Disclaimer: This work of fan fiction uses characters from Rise of the Guardians, The Guardians of Childhood, and Frozen which are trademarked by DreamWorks Animation, William Joyce, and the Walt Disney Company respectively. The author of this story claims no ownership over them. The story the author is telling is of her own invention and it is not purported or believed to be part of the canon storyline. This story is made for entertainment purposes only. The author is not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story.

Act Three

Cruelly cold
the wind congeals the dew.
Vines and grasses
will not be green again –
The trees in my garden
are withered forlorn.

– Tao Chien, Written on the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month

Scene One

The flames crackled and snapped, growing higher and higher with the strength of the wind. The smell of smoke filled his senses and his eyes began to water in the heat.

Jack was uncomfortable, but Elsa had begun to hyperventilate.

Elsa held tightly onto Jack's hand as the fire rose and the flames consumed the rest of the wood, completing the circle and cutting them off from the cold night air. The blaze continuing to grow, rising to a level where it was almost impossible to see past the raging inferno and rising grey smoke.

The Empress ripped her hand out of Jack's, holding both her hands closely to her chest as she scratched and rubbed at her palms. She spun, turning as she watched with wide eyes at the fire grew and cracked around her.

"Elsa?" Jack called, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder.

She didn't reply, her gaze only on the flames in front of her, wide, dazed ice-blue eyes that glowed with the flicker of reds, yellows, and oranges.

"Elsa, are you alright?" Jack called again. It was as if she had forgotten he was there. Her hands were growing redder as she clawed at her skin, bright red lines from where her nails dug into her skin, not much longer and she'll start to draw blood.

"It's my fault," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the howl of the fire. "I'm so sorry. It was all my fault."

He quickly grabbed her hands, holding them still as he tried once more to call her attention.

"Elsa!" he called again, but to no avail. The Empress simple wasn't there.

"Elsa!" he cried. Suddenly the Empress' knees buckled, Jack quickly wrapped his arms around her, bracing her weight against his chest as he guided her to the ground together in a mass of heavy fabrics. "Elsa?"

"I can't, I can't do it," she breathed. He glanced down to see her blinking, her eyelashes coming away wet with tears. Jack gritted his teeth, his heart sinking.

The Empress was crying.

Elsa was crying.

"Stop. Stop! Stop it, Aster! Put the fire out!" Jack shouted. He heard rustling over the flames, calm voices on the outside and then sizzling as the blaze was put out around them.

"Elsa, it's alright," Jack said, pulling the woman closer to his chest. The dangling butterflies brushing against his neck. "It's over, the fire's out. You're safe."

"Jie-jie!" Anna yelled. The young princess leapt into the smoking ashes of the circle, falling beside her sister. "Jie-jie, are you alright?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I can't do this." Elsa repeated, numbly.

"It's alright," Anna said. She took her sister's hands in her own. "No one will blame you. We will figure something out; we'll find another solution – another way to bring the sun back."

"It was my fault," Elsa muttered. "I should have died with them. I should have – should have been the one – rather than mother and father."

"Don't say that," Anna said and then the young princess started to cry now. But she tried to blink away tears, steeling her voice. Trying to be strong.

Jack let go of the woman in his arms and Anna took over, taking his place and enveloping her sister in her warmth.

"Don't ever say that again. The fire was never your fault."

Jack stood, stumbling out of the circle where Aster stood waiting.

"What happened, Jack? I didn't think it would go this badly."

"What have I done?" Jack whispered.

"What are you talking about?"

"Aster, the Empress wasn't just…scared of fire. She…she blamed herself for the late Emperor and Empress' death. And I forced her to relive it. I forced her to relive memories of her parent's death."

Jack turned to two women, watching Anna gently stroke her sister's hair, watching as the older woman wept.

"Aster, what have I done?"

Scene Two

The week after the incident left Jack more determined to throw himself into his studies. North was surprised with Jack's fervour and did his best to keep up with the prince, but there was only so much that the old scholar could teach at once. So Jack spent his free time going for rides with Anna and practicing his swordsmanship with Aster; anything to keep his mind off of the disastrous incident and the image of tears running down the Empress' face.

Jack was determined to right the wrong: to beg the Empress of Nuowei for her forgiveness. But he was hesitant, for the confession of his offences could mean the calling off of the engagement and he admittedly did not want that. He tried to avoid the Empress' gardens as well, too ashamed for causing such pain to face her. But when he was left with no partner to spar with, no teacher to learn with, and no companion to ride with, he was left alone with his thoughts. Then his feet would always lead him back to the pavilion in the Empress' gardens where he always caught himself in the last moment before anyone, especially the Empress, could see him and left.

But one day, when his thoughts lead to a dazed meandering to the pavilion, he realized too late. She stood at the foot of the bridge, mere steps from Jack. The Empress wore a muted green ruqun overtop a pale-pink daxuishan embellished with patterns of flying white cranes. In her hair was an ornament made of tiny silk pieces folded into the shape of peony flowers with pieces made to look like falling petals framing her face. Her lips were tinted red and in the center of her forehead, was a simple blue huadian painted in the shape of a four-pedaled flower. Beside her, was a girl in dark, plain blue – uniform of the palace ladies – carrying a pipa.

"Jack," she greeted when he made no move. He blinked, realizing now that he was staring.

"Your Majesty," Jack finally said, falling into a bow.

Silence.

"You may leave," the Empress said to her attendant. The girl bowed, leaving with the pipa in hand.

"I – forgive me, Your Majesty," Jack said. "I have disturbed you, I will leave."

"No," the Empress said "I rather you stay."

She swept past him, the train of her gown trailing behind her and as she crossed him, Jack could smell the scent of her perfume.

Rose water and lychee.

Jack stood, blinking bewilderedly as he followed her towards the pavilion. She sat down and gestured to the stone bench across from her. Jack hesitated, but then slowly sat down, keeping his head down.

"You have been avoiding me," she said, tersely. "What is it that is troubling you?"

"Your-Your Majesty, I – "

"I thought we established the fact that we are no longer using formal terms of address?"

"Yes," Jack started. "But, I believe that my actions have revoked such a privilege."

"What do you mean?"

"Your Majesty, I have been avoiding you because I'm a coward delaying the inevitable."

Jack stood, taking a deep breath as he lowered himself into a full kowtow.

"Your Majesty, I sincerely apologize for causing you so much pain by insisting on an activity that forces you to relive horrendous events."

The Empress did not speak.

"I don't expect you to forgive me, nor can I ask you to continue with this engagement." He bit his lip. "I will write a letter to my father. I will explain that the breaking of this arrangement is my own doing and I will depart from Nouwei within the week."

"There you go again," she started. "Saying things that you shouldn't."

Jack froze, staring at the snow covered ground.

"You did not force me to go into that circle," she continued. "You gave me the option and it was on my volition whether or not I go through with it. I will not call off the engagement, nor do I want to. It was inappropriate of you to suggest such a thing. Therefore, I will forgive you for such a comment. Now, you should rise."

Jack raised his head but refused to get up from his place kneeling before the Empress. He kept his eyes down.

"How could you just brush aside the fact that I caused such strife?"

"I'm not," Elsa said, sighing. "But it wasn't your fault. I'll always have these memories and it'll always be associated with fire. But the past is the past and I must – somehow – move on. But I was grateful to you, for attempting to solve one of the biggest problems that the nation faces. And for being there with me."

"I may not amount to much, Elsa. I will never be an Emperor, nor do I want to. I may not have the knowledge to face courtly affairs either, but I wish to help you in anyway I can. Perhaps to be a pillar where you could rest on, for just a moment. That would be enough."

He felt a hand rest on his shoulder and when he looked him, he saw a soft smile on the Empress' lips.

"I'd like that."

Scene Three

"So, should I start packing?" Aster asked. "And maybe create a fake name and identity as well?"

"Why are you so cynical?"

"Because you're the most impulsive and idiotic prince I have ever had the misfortune of serving."

"I'm the only prince you have served."

"Why couldn't His Majesty assign me to one of your more level-headed brothers? Or your sister even?"

"Because, I insisted that you be my bodyguard."

Aster grumbled, but there was a hint of a smile on the man's face. Jack sighed.

"No, to answer your question," Jack poked at the coals in the brazier. "She refused to break off the engagement."

"And you didn't insist?"

"Of course not," Jack replied. "Father sent me here for a reason – "

"As if His Royal Majesty could convince you to agree to an arrangement that you detested. Admit it, Jack: you love her."

"I will not lie that I am fond of her," Jack said, cautiously. "But it's too soon to say that it's love – "

"Don't lie to me, Jack. I can see the way you look at her, like she's the stars in your midnight skies."

"Since when did you become such a poet, Aster?" Jack teased, "Why, you should quit your job and head up to the mountains instead – "

But then Aster suddenly raised his hand, the gruff smirk on his face replaced with a tense frown. Jack kept his mouth shut. Though the pair bicker constantly, Jack always had full confidence in his bodyguard to keep him safe.

"Someone's outside," Aster whispered. He placed a hand on his sword, prepared to draw it as he stood by the door, an ear pressed against the wood panel. They both stood, silently waiting. The only sounds were the crackling of the coals in the brazier and soft, padding footsteps coming around the veranda. Then a knock.

"Jack?" called a soft voice. "Jack, may we come in?"

Jack turned to Aster. "It's the Empress," he whispered.

Aster released his blade and quickly slid the doors open and there, stood the Empress and the Princess.

"Your Majesties," Aster greeted, bowing. Elsa nodded, pulling the hood down as she stepped into the room. Anna left the lantern on the floor of the veranda outside before entering.

"What are you doing here?" Jack asked.

"I need you to help me." Elsa said.

"Of course," Jack answered immediately. What can I do?"

"I want to try again. With the fire. With you."

Scene Four

"Are you sure about this?" Jack asked as both he and Aster gathered wood and tinder into a circle in the middle of his garden complex. It would not be as secluded as the Garden of Eternal Spring but it would take too long to gather the materials needed and bring it there.

"I'm sure," Elsa said firmly as she and her sister filled buckets with water from the well. "Performing the ritual is the only possible way to solve this problem and I have made a decision to carry it through."

Elsa had brought only her sister, for she did not want to bring servants who might accidently – or intentionally – spread rumours to her ministers that she had visited her betrothed in the night and attempted a dangerous act.

When they had finished the preparations, Aster lit the touch.

The Empress had removed her cloak and daxiushan, handing the mass of fabrics to her sister. Jack did the same, pulling off the furred cloak and tossing it to Aster. She was already in the center of the circle by the time Jack joined her.

"Right. When ever you're ready, Your Majesty, Fifth Prince."

"Wait," Elsa said. She held her hand out. "I want to light it myself."

"Do you want me with you too, Jie-jie?" Anna asked.

"No," Elsa replied with a soft smile. "Jack was the one to suggest it. So he'll be the one to finish it with me."

Aster handed the lit torch over to the Empress and she took it with two visibly shaking hands. She held the burning end away from her, walking like she held something fragile. He watched as she approached the circle, lowering the torch slowly. She paused, her fingers were turning white now as she hands shook harder.

"I promised to support you and I'll be here for you," Jack said, placing a hand on top of her shoulder. "Do you want to light it together, Elsa?

"No," her eyes flickered to her sister. Anna tried to smile through tight lips and worried eyes. The young princess nodded and Elsa smiled. "I want to light it myself."

Then she lowered the flame, nestling it between protruding branches. It began licking at the dry kindling, smoking until the fiery glow began growing.

She stood, frozen in place too close to the flames as the fire rose. Jack reached for her, pulling her back towards the safety of the middle of the circle. She stumbled tripping over the hem of her skirt as she moved.

"Elsa, don't look at the fire," he said. She turned her eyes towards Jack, trying to keep his gaze and her breaths even. He laced his fingers into hers, hoping that it would stop her from clawing at her hands.

"The marks on my hands," she started softly. "They're scars from the fire. From when I tried to move the burning post off of my late father. I didn't realize that I had burned my hands until after."

Her voice grew louder, words flying faster from her lips as the fire cracked and growled and smoke filled their vision.

"The doctors said I was lucky that I still have feeling in my fingers after the incident." Her fingers wrapped tighter around Jack's. "But now I'm left with hideous scars. Constant reminders of my parents' death, of the sacrifice that they made for me."

Her eyes wandered away from Jack's, following the light of the fire once again. "Sometimes, I wonder if my late father is looking down on me from heaven."

He let go of her hand, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close to his chest.

"No, Elsa, keep your eyes on me."

"I wonder if he is proud or if he pities the child he left behind, unprepared take on the mantle that he once wore."

"You are prepared," Jack protested. "You are a monarch who is willing to marry someone you don't love to secure the throne. You would do anything to protect your sister and the kingdom. The late Emperor would be proud."

She turned, looking up at Jack, now realizing just how close they were.

"You are prepared, Elsa," Jack repeated.

Her perfume, her breath, her lips achingly close.

"You're wrong though," she whispered. "I am prepared to marry you because I love you."

His lips brushed against hers and –

Before he knew it.

Before he had time to comprehend.

She'd closed the gap.

Her lips pressed against his.

A kiss.

Scene Five

Jack hoped that the Empress had developed an immunity to the cold over the years for she was once again inappropriately dressed for being outside in winter. Elsa wore a pure white short sleeved ruqun with a sash as blue as the frozen lake. She wore her hair up in a neat twist with just a blue ribbon holding it in place. But, overtop of her dress, Elsa wore a white shirt with long sleeves attached to the cuffs: water sleeves.

She was practicing the dance, the sacred offering to the Sun Goddess, in an open space of her gardens. Snow still covered the ground, but Elsa had carved out a circle in the snow where she had set her practice stage. A drummer sat on a bench in the corner, beating a deep rhythm for the Empress. Her steps were cadenced, light, like she was walking on thin ice, each movement, each tilt of her head, and turn of the foot. The white sleeves fluttered like tendrils of smoke with just a flick of her wrist as she tossed the fabric over her shoulder then up into the air.

The Empress must have spent years practicing this, preparing for the moment when it was needed.

Jack stood, mesmerized. He didn't mean to pry into the Empress' private practice: he came to talk to her. But now, he was finding it difficult to pry his eyes away.

"Had enough?" Elsa suddenly called. Jack winced, caught mid-turn. She had stopped, the sleeves trailed down her arm, gathering in a pool of fabric at her feet. Her attendant quickly stepped into the circle and patted the Empress' forehead with a blue handkerchief.

"Forgive me for not announcing my presence…" Jack murmured, folding his hands in greeting. "I'll...take my leave."

"Stay, if you want," she said. "You won't get a chance to see the dance when it's performed properly, the flames would be too high."

"I'll stay," Jack replied, without even stopping to think.

Scene Six

"Who's that?" Jack asked as Elsa frowned at the arrival of her younger sister and a man into the Garden of Celestial Favour.

"The Thirteenth Prince of Nandao," she replied, trying to focus on her reading again.

"Nandao? The island nation on the coast of the ocean?"

"Hm," Elsa replied. "They would make for a powerful ally both economically and militarily."

"Anna appears eager to have him as her suitor."

"She's of marrying age now…" Elsa said. "And soon, the ministers will begin to push for a match and the Thirteenth Prince is keen on getting his name in."

"He looks kind," Jack commented.

"But power hungry," Elsa responded. "Nandao has extended their hand many times in alliance. All under the condition that I wed a prince and name him Emperor of Nuowei rather than Prince Consort."

"Ah," Jack said. "Then I must be your perfect match: handsome and content with the title of Prince Consort."

She laughed. "I would name you Emperor, if you wanted the title, Jack. I want you to rule by my side as my equal."

Scene Seven

A storm came through the kingdom when the Empress of Nuowei began the Sun Ceremony. It was held in the main courtyard of the palace, just in front of the palace gates where the people could catch a glimpse of their heavenly ruler. Guards stood at the entrance of the palace, holding back curious citizens and they stood guard on the round, stone platform built just for this purpose.

Jack stood on Anna's left, his left hand resting on the hilt of his blade in unrest as he waited for the arrival of the Empress from the throne room. On his right, stood North, Jack insisted that the old scholar stay indoors but to no avail. There were not many officials weathering the cold to see Elsa. Just Anna, her new suitor, Jack, his guardian, the Chancellor of Nuowei, and two of Empress' most loyal ministers.

The drums began playing. Loud booming that beat in unison with his heart. Then the gong as the large red doors of the throne room creaked open. There she was. The Empress of Nuowei, dressed robes of white. Her hair was pulled into a simple knot with a string of white orchids hanging down the right side of her face. Then she began making her way down the steps into the courtyard.

When she finally made it up the steps of the platform, attendants sealed off the entrance.

"Just how long is the ritual, Laoshi?" Jack whispered to North.

"Until the sun comes out. Really, it's when the flames die. In this blizzard it could mean hours or it could mean well into the night with the blowing wind."

"Into the night?" Jack repeated in disbelief.

They never prepared for this.

"She knows the risks and all that the ceremony demands. It's her duty as Empress. And your duty as Prince Consort to support her," North said.

Jack nodded slowly. "Yes, Laoshi."

Elsa made deliberate movements, dropping her arms so that the water sleeves pooled at her feet for just a moment before she waved her arms in a wide arch, bringing the sleeves with her as she knelt for a full kowtow in the direction of the rising sun. Five guards with attendants came then and lit the ring of wood and as the flames took rise, enveloping the entire circle, the only thing left that Jack could see of the woman was the flow of the white water sleeves.

And as the hours raged, the blizzard refused to give way. Many of the villagers had returned to their homes, too cold to continue to support their Empress. Anna had insisted that the old Chancellor return to rest as well and the Thirteen Prince of Nandao had started handing out blankets to the servants, guards, and civilians that remained. Jack stood, rooted to the spot. He refused to move until Elsa completed the ritual, but he had removed his sword first and placed it on the ground beside him: its weight bore down on him.

It was high noon now. Elsa had started the ceremony in the early hours of the morning and the flames have only reached their peak: it would be hours before they died.

Scene Eight

"Ge-ge, look!" Anna called, pointing at a peaking light through the clouds in the east. Jack squinted, snow continued to fall but the amount decreased into a pleasant drift. And there amongst the greying clouds, was a ray of sunshine.

"It's the sun!" one of the ministers yelled. "The Empress did it! She called the Sun back!"

Jack breathed a sigh of relief, a breath that he didn't know that he was holding as a smile broke out on his lips. She did it. She did it.

"Put out the fire! Quick!"

The guards were quick to move, grabbing buckets of water with a smile that could barely be contained. When the flames were finally put out, Jack saw Elsa.

"My Empress!" the Chancellor called. "My Empress, you've done it! The Sun has returned!"

Elsa turned around. Her pale skin was marred with black soot and rolling drops of sweat. The orchids in her hair wilted and her blonde-hair clung to her face. Her dress was no longer white and the water sleeves were singed and blackened by the flames. But she was smiling, radiating with joy.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

She fell, collapsing in a heap. Her ladies-in-waiting quickly gathered around their fallen Empress and Jack made his first step in hours.

His heart raced and he yearned to be at her side.

But then a scream.

Blood-curdling.

It was one of the palace maids, trembling as she held her hands to her chest. Her eyes were wide, staring at whom Jack thought to be himself. But no, it was something beside him. And as Jack turned, the first thing to enter his vision was crimson red dripping from cold silver. A hunched figure dressed in soft greens.

Anna.

Her hands were pressed against her stomach.

Blood ran down the side of her lips.

A sword protruded from between her crimson stained fingers.

A sword with a blue-jade ornament hanging from a black tassel and silver embellishments along the hilt.

His sword.

End of Act Three

Glossary

Jie-jie – older sister

Huadian – forehead markings painted on in the shape of flowers and such, it was popular during the Tang Dynasty

Pipa – a four stringed Chinese instrument, sometimes called a Chinese lute

Daxiushan – a large sleeved gown, popular during the Tang Dynasty

Nandao – Southern Isles, literally. I tried.

Laoshi – teacher

Ge-ge – older brother

Author's Note: Sorry it took me so long, guy. I am in the middle of exams still.

Until next time.

Please follow, favourite, and review.

Cordially,
EireneHarmonia