Going Back Home

February 20th, 1836

At the ice palace, Anna was on the upper platform in the foyer. She had been looking for Elsa and was having no luck so far. Anna checked her bedroom, but no one was in, aside from several Snowgies. From the corner of her eye, she saw Olaf on the floor below the platform. She decided to ask him.

"Hey, Olaf."

"Morning Anna!" Olaf greeted with his usual smile. "Do you need anything?"

"Yes. Have you've seen Elsa anywhere? She wasn't in her room. I was wondering if she had left."

"She might be in the balcony room."

"Okay, I'll look there. Thanks."

"You're welcome!" As Anna headed to the balcony room, the snowman resumed what he had been doing. "Now where are Slush, Sludge, and Slide?"

In the balcony room, Anna had just arrived. The room was empty. Then, she noticed the doors to the balcony were opened and saw Elsa gazing out. Anna walked up to the doorway.

"Elsa?" She called out.

"Anna!" Elsa quickly turned. "I didn't hear you. What brings you here?"

"You didn't leave me breakfast like you usually do."

"Oh shoot!" Elsa placed her hand on her forehead. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean forget." The ice weirder was speaking in a matter that sounded like panic.

"Woah, take it easy. It's not the end of the world."

Elsa faced Anna. "You're not upset?"

"Of course not," Anna assured. "Every now and again, we tend to be forgetful. Lord knows I had my moments. Why would I be upset?"

"It's just that...in my previous home, if I had forgotten to do something, or make any mistake, I would get punished."

"What did they do?" Anna asked though she was afraid of the answer.

"You already saw some of the answers on my arms."

That was an answer Anna was afraid of hearing. Of course, she had the idea that Elsa had been beaten in the past, but being beaten for making mistakes? That's a whole other thing. "They hurt you?"

"It was to make sure that I would never make it again."

"That's horrible."

"It was. But it's doesn't matter now, it's all in the past. I got away from them and they haven't bothered me."

"Still, it's bad what they did. I would never hurt you for making a simple mistake. Or I wouldn't hurt you, period."

Elsa looked up at Anna. "You wouldn't?"

"Of course. I'm nothing like those people you were with. I mean, I don't know how bad they were, but I'm sure they were pretty bad. They had no right to do that to you! You didn't deserve any of that. No one does."

Hearing those words hade makes Elsa feeling a little...happy in her. Here was someone she hardly knew just mere days ago. Now, she's talking like they had known each other for a long time. Like, she cared for her.

"That's…was really nice of you to say."

"It was?" Elsa nodded her head. "Well um, thanks."

"C'mon, Let's get you some breakfast," Elsa suggested.

The two girls walked back inside, closing the balcony door. As They walked, Elsa replayed Anna's words in her head. Never once did she hear from another person that Elsa didn't deserve the treatment she had gotten in her early childhood years. She will never forget the taunts of her holders saying that every beating she got was deserved. Hearing another person say she didn't further Elsa's confidence to ask Anna a question she had been thinking about. And today she was going ask it.

She was going to ask if she and Anna are friends.


Not far from The North Mountain lied a region of forest. In it were three of the Snowgies: Slush, Sludge, and Slide.

Being out of the palace and away from the mountain was no stranger to them. Elsa did allow her creations to leave the ice palace at their will. They would be permitted as long they followed two rules. Rule #1, be home by sundown. Rule #2, if they see any people, they were to head back home immediately and not got spotted. Fortunately, not many people come to the mountains, so following the second rule was a rare occurrence.

At the moment, two of the Snowgies were currently playing a game. They were playing a small game of tag. Slush was the one currently it.

"You can't catch me!" Slide playfully tainted.

"Never say never!" Slush declared.

While the duo played their game, Sludge was laying down near a bush. He was tired from playing with his brothers for most of the morning. However, his relaxing came to a halt once he heard footsteps nearby. Sludge merely passed it off as an animal until he heard noises. Not noises heard from animals. These were voices. Deciding to investigate, Sludge got up and slowly walked into the bushes, his two brothers didn't notice. As he walked, the voices became clearer.

"Can we take a small break again? We've been at it most of the night and morning."

"I have to agree with Adams. Some of the men looked as if they're about to collapse."

"Very well. We'll take another break."

"But we're so close! We can't stop now. The dog still has the trail."

"I know you're eager, Kristoff, but we won't be no help to the princess if most of the men are exhausted."

Those what Sludge had heard. Peeking through the leaves he saw it. There was a group of men. Actual people. Sludge took one small gulp of fear as he slowly backed away, mentally reciting Rule#2 to himself. On the other side of the bush, Slush & Slide were still playing. That had ceased once they noticed their brother acting odd as he walked backward.

"You alright Sludge?" Slush asked.

"Run…" Sludge muttered.

"What?" Slide asked.

"We should start running…" Sludge suddenly started running. "Like NOW!"

"What's gotten him riled up?"

"Uh, I think I know why..." Slush said, trembling with fear.

Slide looked over to see his brother looking in the bush. Curious, he looked over and saw the group of men. Fear was written his face, along with his brother. The duo decided to follow their brother's example and started running for it.

"WOAH, GEEZE! THEY'RE RIGHT BEHIND US!" Slide shouted as he ran.

"Come on little brother! Let get outta here!" Slush followed.

On the other end of the bush, the soldiers were resting, completely unaware of what had just transpired. However, Hall's face had perked up.

"Did you guys hear that?" Hall asked.

"Hear what?"

"Like, a tiny squeak."

The other soldiers just look at him oddly. Not really sure what to make of that question.

"I think the cold air is messing with your head, Hall," Daniels suggested.

Believing his comrade, Hall had decided to shrug it off. It probably was a trick by his head.

"Y'know, you're probably right."

Little did they know...


After breakfast, the two girls had hung out again in Elsa's bedroom. Anna was once again looking over the items Elsa had collected. Elsa had been mostly quiet, only saying anything whenever Anna had a question about her items.

"Where'd you find this knife?"

"I was following a hunter and he dropped it," Elsa answered. "I never really used it."

"It's cool looking though." Anna kept on examining the small tool. Elsa could see the small admiration she had for it in her eyes.

"If you want, you can have it."

"Really?" Anna asked. "I couldn't, it's yours."

"Please. I have no use for it anyway."

"Gee, well...thanks," Anna said with some joy, though still surprised with the gift.

Anna resumed admiring the knife. Ever since she was a child, she had always had an interest in weapons. She had her father to thank for that.

Despite his overprotective nature, he had never had any issue with Anna liking weapons, much less using one (Though he was always made sure to be with her when she does). He had taught her how to use swords, arrows, crossbows, and even guns. He had even taken her with him on several hunting parties. Ironically, the one thing that Anna actually considered dangerous was the one thing that she and her father bonded over. The few times her father didn't constantly have the need to protect her.

Looking at Anna, Elsa decided it was time. Taking a deep breath first before asking her question.

"Anna?" Elsa's voice pulled Anna out of her reminiscing. "Can I ask you something?"

"You just did."

"What?"

"Uh forget that," Anna said, realizing that Elsa wouldn't get the joke. "What do you want to ask me?"

"Ar-are we fri-?"

Before Elsa could finish the question, a loud band had interrupted her. Both girls turned to the source of the noise. There was Olaf with the doors wide open. He had a panicked look on his face.

"Elsa! You got to get downstairs, now! It's an emergency!"

Just before Anna could saying anything, Elsa immediately got up and followed Olaf, leaving a confused, but curious Anna. Wanting to know what was happening, the young princess decided to see what was going on. Leaving the room and going down the stairs, she saw the commotion in the foyer.

Gathered was Elsa, Olaf, Marshmallow, and all the Snowgies. It looked like a family meeting of sorts. Anna noticed 3 snowgies in the center. 2 of them looked frightened while one looked to be talking to Olaf & Elsa.

"Everything will be fine," Anna heard Elsa say. "They'll probably just pass by."

"Who'll pass by?" Everyone turned to face Anna. "What's going on?"

"Slush, Sludge, and Slide saw people!" Olaf exclaimed.

"People?" Anna asked.

"Uhuh! A small group of them. Just a little south from here. They had horses, a dog, and even a reindeer!"

"It probably just a hunting group. They wouldn't come up here," Elsa suggested. "It wouldn't be the first time."

That was a statement everyone seems to agree with. However, Anna had a different idea of who they were.

"Did they have names?" she asked.

Everyone looked at the three snowgies. Slush and Slide had expressions indicating that they didn't know. But then, Anna saw Sludge squeaking fast.

"What's he saying?" she asked.

"Sludge said he heard one of them call someone 'Kristoff'," Olaf said.

With that answer, Anna's suspicions had been confirmed. Kristoff, a perhaps even several members of the royal guard were searching for her. And if the snowgies were right about having dogs, they weren't far off from finding her. Along with Elsa and her creations. Realizing what she has to do, Anna quickly took off the spare mittens and bonnet.

"Anna, What are you doing?" Elsa asked

"I have to leave."

"What, why?" Olaf asked.

"If I stay here any longer, those people will come here. Which is why I have to go."

"I don't understand," Elsa said.

"Those men aren't hunters. They're looking for me."

"Why?" Elsa was confused. Of course, she remembered Anna mentioning of having a family. She suspected that they themselves would look for her. Not a group of men.

Anna looked at Elsa. It was at the moment that she knew that she had to tell Elsa the truth.

"Do you remember yesterday when I told you about my home's king & queen?" Anna asked.

"Yes...What does that have to do anything?"

"Well, you see...those men were sent by them to look for me was because...they're my parents."

"But...if the king & queen are your parents," Olaf trailed off before making a small gasp. "That means you're a-!"

"Yes," Anna cut him off. "I'm a princess. Specifically, Princess Anna Eriksen of Arendelle."

For several moments, no had dared to say anything. They all looked at each other. Except for Elsa who just stared at Anna.

"Why didn't you tell me you're a princess?" she asked.

"I wasn't sure how you would react. I didn't want to overwhelm you. I'm sorry," Anna answered. "But that doesn't matter anymore. I have to get to those men before they get here. And I'm sure any of you guys don't want that. So I have to leave."

"But you can't go!" Olaf exclaimed.

Anna looked to see the sad look on the snow creatures expressions. They all bore the same sad looks. Even Marshmallow looked a bit upset. She kneeled down to the snowman's level.

"Believe me when I say that I don't want to leave. You all have been so kind to me. But I have to go back my family, and I suppose I've been away from home long enough.

"But...we'll miss you."

"I'll miss you all too," Anna hugged the snowman.

The princess got back on her feet and looked at Elsa's eye level. Anna gave Elsa the spare mittens & bonett to her.

"Won't you be cold?" Elsa asked.

"I can't be seen with these, otherwise they'll get suspicious. They'll probably have spares. Thank you again for all you've done for me."

"Will I see you again?"

For a moment, Anna didn't answer. She knew that when she returned home, it'll probably be a long time before she could ride out in the woods on her own.

"I hope so," she answered, though unsure if she was telling the truth or not. "I have to go now."

The residents of the ice palace all watch Anna as she made her way to the grand doors and opened them. Before stepping out, she turned back and gave a wave.

"Goodbye, everyone. Thank you again."

She then went out and the door closed. Not a single word was said. Elsa kept her eyes on the door. Her face looked as she was about to burst into tears.

"Elsa?" Olaf called," Are you-?"

"I need to be alone for a few hours."

Elsa quickly turned around and made her way to the foyer stairs. Olaf tried to follow her but was stopped by Marshmallow's big hand. "Leave her be." He said to Olaf as they all watch Elsa walked to her room.

Elsa had made it to her bedroom and shut the door. She had leaned her back against it. Snow started to fall in the room heavily. This had gone on for the next minutes. Elsa stood in the same spot as snowflakes still fell. And then, the snowflakes froze in the midair, looking as if the snowfall was frozen in time. Elsa slid down onto the floor, back still against the door. She closed her eyes as a lone tear fell from her eye, before wrapping her arms around her chest, as if she were hugging herself, and burying her head between her legs.

For the only friend she had ever known was now gone. Perhaps for good.


Meanwhile, Anna was making her way south of The North Mountain. She was shivering cold and her hands were ice cold. Though she had her reasons. In order to make it look convincing that she had been surviving on her own in the wilderness, she had buried her hands in a pile of snow for a short period of time. Not to mention, she had also put small patches of dirt on her face and her dress. She hopes it would be enough to convince them.

After putting on her rouse, she walked in the direction to where the snowgies found Kristoff and perhaps the royal guard. So far, she hasn't seen anyone.

"I swear, they better not have already lef-."

Anna's trail of thought was interrupted by the sounds of bushes rattling. Remembering what had happened last time, Anna pulled out the knife Elsa had given her. She slowly walked over to the bush, both hands on the knife sticking in front of her. Just as she was about look in, something jumped out and knocked her to the ground. When she looked up she saw a happy face reindeer standing over her.

"Sven?" The only response the reindeer gave when he licked her face several times. "Ok! Ok! Ok! Ok! You found me! Sven, calm down!" Once the reindeer seized his licking, Anna got to her feet and petted the animal. "I missed you too."

"Sven!" A familiar voice called out. "Did you find someth-?"Emerging from the other side was Kristoff, who stopped dead in his tracks once he saw…"Anna?"

"Hey...Kristoff," Anna greeted. "How are you?"

The ice harvester went over to her and hugged her tightly. "How am I?! Are you alright? By god, your skin is ice cold!"

"I'm okay. Really I am," Anna assured. "Um, you're kinda hugging me a little too tight."

"Sorry," Kristoff pulled back. "I was worried about you. I was afraid that you were…"

"Hey, you're not going to get rid of me that easily," Anna attempted at a joke.

Kristoff gave a light chuckle. "Wow. You spent a few days alone in the cold wilderness and you're cracking jokes right now."

"Well, you know me. So is it just you or…"

"I'm not alone. The captain of the royal guard and several others are here. I volunteer to scout ahead while they rested. Seems like I made the right choice."

"Where are they?"

"They're not far. I'll take you to them, and well take you back home."

"Home...that sounds nice."

"Here, you could use these." Reaching into his satchel, he got out a spare coat. He even gave her his hat. "You can also ride on Sven. I figure you deserve a rest."

"Thanks."

Kristoff helped Anna onto his animal companion. The reindeer followed his friend with Anna on his back. What they didn't notice was Anna taking one last glance at The North Mountain. While she was happy to be heading home, another part of her felt emptiness. That feeling grew the farther she went away from the mountain


On the outskirts of Arendelle lied a house with a windmill next to it. Not far from the little home was the forested hills. Outside of the house three children, 2 girls and a boy, are currently playing in the snow while their parents were inside. As they played, the boy, who was the youngest of his siblings, noticed something in the distance.

"Hey guys, aren't those soldiers?"

"Where, Thomas?" His older sister asked.

"Over there," he pointed.

The eldest sister looked in the direction where her brother was pointing. He was indeed right. There were soldiers walking down the hill. She figures it was the search party for the missing princess probably returning to rest. Just as she was about to assure that to her younger siblings, she took notice of a figure who was riding among the soldiers. This figure looked almost like the…

"The princess…" the girl muttered.

"The what, Lucy?" her little sister asked.

"They found the princess! Princess Anna is okay!"

The older child ran into the house, followed by her siblings. Once in, the children had excitedly told their parents what they saw. The parents went outside to see for themselves. They soon realized that their children were speaking the truth.

"By God," the children's father muttered. "That really is the princess."

"I can't believe it," followed by the mother.

Just then, the father quickly put on a coat and a hat.

"Dear, what are you doing?"

"I must spread the word that the princess has been found," the father said before he dashed off.

The father ran down to the town below. On his face lied the most joyous look one can have ever seen. A nearby group of citizens looked at him in confusion. Once he started shouting the news, that realized why he was such in a mood.

"Everyone! They found Princess Anna! The princess is okay!"

Soon, the word quickly spread among the town. Pretty soon, the citizens were scrambling to prepare to welcome home their now found princess. Meanwhile, a member of the town guard had just heard the good news. He abandoned his post and ran straight towards the castle.


"I'm going back out to find Anna."

"Agdar, you've been at it for two days and you barely ate and slept!"

Inside the king's study of the castle, Agdar was about to rejoin the search for Anna. Fearing for his physical and mental health, Idun had tried to convince to stay and rest.

"Are you suggesting that I stay in here while our daughter is still out there?!" he said.

"I want her found as much you do, but you're no help to Anna if you're weak!" Idun stated. "I know the soldiers will find something."

"So you're saying that I just sit here and wait for the good news to just waltz right in here, right?"

At that very moment, the door to the study suddenly slammed open. At the door was Kai, who looked as if he ran here.

"Kai?" Agdar said.

"You're majesties...I have...good news," the servant said as he took breaths.

"What news?" Idun asked.

"Princess Anna has been found. She's alive."


Being back in Arendelle was a happy sight for Anna to see. She rode with Kristoff as they rode through town. Surrounding them were the captain and the soldiers. Anna could still recall the reactions when Kristoff brought her to them. Captain Storstrand was surprised and relieved. Several of the soldiers were very happy. One soldier that Anna recalled being named Johnson, was standing with the most speechless expression she had ever seen.

Now they were all back in Arendelle. The welcoming community was unexpected. Of course, she had expected such a thing, but she didn't think news of her return would spread so fast. Citizens greeted her as she and her group walked through town.

"Welcome back Princess Anna!"

"We are glad to see you safe!"

"Welcome home your highness!"

"We knew you were alright!"

"Thank you. Thank you, everyone," Anna said, albeit a little uncomfortable with all the attention.

"They're just happy to see you," Kristoff said. "They'll probably won't be the last to do so."

Anna knew what her friend meant by that. "How are they?"

"They're doing alright, but we're also worried like crazy. Your dad especially." Kristoff paused for a moment. "Anna...he knows."

"I figured as much," Anna sighed.

"You're not upset?"

"No. I understand why you did it, but it doesn't matter now. I suppose he would've found out one way or another."

The ride through town had still remained silent. In normal circumstances, Kristoff would be worried about that since Anna was usually a chatterbox. However, given what Anna had been through, he thought it was understandable for her to be silent. Though unknown to him, she was silent for different reasons.

Soon the castle came into view. Storstrand yelled for the castle guards to open the gates. Each moment that went by, Anna tense for the moment she will see her parents again. They had walked into the courtyard. The soldiers got off their horses, while Kristoff picked up Anna bridal style and got off of Sven.

"Kristoff, you don't have too. I can still walk," Anna assured.

"Oh, sorry," Kristoff gently placed her on the ground, while also hiding his blush. "I was just…"

"It's fine."

"Princess!"

The two friends turned around and saw the two servants, Kai & Gerda. They quickly ran over to them.

"Are you alright?" Gerda asked.

"I'm fine," Anna replied.

"We need to bring her inside. And get her a warm meal and a drink," Kristoff said.

"I'll handle that," Kai said.

The servants and ice harvester walked with Anna into the castle. They soon made it to the Grand Hall, which lied a huge staircase. Several servants who were nearby started to crowd the princess, asking many questions.

"Calm down!" Kristoff cut them off. "I'm sure she'll answer your questions later. Right now, she needs some space."

The servants did what they told and started to back off.

"Thanks," Anna said.

Soon after, Anna sat down on the steps of the staircase, with Kristoff sitting alongside her. Kai had gone to get the food, and Gerda left to inform Anna's parents of her return. This left the two friends alone as they waited. Anna was nervous about seeing her parents again and Kristoff can clearly see that.

"Hey," Kristoff patted her shoulder. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"I'm so going to get it," Anna said.

"Maybe they'll be so happy to see you that they'll forget about it?"

"Somehow, I doubt that."

From there one, there was not much spoken between the two friends. This had lingered on for several minutes. Kristoff stayed by her side, even though she insisted that he didn't have to. Being the good friend he was, he didn't leave. Having Kristoff here made her homecoming more comforting.

The sound of several footsteps was heard. Both friends look to see the two people who had awaiting this moment. It was Agdar & Idun standing the very middle of the grand staircase. Just by looking at them, Anna could tell how they've been for the past few days. Her mother looked slightly tired. Her father looked slightly worse as he had bags under his eyes. It looks as if he hadn't properly slept for days.

Anna quickly stood to her feet. "Hey, guys..." Her mother quickly went down the steps and hugged her tightly.

"Are you okay?" Idun asked.

"I'm fine, mama." Anna pulled away from her mother. "A little cold, but fine." Turning her head, she saw her father not far behind. "Hi, Papa. Listen I-" Anna didn't get the chance to finish her sentence, for her father suddenly hugged her.

"Whatever you're going to say, we'll talk about that later," Agdar said. "Right now, I'm just happy that you're back safe and sound."

Anna agreed to that and return the hug to her father. Idun soon rejoined the hugging as well. For a long while, they royal family stood hugging each other. For a moment, nothing else mattered to them. Except that they were back together as a family again.


So Anna has returned home to Arendelle and is back with her parents. Leaving Elsa back in the ice palace.

I always found it a bit odd that Kristoff and Hans officially have last names (Bjorgman & Westergaard) yet Anna & Elsa didn't. So until Disney gives official last names for the sisters, the Arendelle royal family's last name will be 'Eriksen' in this story.

Anna is totally a weapon enthusiast, no one can tell me otherwise. Kudos to you guys if you caught the Brother Bear & Toy Story 2 reference. Also, the windmill house here is the same one seen in Olaf's Frozen Adventure (Its seen during the That Time of Year sequence when Olaf gets thrown well...on the windmill).

We'll see more of the royal family in the next chapter (I'll give you guys a hint: Life's Too Short).

Thanks for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy Reading.

P.S If you guys are into The Legend of Zelda or Super Mario, you're welcome to check out my two other fics, Path of Destiny (Zelda) and Rosalina's Brother (Mario).