The North: The Man From The Shadows

by Gilbert Stories

Everything seems just right to Elsa. The Northuldra have welcomed her with open arms, she reigns as the fifth spirit, she has befriended Honeymaren and Ryder and her sister is engaged to the man of her dreams. But she keeps feeling a strong presence to travel up to the four peaks only to run into a man who lerks in the shadows. What will Elsa do once she realizes who he is?

19. Dispossed

Chapter 18:

Dispossessed

Northuldra

It was quiet in the camp. Everyone was asleep except a few warriors patrolling the camp at night as they normally did.

A female Northuldra warrior walked through the forest, patrolling the camp's east parameter one final time before she switched with another warrior and calling it a night.

She walked through the familiar forest as she gently touched the tall leaves nearby before covering her mouth from the growing yawns. She couldn't wait to go to her tent. But suddenly her eyes widened.

SNAP!

She gasped when she heard the sound of a branch breaking. She licked her lips nervously and slowly walked over to where the sound came from. Her hands gripped tightly on the staff as she approached the tree to see what it was but found nothing.

She sighed in relief and her shoulders relaxed when she saw a small critter strolling by. She turned around and was about to return to her family at the camp. when suddenly-

SHINK!

"AHHHHH!" The woman screamed as she felt something sharp pierce her back, immediately tensing up as her staff fell from her hands.

She looked down to her stomach in panic where she could see the blade sticking through her stomach as she saw her own blood coloring her tunic and tasting it build up in her own mouth.

But before the Northuldra woman could even register what had happened or even cry for help, she was yanked backwards into a dark area leaving no sign of her whereabouts except her own staff that laid in the ground.

---

The Dark Sea

At the shore of the dark sea there were many large and mysterious boats that had just barely made it to the shore. Many dark-hooded figures were stepping off and walking towards the land.

There was one leading the large party that stood in the front. By his armor and attire it seemed he had a different title than all the men who seemed to walk equal one with another.

He stood on the shore with the men following behind. He stared at the large forest in front of him. Only his dark eyes could you see from his face as the rest was covered completely.

There were two men also wearing dark hooded tunics who stepped out from the forest and walked towards the man at the shore. They too with hidden faces like the rest of the party stepping off the boats.

One of them had been wiping fresh spilled blood on their coat.

"What did you find." Asked the man in a strange and mysterious language.

"Evidence of people. Much people. Strange looking ones too. Some of them were patrolling the forest." Replied the one of the men as he drew his now clean blade back in.

"Did they see you." Asked the man.

"No my lord." Replied the second one standing next to the other.

"Very well." The man replied.

Once he heard what he had to hear he clenched his fists angrily and impatiently before he turned to face the rest of the men who stood attentive and ready to hear his words.

"Attention!" He exclaimed. "We're here for one and one person only. Hans. Bring him back alive at all means cost. And do it quickly. Master Ra's is not a patient man..."

Immediately all at once and in perfect union the whole league stretched their fist forward and clenched it with their other hand making a loud thud noise, showing understanding and respect to the man in front of them.

"Well what are you waiting for. Get going." Said the man deviously as he watched large league of men including the two who had just come from the forest start to run back towards the dark and mysterious place to find the man they've been looking for.

All while that happened, from a far distance, Hans was watching from behind a bush with his brows furrowed, and his eyes still glowing a deep green.

He knew exactly who that man was and who he brought with him. And knowing there wasn't much time, Hans headed back to the camp to warm the people.

---

Arendelle

Hanna peaked her head from behind a wall as she looked both directions to make sure no one was passing.

It was late and dark. There were no candles lit except the lanterns the royal guards were holding in their hands.

When she saw one of the Arendellian guards coming to her direction she quickly shoved the rest of the crew of women behind and shushed them.

They each held their breath as the royal guard passed through them without even noticing them. They watched as he disappeared into the dark hall.

"Come on!" Whispered Hanna loudly as she led the way through the castle halls with the girls following behind, trying to catch up to her as quickly as possible. "We need to hurry!"

"I'm trying to keep up the best I can! I didn't necessarily dress the part to go out on adventure today!" Hissed Anna as she picked her dress up and continued to follow the group.

Hanna stopped right behind the final wall just across the great doors which caused the rest of the girls to collide with one another.

She waited till she made sure no one was coming around. Making sure she didn't even hear a single footstep nearby.

"I-is anyone there, Princess Hanna..." whispered the young Kristina.

"Okay. Coast is clear, follow me." Whispered Hanna as she looked both ways one final time. She began to run across the halls and was just about to reach the doors with the rest of the women following behind until suddenly-

"Princess Hanna!"

SHING!

Many of the girls gasped heavily at the sudden sound of the blade as they even jumped backwards in defense mode from the startle they received

"Aw, dammit." But the Princess only sighed heavily with rolled eyes, knowing exactly who it was calling her name. She recognized the voice.

"Say the word I'll kill him." Whispered Cassandra but Hanna only signaled her to stand down.

She turned around with annoyance and just as expected, Damien appeared in front of them with his sword drawn and pointing at them.

"Princess Hanna, I suggest that you go back to your room, immediately-"

"Look. We both got on the wrong foot.. I know you must hate my guts after everything I put you through but I really need to go. Just this once." Replied Hanna.

"I cannot allow that. You are not to leave your chambers-"

"Please, Damien. My brother needs me right now-"

"Princess Hanna. You are not allowed leave your chambers-"

"Just listen to me!" Exclaimed Hanna in frustration.

"No. I allowed it once but I will not allow it again. I have orders directly from her majesty herself. I must fulfill my duty. Now you and your band of shield maidens return to your chambers at once-"

"Stand down, Lieutenant!" Came the sudden call from the group behind Hanna. And it was a good thing too for Hanna was just about ready to use sailor talk.

Damien's eyes widened when the voice of the acting Queen came into his ears. They got even wider when he saw Queen Anna appearing from the darkness behind Hanna with Queen Elsa standing next to her. He immediately sheathed his sword.

"Y-your majesties? What is going on?" He asked as his eyes blinked several times in confusion, even turning to see the other two women.

"Lieutenant it's all right. Something is amidst and we're going with Princess Hanna to the enchanted forest to see her brother." Anna explained.

"And we're just tagging along." Said Cassandra with a smirk and with a shy and nervous Kristina standing behind and waving hello to him.

"Prince Hans? But.. he's dead... Why-"

"Lieutenant I am sorry but we are in a hurry. We must get going." Said Elsa with worried and furrowed brows.

"Well then, I'm going too." Said Damien as he walked forward.

"What!? No, no no no. Hell no." Argued Hanna as he looked at him and then back at Elsa and Anna.

"Lieutenant, that isn't-" Anna began.

"My mind is made up, Queen Anna I cannot allow you to see Prince Hans all by yourself. You're well being as well as Queen Elsa's are my priority." Damien interrupted.

"But-"

"Anna, we don't have time for this. Let's just bring him along." Elsa said urgently.

Anna sighed. "Fine, you can come."

"Are you kidding me.." grunted Hanna as she grabbed her forehead in annoyance as Damien bowed respectfully and gratefully.

"Shhh, I think hear footsteps approaching..." whispered Kristina nervously as murmur from other guards began to fill the hall.

"This way!" Said Damien as he led the way to the large doors without being seen from anyone. They ran through the doors and out towards the castle ground without being seen from any guards patrolling outside.

The group of six then went straight to the end of the dock where they stopped at the edge and stared anxiously at Elsa as she started to warm up her fingers and lift her hands.

"Princess Hanna!" Just then the voice of a female came and they all turned to see all of Hanna's shield maidens running and joining the group.

"Oh you made it! Is everyone present?" Asked Hanna as she looked around.

"We're all here, Princess Hanna." Said Gunnhild with a smile and bow.

Hanna nodded and smiled back before turning to the group behind her again where Elsa was making her way to the front of the dock.

"Are you sure you're able to make something bigger this time?" Asked Hanna impatiently.

"I'm sure." Replied Elsa as she flicked her two wrists. Suddenly a large ice boat appeared from the magical flurries she commanded out of her hand. It was as if she was summoning it from the depths of the sea. "Everyone to the boat, now."

Everyone did as they were told as they each entered the boat. Even Damien entered and made sure to help all the women inside. Hanna however refused his hand and instead gave him the cold shoulder.

Even her shield maidens pushed Damien out of the way as they each entered the boat with Cassandra.

Then Elsa entered and dipped her hand into the water, which caused the water to start moving slowly but soon enough the speed picked up quite rapidly with the water spirits help as it went up the Fjord towards the north.

---

Northuldra

At the camp, Rhanda was tending to a young Northuldra boy, wrapping bandages around his knee, which he had cut after falling on a rock.

"There you go, little guy. Just be sure to not put too much pressure on it, okay?" Rhanda said.

"Yes. Thank you Rhanda." The boy said as he hugged the teenage nurse.

"You are very welcome. Now, you go back to your family's hut and get some rest."

The boy nodded and slowly limped away.

"Rhanda?"

The teen turned to see Honeymaren walking over to her. "Hey Maren, what's up?"

"Have you seen Helve? She should've been back from her patrol by now." She asked as she looked around.

"Helve? Umm... no, I haven't seen her." Rhanda replied, looking around the camp.

"Are you sure?" Honeymaren asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Yes, Maren. I say hello to everyone who returns to this camp."

Honeymaren sighed. "Something's wrong. She never takes this long to get back-"

"Maren!" Came the sudden loud exclaim from the familiar voice. "Maren where are you!?"

"Here! God man what's wrong with you?" Said Honeymaren with annoyance as her brother ran towards her still panting and out of breath.

"You need to come. Now." Said Ryder grabbing unto Honeymarens arms and pulling her with him. "You too, Rhanda. You need to come-"

"Whoa whoa. Slow down Ryder what's wrong with you-"

"It's Helve!" Exclaimed Ryder with frightened eyes.

Honeymarens brows furrowed and then her eyes slowly widened with fear. She could see the seriousness in her brothers eyes and how pale he looked. Almost sick to his stomach.

Something was wrong.

"What happened to Helve?" Asked Rhanda worriedly.

There was even fear and worry in Rhanda's voice too.

"Take me too her." Demanded Honeymaren suddenly as she ran behind Ryder with Rhanda following quickly behind.

---

Christiansen farm, many years ago

"Okay just... follow my lead." Said Nora as she brought the end of the rope to the other to make a perfect squareknot, just like she had been taught by her father.

The two young girls had been sitting on the dirt floor where the large crops covered the field as Nora's mother continued to pick out the vegetables from the roots.

"There!" Said Nora holding up the square knot to show Iduna who was sitting next to her. "Now you try."

Iduna followed the instruction from Nora and almost made the square knot too perfectly and with ease.

"Dákkár ná?" Said Iduna holding up the square knot to her face, which in her language meant "like this?"

"Wow.. Uhh yeah. Humph. Seems you are a very quick learner. Living in the woods your whole life must help huh?" Said Nora as she scratched her head while Iduna smiled proudly at her knot.

"Nora, Iduna." Said Nora's mother as she rose from the ground and wiped the sweat off her face before placing a pare of corn into the bag on her side. "Time to go home, it's time for supper and it's getting late."

"Coming mother!" Called out Nora as she gestured her head at Iduna to get up.

Iduna quickly rose to her feet. She still couldn't understand or even speak their language but she was picking up a few words. She could understand when something was important or not.

She took a few steps as she began to follow Nora down the trail that led back to the barn house but suddenly her boot caught her dress and she ended tripping frontwards.

"Oof!" Grunted Iduna as she planted straight on the dirt ground. Unsure she could even get up, Nora was already picking her up herself.

"Remember." Sighed Nora as she stood up and she began to wipe the dirt of Iduna's shoulders and waist. "Pick your dress up with your hands when you walk or at least take big steps. See?"

Nora begin to demonstrate to the young Northudlran girl for what seemed the sixteenth time. And yet she was still patient as the very first time.

"There." Said Nora as she placed her dress down. "Now you try."

Iduna quickly looked down to her feet and raised her dress up like Nora showed her and began to walk in circles like Nora had done.

"There you go, you got it. Now try taking big steps." Said Nora.

Iduna quickly let go out her dress and began to take big steps forward where she could walk normal and without any trips or falls.

"You're a natural." Smirked Nora as they began to walk back to the house with Iduna smirking back. "I know you aren't used to wearing these, but you'll get the hang of them soon, don't worry. It'll come as natural as breathing."

They arrived to the house where they found Nora's mother already setting two bowls of supper on the table before she too got her own bowl to serve herself.

"Come, let us sit and eat." Said Amma as they all took a seat three chaired the table.

Quite ironically, Nora had replaced Christian's empty chair with all three of them always sharing breakfast, lunch and dinner all the time.

"It is very delicious mother." Said Nora as she took a large sip with her wooden spoon while Iduna did the same.

"I'm glad." Smiled her mother. "But there is something of importance we need to discuss."

"What's that mother?" Asked Nora with curious brows. Even Iduna could tell the woman's tone of voice became serious.

She sighed. "It's been four weeks since Iduna has moved in with us. We've been fortunate to avoid the public eye this whole time but... we need to come up with a strategy."

"A strategy? What do you mean?" Asked Nora.

"Look, the last thing we want is Arendelle finding out that we've had a Northudlran girl living with us this whole time, as well as taking her in as one of our own." She said as Iduna swallowed her saliva nervously and shyly at hearing the familiar word Northuldra.

"Not to mention that you're going to be starting school next month, Nora. And I don't plan to send you by yourself-"

"I don't have to go to school mama!" Argued Nora.

"Nora... we've had this conversation already."

"But it's true! I should be here, helping you with the farm. It's what papa wanted-"

"You're father wanted the best future for you, Nora. And that involved school. He would want you to move forward with school and our family business. So no, you aren't skipping school and you will be returning, Nora."

"But... Iduna too?"

"We can't keep Iduna hidden away from the public eye forever. What kind of life would she live?"

"But her home is in the forest, mother! I heard her mention it before. That's where her family is-"

"I have looked everywhere, Nora. I have gone scouting myself, hoping to find any tracks or any Northudlran villages but all is lost. There nothing out there but a deep mist that would practically take you to Sweden. And I have a feeling Iduna knows this too.."

Iduna looked down to her hands as if she understood what she said before she looked at Nora again.

"So... what do we do?" Asked Nora nervously as she and Iduna looked at each other.

Amma reached for her cup and drank it, twirling the fresh juices in circles before setting her cup down again and finally speaking.

"In two weeks, Prince Agnarr will be crowned King of Arendelle. He alongside the council will expect all those lost family and loved ones to be at the ceremony, present for his coronation.

We will have to attend, Nora. You're father was a well respected lieutenant of Arendelle and many will question our motives if we do not attend."

"They will start to get suspicious.." Said Nora.

"Precisely." Said Amma. "We cannot allow that. For the safety of Iduna and your fathers name."

"But everyone will become suspicious when they find another girl my age with us.."

"We have an advantage, Nora." Said Amma as she leaned forward. "Although your father wil always be remembered as the great lieutenant he was, the fact remains that no one knew of his personal life. Not many thought he was even married until I went to the ball with him last year. We are just farmers to them after all."

"So.. what do you have planned mother?"

She sighed before answering. "We tell them you two are sisters."

"Sisters!?"

"Twin sisters perhaps. That way there isn't confusion between the people."

"But mother... we look completely different! I mean look at her! She has blue eyes mine are green. She's a brunette and I have auburn hair-"

"Twins run in my family, Nora. It's not like this couldn't be possible."

"But to convince them? Are you sure we can do that?"

"We have to try, Nora. For the sake of Iduna's life we have to try. And I believe we will succeed." She said before leaning back.

"This is... crazy." Sighed Nora.

"How's the Norwegian classes going?" She asked before turning to Iduna and smiling at her. "How is your Norwegian?"

Iduna quickly cleared her throat shyly before answering. "V-very good... I am still.. working on it.."

Amma smiled lovingly at hearing her heavy accent. "Good. Keep practicing."

Supper came and went and the girls were soon out the door and walking back to pick up the rest of the knots they had left.

"Well then. I suppose from now and till forever more. You and I are sisters, Iduna." Said Nora as she gently patted her back.

"Sisters?" repeated Iduna in her Northudlra accent.

"Yup. Sisters." Said Nora smirking at her back. "Think of it like a best friend. A mate only closer..."

"Sisters.. ah, sisters." Said nodding her head, understanding what she meant as they walked off into the sunset.

"How do you say sister in Northuldra."

"Oabbá." Replied Iduna.

"There, that." Said Nora looking at Iduna again. "You are my Oabbá."

Iduna smiled at her bright emerald eyes as her blue eyes shined brightly with the sunset in front of them.

---

Arenfjord, Present Day

As the ice boat sailed towards Northuldra. Everyone seemed so focus on getting to their destination that no one had begun conversation since they started.

Instead Hanna, Elsa and Anna were the ones sitting at the front as the cold waves splashed on the sides of the ice boat.

None of them said a word until Hanna looked towards Elsa who had been picking her nails and with worry almost as if she was eager to arrive at the forest already.

"So it seems my family and yours have known each other for a long time then." Said Hanna breaking the silence followed with a deep sigh.

"I suppose so." Replied Elsa as she looked to stare out to the cold sea.

Hanna leaned against the ice boats sails and sighed again. "I remember my mother would talk about a sister in Arendelle she left behind. But never did I believe it would be Queen Iduna."

"Our mother would vaguely talk of her family. She was so secretive about her past life all the time. Only hints and clues but we were so young we couldn't comprehend it all." Said Anna joining in the conversation.

"And I was too worried of killing anyone." Said Elsa as she looked down to the moving waters.

"A rather weird way you three grew up." Said Cassandra suddenly with a smirk as she took a sip of her canteen water while Kristina sat next to her.

"You're one to talk." Said Hanna raising her brow at Cassandra who chuckled.

"You're right. I had a rather weird upbringing as well."

"How was your upbringing like." Asked Elsa with curious and furrowed brows as she turned to look at Cass.

"Well, imagine being born from an ancient woman who was exactly one thousand years old." Said Cassandra before taking another sip.

Elsa and Anna's eyes widened.

"Wha..." Said Anna, not able to finish the word at all."

"That's right. An ancient witch who used the power of the magical sundrop flower, or in this case, Rapunzel's hair, who she kidnapped when she was a baby and abandoned me at the age of four."

"Oh my God..." Said Anna taking her hand to her lips. "Punzie was kidnapped when she was just a baby, I forgot all about that..."

"Yeah well that's how Raps and I are connected." Shrugged Cassandra.

"Do you know who your father is?" Asked Elsa.

"Pah, probably somewhere out there, one of the many thousands of men Gothel slept with." Said Cassandra as she leaned back again.

Elsa furrowed her brows and blinked several times. "I-I'm sorry-"

"What?" Chuckled Cassandra. "You think my mother only used the magical flower just to live forever? No, not at all. The witch was obsessed with sex. Addicted to it. She would sleep with a dozen men at the same time everyday."

"COUGH! COUGH!" Choked Damien who had been listening to the conversation. The shocking claim made it difficult to swallow water from his canteen.

Even Elsa was taken back by the shocking yet horrifying story Cassandra had told them. It was no wonder her and Hans got along well... and why she could see they were so... close before. At least that was one way to put it.

"I-I am sorry. I meant no harm or meant for you to share such a private story with us.." Said Elsa.

"Don't worry about it, your majesty. It's in the past, what can you do? You can't change the past and we all have a story." Said Cassandra as she easily leaned back again.

Elsa watched as Cassandra's short hair blew with the cool Scandinavian breeze. She was right. You can't change the past.

"Ahem. Well, that is quiet a story..." Said Anna. "If I may ask, have you seen Rapunzel? When's the last time you've gone to Corona?"

"It's been three years. Hans and I went our separate ways after exploring most of Europe and the Mediterranean as mercenaries. I write to Raps here and there. She seems to be doing good. She always begs me to come back but... I don't think my destiny awaits in Corona." Said Cassandra.

"Why is that?" Asked Damien clearing his throat from all the coughing before taking another sip of his cantee.

Cassandra sighed deeply. "Because of all the damaged I caused to Corona."

Annas brows furrowed. "What happened?"

"You see you're not the only one who has welded magic, your majesty." Said Cassandra turning to Elsa. "All types of magic exists all over the world, even out of this world. And I know how it feels to possess it."

"You have magic in you?" Asked Elsa with widened eyes.

"Not anymore." Smirked Cassandra. "To make a long story short, I was manipulated by a demon disguised as a little girl into taking the sunstone from Raps, only to be betrayed and stripped of my own magic from the moonstone. But Raps and I reconciled. And, with the help of her hair, she and I were able to merge the stones into one, destroying the demon, saving the kingdom, but at the cost of... my life."

"No way!" Anna exclaimed as she leaned forward with widened eyes. "I think I remember hearing of that! A heavy destruction that came of Corona. But many thought it was because of an earthquake. At least that's what the rumor was here.

"Yeah well it was no earthquake that for damn sure.." Said Cassandra regretfully. "I liked it.. The feeling of power. Of rage. I felt as if I was finally important and worth giving respect to. But I was wrong.

After we destroyed that demon, I died. At least that's what they said. But Raps wasn't gonna let me go out like that. She braved the awesome power of the merged stone and used it to bring me back and heal everyone else. Then she blasted it into bloody space so it could never be used again." Cassandra explained.

"Wow..." Anna said in awe at Cassandra's story.

"I can confirm all she said is true." Said Kristina shyly raising her hand. "I was there.."

"That's quite the story, Cassandra." Elsa added.

"If I may ask. Is everyone royal family tied in magic of some sorts. Is there a reason there was so much secrecy in our own kingdom?" Said Damien suddenly as Anna and Elsa turned to look at him. "I mean no disrespect your majesties.."

"No, it's okay. I'm sure our whole kingdom asks this on daily." Sighed Anna. "And truth be told I wish I had the right answer for you, we were only taught to obey our parents and want they wanted for us."

"The only magic I've heard besides mine was Corona's. Rapunzels to be more exact. And the forest of course."

"It must be stressful, continuing to unveil new secrets as you go on with life." Added Kristina.

"You have no idea." Sighed Elsa as she looked out towards the approaching forest.

---

Northuldra

"Helve!?" Exclaimed Honeymaren as she ran through the woods following her brother with Rhanda close behind. "Helve!"

"Shhhh! Maren you need to stay quiet." Hissed Ryder.

"Why? This is our home, Ryder." Argued Honeymaren.

"Ryder sighed deeply. "Just... follow me."

They continued to trail forward as quick as they could until they finally reached the group of Northudlra warriors who were encircled with obvious distress in their faces.

Honeymaren shoved Ryder out of the way and looked at her comrades dead in the face. "Where's Melve. Where is she!"

None of them said a word. Some of them even looked sick to their stomach. Their brown skin had gone pale like Elsa's.

"Well! Who's gonna talk!?" Exclaimed Honeymaren angrily. Even scaring a few of the tribe members who were clearly still shaken.

She looked up at one of the large men in front of her with annoyance. Raffo, her father best friend and veteran. She looked at him as if she was waiting for an answer. But her furrowed brows soon disappeared when he saw slight tears building inside his eyes.

"Raffo? What happened??" She asked softly.

He swallowed nervously as he looked up at her and then took a step to the side to unveil to Honeymaren what it is he was preventing her from seeing.

Honeymarens eyes widened and heart dropped when she saw her.

"Helve!" Exclaimed Honeymaren as she leaped forward and grabbed unto her bloody and dreanched tunic where her open wound on her stomach was coming from. Even the leaves below their feet were covered in Helves blood.

"Wait! Maren stop!" Exclaimed Ryder.

As she shook her, Helve's head moved to face Honeymaren. Her neck had been slit open and so deep causing the woman's decapitated neck to snap off in front of Marens face, practically looking at the inside of what once was her throat.

The Northuldra woman gasped in horror as she dropped Helves dead body to the ground. The whole group behind her began to groan in horror. Even some began to puke their dinner.

Rhanda seemed the only one unfazed with her experience as a nurse as she quickly dashed forward to look at Helve. Honeymaren had backed away and was grabbing unto her mouth in shock with her shaky hands.

"Wha... what happened..." She barley choked out.

Ryder helped one of the Northuldra warriors sit down as she began to puke constantly again before turning to his sister. "They found her like this... they called me over and there was no life left of her."

"Who-who did this. An animal or some creature-"

"No animal or creature would do this." Said Rhanda cutting off the traumatized Honeymaren as she examined Helve's deceased body. "Only a monster would...

Honeymarens brows furrowed and suddenly her eyes widened when something clicked in her mind. "Hans..." She said slowly rising to her feet. "Hans did this. It has to be him! He-"

"No, Maren." Said Ryder stepping forward and grabbing his sisters tense shoulders. "Hans didn't do this. He's been at the peaks the whole time."

"How are you so sure!" Exclaimed Honeymaren. "Look what he did to us! You don't think he's capable of this!?"

"It can't be him." Said Rhanda as they all turned to look at her who was examining her wounds and her cut. "These weapons are far larger than what Hans wields. This attack was done because she was at the wrong place at the wrong time..."

"Than if it wasn't him who would be capable of.. of doing such a thing to Helve of all people..." said Honeymaren.

"Her fiancés gonna be devastated when he hears the news." Sighed Ryder with pain in his voice as he crouched down and gently moved Helve's head so to not look so horrifying.

Honeymaren and the group were in so much shock that she didn't hear the rustling of branches in a nearby tree. But Ryder did. He quickly looked up and saw a dark, hooded figure standing on a branch. They had a clear line of sight on his sister and then the figure pulled a sword from a sheath on his hip.

"MAREN, LOOK OUT!" Ryder shouted.

Honeymaren looked up just in time to see the hooded figure jump from his perch and pounce at her. She rolled out of the way just before he could strike her.

"Stop him!" Exclaimed Ryder as he and the others charged to him. They swung their staff at him but the man countered every attack with ease. Even breaking the bones of a few of them.

Ryder went for a strong punch but the man moved out of the way and elbowed Ryder hard on his mouth and then kicked his stomach which sent him backwards to collide a tree.

Rhanda quickly ran towards Ryder to check on him as she slid past the dark hooded man. The man quickly acted and charged forwards to grab Rhanda but suddenly a staff hit the man's face hard, even causing him to grunt.

He shook his head angrily where before he could see Honeymaren with her staff in one hand and her dagger in the other as she retrieved it from her pocket.

The man's menacing dark eyes only stared at her as he popped his neck with ease before charging at Honeymaren again.

"Rhanda! Watch over the others!" Exclaimed Honeymaren as she charged forwards and began to strike with each weapon in her hand.

But the man would move, jump and even roll out of the way. Even when Honeymaren got him it wasn't enough to tire him out. Instead he continued to attack.

Honeymaren went for a hard knee but the man caught her knee and squeezed it harshly.

"Errr!" Exclaimed Honeymaren with discomfort before she elbowed his chest as hard as she could. Then with her dagger in her hand she quickly brought it down through his forearm causing immediate blood.

He looked down at his arm, surprised but the damage but he didn't flinch one bit. And as soon as he was finished observing his arm he looked up back to a surprised Honeymaren staring straight at him as she stood behind the tree that the man had backed her up again.

The man turned to look at her with an angry expression. Suddenly he thrusted his hand out at her, causing a kunai spear attached that was attacked to a chain to fly out of his sleeve and right at Honeymaren. The Northuldra warrior yelped as she moved her waist to the side, just out of the way of the kunai as it slammed into the tree, just inches away from her side.

"Take cover!" Exclaimed Raffo.

She looked up and back at him with focused eyes. Ready to counter the next blow thrown at her from that mysterious weapon. But suddenly the man pulled the chain back with incredible strength and the kunai was ripped out of the tree's bark and sliced Honeymaren's waist and even made contact with the left side of her neck.

"AHH!" Honeymaren exclaimed as she fell to the ground.

She held on to her cut as her blood began to bathe her gákti.

"MAREN!" Ryder yelled in dismay, seeing his twin sister injured. He too barely able to get up from the hard hit he took.

The man drew one of his katana swords again, ready to end Honeymaren's life, only to charged by Raffo, who came in swinging his wooden spear at the league's second-in-command.

"Ryder, GO! Get your sister out of here!" Raffo ordered as he still held his stomach in pain from the encounter they had earlier.

Ryder's eyes widened, but he nodded and quickly helped his sister up, letting her lean on him for support.

"Wait, what about Raffo?!" Honeymaren protested.

"He's giving us time to escape, Maren!"

"AHHH!"

But the yell of her father's closest friend rang in her ears as she turned to see the man dropping to his knees with blood dripping from his throat. Now she had lost two good friends today.

"No.." she whispered to herself as her eyes filled with tears as new blood started to run down her neck.

"We have to hurry! Your losing too much blood Maren!" Exclaimed a panicking Rhanda.

The dark hooded man stared at the three viscously as four other hooded men appeared from the bushes and joined his side.

Rhanda took Honeymaren's left arm and wrapped it around her shoulder to help support her. They took a few steps when suddenly the dark hooded man landed right in front of them, much to their shock.

The looked around to see any exit possible but we're suddenly surrounded by four others. There was no escape.

He rose his weapon in the air to strike all three of them down until suddenly an axe flew across the air and collided with his weapon, knocking it completely off his hands.

He grunted as he quickly looked up to see wher that came from only to be met with a man charging right at him. He didn't have time to process until suddenly the man jumped and smashed his knee across his face, knocking him backwards. Then did he realize who it was.

It was Hans.

"GO! Get her out of here and bring Tadashi!" Exclaimed Hans as Ryder and Rhanda ran forwards and grabbed Honeymaren from the ground, each of them wrapping her arms around their bodies for support.

They did as they were told and ran off with the remaining warriors following behind.

THans turned again only to be met with a hard collision of the first across his face which sent him tumbling to the ground.

Than two other members of the dark party kicked Hans stomach two times causing him to have no choice but fall flat on his face and grunting as he held the hard sting that ran through his organs.

The four of them gave space to the man who had collided with Hans knee as he massaged his chin with annoyance before turning to look at the familiar auburned haired man.

"Traitor.." seethed the dark hooded man in the strange language he spoke earlier. Hans spat the taste of his blood to the ground with anger before he stood on his feet again to meet him in dead stare.

Suddenly all five of the men charged at Hans again. And soon thereafter they all engaged in intense battle against him.

Hans fell backwards only to kick up back to his feet. The man summoned the strange weapon from his wrist once more and sent it towards Hans who was dealing with four against one.

But Hans knew that familiar sound anywhere and he rolled out of the way and then rolled frontwards when the weapon returned to him.

Hans knocked three of the five men off their feet with hard hits before turning his attention to the other two. The remaining of the four charged after him but Hans clotheslined him so hard that it knocked the wind out of him.

The man summoned the strange weapon once more, this time close to Hans distance. But Hans was so quick that he grabbed a hold of the chain and wrapped it around his axe.

They were in a sorts of tugging challenge as the man struggled to summon the weapon back.

Hans quickly wasted no time and leaped forwards wrapped the chain tightly at the man's leg, causing the tissue to tighten as Hans threw a hard knee that followed.

"Ahhh!" Grunted the man angrily as he reached for his leg that was burning in pain.

That's when Hans took advantage and slammed the man to the ground and began to viscously strike his face with hard punches. From the forest suddenly appeared Tadashi and the rest of the men. Each of them with a surprised expression when they saw four league members hurt and unconscious on the floor.

But even more surprised when they saw Hans beating the man senselessly. And not just any man. Tadashi and the others knew who he was.

"Hurry! Hold him down!" Ordered Tadashi as the rest of the men quickly lunged forward to hold him down while the large Russian man tried pull Hans away so he could stop hitting him with the anger he had built up.

Hans backed away once he was finally under control and watched as they held him secure and began to breathe heavily, trying to catch his breath from the intense fighting.

But his ears suddenly quirked up when he heard rustling in the forest. He turned around and there were dozens of screaming men fast approaching the small group with weapons in their hands, ready to bring them down to Hans.

Hans rolled his eyes and sighed heavily. They all wanted him captured. He positioned himself and reached for his dagger and with his axe on the other hand. Ready to survive or to die. Ready to accept whatever fate mate may come his way.

But suddenly ice appeared from the ground and every single one of the leagues men fell to the ground, slipping and colliding with one another.

Hans' eyes widened. He knew that ice anywhere.

He turned around and his eyes widened when he saw a small group of women charge towards the fallen league. Each of them wielding some sort of weapon in their hands with only one man following behind. A guard to be more exact.

It was there in the front of the group that he saw his sister, the mighty lioness in full gear with Cassandra by her side with rest of her shield maidens as she countered and knocked down many of the league with ease.

Elsa was throwing ice at all the men, purposely making them slip continuously and hitting them hard on their chest. But his brows furrowed when he noticed one with strawberry blonde hair fighting along side Elsa with a sword made of ice in her hands.

He squinted his eyes and suddenly they were large and surprised again as he realized who it was.

"Anna?"

But he quickly turned his attention back to the league as they continued to throw punches at him, trying to bring him down. But Hans was quick to counter and brought them down himself as he collided the back of his axe to their faces, not killing them but only leaving them unconscious.

The final man was struck on his head by Hanna's shield and he came crashing down to the dirt floor before she retrieved her sword back in its place with style.

"That's everyone. Gather them up." Ordered Hanna as several of her shield maidens started to drag the men to the corner of a tree and keep them hostage. Even Damien helped the women.

"No. Not everyone. There's still more." Said Hans as he approached his sister. "You need to leave. Now-"

"Stupid of you to think you can order me." Sassed Hanna back. "We're not leaving. I knew you were in danger and especially after what I just saw. You think I wouldn't catch on?"

"This has nothing to do with you, Hanna." Growled Hans.

"It does now." She retaliated back as she walked off and headed into the nearby sector of the woods to check on her women with Cassandra next to her.

Hans sighed in frustration, wanting to go run after Hanna and say more but he knew his sister well. She was as stubborn as him.

"Are you hurt."

His ears lifted as he turned to the soft yet authoritative voice he knew too well. She stood behind him. Her guard still up with her fists clenched next to her waist.

"I'm fine." He sighed.

"Good. Now you mind explaining how we're going to fix this giant mess you brought upon the forest." Said Elsa annoyingly as she approached the auburn haired man.

"I must speak with Ra's." Said Hans.

"You're kidding, right?" Said Tadashi from afar off with rest of the group. "He just sent several men to wipe you out and you think he's in the talking mood? Next he's going to release the whole league. Imagine what happens if he send half the large number he has of them."

"I know what I must do. He won't deny my offer." Said Hans.

"You better be right about this." Warned Elsa. "They took the lives of innocent Northudlrans and nearly killed Maren. If anything happens like that again-"

"It won't." Bit out Hans with furrowed and annoyed brows at Elsa's bitter ones.

She sighed heavily as she folded her arms and looked off to the open forest where the league members had come from. "We need to warn the camp and make sure they take shelter. We can't risk their lives. Not anymore."

"Rhanda and Ryder were already riding back to the camp with Maren to do just that right before all of you showed up." Said Hans as he bent down to pick his axe from the ground.

Kristina who had been with the group gasped silently at what Hans said as she turned her attention back to the forest.

"Speaking of which, there was this girl in your group with strawberry blonde hair swinging a sword made of ice. She looked a lot like Anna from behind." Said Hans as he stood up again.

Elsa's eyes widened as he mentioned her sisters name. Even wider when she realized who was facing his back.

"I could've sworn it was her- UFF!" Said Hans as he turned around only to be met with a familiar fist that collided against his face once again.

The punch stunned him and he quickly grabbed a hold of the nearest tree next to him while leaning over and massaging his nose.

"You're damn right it was me!" Exclaimed Anna who stood tall with her fists still clenched as Elsa quickly jumped towards Anna but there was no point in stopped her as she dodged out of the way.

"Yes, Anna, Hello." Hans greeted blankly. "I'm glad Queenhood has worked out for you. I figured you'd gone soft sitting on your throne." He finished with a chuckle.

Hans was caught off guard when Anna grabbed his tunic and slammed him into the tree he was leaning on. His eyes widened when he saw the fire burning in her eyes.

"You cut my sister's thigh and left a scar on her body!" Anna snarled.

"I was only defending mysel- OW!" Hans exclaimed as Anna grabbed the edges of his beard with her hands.

"You never told me you had a twin sister at Elsa's coronation!"

"You never asked! Nor did it seem relevant at the time so-"

"Wow, Hans, really?" Hanna said with sass as she appeared from the woods. "I wasn't relevant at the time to mention to your former fiancé?"

"Shut it." Growled Hans as he turned his attention back to Anna. "Look I know there's a thousand reasons why you'd want to kill me-"

"More like a million!" Retaliated Anna with fiery hate.

"Okay, Anna. That's enough. Remember what mother said." Said Elsa as she grabbed her sisters shoulders and began to pull her away until they were separated from one another.

"Okay, fine. I'm calm." Said Anna closing her eyes and taking a deep breath before turning her attention to Elsa. "So what's the plan here. Should we inform the milita to come here? One of us would have to go back."

"I can go back, you're majesty." Volunteered Damien.

"Wait, who's this guy?" Asked Hans with furrowed brows as he pointed at Damien.

"Long story." Said Hanna as she patted Hans shoulder while Damien furrowed her brows at her.

"No, no. We can't bring the militia here, Anna. We would be endangering Arendelle. As far as we know they have no clue where our kingdom is and it's best we keep it that way."

"So what? Are we lambs to the slaughter now." Scoffed a weak and injured Honeymaren as she was being held by Ryder and Rhanda who had been finishing covering the scar on her neck with medicine and oaks. They had appeared from out of the trees again.

"Maren-"

"If anyone should be getting sent to their deaths right now it's him." Said Maren as she weakly pointed at Hans. "Not my people, him. Him Elsa-"

"That's not going to happen." Came the voice from the overprotective sister as she stood next to Hans. Even her shield maidens were standing tall and authoritive. "Look I can understand why you would want him dead but believe me it that won't solve anything."

"Why?" Countered an upset Ryder.

"Because that would mean Arendelle would be doomed as well as Northuldra." Said Queen Anna suddenly. "As weird as it sounds it's true and Princess Hanna is right. The Southern Isles are the only thing that can benefit both our worlds at this moment."

"You're going to let hundreds of our people die, Anna." Said Maren stumbling to get on her feet before being caught by her brother.

"That won't happen." Came the voice suddenly from Elsa. "I won't allow it, you know that."

Honeymaren took a deep breath and sighed before she sat back down, her knees weak from the effort she was putting in. "I guess it's death then."

"No." Said Hans stepping forward. "They want me, not all of you. But if you stand in their way they will get through to you. That being said, I will confront Ra's alone."

"How many more times do I have to tell you?" Said Tadashi. "You can't defeat Rha's in a single combat. It's suicide."

"I can. And I will." Said Hans more confidently. "For now, we must make sure the rest of Northuldra take shelter and arm their best men with spears and stay out of sight.

"I'll inform Yelena." Sighed Honeymaren standing up to her feet as Rhanda and Ryder helped her walk.

Tadashi's men retreated back to the camp with unconscious dark hooded figures and their leader while Hans was left alone with his sister as she came by his side to check on him.

"I'm fine." Hissed Hans as he tried to tug his head away from his sisters grasp.

"Just stay still would ya?" Said Hanna as she grabbed his head more sternly and licked her thumb, cleaning his bruised cheek.

Cassandra who had joined Elsa's side crossed her arms and laughed as they watched the twins bicker. "Those two I swear."

Even the rest of the Hanna's woman were laughing at seeing their Princess order her brother around.

Elsa couldn't help but somewhat grin. It was as if Hanna was somewhat a mother to Hans, yet a sister all at the same time. It was strange yet intriguing seeing a sister of Hans. Even one capable of ordering him the way she does.

"Ahem. As much as I hate to suggest this.." Said Anna as she came from behind with her arms crossed.

"Yes, I know." Sighed Elsa as she, Anna and even Cassandra along with Damien made their way to Hans and Hanna.

"All right, I think you got it." Argued Hans as he pushed his sisters hand away from his face before wiping it away in disgust with his own hands.

"Such a baby." Said Hanna rolling her eyes before turning to Elsa and Anna.

"Ahem, Hans." Said Elsa as she crossed her hands in front of her while approaching the twins.

"Yes, yes. I know. It's all my fault, you hate my guts and this better work yada yada yada. You don't have to remind me all the time-"

"Listen bozo!" Exclaimed Anna with annoyance.

Hans furrowed his brows before he looked at Elsa again. He could see through her expression that she had something important to say but did not know how to start.

"What is it." Said Hans.

Elsa was silent for a long while until she finally looked up at him again and spoke. "It's about your mother."

Hans emerald eyes suddenly widened as Hanna bit her lip and sighed.

"... And my mother."

Hans brows furrowed again. "What do you mean your mother-"

"You might... want to sit down for this." Said Hanna as she grasped her hand on her brothers shoulder. "It's a long... story."

---

Christiansen farm, many years ago

"Øyne." Said Nora as she and Iduna sat on the dirt floor again while her mother plucked out the new grown corn in the field.

"Øyne..." repeated Iduna as she faced Nora.

"Øyne means eyes." Said Nora as she pointed at her emerald eyes. "Munn."

Iduna watched as Nora touched her lips and continued to repeat the word. "Munn." She said on her own

"Very good, Munn means lips." Said Nora.

This continued on for many weeks, up to even two months. Nora and Iduna would be helping around the farm doing just about anything from feeding the horses, grooming the sheep and even washing the laundry near the fjord.

All while Nora continued to teach Iduna Norwegian and in return, she too learned the language of Northuldra. It did not matter what day or time of season it was, the two were together all the time.

The work around the farm became easy for Iduna. She had come from a forest after all and doing simple chores or even farming was not out of her range at all.

But what she most admired was how dedicated this mother and daughter were to attending their farm. She would often hide behind the hay, picking up a few words here and there as she watched Nora's mother do business inquiries herself.

Selling her grain, milk and livestock to townsfolk. Managing the farm on her own and not once complaining about the work with no man present.

"Thank you for coming. A pleasure doing business with you all." Smiled Amma as she saw the little family off her farm.

She inhaled deeply as she turned around to the hay where she could see Iduna blue eyes peeking from behind.

"You can come out now, Iduna." Smiled Amma as she watched the young Northuldran girl tip toe from behind the hay.

The girl was still shy but nothing compared to the first few weeks when she arrived. "Are they... gone?" Asked Iduna slowly, making sure her Norwegian was understandable.

"Yes, they're gone." Sighed Amma as she turned to look at the small family who were making their way over the hill.

"Boo!" Exclaimed Nora from behind Iduna which made her jump and yelled all at the same time.

"AHH!" She exclaimed. Her eyes wide like her souls had left her body for a second or two.

Nora began to laugh at Iduna's reaction as she bent over to hug her stomach.

"Nora, be nice to Iduna." Said Amma as her daughter continued to laugh hysterically.

"I was only teasing, Iduna. Don't be so afraid." Chuckled Nora as she patted Iduna's back who just so happened to still be holding her chest.

"Actually I'm glad that you both are here. I'm thinking about making salmon tonight so I'm going to need some from the port." Said Amma.

"I can go get it mother. I've been wanting to take Freya on a stroll anyways. It's been a while since I've taken out the poor thing.. not since fathers passing." Said Nora.

"Actually Nora. You're taking Iduna with you too." Said Amma.

"Wait, what?" Said Nora and Iduna at the same time with widened eyes. "M-me?" She added later.

"Yes, Iduna. You. You need to start becoming a little familiar with Arendelle. We're going to the castle to meet with the prince next week and you both start school the following week after that. It's best the townsfolk get familiar with your face starting from now on."

"But I... I can't speak properly yet. What if I say something... wrong." Said Iduna nervously as she began to play with her fingers.

"She's right, mother. Something could go wrong or worse, they find out the truth of who she really is-"

"Nora. Just trust me on this. Take her with you. Iduna, you'll be fine sweetheart. I promise there is nothing to be afraid of." Said Amma.

"I-I don't know if I can do this." Said Iduna. Still struggling to find the words to speak proper Norwegian.

"We can never know if we can do something or not unless we do it." Said Amma proudly. "Now go, both of you and get the salmon. If anyone asks you two are exactly who you say you are."

"And what's that." Said Iduna.

"Sisters." Smiled Amma.

---

"Okay... so. You ever ridden a horse before?" Asked Nora as she made her way into the stable but stopped when she realized Iduna wasn't following her.

She turned to see Iduna standing just inside the entrance of the stable and looking around with widened eyes. Examining each animal with such curiosity as if she'd seen a creature come from a different world.

"I'll take that as a no.." Said Nora as she walked towards Iduna who was staring at one of the horses with much detail. "Come on, let me introduce you to her before we get on."

"Oh, ol'jue ol'jue ol'jue-" Panicked Iduna in her language as Nora grabbed her hand and began to tug her towards the horse.

"Come on, she doesn't bite!" Said Nora as they made their way to the young horse eating hay. "Freya! Hey love!"

The horse looked up at Nora and neighed loudly with glee which startled Iduna at hearing the loud noise as she fell backwards.

Nora chuckled as she reached over and caressed the horse with gentleness. Iduna slowly stood up and could clearly see the two were connected by the animal and her bonded.

Nora noticed Iduna staring from the corner of her eye. "You don't have these back in the forest do you?"

Iduna shook her head slowly and shyly. "Only boazu. Not something this... big."

"Boazu?" Repeated Nora with furrowed brows.

Iduna nodded her head. "They're smaller than these and have fur all over. The males usually have čoarvi on their heads.

"Wait, you mean reindeer?" Asked Nora.

"Is that what you call them here?" Asked Iduna.

"Yes, reindeer." Smiled Nora. "There's a lot of them up in the fjords. Perhaps one day we can go so you can see some again. But for now, why don't you give Freya a feel."

"A feel?" Asked Iduna confused.

"Come touch her, don't be afraid." Said Nora as she grabbed Iduna's scared hand.

"Wait. I don't know if-"

But her hand was immediately touching Freya's forehead. Iduna peeked her eye open as she gently caressed the forehead. Her fur was short and rough. A different feeling altogether compared to the fury reindeer she was used to.

"There you go. See? Nothing to be afraid of." Smiled Nora as Iduna continued to feel Freya.

Freya sniffed from her nose which made Iduna back her hand away but this time she wasn't as startled as last time, instead the two girls giggled together as Iduna continued to touch her gently.

---

"Ready?" Asked Nora as she lead Freya out to the open field of the farm with Iduna following behind.

"Is this a good plan?" Asked Iduna.

"Plan? You mean idea. Remember plan and idea are different words with different meanings." Corrected Nora as she adjusted the reigns on Freya's face.

"Right. Idea. Is this a good idea." Said Iduna in her broken Norwegian.

"I'm not sure. But I'll tell you what, if there's something I learned in my life it's to trust my mother no matter what." Said Nora as she jumped on top of Freya with ease and adjusted herself. "Okay, your turn."

Iduna swallowed as she followed Nora's instructions. "That's it, now put your foot on that small hole and kick yourself up. I'll pull you up.

Iduna did as she was told and before she knew it she was on top of Freya, sitting behind Nora as she nervously grabbed her shoulders. "Whoa..."

"Grab my waist, if you grab my shoulders you'll go flying." Said Nora.

"Waist?" Asked Iduna confused.

"Here. Grab around here." Said Nora as she signaled to her stomach and patted it around in motion. "Now hang on tight. Yah!"

"Tight--AHHH!" Exclaimed Iduna fearfully as Freya neighed loudly and rose in her two back legs before charging onwards.

---

Arendelle

Fifteen minutes passed by as the girls rode through the road and through the trees. They even rode close to where they can see the beautiful view of the fjord.

Before they knew it Freya was arriving in Arendelle.

"Welcome to Arendelle, Iduna." Nora said.

Iduna was starting to feel nervous. As Nora dismounted Freya, she turned to help Iduna down and saw the nervous expression on her face.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asked.

Iduna's breathing got faster. "I can't... I can't do this..."

"Hey, hey, hey! Easy, easy! Here, take my hand." Nora said, holding her hand out.

Iduna took Nora's hand and the Norwegian girl helped her down from the Horse.

"Look at me. I know how hard this must be for you after what you've been through, but if you start panicking like that, everything me and my mom have done to protect you will have been for nothing. I know we aren't actually sisters, Iduna. But to me, it feels like we are. And I don't want anything to happen to you, okay?"

Iduna took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay."

"Alright. And if anybody asks who you are, just tell them your name, and I'll handle the rest."

Iduna nodded again and she and Nora headed into the town, with Nora holding onto Freya's reigns, guiding her.

Once they got into the town, there were many Arendellians going about their day, their businesses open, shopping and what not.

Iduna tried to keep up with Nora but soon found herself staring at everyone around her like a reindeer lost from her pack. Everything was so new and bizarre to her.

There were many Arendellians auctioning many clothes, antiques and other things. She could smell bakery in every other corner and many kids playing around her, running across the marketplace without a worry in the world.

Never has she experienced anything like this. Suddenly her mind wondered off as she started looking around to see the peoples faces. Her heart slightly rising and feeling nervous as they would glance back at her occasionally.

She felt herself shrinking the more seconds passed by. "Hey! You there!?" Came the sudden call with the snap of fingers in her view.

Iduna shook her head before she realized Nora was standing next to her. "Oh, I uhh-"

"You wandered off. Stay close to me and follow my lead, okay?" Said Nora grabbing Iduna's shoulder firmly and giving her reassurance.

Iduna swallowed nervously and nodded as they started to walk towards the docks just across the marketplace where the odor of fish became more visible. She could recognize the smell, her people ice fished all the time.

"Good afternoon young lady, anything you'd like to purchase?" Said the young sailor who had been standing in front of the docks with a messy apron from all the fish they had been gutting.

"Salmon please. Six pounds." Said Nora as she reached behind her and pulled the pouch full of money.

"You got it. PHEW!" He whistled getting the other sailors attention. "Six pounds worth of salmon on the spot!

"Aye!" They all responded in union as they got to work to fetch the captured salmon from one of the many nets they had on the ship.

She watched as they grabbed one of them and one by one they began to gut the fish before packing them inside bags.

Iduna watched curiously. The way they gutted fish was rather silly for her. It almost seemed more complicated compared to what her people usually did when it game to cleaning it.

They brought the chopped salmon to the sailor which he placed on a rather unusual instrument in front of them and measured the salmon. Nora turned to Iduna who had her face tilt to one side, examining the instrument with delicacy.

"Oh, this device helps them determine how many pounds the fish is." Said Nora softly to her.

"Pounds?" Asked a confused Iduna.

"Yes, pounds. Like umm... to see how heavy it is." Replied Nora as Iduna turned her attention back to the salmon.

"All right." Said the sailor as he placed the bags of salmon on the stand in front of Nora. "That'll be four krones."

Nora turned her attention back tot he pouch and opened it, retrieving four krones and placing them on the stand for the sailor to count.

Once he confirmed the price he grabbed the salmon and placed it on Nora's hands. "There you are." He said.

"Thank you sir." Said Nora.

"No problem." Smirked the sailor as he stared at Nora and studied her face. "Say, don't I know you from somewhere?"

Nora furrowed her brows. "I beg your pardon?"

"You have a familiar face kid." He said.

"Well I do come to the marketplace quite often to some errands for my mom." She replied.

"Hmm, what's your name kid?" Asked the sailor as he crossed his arms.

"Nora. Nora Christiansen." She replied.

"Christiansen?" He suddenly Said with furrowed brows as a lightbulb went off in his brain, finally realizing who he was speaking with. "Ah, I see. You're Hansen's kid, aren't you? Lieutenant Christian Hansen?"

Nora pressed her lips and nodded. "Yes, he was my father."

"I see." Said the sailor as he turned to look down at the krones in front of him. He picked them up one by one until he had them all in his hand. Then he grabbed ahold of Nora's hand and placed them back in her palms. "Here, it's on the house."

Nora and Iduna's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

"You're Hansen's kid. He meant a lot to us and was a hero. It's the least we can do." He said as Iduna stared at the krones. He turned his attention to the girl standing next to her. "And what's your name? You a friend of Nora's?"

Nora's heart suddenly sank to her stomach. She understood the question, her Norwegian wasn't in question. But the sudden bold question made her all the more anxious again, more than what she was already.

She gripped the ends of her dress and played with it nervously. Her mouth suddenly became dry and she couldn't remember what to say to the man. She couldn't even remember her own name.

He furrowed his brows and was about to open his mouth again but Nora beat him to it. "She's my sister."

The sailor furrowed his brows as he turned to look at Nora and then back at Iduna. Switching his view from the brunette girl to the auburned haired girl.

"She's your sister?" He asked.

"Yes..." Said Nora "We're both daughters of Christian."

"I see.." Said the sailor as he turned to look at Iduna again. "Well then I am terribly sorry for your loss as well.."

Iduna simply pressed her lips and bowed her head. Nora quickly cleared her throat while grabbing Iduna's arm and pulling her away. "Ahem, well we best get going. Thank you for the salmon sir."

"Anytime kid." Said the sailor as he retrieved the knife and returned his attention to the fish again.

As the two girls walked away, Nora began to speak to Iduna.

"Iduna... You need to get your mind off of this situation and focus on playing along." She said.

"How?" Iduna said. "I'm too scared, and I don't know anyone here."

Nora sighed and then saw a familiar store and a smile tugged on her lips. "Well, maybe what you need is to meet someone who I know very well and are very friendly."

"Who?"

"The Andersens." Nora replied.

---

Andersen's Fine Norwegian Pastries

Ding-ding!

The little bell rang as the door to the pastry shop was opened and the two girls walked in. Immediately the strong whiff and bakery hit their noses. Filling Nora's mouth with a smile while Iduna continued to partake in the new smell.

"I never get tired of this place." Smiled Nora as she passed all of the pastries and sweets in display.

"Nora?" Came the sudden voice. "Is that you I hear dear?"

"Its me, Mrs. Andersen." Replied Nora with a smile.

The old yet strong willed woman peeked her head out from the back door way and smiled when she saw the young auburn haired girl.

"Oh my dear, how wonderful it is to see you again!" Said the mature woman as she approached Nora with her arms extended.

"It's so very nice to see you too, Mrs Andersen." Smiled Nora in return as she embraced Mrs Andersen's arms.

"Well I guess they'll just let anyone in my store!" Came the sudden voice from a mature yet jokingly old man.

"Mr Andersen!" Smiled Nora as turned the old man who was hard at work in the kitchen, his face full of flour as always.

"Come and say hello, Henrik. Our lively Nora has returned." Said Mrs. Andersen to her husband as she gently caressed Nora's face.

"You've gotten a lot bigger child! Being a farmer sure does make you strong and tall now doesn't it? Or maybe I'm just getting shorter." Winked Mr Andersen as he stood next to his wife.

Nora and Mrs. Andersen erupted into laughter. "Well my mother and I have been hard at work at taking care of the farm. With dad gone we've had to pick up than what normally used to.."

"Oh honey. You don't know how terrible we felt when we heard the awful news!" Said Mrs. Andersen as she grabbed Nora's hands gently in hers.

"We loved your father. Just as we love you. He's a hero, Nora." Said Mr Andersen with encouraging words.

Nora smirked bitterly. "Thank you. It means a lot truly-"

SNIFFFFF!

A sudden loud intake of breath was heard as they each turned to look at the young girl behind Nora who had her nose right in front of one of the sweet bread.

She looked as if she had discovered gold because she could not get over the sweet and wonderful smell.

"Ahem, as I was saying." Said Nora turning back to the Andersen's. "It truly means a lot, thank you. Both of us are very grateful.

"You're welcome sweetheart." Smiled Mrs. Andersen.

"And we see you brought a hungry friend today." Said Mr. Andersen as he chuckled and watched the young girl devour the bread as if she hadn't eaten all day.

"Oh! Iduna!" Called out Nora when she turned around to see Iduna doing just that. With widened eyes she ran towards her and quickly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away. "I am so sorry-"

"It's quite all right, she's only listening to her hungry belly." Chuckled Mr Andersen.

"Are you a friend of Iduna's my dear?" Asked Mrs. Andersen's as Iduna continued to chew on the pastry with a full mouth.

"Oh uhh... she's not a friend, Mrs Andersen this is Iduna, my uhh... sister, Ahem." Replied Nora as she stared at Iduna.

"Sister?" Replied Mrs. Andersen with shocked eyes.

"Yes, my sister. Right Iduna?" Said Nora as Iduna put the rest of the pastry from her hand into her mouth, only making Nora all the more anxious of the situation.

"Hmm.. We had no idea Christian and your mother had more children. Is she the only sibling you have?"

"Yup! The only one! We're uhh.. pretty close in age too." Smiled Nora nervously, trying to keep her composure.

"Forgive me for asking, Nora but... why have we never heard of her? I mean your father talked about you so often but.. never your sister?" Said Mrs Andersen.

"Well you see... my sister is very..." She turned to look at Iduna who was licking the crumbs off her fingers at this point. "Anti social... my father always wanted to protect her at all costs..."

The Andersen's turned to look at Iduna and then back at Nora. Trying to find the resemblance.

"Besides. You know how it is growing up as a farmer. You're practically a ghost to all the townsfolk." Chuckled Nora nervously.

"That's true honey. I mean I didn't find out I had another uncle till I was thirty years old." Agreed Mr Andersen.

"I suppose that makes sense." Said Mrs Andersen as she turned to Iduna. "So, your name is Iduna then?"

When Nora realized Iduna didn't answer and was far too concentrated on the crumbs she elbowed her ribs.

"Ow!" Exclaimed Iduna as she turned to Nora who was forcing a smile at her and signaled to her eyes towards the elderly couple.

"Oh..." Said Nora as she turned to them where the woman was staring at her sweetly.

"Iduna is your name?" She asked again.

Iduna pressed her lips and nodded.

"Well it's a pleasure to meet to at last, Iduna. And I wanted to tell you how deeply sorry I am for your fathers passing. You have no idea how much he meant to us. To our whole kingdom." Said Mrs Andersen.

Iduna perhaps didn't understand perfectly but she did understand most as suddenly the reminder made the painful memory of what happened in the forest return.

The innocent lives that were slaughtered. The forest that was damaged and the innocent reindeer. And her people. Her father.. but most of all, her father.

Everything became so quiet to her as her anxious eyes followed Nora's who was staring at her, ready to jump in and to correct any word Nora would speak.

But Nora could tell Iduna was having a anxiety attack by the way she froze and stared to the distance as if she was reliving that painful memory.

Iduna stared back to Nora's eyes. Her emerald eyes so much like her fathers. That man who saved her. The one she was responsible for his death, at least she believed so.

"Iduna?" Said Nora suddenly, finally getting her attention.

Iduna blinked several times as she turned to Nora who was staring at her, waiting for Nora to say something to them or to her.

Iduna took in a deep breath and summoned all the courage she possibly could at this very moment and spoke.

"Thank you... He was my hero. I... miss him a lot." She said with a cracked and emotional voice.

Nora was astonished. Not only did she sound like a pure Norwegian at that very moment, but her response felt so real. Like she truly knew who her father was.

"Come darling." Whispered mr Andersen as he gently pulled his teary eyed wife back. "Let's not remind the poor child. She's obviously still very affected by all this."

Iduna nervously swallowed as she put her head down and quickly wiped a tear away from her eye before it could even touch her cheek.

Nora furrowed her brows but then turned quickly to the Andersen's who were already engaged in another conversation.

Nora quickly cleared her throat. "Anywho. We really came to say hello. Allow me to pay for-"

"Don't you worry about it my dear." Said Mrs. Andersen as she smiled at the two of them. "You won't have to ever pay our store ever again."

Nora's eyes widened. "Oh Mrs. Andersen we can't-"

"Sure you can!" Exclaimed Mr. Andersen while stuffing a large bag of pastries and sweets into Iduna's arms. "Just as sure as you are able to hold unto this bag of goodies."

"Mr. Andersen please! Just let me-"

"No can do. Now you run along my dear sweethearts and come visit us any time you two are in need for some goodies or for a quick snack." Said Mrs. Andersen as she pushed the two girl out of the store.

"But-"

"Sorry we're closed!" Exclaimed Mr Andersen as he closed the door behind him.

Nora sighed heavily as she turned her attention to Iduna who adjusted the bag and began to open it. Once her sense of smell was successful she read and grabbed a muffin and began to stuff it in her face again.

"Iduna." Hissed Nora as she turned to look at her with widened eyes. "First of all you can't just take anything you want. Nothing is free in this world! Especially not food!"

"It's not?" Asked Iduna innocently with her mouth full.

"No it's not. And secondly... you sounded amazing!" Exclaimed Nora happily.

Iduna flinched backwards to the Norwegian girls sudden excitement. "Huh?"

"You're Norwegian! You sounded like a true Norwegian, Iduna!" Said Nora happily. "You did great talking with the Andersen's."

Iduna smirked and but the muffin again as Nora continued to speak proudly with her. For once she could find herself smiling again. But then the corner of her eye caught attention to elsewhere.

She started to notice the people in the market direct their attention to a small crowd where soldiers and guards were surrounded heavily.

The people were each calling someone by name and addressing someone like they were the most important person in the world.

She focused her eyes on the large crowd, hoping to see what it was that was bringing so much curiosity.

And then suddenly she saw it. Or rather him.

"Whoa! Iduna!?" Exclaimed Nora as the Northuldra girl took off running. Leaving the bags of goodies on the floor. Even the muffin she had been eating fell to the ground.

She was dashing through the small stands and making her way to the market if the big crowd.

"When'd you learn to run with a dress!? Slow down!" Exclaimed Nora as she picked up the bag of goodies and ran after Iduna.

But she didn't slow down. Instead she continued to dash through the many stands, even jumping over some or sliding under them with Nora following close behind.

"Iduna wait!" Exclaimed Nora.

She made her way around the large crowd until she reached the opposite side. As soon as she saw a small opening behind some large baskets, she jumped behind them and hid herself so to not be seen.

Nora started to slow down when she realized she lost sight of the young Northudlran girl.

"Iduna! Iduna where'd you go- Ahh!" Exclaimed Nora as she suddenly was pulled into the small opening of the large baskets.

"Shh." Hushed Iduna as she peeked her eye out and stared at the large group approaching.

"What are we looking at Iduna-"

"Shhh." Hushed Iduna again so she can concentrate and not miss anything in front of her. Finally he appeared.

There in front of her she could see him, her eyes focusing on the familiar face from the forest. The familiar face she rescued.

"The prince..." she whispered to herself as her eyes widened. Only to be heard by Nora as well as she too looked at the large crowd following the prince.

Prince Agnarr strolled around the market. Everyone speaking his name and delivering respect but Agnarr was not paying attention. His mind wandered all the time and he found himself doing it at this moment as he picked up each fruit and stared at it emotionless before setting it back down.

His smile had faded and he wasn't the same giddy boy she saw at the forest. He was far more serious. Even the clothes he wore were more serious then ever.

Agnarr sighed as he picked up a freshly sliced cut of watermelon before setting it back down again.

"Ahem." Came the shy voice from the man in charge of the fruit stand who had been smiling nervously at the prince yet confused as to why he was touching all his fruit with his bare hands.

"Oh forgive me good sir. I don't know what came over me." He replied.

"Oh no worries, prince Agnarr! Take your time!" Said the man nervously as he smiled with force.

Agnarr sighed again as he tried to return to reality. "Well I might as well get some fruit to go. Any recommendations?"

"Oh everything is good here sir. But may I consider some delicious apples from the Southern Isles?" He replied.

"The Southen Isles? You were able to get some of their famous apples?" Asked Agnarr with furrowed brows.

"Only for you, your majesty. Please enjoy!" Said the man as he stretched out his arms and placed the fruit into her arms.

"Thank you. Really. I appreciate all this." Said Agnarr as he turned to one of his right hand guards who he nodded at. The guard immediately obeyed and pulled out a large bag of coins wrestling with one another.

"Oh no no no! You're majesty you mustn't-"

"Please, I insist. It's the least I can do" Said King Agnarr as he pulled out several extra krones and placed them on the table. "And here's a tip for all your troubles.

Iduna's eyes were widened at seeing him again. She worriedly leaned back as Nora did the same thing when Agnarr turned around to the baskets in from of him.

He thought he heard something unusual and curiosity was getting the best of him as he slowly began to approach the closed baskets.

Nora and Iduna held their breath until suddenly one of his guards approached him and called him by name.

"Your highness. You are needed back at the castle." Said the guard.

Agnarr sighed tiredly. "Of course."

He turned around and began to walk back towards the direction of the castle with the large crowd following him and his guards again.

As soon as they were in the clear and there was not one soul around, the two girls slowly stood up from the baskets at the same exact time. They watched the distance at the large disappearing crowd.

"He's gone." Said Nora as she turned to Iduna who was still staring into the distance.

She could tell that her eyes wandered and were eager to see him again. After all Nora hadn't forgotten that she was the reason why they found the prince in the first place. She just never asked how it happened.

"You never told me how you found him." Said Nora.

Iduna's eyes widened as she swallowed nervously and turned to look at Nora. She knew she was going to ask that eventually. She was the one who informed the people where the prince was after all.

"I... saved him." Said Iduna suddenly.

"What? You saved him??" Said Nora with furrowed brows.

"Yes... during the great battle... he was... hurt. Very badly. It made him go to sleep." Said Iduna.

"You mean unconscious. That's the word you're trying to say. Unconscious." Said Nora.

"Yes. Unconscious. Replied Iduna. "And so I.. carried him away so not to be hurt."

Technically she wasn't lying. She was just going around the fact that the wind spirit lifted them off the ground.

"Are you ever going to talk to him again. Or tell him what happened?" Asked Nora.

"I... don't know if I should." Said Iduna as she started to play with one of the baskets.

Nora sighed heavily as she looked to the market place where the large crowd once stood.

Her eyes wandered and she began to think as if she had something important to say, debating whether or not to say it. So instead she did.

"What happened to my father." Said Nora dryly.

Iduna's eyes widened as a small gasp escaped her lips, even causing the basket splint she was playing with to break off.

She nervously licked her lips and turned to Nora who was staring at her unfazed.

"The way you talked about him. It's as if you knew him. Like you were there with him when the battle emerged." Said Nora.

She wanted to cry that very second as the painful memories returned. Her father dying in her arms. Her mom being dragged away captive and naked from the stripped clothing they had ripped off her to abuse her. And Nora's father, the chief, who died by the hands of the king.

She nervously swallowed and kept her composure the best she could while staring back at the auburn haired girl.

"I'm sorry. I never met him. I was only remembering the pain I saw with my people and the violence that took place. I'm sure he was a great man... I just never met him." Said Iduna.

Her heart was hurting. Never had she lied to someone. And never at such a drastic measure as this.

"I understand." Said Nora pressed her lips and nodded while she reached for the bags they retrieved from the market. "Let's go home."

They soon found themselves back on top of Nora's horse as she led the way with Iduna holding her waist with carefulness behind and afraid she would let go.

"You have nothing to worry about Iduna. As long as you are hanging on to me you won't fall." Said Nora.

Iduna could not see Nora's face but could tell by her posture that she was relaxed when riding her horse. She enjoyed it.

"May I ask you something." Said Iduna.

"Go ahead." Smirked Nora.

"Did you really mean by what you said. About my Norwegian?" Said Iduna.

"Of course!" Exclaimed Nora as Iduna's eyes widened. "I really did mean by what I said, Iduna. You've gotten so much better and you sounded great speaking with Anderson's. You're a quick learner."

"I am?" Asked Iduna.

"Trust me you are. Not even Swedes learn Norwegian as quickly as you did." Said Nora.

"Swedes?" Asked Iduna with furrowed brows.

"Our neighboring country next to us. Sweden. They speak Swedish." Said Nora.

"You mean... there is a bigger world outside of here? Outside of... Norway?" Asked Iduna with innocent and widened eyes.

"Oh yes. Much bigger than you can ever imagine, Iduna." Said Nora as her horse started trialing up the mound that led to their farm. "Countries and lands as far as the eyes can see. Many different culture and all types of people."

Iduna leaned forward as she was intrigued by what she was learning. Her whole life all she had known was reindeer, her people and her forest. The thought of a bigger world outside of Norway itself fascinated her.

"And I'll teach you everything I know and be right beside you through it all. I promise." Said Nora.

Iduna smiled as her arms hugging Nora's waist relaxed.

---

Northuldra, present day

"-and that's pretty much all we know so far." Elsa finished finally.

Hans remained sitting on the stump, eyes widened. Everyone was standing and practically surrounding him.

"Well, now you know how our mothers met and-"

"You're lying."

Elsa's eyes furrowed in offence. "Excuse me?!"

Hans stood up from the stump, eyes furrowed. "You're lying."

Anna grit her teeth, ready to beat some sense into him, but Elsa's protective arm came up to block her. They both glared at him, and Hans just glared back, brows furrowed and not saying a word.

Before either side could make a move towards the other, Hanna walked in front of Hans, looking him straight in his emerald green eyes with her own.

"Hans, she's telling the truth." Hanna said with seriousness.

And once Hans saw just how serious she was, his eyes widened. He started pacing back and forth, his footsteps heavy until he finally stopped.

"This... isn't possible." He said.

Anna groaned in annoyance. "It's true, you idiot! I even double checked the records in our library and it clearly confirms that my mother, Queen Iduna, and your mother, Queen Nora, were sisters!"

"And to add to that, Queen Elsa told me that the lullaby that Mother would sing to us when we were young was an Northuldra melody. She must have learned it from Queen Iduna." Said Hanna.

Hans sighed. "You're right about that part. Maren confirmed it to me."

Elsa turned to him. "She did?"

Hans looked at the wounded Honeymaren, who was giving him a dead stare, to which Hans just shrugged. Honeymaren noticed everyone was looking at her, making her feel pressure.

"Uhh... yeah. I overheard Hanna singing it to Hans." She said, trying to avoid having to bring up the incident in the hot springs.

"Well, yeah, you told me that. But when did you tell Hans?" Elsa asked.

"That doesn't matter." Hans said suddenly, leaning back against a tree. "This is unbelievable. Why didn't my mother tell me this?"

"Hey."

Hans was snapped from his train of thought when Tadashi walked up.

"What do you want?" Sneered Hanna.

"Master Hasashi is awake." He replied.

"Who?" Ryder asked.

"The man who just tried to kill your sister."

"That's his name?" Asked Cassandra.

"Hanzo Hasashi. He's Ra's right hand man. My guess is he was the one leading the party that killed your friends." Said Hans.

"Is he alone? I'm gonna kill that faceless son of a--OW!" Honeymaren exclaimed as she tried standing but fell back down in pain from the gash on the left side of her waist.

"Easy!" Rhanda warned. "I just finished dressing your wound. You don't want it to tear and start bleeding again."

"To answer your question, no, he's surrounded by several of your warriors." Tadashi replied.

"Good. At least you did something right." Hans sneered as Tadashi rolled his eyes.

"Come on." Hans said, starting to walk towards the Northuldra camp.

"Where are you going?" Elsa asked.

"To have a chat with Ra's second-in-command." Hans replied with seriousness.

---

Once they arrived at the camp, the group was immediately met by several worried Northuldra. Honeymaren and Ryder's mother, Teresá, was quick to find her children. She gasped in horror when she saw her weak and injured daughter.

"Oh Maren!" She exclaimed, cupping Honeymaren's face in her hands. "Are you alright?!"

"No mother, I'm not alright." Honeymaren said weakly. "Helve and Raffo are dead."

Some of the Northuldra gasped at that.

"...and I'm gonna make the man who murdered them pay for this." She added.

"Maren, no. You need to rest." Ryder said.

"I'll rest when this is over." Honeymaren rebuked.

She limped over to where Hanzo was on his knees, bound with rope, him and his men while being surrounded by five warriors with spears, ready to strike him and his other men should they make a move.

"Hey!" Honeymaren called.

Hanzo looked up at her. His mask still covering have of his face.

"Do you understand me?"

Hanzo nodded.

"Good. Now, here's what's going to happen. You're gonna tell your leader to leave our homeland and never return, taking you and your lunatic assassins with you!" She said with anger.

"Or else what?" Hanzo asked.

She was taken back by his response but Honeymaren didn't have a good answer. Thankfully Yelena walked up to support the young woman.

"Or else we will be forced to defend ourselves. You are trespassing on our sacred homeland. Whatever buisness you have here ends now. If you agree to leave now, we can avoid any further bloodshed. But you must never return to this forest, ever." She warned.

"It is you and your people who should be leaving." Hanzo shot back. "Master Ra's will get what he wants. One way or another."

Yelena's eyes widen slightly.

"I know you're back there, Hans. If you really care about these people, you can negotiate for their safety with me yourself." Hanzo said.

Seconds didn't even pass by after Hanzo's statement that Hans appeared from out of the forest. His eyes fixated at Hanzo as he approached the man with the group following behind.

When he stood in front of him, Hans crouched down to meet Hanzo's eye level and grabbed a handful of his face covering and snatched it off, completely exposing his face.

Everyone expected a man. But seeing him after all he had just done without his face covering on was strange to see. Else could tell he shared very similar face structure as Tadashi.

"What makes you think I care about these people?" Said Hans.

"You wouldn't have saved those three I was about kill otherwise." Hanzo replied as he turned to look at Honeymaren, Ryder and a angry Rhanda.

Hans scoffed. "How long has it been, anyways? Almost 2 years now?"

"Not long enough." Hanzo replied. "If you surrender to Ra's now, I will try to convince him to spare what's left of the natives." Hanzo offered.

"Did you just call us Natives--"

"Maren. Stand down." Said Yelena as she held the weak Honeymaren backs

"I have a better offer." Said Hans, still crouched down as he began to play with Hanzo's armor and hair to which he would jerk away and grow annoyed. Even purposely pinching his nose.

"If you, Tadashi, and the others help us defeat Ra's, you can take control of the league, on the condition you leave and never return."

"I never agreed to this." Added Tadashi before Hans shushed him.

Hanzo's eyes widened. "You want me to help you defeat Ra's? Have you lost your mind, boy?!"

"Oh, come on Hanzo, you of all people should want Ra's dead. He slaughtered most of your clan, including your family, and then absorbed what was left into the league. He's got you under his boot heel. Help us fight him, and the league is yours. I don't care what you do with it as long as it doesn't involve me." Hans said.

Hanzo closed his eyes, as if he was reminded of a very painful memory. When he finally opened them again, he gave his answer.

"No deal, Hans."

Hans was getting annoyed and rolled his eyes. "Hanzo, don't be a fool--"

"You are the only fool here, Hans! If you really wish to take on Ra's, then go ahead. But I will have no part in it." Hanzo retaliated.

Hans growled and stormed off back into the forest. Hanna rolled her eyes and chased after him. After getting away from the camp, Hans walked up next to a tree and smashed his fist against the bark.

"DAMN IT!" He yelled angrily.

"Hey!" Hanna called from behind.

"Getting Hanzo on our side was the only way we could stand a chance!"

"Hans-"

"Without him, we may as well be dead already!"

"Hans-"

"And now, I don't know what to do!"

"HANS!" Hanna raised her voice in order to get her brother's attention.

"WHAT?!" He shouted back.

Hanna walked up to her angry brother and looked him dead in the eyes.

"You're not angry because of this situation. You're angry at mother because she didn't tell you this."

Hans furrowed his brows in annoyance. "What does mother have to do with any of this right now-"

"Hans." Said Hanna more firm now as she stared dead straight at him. "I know you."

Hans wanted to deny it, but he couldn't. He let out a frustrated and almost exhausted sigh.

"I believe that there's a reason mother never told us about this, but now is not the time to worry about that. We have a much bigger problem at the moment." Hanna said.

"You're telling me this as if I'm not aware. One way or the other it is a dead end. If I surrender myself than you are breaking your treaty and contract with Queen Anna. By the way I hate how weird it sounds calling her by that title now--"

"Hans." Said Hanna as if she was reminding him that he was changing the subject once more.

"And if I don't do anything... than these people will die. My hands are tied, Hanna." Continued Hans with a frustrated sigh as he leaned on the tree.

Hanna pressed her lips together trying to come up with a solution herself but she found none. She looked back up at Hans and studied his facial expressions. Staring at his brows as if he was thinking or set upon something.

"You've already made your decision. Haven't you." She said to her brother.

Hans didn't say a word instead he looked up back at his sister with his emerald eyes meeting hers before he slowly nodded.

Hanna sighed deeply and began to massage the back of her neck nervously yet hiding it all at the same time.

"Whatever your choice is Hans. I'll stand behind it even if it means... losing you." Said Hanna as she swallowed her saliva at the end of that sentence. "But I will honor The Southern Isles seal and break the contract if I have to or-"

"Or what." Said Hans with an eyebrow raised.

"You tell me your plan. And let me help you." Said Hanna.

Hans sighed once again and looked back up to his sister. He nodded once more. "Okay. Here's what we'll do."

---

Elsa and the others were still surrounding the league members. Waiting for them to try anything at all. Elsa was ready to freeze them to death if she had to.

"So." Said Hanzo clearing his throat. "That's quite some magic you possess darling."

"It is. Now stay silent. And I'm not your darling." Said Elsa turning to glare at him with her icy blue eyes.

Hanzo laughed. "Oh be gentle, dear. I'm only admiring your--"

"Hey! Did you not just hear her!? Shut it!" Exclaimed Anna angrily at him.

"Fine. Fine." Said Hanzo as he straightened his back. "But I am curious... you must be really wild in bed with that power you have. Aren't you?"

Elsa's brows furrowed at the disgusting comment as she turned to look at him, horrified and angry at his words. Not as angry as Anna of course.

"I mean. A night with you must be... magical." He began to erupt in laughter as his other league members followed along.

But suddenly a hard boot kicked the right side of his face, leaving an immediate bruise. "Uff!" He exclaimed before looking up to see the fiery strawberry haired woman standing over him.

"Don't you dare say such horrendous things to my sister! Do you understand!?" Exclaimed the defensive and hot headed Queen of Arendelle.

Hanzo chuckled again. "Great kick you got there. But I was merely giving a compliment your majesty. You and you're sister are quite a good pair to look at. And with that impressive kick of yours, you must be wilder than her--"

Suddenly he gasped as a sharp point of the blade touched his neck, threatening to go right through. Damien was standing over him this time. His sword was drawn out and his glare was furious.

"I would choose your next words carefully in front of the Queens of Arendelle." Threatened Damien.

Hanzo growled.

Elsa and the others turned their attention to the end of the trees where Hans and Hanna were returning to the camp, each of them walking in harmony.

"Well? What do we do?" Elsa asked as she and the others met them half way. Damien kept his sword in Hanzo's neck.

"I've given this a great deal of thought. For right now we are safe. They won't be here till night. They don't usually attack during the day where they can be seen. Especially not after their first group did not return." He explained.

"So we just wait for them?" Asked Ryder who had been standing next to Kristina.

"We prepare and secure a fort and get as much rest as possible. I also suggest moving the woman and children to the back of the forest where they can't be seen and are given a chance to run first." He finished explaining.

"Oh great. Abandone our home." Added the injured Honeymaren sarcastically.

"And then?" Asked Cassandra as she crossed her arms.

"I'm still working on that last part of the plan.." Said Hans.

"That's your plan!? To coward away and run while you work on another plan??" Argued Anna.

"I told you. You can't trust this man." Argued Honeymaren still weakened.

"Look it's the best plan we have right now. Okay?" Said Hans.

"Best plan!? This is a CRAZY plan!" Exclaimed Anna.

"I thought you liked crazy--"

"AH AH! NO!" Said Anna. "Don't you dare say that. And I'm not the one who said that. You did!"

Hans rolled his eyes.

"What are they talking about?" Whispered Cassandra to Elsa.

"Long story." Replied Elsa.

"Hans." Said Yelena as she stepped forward and everyone else parted and gave her room to walk through. "Is there really no other way?"

Hans pressed his lips and nodded. "There is no other way."

Yelena breathed our slowly and nodded. "Than we'll follow your plan. I shall inform the tribe."

Honeymaren rolled her eyes and sighed heavily while everyone else began to murmur. Even Cassandra was doubting him at this point. This couldn't be the same Hans she knew three years ago.

Hans turned to Elsa who was staring at him before he began to walk away.

---

Nightfall had come and the small group was all huddled behind the camp trees. Along with the rest of the Northuldran families hidden deep into the forest behind them.

The only ones in the front were Tadashi and his men who encircled Hanzo with Honeymarens guards. Honeymaren was leaned up behind a large tree and was dead asleep.

She went against Rhanda's wishes to rest but only proved her to be right at the end. Her injuries could not take it anymore and her body went to rest with her twin brother watching over her.

Ryder had not left Honeymarens side once and instead was hunched over and making sure she was as comfortable as she can be and even wiping her hot sweat off her face with a wet cold cloth. She was burning hot.

Kristina watched as she approached the young Northudlran. She could see by the way his eyes were fixated on her that his worries were too much. But more so towards his injured sister.

"Hey." She said softly, catching Ryder by surprise as he turned to look at Kristina who had her hands folded in front of her.

"Oh, hey." Said Ryder as his heart began to beat faster at hearing her voice.

"How are you?" She asked innocently with her hands behind her.

"I'm.. okay. How about you?" Asked Ryder.

Kristina didn't respond. Instead she turned to his injured sister and then back at his worrisome face. "Are you sure?"

Ryder sighed heavily as he turned to look at Honeymaren again. "I failed her."

Her brows furrowed with worry. "Why do you think you failed?"

"I should've done more to protect her. Instead I let Hanzo or whatever his name is step all over me. All over my people. And now... I almost lost my own sister--"

"You did the best you could do, Ryder." Said Kristina as she stepped forward. "Just be glad you both are alive."

Ryder nodded as he slowly stood up on his feet and turned to her. "Thank you. And also, I'm really sorry..."

"For?" Asked Kristina with an eyebrow raised.

"I'm sorry that you're in the middle of this mess. You don't deserve it." He said.

She smiled and shrugged. "I promised you we would go reindeer riding. I'm sorry that we might. It get the chance."

"It's okay, Ryder." Smiled Kristina. "As long as I'm spending time with you that's all the matters to me..."

Ryders eyes widened at hearing that as his heart skipped a beat. "R--really??"

Kristina smiled and nodded at him. "Really. Why do you think I didn't run away when we were at the market place."

Ryder smiled again, his shyness and vulnerability sticking out like a thorn. "That's a good point. So.. you actually like being around me then?"

"I do. Do you.. like being around me? Even if I don't speak your language yet?" She replied.

"Oh are you kidding! Of course I love-- I-I mean. I like. Right? I like.. or I enjoy is what I mean to say--"

Kristina chuckled at his clumsiness as her blue eyes sparkled under the stars. Ryder swallowed nervously.

Kristina's grin disappeared when she could see a far off and behind Ryder, Cassandra leaning on the tree and finishing the smoked salmon that she had in her hand.

She winked at Kristina and gave her a thumbs up in which return Kristina gestured for Cassandra to leave. Cassandra chuckled and did as she was told.

Cassandra returned to to where Hanna had been having small conversation with Anna and Elsa. Hans had distanced himself a couple of feet away from the group where he was sitting on a boulder and hunched over.

Elsa looked over to where he was sitting, curious as to what he was doing. Before she knew it she found herself walking towards his direction. Anna took full notice and was already supervising her sister in case he dared make one wrong move.

Elsa stood in front of him, her hands to her side as Hans didn't look up once, only focusing his eyes on to what seemed the dirt ground.

"Anxious your majesty?" He asked after a long silence as he began to slowly turn to her direction. He had felt her presence.

"What makes you think I am anx-- Oh my God! Seriously!?"She exclaimed after the loud and frightful gasp she had given.

Hans was holding the grass snake in his hands again. Letting it slither through his fingers as if it calming and relaxing.

"Sorry. The little guy made his way back to me I suppose." He said as he slowly set it down on the ground and it began to slither away into the far distance. "Care to sit?"

Elsa who was still grabbing her pounding heart breathed in and looked up to the heavens. Still questioning what he admired so much about those disgusting creatures.

She made her way over to the stump across from him and sat.

"As I was saying... what makes you think I am anxious." She said as she sat one leg over the other.

"Well. I suppose you didn't just come to admire my sharpening skills now have you?" He said as he reached for his grandfathers dagger and began to sharpen it with a sharp stone. "Or maybe get a chance to pet the snake?"

Elsa sighed heavily as she looked up to the stars above her and then back to Hans. "This plan of yours. How sure are you that it'll work."

"I'm not sure." He replied as he continued to sharpen the blade.

"Excuse me?" She said with widened eyes. Her mind was still generating whether she heard him right or not.

"My plan. I'm not sure it'll work. But it's the best chance we've got." He said as he brought the blade up to his moth and blew on it before wiping it on his leg.

Elsa rubbed her forehead stressfully and leaned over. "Tell me you're joking, Hans..."

"I wish I were your majesty." He said as he returned the dagger back to its place. "But I would say this can go fifty fifty. Nothing is guaranteed."

"I think you fail to realize there are families here. Innocent families that have no reason to be in this mess." She argued.

"And I agree. Which is why he only wants me. And so the only thing we can do is honor his wish. If he wins, well he wins. But I'll make sure he'll win with a loss so devastating he won't have choice but to surrender." Said Hans as he stood to his feet.

Elsa stared at him blankly. "That literally made no sense at all.."

"You'll see what I mean." Said Hans as he adjusted his tunic. "We should wake the others, they're approaching."

Elsa eyes widened. "They are?"

She turned to the other side of the forest quickly to see shadowy figures reflecting of the fires light. She could see many men following. Almost like a whole army.

Elsa quickly rose to her feet and walked towards Anna and the group. "Anna, they're here."

Anna quickly rose to her feet as everyone else in the forest did likewise. Damien stood close by Anna with his sword drawn and then many of the Northuldra warriors formed formation behind them.

Hanna walked towards her brother with Cass and her shield maidens following behind.

"Get to safety. Promise me you'll stay out of danger." Said Ryder as he grasped Kristina's waist.

She nodded as he took off towards his sister. He stood over and shook Honeymarens shoulder repeatedly.

"Maren, they're here." He whispered.

Honeymarens eyes were slowly opening but as soon as she heard those words she quickly tried to jump to her feet but only ended up hissing in pain. Ryder and Rhanda each grabbed one arm each to help her up.

Hans stared at the forest in front of him. His hands resting on his tunics dark chest as he waited for them to reveal themselves.

Elsa would glance back occasionally and was weirded out by how calm and collective he looked while everyone else around him seemed panicked.

The footsteps grew louder as they approached but soon suddenly stopped all at once. There was not a sound and it was silent with only crickets to be heard in the air.

Elsa looked around, not sure as to what just happened until suddenly she could feel someone approaching her ear which sent shivers down her spine.

"Hold your attack. Don't create an ice fort until I tell you to." The auburn haired man whispered to her ear.

"You must be delusional. Why would I wait?" Hissed Elsa as Anna poked her head into the conversation.

"Yeah doofus!" She added.

"Just do it." He hissed back at the two of them as Elsa furrowed her brows while Anna grew bitter.

Elsa and the rest of them turned back towards the direction of the loud footsteps were once heard. Elsa's left hand was outstretched. Ready to strike anyone down as everyone else gripped their swords and spears.

Suddenly a large cry of war erupted as it seemed thousands of men all at once jumped out of the trees and started to charge towards the group.

Everyone gasped, even Elsa. But Hans only remained calm. Not once flinching at the approaching men.

"Hold." He said.

Elsa swallowed nervously as they continued to charge.

"Hold." Said Hans more firmly.

Elsa wanted to scream at him. They were only inches away at this point.

"NOW!" He exclaimed.

Elsa immediately sent her powers forward with great fury as she raised her two hands quickly summoning large ice forts from the dirt ground that covered right in front of them.

The approaching league ran into the rage fort face first. All of them slipping and tumbling over one another as Elsa held the fort down.

They soon started to use their weapons against the fort. Digging their swords and knifes at the ice to chip away towards them.

But Elsa continued to hold it down, even repairing the damaged areas. A few of the league members tried climbing over the fort but Hans and the others were quick to respond as they knocked them down and quickly dig their weapons at them.

This continued for several seconds. Both sides in a very intense situation, one side wanting blood while the other wanting survival.

"Ra's! I'm here!" Exclaimed Hans as he stepped forward.

"What are you doing!?" Exclaimed Elsa at him as Hans stretched his arms out as if he was giving himself up.

"He's offering himself as a sacrifice that's what he's doing." Said Hanzo with a chuckle. "OOF!"

"Quiet." Said Ryder as he collided his staff with Hanzo's head.

"You wanted me? I'm right here!" He exclaimed again.

"Does this guy want to die that bad!?" Exclaimed Anna to her sister.

"ENOUGH." Came the loud exclaim. Immediately seizing the whole league as they turned around to the direction of the loud and thunderous voice.

Even the Northuldra and everyone else around them looked onward to see where that noise came from.

Suddenly the league started to part into two sides as if they were making room for something. Or more importantly, someone.

There appearing from the league was a man with dark hair and a clean and freshly shaved goatee. His hands were behind his back and his armor was made of pure gold.

Hanzo grinned.

Elsas eyes widened. She could already assume who this was.

"It's him.." whispered Tadashi nervously.

"Yeah no shit." Whispered Hans back.

"Well look who finally decided to show himself." Said the man darkly yet calmly as he stopped in front of the see through ice fort where Hans stood just on the other side. "The prodigal son."

"I trust you are taking good care of Hanzo?" Asked Ra's.

"You could say that I suppose." Said Hans as pushed an annoyed Hanzo's head frontward with his his hand before he stood up and stretched out his arms. "You wanted me, here I am."

"Is that part of your plan? Kill me and save these people of yours." Said Ra's as he looked towards everyone else.

"It's part of it." Shrugged Hans with his usual cockiness and arrogance.

"Leave this forest. Now." Came the sudden exclaim from Elsa who still had her hands up in defensive mode. "You have no business being here."

Ra's turned to look at her as he gently smirked at her. His calmness sent shivers down her spine. "You must be the snow Queen."

Elsa's brows furrowed. He was referring to her as if they've met before or as if she was some sort of mythical creature.

"Do I know you?" She asked firmly.

"No. But I know you. You're fame follows you, Snow Queen." Said Ra's as Elsa raised brow up. "The woman who's heart is as cold as ice as are her powers. They say even a simple kiss from you can numb cold."

"Yeah I think you have the wrong person." Said Elsa as she focused her fixated look on him.

"Maybe so. Stories tend to get exaggerated at times. But even so I know a Snow Queen when I see one. They say you almost wiped out your whole kingdom." He added.

Elsa stayed quiet at that as she blinked and stared at him again while the uncomfortable memories of that summer returned.

"I thought so. Which leads to my next question. Why is someone as famous and powerful as you aligned with such a traitor as this man."

He was staring right at Hans eyes this time. His stare was calm yet diabolic. Way beyond his years as he studied Hans who only stared back at him.

"What can I say. Many are attached to me." Said Hans sarcastically with a shrug.

Anna rolled her eyes while Cassandra and the rest of the shield maidens nodded in agreement.

Ra's smirked. "You know, Hans. When I took you in there were many in the league who encouraged me that you were not fit for this job. That you are too ruthless and independent. That you can't be easily contained."

"He's not wrong..." whispered Anna to Elsa as she hushed her.

"Bet you're regretting not listening to the others huh?" Said Hans.

Ra's walked forward close until he was face first in front of Elsa's fort. The only thing separating the two of them.

"I've only made one mistake in my entire life. I won't make it ever again. Today, Hans. Is the day you will die." Said Ra's darkly before soon enough many league members stepped forward.

"Tadashi. You've done your job well. Now come." Ordered Ra's.

Tadashi swallowed nervously and bowed as he and the other of his league members followed pursuit and jumped over the fort to the other side.

He looked back at Hans one final time who stared back at him.

"You've never changed Tadashi." Deadpanned Hans.

Tadashi said nothing and instead walked over to join Ra's side.

Suddenly all the league members with weapons in their hands began to raise them up in the air and would bring it down to strike the ice. Even chanting together as they continued to chip at it.

Elsa grunted and was surprised by the hard strikes they were giving. But she quickly composed herself to maintain the fort as strongly as she could.

But it seemed the more she tried, the more league members began to appear from the forest. It's as if there were millions of them at this point.

Elsa grunted again at the hard hit the league members were striking. None of them stopping and all of them seeming to not lose one bit of breath.

"They're coming... there's nothing else we can do." Said Cassandra to the group as the chant continued.

"They're gonna break the ice completely off.. Secure the woman and children and get them as far away from here as you can!" Shouted Yelena. "All the men who are able must stay."

Many children and even mothers began to cry and even mourn for their husbands or sons. Begging them not to stay.

Soon enough all of the people were complaining while Honeymaren along with many others tried to calm them down. Even Yelena had begun to shout orders.

"Elsa we need to leave!" Exclaimed Anna as Elsa continued to grunt and try to hold down the fort. But every strike the league did only made her more tired.

"I.. can't leave, Anna." Grunted Elsa.

"Elsa his plan didn't work! The whole fort is gonna break! There's nothing we can do to hold them down. There too many of them!" Exclaimed Anna.

The whole forest became loud. Full of screams and terror and weapons clashing against ice. And the chant only grew louder.

Hans eyes furrowed with worry as he turned to look at a sadistic Ra's who was staring at him calmly amid all the chaos. Only him and Hans were the only ones not saying a word.

He slowly turned around where he went back to the madness.

Honeymaren was yelling out commands for her warriors to hold their ground. Yelena was hurrying all of her people to run to the forest. Hanna and her shield maidens were throwing sword strikes at whoever dared to cross over the fort. All while Elsa struggled to keep the fort secured.

They were outnumbered and this was it. Hans needed to do this. It was the only way to save them.

And so he turned around back to Ra's and then to Hanzo who had been laughing at the chaos he was witnessing in from of him.

He reached out and yanked Hanzo up to his feet, even startling him by surprise. Then he threw him across and over the fort back to league.

"What are you doing!?" Shouted Elsa as everyone looked at hans like we was insane. "You're giving our hostages back to him!?"

"Just hold the down." Said Hans. And before anyone knew it and before Elsa could say a word, Hans jumped on top of the ice fort and pulled himself up easily before he landed on his feet with ease on the other side where the rest of the league was waiting for him.

Everyone including Elsa gasped. Hanna did not.

The whole league were caught off guard but they wasted no time and immediately charged forward to attack him and take him down but Hans was quick to counter every attack. Breaking the bones of many of them as they tried to bring him down.

He punched, kicked and even scrambled his way out but there were far too many league members who were all impatient to kill him. But Ra's didn't make one move. Instead he watched emotionless with his hands crossed behind his back as Hans continued to fight for his life.

The others watched as they tried to hold Hans down while he continued to kick everyone around him. Some were successful in punching at him but Hans stood his ground with many.

It wasn't till Ra's rose his right hand that they finally stopped going after him and obeyed.

Hans quickly pushed everyone away as he stood up straight and stared at Ra's angrily.

"What is it you seek." He asked with Hanzo now standing by his side. Completely loose off his bounds.

Hans didn't have to say anything. Ra's knew Hans was eager to kill him. But he did anyways.

"You're head." Replied Hans darkly as everyone in the league began to murmur.

Ra's smirked before he turned his back towards him. "I accept. Give us room."

Immediately all the men started to encircle Ra's and Hans in a perfect circle where everyone could see and stay away from them.

"What are they doing?" Asked Elsa as she turned to Tadashi who was walking towards the fort.

"They're making a circle to kneel down and give space between Ra's and Hans." Said Tadashi.

"Why?" Asked Anna.

"Ra's is honoring Hans' wish. A fight to the death." He replied before leaving.

Elsa and everyone else stayed silent.

Tadashi approached Hans. "Remove your tunic. It is custom."

Hans began to do so as he removed it. Completely flashing his scared and defined torso as the cold air hit him.

"Just realized this is the first time I've seen Hans shirtless..." Said Anna suddenly as she continued to study Hans physique.

"Anna..." hissed Elsa.

"Sorry... I just. This is all weird, Elsa." Said Anna.

"First time huh?" Said Cassandra suddenly as the two sisters turned to look at her. "You should see how it feels like--"

"Cass. Really?" Said Hanna annoyed as Cass smirked as she turned back to the conversation of Tadashi and Hans.

"Ra's al Ghul is not known to be merciful. But if there was a chance, this would be your final moment for it..."

Hans only stared at Tadashi with anoyance before he stuffed his tunic into his palms.

Tadashi pressed his lips and sighed. "Choose your weapon." He said gesturing to the many weapons laid on the floor by the league members as he walked away. Clearly in distraught.

Hans walked over to the weapons and picked up two swords in each hand. The weird feeling made him adjust the handles repeatedly. It had been years since he held a sword.

Anna swallowed nervously and looked away. Seeing Hans with a sword in her hands again sent her to a core memory she despised.

Even Elsa couldn't help but feel it.

"I was 11 years old when I killed my first man." Said Ra's as he looked out towards the large view of mountains in front of him as he stood over the cliff.

Hans turned to look at him.

"And I remember the look on his face when the light went out behind his eyes. Such a sudden change. Almost imperceptible... between life and death."

Ra's began to remove his cape and tunic.

"And I'd felt ashamed. I'd stolen from that man the most precious gift of all. Life. But I also felt something else. Pride."

Ra's was now completely shirtless like Hans as he slowly turned around to face him. For a older gentlemen he was surprisingly strong and his muscles seemed to have years of his experience and had no scars unlike Hans.

"Because I had taken up arms against someone who sought to do ill against my family. And I realized what I had done was necessary. You see. I had replaced evil with death. And that is what the League exists to do.

And I have killed several thousand more men since then. And the world is better off for it."

Hans twitched his hands anxiously as if he was warming himself up for battle. Elsa and the others noticed this. But they also noticed how for Ra's everything seemed calm like he had just rolled out of bed.

"You've taken your last life." Said Hans as he stared at Rha's.

"No. You have lived your last day... We are ready." Said Rha's as he settled himself and stood with one hand towards his back. Still calm and composed. "Fight me, boy."

"You're unarmed." Pointed out Hans.

I'll take your blades from you once you are through with them." Replied Rha's.

Elsa and others watched anxiously as the two men stared at each other for several seconds

Until suddenly Rha's through a strike with his right fist directly at Hans cheek catching him by complete surprise and pushing his almost to his back.

Hans immediately went for a strike with the two blades he wielded but Rha's moved out of the way with ease and smoothness and kicked Han's knee which sent him tumbling frontwards.

His hand still remaining in his back as if he training with a young boy.

Hanna began to bite her lip nervously.

Hans turned around and went for another strike but Ra's moved out of the way again with ease and even laziness.

Hans turned again to stike twice, Ra's blocked both strikes and grabbed Hans' right wrist and twisted it, making Hans grunt in pain.

Hanna and the other cringed are hearing Hans bones make a uncomfortable grinding sound. Kristina had to cover her ears.

Then Ra's kicked the back of Hans' right leg, causing him to fall to his knees. Hans was now only left with one weapon, as Ra's had taken the one from the arm he had just twisted.

Hans rose back to his feet and swung at Ra's three times, being blocked each time, before Ra's twisted Hans' right arm again, making him grunt once more with uncomfortable noise that followed.

Elsa gasped. She couldn't remember Hans grunting in pain that loud in any fight he had been in. Even with her when she threw a spear made of ice right at his shoulder.

Ra's then took a swing at Hans, which he dodged, and soon they started clashing their weapons together again. Even though Hans seemed like he had an advantage for a second, he still couldn't land a hit on Ra's as he kicked the back of Hans' right leg again, making him fall to his knees, but this time, Hans swung his weapon at Ra's but failed to catch him off guard.

Ra's then kicked Hans onto the ground, but Hans was fast to get up and start swinging again, even attempting an overhead slash, but Ra's caught his arm and slashed his wrist, opening up on his veins as blood began to leak and he did it with his own weapon, causing Hans to yell in pain.

Ra's had his back turned to Hans, who took the opportunity to strike him in the back, but Ra's was ready for that and blocked it with ease again.

"I can't watch..." Said Kristina as she hid away her eyes.

After a few more clashes, Hans attempted to punch Ra's, but he countered by hitting the nerve points on Hans' left arm, causing Hans to yell in pain again and he stumbled over. He attempted to strike Ra's again, but was forced to stop when he found himself with a sword at his neck forcing Hans to turn until his back was to the edge of the cliff.

"Oh my God..." whispered Cassandra. "I've never seen Hans be out-skilled like that..."

"What.." asked Anna with widened eyes.

"We need to stop this. He's going to kill him if we don't-"

"Just stand your ground." Ordered Hanna.

"What? Hanna. Look at him he's-"

"Stay put. Cass. That's an order." Demanded Hanna more firmly as she turned to look at her.

But Cassandra could see the worry in her eyes even fighting the tears which was rare for someone like Hanna. It was obvious she was part of a plan of something.

"He told you not to intervene... didn't he..." whispered Cassandra to Hanna who only pressed her lips nervously.

The other watched in horror at the two men standing over the foggy cliff.

"You should take pride." Ra's said with the blade still aimed at Hans neck. "You survived longer than most."

Ra's then slowly forced Hans backwards towards the cliff. But Hans suddenly countered by knocking the sword away from his neck, and punching Ra's followed by twisting his right arm as hard as he could.

Everyone flinched as Hans brought his weapon down to behead Ra's for it seemed like a moment that Hans had him at last. But Ra's dodged the moving blade and stood up and caught the blade with his bare hand which made everyone gasp even making Hans eyes widened.

Rha's threw a quick punch at Hans in the neck. causing Hans to choke as he reached for his throat. Then, Ra's grabbed Hans' blade from him and stabbed him right in the left side of his gut.

Elsa gasped. Anna gasped. Hanna's heart dropped.

After a moment, Ra's yanked the blade out and elbowed Hans, who fell to his knees, hands still around his throat.

"My God... he just lost... Hans. Just lost..." Said Cassandra with worried eyes.

"Don't be afraid, my son." Ra's said calmly as he walked up to Hans. "Death comes for us all. We can only evade it so long. Consider this, an honourable exit."

Ra's then stabbed Hans through the right side of his stomach with the sword. When he yanked it out, Blood started flowing from Hans' mouth.

The scene made everyone silent. Even Tadashi couldn't help but feel the uncomfortable feeling ringing in the air. That this man he had been living with the forest was dying right before his eyes.

Hans was dazed out as he continued to spit out blood. He could barely hear the panicked yelling from the other side of the fort.

He was seeing stars and his vision was turning white.

His eyes were deep emerald as was Hanna's. He was in danger.

"Forgive and have mercy upon him... Excuse him and pardon him... Make honorable his reception... Protect him from the punishment of the grave... And the torment of fire." Ra's said as a final prayer.

Ra's then kicked the mortally wounded Hans off of the cliff. Sending everyone into a panicked pause. The whole world seemed to have stopped and time seemed to slow down as they saw him to fall into the river below.

"No..." whispered Elsa as she turned to Hanna show as pressing her lips before she turned back to where Hans once stood.

He was gone.

Ra's stuck the bloody sword into the ground, leaving it as a marker of sorts, a resting place where the man had died and walked away, returning his calm and menacing gaze back to the group on front of him who stared at him with great fear.