How did she get here?
Anna slowly lifted her head.
Ahtohallan was far bigger than she knew. Witnessing what happened the night of her birth was too much for her. It was bad enough to learn that she nearly killed her own mother.
But learning that her own father dumped her in a cold, dark nursery and blamed her for what happened to Iduna was too much to bear.
She had to get away.
So she ran, deliberately ignoring Iduna's calls.
Her tears blurred her vision as she ran. Thankfully, this was a dream, so her normal clumsiness didn't kick in for a change. Anna was thankful as the last thing she needed was to get bruised from slipping on the ice.
She ran in no real direction in particular.
It didn't matter to Anna, as the chambers all looked the same anyway.
Finally, Anna succumbed to exhaustion after finding herself in a large cavern. There was ice everywhere the eye could see. Even the ceiling bore icy spikes. Feeling mentally and emotionally drained, Anna reached the far corner and sat down.
Hugging her knees to her chest.
She buried her face into her knees and started to sob.
Anna hated when she became a basket case. But she felt like she was caught up in an emotional storm ever since Olaf muttered his unthinkingly careless remark.
Logically, she knew it wasn't his fault.
Olaf was still trying to get accustomed to human nuances.
But she couldn't help resenting the cheerful snowman for triggering these unhappy events. Anna thought she would get closure after discussing the past with her mother.
Instead, she learned one vile, devastating secret after another.
But Ahtohallan wasn't done with her yet.
As Anna sat there weeping, she could see images beginning to form on a nearby wall. She could slowly make out a calm sea. The blue waters sparkled underneath the sun like diamonds. The sea was surrounding a small, tropical island.
There wasn't much to it.
There were a bunch of palm trees, a sandy beach and a practically decrepit house.
Soon, she could see inside the house. Anna gasped in anger and shocked recognition. It was Hans! For some reason, he was sitting in the corner of a pathetic room, hugging his knees to his chest, crying his eyes out as he buried his face into aforementioned knees.
The irony wasn't lost on Anna in that they ended up in the same state.
But what did that bastard have to cry about?
As angry as Anna was with her sister, it didn't mean that she wanted anything to happen to her. Anna could still remember the cruel expression, the sadistic glee on Hans' face as he approached Elsa from behind with his sword unsheathed.
She would never forget becoming a frozen statue as she stepped between them both.
Determined to stop the crazed prince.
Nor would she ever forget what happened after she was brought in to see him. She was desperate for true love's first kiss to save her and unfreeze her heart.
FLASHBACK
"Prince Hans." Hans turned as Kai and Gerda guided a weak, shivering Anna into the room. Her hair was whiter than snow. She could barely walk and relied upon her longtime servants to help her walk and keep her upright.
"Anna!" Hans exclaimed in horror as Anna all but collapsed into his arms. "You're so cold."
"Hans, you have to kiss me!" Anna said urgently, grabbing the lapels of his shirt to bring him closer to her face. "Now! Now!"
"Whoa, slow down." Hans said.
"We'll give you two some privacy." Gerda said as she and Kai left with the foreign ambassadors.
"What happened out there?" Hans asked.
"Elsa struck me with her powers." Anna admitted.
"You said she'd never hurt you." Hans said.
"I was wrong." Anna said. Then she groaned and fell over, trying to resist the effects of her frozen heart. Fortunately, Hans held onto her before she could collapse to the floor. He picked up her shivering form and brought her to a nearby chaise.
"She froze my heart and only an act of true love can save me." Anna said.
"A true love's kiss." Hans realized.
Hans reached out with a gloved hand and caressed the side of Anna's face. Then he brought his hand underneath her chin and urged her forward. Anna closed her eyes in anticipation. Before their lips could meet, Hans pulled back and gave her a cruel smile. "Oh Anna, if only there was someone out there who loved you."
"What?" Anna said blankly, confused. "You said, y-you did."
Hans walked up to the window and glanced outside. He then closed the curtains.
"As thirteenth in line, in my own kingdom, I didn't stand a chance." Han said. "I knew, I'd have to marry into the throne somewhere."
"What are you talking about?" Anna asked.
"As heir, Elsa was preferable, of course, but no one was getting anywhere with her." Hans continued. "But you..." Hans let out a cold, cruel chuckle.
"Hans." Anna couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"You were so desperate for love, you were willing to marry me, just like that." Han continued to smirk evilly even as he picked up a pitcher of water. "I figured after we married, I'd have to stage a little accident for Elsa." He then poured the contents of the pitcher into the fire, putting it out completely.
"Hans." Anna gasped weakly, falling off the chaise and to the floor. "No, stop!" She reached out with a beseeching hand, but Hans was unmoved as he continued to pour the water, to make sure there was no comforting, lifesaving warmth left.
"Then she doomed herself." Hans snickered cruelly. "And you were dumb enough to go after her."
"Please." Anna bleated weakly as Hans put down the pitcher.
"All that's left now is to kill Elsa and bring back summer." Hans said triumphantly.
"You're no match for Elsa." Anna's voice was weak yet defiant.
"No." Hans lifted her chin as he knelt by her fallen form. "You're no match for Elsa."
"I, on the other hand," Hans went on as he put his glove back on and rose to his feet, "am the hero who is going to save Arendelle from destruction." He strode purposefully towards the door.
"You won't get away with this." Anna said.
"Oh, I already have." Hans opened the door, turning sideways and giving her a smug look over his shoulder before closing the door after him. Then he locked the door. Anna rose to her feet with nothing but sheer grit and determination, using a chair for support. She continued to shake and shiver.
She tried to open the door, but it was locked.
"Please, someone, help." She cried out weakly before falling to the floor.
FLASHBACK ENDS
Even now, Hans' betrayal struck her deeply.
The bastard took advantage of a naïve, sheltered girl.
Anna could freely admit that she was far too trusting of the outside world once the gates were opened. It didn't help that she spent the bulk of her life quarantined in the palace, with nothing but books and portraits for company.
When he all but told her that no one loved her, he reopened old wounds.
Awakened old fears and insecurities that she tried to forget.
Anna could only glare resentfully at Hans, who was still sobbing like a baby. Why would Ahtohallan show her the traitor? Didn't she and Elsa suffer enough at his hands?
Then she paused.
Gasping in realization.
Grand Pabbie once said that the past isn't what it seemed. The trolls have yet to prove they are really trustworthy. Did they do anything to Hans while he was in Arendelle?
After all, there were several hours in between the coronation ceremony and the ball.
She didn't see him until later that night.
FLASHBACK
Once the ceremony was over, he decided to explore the area.
He made a mental note to return in time for the ball.
According to the stories, this was a mystical area and that ancient creatures were supposed to exist. Creatures that only existed in myth and legend.
The town was surrounded by a vast forest.
Curious, he looked around with his horse in tow.
He stopped, his brow furrowing. Was that a rock rolling forward...deliberately? As if it were operating under its own steam? Confused, he decided to follow the rock.
Eventually, he reached a valley.
A valley full of rocks of varying size.
Instinctively, he crouched behind a nearby tree. He had a feeling he couldn't afford to be spotted. His suspicions were confirmed when two of the boulders unfurled themselves.
Trolls, he thought.
The stories were true!
"Grand Pabbie, you know what's about to happen." One of them said.
"Yes, Asger. The queen's powers are going to be revealed."
"I thought your spells would prevent that from happening."
"Unfortunately, the guards intervened before I could reapply the spells."
"But that means her powers would be unleashed upon the world!"
"Not if the fear I implanted inside her kicks in."
"What do you mean?"
"The moment her powers are revealed, she would flee and seek to isolate herself."
"What of her sister?"
"If the aversion wards still hold, she won't go after the queen."
"Grand Pabbie, we are not alone."
"I know."
Stiffening, he turned and tried to run.
The key word being tried.
Unfortunately, many rock trolls unfurled themselves and attacked him at the same time.
The next thing he knew, he was lying on the ground against his will. Many rock trolls were holding him down by the hands and feet.
The troll known as Grand Pabbie looked grim as he slowly approached.
"I'm sorry I have to do this, but it is for the Greater Good."
He struggled, but the trolls wouldn't allow him any purchase to move. All he could do was watch helplessly as Grand Pabbie placed a hand on his forehead and rendered him unconscious.
He felt like the scene should have gone black after that.
Somehow, he could still see what was happening.
"There." Grand Pabbie said a few minutes later. "It is done."
"He won't remember anything?" Asger asked.
"Yes." Grand Pabbie nodded. "In fact, he will tie into our plans perfectly."
"What do you mean?" Asger asked.
"If something goes wrong, nothing would be tied to us." Grand Pabbie said.
"You mean to make him a scapegoat." Asger realized.
"It has to be done." Grand Pabbie said grimly. "If the queen is beyond any type of salvation, he would be necessary towards doing what should be done to save the world."
"You mean..." Asger's voice trailed off.
"If need be, he'll kill the queen." Grand Pabbie said.
"And if it isn't necessary?" Asger asked.
"He'll still try and take over Arendelle." Grand Pabbie said.
"Why are you so eager to get rid of him?" Asger asked.
"I've seen the future." Grand Pabbie said grimly. "He genuinely cares for Princess Anna and it would eventually grow into love. But I see nothing but doom and disaster if he becomes the king. Besides, it would interfere with my plans for Kristoff."
"NO!"
As if those words served as a provocation, another rock troll rolled down a nearby hill. She slowly unfurled herself and grimly stomped towards Grand Pabbie, pointing a thick, rocky finger under his bulbous nose.
"You are NOT using MY son as a pawn!"
"Peace, Hilda." Grand Pabbie held up a hand. "Kristoff won't be hurt by my plans."
"No, I refuse to agree to this." Hilda shook her head. "Grand Pabbie, you're the strongest and most ancient of the rock trolls. I had to stand by and watch as you manipulated the memories of the princesses and implanted vile spells inside them. But THIS is going too far! Not to mention you're playing games with this young man who hasn't done anything to you!"
"It has to be done, Hilda." Grand Pabbie insisted.
"Why?" Hilda demanded.
"Like I said, if he marries Princess Anna, Arendelle and the surrounding areas would be engulfed by war. As cruel as it sounds, this is the only way to keep the peace."
"But you're manipulating this young man's mind and warping his personality!" Hilda exclaimed.
"Everything I do is for the Greater Good." Grand Pabbie insisted.
"No, Grand Pabbie, not this time." Hilda hissed. "I'm sick and tired of you using your so-called 'Greater Good' personality as a blanket that you use to justify your actions. You're going to turn this poor boy into a villain. Why do you fear him so much?"
"This boy isn't the problem, at least, not directly." Grand Pabbie admitted.
"I don't understand." Hilda said flatly.
"His eldest brother is the problem." Grand Pabbie said.
"What are you talking about?" Hilda asked.
"Krig is the Crown Prince of the Southern Isles." Grand Pabbie said. "He has warmongering ambitions and wishes to use Hans' visit as a means of getting information on Arendelle, its vulnerabilities, its martial prowess, its strengths and weaknesses. In other words, he wants all the information he requires for a potential invasion."
"He wants to invade Arendelle?" Hilda was horrified.
"Arendelle is rich in natural resources." Grand Pabbie said. "The Southern Isles are entering the beginning stages of a depression and they are dependent upon exports to keep their economy going. While Hans is nothing more than a pawn in his brother's plan, it doesn't change the fact that he brought many spies, albeit unknowingly, from the ship he used to arrive in Arendelle."
"Then why are you sitting here instead of trying to stop them?" Hilda demanded.
"I already took care of the spies and altered their memories." Grand Pabbie said.
"But you still need to alter this boy's mind and personality?" Hilda said.
"Yes." Grand Pabbie said.
"Why?" Hilda said.
"Krig would use Hans' wedding to Princess Anna as an excuse to invade." Grand Pabbie explained. "He would even go so far as to kill Queen Elsa and his own brother. In Krig's eyes, Hans is nothing but a pathetic weakling. Then Krig would marry Princess Anna to legitimize his rule. Once she provides him with a son and heir, then she would suffer an 'accident'"." Grand Pabbie made air quotes with his fingers.
"Are you sure this is the only way?" Hilda asked.
"Yes." Grand Pabbie said. "Krig will give up his invasion plans and look elsewhere once Hans reveals his 'treachery'. He is smart enough to know that he cannot act as Hans' betrayal would cast a suspicious eye upon the Southern Isles. If he makes any move against Arendelle, the entire country would be up in arms within moments."
"And Kristoff?" Hilda asked.
"He is going to fall in love with Princess Anna." Grand Pabbie told her. "I love that boy as if he were my own son. Trust me Hilda, she would be the best thing that ever happened to him. Eventually, he would be king of Arendelle."
"And what of Queen Elsa?" Hilda asked.
"Her future doesn't remain in Arendelle." Grand Pabbie said cryptically.
Hilda tried to protest one more time, but Grand Pabbie wouldn't be dissuaded from his insane plans for Prince Hans. He placed his hand upon the boy's forehead and implanted more instructions into his mind.
Once he was done, Grand Pabbie stepped back.
He motioned for Hans to stand.
While Hans complied, it was clear he wasn't in his right mind. His movements were stiff, awkward and somewhat jerky as he got to his feet like a marionette entangled in its own strings. His expression, alongside his eyes, were blank as he stared at nothing in particular. His poor horse was in the same state.
Hypnotized and suggestible.
"Prince Hans of the Southern Isles." Grand Pabbie said. "You are going to return to Arendelle. You will forget all about magic and meeting the rock trolls. You will forget that you ever came to this valley. You won't fall in love with Princess Anna. Instead, you are to use her as a means to an end towards becoming King of Arendelle. If there is no other recourse or alternative, you will kill Queen Elsa if she fails to regain control over her powers and remove the future curse from Arendelle. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master." Hans said emotionlessly.
"Good." Grand Pabbie said. "Now return before you are late for the ball."
FLASHBACK ENDS
Anna couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Much less hearing.
The rock trolls were more vile than she thought. Hans wasn't a powerhungry villain after all. Instead, Grand Pabbie warped his mind and twisted his personality until he became their unwitting puppet.
Even worse, they turned him into a sleeper agent.
One who was supposed to kill Elsa if she couldn't get her powers under control and undo the frozen curse she unwittingly placed upon their home, their very kingdom.
Anna started shivering and it had nothing to do with the cold air around her. She pressed a hand to her mouth, not wanting to vomit.
Even though she knew she was still dreaming.
Hans apparently came to the same revelations.
He appeared horrified and sickened now that his memories were no longer being suppressed. It sickened Anna to realize the trolls were willing to go that far to pursue their so-called version of the Greater Good.
It was like they were unaware of how devastating this would be for humans.
The trolls' treachery ran deeper than she knew.
Not only was Hans a pawn/puppet for Grand Pabbie's plans, it was clear that he wanted Kristoff to become king from the very beginning. Hans was an obstacle to his plans.
Anna was initially correct at their mutual attraction.
If Grand Pabbie hadn't intervened, it could have developed into love.
Anna did a lot of growing up since she recklessly accepted Hans' marriage proposal. At that point in time, Anna was extremely lonely and desperate. She didn't love Hans.
No, she was in love with the idea of being in love.
Her new marriage would have been a ticket out of her cold, lonely world.
Anna's love for Kristoff was true. But it was clear that Grand Pabbie had mysterious plans for Kristoff as well. It didn't help that he was under the trolls' care since he was a mere child.
FLASHBACK
"How do you know that your charge will become king?" Asger said once they were alone.
"I have foreseen it." Grand Pabbie said. "It's why I agreed to take him in when he was just a child. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered."
"I don't understand." Asger said.
"You know about my powers." Grand Pabbie said. "One such ability is the power to sense when someone important is born. Though he was born a commoner, I knew that Kristoff would be important for Arendelle in the future."
"That's why you let Hilda adopt him." Asger realized.
"And why I did nothing to intervene when his parents were murdered." Grand Pabbie said.
"Wait a minute. You could have saved them?" Asger said.
"Yes." Grand Pabbie said. "But it would have altered the future too much to risk it."
"You better hope Kristoff never learns the truth." Asger said.
"He won't do anything." Grand Pabbie said confidently.
"What makes you so sure?" Asger said.
"Kristoff has been under our care for years." Grand Pabbie said. "While I don't wish to brainwash him, being able to influence the future king of Arendelle is always a plus."