Lost and Found

Chapter 12: The Early Change

I jump up and down on the snow filled mattress, bouncing higher and higher. Jack and Hiccup look at me with amused faces.

Eugene runs around the room as fast as possible, trying to gather that same wind we had in the sky. Hook sits down, watching us with disdain.

I'm yipping with excitement, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. Merida curses at Eugene every time he rushes by her, almost trampling her feet. She hugs her knees to her chest, snarling at him some more when he jumps up beside her.

His tail thumps against the side of the snowy white couch happily. He looks at Merida as if he might lick her. She bares her teeth at him, noticing the look.

"Don't even think about it," she snarls. "if you do, I'll rip out your tongue and shove it up your dragon-"

Hiccup laughs, cutting her off and she scowls at him. He flashes a grin at her and she blushes, looking down. He then looks at me, still jumping, my tongue lolling.

"Are you calm now?" he asks.

I jump a few more times before plopping down on the bed, rolling over onto my back. I pant, tongue still lolling.

'Yes.'

He leans up onto his knees. "So? How was it? The flying I mean."

Eugene's tail starts thumping louder and even Hook looks up. I moan, closing my eyes, envisioning that memory again.

'It was okay, I guess.' Hook answers.

I fall of the bed in disbelief. 'Are you kidding me?' I slump against the couch with a dreamy sigh. 'It was amazing. Nothing compares.'

Eugene licks his lips. 'It was fantastic. Better than anything I've ever felt before.'

Hook shrugs. 'Ive never really liked being in the air. My hearts on the ocean. Cold breezes harsh against salty seas.' he lays on his side, closing his eyes. 'I'd take water over air anyday.'

I close my eyes, once more reliving that beautiful memory. 'I disagree. Flying is my freedom. Everything I've ever wanted. I still hate Pitch and Hans. But this was a blessing. Something I'll gladly suffer hours for.'

If Hiccup and Anna are right about my life being tied to Queen Elsa's, I'm glad I got to learn how to fly. Glad that I got a taste of freedom.

Eugene nods, sober. 'Agreed. It's worth it.'

Hook grins. 'Although I didn't enjoy it as much as you guys, I agree. I'm happy I got the experience the freedom of flight. I felt like I could out fly anything. Like nothing could catch me.'

Suddenly a sharp pain hits my wings. I lurch away from the couch, looking backwards.

My wings are shimmering red and black.

Then they start shredding apart. A roar rips out of me. I stumble, trying to get away from them, from the pain.

'No please.' I whimper. 'Not yet.' The red and black shadow digs in deeper, shoving my face to the ground.

My eyes focus on Eugene and Hook, they're in the same position I'm in, faces grimacing in pain. They grit their teeth, saliva dripping in white foam from their mouths. I faintly feel the same foam sliding through my gums to the floor.

"YOU WERE NOT MEANT TO ENJOY THIS. THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A CURSE. YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE SUFFERING!" a scratchy, rough voice tells furiously through the room.

I scream out. 'Please! Not yet! Please!'

"YOU DESERVE NO MERCY. YOU DESERVE NO HAPPINESS, WITCH! YOU DESERVE TO DIE FOR THE PAST, THE TROUBLE YOU HAVE CAUSED AND THE LIVES YOU'VE RUINED! SURRENDER AND ONLY YOU WILL BE LEFT TO SUFFER. YOU'RE FRIENDS WILL BE FREE. BUT YOU WILL BE MINE TO TORTURE TO DEATH AND AFTERWARDS, IN THIS LIFETIME, YOUR LAST, AND THE ONES SOON TO COME. YOU'LL NEVER BE FREE, NOT FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME!" The voice shrieked.