Chapter 20
Anger hurts all
Ugh,those Scauldrons couldn't even do one simple task right Valor thought as he was walking through the sea. The day his Scauldrons came back from the sanctuary Valor knew they had failed because he didn't feel Talos's power flow through him. Well if you want something done right you have to do it yourself. He was now walking towards the sanctuary.
Two hours later he felt a familiar aura in the air. He looked around and saw an island slightly far from him. I should check that island out he said to himself. He walked to the island. When he got close to the island he lowered his body into the water until only the top half of his head was showing. He swam closer towards the island and he felt the familiar aura flowing strongly through his body.
A moment after he was behind the island. The island was fairly big with a few trees and a sandy beach. As he looked closely he noticed that were a clan of dragons were on it. He swam a bit closer and the aura became overwhelming. He moved his head around,trying to find the source of this aura. Whatever is giving off this aura it won't have it for long he thought. He looked at the clan of dragons and saw them all lowering their heads in submission. What's going on? Then he saw two dragons walking to the beach. One was a big male with silver scales and a spiked tail and the other was a slightly smaller female with the exact features. What? Valor thought angrily. The only dragon who dragons should have to bow down to is me. I am their god! He stifled his anger and continued to watch.
The male and female were walking right pass the spot where he was hiding. Just then he felt a pain deep in his chest,a pain so bad that he nearly blacked out. The aura...it's coming from them Valor realised. But why? They're not...Just then the two dragons flared their wings open and transformed into humans. Dragonshifters! Now it made sense why he was getting this aura from them. "They're dragonshifters,"Valor said and a slow,evil appearing on his face. "Now their aura is definitely mine."He slowly swam closer to the beach.
"William,"the female was saying to the male. "Do you think Chloe is ok and coming back?"So the male's name was William. "I hope so Joyce,"So the female's name was Joyce. "As for coming back I don't think so. She seemed like she was going to stay at that sanctuary she was talking about." So this Chloe is at the same sanctuary as the boy with Talos's powers Valor thought. "I just hope Rachel will keep my daughter safe."Joyce said wishfully. "She will. After all,she loves Chloe as much as we do."William reassured. "William,Joyce."a voice called. Valor looked behind David and Joyce to see two people walking to them. They were giving off the same aura as William and Joyce. Most likely dragonshifters as well Valor thought.
"James,Sera is there something wrong?"Joyce asked. "No,we were just checking to see if you guys were ok."Sera replied. "That's very kind of you two,we're fine though."William said. "How are you two holding up?"Joyce asked James. "We're fine,just worried about Rachel."James replied. "I'm not that worried,"Sera said. "When Chloe and Rachel are together they're a force to be reckoned with." "So true."William said with a chuckle. "Maybe they might come here to wish us a merry christmas."Joyce said. "Maybe."William said only half listening. Then they started talking about their past lives. This is getting boring Valor thought. Time to bring some fun. He slowly rose from the water.
Sera was the first to see him. "Guys!"she shouted,pointing at him. They turned their heads in the direction she was pointing then gasped. "Once he rose to his full height he looked down at their fearful faces. He smiled. How I loved being feared. "Relax friends,"he said in a calm,reassuring voice. "I'm just visiting this lovely island." " Well you got your visit so leave,now!"William said firmly. Well this man certainly needs to learn his manners. Valor growled threateningly. They all cowarded back,frightened,expect William. "Relax,my friends. I'm not going to hurt you..."he said. They all sighed in relief. "I'm going to murder you all."he finished. He laughed,a dark and sinister laugh.
"Get back NOW!"William ordered. They transformed into their dragon selves and ran deeper into the island. Well,everyone except William. He flew at Valor and blew fire at him. The fire literary felt like a sting for him. He chuckled then opened his mouth,readying the flames inside him. William notice what he was about to do,turned around and flew back to the others. Just as he flew out of sight of Valor,Valor breath a huge streak of fire at the island. The island burned and the sand turned into glass at the heat of his flames. As he kept burning the island he felt the aura seeping into his body and giving him greater strength. He continued to burn the island until he couldn't feel the aura seeping through him anymore. He shut his mouth. Mission accomplished he thought happily. All the dragonshifters are dead. He smiled,content,then turned around and continued walking to the sanctuary,leaving the burning island and smell of death behind.
Sanctuary
Elsa was lying wide awake in her bed,reminiscing about last night. Last night was the best night I ever had. Well,technically,Dragon day is usually the best day of my life. But last night was different. She remembered the wonderful time Elsa and her group had with Marlon's group,the extraordinary singing of Rachel and Chloe but she mostly remembered the time she had spent with Jack.
It was...magical. Jack,she had thought that night. I know you can't hear me but I want you to know that...I love you and now that you're in my life I can't imagine it without you. I know we...can't be together but I can't and won't stop loving you. That moment they shared together will be one she'll remember forever. Well better get up now. She groaned and got out of the bed.
She combed out her hair then tied it up in her usual braid. Once she was presentable she walked out her house,transformed into her dragon self and flew to the forest. Everyone was already there when she arrived. "Good morning everyone."Elsa said cheerfully. "Good morning Elsa."they all said back. "Last night was the best night ever!"Brody said,excitedly. "I'm a hundred percent with you there,Brody."Louis agreed. "We're glad you guys liked it."Elsa said. She noticed that Rachel and Chloe were far from the group,talking quietly to each other. "Is Rachel and Chloe ok?"Hiccup asked,probably seeing Rachel and Chloe from the group. "Don't know,"Marlon said. "But they'll tell us went they're ready."
Just then Rachel and Chloe started walking to the group. "Hey,you two good?"Marlon asked. "Yeah we're fine,"Chloe replied. "We're just going back home to wish our folks and parents a merry christmas." "We might stay there for a while. But we should be back before nightfall."Rachel added. "Ok. Do you want us to go with you?"Marlon asked. "No. We'll be fine."Rachel said. Marlon nodded. Elsa saw that he seemed troubled that they would be going alone but he respected their wishes nonetheless. "When are you guys leaving?"Clementine asked. "We were leaving now."Chloe said. "Ok. Be safe and Chloe,try not to get yourself killed."Marlon said softly but sternly. "Can't make that promise."Chloe replied with a smile.
Rachel rolled her eyes. "I'll watch her."she told Marlon. "Jeez what are you? My mother?"Chloe asked. "Well since I take care of you I might as well."Rachel said. "Oh. She got you good Chloe."Violet remarked. "Oh shut it Tinkerbell."Chloe snapped. "Anyway,we should get going,"Rachel stated. "See ya guys." "See ya."they all said back. Chloe and Rachel transformed into their dragon selves. Rachel hopped on Chloe's back and they flew off. "I hope they'll be ok."Marlon said. "Rachel will be fine,"Clementine said. "It's Chloe you gotta worry about." "Is she that rash that you all have to worry about her?"Merida asked. "Yes!"everyone said.
"Anyway as long as they come back home unharmed I'm ok."Marlon said. "What about you guys,"Punzie asked. "Don't you have to have your parents to see?"No one in the group answered. They kept their heads down facing the ground. Oh no Elsa thought. That must've hit home hard. Punzie must've realised that too because she started apologizing. "Oh my fire. I'm sorry for bringing that up." "Nah it's alright,it's just...out of all of us Chloe and Rachel are the only ones who still have their parents."Brody explained. Elsa didn't want to say anything involving her parents but her curiosity got the better of her. "What happened to your parents?"
"To be honest none of us know."Violet said. "All we know is that our parents went out and they never came back."Clementine said. "The most logical explanation is that they're...they're…"Louis struggled to say the word. "Yeah,we know."Jack said softly. "If there's a slight chance that our parents are alive after all these years well...things will get messy."Marlon growled,cracking his knuckles. "You guys must've been pretty young at the time,how did you guys survive then?"Hiccup asked. "I was thirteen when my parents disappeared,so I had learned almost everything there was to survive,"Marlon said. "The others were older than me,except Clementine,so they knew everything on how to survive." "How old was Clementine then if she was the youngest?"Merida asked. "I was eight."Clementine answered. She was so young when she lost her parents Elsa thought.
"How did you survive being so young?"Punzie asked. "I taught myself the basics of survival. Two years later I found Violet and she taught more complicated things for survival."Clementine replied. "Were your parents...dragonshifters as well?"Jack asked. "Yes."they all said. "My parents weren't so I don't know how I'm one."Violet said. "One of your ancestors was one then."Jack told her. "We don't know about Chloe and Rachel's parents."Louis said. "So all your parents were dragonshifters and just suddenly disappeared one day?"Jack summarized. "Basically."Marlon said. Jack's face went lose in thought. "What about you guys' parents,"Violet asked "Other than Elsa's cause yeah." Now it was their turns to be sad. "Same thing as yours." "You have our condolences."Marlon said,putting a hand over his chest. The others followed the gesture.
"Thank you."Hiccup said gratefully. "So...what are we going to do today?"Louis asked trying to change the subject. "I was just about to get James and put him in the ranks of the guards."Elsa said. She turned to Merida. "Did he ace his training?"She asked. "Yes. Extremely well. Only flaw was that him and Striker need to be more coordinated,fight as one more often."Merida reported. "Good. I'll see that the captain of the guards teaches them some coordinated fighting together."Elsa said. "Wow. To know I met James two and a half months ago and he's now a guard."Jack said. "Yep time does flies."Hiccup said. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go."Marlon said. They got on their dragons,transformed into their dragon selves and flew back to the sanctuary. Once they flew the sanctuary they followed Elsa to James's house.
Striker was napping beside the door when they got there. He got up on his feet and growled but stopped when he say it was them. Elsa transformed into her human self and knocked. "Who is it?"James asked. "It's Elsa."she answered. "Oh your majesty! I'll be with you in a moment,just have to change."he said. "Ok."Elsa said. Striker walked up to Elsa and purred. "Hello to you too,Striker."Elsa greeted scratching his chin. Striker purred happily. Then the door opened and James walked out,dressed. He had on a tight,brown top,long grey pants,black shoes and his hair was combed smoothly.
"I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting,your majesty."James apologized,bowing. "It's quite alright."she assured. "May I ask why do you need me?"James asked her. "Follow us and you'll know."Elsa simply replied. James looked slightly confused but didn't ask anymore questions. "Merida,Hiccup,Punzie round up the guards and people and bring them to the entrance. They nodded and flew off. "Let's go before we're late."Elsa said. They transformed into their dragon selves and flew to the entrance. All the guards were already there when they arrived. All the guards,for once,didn't have their helmets on their heads. The captain of the guards' face was wrinkled with age,his short,blond hair was turning grey but his yellow eyes were sharp and alert. He had two swords on his hip and another helmet under his arm. He gave James a small smile and James inclined his head respectfully. The thundering flaps of wings echoed through the sanctuary as the people were flying to the entrance. The ice stage that Elsa made on Dragon day was still there,not melting or anything. "Ok...what is going on?"James asked,slightly nervous now.
"You'll see."Elsa said. She walked onto the stage and cleared her throat. "Attention everyone."Immediately everyone became silent and diverted their attention to her. "Thank you. I have gathered you all here today to welcome a new member into the ranks of our guards. James please step forward."James finally understood what was going on and his face broke into a huge smile. He stepped forward. "James,during the attack of the Scauldrons I have heard reports that you fought valiantly to protect the people here. With that,I want you to join the guards."
After the funeral of her parents,Merida had come to her telling her that she saw James fighting extremely well against the Scauldrons. And if Merida was telling her that then he must've been good because pretty much everyone in the sanctuary knew that when Merida was in a fight one hundred percent of her attention was on the fight. "Bryan,if you please."Elsa said to Bryan. He walked to her and gave her a sword. "On your knee."Elsa said to James. He got on one knee. "James,do you swear to protect the people of the sanctuary even at the cost of your life?"Elsa asked him. "I do swear."James replied. "Then I,Queen Elsa,hereby declare you as a royal guard of the sanctuary,"She tapped both his shoulders lightly with the sword. "May you use your strength to defend the people and wisdom to guide them through trouble times."
He got up from his knee,turned to the crowd and faced them proudly. Everyone clapped and whistled for him. "James,"the captain of the guards said. "Please come here."James obeyed and walked to the captain. He stood before him. The captain stretched the sword towards James. "Your sword."he said. James took the sword. The captain took the helmet from his arms then put it on James's head. "Welcome to the royal guards."he said with a warm smile and pat on James shoulder. All the other guards came over and congratulated James. Elsa looked at the entire scene with a smile on her face. One person from the crowd run to James and hugged him. Elsa guessed that that was James's mother. Striker walked to his rider,nuzzled James,grabbed him and put him on his back. One of the guards grabbed James's arm and shouted,"James!" "James!"his mother yelled after.
Soon after everyone was yelling,"James! James!"James patted Striker and they flew into the air. All the guards followed him then his mother and then everyone else in the sanctuary. "I think James will be a great guard."Punzie said once they were all alone. "I have a feeling that,if anything happens to the captain,he'll become captain."Hiccup said. "If he does become captain,he'll make a great captain."Jack said. Just then,two dragons flew by them so fast that all they saw was two blurs. "Hey,was that Chloe and Rachel?"Marlon asked. "Don't know. If it was them they were flying pretty fast."Louis replied. "They were heading to the beach so let's go."Violet said. They transformed into their dragon selves,got on their dragons and flew to the beach. When they got on the beach they looked around. Chloe and Rachel were indeed there. "Chloe,Rachel! Thank god you're ok,I was starting to…"Marlon started to say but when he saw them he stopped. Elsa looked them and noticed why Marlon stopped.
Chloe was holding Rachel tight into her arms while Rachel was sobbing. "Chloe,what happened?"Brody asked. "When we got to the island,it was...gone. Burned to ash and glass. We looked all around the island for our parents but they weren't there. They're...gone."Chloe said,tears falling down her face. "Chloe,Rachel…"Clementine said. Why Talos Elsa thought. Why are all our parents dying like this? "It's all my fault,"Chloe said. "If I had just stayed with them they'd still be alive right now." "Chloe you know that's not true. You and them would have been dead. You did the right,coming with us."Marlon said. "The right thing?!"Chloe shouted angrily,turning her head to Marlon. "The right thing was staying with my parents! Even if I had died I rather be dead with them than them dead and I'm still alive."
"Chloe,we both know that that's only the anger and grief talking,"Marlon said. "There's nothing you could've done." "Nothing I could've done?!"Chloe yelled. Now she was shaking in anger. "Chloe…"Rachel said,backing away from her. Brody quickly grabbed Rachel's arm and pulled her to them. "If I hadn't come with you guys my parents would've still been alive!"Chloe said. "No they wouldn't Chloe. You and me both know that you'd only died with them."Marlon said. "You. Know. NOTHING!"Chloe yelled. She lunged towards Marlon and punched him in the jaw. Marlon staggered back. Chloe slowly started walking towards Marlon. "Chloe stand down now."Marlon ordered. "I don't listen to you,not anymore."Chloe told him.
She transformed into her dragon self and lunged towards Marlon.
Marlon jumped to the side,avoiding Chloe's claws,then transformed into his dragon self and lunged to Chloe. She twisted around and jumped at Marlon. They collided together and Chloe bit into Marlon's shoulder. He roared,twisted his neck,grabbed Chloe in his jaw and threw her off him. Chloe's losing it now Elsa thought. Blood was pouring out his shoulder. "Marlon!"Brody yelled. She transformed into her dragon self and growled at Chloe. The others transformed into their dragon selves and prepared to fight. Marlon transformed into his human self. "Brody stop! No one engage Chloe!"he ordered. All of them looked at each other then,reluctantly,backed down.
Marlon transformed back into his dragon self and faced Chloe. Chloe roared and ran to Marlon. He stretched his neck,since it was long,grabbed Chloe in his jaw and locked her in it. She squirmed and wiggled but Marlon kept a firm grip. She twisted her head to the inside of his mouth and blasted fire down his throat. He jerked back his head,realising Chloe,and roared in pain. Chloe took the opportunity and bit down on Marlon's neck. He slashed his claws at Chloe but missed by a mile. At this rate Chloe is going to kill Marlon! Elsa thought.
She wanted to help Marlon but she knew that this was a fight between Marlon and Chloe and she couldn't interfere. Chloe let go of Marlon's neck. He collapsed onto the ground,gasping for air. Chloe opened her mouth and Elsa could see the blue light,indicating she was going to breath fire. Just before she could,Jack launched himself at Chloe and they tumbled in a heap. "Jack,what are you doing?!"Marlon asked. Chloe used her hind legs and pushed Jack off her. She snarled at him. He snarled back at her. She lunged at him. He flapped his wings together and blasted her away. He continued flapping his wings,making it nearly impossible for Chloe to get up. A moment after Chloe forced herself to get on her feet and pushed herself forward to Jack. Everyone looked at her in astonishment. How is she still walking as Jack blasting her with his wind power? Elsa thought. She really is determined if not anything else.
Chloe continued pushing herself towards Jack till she was close to him. Then she twirled her body in a circle and smacked Jack in the face with her spiked tail. It hit him square on the cheek and he roared in pain. Blood was running down the side of his face. "Chloe stop now!"Jack shouted but she didn't listen. She slashed her claws across the right side of his face. He roared and collapsed on the ground. "Chloe...please...stop."Jack said weakly. She walked towards Jack. Once she was before him she retracted her claws and positioned it over Jack's neck,preparing for the final. "Chloe stop now!"Marlon ordered. Chloe ignored him and went for the strike. Rachel ran to Jack and stood in front of him just as Chloe striked.
The blow caught Rachel on the chest and it was so strong that Rachel went flying to the side and landed on the stomach. Chloe turned to Rachel and ran to her. She nudged her. Rachel didn't respond. Chloe transformed into her human self. "Rachel…"she whispered. She turned her over. Elsa,cautiously,walked over to them. Rachel's shirt had a small rip on the shirt and two long,shallow gashes on her chest. "Please Rachel,please don't be dead."Chloe said,sobbing. She lift Rachel from the ground,wrapped her in her arms and put her forehead against Rachel's.
"I'm so sorry. Please don't die. I can't lose you...I can't." "Hiccup,take her to your sister now."Elsa ordered. Hiccup nodded and he cautiously approached Chloe,Toothless right beside him. "Chloe,I'm going to take Rachel to the healer,"Hiccup said softly and slowly,like he was speaking to a young child. "I need you to let go of her." Chloe obliged and handed Rachel to Hiccup. "Thank you. I promise we'll get her healed up. "Hiccup said to her. "I'm coming with you."Chloe said. Hiccup looked at Elsa and Marlon in question. "Let her go with you."Marlon said. Elsa nodded her agreement. Hiccup looked slightly uneasy with bringing Chloe,as most would be,but obeyed Marlon and Elsa. He got on Toothless and carried Rachel in his arms. "Let's go bud."he said to Toothless. Toothless flapped his wings and they were off with Chloe beside them.
"Should one of us go with them?"Violet asked. "No. Chloe has learned her error. She'll be ok."Marlon said. He turned and went to help Jack up. "Thank you Jack for saving me. I am forever grateful."Marlon said. "Don't mention it."Jack said. "Marlon,you need to go to the healer. You as well Jack."Brody said. "Yeah it's for the best."Marlon agreed. "I think it's time we all go back to the sanctuary."Elsa said. They nodded in agreement. They transformed into their dragon selves,got on their dragons and flew to the sanctuary. They landed near the entrance. "I think I'm gonna call it a night."Clementine said. "Yeah same here."the rest agreed. "Well,Goodnight."Elsa said to them.
"Goodnight."they chorus back and went to their homes. "You're not going to sleep Elsa?"Jack asked. "No. I'm going with you two to Nesta."she said. "You sure?"Marlon said. "We don't want to keep you up or anything." "I insist."Elsa said. "Ok then,let's go."Jack said. They transformed into their dragon selves and flew to the healer's hut. Once they got there they transformed back into their human self and Elsa knocked on the door. Two seconds later the door opened and Nesta appeared. "Your majesty. Please come in."she said. "Thank you."Elsa said to her. They walked into the hut. Rachel was on the first bad nearest to the entrance of the waiting room. Hiccup was talking to his sister in a low voice.
Chloe was beside Rachel holding her hand,crying and whispering things to her. "Is this the first time Chloe has ever done something like this?"Elsa asked Marlon. "Yes. Usual we're able to calm her down. Guess losing her parents took the toll."Marlon said. He turned and looked Elsa and Jack in the eye.
"If there's anything I learned back when I was alone it's that anger just doesn't hurt the person it's directed to.
It hurts everyone."