Of Best Intentions and Own Inventions

[Rapunzel]

"Some day." Rapunzel confirmed with a small nod of her head. Some day, whenever that was, as cheesy as it seemed to sound, someday she'd accept Flynn's offer. Rapunzel had never known a thief, and it struck her that this one was nice. Weren't they supposed to be... mean? Heartless? Flynn appeared to be none of those things. So why was he a thief? Rapunzel's eyes took on a bit of mystified curiosity, though the foggy, thoughtful haze shied away as she listened intently to Flynn talk of his past. Nodding at his words, Rapunzel decided not to push further. Just because she was open with her own, simple life it didn't mean others were. Though she was intently curious. She'd have to get to the bottom if it. One day. Some day.

Rapunzel smiled as Hiccup summed it up bluntly. His specialty. Than the look on Flynn's face and his words, that with Hiccup's answer, and the blonde was biting her bottom lip. The girl decided to lead the conversation away from their origins before Flynn asked more questions. "He's a viking. So it'd be pretty hard to sum it up," Rapunzel started her voice moving a little too fast. "How long've you been in the forest Flynn? Always makes me feel better to be a veteran neighbor to everyone around. I've got 18 years on everyone else's 8 days." The blonde smiled. "Is the forest any different from castle life? Or, well, 'school'?" The girl continued, voice slipping into a more natural pace.

Though it was true, the castle seemed to be more of a boarding school than anything. All the kids constantly studying and trying to improve. Rapunzel herself was able to dabble in almost all the arts the magic users could use. It was a perk of living with a witch as a mother her entire life. She'd been taught in the magic arts when her first bits of powers surfaced.

((ooc: short post is short >.<))

[Flynn Rider]

"Right. Viking." Flynn didn't sound all that convinced by that story. Hiccup certainly didn't look like a Viking. He looked more like that twiggy kid that people picked on all the time. It seemed like the topic was no longer on that, though, as Rapunzel began to ask how long he had been in the woods. "I've been in the woods for a couple of days now. Go ahead, laugh. I'm the newbie of the pack." Flynn said. It was true, though. He had only been in the woods for about three days. He hadn't even made much of an impact on the pack. There he was with someone who had been in the castle for eighteen years and a wizard that... actually, how long had Hiccup been in the castle?

"If it makes any difference, I've been in the castle for a little over a month." Hiccup said. He suddenly felt like he had some superiority over Flynn. He at least had been endowed with magic powers for longer than Flynn. At least that was how it seemed. He was just relieved the topic had been changed before things had gotten awkward for him.

"Oh, wow, a little over a month. I'm sure everyone is very proud." Flynn said snarkily. Yeah, Flynn was still feeling good enough to mess with Hiccup. He wasn't going to let the redhead speak up, though. Instead, Flynn was keen on keeping the conversation going. "How have you been here for eighteen years? Have you just had your powers longer than everyone else in this castle?" he asked.

(ooc: Mine is shorter. And lamer. XP)

[Rapunzel]

Rapunzel rolled her eyes at the two. Snarky and both seeming to try and get at each other's throats. Though it seemed like... a friendly sort of teasing. Probably a guy thing? Probably. She didn't know much about how they treated one another, and preferred to keep any of her own misconceptions. It would probably be too confusing if she tried to understand anyway. As Flynn asked her the question she placed a hand on the back of her neck and gave another one of her semi shy smiles.

"Well... yah. I've had my powers since I was a little kid, Mother's been training me here my entire life. So I now some more magic than just spirit magic. I little bit of fire, water, light, dark..." She went into a small mumble as she started listing. It felt like bragging or showing off. "And I kinda just assumed I've been here for my entire life," the girl shrugged. All her life she remembered studying and practicing. She was taught in all the arts and pushed by Gothel to learn and practice. She was still obligated to study frequently and keep her talents up. Until recently, it had only been her. When the other kids showed up, her Mother's time was divided and their one on ones were divided amongst the other wizards and witches. Though she still maintained her magical abilities and kept them tuned.

"I can't remember... not having them. Maybe I didn't at first, but Mother must've trained me well because I've got them now. Much longer than anyone else. It started with healing, and than developed," the blonde explained. "It's funny though, I feel so... old compared to everyone else. Power wise." Rapunzel shot a glance at Hiccup with a nod. Turning back to Flynn, she looked at the werewolf curiously. "So... have you been a werewolf all your life?"

((ooc: Anyone else notice how Hiccup has some pretty powerful friends? Two werewolf's and the head witch's daughter? xD ))

[Flynn Rider]

(ooc: CX I know! It's so crazy that he'd end up with powerful friends.)

"Actually... no, I haven't been like this all my life." Flynn admitted. How long ago had the transformation happened? Flynn didn't know for certain. All he did know was that it had taken him a long time to make his way to the woods he had settled in. "It just sort of happened a while ago. Changing, I mean. It was around that point that I split up with my partners in crime and I went looking for a new place to stay. Eventually I made my way to the woods out there and joined the pack that lives in that general area." he said. He didn't actually know why he was being so honest about the whole thing, except for avoiding the topic of how he had attacked the Stabbington Brothers and been attacked by them in turn. Maybe he just felt more comfortable around Rapunzel and Hiccup now that he was getting to know them.

"I don't even know how it happened. One minute I was getting ready to steal some stuff, and the next thing I knew... well, I changed form. Weird, huh?" he asked. Maybe it was just him that thought it was weird. For all he knew Rapunzel and Hiccup wouldn't find it strange at all. Then again, they were a witch and a wizard. They probably didn't know any werewolves other than him. Or, if they did know any, they only knew werewolves that he wasn't familiar with.

"So then, what about you Hiccup? How long you had your powers? Or were you born with them?" Flynn asked. He actually looked like he was enjoying putting pressure on Hiccup like that. It was somehow amusing to see the youngest in the room put under the spotlight.

"No, I wasn't born with them. I just sort of... discovered them about a month ago. That's all you really need to know." Hiccup said. He felt safe enough saying that much. It didn't involve saying anything about home and he wouldn't have to explain about how he had been banished or anything. What did strike him as odd was the fact that apparently his best friend had some fire power and she hadn't mentioned it before then.

"And how come you didn't tell me you had fire power before, Rapunzel? I could have gotten some tips from you or something! But noooo... I just have to struggle with Gothel being like... the most unhelpful teacher ever." he said. Of course he was only kidding... sort of. He would have appreciated the help in somehow getting his powers under control, but he guessed maybe Rapunzel didn't have full control over her fire either.

[Rapunzel]

"Very weird." Rapunzel nodded teasing. She was curious as to how it went down when his partners saw him. Evidently, noy good seeing as he was here in the forest. Same as Hiccup and all the other people wandering the land. It seemed that all the newly made oddities had become attracted to this particular spot, settled here. All the newbies coming from the oddest places, ranging far and wide, only to meet up here. It was odd, weird, and unnatural. Than again, were any of these newly made beings natural? In this new place they seemed natural, werewolves, vampires, witches, fairies, all the beings of fairy tales were the reality. Rapunzel had grown up to know nothing different. The little story books she read of these creatures as myths, they had no idea. " I take it were you come from becoming a werewolf isn't the normal thing? Seeing as your... well here?"

Rapunzel was grateful Flynn didn't push Hiccup for more. The viking's history seemed painful to recall, more than either of the two's. She hated seeing Hiccup have to remember it, though she was glad he was able to be strong and push away Flynn's question by adding a road block. An apologetic smile was sent Hiccup's way as he registered her fire power.

"Well... witches and wizards specialize in one power, mine being spirit but with 18 years and a Mother who knows all of them... one learns to dabble in each. Except I don't have as much potential as you." Rapunzel glanced at Hiccup. "I can use it to some extent but I can't shoot it out, I don't use it when I get angry, I've got to focus to use it... It's more of a match than anything." Rapunzel finished explaining quickly looking down at her fingers. Mother had wanted the girl to learn as much as she could. She had, she knew some basics of each though she seemed much better at elements more closely related to spirit than physical beings. Like fire, water, earth, etc. Healing, light, and a small bit of dark came more easily, yet nothing came as easily as the balance of spirit magic.

Rapunzel laughed as he called Gothel a bad teacher. Her mother wasn't the most patient. "I'm honestly not that good Hiccup!! I just get along better by reading and memorizing. Eighteen years is A LOT of time to practice." Rapunzel laughed, it was true and she really wasn't sure how much she could help Hiccup. "Bit if you do need my help, I'll try, I like to savor it while I'm a leap ahead. Soon I'll be asking you for help!" The girl was serious and she had plenty of faith in the red head. He'd get good at fire magic, it might take a while, but he would.

[Flynn Rider]

"I would think not. I mean, how many werewolves do you know that would live elsewhere?" Flynn asked. He certainly hadn't known any before he'd changed into one. He didn't even know how it had happened, much less why it had happened to him. "I didn't know any other werewolves from around where I'm from. Then again, I didn't tend to socialize that much outside of when I was with my old partners." he said with a shrug. Flynn wasn't necessarily what he would call a social butterfly. Flynn did speak with a couple of girls every now and then when he wasn't hiding out, but that was about it.

Somehow, Flynn found it amusing to listen to the conversation now occurring between the light witch and fire wizard. The werewolf rolled his eyes a little at the idea of Hiccup becoming good. ...Wait. Did that mean his threat with the ember hadn't been anything to worry about? Well, now Flynn definitely knew he had been worried over nothing before. He had more of a right to tease the redhead, too. "Sure, sure you'll get better. ...And squirrels will fly." Flynn snickered.

"Ha ha. Funny." Hiccup deadpanned. He guessed Rapunzel did have a point. She wasn't a fire elemental by nature. She was a light witch. He was a fire wizard... with about as much handle on his powers as Arthur had over his shapeshifting powers. At length, though, Hiccup just shrugged a little. "I guess you're right. It's just frustrating, you know? Gothel's not exactly... easy to get along with when we're practicing." Hiccup said. It certainly didn't help that she made him feel a little nervous about the whole thing. That only made his fire behave worse than usual.

[Rapunzel]

Rapunzel's eyes lighted at the squirrels will fly jab the thief had directed towards Hiccup. She'd read something about 'flying' squirrels in the library once... "Well than Hiccup has a very likely chance of getting good! There are such things as flying squirrels! Just... they don't necessarily fly like birds." the blonde piped up coming to the aid of her best friend. Rapunzel did nod knowingly to Hiccup though. She herself knew little defensive or offensive magic, just enough for warning and simple spells. It seemed she was all over the place but with 18 years of studying and being taught by Mother, she was able to concentrate and memorize. She used to do it quickly seeing as she had nothing other than her studies to worry about, but now there were people and social interactions seemed just as important to her. An experience she never wanted to relinquish.

"I know what you mean. It's hard, Mother's not the most patient and it took me a while to learn how to interpret things. She probably treats me with more patience anyway," the blonde shrugged trying to console the red head. "Though... I can help you whenever you want, I'm sure there are some books in the library we can look up sometime or we can do some one on one practice. Since I can heal and I know some water magic I don't think you can hurt me too bad." Rapunzel smiled at the thought. It seemed each element had its opposite, spirit being the one in the middle. Dark and light, fire and water, and earth and air. Than there were those time and spirit wizards/witches. She knew a bit of each element (except time as that was harder). So she could probably defend herself.

Turning to Flynn she studied him. "He could help too, maybe. Teach us some defensive stuff, how hard could it be? I mean we already use magic!" The girl jabbed at the thief. Physical fighting wasn't her forte though she seemed fairly capable with the element of surprise and a nice frying pan. How hard could it be to fight with feet and fists?

[Flynn Rider]

"I wasn't talking about that kind of flying squirrel. I was... wait, why are we even debating about this?" Flynn asked. The whole conversation was beginning to sound very silly, and Flynn was grateful that no one else was around to hear it. He didn't think he'd be able to live it down of someone actually overheard them. The werewolf rolled his eyes a little at that thought. As if anyone would actually overhear them. They were at the top of a huge tower! Who was actually going to climb all those stairs just to hear what they were talking about?

The idea of teaching them how to fight caused Flynn to stare in disbelief at Rapunzel. She actually wanted him to teach her and her friend to fight? Seriously? What made her think he was any good at fighting physically, anyway? Other than his dashing good looks and physique, that is. But he supposed it wouldn't hurt. After all, they already had magic at their disposal. That seemed to make him think that they would have a better chance at learning somewhat... even if Hiccup was limited to one hand for the time being. At length, Flynn gave a shrug.

"All right. You want to learn to fight? I think I could show you two a couple of techniques. You want to start right now, or should we wait until the rest of Hiccup's body tells us it's okay to start?" Flynn asked. He was once again poking fun at Hiccup and his current state of being.

"Oh, sure. Make fun of me because I'm a little banged up right now. I'll get better! My arm's still healing. It shouldn't be too long before I have to lose the sling." Hiccup said. He had been intending on thanking Rapunzel for her offer, but it seemed as though the topic had shifted to the idea of Flynn teaching them how to fight physically instead of with magic. That idea almost had Hiccup wondering if he was dreaming. No one had ever wanted to teach him to use his hands and feet to fight. He couldn't tell if Flynn was being serious or just pulling their legs by going along with the idea of teaching them.

[Rapunzel]

Rapunzel looked eagerly between Hiccup and Flynn, shaking at the hair from her face and bringing her hands up in fists. Face turned to Hiccup and Flynn. This was how you were supposed to start fighting right? Hands up guarding yourself? "I'd vote note, unless you want to wait Hiccup?" Emerald eyes turned to her best friend though the blonde really gave no indication of throwing her arms down. This was something she could learn to do! Sure she knew a lot of magic, though none was strong or potent enough to really help her once she ever got into combat. Something that after the battle that cost Hiccup his leg, well it seemed inevitable. That is, if she ever got out into the world.

Determination stuck in the blonde's emerald eyes as she looked at Flynn's disbelieving face. Taking a steady breath, Rapunzel rolled her shoulders. It was a sad attempt at looking pro, something that might amuse the two males to no end. "Ready?" She muttered. After a few seconds though, the blonde threw the first punch. Unaware of the normal- teacher talks and demonstrates- part. Or the circle, and so the blonde went with an obvious, straightforward attempt. Throwing a punch twice with her right once with her left, and repeating the pattern.

It was funny though. For such an odd, 'brave' (or stupid) maneuver, the blonde only peered out of one eye, the other squinted closed as if watching the reaction to the pitiful attempts.

((ooc: short post is short >.< ))

[Flynn Rider]

"Y-Yeah... sure. I can totally do this now." Hiccup replied. Never mind that he only had one hand to work with and that he wasn't terribly keen on removing his sling just yet, and the fact that he only had one good leg to stand on while his other was still sort of wobbly at best. He wanted to at least show he could hold his own still. Somehow. Fighting physically wasn't something he was very good at. In fact, it was one aspect that Snotlout loved to keep reminding him about. Needless to say, this would be interesting.

Admittedly, Flynn was amused by Rapunzel's display. He hadn't thought she would be quite so eager to start. Then again, she had been the one to propose him teaching her and Hiccup to fight with their hands. Or... hand, in Hiccup's case. How well that was going to work out was beyond him. "Hold on there, Blondie. It might be best if you actually wait for me to give you two some instruction before starting." Flynn chuckled. Her display wasn't bad, but it did seem to lean more toward the goofy side. Just what had Flynn gotten himself into?

"For starters, let's see how strong that punch of yours actually is. Go ahead and try to hit me." Flynn decided to say. He positioned himself so that he was closer to Rapunzel, gently pushing Hiccup aside so that the redhead wouldn't unintentionally get hit, and just sort of stood there. He wanted to see what she had going for her before throwing any particular lessons her and Hiccup's way.

[Rapunzel]

Rapunzel blushed and let her bangs cover the pink flushing her face. Of course she should have waited. Stupid, stupid Rapunzel! You've gone and embarrassed yourself... AGAIN! Her inner voice groaned, though at the mention of having her outright punch Flynn Rapunzel looked at the werewolf, brow raised. Rapunzel started to try and give herself an inner pep talk though.

Maybe he's only offering because he thinks you can't hit hard? Well you can! You can hit hard, you can throw a punch! Realizing the stupidity of this though, Rapunzel gave up the inner thoughts, took a deep breath, set her feet, raised her arms. Another deep breath and Rapunzel cocked back her right arm and extended her arm, turning her fist like she believed you were supposed too. Her fist was thrown to hit the man at his upper chest, the girl being much shorter though, might have only gotten abdomen, as well as her straightforward punch, more intent on staying on the target of the man mere inches in front of her instead of throwing a curveball and somehow hitting the red head to the side. She'd accomplished that much, at least she hoped.

The girl threw with her shoulders and back though, leaning back in a recoil after her fist collided and letting her arms fall to her side. Than, as a sudden wave of self contagiousness came over her, put a hand to her face and brushed back her bangs, arm crossing her chest to hold said brushing arm. She was a lousy fighter, she knew that at least. After all she, like Hiccup wasn't the biggest think out there her knuckles more like needles than meaty clubs. Emerald eyes looked to Hiccup passing the universal 'on a scale of 1-10 how bad did that look?' look. Emerald eyes than looked coyly at Flynn for his reaction.

[Flynn Rider]

A small 'oof' came from Flynn when Rapunzel's fist made contact with his chest. It wasn't quite as weak a punch as he had been expecting. Then again, this was the same girl that had succeeded in knocking him out with a frying pan so... just about anything seemed possible. It hadn't been strong enough to knock him off his feet, but it had been potent enough to at least leave him affected to some degree. He grunted a little and rubbed the spot where Rapunzel had punched him for a moment. "Not bad. Better than I was expecting, actually." he admitted. It was almost rather embarrassing admitting that fact out loud, but it was the truth. She'd impressed him somewhat.

"Okay, shorty. Your turn." Flynn said as he shifted his attention to Hiccup. Now this would be interesting. The boy was the epitome of what boys shouldn't have been; frail in appearance, short, thin, and overall just not very masculine. What could Hiccup possibly have in terms of power?

Not bad. Better than what I could do. was what Hiccup seemed to be trying to convey with the look he had sent Rapunzel's direction. He actually was impressed that Rapunzel had been able to at least make a sort of dent in the werewolf before them. Then Flynn said it was his turn, and Hiccup froze for a moment. What exactly was he supposed to do? He'd never tried to punch anyone before, even if he had wanted to do so on several occasions back home with Snotlout. That didn't mean he couldn't try despite that.

Okay, here we go.

To say that Hiccup's performance was pitiful would have been an understatement. As Flynn moved so that he was more in front of Hiccup, the young Viking attempted his own sort of punch. However, since he really had no idea what he was doing it looked very doofy and not at all the sort of thing that was meant to be taken seriously. Hiccup brought his arm back a little and simply went for a straight forward punch. His hand eventually made contact with Flynn's chest, a bit lower than where Rapunzel had hit because he was a bit short, and... seemed to have about as much affect as a rolled up newspaper on a bear. That is to say, it wasn't very effective. Hiccup pulled back his arm sharply and just waited to see what sort of reaction the other two would have. There was no doubt in his mind that his performance wasn't that great.

"...Okay, I think we're going to have to get something straight here Hiccup." Flynn said. It was difficult to tell whether the frown on his face was one to indicate that he was unimpressed or just one that indicated disappointment. "That was not a punch. That was like... a poke on steroids. And even then it was pitiful."

[Rapunzel]

A proud smile replaced the embarrassed look on her face, cheeks back to their normal pale shade opposed to the- on the verge tomato- look she'd been wearing prior. The satisfaction of actually having some physical means of attack and being somewhat of a threat was spreading through her. Wouldn't Mother be surprised? Rapunzel was by no means a large threat though, evidenced by the affect on Flynn. Sure it had caused him to grunt at the impact but if that was all the girl had, she wouldn't last long in a war. One that was bound to happen whether it was declared or not. The witches would have to get involved, after what happened to Hiccup and Mami, it seems they couldn't just stay out!

Though the same couldn't have been said for Hiccup. A tentative smile spread on her lips. "It probably wasn't that bad! Flynn you're just exaggerating, You're wearing a vest and you're a werewolf... doesn't that kind of give you some bonus strength?" A happy smile directed at Flynn and a 'you better not his self esteem or I will go mother bear on you' look to Flynn out of Hiccup's sight. Sure she wanted to get better, wanted Hiccup to learn to defend himself, that didn't mean 'a poke on steroids' should be the appropriate response. "And Hiccup's still recovering." The blonde added for good measure.

The blonde was defensive for her friends, yes she'd do anything for them. It also wasn't like she was lying with her excuses, she also generally believed them, not to say they were all that rational. Critique was good as long as it helped, and wasn't just a downer.

Straightening up though, confident in herself and Hiccup's abilities, Rapunzel proceeded to interrogate Flynn. Their new teacher of sorts. "So how can we fix said poke and punch?"

[Hiccup]

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[atrb=background,http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/696/hiccupmiddle.png] "No, no... he's right. That was pitiful." Hiccup said, shaking his head a little as he finished speaking. She did have a point, though. Hiccup was still weaker than he should have been from what had happened to him, and so he attributed that to his weakness. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to let him walk all over me." he smirked. He was contemplating at least trying to kick their mentor. With his new leg. It was harder and heavier than his real leg, so it should have left been more effective than his punch. But he decided not to do so just yet. Just to see what Flynn would do. Flynn just rolled his eyes a little. He wasn't going to sugarcoat what he had said. Hiccup was pitiful, and even the redhead seemed to acknowledge that fact. "If you say so." was all Flynn really could say in response to both Hiccup and Rapunzel. "As for how to improve, let's start with your stances. In order to throw a decent punch, you need to put some force in your legs. It also helps to not just move your arm. Move your body, too. Like this." Flynn stepped back and got into position. He'd cocked his elbow a little and formed a fist with one hand while the other was in front of his body in a sort of defensive manner. He proceeded to twist his hips a bit and threw a mock punch at the air, repeating the motion a couple of times so his 'pupils' could get a better idea of what he was trying to get at. "Think you got it?" Flynn asked. ---- Song: I'm Still Here by John Rzeznik Images and Codes belong to their rightful owners Table made by Rapunzel Don't Steal!

[Rapunzel]

Rapunzel smiled in response to Hiccup. Mischievous look was back and it seemed Hiccup was yet to be put off by Flynn's blunt responses. Though the blonde was curious to get into the inner workings of the vikings mind. He did seem capable of settling a score and did it efficiently. The wet willie being evidence to the fact. Rapunzel did observe Flynn though as he got into a fighting stance, trying to mimic him, one arm in a defensive position the other ready to throw some punches.

"Like this, I hope." The blonde confirmed before throwing a mock punch of her own, trying out the new position as well as the said strategy of using one's hips and legs. Already she felt a noticeable difference, and felt how there seemed to be more power in it. That was good, and the blonde was careful to keep her long hair behind her so as not to look like an idiot and get her hair caught. It wasn't like putting her hair in a ponytail would help much. If there was a hair band in the world that could hold it.

The blonde did wonder if the werewolf knew about the fights and the war that seemed to be on the edge of happening and blowing over. If he did, maybe he wouldn't be so eager to train them, or maybe even more eager? That was if he found himself caring about their well being. An odd thought considering the two teenagers were his captors, keeping him in a tower for a week of 'rehab.' Though the thief appeared to be as good an actor as a thief. Both seemed to go hand in hand.