First: I just wanna say I love you all and I love your reviews! You are the greatest readers ever! Thank you!
Second: I am going to officially write a brand new Big Four fanfic as well. It's completely different but I came up with it the other day and can't resist it. I promise I'm gonna keep writing this one and when I get to the new one I'll let you know. But for now, I'm so glad you like this story. Keep up the reviews, I just love hearing your thoughts! XOXO
"So…this is the golden sun flower you spoke of." Grizzebella grinned, walking over to Rapunzel.
"Don't touch her!" Merida yelled angrily.
Grizzebella didn't even look over. She merely snapped her fingers and the shadows on the walls turned into dark chains. They wrapped around Jack, Merida, and Hiccup's wrists, bringing them behind their backs and pinning them to the wall. Jack didn't like the looks of all the shadows moving. Almost like this witch was using the shadows like a puppet.
Rapunzel stared in horror at the old woman in front of her.
"My debt." Gothel growled.
"Not quite repaid, I've yet to see if she truly works." Grizzebella sneered.
"She will. Just watch." Gothel said. She pulled Rapunzel's hair to Grizzebella and pulled out a brush, "See for yourself."
"What do I do?" Grizzebella asked.
"The song, yes." Gothel said, suddenly looking flustered.
Rapunzel stared at her and realized she'd forgotten the song.
"Sing the song!" Gothel demanded of her.
Rapunzel glared at her, "NO."
Gothel smacked her across the face, "SING IT!"
Rapunzel kept her mouth shut.
Grizzebella sighed and looked over at Jack and the others. She suddenly smiled, walking over, "Don't stress yourself out Gothel. I like the look of this winter spirit. He could come in handy should I bind him to me."
Jack's eyes widened.
She smiled, "Like my shadow pets? I simply made a deal with the Nightmare King and he obliged. Only problem is he failed to read the contract in full and I own him now. You wouldn't be much of a challenge to tame."
"Leave him alone you filthy hag!" Merida yelled.
She glared at the girl, "What a little brat you are. There are ways to shut that mouth of yours."
She pulled out a needle and very thick black thread, smiling, "Like a little doll."
Hiccup froze, terrified, "Please, just…"
"And you…what could I possibly gain from you?" Grizzebella said, turning to him, "I guess I could just kill you now, put you out of your misery…"
"Wait!" Rapunzel yelled, tears in her eyes, "I'll sing."
Grizzebella came over to her, smiling fondly, "There's a good girl. And if you prove yourself, you can come live in the coven and your friends will go free."
"You're not taking her anywhere!" Merida shouted.
The woman lunged with the magic of a very demonic shadow and appeared right in front of Merida in a flash, looking menacing, "Don't make me, you little wench." She threatened, grabbing Merida's hair forcefully.
"I'm singing it now!" Rapunzel said.
"Punzie, no!" Merida cried, "Don't do it!"
"We'll get out of this!" Jack said, hopeful that he was right.
"Don't worry about us." Hiccup added, "Remember Team Runaway sticks together."
Grizzebella rolled her eyes, "Enough." She spat, and then she walked over and took Rapunzel's hair, "Make me young, now."
Rapunzel shed one final tear, "If I do, you'll let them go, unharmed?"
"Of course." Grizzebella sneered.
Rapunzel swallowed and closed her eyes and shuddered as she began her song. Her hair began to glow and everyone watched as both Gothel and Grizzebella suddenly transformed from old women to young, beautiful, and deadly witches.
Both seemed to bask in their newfound youth.
Grizzebella found a mirror and smiled, "Well done Gothel, you have earned your new rank. Bring the flower with us and we'll be on our way."
"No!" Merida cried.
"And as for you three…" Grizzebella turned, her curves making her lithe and agile. Her skin glowed and her amber eyes took on a whole new sheen. Her jet black hair flowed straight down her back. She walked over to Jack, "I might find a use for this one." She said.
"No!" Rapunzel yelled as Gothel pulled her chains, "You said you'd let them go!"
"I did, but maybe you just didn't realize that witches are a terrible species to make deals with." She laughed. Gothel chuckled with her.
"What about the other two?" Gothel spat, still pulling Rapunzel's chain.
"Hmm…" Grizzebella sighed, looking at them, "I don't see much use for them except for amusement in torture."
Gothel rolled her eyes, "Like we have time for that."
"True." Grizzebella nodded, her blood lust leaving her eyes, "But their blood or hair might be useful in the future, let's get to work."
Just then a sudden roar came from outside the window. They all looked over and gasped.
Toothless was somehow able to climb up and get through the window. The minute he saw his friends in trouble, he bared his teeth, his ears back and ready to fight.
"Toothless!" Hiccup called.
"Get 'em!" Merida yelled.
Toothless didn't need to be told twice; he took aim right at Grizzebella and shot his night fury at the unsuspecting witch, throwing her back. Gothel too was thrown back, along with Rapunzel.
Toothless came in and snapped at the shadow chains, breaking them.
Hiccup was surprised and very curious, but didn't have time. The room was covered in dust and he needed to get his friends to safety.
He reached out and found Merida's hand, tugging her to him.
She coughed and looked around, "Jack?! Rapunzel?!"
"I got her!" Jack called, "GO!"
Hiccup didn't need any more direction, he grabbed Merida, "Hold on." He told her as Toothless took out with them on his side out the window. He nearly fell but Hiccup was able to get on his back and help him take off, pulling Merida behind him.
She looked around and saw Jack carrying his staff and Rapunzel. She'd lost consciousness.
"Punzie!" she called.
"We need to move, and fast!" Hiccup said, "Toothless, we have to hide, find a good place far away buddy."
Toothless growled in response and took off deeper into the sky. Merida made sure Jack was following them with Rapunzel.
After what felt like hours of flying, they found an old lake with a waterfall, surrounded by forest.
Toothless landed and then began walking behind the waterfall. Sure enough, he'd been able to find a cave behind the waterfall. Hiccup looked up and noticed bats. He had a feeling Toothless had sniffed them out. Jack came up behind them, holding Rapunzel, her chains still on her.
"We need to get these off." He said, putting her down.
Merida climbed off of Toothless and Hiccup pulled some tools out of his pack, coming over, "Watch out." He warned, getting to work.
He made a few swift moves and the chains fell from her limp arms.
Merida held her, crying, "Punzie, wake up!"
Jack picked up the chains and tossed them into the water with disgust on his face.
Rapunzel was able to open her eyes, her hand went to her head, "What…w-what happened?" she breathed.
Merida sobbed, "It's all right, we're all right!"
Rapunzel moved her arms weakly and hugged her sister back.
Jack nodded to Hiccup and smiled, "Toothless is now officially my new best friend." He laughed.
Toothless walked over and sniffed Hiccup, looking worriedly at Rapunzel.
Hiccup patted his head, smiling proudly, "You did good, buddy, she's okay."
Toothless wagged his tail and Merida smiled fondly at the dragon, "You truly are a magnificent creature." She said.
Hiccup frowned suddenly and realized that Toothless had the ability to chomp through magic. He had to wonder if dragons could actually overpower certain magic and do things most others couldn't think possible.
He looked at Toothless and smiled again, "I don't know how you did it buddy, but you managed to save all our butts."
Toothless was pleased and lay down.
"I'll keep watch." Jack promised.
Hiccup, Merida, and Rapunzel shivered, but nodded. Hiccup found some blankets and laid them out, "We should probably stick together tonight." He advised.
"Skivvy witches." Merida mumbled, holding Rapunzel tight. She knew Rapunzel just needed rest. They all did.
Hiccup found a place next to Merida and covered them all up. Toothless was their pillow and kept them all a little warmer that night.
Jack however, stood guard over his friends, watching them close. He didn't like what he'd seen and heard today, and he was determined to keep his friends as close as possible. He wouldn't fail them.
Now What?
Jack noticed Rapunzel wake up first. She sat up and rubbed her arms, yawning.
"You okay?" Jack asked her.
She looked up and smiled at him, "I think Toothless might have hit a little close to me." She laughed, petting the creature.
Jack smiled, "At least we all made it."
She nodded, looking somber, "Jack…they said they could use you? How?"
Jack was wondering the same thing, "I don't know but they mentioned the Nightmare King. I've heard of him but never really seen him. He's like me, a little, and that means that others like me are in trouble."
"Do you think he could help us?" she asked.
He shrugged, "I doubt it. I don't even know where he could even be."
She nodded and then looked over at Merida and Hiccup, "It's worth a shot."
He stared at her, "Do you wanna risk that? I mean, this guy is the king of fear, the boogeyman. He's not very friendly."
"But maybe he's a prisoner. If we help him, he could help us." She said.
Jack sighed, rubbing his temple. Then he looked up at her, "What about taking you home?"
"Home?" she asked.
"You know, to your real family? We could reunite you." He said.
She nodded, "I really want to, but…I'm terrified of those witches and what they could do. We have to stop them."
Jack frowned but then smiled at her, "Sounds like a true princess talking."
She smiled, "I was born and raised one."
He nodded and looked over as Merida stirred. She ended up putting her arm around Hiccup's middle.
Rapunzel noticed and giggled, trying not to wake them.
Hiccup turned and smiled in his sleep, his hand finding her shoulder.
Jack couldn't help himself. He walked over and sent a jolt of frost their way, making them wake up very suddenly.
"Ach!" Merida shrieked, her eyes shooting open.
"What the-?!" Hiccup gasped, his eyes going open as well.
He and Merida were very close, noses nearly touching. They broke apart quickly while Rapunzel and Jack laughed.
"Very funny." Hiccup groaned, glaring at Jack.
Merida elbowed Rapunzel, who was snorting from laughter.
"Up and at 'em!" Jack said, looking at the sun through the waterfall, "We have things to discuss and figure out."
Merida rubbed her eyes and sat up.
Toothless stretched, yawning while Hiccup did the same, scratching his neck, "About what?" he asked, yawning.
Rapunzel spoke first, finally standing up determined, "I think we need to find a way to stop those witches." She said.
"What?" Merida gasped.
"I'm with Mer on this one." Hiccup said, "I mean, first those thugs dealing with powders and explosives, and now this? We just barely made it out alive." He said.
"I know, but what if others are being hurt worse?" Rapunzel said, "If I'd been taken, you all would have come to help me right? Or if Jack had been imprisoned too?"
"Of course, but-" Merida said.
Rapunzel held up her hand, "We have to help others who are being imprisoned and hurt by black magic, I won't sit back and do nothing."
"What about finding your parents?" Hiccup asked.
Rapunzel frowned, "I really want to see them, but this is more important. What if they get hurt? What if your families get hurt? We have to stop them." She said.
Hiccup had to agree that now these people knew dragons existed, Berk could be in danger along with all the other dragons. And Jack had to wonder if other spirits were in danger as well. He may have been shunned by them, but that didn't mean he couldn't help them. And Merida thought of her brothers, her parents. Sure they tried to marry her off, but they loved her and she loved them. She looked to Rapunzel and saw not just her sister, but a wise woman who'd just found her purpose for this journey. And if Rapunzel was going to do it, then so would she.
"I'm in." Merida said, "I won't let those hags hurt anyone else."
"I'm not gonna let them hunt down dragons for evil, either." Hiccup said, "I'm in too."
Rapunzel looked to Jack who smiled, "Oh come on, you know I'm in." he laughed.
"Team Runaway," Hiccup laughed, "Ready for a brand new hair-brained adventure." He cheered to himself.
Toothless found a bat and began chomping at it.
"Okay, that's gross." Jack grimaced.
"Nice buddy, keep it classy." Hiccup rolled his eyes.
Toothless hacked up some of the bones and wagged his tail, swallowing again.
Merida and Rapunzel laughed.
Suddenly Rapunzel grinned wickedly at Merida. She smiled and pushed her out into the waterfall.
Merida shrieked and landed in the water.
She came up to the surface, sputtering, "Have you lost yer mind?!" she yelled angrily.
Rapunzel laughed.
"When did you get so carefree?" Jack asked her, laughing along with Hiccup.
Rapunzel shrugged, "If I'm going to do something crazy I might as well live it up!" she said, then jumped into the water, "WOOHOO!"
She splashed next to Merida who splashed her, laughing as she came up to the surface.
"Have fun down there." Hiccup called.
Jack grinned at him.
"Don't…" Hiccup said, backing up. Bad idea as Toothless nudged him off the waterfall and into the water with the others.
Jack laughed and suddenly gasped, "Uh oh!" as Toothless' tail whacked him, sending him down into the water as well. Everyone shrieked as the water started getting colder.
"Oh boy…" Hiccup groaned, looking up, "We better move."
"Why?" Rapunzel laughed, shivering.
Merida looked up and screamed.
"WHOA!" Jack yelled, trying to move.
"Toothless, no!" Hiccup yelled.
SPLASH!
Toothless landed in the water sending them all over the place, laughing.
Hiccup sputtered and coughed, "Okay, that's the last bath I'm giving you."
…..
Meanwhile, back in the tower, Gothel and Grizzebella, looking young and determined, were recovering from the dragon's blast.
"A dragon…" Gothel gasped, cleaning herself up, "I thought they were wiped out."
"So did I…they must be migrating somewhere else." Grizzebella mused, but smiled, "Imagine the power we would yield with dragons."
"Oh please, you can't be serious?" Gothel said, "They are impossible to find and even more impossible to capture."
"True, but that boy must have knowledge of them. Perhaps it's a good thing they aren't dead. The flower child, the spirit, the dragon tamer, and I'm sure that other little brat is useful in some way…we'll find them."
"And then what?" Gothel asked.
Grizzebella smiled, "As if you don't know."
"Where do we even start?" Gothel asked.
Grizzebella smiled, "I have my ways. First I should probably visit an old friend of mine. He's an expert in capturing large creatures and blowing kingdoms to bits."
Gothel smiled, "You think he would help us?"
"I'm sure if we offer him something he'll hold his end of the bargain."
"Where is he?" Gothel asked.
"Other side of the far mountains, but I know a shortcut." Grizzebella smiled, "And then, we'll find those good for nothing children. We'll be the most powerful witches in the world."
"Me?" Gothel asked.
"Why yes, dear sister." Grizzebella cooed," You have earned your place next to me. Help me and I'll make you more powerful than you've ever imagined."
Gothel smiled.
Grizzebella nodded and stared out the window, "Soon, dear sister, our time is coming near. I can feel it."