A/N: I'm sorry this took so long! I've been in a bit of a funk. Also, I started writing this in May. Now it's August! WHAT HAPPENED?! SRSLY?! Anyway, lots of fun ahead! Enjoy!

Guest Reviewers:
Q: "Well, this was a great fight, and Jack is freaking out that he killed some guards accidentally. What's going on with his powers? Hope Merida and Hiccup can reach the others quickly. PLEASE UPDATE SOON!"

A: Well, thank you so much! 3 I really appreciate that. Yeah, Jack's powers are a bit off here. I do have an explanation for that. But that won't be revealed until later~ Don't worry, the four are back together in this.

"Woop! This is great. Yay updates. It was not rushed, it was good. I love this mix of everything. *hands a box of chocolates* Thank you for writing."

Thank you for your lovely comments! 3 I want to give you all hugs! Now, onto the story. ^_~

Rapunzel wrapped her golden hair about Eugene's hand, "so, you're being awfully cryptic as you wrap your magic hair around my injured hand." He said, trying not to let his nervousness show.

Jack snorted, leaning against his staff as he watched the scene unfold before him. It was hilarious how a full-grown man could be so scared of a girl younger than him who was obviously intent on helping him. Eugene winced as Rapunzel finished, "sorry." She grimaced, "just don't... freak out." She directed this at Jack as well, who shrugged.

"Hard to freak me out," Jack replied.

Eugene simply sat still, giving her a boggled expression. Rapunzel closed her green eyes and began to sing. Jack listened intently as her hair began to glow and when she was done, she uncovered Eugene's hand. The previous wound was now completely healed.

"Ah..." Eugene squeaked.

"Please don't freak out!" Rapunzel said quickly.

"I- I'm not freaking, I'm just very curious about your hair and the magical properties it posses. How long has it been doing that?" Eugene tried desperately not to freak out, his voice pitched higher and he rocked back and forth, forcing a smile.

Rapunzel sighed and began to explain her tale. Jack watched them and felt lonelier than ever without Hiccup and Merida, and even Toothless, there was no one to talk or banter with. He stood and drifted toward the dark wood as Eugene and Rapunzel shared their stories.

Something in the woods caught his attention, and he narrowed his eyes. He thought he saw a shadow flicker, but it was hard to say since the woods were completely black and the only light came from their fire. He looked over his shoulder at the pair and then back to the woods. For a while, he just stood there, his mind working. He felt his heart squeeze a bit as he heard Rapunzel giggle.

Jack's head suddenly jerked up as a shadow danced over the trees. 'Toothless!' He thought. Quickly, he summoned the wind and zipped to the top of the trees.

It was hard to tell what it was, but he was fairly certain it was Toothless. He saw a mass of something flying off the back of the creature and smiled, knowing that mass of curls. "Merida!" He followed them and Toothless wheeled around hearing his voice.

"Toothless!" Jack exclaimed and collided with the Dragon's face. "Agh!" He hugged the black scaly creature and smiled, "hey buddy!"

The dragon grinned. "Whoa, Jack! Are you okay?" Hiccup asked, staring at their friend. Merida leaned around Hiccup, "Frosty!" She greeted a huge smile plastering her face.

"Hi, glad to see you guys are okay." Jack lifted off into the air and floated along next to them.

"Where are Rapunzel and Flynn?" Hiccup said, steering Toothless toward the light below.

"That fire is them," Jack pointed.

"Alright, Toothless can land a little farther away! We'll be there in a second."

Jack grinned impishly, "what about Merida?"

"He said 'we' didn't he?" Merida said, putting her hands on her hips. Jack edged closer, "sure he did."

"Jack, don't you dare!" She pointed at him, "I'm warning you." But the warning was lost on his ears and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her with ease off the back of Toothless. "AH! JACK!" She screamed, clutching to the boy's hoodie and pressing her face into his hair and neck. "I hate you!" She snarled.

Jack's laugh tickled her ear, "I know you do." He lowered to the ground with practiced ease, a little ways from the campfire, he didn't want to break apart Rapunzel and Eugene. Though, Eugene wasn't there. Jack's eyes narrowed and he stiffened.

"Don't ever-" Jack's hand clamped over Merida's complaint and he put a finger to his lips, jerking his head in the direction of Rapunzel. Merida's blue eyes followed and she watched as a dark cloaked figure morphed from the darkness. Words passed between her and the Princess. They listened as the woman, who Rapunzel called 'mother', sang (again) and then disappeared. Rapunzel looked completely dismayed as Eugene returned.

Merida and Jack exchanged looks, "that woman," Merida whispered. "She doesn't sound like a very good mother."

"Also, didn't you notice? There was another shadow with her. She wasn't alone." Jack replied, his tone hushed. "I think the shadow creatures have found us again." Merida's eyes widened, "we're all in danger."

Jack nodded, "let's get back to them, Hiccup will be here soon." Together they walked back to the campfire.

"Merida!" Rapunzel exclaimed, jumping up and embracing the fiery redhead, "I'm so glad you're safe!"

Merida smiled and returned the hug, something she wouldn't have done a few days ago. "Same for me. I'm glad you're safe." She looked at Flynn who watched the scene with a smile.

When the girls parted, Merida nodded at him, "thank ye, for taking care of our brave lass."

Eugene tilted his head, "the pleasure was mine. Well, it wasn't really a pleasure since we almost drowned..." he shrugged, "but still, happy to help." Merida shook her head, smiling as she took a seat across from Rapunzel and Flynn.

"So, how'd you escape?" She asked as the fire popped merrily.

"Well, I didn't think we would," Eugene began. Jack stood behind Merida, he sighed and was turning when Merida's hand grabbed his sweater.

"Where d'ya think your goin'?" She asked, her blue eyes sparking with amusement.

"I... was just going to go think." Jack lied.

Merida gave him a look, probably one she learned from her mother, "you sit down right now, Jack Frost."

Eugene blinked, "uh... what? Can I ask what is going on here?"

Rapunzel bit her lip and looked at Merida. Before either of them could speak, two dark shapes materialized and Hiccup appeared with Toothless. "Hey guys." He grinned. They silently stared at him.

"What?"

"Wait, so you guys all talk to this... Jack Frost guy?" Eugene inquired, looking at each teen in turn.

"Yeah..." Merida said, releasing Jack's shirt. He turned to face the thief, wondering how long it would be before the man believed in him.

"Okay, I'm lost. Why, why, why, do you talk to him? Is it just.. something that makes you feel better?" His eyebrows drifted up and they stayed quiet for a few seconds.

"Sort've?" Hiccup offered.

"Jack's a friend." Merida said.

Eugene's puzzled expression only worsened as he look at them, they must sound nuts. Jack snorted, "forget it guys. He's an adult. They, of all people, have the hardest time believing."

Rapunzel shook her head, "Eugene, just... open your mind to the possibility."

"I'm not sure if I want to." He leaned his hands against the log. "I mean... how do I do that? How do I believe in something that's not real?"

Rapunzel sighed, "remember that snow you saw when the guards attacked? And the ice they slipped on?" Eugene nodded. "That was Jack."

The thief's eyes narrowed, "really?" he asked in disbelief.

"Jack, just throw some snow at him!" Hiccup said, waving his hand. "You can't really ignore evidence when it's as cold as that."

Jack smiled, Eugene stared at Hiccup, "your kidding right? Snow in the middle of-" A white powder slammed into the man's face and he froze. "What the heck?!" He dusted it off quickly. "Where did that come from?" He shivered.

"Jack. Just like we told you." Merida said smirking. Jack chuckled, "it was worth it to see his face."

"Just believe," Rapunzel whispered. They all sat silent, waiting for Eugene to start believing. He even sat utterly still, attempting this. What was there to believe in? So snow had randomly appeared, yes that was weird and extremely uncommon. But that didn't prove Jack Frost was real. He closed his eyes concentrating. These kids believed it, and they couldn't all be crazy.

"I don't think it's working. Sorry guys." He opened his eyes and gave a shout of surprise. "AH! Where-Who-When?!" He stammered, jabbing his finger at Jack. "Who's that?!"

Jack blinked, Merida laughed and Hiccup smiled. "That's Jack." Rapunzel said, taking Eugene's hand. "You see him!" She grinned, "you believed despite yourself."

Eugene glanced at her, hesitant to speak, "I... uh..." He cleared his throat, "when I was a kid, I always wanted to believe in... in the spirit of winter. B-but, I..." he stared at Jack, "I never thought I'd really see him."

Merida chuckled, "Trust me. None of us did."

Jack shoved her head and sat down next to her, "good to finally be seen." He said. "Nice to meet you, officially."

Eugene nodded, still a bit freaked out, "yeah. Same."

Pitch watched the woman, she had made such a loud noise of rage that it had drawn his attention. "So, you lost someone, did you?"

The woman's head jerked up and she stared at him, "how did you get in here?!" She hissed, jumping to her feet, brandishing a dagger.

Pitch rolled his eyes, "please, as if your mortal dagger could harm me." He kept his arms behind his back, "I can't help but feel that you and I have certain... common interests."

She quirked a brow, "what do you mean?"

"I'm looking for someone, and I have a hunch you'll find your quarry where I will find mine." He shrugged, "A proposition." The woman lifted her head, "how do I know I can trust you?"

"Well, being as dark as we both are, I doubt very seriously we can." He smirked, "but instead, he could have an alliance. And that only takes having the same goal."

"Why should I help you?"

"It's not me that needs help. The shadows tell me your the one in need of assistance." He grinned wickedly, "do we have a deal?" He held out his hand.

"Very well," she shook it. "What's your name?"

"I'm Pitch or the Boogeyman as many have come to call me." He released her pale hand, "and you are?"

"Gothel."