Hellos! Chapter 9 is here! Hope you enjoy! Just a notification, I'm going to change the age of the coronation to 18, rather than 21. The idea of starting with a 19 year old Ranma irks me. Damn the young anime heroes! Another notification is that I will always be referring to Ranma as a boy, whether or not he's in female form. The last notification is that, Ranma is weaker than canon despite some of the techniques he knows. Having no rivals (Ryoga, Mousse, etc) means less training.
Ah, so remember, Elsa is 18, Anna is 15 and Ranma is 17-ish. I have a the general outline but I tend to miss the specific details such as age. Really bad foresight. This means I have to change some of the information in earlier chapters. I apologize for the inconsistency.
Your reviews are great! They keep me writing and going! Thanks!
On a separate note... I've been watching Mirai Nikki. Boy, that gave me some ideas.
Chapter 9
"Who knew we had a thousand salad plates~?" Eighteen year old Anna sang curiously. She stared in wonder at the hordes of staff carrying large stacks of small plates that miraculously did not fall. To think she had explored every inch of the castle. Where did they keep the plates?
She pranced and danced around the castle. Joy bursting from her lungs, as she merrily celebrated. They were opening the gates! Finally, the doors were open! The marching servants around her mirrored Anna's face as they saw her. The young princess brought elation to the castle. After the fair King Agnarr and king Queen Iduna passed away, the mood suppressed the staff, the only thing keeping them trudging along were old, aged Alfred and the stern captain. But the ever-optimistic princess kept their spirits up; They worked with lighter load. And today, all were radiant, each of their mouths ever smiling. Today was Elsa's coronation. It was going to be a time of change.
As the servants buzzed through halls in preparation, Anna sang her heart out and giddily sprang out the door. "For the first time in forever~!" She twirled, tilting her head up to drink in the cloudless, flawless sky. There was a fresh and gentle breeze welcoming the start of spring. Her innocent blue eyes indulged the bright splashes of vibrant reds, pinks, yellows, and blues. Flowers were blooming and the citizens of Arendelle discarded their depressing blues and grays for spirited ones. She couldn't help but burst into mirthful laughter. Her laughter mingled with the bustling kingdom. The citizens were fervent with anticipation. Rumors and gossip flood the streets as men and women from the many surrounding countries chat and laughed together. How was the new queen going to act? How did she talk? Was she kind? Was she beautiful? What did the queen even look like? She must have been very special to have been kept a secret for so long.
Anna continued to prance, her thin, green dress gliding barely above the ground. Aromas of intoxicating sweets and mouthwatering meats wafted through the air, luring children to the wares of the markets. Their parents smiled peacefully as they giddily dashed from one vendor to another. Candies here, a mutton there, a toy soldier over there. What a wonderful day.
She ran the stairs to the docks. Tilting her head to the left as she moved, she gasped in delight at the glistening waves of the melted sea. Several masterfully crafted, wooden ships bobbed along with the waves; their down sails shuddered slightly with each bob. Each of the ships had a unique style, marking the diverse cultures of the many visiting countries. Perhaps, one day, she could visit a different country. Maybe she could, after finding the one. She walked while gazing in wonder at the magnificent ships. In doing so, she completely missed the figure in front of her.
"Oof!" She yelped suddenly. She unceremoniously fell on her bottom as she lost her balance. She rubbed her face; it was wet with sea water, she could taste the piquant salt on her lips. Looking up curiously, she was treated to a large, soaked... bear. It shook itself like a dog, spraying water everywhere.
Anna's eyes widened significantly. She had never seen this type of bear. Rather than the defined, monstrous muscles of grizzly and black bears, this one was quite soft, round and overall plushy. Its fur was slick with sea water and was mainly white with the exception of black fur around its neck, eyes, ears and limbs. Her mouth dropped as she witness the bear pull out a sign from nowhere. She squinted at the hastily and messy written message in English. "Watch your step, girl." The sign said. Other than reading the sign, her mind could barely compute the strangeness of the situation. After seconds of silently gaping, the bear proceeded to turn around and walk. On two legs.
Finally, she scrambled to her feet and mumbled"Er, s-sorry, Mr. Bear." She stared mutely at the black and white bear as it made its way into the kingdom. Its head constantly bobbed up and down and turned its head left and right as it trod through the swarm of people. "Ah. Okay." She said simply. She ignored the shouts of shock and terror originating from the crowd.
Dusting herself from the fall, she shook her head to clear the absurdity. That.. was certainly strange. Once again smiling, she proceeded to walk off and pleasure herself with the richness of the kingdom. She hummed a merry tune as her hands swung by her sides. Suddenly, she heard the clanging of a bell. "The coronation! The coronation's going to happen!" With that exclamation, she held up her dress and hastily made her way to the castle. Behind her, a handsome, ginger man dressed in a fabulously tailored white suit riding on a gorgeous white steed, smirked haughtily at the grand castle of Arendelle. His back was straight, chest up into thrust to the sun. The green of his eyes glinted as he memorized each twist and curve of the grand castle. No longer will he be the small fry of his family. The little pity pet. He could just taste the power. He breathed it in, as much as he could.
"Let's go." The man said with a click of his tongue. The white horse snorted and proceeded to trot. The man's smile never wavered as he kept his head up to the castle; his rapier banging on his side. It was going to be a time of change. Yes, indeed.
"Dong! Dong! Dong!" The ringing of the bell rang through the market place, snapping many of its occupants out of their business. With their priorities in check, they all eagerly swarmed towards the castle; all hoping to have a glance of the newly crowned Queen. All, of course, but one person.
"I don't remember there being this many people here..." Ranma mused, as he turned his head side to side, his currently red pigtail whipping with each turn. Where'd everybody go? He groaned internally, this was Arendelle all right no mistaking the layout. What should he be doing anyways? Anna and Elsa might have left the kingdom. He could faintly recall Elsa saying about leaving the kingdom to get married. In fact, Anna always had said she wanted a handsome knight to sweep her off her feet. Not sure why the girl always looked at him when she said that. Anyway, perhaps that already happened.
Honestly, he wouldn't have minded staying in Asia. The two princesses definitely have forgotten him by now. After all, it's been a decade or so. But no, pops said to come back. No idea what the old man was thinking. None at all. Well, it didn't hurt to see them.
He absently rubbed his damp bright red locks with his hand. How long has he had Jusenkyo curse? A year now? Yea, that sounded right. Maybe his first step should be to get some hot water. And some dry clothes after that. The ocean is pretty big... and wet, of course. He scrunched his nose. Speaking of water, where the heck was pops? The old man's getting old. Well, older. Ranma arrived to land much earlier than his father and decided to go to the market place first, much like the first time he came to Arendelle.
"Okay." He muttered to himself. "Let's see." He scanned his surroundings, there was no one around him. Even the stands were empty. Obviously something was happening at the moment. What the heck should he do?
"Hey you!" A voice called out.
Ranma turned his body towards the voice. There was a boy with shaggy brown hair, a pointed nose and a lopsided smile. His brown eyes showed mirth and was trained onto Ranma as he sauntered to him. He was dressed in a simple, loose white tunic and brown sacks. He was quite lean, with a good five inches on female Ranma and overall carried a roguish look.
The boy stepped within a foot of Ranma. "You lost?" The boy asked. He placed his right hand on Ranma's dainty shoulder. His eyes discreetly ran up and down Ranma's body.
Ranma shuddered and shook his arm off. "Nah. I'm not lost." What a lie.
"Really? With your exotic looks, you're not from around here. So, what's a small thing like you doing here?" His eyes had still yet to stop roaming. "You, you may call me Mal. And you? What's yours?"
"Looking for a friend." Ranma said simply, he rotated his head and took in the surroundings. It sure brought back memories from the happier part of his childhood. It may very well the happiest part of his childhood. No. Not may. It is the happiest part of his childhood.
Mal scoffed. "You came today to look? You won't find 'em" He clasped both of his hands together and leaned back in a stretch. "How 'bout you an' me... explore. There shouldn't be anybody around, we can have fun." He released a large breath as he loosened himself from his stretch.
Ranma frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Don't you know? Today's the coronation of the new Queen. Pretty much everybody's at the castle for it." He jerked his head to the direction of the castle.
New Queen huh? That has got to be Elsa. That would explain the abundance and diversity of the people earlier. "Why aren't you there?"
"You kidding me? Why would I care 'bout them. They haven't done nothing for people like me." He then mumbled several other words, spiteful words, judging by his expression. "Who care's about that. Let's have fun! No one's going to see, you know? I'm the kinda guy who'll make you happy."
With Ranma's churning mind, he missed the last couple of sentences. Should he wait until after the coronation? After all, it is an extremely important event, not only for the Kingdom but for Elsa herself. Judging by the crowds of people it'll be hard to get time alone anyways. Hm. Maybe Anna's somewhere there. But... wouldn't she be busy too? Ah what the heck, he didn't have anywhere else to go. Might as well go there and congratulate her or something like. He could even navigate through the castle himself. He nodded sharply, mind set.
"Hey! C'mon! Where're you going?" Mal called after Ranma as he briskly moved to his destination. He jogged to catch with the girl. "C'mon, who're you looking for anyways?" He question was answered with silence. Irked, he reached out to grab the red haired girl, only to grasp air as the girl suddenly increased her pace. He chased for a minute and then finally halted and sighed. Playing hard to get, huh?
"Just like Ruby..." He muttered, as he watched diminishing body of the petite girl. Ah well, time to take advantage of coronation day! With a small smile he set off to work.
Elsa released a breathy sigh. Even though it took mere seconds, holding the royal relics to become ruler was unbelievably frightening. She absently rubbed her ever-present necklace, her ungloved fingers rubbing on the flawless, glossy surface. Well, the hardest part was over. This is it. She was now the ruler of Arendelle. She glanced upwards to the wall of her room. There hung a portrait of her parents.
"Your... majesty." Called a deep voice from the door. There stood Alfred, standing stiff and stone faced. Age had battered the man. Day by day, more of his head showed, the gray hairs slowly disappearing. His hard eyes carried bags, his cheeks too as they rarely moved. His wrinkled face gave little away, his expression stayed constant. However, Elsa could make the miniscule winces and grimaces with the movement of his body. Despite the concern of many, the man still worked digilently; for that, the castle respected him. "Your majesty," he repeated, as if speaking a foreign language. "The guests await you in the grand room. As you know, you will be meeting with various powers."
"Yes." The new Queen said with a nod. "Thank you Alfred." She quickly fastened her gloves.
"As a reminder, after entertaining the guests, proceed to the dining hall for the feast. Afterwards, to the ballroom. You may finally retire when the last of the guests take off."
"Yes, I remember. Thank you."
"Your... majesty. Might I suggest."
"Yes."
"Thank you." The man cleared his throat loudly. "When entertaining company, contemplate on suitors..."
"Alfred..." Elsa said warningly. Her hands toyed with the necklace. Her eyes wandered to the bookshelf where hordes of books sat.
"...for marriage. As you are aware, you are Queen of Arendelle, men from many nations will try for your hand." He continued, unaware of the interruption. "I recommend suitors from the kingdoms, Zel, Yhvel, and the Se-"
"Alfred!" Elsa said sharply; then with a softer voice she said, "Please."
The man remained stoic. "It is your duty to find a suitable king. Of course, when doing so, suitors from powerful nations are ideal. We are lucky to still be in these peaceful times. However. Allies are imperative to any nation."
"But, father had-"
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle." He stated authoritatively. "It is your. Duty. To ensure positive relations between other nations and to ensure the safety of our, your, kingdom. Marriage is one of the easiest methods to guarantee an alliance." His dark eyes bore into Elsa's light ones. "You understand."
"Yes... Thank.. you."
He nodded stiffly in response and proceeded to walk out. He stopped at the door and addressed Elsa, "Freshen up and head to the grand room. And, may I add, I have ordered the staff to block off... that hallway."
The new Queen sighed and her gloved hands once again moved to the necklace as she listened to the steady, fading footsteps.
It was her duty.
She proceeded to the grand room. With each step, she strengthen her resolve, softened her eyes, and painted a small smile.
It was her duty.
The line stretched down the furnished room and down the hall. Men and women of all status stood, waiting for the new Queen. Citizens came baring small gifts, hand woven clothes, pots and simple jewelry. Within the line, princes stood out shining. Their crisped, tailored suits and confident, intense attitudes attracted the eyes of many among the crowds of simplicity. Their gifts, in contrast, was fine jewelry, precious metals, and power.
Elsa sat in an elaborate wooden chair. Cushioned by a soft purple pillow, she sat comfortably while greeting the various people. Her purple cape pooled up behind her and her gloves remained on; it did not deter hand kissing. To her left stood Alfred, holding a list and introducing each newcomer. The man wore a sleek white suit with gold engravings.
"Prince Hans." Alfred declared. "Of the Seven Isles. Son of Alexander and Valentine and youngest of thirteen."
The mentioned prince smile kindly and bowed, left hand behind his back and his right hand reaching for Elsa's hand. He brought her hand over and kissed the glove. Then straightening up, her smiled benevolently smiled. He spoke in deep, rich tenor, "It is an honor to meet you, Queen Elsa. The rumors were false, you are more lovely than I believed."
Elsa couldn't help but blush and return the smile. "It is a pleasure." She stared into his green eyes. "It must be interesting to have twelve other siblings." She said.
"Ah yes. Never a day goes by that I am not reminded of my dear, loving siblings." He agreed. His smile dropped slightly, only to return just as fast. "You do have a sibling, my Queen?"
"I do."
"Princess Anna was it? Well, beauty must run in the family. You two certainly are the most gorgeous ladies I have ever laid eyes on. A sweet rose and an elegant lily." His eyes locked with hers, not wavering a bit. Elsa blushed and was unsure of what to say. "I do hope to have your hand this evening's dance. Perhaps you can grace this humble man with your elegance."
"W-well. I will be sure not to disappoint you. Prince Hans."
Hans brightened. "Thank you, my Queen. I look forward to your gracious company" With a charismatic smile and another bow, he nimbly left the room.
Wow. That was... new.
Alfred spoke as if in approval. "Your majesty. The Seven Isles are strong nation, with twelve powerful rulers. A great asset." The man then cleared his throat. "May I present the Duke..."
Perhaps. Perhaps her duty wasn't too bad.
Hans stepped out the room and shivered imperceptibly, that room was strangely cool. He shook his head and his hands moved to his tie, unconsciously fiddling with it. This will certainly be easier than he expected. He hummed to himself, blocking out the shouts of indignation to the side of him. That was in the direction of the dining room, right? Ah well, it was none of his concern. He walked down the hall, passing by a frantic servant. At the turn, he was met with the force of a small body. He didn't fall, but the body did.
"Gah! Oops! Sorry, sorry!" A panicked voice said as it scrambled up from the ground.
"It's all right." Hans said, rubbing his chest. His eyes narrowed as he observed his 'attacker.' She was a young lady, in a simple green dress. She had bright red hair with a lock of white. "Princess Anna... is it?" He asked.
"Yep! I mean, yes. That's me!" She chuckled nervously.
"What's a dainty little flower doing, running around the castle?"
"Flower?" She whipped her head back and forth. "Oh, me? I was.. um.." She trailed off as she examined the man she ran into. Oh.
Hans stared at the girl calculatingly. "It must have been important. Never mind me, you should continue."
"Ah no. It was nothing. Nothing at all!"
"Really?" He smiled. "Perhaps you could show me around."
Anna giggled. "Yes! I mean, sure." She clasped her hands behind her back demurely.
"You may call me Hans." Hans performed a bow with one of his hands at his waist and the other behind his back. Anna blushed with the attention.
"I'm... My name is Anna! Wait. You already knew that, didn't you? I'm so silly... heh heh." She said rapidly. Her heart was fluttering.
"It's quite all right." Hans responded. "Shall we begin the tour?"
They began to walk. "My lady, the Queen is a very interesting person. Could you enlighten me about her?" Hans smiled encouragingly.
Anna's face dimmed. "Elsa is... well... very demure. She doesn't really like other people. I guess."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"I don't know... she's always been like that. Except when we much younger."
"I've been wondering. Why has the castle been closed for so many years?"
"I... I don't know. Father was always worried about something. I don't know what."
"Ah, King Agnarr. My condolences, my lady."
Anna blushed, "It's all right."
Anna walked ahead with Hans trailing. Anna would glance back often, every time being met with a dazzling small and a raised brow. She showed him around, stating the rooms, showing the fields outside the rooms and rattling on about some of the persona of the castle. 'That's the gallery. That's the kitchen. There's our garden. This is John... you know, there was this one time...' She talked endlessly with Hans listening intently. Eventually they walked around the castle.
"There was a hall you missed." Hans stated.
"Oh. Um. It's nothing important."
"If you say so."
It's just as he remembered it. Huge and grandiose. Ranma walked down the halls, stretching his head around in surveillance as if to confirm what he sees with his memory. He brushed through clusters of people. Many of them were heading his way, the opposite direction. He then noticed some shouts and crashes. What was happening? He quickly grabbed a fleeing man.
"What's happening?" He asked.
The man growled at the contact but quickly suppressed it as he took a look at the person in front of him. "It's a little dangerous there, little girl."
Ranma scowled in annoyance. "Why?"
"There's a bear of sorts," The man said. He then mused to himself, "Not a bear I've seen before. What kind of castle keeps a bear as a pet." He shook his head.
Ranma froze. "W-what... what did the bear look like." Ranma drawled out.
"White 'n black. Pretty big 'n round." He raised his arms as comparison. "You should come with me. Will be safer." He tried to put on a comforting smile.
"I'm fine." Ranma grumbled. He turned from the man and headed to the commotion. What a pain.
"Darn bear!" A deep voice growled. "Stop eating all the food!" The head chef was currently trying to distract the bear, by throwing knives at it. The bear was currently at the table set up for the feast. Each of his throw missed, as the bear intelligently moved away at the last second and calmly continued its prolonged meal.
"What do we do?" Whispered some of the staff fearfully. "How did it get in here?" "Today of all days!" "Forgive us Queen!"
The bear finally ate the last bits of food. And turned to its livid attacker. The chef held his knife threateningly and fearlessly. The damned bear will pay. The chef's guard dropped as the bear pulled out a sign from nowhere. He read it in a coarse growl, "Got... any... more... food..." With a roar, the chef approached the bear. The bear stood on two legs and put its hands to its cheeks. It blew a raspberry whilst pulling down its eyelids in a childish manner. The man roared. "I will personally skin you and cook you!" The chef threw his last knife and followed it by jumping on the bear.
Only, he did not land on the bear. During his descent, there was a red blur that seemingly blasted the bear across the room. The bear unceremoniously hit the wall and flopped down and laid spreadeagled. It held a white flag and started to wave it.
"Goddamnit, you idiot." The blur turned out to be a furious Eastern, redheaded girl.
The dining room was silent with shock until the head chef spoke up. He obviously unhappy. "Is that your bear... girl?"
"No! Of course not." Ranma shook her head in denial while waving her hands. "Heh, what kind of person owns a bear? Heh... heh.."
The staff watched, still silent and dubious, as the bear held up another sign from where it laid. 'She lies! She is my owner.'
They turned their head to the girl who sweated. "Well?"
She then dropped her head, sighed in resignation and gave a deflated, "Yes..."
Ranma was currently grumbling as he dragged a bear across the rough stone floor. He was following a couple guards. "Isn't this a bit harsh?"
The guards did not reply and led them to a cell. After a jingle of keys, the metal door screeched open and they Ranma put in the cell. "C'mon." Ranma drawled, "are you guys really arresting a panda bear? And a innocent girl like me?"
This time the guards replied, "Personally, in other circumstances I find this ridiculous. But, that beast ate the entirety of the feast on a very important day." Leaving no room for response, they marched out the dungeon.
"Growfff!" The panda bear mumbled from the floor.
"I hate you pops."
"Growf."
"Shut up, pops."
"Ruff."
"Well," a new voice chimed, "this is new."
To Ranma's right sat a girl, slightly younger than him. She was laying on the stone bench in a cat-like manner. Her back was flat on the bench and her feet were arced slightly. Her arms hung loosely to her sides and she had her head turned towards the duo. She had long, messy brunette hair that fell in front of her face, obscuring her eyes and delicate nose and lips. Her body was slender and supported her toned muscles. Ranma could feel a warmth radiating from her lithe body. The girl stared up to ceiling of the cell and spoke in a lackadaisical manner. "What kind of bear is that? I've never seen one like that."
Ranma replied tiredly, "He's a panda. From Asia." Well. Barely in Arendelle, haven't seen Anna or Elsa, and now they're thrown in jail. What fun.
"Asia? Really? What're you doing in this lousy place?"
"Visiting I guess."
"How'd you get jailed?"
Ranma darkly mumbled incoherent words. Their companion didn't seem to care about the lack of a clear answer. There was a brief moment of silence before the girl spoke again. "So that panda your father or somethin'?"
Ranma sputtered, "No! I mean yes. Uh no! Maybe? No! What makes you say that!?"
"You called him 'pops' so I was wondering."
The panda held up a sign. 'Let's go boy. I want some more caviar!'
Now the girl sat up, her hair parting and she leaned forward curiously, her hands gripped the edge of the bench. "What the heck?"
Ranma whacked his father, causing him to have a sign that says 'OW!.' He then looked at the shocked girl. His face was etched with uncertainty but it melted to shock himself as he noticed the eyes of the girl.
"R-ruby?"
The girl's eyes, Ruby's red eyes, narrowed dangerously. And she forgot about her own shock. "How do you my name?" She snapped. The air became warmer. Ranma's mouth hung open as his brain churned. Ruby definitely changed from the frail girl he remembered. "I've never seen you before in Arendelle."
Oh boy. How should he explain this?
"Ah well." Not like he could lie. "Ranma, remember him?"
"Ranma..." She repeated. Her brows furrowed and had a far away look.
"I- He went to school with you. Long time ago." Ranma groped. "Bullies? Shared lunch?"
Ruby's eyes widened in realization then quickly narrowed in accusation. "So what?"
"Well uh, um, magi- ow!"
Ranma was hit on the head by his pop who now held a sign stating 'Boy! Get to the point! Caviar's awaiting!"
Ranma turned to his father and growled irritably. He turned back, "I'm Ranma."
Ruby snorted. "Please, he was a boy. He disappeared about ten years ago."
"Well, he-I'm here, now. Trust me. My name is Ranma Saotome."
"Sure, you have the same eyes. I don't think boy's can change to girls over ten years."
"Don't believe in magic, huh."
The girl's voice raised hotly, "I never said that."
"Ah! I know." Ranma shuffled her hands around her pants. Reaching in her pockets, she pulled out a gem. The Hope Diamond. Despite the dimmed light, the ever-flawless sparkled. Ruby's eyes widened in shock but then they narrowed in hunger. "Remember?"
After long moments, Ruby grudgingly nodded. "So... Ranma." She said his name in an unsure fashion, unbelieving. "You've definitely... changed."
"It's a curse, I really am a boy." He folded his arms over his gifted chest. "You should speak for yourself."
There was that fearless look in her eyes and the sass in her words. She looked away as her mind raced. Was this really Ranma? The same person that actually cared for her? Bothered to understand her? And accepted her? Aloud she muttered, "I, well, things happened."
"Like?"
Before she could reply, the panda bear growled a held up a sign. 'Never mind her, boy!' He flipped it. 'Let's get out of here!' He then stood up on his hind legs and proceeded to the metal, locked door. His paws blurred and the door opened. Without giving Ranma time to protest, he picked him up and threw him out, eliciting an angered shout. He ran to the boy and seemingly knocked him out. Behind him, the girl stared dumbly for a couple seconds and then escaped.
The panda thought furiously. This Ruby girl is definitely not of royalty. There was no reason for the boy to bond with her. What he needed to do was stick to the plan. Marry Ranma off, and he would be set for life! No more wasting time. Now... where could he get some hot water. And a suit while he's at it.
"Hey," Hans said softly. Anna had shown him the castle. Unfortunately, there were complications with the planned feast but they were treated with small, delicious dishes. Not quite a feast, but satisfying still. After the small meal she had taken him outside the castle and they sat on a smooth stone bench overlooking the town. It was a beautiful sight. The sun was a dark orange, it was slowly descending in the cloudless sky. "I feel, something special... between us." He turned to Anna and she turned to him. They stared intently in each other's eyes.
"Y-yeah! M-me too! I've never felt this way before." Anna was in bliss. Here, an incredibly handsome man was talking to her, and possibly likes her! Could... could he be the one? She giggled internally and felt blood rushing to her cheeks. She recalled the conversation she had earlier. 'I have twelve! And you know, three of them shut me out... for TWO years!' Aloud she said softly, "We're so alike."
"I know." Hans smiled gently and held the hands of Anna.
He definitely likes me. There was no way he didn't. This was great! No, this was greater than great. She was deliriously happy. "You know... maybe I could ask Elsa for her blessing. It'll be perfect! She'll totally let us wed." His words echoed in her mind, 'I would never shut you out.'
Love was an open door...
"Really?" Hans said, his smile widened.
"Eep! Did I say, wed? I mean... um, if you... y-you want t-" She started to trail off.
"Shh." Hans hushed the frantic girl, his eyes implored Anna's blues. "I feel the same way. Maybe we should."
"You mean?" Anna asked hopefully.
"I do."
Anna's jaw slacked. Her eyes grew, hopes and dreams were dancing in front of her, enticing and reachable. To the pain of the past. We don't have to feel it anymore.
"Yes!" She cheered. She quickly sobered, "H-hey, I'm suppose to be with Elsa before the big dance. S-so, I better get going. I could talk with her there." Anna got up quickly and giddily skipped to go inside.
As she entered the castle, Hans stayed, watching at the darkening sky. His smile grew even wider. It was a little too wide.
"Queen Elsa! Of Arendelle!" Alfred announced grandly to the audience. Crowds of the wealthier folk were in the ballroom; they stopped their chatting and dancing, the music stopped too, as Elsa deliberately walked up the elevated platform, she turned to the crowd and smiled kindly. She looked around, at the windows she could see the poorer folk outside, eagerly pressed against the window. There was a roar of animated applause at the announcement. Once it quieted down, Alfred cried out once more, "Princess Anna! Of Arendelle!" The clapping returned. Anna walked up timidly, as if she thought she was out of place. She positioned herself next to her older sister. She curtsied in her green dress.
The music returned in forte and the dance restarted in vigor. Alfred stood by the side, stoic as always.
Elsa noticed Anna was slowly inching towards her. Her face freckled face was adorably wrinkled with worry. She's grown.. "Hi." Elsa said softly. 'Hi'... was that really what she's going to say?
"H-hi? What? Hi me? Oh!" Anna rattled cutely in surprise. Recollecting herself, she responded with her own, soft, "Hi."
The two sisters watched the dancing couples in silence. Come on, Elsa thought, think of something to say. Her mouth moved on its own. "You, you look beautiful."
"T-thanks! Me too, er, I mean, you too." Anna nervously poked her finger together. She looked down as if in deep thought.
"So," Elsa started, eager to hear her sister's voice again, "this is a party." Well, duh. Seriously, how awkward can you get?
She watched the people dance. She bit back a laugh as she noticed one particular man short, gray hair, pointed nose with glasses. The man, if he remembered correctly, was the Duke of Weselton, from a loyal trading nation. The sprig old man was hopping around a frightened lady. He was squawking and dancing in a ridiculous fashion.
"Yep. A party." Anna simply said. She took a deep breath and steeled herself. "This is so nice. I wish it could always be like this."
Elsa bit the inside of her lip. "Well..." Her voice trailed off.
Anna didn't notice the response, "Hey, Elsa?" Anna whispered.
"Yes?" Elsa was hopeful, this time Anna was initiating the conversation. She looked at her younger sister. Her brows furrowed as she noticed the ginger's determined face. Was Anna going to ask her about shutting her out? How exactly should she explain to her? It was Elsa's turn to fidget, she tugged at her gloves.
"I met someone, a wonderful someone." Anna said wistfully. "I was wondering if you could... could you..." She scanned the ballroom, in search of Hans. She noticed something else instead. "Hey... what's that?" She pointed into the crowds of people. Elsa's followed her hand, her mind forgetting about Anna's question. There was quite the commotion.
Don't get him wrong. He actually liked the curse. Becoming an unsuspecting, innocent widdle pandy bear has its uses. But, being in his normal, human form was sufficiently better.
Genma grunted as he carried his limp cargo. Ranma was sure heavier as a male than female. Getting hot water took much longer than he anticipated. And on an unrelated note, who knew stuffing bodies in a cramped space was such a hassle? He never really had problems doing it before. Honestly! Not to mention, it was quite difficult to put tight clothes on an unconscious person. He spared a glance to his son. Ranma was wearing a black suit. It was a size too big for him, it was a bit wrinkled and dirtied. There was also a suspicious red stain at the bottom of the suit. Bah! It'll have to do. There weren't enough stuck up princes to beat up to take their clothes from. As Genma moved, there was a delightful 'clinking' sound from his pockets.
"Stupid boy... You better wake up soon." He grumbled. Okay. From what he learned as a panda, one of the princesses Ranma grew up with, Elsa, he believed to be the name, was going to become queen. That was great! Why go for a princess when you could have a Queen? He racked his brain. So, there was supposed to be a meet and greet. That happened, his stomach rumbled in happiness at the memory. Um. The feast never happened. Wonder why. That means... now there was supposed to be a ballroom dance of sorts. He was pretty sure he was going the right way. Perhaps could just ask a person. Ah there's someone.
A man, roughly the same size of Ranma came in from an opened door. He had red hair, several shades lighter than Ranma's female side. He had a nice white suit... It did look like it fit Ranma. Genma further analyzed the man. Charming, deceiving, and liar, he recognized all the signs quite easily. Why, that could have been him if he was younger and European. Not to mention, a haughty prince for that matter. Apparently, the man never registered Genma's presence so Genma quickly brought the limp Ranma over his head and placed him outside, where the man just left. He then painted an unassuming and friendly face and cleared his throat.
"'Scuse me."
The man turned around and face Genma. He could see the prince's eyes narrow in calculation and then the dismissal of a threat. That, slightly hurt Genma's pride. Never mind that, the man replied, "Yes?"
Genma put his hands behind his back in an unassuming fashion. "Would you mind showing where the ballroom is?" Ow. It hurts to speak like that.
The prince examined him further, taking note of Genma's size, dirtied gi, the dried blood on his hands, and the fake smile he had. The prince's right hand went to the right of his hip, as if expecting a weapon there. He then raised a brow. "I did not know Eastern assassins were so foolish. For that matter, why would they send an assassin."
"Assassin? Little 'ol me?" Genma looked aghast, theatrically putting his hand over heart in a hurt expression. "No, of course not. I'm just an ambassador. Yep. That's me."
"As you say."
Success! Genma celebrated his acting skills. Woo! The prince started walking, presumably to the ballroom and Genma followed behind, lifting an unconscious Ranma on his shoulder, unnoticed by the prince. Hmm. He didn't really think about what to say to the Queen. 'Hey there! Here's the boy from you childhood that I took from you a long time ago! Marry him!' Yea... that wasn't a good idea to say. Maybe he could say that Ranma was a prince from Japan. That would work, right? International alliances are extremely important. Politics, always fun. Maybe that was the best idea.
It wasn't until Hans opened the door to the door room that the dead-like body on Genma's shoulders were noticed. Curse his lack of foresight. White men always overreact to everything. Of course they were going scream and shout at him. Damnit!
"What the?!" The prince shouted. "Guards!"
The shout captured the attention of the room. Ignoring the many other gasps and screams, he looked around. He noticed two finely dress girls on a raised platform. They must the royalty. Undeterred by the appearing guards, he strolled to the platform. Onlookers backed away from the man and stared in apprehension.
He placed Ranma's body on the ground and with a commanding tone, he said "Boy, time to wake up." Bah! Guess he'll get thrown in jail again. At the very least, the boy will stay in the kingdom and get married. He'll come back later.
Ranma's eyes fluttered for a bit, then finally opened. He blinked a couple times as he got his bearings. His eyes noticed to figures in front of him. Same hair, same eyes, same faces. Just then the doors opened and several guards came in. They held swords and in the front was the captain. They quickly approached.
"An-chan? Sa-chan?" Ranma asked. His head hurt, stupid pops.
The two mentioned people stared at the young adult. Even after ten years, how could they forget him? Of course, they were not the only ones that recognized him.
Alfred's composure broke instantly. His body froze up, even tighter than usual, then he exploded, his voice echoing in madness. "GUARDS! GET RID OF THAT BOY!"
"Ranma!" Twin voices cried out in realization.
AN: Hope you enjoyed this bit. This chapter took much much longer than I anticipated. I had no idea how to make it all flow nicely and get all the characters to interact. My god. Having music while you're writing it up really helps. And, once I got into the flow of things, it was much easier to write!
As clarification, I changed stuff...obviously, like having Anna and Hans do their love tirade before the dance rather than after. And other stuff too.
Hope I portrayed Hans well! Han's pretty damn good at working his charm into the hearts of women. :O. I bet you guys were cringing as you read Anna falling for Hans, eh?
Read on for the real fun! :D
Hmmmm...
Reviews are appreciated, criticisms or compliments, it matters not.