Dear readers, I'm sorry for not uploading in so long. My classes are now more reading and writing intensive then ever, and I can't seem to catch a break to write this fanfiction-but no worries, I will finish this story! Only now, I'm just unsure as to when I will be able to upload the next chapter. So in bad news, there will no longer be any more regular updates until...who knows when. But I hope you guys are still interested in ready this story. And I kinda rushed this chapter in order to get it upload, so if there are more mistakes then usual, or the style is lacking a bit, oops. But as always, please, ENJOY!

Chapter 37-Changes

Elsa was sure it was a Nightmare that came up from behind them. It came and tried to ram itself into Jack and herself while they were distracted fighting Pitch. However, by luck Elsa caught sight of it on time and tried to send a flair of ice at it. But with limited mobility, she wasn't able to turn herself around, and Jack was busy fending off Pitch's attacks. So awkwardly Elsa twisted her free arm behind her and aimed the best she could. The attack connected once she released it. But the Nightmare was already close when she attacked, resulting in the Nightmare exploding with heavy force. So strong, that the force managed to temporally numb Elsa's hold on Jack, and his hold on her, and she fell.

The beating of her heart sped up blocking all sounds temporarily, and she froze with outstretched hands at empty air. Elsa wanted to scream but couldn't find her voice. Jack made to dive for her but was blocked off by Pitch. Next to try were some of the snow animals, a small group of them parted from their fight to try to catch Elsa. The nearby Nightmares and Fearlings must've also sensed her panic, so the dashed for her as well. It was hard to tell who was going to reach Elsa first, or if this attempted rescue and kill will result in a fatal clash for either side.

Freezing winds were whipping violently around Elsa as she fell. And just for a second, it felt as though there were air flows blowing against the currents of her fall, trying to slow her drop, or keep her afloat, but Elsa decided that was her imagination. When both parties drew near, Elsa turned towards the enemies in the hopes of fending them off so her snow creatures could reach her. Elsa let loose on a few ice shots when she suddenly felt a sudden grasp on her arm and she was wisped forcefully away.

"Hang on Snow Queen!" Merdia shouted, holding on tightly to Elsa's arm. Grunting hard, Merida swung Elsa back in order to help her mount Angus side-saddle. Behind them, Pitch's minions gave chase after them, while closely being pursued by the snow animals themselves.

Elsa tried to hit the chasing enemies but couldn't aim well enough to land a shot. "Merida, can you line me up with the Beings behind us?" Elsa asked.

"Sorry, you'll have to manage on your own for a bit," Merida said as she fired two arrows in successions. There were multiple Fearlings ahead of them trying to block their path. Angus did his best to evade them as they came, but with the ones he couldn't escape, it was left to Merida to shoot them down. "Damn these bastart," she said cursedly. "They're just relentless." A herd of charging Nightmares was rounding about heading towards Merida and Elsa from the side. "To your left Snow Queen."

Before Elsa could act, a violet energy blast came from above and hit straight into the mist of Nightmares, eradicating them in one blow. Elsa looked up but saw only a cluster of her snow army and Pitch's minions. "Other side Elsa," Merida informed.

Turning to her right, she was surprise, but overwhelmingly happy to see Hiccup, Anna, and Toothless flying beside them. "Elsa!" Anna called as she waves her hand enthusiastically at her sister. "Did you do all this?" she asked, referring to the creation of the snow army.

"Not alone," Elsa replied, brushing her braid behind her. "Jack helped me."

"Where's yah shield Hiccup?" Merida asked, eyeing the metal pan in his hand.

Hiccup smiled sheepishly as his cheeks reddens a bit. "Shame to say I lost it during my fight with Hans. But as you can see, Rapunzel got me a replacement."

"Gave him a new shiner did ya?" Hiccup's smile changed to that of a grin as his answer.

However, the smile faded when he examined Elsa a bit closer. "Elsa are you all right?" Hiccup asked. "You're looking a bit pale there."

"I'm fine," Elsa answered. "Tired, and I have a small head ache but I'm fine." Knowing Anna would jump in any second, Elsa directed the conversation to another topic. "But never mind me. I take it that the battle near town went well?"

"Why else would we be here?" said Anna with pride. "You should've seen how Hiccup and Rapunzel—oh, and Toothless of course—finished off Hans and his army—though it was actually us, our army—the alliance army, who finished off Hans' army. They retreated and now Rapunzel is busy healing the injured while Gorm and Atlas are taking whoever they can here."

"I imagine Kristoff is not happy about you going on ahead of him." Anna didn't say anything. Elsa sighed and leaned her head against Merida's back. "You really need to stop doing things like this to him."

"Yeah," Anna admitted quietly. "In exchange though, you need to stop leaving me behind," Anna said even quieter."

"Anna?" called Elsa.

"Look!" Anna said suddenly. "Here they come!" Looking down, Elsa could see streams of the Golden Army along with their regular brothers scattering into the battlefield.

"Merida," said Elsa faintly, "can you quickly take me down? I'm not feeling too well."

"—What?! Just hold on tight." With a snap of the reign Merida had Angus dive at an angle, figuring a full head dive would be too much for Elsa. Hiccup and Anna wasn't sure what had happen, but Anna told Hiccup to follow he did.

Merida directed Angus somewhat far from the fighting, locating a clearing east of the Safe Camp. As soon as they landed, Elsa's hold loosened and she fell. "Whoa there!" Merida managed to grab her by the arm again, keeping her from hitting the ground. Merida then unsaddles herself first while keeping Elsa on Angus. Next, Merida carefully pulled her off, lifting by the shoulders, then safely laying Elsa on the grass. Toothless soon landed on the other side of Angus.

Anna quickly hopped off and ran over to her sister. "Elsa?!" she cried, kneeling down and lifting Elsa's head onto her lap. But she was seconds too late. Elsa had already lost conscious.

XxXxXx

Elsa could hear the shuffling of two, maybe three pairs of feet, along with the sounds of muffled voices. One voice was speaking franticly, with one other struggling to get a word or two in, while the last one was speaking calmly.

"Look. See? Her brow just move. She's waking up," said the third voice.

"Really?!" said the first voice. Elsa then felt warm skin wrapped around her left hand, squeezing it firm. "Elsa...? Elsa can you hear me?" Elsa attempted to squeeze in response but couldn't muster the strength. So she tries to move her fingers, even if it was only for a bit, and succeeded."

"Elsa heard me!" exclaimed the first voice. "Bellflower she heard me!—"

"Shhhhh!" hushed the third voice. "Not so loud Anna. Lilly, can you inform the others that Queen Elsa is waking, but don't let them come in. She's still not well enough to face them yet."

"But lady Bellflower, can't you use any more of your magic to give her strength?" said… "Her Majesty's skin is so cold and pale. And her hair—"

"If only I have the strength to give," Bellflower replied tiredly, as she massaged her own hands. "I used most of my energy when I was healing the army. What I had left I already spent on healing Her Majesty."

"P-please, forgive me. I didn't mean to trouble you with such a request. But her Majesty—"

"It's alright. I understand how you feel. But you now need to go, the others are probably in more worries over Elsa then you."

"But—"

"It's alright Lily" said Anna. "You can go. Let me and Bellflower tend to her." Elsa heard hesitant feet making their way across the room. She then heard the nob being softly turned: the door opens, and soon shut in almost silence.

"Anna…?" Elsa called as she struggled to open her eyes.

"I'm here Elsa," she replied sincerely. "How do you feel?"

Elsa tried to move her body but found it feeling heavy and sore. "I can't seem to move too well," Elsa said, as she opened her eyes slightly. Elsa then licked her lips and swallowed softly. "My throat feels dry. Can someone give me some water?"

"—I will" volunteered Anna. She stepped away from the bed to pour a glass of water left on the dresser. "Here," said Anna. She sat herself next to Elsa and lifted up her head so then she could drink.

The water was cool and it tasted refreshing as Elsa drank in small sips, emptying the glass slowly. "Can I have one more glass Anna?" Elsa asked, while slightly adjusting the position of her head.

"Just a moment," and Anna refilled the glass. "…Rapunzel? Do you really have no more energy left to heal Elsa?"

Rapunzel smiled guiltily, and she tucked most of hair behind her back. "I'm sorry…I kind-of lied again. I thought this will be a good opportunity to let you get some real rest Elsa. You've been working too hard lately, you're not eating enough, and you've been staying up late to finish paperwork. That isn't good for you Elsa."

Elsa smiled the best she could. "Should you have expected any less? We are in a war."

"You shouldn't use war as an excuse." said Anna crossly. She then skipped over to where Rapunzel was sitting stood behind her. "Rapunzel, don't listen to her-this is her usual pattern when she's swamped with work. I tried and tried and tried but no matter how many times I've tried she doesn't quit until her work is finish."

"I know Anna," Rapunzel said in understanding. "That's why instead of healing her completely, I would let time do the deed instead."

"Don't I have a say in this?" Elsa asked. Both Anna and Rapunzel replied with a firm no in almost unison. "But your Pact Rapunzel," Elsa agued, "wouldn't this affects you?"

"Maybe, but I doubt by much." Rapunzel stood up with a soft huff, but Elsa had saw how her cousin's arms were slightly shaking as she used them to push herself up. Rapunzel walks over to Elsa's bedside, and sat down on the edge. "Elsa…please understand; I'm just letting you heal slowly that's all. For overall, it will be benefiting your health in the end. And in return it is still honoring my Pact to you." Elsa couldn't say anything to argue against what Rapunzel just said. So she snuggled herself deeper into the mattress as far as she could. Noting that action, Rapunzel patted Elsa softly on the back of her hand before standing up, and making her way to the door. "I'll come back to check on you later Elsa, but for now, just rest."

"Not that I don't have a choice." Elsa said in low voice.

"No complaining now. And, I believe you have some talking to do with Anna." Rapunzel then left the two sisters alone.

Elsa turned her head so then she could be facing her sister. "Anna?" Elsa start. "What did Rapunzel mean?"

The shades were already drawn when Elsa woke up; make the room slightly dark and difficult to see clearly. But Elsa saw the changed in her sister's calm expression. Anna now looked sad, or even hurt. But Elsa could also see that she was mad as well. Anna returned to her seat by Elsa but didn't look her directly in the eyes. Her gaze was looking just above Elsa's line of sight. Anna then took a hand and stroke Elsa's hair, gently bringing the braid forward.

Elsa tilted her head slightly in order to see. She didn't have the strength to react. "It's white," was all Elsa could say.

"It's pale actually. Almost white," Anna corrected. Next she too booth of Elsa's hands and brought them together, cupping them within her own. "Can you feel the difference?"

"Your hands feel very warm."

"While yours feel very cold…Elsa, no matter how cold the weather gets, even when it snowed, your hands never once felt cold."

Elsa moaned in the back of her throat as she searched for the right words to speak. "Anna…I know what I said earlier about doing Merging—and I still don't want you doing this but—"

"Elsa," said Anna with a heavy air, but smiled nevertheless. "Don't worry I understand. You only did the Merging because you had no choice. The army was pinned and our people were surrounded with no escape. You did the right thing Elsa…you and Jack saved our people." Elsa couldn't understand why nor even stop herself, but a few drops of tears rolled down her eyes. Elsa closed them and kept them closed in the hopes of concealing the tears from Anna.

Elsa breathed heavily through her nose. "So how is everyone—everything now?"

"The army is reorganized and everyone is healed up and resting—well, mostly everyone. Those who are on duty are still working hard, even Hiccup, Jack, and Merida. Hiccup is pounding away with the Golden armors, Merida hard on patrol as usual. And Jack is running errands for Hiccup while also investigating the western valley."

"Now? Of all times he's investigating the valley alone?" Elsa asked in concern.

"Surprisingly both Commanders didn't like the idea either. They tried stopping him but Jack's reasoning made more sense. Pitch's armies are now weakened as much as ours; it would be a good time for him to investigate without a high chance of getting caught. And if he did, then he still has a better chance of escaping while they're recovering. And he did promise us that he will only investigate when there's daylight."

Elsa wanted to inquire the matter about Jack's sole mission further, but decided she should listen to the rest of the reports, if there was more to hear. "And is there anything else?"

"There's the issue of what we should do about the Safe Camp. Should we relocate the people somewhere else, or still maintain their current location? If we decided to maintain the camp as it is, then we have to reinforce Rapunzel's' charm barriers, and add in more soldiers to guard the camp, preferably the Golden soldiers."

"The problem there," Elsa started, "is that Pitch and Hans are aware of the general location of the camp. And there's Rapunzel, how is she going to reinforce the barriers? From what we've seen, the charms have done fully to the extent of what they were intended to do. That means they have reached their limitation. If say another massive attack were to occur in the same manner, then once again it will be a matter of time before the barriers break.

"And there's the problem of stationing Golden Soldiers at the camp. If we do go by this option then we have no choice but to send Golden Soldiers there, but currently we don't even have a decent amount of them to fight in the front while the rest are to guard the camp."

"And the relocation?" Anna asked, though it looked as though Anna have discussed this option with the others already. Perhaps she just wanted to hear her sister's thoughts on the issue, Elsa thought.

"Relocation is probably the best option. But the question is where…Moving again will prove to be a bigger challenge then the first, especially with the account of the Nightmares and Fearlings now…Town is still too dangerous to move the people back. My ice palace was a secondary option in the case of emergency. But now that there's the existence of the Holes, and they can appear anywhere, I don't want to move the citizens far away where it would be difficult for supplies and aids to reach them." Elsa swallowed, and took a glance at the glass she drank from. Anna saw, and went to get more water for Elsa though she didn't say anything. After Elsa finished drinking, she asked, "What did the others say about it?"

"Everyone is leaning towards the relocation, but they also saw the same problems as you did…So now, Eugene and Rapunzel, and, Bellflower, are tasked with the job of finding a safe relocation spot for the Safe Camp. Rapunzel will lead this task, seeing how she is more familiar with Arendelle's geography more so then Eugene. Freeing Commander Gorm and the Counsel to focus on military tasks…You look really tired Elsa," Anna said with worry. "I should go now."

"No Anna," Elsa said in protest. "I need you to report to me more on what had happen while I was out. How long have I been out anyway?"

Anna sighed in amusement, and shook her head with a smile. "Rapunzel was right—I mean I knew she was right—though I've seen this pattern from you before…you have been working too hard. And I'm glad Rapunzel didn't heal you all the way. Now you can really rest for a healthy recovery."

Before Elsa could say anymore, Anna got up from the bed and made her way towards the door. "Anna wait!" Elsa called, weakly after her sister. And Anna stopped herself from turning the knob. "A-Anna, I'm sorry."

Anna smiled at her sister with sincerity. "I know Elsa…And if it makes you feel any better, I promise—promise, that I will not do the Merging no matter what. You only did it because you had to…and I'm glad you did it." Elsa nodded in acceptance of Anna's promise. "Beside, can you image how wired it would be if my hair started glowing in gold like Rapunzel's, or flaming up like Merida?—Though if I were to Merge with Hiccup I doubt there would be much changes, or none at all—Oh! Do you think it would be possible to shrink in height because of a Merging?"

Elsa chuckled. "Anna, thank-you."

"Sleep tight Elsa," Anna replied, before opening the door and closing it softly behind her.

For the next few minutes, Elsa thought about what Rapunzel advised her to do, about resting, but soon gave up on thinking further on it. Next she thought about what Anna had reported to her, but also gave up on that as will, being too tired to ponder any further. Elsa closed her eyes and was on the verge of falling asleep. However, she then heard something smearing against glass, the type only produced only when a glass is moist and something dry wiped hard against it.

Elsa opened her eyes once more and tuned towards her window. Simultaneously, frost was forming covering her window partly, leaving a clouded area where letters were being written. Meet me once you feel better. It said.