Chapter 21: Two Steps Behind
"(Y/N)! (Y/N)!" Gaia calls out. "Are you sleeping?"
You open your eyes and move them to look at Gaia, who is sitting close to you. You don't move your head or anything, just your eyes.
"I don't sleep all that often, Gaia. I'm just letting my strength come back to me," you inform.
She nods in understanding then turns her attention towards the ocean. You look over at her and close your eyes. You push off your back and onto your feet.
"And I believe I rested enough. Let's get moving."
"What are we going to do now?"
You pause for a moment.
"I don't know. Those tunnels are a sign that something big is going to happen. There is no way they would make those for no reason."
You extend your hand towards Gaia and smile.
"We should make our way back to the temple for now. We may be able to come up with some sort of plan there."
Gaia takes your hand. You pull her close and extend your wings. You bend your legs before taking off into the air. You reach a good altitude then start flying back to the temple. It shouldn't take you long since you're halfway between Corona and Arendelle.
Gaia has her eyes closed as you fly, as to not let anything hit her.
"How do you think you'd get around if you didn't have those wings?" She yells.
"I don't know. Walking. That's what I used to do," you reply.
You push your body forward, making you go faster. You fly through a cloud and see a flock of birds. You get in close with them and enjoy the moment. They don't even seem to mind that you're close to them.
You soar with the birds for a little until you see Arendelle. You smile at the thought of Elsa being there. Maybe she was sleeping, or doing some queenly duties. Who knows? Whatever she's doing you'd probably be dreading.
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Elsa rolls across the courtyard, battered and bruised. Her head stays in the dirt as she clenches her hand.
"Elsa, are you alright? We can stop now… give you a break," Idonis offers.
"No. Not yet… I'm not giving up yet," she mumbles, pushing herself onto her feet.
Her upper body slouches a bit, and is moving up and down due to her heavy breathing. She looks into the sky and notices a flock of birds fly over them. There is one bird that's much bigger than the others. She turns her attention back to Idonis and smiles.
Idonis shakes his head and crosses his arms.
"You remind me of (Y/N) when he was younger. Except you aren't as beaten up right now."
Elsa smirks. "Well, let's see if I surpass him when he was so young."
Idonis strolls over to a different area in the courtyard. As he walks, he snatches up a few rocks. He sets them in a pile of even more rocks.
"Alright Elsa, we're finally getting to what I wanted to try. I want you to create a barrier of ice around yourself. One that will protect you from anything. I understand that your powers take some focus to use, but I am confident we'll be able to do this. You just have to practice."
Elsa nods and enters a more relaxed position.
"Let's start by just making a few walls with your powers," Idonis says.
Elsa raises her hand and creates a wall of ice. She gazes her hand left, causing the wall to extend even further. Idonis is happy with her progress. He picks up one of the rocks and throws it at the wall. It bounces off with no effect.
"Alright, so your ice can take a rock. Keep it up, I want to see how durable it really is."
Idonis pushes off his leg and charges up a punch. He gets close enough and launches at the wall. It begins to crack, and eventually shatters. The wall between Idonis and Elsa is gone, giving them visibility of one another.
"Well, your ice will keep a punch away. We'll focus on making the wall stronger later. We'll continue with my plan for now," he states, turning around and walking back to his rock pile.
"Do you think you could make those walls without moving your hands?"
Elsa looks at her hands for a second then looks at Idonis.
"I've never tried before. I know I can make ice with my feet, but usually that was in times of stress or something."
"I would think a fight would constitute a time of stress. Could you elaborate a little more about using it with your feet?"
"Well, as I said it only happens a few times. I can release ice onto the ground with my feet. I once turned the whole castle courtyard into a skating rink," Elsa explains.
Idonis raises his hand to his chin and begins to think. He comes up with something that may help.
"How often have you used your powers in a combat situation, and what were the conditions surrounding it?"
Elsa delves back into her fights. There are only two thank she can come up with.
"Well, there was the battle we had with your clan. I fought a few people. There was another time when I was defending myself from some soldiers. That was in my ice castle, so I had the advantage."
Idonis' brow raises at her final statement.
"Maybe that's it. Maybe you just need ice around you at all times."
"I… I don't know if I can do that. Not at all times, anyway," Elsa doubts.
"Maybe not right now. But with my training, you can. If we can train you to actively have a little ice around you at all times, then maybe we can make it a shield around you. The ice is already present, so it won't take time to form!"
Idonis pats himself on the back for his plan. Elsa bobs her head in acceptance. Even without powers Idonis seems to know more about them than Elsa does. Idonis approaches Elsa. He gets the drop on her, as she's lost in thought. Idonis places his hand on her shoulder and gives her a reassuring grin. Elsa jumps a little bit when she returns to the real world. She looks up at Idonis to see his smile.
"Before we continue, do you want to take a break? Seriously. Even (Y/N) and I have our limits. Pushing yourself if fine, but you'll get to a point where you'll push too hard and lose it all."
Elsa smiles and lightly pushes Idonis off of her.
"I'm tougher than I look. But I understand. Let's keep going a little longer though. I want to do this," Elsa says with pure determination.
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Sven – mounted by Kristoff and Eugene – reach the home of the trolls. Sven stops and allows Kristoff and Eugene dismount. Kristoff strolls up beside Sven and rubs his jaw. Sven licks him in happiness. Eugene stays behind Kristoff. He's a little on edge right now.
"So… this is the place? Where is your family? All I see are rocks," Eugene nervously asks.
Kristoff turns towards the middle of the rocks and gestures Eugene to follow him.
"Don't worry. We're in the right place," he confirms. "Hey guys! I'm back!"
The rocks begin to move and roll towards Kristoff. Eugene backs up a bit in surprise, but gets stopped by Sven. The rocks converge in one spot, then pop up into small trolls. Eugene cracks a smirk and lets out some air.
"That's different."
A few smaller trolls jump onto Kristoff, one at a time.
"Kristoff!"
"How is the castle? Is it really big?"
Kristoff laughs and holds the two troll children in his arms.
"Hey little guy. Man are you getting big! And yes, the castle is really big. I don't think I've been in every room yet!"
A few of the trolls look at Eugene.
"Who is this? A friend of Kristoff's? Come, come, and don't be shy."
"That's Eugene. Eugene, that's Bulda. And the rest of them are my family."
Eugene chuckles. "I can't imagine how birthdays go around here."
Kristoff lets out a small snicker at Eugene's joke. He looks back to Bulda and kneels down.
"Is Grand Pabbie around? I really need to talk to him."
Before she can respond another trolls rolls up to Kristoff and emerges.
"What is it you need, Kristoff?" Pabbie inquires.
"Pabbie… Someone sinister is around these parts. He kidnapped Eugene's wife, Princess Rapunzel, and he… he took Anna."
The whole family gasps at once.
"Anna was taken?"
"She's gone?"
"My poor Kristoff! What happened?"
Pabbie raises his hand to quiet down the family. He grabs Kristoff's hand and focuses for a moment.
"This man… he is dangerous. I can see that. He's taking people all over the world."
Eugene makes his way closer to Pabbie.
"Do you have any idea where he is? Any idea how to find him?"
Pabbie looks towards Eugene, then his eyes stray behind him. Pabbie takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.
"I know where he is," Pabbie states, pointing behind Eugene.
Everyone except Pabbie looks over. A man in a hood ominously comes out behind a tree.
"It seems I'm not as invisible as I like to think," he sarcastically says.
Eugene and Kristoff cringe and rush in front of all the trolls in a protective manner. Sven also takes position beside Kristoff.
"You! Where is Rapunzel? What have you done with her?" Eugene snarls.
"And what about Anna? Is she safe?" Kristoff barks.
"Answering your questions isn't the reason I'm here. I'm here for him," he says, pointing at Pabbie.
The trolls rush in front of their beloved family member. Kristoff and Sven growl at him.
"You're not getting him!"
"I didn't ask for your opinion."
Viper seemingly teleports in front of Kristoff, Eugene and Sven. He grabs Sven's antlers, then spins around. He lets Sven go, throwing him into Eugene and Kristoff. The two have no time to react. They feel the full force of Sven's weight hit them right in the gut. They are pushed back and land on the ground a few feet back. The three are knocked out instantly when they hit the ground. Some of the younger trolls rush over to see if they're okay. Viper stretches his neck and looks back towards Pabbie.
"I'm not here to kill any of you, nor do I really want to. If the psychic comes quietly then I will leave the same way," Viper sharply states.
Pabbie makes his way through the crowd and approaches Viper. Bulda rushes up beside Pabbie.
"What are you doing? You can't!"
"I must. It will keep everyone safe," Pabbie states, pulling out a small rock and handing it to Bulda. "When Kristoff wakes up, please give him this and tell him to deliver it to (Y/N)."
"(Y/N)?" Bulda whispers.
She reluctantly accepts the rock and stares at Pabbie as he walks away.
The entire family watches in agony as Pabbie meets Viper.
"I will come with you."
"Good choice."
Viper grabs Pabbie and leaps far away.
The family falls to their knees in sadness. They can't believe that Pabbie was taken just like that. Bulda looks over to Kristoff and realizes there is still a reindeer on top of them.
"Come on, we have to get Sven off of them!"
A large group run over to the three. They get into position around Kristoff and Eugene's head then start pushing Sven. It takes a few pushes, but they get Sven off of the two men. Bulda rushes up to Kristoff and starts patting his face.
"Come on Kristoff, wake up."
Kristoff lets out a few moans, but stays asleep. Bulda turns to another troll, who is doing the same thing to Eugene. He looks over at Bulda and shakes his head. Bulda lowers her head for a moment then walks towards the group.
"They'll be ok… they just need some rest. But… we lost Pabbie."
The family stops for a moment and lowers their head in respect for their lost family member.
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You and Gaia make it close to the temple. You prepare to dive in, but you remember Gaia is with you. You roll your eyes and start lowering yourself in a much gentler manner. You enter the forest and land on the ground. The temple gate is in view, so it won't even be a walk. You and Gaia walk towards the temple.
You can hear something. Something's off. It may not be wrong, but something is off. You push open the gate and look around. The courtyard seems to have some added security. The clan members seem more serious than they usually are.
"Are you getting a bad feeling?" Gaia whispers.
"I thought it was just me," you answer.
You both walk towards the temple. You look over to one member.
"What's with the guards?"
"We have a guest," they respond. "I think you should head to your quarters."
You nod and walk towards the Grand Master's chambers. Gaia stays with you. You walk up to the sliding doors and notice some men inside the room. You throw on a smile and slide the door open. The group looks towards you. Daniel is there, but there are others. They have different clothing. Clothing you aren't too familiar with. Daniel has a distinct gloom on his face.
There is one man who stands out from the rest. He has a clean shaven face and a bald head. He seems to be missing an eye, as there is only black where an eye ball should be. He has a very gritty face that shouts experience and loss. He has two decorated kamas attached to his lower back. His clothes match his associates, as they all have a dark blue gi on. The other men have masks on that cover everything but their eyes. That mask in the only difference between them and the bald man.
"Daniel, who are these men?" You ask.
"They're-"
"I am Kalthow, Grand Master of the Leviathan Clan. Are you (Y/N) – the only known living Drakon and Grand Master of the Dragon Clan?"
You nod. "I'm being called that more and more, so yes."
Something is wrong. The Leviathan clan comes from the far west. FAR west. It would quite some time to get here. They must have something very important to share, else they wouldn't be here. But what do they want?
The tension between you and Kalthow rises. Everyone can feel it, but they aren't sure why it's happening.
"I am here on behalf of the five other clans of the world. The Serpent Clan has declared war against not only us, but the elementals of the world. I heard that Queen Elsa of Arendelle is an elemental, has she been taken yet?"
"She's not getting taken by anyone," you snap.
Kalthow is taken back by your reaction. Daniel's eyes shoot between the two of you.
"(Y/N) has relations with Queen Elsa, professional or otherwise."
Kalthow understands what Daniel means.
"Well, this should interest you even more then. Our clans are being attacked, along with the elementals of the world. Our own elemental, Rain, was taken a few weeks back."
"I remember Rain. Tempest mentioned him every once in a while. He's supposed to be a master of defense. Nobody could touch him, apparently," Gaia states.
Kalthow raises his brow at Gaia. He takes a moment to scan her.
"Another elemental? Seems like you have two under your protection."
"Under my protection? Are elementals usually associated with clans?" You ask, turning your head towards Gaia.
Gaia sways her head a little. "Not particularly. Elementals are usually freelance and do whatever we want. However we aren't very popular. Queen Elsa is the only elemental that isn't looked down upon. The clans welcome us with open arms, so we usually take part in one of them."
You acknowledge this and turn back towards Kalthow.
"So what do you want from me?"
Kalthow clears his throat. "Every elemental, other than Gaia and Queen Elsa, have been taken. Our clans have been sacked by the Serpent Clan. They have some sort of backing that gives them great power. They shouldn't be as powerful as they are."
You think for a moment. "Have you found any tunnels underneath the ground?"
Kalthow smirks. "We have. From what we can tell, these tunnels run on for miles."
"Gaia and I found one leading from Corona to Arendelle. Who knows how far they go. But this just makes me wonder… who did it? It would take generations to dig those tunnels, if they span all over the world."
You start slowly walking around the room, contemplating what to do, and what's happening. The room watches you walk. Gaia decides to speak up.
"Which elementals were taken?"
"The fire elemental, Pyro. The thunder elemental, Tempest. The water elemental, Rain. And finally, the air elemental. I was not told his identity, but the Eagle Clan confirmed his kidnapping," Kalthow answers.
"Tempest… Pyro…" Gaia softly states.
"I have a question. Have they kidnapped anyone else with some sort of power?" You ponder.
"No, they haven't. Why do you ask?" Kalthow responds with intrigue.
"Princess Anna and Princess Rapunzel was taken by the Serpent Clan. I can assure you that they weren't elementals. But Viper did say-"
"Viper? You've met the man behind this?" Kalthow interrupts.
"Twice, yes. He attempted to kidnap Elsa but I stopped him. Do you not know he has the power to control snakes?"
Kalthow is at a loss for words. You almost feel proud to catch the old man speechless.
"Seems you're a little behind. They are called the Serpent Clan, you know."
"We're called the Leviathan Clan, but we don't have some sort of Leviathan guiding us."
"Fair enough, but I'm just telling you what I know. So what are you here for? What do you want me to do?"
"We want your help to take down the Serpent Clan. You are one of the most powerful known people in the world."
"Gee, don't pressure me or anything," you smile, pushing a part of your coat away from your leg.
"And you seem to know more about him then we do. We'll give you resources if you give us results."
"Well, I am hunting him anyway, so I'll take your help. What do you have to offer me?"
"Manpower. I notice that your clan has diminished significantly, so having agents all over would help you."
You nod.
"Well, I want a few men down in Arendelle. Idonis is there, but I want some others there to keep Elsa safe," you order.
Kalthow sighs. He isn't sure whether this is just wanting to protect someone you care for, or not. Either way, he has to. Elsa is one of the elementals, so she needs protection. He nods and turns to the men beside him.
"Send the Eagle Clan members to Arendelle. Tell them to blend in and keep an eye out for any signs of Serpent Clan activity."
The men nod and walk out of the room, leaving you, Daniel, Gaia, and Kalthow alone.
"So… when did the Serpent Clan become so active?" You ask with genuine interest.
"One month. Not much time, yes, but the fact they that've done so much in such little time is very concerning."
It's surprising to you that this has been going on for so long. You should have known about this, even if it was only a month. This is something that came to your attention no more than a week ago, but to affect all the clans in such a manner… it's unheard of. There was only one time in recorded history that all seven clans banded together. But sadly, the reason for the gathering was never said. There are uncovered messages between the clans, sharing trading routes, secrets pathways, etc. But never once did it say why they banded together, and what they were fighting.
For the clans to gather once more is serious. Especially since it's one of the clans that is causing all this. The clans have had a sort of peace between them all. A peace treaty, in a sense. It made sure that all the clans kept to themselves, and left every other clan alone unless a legitimate reason is given. Even the Serpent Clan obeyed these rules. The serpent itself may be seen as a deceitful animal, but the people in the clan were always good. What changed? What made them do this?
If anything, the Serpent Clan was one of the better clans. With the close proximity between your clan and theirs, you always had a good relationship between them. There was the one incident a few years back when you got attacked with Roy and Cass, but you dug deeper into that not too long ago. It was a rogue element in the Serpent Clan that attacked you.
There were a few collaborative missions throughout the years. You never were part of those, but you know that the Master used to. Apparently, there was an important mission that both your Master – who was Grand Master at the time – and the Grand Master of the Serpent Clan. Idonis knew what this mission was, but he never let you in on it. There was talk all around the clan about it. Cassandra told you that they went out to find some legendary creatures that were threatening the world.
You didn't believe that, but you may now. The very fact that Rhaegos, your father and a dragon, is alive right now is proof that such mythical beings do indeed exist. Maybe the two found something during their expedition, and maybe that has something to do with this. Could the Serpent Clan have found something and are now using it? But why? The Master was there, he wouldn't have allowed it. It's not like he died during the mission and you know he wouldn't compromise in any way. Something must've happened afterwards. Whatever that may have been might be the cause for this. Maybe talking to Idonis would shed some light on this.
"Well, let me do this. I'll have this rectified in no time."
"You sound very confident in that statement," Kalthow comments.
"I believe actions speak louder than words. That phrase is what I live by. I'll find out what's happening, and I'll stop it."
You walk out of the room with hard swagger. Gaia looks between the door you just exited and Kalthow.
"Good day, Grand Master," she bows.
Gaia makes her way out of the room and rushes beside you.
"Why did you do that?" She asks.
"Do what? I was polite yet firm. Besides, I am going to get this done. Right now… I need to delve into some documents. There's something I have a hunch on."
"What do you want me to do?"
You stop and turn towards Gaia.
"You're free to do whatever you do. Take a rest then go to Daniel for further assignments."
Gaia stays silent for a moment, wanting to argue. But she knows you're right. She was only there for the one mission. There isn't any reason for her to stay with you. But at the knowledge of Pyro and Tempest being kidnapped – her fellow elementals taken – she has a responsibility to find out what's wrong.
"Very well. But if you find out where that man is I want you to tell me."
You can see the determination in her eyes. You almost feel proud.
"Alright. If anything comes up I'll let you know."
You leave Gaia and head towards the library. You want to make sure you check everything before going back to Arendelle. You aren't sure why, but you simply don't want to face Elsa until you save Anna and Rapunzel. It could be your pride keeping you away, or maybe the fact that you almost feel like you're breaking a promise to her.
You enter the library and pull out some texts. You look around to see if anyone if around. You notice one man looking through a book.
"Excuse me, can you get Daniel down here?"
He looks over and sees it's you who is asking.
"Yes, sir."
You lean over the table and cross your arms. You stare at the wall and try to think of something. You hope this'll lead somewhere, but you aren't sure. You're trying to follow a very slim lead. A lead that you made up. If you're wrong then it'll be a waste of time. You can't afford to waste any time.
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Kristoff's eyes slowly start to open. He can only see the sky right now. He slowly lifts himself up and rubs the back of his head. Before he even knows it Sven rushes up to him and licks his cheek. He takes it full force then looks over.
"Hey, buddy. You're okay."
"That he is," Eugene comments.
Kristoff looks to the left and sees Eugene with a smile on his face and a welcoming hand extended towards him. Kristoff smiles and takes Eugene's help.
"Thanks Eugene. Are you okay?"
"I have a serious bump on my head, but other than that I'm pretty good," he smirks.
Kristoff looks around to see his family. They all have sad faces. He can feel the despondency emanating from them. He turns to Eugene with a questioning look.
"What's wrong? What happened? Wait… what did that man do with Pabbie?"
Eugene's face falls. Kristoff turns to his family and walks up to Bulda.
"What happened? Please, tell me."
"Pabbie… he… he went with that man," she moans with sorrow.
"What? Why? Did he hurt anyone?" Kristoff raises his voice.
"No. He just took Pabbie and left. But… Pabbie told me to give you this," she says, handing Kristoff a small stone. "He said to give it to a person called (Y/N)."
"(Y/N)? Why him?"
"I don't know…"
Kristoff looks around to see his grieving family. He sighs and stands up straight.
"I'm going to leave you all to yourselves. But I promise that I'll find Pabbie. I will."
Bulda looks up and Kristoff and lets out a half-hearted smile.
"I know you will, Kristoff."
Kristoff and Eugene mount Sven.
"Let's go boy. We're going back to Arendelle!"
Sven lets out a howl and starts running. Kristoff maintains a stern face as he holds on to Sven. Even without looking, Eugene can see the seriousness in him. For the little time he's known him, and all the stories he's heard from Rapunzel, Kristoff doesn't seem like the most serious person in the world.
However he can understand why Kristoff may seem a bit different. His father figure is gone, plus his wife. He's lost two people he cares about to this guy, and it must have some sort of effect on him. Eugene would actually be a little concerned if Kristoff wasn't reacting at all. Even Sven has a gloomy feel to him. Eugene knows how they feel. At least to some extent. He wasn't the most pleasant person when Rapunzel was first taken. He's a big enough man to admit that.
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Idonis throws three different shuriken. One goes straight while the other two curve left and right, respectively. They fly through the air and come towards Elsa. Elsa stays calm and takes him a deep breath. She widens her eyes when the projectiles come to close. Before they get five centimeters in range walls of ice shoot up from the ground, which is frosted over.
Idonis smiles at the success.
"You did it, Elsa!"
Elsa drops the walls and adopts her own smile.
"I did… ha… I did!"
Elsa lets the ice around her melt, and allows her legs to give out. She's been training with Idonis for hours now, and it's taken its toll on her. If she thought she was going to get special treatment then she was dead wrong. None of her duties as queen even compare to what Idonis just put her through. Blood and sweat drip down from her face and arms. The ice outfit she made is stained with some red. Elsa isn't a fighter, and she knows that. But there are times when you have to change for people that you care about. But, who is Elsa changing for right now? Is she doing this because of her sister, or you?
She would never deny that she has a sort of envy at what you do. Killing people with control. Elsa can't do that. She doesn't like violence, but she'll use it if she has to. She has used it before, and that very event is what makes her envy you. When she was attacked by the Duke's men she did fight back, oh did she fight back. She almost killed them. She let bloodlust take over. It's sad to admit, but if it wasn't for Hans she may have done something she would've regretted.
It's that control that she envies. She lost control when she fought, but you don't. She can't recall a time that she's seen where you've lost control, even in the most dire situations. No matter how many people you faced, no matter how close they used to be, you kept as calm as possible during those times.
Yet… why did you act so different during the council meeting? That is one thing that will throw her off. Maybe it's just that balance between the two of you. You may have the battle experience, but she has the political power. That fact actually surprises her. You seem too calm and collected to freak out when people yell at you. Maybe it was more than just the setting. Maybe it was the subject.
Whatever the case, Elsa feels proud of herself. She's catching up. She's becoming more than just a queen who can talk. Perhaps she can be the queen who is more than just her bark. She still would never hurt anyone without reason, but she needs to have respect. Some people think she is weak and a pushover. Elsa has fought to change everyone's view on her. She is more than what she looks like, especially now.
Elsa notices feet stop in front of her. She looks up and sees Idonis with his hand extended towards her.
"Is this how you treated your students?" She jokes.
"No. I wouldn't treat four year olds like this. You are my queen, so I feel that I can't kick you to the wall and beat you to your feet."
Elsa's eyes widen in surprise and disbelief.
"You did that?"
"I do, sometimes. The soldiers get lazy at times. It seems cruel, yes. Trust me, I know. I took those beatings when I was young."
Elsa takes Idonis' hand. He pulls her to her feet and hands her a wet cloth.
"You might want to clean off your face. You look hardened and gritty."
"You think (Y/N) would like it?" She jokes.
Idonis huffs and starts to walk away.
"I don't know. You would know more about his… personal pleasures than I would."
"I was only teasing, Idonis."
"I know."
The two stroll to a nearby bench and sit down.
"So, you mentioned when you were younger. If you don't mind, what was it like?"
Idonis stays silent for a moment, staring into nothingness. Elsa starts to feel like she's asked the wrong thing. Before she can speak Idonis' mouth opens.
"Only two people know about me. (Y/N), and the Master. I guess one, now. I won't give you a history lesson, but I will tell you that it was still difficult. The Master and I started in the clan together. From childhood till a few years back we were the best of friends. We knocked each other down, we helped each other up. It was a lot tougher than it was when (Y/N) was young. Perhaps you could say I'm just an old man who may be stuck in his ways. I'm even starting to get grey hair," he chuckles.
Elsa laughs with him, but keeps her eyes on him. This is something she wishes more people could see. Something more people should understand. You and Idonis aren't killing machines. You're both people. People like her.
"Well, my queen, I suggest you clean up. I'm going to return to the barracks. If you want to continue with training then tell me. We'll practice more tomorrow."
"Sounds good," Elsa nods. "Oh, Idonis, could you tell one of the guards to get a warm bath ready for me?"
Idonis smiles and gets off the bench. He leaves the courtyard. He leaves Elsa.
Elsa stares at the ground for a moment before slapping her knee and standing up. She makes her way to her room without anyone noticing. She can't let everyone see their queen beaten up like this, even if it wasn't a bad reason. She checks the bathroom to see if her bath is ready. She opens the door and peeks in. She can see steam coming from the bath. She smiles and enters the room. She allows her clothes to melt off her, leaving her naked.
She carefully enters the bath and relaxes. It seems like years since she's done this. In fact, it's probably been years since she's had a bath for simple relaxation. It's nice to take in the good things in life. Even if dire situations are happening all around her, she still needs some time to think.
The first thing that comes to her mind is you. What you're doing. What could you be doing right now? You said you were going to find Anna and Rapunzel, but how? It doesn't make sense to her. There are no leads. Nothing. At least, Arendelle and Corona couldn't find anything. Maybe you'll have better luck. She hopes you do. It's her sister on the line.
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Daniel arrives at the library with all the texts you asked for. Most of them are about ancient and powerful creatures all around the world. Their locations, history, general persona of these creatures. Daniel sets them down and looks at you. It's obvious that you're deep in thought. He sighs and pushes the books a little closer to you. You don't move at all. Daniel picks up all the books and slams them down on the table.
You flinch a bit and lock eyes with him.
"Thinking, huh?" He prods.
"Yeah, thinking," you smile; your eyes move to the books. "These are all the books we have on it?"
Daniel nods. "Yes, but I have to ask why you need these."
"A hunch. I hope I'm right."
Daniel looks towards the door then back to you.
"Listen, you're going to need to leave soon."
You raise your brow at Daniel.
"There's going to be a meeting between all the Grand Masters at the Scorpion Clan's temple," Daniel elaborates.
You stare at the books, thinking about what could happen if you weren't here. What could happen to Elsa? There is Idonis and those Leviathan Clan members in Arendelle to keep her safe, but you don't trust them. It sounds cruel, but when it comes to Elsa you want to be with her yourself.
"How long do they want me there? It's halfway across the world."
"Not long. You just need to attend this meeting, then I'm sure you can leave soon after. Besides, it's in a week's time. You'll have this sorted out by then."
You give a half-hearted smile and start going through the texts.
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Elsa finishes her bath. She dries herself off and looks in the mirror. There are no obvious signs of any violence done to her. She smiles and creates her signature ice dress. Once in that, she decides to see what the council was doing. Even though she has full faith in you, the council may have found something that could help everyone.
Elsa goes through the hallways of her castle until she reaches the council chamber. She opens the doors to see a distressed Kristoff and Eugene. The two look over at her, then Kristoff hastily approaches her.
"Elsa, thank goodness you're here. Where is (Y/N)?" Kristoff asks.
"Still out. Why, what happened?"
"That man… he took Pabbie…"
Elsa wraps her arms around Kristoff.
"Kristoff… I'm so sorry," she consoles.
Kristoff hugs her back. Elsa can feel the loss Kristoff is experiencing. She can just feel it in the air around him.
The two break off and look towards the rest of the council members. They are all here.
"Looks like another was taken while that assassin was gone," one hisses.
"Watch your tongue. He's doing what he can!" Elsa counters.
"Yes. Perhaps aiding them. The trolls are very ancient, and very secretive. Not many people know about them."
Elsa gives the man a sharp look, telling him to back off. He gets the hint. Elsa can be very cold if she wants to be. When it comes to you, she'll scowl anyone who attacks you without any merit. Even though she needs to keep on everyone's good side, she still won't stand it.
"I'll get the word to (Y/N) right away. Hopefully he has something by now," Elsa smiles.
"And if he doesn't?" Kristoff instantly answers.
Elsa looks at him for a moment then to the ground.
"He'll have something. I know he will."
I hope he will.
Hey guys! Hope you all enjoyed the chapter! I know it's been some time since I updated this, but I just had some other things to do. But I'm back on track now! The story for this is completely laid out ahead of me; all I have to do is write it down. So thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my story! And thanks to everyone who has followed and favourited this story! This has much more than I ever would have thought! So thank you all, once again. Have a great day, and stay tuned for more! I promise it will be out a lot quicker than last time!