Chapter Sixteen: (Bittersweet)

"Jason, wake up. Jason?." Donkey nudged the teen.

Jason slowly stirred up. "Donkey?. What's wrong."

Jason got up before rubbing his eyes before letting them adjust. Suddenly, he sees Knights rolling in like there was a raid. "Wow."

Jason got up on his feet and looked at Donkey. "Did you inform Farquaad's men about us being in the area?."

Donkey shook his head. "No, I haven't. I'm just as surprised as you. They showed up as soon as I woke up."

Jason gave it a thought which leads to two people. He rushed over to where his father and Fiona were. "Guys?."

"Morning to you, son." Shrek looked at Fiona with no love or trust. "Might want to say your goodbyes to this deceiver of a princess."

"Deceiver?." Jason raised a brow and turned to look at Fiona. "Fiona?."

"Jason, your father is thinking the wrong idea about last night." Fiona spoke in defense and heartbroken.

Jason remembered last night's conversation with Fiona. Her explaining how she became an Ogre was interesting and had to have more to it, but how and where the misunderstanding was being given to his old man.

"Dad, you're making a huge mistake." Jason spoke.

"Don't defend her, Jason, I heard everything that she said about me." Shrek shoots daggers at Fiona. "The real truth."

"What are you talking about?." Jason was utterly confused. He knew Fiona would never say anything bad about him.

As Shrek was about to explain, a trumpet played loud and clear alerting them. They turned to see none other than Farquaad on his horse and looking proud. Jason's stomach has dropped when seeing that jerk.

"Oh, well, it is about time." Shrek got up. "Right on schedule."

"Princess Fiona!." Farquaad spoke with such happiness. "At long last my soon to be queen has arrived."

Fiona looked at the man and didn't like what she saw or what led up to it. She made her decision last night of what Jason said. She wasted her life in that keep and she will not waste it on being royalty. Especially after finding a bouquet of sunflowers being left on the doorstep and getting a lucky pedal from her loving Shrek. But now that is all wealth in garbage land.

"Myself and my son have kept our end of the deal. And now it is your turn." Shrek spoke to Farquaad.

Farquaad nodded. "Yes, Yes, as promised." He pulled out a scroll and handed it to him. "The deed to your and your son's beloved swamp. In my personal opinion, I call it a real dump in the hole."

Jason holds his tongue and just lets it play out for now. Fiona felt betrayed as she never expected this to happen. Emotions running wild, Fiona submitted to spite Shrek to her pain.

"Lord Farquaad, it is true..." Fiona watched the man get lifted up off his horse and on the ground. She can see those short jokes weren't just jokes after all. "It is an honor to be your woman."

Farquaad looked at her with a smile, but it quickly faded as he noticed her lack of enthusiasm. "Is something amiss, my love?."

"Your Highness, I am overwhelmed with joy." Fiona forced a smile, her heart feeling heavy with regret. She glanced at Shrek, his expression unreadable.

"Oh, well, that is good." Farquaad regained his smile. "So, I was thinking of having our wedding in the next coming months and..."

"Why not today?. Better do it now and not wait later." Fiona encouraged.

Jason was in shock while Shrek was reading the deed and trying not to show emotion. "Fiona."

"Mind your business, little boy." Fiona silenced the teen.

Farquaad looked at Fiona and then at Shrek. "Well, if that is what my bride wishes." He clapped his hands together. "To the chapel, at once!."

One of the Knights helped Fiona on Farquaad's horse before putting his king on it as well. Jason can not believe this nor did Donkey. Fiona showed a hint of sadness and waved at Jason with a sad smile. She looked at Shrek with sadness.

"Farewell, Ogre." Fiona said before leaving.

"Shrek, what are you doing?." Donkey spoke in shock.

"Oh, don't act like you're innocent." Shrek shoots back at the animal. "I heard everything that you and Fiona said about me."

Jason came closer. "What did they say?."

"I don't want to repeat it." Shrek spoke upset before giving Jason the deed to their swamp.

"But Shrek you got it all wrong." Donkey tried to explain but failed to get out because of Shrek.

"No, you got it all wrong!. I'm not stupid!." Shrek spoke in anger.

"Shrek, please, let me explain." Donkey begged. "We're family."

"Family!?." Shrek got mad. "The only family I have and never turn their back on me or slander me is my son, Jason!. I live alone with my son and darn it, I will keep it that way!. If you want to find shelter and a place to call home, then go back to the princess!."

Donkey felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. He knew Shrek was hurt but never knew how deep the words could go. "But Shrek, she is the one for you."

"Just leave me and my son alone!. Come on Jason." Shrek stopped walking. He turned to see shocked son. "Jason?."

Jason stood frozen, his eyes glossy with tears. "You don't mean that, right?."

Shrek turned back around, his voice barely above a whisper. "I do."

Jason sighed as he had no idea what led up to all of this drama in the first place. Before he went off he knelt down to whisper something in Donkey's ear. After that he followed his father back to their home while Donkey watched in utter sadness before walking off somewhere. Fiona, who had reached the castle, was wondering about the misunderstanding between herself and Shrek. She can't put her finger on it.

"My maids will get you fitted and fed." Farquaad spoke proudly. "We will wed at the countdown of sunset."

Fiona nodded, trying to keep her composure as the knights escorted her to the castle. The grandeur of the place made her feel small and trapped. She couldn't believe she was going through with this, especially after the connection she had made with Shrek.

The day passed by in a blur of preparations. Dress fittings, rehearsals, and the constant prattling of Farquaad's advisors filled her ears. Fiona's thoughts wandered back to her conversation with Jason. He had shown her kindness and understanding, something she hadn't felt in a very long time. She felt like a real mother to him and she wished that she could fix the issue that motivated Shrek to go inform Farquaad that they were here. Back with Shrek and Jason, the two walked back into the familiar woods and good swampy smell of water. They reached their home by using a quick route to get home faster as they can see that all of the Fairytale creatures had packed up and moved back to where they originally came from. They could see some trash or a few things here and there.

"Home sweet home." Shrek exhales. "This little quest was... bittersweet."

"What do you mean, Dad?." Jason questioned, feeling a mix of confusion and sadness.

Shrek didn't look back. "It's nothing, Jason. Just forget it." He continued walking, the deed to their swamp rolled tightly in his hand.

They entered their home as Shrek went to put the deed up in a safe and secure place before coming back to make a mix of breakfast and lunch. Jason sat down at the table while watching his father cut some things and put them in the pot to cook. His mind is worried about Donkey and his safety. He knows that talking animals can't survive out there safely. It is a cold cruel heartless world out there.

"Jason, can you grab that spice in the top cabinet?." Shrek called out while stirring the pot.

Jason nodded and stood up to reach for the spice, his mind racing. "What's the plan, Dad?. Just let Fiona marry that... that... that...?."

Shrek slammed the spatula down on the counter, making Jason flinch. "What do you want me to do, son?. She made her choice. And apparently, she didn't choose me." His voice was thick with pain.

"I don't understand. You two clicked." Jason looked at his father. "What exactly happened last night?. What made you have a different mood?."

Shrek sighed heavily. "It's complicated, son. But trust me when I say it's for the best."

Jason shook his head in refusal as he walked out. "I need time to breathe and clear my head. Don't wait up."

Shrek nodded solemnly, his heart heavy with his son's disappointment. He watched him go before returning to finish cooking. The pot bubbled and spit, filling the room with an aroma that usually brought comfort, but today it just served as a painful reminder of what could have been. Jason walked away from the house and went to run up to where he expected Donkey to be after instructing him to do so. Which happens to be Jason telling him to follow them from a far distance and then wait for him to meet up and talk. He reaches the top of the grassy hill and sees Donkey waiting for him.

Jason hugged Donkey. "Thanks for obeying my instructions."

Donkey nodded, his eyes red from crying. "What's the plan, Jason?. We can't just let Fiona marry that tyrant!."

"First off, tell me what made my father think Fiona betrayed him?. What did you and Fiona say last night before I went to talk with her?." asked Jason.

Donkey took a deep breath and began to explain everything. "She majorly put herself down and gave herself negative thinking. One being in a question as to who would want to marry her?. More in detail and ugly horrible stupid beast. She mentioned that you, Shrek, and Goldi have learned about her secret for a brief moment."

"Yeah, that is true." Jason nodded. "It was a huge surprise. Even if we did manage to stop the wedding, there are a bunch of Knights there and we aren't invited. We need an edge." An idea hits his head. "In fact, we need a fire breathing animal. How good is your scent tracking?."

Donkey looked at him with a spark of hope. "On a scale of one to twenty, I'm a twenty." He winked.

"Good." Jason pulls out a nice sharp tooth. "This tooth belongs to Elisabeth. The woman dragon from the keep. Sniff this and find her. I bet she broke free from those chains and probably made the attempt in trying to find us."

Donkey took a whiff and sneezed. "Oh boy, that smells like... fire and a hint of vanilla?."

Jason rolled his eyes. "Just focus on the fire part." He handed the tooth over. "Elisabeth is probably out here, feeling just as lost as we are. If we can find her, she'd be the perfect aid."

Donkey took the tooth and sniffed again, his nostrils flaring. "Alright, alright. I've got it." He turned in a circle, catching the faint scent of dragon fire on the breeze. "This way!." He took off at a sprint, Jason following closely behind.

"Wait up!." Jason ran as quickly as Donkey was on all fours.

It didn't take long for the two to reach a shadow pond where Elizabeth is expected to be. She was by the water looking sad as she wiped a tear. Jason and Donkey felt awful about abandoning her when escaping. Jason knows that she wanted him to come back and be her best friend since he is half fairytale creature, but more in detail a Dragon Whisper. For Donkey, he did have romantic feelings for that female dragon and he did have a wet dream about her one time. So why not?. The two approached Elizabeth, who caught sight of them, as she relaxed and smiled at seeing them. Her search was over.

"I'm terribly sorry for what I did." Elizabeth said, looking at Jason. "Didn't mean to act so..."

"Glutinous?." Jason grinned.

Elisabeth rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Yes, I know, I know. I'm sorry about that. I was just so lonely and confused. But now I know that I shouldn't have let those feelings get in the way." She looked at Donkey. "Sorry for taking advantage of you. You're just so darn sexy."

Donkey's face turned red. "Well, you know. It's all water under the bridge." He chuckled nervously. "I was wondering if we could pick up where we left off. Specifically, I'm talking about that kiss."

Elisabeth leaned in closer, her fiery eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why, Donkey, you do know how to sweet talk a girl."

Donkey's cheeks grew even redder as he stuttered, "W-well, I do try."

Jason cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to the situation at hand. "Look, we don't have much time. Fiona's wedding is today. We need to stop it, and we need your help, Elizabeth."

The dragon looked at him, her expression turning serious. "Fiona?. But she's going to marry Farquaad. Why would you want to stop that?."

"Because he doesn't love her. He is only doing this because to be king. Officially." explained Jason. "But first, I need to straighten things out with my father. Can you give us a ride back to my house?."

Elisabeth nodded. "Of course. I owe you at least that much for being my friend and my Dragon Whisper." She stepped aside, allowing them to climb onto her back. The feel of her scales was surprisingly warm and comforting under Jason's hands and Donkey's hooves.

With a powerful beat of her wings, Elizabeth took off, soaring above the treetops. The wind rushed through Jason's hair as he clung onto her chains tightly. "We need to get back fast," he said urgently. "Fiona is going to marry Farquaad at sunset."

Donkey, who was holding onto Elizabeth's neck, nodded vigorously. "You got that right, buddy. That slimy toad doesn't deserve her. She's got a heart of gold."

Elizabeth, feeling the urgency in their voices, picked up speed. The swampy marshlands grew closer as the sun began its descent. They could see their house, still standing amidst the mess from the previous night's of the former guests. As they touched down, Jason and Donkey slid off her back, both grateful for the ride. Jason matched into his home and went to where he expected his father to be. Sitting at the table staring at a bowl of yummy creamy toad chowder.

"Dad, you need to talk. Outside. Please." Jason spoke in seriousness.

Shrek looked up from his bowl, the spoon hovering in midair. He could see the determination in his son's eyes and sighed. "Alright." He stood up and followed Jason out the door.

Jason leads his father outside to where Donkey is waiting. Shrek was about to say something. "Before you go berserk, Dad, you need to know something."

Shrek sighed heavily. "What is it now?."

Jason exhales. "The conversation you heard between Fiona and Donkey wasn't about you. It was all about herself."

Shrek furrowed his brow, "What are you talking about?."

"Fiona was feeling insecure and upset, not about you, but about herself. She didn't think anyone would want to marry her because she's an ogre." Donkey spoke up, his voice still filled with sadness. "She didn't mean to hurt you, she was just opening up to me. You overheard us at a bad time."

Shrek's expression softened slightly. "But she didn't say anything about me?."

"No, she didn't say anything bad about you, Dad," Jason reassured him. "You just heard it at the wrong moment."

Shrek took it all in and did not believe he jumped the boat too fast. "Oh, I'm such an idiot." He looked at Donkey. "I'm sorry. For what I just said."

Donkey smiled. "Hey, Shrek, it is alright. No one's perfect. This is one of the things true and real friends do. They forgive each other."

Shrek nodded. "But I need to tell Fiona." He rubbed his head. "Oh, no, the wedding. We need to stop it. We don't have enough time to run over there."

"Don't worry, Dad." Jason spoke boldly.

"Yeah, if there is a will then there is a way." Donkey said before making a whistle.

In a brief moment they all heard heavy flapping noises and looked up and saw Elizabeth hovering over them. Shrek laughed heartily at a good sign of good fortune. He pulled Donkey and gave him a rub in the head.

"You are a good animal." Shrek told Donkey.

Donkey snorted. "Thanks, buddy."

Shrek let go of Donkey and then pulled his son in for a hug. "Thanks, son. Sorry for putting you through all that."

"It's okay, Dad." Jason hugged him back. "Let's go get Fiona."

All three hopped on and let Elizabeth do the rest as she flew right on our as she swore through the air and through some thick puffy clouds to the three's happiness. Jason had always wanted to see what clouds taste like when he was a little boy and the wait was worth it.

They approached the castle, the grand structure looming over the town below. The knights were bustling about, preparing for the wedding festivities. "There's no way we're going to get in there without causing a scene," Shrek murmured, his mind racing. "It will have to do."

"Elizabeth, take us down." said Jason, with determination.

They descended swiftly and landed inside the outer walls of Duloc, the dragon's fiery breath leaving a trail in the sky. The guards, taken aback by the sudden appearance of a dragon, momentarily froze in shock. Then they immediately ran for their lives. Jason can't help but chuckle at their expense. Shrek and Donkey got off of her right after Jason did first. Elizabeth felt her stomach growl and looked at the Knights. She looked at Donkey with hope.

"Oh, don't worry baby, we'll whistle when we need you. Cool?." Donkey looked at his new girlfriend.

"Cool!." Elizabeth quickly chased those Knights with glee. "Oooo, I haven't had a Knight in a very long time!."