He could not have found a more perfect ally. Elsa was everything that pitiful frost guardian was and more. For too long darkness and fear had been overshadowed by the magic and false security in the world. Those guardians had been lying to the people of the world for centuries, and Pitch would not have it. Fear ruled all, and that is the way the world was meant to work. Pitch was meant to be the King, and that was his ultimate goal. He had already succeeded in recruiting Elsa to his side, and that was the first step. Every good leader had an assistant, an advisor. And he was going to be hers.

Though the thought pained him, the citizens of the world would not accept him as the unopposed ruler of the world. He was dark and scary, and they wouldn't trust him to take over power. That was why he needed Elsa. She was already a Queen, and Arendelle is where the plan began. He just needed to strike a little fear in her heart. And seeing as practically killing her sister wasn't enough, Pitch had to intervene and stoke the flames of her inner terror once more. He had been there to witness what the Queen had done to that poor little village girl, on accident of course, and that was enough. He had her. She was going to become the figurehead of the new world power, a pretty face and graceful hand to quell the initial fears the mortals would feel. And from the shadows, Pitch would be pulling the strings. He would be the Shadow King, secretly ruling and making the important decisions that Elsa would execute. Her ice magic was simply a bonus.

Now that he had her, it was time to begin building his empire.

"Together, we can do great things." He smiled warmly at her. "Let us start simple. Perhaps creating a new headquarters?"

The Snow Queen blinked. "So we're really not going back?"

"Oh my." He allowed his voice to drawl. "If you want to go back, I won't stop you. Really, I don't know what I'll do without you. It would break my heart. But, if you must."

"No! No, I… I don't want to leave. I can't go back… I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sorry." Her voice quavered, a fact that made the corner of Pitch's mouth turn upward. She was afraid.

"No need to apologize, my dear. Fear not. Nothing goes together better than cold and dark. We can create a new world together, and knock those guardians down a few notches."

"Those... what?" Elsa's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

The internal chiding going on in Pitch's mind was very intense. "Forgive me, I got ahead of myself. The guardians are protectors of the realm, but all they really do is lie to people. They take advantage of helpless people, and spread lies of hope and security. Neither of which the guardians can truly provide. I was hoping you would assist me in making the truth clear. But if you aren't interested…"

"No, I am! I want to do whatever I can to atone for what I've done. I'll help you. Whatever you need, I'll do it."

His lips curled into a slight smile. "Lovely. Let us begin, shall we?"

"Begin what?"

"I would like us to finish constructing our hideout before our new friend arrives." Pitch waved his hands, and a stream of dark magic appeared in front of him. Elsa just stared at the dark man. "Well, are you going to help or not?"

It took the Queen a few moments to articulate what she was trying to say. "Our new what?"

"Friend, my dear. Now, help me with this."

The next few hours were magical. Literally. Elsa and Pitch worked in flawless sync, a beautiful dark blue castle slowly appearing before their eyes. The Queen managed a smile for the first time since she had left Arendelle, and Pitch couldn't help but enjoy himself. He had never created something so beautiful, and the truth of the matter made itself clear. He wasn't lying or manipulating Elsa when he told her that nothing went together better than cold and dark. Together, they were truly unstoppable. And before the third hour was over and his eyes glanced over the spectacular structure they had finished creating, he knew for sure. He had made the right decision in choosing Elsa.

"The place is looking pretty good, old friend." A smooth voice entered Pitch's ear. So he was here. Pitch smiled.

"Queen Elsa, I would like to introduce you to our new partner."

Elsa directed her gaze towards the unfamiliar form before allowing her body to go rigid. Her thoughts were swirling in her mind and the words readying themselves to spill out of her mouth were bitter. "Prince Hans."