Surviving Camp Cedar

Chapter Nineteen

As they trekked through the woods, the mood between the group had shifted. Elsa seemed to be more thoughtful, focusing less of her energy on arguing with Rapunzel and more of her energy on what could help Jack. Rapunzel seemed less enthusiastic to lead and more willing to listen and compromise. Flynn stared between the two girls, wondering what exactly could have changed overnight to make them get along. Still, he was glad.

As for the kiss between Elsa and Flynn, he knew it would never be spoken of. It had been a moment of emotional distress, Elsa scared and depressed, craving closeness in the only way she could think of in the moment. Flynn didn't think much of it, he knew Rapunzel would be hurt if she found out but there was nothing to it. It was nothing more than a moment of weakness, and he knew stopping it would have only lead Elsa to more guilt and panic. It was just a kiss. 

Flynn slid his hand into Rapunzel's, returning the brihgt smile she turned to him with and running the pad of his thumb over the back of her smooth hand. Elsa looked down at their entwined digits, her eyes flashing quickly back upwards like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She was jealous that their love was so uncomplicated and she felt awful for kissing Flynn earlier. Inside, she somehow knew that he understood why she had done it and she didn't think they needed to talk about it anymore. He was happy with Rapunzel and she was happy with Jack, if he ever wanted to speak to her again. She sighed inaudibly, stopping in her tracks as they came to the foothills of the mountains.

"Whoa," Elsa breathed, taking in the high peaks and steep inclines. They had really wanted to keep him hidden from them, and the thought burnt her up inside. How dare those three witches do this to him? What had he ever done? It was completely unfair and sadistic.

"Let's start climbing!" Rapunzel cheered, trying to stay sunny though the uncertainty was clear in her voice. Flynn took in a deep breath, unable to make sense of the situation.

***

Jack's pacing was interrupted by the three girls entering his cell. It was rare for them to all come at once, and not carrying any food at all. They looked at each other solemnly before speaking, the bars on his cell dissapating as they came closer to him and sat on a couch that had suddenly appeared.

"What do you want with me?" Jack asked, his voice cracking from going unused for so long.

"Jack, haven't you figured it out yet?" Maleficent asked, her eyes glowing as she chuckled. 

"You're innocent. Every bit of you is innocent and pure, and that's what we want with you." Queenie continued, her regal tone easily matching what Jack wondered was her nickname.

"The only thing about you more pure than your innocence is your love for Elsa, which is why," she waved her hand, an orb appearing. In the middle an image of Flynn Rider, Rapunzel and Elsa was in it, the trio climbing the foothills of a mountain. "we're very glad she was so determined to find you. She should be here within the next day." Ursula laughed, so maniacal and cold that it sent a chill down Jack's spine.

"But what do you want it for? Are you going to hurt her?" Jack asked, frustration and fear building up within him. He ran his hands through his now whitening hair, feeling coldness in the tips of his fingers. He stared at his hands in disbelief, shoving them into his pockets to warm them. 

"All in due time, Jack, all in due time. See you," They all disappeared and he was left to stare in awe as snow started to fall from the top of the cave. It was just a flurry and only lasted a moment, but he was at a loss to explain it.

As he sat there and thought over what he had just been told, he found more and more complicated problems wiht any plan he could dream up. Elsa would be in danger, so would her friends and maybe even her family. He didn't know what they needed his innocence for or how they would get it, and all he could think to do was curl into a ball and give up. He knew, however, that that wasn't an option. His only resolve was to stay strong, if not for himself then for Elsa. 

***

This update is really rushed, but I don't know when I'm going to have internet again so I figured I would give you guys a little something while I can! Please vote and comment, thank you!! xox