Chapter 20 - The End Of Time Part 1
Elsa and Anna waited outside the door to Kristina's apartment, both of them eagerly awaiting to see Anna's friend. It had also been a while since Anna had seen Kristina in person, her own life becoming a little bit busier since she and Elsa got engaged.
Out of the two of them, Elsa was still a little nervous. This was actually the first time she had met Kristina. Sure, she knew Kristina was a trusted friend, she was the descendant of Kristoff after all, but at the same time, it made her feel a little uneasy.
Acting like a modern woman was a bit easier for her now, yes, but at the same time, Elsa was about to meet someone very dear to Anna. Putting on a good show was something her father had always taught her, a lesson she would have to follow to the letter when dealing with Kristina.
While they had been waiting for only five minutes, Elsa was starting to get a little anxious. What if Kristina was never going to open the door? What if she was going to be out here in torture? As her anxiety built up, Elsa looked at Anna and sighed. No matter what worries would come her way, that beautiful young maiden would be at her side.
"So..." Elsa then spoke up. "Are you sure your friend is in?" She twiddled her fingers. "I mean it's been five minutes already, people usually answer the door by now."
"Oh she'll be in," Anna assured her. "Kristina's probably just still a bit tired. She has just come back from a big hockey tourney."
"Oh Okay," Elsa accepted. "Do you... Do you think she will like me? I know your parents did but..."
Her redhead fiance chuckled. "Elsa, will you just relax? Kristina knows all about you and she's the one who supported me asking for you to marry me. Of course, she's gonna love you to bits. She's actually a pretty passive girl when it comes to people."
"You know how much I worry about these things," Elsa admitted.
"Yeah, but I'm here aren't I, so there's no need to worry," Anna told her, nudging her elbow. "And no matter what, I'm always there."
A few seconds later, The door then opened to reveal Kristina, who seemed to have just woken up. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes as well as her messy locks of blonde hair, she saw Elsa and Anna. "Hey, Anna," she said with a yawn. "What are… what are you… doing here?"
Of course, Kristina would have woken up this late. She may have been a star athlete, but having a good sleep schedule was never one of her strong points. Anna merely giggled, before booping her best friend on the nose. "Good morning, sleepyhead," she cooed. "I have someone here to meet you."
"Oh?" Kristina wondered, soon turning her gaze to Elsa. "Is this someone the hot blonde you brought with you?"
Elsa suddenly made a rather adorable squeak as her cheeks turned hot pink. Now she knew where Anna's forwardness came from. And speaking of Kristina, Elsa went even redder as she saw her muscles. If she weren't already dating Anna, she'd have probably dated Kristina instead. If there was one thing she couldn't resist, it was muscular women.
Anna laughed out loud at Kristina's tired comments and Elsa's blushy face. "Kristina... I believe you know my fiancee, Elsa Arendelle." She held Elsa by the arm and smiled at her.
Kristina's eyes widened. "Wait... that's Elsa?!" She gasped loudly. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. It's just... I didn't think the girl my best friend was marrying was gonna be so drop dead gorgeous."
"I-It's alright," Elsa accepted, smiling a little. Perhaps meeting this young woman wouldn't be so bad after all. I mean, she certainly was a flatterer.
Looking at Elsa closely, Kristina raised an eyebrow. "Wait a sec... isn't Elsa supposed to be a queen? Why is she dressed like a normal person?"
"Elsa dresses like this when she's in my time," Anna informed Kristina. "It's to help keep our little secret that you really shouldn't be bragging about with the door open, Kristi."
"My bad," Kristina remarked, rubbing the back of her head. "Anyway, you ladies wanna come in? I was just about to have breakfast."
"Sure we'd love to!" Anna chirped. "I mean... do you want to?" She then turned to Elsa.
Nodding, the blonde agreed. "I think breakfast would be lovely. I... didn't round to eating much this morning."
"Perfect!" Kristina stated. "I'll see what I can find in my cupboards for you girls. I'm pretty sure I've got some cereal or cookies somewhere."
Minutes later, Kristina had indeed found some breakfast for the three of them. Elsa was having some cereal, Anna had stolen a pack of White chocolate cookies, while Kristina, being the health nut, was having some porridge mixed in with health supplement.
"Mmm..." Anna sighed, chewing on a cookie. "You always knew how to bring the good stuff, big sis."
"And I forgot how big of an appetite you had, Feisty pants," Kristina joked, spooning a mouthful of porridge into her mouth. "Those cornflakes alright for you Elsa?"
"Yes," Elsa agreed. "Very crunchy indeed. How can things so small taste so good?" She laughed. "Anna, could you pass the milk over?"
"Sure!" Anna chirped, passing over the milk jug.
Kristina then eyed the two women, smiling. To think Anna had been scared to death when she first met Elsa all those months ago. Now look at them, happy and content like any other couple.
"So ladies," She then said. "What brings you to my humble abode? Or did you just come to raid my cookie jar."
Anna chuckled. "Actually big sis, we came to ask you a really, really big favour." She then looked at Elsa again, taking the blonde's hand from across the table. "You know Elsa and I are getting married right?"
"Yeah, have you set a date for it or something?" Kristina wondered.
Elsa nodded. "Anna and I are getting married in two weeks from now. We're going to get married in my time, since Anna has agreed to rule Arendelle as my princess consort."
The other blonde smirked. "Feisty pants always did dream of being a princess... But what does it all have to do with me?"
"Well, since Elsa and I can't exactly invite everyone to the wedding," Anna expressed. "We decided that if someone was to come to our wedding from my time... Then it really should be you."
Her eyes widening, Kristina looked at Anna and Elsa in surprise. "Wait are you saying you want me to be...?"
Smiling, Anna confirmed her best friends assumptions. "Yes, big sis... I want you to be my maid of honour."
There was only one way Kristina could possibly respond to such a request. She then got up and bowed in front of Elsa, smiling with pride. "Your majesty, Princess, it would do me a great honour to be the maid of honour on your wedding day."
Laughing, Elsa smiled. "Good lord, no wonder you're Kristoff's descendant. You're just as loyal... and a little goofy."
"That's why she's my best friend," Anna told her. "You can get up now, Big Sis."
Rising, Kristina smiled. "So... when am I stepping into Anna's TARDIS then?" she remarked.
"This afternoon," Anna told her. "We thought you might appreciate a little look around Arendelle, but only if you promise not tell anyone."
Making a motion on her chest, Kristina nodded. "Princess, you have my word that I will not speak of the place and time you are taking me to."
"Good," Anna stated. "And please don't call me Princess. I'm not married to Elsa... yet." She then winked at her beautiful fiancee. As Elsa blushed, she smiled again. Anna knew that nothing could possibly go wrong. This was all going to be smooth sailing.
At least, that's what she hoped anyway.
xXx
Meanwhile, several miles from the city of Arendelle, in the oceans far to the west of the city, a massive fleet of warships from the Southern Isles was sailing towards the kingdom, with a very familiar prince with sideburns at its command.
As he stood on the bow of his flagship, grey coat fluttering about in the strong wind, he smiled. With the army he was bringing, he would bring the kingdom of Arendelle to its knees and Queen Elsa along with it. Without a doubt, he knew that victory would be his.
He relished the battle that would come, as well as the fact he could get rid of the charade he'd been playing in front of Queen Elsa. And with that charade over, Hans would finally be able to perform his duty, in his true colours.
With the ships sailing towards Arendelle at a steady speed, Hans knew it wouldn't be long before the order to attack would be given. He had planned out his strategy thoroughly, having used his time in Arendelle to scout the city's defences.
Just then, Hans looked over his shoulder, seeing his ally, the Duke of Westleton, heading towards him, with two of his bodyguards at his side.
Turning around, Hans smiled, hands behind his back. "Your grace, you honour me with your presence," he greeted him politely.
"Spare me the charm, Westerguard," The Duke growled. "How long before we're at Arendelle? This sea breeze is giving me an awful chill."
Hans chuckled. "Relax old man. Don't get that mustache in a twist. We'll be in Arendelle soon and once our forces are occupying the capital and we have taken Queen Elsa as our prisoner, the entire kingdom will be forced to surrender."
"That better happen," The Duke remarked. "I have a lot riding on this victory. This rallying of my navy to join with yours has been very costly. I hope you'll be able to pay for this with the wealth we'll acquire from our conquest, Hans."
Yes, their wealth. The insane riches of Arendelle that would all belong to Hans. With the rewards he would gain from conquering Arendelle, Hans would not only become one of the richest men in the world, but also the most powerful.
But, there was one thing still standing in his way and he'd been ignoring it for too long. However, now that they were on their way to Arendelle and victory was assured, Hans realised it was time to seize the opportunity to take of this unfinished business.
Walking up to the duke, Hans sighed. "About that, your grace," He spoke in a slightly sarcastic tone. "It seems there has been a rather unfortunate turn of events when it comes to our arrangement." He then gave Westleton a sly, cunning smirk.
Scowling, the duke glared at Hans, his eyeballs practically bulging out through the lenses on his glasses. "What are you talking about Hans? Don't tell me you're going to break our agreement?! Remember, you need my forces to support yours in this battle."
"You're sure of that?" Hans chuckled. "Because I don't believe they're your forces anymore, my friend." He then reached under his coat and from a holster on his waist, pulled out a brown flintlock pistol, aiming the weapon at the duke's head.
"Hans!" Westleton shouted. "You traitor!" He then cowered behind his guards, pointing aggressively at the southern isles prince. "Guards, kill the prince! Kill him NOW!"
Laughing, Hans believed the whole ordeal to be some kind of joke. He then kept his weapon aimed, not even flinching as Westleton continued to shout his name and try to order his men to execute him. It was a little pathetic.
"What are you waiting for?!" The duke fumed. "Get out your guns and shoot him!"
Staying at their posts, the two guards merely watched, unphased by their Duke's words.
"Your guards won't be doing anything of the sort, your grace," Hans stated. "They, along with the rest of your forces have already sworn fealty to me, as has your entire kingdom. Your son was more than happy to have Westleton join the Southern Isles."
Westleton stormed forward. "That was not our deal, you bastard!" He swore. "You would share the riches with me!"
"I never intended to do anything like that," Hans stated. "And now that our business is concluded, I have no further use for you."
Scuttling back again, Westleton started to shake with fear. "Hans... no, please, spare me. I'll offer you anything. You can take all the riches, you can take my land, just spare me, please! I beg of you!"
"Begging for mercy, Duke?" Hans remarked. "How the mighty have fallen. You know, I used to hear stories about you from my father, about how you were one of the most powerful leaders in the entire world, how you could bring men to their knees with a single thought. I realise those stories were wrong. You're nothing more than a weak old dog past his prime, and do you know what happens to dogs that are past their prime?"
"No!" Westleton cried.
"They're put down." Hans then pulled the trigger on his pistol, sending a bullet flying from the barrel. Within moments, the bullet struck right through the centre of Westleton's head, blood spraying everywhere as he slumped to the floor, dead.
Hans blew the barrel from his pistol before holstering the weapon. "You two," he then gestured to Westleton's guards. "Get rid of this garbage."
The two guards then nodded, one of them grabbing Westleton by the legs and dragging his corpse of the deck of the ship. As they did so, Hans walked back to the bow of his vessel, looking out onto the horizon. He felt good doing that, getting rid of that silly old fool.
Looking forward, Hans saw the fog soon clear and the sight of the might city of Arendelle, with its sparkling blue fjord came into view. It was almost like stepping into the garden of Eden, but Hans was no child of God. To him, there was no god. Only he would rule above all.
He took one last look at the massive fleet he had brought with him, thousands of soldiers at his command. This was all going to be as easy as pie. He then stepped up, pointing out towards the city. With a cry of havoc, Hans let loose the dogs of war.
"ATTACK!" He roared at the top of his voice. Within moments, several of the ship's in Hans's fleet turned around, opening fire on the city with their massive cannons. Large shells flew through the sky, landing on the unsuspecting Arendelle populace.
The shelling continued, cannonballs raining down upon the city. Buildings were smashed, fires were started and the people started to run for their lives.
Hearing the screaming from afar, Hans held out his arms. The screaming of the weak Arendelle people was like music to his ears, a poem that foretold his victory over this pathetic lot. He then turned around, seeing the large group of troops that had gathered behind him.
"Alright men!" He shouted. "It's time to go ashore! Do not harm the civilians, only kill those who resist. It is vital that we have hostages alive so that if the Queen tries to avoid our capture, we will have many hostages to bargain with. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes my lord!" The men responded in unison.
Hans smirked. He loved being in charge.
"Prepare to go ashore!" He told his troops. "Follow my plan and we shall take this city and by the end of this day, Arendelle will belong to us! By my word as King Of the Southern Isles, victory will be ours!"
A loud cheer was then heard as the men rallied for victory. Hans then laughed to himself, knowing that with the loyalty of his forces, winning this battle would be swift and easy.
Moments later, several of Hans's warships docked in the port of Arendelle, the dozens of soldiers disembarking and marching their way into the city. Hans took a group through the streets of the great capital, shooting whatever Arendellian guards that tried to fight back.
He watched as his troops grabbed people from their homes, dragging them out into the street to be used as human shields for anyone who tried to resist. It was a bloody sight, one he slightly hated seeing, but he knew that in order to become a hero to his own kingdom, he had to be the villain of another.
Making his way to the end of the street, Hans looked forward, seeing the Arendelle castle, where a large group of soldiers had gathered, some having prepared a small cannon to fight back. Adorable.
Knowing he had more soldiers, Hans then pointed his gun forward. "March on the castle! Breach their defences and let the slaughter begin!"
xXx
Back in Anna's time, she, Kristina and Elsa had stopped for a drive-through lunch on the way back home. It had been several hours since their breakfast together, and they had spent most of the afternoon going for a walk in the park and Kristina insisting that Elsa went to the ice rink with them. Elsa was a natural at ice skating, but Anna sadly wasn't. Thankfully, Elsa had been there to catch her at the right moments.
Now though, they were enjoying some delicious fast food in Kristina's car, with Elsa trying her best not to spill any of her food on her clothes, something that Kristina and Anna didn't seem to care about. They were happily eating away, regardless of how messy they were.
"So uhh... Kwisti," Anna spoke with a mouthful of cheeseburger. "What's the first wing you're gonna do in Awendelle?"
"Well, first I wanna meet Kristoff," Kristina responded. "Just hearing stories about him as a kid was simply amazing and it will be simply incredible to finally speak to him face to face."
Anna then swallowed. "Just remember not to give any hints that you're from the future," she told her. "We do wanna make sure that the space-time continuum is intact by the time Elsa and Anna wanna go on our honeymoon."
Kristina laughed. "Relax. I'm probably only just gonna say hi and make small talk. Nothing too drastic." She then started to eat more of her french fries.
Elsa rolled her eyes. "Did no one tell the pair of you that it was rude to talk while you're eating?"
"You don't mind," Anna replied, digging into her chicken nuggets. "Want a nugget?"
Sighing, Elsa took one of the orange chewy snacks and dipped it in her ketchup. "I swear to god, Anna Penrose, you are the most un-princess-like princess I've ever known."
"That's why you love me," Anna chirped.
Once the three of them were finished with their meal, Kristina buckled up her seatbelt and started up the engine, looking back at her two passengers. "Home ladies?" she assumed.
Anna and Elsa both nodded and Kristina reversed out of their parking space, driving her sedan down the main road towards Anna's hose. It was a peaceful drive, one that gave Anna flashbacks to when she drove to the house for the first time, the day she met Elsa... for the first time.
It seemed so long ago now. Back then, Anna was still a young woman, fresh out of college and ready to live her life. Now in the span of a few months, she was a novelist who was also going to be a princess. She was very surprised by how much things had changed.
Soon, they were all back at Anna's house, the same old plantation-style home that even though it looked very old, was still a home to Anna after all this time. As the three of them got out of the car, Kristina walked forward, smiling.
"Jeez, it feels like it's been forever since I last came here," she remarked. "You've certainly spruced the place up, Anna."
"Thanks!" Anna said with pride. "Although, you should really take a look at the inside of the place. That's where I've done the most improvement." She then skipped to the door and unlocked it, hopping inside.
Elsa and Kristina soon followed, with the latter admiring Anna's new, Arendelle inspired decor. It really did look much better on the inside. She then felt the wallpaper, smiling. "Now this is fancy."
Anna was about to reply, but then, she heard a strange noise. It almost sounded like the cannon of a tank had been fired in the distance.
Hearing the noise as well, Elsa gave her fiancée a confused look. "What's that noise, Anna? Did you leave that television thing of yours on again?"
"No," Anna denied. She was sure she turned the TV off before they left, as well as the radio and every other device that could make a noise such as that. Just then, they heard the noise once more, slightly louder this time.
Looking up the stairs, Anna and Elsa discovered that the noise was coming from behind the door to Elsa's time. This worried Elsa greatly, who was very worried about what could possibly be happening in her time.
Noticing the noise as well, Kristina looked at her two friends. "Umm, feisty pants, what have you got up there?"
"That's the door to my era," Elsa informed the burly blonde. She scowled. "Something isn't right. I've got a bad feeling about this."
"Me too," Anna agreed. "Let's get up there and see what's up."
Kristina then gave Anna sly look. "Really? You pick now to make a pun?"
"It was unintentional!" Anna insisted.
Making their way up the stairs, the three friends were all starting to feel a little nervous. Just what was making that noise from behind the study room door. All of them were unsure of who should open the door, until Anna stepped forward, and turned the knob.
Entering Elsa's bedroom, Anna found the noise growing much louder, as well as hearing several other sounds. Some sounded like gunfire, others sounded like swords clashing. All of them were distinct, violent noises that didn't mean anything good.
Elsa then walked to Anna's side, heading to her bedroom window. Once she saw the full scene that was taking place, her eyes widened with shock and horror. Gasping, she covered her mouth, secretly hoping that this was all a dream
But it was no dream. In the port of her city, there were a dozen warships and in the courtyard and streets of the city, soldiers wearing burgundy uniforms were patrolling the area, some hunting down civilians and guards of her own castle trying to stand up to them.
In the sky, Elsa saw cannon shells raining down on the city from the ships, bombarding the buildings with balls of fire. It was an invasion, no doubt about that.
"My god..." Anna whispered, as she and Kristina joined Elsa by the window, Anna holding Elsa's hand to try and comfort the queen.
"What is all this?" Elsa asked. "What's happened to Arendelle?! It wasn't like this when we left?! Where the hell did those soldiers come from?!"
Anna sighed. "I don't know, Elsa... I'm sorry."
"Um... does this usually happen?" Kristina spoke up. "Because I've been in the past for like two minutes and already shit is hitting the fan."
Shaking her head, Elsa scowled. She would not let her kingdom fall to whoever these invaders were. She was Queen of Arendelle, and for her kingdom, she would fight these soldiers back, even if it meant she would lose her own life.
"No... no, it doesn't and I'm not going to let it happen," Elsa stated. "Anna, you take Kristina back to your time and stay there. Don't come back until I say so."
Anna's eyes widened with surprise. "Wait what?! Elsa, are you nuts? You can't fight all those soldiers on your own! It's suicide!"
"I'll try and gather whatever remains of my personal guard," Elsa explained. "I have training in weaponry. I can fight them, Anna."
The redhead then walked to Elsa's side, holding her hand. "Then I'm fighting with you, Elsa. I'm coming with you. Arendelle is as much my home as it is yours!"
Elsa then sighed. "Anna, you don't have any training whatsoever. You'd never last against a trained soldier."
"I might," Kristina chirped. "I mean wielding a sword is like holding a hockey stick, right?"
Both Elsa and Anna gave Kristina a rather awkward glare. This was obviously not the time for jokes of any sort. But before they could even tell Kristina off, the door to Elsa's bedroom then banged loudly, as someone was trying to kick the door down.
Anna gasped and got Elsa behind her, waiting for the attackers to come. Within moments, the door burst open and three burgundy dressed soldiers ran into the room, ready to seize them.
One of the soldiers then noticed Elsa and reached for his sword. "There's the Queen men! And she's brought her lover and another civilian with her! Take them alive!"
"I don't think so, ugly!" Anna growled, before charging forward and punching the lead soldier in the jaw, grabbing the sword from his pocket. She then kicked the man in the gut before twirling back and holding her blade in her hands.
Elsa's eyes widened. Clearly, Anna wasn't as bad of a fighter as she thought she was.
Kristina then got into the action, punching and knocking out another soldier, as Anna duelled with the two other soldiers. Together, Kristina and Anna brought down the two goons, with Anna stabbing one in the chest with her blade, and Kristina smacking one of them in the face.
As the soldiers fell, Anna sighed, wiping her brow. Her first kill as a warrior and it had felt good. "Whoo... that was actually kinda satisfying."
"A-Anna..." Elsa gasped. "Y-You... K-Killed him."
The redhead nodded. "Yeah, I know, but I don't care. I've gotta keep you safe remember?"
"How... did you learn to fight like that?" Elsa expressed. "I didn't think you'd be that good with a sword."
"I took fencing and martial arts when I was younger," Anna informed the blonde. "Kristi, drag those bodies away just a sec. We don't want any of their friends to come looking for them."
"Gotta say, felt pretty good to punch a guy again," Kristina remarked, dragging the unconscious bodies to one side. "But these guys are heavy? Who are they anyway?"
Kneeling down, Elsa looked at the uniforms of the soldiers. After noticing an insignia on their shoulder pads, she recognised them instantly. "I know exactly who they are," she informed them. "They're soldiers from the Southern isles... where that Prince Hans was from."
Putting a hand on Elsa's shoulder, Anna got the gist of it. These soldiers had been sent to kill Elsa after she had refused Hans's alliance. It seemed like Karma had been quite unfortunate to Elsa, but Anna knew she could help her make this right.
Sighing, Elsa looked down. "If these are his troops... oh god, what have I done?" Her eyes widened. "Anna... remember when we first met and you said my kingdom didn't exist anymore? I think this might be why... I let these invaders take over Arendelle and wipe my country from history..."
Anna then gave Elsa a reassuring smile. "Then let's rewrite history, my dear Queen Elsa. I won't let this kingdom fall, not today, not any day for the rest of our lives."
Touched, Elsa nearly went to kiss Anna, but knew that there would be plenty of time to do that once they had won.
Looking at the two of them, Kristina smirked. "Okay, you two, enough mushy stuff, what's our plan here? Because I'm pretty sure we're outnumbered here."
"Your friend is right, Anna," Elsa agreed with her. "We can't possibly take on Hans's army by ourselves. We need reinforcements."
"Then we'll go to the guard barracks," Anna stated. "You said there might be some people left in your guard. They'll likely have holed themselves up there."
"Uh huh," Kristina stated. "And how do you suppose we get there? The corridors are practically crawling with these assholes?!"
Anna then gave Elsa and Kristina reassuring smiles. "Don't worry girls. I have a cunning plan."
Moments later, three figures walked out of Elsa's bedroom, each of them wearing the uniforms of the Southern isles soldiers, complete with the black helmets that were positioned to slightly hide their faces from view. Not the best disguise in the world, but it worked.
"This is never gonna work," Kristina whispered. "Besides, I'm pretty sure I got the guy who was stabbed by Anna. I can still feel the wet patch where he bled out."
"Oh stop moaning," Anna groaned. She then tapped Elsa on the shoulder. "Do you know where the guard barracks is?"
Elsa nodded. "Yes, I think so," she spoke. She then looked at herself. She also had reservations about this plan. She wanted to get rid of these attacking soldiers, so why was she dressing as one? She wanted badly to tear this uniform off and stomp it under her boot, but she had to trust Anna.
As the three of them walked through the halls of the castle, they saw other soldiers making their patrols of the building, some escorting captured servants and maids towards a certain area of the building. Seeing them walking in single file, being held at gunpoint was unnerving to Elsa.
"Looks like they aren't killing the servants," Anna spoke. "I guess these guys aren't the usual barbarians and pillagers that I've read about."
"They're taking hostages to draw me out," Elsa correctly assumed. "That's Hans's plan. He wants me more than he wants this kingdom and my people have to suffer for it."
"Well we're not gonna let that happen, are we Queenie?" the strawberry blonde replied.
"No, we are most certainly not," Elsa agreed. The three of them continued marching forward, eventually coming across the guard barracks. As Elsa reached for the door, she found it to be completely locked. "Well that's just dandy," she grumbled.
Kristina then cleared her throat. "Allow me, your majesty." She then rammed the door hard with her elbow, smacking into it. As she hit the hard wood, she groaned. "Ahhhh! They make it seem so easier in the movies!"
Looking over her shoulder, Anna saw a patrol of soldiers walking towards them. They wouldn't suspect anything... yet. "Guys we gotta hurry. I don't think we can hide in these outfits for long."
"Sure, no pressure or anything!" Kristina remarked, as she kept butting into the door. Eventually, the door burst open, allowing the three of them inside. Unfortunately, the room was completely devoid of life, save for the couple bodies still on the floor.
Looking down at the bodies, Elsa scowled. Such brutality had been brought to Arendelle because of her, and now she would make sure these men didn't die in vain. But, considering her initial plan was no use now, she had to come up with a plan B.
Anna was about to comfort Elsa again, when she heard a voice cry out to them. "Hey, what are you doing in here?!"
Turning around, the three saw two of the soldiers at the entrance. As their eyes met, their disguise completely broke as one of the soldiers recognised Elsa. "It's the queen! She's here! Get the others!"
Getting into a fighting stance, Anna pulled out a sword. "Well girls, it's time to fight again!" She then charged forward with Kristina, as a group of the soldiers entered the room.
An all-out brawl broke out between both sides, as Anna and Kristina, with their sword and fists respectively, clashed with the group of Hans's soldiers. At first, Anna seemed to be getting the upper hand, managing to wound at least 2 of the soldiers.
Kristina did good as well, beating up at least 2 soldiers herself, but as their victories came, reinforcements soon arrived. Anna and her best friend fought valiantly, but eventually, they were beaten.
In one fell swoop, Anna was knocked to the ground with Kristina and the two were quickly cuffed in iron chains. Looking to one side, Anna called to Elsa. "Run, Elsa! Get out of here!"
Elsa tried to flee, but she was soon cornered and chained as well, all three dropped in the centre of the room, beaten and bruised.
Groaning, Kristina looked at Anna and Elsa. "Well girls, this is another fine mess we've gotten ourselves into."
"Can it with the jokes, Kristi," Anna responded, sighing. "I don't think anything is gonna put a smile on our faces anytime soon."
One of the soldiers eyed the three of them over before gesturing to his comrades. "Alright boys, let's bring these three to the boss. I'm sure he'll be happy to see these three as his prisoners, especially her."
Elsa frowned as she, Anna and Kristina were forced up and marched down the corridor towards wherever the rest of the prisoners were being taken. She knew times were dire, but there had to be some silver lining to this dark cloud. There was hope in her heart, but right now, escape wasn't a very likely option.
xXx
Anna, Elsa and Kristina were brought into the throne room of the Arendelle castle, where a good number of prisoners had been taken to. Beside the throne, the three of them could see Kai and Kristoff, tied with rope on their hands and legs, with several other servants beside them.
Sitting upon the throne with his fingers together, was Hans, smirking at Elsa. As she entered the room, he couldn't help chuckling a little to himself. The Queen was finally his. He then motioned for the prisoners to be brought before him, for personal interrogation.
The three friends were butted in the back, forced to their knees before Hans, in a cruel, messed up way of bowing before him. As they were on their knees, Elsa scowled, glaring up at Hans. He had gone too far with this, but there was nothing she could do to stop him.
"You certainly were easy to capture," Hans remarked as he sat on Elsa's throne, staring at the three prisoners before him with malice in his eyes. "I figured you of all people would at least put up more of a fight, Queen Elsa Of Arendelle."
Glaring back, Elsa tried to break free from her chains. It was no use. They were on too tight and it was impossible to break free. She merely stared at Hans. "You'll pay for this you swine! The rest of my army has probably heard of this siege of yours and are on their way to liberate this city!"
Hans laughed. "Don't be so sure of the great and powerful kingdom you've created, Elsa." He then smiled with pride. "No one will dare attack this city with you as my hostage. No one will ever risk hurting their precious queen."
He then turned his attention to Anna, smirking. "Oh... and you must be the famous Anna I've heard so much about. I must admit, I was expecting such a ravishing beauty to be a little... older."
"Figures you'd be a gold digger," Anna grumbled. "Also, you've got really ugly sideburns. I bet you'd be best buddies with Wolverine."
"Anna, don't intimidate the man," Elsa remarked. "We're his guests after all." She then scowled at Hans. "Why did you do this, Hans? I thought you said your kingdom needed saving."
Hans sat back on the throne, smiling with glee. "Oh, it needed saving alright, but the thing is... I already saved it." He then stood up, orating his story. "You see, what I told you that night was only half true. Yes, my family was slaughtered by a rebellion... only I was the one leading it. I overthrew my weak family in a coup and am now the sole ruler of the Southern Isles."
"You... you lied to me?!" Elsa exclaimed. "Why?!"
"To get this kingdom of yours, of course!" Hans remarked. "Arendelle is bountiful in resources, fortune, all the things a modern monarch needs... and demands." He chuckled. "I... tried to be reasonable with you, to part from this engagement to you dearest Anna and join with me, but you didn't see my way... so you forced my hand, Queen Elsa."
Still trying to break free of her restraints, Elsa snarled at the foreign prince, knowing that one day soon, his head would roll. "You'll pay for this Hans! You and every single one of your soldiers are going to pay for what you've done to Arendelle!"
"What I've done?!" The prince laughed. "Oh Elsa, I'm afraid you are in no position to talk to me like that, especially since... I know the little secret you and your blushing bride have been keeping from your kingdom." He then reached into his pocket, taking out a smartphone.
Anna's eyes widened. "Elsa... that's..."
"My phone," Elsa stated, recognising it as the phone Anna had bought her. "So... you know the truth now. Of where Anna is from."
Hans nodded. "Oh yes. Such a wondrous device this thing. I've even taken a few pictures with it, but it has served me a much greater purpose." He chuckled. "I've learned all about your time through this thing, Anna Penrose. I know of the time portal that you came through and of the world you come from. Once I'm done with Arendelle, maybe I'll visit your time."
This made Anna laugh. "You serious?! You? An evil fairytale prince in my time? Get real, smartass. You wouldn't last a second where I'm from."
Growling, Hans then back slapped Anna in the face, hitting her with a large smack.
"Anna!" Elsa exclaimed.
Anna coughed a little, but was mostly unphased. "Wow... that was probably the weakest slap I've ever felt. You hit like a wimp, Hans."
"We'll see, Princess Anna," Hans scowled, before returning to his throne. "Now, as my first command as ruler of Arendelle, I order you, my dear Anna Penrose, to be executed along with a few of these other prisoners as a show of force to the citizens. Your deaths will inspire more... loyalty among the populace." He then looked at Elsa. "And as for you, my dear queen, once your beloved Anna is dead, I will arrange for us to be married where I shall have a tangible claim to this throne. That will give me the authority to seize the rest of your kingdom. After which I shall have you executed as well."
"You won't get away with this!" Elsa shouted, refusing to allow her kingdom to fall.
Hans then smirked at Elsa, with a wicked grin on his face. "Oh.. I already have."
xXx
"Well, this is the pits," Kristina remarked, hanging from the ceiling by a pair of chains wrapped around her wrists. As she was held above the ground in the gaudy dungeons of the castle, she tried to wiggle free, but it was to no use. She was trapped.
To her sides, Anna and Kristoff hung as well, Anna trying to break free from her own restraints. She knew that soon the guards would take them to their execution, but Anna had to come up with a plan to escape... somehow. She continued to strain, trying to free herself.
Kristoff sighed, looking at the two of them. "Save your strength, you two," he told them. "It's hopeless. Neither of us are getting out of this place."
"Oh ye!" Anna pulled herself up on the chains. "Of little faith..." She sighed, realising she couldn't reach the locks to which her chains were attached to. "Okay, yeah I can't get out of this... I guess we should wait then."
"Why?!" Kristina argued. "We've gotta save Elsa! We can't let that lunatic Hans get his way with her! If he marries her and takes over Arendelle, our future could be royally screwed."
"So... that stuff is true then?" Kristoff wondered. "That part about you being from the future?" He then looked over at Anna, with curiously.
Anna sighed, hating the fact that her secret was pretty much out now. "Yes... and Kristina here, is your descendent from the future. She's your great, great, great... Ummm, well she's your granddaughter from somewhere down the line,"
The blonde ice harvester smiled. "Well... she's certainly got my spirit. I wish I could have done more, Anna. Elsa brought me to this city to keep watch over Arendelle while you were gone... but all I did was let this place fall to ruin."
"Hey, it's alright," Anna assured him. "We can get out of this. My dad used to say that sticks and stones will break your bones, but they'll never break your spirit. And if you ask me, my spirit is willing to get out of this hell hole right now."
"How exactly?!" Kristina exclaimed. "We can't bust out of these chains, and even if we could, I doubt we can pull the disguise trick a second time." She then looked down. "Face it, Anna, we can't get out of this."
As much as she hated it, Kristina had a point. Every conceivable outcome she could think of, none of them would be successful in them escaping and getting Elsa to safety. She knew things were dire, but she couldn't lose hope. That would be doing what Hans wanted.
But her blind fearless optimism could only get her so far. She had to be mature and admit that this was the end, but she wouldn't. She was not going to let her and Elsa's story end in such a tragic matter. No one more lives would die this day.
Looking at Kristoff and Kristina, Anna gave them both reassuring smiles. "Don't worry, you two. We will get out of this. Sure, things might get ugly, but we can do this. For Elsa."
Kristoff nodded, "For Elsa then. What about you kiddo?"
"Kiddo?" Kristina remarked. "We're about the same age gramps... but yeah, I'll do this for Elsa."
"Good," Anna accepted. "Okay, so... I think I have a slightly vague outline of a plan. It's pretty crazy, but if you two trust me, we can get out of here and save Elsa."
However before Anna could get into the specifics of her plan, the door to their cell was unlocked, and a lone guard then walked into the room, carrying a key in his hand. After taking one glance at the three prisoners, he scowled. "Alright, you three. It's time for you to meet your maker."
Anna gulped. Looks like she would have to speed up her plan just a little. As the guard unlocked her restraints and she dropped to the floor, she waited for the exactly perfect moment to strike out against her foe. Finally, the moment came.
Before the soldier could cuff Anna up, the redhead then turned to Kristina, calling to her. "Now, Kristina! Get her!"
"What-" The soldier could say, before Kristina's large kicked him straight in the face and knocking him back against the wall. He slumped to the floor, knocked out by the impact.
Cheering a little, Anna skipped over to the now unconscious guard, removing the keys from his belt. Smiling, she went over and unlocked the restraints of the other two, before standing with pride. "Well, that went better than I imagined."
"So do we get out now?" Kristina inquired. "Because I'm really starting to get sick of this place. It stinks of poop down here."
"Yeah, we should get out of here, Anna," Kristoff agreed with his granddaughter. "It won't be long before that guy's friends find out he's late bringing us for execution."
"Oh, we're not getting out of here," Anna stated. "Not yet anyway." She then got down and undressed the man, tossing his uniform over to Kristoff. "Here big guy, you put this on. It's probably best that you be the one to do this."
Kristina then gave Anna a puzzled look. "Wait, I thought we weren't doing the disguise thing."
"We aren't," Anna correct. "Hans will have suspected us to try our trick again, but he hasn't suspected Kristoff. That way, we can go down to the firing range and get Elsa out of here."
"And what makes you so certain that Elsa's even gonna be there?!" Kristina remarked. "Anna this is super risky."
"No, Hans will want her to watch us get killed," Anna insisted. "But the joke will be on him this time. Kristoff, you got that uniform on yet."
The ice harvester nodded, pulling the jacket over his shoulders. "Yeah, I think so. Feels a little small for me though."
Reaching down again, Anna pulled up two of the chains that had been used to restrain her and Kristina to the ceiling. "Okay, now chain Kristi and I up so it will look like we're still prisoners. If they ask about you, say you got away but the guards are going for you."
"Sounds simple enough," Kristoff remarked. "But what about you and Kristina. If I chain you up, you won't be able to break out and save Elsa."
"Just chain us up, but don't lock the chains. That will make it easy enough for us to slip out at the right moment," Anna explained. "Okay guys, we haven't got long to do this, so let's just get this over with."
A few moments later, Kristina and Anna were led out of their dungeon cell, chained as Anna had instructed. Kristoff, now in disguise, escorted them down towards the firing range. As they walked down the corridor and out into the open evening sun, Anna knew there was no turning back.
The firing range had been set up in the castle courtyard, where several of the captured citizens had gathered to witness the execution of Anna and her friends. Among the crowd, Anna noticed Elsa, now dressed in a beautiful royal blue dress and wearing a crown. She was being forced to be at Hans's side as the prince oversaw everything.
I'll get you out of this, Elsa, Anna vowed. I promise you.
Continuing to march towards the firing squad, Anna and Kristina then caught the attention of Hans, who stood up and raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What's going on here? I thought I ordered all three of the prisoners to be brought here?"
"Uhh... One of them escaped sir," Kristoff replied, trying to disguise his own voice in a rather goofy voice. "But uhh don't worry, a patrol has already been sent to apprehend him."
Kristina rolled her eyes. Yeah, great acting there, gramps. He's totally buying it.
Sighing, Hans sat down. "Oh well, at least you brought two of them here. Set them up over there and we can get this over with."
"So feisty pants, you ready to give the signal yet?" Kristina wondered as she and Anna were led out into the courtyard, ready to be shot by the firing squad. "This is starting to cut it pretty close."
"I'm waiting for the right moment," Anna told him. Truth be told, Hans wasn't making it very easy for them.
Elsa then stood up, looking at Hans. "Prince Hans... if you will permit it... allow me to have one last moment with Anna." She sighed. "If that's not too much to ask."
Chuckling, the prince smiled. "Go right ahead. After all, I'd have to be a pretty heartless bastard to deprive you of the chance to say goodbye."
Frowning at the prince, Elsa wasn't amused by his sense of humour. By god did she hope Anna had a plan to get out of all this. She then stepped off the small platform she and Hans were on, striding towards Anna. There were tears already forming in her eyes, but she knew she couldn't cry. Anna would be heartbroken seeing her cry again.
Seeing Elsa walk up to her, Anna tried to give her fiancee a reassuring smile, even if it wouldn't do much good. "Elsa... I..."
The Queen then pressed a kiss to Anna's lips, soft and gentle and cutting her off. She knew this would likely be the last time they would ever see one another, so a kiss of true love would be the best memory to give her.. "I know, Anna... I love you too... I'll always love you."
"That wasn't what I was going to say," Anna said. Now the time had come to put her plan into action. "I was going to say... I'm really sorry about this."
Suddenly, Anna grabbed Elsa from behind, slipping out of her chains. As the firing squad trained their rifles on her, Anna pulled out a dagger she had stolen from the guard who had entered her cell and held it to Elsa's neck. "Nobody move!" She shouted.
Kristoff then passed his granddaughter a rifle and he removed his helmet, both of them walking to Anna's side. All three now held Elsa as their own hostage, their bargaining chip.
Getting up from his seat, Hans laughed. "And what theatrics is this, miss Penrose?"
"Let us go, Hans!" Anna growled. "Or I'll kill Elsa!"
"Anna what the fuck are you doing?!" Elsa swore. She couldn't believe what Anna was doing, threatening her life like this. It was so... unlike her.
Hans continued to find the whole situation very amusing and to his advantage. "Oh please. You and I both know you won't kill her. After all, who would kill their true love?"
Anna growled, pulling Elsa close to her. She and her companions stepped back a little, watching the guards slowly pursue them. It was a tense situation, a stalemate that Anna knew would be broken any second now.
Holding her rifle in her hands, Kristina then eyed a few barrels of gunpowder that had been wheeled into the courtyard. She then smiled. A big bang from them would provide the perfect distraction for the three of them to escape.
Taking aim, Kristina then pulled the trigger on her rifle. Her shot went straight through the air, piercing the barrels. Within seconds, the barrel had sparked the powder and with an almighty boom, a massive explosion erupted in the courtyard.
Elsa gasped in horror, but Anna then dropped the knife from her neck and grabbed her hand. "Come on Elsa!" She insisted.
The blonde was hesitant, but had no choice as Anna pulled her along and out of the courtyard, with Kristina and Kristoff in hot pursuit. Looking over her shoulder, Elsa watched as the entire place was brought into utter chaos, Such carnage.
Running onto the ramparts with Anna, Elsa then pulled her hand away. She then scowled and slapped Anna across the face. "Anna Penrose, what the hell were you thinking?! Were you trying to kill me?!"
"Owwww!" Anna exclaimed. "No, of course, I wasn't gonna kill you, Elsa! I was trying to intimidate Hans for crying out loud!"
"You held a knife to my neck!" Elsa argued.
"Ladies, can you fight over this later?" Kristoff insisted. "I think we've got company!"
"No!" Elsa denied. "Anna, I love you, but you crossed a few lines back there, lines that I was not comfortable with! I could have been killed!"
"But you weren't!" Anna shouted. "I wasn't gonna leave you to die at the hands of that sicko! Elsa... I love you more than anything else." She then pulled her dear fiance close, kissing her passionately and deeply. She needed to remind Elsa how she truly felt.
Blushing softly, the queen kissed back, before letting Anna pull away. She sighed and looked her lover dead in the eye. "Okay... but never pull a stunt like that again."
"Deal," Anna agreed, looking her true love dead in the eyes.
Clearing her throat, Kristina found herself having to interrupt the rather touching scene before her. "Um, girls... I think we better get moving."
Quickly pulling away from Elsa, Anna nodded. "Oh... right." She gave Elsa a soft gaze, still reminding Elsa that no matter what, she would always love her. She then looked at Kristina and Kristoff. "Can you two hold them off while Elsa and I try to get out of here?"
"If you mean pull the ol' Scooby Doo trick and split up, can do, feisty pants," Kristina responded. She then patted Elsa and Anna on the shoulders. "You two get going. We'll see each other soon."
Nodding, Anna took Elsa's hand and the two ran away from Kristoff and Kristina, the two lovers hoping to make their escape. They ran and ran all across the castle, but with every turn they took, they found enemies in their midst.
But Anna wouldn't abandon Elsa. She would never put her in danger again, but as their options of escape dwindled, Anna was starting to grow concerned. Eventually, the two of them made it to the upper wall of the castle, Anna taking one last look behind them.
There were guards heading towards them, sabres in hand. They were outnumbered and Anna knew any attempt to save Elsa was hopeless now. With a heavy heart, she made a difficult choice.
"Elsa?" She asked the blonde at her side. "Can you promise me one thing?"
Staring at her beloved with confusion, Elsa raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? Are we not going to escape?"
Anna sighed. "Elsa... Just don't forget me." She then gave Elsa one last kiss. " I love you so much."
"What?!" Elsa exclaimed, before she then realised the immense sacrifice Anna was about to make. "No... Anna, don't do it!"
"I'm so sorry," Anna spoke. She then stepped back and took a few steps back. With immense speed, she ran towards the side of the wall and leapt off the edge, plummeting towards the water below.
Hitting the water hard, Anna tried to pull herself up, but she felt so weak. She started to struggle, but as the water filled her lungs, she clutched her neck. Was this it? Was death going to take her?
Anna didn't know or care, but as darkness came to her eyelids, she felt her whole form go limp. Finally, she felt herself drift under the waves in an unconscious slumber.
Only watching the entire scene from afar, Elsa clutched her own chest. Anna... Was gone. Her heart was broken.
"Oh... Anna... No..."
xXx
Author's note: Well folks, it's the beginning of the end of this fic. And it all kicks off with this, an absolute monster of a chapter. I'll be releasing all the final chapters this week and it will be all wrapped up by Saturday! Hope you've enjoyed the ride :3
See you tomorrow!