Prologue

Sweet and shy, long gone from this world. Lost to the madness enveloping her like a glove. Nothing we can do, nothing we can say. Quiet and dead. No words or emotions shown for 17 gruesome years. Slowly and inevitably. Slipping into madness, strengthening the walls. Her parents had tried everything, in the end it had been too much for them, the last 16 years were spent in the asylum. Locked away like a forgotten toy, like a bad memory best be rid off. So there she stood, her long blond hair in a thick, lush braid. A glazed look in her sapphire blue eyes, the white gown uncovering frail and bony legs. She looked in the distance, though all that was in front of her was a wall. It was her favourite position, the voices got bored by the smooth surface and went away. Respite from them was spent imagining, thinking. Mother had been pregnant when she left, although four year old Elsa didn't notice much she had noticed that. "I wonder if it became a girl or a boy."


Sweet Dreams Chapter 1


Anna was crying, deep sobs wracking her body as mom held her hand. The hospital smelled like death and despair, lazily covered with bleach. It reminded her of dad’s death a few years ago, killed by cancer he had died in a room much like this. Mom had been there though, this time she was alone and it was so much harder. Another wave of sobs sent spasms through her. Gradually she noticed the hand in her fingers squeezing, sapphire blue eyes staring hungrily at Anna’s face.
"Sweetheart, you have always been the greatest gift in my life." Tears began clouding the brilliant blue. "I want you to promise me two things dear, can I trust you?" A quick sharp smile flashed over Anna’s face, revealing honest laugh lines. "Of course I will do as you promise, when was the last time I broke a promise?" In a flash the smile was gone, "Is there something wrong? I mean obviously something is wrong, we are in hospital! Other than that I mean, not that this isn't important of course..."
"Anna, calm down. It's good to see someone still healthy in the family" Mom grabbed Anna’s hand and looked her seriously in the eyes, a piercing stare perfected after 16 years of dealing with her unruly daughter.
"Now listen and don't say a word until I am finished." Anna nodded gravely, some new undertone lay in Moms voice. "After you have left me today, don't visit until I am dead." Shock spread in her daughters face but she continued. "I want you to remember me as I am now, capable and alive. No, don't begin speaking. The doctors say I might be dead tomorrow or in a week. I will not let you see me die."
She stroked Anna’s tears away. "Shush now, there is one more thing, and this is something I only have the courage to say once. Already it's breaking my heart." Tears ran gently down Mom’s face, Anna wondered what could possibly be so emotional for her.
"You have a sister, Anna."

Outside the rain drizzled gently down from grey clouds. Anna didn’t register anything as she went to the bus stop. I have a sister. I actually have a sister. Her name is Elsa, she is blond and smart and beautiful. Well that’s what Mom said. I can’t wait to meet her. We are going to be best buddies and play in the snow and... And we can visit each other. This is amazing! Her thoughts were interrupted by the green bus arriving, suddenly the rain seeming very cold. The warmth of the bus made her relax and drift away again. All she knew about her sister was what mom had told her, and mom hadn’t told her anything actually useful other than her name. Why did she even leave? I wonder how old she is. She must be at least 30 if I have no memories of her. Maybe they had a fight! Oh no, she will think I want to make her do something. Why have I never heard of her before though? Maybe she is dead. Oh then we will never have a chance to be together. Wait a minute, then why would mom tell me about Elsa if she was dead. Elsa... Elsa is such a pretty name. I bet she is pretty just like her name. She will be the most amazing person ever I bet. I can’t wait to tell Kristoff and Rapunzel. How am I going to tell Kristoff and Rapunzel? I know how! Anna smiled slyly at herself before settling in her seat, details forming around the plan.

Hesitantly Anna walked off the bus into her street. The street where her whole life had been spent so far. The street she was now entering for the last time in her life. Slowly Anna walked up the familiar sidewalk towards her home, each step bringing her closer to the past and each step moving her further away at the same time. She had come here to pick up her last things before leaving to live with her cousin Rapunzel, for every step forward she was closer to leaving the place behind her. Yet every step brought old memories closer to her, memories of her happy little family, the life they had lead. All the little moments flooding back, there was the crack in the pavement where father had bumped the car. Old Miss Hagen’s apple tree where Anna had stolen apples every summer. Suddenly the gate was in front of her, familiar white paint caressing her fingertips. Anna looked at the house, though for the first time no joy came from the sight. Alright, I will go up to my room and grab all my stuff, then I will calmly walk out of the house and be gone. Yes, that’s exactly how everything will happen. Determined on keeping to the plan Anna opened the front door and went inside.

Silence filled the empty house, all the furniture had been auctioned away yesterday, all her parents belongings sold or scrapped. No matter how hopeful Anna was Mom said the inevitable would happen and had made sure Anna would not have to think about anything but her new life. All that remained was an empty shell of memories where once life had been bustling. Tears formed in her eyes, enhancing the teal colour. Careful not to disturb anything Anna made her way to her room.
Earlier today she had packed all her stuff in two big suitcases. They were waiting for her inside, now Anna regretted not bringing them with her to the hospital this morning. Why am I always so lazy? Life would have been much simpler if I didn't need to come back here. On the floor there were several ketchup stains from today’s hurried breakfast. Ops, well somebody else can clean that up later. Quickly she went into the room, avoiding the still wet ketchup. The suitcases stood in the empty centre of the room, alone between pink and green walls. Suddenly it struck her. Mom is gone, Dad is gone. I have a sister that probably hates the family since she ran away. It’s just me left now, little me alone in this great big world. Rapunzel is in college so I will have to do everything on my own for the first time in my life. Soon I will be out of high school, and then I will have to move away from Rapunzel. Oh, how am I supposed to survive without help? Without warm hugs and kind words? All my silly dreams of sisterhood are just childish fantasies. Elsa hates our family, otherwise she would not have run away. I bet she won’t even spare a glance at me. No one will care what happens to me, not even my sister. Tears streaking red lines down her freckled cheeks she grabbed the suitcases and ran. Never had she imagined to leave the house like this, tears streaming and alone. Nothing remained for her in this neighbourhood, every inch brought forward a memory of her parents. Every stone and bush brought tears to Anna's eyes. She turned and ran, ran away with suitcases rumbling behind her, away from the memories and tears.

"Thanks for letting me stay here Goldie, wouldn't have known what to do without you" Anna smiled as she walked into her cousin Rapunzel's apartment, a teasing grin on her face seeing Rapunzel scowl at the nickname. "Stop it Feisty Pants, we haven't used those names since we were kids" Though her voice seethed with annoyance she was pleased Anna already showed some characteristically good humour. "Well, you can put your things in the room I prepared for you. Sorry for the mess, I kind of used it as a storage room." Rapunzel shrugged absentmindedly and walked in to the kitchen. "I'll make us some lunch while you set up the room, just call if you need anything" Anna nodded slowly and looked around the tiny apartment. She stood in the hallway, looking in to the living room, a worn out couch and coffee table in front of her. Across the room from the hallway a balcony let much needed fresh air and sunlight into the apartment when the weather permitted it. To her right were the doors to Rapunzel's room and the bathroom. Left from the front door the corner had been turned into a kitchen, though there was no dining table so food was eaten on the couch. Anna had always liked eating there, the thought of sharing greasy meals with her cousin made her smile. Anna's room was by the balcony behind the kitchen area, several boxes of books and clothes were stacked outside the door. So Goldie did actually use it as a storage room. She inhaled the familiar scent of city air, old furniture and Rapunzel's array of hair products. It was good to be in a familiar place again, good to have someone around.

Anna sat on her bed, looking out the window. Raindrops rushed down the glass, mirroring the tears on her cheeks. The suitcases still lay open and half empty where she left them on the floor. Something as simple as a sweater had sent her over the edge. Anna clutched the sweater desperately to her chest, sobbing into the warm, green wool. It had been a present from Mother last Christmas, seeing it again had brought back memories of her smile. The way Mom used to hug her when she was afraid, soothing her with calming words. It will never happen again, no more calming words or warm hugs. She is gone now. Somewhere in the back of her mind Anna was reminded Mom was still alive in the hospital. Today's goodbye had been so final though that thinking of her as anything but dead was impossible. Knock, knock. The sudden sound jolted Anna out of her thoughts. “Hey Anna, I am going to shower, so if you have any toiletries I can bring them to the bathroom right now.” Rapunzel’s cheery voice reminded Anna that she couldn’t be seen in her current state otherwise Rapunzel would worry over her all day long. “Y...Yeah, I’ll just find it” her voice shook slightly even though she tried to suppress it. Conceal, don’t feel. If she knows you are unstable she will drop everything to comfort you. Ok Anna just put on a show and let Goldie know you are still holding it together. Deep breath Anna, ready? Here we go. She nonchalantly opened the door and handed Rapunzel her bag of toiletries. A flash of worry showed on Rapunzel’s face as she noticed Anna’s puffy eyes. Though it was probably just because Anna moved to a new place, tomorrow surely everything would be fine. Anna closed the door behind Rapunzel and sighed deeply. I’ll just show everyone that I can take care of myself. They don’t have to pity me anymore. I can make my life work without help. Then everybody will realise that I do belong with the adults. I don’t want to be shut out anymore, I want to be a part of society and life. Her knees had given in and Anna sat on the floor, leaning on the polished wood of the door. Its chilly surface helped calm her down. Everything was going to be alright. All she had to do was prove to everyone that she could take care of herself. If she managed to stay calm and keep up an appearance then Rapunzel and Kristoff wouldn’t have to worry and they could have loads of fun together! On the bright side, being orphaned meant now there was no bedtime! Anna smiled sadly as another tear made its way down her red streaked cheek.

"Hey, are you alright?" Rapunzel asked Anna as they ate the sandwiches she had made before showering. Anna had barely touched hers even though it was chocolate and banana, her favourite. Before she could think of an excuse to leave Rapunzel answered her own question, "You know what, I bet moving across town into this shabby little apartment is tough for you. Nonono, don't say anything" she interrupted as Anna opened her mouth. "I'll let you get comfortable here all day, then I'll invite Kristoff for some pizza tonight. You'll see, tomorrow everything will be fine!" Anna tried to believe her and put up a smile. Seeing Kristoff would be nice, she had ignored her boyfriend completely since her mother's accident. He would probably be worried about her lack of contact.
I should have talked to him earlier, he must be worried sick about how Mom is doing now. Oh no, he must be worried sick about how I am doing. Then Anna realised Rapunzel had been looking at her all this time probably trying to figure out what was the problem, “Anna, are you sure you are fine? You looked a little distracted there for a moment.”  Anna tried her best to sound confident replying to Rapunzel, “Yeah I’m fine, just not feeling too hungry right now. Look, I’ll finish packing out and shower so I am ready when Kristoff arrives.” Rapunzel smiled back at her cousin, surely she had just imagined that look of worry flashing across Anna’s face.

Night covered the city of Arendelle like a warm snug blanket. Outside the city lights barely illuminated the vast expanse of darkness covering the fjord. Inside though the dark and cold were pushed away by lights and laughter. They sat on the floor next to the table, Anna, Rapunzel and Kristoff, the pizza in between them. Kristoff's big and burly shape squatted awkwardly next to Rapunzel's small one, desperately trying to avoid stepping on her blonde hair. Anna smiled at the sight of them, her cousin and boyfriend together with her just doing normal things. It wouldn't last long though, tonight she would tell them about her sister and her plan to find Elsa. Anna's timid voice cut through the comfortable silence, "Guys, I need your help with something" Kristoff looked protectively at her, she noticed he unconsciously straightened his back, getting ready for anything.
"What is it? Someone at school?" the deep voice was filled with concern and a hint of possessiveness, no one touched his little Anna without getting him on their neck.
"No Kristoff, it... It is complicated, and I need you guys to help." She drew a shaky breath, "Mom told me just a few days before she died." Her voice almost faded to a whisper, "Apparently I have a sister." Shock, wonder, and then sympathy quickly flashed over Kristoff and Rapunzel's faces, as they quickly glanced at each other. A minute passed while they digested the news. Kristoff took the initiative to clear up the situation, "Whoa Anna, this must be really difficult for you. Have you contacted her yet? If not then we can help get a relationship going." He smiled so reassuringly at her it almost broke Anna’s heart. "Thank you Kristoff, actually I don't know anything about her. That's why I need your help, to find out who she is and why she isn't here" She hugged herself tightly, rocking back and forth. Rapunzel practically beamed as she hugged Anna tightly, "Don't be nervous, we will help you. Look, we will spend tomorrow finding information about her. I bet she is just like you, a wonderful and caring person. Tonight though, tonight we will just relax." Anna smiled bravely at her cousin as Rapunzel continued, “So that was why you were so far away earlier today. You didn’t know how to handle the news!” Tension that had built up in Anna’s shoulders seemed to suddenly disappear as she let out a relieved sigh. “Yeah Goldilocks, I just was completely dumbfounded by having a sister.” Kristoff wasn't so sure, there must be something Anna is hiding, she never acts insecure. Even in our relationship she takes the initiatives. He didn't voice his concerns though, Anna seemed relieved to have their support. He didn’t want to ruin the moment with his usual negativity. Rapunzel was leading Anna towards her new bedroom, “Since I do realize how hard it must be for you to share with us. Now you just go to bed and have a good night of sleep. Me and Kristoff will clean everything up.” As they want through the door Rapunzel glared quickly back at Kristoff as if to say, “You stay right there.”

It was a few minutes later that Rapunzel exited Anna’s room, Kristoff sat on the couch. The mess had been cleared away to let them have an uninterrupted conversation. She slumped down next to Kristoff letting out a deep breath. They sat silently for a few minutes, each trying to formulate a response to Anna’s revelation. Rapunzel seemed to make up her mind first, “Hey, did you know anything about this?” she seemed tense, the idea that Anna had secrets she did not share hurt more than Rapunzel dared admit. Kristoff noticed though, he had always been good with feelings. “No, I believe her when she says it was news to her as well. Though there is something she hasn’t told us. I think her mother passing is taking a toll on her.” Kristoff winced slightly as Rapunzel glared at him. “You mean to tell me she is keeping something from me? Me, the cousin she shares everything with!”  She fell back into the couch, hands framing her face. “We need to help her. First thing I will do tomorrow is to confront her, she can’t keep something inside.” Kristoff shrugged casually, “Everyone has some tough times in their lives. We will be there for her, yet we won’t push her. Of we force her to spill the beans it will just do more harm than good. So we will take care of her, we will take care of her on her limits though. Ok?” He smiled at Rapunzel and brought her in for a hug. Behind the door to Anna’s room a certain girl sat crying. They know? And yet they are willing to help me? After they way I ignored them they are still here for me... The tears were salty on her lips, but it was a good form of salty. She smiled as another happy tear rolled down her freckles.


"I kinda wanna have sex with the prophecy" -Sarun April 12 11:43