida asked nervously.

"Nothing," Rapunzel said quickly, angrily.

"Good to see you again, M'lady," Flynn greeted the redhead, giving her a little bow. Merida harrumphed and rolled her eyes.

"Let me guess. Rider stole the crown instead of simply asking for it," Hiccup said from his usual spot by the window with Toothless, his arms crossed. His face, however, shone with amusement.

"You said you didn't know what it was!" Jack scowled.

"We both know they wouldn't have handed it over," Flynn said with a nod towards Hiccup, repeating his earlier argument for the 'Dragon Boy's' (as he referred to him) benefit.

"I do," Hiccup agreed with a grin, "but there's never any harm in saying 'please' first."

"But then they might have moved it, or placed more guards around it, making it harder for Flynn to retrieve," Jack debated, "considering he wasn't supposed to know about it to begin with."

"Ah! The newbie!" Flynn exclaimed with his signature dashing smile. "I like you!" he said, walking over to Jack and shaking his hand. Jack grinned.

"But I'll let you in on a secret, Jack," Flynn said, wrapping his arm around the boy's shoulders and pulling him close. "Extra guards or a moved location wouldn't have mattered, because there is nothing, and I repeat, nothing, Flynn Rider can't do! I'm just extremely wonderful at, well, everything."

Jack rolled his eyes. Suddenly a patch of ice appeared beneath Flynn's feet, and the older man slipped and came crashing down to the floor, knocking a chair over in the process.

"Everything but your balance, apparently," Jack smirked while the room erupted into laughter. Flynn scowled on the floor as he detangled the chair from his legs.

"And this is why we keep you around, Jack," Hiccup grinned, stepping forward to offer Flynn his hand to help him up.

"You mean it wasn't because of my amazing looks and wicked awesome powers?" Jack exclaimed, dramatically offended.

"No, but those have clearly gone to your head," Hiccup responded easily.

"Not to mention that I'm actually the most attractive person in this room," Flynn added defensively.

"Play nice boys," Rapunzel pleaded, rolling her eyes and holding her head in her hand.

"Oi, pretty boy, did ye get this crown-relic or not?" Merida crossed her arms.

"Ever the patient ones, you fellas are," Flynn said with a wink. He then reached into the satchel by his waist. All four Guardians watched him, holding their breaths in anticipation. Flynn's eyes suddenly widened and his face fell.

"No! Oh- oh no- It's- it's gone!" Flynn declared, his voice filled with incredulous panic.

Rapunzel, who was closest to him, swiftly snatched the worn bag from her brother, dug into it herself and pulled out the jeweled tiara, popping her hip and dangling it in his face with a smirk. Hiccup groaned and Merida pretended to swat Flynn upside the head.

"You know, for a second I was actually concerned," Jack commented to the room. He ran a hand through his hair. "This job has seriously messed with my head."

They all gathered around Rapunzel and the crown, everyone eager to see the relic that was allegedly so powerful and important.

It was round, delicate, and as golden as the sun. Rhinestone swirls combed the edges, with tiny rubies set along the bottom edge and tiny emerald-centered flowers along the top. Most prominent however, were the three large leaf-shaped crystal-gems that adorned the tiara's center.

"Are they diamonds?" Merida asked curiously.

Hiccup extended his hand and Rapunzel silently handed the relic over. The Guardian held the crown up close to his eyes, inspecting the jewels closely in the room's ample sunlight.

"Now that's interesting," he muttered to himself.

"What's wrong?" Rapunzel asked, and edge of worry in her voice.

"Oh, nothing's wrong…" Hiccup amended.

"But…?" Merida said, eyebrow raised.

"Just… call me crazy," Hiccup began, "but I think these gems are made from the same kind of crystal as the moon crystal in the Guardian Hall at Council."

"Or even cut from that particular crystal," Flynn offered with a shrug. All four Guardians turned to look at him. "What?" he asked. "It was just a suggestion."

"No," Hiccup said, pointing at the Prince as he handed the crown back to Rapunzel, the wheels of his brain turning madly. "No, I think… I think you're right!"

"Oh, well look at that," Flynn boasted proudly. "For once Dragon Boy agrees with me!" Merida punched him in the shoulder. "Hey!" he pouted. Merida's punches hurt.

"No guys… it makes sense," Hiccup said, beginning to pace. "The crystal at Council contains the Moon Magic, and it's the primary source of our powers. Pitch seems to think that uniting the four relics will give him absolute power- meaning that the relics would have to be directly related to the crystal itself."

"So… what? The other three objects have shiny crystals in them?" Jack clarified.

"Could be," Hiccup mused.

"Erm… DunBroch isn't really tha gemstone type, Hiccup," Merida said.

"Neither is Berk," Hiccup agreed.

"So… the relics don't have to have crystals?" Jack clarified again.

"The gemstone's not the point, it has to do with the relationship the relic has to your guys' fancy crystal," Flynn explained.

"Can I ask another favor, oh Flynn Rider who's wonderful at everything?" Hiccup cut in.

"Sure, why not? I just love helping a hero's cause," Flynn said, posing with his hands on his hips and ignoring Hiccup's jibe.

"Still speaking to Tooth?"

"…Yes?"

"Ask her to give you The Guardian Treaty," Hiccup requested, folding his arms. "Tell her I'm the one asking… do not steal it from her."

"Sure thing, Dragon Boy," Flynn said, giving him a two-fingered salute.

"I'll send her a mental heads-up so she'll be expecting you. That means no funny business," Hiccup warned.

"Right. Well, should I go now or can we all have lunch first? I'm absolutely famished!" Flynn exclaimed. "Are you hungry? I know a great place for-"

"We'll give you food to take with you," Hiccup compromised, walking over to the table with all their plans, maps and notes. "It's too important to wait."

"Hiccup… are you thinking what I think you're thinking?" Rapunzel asked, still staring at the crown curiously.

"Well… that sort of depends what you're thinking I'm thinking Punz," Hiccup answered, obviously distracted by the papers he was shifting through in front of him.

"Um… guys?" Jack asked, clueless besides Merida. "Who's…Tooth?"

"I'll be back tomorrow," Flynn called to the group as he strode out of the room with a wave, clapping Jack on the back as he passed. "Good luck planning."

"Safe traveling Rider," Hiccup called without looking up, still leaning on the table reading through their papers.

"What're yew planning Hiccup?" Merida asked, moving to stand beside him.

"Pitch doesn't know we have the crown," Hiccup explained as the other two joined them as well. "He's still planning to steal it during the festival. And we'll be ready for him the minute he steps foot in Corona."

"And the treaty?" Rapunzel asked. "Tooth?"

"The treaty contains all the information we have on the Moon Magic and the crystal. If I'm right… it might just be the key to figuring out what the other three relics are. And if anyone can help us, Toothiana can."

Ok everyone!

So this chapter gave you a taste of Hiccup and Pitch... all seems to be well... or is it? *smiles*...

Sooooooo... I'm going on a school trip out of country so I will update again either Tuesday or Wednesday and then it will be a little more than a week before the next update!

Guest Reviews:

Saph:Yeah... I like Astrid a lot actually so it was really sad for me too... and haha Jack's getting there! Haha thank you so much! I feel as if I'd been neglecting Rapunzel a bit so I really appreciate it! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!- Iceprincess

OrangeCat: Haha Jack is honestly my favorite of the four because he's just so... like normal. He's funny and entertaining and just so much fun to write. Astrid is also very special to me and it was very sad that I had to write that about her. But I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for reviewing as always you EVEN LOVELIER PERSON! until next time- Icepricness

ber mericup fan: haha awww glad you love my mericup! Not a wholeeee lot of it in this chapter but definitely more to come. I'm kinda gonna be shifting gears a little a focus a little more on jackcunzel, but I promise they won't be forgotten! Thanks for the review- iceprincess

Guest: Thank you so so much! I really appreciate your kind words! This chapter gave you a taste of Hiccup using his power with Pitch... but the real thing is still to come...

Amethist: Did you notice you spelled your name differently this time? lol. And yeah, the "yst" part is confusing but for some reason I keep trying to spell it "Amy" so like I'm putting the y in the wrong place and then because of that I can't figure out the ending so yeah that's my main issue lol...But "Amethyst" is such a pretty name and I love it so spelling it wrong a million times is still worth it haha. And yes with Jack- He's like that goofy best friend who won't hesitate to make fun of you...But at the same time he like... totally gets it. He gets you, your problems, deeply cares, wants to help, but also just wants to make the most of everything in a way that makes people happy and smiling and laughing... ya know? So thats how I'm trying to make him... its a wonderful personality to have. And haha that seems to be the consensus with Astrid... people are happy about guessing write and feeling awful about it... haha thats how I feel as well...Yes jackunzel is coming... From one very tired yet very excited maybe witty person who is still sorta struggling to spell Amethyst correctly to another awesome reader friend who also seems to be having trouble spelling Amethyst correctly even though its her name (haha), thanks for the review! They truly mean a lot, especially from you my friend! Love hearing from you! Until next time, Iceprincess