Anna's breathing was deliberately shallow as she carefully hid behind a wall. She needed to get to Sweet Lady. Looking to her left she saw Kristoff across, peaking around the corner at the heretic troops clutching their weapons close to their chest. Behind them were the stairs that led to Sweet Lady. Nerves on edge she could hear their boots thump against the wooden floorboards.
Despite the cold stuffy air of the fort, beads of sweat dripped down Anna's forehead, clutching her bag, her eyes squeezed tightly shut. Glancing at Kristoff's solemn face again, gripping his ax, knuckles white, he nodded to her once.
Reaching into her bag, careful to not let any of the bobbles clink together, Anna almost missed the silently frantic gesturing Kristoff was making in her direction.
"What?" She mouthed, shrugging her shoulders in confusion.
His face was scrunched in disbelief and consternation. "No fire inside." Although no noise left his mouth she could hear him yelling in her mind. Oh god. Anna realized the hazardous destruction she almost created with a pale flushed face. A cause and effect scenario played out in her mind of the fort catching fire, the flames reaching Sweet Lady and then…
She shook her head refusing to let the end result play out till the end, looking to Kristoff almost made her snort despite the situation as he acted out a… what was it? A lady? A little girl?
"Pretend to be a damsel in distress." Anna's cheeks spread in a big grin, she nodded quickly and then began to force hyperventilation and a look of complete helpless despair.
"Help! Help me!" Her shrill cries drove Kristoff to cover his ears.
Turning the corner running she paused at the sight of the alerted troops she feigned a great relief at the sight of them and tripped over herself as she approached.
"Please you have to help me please! I was working in the kitchens and suddenly a beast appeared. Oh my lord, I couldn't run fast enough. Its eyes like molten lava, skin scaly and harsh, wings of a bat, and fast as leopard, strong as bear and as evil as Satan himself. Please, you must believe me!"
The man whom she clutched remained stunned and flabbergasted as she sobbed into his shoulder. Unsure of what to do he patted her back sheepishly.
"I believe you miss." the soldier wrapped his arm around her waist. His tone made Anna's skin crawl, she could feel his biceps trembling but he kept his body straight.
"We are aware of the flaming devil miss, you'll be safe with us." He assured, putting on his deepest voice.
"Wait a second." One of his comrades said affeonted as he approached Anna, rubbing the material of her dirtied ice suit between his fingers. His eyes roamed over to her sword.
"A simple kitchen wench with a royal sword and clothes made of snow." The alluding nature of his insinuations caught on to his brothers in arms as they began crowding around her. "What other cursed creature do we know of that wears clothes like these? Hmm?"
Anna's mouth gaped open as her mind scrambled for an explanation for her attire but she took three seconds too long. "Seize he-" suddenly found his wrist which rose to point at Anna was held in a death grip. Before he could react, an ax plunged into the side of his neck. A breathy strangled cry gurgled from his throat as he collapsed to the ground revealing Kristoff staring down the men as he pulled out his shimmering crimson blade and turned just in time to block a furious barrage of strikes from other soldiers. It was evident their formal training had not prepared them for the loutish intrepid style of fighting this mountain man favored.
"Anna go! Get upstairs now!" He growled, shoving one attacker back off his feet.
Anna's heart fluttered, as she ducked under the arm of a troop and began leaping two sometimes three steps at a time.
"Don't let her escape!"
At the top of the stairs she rushed onto the balcony. She paused for a moment investigating the damage done to the catapult. "Damn it." She cursed under her breath. The thudding steps which followed whipped her head in the direction of the destroyed doors.
Think Anna, think! She hid away under the debris of destroyed beams and bits of wall as the two men came rushing up. Is this how I die? My whole goal of making it to thirty just gone, just like that. My future children won't have a mom, they'll be orphans.
The thunderous roars always followed by the sickening cries of men bludgeoning her ears rather rudely yanked Anna back into the real world.
The three men had slowed their entrance to the room. Cautiously looking around.
At a deliberate pace, Anna began unsheathing her sword as silently as she could. From seemingly nowhere Anna pounced on one man. Her sword was plunged into his chest before he could manage to throw her off of him, his warm blood stained her flight suit and hands making her grimace as she extracted her now soaked blade.
"You little bitch." One of the men sneered.
She was yanked off of him and thrown easily across the balcony, her momentum sending her rolling until she collided with the railing. The wind knocked out of her lungs in a single disgruntled yelp instantly when she hit the banister, thankfully the adrenaline coursing through her veins chose not to register the possible broken ribs and bruised back.
As the men readied to attack darkness overcame them, blocking out the golden gray clouds above.
"Ryu!"
Unaccustomed to not having control Ryu attempted to do a double take as they soared past the fort. She knew that call, it was…
Anna! If she could she'd jump for joy. The jubilation was swiftly replaced with urgency sensing the danger her friend was in. My Anna! Go to her! The Yokai did not share her trepidation, already targeting a group of Heretics he sniffed out mobilizing in the woods, they had the advantage of numbers but they were scattered, someone had to stop them from grouping up.
Your pet human, is she dear to you?
Wha-she's not my- oh whatever yes my pet Human! Go to her!
The enemy is trying to organize against us. No. Ryu groaned in frustration at the stubbornness the Yokai had shown her. Is this what Anna and the others went through when dealing with her?
If anything happened to that woman due to her own weakness and inability to keep this spirit under control she'd…
The very idea built a raging aggression in her chest, as she thought about what those men could've been doing to Anna. She and the Yokai both have seen how heinous men at war can be, but she never thought it would happen to someone she… she knew – to her friend. Her inner soul reminded her faintly of the term 'family,' and it offered a cool breeze over the raging fire inside of her. This was her body damn it– and she was not about to let someone else dictate how she used it! Not again.
Just because he was older, stronger, more powerful… and intimidating did not give him the right to disregard and swat away Ryu's demands as if she were nothing more than an annoying intrusive thought.
What are you doing chick!
Anna.
No!
With a roar that could only be heard from the inside Ryu strained herself to the surface, it hurt, like forcing a camel through the eye of a needle but this pain as strenuous and taxing as it was did not come close to the anguish she'd feel if she lost Anna to negligence.
Yes!
The moment she was able to feel the tiniest slither of the physical Ryu yanked her head backwards disrupting her flight path enough to send her crashing down onto the frozen edges of the sea.
Her large body skidded across the frigid surface until it reached the edge. Her tail slugged over into the sloshing gray waves.
I am impressed, fledgling, but also confused. Your intentions are to stop this war and the Heretics, you gave me control so long as I do not harm your friends and comrades.
Panting laboriously she stood to trembling legs, her tongue dangled out between fangs.
Not… keeping them safe… is harming them.
Wielding her sword in her right hand, she clashed against the troop's two-handed strike with a high parry. He used his strength to shove her backwards, as his companion's blade angled in a downward cut aimed for Anna's throat, His vicious attacks sent a pulse of pain ricocheting through her body but she obstinately held her ground and wiped the tears off her cheeks.
They stared each other down, the two men barely looked winded meanwhile Anna had to focus on resisting the urge to drop to her knees and pant. That crash to the banister had taken a lot out of her, and the pain in her chest was worsening each breath she took.
One of the men rushed her right as the other raised his sword.
Forgoing the opportunity to not die then and there, Anna leapt to the right as well out of range and swung at the man who tried to strike her. He easily deflected the blow with his blade across his body, and readied to counter but Anna was already disengaging. Remembering her sword lessons with Mattias she deftly angled her sword around his block before transitioning into what should have been a disabling slice to his right shoulder, had his friend not tackled her to the ground knocking her head against the wooden planks.
She needed to consider her next move but that was hard to do with the heavy man pinning her down, reaching for his dagger.
Chaos incarnate crashed through the roof sending stone and wood splintering everywhere. Within the dust a large tail whooshed through the smog, it collided with Sweet Lady sending the giant orb toppling over the edge of the destroyed platform.
Anna squinted passed the thick smoke and struggled against the man, a desperate hand outstretched towards her creation.
"No!"
But it was too late. The bomb was gone. Its contact to the ground below had Anna wincing, unable to hold her arms up to her face from being held down, bracing for impact…
A booming roar she thought to be the explosion had her flinching. Her held breath released itself in relief when her eyes landed on…
"Ryu!" Anna cheered, Ryu's pupils dilated to the max, gone was the ugly yellow replaced by a color that reminded Anna of the flowers of her home in spring. She warbled that winsome call of hers, overjoyed to see who she would consider her best friend, standing on wobbly legs looking exhausted as ever.
Taking the distraction to use as her own Anna punched the troop above her but this only angered him enough to back slap her across the face.
The sweet warbling halted instantly turning into a dreadful snarling and exposed dripping fangs. Fatigue long forgotten, Anna could see the edge crossed inside of Ryu's eyes– signs detonated by her pupils constricting tightly displaying all the terrible colors her irises had to show towards Anna's assailant.
"Run Godfried I'll distrac-" the man's last battle cry fell short as he stood and charged towards Ryu, her strong tail which smacked him messily backwards into the wall hard enough to wedge his body into the foundations with so little effort it left Anna wondering if the devastating blow was purposeful or accidental. His high pitched squeals eventually died out when his arms realized their struggle for freedom were fruitless.
Gone was the senseless smug gratification of violence that she had seen Ryu's body capable of. There was a battle behind those eyes that not many saw. She wasn't a mindless monster whose destructive prowess wrought cataclysm. There was a mind and soul as deep as the sea which existed behind those eyes. In them Anna witnessed the fear of what could happen if these troops had hurt her, in them existed the care for herself which birthed anger when she was struck in the face.
Anna could pride herself in being more insightful from the others who only believed in the dragon's destructive abilities as she stalked towards the man who scrambled to get up off her.
And as he tried to wield his sword Anna saw how Ryu disarmed him by grabbing it between her teeth to toss over her shoulders, just to continue stalking towards till he scurried to jump over the banister.
Ryu bit his shoulder and flung her head so strongly the man's body was tossed to some unknown side of the fort. As the tension settled, Anna was on her feet and breathing heavily, her hands automatically retrieving her sword.
Anna could see shame in those eyes knowing Ryu knew she witnessed what the vengeful spirit wrought upon the soldiers.
"Aaaugh!" The cry alerted the pair to a straggler who happened upon them. His first target was Ryu's neck, the dragon growling then ceased when Anna yowled at the man and cut him down before he could lay his blade upon her friend.
Heaving air in and out Anna looked to the surprised Ryu who held her gaze.
In that look Anna also saw her friend. The one who came when she called. That single stare conveyed everything she couldn't in words, though Anna could hear them clearly as day.
Ryu's purrs vibrated Anna's body in the most comforting way. Tears escaped from her eyes at the great release of tension from her wired nerves. Ryu cooed nuzzling closer. Touching her muzzle Anna couldn't stop herself from connecting it to her forehead. The heat radiating off of her–Anna couldn't help but rub her cheeks against absorbing the soft and twitching scales.
I will never leave you alone.
A hiccup shook Anna's breath as she whispered. "Where did you go?"
Anna, I'm right here.
Pulling away the zealousness in Anna's expression had Ryu shaking her entire body from the results of her crash landing prepared to listen and follow the queen.
Fatigue kept her limbs trembling as her energy was leached away.
I'm so tired.
Suddenly Ryu's ear lifted and began spiraling as if she was tuned into a frequency that only she could hear. It reminded Anna of when she heard the temple calling her.
Anna drew in closer unsure if the time she had with her was limited but drew courage from the dragon's very rhythmic heart.
Closing her eyes she growled which shook both their forms, as shouts of the enemy sounded off from the distance of outside. Anna knew that if she was to get any leeway with Ryu she'd have to act swiftly and concisely.
"Ryu?" The dragon broke her trance and glanced down at the human who clung to her chest. Doubt flickered across Ryu's features. It had already taken a life's saving worth of resolve to be present but if Anna needed her then Ryu would give what she had and then some.
"Anna I-" Kristoff's rushed and frazzled cries echoed off the walls as he raced upstairs pausing at the sight of Ryu.
The sudden break in concentration left a crack which the vengeful spirit slithered through.
The Yokai lifted its head at the sound of Kristoff quickly surveying his lack of uniform, bloodied ax and large frame, pouncing upon him.
Enemy spotted, we must protect your redheaded pet.
No! Friend! He's a friend. Ryu wrestled down the beast which opened its maw and licked her chops at the sight of a worthy challenge.
A Heretic troop must have used the noise she created as a distraction to try and swing at Kristoff from behind. With the thrap of Ryu's tail the man misstepped and fell off his balance.
Him you can eat.
Not needing to be told twice the dragon leapt upon the attacker and skillfully deboned his spine from his body with careful incisions and pulls akin to how a chef would filet a trout.
Kristoff raced to Anna, shielding her face away from the brutal carnage as his own held an expression of utter disgust.
With stained fangs and muzzle, Ryu pushed back through to the surface cringing at the taste of human blood, the guilt of all the dark and twisted turns she welcomed in her body telegraphed itself to the couple.
Anna horrified and conflicted about what to feel towards her now unpredictable and dangerous friend remembered the cavalier utterance–
I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep Erusa safe!
If asked if she would eviscerate an army for the sake of her sister Anna would have to say yes. Especially if there was a feral, vengeful unwanted source invoking said macabre intrusive thoughts.
Taking a calming breath she stepped away from Kristoff's embrace and steeled her resolve "I need you, both of you." she could ignore for now the black and red quarrels protruding from the strewn about soldiers' back, legs and other extremities and just add to the list of traumas she'd deal with later.
She'd have to. What was the point of barraging Ryu over an impulse she couldn't control and if there was a reason she'd find out another time.
Meeting stare for stare Anna held Ryu's drenched muzzle with her own bloodied palms tight and firm.
"If we are to win this I need you, are you with me?" Her confidently strong tone drew a sigh from Ryu. It seemed whenever her friend held the reins her body was weakened, this only made Anna and Kristoff appreciate the confirming nod given.
"Hey lovebirds-" Kristoff nodded downward to the men congregating towards the giant sphere curiously poking it. "We better hurry and get that bomb to the north point, before one of those idiots detonat-" as Kristoff spoke the soldiers swung the butt of their hammers and swords towards the ball in unison to open it.
"No!" The words echoed in Anna's head.
At first there was a blinding white that took over their surroundings. Then an overwhelming heat brought by blues, indigos, and purples.
The fire that Anna was certain would melt her flesh was dulled considerably to a tepid temperature. Too stunned to move, she felt the familiar texture of Kristoff's clothes pressed snuggly to her right cocooned in a scaly case.
It hurt being tossed around and then buried beneath what she could hear as rubble and stone crumbling beside and on top of them. The flames hissed and screamed as they spread over the expanse of the area and fort.
I'm going to die.
The idea of ever dying of old age was long abandoned.
Anna was sure of it until she heard the rapid beating of Ryu's heart against her ear and shuddery breaths. Kristoff held his inching his hand between the tight squeeze of Anna's
The dragon groaned in pain when she tried breaking through their rocky grave. After a few attempts the Yokai yelled in frustration and thrusted upward violently bursting through. Her shoulders connected to a wooden beam pushing it aside.
Anna still could not find it in herself to move, she couldn't find the strength to feel guilt for ignoring Kristoff's words in favor of the ringing in her ears or for leaving the majority of the effort to Ryu and the Yokai to pull and dig them above the debris.
"Anna, can you hear me? Anna? Are you hurt?" Anna's wrenching vepid stare clenched his gut. Breathing through clenched teeth he looked around– cheeks just as ash ridden and dirty as Anna's face and Ryu's body.
Following his stare Anna saw what Sweet Lady had done.
I created this.
Fire clung to whatever was flammable, boiling the puddles of blood. The snow which fell blended in with ash floating along with the red embers.
Needing a moment Ryu lay on top of the rock pile as uncomfortable as it was closing her eyes.
In a disturbing juxtaposition the air smelt tooth achingly sweet. The soldiers who triggered the explosion were no more.
Their families would not know their fate, beyond recognition, their skin had peeled off their bodies and faces and hung limply down on the ground, in ribbons. Their hair was burnt down to a few measly centimeters from the scalp, strewn about their abdomens grotesquely large and swollen. Some of the bodies bopped up and down in small trenches of water which bubbled from the heat.
Approaching footsteps alerted them, Ryu growled warningly trying to see past the incessant fog.
"Queen Anna!" They knew that voice which called out coughing.
"Konstantin." Kristoff sighed heavily, stumbling back against a piece of wall.
"Sir Kristoff-" he acknowledged, trailed by other soldiers. "Well-" his hand gestured to their surroundings sheepishly. Grey ash clung to his bristly mustache and once clean uniform. "That plan blew up in our faces, quite literally." His well humored remark was ignored by the queen.
Ryu chirped and crawled towards Anna wrapping around her. Instead of keeping her head down hidden in her knees she rested it against Ryu's chest.
"Still shell shocked I see, you'll become accustomed to it, your Majesty. For now we must engage with our next line of action. What is the next move? Any ideas?"
Anna remained silent, ideas? She was out of ideas. As Konstantin had remarked her idea to end this just blew up their only defensible position.
As if sensing the self loathing Ryu pressed her muzzle against Anna's hair, nibbling her scalp. "I don't have a plan." Her feeble voice broke Kristoff's heart. Rarely had he ever seen her so defeated. Kneeling beside her he cupped her smudged cheeks between his hands, rubbing away some of the dirt.
"It'll be alright Anna. And even if it's not, we'll make it alright. Like we always do."
Konstantin's robust voice interrupted the tender moment agreeing with the sentiment. "An Árnadalr trait I've seen and heard. Queen Anna?" He called, finally she graced him a glance, tears creating streams of clean skin as they rippled from her eyes. "In war, truth is the first casualty." A softened side of the man was brought to the surface one his men had never seen nor knew him capable of. "I have seen many good men die, young, old, smart, dull. I hardened my heart to it knowing that this is our reality but that doesn't mean it is our fate. When you believe all your strength is gone, know that that isn't true. Draw strength from thinking and remembering what you are fighting for. Or in your case who. The love you have for who you defend is that strength."
Anna focused hard on the memories which she tucked away so as to not be distracted on the battlefield. "Well-" she croaked swallowing. "Elsa. Arendelle. My family." She looked to Kristoff, then to Ryu. "My friends." Ryu. Wait… my friend Ryu.
"Ryu my friend." Anna said again as if she just spoke some grand piece to their puzzling predicament. Standing on unstable ground had Kristoff grasping her arm. "Whoa slow down." He warned.
"Ryu you're my friend." The dragon crooned what was probably a sardonic response which made Anna bubble in giggles. "Exactly!"
Smiling victoriously she turned to Konstantin. "My friend is a dragon!" Catching on he too grinned nodding his head. "And you are a strong and wild queen. What better suited mount would there be to serve such a monarch?"
There was that nervous tug at her fingers as Anna bit her lip, sure she and Ryu were friends and Ryu did agree to ferry her back in Arendelle but could she really go as far to state her monarchy held some importance to her. Last they spoke of it seriously– Anna I'm not going to respect you because you are the queen, I respect you cause you are the person I care about's sister and as an individual as well. I do not pay heed to human titles, useless.
Anna hated the idea of being assumptive of the Dragon's stance though Konstantin did not seem to share this sentiment. Sheepishly she side eyed Ryu.
Standing up in the shared excitement Ryu stretched her sore and possibly torn muscles, answering the call to arms from her queen. Wait… was Anna her queen?
The audacity of humans never ceases to amaze me.
Turning her head to Anna the dragon considered her closely, Anna mimicked the action looking less certain at being cross examined. Long seconds passed as the two gazed into each other's eyes, different in color but equal in intensity. Ryu's eyes roamed over Anna's ash-dusted cheeks, her vibrant eyes, her now greyish hair which had streaks of fiery red, almost as hot as Anna's temperament. She was as good as an example of what a leader should be in Ryu's eyes; smart, willing to accept her mistakes and learn from them, wise, unassuming, and oh so loving, not demanding respect or reverence but certainly inspiring it. Promising through her actions to care and protect her followers.
Why wouldn't she follow her into battle? Ryu couldn't think of a single reason but thought of a million reasons why she would again and again.
Anna's own eyes flickered over Ryu's scales, which were beginning to move oh-so-slightly as she exhaled softly, her now matted mane and wild features, all visages cried out for her attention. Both bodies remained frozen otherwise, as neither girl wanted to take the next step for fear of frightening the other, but neither of them was quite ready to understand which sentiment to go with.
Anna reached up and ran her thumb across Ryu's lip who closed her eyes as she relaxed into Anna's surprisingly cold hand, nearly purring in contentment.
Pulling away Ryu stood as straight as her body would allow, surprising all present she bent her weak knee and prostrated herself to Anna bowing her head low.
Slowly both Konstantin, his men and Kristoff followed, all bowing to their queen.
If a creature such as this thought her worthy, how could Anna possibly let her people, her friends, her family down?
Despite her willpower, Anna began to cry until Ryu stood before her new queen and turned towards the north, turning back she barked jerking her head allowing Anna to mount her– there was no time for sappy sentiment.
I did not agree to allow some human to use me as a common horse.
Yea and you're dead so shut up.
"So what's the plan, Feisty pants?" Kristoff asked, palming his ax while eyeing the horizon.
Anna furrowed her brows, mind racing over their options. "I don't know how well the Bishop and Rook divisions are holding up against the Heretics. Kristoff, Konstantin, do you think you can find Sven and any surviving horses and warn them while Ryu and I go to No Man's land?" Konstantin turned instantly and began barking orders out to his men to carry on the queen's wishes but Kristoff sputtered.
"Whoa wait, are you sure you are feeling alright you didn't bump your head or anything?" His incredulous worry made Anna smile sweetly down at him.
"Don't worry I have Ryu–"
"And the Yokai!" He reminded.
"Nevertheless they won't let anything harm me–" As she caressed Ryu's neck not looking to see her yellow eyes the dragon irritatedly rebuffed the affection with a shake and quick grumble. "– I think…"
Sighing, Kristoff nodded, rolling his sore shoulders and neck. "Alright, can I get a lift to the forest maybe?" He glanced at the Yokai who gave his answer in a cold deadpan stare.
"Good to know." Climbing upon his lowered wing the dragon complained trying to shake him off. " Hey now! You won't keep me from my wife." Turning he kissed the giggling Anna mumbling into her lips. "Stay safe. Don't do anything dumb no matter how much Ryu tells you it's a good idea."
"You too… but with Sven."
With Kristoff gone the trio turned their gaze back to the soldiers who were scouring the ruined grounds and heading into the woods.
The Yokai hummed lowering down on watching with a keen interest. "Hold steady guys, we have a mission to complete."
Descending downward from the pile of what was once fort Karasta, the Yokai examined their wings closely, testing the exertion of what their body could handle with a push of their head and paws.
Ryu recognized the smell in the air…Did Anna seriously make a giant sugar bomb? And were they really going to just…explode an entire army? Crazy woman. Ryu's pride in the woman was contagious, she wanted to wriggle and writhe with glee but the Yokai had his limits of what juvenile displays he'd subject himself to.
How far must we fly?
Well Anna said no man's land and that's at least miles away.
"Whoa-" Anna grabbed onto Ryu's mane as they stood on hind legs and leapt into the air.
I may be able to get there. But your body is reaching its limits, fledgling.
I'm not seeing a lot of options here. Better fly fast bud.
The Yokai growling shook Ryu's head.
I am not a sprouting flower–
"To the sky Periwinkle!" Anna cheered victoriously, holding her fist high.
You are no master of min-
Oh for crying out loud! We're on borrowed time, fly!
Huffing the dragon began flapping Ryu's with great effort. It was exhausting work but Yokai would not allow the limitations of this body to stop them from getting closer to the absolute peace promised in that foreign land they called Arendelle.
"Come on Ryu you got this, you can do it!"
She offers me no encouragement despite me doing all the work.
You growled at her. Besides, when did you begin caring about the opinions of humans?
Silence yourself.
Up this high Anna felt untouchable, she knew this was a false sense of security knowing that the moment they were spotted the enemy would react immediately and take invasive action, firing whatever projectiles be it; cannons, arrows, or large boulders from their remaining catapults and ballistae at them.
They could fly to a higher altitude but that was too risky without confirming the Rooks and Bishops cleared out of the blast radius first, eyeing the horizon with a frown Anna sighed.
"We need to take out the rest of the catapults, cannons and archers. Do you think your flames will be hot enough?" The dragon turned to face her, chest already aglow and temperature rising by the second that made Anna grateful she was wearing ice. It wasn't a necessary question– scales rattling together, singing a deadly hiss– the Yokai looked restless, sinew twitching, ears erect and tail stiff, facing towards the loud commotion of battle.
"Alright Periwinkle–" Anna pulled her goggles and hood over her head fixing them to a proper fit. "Let's see what you got, ya giant furnace." She knew the challenge would egg Ryu and the Yokai on enough for them to give everything they could.
Periwinkle? What is wrong with this child?
I don't know she was kissed or trampled by a troll or something as a baby.
It started as a low whistle which grew louder and louder as the dot in the horizon became larger and larger.
The Bishops and Rooks divisions continued advancing upon the Heretics. They were met with an unfathomable resistance, at a clear disadvantage despite constructing hasty fortifications organized by Misha and Mattias with what could be found upon the battlefield to allow a breathing point to repel being overwhelmed. The Heretics which evaded the Yokai's wrath remained in a formation some distance away content on maintaining a strong hold in that position, despite having weapons and numbers those lines broke though when a few from them spotted her and Ryu.
The battle was too hectic for any of those who saw the approaching shadow to be considered.
Anna could feel the heat grow between her legs as Ryu's muzzle hung open, inhaling a considerable amount of air holding it.
She gripped the appendages closing one eye aiming as they sped lower and closer. She could hear the high pitch screech bubbling from Ryu's throat as she charged her blast. "Ready!" She hiked her legs up positioning herself lower. The Yokai roared as they picked up the pace, eyes slitting from seeing the scrambling men scurry in fear in the near distance spurring on a predatory instinct.
"Aim!" They were a few feet away, she could barely see the men below scurrying away diving downward.
"Fire… " Ryu released a wall of flames which consumed a few catapults, wagons, and temporary forts in an Armageddon of purple and blue haze.
"That's the stuff baby!" Anna cheered, pumping her fist in the air almost sent her toppling from the safety of Ryu's back
"Oh Jesus!" She cried quickly grabbing the dragon's mane right on time for them to angle up as they twirled towards the sky rounding a wide turn. Glancing down she scanned around spotting the loyalists taking to horse back, some had to jump their horses over the fires. There was no time to give any direction.
The Heretics were quick to retaliate manning their cannons, ballistae, and bows launching towards the gray demon in the sky. Anna watched as the troops zeroed in on them, figuring out their plan made it simple to discern where to aim. Sensing her line of thought, Ryu urged the Yokai to fly faster, breaking off from the pattern they flew in.
Now there were three sources sucking the essences her body created naturally; herself, the Yokai and the undying will to use her flames and fortify herself to push past the fatigue and win this.
"Time to break out the fancy moves Periwinkle!" Anna called as they hovered, she lurched left but the yokai turned right nearly throwing her off. A cannonball flung towards them and then a second, this time even closer, Anna felt the rough muscular power of Ryu and the momentum of their turns jolted her body painfully. Quickly rising above the aiming radius knocked the air from her lungs at the sudden change in air pressure nearly causing her to go unconscious and light headed.
Easy! You have to move in sync with her.
How am I possibly going to accomplish that with a creature who lacks the ability of flight.
Ugh. Just follow my lead somehow.
Anna groaned, righting herself atop of Ryu, her hand gently touching her nose seeing red upon her fingers. It was either from the leftover shellshock or the altitude changes which caused a nosebleed and spinning head. Anna stretched her neck and centered her nerves.
Zooming upward they curved when the height they found themselves at was unreachable by any arrow, cannon, bolt, or boulder, tipping their nose towards the ground. Ryu tucked her wings in building up enough gas in her closed mouth till it puckered her cheeks and blew, spreading so many flames with every breath she took not wasting a single one on getting oxygen to her lungs. Whenever she opened her mouth–one, if facing her direction– could see a sun being born deep within her throat rising at a terrifying rate till it gushed forth between her fangs incinerating anything it touched.
One of the enemy shots successfully collided with the lower end of Ryu's tail. It wasn't a devastating hit, but still enough for Anna's heart to begin pounding even faster and her senses to be lit up to an all time high.
Anna lightly tugged at Ryu's fur knowing what they had to do now. "There's a squadron of archers and a ballistae hiding in that trench over there!" Anna pointed, following her direction Ryu took them low enough then leveled ducking her head.
The molten flames traveled quickly and fiercely inside the trench, men screamed fleeing and jumping to climb out the pit of hell on earth, fire exploded from where it landed, rapidly flaring towards them like a tsunami of destruction.
Every single breath was dedicated to bursting flames and causing more damage to the army. It was when Ryu's body began faltering Anna worried her bottom lip, surveying what was left to be done, knowing the dragon wouldn't last much longer.
The equipment Ryu's flames didn't entirely burn had the Yokai wrapping her tail flukes together tightly using it as a mallet to smash the wood, splintering it apart with deep whip-like crack.
"Whooooooh!" Anna cheered. "I didn't know you could do that!"
Neither did I.
One particular catapult made of metal refused to melt beneath Ryu's quick strikes. It was the one the men favored now aiming it at the retreating loyalists.
"Don't group up! Don't group up!" They could hear Kristoff bellowing upon Sven trying to avoid the enemy projectiles and ensure everyone got away in time.
If they hit them with that thing they're done!
I have an idea.
Seizing the opportunity, Ryu began turning upside down slowly. Interpreting her intentions seeing what her friend was eyeing, Anna uprooted from her seat and crawled carefully around Ryu's side till she was safely secured in her arms. The dragon's wings wrapped around her.
The trajection rammed them straight through the catapult dismantling it from the ground to topple over.
The pain clang through Ryu's body like church bells more and rattled her bones but she clenched her jaw.
Flying low she roared burning through the cannons which exploded pulverizing the army by the sheer force.
Her alarmed cry drew Anna's eyes backward to spot the intruder who clung to her tail, blade clenched between his teeth. Ryu spiraled to shake him away like a dog's flea but like any parasite he refused to be thrown. Anna tested standing up on shaky legs while Ryu kept their flight path straight and steady so she could crouch low and travel down her spine.
She made it a few inches further down Ryu's back before the dragon was forced to turn nearly shaking her off balance.
The soldier climbed up, Anna could almost see the ambition he had in his stare. Slay the beast, become a hero.
Anna scowled at his audacity, as if they were in some fairytale and he would be the knight in shining armor who would plunge his sword into the dragon's heart just to be sung and praised for centuries to come a legend.
But this wasn't a fairytale, and this dragon was not alone, and Anna would not allow him to trample Ryu's life down just to pave his way to glory.
Enraged by the idea she launched herself straight towards his midsection, his sword had miscalculated her move not expecting such ferocity and brazenness from a woman.
He screamed to Anna's right as they plummeted through the sky down towards the smoke. Anna had no such panic knowing that any minute now Ryu would-
She held onto Ryu's paws with a rush of relief pouring out with her adrenaline. She smiled feeling the claws wrap around her arms hoisting her up. "Right on time, Periwinkle." Ryu glanced down at her and warbled, assisting Anna to her back that was why she almost dropped her as a horrible screech tore from her throat.
Anna screamed in unison as if feeling her pain as well. A familiarity with the whole situation glistened in Ryu's tearful eyes that looked towards the large bolt shot from a ballista which pierced through the membrane of her wing.
"Anna! Paul!" Kristoff yelled, jumping back into the fire to race towards them.
They glided for as long as they could leaving a trail of blood raining from the sky until they tipped downward, falling to the earth in what would be a devastating crash. Anna, prompted by Ryu, crawled to her belly again to be shielded from impact.
The earthquake their impact left created a skidded crater in the snow. Anna, not wasting a second, stood up from Ryu's hold and rushed to her injured wing.
'Anna!' Kristoff hollered, and Anna searched for him, spotting him over her shoulder as he rushed towards them with Sven, extending his hand to the pole she gripped.
Clutching the bolt's shaft she tugged with all her strength. "Help me get this out quickly!" It was an easy task as the arrowhead had no curving ends to hook into Ryu's flesh.
Grateful, the dragon stood shakily huffing. Anna ran back to her head, hugging it close to her chest. She was battered, past exhaustion, even with the Yokai's bold and unwavering spirit Ryu's body was still just that.
As the soldiers closed in they huddled together all facing different directions, Ryu's tail draped around them as she roared spittle flying from her fangs in warning its feral sound faltered the men enough.
In a last attempt she spun, blowing a ring of fire around them to keep the soldiers from encroaching and further.
They were trapped. Ryu could not keep the fire going forever and the moment it was gone they soldiers would be upon them to kill Anna and Kristoff and possibly took hold of Ryu attempting to destroy her.
Time after time today Anna had been tested to her limits, just when she thought she had nothing left to give something else came to fruition but now she couldn't see a way out.
She shook her head, gripping the large bolt in her hands pointing it at the troops.
Elsa would never want her to give up. Never yield, never let anyone harm her friends and family. She'd protect them just as fiercely if not more so than what her sister expected of her.
The stand off lasted for three minutes until the efforts of the soldiers could be heard from hauling their ballistae around the royals aiming them directly at the dragon and queen.
In spite of the flames which protected them, cold winds blew and coursed shivers down the humans' spine. Anna dropped the heavy bolt to the ground looking around confusedly. Ryu's eyes narrowed and appendages shot up twisting in half circles. She sniffed hard at the air trying to pick a certain something that lingered in the winds which blew against the natural direction they had been traveling in.
As the cranks were pulled and shot, Anna screamed, hugging Kristoff close, shielded by Ryu's body which leapt over them.
Ice grew from the ground rapidly encircling them in a protective wall. Some of the fired bolts were stuck in its grip.
A mass expanse of crystalized fractals in a beautiful array of shapes and colors overtook the ground, the war weaponry subcame to the ice pillars which rose beneath them.
A light current of snow blew strongly enough to snuff out the flames which overtook the battlefield. A mass flood cleansing out the destruction and blood. It all washed away in a dark current. At the epicenter of the storm all was still. This peace followed the woman dressed in white as she walked calmly towards the walls which lowered the closer she came.
The bolts clanked against the ground when they were no longer held.
"Elsa…" Anna breathed out with all the love and relief she could muster. Her heart literally climbed into her throat, and Anna's eyes stretched wide.
Like an ethereal being surrounded in heavenly light, stepped forward upon the ice, with a blue and white, transcendent billowing blouse and tights upon her person. Distinctly it was the blouse one would see upon a royal prince, the sleeves decoratively etched in scales, each one faint hues that conspicuously matched Ryu's, gleamed with light whenever the sun could poke through the smog and hit it.
This is your mate, whom you think of obsessively?
Ryu weakly barked. Oh thank fucking Jesus Christ. Knowing that her friends would be safe, her shaking limbs finally gave out, sending her down unceremoniously. There were too many aches and troubles plaguing her body for her to take inventory of.
Elsa stood before them turning to dare any of the Heretics to make a move against her with a frigid, glacial stare.
She was, however, jolted forward by a bear hug from behind. Turning around knowing exactly who it was, she cupped Anna's face smiling serenely.
Anna quaked, clutching Elsa's biceps tightly as Elsa grinned and wiped some of the dirt from her cheeks. Her hair flowed with the soft winds behind her.
The relief her visage brought a calm that all, Ryu, Kristoff, Anna and loyalist alike ate up gluttonously: just as the battlefield had become. Calm and at peace, halting all action at the command of the goddess among man.
With all this in mind, Anna attempted to pull herself together as best as she could to explain the disarray their current predicament was, but the tears flowed endlessly and her hardened battle heart was a trembling mess.
"El-Elsa- I tried my best but I couldn't, I had ideas… they didn't work but I couldn't just allow these men to die so we flew, and Ryu was shot! I made a bomb and those- stupid men blew it up, the fort is gone- and Ryu has that bird thing in her controlling her sometimes and she ate people but didn't want to-" Anna didn't care who watched on as the queen became a babbling girl who couldn't even speak as she sniffled hard forcing the snot back up her nasal cavities. She would have been humiliated had Elsa not stood patiently listening and caressing her in the most gentle of ways and though those sweet touches and her tender gaze helped ease the pain in her heart which broke through like a dam along with it came the emotions she had to bottle up all morning and afternoon.
"It'll be alright now. I'm here. You did your very best and I am beyond proud of you Anna." Elsa mumbled cradling her sister, rubbing her back.
It made Anna wonder if she was actually trying to soothe her or bring forth more snot and emotional dishevelment. It of course did both and Anna's fluids leaked onto Elsa so she pulled away wiping her mostly unclean face on a dirty sleeve.
Still despite Elsa's encouragement she felt like a failure. "Everything is a mess and for that I am truly sorry. I'm so sorry."
What else could she say? She created a weapon which proved too powerful to manage, killing men albeit men who were against them in the most horrific ways, and now Ryu lay behind them bleeding and bruised probably with broken bones.
However, when she looked up at Elsa, there was only a tranquility and acceptance for what happened. It brought Anna a tiny bit of relief. She was the only one a complete mess and could finally let go.
"There is nothing to apologize for Anna. You never have to be sorry for being the queen people need you to be. For being a hero. Never apologize for what you are, for you are spectacular, stronger than most, braver, and so very smart." How could Elsa sound so confident while her voice trembled. Anna threw all her tired weight into her allowing the woman to support her for a little while until she pulled away.
"I don't feel spectacular." She chuckled hiccuping. "But I'll take your word for it, you are in fact a genius.' Anna smiled, although every bit of her felt disgusting, swollen in some places, an amalgamation of blood, ash, debris, and sweat. That didn't stop her sister from combing her messy hair with her fingers.
"As much as I love holding you it would be easier-" Elsa flicked her wrist producing a cloth from thin air handing it to Anna. "To wipe your mucus and snot on this no?" She grinned as her sister took it and blew her nose in loud toots.
"Now show me-" a loud cry from soldiers drew their attention to the men rushing towards Elsa with swords.
Elsa blinked and nonchalantly moved to the side evading the attacks. When past her she stomped her foot creating ice for the men to slip on and topple over one another.
"Alright, okay, anyways-"
Elsa held Anna's hand firmly tending to their family as the men collected themselves around the now frozen winter scape.
Ryu's lids felt heavier than the weight of the soul she carried within. Each breath she took was audible, her head couldn't rest up on her paws which remained splayed out.
The gasses to create the brilliant flames had run out for now, the mucus which protected her mouth from the heat was now dried. She hoped her girls wouldn't ask for anything from her, even the Yokai remained silent, resting. She didn't feel the same way with her close encounters with death. This… this was a different refusal from her muscles and limbs she never felt before.
Complete and utter exhaustion.
She heard the clicking footsteps approach but she didn't want to open her eyes. Even when Elsa's sweet voice danced into her ears. "Oh my sweet Gecko…" Her scales didn't twitch when cold fingers drew tiny designs upon her hide, and then a desperate grip held her mane.
"She… god, Elsa the things she did for us. The things they both did for us… I don't even know where to begin." Anna said through a raw and teary voice.
I tried my best, fledgling. I have tried to not eat away at the resources and energies your body provides but that task is as impossible as asking one to not breathe. I am sorry.
Elsa's soft lips lingered as they touched her muzzle. Today Ryu was more than what she ever thought she could be; a protector, a willing servant, a soldier, though wounded, if there was more fighting to be done they'd have to leave her lying here. She couldn't go on, with nothing left, she gave up the fight.
The approaching marching sounds of troops had Ryu struggling to lift her head whimpering towards the sounds but she was shushed and pushed back down by Elsa. She sounded so... "Iyaiya, Ryū-chan. Ugokasou to shinaide kudasai." speaking in a tenderness that made Ryu shiver sensitively. "Anata wa jūbun ni yaritogemashita."
Cracking one eye open she beheld the beautiful angel above her. The tremble in her heart had Ryu asking the foolish question; What more can I do?
All she could do was tremble under the woman's powerful stare and her imposing presence which brought a sense of safety Ryu had not felt in days. As Elsa drew in closer, unbothered by the enemy closing in, she widened her arms sweeping Ryu's large head into her lap. She gently inhaled near Ryu's mane. "Kanojo o yasuma sete kudasai," she whispered over Ryu's hot flesh.
Ryu tried her best to not move and settle the spirit, she could sense the yokai betraying her. She knew how domineering the dragon could be and how nasty his lashing out could get. At least she didn't have to worry about the people around her, her body would not allow for such behavior.
Her relief to be reunited with Elsa made her release a tranquil chemical which she knew would affect the Yokai as well.
So have you learned your lesson?
What might that be?
How the most dangerous thing for you is to love. We almost died for these humans.
Ryu smiled small, purring weakly. Elsa praised her for the noise. "Oh sweetheart."
Yes… yes… I'd gladly do it again and again.
The warmth and tightness of her heart, mixed with the cool sensations condensed at the tip of Elsa's fingers forced Ryu to mewl pathetically but she didn't care smirking at the disgust the Yokai held at her pensive submissive behaviour.
Standing Elsa waved her hands allowing Anna to grip her shoulders as the ground beneath them shook. A platform raised high enough to keep them out of reach of the soldiers but still close enough that they could hear Elsa's strong voice.
Some took aim with their bows and crossbows spurring Elsa on to freeze their weapons creating a cold so awful in their hands they had no other choice but to drop them to the ground.
"Soldiers of Ruskland-" she began stepping forward. "It is with some regret that I must inform you that Princess Darya is dead." Some gasps could be heard across the crowd and murmurs. Elsa could pick up some words 'witch', 'murder', 'treason'.
"She died by my hand refusing to see reason, she made an explicit choice. I will answer for my actions with the empress herself and let her pass judgment." Anna's concerned gaze bore into the back of Elsa's skull.
"Rather than live and see the truth she'd rather die believing that she was right. I ask that you do not follow in her footsteps. Stop this foolish and barbaric fight with your brothers, stop watering your nation's soil with each other's blood."
"This witch killed our princess! She murdered her in cold blood!"
"Murderer!"
It was now Elsa grew frustrated raising her voice above the hollers and rebukes.
"Look around you! I did not come to your land and destroy it with hatred and injustice! That was your doing, your actions. I did not rise up and revolt against my reigning monarch with a falsified sense of righteousness. I did not spear into my fellow man whom I trained with and stab them in the back. I did not cut down the forest or use my land's resources to harm or kill. That was you…" Elsa swallowed harshly clenching and unclenching her fists at her sides.
"I am not threatening you but I am giving you a warning. The forces of nature go beyond your comprehension, including my own and I am one. Please heed my words that if you keep pushing and attempting to destroy what nature has put in place she will not be as merciful as I."
Silence overtook them like scolded children. The clearer path was as obvious as any, the deserters surrendered willingly.
Elsa and her family remained on the platform watching as they organized themselves together under the watchful eye of Mattias, Konstantin, and Misha who looked of a confusing mixture of bitterness and relief. He cast a bewildered glance at Elsa breaking away as the other two military superiors playfully mocked him with I told you so's.
A single soldier's voice rose up above the snow singing the Ruskland National anthem, one by one joined until they created a beautiful choir of triumph. Unified once more.
Kristoff held Anna kneeling down limply, their bodies felt jellified. They could finally return home, all of them alive.
Elsa as a final gift spread her arms wide, creating one more cleansing gust powerful enough to clear away the smoke and forecast, shining the dusky sun and sprinkling upon all their faces delicate snowflakes.
Ryu's eyes opened as she felt her legs wobble to stand.
What are you doing?
We have just won a mighty battle, fledgling. We must remind these humans what awaits them should they rebel further against your mate.
Elsa turned smiling broadly watching Ryu limp her way to the edge joining her.
Yea right you just don't want her to get all the glory. The Yokai chuckled richly and began inhaling.
Maybe…
It's my body I'll do it.
Her reserves ran on fumes and with those fumes Ryu roared a triumphant screech that nearly drowned out the last high notes of the anthem, spreading her wings, torn– blood splattered all. Her call echoed throughout the valley harmonizing with the soldiers.
Okay goodnight now.
And with that she fell over in a cloud of powdery snow.
Elsa looked on, shaking her head while still grinning at the unconscious dragon.
"Oh Gecko," She turned, watching the sun set knowing that sometime tomorrow they'd be on their way home at last. "What am I going to do with you?"
The whole affair was dizzying and if they hadn't accomplished what they just did Elsa would also say impossible…
Though she never had any desire to return, here is where she found herself back in the Neoclassical opulent city, traveling in carriages much too grand down the dark cobblestone roads. To say their last visit was the height of resplendence was now a fallacy.
Riding down the roads caught the eyes of many curious previously now, citizens lavished the royal family in attention and adoration, raining down upon them with streamers, flowers, and reefs. As those who stood on the streets celebrated them waving hoping to catch the eye of at least the reindeer who pulled their carriage.
The jubilation in the city was so boisterous, with people dancing, drums, singing the sound of victory, all taking part in the glorious quelling of a rebellion and the squashing of the insurgency which plagued their city.
Elsa found their spirits non contagious, her own emotions from being in such an environment irreconcilable. They won, but at the cost of their princess' life. Did they not mourn her, was she not well loved by the citizens of the ruling state?
Was it appropriate to celebrate essentially her death? Or was her betrayal so heinous that they would rather praise foreign royals instead?
Her attention was stolen from watching the merriment by a squeeze of Anna's hand. She smiled sadly at her sister's apparent confusion at the situation.
"We're safe now," Kristoff stated, taking the role of being the voice of reason customarily. "And once the empress is done parading us around we'll be able to go home and stay home."
Anna chuckled dryly. "I faced an entire army but somehow a party full of dignitaries from different countries is more daunting- still though at least we're faring better than Ryu." They all looked out the window of the carriage.
The dragon–bandaged and covered in white sparkling snow and frost, glistening beautifully- starkly contrasted this look with their expression. As a safety precaution "Elsa's creation" was flanked by experienced guards who could ensure no one strayed close enough to lose an arm or worse.
Kristoff pulled and tugged at the collar of his velvety emerald dashing suit, affixed with his hair combed back stood with Anna, his attire compared to hers was a perfect representation of their stances on such affairs, a tasteful traveling crown supported by her loose coiffure bangs which led into lay proudly upon an immaculate nest of carefully woven braids.
Her fitted green gown seemed to be made of the materials that Kristoff's jacket sported, a royal purple sash of their national colors were represented lining across her shoulders and torso. The Crocus emblem brooch was to its opposite pinned to her chest.
The red carpet was thrown out for them as they exited the carriage. Ryu finally joined their sides, usually Elsa would keep her line in succession but they were granted liberties being war heroes, but her own fingers worried themselves as she anxiously glanced around. Her eyes landed upon Ryu noticing her kerchief's blue ice jewel was crooked.
As sneakily as she could Elsa's hand tried to fix it just to be shaken away.
The Yokai's yellow eyes glared at her complaining with a light snarl, despite being male it was still jarringly Ryu's voice though now it sounded thicker and Elsa could even hear an accent despite no words being spoken.
"Your kerchief is crooked. Just let me-" Elsa tried again, this time she was threatened to be bitten, though she was not frightened in the slightest.
If you bite her I will push through and embarrass you.
For one to suffer embarrassment they must care for the opinions of others.
Try me. It was still difficult to seize control but Ryu was beginning to gain some semblance of being a novice.
She wouldn't be able to do grand things due to the fatigue her soul felt from bearing another but she could do small things.
The others watched on with mild perturbation at how quickly Ryu's expressions and voice changed, still adjusting to this condition she had herself in as she cooed at Elsa and rolled to her feet like a repentant dog rubbing her legs through her long dress skirt.
Elsa tried to calm her down without wrinkling her own clothes and Ryu's kerchief with the custom made Arendelle sigil crafted of ice.
The Yokai refused to wear any other flourishes around their neck or shoulders and thought the European clothes to be 'tedious' and 'stupid' looking. He didn't refuse the Kerchief matching with Elsa's attire, beguiled by Ryu and the jewel's gorgeous sheen. It complimented Elsa's light gown which was accented with sky blues, silvery whites and a smattering of frozen crystal. Her cape trail followed behind, splayed a reasonable distance, sheer and reflective making her the walking personification of a clear winter sky.
Yes, it was safe to say that the Yokai was a proud, traditional, and stubborn creature. The last trait being the only one he shared with Ryu– must have been a dragon's nature.
Even the way he carried himself, head always held high, when Ryu was in a constant swivel to examine her surroundings. Ryu pranced and moved like a cat, the Yokai marched and slithered like a snake. Ryu watched humans with fear and curiosity, the Yokai watched with a deep disgust and disinterest.
Cease your idiotic simpering!
I thought you didn't care about the opinions of others.
I do not, but I will not allow a dragoness to conduct herself in such a disgraceful manner.
Then behave yourself and do exactly as Elsa says.
I have my limits. Ryu purred, savoring Elsa's wonderful touch as she fussed over her mane, grooming it back to perfection with her fingers urging her to stand.
She knows. Relinquishing control she relaxed comfortably ignoring the draining sensation she felt sucking at her organs and abilities to pull air in and out.
The loud trumpets sounding startled all of them as the large procession marched out in the same perfect choreography as during their first visit, marching down the steps in a perfect line on each side. Their pressed uniforms of thick Crimson tunics, and hard-heeled black boots which created rhythmic music as they hit the pavement. Armed with shasquas sheathed to their cotton, black trousers.
A man whose body definitely did not match his deep alto tone announced. "Presenting Princess Alyona Dmitrieva-Mamonova, second in line to the Ruskland empire's throne, Duchess of Catalonia, countess of Apulia and Calabria."
So this was the missing daughter of the Mamonova family who evaded Elsa and Anna; She made the Arendelle royals feel as if they traveled back in time to meet a young Alexandrovna, dressed in their national colors of black and red, her skirts billowed out widely. Her well endowed chest forced her corset to double its efforts in holding her firm. The studded jewels along the torso of her dress– which matched the deep rubies decorating in a necklace- seemed ready to burst forth with the smallest exhale, while her hair was decorated in a high in an updo, terminating any untrained person's balance upon the crown of the head in a full cluster of curls; which fell in ringlets.
She held a more interested and less depressive expression than her mother when they first met her at least.
Beside stood a tan man of medium height, if someone were to tell Elsa the tale of a rakish man with many lovers he'd fit what she'd picture in her head, with his thin black mustache, well oiled and slicked back hair, black infantry coat, and pants lined with gold along the trimmings, and pristine white gloves.
"Accompanying her is prince consort Enrique Juan María Luise de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias, eighteenth in line for the throne of Spain, son of Isabel II, María Isabel Luisa de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias."
As the royal family of Arendelle were introduced Anna played the perfect queen and warmly smiled at the princess who held a small grin. She was a disarmingly beautiful woman with dark hair and green eyes, and her voice commanded respect speaking with deep octaves of authority.
"Royal family of Arendelle, we welcome you! Not just as guests this time but as the supreme heroes of Ruskland–" she wasn't too disturbed or shocked by Ryu's presence, perhaps having already heard of Elsa's grand "Creation" through gossip.
"Tonight we shall humble ourselves before you as we become official allies and friends." When she bowed her elegant head Elsa worried that the weight of her hair would tip her over but she was trained for such feats which was obvious by her grace and poise.
"Thank you." Anna responded. The princess taking her consort's arm turned inviting the family to follow her inside.
Their previous encounters with the castle paled in comparison to this was stating the least. There were already guests present flooding the halls, contrary to the whispers traveling between them in a constant stream of watery tales and gossip they'd clap and bow whenever the queen passed by with her entourage, and stare blankly, pointing unabashedly at the great white beast which followed.
Soon the brave were trailing them, wolves following an injured deer sniffing the ground at the exotic and exciting blood trails they left behind.
The throne room was everything one would suspect when seeing the heavy double doors which contained all the resplendent colors which represented House Dmitrieva-Mamonova.
Gold banners, crimson sashes and black curtains hung on all sides of the grand walkway leading to the throne.
They swayed bolstered by red flames bustling inside large golden braziers, the windows' purposes had been stolen by the decorative dozens of the candelabra strewn about the room, it would take one drunken mishap for one to fall so they must have been secured to the ground. A red carpet similar to the one outside protected the royals' feet from the stone floors.
Guards and infantrymen, lined in the background with diligent attendance. Their numbers estimated to about fifty, outfitted and uniformed sharply, shielded by helms made both Elsa and the Yokai nervous. The coup took only half of those numbers when Darya stabbed her, she prayed another mutiny wasn't brewing beneath the foundations of the grand palace.
The way some of their eyes closely followed Elsa watching, some of the lounging dignitaries and nobles of the courts and others also took note of the entrances made. They acknowledge Anna and her family awkwardly unsure if the same courtesy should be extended to the frost beast.
Only Elsa could hear Ryu's tightening low rumble and noticed the stiffening of their posture at all the attention completely on edge.
"It'll be okay. I won't let anything happen to you–" she whispered, it would have stung the complete dismissal of her words had she not known that inside Ryu was very grateful for such a vow taking comfort in it.
The Yokai poised themselves like a raptor ready to strike, giving the most non threatening display of power it could. Bristling Ryu's ear appendages and unfurling the frosted white scales and wings. They straightened her neck and gave a deep bowel bellow, her scales hissed from frilling.
Despite their training and experience with decorum, some of the guests and guards stepped back–hands up on their chests, in awe and fear at the apparition of what could only be found in a fairytale.
The group never lost momentum in their strides though following the princess but stopped when she climbed the steps approaching the huge throne,
The platform was rested a few heads higher than the other less lavish thrones off to the right and left, they all were dorned upon the armrest with polished gold and brass, while the bases were made from black oak.
The ornamental heads which bled into carved designs at the back of the thrones, purely for decoration, held images of bears mauling lions and great elk.
Gold was layered heavily upon the outer molding of the steps, making it look as if they were a stairway to heaven. Underneath the thrones lay a rug, woven with dark ink blacks and golds and reds.
The princess and her consort both bowed to the Empress and took their rightful places among the absolute decadence. Between their attire and the Empress' large kokoshnik adorned in soft accents of reds and bold scales of gold, if the windows had not been centered properly allowing the sun to hit them they would have blinded the room.
The Arendelle rulers knew the Empress needn't try to impress with her own attire yet still did with her puffy sleeves, Alexandrite entrusted torso and flowing waterfalls of red fabric covering her legs.
Prince Demetrius– unlike his family– face was stoic and posture stiff, a far cry of what he used to have been, in a black military jacket that be fitted to a prince of his station.
It made Elsa wonder where Ophelia and Konstantin were. She knew Mattias would be joining them at the ceremony with his men and Misha, was it benefiting that Ophelia be introduced with them?
How the announcer had beat them to the head of the room standing at the bottom of the steps which led up to the throne was a mystery and would remain such.
"Presenting her most illustrious, and renowned, Emperial Majesty, crowned by the Orthodoxy and Autocracy of the church, First of her name, Empress Alexandrovna Stravonkik Alceria Dmitrieva-Mamonova! Grand Duchess of Several territories, countess of the West isles, viscountess of-" hearing her titles brought a flush upon Anna's neck, the sweltering caused small ripples to dip down into her breast line, hearing all that came with this arrangement she and her nation would be attached to was overwhelming to say the very least.
As much as she wished to either flee the room or hold Elsa and Kristoff's hand she remained steadfast keeping the air of serenity and a regal visage.
"Her crowned heir Prince Demetrius dorskinky Dmitrieva-Mamonova-"
"Oh so silence Yourself, Eriken everyone present is aware of our family titles, we are not here to listen to them again-" It seemed Alyona had as much tolerance and patience as her mother. "We are here to celebrate and uplift a different royal family." Her sharp gaze turned towards her audience and softened considerably. Her arms swooped broadly in their direction.
"Tonight we shall pay homage to Her Majesty Queen Anna Oldenburg Árnadalr, Guardian and Sovereign of the Northernmost Realm among the Nordic isles, Commander in Chief of the Fridtjof Nansen Fleet and Sten valkyrja army and her Consort Prince Kristoff Bjorgmen to her illustrious." She said boisterously, before turning to face the others right and left. "Praise also be given to Lady Elsa, blessed fifth spirit, gift to the Northern Realms, and now is as well." Her eyes finally landed upon Ryu who laid down paws crossed looking utterly bored, with their tail twitching restlessly behind them. "and to her beautiful creations of the bitters and grand nature of the cold kissed to life. Hail them!" The room joined in with clapping and cheers paying homage to the small entourage until the Empress silenced them with a mere raise of her hand. She stood up which took immediate effect upon the room to control themselves, including Elsa, Anna and Kristoff, who found themselves a bit flustered and overtaken with a concoction of emotions which churned their stomachs sufficiently unnerved and embarrassed.
"Let us proceed with the official rewards ceremony, followed by the joining of alliedship, and then we shall feast and celebrate!" The room cheered happily at the mentions of a feast. "And if any of you bother our honored guests–well one can never have enough centerpieces and I'm sure the heads of the offending party will do nicely." the court laughed obviously used to such statements and macabre humor from their monarch.
She eyed Ryu carefully then Elsa as a slow smile overtook her lips.
"Let the dawn of a new age for Arendelle begin."
Iyaiya, Ryū-chan. Ugokasou to shinaide kudasai -
Japanese for No,no, Ryu-chan. Please don't move around.
Anata wa jūbun ni yaritogemashita - you've done more than enough
Kanojo o yasuma sete kudasai- please let her rest