Authors note: I want to thank you all for reviewing and reading the last chapter. Hearing your opinions means a lot and they also help if I need to edit or make something better.
Miss Muse Clues: Thank you, glad you like it, I work hard to make the best stories possible. Will work on it.:)
Guest: You have no idea... things have gone from black and white to gray in a second.
Guest: She was scary without being angry. Lol In an earlier she scared Hans by playing hot and cold and she was not angry.
Darkphoenix: I would tell you, but its a huge spoiler, but you may find out about in this chapter.
Yubima-chan: Maybe... and you will see...
Dreamdandimaginations: You have no idea... Sadly Lars may or may not take a hint... luckily he has Clara to give him a "Push" in the right direction.
Any way I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please leave a review when done, opinions are most welcomed.
Narrowing her eyes Elsa held and placed the phoenix doll next to it, she felt her heart race, it was as if something which was missing was found, restored to its rightful place.
"So...you found it" they heard, turning Elsa felt rage as she stared at Agathe who stood there,
"Tell me" growled Elsa then commanded with all the authority of a queen she had "NOW!".
The tension was high, Elsa was shaking, not in fear, but in the sheer rage she felt as she stared at Agathe, turning her head Agathe said "I don't have to tell you anything",
"You have to" growled Elsa angry as she pointed all around "I am not liking what I am seeing and its making me think the unthinkable",
"What does it make you think?" asked Agathe with mask like features,
"That you and your friends don't care about Hans, I am willing to bet you never even loved him" accused Elsa "He was nothing more than a pawn for you to use" it was horrible and hurtful accusation but Elsa was too angry to care, she had a right to do so with all the evidence that surrounded her and all the secrets the Fateweavers were keeping.
Agathes mask was broken in a brief moment, her eyes grew watery at her hurtful words before they harden as she said "You do not know anything",
"No I don't, why don't you enlighten me?" growled Elsa angry as she was tired of all the secrets and scared, she knew the more time passed the more she was sure Hans was in danger,
"Its non of your business, your not one of us, your not a fateweaver" shouted Agathe,
"Then I will prove to you! I challenge you!" snapped Elsa.
Silence settled into the area as soon as she uttered those words, Agathe stared, her eyes narrowing at Elsa before she said "Are you sure?", Elsa felt scared for a moment but seeing the statues, what was hidden, it strengthen her resolve so Elsa said "I need to know, but most of all Hans needs to know... The truth is going to lead me to Hans, if challenging you is what it takes to get to the truth, I will do it".
Nodding grimly Agathe said "Alright, the challenge is accepted, we will have a magic duel, only have one weapon to assist us, no more, no less, if you defeat me I will tell you what you want", Elsa listened and nodded before saying "Okay, we shall duel",
"Today, three hours from now in the training room, be there" said Agathe with that she turned and left, once gone Albert was scared for Elsa, Agathe was strong, very strong, she could seriously hurt Elsa.
"Queen Elsa, are you sure?" asked Albert voicing worried, turning Elsa stared before nodding and saying "I have to, they left me with no choice".
Soft clicks and clanks were heard in the dinning room, but other than that there was no other sound, Hans picked at the food on his plate, not feeling particularly hungry... or anything.
Ever since he was forced back to the isles he felt weak, drained, so very tired, so much so he just did not feel like doing or even feeling anything, which was not like him.
Carefully Hans shot an accusing glare to Lars who sat on the opposite side eating his meal, Lars had done something to him, he was sure of it!
"So Hans, anything you want to say?" asked Lars as he put his fork down, Hans glare just intensified before looking away, not saying anything.
"Your not making this any easier Hans" said Lars with a sight,
"How am I not?" growled Hans finally speaking, but he did not want to as he was not in the mood.
"Your acting like a 3 year old who got his toy taken away from him" said Lars, that was like fuel to fire as Hans was outraged at what he said, how dare he?! he was not the one who was dragged away from his friends and love!
"You should talk, you cannot expect me to be all polite and happy after you kidnapped me and are holding me against my will" growled Hans at him,
"I am doing this for your own good" said Lars, his voice getting a little louder as his patience was running thin,
"What do you!? You know nothing about me! In fact you did not care about me in the past!" yelled Hans,
"Don't you yell at me! I am your elder!" Lars began to yell,
"Only physically! In everything else your no bigger than a thumb!" snapped Hans as the two began to exchange not to nice words.
Looking between them Clara would have laughed at the two brothers arguments, they were definitely brothers without a doubt, but the situation was not funny, she knew Lars meant well, but he was hurting Hans and Hans was not helping in his own situation by being so angry and aggressive all the time, though she did not blame him for it as she too would have acted the same way if she was in his shoes.
Finally Hans said "I had enough!" turning he left,
"Where do you think your going!? Were not done here!" yelled Lars,
"We are! and I am going!" Hans shot back before slamming the door behind him, growling Lars sat down and ran his hands through his hair, he felt like he wanted to tear it off in frustration.
Sighting Clara walked over and said "I hate to say I told you so",
"But you just did" said Lars irritated,
"SO you prefer for me to smack you again for being stupid? Cause I got that large French encyclopedia which is waiting for you" warned Clara,
"No" said Lars meekly,
"I though so" said Clara then added "I have a proposition which might help solve the situation a bit",
"Which is?" asked Lars curious,
"Why don't you let Queen Elsa visit? Surely it will-" began Clara,
"No" said Lars shooting down her suggestion,
"Why not!?" demanded Clara angry as she crossed her arms,
"She is no good for him" said Lars,
"And how do you know that? Have you ever even spoken to her? Do you even know her to make such a judgement?" demanded Clara,
"No, but",
"No buts Lars, you cannot make an opinion about somebody without knowing them Lars" said Clara,
"Look you just have to trust me on this" said Lars,
"I trust you... that your being a complete idiot" said Clara and with that she left, he was lucky this time, had she had a book she would have smashed it over his head for being an idiot.
Advice was priceless even now more than ever as Elsa walked around the armory room.
When she challanged the Fateweavers for a duel she knew it would not be easy and in truth she did not wanted it to be this way.
But the fateweavers and their relictance to talk or even let Elsa help was more than enough to push her over the edge.
Hans was in danger, he could be hurt or wasting away for all Elsa knew and the Fateweavers were more busy protecting their secrets than helping.
"Some friends and family they are" scoffed Elsa angry before focusing back on the weapons.
The weapons were unusual to say the least, there were the typical guns and swords, but among them were every day items such as canes, fans, umbrellas, mirrors, shoes, among others.
It made Elsa scratch her head in confusion as she did not know why these items were there as she searched for a weapons to use in the challange.
As she reached for a saber sword she jumped several feet in the air when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Turning she was hoping to see Albert who was supposed to standing watch outside of the armory but it was not.
Elsas eyes widen as she recognized it was the same dark stranger she saw weeks ago.
How was he there?! Albert was standing outside watching, unless he let this person in.
"Hello? Can I help you?" asked Elsa, the man back away, giving her space.
Elsa waited, no answer before finally asking "I don't suppose that you can recommend a good weapon for me"
The man stared, remaining silent before turning and walking away scanning through the various weapons before reaching and grabbing an umbrella.
It was old fashion, nice white fabric with some lace decorating it, the handle was beautifully decorated with saphire color jewels.
Turning he held it to her.
Elsa confused grabbed the umbrella and stared down at it baffled.
An umbrella? He suggests she goes out and face Agathe who was stronger than her with a flimsy umbrella?!
Looking up she was going to demand if this was some kind of joke, but much to her shock, the stranger was gone.
How did he go? Where did he go? She did not hear him leave and she was sure he did not disappear into thin air.
Looking back at the umbrella Elsa noticed something odd about it, it was heavy, too heavy for an umbrella.
Moving it around in a circular motion she heard a metalic sound coming from it, it was the sound tiny chains made when moved.
Curious Elsa opened the umbrella, when she did she felt a shiver go down her spine, her heart beats fasten. Her magic, it was reacting to this umbrella. Then it was as if this was not an umbrella, it was her umbrella.
Closing it Elsa decided this was definetly not a normal umbrella, it was something else.
"Queen Elsa, did you choose your weapon?" She heard Albert call from outside.
Looking back at the umbrella she nodded before leaving with it.
Walking out Elsa looked at Albert who was confused for a moment.
"Was there somebody in there when you walked in?" he asked,
"What do you mean? It was you who let somebody in" said Elsa,
"I did not let anybody in, I have been standing here alone" said Albert confused.
At this Elsas eyes widen, if Albert did not let anybody in, then how did the stranger get in the room with her.
"This is getting strange" though Elsa before she heard.
"Are you ready?", turning her head Elsa saw it was Agathe, the one who she was going to fight.
Taking a breath Elsa stood tall and nodded.
"Good" said Agathe as she turned and walked leading Elsa to the training room where they would battle.
"All I can say is, I am sorry it had to come to this" said Agathe,
"Don't be, unlike you I have my priorities straight" Elsa replied back as she gripped the umbrella, it was now or never.
The training room was empty, the equipment and everything else had been put away for the magical battle which was going to take place. As Elsa walked in, dressed in her training clothes, umbrella in hand, she stared down at Agathe who wore what she normally wore, had a rose in her hand.
Elsa gripped on her umbrella, something told her that rose was no ordinary rose, turning they looked at Merlin, the oldest of the group, he would be supervising the fight.
"This a magical challenge, a battle between the two, as rules not one of you will kill one another, both of you will only have one weapon, the fight will end when one of you two gives up or is unable to fight, the victor is the one left standing" said Merlin then looked at the two "Am I clear?",
"Yes" said Agathe,
"Yes" said Elsa,
"There is still a chance to back away, if you want to speak now" said Merlin, looking more towards Elsa then Agathe. That made Elsa angry, it was as if they were already sure she was going to loose before she begins.
"Stop! Please!" they heard, looking they saw Rohan and Marius stand up from balcony above the training room where they and the other fateweavers were going to be watching the fight.
"Agathe, we cannot allow this, this has gone too far" pleaded Rohan,
"There has to be a limit, surely we can trust Elsa enough" said Marius,
"No! Our priorities is to protect the balance of the world and the Underground kingdom" shouted Agathe before starring at Elsa, her eyes turned ice as she heard that, it just further proved what she did not want to accept.
"Thank you Agathe... I will make sure Hans knows when I see him again" said Elsa, it was cruel, but she hoped, begged, that maybe hearing that would force Agathe to help.
It seemed to do the trick as for a moment Agathe seemed to hesitate, her eyes shone with tears, but just as quickly she blinked them away and gripped the rose, it grew and turned into a thorny staff.
Elsa held up the umbrella, she opened it, once she did she felt little currents of shock go pass her arm and heart, it was as if something was connecting with her, it seemed so as the umbrella changed a bit, the handle turned to ice, fabric turned ice blue while the lace decorating it turned to frost. She felt her magic hum, as if the weapon, her magic and even herself became one.
Merlin backed away, he knew neither would back away so he vanished and reappeared on the balcony to watch the fight.
Once out of the way Agathe slammed the staff on the ground, the rose staff vines shot forward, trying to ensnare Elsa, acting quick Elsa shot ice to the ground before skating around, dodging the vines, throwing her arm at Agathe she shot shards of ice only for Agathe to shoot a potent ray of light causing them to melt before they even hit her.
Shooting again Elsa was too slow to react and got hit in her shoulder, she screamed as the ray burned her shoulder badly, she held it as she tried to hold back the pain. It was obvious Agathe did it to scare her, not intended to seriously harm her for if she did not she would have attacked again.
Forcing herself up Elsa turned and stared at Agathe, her eyes lit up in fury before she shot again, opening the umbrella Elsa hid behind it, much to her surprise the light was deflected as she umbrella worked as a shield and protected her.
"Wow" though Elsa impressed, seems the umbrella was the right choice.
Moving Agathe ran over, this time more aggressive she threw a punch, only for Elsa to close the umbrella, turn and slam it against Agathe, sending her crashing to the side.
Taking advantage of her being down Elsa punched, kicked, slammed the umbrella against Agathe, she wanted to do it as hard as possible to make sure she stayed down, for if she got up this fight was going to get worse.
Pausing for a moment Elsa breathed as she stared, getting up Agathe touched her cheek, it was bleeding a bit, Elsa pointed at her with the umbrella, "Stay down" ordered Elsa, only to be blasted away by light.
Holding her hand against her face Elsa was temporary blinded by it as her eyesight became blurry, taking advantage of that Agathe got up and attacked, she punched and kicked hard.
Gagging and gasping Elsa fell to the ground, she was badly hurt, she was bruised and was sure she had broken a rib or two, then reacted and rolled away as Agathe was going to stomp on her.
Getting back on her feet Elsa held up her umbrella, pointing at Agathe, stumbling and gasping, trying to steady herself.
"I don't understand, you claim you love Hans like a son... I saw it...yet you just... I don't understand Agathe..why?" said Elsa trying to understand what she could not.
"Because...its your own fault" said Agathe before summoning and throwing a strong ray of light, opening the umbrella Elsa shielded herself but struggled as Agathe intensified the power, Elsa strained against it, the air hummed all around from the power, her grip slipping.
Tightening her grip around the handle of the umbrella Elsa channeled her magic throw it, she could feel it forming and fighting against Agathes magic, but it was not strong enough, Agathe was far too powerful.
Closing her eyes Elsa focused on her emotions, from early on she was aware that her emotions fed her magic, hence why she did not feel, why she concealed for so long, but right now she needed to feel, she needed to feed her magic so she can have a chance to beat Agathe, so she reached deep within herself, her memories, gave herself so many reasons to not give up.
Her arms began to hurt as she held it, then she felt strangely numb, the area grew quiet then all of a sudden she felt herself be pushed back a couple of feet as there was a burst of power, it coursed through her arm, the umbrella before exploding out and going through the ray of light.
Panicking Agathe jumped aside as the ice magic went at her in explosive quantities, it slammed against the wall.
Exhausted Elsa stared at the end result, everybody went quiet and stared, the ice covered the area and wall, but what happened next showed them, whatever the ice covered, it cracked before breaking into many tiny pieces which were picked up by the wind.
Their eyes widen, they had seen Elsas magic, it was supposed to be solid, not break like that, if they did not know any better, it was as if Elsa had used fire and turned the wall to ash.
As soon as they though that fear ran through their minds as they stared at a terrified Agathe, mentally begging her to stay down and give up.
Pointing the umbrella again, a bit out of breath Elsa warned "The next time I won't miss... tell me the truth... now".
Knowing when to give up Agathe nodded in fear, she... they... would tell Elsa the truth.
Loneliness, it was what Hans felt while he was in the Southern isles palace, other than Clara he had nobody else to talk to, not even the Will o wisps who he sent away back to his home where they would be safe as the Shadow demons enjoy tormenting the poor wisps whenever they found one. So as much as Hans did not wanted, their safety was his priority.
Walking to the room Lars gave him Hans sat down on the bed to think, he desperately wanted to escape, he had tried so many times, each one ended in a failure and security increasing, he was not even let outside.
Rubbing his hands through his hair Hans sighted trying to figure out another plan of escape before he felt a blinding pain on his shoulder, clutching it Hans yelled as he fell to the ground, soon afterwards there was more pain, it was on different parts of his body even his face, but then the worst pain came, it was on his lower back, it did more than hurt, it burned his very being, he felt it spreading through his body.
He bit his lips trying not to scream as he shook and convulsed on the ground, then after what seemed like forever the pain stopped leaving behind a dull ache and weakness.
Never had Hans felt so weak and drained before. Moving Hans tried to get up but found himself unable to, resting back down he though "Just a minute, will rest a minute" before losing consciousness.
Clutching the umbrella Elsa stood before the Fateweavers, waiting as she looked between the group waiting for them to speak. Finally Agathe spoke, she was sad, like a mother who was afraid.
"I am sorry, but things are not how you think it is, we are not evil or cruel" said Agathe then added her voice cracking a bit "I do love Hans, he has been like a son to me since he came to my life, I am willing to do anything to keep him safe, even if it means he will hate me for the rest of his life",
"I don't understand" said Elsa, they were making no sense, they spoke one thing, the evidence she saw said another, what was the truth?!
"When fire gives birth to ice, darkness will follow when a lover betrays, the Underground kingdoms fall will be assured" said Agathe then sighted "Hans was born in the year without summer, it was caused when a volcano exploded",
"Fire gave birth to ice" muttered Elsa then said "It was no coincidence that Hans ran into you when he was a child right?",
"No, I was not exactly sure, but I suspected, that's why I put that test, so I could be sure" said Agathe then continued "When I was sure, I... we... wanted to make sure the prophecy did not happened",
"Because the prophecy fits the past of the phoenixes... right?" said Elsa,
"Yes so you have to understand, we-",
"No, because your wrong" interrupted Elsa interrupting, before they could say anything further Elsa moved her hair, whipping some ice she had covered it in to reveal the strand of auburn red hair, she had it covered with ice making it look silvery white to hide it as she and Hans wanted the group to be comfortable with the idea of them being together before telling them.
But now they had to know, they had to see they were wrong,
"Hans told me that us having a strand of each others hair color is a sign of how pure our vow and bond is, we love one another and this is proof that neither he or I will be betraying one another" said Elsa as she put her hair behind her ear.
There was silence, but Elsa knew that she had proven to them that they were wrong in their assumption of her and Hans being the betrayal lover, so after taking a breath she said "What is Lars?",
"He is a fateweaver, but we are forbidden to talk about him... while Hans is rebirth, Lars is damnation.. Hans is the phoenix, Lars is his shadow" said Merlin,
"Is he evil?" asked Elsa,
"Pardon?" asked Merlin,
"Is he evil? Is that why you don't talk about him?; Why the mausoleum is sealed?" said Elsa,
"Listen you have to understand we-",
"No, you all don't know! Your all just making assumptions without facts!" said Elsa then gestured at herself "If Lars was evil he would have attacked and killed all of us during the party! He did not! He only attacked when he was pushed!",
"Elsa, you don't know, the reason we did not wanted you to be involved is because we plan to kill him" said Merlin,
"NO! That's not the answer" argued Elsa "He is not evil, there is nothing that shows he is evil",
"So what do you suggest we do?" said Agathe sighting, seeing that she was wrong, she was more than willing to listen as maybe Elsa had the right solutions,
"I am going to do something you all never though of doing..." said Elsa she took a breath before saying "I am going to talk to him"
To be continued...
Authors note:
Fun fact, the umbrella weapon was inspired by an actual umbrella Queen Victoria owned. It was made for her after one of her assassination attempts, it looked like a regular umbrella but underneath the satin covers and lace was metal and such. If she used it nobody knows.
Seems part of the mystery was solved, but its not over yet. Elsa will try to reach out to Lars, will he let her? We shall see... but either way I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a review to tell me what you think.