The corridor was cloaked in darkness, her footsteps echoing on the stone floor with every step. Piper followed Nico silently, his black hair and matching cloak blending together, making him look like nothing more than a shadow drifting forwards before her. It didn't help that his boots touched down on the ground silently as well. He melded into the darkness so easily, it was frightening.

She felt a shiver run up her spine as they passed several doors lining the wall on their right, a cool draft blowing under the crack at the bottom of each one. Each door was made of heavy wood, reinforced with strong metal at the hinges and around the edges. A triangular window was built into each door, solid bars obstructing her view, and making it difficult to see inside.

She slowed slightly as she glanced curiously inside one of the cells, stopping completely when she noticed an odd metal panel built into the floor. Attached was a long chain, the ends of which ended in strange metal cases. Were they for a person's hands…?

Pushing the thought from her mind, she started moving forwards again to catch up with Nico when a sound from the next cell suddenly caught her attention. She stood on her tip toes, the extra height allowing her to peer inside easily.

Ignoring the bed, the man inside had chosen to sprawl himself in the corner of the chilly room instead, his dirty grey cloak bundled around him tightly. He was almost unrecognisable to her, his auburn hair unusually messy, with locks sticking up in every direction on top of his head. Blood stains still decorated his face, splotches of it smeared over his mouth and chin, dry now as he hadn't bothered wiping it away. She almost winced seeing the nasty cut that tore across the bridge of his nose.

"Hans." she muttered, with a soft shake of her head.

She moved away from the cell quickly, when his voice suddenly drew her back. "Piper Mclean." he called to her, flashing her a sickly smile when she moved back to the small window. "We didn't have time to chat earlier." he said. "I see somebody switched sides." he said, arching an eyebrow.

She said nothing, settling for glaring at him instead. He only threw her a smile again. That smile. A smile she knew was insincere and was used to manipulate. Had she not known him, she might've believed that he was smiling because he was happy to see her.

"I saw them drag Jason in earlier." he stated, eyes filled with pity. "Shame. I really liked him as well."

She knew he was trying to get to her. Or fill her head with worries and doubts. She couldn't help but respond though, interested in what nonsense he was about to throw at her. "What's a shame?" she asked.

"Oh, well, I just thought Jason's well being would be of interest to you." he said, with a small shrug.

"Yeah." she confirmed. "So?"

He narrowed his eyes and stared at her incredulously. "So," he continued. "Don't you care that they're going to use Jason to get back at the army. That's the whole point of taking hostages."

Piper stared at him blankly, still not quite understanding what he was saying.

He got to his feet with a sigh before sauntering over to the door to face her. He furrowed his eyebrows, feigning worry. "Do you really think the Captain will call off the attack for Jason and I?" he said slowly. "When your side threatens to hurt Jason, or perhaps even kill him, the Captain won't do anything to stop it and you know it."

She felt her hatred for the man in front of her boil beneath her skin. She clenched her teeth, to stop from blurting out profanities and curses which would only show the Prince how much he was getting to her.

"He'll die, Piper." he spat, voice suddenly filled with venom. She flinched away from the words, her reaction only urging him on. "Are you okay with them murdering your best friend?!" he asked, voice suddenly rising and filled with disbelief.

She watched, stunned, as he used his words like daggers, each one piercing her in the exact way he knew it would, leaving her whole body trembling.

But Hans was only just getting started. "Are you really going to side with them if-"

An ear-splitting clap echoed down the entire corridor as a pale hand slammed against the cell door, causing Piper to give a small yelp and Hans to inhale sharply as he was suddenly cut off. Piper turned to see Nico standing next to her, his arm outstretched as his hand remained resting against the strong wood of the door.

She gasped, immediately fearful at seeing power literally radiate from the demigod. She could feel it on her skin, the shiver running up her spine, the goose bumps dusting her limbs. He gave off an aura of darkness and death, shadows seeming to cling to him with every movement. But he wasn't focused on her.

He fixed Hans with a glare, face filled with hate and disgust. His eyes bore into the other man's, his pupils dark, endless pits of black. Piper couldn't blame Hans for taking a small step backwards in that moment.

"Sit down." Nico hissed.

Piper couldn't help the feeling of satisfaction as she watched the Prince do what he was told. He retreated further into the cell, trudging back to his corner and slumping down in a heap, a scowl on a his face.

"Come on." Nico muttered, before moving towards the end of the corridor.

Piper immediately followed, attempting to push all thoughts of what Hans had told her to the back of her mind. She had come here to see Jason, not Hans. She came to a stop behind Nico.

"You've got five minutes." he said, unlocking the final door for her. "I'll be waiting at the end of the corridor."

She nodded, giving a muttered thanks and turning to the door. She hesitated only a moment before shoving it open, the door giving a drawling creak as it swung on its hinges.

The cell was lighter than the dark corridor, a large window allowing the now rising sun's rays to enter and illuminate the small room. Jason sat on the bed against the right wall, his head snapping up as soon as she entered. His face immediately softened from a glare to one of shock, his jaw dropping and blue eyes widening.

"What are you doing her-"

"I convinced them to let me see you." she interrupted, moving to the room's centre, the door thudding shut behind her. She heard a small click as Nico locked the door. She paused a moment, knowing the son of Hades was silently moving back down the corridor. "Are you okay?" she finally asked, her feet taking an involuntary step forwards.

Jason looked up at her. "I'm fine." he muttered.

Piper knelt in front of him, noticing his hair plastered to his forehead, and the way his wet clothes clung to his skin. "Did you go for a swim or something before you got here?" she asked, smiling a little. She hadn't been given details of how they had captured Jason, and hadn't asked. She had wanted to see him for herself first, and make sure he was okay.

Jason's lips twitched upwards. "Yeah," he chuckled. "Something like that."

There was a moment where Piper couldn't help but feel the silence around them, heavy and uncomfortable, as neither of the demigods knew what to say.

Jason was the first to break it. "When you said you "convinced" them," he began. "Did they just let you in here, or did you…persuade them a little?"

Piper bit her lip. "Well…" she said, turning away from his face, knowing he was probably smirking. "They would've let me see you either way." she muttered, turning to see her thoughts confirmed, a small smirk on his face. "I just sped it up a bit."

"Of course you did." he said, grinning.

"You could join th-us." she blurted, watching sadly as his mouth pulled down into a frown instantly. He was already shaking his head. "Why not?" she demanded.

"I can't, Pipes." he said, defeated, shoulders slumped, gaze falling to the ground. "You remember when she first found us?" he murmured. "The Captain?"

Piper's jaw dropped in shock, the turn in conversation completely unexpected. "Yeah." she answered, thinking back to that time. It was years ago now, but she remembered everything clearly. Her heart felt heavy, realising just how much she missed it.

It had just been the two of them, two lost teenagers who didn't fit in anywhere. But they had each other, and could go anywhere they wanted.

"She told us she'd find us a home." Jason continued, hands reaching forwards to clasp hers warmly. She felt her hands grip his comfortably, his touch soothing to her, like it always was. "She said she'd find all demigods a home, where we wouldn't be judged or feared."

When the Captain had found them, Piper had been happy with Jason and would have gone anywhere with him. And even though finding a permanent place to stay was appealing, ultimately it was Jason that had convinced her to go along. At the time, neither of them had realised what they were getting themselves in to. They hadn't stopped to think about what the Captain had expected of them.

"She's making a bunch of clueless, naïve demigods fight for her Jason and she'll kill everyone here to get this so-called demigod haven." Piper argued.

Jason shook his head, as he looked down at her. "You don't know that."

"What do you mean?" she said, exasperated. "She's threatening Arendelle with an army. And I heard what she said to you in the cabin." she reminded him. "That Arendelle would be hers, no matter what." she shook her head at him, confused as to where he'd gotten the idea from.

He dropped her hands and stood, Piper's neck craning backwards slightly as she looked at his face. "I've been thinking about it a lot." he told her. "Just listen to me for a second." he said, pausing. "Why do you think she chose Arendelle?"

"What?" she asked, completely bewildered, standing to face him.

"From the very beginning, she's had her eyes focused on Arendelle. Why?" Piper had already pondered over that question for most of the night, what with Anna asking her the exact same thing. But what did it matter, anyway? Whatever the Captain's reasons, there didn't seem to be any dissuading her from leaving the kingdom. She didn't have a chance to say a word of this to Jason, as he continued. "There are countless smaller kingdoms she could have chosen, ones that are easier to defeat. Some probably would've surrendered to her. But no, she chose this one." he said, pointing at the ground.

Piper was stunned into silence for only a moment. "So what?" she argued. "No matter her reasons for choosing this place, it doesn't change the fact that she's about to start a war.

"She wants something else." he mumbled.

"Why wouldn't she tell the messenger what she really wants then?" Piper sighed.

"Maybe she wants to make a dramatic entrance. Or she's trying to scare people or something." he replied hesitantly.

"Then what about you? And the rest of the army?" Piper questioned. "Why not tell them what she's really up to."

"I-I don't know." he answered, gesturing his hands around him. "I just… I don't think she's telling us something."

"I don't know what you want me to say." Piper said softly. "She's on her way Jason. And a lot of people are going to get hurt. You realise that, don't you?" she stared up at him, her eyes locking onto his electric blue.

He said nothing, and instead fixed her with a pained expression, the hurt on his face plain and clear.

"This is the last time I'll ask you this." Piper said, averting her gaze, unable to look him in the eye. "Like I said before, I-I can talk to someone for you. To Anna. I can tell her you made a mistake." she spoke quickly, feeling her voice beginning to shake and a lump form in her throat. He'd turned her down before, and she was terrified he would do it again. "Please, Jason." she pleaded, finally looking up at him. "Leave the army."

Percy had protested at first but had finally complied with Captain Otto's request to speak with both he and Anna. Percy was even more restless than usual, unable to stand still for even a moment.

He wanted to go find Elsa now, and he sensed that Anna was just as desperate to get moving as he was.

After his fight with Jason, the other demigod had been escorted to a cell in the castle, now being watched over by Nico. Otto had quickly intercepted Percy and Anna before they could begin searching for Elsa.

He lead them to the palace courtyard now, the same dog Percy had noticed earlier trotting obediently beside the man. The dog was large, its furry coat a mixture of black, white and silvery gray. The creature had pointed ears, and a tightly curled tail, rolling over the dog's back slightly. Percy smiled seeing it wag a little.

Otto finally stopped before one of the frozen fountains. The place was mostly deserted, the army expected so soon that all guards were getting into final positions.

Some were spread throughout the town, ready to protect the people should the enemy demigods get that far in. They also patrolled the streets and attempted to calm any panicking commoners who happened to leave their homes. Archers had been stationed on the roofs of houses, and along the bridge that lead to the palace, every one of them staring across the frozen fjord, eyes alert and bodies rigid. Many of the guards were pooling on to the icy fjord now, lining up quickly and skilfully, readying for the enemies that would be approaching soon.

Arendelle was now awash with deep green and purple, the guards' uniform contrasting with the white of the surrounding snow and ice. Armour gleamed and shined over the guards' chests as the burning orange of the sun reflected off the metal.

Otto turned to face Percy and Anna, clicking his fingers at his side causing the dog to sit under his hand instantly. His dark hair was a wild mess, framing a surprisingly young face, that to Percy always seemed to be frowning or scowling. He supposed that must be the guard's neutral expression, making him realise that seeing the man angry would be truly frightening.

"Your Highness." Otto nodded to Anna. "Sir." he said, turning to Percy. The demigod inclined his head politely in return. "It is my understanding that you both wish to search for Queen Elsa?"

The pair both nodded. "Yeah." Anna confirmed. "We really need to hurry, Otto."

"I know I have no right to ask this of you both," he began, his voice deep. "But I think it within the best interests of the kingdom that you both remain here."

Percy opened his mouth to protest and was about to refuse the guard's suggestion, Anna's gasp to his right telling him she was probably about to do the same, but both were cut off by Otto quickly hurrying on. "I can send a search party for Queen Elsa." he said, before turning to face Anna completely.

"The guards are scared, Your Highness. Most have never been in a war before. If you were to leave, it may only worsen the situation. Leaving Arendelle abandoned, with no royals may confirm any doubts they have of achieving victory. Your presence is extremely good for morale."

Anna's mouth hung open, apparently not knowing what to say. Otto turned to Percy next.

"And Mr Jackson." Otto began. "I saw what you did to the blonde demigod, Jason Grace. You're powerful and I believe you could be an asset. You and your other demigod friends. It could be the difference between victory and defeat."

"I'm flattered that you think that, Captain." Percy replied hesitantly. "But-"

"I am begging you both to stay." he interrupted. Percy could hear the sincerity in the man's voice. And also the desperation.

Percy glanced at Anna, seeing the same uncertainty he was feeling written plainly on her face.

"Please." Otto begged. He glanced behind them, eyes widening as he noticed something. "Halvor!" he called. Percy turned to see a tall man walking towards them, dressed in battle armour. His hair was fair, his chin and jaw covered in light stubble. Percy guessed the man to be in his late twenties.

He approached them swiftly, immediately giving a small bow when he noticed Anna. "Your Highness." he greeted.

"Have you done as I asked?" Otto asked the guard.

"Yes, Captain." Halvor replied, with a nod. "They're waiting on the bridge."

Otto turned back to Percy and Anna who had silently watched the exchanged. "Your Highness." he said quickly. "I had a search party gathered. I promise you, if anyone can find her, they can."

"I-I don't know…" Anna mumbled, biting her lip.

"Gunnar will be going also." Otto added with a smile, Anna's eyes widening as he said the words, her lips twitching upwards slightly. "He can track her down in no time."

"Gunnar?" Percy asked, confused.

"Gunnar." Otto confirmed, giving the large dog at his side a caring pat, the animal's head immediately leaning into the comforting touch.

"Oh." Percy realised. "Gunnar's…a dog…" he narrowed his eyes at the furry creature. "You're relying on a dog to bring back the Queen." he muttered.

"Gunnar can track Elsa." He was surprised to hear Anna speak up in the animal's defence. It wasn't that Percy didn't like animals, he actually liked them a lot, although he preferred horses over dogs any day. But they had to find Elsa as soon as possible and having to put his trust in a creature that sniffed other dog's butts on a daily basis wasn't exactly comforting.

"Do you think we should stay?" he asked Anna.

"I-I don't know, Percy." she mumbled. "I think Otto might be right."

She could see the conflict this was causing her. Otto made some good points, but this was Elsa. Her sister, and the only family she had left. What if the guards couldn't find Elsa? What if the Queen came face to face with one of the attacking demigods first?

Percy couldn't stand the thought of her being hurt either, he realised. But, like Otto said, he could be of more use here.

He swallowed any doubt he was feeling and spoke up. "I think we should stay." he uttered, Anna's eyes widening as she heard the words. "Otto's right."

Anna didn't say anything for a moment, seemingly mulling over Percy's words. "Fine." she said finally, turning to Otto. "But, on one condition." she said, holding up her index finger in front of the large man, who looked at her curiously. "I want to fight."

A/N: One of these days I'll actually update at a reasonable time instead of posting hella late and when I can barely function.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and thanks for bothering to read this thingy, I appreciate it.

Oh, and I swear, this whole war thing that's been looming over the characters for a lot of the chapters now will be in the next chapter. I pinkie swear :D