late spring

chapter one: the butterfly effect

the butterfly effect

Arendelle, October 1827

The story begins just how it ends. The moon in its preeminent form basking at the bestowment from the world underneath. His sweet children, oh so precious, every one of them. Some, even more special than the others, but in no way does that mean he treated his children differently. He loved them all the same. However, from time to time, his focus centralizes to the ones who need it the most.

Manny was a guardian, after all.

An incident involving swirls of snow and ice detached a doting bond between two sisters. One with the magic power, was shut down from the entire world. While the powerless waited for her sister's gilded cage to unlock. The man at the moon mourned for Princess Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle.

Manny used his emissaries, his lost balloons, to his advantage. The balloons held secret fears and dreams of whom he protected. Manny was devoted to catering to the children of Earth's childhoods. Which was the reason he formed the Guardians in the first place. Their job was to ensure the safety of the youth and ensure it they certainly will.

Nicholas St. North has always received the credit, but Manny would like to think that he sees his youth better than the Guardian of Hope. Either when they're sleeping or when they're awake. But most importantly, he knew when they needed a little nudge in the right direction.

Manny reached for Elsa's balloon and untied the bead. He held it next to his ear, frowning as he heard more and more of her solemn pleas to become 'normal.' Drowning with regret and remorse was just not fit for the likes of Princess Elsa, Manny decided.

The plan to hide Elsa from the rest of Arendellians, and possibly the rest of the world, might be the best of what King Agnarr and Queen Iduna could create. But, missing her entire childhood from a feeble mistake? It seemed way too extensive for Manny's liking. He turned his gaze at the Arendelle Castle beneath him with a newfound resolution.

The nine-year-old princess tossed and turned in her bed. With a final tiresome sigh, she sat down and leaned on the headboard with a soft thud. Since Anna's freak incident still plagued her mind, her nights have become sleepless and restless. Every time she closed her eyes, she pictured herself continuously striking Anna with a blast of magic. The thought of hurting her sister again, or anyone for that matter, had instilled great fear within her. But it seemed like she wasn't alone. To her dismay, the fear of the unknown monster they created haunted the eyes of her parents as well.

The King and the Queen withdrew Elsa from interactions with anyone in the castle. They were willing to go as far as cutting off an abundance of servants to conceal her secret.

The stupid secret that had her sitting in her room alone in confinement. And even worse, she was awfully hungry.

Elsa's eyes darted from her hands to her door, her stomach growling in the midst of her contemplation. It was rather late, and it felt wrong to wake up the servants for a ridiculous sandwich. Or two. Or bring in a couple of chocolates in the mix as well.

Another grumble dispensed from her belly, causing her forehead to crease in discomfort. As the uneasiness crept onto her, her shoulders dropped in defeat. Elsa untangled herself from the thick sheets and hopped off the bed.