Isolation

As Elsa swung the ice hammers back and forth, watching as the bodies of the Quarrymen fly in every single direction, Elsa felt a strange sort of detachment, as if she was watching this through someone else's eyes, observing as someone else was controlling her golem suit to do its grizzly business. She also had a sense of déjà vu, like she'd seen this before. Then, as her viewpoint changed and she saw and she saw the event from outside her body, Elsa remembered that she had seen, or rather lived through this before, though she had never seen it like this.

Before Elsa could question how it was that she could observe this event from this perspective, Elsa saw herself from the front and felt a thrill of terror. The Elsa on the rampage was a nightmare to behold: the tear tracks on her face were frozen and so blue they almost appeared to be glowing, her lips were pulled back in a snarl, the armor suit was distorting and becoming more monstrous in appearance with every swing. Elsa's terror only deepened when the nightmare Elsa's teeth parted to let loose a terrible, inhuman roar.

When the other Elsa had the remaining Quarrymen huddled against the corner of the building, Elsa felt the urge to tell herself to listen to their pleas of mercy; however, she reminded herself that this was only a memory, that she could not change what had already happened. As she watched, somebody put themselves between the Quarrymen and the other Elsa to talk her down, but it wasn't Goliath: It was Anna! Confused by how things could have changed from what she remembered, Elsa saw the look in the other one's eyes and knew that she wasn't about to stay her hand, then she flew forward with her heart pounding in terror and panic as the terrible snow queen brought the giant ice mace down.

"Noooo!" Elsa yelled as she sat straight up in bed, sweat making her bedclothes stick to her and her bandages feel itchy. As she looked around the lavish bedroom she found herself in, Elsa felt a moment of disorientation. Not only was the décor, however nice it was, not at all like that of her own room, but she felt that the elevation felt off as well. Then she looked over at the nightstand by her bed and, having spotted the "tablet" device Mr. Xanatos had given her (still displaying the page of the book she had been reading before she'd fallen asleep), Elsa remembered where she was: Castle Wyvern in New York City, thousands of miles and nearly 200 years away from home.

So it wasn't entirely a dream, Elsa thought morosely to herself, some of that actually happened. Looking down at her hands, Elsa saw that they were perfectly clean, but her mind's eye had them painted red with blood. With Anna's blood. Elsa knew that last part was only a dream, that it was actually Goliath who tried to talk her down, that she had not taken that swing. Elsa knew her sister was actually alive and well and that it was stupid to cry over something that was nothing more than a nightmare, but as she lowered her face into her hands she could not help breaking into racking sobs.

"This is WVGN's Nightwatch," the announcer stated, "and here is your host, Travis Marshal."

"Good evening, New York," the handsome, black-haired young man says from his position behind a desk as he gestures towards a screen showing first an image of an island just outside NYC's harbor, then of footage of a balding man with glasses shaking hands with a white-haired gentleman with wings, "It was only this morning when the world itself was shaken by the revelation of a fantastic city, known by its equally fantastic inhabitants as New Olympus. These beings, who resembled creatures known only in myths and legends, had kept themselves hidden from view with a shield that rendered their city invisible both to sight as well as all current technologies, from radar to satellite. Prior to his appointment with the United Nations to peaceably request that New Olympus be considered a sovereign nation, with all the rights and responsibilities afforded, we had an opportunity to ask their leader Boreas why they'd kept themselves isolated from the world for so long, and why they'd revealed themselves now. This was what he had to say:"

The view then switches to a view of the winged gentleman saying into a microphone, "We had built New Olympus as a sanctuary for all those who, through human ignorance, fear and hatred, were being hunted and killed. As for why we chose to reconnect with the world now, we had seen through your broadcasts that the human mindset was starting to become more open and accepting. If a good number of you people are able to accept and embrace a species like the gargoyles, then perhaps the time has come when we may be able to live in the open in peace."

"So while the world holds its collective breath during this history-making event," the anchor Travis Marshal continues as the camera focuses on him again, "we interviewed some of you fellow New Yorkers to gather your opinions on this matter."

The camera then shows a man in a jogging suit being interviewed, who says, "I don't see any problem of recognizing this place as an independent nation. I feel bad that our ancestors had hunted theirs down simply because they looked different. I mean sure, some of them do look pretty scary, but then again so does my neighbor. That doesn't mean that I would go and try and kill the guy because of that alone."

The camera then shows a trendy, but nervous looking, New York couple, the wife saying, "An independent nation? Sure, I suppose that would be okay. I mean they have their own place, right, so it's not like we'd be expected to let some of them come and live here….does it?"

The camera moves on to another couple, this time dressed as archaeologists, of which the husband says, "I think that it's an excellent idea to accept these people back as part of the world's society again! The things that we could learn from them, their knowledge of historical events that we have either forgotten or written off as myths and legends, that alone is priceless," then the wife adds, "Not to mention the advanced technology they seem to possess. I truly feel that opening the lines of communication with these people could usher in a new age for all the people of the planet Earth."

The camera then shows a male Quarryman without his hood, who practically spits into the camera, "Don't be so blind, people! We Quarrymen have said all along that the gargoyles were dangerous, that they were up to something! And now at last we have the proof!" Jabbing his finger towards the city on the horizon, he continues, "Those monsters were merely the advance force of an invasion! We cannot make peace of them! What if there are more of those monster-infested places hidden out there? We need to attack and destroy them now while we have the element of surprise, before they can bring their advanced technology to bear on us and wipe us out!"

Elisa sighs with disgust as she clicks off the television and says, "And announcing your intent to attack on national television, which anybody can see, throws the whole 'surprise' element out the window. Idiot!"

"Sadly, Elisa, all people like that know how to do is sow fear and discord into the hearts of others. Whether other people get hurt trying to carry out their vendetta doesn't seem to concern them," Goliath said while frowning at the blank TV screen.

"And it doesn't help that more often than not the target of that fear they're trying to sow is directed at us," Lexington says with distain.

"And the unknown variable presented by the existence of the New Olympians is what they're trying to use to draw suspicion towards you," Xanatos stated, "If we can get the UN to acknowledge their existence as an independent nation, perhaps even going as far as making them a member, then that may go a long way towards gaining them acceptance in the public and taking the heat off of you. To that end I've arranged for Queen Elsa to be allowed to come in as a guest speaker during the proceedings."

"My sister?" Anna asked in confusion, "Why?"

"Even though she would be considered human, Elsa can relate to the New Olympian's feelings caused by humans seeking to harm them for their differences. Also, as having been the queen of a kingdom she can relate to all the UN representatives' need to do what is the best for the people they represent. Not to mention that the recent attack on you and your sister could gain her sympathy points for the side that she'd represent. In all, I feel that she would be the best candidate to speak on behalf of accepting the New Olympians."

"So you want to exploit the sisters' pain in order to gain the gratitude of the New Olympians for helping them gain the support of the UN?" Angela asked him crossly.

"I merely feel that Elsa would relate best to all parties concerned and would be best suited to provide a convincing argument that would lead to a peaceful resolution that benefit everyone," Xanatos reasoned.

"Including yourself, I bet," Elisa said shrewdly, "I imagine there would be a huge profit in being the first company in the human world to broker in New Olympian technology."

"I won't deny that open trade routes in and out of New Olympus would certainly be the icing on the cake," Xanatos admitted, "but more important than that would be if, heaven forbid, the UN talks fall apart and the New Olympian's petition is denied, then that could cause an increase in tensions which could lead to war. While some might hope to profit from such a war, I'm intelligent enough to see that such a war with an opponent that possesses the tech and the abilities that New Olympus enjoys would prove far too costly, and there would be no profit in it at all if we happen to be on the losing side. Therefore, it only makes sense to ensure that this summit ends peacefully for all."

"But I'm not sure that Elsa would be up for something like that," Anna said uneasily, "I mean, that ordeal she had went through with the Quarrymen had caused Elsa to be far more on the inside than anything she had ever been through."

Xanatos nodded understandingly as he said, "I've already informed the representatives of what happened to you two, that you'd need time to recover, and they agreed to leave an open slot for your sister to say her piece until the conference is scheduled to be over, which would be tomorrow night. I'm sorry that I could not get them to delay the proceedings themselves, and under the trying circumstances I normally would not consider bothering you guys about it so soon, it's just that…"

"…you need me," Elsa said from the hallway that led to her room. Anna let loose with a happy and relieved cry of "Elsa!" as she and some of the others hurried over to where Elsa was standing, stopping short of her position when Elsa raised one hand and gave Anna a reassuring smile. Elsa's smile didn't reach her eyes, though, and Anna's own smile faded somewhat when she saw that those eyes were still red from crying even though Elsa's face seemed to be dry.

Apparently some of the others caught on to what Anna was seeing as Goliath said in concern, "I am glad to see that you are awake now, your Highness, but Elisa said that you had went to sleep shortly after we did. How are you feeling?"

"A bit on the sore side," Elsa confessed, glossing over when she had actually woken up, "but I think that I'll be okay."

"That's good to hear," Elisa said, "Considering the wreck you two were in, I had thought that you guys should go to the hospital, but Xanatos assured me that his personal physicians should be able to treat your injuries, and that he'd personally fly you over to the ER if necessary. He said that he had some ideas to keep Immigration off your back until Owen was ready to send you guys home, but I had no idea he was planning anything like this."

"It's fine Elisa, really, and his caretakers did a good job," Elsa said as she rolled her shoulders, wincing slightly as she did so.

Xanatos nodded as he said, "So I guess you heard what's going on?"

Elsa nodded as she confirmed, "Enough of it to understand, and on the whole I agree it's a good idea. Having dealt with trolls, dragons, fairies and sparrowmen, I am aware that humans can get along with other species. I would hate to see a war break out amongst them now."

" 'But'?" Xanatos asked kindly, noting the sound of hesitation in her voice.

"But, as you had said, I need some time, both to decide what I want to say as well as if I should be saying anything at all," Elsa continued, "I need time to sort everything out."

"I understand," Xanatos said, sounding as though he actually did.

"So, tomorrow night?" Elisa asked in confirmation.

Xanatos nodded as he said, "By 10:30. After that, they're scheduled to call on a vote on the matter."

Elisa returned the nod in understanding as she said, "In that case, I think I'd like to go out for a walk tonight, get some fresh air and gather my thoughts together."

"Of course," Xanatos acknowledged as he waved Owen over in preparation to have one of the assistants called up, "Is there any particular place you'd like to go?"

"Thanks, but I'd prefer to steer clear of 'cars' for now, and I feel I'd do my best thinking alone," Elisa gently turned him down, then at Xanatos' raised eyebrow of concern she continued, "If I stick to your pedestrian walkways I'll be fine, and anybody who's foolish enough to try messing with me will wish they'd brought something warmer to wear."

"Elsa?" Anna said as she reached a hand tentatively towards her sister, "If you like, I….I could come with you."

In the moment while Elsa hesitated, Anna saw something undefinable flash in her eyes: pain? Fear? Shame? Then Elsa smiled at her and said, "Thanks, Anna, but I'd prefer to be by my self tonight, to think. This may not be exactly the same city Julian had visited, but its similarities are striking. I'd like to see it the way he did once before we go." Seeing that her sister was still troubled, Elsa kissed Anna on the forehead and said, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll be back before morning."

"If you're sure?" Xanatos inquired, to which Elsa nodded, then he continued, "Then enjoy your evening, your Highness." Then Elsa strode past Xanatos to board the elevator.

"Elsa…" Anna said in sympathetic sorrow, as she knew that Elsa was likely still hurting over what had happened to them both, even if she wouldn't admit it to herself. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up into the face of Elisa, who said, "She just needs some time, you'll see." Then Elisa looked back and forth between her and Kristoff as she added, "I'm sure you guys probably don't want to stay cooped up here all night, so how would you like to meet my brother?"

"You have a brother?" Kristoff asked her.

Elisa chuckled at Kristoff's expression as she said, "Yeah. I should warn you that Talon's a little….different, but he's a great guy. You'll like him."

Anna sighs as she tries to set aside her worry for her sister as she forces a small smile and says, "Yeah, sure. I'd love to meet your brother," to which Kristoff nods his agreement. Then the two of them follow Elisa to the elevator while Goliath prepares to glide down to a lower rooftop to wait to follow them.

As Elsa walked down the sidewalk she thought of how Julian had described the city named New York that he'd visited, tried to view the city's wonders through his eyes to get her mind off things. Even though she did see the different things Julian had during the visit to his New York, however, Elisa could not take no happiness from it and her thoughts remained as dark and turbulent as ever.

Maybe it was because she was older than was during his visit, maybe it was due to the differences between this New York and that other (like the gargoyles, for example), or perhaps it was simply due to her recent experiences in this town and how she'd reacted to them. Whatever the reason was, no matter how much she tried to focus on the wonders of this place the ugliness seemed to overshadow them, like the noxious emissions being produced by the cars. How the sidewalks seemed to be crowded with people, even at this hour, but nobody stopped to chat with one another, not even to apologize for bumping into somebody. At one point Elsa passed a group of young men who made inappropriate comments about her appearance and what they'd like to do with her, but Elsa kept walking and the boys (who had apparently been hoping for more of a reaction) simply turned their attentions to another young woman.

Eventually Elsa came across an outdoor stall. This merchant apparently sold books of all different types and sizes. Some were unbound and folded either horizontally or vertically, some were bound with colorful yet floppy covers, and some were bound with small pieces of metal in the spine holding the pages together. While the subjects of the books varied from how to lose weight in 10 days (Elsa couldn't see why people would care about that or why they'd be in such a rush) to the marriage or separation of some couple (what business did these people have to pry into the private lives of others anyway?), it seemed that a good number of the books, especially the unbound ones, contained a collection of recent stories, and the majority of those featured the appearance of New Olympus at the top of the cover. Elsa picked up one of the vertically folded ones that had caught her eye. Over a large photo showing a close-up view of New Olympus was some large print that read "City of Monsters Appears in NYC Harbor!"

As she gazed at the photo, wondering idly how they had gotten close enough to the city to capture an image of its inhabitants, Elsa saw the fierce expressions on some of them and felt they looked much like the one she wore during the dream of what she'd done the previous night.

"City of Monsters", Elsa thought to herself, Maybe that is where I belong. Elsa considered purchasing it to see what these people had to say about it, but then she realized she'd left the card Mr. Xanatos had given her behind back at the castle, so she put the book back on the stand and continued walking.

When she'd gotten about half a block away Elsa heard a woman's scream from somewhere ahead of her. After a moment's startlement, Elsa began to run towards where she heard the scream come from. As she ran, however, Elsa noticed that no one else seemed to be in a hurry to help. They were either talking to each other in shock or they continued on walking as if they didn't hear anything, some even got irritated with Elsa when she had to push past them to see what was going on.

What is wrong with everyone here? Elsa thought in stunned disbelief, Is no one going to get help or anything? Have most people in this time simply grown insensitive to the suffering of others? Are Elisa, Goliath and his clan the exceptions?

When Elsa finally reaches the alley she sees four rough looking men armed with various weapons accosting a young woman. As the man with the chain empties out the woman's handbag he shakes his head at the man holding a small but sharp looking knife at the woman's throat.

"So, you're not carrying any cash on you, huh?" the knife wielder said the woman, leering at her as he trailed the flat of his knife down from her throat to the neckline of her shirt, "I'll bet that there's something you can do that'll be worth our time."

"No!" the woman tearfully pleaded, "Please don't!"

"Let her go!" Elsa commanded them as she stepped into the alley towards them, her voice bristling with righteous anger.

The four men look up in her direction , then they turn in her direction with leering smiles when they see that she's alone and unarmed.

"Well, well! Looks like we've got ourselves a hero here!" a man said as he tapped the pam of his hand with a long shaped stick like a club that's been sanded smooth, "And a pretty one at that. You a cop? Don't see no badge. Maybe you'd like to party with us too?"

"I said let her go," Elsa said through gritted teeth, her hands clenching into fists, "Don't make me hurt you."

"You hear that boys? She likes to play rough!" the knife wielder said as he turned towards Elisa as well, keeping the woman within knife-swinging distance, "Well we can certainly oblige."

Elsa, having decided that these miscreants cannot be reasoned with, charges forward then, lunging with her right arm as she does so. As the three who are not with the woman try to meet her charge, an ice formation encloses Elsa's right arm up to her elbow and extends ahead of her with such speed and force it knocks down the attackers with the force of a battering ram. Then a large clawed forms on the end and grabs the knife wielder by his head, lifts him three feet off the ground, and slams him into the wall behind him, instantly knocking him unconscious.

Breathing hard in anger, Elsa turns to the woman who was cowering against the wall and sees looking back an expression of fear greater than she had for her muggers, then the woman runs screaming towards the other end of the alleyway. Looking after her, Elsa sighs in sorrow and disappointment, then she catches a movement out of the corner of her eye and instinctively forms a raised collar of ice to form behind her head just as the club wielder takes his swing. Although the collar shielded Elsa's head from being split open by the clumsily swung crude weapon, the blow was still enough to cause her head to ring and drive her to her knees, the impact driving her to her knees as the impact with the ground making her aches from the previous day's car crash flare up again. This, however, only causes Elsa to get angrier than before.

"I'm. Getting tired," Elsa growls as the three attackers approach her, the chain wielder twirling his chain around, "Of being hit in the head!"

As Elsa springs up to face the ruffians, she hears a high-pitched screeching roar as a feminine form quickly glides past knocking the three men into the shadowy portion of the alley. Although there isn't enough light there to see clearly, Elsa can make out the silhouette of a female gargoyle as she makes quick work of the cowardly men, who turn tail and run.

Should have figured that one of them would end up following me, Elsa thought ruefully as she dusts off the pants she had just mended the evening. Then she looked at her and said, "Thanks for helping out Angela. The female gargoyle then steps into the light and Elsa, noticing her mistake, says in surprise, "You're not Angela! Who are you?"

The gargoyle smiles slightly and says, "My name is Demona. You and I ought to talk."