Chapter 46-Expect the Unexpected
When morning came and their meeting over Rapunzel's departure was resumed. Elsa and her party argued it out as realistic as they could, and when they thought they drag the argument long enough, Rapunzel herself ended the conflict by submitting to leave for Corona by ship instead of escort by Jack, Hiccup, or Merida. It was hard, but in the end Elsa and the others couldn't ignore the council, along with the commanders and Lukas' brothers' reaction; the relief and gladness they express about Rapunzel's mode of transportation, was closely carried with heavily guilt between Elsa and the others.
Their plan was very detailed. When the last evacuation ship for Corona is ready for boarding, Sandy will be at the ready with massive clouds of his dream sands. He'll lightly sprinkl some over the entire dock, covering everyone there at the time. But he has to be careful when he sprinkle his sands; the goal was not to put everyone at the dock to sleep and dream, but rather, to put them in a dreamlike state. Sleep walking basically. So that everyone can still continue to preparing for the evacuation, but only seeing and hearing particular things that Sandy wants them to see and hear. The council, the commanders, and Lukas' brothers, will all be seeing Princess Rapunzel boarding the last ship, and even having a moment saying her goodbyes. Meanwhile, the citizens and sailors will not see or hear Princess Rapunzel at all, they won't even be aware of the fact that the Princess of Corona is supposed to be with those boarding on the last departing ship. By doing it this way, will save Sandy from having to continue using his dream sand to trick the citizens that Princess Rapunzel has return home.
XxXxXx
The ships returned much sooner than expected, but no one could complain. Once the first few ships were docked, the sailors were relived to land for the next forty-two hours before they have to set sail again. Meanwhile, the evacuation movement resumed its activities; the cave investigation was put into a temporary hold until the ships depart again. In the last five days, in total, Jack and the others had managed to only investigate seven caves—though one is still incomplete. The reason why they haven't gotten to exploring more had to do with how lengthy the caves were becoming, and Hiccup still had his smith work to finish, so he would often leave earlier than his friends and thus leaving them another man down.
XxXxX
Four weeks have passed and the ships have once more returned to Arendelle. This is to be the third round of trips the ships will take.
XxXxXx
As conclusively as it have been in their previous investigation, Jack and the others found nothing in the caves they'd explored. At least nothing that seems relevant. Hiccup had taken noticed that some of the lengthy caves they've been in, are quite, fresh. The deeper they explore, the less they saw of fallen rocks and rubbles and dull planked woods. But neither Hiccup nor the others could fathom why the Fearlings would bother to dig further into the caves. Lukas had suggested that the creatures are possibly aware of the three of them investigating the caves, so the Fearing are trying to waste the party's time by lengthen the caves to prevent them from finding their base. Jack thought otherwise however. He argues that if the Fealings had indeed become aware of their intention, then they would have notified Pitch and Hans, and some sort of ambush would've been set. Either way, Elsa was growing more worriedly towards the caves, and so she urged Lukas in private to call off further investigations. But he refused, convincing Elsa that even if he did, the council would not agree to it, plus Jack and the others might likely continue investigating even if told to stop. They are impatient themselves to quickly find Pitch and Han's base.
But Lukas also argued for another reason. As of late, with days after days of peace with little incidents and encounters with Nightmares and Fearlings, the soldiers were growing restless. Some of the men had been secretly breaking ranks, forming their own little parties to go and hunt for the creatures. Thus their best bet was to continue the cave investigations, and hopefully find something soon.
XxXxXx
This time it took only three weeks. The winds had picked up the sails and had helped the ships make good time. Hiccup is close to finishing the repairs of all the Golden Armors, while also producing the numbers needed to arm the entire alliance army. This is to be the fourth round of trips the ships will take.
"Well, that's it," said Eugene, as he watches the remaining ships sail out of view from the harbor. "The next round will be the last evacuation." Standing beside him was Jack, this time Hiccup was paired up with Merida to make the escort. Elsa and Anna had left early to attend a meeting with the Arendelle Council; they've been postponing this particular meeting for a while, but now they have to discuss on a solution on making up the money cost in supporting the war. The metal works are of low need of money, thanks to Hiccups' supply of the materials in the making of the Golden Armors. But they need to pay back the supply given by the Coronal Kingdom, even if they did volunteer to participate in form of small support. Their army and the working smiths will have to be paid. Lukas and his brothers are also holding a meeting in similar topic of funding, all due to the recent messages they've been receiving from their brothers back home. Meanwhile, Kristoff was off with Sven to do a little scouting around the Safe Camp; keeping watch for any Nightmares and Fearlings; Rapunzel was resting back in her chamber.
"I sure hope that our Sleep Walking plan work," said Jack with uncertainty.
"You mean you don't believe the plan has a good chance of working?" Eugene asked, while turning to face Jack in surprise.
Jack smiled slightly. "To be honest, I never knew Sandy had this sort of ability with his dream sands before; let alone being able to manipulate people's dreams to the point of messing with their perception of what's reality and not."
Eugene shrugged his shoulders. "Ditto there…Do you think it had anything to do with your last battle with Pitch?"
Jack looked over at Eugene in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"The last time you guys fought Pitch together to protect the children of the world, he learned to turn Sandy's dream sands into his Nightmare Sands. Do you think because Sandy was caught off by that technique, he started trying to increase the abilities with his own sands?"
"Hmmm, could be. Good point. But I'm not sure though. Sandy can be a fierce guy, but I don't see him as the type to go and train mad after defeat—or stuff. If you know what I mean."
Eugene nodded his head. After one last look at the ships, now too far to even see it as a speck in the distance, Eugene turned around and started heading back to port slowly. Jack followed closely side-by-side.
"So how's Rapunzel today?" Jack asked to fill the silent, though he was also concern.
"She's real good today. She's getting better by the day. Letting her rest really helped her out a lot."
"Then at this rate, she'll be able to help us out once the Sleep Walking plan is carry out."
"…Sure…Hey Jack, be honest with me," Eugene said suddenly. "Do you really think it's best to let Rapunzel continuing fighting?"
"This is sudden," Jack said disturbed. "I thought we agreed to have her stay. The purpose of the Sleep Walking plan—the troubles we went through were to find a way to let her stay."
"—I know, but still answer me honestly." Jack didn't say anything, and his expression hardened. Eugene placed a hand on Jack's shoulder. "I've just been thinking lately. We have North and Bunny currently on reserve, and once the evacuation is complete, Tooth and Sandy will be on standby again. I know that it was agreed that they are going to guard the Southern Isle Kingdom, but maybe it's time to asked one of them to take Rapunzel place."
Jack gripped his staff tighter, causing the area of his grip to cover tensely with frosts. "Seriously, you have bad timings with your doubts, along with Elsa and Anna."
That was news to Eugene, a happy one. "So Elsa and Anna are thinking the same thing as me?"
Jack sighed. "Yes…Even Lukas is starting to have doubts…But the way how the war is progressing isn't good. Every time we power up, Pitch and Hans manage to match us, and we barely even win with each big clash we have against them. Now with this long gap of lackless fights, I'm worried that Pitch and Hans are powering up, and that the next time we fight we'll definitely be overpowered…As much as I want Blonde have a full recovery and stay sickless, I think we're going to need all the help we can get—we can even call in North and the others but they may still not be enough…Plus Blonde's the only one who can heal the soldiers fast." Eugene didn't reply to what Jack said. He kept his gaze forward, but Jack saw that Eugene's hands had tighten into fists. "There's also fact that Pitch and Hans are mostly fighting partly during day time. Why don't they just get us when it's completely night? They showed that they can block out the sun and all but why bother when they can just get us in the total dark? Are they just over confidant or have they have something planned since the beginning of the war?"
"Oh gosh," Eugene expressed with harsh sarcasm, "Now why haven't you bother to bring up these matters in so many of our meetings before?"
Despite the turn in Eugene's attitude, Jack didn't take any of it into offense. "I know these matters are not anything new—they've been mentioned, and discussed in exhausting lengths already. I just thought I need to remind you what we still have to take into account, and what we possibly can be preparing for, in general the worse."
"You don't have to remind me any of that!" Eugene snapped.
"…Sorry Eugene…I just don't know Pitch all that well; there are others older than North and them that knows Pitch way better, but I don't think dragging out a war over power-ups is his style of fighting. He has something plan—I can just feel it."
They were a few feet away from reaching the end of the port so Jack stopped Eugene, and started speaking in whispers while hardly moving his lips. "—Look I'm not saying we put her straight to work as soon as the evacuation is done. I was thinking we can still let her rest even then; we can find a way to cover for 'Bellflower's' absent. All I'm saying is that we still need her."
Eugene also spoke in a whisper. "I just don't want her to hurt herself further. She may be better now but what will happen if she starts working again?" Eugene paused for a second to look around; they are still secluded from any nearby ears. "Ever since the war started Rapunzel hasn't been herself—she's…I don't know how to better describe it but it's like she seems less, energetic."
"Everyone is less energetic when it comes around war."
"Jack please. You and Merida and Hiccup may care for Rapunzel more truly than friends, closer than any sisters and brothers, but I'm her husband and she is my wife. I care for her in ways you guys can't. I know her in ways that you don't. So trust me when I say that Rapunzel isn't herself, and that bringing her back will do the most harm to her."
Jack took in a deep breath. "I'm sorry Eugene. We'll pull her out—if the slightest need be, but we really do need her." Eugene gritted his teeth and glared. "Wow. I haven't seen you this angry since Gothel kidnapped Rapunzel back."
Eugene snickered. "It's call being in love. It's call being in a relationship." Eugene then loosen his muscles a bit, and placed his arm over Jack's shoulder, hooking around his neck and playfully dragging Jack to follow. "And it is something that you'll understand more the longer you spend being in one."
"Don't I know it," Jack murmured.
"Speaking of which," Eugene continued to whisper, "I never gave you an official congrats about your own…relationship."
"Whisper it loader why don't you." Eugene chuckled. "Did Rapunzel told you? Or was it Red? Hiccup?"
"Does it even matter?" They ducked into a solemn road where not many soldiers were passing through. "How is it, between you and Snow Queen?"
"It's going really good."
"Feels nice to be a man again?"
"I think, human, is the term."
"Seriously, don't Beings have romantic relationships with each other?"
"We do…it's just more complex most of the time then what we like."
"I can't imagen how. And I don't feel like I want to."
"Best not to."
"But take my advice Jack. You better enjoy the time you have with her and treat her well."
"—I know-I know, I have all the time in the world, but she doesn't."
"Sure there's that, but that's not what I was referring to. There's a bit of a feeling knowing that your partner will live on forever; depressing in some aspects that they would be alone. But even more saddening that in time they may forget you. That the love they have for you may be replaced by another one day."
Jack remained silence for a moment, before wrapping his own arm across Eugene's shoulders. "Trust me Eugene, even for Beings, no matter how much time pass, we never forget the ones we love and the ones that loved us." Breaking free of Eugene's hold, Jack began floating but still kept their distance close. "I'm going to go on head of you; there are a few things I still have to do."
"—Wait Jack."
"Yeah?"
"I may not be able to convince you, but why don't you talk to Elsa tonight about what we've just discussed? I'm sure she can get things through you better than me." Jack hesitated to agreeing, but he said he would. "And don't forget about lunch today. Anna wants you there you know."
"I know. But I may be late, or not be able to make it at all."
"Don't worry, I'll let them know."
"And here's the deal, if I'm going to talk to Elsa about relieving Blonde of her Pact, then I'm leaving the hard part to you."
"And what's that?"
"While I'm talking to Elsa, you can talk to Blonde about the disbandment of her Pact."
XxXxXx
The meeting ended in the mid-afternoon; most of the council had left as soon as the meeting came to a conclusion, while Elsa and Anna were both kept behind by some of the lingering council men who wanted further discussion. Once everyone had gone, the two sisters left to go have lunch together.
When they entered the usual dining room, Kristoff was already there along with Rapunzel and Eugene. "Jack isn't here yet?" Anna asked while looking around.
"Nope," Eugene answered. "He said he still had a few more things to do when he left me, so he may just be running late."
"Oh I hope he does show." At that Elsa eyed Anna, but she kept her surprise under control.
Over the last few weeks, Anna's been inviting Jack to join them for lunch and dinner. And other than that, when Anna didn't have her own duty to handle, she would spend most of her time now with Jack and herself. Elsa had to wonder at that, but didn't ask for her sister's reason why. At least not yet. "You invited Jack for lunch again?" Elsa asked instead.
"Why wouldn't I?" Anna asked in return. "And it's not just Jack—I wouldn't invite just Jack, again; I invited Hiccup and Merida to join us too, though they say they'll join us if they have the time today, for lunch, or dinner, or both."
"It would be nice to have everyone together again," comment Kristoff. "It was fun when everyone was gathered around talking and eating together."
"Yeah," said Anna disappointedly. "But everyone is so busy now its ridiculers."
"It's to be expected," Elsa said while taking her seat and Anna took hers beside her sister next to Kristoff. "We have to eat, but the others don't. And so it would be expected that they would spend their time doing something."
"Or sure you say that but—" Anna stopped herself mid-topic, "—but never mind—oh here comes Lukas!"
XxXxXx
"Wooow," said Jack, in what seems to be awed. He walked around the room with ease with his staff placed across his shoulders and his arms restfully hanging from the wood. He took his time looking in every direction of the room, examining all the walls, the fireplace at the corner, and the few furniture there is. Elsa wasn't nervous however. She was surprise that suddenly Jack had wanted to take her offer and see her room but Elsa wasn't bothered. Overall, she was curious to hear what Jack was going to say about her room, and what sort of joke he was going to make.
"Your room," Jack started. "Well, your room…practically screams of isolation and seclusion."
"I was expecting something like that," said Elsa with a smile, while shaking her head out of embarrassment.
"I'm serious Snow Queen. I'm sure your wall colors are pretty the room is fill with lights, but this faint purple doesn't stand out much if the lights are dim. You also have quite the spacious room and yet there's so little decorative to make it fun." Jack took a glance over his shoulder to look at the window. "Nice view though," he quickly added.
"Well, if I were to add any decorative, then I wouldn't have room to enjoy its spaciousness," Elsa said as she crosses over to her bed and sat down.
"But if you want to see a lively room, go over to Anna's. She keeps her room tidy, but she has too many wardrobes and chests if you ask me."
"Funny, I thought her room would be lively because of Kristoff."
"Why would Kristoff make a difference to her room being lively?"
"—Forget it, guy joke," he quickly said.
But Elsa was already thinking of possible meanings to Jack's joke. Once she realized what he meant, she created several snowballs and threw them at Jack. He took them all while laughing hard. But then Elsa quickly created one large snowball and sent it towards Jack. He dodged it this time, but by moving away the large snowball hit one of the tall back chairs smashing it against the wall before it completely fell over.
Embarrassed, surprised, slightly panicking, Elsa gasped and immediately stood up, rushing over to the chair.
Excited, surprised, but most of all, amused, Jack chocked on his laugh. Breathlessly he caught the chair just as it fell face down.
They both quickly placed the chair right up and back in its place, with all the while Elsa dissolving the snow and hushing Jack with a broad smile on her face, and Jack doing his best to smuggle his laugh from getting any louder than it already has.
They then stood still, and listened carefully to hear if anyone was coming to inspect the noise they caused. Luckily no one came.
Returning to her earlier fit, Elsa slapped Jack on his arm before returning to the bed. Jack resumed chuckling. "That wasn't funny Jack!" Elsa said sharply.
"To which are you referring to? You accidently knocking over the chair, or my Kristoff joke?"
"Both!" said Elsa while looking away out of embarrassment.
"It was just a harmless joke Snow Queen. I'm certain that the Official Arendelle Ice Master and Deliverer has never even once made his move on Anna in any sort of, indeeecent manner," said Jack, while stretching the word.
"He had better not," Elsa said between her teeth.
"This is Kristoff we're talking about. He wouldn't do such a thing." Elsa looks over at Jack with caution. "But then again in all consideration, the guy is bashful. So of course he wouldn't make a move. Anna on the other hand though, she might just jump right into it."
Elsa's checks blushed wildly, and the corner of her mouth twitched. "Anna wouldn't do such a thing!"
Jack chuckled, and drifted over to an empty wall space, sandwich between Elsa's nightstand and the little fireplace at the corner of her room. Jack took his staff off his shoulders and leaned his back against the wall. "I don't knooow," he sang with a low grin, "She is married now; what is to stop her? And she did jump straight into a marriage after meeting a guy for a few hours."
"That joke is getting old. It's been three years since then, she knows better now."
"Alright—Alright—Alright, fine, you're right. Anna knows better now."
Elsa could sense that Jack was leading her into another joke again, so she thought best to stir away from the topic now while she can. Clearing her throat, she then said, "You said you have something to discus with me tonight, right Jack?"
The amusement left Jack but not too quickly; his smile was still there though only soften. "Yes, I do. I need to talk to you about Rapunzel."
Elsa's amusement also left along with her smile. "What about Rapunzel? Did you figure out what is wrong with her health?"
"—No," Jack said quick while holding up his palm for a second, and then closing four of his fingers except for his index, "but it is on the subject of Rapunzel's health."
"Go on," said Elsa.
"Eugene and I talked this morning—and he really thinks this is for Rapunzel's best interest, but Eugene wants you and Anna to dissolve your Pacts with Blonde."
Elsa didn't respond right away, and squeezed the sheets in her hand tightly. "Did the two of you have the chance yet to talk it over with Rapunzel? She wouldn't like it if we just dissolve the Pact without warning. And you can imagen she would have a few things to say about this."
Jack nodded his head. He started to float but then stop himself. Instead, he moved himself back near the window and started pacing back and forth. "Of course Rapunzel would want to have a say in this, that's why I left the other half of the talking up to Eugene. Plus he should be the one to talk to Blonde anyway." Jack then stop and closed the gap between him and Elsa. "But that leaves me with the job of talking to you and Anna. I know that the two of you are already thinking about dissolve your Pact with her, but can you guys just wait a little longer?"
Elsa's eyes widen and her lips parted suddenly as if to gasp but no sound came out. "Jack, you're not serious about letting Rapunzel continue fighting are you, especially with the condition of her health?"
Jack didn't waiver for a second in his response. "Yes, I am. I promise you Elsa, under any other condition I would've forced Blonde to quite, but if you look at our past battles with Pitch and Hans, then you'll see there's a pattern happening. Another big battle wave is going to come, and this one is going to be bigger than the last one, and the one before that."
"But we now have our Merging," Elsa said harshly while standing up quickly, she nearly hit Jack doing that. Elsa then walked around Jack and over to her fireplace; a trail of frosts following her. "I am still against any further Mergings—but now that we are in one, just the two of us alone can create anything equally powerful to match against whatever Pitch and Hans are planning."
"You shouldn't say that so confidently Snow Queen," Jack warned as he walked towards Elsa again. But she moved away and now stood next to the window.
"I'm not!" Elsa lashed in a controlled anger; frosts appeared covering the bottom left corner of the glass, and around the area where she stood. Elsa couldn't believe Jack would think her to be so confident in their Merging power that she would ignore the possible threats and dangers of being overpowered. "I'm just saying, we may not be strong enough to beat Hans and Pitch, yet. But we are strong enough now to defend Arendelle against whatever Pitch and Hans has to throw at us, with or without Rapunzel's help. We do also have North and the others on standby, and there are Hiccups inventions and—"
"But Rapunzel is the only one with healing magic," Jack said rather coldly. But to Elsa, his eyes appeared to express a more tenderize message, but she was too angry to recede and wonder what his eyes were saying.
The frosts were spreading rapidly, followed by a slow layer of ice. Elsa wrapped her arms around herself, hunching slightly over as though in pain. "I know that but don't you understand Jack? She's my cousin! My cousin, Jack! And I don't want to lose her."
"But she is a Gaurdian," Jack said firmly. Immediately after his eyes widen, and his mouth clamped shut. At the same time Elsa snapped her head at Jack: eyes narrowed, lips pressed, and a mist of cold vaporized air filled the room.
A few seconds later Jack mirrored in similar, the firm glare at Elsa, and they stood like that facing each other for a good minute or two before Jack looked away. Snow started to fall, just lightly. Elsa soon turned away also. The silence between them went on until they both calmed down, though their bodies were still somewhat tense.
"I'm sorry," Jack apologized without looking, but Elsa also didn't turn to look at him. "I should've stop sooner instead of pressing you."
Elsa didn't respond to that. Instead, she said, "I wish you would've chosen a better time in wanting to come and see my room."
"You mean a better topic of discussion to have in your room." Elsa didn't respond.
"…I should go," said Jack, his voice shallow and thick.
"You should," Elsa finally replied, her voice quiet and far. Elsa didn't hear Jack move for a while, but she then heard his steps coming close to her and stopping just behind. For some time Jack just stood there, neither touching her nor saying anything. After what seemed like twenty minutes, Jack resumed his walk towards the door. She heard the nob being turned and the door creaking quietly open. There was a slight pause. Elsa almost turned to tell Jack to let her check the hall, that way it would be less suspicious if someone were to see. But she stopped herself from interrupting.
"Good night Snow Queen," Elsa heard faintly, and then the door shut without giving her a chance to reply. Elsa didn't know if she would even reply if given a chance.
She stayed where she was for the longest of time. For how long even Elsa wasn't so sure herself. She had already seated herself on her window seat with her hands clasped resting over her thighs, overlooking the view of nature beyond the town's boundary. She didn't stop the snow in her room from falling, but she did dissolve the frosts and ice that had appeared. Once Elsa felt too tied to be sitting, she stood up and made for her dress screen to change. Elsa stopped however when she turned and found a single snowflake floating just a level higher from where her noise was. The snowflake was floating at the level of where Jack's noise would be.
Elsa then halted the other snows from falling. She didn't know why, but Elsa looked at Jack's snowflake shyly. A moment later, Elsa created her own single snowflake and examined it, smiling a little when she saw the patterns that were similar to Jack's. She had her hands together delicately as if holding a bowl for sipping, but Elsa had the flake carefully held between two of her middle fingers. She lifted her hands up to her lips, and blew gently. The flake softly twirled out and darted its way up to Jack's snowflake. When met with contact, the flakes melted together.
XxXxXx
The next day in the late morning Elsa met up with Eugene. She asked him whether or not he have talked with Rapunzel last night about dissolving her Pact, but Eugene said he didn't. He wanted to talk with Hiccup and Merida first, knowing how Rapunzel would object, and already knowing how Jack wants her to stay. Eugene wanted to try to get both Hiccup and Merida to agree with him, and to help convince Rapunzel to letting Elsa and Ana dissolve their Pact.
They first went to talk with Hiccup; they look for him at the workshop behind the castle, and then at the blacksmith shop, still only Elsa could make it through the tent barrier. But even there Hiccup couldn't be found, not even Toothless. Not knowing what else to do, Elsa and Eugene decided to wait until the late afternoon and try to catch Merida back at the castle's workshop, and if possible also catch Hiccup, remembering that the workshop was where the friends usually meet up to trade patrol shifts. By luck they did catch Merida but Hiccup still couldn't be found, and Jack wasn't with her when they arrived. Merida informed the two that Hiccup had gone back to the Being world to collect more materials for his gas weapons and other things. He won't be back until sometime at midnight.
When they talked with Merida about dissolving Rapunzel's Pact, she expressed that she wasn't so much against it—she actually would like Rapunzel to take no more part in the war on the account of her health, but wondered if they can really afford to lose her in similar to Jack's argument. Although, Merida was more blunt in reminding them that Rapunzel is still a Guardian human or not, and even telling them 'if they don't stop Pitch now, then all the children of the world would be in danger. That would be more of work toll on Blonde than defending a kingdom.'
The next day, Elsa and Eugene went to Hiccup's Smith shop again though this time, he talked with them outside of the tent barrier. To their relief, Hiccup agreed to support them in their decision of dissolving Rapunzel's Pact, despite his similar concern of having need of her magic and her power to fight. However, he won't get involve in trying to sway Rapunzel. He saw the matter as also being private family thing, in which he has no right in interfering with. But on the other hand, Hiccup promised that he would talk with Merida and Jack about this subject again and try to sway them to change; he also said he would talk with Lukas about the matter.
But meanwhile, Elsa hasn't met up with Jack since their fight in her room. She'd seen him flying around but they avoided contact with each other and talking. A third passed and they still haven't talked with each other, and another, and another. Before Elsa knew it, a week and a half have passed, and they'd just received words from Tooth that the ships are now for the final evacuation.
The less contact Elsa had with Jack, the more contact she had with Anna. Elsa had to admit, she did miss spending long days and hours with her sister, but she also had to admit that Anna was acting a bit too energetic around her now. Elsa couldn't understand why. Be she didn't pay attention to that; more than ever, she wanted to talk to her sister. To tell her what had happen between her and Jack but couldn't. If she did, then Anna would then know about their relationship…Elsa didn't want to bother Hiccup, aware that he was now busy building new weapons, and there was still the topic of Rapunzel he promised to do; Merida is constantly moving, making it difficult for Elsa to catch her long enough to talk; Rapunzel…Elsa could only imagen what she would do to Jack of if she finds out what had happen—if she hasn't already. And then that would mean she would have to tell her what their fight was about.
XxXxXx
Tonight's supper once more consisted of Anna, Eugen, Kristoff, Elsa, and Rapunzel. Jack and the others had other work that night. After supper ended, everyone left to turn in for their rooms. There was no more work to be done until the next afternoon, but tonight there was an air of serenity, and everyone was in a mood to enjoy a solitary peace.
When Elsa turned the corner into her hall, she wasn't surprise to find Jack waiting for her by her door. He had his back against the wall and his staff was leaned beside him. Elsa honestly didn't know how to feel; Elsa wasn't sad, upset, or happy to see him. Except she did felt a bit of her energy drained out of her once she saw him. Jack had notice her also, but didn't move a muscle until she came close. They still avoided their eyes from meeting. But when Elsa opened her door, she didn't say whether or not Jack could come in, he just followed her straight in and shut the door behind him. Elsa crossed the room and stood next to her window, finally turning to face Jack.
Jack lingered; once more taking his time looking in every direction of the room, examining all the walls, the fireplace at the corner, and the few furniture there is. With the continuing silence between them, it didn't take long for the room to start snowing again, and the vaporize mist returned, sinking heavily covering the floor in three inch thickness. Jack didn't pay it any attention though. He kept looking around until he also crossed the room, standing beside Elsa's bed and in front of her nightstand. He traced his hand over two small lavishly carved, identical looking boxes that were on her nightstand. "What are these?" Jack asked quietly.
"…My music boxes," Elsa replied equally quiet. "Originally I had one, but that one broke not too long ago. The other one was given to me by North on the first day we arrived in the world of Beings at Tooth's Palace. It was a sort of way for him to prove that Santa Clause was real, and that he was him."
Jack nodded his head. "Why keep the broken one if he gave you a new one? The new one is a complete copy of the old one right?"
"Because the old one was given to me by my father and mother. I could never throw it away, even if it stops working."
Jack paused in all tracing of his hand for a moment before continuing. He looks carefully at each one of the music boxes and then made a guess to which one North gave her. He looked at Elsa and nudge with his head, asking quietly if he could open it. Elsa gave him permission. He lifted the lid delicately and music started plating.
Jack listened for a moment. "What's the song call?" he asked.
Elsa shrugged her shoulder. "I don't know, and my parents didn't know the song's name either."
Jack turned once more to look at Elsa with a raised eyebrow. "They didn't ask the seller when they bought it?"
"They said that the man who sold them the box also didn't know the song's name; only that multiple times he had heard a young girl singing the song alone, to no one. He came to like her song so much, that he created the music box with her song specially built into it,"
"Huh…I'm surprise than that the seller was willing to part with it."
"He had made several copies of the same music box, but it takes a long time to make just one from scratch. He was down to his last one for the year, but my parents convinced him that their little girl had need to hear of the song. So he sold them his last one"
"Really?" said Jack with faint interest. "How did the song go?"
Elsa smiled a little. "I don't really remember to be honest."
"It's alright," Jack replied.
The song then came to an end and began playing again. Elsa remembered that this was one of the other things that made this particular music box special when she first got it. To this day, Elsa was still impressed with the craftsmanship and mechanic of the box. Normally you would have to rewind the instrument inside in order for the box to play again; and now Elsa has to wonder if Ombric have the seller's mechanic design of the music box stored in one of his orbs.
Jack left his staff leaning against the nightstand and walked over to Elsa. She didn't move this time. When he took her hands into his, she didn't pull away. Jack rubbed her hands with his thumbs for a minute, before trailing up and started massaging her upper left arm. Elsa moved in a little closer. Lifting with her right hand, she did the usual and fished for the necklace, once hooked she pulled it out from under Jack's shirt. She played with the dew, turning it from side to side without paying too much attention to it.
"I'm sorry," Jack began, his voice low and slightly raspy, however Elsa didn't respond this time. "I…I was certain at the time that it was necessary to have Rapunzel fight, and even now…I did consider what it would mean to have her continue fighting, and I also did consider both yours and Anna's feelings along with Eugene's. But I forgot to consider something else equally important." Elsa lifted her eyes in order to look in Jack's own eyes. "I forgot to consider her life—her human life." Jack released a weak breathless 'ha' before continuing. "It's ironic really. I once talked to you about why we teased Eugene so hard, was because we wanted to help him and Rapunzel create some memories with each other. For even though memories can hurt us Beings the most at times, but other times it is all that we have to cling onto…And when there are little memories to have, it may not be enough to help define us or carry us forward for a long long time.
"Despite Blonde's age and how old she thinks she feels; she is still young. There's a whole other part of human life she'd yet to experience. So if anything were to happen to her in this war—if she continues to fight…then there is a good chance she'll miss out on what's left of her human life."
The music in the back started to repeat itself again. "Did Hiccup talked to you?" Elsa asked softly.
Jack smiled faintly. "Sort of. I ignored him and brushed him off for the last few days. He's known to be very convincing if actually listen to him, if you haven't notice already."
At that Elsa also faintly smiled. "So will you support us when we talk to Rapunzel?"
Jack breathed in deep from his nose, and also released the air from there. "You may not be happy about this, but I don't think you won't be against it, but Red and I decided to stay out of this decision making like Hiccup is doing. Despite Hiccup's convincing arguments, Merida and I are still headstrong in what we think. We'll leave you, Anna, Eugene, and Rapunzel to handle the matter on you own."
Closing the remaining gap between them, Elsa wrapped her arms around Jack's back and rested her head on his chest. Jack also wrapped his arms around her though allowed one of his hand to cup the back of her head, and he petted her hair. "Now what are we going to do?" Elsa murmured into Jack's vest. Jack was holding her so closely than ever, that his poncho was nearly able to wrap around her as well. "What are we to do about Bellflower?"
Jack took another deep breath, slowly inhaling the faint warm sweet scent of Elsa's hair. "I don't know," he mummed into her locks. "And I really don't want to think about it right now."
Elsa hmm in response, and buried herself further into Jack the best she could. They held each other in their position for a while. The music in the back once more repeated itself. Jack moved first; lightly planting a faint kiss on Elsa's temple and another on her cheek. Then lightly nudging her with his nose; he urged her to separate. When Elsa lifted her head, Jack brought their face in order to trace her; first her eyes, nose, then teasing her lips with his thumb before they kissed.
When they separated again, Elsa giggled lightly, to which Jack raised a brow to. Elsa pointed her eyes down. "Look," she said in warm. Looking down, Jack finally noticed that they were floating a foot or two in the air.
"Some one's been practicing,"
"I wouldn't say that," Elsa said in embarrassment. "It just sort of happened on its own."
Jack kissed her on the forehead, "I'm glad you're feeling better Snow Queen," Jack said with an honest smile. "I was beginning to worry; Hiccup and Merida were thinking of placing bets soon."
"Bets?"
"They wanted to bet on whether or not we would make up first, or will Rapunzel come after me before we have the chance to."
To Elsa's surprise, she asked "They knew about the fight?—" Embarrassed, she buried her face against Jack. "Of course they would know. Rapunzel's not the only one who can sense my stresses."
Jack laughed a little harder. "Well, they got the jest feeling of something was wrong between us, but they still don't know the detail. Thankfully though, Eugene did me a favor and kept Rapunzel from coming after me. He reminded her that couples do fight; this is only our second one."
"Then only Eugene knew the reason of our fight?"
Jack shrugged his shoulders. "More or less. Eugene felt like it was somewhat his fault, for he was the one who told me to talk to you and—" He then felt Elsa jolted her head lightly for a second. "What's wrong?" He asked her.
Lifting her head again, Elsa simply said "Nothing," and kissed him.
In truth, even though she couldn't remember how the song went, Elsa had just remembered the lyrics. Her father and mother did their best to recite the lyrics to her, but they have only heard the seller singing it to them once, and so they couldn't remember how the song went. But they always did recite the lyrics to Elsa word for word. She couldn't believe she had forgotten the second charm to the one her father gave to her when she received her gloves.
Unleash the rope, see the inner heart. / For whom am I hurting myself for? / With this little hand I want to protect / and wish strongly upon a falling star. /
Thousands of twinkling stars in the night sky, / I pray that someday will come to you. /
Along with this song is the seed of smile, / I pray that someday you'll make the flowers bloom. /
I send my song into the night sky, with a little magic. / I don't want to be alone in sadness forever.
I look up at the story night and make a wish / that someday a bright smile will be drawn. /
I look up at the story night and make a wish / that someday a bright smile will be drawn.
XxXxXx
It was the middle of the morning when the ground shook in violence. It was strange, yet familiar disturbing vibration, almost rhythmic. Everyone knew what was immediate to come. All the soldiers dawned on their armors as fast as they could, this time no one was left bear, and they quickly got into their fighting units and waited in formation for further instructions. Hiccup flew in madness, distributing the remaining weaponry as fast as he could. Meanwhile, Jack and Merida flew high to search for the Hole that was to form, by looking over the land while the scout on foot searches from below, but they were also looking up towards the sky to pinpoint the direction where the nightmares and Fearlings are coming from block out the sun.
XxXxXx
Rapunzel was with her cousin's study when the ground shook. Elsa had called Rapunzel for a private meeting for some reason, but didn't know what they were to be talking. She was surprised to find Eugene was there too along with Anna, shooting the possible topic of Jack down. They were about to start when the ground started shaking, pinning them down to the point they couldn't move at all until the ground stop shaking completely.
XxXxXx
Merida sported the distance trees in the woods trembling, closer and closer towards town, and birds flying frantically away from the area. She informed Jack and pointed in the direction of where she trembling trees are before she rushed off towards the area. Jack headed towards Commander Atlas and Gorm to inform them of the direction of the Hole.
XxXxXx
Before the ground could even stop shaking, the party could almost hear the armies yelling and marching out of town. Once the shaking did stop, they could hear more voices quickly growing fainter, and the marching becoming stable. Elsa, Anna, Eugene and Rapunzel made for the doors. When open, Eugene was the first to burst out followed by Anna and then Elsa. But Rapunzel stumbled; suddenly her head felt swoon and she halted and reached for the door latch to steady herself.
XxXxXx
Merida was the first to reach the area before anyone else. Instead of firing into the Hole like she planned on doing once it was in sight, Merida halted Angus in his tack so suddenly, that she was nearly tossed over and off. She looked in horror and in disbelief at the sight below her. She turned her eyes to the sky then quickly back down. The sun was still visible, with no sight of anything coming to block its light.
XxXxXx
"Rapunzel!" cried Eugene. He saw her from the corner of his eye just as the colors vanished from her face. All three of them stopped running.
XxXxXx
"Merida!" called Jack, he was a few yards away followed closely by Hiccup and Toothless. And a distance more behind them, below, the Golden Army was on the march.
XxXxXx
"Rapunzel, what's wrong?" Elsa asked, already moving towards her cousin.
XxXxXx
"What's Red?!" asked Hiccup, as he pulls out his silver shield and held it at the ready.
XxXxXx
"I…" started Rapunzel, but she was feeling too dizzy so continue speaking.
XxXxXx
"It's—" started Merida, but the words got caught in her throat.
XxXxXx
Elsa didn't react in time, and Anna and Eugene had only started to move.
XxXxXx
When the guys were close, Merida pointed down towards what she had seen.
XxXxXx
Rapunzel's legs buckled, and she slid to the floor, fainting before she hit the ground.
XxXxXx
"Armor," Merida said dumbfounded, "They got their own armor."