Me: Oh wow! Another chapter already?
Cool! Thank JH, JanaHani33 on Wattpad, for her help! And MEMEGOD THE OG, I messaged you a question and I want an answer, please. I need to know.
Enjoy the chapter!
Italic - Singing
The words "Guardian Of Freedom" appeared on the screen.
Merida stood outside her home, watching as people moved around doing their thing.
Merida looked at the scene. She was there, and now, there was no going back. She had to do this and meet the final obstacle. She had to get her closure.
Although, even when she tried to stay brave, she was secretly worried that everything was going to go bad.
Merida turned towards Wisp, who was talking with Jamie about his power. Jamie and Wisp seemed so into the conversation that they didn't notice that they were here. It was quite cute at how deep in they were in their talk.
Clearing her throat, she watched as Wisp and Jamie jump at the sudden noise, looking at her with a blush. Merida smirked, glancing at Jack who seemed to find it amusing as well.
Everyone giggled, much to Jamie's and Wisp's embarrassment.
"Gonna ask her out anytime soon?" Jack teased Jamie, grinning.
"Jack, stop," Jamie whined.
Jack laughed but stopped…
Only to go right back at it "You can't leave a lady hanging though, Jamie-"
"JACK!"
MERIDA
"Thanks, Wisp, for helping us get here."
Wisp smiled, tilting her head back and forth.
WISP
"Your welcome! I need to get going now, but if you want to visit me then go back to the Callanish Stones, I'll be there. I'm always there when I'm not guiding."
With a wave, Wisp's form turned back into wisp before disappearing. With a deep breath, Merida turned back to the entrance. Hiccup placed a hand on her shoulder.
HICCUP
"We're all here for you, Merida."
"Just like how you were there for us-" Rapunzel started.
"-We'll be there for you," Eugene finished.
Merida smiled gratefully at her two best friends slash siblings.
Merida nodded before taking a deep breath. With her head held high, Merida walked through the gates of her home, leading her friends to the castle and getting the villager's attention.
VILLAGER 1
"Is that the Princess?"
VILLAGER 2
"She's alright! It's been months!"
VILLAGER 3
"Who are they? Why are they with the princess?"
VILLAGER 4
"Is the Princess carrying a sword and her bow?"
VILLAGER 5
"What has she been doing?"
VILLAGER 6
"That boy has wings and a tail! What is he?!"
VILLAGER 7
"Is that a Viking?"
VILLAGER 8
"Are you alright Princess?"
Merida sighed, "Yes, it's me. Yes, I'm alright. They're my friends, they have the right to be with me. Yes, I'm carrying a sword and yes, that is my bow. Fighting the Dark Four and helping my friends get their powers. He's a Dragon Hybrid, that's cool. Yes, one with the clever eyes, Hiccup is a Viking. Yes, I'm fine. Did I answer all your questions?"
The villagers in question rubbed their heads sheepishly while the other members of the Big Seven shook their heads with small smiles gracing their faces.
Merida just bit her lip as she led her friends to the castle gates, the guards recognizing her as soon as they laid eyes on her, their eyes widening.
GUARD (STATING)
"Princess Merida! You're home! Your mother has been worried sick about you! She even had the clans looking for you, promising them your hand in marriage if any of them found you."
Hiccup blanched at the thought of Merida marrying another man while Merida sighed again, somehow expecting her mom to do something like that. Queen Elinor bit her lip, ignoring the fact that that wasn't Queen-like behavior. The knowledge that she would do something like that was the reason Merida was trying to get away from her kingdom was quite disconcerting.
Merida groaned, facepalming herself.
MERIDA
"Just open the gates so I can enter along with my friends. I need to speak with my mother."
The guards nodded, opening the gates. Walking into the courtyard of her castle, ignoring the stares, Merida waved her friends to follow her as she walked up the stairs to the doors.
Knowing who laid behind them, Merida took a deep breath, placing her hands on the doors. When she took to long, Merida felt hands being placed on her back and shoulders. Turning her head, she saw that her friends had placed their hands on her, offering her comfort and strength.
RAPUNZEL
"We got your back, Merida."
"Thanks guys," Merida smiled, glancing at her friends, "You're the best!"
"Your welcome, Mer," Hiccup said smiling.
"Anything for a friend," Toothless added grinning slyly.
Hiccup paused for a few seconds…
Before he whipped around and hit his Bond Brother's arm in embarrassment.
Merida smiled, nodding her head. Turning back to the doors with a final breath, Merida pushed open the doors.
All talk ceased as everyone stared at Merida. Merida looked around. The three clans leaders and their sons were there; Lord MacGuffin and Young MacGuffin, Lord Macintosh and Young Macintosh, Lord Dingwall, and Wee Dingwall.
The Lords of the Clans stared at Merida in shock and disappoint while their sons stared at Merida in plain shock.
People looked at the clans, eyebrows raised. Did they treat their sons the same way?
Closing her eyes to steel herself, Merida opened them to look at her family.
Fergus was staring at her with a long of shock and hope, the cup he had in his hand dropping to the floor which said a lot because she knew he loved his drink. Her triplet brothers froze from where they tying the Lords' shoes to their seats. Once they got over their shock, the boys beamed, getting off their knees and running over to her.
"Boys," King Fergus exclaimed, smiling as he tried looking stern and failing. The three boys giggled. The Lords grumbled as their sons tried hiding their smiles. Jack grinned, looking at the three boys.
"No, Jack," Merida said sternly, "Don't even think about it."
Tuffnut and Ruffnut also grinned, but a sharp look from Astrid made them freeze in their seats. They were reckless, not suicidal (or at least that suicidal).
HARRIS, HUBERT, & HAMISH
"Merida!"
Merida smiled kneeling down as her brothers jumped onto her lap. Merida hugged her brothers.
MERIDA
"Harris, Hubert, Hamish! I missed you three."
Merida yelped when she was suddenly grabbed up, her brothers falling on their backs on the floor, and hugged tightly by her father. Once she got her bearings back, Merida turned and hugged her father as tightly as she could.
"Dad," Merida smiled, slightly glaring at her father. King Fergus grinned.
FERGUS
"I'm so sorry I didn't do anything.
Merida pulls away from her father, putting her feet on the floor. Finally, Merida turns to her mother, only to see anger and disappointment along with worry in her gaze. Elinor stood, glaring at her daughter.
ELINOR (ANGRY) (NEAR YELLING)
"Months since you ran away and you return now? Don't you see what you did? You caused quite the panic when it was discovered you ran away, even more so when Angus ran into the courtyard without you on his back. What you did wasn't what a Princess should do!"
"Oh, no," Elinor groaned, knowing she was about to make a mistake. She only hoped the Big Seven would change her future self's mind and reign in her hurtful actions.
Merida winced but stood her ground, crossing her arms and glaring at her mother.
MERIDA
"Well, maybe you shouldn't have sent letters to the Lords so their sons could try and win my hand in marriage. You're the reason I ran away because you want me to be you, but you don't listen to me and care only about what you want for me and not what I want."
Elinor's glare turned fiercer before she was suddenly walking towards Merida, grabbing her arm and pulling her.
MERIDA (SHOUTING) (CONTINUED)
"Mom! What are you-"
Elinor's eyes widened as she winced so bad her entire chair shook. She spoke quietly so only her family heard her say, "I'm sorry." With a time full of shame.
In the corner of her eyes, Merida saw her friends tense and grab their weapons.
ELINOR
"You are going to your room. I want my daughter to like a princess so she acts like a queen when it's time!"
EUGENE (SHOUTING)
"Let go of her."
Jack ran to Merida, grabbing her and freezing the ground where Elinor was about to step so when Elinor set her foot down, she slipped, letting go of Merida. This allowed Jack to pull Merida back to her friends.
Merida rested her head on Jack's shoulder.
MERIDA
"Thanks, Jack Frost."
Whispers started up as soon Merida said Jack's name and a lot of gasp as Jack appeared in front of them. Jack looked at them, then looked at Elinor who looked at him even as she stood up.
JACK (COLD)
"You see me, so that must mean you hear me."
Everyone winced. Jack was the Guardian of Fun, hearing him sound so cold sounded so alien. This showed that even Jack had a limit.
The Guardians of Childhood shivered, remembering the last Winter Spirit, Jokul, and how cold he was. But when a Winter Spirit gives you a cold stare, it lives up to its keeper.
Elinor nodded. Jack glared hard as ice.
JACK
"Good. I am Jack Frost. Because you are the who should be ashamed. I'm glad Merida is my friend. She's an adventurer by a spirit, she loves exploring the world around her. She loves you, her family, but she wants to control her own destiny."
"Every word is true," Jack nodded sternly though it looked a bit silly because he wasn't always serious.
Rapunzel stifled a smile in her seat. Seeing Jack trying to be serious in the room as well as on the screen was funny.
Eugene stood next to Merida, crossing his arms.
EUGENE
"My name is Eugene Fitzherbert, son of the Captain of the Guards of the Kingdom Corona. She could have left me to die years ago. But she didn't, she healed my wound and brought me here, where I lived in secret in the castle, my skills allowing me to hide easily from your guards. Merida has a soft heart, but she is brave, stubborn, and rebellious."
"My dear sister, you are every bit of that," Eugene commented earnestly.
Merida smiled, "Thanks Eugene!"
Rapunzel stood next to Eugene, hands on her hips.
RAPUNZEL
"I am Princess Rapunzel of Corona. Merida is like a sister to me and Eugene. She is outgoing, kind-hearted, tough, strong-willed, and caring."
"I only know one Merida and one is good enough," Rapunzel stated, grinning at her sister in all but blood.
Merida grinned back.
Jamie moved to stand between Jack and Merida.
JAMIE
"My name is Jamie Bennett. Merida is great! She is very short-tempered and aggressive at times, but she is tomboyish, fearless, and selfless. She's an awesome girl."
"Merida's great the way she is, she doesn't need to change," Jamie said.
Merida smiled softly at the young boy.
Toothless moved to stand next to Jack.
TOOTHLESS
"I am Toothless, son of the Alpha King of Night Furies. Merida had grown while she was with us. She is more understanding, open-minded, but she is compassionate and loyal to those she loves and cares about the most."
"She's no Dragon or Hybrid, but she is all that," Toothless agreed.
Merida grinned at the hybrid.
Hiccup moved around his friends to stand next to Merida, placing a hand on her shoulder.
HICCUP
"Hiccup Haddock is my name, son of Viking Chief Stoick. Merida may not be princess enough or queen enough for you, but she is more of a princess and queen than you will ever be. Wake up and open your eyes and see that not listening to your daughter will only push her away even more. Merida's destiny is to fight alongside us against the Dark Four and she won't let you stop her. You need to listen to your daughter or you will lose her."
"I know from experience, plus there is no other girl like Merida," Hiccup spoke.
Merida laughed with slightly damp eyes, "Thanks Hic!"
"No problem Mer!"
Merida wiped her eyes of the tears that fell down her cheeks before raising her head again. Elinor was looking at the ground, looking very conflicted. Merida knew she had to get in her say and she knew just how she as going to it.
Elinor tried not to cry, but it was very hard not to. Her daughter was more like a princess or queen then she'll ever be. Her daughter was all that the six members of the Big Seven said. And she was pushing her daughter away by not listening to her. If she kept doing what she was doing, she would lose her only daughter.
She couldn't- she couldn't do that. She can't lose her only daughter!
MERIDA
"My name is Merida; reborn heroine of the past who is part of The Big Seven with the power of Fire and needs to stop the Dark Four from taking over the world."
Then, Merida started to sing.
MERIDA-
I'm caught up in your expectations.
You try to make me live your dream.
But I'm causing you so much frustration and you only want the best for me.
Merida pointed to Elinor as she looked up at her daughter. Merida shook her head, raising her arms to hug herself.
You're wanting me to show more interest.
To always keep a big bright smile.
Be that pinky little perfect princess.
But I'm not that type of child.
Merida looked at her gestured to her bow before she pointed to her face, which held a big smile that was completely fake before she placed her hands under her chinned. Letting her hands fall to her side, Merida shook her head.
Elinor had tears slipping from her eyes. She has been hurting her daughter, for a long time, and pushing her to her limits. She kept pushing and pushing until, finally, Merida left. Merida wasn't her, she had realized some point ago, so she had to stop trying to turn her daughter into something she's not.
And the storm is rising inside of me!
Dontcha feel that our worlds collide?
It's getting harder to breathe!
It hurts deep inside.
Merida walked forward to stop just in front of Hiccup. Merida pointed to her mother and herself before placing both her hands on her chest.
Just let me be who I am!
It's what you really need to understand!
And I hope so hard for the pain to go away!
Merida threw her hands to her sides as she stared hard at her mother, who flinched. Merida frowned at her.
Merida was great the way she was, she shouldn't try to change her daughter. If anything, Merida's difference should have been encouraged and looked at with a unique perspective. Although, how did she never notice her daughter's pain for all those years? Was she just that blind? Or was she just ignoring it?
And it's torturing me but I can't break free!
So I cry and cry but just won't get it out!
The silent scream!
Merida raised her hands and mimicked trying to get out of a cage. Raising her hands to her eyes and pretending to wipe away tears, Merida shook her head.
Tell me why you're putting pressure on me and every day you cause me harm.
That's the reason why I feel so lonely even though you hold me in your arms.
Merida threw her arm out as she stared at Elinor before she once against hugged herself. Elinor bit her lip as she looked down.
Wanna put me in a box of glitter but I'm just trying to get right out.
And now you're feeling so-so bitter because I've let you down.
Gesturing to the floor and moving her arms like she was opening a box, Merida jumped, landing a bit closer to her mother. Frowning, Merida held her arm as she looked down as well.
No, Merida didn't let her down. She let herself down and let Merida down with how she acted. She kept telling Merida to act like a princess, but she did not act like a queen. She did not act like a mother.
She acted like a failure.
And the storm is rising inside of me!
Dontcha feel that our worlds collide?
It's getting harder to breathe!
It hurts deep inside.
Raising her head, Merida looked away from her mother to look at her father and brothers. Her brothers had tears falling down their faces and were being held by Fergus, who looked close to tears himself.
Just let me be who I am!
It's what you really need to understand!
And I hope so hard for the pain to go away!
Merida turned her head to look at Young MacGuffin, Young Macintosh, and Wee Dingwall. They were giving her looks of understanding.
From the looks of understanding they were giving her, Merida realized that they felt the same way she did and never wanted to go through what their fathers wanted them to do.
And it's torturing me but I can't break free!
So I cry and cry but just won't get it out!
The silent scream!
Turning her head to look at Lord MacGuffin, Lord Macintosh, and Lord Dingwall, the fathers look just about ashamed like her mother did. At last, Meria turned back to her mother, moving forward to stop right in front of her.
The Lords looked at each other, then at their own sons. They wanted to sign the marriage between Fergus's daughter and one of their sons, but it's what they wanted, they didn't think to ask their sons what they thought. They might not want to get married (yet) at all.
The boy's shared a look. Maybe this would convince their fathers to cancel the marriage contract!
Can't you see how I cry for help?
Сause you should love me just for being myself.
Merida placed her right hand on her mother's chest, making her mother look at her. Merida placed her left hand on her own chest.
I'll drown in an ocean of pain and emotion.
If you don't save me right away!
Merida lowered her head, clearly upset. Hands-on her face brought Merida to stare at her mother, who had placed her hands on Merida's face.
Merida looked hopeful. If her mom listened to her, then they could finally stop arguing and start talking to each other again without breaking into an argument. They used to have so much fun together. Maybe they could have it again.
Just let me be who I am!
It's what you really need to understand!
And I hope so hard for the pain to go away!
Elinor pulled Merida into a hug, burying her face into Merida's neck. Merida wrapped her arms around her mother.
And it's torturing me but I can't break free!
So I cry and cry but just won't get it out!
The silent scream!
Merida closed her eyes as she rested her hand against her mothers. Her friends smiled at each other, knowing everything was solved now, through Rapunzel was wiping tears from her eyes.
My silent scream.
Merida finished singing, hugging her mom tightly. Her mom was shaking, sounds of breathless gasps and tears coming from her. Elinor pulled her head away from Merida's neck to stare at her in the eyes.
Everyone felt for the mother and daughter, even for future Rapunzel, who could feel what both of them are feeling. Merida was surprised. Her mom was crying, both in and out of the screen. Her mom rarely, if ever, cried.
ELINOR
"I am so sorry Merida. I was trying so hard to make your life as queen great, but I ignored what you were trying to tell me. I put you in so much pain. I thought if you found new happiness as I did, you would be alright. But I was wrong. You aren't me, you're you. And if your destiny is to stop the Dark Four, then so be it. I will let you go so you can, as long as you promise you'll come back."
Elinor sniffed, looking up at Merida with a smile, "I think my future just said everything I was going to say. I love you Merida and I'm so sorry. I won't stop you from trying to live your life anymore. I can't change who you are. You are perfect just the way you are."
Merida grinned at her mother, nodding her head with slight tears dripping from her eyes, "Thank you, Mom."
Merida let out a shocked breath before she chuckled.
MERIDA
"I can't promise mother, but I thank you. Thank you for listening to me this time."
Merida then smiled.
MERIDA (CONTINUED)
"Some say that fate is something beyond our command. That destiny is not our own. But I know better. Our fate lives within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it."
Elinor gasped slightly and then chuckled as she realized that despite hating her classes, Merida did pay attention. She laughed to herself once more. Merida wasn't happy but she paid attention, despite knowing the answers. No wonder why she was so bored and drawing on her paper. Guess she had to find something else to do with Merida, only a lot more fun. Elinor hasn't gone horseback riding in a long time so maybe...
Elinor gasped. Laughing, Elinor and Merida hugged again.
SCENE CHANGE: LATER THAT NIGHT
Merida watched from where she stood near the rails as Jack and Jamie along with her brothers played pranks on people, laughing their heads off. Hiccup, Toothless, Rapunzel, and Eugene were with Elinor and Fergus.
Everyone laughed at the antics Jack, Jamie, and the triplets were pulling. Hiccup, Toothless, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Merida shook their heads as Jack and Jamie high-fived before tossing the triplets a thumbs up.
Merida turned and looked out into the ocean, smiling. Not being able to help it, she sang.
MERIDA-
Like a small boat on the ocean, sending big waves into motion.
Like how a single word can make a heart open.
I might only have one match but I can make an explosion.
Merida watched as waves hit the cliffs of her castle. Smiling, she looked up at the stars, making out a heart. Raising her hand, Merida created a small fireball in her hand.
And all those things I didn't say.
Wrecking balls inside my brain.
I will scream them loud tonight.
Can you hear my voice this time?
Merida watched as the fireball grew into a small woman wielding a bow with a sword at her waist. Merida looked up at the moon with a smile.
Everyone smiled for the Archer Princess, the girl who would wield fire once they got out of here. She finally got her wish, that her mother would stop trying to change who she is. They could see how happy she was as she sang.
This is my fight song!
Take back my life song!
Prove I'm alright song!
My power's turned on!
Starting right now I'll be strong!
I'll play my fight song!
And I don't really care if nobody else believes!
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me!
The firewoman fired an arrow into the air before she pulled her sword out, swinging it around. The sword left behind small lines of fire that moved around the firewoman. Merida smirked and blinked, the firewoman vanishing.
People 'Oooo'd' and 'Aaah'd' at Merida's display of power and skill. She sure did practice. And if she did, then the other six practiced that much as well.
Losing friends and I'm chasing sleep.
Everybody's worried about me.
In too deep, say I'm in too deep (in too deep).
And it's been two years, I miss my home.
But there's a fire burning in my bones.
Still believe, yeah, I still believe.
Merida closed her eyes, remembering when Hiccup had to leave when they were ten. Opening her eyes, Merida smiled and shook her head. Glancing over her shoulder, Merida turned to see her friends standing behind her.
Hiccup rubbed his head when he saw the flashback, remembering Merida having feelings for him. And that his feelings were also being shown.
God that was so complicated.
And all those things I didn't say.
Wrecking balls inside my brain.
I will scream them loud tonight.
Can you hear my voice this time?
Merida smiled, shaking her head as she turned to look at her friends more clearly, raising a hand to ear as she teasingly tilts her head towards them.
This is my fight song!
Take back my life song!
Prove I'm alright song!
My power's turned on!
Starting right now I'll be strong!
I'll play my fight song!
And I don't really care if nobody else believes!
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me!
Merida looked at Hiccup, then Toothless, then Rapunzel, then Eugene, then Jack, and then Jamie. Smiling at them, Merida drops her hand and nods her friends.
A lot of fight left in me!
"Thanks guys, for helping me with this," Merida said, gesturing to the screen.
"No, problem, Merida," Rapunzel said, hugging her sister tightly. Merida gasped, pulling Rapunzel's arms off her so she could breathe. Merida mussed up Rapunzel's hair in retaliation as the blonde laughed and then squeaked, brushing her hair to undo the damage Merida did.
Merida looked at the moon.
Like a small boat on the ocean, sending big waves into motion.
Like how a single word can make a heart open.
I might only have one match but I can make an explosion.
Looking back at her friends, Merida holds her hand out. Smiling, her friends looked at each other before they looked back at Merida, who was looking at them expectingly.
This is my fight song!
Take back my life song!
Prove I'm alright song!
My power's turned on!
Starting right now I'll be strong!
I'll play my fight song!
And I don't really care if nobody else believes!
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me!
Hiccup places his hand on top of Merida's, Toothless placed his hand on top of Hiccup's, Rapunzel placed her hand on top of Toothless's, Eugene placed his hand on top of Rapunzel's, Jack's placed his hand on top of Eugene's, and Jamie placed his hand on top of Jack's.
Know I've still got a lot of fight left in me.
Merida finished. Once done, Merida cracked a grin and laughed, throwing her arms around her friends.
Everyone clapped for Merida, making the princess get up and bow. The Dark Four grumbled, not pleased at all. Well, too bad it wasn't going their way. They had their shot many, many, years ago and they blew it. That time has come and gone and, despite what you may think, there aren't any more retrials.
The group hugged, smiling brightly. Merida looked at the friends she was lucky to have found and made. Merida opened her mouth to speak when she suddenly gasped, her eyes flashing red and clutched her chest, looking in front of her to see a mirror image of herself.
Everyone stopped, wanting to see what Merida's past self was gonna say.
Past Merida smiled, looking at her reincarnation.
PAST MERIDA
"You did it. You overcame your greatest challenge and fear. Now it's time for the title you've earned."
Past Merida bowed her head towards Merida, taking a step towards her.
PAST MERIDA (CONTINUED)
"Merida; Spirit of Fire and Summer, Guardian of Freedom."
Past Merida winked and vanished. Merida blinked, the red glow fading. Looking at her friends, Merida smiled and repeated what she was told.
MERIDA
"Spirit of Fire and Summer, Guardian of Freedom."
"Hey, it so fits you," Jack grinned, looking the wild red-haired princess.
Merida grinned at the comment.
"He's right, it suits you. Your fiery and freedom means a lot to you," Hiccup said, smiling meaningfully.
Now Merida blushed but managed to smile at Hiccup. Hiccup himself blushed back, making Toothless laugh, and looked away.
Her friends laugh, hugging Merida again. Merida looked content in their hold, and even knowing she could stand on her own again, let them hold her.
The screen turned black before turning back on.
Everyone knew what was going to happen. Come morning, the Big Seven had to go to Berk and to Toothless's home. Because Hiccup and Toothless both knew they couldn't wait any longer.
JH stretched slightly in her chair, "Well that was dramatic!"
TD grinned in her seat, "Hush you, we still have more to watch."
JH sighed dramatically and then twisted to sit on her chair sideways with her legs dangling down, "Aight then. Let's do this!"
TD laughed, tilting her head black and forth.
And with that, the next scene started.
Me: If you want to see what Red Death looks like in this fic, look at my DeviantArt name, MatrixMindAngel. She's there.
Songs used were 'Silent Scream' by Anna Blue and 'Fight Song' by Rachel Platten.
Tell me what you thought about the chapter!
Bye!