Chapter V

Let it Go - Part I

– Did we land in an ice age or what?! – Exclaimed an angry Donald, who was shaking uncontrollably because of the cold of the environment.

– No k–k–kidding! – Agreed Sora, rubbing himself to get warm.

The group had landed on a forest completely covered in snow, and though barely, they could see some kind of town in the distance, frozen as well. – We should try to find someone that can tell us where we are. – Goofy suggested.

Right after that the group heard a horse panicking – Over there! – Sora said running in the direction of the sound.

– Hey Sora! Wait! – Exclaimed Donald, who along with Goofy went after him. After a moment, the group reached the place but didn't found the horse. What they found was more helpful.

– Are you ok? – Asked Sora to the person trapped under a pile of snow while offering his hand.

– Yeah, thanks. – Said the redhead girl taking Sora's hand and getting out of the snow.

– What are you doing here? – Asked the boy

– I'm trying to find my sister, she… ran away. – She answered, with a tone of guilt in her voice.

– Maybe my friends and I can help. – The boy asked. – I'm Sora. –

– I'm Anna. – She introduced herself.

– Why did your sister run away? – Sora asked

– You wouldn't believe me if I told you. – Anna waved off.

– After what I have experience, I can believe anything. – The boy replied with a smile.

– Hey! Don't go around offering help without asking us! – Exclaimed Donald angrily who had just arrived with Goofy. – And what did we told you about meddling! – He added.

– What?! Now we can't even help people? – Sora asked with disbelief.

– I don't think things have to be that strict, Donald. – Commented Goofy.

– I'm not taking risks, we have a mission! – Claimed the duck.

Meanwhile, Anna looked in shock at the sight before here. – D–did t–those animals just talk? – The redhead managed to say.

After the trio stopped their argument, they noticed the shocked girl. This prompted Sora to give Donald a disappointed look. – Nice going there, mister stick to the mission. – Mocked the brunette, gaining a death glare from the magician duck.

Meanwhile on Anna's part, it was obvious she was struggling to assimilate the situation. – This definitely has to be a dream. – She tried to tell herself, and began slapping herself – Wake up! Wake! Up! –

– Hey, easy there! – Said Sora as he stopped her. – Trust me I know how you're feeling right now, but you gotta stay focused… I can't believe I'm the voice of reason here. – He said after realizing what he said.

– Sorry. – Muttered the red head. – Is just that today I just found out my sister has magical icy powers which she used to accidentally froze the entire kingdom. – She rushed out. – My mind is still trying to process that out, so talking animals isn't exactly helping. –

– Then allow us to stop bothering you. – The magician promptly "offered" taking Sora and Goofy's hands so they could leave.

Sadly for him both Sora and Goofy refuse to move, both looking at Donald accusingly. – Look I know you really want to find your king, I get it, I'm searching for my friends too remember? – The brunette boy reminded Donald. – But as much as I want to do so, I just can't ignore people who need help! –

– Donald, I'm with Sora. The king wouldn't want us to go with the mission if we ignore people in need. – Affirmed the royal knight's captain.

Donald looked at both of them incredulous, to then make one of his temper tantrums, greatly surprising Sora. – Is he ok? – He asked a little concerned.

– Yeah just give him a minute. – Said Goofy.

– So, everything cool now? – Sora asked with a smirk, obviously conscious of the recent pun. Donald naturally was not amused.

– Don't push your luck. – Warned the duck. – Fine, we'll help you. – He reluctantly said to Anna.

– Why your sister ran away? – Asked Goofy.

Anna actually got silent for a few seconds before she decided to answer – She got upset because I was going to marry. – She told them, albeit not looking at them.

– Well, you can solve your familiar problems when you find her. Let's get moving already! – Demanded the duck, not bothering to hide his displeasure with the situation.

– Is he ok? – Asked a confused Anna.

– Yeah, is just that we kind of had our hands already full. – Clarified the brunette.

– What do you mean? – She asked.

This immediately got Donald's attention, and his look gave a very obvious message – We are… uh… trying to find our friends, they gone missing a few days ago. – He tried to explain.

– I see I hope you do find them. – Anna said with a small smile.

– Thanks, and I hope you and your sister con figure things out. –

In another place far away from the kingdom, an enormous castle made entirely out of ice now stood proud on the edge of the mountain. Its maker, Queen Elsa of Arendelle, admired the view that her new home provided.

– Whoa, who's your interior decorator? Cause this looks really good. – Said a voice that took Elsa completely by surprise. When the queen turned around to face the intruder she became even more nervous, but for different reasons. – You're adorable when you're nervous, Elsa. – Teased the hooded girl.

– χ, wh–what are you doing here? – Asked the queen now more relaxed.

– Oh, just passing by really. Things have gotten quite agitated and what better place than Arendelle to chill out. – She commented still with a teasing tone. – Anyway, I assume you finally told your sister about your… gift? – χ asked now more serious, getting her answer with Elsa's silent response. – Well, it was a sure bet that it wouldn't go well but… what did she said for you to froze the entire kingdom? –

This comment immediately got out Elsa's frustration regarding that situation. – She said she was getting married. To a person she just had met today! – She exclaimed getting quite loudly. – Honestly that's speaks for itself –

– No kidding. – χ agreed. – But is not that surprising when you think about it. – She added, which gained her Elsa's disbelief.

– You don't believe in that of… "Love at first sight" do you? –

– Pfft, as if. – She retorted instantly.

– Then what are you talking about. –

– Ugh, what's with everyone asking me to point out the evident? Am I captain obvious now? – χ said in annoyance. – Look kid, this is a problem you and your sister have to resolve by yourselves. – She explained.

Actually getting tired of this topic, Elsa changed the subject with a serious expression – Then I'll ask again, what are you doing here? –

The queen's attitude only managed to put back a smirk on χ's face. – I told you, things have actually gotten loud and I needed a good and calm place to keep an eye on everything. Don't worry; I will leave right now if you want. – She offered still smirking, though surprisingly managed to calm Elsa down.

– P–please don't misunderstand… after everything you've done for me, you will always be welcome. – Elsa explained now looking a little apologetic.

After her comment χ went to actually hug Elsa, a gesture that made her slightly uncomfortable. – Aww, you're a sweetheart. Don't worry you'll barely know I'm here. – She promised and apparently proceeded to leave, but stopped in her tracks. – Oh wait, before I go. – She said as she snapped her fingers and not even two seconds later a small tremor was felt throughout the castle.

– What was that? – Asked a confused Elsa.

– Just hired a little bit of security for you. – χ nonchalantly explained. – Well, I actually have some places to be right about now so, see ya later, bye! – And just like that she disappeared in a corridor of darkness, leaving a perplexed Elsa behind.

Back with Sora and company, the group found themselves lost in the woods and to make matters worse they noticed that it was night already. – Uh guys, I think we should find a place to spend the night. – Goofy suggested once he saw what time it was.

– We can make it! – Affirmed Donald with determination thought it quickly vanished as soon as he heard the howling of a wolf.

– Look! How about there? – Anna said, pointing out towards a relatively small cabin.

– It will work. – Said Sora, Donald and Goofy in unison. And with that the group quickly went to the cabin stopping briefly at the entrance.

Anna cleaned the sing of the cabin to reveal that it was known as Wandering Oaken's Trading Post and Sauna. – Sauna?! Oh yes, please! – Exclaimed a gladly surprised Donald.

When the trio entered the cabin, they quickly looked around to see if it had any kind of supply, but are quickly greeted by the cabin's owner. – Hoo–hoo! Big summer blow out! – Replied the burly man, pointing out at the specific merchandise.

– Try to find something, that dress is not going to help you anyway. – Suggested the magician duck, and Anna began doing just that.

– Um, I was just wondering, has another young woman, the queen perhaps, I don't know, come through here recently? – Asked the princess while picking what little winter equipment there was.

– The only one crazy enough to be out in this storm is you, dear. – Answered Oaken, right on cue, a man completely covered in snow entered the place. – You and this fellow. – He added.

Said fellow quickly looked around the store and picked a rope, pickaxe. – Oh, a real howler in July, yes? Vherever could it be coming from? – The shop owner asked.

– The north mountain. – He answered and getting the attention of Anna and the others.

– So you're going to take this? Then it's 40 for everything. – Oaken explained.

– What? No, 10. – Said the man.

– I'm sorry, but the supply and demand of summer products is a real problem right now. – Answered Oaken.

– You think you have problem? I sell ice for a living. – The man answered back with frustration.

– Uh… that might not be a good idea right now. – Goofy nonchalantly mentioned, though the snow covered man glared at him in return.

– 10 is all I have sir; please you have to help me. – Pleaded the snow man.

– Ok, here's the deal. The equipment and the carrots for 40. – Oaken replied.

On their side Sora and the rest tried to stay away from the discussion, instead discussing how they were gonna reach the mountain. – How about if we ask that guy to help us? If he harvests ice then he probably knows how to get around the mountain. – Commented Goofy.

– I don't know, he doesn't seem like the kind of guy that simply helps others. – Donald replied with a suspicious look.

– And you are? – Sora asked sarcastically, to which Donald responded with a glare. – Look, we can simply pay him to help us. Did you forget about the money Aerith gave us? – The brunette pointed out, he then took the pouch on one of his pockets and gave it to Anna.

The redhead nodded with a smile and quickly went back to the counter. – I think this will be enough for everything. – She said with a smirk, leaving the snow–covered man confused.

– What are you doing? I don't need your help. – He said.

– Well I actually need your help, so just go along with it! – She firmly exclaimed.

Although taken aback a little by the interaction, Oaken still accepted Anna's money with a smile and waved goodbye to the group as they exited his store. Once the whole group was outside, the man wasted no time in addressing Anna's actions.

– Ok, what was all that about? – He asked not too kindly.

– We want you to take us to the North Mountain. – She answered.

– I don't take people to places. – He retorted.

– Let me rephrase that. – She says while shoving the bag with the things he tried to purchase. – You will take us to the North Mountain… please. – She said a little less serious now.

The young man was still hesitant with the request until Sora spoke. – We know how to stop this winter. –

After a moment of silence, he finally sighed in defeat. – We leave at dawn. And you forgot the carrots. – But Anna quickly corrects him by throwing the sack with the carrots.

– Oh, sorry! Sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't... – But the redhead quickly clears her throat. – We leave now. Right now. –

– Fine. – He said in defeat. – Sven, where are you?! – As in on cue a reindeer suddenly came out of a barn just next door to Oaken's store. The animal rushed to his friend in a very happy state once he saw the carrots.

– Oh I just noticed we haven't introduced yet, I'm Anna. –

– I'm Sora. –

– Donald Duck. –

– My name's Goofy. –

- I'm Kristoff. – He said. – And he's Sven. – Kristoff added pointing out at the reindeer. – If no one has anything left to say we better get going. –

When all was said and done the group finally departed to their destiny. Although they had just departed, Sven was going at full speed.

- So… why did the queen went all ice-crazy? – Kristoff asked Anna.

- Yeah, you didn't told us about that either. – Sora commented.

- Oh, well, it was all my fault. – She answered with a noticeable guilty look. – I got engaged, but then she freaked out because I'd only just met him, you know, that day, and she said she wouldn't bless the marriage and- – She continued but was quickly interrupted.

- Wait. You got engaged to a man you just met that day? – Asked an incredulous Kristoff, with his incredulity being shared among Sora and the others.

- Yeah. Anyway, I got mad and so she got mad and then she tried to walk away and I grabbed her glove- – She tried to continue but was interrupted once again.

- HANG ON! You really got engaged to someone you just met?! – Shouted Donald.

- Yes! Could you please pay attention?! – She exclaimed in exasperation. - But the thing is she wore the gloves all the time, so I just thought, "Maybe she has a thing about dirt!" –

- You know you can't marry someone you just met, right? – Asked Donald.

- Why not? – She asked truly confused.

- Because is a total stranger! – The duck answered back.

- But Hans is not a stranger! – Anna exclaimed in defense.

- Do you know something about him? – Asked Goofy.

- Of course I do! –

- Have you even had a meal with him yet? What if you hate the way he eats or picks his nose? – Asked Kristoff.

- Picks his nose? – She asked back in disgust.

- And eats it. – He added.

- Excuse me sir! He's a prince. – She affirmed.

- All men do it. – He said with a smirk.

- I don't. – Replied Sora.

- Us neither. – Said Donald and Goofy in unison.

- Look, it doesn't matter; it's true love. – She exclaimed trying to end the conversation.

- Doesn't sound like true love to me. – Kristoff replied.

- And you know about true love? – Asked Anna in an accusatory tone.

- No, but… I have friends who do. –

- Really? You have friends who are love experts? I don't believe you. – Although she didn't noticed Sven suddenly came to a stop.

- Stop talking. – Kristoff ordered now serious.

- No, no, no, no, no! I'd like to meet these friends of yours! – She exclaimed.

- And why did you stop? – Asked Sora confused.

- I said stop talking. – He reiterated, taking his lantern to scan the place.

When Sora and the others began to look around as well they found the source of Kristoff's concern. – Oh no. –

- Heartless! – Exclaimed the trio.

- Sven, go! – And the reindeer wasted no time in complying as he began to run at full speed.

The Heartless that were pursuing the group resembled medium sized blue dogs with massive heads and equally massive maws, and also wore red spiky collars but wore them on their waists rather than their necks due to their sizes.

- What kind of dogs are those?! – Exclaimed Anna scared. – What do we do?! –

- Don't worry we got this! – Exclaimed Sora.

- What are you doing?! You're just a kid- – But was interrupted when Sora summoned his Keyblade much to his and Anna's shock.

Both Donald and Goofy quickly joined Sora as they drew their weapons and proceeded to fight the Heartless closest to the sled. – They're too many! – Sora exclaimed.

- Leave it to me! Thundaga! – Exclaimed the royal magician as he summoned a multitude of lightning bolt that successfully got rid of many of the Heartless.

- We still have company! – Warned Goofy as he launched his shield like a boomerang.

- Wow! Let me try that! – Said the brunette as he threw his Keyblade in a similar manner and though it stroke some Heartless it did not came back to him, much to his disappointment. – Oh man. –

- You'll get the hand of it. – Assured Goofy as the Keyblade returned to Sora's hand almost immediately.

Things weren't any better for Anna and Kristoff due to the fact that, as they lacked the magical abilities of the trio, were really struggling to fend off the Heartless. Suddenly it got worse as one of the canine Heartless grabbed Kristoff and yanked him off the sled.

- Christopher! – Anna exclaimed.

- It's Kristoff! – He corrected. Anna then used the lantern to light up the bedroll to then toss it.

- Duck! – She warned as the flaming bedroll takes down the wolves attacking Kristoff. Once safe the ice harvester climbs back to the sled

- You almost set me on fire! – He reprimanded.

- But I didn't! – Anna pointed out in her defense.

- Ehh, guys? – Donald spoke in a scared manner and as soon as everyone noticed what he was looking at, they all shared his shock, as it turned out to be a cliff up ahead.

Quickly grabbing the reins of the sled, the princess addressed the reindeer. – Prepare to jump, Sven! – She exclaimed.

- You don't tell him what to do! – Kristoff claimed as he shoved his satchel into Anna's arms and throws her onto Sven's back, then cutting Sven harness with a knife. – I do! Sven, everyone, jump! –

Sven successfully clears the chasm and lands safely with Anna on the other side. Kristoff, Sora, Donald and Goofy however jumped from the sled halfway and landed hands first on the cliff, though quickly climbing to safety.

Kristoff for a second looks back at the abyss only to see his sled burst in flames. – I just paid it off. – He cried in sadness.

Anna noticed his sadness which left her feeling guilty. – Whoa. I'll replace your sled, and-and everything in it. And I understand if you don't want to help me anymore. – Glancing one more time on Kristoff direction before walking around. – Come on guys. – She said as she started to leave, shortly being followed by the others.

Seeing Kristoff still mad at the loss of his sled, Sven nudges Kristoff. – Ugh. Of course I don't want to help her anymore! In fact, this whole thing has ruined me for helping anyone ever again! – He exclaimed in frustration. But continued "arguing" with Sven. – "She'll die on her own". –

- I can live with that. – He said as himself. – "But you won't get your new sled if she's dead." – Sven's "argument" made Kristoff rolled his eyes in defeated frustration. - Sometimes I really don't like you… Hold up! We're coming. – He said to Anna.

- You are? I mean, sure! I'll let you tag along. – She said with "confidence".

- Will this ever end? – Said Donald slapping his face in his own frustration.

Early the next morning, the group had resumed their journey to the North Mountain. Along the way they had stumbled upon frosted-over glen. Each of them marveled at the beauty of the landscape.

- You know, I never knew winter could be this beautiful. – Anna mentioned in awe.

- Tell me about it. – Replied Sora.

- Is this your first time seeing winter Sora? – Asked Goofy

- Yeah, we didn't have winter back on Destiny Island. – He replied.

- Well, once all of this is solved, maybe you can ask Elsa to bring winter there. – Anna offered with a smile. – I mean if she can make something this beautiful. –

- Yeah, it really is beautiful, isn't it? – Said an unseen voice, all the presents however turned to Sven believing it came from him. – But it's so white. How about a little color? I'm thinking, like, maybe some crimson, chartreuse... – The voice continued as its owner wandered behind the group, revealing itself to be a little anthropomorphic snowman. – ...how 'bout yellow? No, not yellow. Yellow and snow? Brrr! No go. – He laughed.

Anna finally notices the little snowman and after a few seconds, she reacts the way Sora and the others were already expecting. – AAAH! – She screamed as she kicked the snowman's head off, which landed on Kristoff's hands.

- Hi. – The snowman simply said.

- You're creepy. – Said Kristoff as he threw his head off back to Anna, starting a hot potato game between them.

- Are we going to deal with this kind of situation on every world we visit? – Asked Sora unamused.

- Gee, I don't know, I mean every world is different. – Said Goofy thinking about it.

- Although at this point I wouldn't be surprised if we have to. – Added Donald even more unamused than Sora.

As the "game" continued between Anna and Kristoff, Sora decided to intervene and end it by grabbing the snowman's head midway and finally putting it on its body. – Here you go. – Said the brunette.

- Oh, thank you! – The snowman happily said.

- You're welcome. – Sora replied with his own smile.

- How can you be so casual about this? – Asked a confused Kristoff.

- And why you keep getting all bewildered every time you see magic? – Asked Donald. – We get it, you've never seen magic before, is creepy and scary, get over it. – The magician reprimanded both him and Anna.

- You don't have to be so mean! – Anna pouted.

- He isn't entirely wrong, I mean, there's nothing wrong with this guy. – Sora pointed out.

- Well, actually… - Anna said a little thoughtful while looking at the snowman. She grabbed one of the carrots and tried to place it on the little thing's face, but as she did it tail first it went all the way through. – Oh, I'm so sorry! Are you ok? – She asked.

- Are you kidding me? I... am wonderful! I've always wanted a nose. It's so cute. It's like a little baby unicorn. – He cheerfully expressed while appreciating his new nose, though Anna took the opportunity to fix her slip. – Oh, hey whoa! I love it even more! All right, let's start this thing over: Hi, everyone. I'm Olaf. And I like warm hugs. – He said officially introducing himself.

- Olaf? – Anna whispered suddenly feeling déjà vu. It was justified when she remembered the snowman she and her sister build as children. – That's right! Olaf! –

- And you are...? – Asked Olaf.

- Oh, I'm Anna. –

- And who's the funky-looking donkey over there? – He asked while pointing out at Kristoff, though Anna though he referred to Sven.

- That's Sven. –

- And who's the reindeer? – He asked much to Anna's confusion.

- Sven? – She said in confusion.

- Oh, they're bo- Oh! Okay. Makes things easier for me. – He said causing Sora, Donald and Goofy to laugh at Kristoff, but as he spoke the real Sven was trying to bite his nose. – Whoa! Oh, look at him, trying to kiss my nose. I like you, too! –

- Olaf, did Elda build you? – The redhead asked, to which Olaf answered with a yes. – And do you know where she is? –

- Yeah why? – He asked as Kristoff took one of his arms, still confused at the logic behind Olaf.

- Because we need Elsa to bring back summer. – She explained serious.

- Summer?! – The snowman asked very surprised, to which Anna nodded. Before replying properly he snatched his arm from Kristoff before putting it back. – Oh, I don't know why, but I've always loved the idea of summer, and sun, and all things hot... –

- Really? I guess you don't have much experience with heat. – Kristoff pointed out.

- People without experience seem to be something very common around here. – Donald mumbled to himself, though Anna managed to hear him and glared at him.

- Nope! But sometimes I like to close my eyes and imagine what it'd be like when summer does come. Ahh... – Olaf described as he mentioned his many dreams bout summer.

- I'm gonna tell him. – Kristoff claimed with a smirk.

- Don't you dare! – Anna immediately protested.

- So, come on! Elsa's this way. Let's go bring back summer! – Olaf said calling the others.

As everyone began to follow Olaf, Kristoff looked at him horrified. – Somebody's gotta tell him. –

- So, can you guys explain what you did there when we were chased by… those things? – Asked Anna.

- What do you mean? – Goofy asked back oblivious.

- Don't play dumb, you can use magic as well can't you? – Kristoff said.

- Yes we can! Is not that complicated either. – Donald answered. – Actually once you get the trick, everyone can use magic. – He explained.

- Really? – Asked a surprised Anna.

- Yeah, Donald was about to teach me before we met you. – Sora mentioned.

- Very interesting. – Kristoff said. – So how do you plan to stop this weather? –

- I'm gonna talk to my sister. – She replied casually.

- That's your plan? My work depends on you talking to your sister? – He questioned incredulous. – Aren't you a little afraid of her? –

- Why would I be? – She asked confused.

- She's right, if we can't trust our family then who? – Goofy commented.

- I'll give your sister this… - Donald started as he looked the thing in front of in awe, just like everybody else. – She definitely knows how live like royalty. –

The reason for the comment and everyone's awe was the fact that all of them were in front of an enormous ice castle. – Whoa. – Was Anna reaction.

Kristoff on the other hand, looked like he was about to cry. – Now that's ice. I think I might cry. – He said as tears began to well up in his eyes.

- Go ahead, I won't judge. – With that said, the group began to trot up the stairs, though Sven remained behind, as his feet can't get a grip on the icy steps.

Once they reached the front doors of the castle, Anna suddenly stops. – Knock. Just knock. – Olaf said but was confused when Anna did nothing. – Why isn't she knocking? – He asked the others.

But no one was able to answer as Anna quickly knocked the door three times, which was enough to slowly open the door. - Ha! It opened! That's a first. – She said thoughtful as she entered the ice building. The others began to follow her she quickly stopped them. – You should probably wait here. – She spoke directly to Kristoff.

- What?! But-but-Oh, come on! It's a palace made of ice! Ice is my life! – Kristoff cried trying to get inside.

- Sorry, but last time I introduced her to a guy, she froze everything... – She said. – You guys as well, please wait here. Just give us a minute. – She asked Sora and the rest as she entered the palace.

Resigned to wait, the whole group sat each on the stairs. – One, two three. – Olaf said as he started to count the minute.

- Olaf if you don't keep quite I'll introduce you to summer this instant. – Warned the magician duck.