Fate - Chapter 8: " Trouble "
" It's so great to see you again, Julian. " Pitch's mocking laughter rings in my ears and I shake my head to clear it. Elson looks up at the figure, his eyes wide. I look at Pitch's glowing gold eyes as he smiles evilly at me. " And who is that? " He asks, grinning. My hands clamp into fists as Pitch comes face to face with me. He grasps my chin in his hand, and forces me to look up at him.
" What do you want, you coward? " I hiss at him through gritted teeth. He looks at me, and frowns.
" Coward? " He steps away from me, and I watch him rub his chin.
" I am no coward.. Even you should know that after I put my magic in your heart. " He smirks as I narrow my eyes at him.
" Now, I think we need to have a little talk. " He whispers in my ear, and I ready my hand to strike at him. I fling my hand at his cheek, only for him to grasp it in mid air. Elson starts to walk towards us, and Pitch smirks at him. He manifests some black sand and blows it in his face. Elson looks at me, and his eyes close.
" Elson! " I cry out, reaching for him. I struggle as Pitch grasps my arms and holds me back. " Let me go! " I cry out, kicking the air violently. He grasps my hair, and I scream out at him.
Suddenly, I hear a familiar ringing of bells as North, Bunny, Tooth, and Sandy come rushing down on North's sleigh. I let out a sigh of relief as Pitch's eyes go wide. I finally get free as the Guardians land, and make a circle around me and Elson. He's sprawled on the snow, and I rush towards him. Pitch screams threats at me through the Guardians, but I focus on Elson. His eyes are closed, but he's breathing. He's just under a sleeping spell.. I close my eyes and place Elson in my lap. Sandy turns away from the fighting as he points at Elson.
" Please help him.. " I plead, looking back down at Elson's motionless body. Sandy nods, and I smile gratefully at him. His glowing golden sand appears from his palm, and it soars towards Elson's body. He's suddenly gasping for breath as I hug his chest fiercely.
" I'm so sorry. " I whisper, looking back at Pitch. Elson shakes his head.
" It's not your fault. " He says, placing his hand gingerly on my cheek. I look down at him as his eyes shine.
" Is that the guy who put magic in your heart? " He asks sleepily, rubbing his eyes. I nod slightly, and he staggers on his feet.
Pitch disappears into the shadow of night, calling out menacingly, " This isn't over! Because every time you use your magic, I get stronger. " The Guardians turn to look at me, and I avoid their gazes. Bunny walks up to me, and I look up at him nervously.
" I'm sorry. " Is all he says as he jumps back onto the sleigh, waiting for the others. I tilt my head, but soon I feel something around my neck and I turn to see Tooth hugging me.
" Tooth! " I yell out joyfully, grasping her back and pulling her close to me. She laughs, showing her twinkling eyes and Baby Tooth pops out from behind her shoulder. She hugs my cheek as I giggle.
" It's great to see you, too! " I call out, placing my hand on her back softly. Tooth parts away from me and I turn to see North crossing his arms at me.
" Did you find Pabbie? " He asks, narrowing his eyes a little at me. I look away, and nod slightly. " What happened to your hair? " He inquires, and I look up at the moon, my eyes watering.
" It's a long story. " I say, finally making eye contact with him. He sighs, and points to Elson.
" Who is that? " He calls out, leaning close to his face. Elson meets his gaze, without flinching.
" My name is Elson Overland, King of Arendelle. "
" Well, shouldn't you be running your kingdom, and.. not being able to see us? " Bunny calls out from his sitting spot. Elson looks over at him, and shrugs.
" I'm not king anymore. I was. And besides, I already know about you. " Elson states, getting the attention of all the Guardians. " You're Guardians, right? "
" Julian! " North says, glaring at me. I raise my hand and point it at the ground randomly.
" Hey! I- I only told him about me. Not any of you! " I protest, and look quizzically at Elson. He shrugs.
" I just assumed. " He says, grinning. Tooth stares at him, her eyes glued onto him. I can see her blush as Elson looks at her and nods.
" Hi. " He says, and Tooth makes a little squealing sound. I rub my temples. Oh god.. North walks up to Elson and puts his hand out.
" Well, if you want to still be friends with Julian, you're coming with us. " He announces, making Bunny jump up onto his feet.
" Wait, you're bringing that... human into your workshop?! " He yells, his hands into fists. North nods, and crosses his arms. He gazes at Bunny, waiting for a challenge as he sighs and sits down angrily. Elson slowly takes North's hand and shakes it confidently.
" Come on, we're going back to the workshop. And you, " He points at me as my shoulders rise, " You will explain to us what's happened. " Elson and I walk towards the sleigh as Sandy, North, and Tooth follow behind us. I sit as far away from Bunny as I can, while Elson sits next to me. Tooth sits next to Elson, and stares at him through dreamy eyes.
" Your teeth are so.. hypnotic.. " She says, placing her fists under her chin as Baby Tooth does a dramatic faint. I roll my eyes, and smile. Elson looks at her while North gets ready to launch the sleigh. Sandy is sitting next to Bunny as he holds on to the side of the railing. Elson looks over at Tooth, and raises an eyebrow, while still smiling.
" Teeth? "
" She's the tooth fairy, Elson. " I whisper into his ear as he gazes at me. Looking away, I notice that Bunny is still glaring at me.
" Everybody ready? " North calls out from behind him, and looks back at Elson.
" Ready! " I say, grinning. Elson looks expectantly at me. " Don't worry. It'll be fun! " I say, looking up at the stars. Elson nods, and gives North a thumbs up.
" Okay, here we go! " North says, and commands the reindeer to go into the air. The sleigh lurches, and Elson laughs from the impact. I look at him as he smiles, and looks at the moon. It reflects in his eyes as he looks down at me.
" Everybody loves the sleigh. "