Hey guys! This might be the last chapter for a while. I'm dealing with some mental issues and it is greatly affecting my ability to write. Sorry. So, with that out of the way, let's get to the chapter.

TW: fronting

Chapter 21- Nobody's Home (Diane, Dina, Alters)

Dina walked in and immediately sat by Elsa. "Diane, tell me everything. Time is critical now." She listened as Diane told her what the kids and cops had told her when she arrived to pick up Elsa. "Hm, from the sounds of it, Kiri is a persecutory alter. And she went to an extreme to protect the system from harm. Though in this attempt, she actually caused more harm then good."

"What does that mean? Persecutory alter?"

Dina kept her fingers on Elsa's wrist, tracking her pulse. "There are different types of alters. Kiri, the persecutor, is the type who will protect the system from harm at a reasonable cost. What I mean by reasonable is they won't go to extremes such as murder or incapacitation. It would appear that when this Kayla posed a threat, Kiri responded accordingly. There's probably much more going on in the system which is causing pressure for the alters. Kiri must have hit her breaking point."

"I see. So is it Kiri's fault that Elsa got worse?"

"I would say so. Sometimes, when trying to protect the system, an alter can cause more harm. How long has it been since anyone fronted?"

"A few minutes. Oh, and something else that happened, is Elsa's snow was sort of revealed after the fight. The cops just thought it was imagination but well, we know she has powers."

"Her powers were seen? That is a major stressor. Do you know to what extent the snow was seen?" Dina kept tapping Elsa's forehead, but the girl was still limp.

"The kids described it as a light snowfall just around Elsa and Kayla, the snow following Elsa as she ran."

"Hm, I see."

"What are you doing?"

"Tracking her pulse while no one fronts. There's gotta be something going on that's taking someone a while to front. And I don't know much about the physiology of the disorder, so I want to be sure her heart still beats. What's taking so long? At this rate, I'd welcome Nassiri. At least it's someone to tell us what's going on."

Astrania paced around the den as Kiri kept trying to wake Elsa. "This isn't good. Those fragments are transparent now and now there's someone new! Why hadn't I felt their presence before?"

"Maybe because you were the last alter to form?"

"That's nonsense. I felt everyone's presence whenever they were near. That's how I knew where Nassiri would be before she arrived. I could feel lit. Who is this new person? What is their purpose? Can we trust them? Where are they now?"

"Calm down, Nia. All the stressing and frustration won't help any of us," Kiri tried shaking Elsa. "Wake up sleeping beauty! Damn, nothing."

"And this is the mess you created. You let your temper dampen your better judgment and role as an alter. You put us all in danger and even worse, possibly exposed Elsa's powers to people! People who would no doubt love to take her and do experiments to find out how her powers are even possible! Stay ashamed of yourself!" Nia paced, rustling her hair. "Anna is in no condition to front, she's still getting over her break down. Arcy is asleep and I have no clue where Aya is." She groaned, wishing she could smack Kiri. So, she did. "This is all your fault!"

"I could go…Maybe fix this…" Kiri weakly mumbled.

"I don't trust you to front yet. I could front…" Nia sighed. "Well, no choice. I'll be back." Nia briskly walked out of the castle doors.

Dina was shining a small light into Elsa's eyes when she blinked and turned her head. "Oh, you're up. That took a while. Who are we talking to?"

Nia sighed and rubbed her head. "Nia. I'm so glad you're here, Dina. We all need your help."

Diane blinked. "It's rare that you front, Nia."

"I usually try not to, as the girls need me back home."

"Nia, do you know any of what happened today?" Dina motioned for Diane to grab the camera from the counter. Diane did that, gave it to Dina and sat. "Okay, I'm going to record this so Elsa knows what happened." She turned it on and hit record. "Start from the beginning."

Nia sighed and ran her hands through her hair. "Well, Elsa was in school when something triggered her. I haven't figured out all of her triggers yet. But I feel like whatever triggered her gave her a flashback and then Arcy fronted. Arcy didn't want to stay in high school so I sent Kiri to front. The bell rang, kids left the building and Kiri was approached by Kayla. Despite knowing better, Kiri got into a fight with Kayla right as Elsa was co-conscious. Kiri came back to the inner world, leaving Elsa with blood on her hands. I know blood triggers Elsa and she started freaking out. Naturally, her snow started to react to her powers. Which in turn caused panic. So Elsa ran off. She made it to a field somewhere and I decided I had to be co-conscious to help her. Well, she ended up witnessing a murder. That made her have a short freak out until she passed out. When she did pass out, she took control of her body with her. I tried to move her but I couldn't. Then I heard a new voice tell me that they'd take care of things. I didn't have time to argue so I entrusted the new person with Elsa's body and carried the little Snowflake to the inner castle."

"whoa," Diane rubbed her eyes. "My poor girl has been through so much!"

Dina gulped and shook her head. "That is truly horrible. I do feel so bad that she had to see that." She raised an eyebrow. "Did you say a new voice?"

"Yeah. Do you remember those fragments I told you I was watching? Not only had they moved closer together lately but as I was taking Elsa to the inner world today, I noticed they were transparent. I have no idea what that means. Though I'm so relieved that whoever this new one is actually did take care of Elsa. I was worried it would have been Nassiri coming back." Nia slumped against the chair. "Elsa had a reaction to Anna's medicine, which made her snap at all of us. She's currently unconscious and we can't wake her, Anna is recovering from a break down, Arcy has been having recurring nightmares of her past torture and Aya hasn't come back to the castle yet. Kiri is turning into an alcoholic over the mess she created and I'm so stressed I could rip out my hair!"

"Calm down, Nia. Your heart rate is rather concerning," Dina frowned. She turned to Diane. "So I was right. The system is under immense pressure." She returned her gaze to Nia. "And from the looks of it, you're trying to keep everything together."

"It's killing my but yes," Nia sighed. "I'm also worried for Kiri. She was alcoholic before but I fear this may cause her to drink even more. And her guilt combined with the alcohol could lead to possible self-harm. After all, she was the first alter present to protect Elsa. I'm not sure how she'll handle the guilt."

Diane sighed. "Is there anything we can do to help you out?"

"Good suggestion, Diane. Nia, write down anything we can do to help you make things easier. The less stress all of you are under, the better you can live."

"That sounds easy enough. Anything on hand so I can start?"

"I'll grab you some paper and a pen. Should I also get the journal you guys have?" Diane got up and started walking away.

"Not right now," Nia shook her head. "I'm going to check on the girls quickly. I'll be back."

"Be careful," Dina nodded.

Nia left Elsa's body and returned to the castle. "How's it coming with Elsa?"

Kiri shook her head. "I think she's out for who knows how long this time. God, I've fucked up so badly." She ran her hands through her hair and looked behind Nia. "Hey, Aya is finally back."

Aya skipped in happily, hands behind her head. The past few days had been great. No night terrors, no mood swings, just great. She saw Kiri sitting on the couch, looking concerned. She skipped past the new woman, who was a fiery haired woman. Aya didn't know her name or where she came from. But what Aya did know was that she felt safe around her. And safe was always good. Especially after that black winged chick went psycho. Now that Aya really thought about it, this new woman did look a hell of a lot like that psycho. She'd have to keep a secret eye on this woman. Aya went to the kitchen and decided on a fruit salad for lunch. Strawberries, apples, bananas, watermelon, and cantaloupe were all diced and put into a bowl. She poured a 1/4th cup of water into the bowl and sprinkled sugar lightly on top. This was going to be such a good lunch. She took the dish to her room and ate it while she listened to music. What should she wear when she went to school next? Aya sat on her stomach and kicked her feet while she ate. Now that Aya thought about it, this Elsa chick was pretty smart if she was in high school at 13. Kind of made her look bad. But that could be fixed with a bit of studying. Aya sat at her desk and ate, opening a text book to study the lessons she had been given. There was a girl in class that Aya sort of wanted to impress. Her name was Amy and she was pretty much the smartest girl in class. The prettiest, too. Aya couldn't really explain it but she felt nervous and shy around Amy. Aya didn't really know why or how, but there was something different about Amy. Something that made Aya want to be smarter and prettier.

Half an hour later, Aya closed the book and stretched back. History was so boring. The past was the past, let it stay there undisturbed by peeping eyes. Needless to say, Aya didn't like learning about the past. She laid on her bed and stared at the ceiling. A little tired, she decided to take a quick nap. She curled up under the blanket and closed her eyes.

Her eyes shot open, a feeling of heavy pressure on her chest, arms, legs. She looked around, seeing only a black, furry thing hanging over her. It seemed like its skin was twitching all over. A deep snarling noise made her look up. She couldn't even scream as she looked into a face that was half melted away, flesh and bone exposed. The skin was slowly dripping off the other side. Her eyes moved down to its hand, or what she thought were hands. They were just bone with thorny vines protruding from them. Those, appendages, were holding down her hands. There was cold, slimy thing across her feet, wrapped around her ankles. The creature was snarling, its bright yellow red eyes just staring at her. She couldn't move or even make a sound as it inched closed and dripped saliva on her face.

"Aya! Ayalah! Wake up! It's your night terror! It's not real!" Nia was trying to wake Aya, who was stiff in bed. "Ayalah, it's okay! It isn't real!"

Ayalah woke in a flurry of wild movements, falling from her bed. She accidentally kicked Nia in the arm on her way down. Instantly. She scrambled to her feet and against the wall, looking for that creature. It had just been in here, holding her down, about to eat her…

Slowly, Nia approached Ayalah. "Ayalah, my name is Astrania. I'm here to help you. Take a deep breath and relax. Look around the room. Do you see the creature now?"

Ayalah gulped and wiped the sweat from her forehead. She took a deep breath and looked around. It was just her and the woman named Astrania in the room. Had it just been another night terror? She looked around, a slight bit of panic in her eyes.

Astra closed the distance and pulled Aya into a hug. "Everything is fine now. You're awake and that creature won't get you."

Aya relaxed a little, feeling a lot safer. It was just a night terror, Aya, just a night terror. Calm down, everything is fine. It isn't real. Aya kept repeating it over and over until her heart slowed down. She smiled to Nia and sat at her desk, opening her literature book to forget about what she had just dreamt.

Nia watched her for a few minutes before leaving the room. She turned and walked into Anna's room. "Hey Anna, how're you feeling?"

Anna looked up from her book. "I'm feeling better. I need to remember that Elsa doesn't remember us and her taking my meds can make her sick and kinda crazier. I just need like, maybe one more day."

"That's good to hear. Have you eaten today?"

Anna smiled. "I did. Kiri made a grilled cheese sandwich with pickles in it for me and for a side she made this really awesome salad. I think you should try it! I don't usually like salads but hers was bomb!"

"I'll eat in a little bit. I'm checking on everyone right now. But I'm glad you ate and enjoyed it. You need to eat." Nia walked from Anna's door and turned down the hall, going to Arcy's room. She heard quick rustling and some things fall over. "Arcana?" Astra opened the door and peeked inside. Arcy was tossing and turning in bed, inaudible mumbles coming from her. "Arcy, it's okay! It' just a bad dream, it can't hurt her." Nia sat Arcy up and held her close, stroking her hair. "Wake up, sweetie. Nothing's gonna harm you, not while I'm around."

Arcy panted and woke, shocked. "Nia! The black lady! She was back! And it was worse! She was meaner and broke bones and made her bleed more…" Arcy started crying as she snuggled into Nia.

"Oh my little, Nana, no one will hurt her. I promise she's safe." Nia held her close. "Would you like to come with me outside?"

Arcy sniffled. "Sure, she doesn't want to be alone."

"Not to worry, sweetheart. She won't be." Nia picked up Arcy, sat her on her shoulders and walked downstairs. She saw Kiri still sitting by unconscious Elsa. "Keep an eye on her pulse and breathing. Do c.p.r. if you need to. Got it? Arcy and I going to front."

"Shouldn't you eat before you go?" Kiri frowned.

"I'll be fine. You worry about yourself and the others while I'm away." Nia opened the door and walked out. She journeyed to the void and took Arcy from her shoulders. "Okay, it will feel like we're falling. But we'll be okay."

"She trusts Nia." Arcy took her hand "She can do this as long as Nia is here."

Nia smiled and together they went to be co-conscious.

Diane was asking Dina about different aspects of the disorder Elsa had. "So, when someone takes over, Elsa doesn't know what happens when that person takes over? And it's possible for it to happen for no reason?"

"Yes and yes," Dina replied, keeping her fingers on Elsa's wrist. "She has no memories from the alters and what they do. And something as simple as a teddy bear can make Arcy front or even boredom can bring Anna out. Anytime, anywhere, and alter can take control."

"And so we have," Nia responded. "And little Arcana is with us as well. Say hi, sweetie."

"Nia, who's that lady? She doesn't know her…" Arcy held her hands in her lap. "She isn't bad, is she?"

"Not at all," Diane smiled. "And I'm here as well. She has nothing to fear."

"Well, okay. But she's not talking to the lady," Arcy stuck out her tongue.

"That's fine, sweetie. You can talk when you want to," Dina smiled. "Would you like to draw? I have some pen and pencils if you'd like to draw."

Arcy eyed Dina suspiciously. "Hmm…Fine. But no tricks!" Arcy took the pencils and paper and began drawing.

"Don't be surprised by the morbidity of Arcana's art. She always, always draws about what she's been through," Nia told the women.

"So I've seen. Kiri has given me some of her drawings. She has quite a talent for drawing," Dina nodded.

"Thank you," Arcy replied. "Some tell her that she draws things that are too dark. But she doesn't know wht else to draw."

"Dina, is there any way that we can maybe wake Elsa? Surely being unconscious isn't good for her."

Dina shook her head. "I'm sorry Nia, but she has to wake on her own. Should we try anything, it might trigger someone else and that can cause a chain reaction."

"I was afraid of that. But I do have good news. Aya finally came back to the castle. She seems to be in a really good mood for some strange reason. She's usually depressed or temperamental. And Anna is doing much better than she was before. One more day and I feel she can handle fronting."

"That's good!" Diane smiled. "How is Kiri?"

"She's still sort of wallowing in her self-pity. I'm keeping her from fronting until I feel she can handle her temper better."

"That makes sense," Dina nodded. "She is the one who caused this so naturally she's being punished for it."

"Is there any way you can see Aya and Anna soon? I'm concerned about them."

"I can schedule you guys in at anytime. How about next Tuesday?"

"That works. I just feel Anna's schizophrenia needs to be further examined and figure out why Aya acts the way she does," Nia sighed.

"Can she go back Nia? She wants to get some snacks," Arcy wiggled her hands.

"Sure. Be careful sweetie."

"She will be."

Nia felt her shoulders get lighter, as if Arcy had been sitting on Elsa's shoulders. "That feels lighter." Nia stopped in her thoughts when she moved white hair from her face. "That's not my hair. Where is my hair?"

"Don't worry, Nia. You still have your hair. You're just in Elsa's body." Dina patted her hand. "You seem to have a bit of body dysphoria. It's normal for an alter."

"I guess." Nia sighed. "I'm gonna get Elsa's body to sleep. I feel exhausted being here."

"Alright. Diane, remember everything we talked about. Astrania, take it easy and take care of yourself. A system is only as good as its caretaker. Remember to write in the journal and do the video diary. Those will help Elsa very much. Diane, do your part and be supportive of each alter. Speaking of, write down things you notice about this new one, Nia."

"Can do. Goodnight guys." Nia got up and walked into Elsa's room. She had brought the camera with her and turned it on. "Hey, Elsa. It's me, Nia. So we just had an emergency meeting with Dina, your psychiatrist. You saw some, uh, things that you weren't supposed to and you kinda konked out on us all. But you're fine. Kiri is watching over you in the castle and meanwhile, I'll be between here and the castle to make sure everything is alright for everyone. It's about time for some sleep so I'll see you next time. See you later, Snowflake." Nia turned off the camera and set it on the desk. With a flop, she was on the bed and under the blankets, going to sleep herself for the first time in months.

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Like I said, might be the last chapter for a while until I get my mental health taken care of. Thanks for understanding and as always thanks for reading!