Operation Phoenix

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Hiccups hands were bound in front of him once they arrived, the immediate smell of sulfur and smoke hit his nostrils. It clung to the air like a thick, morning fog. His feet hit the mud when he jumped out of the rig, instantly feeling lopsided as his prosthetic sunk further than his other foot. Yanking it out and standing some place stable, he turned to watch Rapunzel repeat his own action—minus the missing leg. They were both still in their pajamas, Zel wearing the grey sweats and a graphic Tee from Merida, while Hic was adorned in his flannel pants and a plain grey shirt.

Rapunzel had woken up some time during their trip and expressed her concern for her other comrades, to which Hiccup informed her of their current state. She immediately began to cry upon hearing the redhead's fate, her brother hugging her for comfort. She complained of feeling dizzy and sick, and both team members were sure that crying was not helpful to her current condition.

Upon landing, Rapunzel immediately stumbled back and nearly hit the truck. The vigorous activity was beginning to be too much, she needed to lay down soon and neither of the two victims knew when that would be next.

The metal gates opened with a loud squeaking sound, one that pierced ears and sent hairs on end. The condition of the people was just as it always was... horrible. Civilians still squabbled in filth, starving children and nearly dead adults covered in dirt and adorned in torn clothing. They watched from the mud as both hostages were shoved inside, the barrel of a gun poised at their backs. Many sad eyes recognized the blonde girl as she slowly trudged by, her hair down and in stringy locks. The golden strands acted like a curtain, shielding her face from the onlookers—as if it would prevent them from knowing her identity. She was very aware it wouldn't, but this endeavor was humiliating.

Hiccup's mind was not on the current setting. Instead it lay elsewhere, miles away with a certain redhead. He choked and squeezed his eyes shut as she came to mind, the feeling in his chest aching just in between his collar bones. He felt like a ghost, like he was watching his own body as it worked and functioned—though inwardly he wished it wouldn't. His hands shifted against the zip ties over his wrists and he ducked his head. It wasn't anger that filled him, or sadness, rather it was denial. It coated his spine and shoulder blades as he breathed, filled his lungs and choked itself in his eyes. No way, he was thinking to himself, impossible. That's all he seemed to be able to muster, the same words repeating over and over in his head as he watched himself walk down the muddy path towards King Black's base.

"Rapunzel?" Came a stricken voice as it emerged from behind the tents.

Zel looked to her right, spotting a young boy, whom she was well acquainted with. His brother had died years ago, which he mourned greatly, but he lived with his aunt and whenever the blonde had a chance she would treat them both. Now, the boy, by the name of Hiro, stood and watched her in horror as she was led away by the large twins. He panted in fear, shoving passed people to stare.

Rapunzel immediately smiled and waved at him in an attempt to take his worry away. She was instantly shoved forward by the silent twin, and in nervousness she brushed a piece of hair out of her face, continuing on her way.

The guards tossed both of them inside the building, watching as Rapunzel and Hiccup tripped over the threshold. Zel fell uncomfortably on her side, curling into herself to avoid the throbbing pain in her head. Hic bent down to help her up, his eyes landing on the woman sitting at the desk in front of them.

It was Ursula.

She grinned once she spotted the two tumble through the door, glancing up from her papers to look at the large twins. Her red nails tapped against her cheek as she rested her chin in her palm, the color glistening in the overhead lights. "That was quick." She chuckled, her eyes narrowing at the sight of Rapunzel. "You sure that's the one in the picture?" Her lengthy finger pointed to the blonde, wiggling a bit for emphasis.