Things start getting interesting in this chapter.

Jack, Flynn and Kristoff stood in the hallway for close to a minute before anyone spoke.
"I really want to punch you right now," Flynn said.

"Ah…I'm not sure how I'm supposed to respond to that,"

"What do want with Elsa?" Kristoff crossed his arm and looked at Jack with cold eyes.

"I want to date her,"

"I'm being serious here,"

"So am I. All I want is a relationship with her. There isn't any ulterior motive. Nothing to do with DreamWorks or Disney. This isn't about the rivalry I swear."

"You expect us to believe that?" Flynn snorted, "That you, Jack Frost, one of the most popular persons at DreamWorks started a relationship with Elsa Winters, who is metaphorically royalty in Disney without any hidden agenda?"

"Do I expect you to believe it?" Jack barked a laugh, "No, of course I don't. Anyone who goes to our schools isn't going to believe that if I just said it. Even with proof you're probably going to have trouble believing it. But that doesn't mean it isn't true.

"We don't like you,"

"Can't say I practically care for you either,"

"But…Anna, Merida and Rapunzel all vouched for you. The four girls in there," Flynn pointed to the door, "Love each other more than anything, they would kill for each other. So if they didn't trust you, you wouldn't have gotten within ten feet of Elsa. Their vote of confidence is the only thing stopping us from dragging you out of this hospital right now, or making it so you'd have to be admitted yourself. Just because the girls trust you doesn't mean we have to. We're watching you Frost."

Kristoff advanced towards Jack, "If give any sort of indication that your intentions aren't anything but one hundred pure, if you say something weird, act weird, if you even blink in a suspicious manner I'm make sure you regret ever learning Elsa's name,"

Jack gulped, "You never stuck me as someone quick to violence. Even hockey games you're not all that rough,"

"This isn't a game, or school event. This concerns the feelings of one of my best friends. If I have to get rid of you I will. I don't care if Elsa hates me for it. I'd rather her hating me than having to see you break her heart,"

"I'm not going to do that," Jack suddenly gained confidence, "I care about Elsa. Deeply, truly. How can I prove it to you?"

"You can't," Flynn said.

"Please, I don't want the rivalry to come between us. I want to prove to you that I care for Elsa, despite the fact that she's Disney."

Flynn and Kristoff looked at each other. "Just don't do anything to hurt her."

"Because like we said, if you do we won't hesitate to-"

"I get it. You won't have to worry me hurting Elsa. I swear on my sister's life that I'll never, ever do anything intentional to hurt her, or Anna, or Rapunzel, or even Merida…okay, I may say some snarky things to Merida but that's it."

Flynn and Kristoff both gave him confused looks. Jack shrugged. "You know how Merida can be. And right now I'd say my relationship with her is better than dislike, but it isn't in the' we're friends category' yet." He said with air quotes. Flynn actually snorted in amusement before regaining his hard look.

"And if I can say this…you shouldn't be mad with Anna and Rapunzel,"

"Who do you think you are to be talking to us about our girlfriends?"

"I know, I know. It's not my place. It's between you and them. But they just wanted Elsa to be happy, and that's why they didn't tell you anything. They knew you would act like…this. I'm truly thankful that they gave me a chance, and got to know me before they cast judgment. I get that you're upset that they lied, but they did it for me. Have your strife with me. They didn't do anything to deserve you being mad with them. And right now, with the impending storm, they are going to need to stand with them."

"You're…actually concerned for them…" Kristoff said, his brows frowning.

"They got under my sink, in a good way…even Merida, if you can believe it. This is about to explode, and the shockwave is going to hit all of them. I can't be there at Disney if things start up, but if I could I would. I was hoping…that you would protect them,"

"Do you think we had any intention of doing otherwise?" Flynn sounded severely offended.

"Just because we're mad at them doesn't mean we're about to let anyone hurt them. Not, you are any moony, or anyone at all."

"You mean that, you're going to protect all of them. Even Elsa,"

"Don't think we don't care about her," Kristoff said, "I'll protect all them, from the entire school, from both schools if I have to. I'll stand between then and anyone who wants to hurt them."

"Although they'd probably kick our asses if they heard us." Flynn mused, "They'd hate it when we treat them like they can't protect themselves. They'd much rather be standing beside us when everything goes down."

"That's true," Kristoff said, at the same moment Jack said, "You have a point," The two boys looked at each other for a moment and Jack smiled. Kristoff didn't return the gesture, but his face wasn't as hard anymore.

"Sooo...are we cool?" Jack asked.

"Cool, isn't the adjective, but we're not going make you leave."

"I guess it's as good a start as I could have hoped for," Jack held out his hand. Kristoff looked for a moment before he shook it slowly. Flynn did the same, with some reluctance. They went into Elsa's room, Anna and Rapunzel jumping to their feet as they did so.

"You don't have a black eye," Elsa said.

"Is that what you were expecting?"

"I was expecting a doctor to walk in and tell Ellie you were in your own hospital bed,"

"Oh come on, we're more civilized than that. We won't get into a fight unless we were really provoked, and even then it would be most for self-defense," Flynn said.

"Sure, that's why you were grappling on the ice the other day," Rapunzel reminded him. Flynn blushed.

"And it's not like they would have been able to put me in the hospital even if they wanted too." Jack smirked.

Flynn and Kristoff both opened their mouths but Elsa beat them to it, "Please, if it were between you and Kristoff, my money's going on Kristoff."

"Ha!"

"HEY!"

"What about me?"

"You and Jack might be evenly matched," Merida said to Flynn.

"I'm leaning a bit more towards Jack in that case, but I'm biased," Elsa said.

"But you think Kristoff can beat me,"

"Yes," came Elsa's flat reply. Merida, Anna, Ellie and Rapunzel giggled.

"I'm your boyfriend,"

"You being my boyfriend does nothing to enhance your strength or fighting ability. Kristoff would win,"

Jack's jaw dropped. Kristoff started laughing. Flynn was trying to argue that he would so be able to take Jack, but no one was really listening.

"Elsa, how are doing?" Kristoff asked when they quieted down.

"I'm fine. I'm more curious as to how you're doing?"

"Confused to what you could possibly see in him,"

"Trust me, I still don't get it either," Merida said.

"You're just saying that. I've grown on you,"

"Like an annoying rash,"

"You're still okay with me and Elsa dating,"

"I tolerate it, for Elsa's sake,"

"Let's not start now," Rapunzel interrupted.

"We know you went back just to confront him," Anna said to Kristoff, indicating to Jack.

"I guessed you would figure that out,"

"Did you still compete?" Elsa asked.

"I did, came in second. Lost to Hiccup."

Jack smirked. Kristoff noticed, "Why are you smiling, sixth place?"

"Sixth place? Huh, I was actually expecting to do worst. But still, looks like Hiccup's contingency plan back fired."

"You came in first in the other event," Ellie reminded him.

"Yeah, but I don't anyone is going to be looking at the good I did,"

"Oh god, I'm not looking forward to Monday morning." Flynn said.

"Are they going to keep you in the hospital?" Kristoff asked.

"They want to keep me overnight for observation, but I'll be able to go home tomorrow…and go to school Monday,"

"You're not going," Anna said.

"I just can't hide forever,"

"Not forever, just until they all forget about this."

"That's not going to be any time soon," Flynn said, leaning against the wall.

"And if I stay home, then they're going to turn on you. I'm not going to let that happen, to any of you."

"And you think we're going to sit back and let everyone tear you apart," Merida said.

"We in this together. We're not going to let you face this alone," Rapunzel said.

"But-"

"No buts," Anna said fiercely, "We're going to be standing right next to you when you walk into school."

Elsa looked like she was going to argue, but under the serious gazes of her friends she couldn't say anything.

"You're all so stubborn," She finally said.

"Shit!" Merida suddenly said. Everyone turned towards her. "Please tell that isn't who I think it is,"

Everyone who wasn't in a bed crowed around the one window looking out towards the front of the hospital.

"Oh god no,"

"What are they doing here?"

"There are not getting in here,"

"What?" Elsa tried to see past them, "Who is it?"

There was a group of four people walking towards the entrance. Even from their third story vantage Shrek's bulky figure was unmistakable.

"It's the Ogre," Flynn said.

"WHAT!?" Elsa exclaimed. "Jack, you have to go,"

"They already know about us. I'm not going let them get to you,"

"Did you think that they might be here looking for you and not me?"

"Still, I'm not leaving you."

"You have to go,"

"No."

"Ellie's here!"

This caused Jack to pause. He looked at his sister.

"Jack's what's going on?"

"Damn it." He growled in frustration.

"Frost, go." Merida said.

"But,"

"You think we can't protect her?" Merida said.

"No- I mean, yes, but-"

"Go, I can handle the ogre," Merida smirked.

"Okay," Jack nodded, "Ellie let's go." He took her hand, "Only, they might see me."

"There's back exit to the car park," Rapunzel said, "We used it when we came in. I can show you."

"Right,"

"Flynn, Kristoff, let's go find out what the ogre wants." Merida said.

"Be careful," Anna said. Elsa

"Bye Elsa, feel better! Bye Anna!" Ellie called out as they exited. Jack pulled is phone from his pocket quickly dialing Hiccup's number. He followed Rapunzel down one hallway while Merida, Flynn and Kristoff turned down another. Hiccup answered on the third ring.

"Pick us by the back entrance,"

"Ah, okay? Why do you sound so hurried?"

"Shrek is here,"

"That's not funny,"

"It's not a joke,"

"Damn. I didn't think anyone would come here,"

"They're in the hospital. That's why we're going out the back."

"I can see the back entrance from where I'm parked. I'll be right there,"

"Right," Jack hung up. They took the stairs down to the ground floor and with a few more turns they were at the back entrance.

"I really don't want to leave knowing he's here."

"Merida and the guys can handle Shrek, don't worry." Rapunzel smiled.

"Still, watch your backs,"

"You too."

Hiccup was already waiting for them. They got in and Hiccup drove off.

"Did you see who was with him?"

"The usual. Fiona, Donkey and Boots,"

"Where did you see him?"

"Merida spotted them as they were coming into the hospital. She, Kristoff and Flynn are probably confronting them now."

The elevator doors opened and Shrek scowled at the sight that greeted him. He and his friends exited, but they go far because Merida, Flynn and Kristoff were blocking the way.

"The hell are you doing here Ogre," Merida's glare was deadly.

"What's your game firecracker," Shrek said.

"I don't know what you're talking about,"

"Fes up. There's more going on here. Jack Frost is about true blue DreamWorks blood as you can get. How'd the ice queen get to him? She's good looking, but I didn't know she was good enough to lure Jack into whatever web you're weaving. I'm not the least bit surprised that you're somehow involved in all this,"

"Elsa and Jack's relationship is their business. And get off your freaking high horse. We said it before. Disney doesn't need to resort to still little plans to prove our superiority to you."

"Funny, considering it was the ice queen who said those words last."

"And she meant them."

"How's the ice queen?" Fiona asked.

"I really don't see how that's any of your business," Kristoff said.

"We were just concerned for the senorita," Puss said, "That was quite the tumble she took."

"Who's the one playing games now?"

"What's your ploy? Why was Jack so concerned with her before?" Donkey asked.

"Why don't you ask him that yourself?" Merida said.

"You know what's up,"

"I do." Merida said, "But I'm not going to tell you. Not, can you please leave. You're not wanted here."

"It's a public place," Donkey said, "We can be here if we want,"

"Maybe, I'm sure your face is only making people sicker," Flynn said.

Donkey launched forward but Puss held him back, "Not the time or place hermano."

"You don't reason to be here right now, and you can't prove anything. And even if you could, what are you going to do about it." Merida said.

"Don't think this is over," Shrek staked forward. Merida held her ground, glaring up at him. For a long, tense moment they didn't move. Shrek finally backed away. Merida smirked.

Shrek sneered, turning back to the elevator. His angry storm out was ruined by having to wait for the elevator. Once it arrived and they got in he said "I'm going to find out what you rats are up to."

"Moon man, we're mice, not rats."

Some 40 hours later Jack pulled into the student parking lot of DreamWorks. He took a breath, mentally steeling himself for what was about to come. He opened the door and was scared a foot into the air when Hiccup suddenly appeared next to the car.

"Oh geez Hic." He clasped a hand over his heart. "Don't do that,"

"Sorry," He smiled apologetically, "How are you?"

"Let's see, Bunny isn't talking to me. I managed to talk to North and explained everything to him last night. He said he had to think things over and he hasn't called yet so…I don't know what's going on there. Tooth and Sandy are both trying deflect anything that comes their way, but so far it hasn't been good, and it's only going to get worst from today. And you?"

"Astrid hit me."

"Ouch,"

"Yeah, in the gut, and legs. She took me down and left me gasping on the floor in my house and then stalked out. I've left a number of voice mails. She's pissed. And I don't even know what the others think, because they didn't call me, and I didn't call them."

"I'm sorry man,"

"Astrid will come around…eventually."

"You know I didn't want you to get dragged down with me,"

"I know. But here I am."

"Here you are."

"Ready."

"No,"

"Me either, let's go."

"We can still turn around you know," Merida said.

"And go back home? Mom will send us right back,"

"We don't have to go home," Anna said.

"Yeah, we can ditch school. We've never done that," Rapunzel said.

"I'm not running away,"

"You can't really run anywhere on crutches anyway," Anna said.

Elsa smiled, "it's going to be fine guys. I'm going to have you all by myside after all,"

Rapunzel pulled into a park and Anna got out, hurrying to the other side of the car to help Elsa out. Merida was carrying Elsa's bag as they walked towards school.

Eyes turned towards them, and all conversations stopped. But Merida's glare seemed to keep everyone at bay. Rapunzel purposely arrived a few minutes before the first bell. Most people would have already been in or on their way to class. Anna, very reluctantly left for her own class. Merida and Rapunzel stayed next to Elsa the entire walk to class.

Almost mercifully, Monday mornings for them meant two double periods back to back, and the rooms where close together, so they managed to make it to lunch with out anything more than harsh whispers going on behind their backs.

But then came lunch. Anna was somehow with them outside their class less than a minute after the bell rang. On their way to the cafeteria they were stopped by Hercules.

"Winters, hold up there a sec,"

"We don't want to-"

"Merida," Elsa cut her off, "It's okay,"

"We want to know how you're feeling," He said, "It was a big upset for all of us to see you take that fall,"

The group of students seemed to have multiplied by ten.

"I'm fine, thanks for asking."

"You're leg," He pointed to cast.

"Nothing to major, I'll live."

'Good. Good. There's one other thing we want to know about,"

"Wonder boy, don't," Megara said.

"I just want to ask," He said.

"What was up with Jack Frost when you got injured?" Aladdin asked.

"That's-" Merida started again, but Elsa held up a hand.

She took a breath, and let it out slowly. In a clear, loud voice she said, "Jack Frost and I are dating."

A gasp from the crowd. Snow, Aurora and Cinderella started whispering to each other. Murmurs broke out all over the place.

"I'm sorry," It was Wilbur who spoke, "It just sounded like you said you were dating Jack Frost,"

"That's what I said,"

"A moony!" Hercules said, "He's a moony,"

"I'm well aware,"

"Why would you date moony?"

"Hec, you don't have to yell like that," Ralph said from the back of the crowd.

"No, we deserve to know, why she's with a moony,"

"Why do you care how she's dating?" Anna said.

"It's not like there's a law." Rapunzel said.

"Maybe not a written one," Eric said.

"But there's a line," Kusco said, "And she crossed it."

"How?" Merida and Anna asked the same time.

"She betrayed Disney," Kenai said.

"What?" Anna said, in utter surprise.

"How could you do that to us? For a moony?" Ping said.

"What are even talking about?" Merida said. "Sure, we don't like the moonies, but it's not that bad."

"Not that bad?" Hecules said, "She threw her competitions,"

"WHAT!?" Merida, Rapunzel and Anna exclaimed at once. Elsa blinked in surprise.

"That's crazy," Anna said, "She came second the other day, and person she lost to was Peri, and that was by less than a point,"

"That stumble was one purpose wasn't it?"

"What?" Elsa shook her head in disbelief.

"Do you hear yourselves? Elsa came in second," Merida said.

"With a score of over 45. Do you even understand how hard it is to get a score like that?" Rapunzel said.

"Obviously she tried to make it believable. She stumbled, but it wasn't enough. So she went for something bigger when she skied. That fall was on purpose, it had to be. We all know how good you are."

"I wouldn't even dream about doing that!" Elsa said.

"She ended up in cast!" Merida said, marching forward, eyes flashing. Rapunzel and Anna grabbed her arms.

"Well, she probably didn't plan on falling that hard,"

"She didn't plan on falling at all you idiots. Anna! Rapunzel! Let me go!"

"I can't believe any of you would even consider I'd throw a competition."

"Yeah, well before Saturday none of us would have considered you'd date a moony," Hercules said, "What'd he do to get you throw the competitions?"

"I didn't throw the competitions."

"Then explain you messing up, twice."

"I'm a human? Mistakes happen."

"I don't buy it. What did you do for you? Elsa, you were the last person who I'd guess would something for a good l-"

A fist slammed into Hercules nose, and he fell back onto the people standing behind him. But it wasn't Merida who'd punched him, it was Anna.

"Oooooh!" The crowd exclaimed as one. Rapunzel, Elsa and Merida looked on wide eyed as Anna screamed at Hercules.

"How dear you even suggest that my sister would…oh geez that hurt!" She gripped her fist.

"Let's get out of here," Elsa said. Rapunzel helped her hobble away as fast as she could, with Merida pulling Anna along. There were shouts, and cried. Full on anarchy seemed to have been unleashed.

Bet you thought it was Merida who punched at first.

Nardragon~ until the next page.