(Comes out hands in the air in surrender like fashion) Hehe yea…uhm (rubs back of neck in uneasy manner) Just going to leave this here and say nothing…I'll explain later, but yea… (puts chapter on the table and gulps before running away) See yea!

Rescue Me

Chapter Eight

Anna sighed in defeat as she took a seat. Kiba whined and pushed at her hand with his nose, and she began to pet him, "I do not understand," she said as she rested her head on her other hand as she scratched his head in deep thought, "I searched this whole library and there is nothing that matches the description of the book."

Kiba whined again as he pulled away and placed his paw on his friend's lap, "The book is supposed to help me find this Alastair person. The same guy who…" put Hans into this coma and pretty much helped the man into power to begin with, Anna explained in her head. However, she did make a deal with him that if she ever needed help, then she was supposed to come to him, down side is that she needed this book to find him.

Kiba huffed and put his head in her lap again and looked up at her, almost begging her to not do what she was doing, "I need to do this." Anna said at his insistence, "I cannot take this back and forth anymore. One minute I love my sister, and my fiancé, but in the next I hate them." Kiba snorted as Anna got up, "Like there are times when we are talking and I'll space out and this deep hatred will come over me. It has gotten better, but I need a permanent solution."

The wolf was still sitting on his hunches and cocked his head to the side in confusion. He had an uneasy feeling as he caught whiff of the scent that lingered on the book and wanted nothing to do with it. However, he also sensed the anxiety and the fear on his friend and wanted nothing more than to ease the suffering that she had kept hidden from the sister and who was that weird reindeer guy? Fiancé? What was a fiancé? Was it like a mate or almost mate? The wolf shook his head, no matter. His friend needed help, and that was what he was going to give her.

Just as Anna was about to go back through the shelves, what felt like the hundredth time, Kiba bounded over and reared up, causing Anna to be pinned against the massive wooden book shelves, "Kiba!" Anna yelled, "What the hell?"

Kiba just sniffed and sniffed the book, trying to pick up on some sort of scent, and finally after furiously sniffing, he got off Anna and began running out of the library. Anna was dazed and confused for a moment, and she was going to ignore her companion, when the wolf came back into the library and barked, "Kiba shush! What has gotten into you?"

Kiba whined and bounded back over and began tugging on Anna's dress, "Kiba what-?" Sudden realization dawned on her as Kiba turned and moved towards the door again, and she ran to follow.

Anna was barreling down the hall and weaving in and out of servants. She could hear multiple people calling her, but she did not care. She just focused on Kiba's retreating form as he ran down the hallway. Heading for the stairs, he jumped nimbly down each step only pausing a moment to watch as his friend slide down the banister, before bolting to the large set of doors that would lead them to the object she was so desperately seeking.

Anna stopped as she saw Kiba head outside the gates. He stopped to meet her gaze and she went to the stables first. Pharis looked at her in concern as she jumped on his back without bothering with his saddle or bridle, "Ya!" Anna commanded as she forced Pharis out of his stall and onto the grounds.

The guards did not even give their commander another look as she did all this. It had become apparent whenever their leader was under stress, she would ride her trusty friend to relieve herself of her burdens. Anna approached her friend as he took off again, this time cutting through the town and instantly Anna knew somewhat of where he was heading…into the woods.

A distant memory swarmed into her mind as she knew this is what occurred when she had run away. Secretly she was hoping that Kiba wasn't leading her to the area she swore that she would never enter again. Pharis's heavy breathing was echoing now as she returned focus, "Kiba slow down!" She yelled, but the wolf was already too ahead of her. Anna growled a bit, "Sorry Pharis, but keep going!" Anna commanded as she leaned on her other faithful companion.

Pharis shook his head and pushed forward, eager to keep pace with the wolf in front of them. It was only after a few minutes did the wolf come to a halt where the trail split off to two roads. Pharis stopped and Anna slid off his back as the wolf sniffed the air. He couldn't quite place the scent, but he knew where to go, and he did so by going to the left; this time the pace much slower and cautionary. He recalled the time he was expelled from the pack and knew this was going to be dangerous.

No light was penetrating the area as Anna looked around, sensing the change in mood. The trees were just as dead and barren as the last time she came by these woods. In the previous memories and the ones before the start of the first war, Kristoff had told her of this Dark Forest.

A very long time ago the forest was once a beautiful land with many woodland inhabitants, making it very prosperous. Before the rein of her family, there was a different family that ruled all of Arendelle. However, there was a curse that was placed on the land which affected not only the family, but had also transformed the forest into what it is now: dark and haunting with loads of dark creatures. While in time, the curse had faded, it did not fully break, and the family had eventually died out. He had also explained that the rumor was that deep in the heart of the woods, there is a castle that is barricaded by a stone wall which is the only remnants left of the family.

In the memories of the other life she had led during Hans's Dark Curse, she had once come across this dark castle while on the run from the pack with Kiba. They had not dared venture into its dwelling, but the atmosphere of this forest was the same as ever: dark and foreboding. Kiba paused to look at them and shake his head, "We are heading to the castle, aren't we?" She asked as Pharis had yanked her back at her words.

Kiba inclined his head and turned to the direction to which they were walking. Looking back, he asked the silent question, to which she thought over for a moment or two, "Yes. I must if I am to be well again. Lead on brother." Gods, if she ever needed to be fearless and merciless like her counterpart, now would be the time. Kiba and Pharis shared a look, and the wolf led on. They hoped that this trip would be worth it…for everyone's sake.

With each hesitant step into the woods, brought upon much added tension and weight to the animals and to the person they cared about the most. The woods seemed to have gotten colder and their breath could be seen with each exhale. Anna shivered, as she hugged herself close thinking that she should have brought a cloak with her, despite the month being warmer than average, "How much further Kiba?" Anna called out to the wolf.

Kiba paused and looked at her and the horse. The horse pounded a hoof on the ground and glared at the canine, wondering why the hell he was even do this in the first place. Kiba growled softly in return and then proceeded forward. Anna looked at the two animals before following along. After a few more paces, Kiba stopped short and let an involuntarily menacing growl. The foliage had gotten thicker despite the surrounding trees being barren and dead. The sky, that had been bright not even twenty minutes ago, was black as pitch, the only source of light being a pitch fork lightening that passed through and a sound of thunder.

Ahead, Anna could see the reason for the animals' unease, it was a seemingly rundown castle in the distance. They stopped in front of a black iron gate that was covered in menacing looking vines. Kiba let out a whine and slowly backed away from it, and Pharis followed his lead, pulling Anna back from it as well, "Guys stop." Anna said as she moved aside from Pharis's protection to take a step to the gates. Kiba snapped at her and stood in front of it, glaring at her, "I have to go in there."

Pharis then reached out and pull on Anna's collar in the back, "Pharis let go." Anna stated, now annoyed. Pharis reluctantly obliged, but didn't look the least bit sorry.

Kiba moved to the horse's side and stared firmly at her, teeth bared, "Guys please I have to go in there."

They stood firm and gave Anna a severe look, "Please, Pharis…Kiba. I know this is a bad idea." There was a snort from the two animals, "But I have to. I made a deal, it is the only way for me to get better; to feel better." This seemed to make the animals falter, especially when Anna sat down and pulled her legs up to her chest, "I just want this to end."

Pharis and Kiba shared a look. They sensed that something bad was going to happen if they should let their friend go in that castle, however they couldn't ignore the fact that if they didn't let their friend go in there, then possibly something worse would befall her. Pharis made the first move and nudged her. Anna lifted her head up and gave the horse a grateful pat on the nose, Kiba joined them and sat by her side, "I know you guys care and I thank you." Pharis eyed her, "I know that Kristoff and Elsa do too, as does everyone in fact, but they do not understand. No one does." Kiba put a paw on her leg, compelling her to keep talking, in hopes of changing her mind, "I was the commander of Arendelle's army. I was supposed to protect it and the people. I was in charge of the people's army." She whispered the last part and looked at her lap again, not meeting their eyes, "I turned on the people, on Arendelle. I did not protect it, I helped corrupt it."

Kiba whined and nudged her, and let out a bark of objection, "Part of it wasn't the curse…part of it lived inside of me. That is why I have to go in, maybe he could help me." Anna got up and the animals followed, "Please, let me go in." Pharis and Kiba shared a look with each other, the gates still blocked by them. Heaving a sigh, they stepped aside, Anna looked at them with wide eyes and they nodded, "Thank you." She whispered and took a deep breath as she approached the iron gates. Swallowing a lump, she placed both hands on the gates and pushed. With an eerie squeak, the gates were pushed outwards and Anna took her first step inside the castle grounds with two nervous animals following, wondering if they made the right call.

Thunder reigned over the castle and with each step the temperature seemed to drop. They did not stop walking until they were in front of the large imposing structure, "Stay here and wait for me." Anna ordered the two of them as a bolt of lightning flashed in the background, making the castle look more ominous and foreboding. Kiba and Pharis reluctantly nodded, since they did agree to let her do this. However they made sure she knew of the displeasure by eyeing her, "I'll be alright." Anna promised and turned towards the building.

It was large with many towers, dark brick predominately made up the architecture and large evil looking gargoyles stood as protection for whatever lay ahead inside. Massive seemingly demonic stone lions also guarded the entrance as she took the first couple of steps towards two large wooden doors. Taking one look back, she gives what she hopes is a reassuring smile to her companions and then turns back to knock. Before her fist could touch the wood, the doors opened. Squaring her shoulders, she took her first steps inside, hoping to change her tortured destiny.

Deep inside the castle, a man sits staring into his crystal ball, "Hello?" He hears Anna's voice call, "Hello? Is there anyone home?"

Oh there was someone home alright, "Come right in Princess." He says as the crystal ball goes dark. Walking over to the fire place, he watches as the flame roars angrily, "I'll be with you shortly."

Back down stairs, intricate gothic style décor seemed to be the theme of the castle. Everywhere Anna looked, torch light illuminated the dreary corridors that led to many rooms. Anna sighs and turns a corner into a massive sitting room with a fireplace that was already lit, "Great. I am going to have to search this whole stupid castle."

"Or you could just say please." Anna jumps and turns to face a man with jet black hair and vibrant red eyes, "Hello Anna."

"Alastair." Anna breathed out.

He smiled at her in shock, "I guess you're speechless. I feel insulted that after everything you and I did together, all I get as a greeting is my name."

Anna recovered herself and said, "I am keeping my end of the deal."

Alastair just stared and then started laughing, "What deal would that be dearie?"

"You said that if I needed anything that I would come to you."

"Come to me first." Alastair corrected her while smirking, "I had said that if you needed anything that you would come to me first. You did not. Therefore our deal is, whatever that was, is null in void."

"No. Hold on, I am here. You said you would help me. I am here, please you have to help me." Anna said near hysteric now.

"I do not have to do anything." Alastair said, but then held up his hand, "However," he started as he raised his voice to talk over her, "you said please, and so I will…overlook, this minor discrepancy…for a price."

"What do you want?" Anna asked hesitantly, ignoring all instinct born out of her cursed life and trainings in this life to leave this unholy man.

Alastair walked around her towards the fireplace as the fire seemed to become a bit larger in appearance, "I want a lot of things, but from you I want a couple of things, mainly your silence."

"My silence?"

"That you tell no one of me or where you have been today. That is for starters."

Anna thought it over for a brief moment or two, "Fine. Deal."

"My my, you are desperate. You did not want to hear the other conditions?" Alastair asked as he turned to face her, hands behind his back.

"Never underestimate a desperate soul." Anna recited as she mimicked his posture.

Alastair nodded in agreement, "Quite true dearie. Quite true. Well then, we have an agreement it seems, so tell me; why did you come here?" He motioned to a large burgundy chair.

Anna sat down and told him everything that she had tried to tell the doctor, her sister, Kristoff, her animal companions, and then what she discovered about the books, to talking about Hans and his condition. Alastair nodded along, and as Anna finished up, she said, "I wish there was a way to get all of this out of my head…can you help me?"

Alastair got up and once again faced the fire, "I can do many things, however the ailment you have is very fragile." He explained faux concern and hesitance.

"What ailment is that?" Anna asked confused.

"A broken heart of course." Alastair said.

Anna looked at him, eyebrows pinched together and confusion still lacing her voice, "A broken heart?"

"Yes. The most painful of afflictions. Matters of the heart are very fragile and very hard to manipulate. You see, your feelings are all muddled and confused, your love for them is at war with your hate. The curse, while it broke on the outside, is still afflicting you on the inside. Mainly in your heart and your very soul; causing both actually to crack and break away at you until there is ultimately nothing left of you."

Anna absorbed this information and fought to follow along, "So I am still cursed in some way?"

Alastair turned to face her now, "In lame man's terms, yes."

"So what do I do? How do I fix this?"

"This isn't really something that you can fix I am afraid." Alastair responded, "Your soul is out of balance and is fighting for dominance and I am afraid that is what is tearing you up. The only way I see you getting better is taking out your weakest sense of self."

Anna did not like that answer as she stared at him, "Weakest self?"

He nodded, "Yes."

"Which is what exactly?" She asked seeing that he was waiting for her to prompt him.

"Love."

"Love is strength, not weakness." Anna argued firmly now standing her ground.

"For you it is a weakness. For you it destroys everything. Look at what love did for you and your family." He pointed to the fireplace and the fire roared to life and in it, Anna saw images of the destruction of Arendelle and Hans sitting on the throne. She saw Elsa and Kristoff fighting the solders in the castle and knew that this was when they tried to save her from him.

Anna smiled as the scene vanished, "Love saved us. It was Elsa's love that broke the curse and freed Arendelle. I am sorry, but you are wrong and I am leaving, thank you for the help."

"Oh?" Alastair asked as he watched her start to leave, "Then how do you explain how all of this started?" Anna paused as she heard an echo coming from the fire, "Flower gleam and glow, let your power shine. Make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine. Heal what has been hurt, change the fate's design. Save what has been lost, bring back what once was mine…what once was mine…" He smirked as he watched her stiffen form, fists curled at her side was shaking, "It was love that started all of this; Hans was dead before Elsa brought him back. A consequence of saving you was it not?"

"That was her price to pay, not mine." Anna snarled out as she refused to turn around, instead giving the wall in front of her a death glare.

"A price that should not have been paid at all if she had only let you go honorably." He pointed out, "Face it, you killed him on the field and she resurrected him trying to bring you back. Love did that." Giving her a moment to allow that fact to sink in, he continued, "Now love is going to destroy you and your family too, and now you know it."

Anna closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She turned around and asked, "What can I do?"

He smiled and turned away from the fire. Reaching into his robe, he pulled out a vile, "Follow me." He walked out of the room, and Anna followed him. The fire in the fireplace going out upon their full exit.