Happy Fourth of July weekend. I figured I may as well share the next chapter with you now.

I don't own Kingdom Hearts, Disney, and/or Square Enix.

Mortem belongs to YamiChaos27.

Braxton, Armon, and Eini belong to Flautist4ever.

Special thanks to both YamiChaos27 and Flautist4ever for helping me write this chapter.

JASON'S POV

THE LANES BETWEEN

YOPE 21, 92 KA…

"Wow!" Eini was saying as she, Armon, and Braxton looked out the window at the swirling cosmos of the Lanes Between. "It's still so beautiful to look at."

"So you've seen this before?" I asked my friends while keeping an eye out for the Heartless. I had been through this too many times to let my guard down at the sights, but the others were entranced by what they now saw. I couldn't blame them. I remember how much Clair loved seeing all this.

"It's kind of complicated, but yeah." Braxton then looked at Scrooge. "So, where are we going again?"

The old duck turned to look at him. "We need to check up on the other princesses. Mortem will still be after them, and we need to make sure the darkness does not gain any more ground. During his last adventure, Sora reported finding a world where two people gained the Hearts of Light. They're sure to be a target for him."

"Two?" I asked him. "What are the odds of that?"

"Not very good," Tifa admitted as she turned to face us. "As far as I know this has never happened before, so this is a big deal especially since the bearer of one of the hearts is this world's queen."

"A queen?" The glitter guy asked as we looked at each other. Before we could discuss this, the ship rocked as the alarm blared. "What is that?"

"Heartless," I said as I got to my console. "Battle stations, everyone. We need to keep those things from tearing the ship apart!"

As we recovered from our shock, I began firing on the enemy vessels that surrounded us. How these things were capable of building ships to travel in the Lanes Between I have no idea. Didn't matter though as I began blasting the hostile craft with the ship's weapons.

"How are you okay with this!?" Armon asked as he buckled himself in.

"Experience," I answered as my next shot hit a Heartless ship and destroyed it. Smiling at my work, I then aimed at another ship and blasted it. I was able to hit it, but more kept showing up out of the blue like they usually did so I was constantly pulling the trigger.

"Hang on!" Scrooge called from the pilot's seat as he turned the controls and dove down into some sort of warp tunnel thing. At least I assumed that's what it was because almost in an instance the view around us changed. The rocks that floated around us were now covered with snow and ice, and the Heartless ships didn't seem to handle this change very well. They moved at a slower pace, and that made it easier for us to hit them.

As she hit one of the Heartless Aurora turned to our chauffeur. "What gives? What's with all the snow?"

"We're getting closer," Was all Scrooge said as the ship continued to fly through the Lanes Between. More Heartless seemed to swarm out of nowhere and I continued to blast them out of the sky. Aurora was doing a decent job destroying the Heartless with the blasters she controlled, and I found myself smiling at how she was doing.

Once the last of the Heartless ships had been destroyed, I looked out to see what this world was that we were coming towards. The most prominent feature was a giant castle made out of what looked like ice on the side of a mountain, but in a fjord was a settlement of some kind. Armon let out a whistle when he saw it. "Could use a little more glitter, but not bad."

"So, shall we try the Squad Selector thing Merlin installed?" Aerith asked. "Just to see if it works."

Nodding, Scrooge said, "Aye. Let's test it."

Arendelle…

"Okay, it was kind of fun seeing Scrooge's face when that thing didn't choose him," Aurora admitted as we landed in the city before she noticed the other's outfits. "Guess this is another world where our outfits need to change."

"It's still a new experience for me," Braxton said as he looked over his new clothes. His hat and jacket looked like they were made of a pelt dyed red, and he had a gray and brown scarf around his neck. It matched his gray pants and brown boots. "I mean, what happened to our old ones?"

"You're still wearing them," I explained. "They've just been… transformed. I know, it's confusing." I was wearing a long coat with gloves and boots that must've been made for traveling in the snow.

Eini gave a small twirl of her new outfit, and the magic must've had a sense of humor because it matched her horrible sense of fashion. She was bundled up in a heavy fur coat embellished with clashing jewels. It was almost long enough to cover the metallic stitching on her many-layered hoop skirt. Almost. "So what world is this place?"

"Sshh! Keep it down. We're not supposed to let others know we're from other worlds, or that other worlds even exist. As for this world… I don't know. I've never been here before."

The purple-haired rival of mine scoffed at that. "Guess you being out here longer doesn't equate to being more knowledgeable after all." She was now dressed in an outfit that looked like it was made from animal skins, though it had been dyed green and black. It did have a fur-trimmed hood to keep her head warm.

The blonde girl turned around as she looked at the buildings. Everywhere was covered with snow, and the buildings all had a sort of artistic design to them. Everything was carved with intricate designs that weren't found on Harthyn. "I think I love what the architects have done with the place. I must make a note of this and hire people to do something similar back ho-" she cut herself off before she could finish that sentence. The mood soured as they remembered what happened to home.

Looking down, Braxton said, "I know it's hard, but we're still here. So let's make sure the people here don't suffer like we suffered. Let's warn the princesses of the danger that's coming, and then give it our all to protect them."

"Well spoken, strange man I've never met." A new, annoying voice spoke up. "Always nice to help someone out, though if you've never met them that technically makes you strangers. And people are supposed to stay away from strangers." We then looked down to see the speaker was a being made of snow with a carrot for a nose and sticks for arms. "Am I right?"

With a cry, Eini kicked the snowman's head off, and it landed in Braxton's arms. With a cry of shock, he tossed it over to me, and I responded by tossing it over to Aurora. We ended up playing this game of catch for a while until the aspiring politician threw back at the figure, knocking it back. "What is that thing?" The rich girl asked as the snowman got back up and put its head back on.

Clearing his throat, the snowman said, "I think we got off on the wrong foot, so let's start over. Hi, I'm Olaf, and I like warm hugs."

"B-b-Braxton MacBay. This is Eini Atrisk, Jason Norman, and Aurora Kara." Braxton introduced us.

"Hold on, B-b-Braxton. You say your surname is also MacBay?"

"Why? Have you heard of it before?"

"Olaf!" A new voice called out. We turned to see a man wearing an outfit made of fur running towards us. I noticed he had blonde hair sticking out underneath his hat, and he also wore a red sash. A large animal with antlers ran next to him. "What are you doing? Who are these people?"

"Their names are Eini Atrisk, Jason Norman, Aurora Kara, and B-b-Braxton MacBay, and they're here to warn us that danger is coming." He then let out a gasp. "Danger is coming?!"

The man looked at us. "Danger? What danger?"

"Something that's going to target the nobles of this kingdom," I explained quickly. "Can you take us to them so we can protect them?"

The man then looked at his animal pal. "What do you think, buddy? Should we take them to the castle?" Changing his voice, he answered for the beast, "We can't let anything bad happen to Anna or Elsa." With a nod, he then turned to us. "Sven seems to think we should trust you, so we'll take you to the castle."

"Thank you, mister…" Eini trailed off as we didn't know his name.

"It's Kristoff."

Despite being made of wood the castle was a sight to behold even in winter. Everywhere there were towers offering lookout points, and the walls seemed sturdy and firm. Kristoff led us through the courtyard where a woman was waiting for him. She had strawberry blonde hair and was dressed in a blue and black dress with a pink hat and matching cloak. "Kristoff! What's the rush?"

"We just learned you and Elsa are in danger, and these four strangers are here to warn you," Olaf explained. "Well, I guess now it's just Elsa who needs to know."

"We were supposed to have a banquet this week," She frowned before saying, "This way." She then led us into the castle where we found festive decorations for some sort of holiday hanging from the rafters and adorning the walls. Inside was a woman in a blue and white dress overseeing the preparations. I noticed her skin seemed pale, and her blonde hair was done in a braid. "Elsa!"

Turning, the woman asked, "Anna, what is it?" Now that I could see them side by side I realized the two of them were sisters.

"We have visitors with urgent news," The strawberry-blonde haired woman gestured to us.

Clearing my throat, I began. "Your majesties. The two of you are in danger."

"What?"

Braxton looked at me while shaking his head. "Can you be any more blunt?" Taking a breath, he then knelt before beginning, "Your majesties. I regret to inform you that the circumstances of our visit are far from pleasant. A wicked soul that our comrades have faced before is on his way to your nation, and intends to harm you. If it pleases your majesties, we would offer our services in protecting you and your people."

The sisters exchanged a look before the older one responded, "This threat that comes our way? It wouldn't be connected to the Heartless, would it?"

"You know about the Heartless?" Eini asked.

"We faced them before. Not that we invited them. They're not welcome. I mean, why would they be welcome?" The younger of the sisters cleared her throat before saying, "Did one of you come with a Keyblade?"

All of us looked at Aurora, who just looked at us. She rolled her eyes at me before holding her hand out, and her draconian-themed weapon appeared in her hand. With a nod, the elder sister, who was acting so regal to the point that I suspected her of being the queen here, said, "We would be honored for your assistance in protecting Arendelle." As Braxton returned to his feet, she then asked, "Tell me, what are your names?"

"They say they're Jason Norman, Eini Atrisk, Aurora Kara, and B-b-Braxton MacBay." The snowman spoke up before we could say anything.

When she heard that last name, the queen gave him her undivided attention. "MacBay? You're also a MacBay?"

He looked at her when she said that. "What do you mean, 'also a MacBay'?"

"You wouldn't happen to know a Ross or Scott MacBay, would you?" Anna asked.

"My brothers are here?!"

"Oh, they're your brothers?" The redhead smiled. "This is wonderful. We can have a family reunion."

AURORA'S POV

I still can't believe how fast the sisters warmed up to us. I understand wanting to help Braxton reunite with some of his family, but for one of them to give Eini and me a tour of the castle? We were complete strangers, and yet she was treating us like long-lost cousins or something. It was just too weird for people to treat me like I was a normal human being instead of trash.

"And here is the castle ballroom," The princess was saying as we entered a large spacious room. "Although we also use it to throw parties, feasts, and get-togethers if it's cold out. Though this week's banquet is actually going to be in the entry hall, we can still have fun in here."

"Why are you showing us all this?" I finally asked. "Why are you treating us like we're… one of you?"

"Why wouldn't we? You've come a long way, I think. I'm not calling you a liar. I just never learned where this Netokan is… not that it's not important. I mean, it is important. It's your home. My home's not important. Wait, what?"

Rolling my eyes at her, I said, "But inviting complete strangers into your home, and showing them around the place? Isn't that a little dangerous?"

"Maybe it is, but my sister has said you're our guests. We're supposed to help you feel comfortable and welcome here," Anna said. "For years the castle gates were closed, and we were cut off from the rest of the kingdom. After we've opened them back up we promised we'd never shut them again, and we've been trying to-"

"Hey, Anna?" The talking snowman asked. "Not sure if you should feel scared, but there's a strange creature picking up one of the tables on the other end of the room."

With a gasp, I pushed the princess out of the way just as the table came crashing down where we were before. Looking up, I then saw a strange creature with red fur laughing at us. It had big ears and four arms, and a pair of antennae sticking out of its head. It was quickly joined by a person in a black uniform with red hair that had a black spot in the middle. "Leroy! We won't be able to capture the heart if you kill her."

"Leroy?" I asked before calling forth my Keyblade. "Wait. You're this Mortem guy?"

"You've heard of me," He said as he called forth a Keyblade that was not bad. Its blade was yellow, and looked like it had chains wrapped around it. "I see you have a Keyblade."

"Nice of you to notice," I frowned before I went on the offensive. "Deep Freeze." I expected the spell to freeze the two of them in place, but they managed to dodge it. Well, that was a beginner spell, so it made sense that they could avoid it with ease. I would have to push myself to be stronger. I noticed Eini pulling Anna away from the battle. Smart decision. If she lost her heart, then Mortem would only get stronger.

Before I could react Mortem appeared before me and knocked me back into the wall. With a growl, I pushed off and rushed towards him swinging my weapon, which he blocked with ease. "Just how long have you been using that thing?"

"What's it to you?"

"If you're an utter newbie with that thing...then this will likely turn out to be a very disappointing fight." He then shoved me back before pointing his Keyblade at me. "Dark Firaga!" he shouted as a cluster of dark flames came out of the tip of his Keyblade. I did my best to hit the attack, but they moved too fast for me and ended up hitting me.

As I glared at him, I prepared to attack again. "Can't say I'm all that impressed with you. You should've taken Jason's head off when you had the chance."

For the first time, he frowned at me. Not that he didn't already look unhappy, but now he looked legit disgruntled. "So you know Jason huh? Tell me, how's that fool doing?"

It happened again. I wanted to say something insulting and demeaning about him, but the memories of our time in The Land of Dragons flooded into me. The selflessness he showed when- gah! What is with me? Stop it. Stop it!

"I see your heart. You're conflicted about him," The jerk began chuckling. "It's kind of funny. Here you are pulling his weight because he can't use his Keyblade, and-"

Whatever he was going to say was lost as something snapped inside me. "Somersault!" My attack managed to catch him off guard as it connected, sending him backwards. As the one called Leroy rolled over to me I swung my leg to kick him- yeow! I heard my foot crack as soon as it made contact with the red thing, and I was certain I had just broken it. That monster must be stronger than it appeared.

Mortem just moved his neck around as if shrugging off my attack. "I seem to have touched a nerve."

"Are we going to fight or are we going to stand around and talk?" I winced a little at the pain in my foot, but I ignored it. The pain was nothing new.

"You're eager to be beaten, aren't you?" With a shrug, he said, "Who am I to stop you?" With that, he lunged at me, his Keyblade coating itself with black flames. Before I could react, his move connected with me and burned me while I suddenly felt drained. Did that move siphon off my energy?

Before I could think of what to do next, the red monster grabbed me and spun me around before throwing me across the room. I was barely able to recover and land on my feet before I prepared my next attack. Racing forward, I swung my Keyblade at him only for him to parry my blow. With a scoff, he managed to shove me back while his pet leaped at me and slashed me with its claws.

Grunting in pain, I swung my weapon only my Keyblade was grabbed by the red critter who spun me around and threw me against the wall again. Forcing myself back up, I fired spell after spell only for each of them to be deflected. Then, when I tried to cast another, nothing happened. "Don't tell me magic has a limit."

He shook his head at me. "Pathetic. I was right that your people relied too much on your technology that you know nothing about true strength. You know nothing about how to use your own power. And here you are firing spell after spell with reckless abandon until you run out of magic." He then scoffed. "That recklessness of yours reminds me of Jason when he was starting out."

"I'm nothing like him!" I spat as I forced myself back up. I began to rush forward again only for that beast to grab another table and swing it at me, knocking me to the side. Ugh. Why does thinking of Jason make my head hurt? I started to get up only to see the monster raise the table up to slam it down on me.

"Wait." Mortem told his pet while he strode over to me. Okay, wait until he's in position… now! I moved my leg to kick him in the groin. To my surprise, he blocked my move with ease. Scowling at me, he said, "Please… Weakling or not, you should have some class." I then found myself shoved away by some dark wind. "Dirty fighting only proves how weak you really are. I prefer a straight and fair fight, and against opponents of my caliber. And you're barely worth my time. You're out of your league here."

"Then why don't you just run me through instead of boring me to death?"

He sighed before shouldering his blade. "Look...I have no personal beef with you. I'm just here for the Princesses' hearts. I'd be more than willing to spare you if you just get out of my way. I take no joy in killing the weak, unless they actually do something to deserve it."

"Mortem!" Jason's voice echoed through the room, causing us to turn to see him standing in the entryway. I couldn't see Anna or Eini, but something told me they were safe. Tossing me a bottle of green liquid, I gulped it down and felt my body recover from the beating I got while Jason moved towards Mortem.

With a chuckle, the dark warrior looked at him. "There you are. Tell me, have you reclaimed your Keyblade?"

"I've got bigger problems to think about," He said as he got into a fighting stance. Was he truly considering fighting this guy with his bare hands? I knew he was thick-headed, but after taking on Mortem I couldn't help but think how futile it was.

We then heard more footsteps as Braxton returned with his siblings and the queen. As soon as Mortem saw her, he gathered as much dark energy as he could and used them to blast the others back. Before anyone could recover he spewed out a cloud of darkness before suddenly these red eyed monsters started coming out of him. Before I could react, I was seized upon by the monsters as were the others save Elsa. As everyone struggled to get free, Mortem made his way over to the ice queen undeterred. "I hear that you are one of the three who were only given a pure light fairly recently," he said as he raised his Keyblade. "Unfortunate that luck wasn't on your side." With that, the Keyblade seemed to hum while energy appeared around the tip.

"No!" We heard Anna cry out as she returned. Running over to her sister, she pushed her out of the way while the dark warrior's magic set itself on her. Then, an orb of light was pulled out from Anna's chest and attached itself to the end of Mortem's weapon while her eyes glazed over and she fell unconscious. Pulling out a locket, he opened it up and the heart flew into one of the slots, creating a bright flash for everyone.

Seeing her sister's limp form, Elsa gasped her name before grasping her body. She shook her sibling a couple of times, but when she couldn't rouse her she broke down into tears. They must've been really close to generate such a reaction. When she finally did look up again, it was an expression that I didn't think she could muster. "You," she growled at Mortem, who seemed to have been distracted by some kind of headache he was having, before firing a blast of ice and snow at him and his partner. "Guards! Seize them!"

As the guards moved to apprehend the two of them, the dark warrior recovered from the Snow Queen's attack, however he seemed to shiver a lot, as if he was very cold. All the frost on his body probably had something to do with it. He growled before he turned to his equally frosted partner. "Let's fall back for now! She's more powerful than the other pure hearts!"

With a nod, the red monster picked up pieces of debris and began chucking them at the guards. As the men fell back from his pelting, Mortem caused a large black oval to appear behind him. Once the creature was in the portal thing, he stepped into it and the two of them vanished.

Later we were all gathered in a fancy room with a pair of sofas in front of an ornate fireplace that was burning, but failed to warm the mood. The queen still hovered over her sister's comatose form while the blonde guy held Anna's hand. Even the annoying pile of snow that followed us everywhere sat in the corner looking glum, absentmindedly tracing the figures on the floor. I frowned at the sight, though strangely I wasn't annoyed by this. What was I feeling? Why was I feeling sorry for these people?

"Not to be a downer, but you're not doing a good job protecting Anna or Elsa," Olaf finally broke the silence.

"Give me a break. I'm the only one with a Keyblade, and it's not like Jason was any help." I folded my arms. "The way I see it, our situation is suboptimal."

With a sigh, the would-be politician broke away from his brothers. "It does seem dire, but that doesn't mean we should give up. We can still turn this around."

"But what did he do to her? What did this Mortem do to my sister?" Elsa asked.

Taking a breath, Jason began to explain. "He took her heart."

"Her heart? But-" The blonde queen's eyes widened as she realized something. "Kristoff, get your sleigh ready."

"What? Why?"

"We need to see your family. If anyone can help us, it's them."

Well, this isn't good. Will they be able to get help from the trolls? We shall see.

I thought using the trolls would be a good way to do an original story set in this world. I didn't want to use Frozen II because 1) I don't know how much time has passed between the two films, and 2) I didn't really like that movie. But I digress.

I decided to save the reunion of Braxton with some of his siblings for the spin-off I'm working on with Flautist4ever as it focuses more on her characters. I'll be posting one more chapter and then I'll get back to working on that spin-off, so be prepared for a bit of a hiatus.