Chapter 10

Take Me Away

"There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment."

― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever

She sits at her vanity, putting her hair into a braid which swings to the side. It's her favourite style, and she isn't allowed to have it that way when in public. What would the people think of their Queen?

She's been Queen for six years now. She's nineteen but she feels years older. That's the price of growing up too fast she guesses. It's when she hears a crash her eyes widen and she looks in the mirror to find a boy around her age wearing what looks like rags and nature and brown hair.

She knows who he is instantly, she's heard the rumors about a boy who flies through windows. With her eyes on his reflection, her hand slowly reaches down into the drawer beside her and pulls out the dagger which lies inside.

"This isn't a lost boy's room…"

"No it most certainly is not."

Anna whips around pointing the dagger at the boy who slowly raises his hands, a grin on his face.

"Well this is a surprise. Do you know who I am?"

"I have an inkling."

The grin widens becoming maniacal.

"Ah, so you've heard of me. Then you know you probably should put that thing away. Wouldn't want you to get hurt."

"I suppose not."

Anna keeps her glacial eyes on his and slowly turns around walking back to the vanity. In the last moment she whips around throwing the dagger with a deadly aim right for his head. It hits the wall beside him.

"You missed. I believe it was supposed to go through my head."

"It's still just as satisfying. What do you want?"

"I was looking for some boys," His interest is taken by the crown resting on a sliver and blue pillow.

"Say this is an interesting trinket."

He walks over to her crown to which she slaps his hand away.

"That isn't yours."

"Oh? Seems a little old to be yours."

"Well it is."

"Wait…you're Queen? But you're so young!"

"Sometimes we have to grow up before we're ready."

She walks away then, expecting him to leave. She's indicated that much, but he seems to not get the hint. He grasps her arm and she shoots him an incredulous look because what the hell is he doing?

"Well that just won't do. No, that won't do at all."

..

Sverre, Charming, Robin and Regina all rush towards the front doors of the castle. They stop right before it as the knights of Arendelle come in behind them. Sverre turned around to face them, a sincere look on his face.

"The time has come to protect our kingdom until the Queen can arrive. We must do our best to keep Arendelle safe. You know the drill. At any cost, we will keep this kingdom safe."

The knights cheered and banged their shields. Charming turned to face them then, nodding to Sverre. Time to make a speech…only better than Sverre's.

"I know you all have families; I know you all would rather be at home with them. But this fight is for them! Our enemy will stop at nothing to destroy what you love most, I would know, because this enemy is trying to take away mine. So fight not only for each other, but for them! Because she is relentless, she will stop at nothing to destroy us! We fight for Arendelle!"

The army cheered and banged the shields again, their swords clashing in the air. Charming looked to Sverre who nodded and then pushed open the front doors.

The room went silent. The town was in flames with citizens running about, trying to get into the iron gates at the bridge.

"We must get them inside." spoke Sverre.

"This can't be Zelena." said Regina.

"It has to be, there are no others who could fit this kind of destruction." responded Robin.

"Why is she here?"

Sverre looks to the group wanting answers.

"She wants the baby." answered Charming.

Sverre looked outside and then back to Charming, a determined look on his face.

"I'm afraid we can't let her get that child. The child must be protected, at all costs. You and your wife, you are true love yes?"

"Of course."

"Then we better get out there and kill that Wicked Witch. That baby may be able to save us in the near future."

…

Anna walks out onto the balcony. The boy is standing on the ledge, looking out into the night sky. He turns around and gives her a boyish grin, which is quite charming in a way.

"C'mon let's go."

Anna's eyes go wide and she runs back to the doors, grasping onto them as a anchor.

"You're kidding."

"What? It's nothing but a long drop…"

"I'm not going out there! I'll fall!"

"You won't."

Anna narrows her eyes and then shakes her head.

"Nope. Not going to do it. No way hosé."

The boy looks on amused.

"Try something new, it's called trust."

Anna smiles as sad smile and then shakes her head. No, it won't do any good to remind herself of him. He's long gone.

She looks at the outstretched hand. It reminds her of a scene she once read in the child's story of Aladdin, where he leans on the flying carpet to the princess, offering his hand.

She slowly moves forward, one hand still on the frame of the door. She places her right hand in his and soon she's standing on the ledge with him, her eyes shut tight because she's incredibly afraid of falling.

"Face me."

She opens her eyes and turns towards him.

"What?"

"Just look at me, don't think, just look."

She does and he really does have a gorgeous face, eve for a guy who has a dark soul. Her glacial eyes stay on his green ones, and she begins to get lost in them.

"Now look around."

Anna glances to her sides and yelps, holding onto him for dear life as her body molds into his.

"Oh my we are very, very high."

He chuckles and her gaze turns to him as her mouth forms and "O". She never realized how close they'd gotten.

"Oh, uh I'm sorry. This is awkward. Not you're awkward but just because we're - I'm awkward, you're gorgeous - wait what?"

Anna immediately covers her face, absolutely mortified as the boy, whose arms she's currently in, just laughs out loud.

"I'm sorry."

"I like you. You've got a great spirit. Now can we go?"

She slowly moves apart some fingers, only revealing her eyes. He's got an amused look on his face, and Anna figures things can't get any more embarrassing on her part.

"Alright."

They're still floating in the air, yellow dust swirling around them.

"Great! Now hold on tight."

She does and soon they're flying through the air, high above everything, and Anna has never felt more free.

…

"You know, I'm all thankful for you saving me but you almost set me on fire!"

"But I didn't. So cool your jets."

Both men looked at Emma with a strange look and she shrugged.

"What? It's an expression!"

The men look at each other and Emma huffed, deciding that ignoring them was the better option.

"Whatever let's just go find your sister Killian."

She trudged on ahead of the group, the rest following behind her. Soon they reached a cliff, and looked at it, the rocks covered in glittering ice.

"So what now?"

Emma turned to face to two guys and reindeer who all looked at the mountain.

"Well love, I guess we climb."

Killian proceeded to stand beside Emma and gave her a sultry grin and a wink.

"Kind of like that beanstalk eh?"

Emma gave him a look but a smile danced on her face.

"You never forget your first right?"

Killian leaned in close, so his breath washed over her ear and sent shivers down her spine.

"Quite right Swan."

He pulled back, a knowing grin on his face and Emma couldn't help but blush and bite her lip.

"Well let's get started shall we? Kristoff my good man, have you got something say a pick axe?"

"Uh yeah…sure…let me just…give me a second…hold on one moment…"

Killian stood by and watched the burly man dig through his rucksack trying to find something to climb with. He got fed up of waiting and walked over to where Kristoff was, pushed the man out of the way and began to dig through the bag himself.

"Hey! Get out of there!"

Kristoff walked over and pushed Killian, diving into the rucksack himself.

Killian wasn't fond of getting pushed around so he got up out of the snow and pushed Kristoff once more and grabbed the pick axe out of his hands. The burly man grabbed one end as Killian held onto the other and the pair began to pull it towards themselves playing tug – o – war.

"Hand it over here mate."

"No way mate."

"Did you just?"

"Maybe I did."

Killian narrowed his eyes at Kristoff.

"No one mocks me."

He yanked hard on the pick axe forcing Kristoff to let go who fell face first into the snow. He grabbed some rope and tied it onto the pick axe which he threw up into the air and watched as it latched onto the top of the cliff. Then he wrapped the other end around his waist, making sure it was secure.

He then began to climb. Kristoff meanwhile finally got up and glared at the pirate, while spotting for him to make sure the idiot didn't fall.

"You're doing it wrong!"

"I've climber several things in my lifetime; I think I can handle an icy cliff!"

Killian's hand then slipped and he dropped a bit till he was able to grasp onto the cliff again.

"Yeah, total pro you are."

The pirate ignored the quip. He wasn't going to waste his breath.

"You know guys, instead of arguing you could just, oh I don't know, take the massive staircase that happens to be right here?"

Both men turned to the blonde, and Kristoff ran over while Killian let himself drop to the ground. Emma pointed to an ice staircase the lead over the gap between the cliffs and up to a massive ice castle.

Kristoff stood close to Emma, gazing at the castle in admiration. Killian got up and dusted off the snow, glaring at the man who was standing way too close to his woman. He stormed over there, and pushed Kristoff aside and wrapped his arm possessively around Emma.

She gave him a puzzled look to which he ignored as he sent a challenging gaze to Kristoff. The blonde haired man seemed to ignore the gaze and continued staring at the castle.

"Whoa. Now that's ice. I might cry."

Emma looked on amused at Kristoff's expression and then shared a look with Killian.

"Go ahead. We won't judge."

Killian's face then went somber, and it became an uneasy quiet. Emma took his face gently in her hand and turned it towards her.

"You okay?"

"I have to talk to her, and I'm terrified of what could happen in there."

Emma pulled him into a hug, brushing his back with her gloved fingers, trying to provide comfort. He took it in stride and hugged her back, his chin resting on the top of her head.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

They pulled back reluctantly, and their gaze turned back to the castle, glimmering it the sunlight as the morning had arrived, and the night had settled down.

"Let's go."

And the trio began to head up the staircase, to the great castle above.

…

They're flying through the air until they land on grass that bends and whispers underneath her feet. It's dark out, but the moon seems to be brighter than it had ever been before. In fact it's quite big too.

The flowers' petals glow and the trees have glowing streaks in them on their bark. In fact, everything seems to glow even every step Elsa takes. It's like a song that plays to her movements, that follows her as if she was the conductor and it the orchestra.

Anna swears she can even hear a soft tune playing, drifting through the air as the wind carries it all around her.

"This place is…wow."

"It's the parts of Neverland I don't let anyone see."

Anna turns her gaze over to him, but he's busy looking over the ocean at a little island with a large rock that looks like a skull.

"What's that?"

"Skull Rock."

"Creepy name. let me guess, I can never, ever go there…can I?"

"It'd be a good idea. Now c'mon, there are people I'd like you to meet."

She takes his hand and he leads her through the forest, pointing out things along the way that enchant her. Truth is she's more into this than she should be. She's Queen for goodness sake! Not some star struck child!

But then again…she never had the chance to be.

…

The trio stop right at the ice doors, looking around at the castle in front of them. Killian sighed and put his head down and knocked on the door which opened instantly.

"You two stay here. This is something I have to do on my own."

"Aw, come on, it's a palace made of ice! Ice is my life!"

Emma grabbed Kristoff and pulled him back, looking right into Killian's eyes.

"We'll be here when you come back."

Killian nodded and took a deep breath, heading on inside the castle as the doors slammed shut behind him.

It was gorgeous, an ice fountain in the middle that sparkled as the sun's rays hit it. Two staircases on either side wound up to another set of doors which led who knows where.

With gently steps, and a desperate need not to slip, Killian slowly made his way up one of the staircases. About halfway, the doors at the top opened and out walked his sister, looking around till her eyes landed on his.

He froze as did she, a flicker of fear in her eyes before settling into a relaxed look. Her dress had changed, it was now a sky blue with some sort of attachment like a cape stretching out behind her with delicate snowflakes on it.

She was stunning, but to him, she always was.

"Killian?"

"Anna…"

"It's Elsa now. You know that."

"Sorry, old habits die hard and all that."

"You look different, it's good, more like the old you and this place..."

"Thanks. I never knew what I was capable of."

Killian begun to make his way forward to his sister, but she took a step back and raised her hands, indicating he couldn't continue his plan.

"Anna I mean Elsa, I came to say I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize. Really but…you need to go."

"I came to take you home. I just got here."

"You need to go back to Arendelle, take your rightful place as King, as you should have done years ago."

"No, no one is a better fit for ruler than you."

"Well not everyone believes in me as you do…"

"Anna if this is about our father…"

"DON'T call me that. I'm not that girl anymore. She died a long time ago. It's Elsa."

"Come back, please."

"No! It's safer for the kingdom if I'm here. Alone. Away from everyone."

"It's a little too late for that…"

"What do you mean?"

"Anna –"

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"

"IT'S YOUR NAME!"

"No…it used to be…but she's dead. Killed off by everyone she ever loved."

"Anna…"

"Stop…please…stop."

Elsa clutched her head in pain, grimacing as her brother spoke her name. Killian reached for her but she turned and ran, disappearing through the doors. He followed, determined to get his sister back.

"Arendelle is covered snow."

Elsa froze on the staircase, and turned to face her brother, shock written all over her face.

"No…that can't be."

"It's true. Come back and fix it. Please."

Her eyes go wide and Elsa picks up her pace, running up the stairs as disappearing around a corner. Killian followed her into a large hexagonal room of ice.

Elsa was in the middle, clutching her sides as if she was shivering. He heard muffled cries and took a step forward.

"Stay back."

Her voice had begun to be laced with anger as she tunred around to face him, her eyes red and brimmed with tears.

"Anna…"

"He was right. All theses years I thought I proved him wrong, but her was right."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Father. It's better if I'm here I can't hurt anyone!"

"Anna the kingdom needs you to rid it of winter!"

"You don't get it do you?"

"You can do it! I believe in you!"

"I CAN'T! I DON'T KNOW HOW!"

As Elsa screamed the words ice shot out of her hands and crashed into the pillars all around. Killian ducked, barely avoiding them.

"Anna please…"

"No. This is what I am. I'm a monster. I'm impossible to love, no one can love me. I only hurt people."

"Anna that isn't true."

"Isn't it?"

"NO! BECAUSE I LOVE YOU."

"THEN WHY DID YOU LEAVE? YOU LEFT ME KILLIAN! LEFT ME FOR A LIFE I COULDN'T LIVE! LIAM DIED AND YOU LEFT ME!"

Tears streamed down Elsa's face as Killian looked on shocked, her words shaking his core.

"I didn't mean to."

"You never do."

"Anna I am so so sorry."

"It's too late. I'm done with you."

The castle around them began to glow yellow and Elsa turned her back towards him and began to walk away. Killian ran forward and grabbed her arm, spinning her around to face him. The moment he came in contact with her skin he was sent flying back, a piece of ice slowly digging into his heart.

A white streak appeared in his hair.

He grunted, several times and forced himself up on his feet. Elsa gasped and shook her head in fear, the walls turning from yellow to red. She waved her hand and a massive monster appeared from the snow with teeth of ice.

"Go home Killian."

The monster picked the pirate up and threw him outside letting Killian land in a heap in the snow. Emma and Kristoff ran towards his side as the monster smashed the bridge into pieces.

"We need to get away, now!"

Kristoff and Emma each took an arm of the pirate's and began to run away from the monster who was chasing after them. Emma threw Killian's weight completely onto Kristoff as she ripped a massive piece of bark off of a tree and laid it on the ground.

"Get on."

Kristoff threw Killian on it and hopped on behind as Emma began to let the wood fly down the steep hill giving them a lead up on the monster.

"What the hell happened in there Killian?"

All they heard was a grunt, as another piece of his hair turned white.

No one noticed though as they were too busy trying to escape the monster's swipes. Emma tilted to the left causing the sled to swerve right and fly down into the forest. All they heard was the monster's roar in the distance.

The sled came to a stop and they rolled off, lying in the snow exhausted.

"Killian…what happened in there?"

Killian groaned and stretched, wincing in the process.

"Let's just say she isn't a fan of me."

"So basically you didn't convince her."

"Not in the slightest."

"Told you talking wouldn't work."

The pair shot Kristoff a look of annoyance and he only shrugged in response.

"Not helping mate."

"No Killian he's right. Remember what Sverre said? Only an act of true love can break the curse."

"An act of true love? Well love sorry to disappoint but she most certainly doesn't love anyone."

"Well we need to do something!"

"Hey guys? I think I know some people who can help."

"Who?" the pair asked in unison.

"My friends."

The pair shot him disbelieving looks.

"Your friends?" deadpanned Killian.

"Yeah. They're love experts. They really know their stuff."

"Well I guess we're going to meet some love experts."

…

Anna and the boy walk away from the group, both quiet as they head back to where they landed.

"I had fun. In fact I don't think I've had that much fun in a long time."

"Good, I'm glad. That was the point."

"Why'd you bring me though? I thought you only brought boys to Neverland."

The boy is quiet and stands off to the side, casting a side glance at her before bringing his gaze back to Skull Rock.

"You intrigue me. I mean, who else has threatened Peter Pan with a dagger? No one I can assure you."

"I try."

The pair shares a grin until Peter looks away, blushing himself.

"I ought to get going. A kingdom can only be without it's Queen for so long."

"Stay."

"What?"

"The Lost Boys, they liked you."

"Felix didn't."

"Felix doesn't like anyone."

Anna shrugs her shoulders, agreeing with Peter's statement. "Good point. But why?"

"The Lost Boys need a mother. You fit perfectly in that job. You can stay here, forever."

"I can't. As much as I'd like to I can't. My kingdom needs me. You understand that…right?"

Peter looks at her, and Anna swears she sees a flash of annoyance in his eyes before he covers it. She raises her eyebrows. She's not going to let him get away with that.

"Don't get annoyed with me."

"You're meant to be here."

"Here? And what, read stories to boys all night who ought to be with their actual parents?"

"They wouldn't have come if they wanted to be with their parents."

"You really believe that?"

"I do."

"Peter, not everyone will bend down to your will. I certainly won't. I'm not that easily fooled."

Peter sighs and looks at Anna once again and this time his eyes hold fear. She stands closer to him, taking his face in her hands, peering into his eyes.

"What are you afraid of?"

"You."

"Why?"

"I can't tell you. Not yet."

Her hands drop from his face as she takes him all in once more.

"Take me home Peter."

"As you wish."

He throws pixie dust on them and Anna shuts her eyes, thinking of happy thoughts as they rise into the air. He grasps her hand and they fly back to her balcony.

On arrival, Anna takes a delicate step onto the ledge and then hops onto the balcony.

"Thank you for tonight. I needed it."

"You're welcome."

The pair stand there awkwardly, not knowing what to do or say. Peter then leans over and kisses her cheek until he pulls back. She touches her face and stares at him with wide eyes.

"Till next time."

"Tomorrow night?"

"I'll be here."

"Good."

Anna doesn't know why she wants to see him again, but she knows that she does, because there's something about him that she's attracted to.

She watches as he flies off into the night and she sighs, turning around to head into bed. Her eyes won't shut and she lies in her bed until a thought crosses her mind. She gasps and sits up, her hand touching her cheek again.

It's impossible to fall in love with a man you just met…isn't it?

A/N: Another chappie for you guys! Hope you enjoy! And this time let's try for fifteen reviews till the next chapter. Thank you Random+Person+Attack for giving me all those reviews.

It wasn't necessary, but I enjoyed it Anyway, next chapter we're going to meet those "Love experts!"

Much love!

~ Ember G.