Hey, wha?... wait a second... what's today? *checks calendar* Wednesday? An update on Wednesday?! What is this?! Hahaha, yes an update today! Since I missed Monday (again) I've decided that this week will be special for you guys. For the next few days, I will update a chapter on Thursday and Friday! A chapter every day! SO, stay tuned for tomorrow because we're not stopping here! Haha! So, this chapter is dedicated to the one and only, my brother Kia'i. I've been waiting for this chapter so I can dedicate it to my little broski. Well, little, big brother, he's taller than me now :( But anyways, I love him to death, he's my best friend and I wish him good luck in the real world because he's off in college you guys... my little baby is all grown up and... being an adult *sniff* you have a tissue? Hahaha, anyways, love you brother and I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

7 years ago…

Footsteps ran through the woods in a hurry, stomping the ground with every quick step. The run-away girl breathed heavily as she hopped over rocks and swerved around tall trees, not looking back at the animal that was chasing her. The girl kept running until she reached the bottom of a small cliffside where she used all of her strength to climb the wall, 'Keep going!' she thought to herself. Once the girl made it to the top, she continued to run until she couldn't feel her legs or the breath that was lost from her lungs anymore.

All she could hear were the growls coming from the beast behind her, 'Dang! Thought I lost 'em,' she thought, 'Almost there!' She finally broke through the forest edge and ran towards the open land where she saw her family's farmhouse that rests in the middle. Outside of the barn, she could spot her brother casually resting against the building, waiting for her. He looked up in surprise to see his sister frantically running towards him.

"KIERAN!" the girl heard her brother call her name from afar.

'Connor!' Kieran thought as she kept running from the beast. Connor fled his position and ran to meet Kieran halfway near the fence line, but it was too late…

"BEHIND YOU!" Connor screamed out.

Kieran took a glimpse of the animal and there, out in the open, she saw a big, tall, and drooling…

…gray wolfhound dog happily chasing her…

Kieran began to smile, 'I'm going to win!' she thought.

"C'MON KIERAN!" Connor cheered, "JUST PAST THE FENCE! YOU CAN DO IT!"

Kieran could hear Connor's encouraging screams as she pushed herself a little more towards the open gate, 'Today's the day!' she thought. She ran with all of her might as she heard the panting of their dog getting closer… and closer… until… Kieran finally passed the finish line first…

"YEAH!" Connor cheered while Kieran collapsed on the ground, catching her breath, "Behold, the mighty Kieran! The fastest girl alive!"

"Yeah… whoo!" Kieran huffed out as she slowly, but victoriously raises a fist in the air, "Take that… ya old dog…" she said. The wolfhound dog heard Kieran then ran up to her exhausted body on the ground and started to lick her face clean. "Ugh! No, Manny!" Kieran yelled trying to stop the drool attack, "Stop!"

"I think he's jealous because you're faster than him now," Connor laughed, "Aren'tcha boy?"

"Call him off! Call him off!" Kieran said.

"Why?" Connor said.

"He's your dog!" Kieran finally got a grab of Manny's snout and held him away.

Connor laughed, "Alright…" then he whistled a command for Manny to come to his side. The wolfhound obeyed and happily walked away from the drool covered teenager.

"Aw man…" Kieran slowly stood up and swiped all the slobber off of her face, "Gross…"

"Your welcome," Connor said.

"Yeah, thanks… I guess…" Kieran said.

"I guess?" Connor repeated, "You know he didn't have to stop…" Connor teased.

"Hey! I finally won the race and this…" Kieran pointed to the slobber on her body, "is the kind celebration I get?" she said, "This is an outrage I tell you, an outrage!" Kieran puffed her chest out and placed her hands on her hips like she was a queen, "I demand a proper reward."

"Oh, pardon me, dear sister," Connor playfully bowed, "For what reward are you referring to?"

"The magical jar… of cookies!" Kieran announced.

"Nay! What proof do you have to possess such a treasure?"

Kieran raised her hand and held up her little finger, "Thy Pinky Promise! It shall not be broken!"

"How right you are my sister," Connor knelt to the ground and bowed, "Truly, you are worthy of such a gift."

"Of course, I am! Ha Ha Ha Haaaa!" Kieran exclaimed, "Now stand brother, I will need your assistance to grab my delicious treats… from the toppest of shelves."

"As you wish, m'lady Kieran," Connor said as he offered his arm to Kieran, "Shall we?"

Kieran looped her arm with Connor's, "We shall," she said, then they goofily skipped off to the farmhouse, laughing along the way and humming a little tune. But their moment of happiness stopped short when they heard a deep voice coming from the front porch,

"What are you two doing?" a man said with his arms crossed.

"Aw dang…" Connor breathed out.

"You didn't tell me dad was home!" Kieran whispered to Connor.

"I… was going to but –"

"Connor!" their father cut off their conversation.

Connor sighed, "Yes sir?"

"Your mother told me that you were moving hay bales from the barn loft," their father said, "Prancing around like a little deer doesn't look like work to me."

"C'mon pop, we were just having a little fun," Connor replied.

"Oh?" he said, "And who said you could take a break?"

"Well…" Connor tried to speak but was interrupted by Kieran.

"We have to use the bathroom dad," Kieran lied, "C'mon do you really want Connor doing his business outside again? I know I don't…"

"That was one time and I really had to go," Connor defended himself.

"Dude, the back door of the barn smelt like acid for three weeks," Kieran said playfully pushed her brother.

"Your breath is acidic," Connor pushed Kieran back, which led them to start a small tussle with each other. Connor is far bigger and taller than Kieran, but that doesn't mean that Kieran can't put up a fight.

"ENOUGH!" their father yelled at the two siblings before things got out of hand, "You," he pointed at Connor, "Get inside, finish your job, and then get cleaned up. We're all going to town today."

"Yes, sir…" Connor said, but leaned towards Kieran to whisper in her ear before he left, "I'll snatch a couple of cookies for you, mum won't mind," then he sadly gave out an encouraging smile to Kieran, "Good luck…" he said, and then walked up the stairs to the front door. Connor gave one last look to his sister before he left inside, leaving Kieran and their dad alone.

"Kieran."

"Dad."

"Don't you talk back to me like that!" her dad said.

"Then how else am I supposed to respond?" Kieran said.

Her dad slowly came closer to Kieran, "You are dangerously walking on thin ice right now. Be quiet and watch that attitude of yours, then you're going to listen to me. Understand?"

Kieran bit back her words and glared at her father with a menacing look, "Fine," she spat out.

Her father looked at her attire and shook his head with disapproval, "Why are you wearing those dang pants again? I told you that women do not wear pants."

"It's easier to work in, father…" Kieran replied.

"What did I say about being quiet?" her dad exclaimed.

'You asked me a dang question,' Kieran thought as she rolled her eyes.

"What will the others think of a girl wearing pants? Huh?" her dad said, Kieran in return remained silent and just shrugged her shoulders in annoyance, "They'll think of you as different… queer even! And what will that bring to our family? No one will want to buy products from queer folk!" Kieran's father softened his resolve a little, "When will you learn that I'm just trying to protect you."

"From what?" Kieran finally said, "Is there an evil threat trying to destroy me all because I'm wearing pants? …Or are you embarrassed of me?"

"I ain't embarrassed of the little girl that I raised with my own two hands because I know she's standing right in front of me," he said, "She just needs a little help remembering who she is that's all." Kieran's father came close to hug his daughter tight, "I love you my little Kiera…"

Kieran pushed him away and glared at him once more, "It's Kier-AN dad, KIERAN. Stop calling me Kiera!"

Kieran's father, in return, glared back, "This is the last time you will disrespect me today! You will go inside, wash up, and change out of those ridiculous clothes at once!"

"You wear 'these ridiculous clothes' too ya'know?" Kieran said.

"KIERAN!" her father yelled at her.

Kieran flinched at her father's raised voice, "Yes… sir." Then she retreated back inside the house, holding back her tears, 'I'm not going to give him the satisfaction…' she thought.

Once inside, she spotted her mother washing the dishes in the kitchen. She tried to rush by and up the stairs but was stopped by the woman's voice.

"Kieran?" her mother called out.

"Hey ma," Kieran said.

"Are you okay honey?" her mother asked.

Kieran looked at her mother, "Yeah…" she lied, "Excuse me ma, but I need to change clothes. Dad's orders…"

"Oh sweetie…" her mother said, "Please don't hate your father, you know he's just trying his best…" she tried to reassure her daughter.

'Et tu mother?' she thought and shook her head in disbelief, "Whatever," she said then ran up the stairs to her shared room with Connor.

Once inside, she slammed the door, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. In doing so, she smelt something warm and nutty. When Kieran opened her eyes, she spotted three cookie biscuits laying on a small plate on the side table with a note beside it. Kieran approached the note and opened it,

'Hey, DooDoo Head,

Guess what? I really have to go to the bathroom so thanks for that… But, sorry you got yelled at by dad again. I bet ya didn't even cry! Like you could though. That's my sister, fastest girl alive and tough as nails. Whatever comes your way I know you can handle it, Kieran style! Anyways, I know this isn't the whole jar but I hope you'll enjoy what I could grab. You deserve a better reward later, maybe some candy when we go to the market today!

Love ya, little sister, now I have to go but we'll talk later okay?

Connor'

Kieran smiled at Connor's little note and held it close to her chest, "Thanks, Knucklehead…" she said to herself then plucked a cookie from the plate and ate it whole.

...

Kieran and her family traveled into town where they visited different shops to buy some supplies for the upcoming winter. Kieran nervously walked through town, wearing her new dress she was forced to wear. She awkwardly adjusted the collar of her dress and pulled on the wedgie that was riding up her butt. Connor noticed this and gave Kieran his coat to wear to cover his sister's discomfort.

"If he asks, just say you were cold," Connor whispered.

"Oh no, instead I'll tell dad 'does this look good on me?'" Kieran said as she struck a pose.

Connor laughed, "You're hopeless," he teased.

Kieran just shrugged and flaunted her brother's huge coat, "Hey…" she got Connor's attention, "thanks…" she said.

"No problem," Connor replied, "You know if I recall, I did say that you earned something sweet today…"

"Did you?" Kieran joked.

"HmmMmm…" Connor hummed, "Maybe we could, I don't know, got to the candy store?"

"Well… I mean if you're paying…" Kieran teased because she knew that Connor wanted some sweets too.

"Is that a yes?" Connor smiled back.

"Hmmm… Alright ya big baby, let's go," Kieran gave in.

Connor pumped his fist in success as he looked behind him to find their parents busy talking to a merchant. So, he grabbed Kieran's hand to sneak them away like little kids again inside the candy shop. They purchased a tin of flavored hard candies and walked out content. Kieran sucked on a ruby, strawberry flavored candy, while Connor tasted a sapphire, blueberry one.

They decided to walk around town while they waited for their parents and ended up near the town square. Connor and Kieran relaxed on a bench, eating their candies and enjoying the sounds of the townsfolk around them. Everything was peaceful until Kieran heard something that caught her interest.

"So I've heard, there's a majestic stag roaming the forest," a man said.

"The hunters are going crazy!" another man said.

"There's a high bounty on its head and whoever kills the animal would be rewarded greatly," and another…

Kieran overhead the rumors and got a great idea that'll change her life forever. She turned to her brother, "Hey Connor, did ya hear that?" she said as she nudged her brother to get his attention.

"Huh? What?" Connor said popping another candy in his mouth.

"They said there's a huge deer in the woods that's worth a ton!" she said.

"So? We don't need the money…" he replied.

"I know that, but if I catch it then maybe dad will change his mind about me!" Kieran said.

"Kieran, if this is about you wanting to wear different clothing then this'll be a little extreme for a pair of pants…" Connor said.

"No Connor, this is about me and my future," she said, "No women has ever successfully hunted in our town. What if I'm the first and I'll be recognized for it!" Kieran stood up excited and placed her hands on her hips, "Then dad will see that I can hunt, I can do things men can do, and I can wear pants!"

"Kieran it'll be dangerous," Connor said, "We've never hunted anything more than wild hares for fun."

"So? We know the forest better than anyone. It'll be a piece of cake!" Kieran said.

"Wait, we?" Connor said.

"Yeah of course," she said, "Wouldn't you want to help?"

"What about being the first women to hunt it? You don't need me," he replied.

"Well, of course, I do," she replied, "You're my brother… we do everything together…"

Connor sighed, "I know that… but… Kieran, please think about what you're doing…"

Kieran looked at Connor confused, "Are… are you doubting me?" she said, "You don't think I can do it?"

"What no…" Connor said, "I didn't say that. If anything, I think you can… I just don't want you to get injured…"

"Connor I'll be fine," Kieran said, "Tough as nails remember? Now, are you with me or not?"

Connor was stuck between a rock and a hard place, he didn't know what to do. On one hand, he wanted to support his sister, but on the other, he knew this will be dangerous. He sighed, "I… I don't know Kieran," Connor said, "Let's just not rush into the dark yet and find out more about this deer before we do anything… okay?"

Kieran wasn't sure if Connor was on her side or not, but hearing him out seemed like the rational decision. So, she agreed with her brother in the meantime, but her heart was set on hunting that deer. She was determined to prove to her father that she can be different and be proud of it. 'One day…' she thought, 'One day… that deer will change my life… I'm sure of it…'

Author's Note

So originally this chapter was going to be a LOOOOONG one. But, I decided to split it up in two. So technically you're getting "Backstory Part 2" tomorrow :) Nothing much to say today except that I'm sorry again that I missed Monday. I know that school is important and work comes first but I promised that I won't forget you guys or let you down. So that's why I'm updating tomorrow and Friday as usual. I hope you enjoy and thank you again for any new readers taking the time to read my story :) I really appreciate it and I hope you'll stick around for any future chapters! And without further ado, I will respond to comments and reviews down below, thanks!

Anon: Oh I get it… See this is why I like our conversations. Yes, I still stand by with what I said, but you explaining it more makes a whole lot of sense. Elsa is the analytical type and I get that her actions might've been a little off because of that. I really should keep that in mind for the future because that is good stuff man, thank you.

Yes, Elsa is also a mystery to Kieran and that's why they had their conversations in the first place, but I find Kieran not caring about others as long as they don't bother her. Kieran doesn't need to know what someone's favorite color is because it's useless information and the less she knows about someone the less they won't matter to her. That's why it's so easy to leave.

So, Kieran didn't care who Elsa was, queen or not, because all she cared about if Elsa would follow through on their deal. But knowing Kieran's sudden feelings and being drawn to Elsa like magnets, it was hard for her not to resist and finally give up her mask.

Actually, Elsa did recognize Kieran from the bridge when she trapped her in the ice prison, and Iris too. That's why she calmed down at first because of the familiar faces. But still being in the middle of nowhere after you were captured, yes, it was in the heat of the moment where they argued and never addressed why Kieran was on the bridge or how Iris gave Elsa the flower in the first place. I was going to write that in somewhere but ended up taking it out. I do plan on them talking about it in the future, but to me, it wasn't relevant at the time.

Aw thank you :) I really hope I'm not making Kieran too complicated or "messed up" but I do enjoy writing her as a very humorous and independent character despite her past. To me, that just shows who she really is and what she could be if all that weight on her shoulders would be lifted off. Kieran doesn't have a fake personality like Hans, she's true to herself but bears so much pain.

Haha, no! Not the rom-coms! Hahaha, ugh my mom watches too much Hallmark movies. Anyways, yes thank you for your comment about Kieran's humor. I try to not make her over witty because, yes, its so annoying when it's overdone… but I'm glad Kieran finds a silver lining with her jokes.

Oh thank you, I imagined her stubborn to help Kieran like that because, one, she blamed herself for Kieran's injury in the first place. And that will be addressed in the later chapters as well. So, I'm glad to hear that wasn't OOC at all.

Haha, expect cheesy and cliché moments from Kieran and Elsa… I'm kidding, I'll try not make it too lame :)

Yeah, Kieran's PTSD, I hope the backstory also gave some good information about why she has it too. But yes, Kieran is self-conscious about herself and others because, like I said, she doesn't want to get too close to people, afraid she'll be hurt again and, like Elsa, maybe hurt others.

Aw you did? Thank you :D haha, yes I haven't been drawing them lately because of school but not to fret! I will post a new drawing soon for you Anon!

Rewriting chapter 11? Oh geez did I say that? No, I meant chapter 12, I like chapter 11 the way it is despite all my grammar issues haha, I'm no professional but I try. But chapter 12, I was talking about when Elsa would cough, like what we talked about? I was thinking about rewriting that little scene so Elsa can stay on character, but I just wanted some feedback to see if I should do it or not.

The ship name? Hahaha, really don't worry about it, I don't. That's why I'm curious of what it could be but that's the least of my worries because I just write Kieran and Elsa :) Although, if anyone does have a suggestion I'll happily think about using it :D

Haha, no worries, since I missed Valentine's day I was thinking about pushing that AU story back until I'm ready to post it. Maybe in a few weeks, I don't know…

Aw thanks! I'm glad you think so! I was really nervous about posting that chapter but now I'm not anymore. And thank you for your support with my schooling :D I just really love this story and all the kind people who have read it. It really makes my day and I love to keep it going. But I'll focus on school too, I promise :)

Until next time!

CurlyCookie AWAY!