(A/N) Hello all. I apologize beforehand for this mess of a chapter. It started out okay, then it was just awful, but then it turned okay again. But the awful bit is kind of a large portion. So... sorry about that.

Here's the chapter now.

Disclaimer: I don't own Frozen. Actually, I'm beginning to think it owns me.


Chapter 9

Crunch

This is a really good apple. Brandr is lazily hidden away behind a few crates on the top deck, munching on a green apple. Just that morning, he got a whole bunch of letters from Sideburns, but only one was for him. And it was just some boring orders too. It'd be nice if he just sent something just to say "Hi." or "I'm glad you haven't been frozen solid yet." But, no dice. He finishes off the core of his apple, left with only the stem and the bottom. A mild breeze blows by, it is gentle and light, but it still makes Brandr shiver, he is used to blistering heats because of his powers, so he isn't quite comfortable in the cold. He pulls up the hood on his cloak and engulfs his body in a small blaze. It can't burn through his clothes, as he learned a long time ago to make sure they're fireproof. There was this crazy accident with a pig, and a oven that would not light. Long story short, Brandr ended up lost, naked, and judge of a pie baking contest. So yes, fireproof clothes are necessary.

I love ships. He thinks happily. The salty air, the relaxing sea, and since fresh water doesn't last very long on boats, I get to drink rum. He grins at this different way of life. This is not the first time he has been a stowaway, but it certainly is the longest. Maybe I should become a sailor. I could totally rock a scruffy beard.

He looks over at the Queen. He had been keeping an eye on her, and now she seems sufficiently distracted talking to some old sailor guy.

Perfect time to plant the first letter. He thinks and sneaks away to the lower deck. He finds the queen's room and slowly turns the handle. It's locked. He smirks, as locked doors were no challenge to him. With a sharp flick of his hand, a lock pick made of flaming coal appears in his fingers. He cools it down, so the lock won't melt when he goes to open it. He places the pick in the lock and moves it in a certain way.

Click. The door opens with ease. He had perfected his technique for breaking into places about two years back. With a smile, he disintegrates the pick and glides into the room, leaving the door opened slightly. With the letter in hand he paces around the room.

Hmm. Where should I put it? He taps the envelope against his chin. Brandr breaks out into a grin when he spies the bed. That'll work. He walks over and puts the letter under the pillow. Making sure everything is the exact same as when he walked in, he turns to leave.

Let's go wait for a signal. He pauses when he hears footsteps. His eyes go wide, the queen is the only one who stays down this hall. He dives into the corner next to the door and prays that he blends in with the shadows. He watches as the white haired lady walks in and sits at her desk facing opposite the door. Should she turn around, she would see a dark haired teen trying to sneak to the door. The ship lurches slightly and the door falls open.

Now! He thinks as he leaps through the opening. Silently, he darts around the corner. That was a little close. He smiles. But I did a pretty awesome job, if I do say so myself. And I totally do! He looks back to the hall, which now has a blanket of snow. That sure looks like a signal. He thinks. Cool. I guess I'm done for now. I think she's supposed to send another signal when she's done with... whatever is in the letter. Then I'll give her the next one. He walks carefully past the queen's room, back to his hidey-hole. He pauses.

Is she... crying? Sure enough, there is a sobbing coming from behind the door. It is muffled, like she is covering it in hopes no one can hear her, but it is most definitely there.

Just keep walking Brandr. You can't screw this up. You need this money. He looks back in hesitation. He shakes his head and races back to the bottom deck, completely unnoticed of course. He stays down there when he wasn't keeping track of the queen. He still doesn't know her exact name. I feel like I should look into that. He makes a mental note to do so.

Brandr slumps down comfortably on his makeshift bed, created from old blankets. For a moment, he considers lighting a fire to keep warm, but realizes that the ship was made of wood, and if he falls asleep while it's going... Well, that wouldn't end very well.

"Scree." Comes a caw from the corner of the small room. Brandr looks up and smiles at his fire bird.

"Hey Laila." He says affectionately. "How's my little birdie doing?" She squawks in offence. "Okay! Ferocious falcon then!" Brandr holds up his hands defensively. Just don't claw out my eyes." She tilts her head in satisfaction. "So touchy." He says. Just like her namesake. He can't help but think.

"So Laila," He begins. The bird turns his attention to the teen. "I think I've gotten myself into something not too good." He looks at her, who in turn looks back, expecting elaboration. "I'm following orders blindly for some weird guy. And I don't know what that Sideburns guy even wants with the queen!" He shouts a little.

Laila flies over and allows Brandr to pet her. "I just hope it's all worth it." He continues. "I don't want to hurt anymore people." The falcon caws softly, comforting the boy. "Yeah." Brandr says. "I'm being stupid aren't I?" Laila nods her head in agreement and pecks at his finger.

Brandr laughs. "I'm going to be alright."

Hmm... He thinks. I really want another apple. He smiles as he sees a crate labeled FRUIT. "Hey Laila," He says suddenly, eating the crisp apple. "What do think of me becoming a sailor?"


Kristoff breaths heavily. He uses the large pair of tongs to lift an enormous block of ice from the frozen river.

He begins to sing in a clear voice.

"Born of cold and winter air and mountain rain combining,

This icy force both foul and fair has a frozen heart worth mining."

Sven begins to grunt in harmony. Kristoff smiles and sings in Sven's voice this time.

"Cut through the heart, cold and clear!

Strike for the love and strike for the fear."

Normally there's an entire team of ice harvesters, but since this isn't an average job it was just the two of them.

"See the beauty sharp and sheer.

Split the ice apart!" Kristoff sings in his normal voice.

And break the frozen heart." They both 'sing' together.

Kristoff begins the next part. "Beautiful!"

Then Sven. "Powerful!"

Kristoff again. "Dangerous!"

Sven. "Cold!"

"Ice has a magic can't be controlled!" They harmonize. Kristoff starts to cut another piece of ice out from the frozen lake.

"Stronger than one, stronger than ten, stronger than a hundred men!" He lifts the ice block from the water.

Kristoff takes the lead for this part as well. "Born of cold and winter air and mountain rain combining."

Sven 'sings,' "This icy force both foul and fair has a frozen heart worth mining."

Kristoff sings while Sven hums in a way for the ending. "Cut through the heart, cold and clear!

Strike for the love and strike for the fear!

There's beauty and there's danger here!

Split the ice apart!

Beware the frozen heart." They finish and Kristoff throws the ice block to the side. He chuckles at his friend and scratches the reindeer's ear.

The blonde sighs in content. "It's good to be back out here again, right buddy?"

Sven snorts, agreeing with him. "You sure are right there." He 'says.' "Living life, free and smelly. Away from all those nasty people." Kristoff smirks.

"Well..." He begins. "Not all people are bad." He scratches the back of his head, trying to look casual.

Sven grins. "Is this about Anna?" He teases. "Your true love?"

"Well, I uh- um- I wouldn't call it 'true love.'" Kristoff stutters.

"But you can't marry her if it's not love." The reindeer counters.

"Who said anything about marrying anyone?" Kristoff asks. "I'm still not sure if we are even dating."

"Well, maybe you ought to ask her on a date then." Sven offers.

"I can't just ask her on a date!" The blonde argues.

"Well, why not?" Kristoff translates for the reindeer. Kristoff doesn't reply. He seems to be thinking of a reason why himself.

"She's just. And I'm- I don't know Sven." Kristoff sighs. "I guess it's because she's so amazing, being a princess and nice to everyone. Even her temper is cute..." Kristoff trails off. "And I'm just a commoner, who was raised by trolls." He catches himself. "I mean, I love them! I really do. It's just they can be..." Sven snorts, stopping the man from talking.

"I get it Kristoff." The man says for the reindeer. "Stop talking. You also need to stop over thinking this, or else you're going to hurt your brain."

"Hey," Kristoff pauses from his translating. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Sven 'says'. "You should stop acting like a stupid kid... And ask that girl on a date!"

"... Where should I take her?" Kristoff asks finally. "I mean, it can't be just some place. She's a princess, she can go ANYWHERE she wants."

"You need to relax." Sven calms him down with a look. "You showed her the waterfall. That's not the only place we've found. Take her to one of those."

Kristoff nods. "That could work."

"How about the canyon?" Sven 'asks.' "It's pretty, and you can be alone together." Kristoff shakes his head.

"That's too dangerous for her to get to."

"'Cause Anna cares so much about her safety." Sven 'says' sarcastically.

"That's exactly it! She doesn't care if she gets hurt or not." Kristoff shouts. "Which is going to make it that much easier for her to slip up and... die." Kristoff held his thumb and forefinger half an inch away from each other.

"Don't you trust her Kristoff?" Sven 'asks'.

"Yeah, but... I care about her too much to risk it." Kristoff admits.

"I understand." The reindeer nods. "What about you take her ice harvesting?"

"What did we just talk about?" Kristoff throws his hands in the air. "Danger! Pain! Death!" He pounds his fists together with each word.

"Fine." Sven huffs. "You are not being very helpful. You need to trust her to do something."

Kristoff sighs. "I know. I just, don't know how."

"You're over thinking it again." Sven warns. "Just, take her to the shore. Buy her chocolates."

"Great idea Sven!" Kristoff beams, he ruffles Sven's fur. "The shore is perfect!"

"Good boy Kristoff." Sven 'tells' him. "Now get back to work you lazy human. There's half a block of ice that's just sitting on the edge of the lake."

"Alright, alright." Kristoff picks up his tongs and pushes the ice away. I sure hope Anna'll like it. He thinks. He smirks at himself. Sven's right, you're too stressed about this. She'll love it Kristoff. You're awesome.


Elsa,

This is simple enough that even Anna would understand it, so you shouldn't have a problem.

When you get to Spain, you will get the best trade deals for Arendelle, obviously. You will also convince them to start trading with Weselton again. Lastly, you will request something called "fireworks," to bring on the ship with you. They can be imported from China, but I'm sure they are found in Spain. Get as much as you can. Careful though, I stress that the captain does not get suspicious.

I have men watching you. You know that. So proving that you understand this set of orders, send a small sign. When you have completed these instructions, send another signal and you will receive what you need to do next.

Remember who's at stake here.

Hans

Elsa nearly shouts in anger. WESELTON! He's working with WESELTON?! How can she do this? He CANNOT get what he wants! But Elsa can't disobey the orders, not without some sort of a plan.

Remember who's at stake here. That's what the note said. Not what's at stake, but who's at stake.

I need to keep Anna safe. She sits on her bed. That's what's most important. It would have been so much simpler if he were threatening me, but he's threatening to hurt my Anna! I need to do what Hans says. But, I need to stop him too. Elsa puts a pillow to her face and screams into it.

I'm not going to be able to do this, am I? She thinks. Tears begin to stream down from her face. When she was younger and she cried, she could easily hide it. But this is too much for her to take. And the normally silent weeping comes out in loud disorderly sobs. She bites down on her forearm, muffling the cries. Every salty tear that she shed froze as soon as it fell.

"Okay Elsa." She breaths deeply. "You are going to stop crying. You are going to have to figure this out." She chips the frozen water from her sleeve. "And you're going to have to do it, by yourself. Solitude is nothing new to you." She stands up and shakes her head. She raises her arm, as to vanish the frost that had formed during her useless blubbering.

It stays icy. Elsa panics and the frost grows larger. Why didn't it work?! I love Anna! I know I do why isn't it working? She breaths heavily and tries to calm herself. It's your detest for Hans. Focus on your love for Anna, not your hate for him. Stop freaking out. Just think... Anna. Lykkelig. Happy. Love.

The ice disappears entirely and Elsa sighs in relief. It doesn't last long however, as Elsa remembers her situation. I am not going to be able to do this. She repeats in her mind.

No. The small part of her brain call out. The part without any fear. You CAN do this. You WILL do this, for Anna. Hopefully. The larger, very scared part, of her brain returns. You'll do it Elsa. Somehow... Despite the two portions of her brain being so different, they both agree on their love for Anna. I will protect you Anna. She knows this much. Even if it kills me.


(A/N) So yeah... There's that train wreck. Hope it's enough. I could't summon any of that natural humor that you guys love so much. I'm not sure why exactly...

I listened to the Frozen outtake song, Life's Too Short. I went through many emotions very quickly and am left with sadness. How can a song with such an uppity beat turn so hurtful?

Nicole R (Guest): I'm glad you enjoyed that chapter! Anna is hilarious. Thank you! For reading and reviewing! Very much! You're so kind.

thereadingrainbow06: ... No... I considered it once you asked it... And realized how obvious it could be in retrospect... But no... Thank you very much for reading and reviewing. I MEAN IT!

SuperMegaAwesomeFoxyCobraa: Anna's jealous just a little bit. She really doesn't care. But everyone is a little bit jealous. THANK YOU FOR READING AND REVIEWING!

lightning1997: Aww. Thank you so much! Elsa is my favorite, but I will not be satisfied unless something terrible happens. I am just that kind of person. *Chuckles manically* I really am not that awesome. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

FrozenInReading: Thank you for saying that my chapter was great! This one isn't as nice because there isn't the humor you guys love. I am slowly turning a corner in this story... I think so at least? Thank you for reading and reviewing. I mean it.

ThawMyFrozenHeart: Hello my amazing friend. I have a friend who does the same thing with Australian people. It is quite humorous to watch. I'm glad you enjoyed the humor. There isn't very much in this one I don't think. I'm trying to be a bit more serious. (Other Self: That's why you put that Kristoff Scene in.) ... I'm going to stop talking. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

I've come to realize that my natural humor that you people enjoy comes whenever I write Anna. I will take that into consideration for future chapters... I will leave you now. Goodbye people. Until next time I guess...