Jake nodded slightly at Thomas' remark.
"Can't really argue that point, but right now, we need to work together. Thanks for the help, though..."
As Jake turned to lead the civilians out, a nagging voice at the back of his head was saying that Thomas somehow didn't like him very much. Jake may come off as abrasive, but something was off about the kid.
Dropping the prisoners to freedom, Jake gave a chuckle at how Eilonwy seemed to have the hots for Taran. There was the whole class difference, but damn, the kid knew how to pick 'em.
"Don't worry, Taran," Jake said, twirling his axe, "I'm about due for a rematch with Mr. Big and Ugly anyways. I was born ready. Besides, Reno might need some backup; we need to hurry."
The trio ran up the castle, cutting through undead and Heartless like a scythe through a dry field. Jake focused more on the Heartless, leaving the skeletons to Taran; the boy may still be a greenhorn, but if he was going to be a knight, best to let the kid whet his sword-fighting skills on the creatures he can take down rather than Heartless. Besides, he wasn't too bad, all things considered.
When they arrived at the Horned King's throne room, however, Jake went in first and began coughing. The foul stench of Mika's breath lingered, even though it was not as potent as before.
"Sonuvagun! What the *cough* hell?! Guys be careful *cough*. Apparently someone had a 13 bean and skunk dinner and then cut the cheese. *Cough* God damn it's foul!"
Waving his hand to dispel the stench, Jake looked around. He made out Hen Wen the pig surrounded by a large wall of ice, and the Horned King present. He grit his teeth and gripped his axe handle.
"Okay, Horny Toad," Jake said, "I'm back for the rematch! Where's Reno?!"