PLEASE READ! I have made an error writing this fanfic with titles, I revised them so hopefully they match the ones in the first chapter and makes sense. Enjoy the chapter.

Elsa sat among her council who each took turns expressing the worry about the fact that she was kidnapped and they were currently confining someone with extraordinary abilities. They went back and forth deliberating what to do with Zavis, some in favor of keeping him confined indefinitely while others called for execution. The Queen knew that they had good points saying that banishing him could risk him returning and his crimes did warrant the death penalty even by Arendelle law.

Even through everything Elsa still didn't believe killing was ever the right answer. She placated them earlier saying that she personally went down and added her own ice shackles to keep him restrained. The blonde also didn't mention that Ahimoth offered to take the man off their hands due to the assumptions they could better contain the prisoner.

Earl Alphonse finally losing his patience stood up and slammed his palms on the table forcing everyone to quiet down. "This man is an extreme threat to Arendelle, not only did he manage to infiltrate our guards but he made off with the Queen. He needs to be dealt with however what no one seems to be asking is `Why target Arendelle?' and 'Is he the one in charge?' We know absolutely nothing about this man, only what he is capable of. Before we deal with him we need to know more about him."

The advisor turned to Elsa with questioning gaze that made it fairly obvious what he was about to say. "Your Majesty, during your capture did you happen to learn anything more in depth, like if this Zavis was actually the mastermind behind this attack and why target Arendelle. We already have a report from the Prince saying that Hans was with the attackers however the Prince said he seemed subservient to another, this Greed character. Do you know anything about this man?"

Elsa couldn't stop the small shiver that went down her back when she thought of that man. She knew that her council and guards needed to know about him but she wanted to forget about him and get everything straightened out again first. However since they decided to directly ask her now, she had no choice but to answer.

"Yes, when Zavis took me to their base, he brought me to Greed who seemed to be in charge of all the bandits. He said that Hans wanted revenge for thwarting his attempt on the throne and planned to kill me. Greed however felt that I was more use to him alive than dead, he even mentioned someone else who would benefit from having a 'live specimen'. When I refused he ordered I'd be persuaded but remain presentable."

Her council looked bothered when she said the word persuaded as none of them wished to ask her to clarify what she meant. Earl Alphonse continued speaking not giving anyone a chance to interrupt him. "This proves the threat is not over, with recent developments I believe we should take extra measures to deal with these rogue elements. Prince Ahimoth seems quite confident in this group of soldiers Blackdust has and given their rumored history they seem to be what we need in apprehending this Greed character, dealing with the bandit threat, and securing our prisoner."

Well played Prince Ahimoth.

Her earlier dismissal about him being able to bring troops while remaining here flashed in her mind. Perhaps he decided to secretly meet with her council after leaving yesterday to convince them over to his side. Edward's words about Ahimoth feeling underhanded tactics were beneath him also flashed in her mind. The Prince could've easily talked to the council while she was unconscious when they brought her in the castle. Regardless of either, she needed to focus on the present.

"The Prince has approached me with the request to bring these soldiers to secure Zavis however he also desired we extradited the prisoner to Blackdust claiming they were better suited to detaining him. I refused, seeing as he is our prisoner and that the Blackdust soldiers can just as easily secure him here where he will face Arendelle justice."

"Perhaps we should extradite the prisoner."

Everyone turned to Earl Edward who had a pensive expression on his face. The older man had barely said anything during the meeting just jotting down notes every so often as they all bounced off ideas off one another.

"This man is a threat against Arendelle and should be dealt with, he can also be used as a bargaining chip with Blackdust. If we give them a man who attacked and injured their Prince then we can further boost relations between us and gain a flexible ally."

Elsa knew what the older man meant, he wished that they could use Blackdust's soldiers to help boost their own military and deal with threats they couldn't officially do. Nods came from her council as they all began to discuss this new branch of conversation. The blonde pretended to listen but was actually making a good argument to refuse. As long as she was Queen she would see to it that Arendelle would never engage in war or shady dealings. Fortunately Duke Eren seemed to agree.

"We can't all be seriously considering this? This man has committed crimes against us first before anyone else and should be punished by us. In addition, what if Blackdust used Hans to mount this offense then came at the most opportune moment to help us. Why would they want the prisoner in the first place? Just because their Prince was injured, the man is a soldier, I'm sure he has been injured before and his wounds weren't reported to be too serious since he was up and about after bringing the prisoner back here."

"That sounds a little far fetched, Hans has a preexisting grudge against us while we have been the only trade partner they've had since their civil war. Why would they wish to jeopardize their only relationship with their only ally?"

Earl Edward's rebuttal echoed in the room as the council thought to themselves the same. Elsa personally didn't know if she believed Blackdust would devise something like this, it was too grand for Arendelle's small kingdom. There wasn't really anything special about her kingdom, no special trade good that other kingdoms would have to go through too much effort to obtain. She made many allies for Arendelle and was always a neutral zone during invasions that warring kingdoms wouldn't take a second glance at them. What could Blackdust possibly gain from them that was worth damaging their already vague relationship?

The only thing special was the fact that she was an Elemental…

The blonde thought back to her meeting with Greed to see if she might now could be able to pick up something she missed.

Hans wanted to kill you himself after you signed over your kingdom to him but something dawned on me as we planned. I have much more use for you alive then dead...I plan on taking you to someone who will benefit from having what he'd call a 'live specimen'.

What she remembered him saying showed that Blackdust was less likely to have something to do with this attempt on her. Greed said the idea of her use dawned on him as he and Hans planned their strategy so it must've originated from him. He also seemed to have an accomplice who seemed quite interested in Elementals, the way she heard him say live specimen made her skin crawl. Bringing herself to the present she raised a hand to quiet everyone in the room.

"I do wish to point out that Prince Ahimoth saved my sister and that has earned him the benefit of the doubt. Also Greed said that he thought of his own plans for me while Hans wanted me dead so we can safely assume that Blackdust didn't send this man after me. However we will not extradite our prisoner, he will be judged by our courts and contained by our military. During my capture I saw the location of their base and that it housed many bandits, Zavis claimed that Greed decided to call of his plans for Arendelle and leave before our guards returned. Seeing as he knows that I know where his base is, it's quite possible that he had already evacuated the cave. Zavis is our only link to Greed so we need him to stay until we have a more definite lead on Greed and Hans. This attack on our home was way too close and cannot happen again."

Her words ended apparently ended the debate and she was about to adjourn the meeting when the Duke spoke again. "You are right your Majesty, this cannot happen again, which brings up another topic that needs to be discussed."

The blonde turned to him with a questioning gaze, curious as to what topic he felt that needed to be discussed. "According to the reports, the prisoner managed to get you to the main courtyard because he had two guards imposters lead you there. We cannot expect you to know every guard's name and face your Majesty, which is why we recommend that you appoint a personal guard."

Elsa inwardly groaned, this wasn't the first this conversation had come up. While she had nothing against any guard and has made tremendous strides to be an open and approachable Queen, she still was still uncomfortable with being close with people. Anna and Olaf were the exception of course since both of them felt the need to hug her almost daily while Kristoff and Sven maintained a comfortable distance since they could tell she was still getting used to them.

Edward was a special case, he drew her in with the similar pain they shared and kept a respectable distance between them on most occasions. The one time they were closest was when he held her as she tried to vent all the emotions that plagued her that night in the cave they slept in. When she woke up in his lap, she felt a blush on her cheeks and couldn't help but scramble away in embarrassment.

Bottom line was, she didn't feel comfortable with having someone she barely knew with her all day. Even with her magic being more controlled, yesterday morning proved that she could slip up and hurt someone. She wanted to refuse but after the attack this certainly warranted that she appoint someone to protect her. A couple of months ago, the blonde had turned down their request saying she could easily protect herself with her magic but her kidnapping proved she was dead wrong.

Zavis was not in the least threatened by her abilities and was able to neutralize them reducing her to a helpless little girl. He also was able to dispatch her guards with little effort, in fact the one and only time she saw his injured was when Edward impaled him on his sword. When she found out that Edward, Ahimoth, and Kristoff managed to capture the man she was more than a little surprised. Before the meeting she found the mountain man and asked how they managed to do and he regaled her with how Edward and Ahimoth fought Zavis who could turn into some kind of demon named Envy and gave the ice harvester an opening to finish off the monster. Edward had managed to overpower Zavis and had him pinned when they arrived with more guards and was able to hold his own against Envy.

Maybe I should have a personal guard.

Elsa dismissed the thought, last night Edward confided in her that he didn't want to fight and she couldn't blame him. The things he's experienced would make most people abhor violence, the regret that hung around him like armor further convinced her. She had felt that his skills would be an invaluable use to Arendelle's guard but his heart was adamant against using those skills. The things he confessed to her last night were all punishable by death, she could see why he was afraid to face the Prince who she was told was leaving midday today. She swore to herself she wouldn't ask that Edward use his skills in service to Arendelle, she was already grateful he used them to save her.

"You may be right that I might need a personal guard, I will speak to Captain Stonewell about it. Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?" Elsa looked around and saw all of them shake their heads then she dismissed them and left the room. There were more things on her agenda today but there was first something she needed to do. When she left the council chambers she walked straight to the entrance to the castle where Ahimoth and Lilian had set their bags.

As she walked down the stairs she noticed that Anna and Kristoff were already there saying their goodbyes. Her sister sounded like she was trying to convince them to stay however Ahimoth wasn't having it.

"You've only been here for a day and it was ruined by those guys, come on there's so much to do here and I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

"I appreciate the offer Your Highness, however we must go, there are things that I need to discuss with the King. Perhaps we'll return for the Winter Solstice gathering but for now, I'm needed elsewhere." Anna could tell that that wasn't entirely true and she felt that they were leaving because of Edward but she said nothing. Kristoff had a neutral expression, no one could tell if he was happy or sad to see the two of them go. He gave the Prince his thanks for protecting Anna and a firm handshake while expressing he hoped they had a safe journey then returned to the redhead's side.

Once Elsa finished descending the stairs did Ahimoth turn her way and bowed along with Lilian. "Your Majesty, despite the circumstances, I feel that I would've enjoyed my stay in your kingdom but for now I must return home." His tone was formal as he spoke, the angered aura from yesterday all but disappeared. Elsa guessed that Lilian had something to do with that.

"I understand, I do hope that you return to join us in the Winter Solstice gathering."

"We will have to see your Majesty."

The blonde nodded and gestured for the servants to bring their bags to the carriage outside. As she watched Ahimoth converse with Anna some more she was surprised to see Lilian step forward away from the three. When she stopped in front of the blonde, she leaned in and whispered low enough to where the large man couldn't hear.

"Please excuse him, we both know that he's only leaving because of Rahim. Last night I tried to convince him to stay but there's little I can do when he sets his mind on something that means that much to him." Elsa waved her hand dismissively, she knew that was the case. While it was somewhat disappointing that a Prince would leave her kingdom after only spending one day there, she had honestly felt more inclined to Edward's side. It may have been unbecoming of a Queen but Elsa felt that right now, she cared more about her friend's feelings versus the Prince's.

"It's quite alright, from what Edward has told me, they had a long history. It takes time to mend wounds as deep as he explained."

"Why do you call him that?"

Elsa already knew what she was asking and couldn't help but think it was about time that she did.

"It's the name he gave me and the one he prefers."

"It doesn't bother you that he lied about who he was?"

The intense look in her eyes…she's studying me for any signs, nothing I can't handle.

"I have no right to pry into his past when he has done much for me and my family. I am willing to wait until he deems it necessary to explain to me why he would not be forthcoming with the truth."

Elsa made sure that nothing betrayed her thoughts. She already knew why he lied, she knew everything. It was hard to listen to everything he did but she had done so and embraced him while shedding tears not for her sake but for his. She could only imagine how heavy the weight on his shoulders was and the fact he confessed to all his sins to a ruling sovereign meant a lot to her. When he began to sob and returned her embrace she couldn't help but feel her heart swell. How nice it would've been if someone had done the same to her when she was alone for so long, how she wished that Anna would hold her the same way she held him.

After he calmed down they talked more about many things, Ahimoth chief among them. It took time but they finally came to a conclusion, one that could go in a number of ways.

"That's very noble. I had hoped that you and me would be able to talk more about our experiences as Elementals, besides my father you're the only one I've actually talked to. The rumors I've heard about you are amazing, being able to have enough power to cause a winter and give life to an inanimate object is extraordinary. It takes me a lot of effort to make a shield as tall as me but from what I'm told it's almost effortless for you."

"It's not as easy as people describe, I do have my limits and that storm was just pent up power finally letting loose. I too hope that we can speak more in the future about this gift we share, until a few weeks ago, I thought I was alone but now after meeting you and hearing what you did, my eyes have been opened to many things."

"Many things indeed…"

Before Elsa could ask her to elaborate on what she meant Ahimoth called out to her saying the carriage was ready for them. Turning back to the Queen Lilian bowed and hurried over to the Prince and began to walk out the doors. The blonde walked behind them while gesturing that Anna and Kristoff should come as well. The three followed the couple as the guards opened the doors to the courtyard and what they saw made them freeze.

Standing between them and the carriage was Edward with a determined look in his eyes as he stared down the Prince whose entire body tensed at the sight of the young man. Lilian, Anna, and Kristoff's eyes all widened while in the back Elsa had a knowing expression on her face as she gestured the guards to close the doors and that everyone leave the courtyard. Elsa kept her eyes on Edward, she wanted him to know she was right there supporting him like she said she would last night.

Whatever happens, I'm right here.

Greed was leaning on the railing of the ship he was on, the bandits he brought together were tending to their duties as they sailed through the dense fog to their next objective. They had been able to quickly pack up all their gear in Arendelle and leave before the guards could mobilize, it was a successful evacuation.

All except one.

Zavis had disobeyed him and gone to hunt the man who saved the Queen. When he found out that his second had been captured he was quite furious. He actually planned on returning to the castle to ensure that Zavis didn't complicate his plans.

Even if it meant reducing our number from seven to six.

Before he could commit to his plan he received a message from Father, he was told to stand down and leave Arendelle alone for the time being. Knowing better than disobeying the person who made him, Greed left at once but he made some steps in his own plan. His eyes slid over to Hans who seemed less than happy that they had left Arendelle after coming so close to him having a throne and his revenge.

It was honestly quite amusing to see the Prince rage around the ship, his greed gave the bandit leader a clear picture of what was going through his mind. If Zavis was here he would probably be able to see more since Hans felt more envy than greed. Even Greed could tell it was aimed at his brothers as well as the royal sisters. When they first met Greed knew right away that keeping the Prince close would be beneficial and he still believed that. For once, he didn't care about the money it was a nice bonus if things went according to plan. Even though his intentions for Elsa weren't realized he still came out ahead, seeing Ahimoth again gave him new ideas. Ideas he could put into effect once they reached their destination.

"I don't understand why you called a retreat, we had that witch, we could've threatened Anna into surrendering to save her sister. Instead we just left and Elsa was able to escape, plus Zavis was captured, he could be telling them all about us right now!" Greed tried not to laugh in the man's face but a few chuckles escaped his lips as he turned to answer.

"The foreign Prince and his Elemental would've been able to wipe out our entire force if we stayed. Leaving before their guards could reinforce them was the smart decision, even if we tried the hostage ploy knowing Ahimoth he'd probably rush you and make you tell him where she was. Besides Elsa didn't escape on her own, whoever aided her gained Zavis's ire and made him disobey me. What's more interesting was that he was captured despite being more than a match for her guards. You don't have to worry about him giving them information, I'm sure someone is seeing to it that he never speaks a word about us."

Hans listened and could tell that Greed made sense but he still wanted to argue, this was his one chance to get a throne. His brothers all placed him on the bottom, making fun of him, bullying him, he wanted to show them that he was just as man enough as they all were. Yet somehow things never went his way, what were the odds that Anna would be able to find her sister in an ice storm while freezing to death? What were the odds that that ice harvester would be with someone who could outmaneuver him and two bandits? What were the odds that a Prince from a foreign kingdom brought an Elemental with him the night they staged the attack. It was as if the heavens above were against him, it just wasn't fair. The only thing that was in his favor was the man next to him, Greed had saved him and stood by him. He already did what he was paid to do but he did more, the man could easily have left him in Arendelle but chose to return and help him get away by ship.

If Hans ever got a kingdom to call his own, Greed would be the first person to benefit from it.

"I understand, and I thank you for all that you've done. But there's one thing I want to know." The bandit leader had a curious expression on his face but said nothing prompting Hans to ask his question.

"Why have you done so much for me? You could easily left me behind but didn't, I hired you because rumors painted you to be efficient and cold blooded, yet you've lost money and men to keep me alive, why?"

Greed wasn't too surprised to hear him ask that question. Despite his attempts to keep the world from knowing his identity his bandit factions had been growing in infamy. Zavis never helped with his tendencies to go out of his way to cause destruction and hunt his prey.

Still, no one knew who he was or where he was from. Not even that oaf Ahimoth knew and Greed gave him a very big hint. Hopefully he'll run back to his father and relay information about him that would alert the other five to his activities. He didn't bother giving the Prince a fake name, his title 'Greed' would be easily recognizable to the other five who he hasn't seen or met them yet due to him leaving Blackdust shortly after being created. Father largely left him to his own devices with a few ground rules such as remembering to supply the loyalist soldiers who made up Rakat Veera's army, never open the crates he delivered to them, and to not hinder Pride in any way.

It honestly never made sense to Greed, currently Pride was on a campaign mopping up the very soldiers that the bandit leader was supplying. He was sure King Alrick had ordered the man to do so but Father was the only one who could actually hold a leash on Pride. The scores of bodies he left behind when he found them spoke for themselves, the man was death in a demon's body. Greed supposed that Pride could've just been trying to earn the King's trust but then what was the point of the bandit leader supplying them with these mysterious crates. A few bandits tried opening to crates only to be killed a moment later before they could pull the lid off, Greed tolerated many things but disobeying Father was not one of them.

The bandit leader had his own plans that Father never objected to, plans that would attempt to sate his avarice. That's where Hans came in, there was so much potential in the man that it would be a stain on his namesake to ignore.

"Because I have so much to gain by helping you. Tell me Hans, when you were being punished by your brothers they never stripped you of your claim to the throne did they?"

"No they didn't, they felt that humiliating me by having me tend to the horses and other menial labor was punishment enough." The Prince growled as he remembered their heckles as he slaved away.

"I see. So hypothetically if they met a gruesome fate than you would claim the throne. Of course the people wouldn't allow an assassin to rule them especially if the assassin killed his own brothers for power. However, if an invasion force attacked your home and you happened to lead your kingdom to victory, you'd be hailed as a hero."

That made Hans stop for a moment, the idea to usurp his own kingdom had occurred to him but he didn't know if he had the constitution to kill his brothers. They were always picking on him and making every moment of his young life a struggle but they were still family. His crimes in Arendelle warranted a more severe punishment than the one he served, where he just did menial labor.

Besides his emotional hesitation about killing them there was the fact that there were twelve of them.

For him to be able to ascend the throne all twelve had to be killed and it was rare to get all of them in one place at one time. His brothers could be off completing diplomatic missions to save their relationships with the kingdoms allied with Arendelle. That was a saving grace when he was being punished that not all of them were there to get a piece of him. After completing his punishment, they let him out on a short leash, being accompanied by guards at all times to ensure he didn't concoct any more schemes. The only reason he was able to break away and make his move on Arendelle was because he was able to get his guards drunk and snuck away to enact his plan.

However now that he failed and Arendelle knew he tried to take their kingdom…

Hans instantly started to panic, all Elsa needed was to write one letter and his brothers would know of his second attempt. They spared his life once, he doubt they'd do it twice. He instantly forgot Greed's hypothetical scenario as he started to pace again trying to think of a way to save himself. All the while the bandit leader watched him with an amused expression. Greed knew exactly what he was thinking, in fact he planned on it, regardless if Hans succeeded in taking Arendelle or not, his brothers would know about it and wouldn't let him remain on the throne. What the Prince didn't know was that Greed had already met all twelve of them. Entitled, power hungry, shortsighted fools they were, normally he'd be able to manipulate them but there was one problem.

They were all content with waiting to get what was coming to them.

When Greed found that little tidbit out he instantly deemed his visit to the Southern Isles worthless and started to leave until he noticed Hans shoveling horse manure. He could feel the demeaned Prince's greed demanding that he would not rest until he rise above his current position. It was so refreshing to feel someone who wanted so much more that what they had, Greed had to hold himself back from going down there and taking him right then right there. He didn't because he knew the more the Prince slaved away the stronger his greed would grow, so he left Hans where he was but not without some supervision. When Hans finally managed to get a long enough leash to leave the bandit leader made sure to exploit the opportunity, his bandits had to challenge his guards into drinking contests as well as bar fights to isolate his target.

When they did he managed to slip some information to the Prince about a group of bandits who were quite efficient as well as enjoyed their jobs so much they were enough for him to afford. Now in the aftermath where Greed had lost one of his most useful pawns he gained another one who he could completely see what was on his mind and control as he saw fit.

Realizing that since he didn't take Arendelle's throne, Hans had no choice but to make a move against his brothers. If he wanted to get ahead in life, now was the time. The problem was where could they find an invasion force large enough to actually pose a threat to the Southern Isles? Not knowing the answer, Hans turned to Greed who still had the same expression on his face.

"So where do you plan on finding this invasion force that would make me a hero?"

"Don't worry about that matter, it's already been dealt with. Now, you're going to need a force of your own to repel the invasion. To that end, we're going to a kingdom that both is an ally to the Southern Isles as well as an enemy to Arendelle. When you succeed in taking the throne, they will support you in your attempt on Arendelle."

As he said that, the fog lifted and a kingdom came into view. Hans squinted his eyes for a moment before they widened and he turned to the man next to him.

"Weselton, but aren't they Arendelle's closest partner in trade?"

"They were until after two of their soldiers failed to assassinate Queen Elsa, causing her to break off trade for them and stuck a blow to their economy. It also helps that they're stuck in the old ways were magical beings like Elsa were to be burned on a stake. Putting that matter aside, you need to focus on convincing them to support your kingdom during the invasion. My bandits will be disguised as Southern Isle guards to not arouse any suspicion and will be under your command."

As he said this the bandits all started to change into uniforms that Hans recognized as his own guards. That raised an alarm in his head as a thought appeared in his head he couldn't help voice.

"You planned all of this when we first met didn't you? My failure at Arendelle, me having no choice but to usurp the throne, this invasion on my own kingdom, all of this from the very beginning?"

Greed got off the rail and stood to his full height as his expression changed into one that hid his thoughts but showed the erie red eyes that Zavis had. "I like to cover my bases."

Hans couldn't stop the shiver that went down his spine as he actually considered that he was being played by someone who was much more cunning than he gave him credit for. Objectively speaking, he had a lot to gain if all of this succeeded, but what would stop the bandit leader from turning on him and taking everything for himself, his odd name suggested it was possible.

"So let's just say this all works out and I have both kingdoms, will that be the end of you helping me or is there something more you want from me?"

"It all depends, if you decide that you're content with what you have, then I will leave after taking a hefty sum for my services and I'll never interfere with you again. However if you want more…"

Greed leaned in and flashed his teeth in a large smile that Hans couldn't help but step back when he saw they were all fangs instead of human teeth.

"...Then I will ensure that you get everything you desire as long as you maintain that craving. To me, nothing is more satisfying than being around someone whose greed matches my own. You are one of the rare few I've met in my lifetime to have that much. It's intoxicating to feel your desire for more grow, mine was stifled for so long by the people who were in charge of me. I'm still on a leash where I can't indulge in my own avarice, so I'm going to let you do it for me. As long as you maintain that hunger then I will do everything in my power to ensure you succeed, but make no mistake. I am using you, if I had to choose between my life and yours then you will die. If I am in a position where I could lose everything then I will kill you that is my nature."

Greed leaned back and Hans could see his teeth revert back to human teeth before he turned his back to the Prince.

"You have a kingdom to save, the invasion will happen soon and your brothers will be out of the picture in good time. When you dock, keep my involvement a secret. As I said earlier Weselton has little tolerance for magical beings so me being there would be detrimental to the plan. I will contact you before the invasion and advise you on how to win the battle, the citizens of the Southern Isles won't be harmed. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to attend to some matters. Good luck."

Father never said I couldn't use some of Rakat's army when I needed to. I just have to make sure not to run into Pride.

And with that Greed faded away in black dust right in front of the shocked prince who seriously began to wonder who or what he was dealing with.

When Ahimoth walked through the doors and saw him, Edward could see that shock was on his face but the growing feeling of anger began to roll off in waves. He wasn't surprised to see the large man walk down the steps and didn't even attempt to avoid the punch that made him hit the ground.

"You got a lot of nerve showing your face in front of me, yesterday something came up and I indulged in fighting alongside you for old times sake but that doesn't change the things you've done!"

Edward heard the gasp coming from Anna and could see that both her and Kristoff had a worried expression on their faces. Lilian knew this was coming so her face was neutral but Elsa's bore into him and she gave him a slight nod. He knew this was coming ever since Elsa convinced him to face the Prince last night. They spoke well into the night about it and the entire time he was comforted in her arms.

Not bothering to wipe the blood that went down the side of his mouth, the young man got to his feet only to be given a savage uppercut. Edward took a few steps back but remained on his feet. He turned to the furious man and stood his ground, if Ahimoth wanted to get his anger out by physically taking it out on him then the young man would gladly be a punching bag.

Fortunately, those two punches brought down the inferno of anger that rolled off the Prince down to a level where he could actually hold himself back for a moment.

"Why are you here, I know Lilian told you I was leaving today. You could've avoided facing me if you just waited but instead you decided to come down here and confront me just as I am about to leave."

The ache in his jaw made it difficult to speak at first but at least the Prince was giving him a chance to explain himself.

"I wanted to apologize to you, for everything."

The burst of anger gave Edward a warning as another punch got him across the cheek, but before he could fall a hand grabbed the scruff of his collar and kept him upright.

"You think a simple apology can make up for everything you've done? You think all your victims will be satisfied that you came here today just to say sorry to me?"

"Of course I don't, I've agonized on my sins and know that I can never make up for them but at the very least I can let you know I'm sorry for all the things I've done."

Ahimoth's anger still burned brightly but Edward found himself being shoved to the ground instead of another strike.

"You've agonized over your sins? Me and my father are the only two who can possibly understand the magnitude of what you did. Our kingdom may have labeled you a traitor but to us, you've done more than just break our trust. You took what we held dearest and turned it against us to give that tyrant an advantage. I couldn't believe what you did when I was told, I desperately wished that you would never be capable of the atrocity you were accused of. I could forgive you stabbing me and leaving me for dead, I can forgive that you sided with Rakat's army, but I can't forgive you for completely exterminating the Mystic Guard. You will answer me right now, I want to hear it come out of your mouth what you did."

Here was the hard part, admitting what he did to the one person he was afraid of most. Edward wasn't afraid of his father, he wasn't afraid of his brother, he was afraid of the one person who went through hell and back with him. Rearranging himself in a kneeling position with his hands on his thighs and his head raised he took a deep breath.

"Did you kill the twenty remaining members of the Mystic Guard?"

"Yes."

"Why did you betray us and side with Rakat's army?"

"I was ordered to."

"By who?"

Edward could barely hide the spite that came out of his mouth as he spoke.

"Father."

Ahimoth narrowed his eyes and looked like he wanted to know more about why Edward would listen to that man but focused on his current train of thought. The next sentence that came out of his mouth was like pulling teeth but he had to know once and for all.

"Did you massacre the families of the Mystic Guard?"

Edward could hear everyone suck in their breathe at the question. Kristoff and Anna surely wouldn't have known but he thought Lilian would at least had an inkling of what he did. Perhaps there were some details of the civil war that was kept secret. He wanted to look away from Ahimoth's face, even with all the anger that flowed from the large man, there was a small twinkle in those green eyes that hoped he'd say no.

"Yes."

The Prince's face scrunched up in emotional pain. It wasn't enough the kid he fought alongside with had killed his comrades. His best friend just had to murder innocent women and children who supported their husbands and brothers as they fought and died to protect their home and family.

Anna couldn't help the horrified gasp that escaped her lips as she covered her mouth. Kristoff's jaw remained wide open as he tried to imagine the guy he worked with everyday killed innocent people. Lilian was also in a state of shock as she heard that such a kind man could do such a thing.

Behind all of them was Elsa, her expression was one of sadness. When he had confessed to her last night he broke down into even deeper sobs. He said that he remembered every one of their faces as he cut them down, they ran as fast as they could but to him they were slow. Farmers had tried to stand against him but they were all killed in an instant. Some tried begging for their lives but his body continued to carry out its orders, not one of them was to survive.

When the remaining Mystic Guard found their families dead because of their comrade, anguish turned to unbridled wrath that told him exactly where they were. The soldiers that sided with Alrick were appalled that the King would order civilian executions. Even if they didn't know he did it, there wrath was easy to trace. In that one night, Wrath knew where every soldier that opposed Rakat was and with Pride gone there was no one that could stop him. If Alrick hadn't defeated Rakat when he did and Father hadn't ordered Wrath to oversee the evacuation…

Edward shivered at the thought of striking down his old commander.

Elsa had to remind herself that she wouldn't hold what he did in the past against him. She wept more when he admitted that he tried to kill himself multiple times only for his body to react. The blonde knew that Ahimoth was the grieved party and harboring a war criminal was a very large stain on any kingdom's reputation but Arendelle had no extradition laws and despite the numerous attempts her council made in her establishing them she refused.

Legally speaking, Ahimoth couldn't take Edward back to Blackdust to be put on trial, however her savior was more than willing to return to Blackdust even if it's to be executed.

"Why would you do such a thing?"

"I was ordered to."

"Why did you follow those orders?"

"I couldn't refuse."

"Why not?"

"Because the order came from Father."

"You hate your father, why would you listen to his orders?"

"The Father I mean isn't Talib, there's someone else who we call Father because we were made from him."

Ahimoth raised an eyebrow in confusion, when Edward said 'father' he immediately thought of the chief alchemist in Blackdust. Talib of the Tainted Wisdom, was someone who dedicated his life to abnormal studies. He gave little concern to personal matters, such was why he treated his children more like test subjects. The Prince knew the man didn't care who ran the kingdom, only that he'd be left alone. When Edward said that his father commanded him, Ahimoth could see the man giving his son his orders without a care if it meant he could continue his research.

However it wasn't him who ordered Edward to commit those crimes.

"I'm going to give you one chance, explain everything right now…"

Edward's eyes widened as Ahimoth walked past him and looked towards the sky with his back to them. His anger was still ablaze but it Edward could feel it wasn't entirely directed at him. It was like the Prince was trying to hold it back to hear our what he had to say before the large man fully committed his anger to his old friend.

"When the civil war started, I sided with you and your father because you two were the closest people I had to a family. I didn't care about my father and my brother was somewhere else entirely so you two were all I had. I fought to make sure you two survived but there was one thing that I would put first before Alrick's goal to remove the King from power. Finding my mother's killer, the entire reason I joined the Mystic Guard was to prepare for him. Apparently Rakat Veera was hiding away my mother's killer and when your father's forces outmatched his, he decided to release that monster. Do you remember the day we were staging ambushes for their troops in the Dark Forest a couple of miles away from the castle when our troops started dying to that flash of black dust?"

Ahimoth kept his back to the young man to keep him from seeing what he was thinking but answered quietly.

"Yes."

"As it turns out, my mother's killer wasn't entirely human. The black dust that attacked us was an early version of Wrath. It was more primal instinct compared to tactical knowhow. Any caught in its field of vision would be sliced up without hesitation. As it killed our troops, I tried to attack if and avenge my mother's death. Needless to say, my anger made sure I was sorely outmatched. It toyed with me for a time before finally growing impatient and stabbed me through the chest. For some reason it wanted to watch the light fade from my eyes as it held me up so that we were eye level. How it didn't notice that I kept a grip on my sword I'll never know. As it was holding me, I felt the strength leave my body but I knew I could at least get one final attack before I passed on. While we fought Wrath we were barely able to wound the monster, and those wounds wouldn't heal as it continued dashing around. I hoped I could drag this monster down to hell with me when I stabbed it through the heart and watched it flail in pain. The last thing I remember was hearing my father's voice, it could've been before or after I woke up in his lab…"

Ahimoth remembered hearing that his friend's unit was attacked in the Dark Forest and was killed in action. Rakat's troops took the region and took the bodies before they could be recovered. The Prince remembered saying he wouldn't rest until he found a body but the other creatures that the King had under his control left him with little hope of his friend's survival.

"...I woke up and my body was changed to what you see now. At first, I was in complete control of my new body and noticed all the changes it had undergone. My father kept me confined to his lab where not one soldier would enter the room. He ran test after test, informing me that Rahim was dead and that I would now be called Wrath. For a while it didn't dawn on me what he meant but it did soon after I heard his voice. It boomed in my ears and brought me to my knees, I could feel my soul burning as I was forced into the deepest part of it. It was like I was a floating thought in my head when my body got up on its own. I could see through my eyes but I couldn't move my body. I could hear the voice call itself Father and ordered that Wrath was to exterminate the Mystic Guard including their families. I wanted to refuse to force my body to refuse but I watched as it did what it was told and carried out its task without hesitation. The moment all you knew that your families were killed I knew, Wrath could feel all of your anger and waited for you all to charge the castle. I could see every move they made like you all were telling me ahead of time, my body made quick work of the remaining twenty. When you arrived in the room to see me, I tried my hardest to gain control of my body. It must've seemed like an instant for you, to me it was an eternity. I tried so hard to drop my sword but the moment it sank through your chest I was covered in despair. I thought I had killed my best friend, my will was completely broken as my body left to do what Father bid. It took time, too much time until I was able to wrestle control of my body again but the damage had been done, and no matter how much I wished it so, it would always be there."

Edward finished speaking as the Prince remained quiet. Everyone remained quiet as they took in the full story. If Edward spoke the truth then he was forced into becoming something he was not and committed crimes he wouldn't have done otherwise. Usually people would consider this outlandish and that he was just insane or trying to play off the blame. However Ahimoth had read the reports of swirling black dust before Wrath attacked and he saw that both Edward and Zavis had black dust swirling around them.

There was also the fact that he himself was alive right now.

The Prince had seen what Edward could do with a sword in battle many times, that stab to the chest was one of his signature moves. He generally used it to finish off immobile opponents. When Ahimoth ran into that room, he had his guard down completely. That coupled with Edward's speed and technique, it was a miracle he was even alive right now.

This Father person. Rahim being dead then returning as Wrath.

There were too many things to consider, if Edward was telling the truth then he wasn't at fault for things he did but they were still done.

"Is Wrath still alive inside you?"

Ahimoth knew the answer but he hoped the young man would say no.

"Yes."

The Prince turned around with a neutral expression on his face, the anger he had a few moments ago had smouldered but his eyes were cold. It seems he had learned the lesson about controlling his emotions.

"Then you leave me with no choice. While it throws into question the number of conspirators in the war crimes committed during the civil war, you still confessed that you murdered three hundred innocent families. Despite the King's open arms pact where soldiers will not be judged based on which side they chose as long as they are willing to serve Blackdust…"

Edward's eyes widened, he never knew about that. If it was true then he might actually be able to return home and attempt to make up for the things he did.

"... however your crimes cannot be excused. As such as the King's acting voice in trade agreements in foreign lands, I pronounce you guilty. You are hereby banished from Blackdust, if you step one foot into the kingdom you will be executed."

The young man had expected those words but actually hearing them felt like there was a lead ball in his stomach. Maybe Ahimoth felt that it wasn't his fault what happened but the fact was Wrath was still guilty of the crimes and he was Wrath. All Edward could do was face his former Prince and bow his head accepting his words.

"Is there anything you'd like to be passed onto someone back in Blackdust? Your father, brother, or perhaps the King himself?"

"Please apologize to the King and my brother in my stead."

Ahimoth said nothing as he gestured for Lilian to come with him who walked by Edward giving a last look before boarding the carriage. The Prince then turned to the royal sisters and ice harvester and slightly bowed his head, before getting into the driver's seat of the carriage and prepared to be off.

Anna after hearing everything couldn't help running to Edward's defense just as the Prince was about to leave. "Banished?! You heard that he had no choice in the matter! He shouldn't be punished for something he couldn't have stopped, it's not his fault that he died and was made into something else!" The Prince didn't bother to turn around as he answered.

"Regardless if he meant it or not, he commited the crime therefore must be punished. If the King was here he'd agree, we must be accountable for our actions. Letting a dangerous killer back into the kingdom would invite nothing but chaos, the people would revolt until they had his head on a stick."

Anna was about to say something else but Edward grabbed her wrist and she fell silent. Ahimoth said one last thing before the guards opened the doors and he was on his way.

"Queen Elsa, when I learned that your people forgave you for the incident at your coronation, I honestly felt that perhaps there was hope in me forgiving Rahim. However, my friend died in the Dark Forest and was replaced by the very demon that killed him. I spent all night thinking about it and it finally came to me, he may look like and act like my friend but he's not the person I once knew. If you still require any assistance with your prisoner, I can have men here in two days to assist you. I thank you for your hospitality and wish you good fortune in your future."

The large door closed with an echo leaving the courtyard quiet. Edward remained with his head bowed for a moment before releasing the redhead's hand. The Princess couldn't help but kneel down next to him and put a hand on his back as she could hear him let out a sigh.

"Hey it's alright, you can stay here with us. We don't think all those things were your fault, right Kristoff." Anna turned to the stunned ice harvester and gestured that he backed her up. The mountain man shook off his shock and walked up to the two of them and kneeled on the young man's other side.

"T-that's right. You've been with us for a while and you've been in control all this time. Maybe you could ask Elsa to teach you some tricks if you're worried about it."

Edward really appreciated their attempts but to be honest he was at a loss. He didn't know what to do, he knew that he should travel somewhere where he could be alone in this moment his mind was blank. He had faced his friend and admitted all of his sins. That resulted in him being banished and Ahimoth finally saying the words he thought to himself the moment Wrath took his body.

Rahim is dead.

Wordlessly, Edward got to his feet and began walking toward the front gates.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to pack my things and board the first ship out of Arendelle."

Anna was about to chase after him when he answered her question but Kristoff put an arm around her shoulders.

"What are you doing we need to stop him!"

The mountain man looked down at the red head with a sad expression. He knew this day was coming better than the sisters did. He wanted to convince his friend to stay but the hopeless look on his face said it all. Nothing they could say or do would change his mind. It was the same expression he made last night when the mountain man said he should tell the Prince he was sorry last night. Yet here he was the next morning doing something he thought he couldn't. The ice harvester turned his head slightly to see Elsa standing at the top of the stairs with a sad expression on her face.

"We can't do anything to change his mind Anna. You knew as well as I did that he planned on leaving when he could, now just happened to be that time."

Anna looked ready to argue but found herself being gently pushed toward the castle. As the two passed Elsa who didn't seem to want to move, Kristoff spoke before going back inside.

"You know the Lumberjack's Heart has some well priced rooms. With what I make in my ice harvesting business, I can easily afford a room with less than a quarter of my wages. Room twenty two is surprisingly sparse just a few collared shirts and a coat for the cold. If you hurry you might be able to get there before the occupant can leave and get his room."

The platinum blonde looked at the large man with some confusion and a little blush on her cheeks as he winked at her before pushing in Anna who seemed to be very interested in their conversation.

Far in the mountains of a foreign kingdom a man was hiking through the trials that led up the mountain. He wore a black vest sleeveless vest with thick pants that were tucked into his boots. In his hand was a large double bladed sword that was almost as tall as him with a spear shaft for a hilt. The weapon easily dwarfed the built man but he carried it with no effort.

There had apparently been reports of unknown soldiers basing themselves on the summit of the mountain he was on. These could be only rumors nethertheless he was sent to ensure they were. Such a task was beneath a man of his standing but he did what he was told faithfully. After that long voyage following his conquest of such an unworthy challenger he needed to cool off before heading home.

The weather was blazing hot despite being winter time for most kingdoms so cooling off might've been difficult. The scenery was nice he supposed, better than burning buildings and bodies on the ground. The birds chirped as he walked past and he lost himself in nature's music. He almost forgot why he came up the mountain in the first place as he enjoyed the sounds but remembered instantly when his ears picked up the sound of a rifle firing.

Quickly placing his large weapon in front of him to act as a shield, the bullet bounced off harmlessly as the man could hear the shooter curse. The man was on the shooter before he could reload, one was all he needed to heft up the marksman by the throat. Judging by the fear in the shooter's eyes he knew who the man was, that made things easier.

"One chance, tell me where the rest of the soldiers are hiding and I'll let you go."

Before the marksman could even answer, the sound of a cannon being fired filled the air. The man slid his eyes over toward the projectile and made no effort to dodge. When the large ball hit his position, it exploded in what seemed to be gunpowder sending blood, smoke, and bone fragments flying. Higher up on a cliff overlooking the trail the cannon crew's commander peered down at the smoke with a smirk on his face.

"So this is the mighty Pride, the man able to crush an army by himself? Walking out in the open without a care in the world, the other factions must be weak if they couldn't deal with one man."

The man began to laugh as he watched the rain of smoke began to clear and revealed a blood splatter and blown limbs. His laughter died when Pride remained in the exact position he was in before the blast went off. In his hand was the head of the marksman that he was talking to earlier. From what the commander could see there wasn't a scratch on the guy but his clothes had some rips showing his tan skin.

Pride looked up at their position and simply pointed with his large weapon at them before tossing the head over his shoulder and continuing his leisurely pace up the mountain. There was no rush, the only way down the mountain was the trail Pride was currently on. He supposed they could climb down the cliffs with ropes to avoid him but from what he felt from the cannon commander as he took his time making his way up the mountain not threatened by them in the slightest, he hurt their pride and they were going to face him head on.

Looks like I'm going to need a new change of clothes again.

Hey guys hope you all enjoyed the chapter, drop a review please. Gears 5 coming out in 4 days! I'm going to be spending a LOT of time playing it but I will attempt to continue my weekly updates. On the 18th I'll be gone for 4 weeks so like I said before, I will try to get the main point of this fanfic before Frozen 2 drops.