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.

Yubima-chan: Its true, the Fateweavers are drawing conclusions from things they don't really know about. But hopefully soon they will get their facts straight as nothing is what it seems and their actions may have done more harm than good. As for the parasol or umbrella, you shall see. ;)

Dreamsandimaginations: Lol yes, Lars is book smart but when it comes to people he is not that smart. I am glad you like Clara and maybe what you said will happen, but I won't say more as it would be huge spoilers.

Darkphoenix: That is very true, but remember Elsa has to think about her people as well, she has no idea what Lars is capable off, not even the Fateweavers know for sure, so Elsa will not go down the fighting route unless its a last resort as she does not want anybody harmed.

guest: You have no idea.. and its going to get a whole lot worse before it gets any better. :(

Any way, hope you all enjoy this new chapter of the firebird, read on and please remember to leave a review when done, opinions are most welcomed.

Light tinks were heard as Lars chain moved a bit with him. Saying nothing Lars looked around the palace of the Southern isles, looking for Hans whom he had not seen all day.

Yes, he knew his brother was inside the palace as there was no way for him to escape , but regardless Lars was going to find him as he wanted to try to a talk with him...calmly.

Already he had checked the library, studies, gardens, everywhere he could think off before checking on the least frequented parts of the castle.

Sure enough after searching one of the towers Lars found Hans there.

He was just sitting against the window of the tower, looking out, there was a deep sense of melancholy surrounds Hans as he looked outside towards the horizon where the sun was setting.

Lars shook his head before walking over, presenting a plate with a sanwhich as he was made aware by Clara Hans huge dislike of cookies.

"I though you might be hungry" said Lars "I hope you still like garlax... if not maybe we can go downstairs and get something you will like".

Hans turned his head to face him, when he did it took everything Lars had not to show worry.

He looked the same, same chin, same face, same hair, but his eyes, it was what troubles Lars the most.

They were green as always, but empty and cold, as if something was missing or he in a way lost himself.

Not responding at all Hans turned and went back to looking out the window.

Saying nothing Lars turned and left, as he walked down the tower his mind was frantic and desperate.

When Hans arrived he yelled and argued, fighting him every step of the way, but as days passed Lars noticed a profound change in Hans, he no longer argued or spoke, at times he rarely ventured out of his room along with the fact that Lars was made aware by a shadow demon that Hans barely ate or slept. This troubled Lars a lot, so much so that if he had to choose between how Hans was when he arrived and this one... he preferred the old one, for despite the fact that the old Hans was difficult and yelled, he had life while this one was like a draugr, just doing things and nothing more.

But what can he do? What can he do to get Hans out of that depression?

"Maybe I- NO! I cannot let Elsa and his so called friends near my brother! They will just hurt him if I do" though Lars determined but still could not ignore the sense of guilt over his brothers misery, but resolved to do what he had to to protect him, even if it meant having him hate Lars for the rest of his life.

"I am sorry brother, but this is for your own good" though Lars.

Night had arrived, it was a cool one, moonless, perfect for sleeping, but Elsa found herself unable to. As she lay down in her bed starring up at the ceiling Elsa tossed and turned trying to get comfortable to sleep, failing completely.

It has been like this for weeks, unable to sleep and it was taking a toll on Elsa as she could barely concentrate even her moods have been more erratic as she would snap at the smallest things or get mad for no apparent reason. Then there was this heat, at times it was as if she was being boiled alive in a pot of hot water, so much so that she would have to change clothes and take baths more frequently as her clothes and hair would get drenched with sweat.

Why? Elsa was not sure. But she wondered, did it had anything to do with Hans not being near her? or is it something he is going through? Elsa was not sure, she just continued to hope and pray that Lars would change his mind as she continued to reach out to him through letters non stop.

Yes, she could have gone and demanded Lars to give him back, but she could not, she had no idea the kind of power Lars had, not even the Fateweavers are sure they can take him on, so it was best to avoid going down that rout unless its a last resort. In fact she even had to ban Anna from going into any travel when she discovered her sisters very poorly though plan about going to the Southern isles, confronting Lars and giving him a good choice of "words" which Elsa was sure that Anna was going to punch him.

"I really don't want that to happen as the last thing we need is a war on our hands against something equivalent to death" though Elsa before giving up on trying to sleep and getting up.

Tired she rubbed her hands against her face before getting up, hoping that a quick walk would tire her out enough for her to fall asleep at some point. With that in mind she left the room and walked around the dark corridors of Arendelle, enjoying the silence and the coolness she felt on her feet as she walked around the wooden boards.

Suddenly her ears picked up a noise, foot steps? At first Elsa shrugged them off as her own but soon found that they were not hers, they were extras.

"Remain calm, probably a guard" though Elsa as she tried to remain composed and calm, but soon she heard door slamming shut, they kept coming closer and closer, till the one she was passing by slammed shut without warning or anybody to close it.

At that moment Elsas walk turned to a full sprint as she ran down the hallway, her heart going a mile a minute as she screamed and ran only to slam against a door which closed in front of her face. Grabbing the handles she shook and yelled trying to get it open before freezing when she felt a breath in her neck.

Shaking, her hairs standing up, Elsa closed her eyes as she mentally prayed over and over then all of a sudden she felt a pair of hands grab her wrists, followed by burning pain then nothing...

Nothing but darkness...

Swish swish was heard as Clara made her way up to Hans room. Her being the only one he allowed to get close to him and who he trusted.

Arriving to the door Clara knocked on the door,

"Your majesty its time to get up" said Clara as she knocked again.

She waited, there was no answer, she knocked on the door again before opening the door.

"Your majesty?" She asked as she peeked into the room.

Everything seemed in order, the furniture, rug, artwork, till she got a closer look and found Hans was not in bed.

"Your majesty?" she called again unsure as she walked in and looked around only to gasp in horror as she found Hans laying face down inside the fireplace.

"Hans!" yelled Clara horrified as she ran over and fell to his side.

Placing her hands on his arm she shivered, his skin was cold, clammy, wet with cold sweat, it was as if she touching a fish straight out of a lake not a person.

Rubbing her hands a bit Clara tried again, succeding in pulling him out of the fireplace and turning him so he was laying on his back before checking him.

She was relieved he was alive and breathing, but his eyes terrified her. They were completly glazed over, as if he was not there.

"Hans, Hans, are you okay? Whats wrong?" asked Clara with panic as she turned and held his head so he was looking at her.

Hans did not respond for a good 5 minutes and when he did Clara got even more worried with what he said.

"Cold... so cold... don't know why" he answered fragmentally.

In panic Clara gently set Hans head down before leaving the room in a hurry, calling for help before coming back to the room with some shadow demons who helped Hans get him in bed.

"Cold..." he whispered again as Clara pulled the covers over him,

"Its okay, we will get you warm" said Clara as she put more blankets and sheets, trying to get Hans warm before going to make fire in the fireplace when a doctor arrived and began to examine Hans.

"What's wrong?" asked Lars worried as he arrived, upon looking at Lars his eyes widen in fear when he saw Hans laying there on the bed shivering weakly, eyes glazed over, his skin the same color of ash.

Walking over to Hans Lars ran his hands through his brothers hair, it was wet from sweat, his forehead was cold. The doctor examined Hans and was baffled, he was cold, did not seem to be responding to anything, why he could not explain.

Angry Lars yelled "Well find somebody who can explain!" before sending the doctor away who was more than happy to leave in one piece as everybody was terrified of Lars... and for good reason... except for that servant of his Clara... who people think she is either incredibly brave or stupid to face Lars on a daily basis.

Turning Lars went to his office to research on some medical books in hopes of finding out what is wrong with Hans only to open the door to find himself face to face with Clara, who looked less than happy.

"Clara?" asked Lars only to grow pale when she lifted up the dreaded French encyclopedia and smack him on top of the head with it. Yelling Lars staggered back before running away with Clara running after him, smacking him repeatedly over the head with the book.

"Should we help?" asked a shadow demon as the group watched Lars be chased and smacked by Clara,

"And deal with an angry Clara? I am not that crazy" answered another followed by a loud yell.

Gasping and breathing in anger Clara pointed her book at Lars who was cornered before saying "You...I had enough of your foolishness",

"Clara" began Lars,

"You will shut up and listen to me well Lars! I don't know what prompted you to do this, but your so called best is hurting I even dare say killing your brother!" yelled Clara angry "I will not stand by and watch you continue so I will give you a choice! Either you let Hans go or I sware I will find a way to free him and once I do you will never see any of us again!",

"Clara, no, please be reasonable!" began Lars trying to calm Clara down, but she was livid,

"No! Your the one who has to be reasonable!" yelled Clara "At least talk to Elsa! If she was what you though she was she would have barged in and demanded Hans back, which she has not! Because somehow despite your attitude and disrespect towards her she respects you! So stop this madness and make peace because its no coincidence Hans got sick now... and to be frank I am more than willing to bet that Elsa will be the only one who can help him get better"

Having said her piece Clara left Lars to think, but she hoped that he did as she told him or else she will make true to her threat and do whatever it takes to help Hans escape.

Gasping and gagging Elsa sat up quickly, scanning around in panic for her attacker, but found no attacker and... she was in a beach?

"Beach?" asked Elsa as she buried her hands into the sand, wondering if it was a dream, but it was not a dream as she could feel the warm sand between her fingers which left these questions in her mind "Where was she? and how did she got there?".

Slowly getting up Elsa looked around before finding her umbrella weapon next to her,

"How did this got here?" though Elsa confused as she was sure she left it in her room, taking it Elsa turned and inspected it, yes it was her umbrella.

Opening it she found a paper fell down, confused Elsa picked it up, written on it was a strange language (Hieroglyphs), they shifted and changed till they formed a message Elsa could read, it said "Save him" before the paper burst to flames causing Elsa to drop it.

Starring at the no longer existing letter Elsa felt dread, the who and how was completely forgotten as she got the message, Hans was in some form of danger and she had to find him.

With umbrella in hand Elsa waved her magic, changing her ice nightdress into a proper day dress before working on her hair and leaving the beach in search of the nearest town where she can hopefully catch a boat to the Southern isles as it was clear that she could no longer wait till Lars gave her permission to visit.

Gone, that though ran through Lars head over and over as he paced about the office. After Claras rant Lars found himself agreeing, the fact that Hans got sick was not coincidence and as much as he wanted to deny it... he needed Elsas help...

So he sent the shadow demons to pick Elsa up only for them to report that she is not in Arendelle, which makes Lars wonder, if she was not in Arendelle then where was she?!

"Where is she?!" growled Lars, his eyes turning gray in anger before he breathed to calm himself, he needed to keep his head.

"Calm, breath, no need to loose your head" though Lars like a mantra then noticed a shadow demon flying over, seemed meek, scared,

"What?!" demanded Lars making it wince before flying over and whispering its discovery to him,

"She is here?! In the Southern isles?! How?!" demanded Lars, the shadow demon coward before saying "Not know",

"Fine! Whatever, just bring her here...don't hurt her or anything" warned Lars before sending it away, marching over to a seat he collapsed on it, letting it take his weight as he breathed.

Moving Lars winced before reaching to his back and taking out his weapon, a sickle and chain attached to it, a black gem attacked to the sickle, it gave off a grayish purple glow, stroking it Lars though back... back when he took this job.

"You had enough" Lars heard, but just barely. Lifting his head he stared blankly at the bartender, heavy under the influence of the alcohol. "I think this guy is way pass enough, lights are on but there is nobody in there" muttered one of the customers to the bartender who nodded then proceeded to lead Lars out.

Numb to the point of not feeling anything Lars staggered about, barely able to stay up on his feet as he dragged himself through the empty streets of a town in Germany.

Suddenly a cry sobered him up, up ahead he saw a random man dragging a girl behind him to an alley, ready to do who knows what. Still under the influence Lars staggered over to find the man with a knife, pressing it against the girl.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" Lars yelled, his voice was slurred but loud enough to startled the man, seeing this the girl took off who knows where, but anywhere was safer than there.

Angry the man turned his attention to Lars and growled "Your going to regret that",

"I already regret a lot of things" said Lars with a laugh, it was ironic really, he stood up for a complete stranger, but not his brother. His musings were cut short as he felt a flash a pain, looking down the man had stabbed him in the abdomen, pulling the knife out he stabbed Lars again, twisting the knife as he did. Groaning Lars fell to the ground, holding his injury.

"Stupid drunk" muttered the man, spitting at Lars before leaving him to die.

Curling up on the floor Lars held his injury as he bled, the cold began to spread as Lars began to sober up a bit with realization. What had he been doing?! He should not have been drinking! Wasting away and feeling sorry for himself! Why did he not use his time to look for his brother?!

"I am an idiot! Always making the wrong decisions or thinking only of myself" muttered Lars as he slammed his head against the cold cobblestone ground, if anything he felt he deserved that and worse.

"That was some hit" he heard, turning, no, no, he is hallucinating, that crow could not talk...

Said crow was huge, probably reached Lars knees if he stood up, which baffled him as he never knew crows could reach such sizes. Saying nothing the crow landed on the ground in front of him then much to Lars shock it immolated itself in shadows before a dark hooded man stepped out. He looked young, probably mid twenties, but his eyes deceived him as they were far too old for somebody like him, he had dark hair styled in a way Lars had not seen in ages, his clothes were the same, probably early 17th century, but black which matched his cloak.

When Lars spotted the sickle in his hand he began to panic, this man... it was the grimm reaper... he had to be!

Bending down he tisked before saying "You have yourself in quite a problem there",

"Tell me something I do not know" muttered Lars, sure it was taunting him,

"Depends... if you had a second chance...what would you do?" asked the man, Lars hesitated as he though before saying "I would use it to find my brother",

"You have a brother?" asked the man surprised, Lars nodded and told him the whole story from start to finish, when done he felt even lower as he was sure he was going to die.

Nodding the man said "What if I could give you a second chance?",

"What?" he asked wondering if he heard right, the man nodded, confirming what Lars heard before continuing "With a price, I can give you that second chance, but be warned, with this chance comes great burden and sorrow, if you can shoulder it then maybe you will have a chance to be reunited with your brother",

"How do I know you do not lie?" asked/demanded Lars,

"You said your brother was the phoenix, I am its shadow, we are intertwined as day and night, light and darkness, without one the other cannot exist" explained the man "You may not see him immediately, but you will have a chance to be reunited if you take this offer",

"What's in it for you?!" demanded Lars still suspicious,

"My freedom, I will finally be able to rest in peace" said the man then said holding out the sickle which now Lars noticed that it had a chain attached to it "Do you want to take this chance?".

Lars hesitated as he looked at the weapon then the man, he was not sure if he should trust this man, but the desperation was too much, he was willing todo anything to be reunited with his brother even if it meant taking risks.

So with that in mind Lars closed his eyes and reached out, taking the sickle before he could regret it. As soon as he touched the weapon his hand began to burn as currents of electricity passed through it and into him, he gave out a cry of pain as the chain took a life of its own, multiplying it wrapped around Lars, burning off his clothes, turning his red hair black as they and the shadow began to wrapped around him.

It was pain beyond pain Lars had ever felt, it was so bad that he swore he somehow had been tricked and was now dying the most horrible way possible. Then just as mysteriously as the pain started it vanished, leaving behind a dull ache.

Coughing and gasping Lars got up on his feet and saw the shadows form around his, materializing and changing till they formed new clothes on him and a hooded cloak which covered his now black hair. Looking at his hand he saw the sickle had changed and the stone attached to the chain was now glowing a grayish purple when it had been grayish blue before.

Turning he went to ask the man what had happened but he was gone... vanished into thin air... leaving behind nothing but a small leather book. Curious Lars picked up the book to read later before deciding to leave, he had things to do...

That seemed like a long time ago in Lars mind before he shook his head and deciding to worry about present matters, such as finding Elsa who somehow managed to get to the Southern isles without anybody realizing it. Which he still has no idea how she did it...

"That does not matter... what matters is finding her and hopefully figuring out why my brother is so sick" though Lars focusing on the present task, as he turned he heard coughing.

"It was you" he heard, for a moment Lars panicked as he turned his head towards the door to find Hans leaning against it heavily. He trembled unsteadily, very clear how weak he was, his clothes drenched in cold sweat. Taking a step Hans collapsed on the ground.

"Hans!" yelled Lars as he went over and reach to try and help but Hans slapped his hand away,

"You! This is all your fault!" Hans growled before looking up and demanding "What did you do to me!?",

"Hans, I don't understand" said Lars confused, he had not done anything to harm him,

"Don't lie to me! You have to have done something!" yelled Hans before crying out as the pain on his back flared again,

"Hans..." said Lars as he placed his hand gently on his shoulder "I would never do anything to hurt you brother, I love you", Hans gave a dry chuckle to this "No you don't, I am just an object to you, something you don't want to share with anybody",

"Hans" began Lars sternly,

"My mother, the one who actually took care of me and loved me, always told me that hearts were made to share... tell me one time you ever shared your heart with me... with anybody" Hans bit back before slumping fully to the ground, having exhausted his energy.

"Hans... HANS!" yelled Lars as he turned over his brother who was limp, checking Lars began to panic as he noticed the erratic breathing Hans had, it was very clear that his condition had worse very fast.

Getting up Lars had some shadow demons carry Hans back to bed, following Lars rummage through Hans room before finding, grabbing Hans cloak and putting it on.

Desperate times called for desperate measures.

To be continued...

Authors note:

Fun fact: Claras character is loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson story the little match girl. Even Lars role was inspired by the story The shadow.

Also despite the separation and difference, Lars and Hans life parallel in certain aspects, like for example, Hans who in this AU inspired some of H.C stories such as the Phoenix (Which H.C dedicated to him), the nightingale and the ugly duckling. Lars inspired Edgar Alan Poe, an author who is the huge polar opposite to H.C, Lars inspired Edgar to write about the Raven (which Edgar dedicated it to Lars), the red masque of death and the pit and the pendulum.

Oh no Hans is sick and... what is Lars going to do?! 00... Any way I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I hope you all stay tuned for the next chapter as we shall see what will happen when Elsa and Lars meet again, but for now please leave a review and I hope to see you all again in the next chapter.