OH. MY. GOD. I have been gone for so long. What, four months?! I'm so sorry, I had a new chapter planned for March, but unfortunately, an emergency within my family came up and threw me completely off track. And then all of the work that's thrust upon you toward the end of school happened, which further delayed things. And so FINALLY I'm back at the end of June! I really hope you all enjoy this new chapter and by the way- have you guys seen How To Train Your Dragon 2, yet?! Hardcore feels all over the place T_T So the bit toward the end of this update, featuring Hiccup and Merida, is sort of dedicated to the movie. Without further ado, read on!

Rapunzel gulped. She stood before the doors of the school, failing to hold back her anxiety. I'm going to do it, she thought to herself, I'm going to break it to him. The girl took a deep breath and strode forward, entering the building. She eyed the halls, warily, but then focused on what was straight ahead. Within a few moments, Rapunzel arrived at Flynn's locker. He was already there. She stepped closer and spoke up, "Flynn."

The said boy turned to her and then grinned a little, "Oh, hey, Punzie."

"H-… Hey." A watery smile appeared on her face. She opened her mouth to continue, but Flynn cut her off,

"So how was prom? And how was Frost? Didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

"It was great. And no, he didn't… he was… fine." Rapunzel throat grew a lump.

"Alright, good. You know, I really do feel bad about not taking you, Punzie." An apologetic look appeared on his face.

"It's okay, Flynn. That movie was an once-in-a-lifetime thing. As for a school dance, well, there'll be more of those." She answered. Wait, why was she getting sidetracked?

"That's true. Hey, how about I take you next time?" Flynn offered with a growing smile. Rapunzel didn't realize how hard this was actually going to be. Her eyes crinkled up and his grin faltered. "… Punzie?"

"No." She managed to utter.

"No? What do you mean 'no'?" His brows furrowed in confusion.

"There won't be a next time." Rapunzel bit her lip. Hard. Flynn's eyes widened and his mouth opened, but she went on, "At least, not for us."

"W-what… Rapunzel, what are you saying?" The fact that he addressed her by her full name stuck out like a sore thumb, causing for her to lose her nerve. She lowered her head, eyes glistening.

"No, hey, look at me." He said and she did so after a moment. "Are you saying… are you… you… you're not breaking up with me, are you?" His voice grew panicked. The saddest look appeared on her face as she nodded. "But… but why?" Flynn thought for a moment, then said, "Look, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for not taking you to prom and… and for anything else that I may have done wrong-"

Rapunzel interrupted, "No, Flynn, you don't have to apologize. I mean, I told you it was okay to go with your friends. You haven't done anything wrong, really. It's just… the spark's died out." Her voice lowered.

"Well, maybe I haven't done anything wrong, but I certainly haven't done enough! I… I should've been around more for you… Just… just give me another chance, please! I'll make things up to you!" He pleaded.

A tear fell down Rapunzel's cheek. This is what she was afraid of. The girl knew she'd end up hurting Flynn. He didn't deserve this, he wasn't a bad guy. Still, Rapunzel mustered enough courage to reply, "I can't."

"Why-"

"Because there's…"

"Because there's what, Rapunzel? There's… someone… someone else? Is that it?" Her eyes widened and she tried to answer, but couldn't. His eyes grew to the same size. "It's… It's Frost, isn't?" The expression upon her face confirmed his suspicions. His face contorted into one of frustration and anger. He cursed, kicking a locker door hard enough to leave a dent. "I knew he was going to pull something, on you, I knew it!"

"No, Flynn, it's not his fault." She grabbed his shoulder, pulling him and his attention back to her. "The truth is… is that I've been… in love with him for months now."

"In love with him?" Flynn echoed in disbelief.

"Yes." The answer came out surprisingly firm. "I tried not to… and I tried to hide it, too. I didn't want to ruin things between the two of us." Rapunzel went on. "But… at prom, we kissed. So… so there's no denying it. And I just don't want to hurt you, Flynn, so I'm ending things now."

Flynn looked somewhat shocked, taking everything in. "I cannot… I just can't believe this." He ran a hand along his face. The boy could not believe Rapunzel was dumping him for Jack Frost.

"… Didn't mean for this to happen." She spoke in a low voice, then met his gaze.

"I'm sure you didn't, Rapunzel. Neither did I…" Flynn answered. Rapunzel saw true remorse in his eyes and it sent a piercing sting to her heart. For a moment, she felt the urge to take back everything she'd told me. That maybe it was worth it to remain with him. But at the reminder of Jack, of all the things he'd done for her, when the image of his wonderful, reassuring smile appeared in her head, her doubts slipped away.

"We can still be friends, though… can't we?" She spoke.

"Yeah… Yeah, I guess… I just… I'm gonna need some time…" He trailed off.

"Of course, no, me… me, too." Rapunzel trailed off. The bell rang and she lifted her head. "Good… goodbye… Flynn." Upon impulse, the girl gave him a final hug and was met with stiff shoulders. After a moment, he faintly returned the embrace. The two pulled away soon enough and just like that, they parted ways.

When Rapunzel entered the class she shared with Hiccup and Merida alone, they knew that things had been taken care of with Flynn. The two offered her a seat near them so that she would not have to face an awkward class period sitting beside her ex-boyfriend. "So… so how'd it go?" Hiccup cleared his throat.

"He… didn't take it too well." She replied. Hiccup and Merida shared looks.

"It was for the best, Rapunzel."Merida consoled her friend, patting her lightly. "You'll see." The blonde nodded her head in understanding. As Flynn entered the room, though, she ducked her head, unable to look at him.

At lunch, the four came together. The brunette and the red head tried to keep conversation going, although Rapunzel was still somewhat solemn after what happened that morning. Jack wanted to be happy; the girl of his dreams was finally his. But with her acting in such a way after breaking up with Flynn, he couldn't help but feel upset. "Hey, I'm sorry for what went down between you two." He looked to her, prodding at his broccoli.

"Don't be. It's not your fault." He lowered his eyes and she reached out for him. "That kiss was bound to happen… prom or not."

The corner of his lip curled up just faintly as he met her gaze, "I was tired of hiding my feelings…"

"So was I." She replied.

"Yeah, it was just unhealthy what you two were doing. Just eats away at you. I should know." Hiccup scoffed a little, then looked to Merida. The girl smiled a bit,

"Well, I only covered up my emotions for a few days, tops. I'm just not cut out for that kind of business."

"All that I know is that… everything's finally right now." Jack said. And the three agreed whole-heartedly.

With a few weeks' time, Flynn and Rapunzel's relationship began to mend. They could hold small conversations at the least and the air of awkwardness grew to fade. The two had both accepted how things had gone. Flynn could even approach Jack without frustration or anger. He could see that the boy made Rapunzel happy and to see her that way was satisfaction enough. Flynn would rather that, than… for her to be miserable with himself. Jack treated her right, gave her all of his attention, which is more than Flynn could say for his actions. He managed to stay optimistic, knowing that he'd find love again and that when he did, he wouldn't make the same mistakes again.

In the final weeks of school, the due date to the partners' project grew closer and closer. Everyone was putting in their last minute details, the four were no exception. And eventually the last day of meeting at each other's houses came.

Near sunset, Jack arrived at Rapunzel's tower. He called out for her, once reaching the windowsill and she responded from somewhere up in her bedroom. The boy climbed in and ascended the stairs, pushing past the purple drapes and paused. Their project, an enormous mural combined of all of their different canvases had been set against the wall. Jack's eyes widened in amazement and Rapunzel turned to look at him with a big smile. She spoke, "I know, it's huge, isn't it?"

"Shyeah…!" He nodded. "How are we going to get it out of the tower?"

"Oh, well…" Rapunzel began to look sheepish, "I guess it'd be nice if I had a door." Jack chuckled, shaking his head.

"We'll figure something out." He stepped further into the room, setting his staff against the wall. Striding forward a little, he jumped up, catching a draft and joined Rapunzel, who had suspended herself in the air with her own hair. "So, how can I help?"

"Grab some paint and help me finish up." She answered and he complied. Within moments, he'd joined her once more and the two worked together to wrap up the final stretch of their project. Pascal also did his best to contribute cleaning up rough spots here and there.

It was an hour later that the pair were officially done. Their mural, representing all of animation, stood out vividly about Rapunzel's room. As for the written work, it'd been taken care of earlier and sat neatly in a pile nearby. Both sighed in satisfaction, gazing up at their work. "It's beautiful." She looked almost moved to tears.

"Sure is." Jack agreed, nodding slowly. Pascal chirped in agreement, set upon Rapunzel's shoulder. "Man, it's been quite an adventure… working on this big guy."

"Yeah… it's so weird to think, I mean… do you… do you think we would've ever known each other if it weren't for the project?"

"Hm… hard to say… but, we met before this assignment, so… I'd like to think it's all… meant to be, regardless."

"…Mm… I think so, too." Rapunzel met his gaze. "And so much has happened. I mean, just a year ago, I was still home-schooled, still stuck in this tower. And now, I've made the three best friends I've ever had…" Pascal nudged her and she laughed, "Since I met Pascal, when I was, like, eight." The chameleon smiled, proud of this recognition. "And… I've got the most amazing boyfriend in the whole world." She grinned cheekily.

Jack turned pink, still not completely used to the reality that he was finally dating Rapunzel. He then gave her a mischievous look, "Flattery gets you nowhere." Rapunzel rolled her eyes and shoved him playfully. He chuckled, then gave her a wink which caused her to start blushing as well, despite the smirk upon her face. Tucking her hair back, she looked back up to the mural. Squinting, she pursed her lips, "I just noticed how many suns we put in there."

He cocked an eyebrow, "'We'? That was all you, Rapunzel." Upon her look of surprise, he continued, "I think you're obsessed with them or something. And no wonder you love visiting Corona so much. The kingdom's symbol is a sun…"

She blinked, then looked to the golden tiara resting on her vanity. "You know… there really is something about it that…" Rapunzel strode forward to the crown and Jack looked after with an eyebrow raised. The girl lifted the piece of jewelry, "I don't know, I feel like I'm home there, you know? When the king and queen crowned me… I felt like… like we were connected somehow. Does that make sense?"

"Well, sort of…" Jack came up to join her. "Do you mean like you were chosen as prom queen for a reason?"

"I can't quite explain it, but…" Rapunzel placed the tiara onto her head and looked herself in the mirror. "It's a little bit like that, yeah…" Her eyes lowered and she glanced to Pascal.

"Rapunzel, let down your hair!" Gothel's voice piped up from down below. Both teens jumped in surprise and she fumbled with the crown before gently placing it back onto the vanity.

"Didn't think she'd be home so early." Jack uttered.

"Me neither. Um, stay up here for now, okay?" She asked.

"Alright." He shrugged, although he secretly was fed up with having to hide because of Gothel. Rapunzel glimpsed back apologetically before disappearing out of the room, calling back to her mother. Jack exhaled, plopping back down onto her bed. He glanced around and then noticed the purple souvenir flag he'd bought for Rapunzel lying nearby. The spirit smiled in remembrance and reached out for it. As he held it in his hands, frost began spread, so he quickly tossed aside on the mattress. At that moment, Rapunzel returned, sighing in relief.

"I'm back, sorry for making you wait."

Jack shook his head, "It's no problem." She came to join her friend on the bed. "So, what were we talking about?"

"Oh, right, well…" Rapunzel glanced to her mural, then the tiara. "I've just got this feeling that I'm not where I'm meant to be, after all. I've got friends, love… it's like almost all the puzzle pieces are in place, but the more I think about it, the more it seems like I'm lacking a… a real fam-"

"Start washing up, dear. Dinner's almost ready." Gothel called and Rapunzel sighed. Jack's face began to fall. He was starting to catch on to what the girl was saying…

"You know what, maybe we should talk about this later. When there won't be any constant interruptions, I mean." She said.

"No, wait, but… This is our last time meeting up like this. Shouldn't we make it special?"

"Jack, I-"

"Who are you talking to?" Gothel appeared in the entryway. Rapunzel gasped in surprise and Jack's eyes widened. Luckily, it seemed that she could not see the boy.

"Um… no one, mother." The woman lifted an eyebrow. "Just… reciting lines for a play in school." Rapunzel quickly explained.

"Oh, really?" Gothel answered, then glanced up to the large mural. "I suppose it has something to do with… this…?" She gestured up at it.

"R-right, I'm bringing it all in tomorrow for presentation and-"

"You're mumbling, Rapunzel."

The girl bit her lip and lowered her eyes, then looked up toward Jack. "Go." She mouthed. He furrowed his brows, but understood.

"Rapunzel." Gothel enunciated. She looked back to the lady as Jack reluctantly stood to his feet and made his out of the room. A cold chill passed the older woman and she shivered, wrapping her arms around her body. She turned to look behind her, but by then Jack had disappeared out of the room. Gothel sighed and shook her head, "I said to wash up, didn't I? No more funny business, now, get to it."

"Yes, mother." Rapunzel nodded. The lady looked a bit apologetic and added,

"I'm making your favorite, hazelnut soup, for dinner."

The blonde smiled half-heartedly, "Great…"

Gothel returned the sentiment, then turned to leave. She paused, though, at the entryway and looked over her shoulder some. "Is there something you're not telling me, Rapunzel?"

"No, no, of course, not. I wouldn't hide anything from you." Was the girl's response.

"Hm." And with that, Gothel left the room. Rapunzel let out a deep breath, then glanced to Pascal, who emerged from a hiding place. She sat back a little, extending her arms, behind her- and felt her fingers close around some sort of cloth. Starting a little, she twisted around and saw the purple souvenir flag from Corona. Rapunzel took it into her hands, unraveling it to reveal the golden sun in its center. The conversation she'd shared with Jack ran through her mind. It was then that she wished she hadn't sent him away. Pascal rubbed up against her, his skin turning blue to match their shared emotions, trying to console the girl. Rapunzel looked to him, then let herself fall back onto her mattress. Her eyes wandered the vast ceiling above her; she still clutched the flag to her chest.

She caught just a glimpse of something hidden among her many paintings. Narrowing her eyes, she glanced back down to the souvenir. Rapunzel looked back up to the ceiling, then slowly held the purple flag up. She matched into the spot of whatever she'd caught sight of, compared it a few times, and then came to sitting position. Rapunzel had found something, she knew it. Her eyes widened as everything fell into place. A bright sun appeared within a flower image… and another painting… In a picture of shrubbery, of a self-portrait… everywhere. Rapunzel was now on her feet, mouth agape at the epiphany she'd discovered.

Suddenly, the girl was struck by a vision, or rather a memory. A baby crib's mobile with the same sun emblem, the fuzzy image of a king and queen… the same that she'd seen in the mural on the day of the festival of lights, the same that had crowned her at prom… And the baby… that baby in their arms in that mural was… The memory of her reflection, as she set the tiara upon her head…

Rapunzel gasped, falling backward onto her vanity. The final puzzle piece fell into place. She breathed heavily in disbelief, "I'm… I'm the lost princess…"

Hiccup made his way to DunBroch, eager to meet up with Merida and finally wrap up their project. Toothless lowered the two toward the ancient castle where the red head stood outside, waving them over. Upon landing, she ran over to greet them. "Hiccup, Toothless, there you are!"

"Came as soon as we could." The boy grinned as he slipped off of his dragon. Merida gave petted the Night Fury, then came up and grabbed Hiccup's hand.

"Come on, let's go!"

"Whoa, somebody's in a hurry!" He managed to chuckle as he was pulled along.

"Well, we're so close to finishing this project- I'm ready to be done!" The girl responded. Toothless bounded after the two and Hiccup called from behind,

"Just stay under the awning for now, ok, bud?" At this, Toothless paused and followed as his master said. "We'll be back soon." Hiccup added before being yanked indoors, the door shutting behind him.

The two entered through the kitchen and Merida encouraged Hiccup to grab a snack as she swiped up a tray of pastries. "Don't mind if I do." Hiccup picked up an apple and took a bite. The teens made their way upstairs and into Merida's bedroom. Once there, he set down his backpack and pulled out his camera. She cleared off a table and they set themselves down, preparing to play their footage. Hiccup and Merida watched intently and occasionally, one would point out a bit that needed editing. Within about an hour, the two were coming close to a finish. Hiccup had started fixing some of the footage while Merida finalized their written part of the assignment. When she was done and only had Hiccup to wait on, she began to etch at her bow with a carving knife.

The girl had nearly finished the image of a dragon when Hiccup came to his feet and announced, "And… we're finished!" Merida almost fell out of her chair, but kept balance, looking up to her boyfriend. He cringed, gave her a sheepish, then deadpanned,

"Too out of character for me…?"

"Oh, no, Hiccup, I fancy you getting all excited like that." Merida gave him a cheeky grin. "You should make sure to add some of that dramatic flair to our presentation tomorrow."

Hiccup laughed, "Will do." She stood up, setting down her bow and knife. "I'm just… proud, you know. And I'm sure dad is, too."

"All of Berk, I'd say." Merida replied. Then she furrowed her brows. "Come to think… Hiccup, you've never… mentioned your… mother before…" The boy stiffened slightly upon hearing this and she bit her lip, thinking that maybe she shouldn't have spoken. But then, Merida shook the thought away. She was his girlfriend, it was something she ought to know about. Hiccup looked to her, though, putting up a strong front,

"You're right… I don't think… I've talked about her to anyone… at least, not in a long time. Man, I can't believe…. Well… Well, I guess I'll give it to you straight… My mom… was stolen in a dragon raid when I was a baby." Merida's eyes widened. "And no one's heard from her since." There were a few moments of silence, and then,

"Do you think she's…? I mean…"

"Yeah, it's been 15 years since she disappeared, so… it's safe to say that she's…. dead…"

"Oh…" Merida's eyes lowered. "Well… if she were here, I think she'd be proud that you're sharing dragons with the world, too."

"Yeah… Yeah, so do I… I guess." He nodded, then smiled faintly. Suddenly, there was a wrapping on her door, and the sound of Merida's mother's voice, calling for her to come down for dinner. The red head blanched, but answered back that she'd be down soon. Merida couldn't help but feel guilty, thinking of how she had such a big and happy family- both parents and three little brothers. Meanwhile, Hiccup only had his father. Merida's eyes lowered for a moment, then she set her jaw in her resolve. "Hiccup, I'd like you to come and have dinner with me, tonight."

"Aw, no you don't have to do that, Merida." Hiccup shook his head, grabbing up his belongings.

"I insist." Merida reached out for his arm, pausing him. "Please." Their gazes met. "My family is yours." Hiccup grew a little frozen again, but then softened up.

"Thanks." He let his backpack slide off of his shoulder and onto the table. Merida smiled and he returned the sentiment. The two departed the room and made their way to the dining room. Hiccup was welcomed in by the warm aroma of a royal feast. The rest of the DunBrochs were sat at the table and when they caught sight of Hiccup greeted him jovially, respectfully and loudly all at once. He couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as he came to join everyone, sitting beside Merida once more. As dinner set into motion, the redhead nudged the boy who looked to her while munching on a chicken leg.

"Do you think, maybe, we can have an early presentation?" She whispered.

"What do you mean?" Hiccup asked after swallowing.

"You know, show them about dragons." She gestured to her family.

"Uh… you think it's safe? After all, he's the bear king. You sure he won't pull a sword on Toothless?" Hiccup jerked a thumb at Fergus.

"Aw, it's no problem. And besides, we'll give everyone a fair warning, beforehand." Merida answered. Their conversation was interrupted by Elinor.

"What are you two talking about?" She raised an eyebrow, though a knowing expression was upon her face.

"Oh, well… We've both got a … surprise for you all after dinner." Hiccup cleared his throat.

Hamish, Hubert and Harris all shared eager glances while Elinor and Fergus looked intrigued. "You're gonna love it." Merida added with a big grin.

After dinner, the two teens brought forth the rest of the family outside to where Toothless was lying. "Now, there's something special about the Viking tribe that Hiccup comes from. Go on, tell them."

All eyes were on him. "Well, the Hairy Hooligans happen to be… dragon riders." Everyone looked to each other, confused.

"Dragons, you said?" Fergus asked. The triplets jumped up in excitement and ran forward. "Wha-boys, where are you going?" He called after them.

"I think we'll need a little more explanation." Elinor spoke. Merida chuckled,

"That's what I'd said." Hiccup scowled faintly. "Come on, mum, dad. Just follow us." She turned on her heel and trotted off toward the awning, alongside with Hiccup. The king and queen began to trail behind, albeit uncertainly. Moments later, the group happened upon Toothless, who was playing with the three little boys. Merida's parents gasped in shock.

"Is that… that's really… that's a … dragon!" Elinor placed a hand over her heart and Fergus made sure she was alright.

"He's perfectly tame, though. Where I live, we train dragons, all kinds."

"Keep them as pets and even ride them." Merida supplied.

"Why, in all my years…" The queen came forward and Toothless looked up from the boys, his forest green eyes huge. Fergus slowly came up from behind.

"So, we… we pet him?"

"That's right." Hiccup and Merida nodded and watched as her parents tentatively reached out to stroke Toothless. The dragon showed slight timidity, but upon Hiccup's coaxing, grew to relax. Fergus chuckled loudly,

"What do you know… the boy has a dragon…!"

"You are certainly full of surprise, Hiccup." Elinor looked to him. He scratched at his head, looking modest.

"Even taught me how to ride one." Merida said and her parents' eyes widened again.

"Did you…?"

"Did he, now?!"

Merida nodded with pride and all eyes were on Hiccup once again. Fergus came forward and placed an arm around the smaller boy's shoulder, shaking. "You are really something, you know that, Hiccup?"

"Uh, gee, thanks." He laughed awkwardly.

"Wild enough to be fit for my daughter." Fergus pulled away, then gave a pat to Hiccup's back, which felt more like a smack. He groaned a little, in pain, but managed a grin, blushing. Merida laughed, followed by her triplets, then her father, even her mother, and then Toothless! Finally, Hiccup burst into laughter as well. And it was in that moment, surrounded by joy and a family that he was glad he'd stayed. And he hoped that he could feel that same kind of happiness amongst his own home someday.

So, how was it? I just felt really inspired to write after watching How to Train your Dragon 2, so hopefully, it shows in this chapter. PS, I'm sorry to say that there are only a few more chapters left before the end of this story. But on the bright side, I'm thinking about starting a new Big Four story! And this time, it's going to be seasonal guardians. I'll let you guys know more in the future :D

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