a.n. I apologize for starting with an author's note, but, sadly, fanfiction is being totally lame. There's supposed to be a line where I leave a line of periods in order to break up the action between the two sides. My apologies. Please review, I feed off your love.
Chapter Point zero.
Pabbie, the grand troll, sat happily in a circle. He brought his toes together, pushing his hands into a prayer-like position. He let out warm laughter, delighting in those around him.
In a way, he was leading a religious event at the moment, but really, it was about love, community, tradition, and knowledge.
You know, the way actual religion should work. They all sat in a circle of light. He took a deep breath, felt the air, the warmth of the sun, and the sounds of many voices. It was so peaceful.
...
She rose from her grave shrieking. Her body was slowly reassembled, bones first. Her skull would be smiling if her mouth wasn't opened in a perpetual shriek. Bones clicked together as muscle and sinew slowly wound it's way back onto the form. Next came the organs; eyes, brain stomach... she could feel herself coming back to life from the ashes. By the time her skin formed, she doubled over from the pain, watching her hair regrow, the only comfortable part of the process. Sewn over all of it was Shadeu; living dark energy.
It slithered up her recently-resurrected form, giving her back her clothes. All of this in the darkness of her tower.
For the first time in years, Mother Gothel inhaled.
...
He smiled at the guests; Anna and Elsa came to hear him speak. It was wonderful to watch the family grow, especially now that his son had found a girl. That's what it was all about; being together, basking in the warmth and light of love and life. Loud party noises and allowing things to take their natural courses.
...
Across the ocean, Mother Gothel was alone. Except for the Presence. Her master; the One Who Owns Shadows. He whispered to her about her daughter finding a man, and the need for her to take matters into her own hands.
...
Pabbie finished the song, and rose above to crowd to deliver a kind of sermon. Suddenly, his eyes became unfocused. He fell silently.
Kristoff, his son, stood worriedly, "...Dad?"
...
Mother Gothel clutched her heart over her chest. So, daughters were a disappointment after all. Still, Rapunzel was not the only one she had mothered. It was time to reclaim...
...
"NOOOO!" Pabbie felt the growing darkness with the rest of the elders. It was impossible! There hadn't been a Convergence in centuries! Nevertheless, he would never mistake that aura for anything else. He looked around at all the things he would lose, and all the secrets he would keep.
"My son, I have a duty for you. We must try and stop the Blade."
...
Mother Gothel grabbed her knife, her basket, and the Blade. She rubbed the metal pendant lovingly. Evil, it turned out, was just as sexist as good. During her long, long life, she'd found a dark power of unimaginable potential.
Just one problem; it wouldn't work for her. So now it was time to bring in someone who could use it. And with that power, take over the world, and return her immortality.
...
Pabbie gathered together sticks, and wove them into a crown, "Seek out the wickedest of men, and set this upon his brow," He turned to Turok, a fellow troll, "Seek out the noblest, and grant him the Shield."
He held out a small metal pendant.
...
Both Gothel and Pabbie looked vacant for a second, and said in unison; "It has begun."