Ryu grunted when giving one last rinse to her face. He was polite enough to let her finish but not polite enough to not enter her room uninvited. She couldn't admonish him too much though she had done the same thing albeit her intrusion was a bit more altruistic.

She wiped her hands over her cheeks and eyes roughly ridding them both of water and the annoyed sneer she sported- turning around.

"Mr. Scherer."

"Miss Cherry."

He seemed more alert than in gardens when she was just a mere maid with odd eyes, aware of what she was and capable of.

Letting the tense silence slowly constrict their personal spaces together Ryu gestured towards the door.

"Shall I fetcheh you some tea or maybe some cakes- or how about a lesson in how to knock, knowing when to just may save your life one day no?"

The man's emotions remained uninfluenced, watching her as she gathered clothes: a plain white tunic and grey trousers, and unceremoniously tossed them onto bed it was then he began to speak.

"I have come to learn over my years of working with others that the most timorous are more often the ones who hide behind being facetiously cocksure-"

"Oh yea?" Ryu grumbles with an obvious dilettantism of the garrulous man.

"-Though I never knew a woman to carry this trait."

Finally returning her gaze to him, Ryu began slovenly untying her bottoms and shuck them off.

He was careful with his reaction wanting to lay undetected by her perceptiveness, with how tightly wound his body became, he smelt nervous but he was a man of God after all and to show an outburst of any nature would allude to a nature he hadn't wanted to be implicated giving Ryu the satisfaction.

She at least had decorum to turn around when removing her shirt. Ryu would let him think it a shyness instead of her being disinclined to put her injuries on display. He'd see the scales on her back and ass but not see that they could be somewhat penetrated.

"That is kinda like how idiots are most likely to be- what was it teh called-" she trailed off thinking of the pronunciation then snapped her fingers- turning once her shirt was over her head, it was a bit long. "Sesquipedalian." It was a fun word, and ever since she had heard it she had been wanting to try it out practicing how to say it. His sharp inhale told her that she had pronounced it well enough.

She continued on poking the bear while grabbing her trousers. "Or-or-"A finger was wagged at him impishly.

"Or eh how the most perverted and twisted hide behind being very pious." She glanced up when his silence became loud and- Oh- well she had done it now.

It was kind of creepy how his face grew darker in vermilion but remained the same. Was he having a heart attack?

"I will be here in Arendelle for an extended stay-" he drew closer making Ryu wish he would try to assault her in some way, then he'd be dead and wouldn't bother Elsa anymore. Problem solved.

"-which should give me enough time to conclude why a creature like you would attack Arendelle then return under the guise of a maid, only to completely compromise herself in order to protect the Ice sorceress. Forgive me but it seems quite treacherous."

Ryu scoffed to the side leaning back on the bed. "Well that was not me being me treacherous no? That was uh just bad planning on my part. How would you have done it-huh?"

Her genuine question was ignored. "Nevertheless I will found out."

Her face scrunched up as she straightened to sit at the edge, hands clasped.

"Don't you have homework from the old egg in Ruskland?"

"I will tolerate alot from you because of what you are-"

"-Great." Ryu's jejune smile was wholly disarming given the topic being discussed.

" -but I will not tolerate you contemptuously referring to illustrious Tsarina of Ruskland in that diabolical manner."

"Humans and your titles-" Ryu muses standing up. She spoke as a parent to child who spent too much time outside and not enough time studying.

Her fingers gripped the doorframe as she momentarily stopped midway out. "I swear if you put as much energy on learning and knowing things to improve dehuh instead of titles and the privilege they brought...well I'd say you deserved ruling the world but -" taking a breath she lopsidedly grinned at him. "Most of the time no one gets what they truly deserve, eh- feel free to snoop around my room uh."


It was hard going at the pace she wanted, it hurt, the halls were spacey and perfect for speed walking. She'd find Elsa hopefully, maybe ask around. She kept Ryu up to date on how far the investigation had gotten. The answer; not very far at all. Julien had refused to speak no matter the threats or promises made to him. He had a powerful weapon against them that thwarted all attempts; He knew he was right.

At this rate he'd sooner die then say anything.

Ryu stopped.

In the fight, at that moment he had said "Fucking hell. What are you?"

There was the answer. The context irrelevant but the bigger picture wasn't.

"Fucking hell. What are you?" And she knew what he had said. Perhaps it was the adrenaline that distracted her and even after it did not occur to her that a reflex of translating languages had set them back for days.

He had said. "Maldito inferno. O que você está.

Fuck.

"Allo." Ryu tried to play casual with all of the castle residents and from an outsiders perspective it was working and they welcomed her but she knew better. They were still uneasy from her presence akin to hens side eyeing a fox in their coop. She didn't blame them, or tried at least not to take offense, they were all still adjusting to her now exposed striking appearance, and those who connected the dots of drew the dragon roof incident straight to her.

She felt terrible the moment she caught a housekeeper's attention for frightening the man into dropping a tray. The loud clatter drew some eyes of others who slowly continued on their duties.

She winced. "How may I help you ma'am?" He was still pleasant during recovery retrieving the tray from the ground.

"Sorry but where do you keep the people in the cages huh?" She spoke too fast that was evident in how he held his mouth open trying to decipher it but eventually gave up.

"I beg your pardon, what?"

"Where do you keep-" Spinning her hands around in circles as if it would help. " The people-"

"The peepholes?" That was how he heard it.

"People, the bad people. Criminals." She wished she led with that.

His face lit up with excitement at finally understanding what she was saying.

"Oh you're looking for the dungeons ma'am!" She shared his enthusiasm, both practically jumping up and down.

"Hai!"

He gave very explicit directions to the dungeons which were kept in a separate building only attached by a small corridor. Access was limited but the guards allowed the royal family hero to pass through without much questioning, Lady Elsa's orders were that Ryu would not be bothered by anyone unless it was of utmost importance.

The only light source were lamps and the natural sun rays that trickled in here and there through barred windows and doors. The air was colder than anywhere else in the castle. The dragon jumped every now and then when a loud bang or yell echoed through the halls.

Ryu's first instinct was to follow her nose, she had his scent memorized. The smells she picked up made her stomach toss like a green sea full of bile.
Julien's led to a hallway, at the end stood a large wooden door and two guards sentry.

"Halt immediately." A strong voice said. "Turn back around now, no one except the queen and General Mattias are authorized in this area."

Ryu blinked and did indeed halt for a second at the barrage of words thrown at her face then continued until she stood in front of them.

Their uniforms looked very clean despite their surroundings, the one who spoke regarded her carefully releasing some of the tensions in his face, even his beard lowered down a tiny bit.

"Ah the little hero of Arendelle." His tone despite his words were not condescending at all more so fond.

"Why little?" Ryu still voiced.

"Please if you are lost allow me to send for someone to escort you where you wish to go."

She looked past him at the door pointing to it. "Julien?"

"Yes ma'am?"

"Can you open the door please I want to speak with him." She nodded hands now akimbo as waiting for them to open the door.

"I'm afraid that goes against the queen's orders and Lady Elsa's."

A few seconds passed.

"So you not going to let me in thereuh?"

The guard shook his head remorseful. It was no secret what the assassin had done to Ryu. Some whispers said he had pierced her heart and the amazing royal physician resurrected her, others said she had lost a limb. Either way he was assured that she was the last person who should see the monster kept behind the door.

"Is thereuh a-a way for me to sneak in?"

His companion swallowed down a chuckle. The guard smiled small shaking his head.

"I'm afraid not, the windows are sealed by the strongest iron no way in or out."

Ryu was not pleased the slightest bit. Her eyes narrowed at the dumb wooden barrier keeping her from her goal, it simply had to go or the guards had to, either one would work, or both. Then when the brainstorming ended she waved at them and turned back. "Have a good day then eh."

"You as well ma'am."

She paced in the castle halls, if Anna and Elsa were so adamant about keeping her out she couldn't very well turn to them with her theory that had no evidence. She could already hear Elsa's Absolutely not! Are you insane?

Yes the woman was predisposed to anxiety and worry to the point Ryu could deduce it had to be a condition.

Anna was very stubborn, they both were from what she had seen but Anna was fiery and could shut down an idea she didn't like very swiftly and sometimes viciously.

She could easily brute force her way through the door but there'd be a chance of interruption she couldn't risk.

A good distraction would be marvelous right now.

She could release a bear in the halls but that could be quickly resolved and end badly for the bear... Where would she even get a bear?

The woods duh.

Maybe release a few prisoners. Ryu played out the scenario, rubbing her chin with her index and thumb, shook her head no. They could run into the castle and start stabbing people in the asses.

Leaning against the high overlook railing she drew her head back thinking. The soft dancing flickers of a hanging lantern drew in her eyes.

She could burn the wing down but her fire was recognizable by color. She stared at the dungeon entrance at the end of the walkway.

Fire was still a very viable means to sneak in. Humans couldn't handle the smoke, lungs too small and weak, the tight space would be suffocating forcing a retreat.

Someone could die though.

She waves her hand in front of herself dismissing the notion.

She'd make it a small fire, and ensure it wouldn't block the exits. It'd be fine.

She'd get the answers and help Elsa and hey! Anna would be thrilled as well. A little property damage was a small price to pay to get results.

A classic win-win. Nothing was set in stone if her plan needed recalibration or tweeks of improvement that'd be easy.

She whispered out the one word that described her idea

"Perfectu."

She would need it to spread quickly and cover all the areas she wanted.

Making her way to the maine wing a delicious smell captured her nose. Following it led to the perfect source.

What place was most likely to catch fire in not just a castle but in any home?

She smiled broadly finding the answer.


If only Elsa could tell him how busy she was, the dire circumstances she found herself in these past few weeks, then he'd feel foolish for pestering her with ridiculous requests such as marriage and all things akin to it. Requests of taking her for a stroll in the gardens.

Then he'd know she could only spend time with those who were working with her on the investigation luckily they were people she wanted to be around and even if it was a luxury that she could afford to waste away her time frivolously she'd still only give it to her family and friends.

"Lady Elsa I think you have misinterpreted my intentions." This caught her attention.

"Have I? I'm only going off the multiple and very persistent requests given to me and my sister for my hand in marriage."

"Those aren't my intentions." He shrugged, the action displacing hair that was tucked perfectly back.

Elsa mocked surprise leaning forward slightly. "They weren't!" She straightened. "Well you certainly had me hoodwinked, unfortunately I am quite busy and don't have the time to make acquaintances-" before she could make her leave he impeded her path.

"I do wish to marry you-"

"Please make up your mind-" replying quickly Elsa began walking down the hall towards Anna's office.

"I've made up my mind, it may not be the same conclusion but I do wish to marry you, what I meant was that I haven't been asking for your hand I've been asking for a chance." This slowed Elsa's steps a small bit he took the miniscule invitation and joined her side.

"I would like to get to know you- court you properly- since I think we'd make good company together."

Elsa hummed not convinced in the slightest.

"My father sent me here to ask for your hand directly and I hated the idea, I never wanted to marry; it's very time consuming and I value my time since there's so much I want to do but now that I've met you I think we would make a compatible match based on what I've observed from you and heard-"

"Eavesdropped-"

"Semantics."

Now they stopped by a window while Elsa stayed silent for a while before pinning him with her eyes.

"You sound like you don't even know what you want." Her tone was more sympathetic than a barrat. She didn't know how old this boy was but he couldn't have been no older than 23.

"That's a bit hypocritical coming from you." Elsa's face hardened taken aback.

"And you know me so well from the... Twelve minutes that we have interacted together, suddenly you know what I want, you who don't even know for yourself." He met her challenge without aggression but instead an even more infuriating passivity.

"No I don't, but I only know what I want in the moment. So do you, you just convince yourself that you have an idea of what you'll desire in the future because it gives you security. Everyone does that so don't feel too terrible." Elsa looked away blinking, she didn't feel terrible about that all, she felt terrific.

"So what's worse me being honest saying that I don't know what I'll want in the future or everyone else settling on one thing because it's what they want now?"

His words seeped into the itinerary she had been creating for herself for years. Elsa knew what she wanted, she had goals and aspirations, yet two years ago she thought she had everything she needed and could ever want, her crown, her family, and all that changed then weeks before now when she had convinced herself again she had everything she met Ryu.

Still this man did not know Elsa in the slightest and she was developing a disinclination towards him for projecting his own inconsistencies on her.

"Lord Weaselton-"

"Thomas please-"

"Thomas... You don't know what the future holds and that may frighten you- the way it changes constantly for all of us so you don't invest- in anything and just live in the moment and that has brought you here since you're father...is a schemer-" Thomas' face became more laxed in a silent contemplation.

Elsa searched for any signs of offense but found none so continued. "So he sent you here to solidify your future- took your life in his hands and plopped it on a path that seems more beneficial for him than for you."

The Lord nodded rubbing his stubble. "You're good." He jabbed bringing a smile to her face for the first time since they spoke. "And right, I always rebelled trying to prove him wrong. That I could live the way I want to and be happy and successful."

"And what happened?"

"I failed," he answered plainly. "Multiple times actually. One time I ended up accidentally on a ship to the Americas and they had to turn around and the entire crew was fired for their late coffee shipments to France."

Elsa could only blink trying to process his speedy speech, composed she cleared her throat.

"Well uh- Always double check with the entire crew before you set sail on a ship of the destination but- Thomas you can live your life the way you want to but you're going about it wrong. You need a balance of spontaneity and also caution or you or someone else will get hurt."

He smiled warmly at her, his bright green eyes nothing like his father's. He was not an investor and Elsa could find some comfort in that, he didn't look at her and see a walking commodity that could be used at further dates, he saw a person to connect with and it was endearing.

"We definitely could teach other things."

"Like?"

"Like let's try a little exercise; I'll say what I want in this very moment without thinking of the future, its consequences or anything else- I won't do it I'll just think!" He quickly pacified the reluctant expression forming on her face as he spoke. She already didn't like this.

"Right now I want to go riding on this beautiful summer day, around the countryside exploring Arendelle." Well that wasn't as bad as she thought it was going to be. "Now you." He gestured his hand towards her.

Taking a breath Elsa began to thin- "And be honest."

"Right now I want you to heed my words and leave me alone for the time being."

"Hmm well at least one of us will get what we want. Have a good day Lady Elsa." His bittersweet expression touched her heart so she called after him before he got too far.

"Thomas!" He spun around slowly.

"The stables have wide variety of horses for you choose from. Just tell them I sent you."

His grin split showcasing his white teeth, Elsa playfully rolled her eyes at his over exaggerated waist deep bow and continued on her path to find Ann-

"Fire in dungeons! Fire!" Elsa's nerves jolted her powers to her finger tips, creating a blue and white glow crackling like ice scraping. "Quickly it's spreading on the roof!"

I guess it's time to take Thomas' words to heart. She opened the window and jumped out onto an materialized icy surface climbing up to the roof, that was the first priority, if it caved in someone could get severely injured.


It was easy to sneak in under the protection of smoke and everyone rushing to get snuff out the flames. Everytime they thought they had extinguished them an alcohol bottle tucked in either a rafter or hidden somewhere else would explode spreading it in controlled bursts.

The guards had dispersed from the wing locking the doors shut to ensure no escape. Within the stone walls the prisoners safety was not a concern.

The door protested groaning loudly as Ryu shouldered her way in giving consistent pushes and shoves till eventually it gave out. She would have fell face first had she not been clinging to the brass handle.

She continued hanging on searching the dark grey tinted space. "Allo?" She sang glancing around until Julien was spotted shackled to the wall pontificating the contents of his book.

He didn't look up when he spoke. "All that trouble just to see me, it won't do you any good, I already said all that I am willing to say."

Shutting the door with one hand Ryu let its thunderous boom settle before she said with a laborious breath.

"Just take the compliment."

His eyes panned up quickly to her hearing his native tongue. He continued on in Portuguese as well.

"You are a well learned demon I'll give you that ma'am."

"And you-" she began pulling out a chair to sit. "Ah I got nothing." She waved her hands.

"My previous statement still stands I will not speak." Her light eyes bore into his.

"But you already have."

His smugness was not deterred by the assuredity she seemed to possess having encountered enough interrogations in his life time. Confidence was key yet also was a dead give away that someone was goading him on if they tried to convince him that they knew too much already by impossible circumstances.

"And yet you came here asking for more, as long you and anyone else does not have the answers I live and you visit me, and will get nothing until it is too late."

Ryu leaned back against the chair propping her feet up on the wall, her head rolled to the side. "Aw don't be like that" She cooed. "This visit is so much more personal. Everyone knows that when the tip of a man's blade has been inside you it's rude not visit him." She had admit Portuguese was much easier to grasp than the nordic language in Arendelle.

"Of course a demon of your caliber finds humour in such debaucherous things."

She hummed waving her finger. "You speak only as if you say facts, a poor trait of one not willing to learn."

"What could I possibly learn from you?"

"We could learn from each other; You could learn about my species-"

"I know what are-" he began but the abrupt scrape of Ryu's chair when she st stopped him.

"And I know what you are; an idiot." Each step she took closer he met with leaning forward. "I am not a demon because of what I am- I am a demon because of what I've done." She ended with a whisper then recoiled a particularly loud shout was heard. They stayed silent wondering if their time together was cut short but after five seconds turned back to one another.

"Tell me why of all humans out there you attempt to kill the kindest one?"

"Kindness is meaningless when paired with insurmountable power, it gets drowned out."

At this she shrugged. "I'd rather be trapped in a room with a incredibly kind lion than a very mean dog. Luckily the dog in this room is chained up."

"If that's what you think of me so be it. Elsa could easily wipe out the entire human race at her whim."

Glancing to the side Ryu's eyes held no remorse.

"Mm good."

"Of course you do not understand the ramifications of the subject-"

"Humans have been commiting genocide against every living thing, themselves included for centuries." Her tone consisted of only stultification that would only get worse the more they went on. The rocks that she kicked scrambled across the stone floors echoing in the chamber. "I'm convinced you all could use a good thinning of the herd, at least you're fascinating. There are those out there right now pillaging, raping, butchering. Why not try to stop them?"

"I cannot account for all the sins of the world but I do hold myself accountable for the unholy and unjust that take place before me! Elsa is an injustice against nature!" Ryu smiled. So that was how to rile him up, question his beliefs and he defend them with his very last breath not even considered the slight possibility that he and all others who followed were wrong. So tunnel visioned. No wonder he was absconded so easily after trying to shoot Elsa, he didn't take into account of other likelihoods for an escape.

"She literally is a element of nature." Ryu deadpans, she was growing quite bored of the routine, already caught on to the gimmick. "Besides isn't murder a sin?"

"This is not murder, it's a cleansings for the better of humani-"

"Spare me the saving humans bullshit." It was all the same, he was like a dog chasing its tail, constantly going in circles never getting any further. He was however more prone to talking during an emotional outburst and more prone to emotional outburst when his morality was rattled.

Turning from the barred window after testing their restraint- The guard was right they were super strong- Ryu scuffed her shoes against the ground looking along his restraints and to the floor.

Let's rattle him a bit.

"You know I never completely settle on one belief unless it is backed by facts maybe if you had given me a compelling argument I would have joined your little murde- oh sorry cleansing attempt, but to me it just sounds like whoever you're working for is just jealous of Elsa's power-" the disgust on her face being genuine only helped her act even more. "And if whoever sent you truly is doing the will of God then he sounds just as envious- Envious like a shallow woman who saw even prettier girl enter the ball!"

Julien stood and rushed towards her chains rattling as they pulled back against his weight and strength, making the whole dog analogy kinda seem on the nose.

"Do not take the name of the Lord in vain!"

Cringing Ryu sardonically replied. "Sorry- unless- I mean who is to stop me, no one has ever seen him, you don't even know who you serve."

"I have-"

"Where?"

"The only way to see him is through his word."

"His word?" He nodded not quite grasping her false mocking dubiousness.

"Who has time for that?"

"Those who are enlightened by his words, and set aflame with passion for his will, as I am."

Squinting eyes challenged him. "You didn't read all of it."

"I have-" Ryu continued shaking her head. "All 73 books I have." Her shaking slowed when she backed up putting at least a foot between them.

"You must have alot of time on your hands, now onto something else more enticing, Religion makes me nauseous." Physically she was the one being tortured, all she had to entertain herself was whatever was in the cell and what she could make of it, picking at the wall here, kicking rocks there, looking out the window could be but so enjoyable so few times.

"What is a Brazilian assassin doing all the way out here in Arendelle?" She chuckled at his changed expression.

"Brazil?"

"Yes, your accent nor the way you speak are from Portugal. Although that would make more sense if you were." She whispered the last part to herself. "But you're not."

Ryu continued musing aloud now fully ignoring Julien and whatever show she was putting on for him by pacing.

"How did you get here, to Arendelle all the way from- Oh."

Now she finally looked at him calmly and went for the door.

"Whatever conclusion you think you came to-"

"You assumptive ass, I didn't come up-" she strained pulling the door open again to be greeted by small wisps of smoke. "-with a conclusion but I did come up with a few helpful tid bits for Elsa. So I bid you a goodnight, your story seems quite interesting, I wish to hear more but for now thank you-". A bow. "You have been in this conversation as you have always been... completely and utterly useless."


It was awkward even to Ryu who was usually impervious to such tensions, she now wanted to slip through the floor away from the head stewardess.

She could smell the anger radiating off Gerda like heat from an oven who kept their pace brisk and silent. When Ryu spoke things only seemed to go downhill from there.

"So... How ya been eh? I want to um know."

"Do you now or is that another lie?"

Her slowed steps kick-started up again to catch up with the older woman after the momentary verbal stunning. It was to suspected yes but Gerda somehow managed to transform into everyone's mother, the one person everyone universally feared and rightfully so, they were terrifying.

"Technically speaking I did not lie."

"Well then that changes things entirely-" Excellent very good, Ryu grinned nodding.

"You're an even bigger ne'er-do-well than I thought." A what? Ryu didn't know what that meant but it sounded aggressive.

"What's better lying to me directly or manipulating the truth?"

Gerda waited as the dragon tapped her chin thinking, before she could answer her mouth hung open when Gerda instead voiced. "That was a trick question since in both circumstances you took me for an imbecile."

"What no no... Just gullible."

She scoffed rolling her eyes and began escorting Ryu once more to the council room.

"I was only trying to help the best way I knew how!"

"And you never once considered the scenario of taking this matter to Queen Anna and Lady Elsa both of whom could have maybe not prevented the Assassination attempt but prepared for it. You could have lost your life young lady."

Ryu sighed, no she hadn't considered that before. Prior she had thought it best and just improvised her way through and it worked by luck not skill or planning, with how dire the subject at hand was it was beyond foolish to leave such things to luck, she could have lost Elsa. It was a pain far worse than her stomach and heart could handle as they began to hurt and churn.

Noticing her dour attitude and contemplation Gerda faced her speaking more gently than before.

"And yet without you we would be in a much more horrible detrimental future than we are now. The day Elsa met you was the day her life had been saved, and in extension all of ours as well-" Again What?

She laughed at Ryu's puzzled brows scrunching together placing a hand on her shoulder, she did not miss the girl's micro wince but kept her hand in place.

"Elsa is the fifth Spirit, she and Anna are the bridge between our people and the natural magic of this land. Without one we fall and perish as a whole."

The gravity of what happened and all that hung on the delicate precipice settled upon Ryu like a weighted blanket. Still she couldn't miss the opportunity to look up at Gerda smirking.

"One would think eh with so many lives on the line you would have a back up bridge." She laughed while Gerda slapped her shoulder mortified and followed after her hearing the words; Simply incorrigible child.