Chapter 9

A Bitter Request

Because I've come to the realization that guards are pretty much useless in both movies and real life...

It was a wonder the whole kingdom couldn't hear Elsa's rage; certainly everyone in the castle could hear it.

Needless to say, many, Elsa especially, were concerned with the castle's security issues when an absent minded nut is able to knock out all the guards on the East wall, and nearly kidnap the pregnant princess. It was not only an embarrassment, but just straight out incompetence. Elsa would have none of it.

Standing outside the council room, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, Sven, and Jase waited while, behind the wall in the council room, Elsa hammered Captain Lodin for an explanation on how his guards could be so incompetent. It was early evening, and it was a crazy day as it was. The air in the room, the entire castle for that matter, was a little chilly.

"Wow" said Anna in astonishment as Elsa blasted away at the captain, "I've never seen Elsa so mad, and I've seen her get pretty mad before."

"Hey, who can blame her?" asked Kristoff. "It's like the guards here are useless."

"Oh come on" said Olaf in their defense. "How often does a teleporting crazy person break into the castle?"

"Eh, he's got a point" said Jase, arms crossed, leaning against the wall. "By the way, how did you lose that guy?"

"Well" said Olaf with pride. "Against my better judgment, I managed to trick him into giving us his last two...travel beans? So, he's somewhere in some sandy place, hopelessly lost."

"What, hold up" said Jase. "You? Olaf the huggable snowman conned a con-man?"

"I know, right?" said Olaf proudly. "I never felt such a rush before! It was wrong, but he was bad, so it was good, right?"

"Of course it was!" said Anna. "I just hope we never have to see that nut ever again!"

"...WHAT KIND OF INCOPENTENT CHEESE BRAINS DO YOU I HAVE WORKING HERE?!..." scolded Elsa from the other side of the door. Everyone jolted up in surprise.

"But, you majesty..." said a defeated Lodin.

"DON'T 'YOUR MAJESTY' ME!..."

Kristoff looked down at the door, seeing frost escape from the room.

"Maybe we should bail him out?" asked Kristoff. "I think she might actually freeze him..."

"Nah, I'm sure he's fine" said Anna, waving her hand as Elsa continued to scowl the man.

"Hey" asked Jase. "What did you guys decide? You know, about coming with us?"

Anna looked to Kristoff, then back to Jase.

"Well..."

Just then, the screaming stopped.

"Oh no!" exclaimed Olaf. "We're too late!"

Just then, to his relief, the door opened. A shivering, petrified, pale faced Captain Lodin walked out, hugging himself to stay warm, quick to get out of the queen's presence. He quickly greeted the company and ran out, anxious to obey the queen's orders.

Following him, Elsa walked out, trying her best to hide the rage in her face.

"It's a wonder we're all still alive!" she said, waving her hands. "What has become of common sense?! There is none of it left in the world!" she exclaimed. She turned, realizing she was ranting as her family and friends stared in astonishment. She also noticed the frost encasing the walls. Quickly, she waved her hands, melted the ice, and attempted to regain her composure.

"Sorry you had to see that" she said, embarrassed.

"Are you kidding?" said Anna, laughing. "mad Elsa is fun!"

"And terrifying..." Kristoff putting in quietly, earning an elbow in the chest from Anna.

"Are you sure you're OK?" asked Elsa to Anna.

"Yeah, I'm fine, and so is the little guy...or girl" Anna responded.

"Thank goodness."

"So, what did you do to our captain? Did you fire him?" asked Kristoff.

"Indeed. Can you believe that most of the guards we have aren't even experienced in combat? All he ever did was background checks! So, I gave him a month's notice, since I can't find a replacement right now. How could I have let this happen?! I should have never let Captain Schneider retire last year!"

"You're being too hard on yourself" said Jase. "You can't be responsible for all your staff."

"Well, while I can't replace him immediately, that means we'll have to deal with the guards we have now."

Anna quickly gave her husband a sly look. He shrugged hesitatingly while Anna turned back to Elsa.

"So what you're saying is, our safety here would be compromised?"

Elsa nodded.

"And we'd be just as vulnerable here as anywhere else?"

Elsa nodded, more cautiously this time. "What are you getting at?"

"Oh, nothing, it's just... Kristoff and I think a crazy pirate and a lazy captain made our decision for us."

Before Elsa could respond, Anna interrupted.

"We're coming."

Elsa was shocked. "Wait, what?"

"The way I see it" said Kristoff. "If we're not safe here, than we might as well go with you, seeing that you're the Maiden of Winter and all... Anna and I would feel safer closer to you."

"Look" said Elsa. "Don't do this for me..."

"We're not doing this just for you" said Kristoff. "I want a future for our child, and that does not include living in a gloomy, eternal winter ruled by a madman. If Anna and I can help prevent that, than we have to go... That, and I seriously think we'll be safer with you, and to a lesser extent Marshmallow and Gunnolf, and to a lesser extent Jase and Isaac..."

"Hey!" cut in Jase.

"...The point is" said Anna. "We'd feel safer with family. We're coming Elsa, and don't try to talk us out of it. I'll be fine, I promise."

Elsa thought about protesting. In truth, she was ecstatic. In the back of her mind, her old instincts just wanted her loved ones to be safe, to protect them, even at her own respect. Her new, healthier instincts, however, knew that the old way of thinking caused nothing but trouble. Anna was an adult now, and Elsa knew she and Kristoff had to make their own decisions. And if they wanted to come, then so be it.

"Alright."

Anna smiled. "Well, guess we better get packing!"

She grabbed Kristoff and headed to there room, until Elsa stopped them.

"And one more thing!" she asked. Anna and Kristoff turned. "Thank you."

Anna smiled and ran to hug her sister. "Anything for you, sis."

Anna turned at caught sight of her husband. "Come on Kristoff, group hug!"

Kristoff relented and joined in.

"Ooh! I love hugs!" said Olaf as he joined. Sven too joined, leaning his head in.

"You too Jase!" called Anna.

"Oh, that's OK, I don't do group hugs..."

"Get in here!" she called, more insistent this time.

"No, really..."

"GET IN HERE!" Anna called with a suddenly loud, crazed tone. Jase immediately relented and joined in, fearful of Anna's tone.

That night, everyone went too bed early, getting some sleep before heading to Berglia, though not everyone slept so soundly. Gideon and his mother slept in adjacent rooms. Through thin walls, Gideon heard the muffled cries of his mother. Quickly, he got up and left his room and entered hers.

"Mom?" he asked, opening the door.

"Son!" she said, trying to wipe away the tears. She was sitting upright in her bed.

"What's wrong, are you OK?" he asked, walking over to her bedside.

"Oh, I'm fine. I'm just, I'm just so worried, son" she said teary eyed.

"Hey, don't worry. We'll get her back, I promise. We've waited too long too lose hope now."

His words didn't help, as his mother continued to cry silently.

"Mother?" he asked, taking a seat next to her. "What's the matter?"

"It's my fault" she said silently.

"What?"

"Oh, Gideon... I... I could have stopped this from ever happening!"

"What? What do you mean? Are you talking about when she was taken?"

She nodded. "That night, she... she wanted to sleep in my room. Something about being afraid of the dark or something... I told her, that there was nothing to be afraid off, that it was all in her head. If I had listened to her..."

"Mom, it wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known" said Gideon, holding his mother's hands.

"But don't you see, if I had just let her sleep with her father and me, this would have never happened! Her last memory of me is me saying that there was nothing to be afraid off!"

As his mother wept more, Gideon embraced her, trying to calm her.

"It wasn't your fault. It was those men. You didn't know, you were just being a good mother, OK? It was them, all them, not you! Don't you dare apologize for what that monster did!"

Gertrude slowly pulled herself together. "I know. I just, I wish I could have done something..."

"I know mom" he said, holding her close. "I know. But we are going to get her back. I promise."

The next morning, Kristoff woke up earlier than the rest, unable to sleep. He decided to head down to the stables and get at least Sven ready to go.

"Hey buddy" he said, patting Sven on the back. "Big day today, huh?"

"Yep. Big day. Are you nervous?" he asked in Kristoff's Sven voice.

"Yeah, A little" Kristoff replied. "Hey, do you think I'm doing the right thing? Allowing Anna to come?"

"Why do you ask that? Having second thoughts?"

"Um, a little. I mean, after yesterday, and three days ago, I see that it's not safe anywhere. But is going into the dragon's lair really the next best option?"

"It sounds bad, but she's been through worse, right?"

Well, yeah..."

"And you trust Elsa, right?"

"Of course I do. And I know she works better with Anna around, but what if something happens? Anna's carrying a baby now, and I have to make sure she's safe, both as a husband and a father... I almost lost her several times already, and now... I don't want to put her in danger. What if I fail? I... I can't live without her Sven."

"You'll keep her safe. You've done well so far."

"Yeah, I know... (sigh) But I'm afraid... no, I'm petrified that something will happen to her. You know I won't be able to sleep till we come home safe and sound."

"Buddy, do I have to knock you out to keep you asleep... again?"

"Nah. I think I rather stay awake anyway, you know, in case someone sneaks up on us."

Sven walked up to hip, nudging him. "Say, what if we take turns? We can both watch her."

"You'd do that for me, Sven?"

"Hey, bros got each other's back, right?"

Kristoff smiled. "Right. Thanks buddy."

"Aw, that's sweet!" said a feminine voice from behind. Kristoff and Sven bolted around to find Elsa behind them.

"Wha... Elsa? What, what are you doing here?!" asked Kristoff, nearly tripping over in shock.

"Well, like you, I couldn't sleep either... you know, big day today."

"Oh... How much of that did you hear?"

"Oh, not much, just up to the part where you said hello to Sven."

Kristoff smacked his forehead. "Sorry, I didn't mean..."

"Hey, don't think you're the only one worried about Anna. She's carrying my niece or nephew after all."

Kristoff sunk his head, embarrassed. "I didn't mean to disrespect you. Anna and I both agreed that it's not safe anywhere with that guy around and we would rather help you stop this threat and I'm sticking to my decision... I'm just worried, you know?"

"I know the feeling. And don't worry, I'll be watching out for her too, just like always, but more so, if that's even possible."

Kristoff laughed. "I know you do. I trust you with my life."

Elsa smiled. "Thanks, and I you."

Kristoff turned to help Sven into his harnesses, but Elsa caught him by the shoulder. "Kirstoff, I need you to promise me something."

"Sure, anything."

"Look, I, I don't know what Lars has planned over there, and I don't like the idea that he has the ability to brainwash someone who was originally a good natured woman... If I am his target... and he gets to me..."

"I won't let that happen."

"I know, I'm just saying... I saw what I was capable of when I have no control over my body, and Anna nearly died because of it... I saw my hand, ready to end her life, and I was all but powerless to stop it."

Kristoff crossed his arms. "Do you think he'll try something like that?"

Elsa sighed. "If he has the means, why wouldn't he?... Kristoff, I'm afraid. I have seen my powers hurt people first hand, mostly Anna. I never want that to happen again. But I have no other choice but to meet him head on and at least attempt to free Kira. I can only imagine the Hell that poor girl has gone through."

Realizing she was off topic, Elsa breathed in, and stared at Kristoff. "If Lars does something to me, or if it comes down to saving either me or Anna... or anything, really... I want you to choose Anna."

Kristoff's eyes went wide, taking a step back. "What?"

Elsa breathed in. "I'm asking you, if I somehow pose a threat to Anna... or if helping me is too great a cost, don't hesitate to protect her, at any cost."

"Elsa, no!" he snapped. "I won't agree to that! You're family, and I'll risk my life for you!"

"Kristoff, please! It's clear that this man is not above using people, and I'm apparently a prime target for being used. I'm asking you to defend your wife if there is no other way."

"You can't ask me that!"

"But if it came down to it, would you choose her over me?"

Kristoff bit his tongue. He knew in his heart what was the truth, much to his dismay. He turned away, defeated.

Elsa nodded. "I'm asking you as my brother; as a father, protect her, and don't worry about me."

Kristoff looked up again, wanting to object, but he couldn't. Deep down, he knew he would do anything for Anna, and the baby. If it came down to it, he would choose Anna and the baby.

Elsa didn't say another word as she left, leaving Kristoff with Sven. Kristoff prayed, right then and there, that he would never have to make such a decision.

After the sun officially rose, Elsa met Anna, Jase, Isaac, Olaf, Gideon, and Gertrude in the courtyard, along with Kai and Head minister Aldar.

"...And make sure you have all the emergency supplies ready if we get a blizzard" finished Elsa, making sure Kai was informed of everything on her list.

"Don't worry your majesty" Kai insisted. "Arendelle will be just as you left it."

"Are you sure you want to go through with this your Majesty?" asked Andar in concern.

"There is no other way, Andar. We must act now while his control is limited. And, I can't allow an innocent girl to be used like that. Don't worry, we will be back" she insisted.

Elsa walked to her company. Everyone was ready to mount there horses, save for Kristoff and Anna, who would be riding in the sled with the supplies.

"So, are we ready to go?" asked Anna eagerly.

"Almost, I'm waiting for our friends."

"Friends?" asked Gideon in curiosity. As if in response, a screech was heard.

"Ah, there she is" said Elsa, extending her arm. From out of the sky flew in her snow hawk, Frida. She landed on Elsa's arm with fluidity, cackling with delight to see her master again.

"Hey there" said Elsa, scratching her chin.

"Whoa!" said Anna. "When did you make an eagle?"

"Yesterday, and she's a hawk."

"Where was she this whole time?" asked Olaf.

Down one of Arendelle's streets, they heard some scream of fright.

"There they are" said Elsa. The ground shook, alarming Gideon.

"Don't worry" said Jase. "This is normal. Well, Arendelle normal anyway."

Running in from Arendelle's main street, Marshmallow and Gunnolf came running in. Gideon and Gertrude flinched back in astonishment at the snow creatures. Olaf was one thing, these two were something else entirely.

"We are here!" said Marshmallow with a grin. Gunnolf barked playfully, walking up to Jase, who scratched him on his chin, kicking his leg when he found his spot.

"Thank you for coming. We have to go to a far away land and stop a very bad man, and we need your help" she said simply so Marshmallow could understand, Frida sitting on her shoulder.

"Marshmallow happy to help Snow Queen" he said, while Gunnolf barked in agreement.

"OK then" said Elsa, speaking to the group as a whole. "We better get going, we have a week's journey ahead of us!"

Gideon and Gertrude, still staring at the creatures, nodded and mounted there horses. Everyone else followed suit. Elsa nodded to Kai and Andar, who nodded respectfully. She turned and nodded to Gideon, who led the way...

So, we leave Arendelle, again...

The first part of this chapter was inspired when I realized one day that guards in movies are useless! Tangled, Aladdin, The Last Airbender, most comic book movies, heist movies, Guardians of the Galaxy (No one saw Groot messing with an important electrical box?!), etc. (Lost a bike to a lazy guard, so it's a real life problem as well). Good or bad, real or fictional, it's hard to find good help these days!

Next chapter... Villain's perspective!

Just decided to point that out.

REVIEW! ...please?