Fate - Chapter 7: " Discovery "
" What?! No- Guardians can't die- they're immortal! " Elson protests, looking down at me in despair.
I use all of my energy to whisper, " A- Actually we can.. "
" If I'd of known that, I wouldn't of let you go outside to 'distract' the soldiers! " Elson states, and I smile softly. Pabbie motions for Elson to place me on the ground and he does so, with a little reluctance. The snow suddenly doesn't feel as comforting as it usually does. Instead, it feels deadly- like it wants me to suffer. I shiver, and look up at the now rising moon. It's full, and I stare right at it as I feel all of the energy drain out of me.
" W- What's happening to her?! " Elson asks, his eyes filled with fear. I gaze at him, and he looks back at me, his eyes startled. My lips don't form into a smile. They form into a line as my hand suddenly slips off of my chest. I can feel the limpness everywhere in my body, and yet I'm still awake.
" Oh dear. " Pabbie says, placing his hands on my chest. I try to remove his hands, but nothing works anymore. I just sit there limply as he starts mumbling words under his breath. His eyes start to glow the same color as his necklace crystals. Suddenly, I gasp out for breath as the snow welcomes me. My energy starts to replenish and I sit up weakly. Elson, who went on his knee earlier, grasps my head with his hand and helps me sit up. He lets me lean onto his shoulder as he assists me in standing. I try to take a step, only to stagger and almost fall. Pabbie gets up, and looks at me with worry.
" Julian. " He says, and I look up at him. Elson is still letting me rest on him, and Pabbie goes on, " You're still dying. Slowly- but dying. There's dark magic in your heart. If only it was ice.. " He goes off, and I tilt my head at him.
" What do you mean? " I ask, my voice barely more than a whisper.
Pabbie looks up at me, his eyes sad. " Every time you use your powers, you get weaker. It's black magic. I've never seen this before- only ice.. " Elson and Pabbie share a look, and Elson looks down at me.
" I don't- " I start to say, but then a memory pops into my head: I'm in Antarctica. I ran away from the Guardians. Pitch's menacing laugh as he betrays our deal for my staff to let Baby Tooth go. The gruesome pain I felt when my staff was broken. Even more agony as Pitch strikes me in the heart.. with his magic.
I let out a gasp as I shake my head. " No, no, that was- it was so long ago. " My eyes are pleading as Pabbie gazes at me.
" I- I was struck in the heart by Pitch's magic a while ago. I just- I never thought that it would of actually done something to me. " My voice is frantic as Elson places his arm around my shoulder again. I place my hands over my heart gingerly, and Pabbie looks at me- his expression is one filled with alarm. Elson is looking down at me, and I gaze at the two men in confusion.
" W- What? " I ask, looking back and forth. Elson closes his eyes, and turns away from me. I hear him use his magic, and he turns around with an ice mirror. I tilt my head, and I stagger backwards.
" N- No.. " My hand rushes up to my hair. My once shinning silver hair now has some shades of brown hair in it. " I- I'm turning mortal. " I state, my voice betraying me. My eyes tear up, and I turn away from the mirror. Tears start to stream down my face as Pabbie turns away sadly, and I sink onto the floor. I cover my face in my hands as I hear a soft tune behind me. I look around, and I see Elson holding his palm out. He's sitting on one knee, and his eyes are filled with warmth.
In his palm is a little Olaf, and he's singing a lullaby, " Don't cry! I'll be here for you! I'll give you all the hugs you want! " Elson hands me the little Olaf, and I smile at him, trying to wipe my tears away. I feel a cool hand placed on my cheek as I look into Elson's eyes. He takes my hand, and places the baby Olaf in my hand. I smile at him, and he helps me up. The little Olaf disappears into thin air, and I look at Elson.
" That was sweet. Thank you. " I say, my voice getting a little stronger. He nods, and we turn back to Pabbie who was watching the whole thing. I look away and blush as Elson scratches the back of his head. Pabbie shrugs, and walks back to us.
" Is there anything I can do to get my powers back and to... stop dying? " I ask, looking into Pabbie's twinkling eyes. He sighs, and I take a step back.
" I- I'm afraid that there is no cure that I know of.. I'm sorry. " And with that, he turns away and into the shadows. I try to walk after him, only for Elson to block my way. He shakes his head sadly as I look on in despair. I hear the last words he yells out behind him, " If I think of something, I'll let you know! "
" P- Pabbie, no! " I scream out, my voice ringing across the trees. My head hangs as Elson gives me a hug. In shock, my eyes open widely as I gingerly place my hands on his chest. Elson keeps the hug going on for a few seconds, and we part.
" We'll figure something out. Together. " He promises, and he grabs my hand. I let him lead me among the trees as an arrow shoots past my face. I let out a cry of shock as I look up into the sky. A shadow is blocking the moon, letting ribbons of moonlight cascade at different angles. I narrow my eyes at the figure, and I call out his name is recognition.
" Pitch. "