The Girl with the Changewing Cloak (RTTE Fanfic)

Fourteen

Freya's POV

"Gustav?

"Freya?"

I couldn't believe it. Gustav was here. Now. After all these years, I meet him again in this scenario?

"Oh my Gods..." He nervously ran a hand through his hair.

"It's been a while?"

"Well, things have changed a lot, kinda," Gustav smiled. I raised an eyebrow.

"Going from hating dragons to training them is just your everyday thing," I said sarcastically. He smiled. "What else is new?"

"Fanghook is," Gustav replied quickly, turning to the nightmare that was shaking itself off, "I met him a few years ago, and we've been buddies since." His voice held pure joy, and I pushed down the unwanted feelings of jealousy. I missed Swiftstrike, and I could only imagine what torture she was in.

I promised myself that I would make sure we rescued her sooner - instead of just 'thinking'.

"You know, I have a dragon too," I said slowly, watching his reaction. His face lit up, before frowning.

"Aren't your family Dragon Hunters?"

"It doesn't matter." I looked away. It was a lie and we both knew it, but I didn't want to go into it. "She's a gorgeous changewing, named Swiftstrike, but Ryker has her."

"We will free her," he stated proudly. "Even if the others don't help."

"Thank you, Gustav," I said a small smile pulling at the edges of my mouth.

"What are friends for?"

"Still besties?" I asked hopeful. It had been a long while, afterall.

"Of course!" My face lit up.

I glanced at Fanghook, concern growing.

"He's really cool. But he seems... agitated though. Is it because of my presence?" I asked, my voice low in slight shame. It probably knew I was a Dragon Hunter.

"What? No, not at all," he said quickly. I looked up. His shoudlers were sagged, hair flopping over his face as he glanced at his feet.

"Besties remember? You can tell me," I offered, watching his eyes light up a little. He shook his head.

"I need to tell the riders," he grumbled. I tilted my head to the side. He took a deep breath, his grey eyes meeting mine.

"He's gone mad."

I gasped, glancing at Fanghook. He was extremely energised, running in short circles. Flaming, he roared, shooting a large blast at the wall.

"From an illness?" I pressed gently. Gustav sighed.

"I don't know. He's wearing himself out, and it's draining him. He doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep, I can't even get him to drink!" He threw his hands up in the air. "The only reason I can ride him is because he has so much energy!"

I walked over. "There has to be something we can do. My family did have a lot of knowledge on dragons, maybe I can help?"

Gustav shrugged, his eyes dull. "I'm not going to get my hopes up," he mumbled, "but please, go ahead." Nodding, I gave him a pat on the shoulder as I walked past.

Fanghook was alight, his flames flickering slightly. His eyes were vibrant with a slight sheen, pupils a single line.

"Gustav, can I have a hand?" I asked. He murmured something, walking forwards. He held out a hand.