Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot and any unrecognizable characters and dialogue.
Well, thank you for all the lovely reviews!
Time to address some questions in the reviews: Anna will be in this, just not right now. She is in Storybrooke, which will be explained later. Also, I don't think I'm pairing Elsa with Peter Pan because I feel like I've already written enough stories about Peter( never thought I'd say that!) but I don't think they'd be all that good of a couple but I'll think about it.
I'm still deciding between Hook and Jack Frost, though Elsa's relationship with Jack, as you've seen so far, doesn't exactly seem romantic. Jack is currently a sort of teacher/friend for her as she's all alone except for Rumpelstiltskin and he has to leave her soemtiems, so Jack helps her with her powers because he has the same ones.
Also, Merida will not show up in this story, I'm very sorry for the fans of her (I absolutely adore her as well) but she has no place in this particular story sadly :(.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter and if you have anymore question, feel free to ask
"'Cause for the first time in forever...
For the first time in forever,
Nothing's in my way!"
- For the First time in Forever, Kristen Bell.
"Elsa?" I closed my eyes at Anna's voice, wrapping my arms around my knees as the gaping hole in my chest spread a little wider with every word she sang. "Please, I know you're in there...People are asking where you've been..."
I held back tears at the reminder that I'd been too cowardly to leave my room to go to my own parents' funeral, too afraid of what the volatile emotions I was experience would do to my control.
"They say have courage, and I'm trying to...I'm right out here for you, just let me in." Anna pleaded and I pulled my knees closer at the pain and agony in her voice, the same that was ripping through my entire body. "We only have each other, it's just you and me," I heard her slump against the door and slide down it. "What are we gonna do?"
She remained silent for a few minutes and her next words pierced my heart like broken shards of ice.
"Do you wanna build a snowman?" She begged, her voice breaking as I gritted my teeth from the pain, leaning my head against the door as I took in the ice blanketing my room from the devastation I felt at losing my parents, before my head fell onto my knees, sobs wracking through my entire body.
"Yes...I wanna build a snowman."
0o0o0o0
"Queen Elsa!" I smiled softly when Kai and Gerda ran to me, bowing and curtseying respectively and I reached out, taking Gerda's hands in my own. I saw her eyes widen at the sight of my bare skin but she said nothing, beaming widely up at me. "Oh, it's so lovely to have you back, your majesty!" Her face sobered. "Well, I just wish the King and Queen were here to see this."
She released my hands, reaching into her apron to dab at her eyes with a handkerchief and I swallowed thickly, once again reminded that my homecoming was not a pleasant one. I was only returning because three months ago, when I had been visiting, the ship my parents had been sailing on had been caught in a storm, and there had been no survivors, leaving me to take the role as Queen of Arendelle just a few months after I turned eighteen.
Which was today.
"I wish the circumstances were more pleasant as well, but my mother and father would not want us to mourn their loss forever." I tried and Kai smiled warmly at me, telling me silently that I was doing something right. I said goodbye to them and slowly ascended the stairs, taking care not to trip on the train of my dress.
Jack and even Rumple had asked if I wanted them to accompany me but, I knew Rumple wouldn't be too welcome and I wasn't sure how anyone would take to Jack Frost. Magic wasn't widely used in our kingdom, the fact that the heir apparent possessed magical powers from birth had taken some getting used to but, because I'd been away learning control, I had a feeling I wasn't feared as much as before.
I wandered the halls quietly and stopped at the door I knew led to Anna's room, the one we'd shared until I'd accidently hurt her with my powers. Taking a deep breath, I raised my hand, freezing before I made contact with the wood and I closed my eyes, feeling tears burn behind them. I leaned my head against the wood before I turned around, pain piercing my insides with every step I took away from her room.
I looked around the room before I walked towards the painting of father at his coronation and reached over, picking up a candlestick and a small circular box, copying his stance. I looked down at my hands, gratified that there was no ice spreading from my hands and I set the pieces down, hoping nothing bad would happen at the coronation.
I looked around at the sound of singing and winced when I heard Anna's words.
"For the first time in forever! There'll be music, there'll be light!"
My sister's loneliness was a bitter reminder of all the pain I'd caused her, as I knew it had been all my fault. I'd almost killed her with my magic, prompting our parents to suggest limiting my contact with anyone, especially Anna. Even after I'd gained control with Rumple and Jack, I'd held myself back from Anna, only giving in after our parents' deaths, even then I had left quickly after, basically leaving her all alone with the order to keep the gates firmly shut.
I looked back up at the picture of father, eyeing it sadly before I left the room and rushed down to the entrance hall, where Anna was excitedly pacing.
"Don't let them in...that's what you said." I moved closer, looking down at my hands. "Be the good girl always filled with dread. Conceal, don't feel...put on a show, make one wrong move and everyone will know."
I looked back down to where Anna was now all but vibrating with excitement and had to smile at her.
"But it's only for today." She turned to look up at me, a smiling lighting up her face at the sight of me.
"It's only for today." She agreed with a wide, loving smile, looking excited as she rushed out the now open front door to the courtyard. "It's agony to wait!" She sang out as I placed my hands on the railing, singing to the servants loudly.
"Tell the guards to open up..." I inhaled sharply. "The gates!"
"The gates!"
I looked over as Regina seated herself across from Emma, quickly averting my eyes when the mayor looked over and shared a look with Granny, who had made her way over to me as soon as Regina had waltzed into the diner.
"What's her high and mightiness doing here?" Granny asked, forcing me to cover my mouth when laughter bubbled up in my chest. I watched them critically, noting that with every word a smug looking Regina said, Emma's entire body tensed.
"Enjoy your cocoa." Regina said finally and stood, leaving Emma to glare after her before the blond stood and spilled said cocoa all over herself.
"Ugh, really?" Emma asked and I moved forward with a towel, making a slight noise of disgust.
"Eeh," I wiped at the table and Emma fixed her annoyed eyes on me, looking like she was about to scream.
"Do you have a laundry room I can use?" She asked and I nodded, smiling before I pointed to the left of the bar.
"Yup! Back there." She nodded in thanks and walked out of the room while Ruby passed me with a tray, looking after the other woman.
"Well, at least she didn't burn herself." My friend commented, ducking away when I tried to hit her with the cocoa-covered towel.
Granny barked at us to get back to work and I obliged my boss, aware that she wasn't in the mood to be trifled with, seeing Regina usually did that to her.
A few hours later, I glanced around when I realized that my uncle hadn't come in yet and he always came to 'escort' me home on Fridays.
"Hey, Granny," she didn't look up from the books in front of her, though her head turned slightly in my direction and I took this as a sign to continue. "My uncle hasn't shown up, can I go make sure he's okay?"
She nodded, finally looking up from the open book in front of her and waved her hand absent-mindedly.
"Sure thing," with that, she picked up the ledger and bustled towards the inn, where yelling between her and Ruby started within moments. I rolled my eyes, smiling at their antics before I headed out the door, waving goodbye to the few remaining waitresses and headed down the street towards the pawnshop. I broke into a run when I caught sight of the broken glass in the front door and I rushed into the shop, letting out a cry of terror when I saw my uncle crumpled on the ground, broken glass littering the ground and a bleeding cut in his temple.
"Gold!" I rushed to his side and fell to my knees, careful of the glass and lightly shook him, panicked when his eyes didn't open. "You're okay." I whispered picking his head up and putting it in my lap, calming down ever so slightly when his eyes fluttered open.
"I've got you."
I poured the peroxide on a rag and raised it towards his head, rolling my eyes when he stiffened before I even actually pressed it against his cut.
"I haven't even touched you." I stated dryly and he opened one eye, a sheepish expression sliding onto his face before he relaxed, stiffening when I pressed the cloth to his head but kicked up no more of a fuss. "What the hell happened?"
"Your little friend, Ashley happened." He grumped out, hissing when I accidentally pressed too hard, shocked that my friend had done this.
"Ashley Boyd?" I questioned and he nodded, or attempted to. "As in, pregnant Ashley that is giving you her baby to adopt out somewhere?" I clarified and he nodded, his lips twisted into a pained grimace and I quickly finished up with the rag before I moved his hair and looked at the cut. "Well, it's not bleeding and it doesn't look too deep, I don't think you'll need stitches."
He nodded, pulling from my touch and he sighed heavily before leaning back in his chair as I eyed him carefully.
"Are you going to call the police on her?" I asked with trepidation, aware that he'd been in his rights to do so, as she'd broken into his shop, stolen something and attacked him on top of all that.
He sighed deeply, looking at me appraisingly before shaking his head once, causing me to exhale sharply before I began to gently prod at his cut again.
"Well, I don't think you'll be bleeding out anytime soon," I hesitated. "Do you want me to get some gauze?"
He shook his head again, looking thoughtful as he stared off into space, his lips twisted into another grimace, though this one looked more irritated than pained before he looked back at me.
"Well, I believe all this 'excitement' has worn me out," he stood and I looked up at him, watching him silently as he bustled around the kitchen before heading towards the stairs, calling after me. "Are you heading to bed soon?"
"In a minute." I gestured around to the rag and bottle and he nodded. I waited until his footsteps receded before I pulled out my phone and slunk towards the living room, dialing the number quickly.
"Ruby? We've got a major problem."
I stood on the dias as the choir harmonized around us, Anna flanking my left side and I watched from the corner of my eye as she waved excitedly to a handsome, dark-haired man squished between two much larger men. She'd come barreling into the church after almost everyone had taken their seats, panting heavily but I didn't ask
I kept my face blank, quickly deciding that I'd ask Kai or Gerda who was making eyes at my little sister after the coronation but my attention was drawn to the Bishop as he approached with mother's crown.
I swallowed and left Anna's presence, going to the middle of the dias with my back to the crowd and bowed my head, allowing the Bishop to place the crown in my hair. I kept my eyes closed as I straightened up, only opening them when my back was straight and I looked down as he picked up the pillow holding the royal scepter and the orb.
Slowly I reached for the items, releasing a shaky breath when I picked them up and turned to face the crowd, attempting to keep my breathing and powers under control, Jack and Rumple's words echoing in my head.
'Magic is emotion, especially with your powers. The more you feel, the more energy you'll unleash.'
"Sem hón heldr inum helgum eignum ok krýnd í þessum helga stað ek té fram fyrir yðr...Queen Elsa." The Bishop pronounced clearly to the smiling crowd.
I managed a small, shaky smile as the crowd all stood and began clapping politely before I quickly turned and placed the orb and scepter onto the pillow, turning back to the crowd. I clasped my hands in front of me and smiled softly at them.
Well, that wasn't so bad.
"Ash, what were you thinking?" I hissed at my friend from the bed as she paced like an angry cat around Ruby's room, cradling her swollen belly like a lifeline. "You attacked Gold?!"
"Erin!" Ruby hissed sharply from her seat at the window, sending me a short glare and I softened towards my pregnant friend when I saw the tears filling her eyes. I sighed, standing and gently taking Ashley's trembling hands before I led her to the bed.
"Ashley, I'm sorry for snapping." I crouched down, balancing on my heels and drew her shaking hands into my own. "But, you have to realize what you've done, I mean, you attacked a man." I squeezed her fingers, grateful to feel the trembling in them cease but the fire I saw in her eyes caused dread to pool in my stomach.
"He's not getting my baby." She vowed, pulling a hand away from me and cradling her stomach with it, her voice shaky but firm. "I won't let him."
"Ashley," Ruby stood from her perch and crossed the floor quickly, seating herself next to Ashley and placing an arm around her shoulders. "You signed a contract, hun. If Gold tracks you down-"
"I'll go to Boston." Ashley shot back, her expression fierce as she looked down at the life growing inside her. "I'm done being told what to do." She looked between both of us as Ruby and I traded unsure glances. "Now, you can either help me or get out of my way."
Ruby smirked, an expression I quickly mimicked, excitement running through me at the thought of truly rebelling against my Uncle.
"Getting one over Mr. Gold?" Ruby asked, smirking widely as we shared another glance. "Count us in."
Ashley's eyes filled with tears again and she quickly drew us into a group hug, her slim shoulders shaking as she held back tears.
"Thanks, you guys."
I clapped with Snow, Charming and Anna as Ella and Thomas walked down the stairs to the ballroom, arm in arm and I allowed Anna to pull me with her and Snow, drawing Ella into a dance.
"Ella dear," Snow teased as she and the new bride clasped hands and spun around, giggling as Anna and I copied their movements. "this is truly a night for celebration. Do you realize what an inspiration you are to everyone?"
"All I did was get married." Ella shot back bashfully, a smile lighting up her face as Snow released her hands, sending her to me and I smiled faintly at my friend.
"You did more than that." I assured her, moving daintily in my ice slippers while I caught a glimpse of her own glass slippers. "All you did was show that anyone can change her life." I teased and we stopped moving, Snow and Anna joining the circle as I hugged the other blonde. "We're proud of you."
Ella smiled as we walked away, well, I did, Snow and Anna were quickly swept up by their husband and boyfriend respectively while I was pulled into a dance with Thomas, freezing at the sight of Rumple dancing with an uncomfortable looking Ella.
I spun out of Thomas' hands but, before I could approach Rumple and Ella, a white-haired man stepped in my way.
"Your Majesty." Jack bowed teasingly and I laughed in delight, hugging him tightly before I allowed him to sweep me into his arms, all thoughts of the scene I'd witnessed forgotten.
At least until I caught sight of Ella's ashen face.
"So this boyfriend of hers, you don't think he's involved in her disappearance?" Ruby stacked the dishes on the table before sharing a disgusted look with me as I quickly wiped down the table
"Uh, that would mean that he was involved with her at all, which he isn't." The brunette pointed out, leaning over the table to grab a cup.
"He dropped her flat on her ass right after they found out they were expecting." I explained, leaning back against the doorway of the Diner and crossing my arms.
"Hasn't spoken to her since. Like I said he's a-Hey, hey, hey!" Ruby broke off, teetering towards the street when Bill nearly dropped her car from the tow-truck. "Bill, be careful." She pouted, her voice turning sultry and I rolled my eyes, a small smile spreading across my lips at her antics. "You almost shattered my wolf-thing. It's good luck."
"I'm sorry, Ruby." Bill called, looking abashed as he pointed towards the swinging, red, glass wolf. "But look, it's fine."
Ruby smiled at him tilting her head playfully before Emma commanded her attention again.
"Uh, Ruby what about her family?"
"Oh, uh." Ruby turned, blinking before her lips curled up in disgust. "She's got a stepmom and two step sisters that she doesn't talk to."
"Wait, stepmom, step sisters and she's a maid?" Henry asked, nearly bouncing with excitement.
"Henry, not now." Emma ordered, looking at Ruby and I expectantly.
"Look," Ruby crossed her arms and poked her hip out. "I don't know what you've heard but it's wrong. Everyone thinks she's not ready to have this baby but she's trying-taking night classes, trying to better herself, trying to get her life together." She looked at Emma earnestly, her made-up face sincere. "Can you understand that?"
"I think so." I raised an eyebrow at the dryness in Emma's voice, bristling at the tone.
"Then maybe you should just stay out of it, she's been though enough." I hissed out, glaring fiercely at the other blonde before I picked up the tray and stalked past her, stopping when Emma reached out and touched my arm.
"I've been through it too Ruby and I can help her." She pleaded and I shared a short look with Ruby.
"Then try her ex." Ruby suggested, picking up her own tray.
"Where can I find him?" Emma looked between us and I sighed, drawing her attention to me.
"He lives with his dad."
"Did she get out okay?" I muttered to Ruby as she rejoined me at the bar, earning a bright smile and a nod from my friend before I relaxed and leaned against the bar, not even flinching when Emma stalked in minutes later.
"Why didn't you tell me she sold the baby?" Emma demanded, earning an irritated look from both of us at the tone of her voice.
"Because we didn't think it was important." I shot at her, not taking my eyes off of the counter as I began to wipe the already spotless surface.
"Really?" Emma asked dryly. "Considering that's why she's running away."
"Look, Ashley is our," Ruby gestured to herself and me once. "Friend. We don't like the idea of people judging her."
Emma turned her head and froze, clearly catching sight of the red, wolf charm from Ruby's car.
"Ruby," she started slowly, looking out the window to see the spot where Ruby's car had been earlier. "Where's your car?"
Ruby simply sighed, leaning on the bar next to me and I finally raised my eyes, keeping my face blank as Emma turned back towards us, her eyes accusing.
"You didn't send me to Sean to find her, you sent me there to give her a head start."
"Look," Ruby hissed, her hackles raising. "We're only trying to help her."
"Yeah, so am I." Emma countered. "Ashley's in more trouble than you know. Where is she?" Emma lowered her voice slightly. "Don't make her break her deal with Gold without me."
Ruby shot Henry a glance, her lips twisted in apprehension.
"We can't talk in front of him, he's the mayor's kid."
"Hey! I'm on your side and Erin is Gold's niece!" Henry defended, puffing up like distressed bird and I held back a small smile at the visual image.
Ruby simply looked at him flatly in response before she stalked to the other end of the bar and I followed her, quickly taking a customer's order as I saw Emma pull Henry aside from the corner of my eye.
"Okay." I heard Henry say as he nodded, seemingly subdued and he turned to go. Ruby and I returned to Emma when the bell dinged on the door and Henry disappeared.
"Thank you." Emma called to her son and turned back to the bar. Ruby sighed and leaned against the counter again, her voice barely above a whisper.
"She left town. Said she was gonna try Boston, thought she could disappear there."
"How long ago did she leave?"
"About half an hour ago." I offered and watched as her face turned determined again.
Emma nodded and took off, leaving Ruby and I to look at each other uncertainly.
"Did we do the right thing?" She whispered, her eyebrows drawn together and I sighed heavily, looking towards the door.
"I hope so."
A few hours later, I jumped when my phone vibrated and, after seeing the number, I waved Ruby over excitedly and nearly squealed when Ashley's voice came over the phone.
"Ash! Are you okay?" I held the phone away from my ear so Ruby could hear and we both smiled widely at each other when Ashley's assurances that she was still in town and she was keeping her baby.
"We'll be over soon, Ashley." Ruby promised and I snapped the phone shut as Ruby turned her puppy-dog eyes on Granny, who, clearly having gotten the gist of the conversation, simply waved at us.
"Go on, you two." She smiled faintly. "Tell Ashley I hope to see the rugrat at the diner soon enough."
We nodded, smiling brightly before we tore out of the door towards my car, intent on getting to our friend and her baby.
Belatedly, as we stalked through the hospital, I wondered what Emma had promised my Uncle, who was notorious for not breaking deals, in exchange for Ash keeping the baby.
Comments? Questions? Thoughts?