As they returned to the castle the sun was beginning to set. Ridding through the gates they found Fergus and Elinor standing in the courtyard. The pair wore matching glares as they dismounted the horse. As Merida returned the horse to the stable they slowly approached Duncan. Stumbling he retreated a few steps backward before being grabbed. Lifting the young man off the ground Fergus smiled slightly.
"Easy laddie we wanna offer our congrats for bringing our daughter back safe," Fergus stated with a laugh
"It doesn't help our worry that those creatures could have gotten her," Elinor said quietly
Rushing over Merida stared in confusion at the current situation. Slowly Duncan was placed on his feet sending her a small smile. Sending their guest a slight glance Merida slowly strolled to the large wooden door a slight smile on her lips. Today's events replaying in her mind. As she reached the door her father's booming voice drew her attention.
"Say me, lad, what happened on yer frolic in the woods?" Fergus asked loudly
"Da naw we didnae nothin. Just some cutting about in da forest." Merida yelled marching over to her father
"Alright, I'll take ye word can't assume the worst of a guest. What kinda king would I be then?" Fergus muttered with a slight smile
The full moon cast its silver glow on Duncan as he strolled through the trees. Stepping into a clearing he sighed at the sight of the waiting Highwind. With a quick glance back at the castle he made his way to the ship. Opening the hatch he stepped inside closing his eyes as the hatch closed. Instinctively he pressed several buttons before leaning back in his seat. Slowly the ship began to ascend leaving the world behind.
"Well that went surprisingly easily," Duncan whispered to himself
"Easy ye be daffy in yer head."
At the familiar voice, Duncan nearly fell from his seat. Slowly Merida crept out from under the control board. With a mischievous smile, she perched in the seat beside him. His eyes went wide as his ship entered the lanes between worlds. How had she gotten in here she was not even supposed to know about his ship. Continuing to smile Merida spun to look out of the cockpit's dome. The colors of the lanes brought a look of amazement back to her face.
"Glory be we be traveling through rainbows." She whispered
"That's not far off actually." He replied with a small smile
With a sudden jolt, the ship was launched forward as it entered a wormhole. Popping out of the wormhole the ship eased to a stop. As the ship eased it's way forward The Sorcerer's Tower came into view. On its own, the ship landed in a grassy area in front of the tower the hatch opening. As he stood in his seat Duncan could see deep blue hair glow in the moonlight. Ducking down he curled up hiding under the console shaking in terror.
"Duncan I know you're up there I will come after you."
"Right away master just a moment," Duncan yelled
With a leap, Duncan jumped from the Highwind landing in a roll. With a curious look, his master turned to him as Merida appeared. Without a word between them, she began her descent of the ship's side. Running a hand through her blue hair his master gave a silent sigh. She approached his master giving a quick curtsey with a polite smile.
"Princess Merida of DunBroch at your service." Said politely
"Keyblade Master Aqua a pleasure to make your acquaintance your highness,"
Time had been kind to the former pupil of Master Eraqus. She didn't look much older than when she did two decades ago. In that time it had become her responsibility to ensure the forces of light are kept strong. The last thing they needed was a heartless resurgence.
"Master I'd like you to know this was purely an accident. I don't know how she found my ship." Duncan muttered shame strong on his face
Without a word, Aqua turned to make her way toward the entrance. Stepping inside she motioned for them to follow. A light twinkled in her eyes as she made her way to the office. As they entered they found Aqua examining what looked like a metal bow.
The bow was crafted from gold and silver twisted together. It had a grip made of red leather but it lacked a cord. The bow was that of a longbow its metal having a slight glow. As Aqua spun the bow between her fingers Merida blinked at the sight of it. Slowly she stepped closer taking it from his hand.
"Where be the cord ye can't shoot a bloomin' arrow without it." She asked
"Why do you pretend with this bow princess I think you'll be surprised," Aqua teased
Spinning the bow in her hand she mimicked the drawing of an arrow. As she went through the motions a glowing white string appeared across the bow. Pulling the string back an arrow formed from golden light appeared. With a gasp of surprise, the princess dropped the bow. As the bow tumbled to the floor the arrow and string vanished as if they were never there. With a look of shock, she kept her eyes locked on the bow.
"That bow be magic what kind of sorcerer are ye?" She quipped glancing at Aqua
"That's just something my former mentor left behind. I thought you could use it." Aqua stated smiling slightly
Delicately Merida scooped up the bow giving it a look of scrutiny. Giving the mystical string a small pluck she smiled slightly at the resistance. Turning to Aqua she nodded tightening grip on the bow. aqua sat on the edge of his desk crossing his arms slowly she turned to look at both of them. With a schemer's smile, he spoke in a stern voice.
"Duncan I want Merida to join your journey." He stated
"What a bonnie plan I will be up for a jolly quest," Merida announced raising the bow high
From the window, three lights flew in circling Merida beginning to swirling. As they swirled a whirlwind of colors hid the princess from view. As the lights vanished Merida appeared in a new outfit. She looked down at herself as the three fairies appeared around her.
She now wore a blue tunic with cream pants and brown boots. On each forearm, she wore a leather bracer with a Celtic knot design on each one. A braided cord held back her messy red curls. A brown belt was around her waist with a black metal bear's face its center.
"What do you think miss perfect for adventuring wouldn't you say, miss?" The fairies asked
"Now I'm set for questin," Merida replied smiling resting the bow on her shoulders
"So what's our next world?" Duncan asked curiously
Grabbing a slip of paper from his desk Aqua tossed it to his pupil. Catching the map Duncan turned to his newly elected companion. Turning to him the bow vanished into thin air in a white flashed. With a smile, Aqua waved them off from her perch on her desk. With a slam of the door, the duo rushed down the stairs.
Reaching the Highwind they swiftly boarded preparing to take off. With a loud hum, the engine came to life-shaking the ship. Rising the ship rushed into the laned floating on the colorful waves. Glancing at the paper he found a set of coordinates leading to a world he'd never heard of. With a few clicks, he typed them in before the ship zoomed off.
I might continue this but I'm not sure if I will yet. Reviews are appreciated if you're feeling kind.
