Kingdom Hearts III: The Streamlined Edition

Chapter 9: Arendelle

The kitchen of Stone Manor, with it's white wooden walls, silver utensils and black cooking pots and stove, also functioned as an impromptu laboratory for Even and Ansem the Wise. The two were producing replica bodies in record numbers, yet Even felt that he served a tip, or something much greater: his own ideals. The Freezing Scholar wanted a piece of the action that was set in the colors of the black and white world he had been slaving away at for almost months.

"I've been giving Xehanort replicas to put the displaced hearts of his cohorts in, and this is how he thanks me? Leaving me to slave away with you?"

Ansem the Wise shared his misery.

"Doubtless, he only brought me here to oversee the production of replicas for his reserve vessels. How many does he even want?"

"As many as he wants to. He still has his eyes set on Sora. So far, I don't see an opening to sabotage his plans."

Ansem the Wise knew that now seemed like the best time to live up to his moniker.

"Why not send me back to Radiant Garden? Perhaps you and I can help the Guardians of Light."

"How?"

"By building replicas of their own. I've begun to realize that Roxas and Namine deserved a better chance at life than returning to Sora and Kairi. When I was in the Realm of Darkness, I spent my hours conducting long periods of thought and thinking about my actions made realize that perhaps, it was wrong of me. It also helped to restore my memories and my own mortality. Now I ask you, Even. Will you help me?"

"I couldn't possibly. Xehanort will kill me if he finds out."

"Think of it as a chance to make up for your mistakes. You rebelled against Xemnas for a reason, didn't you?"

"I propose a plan of my own. It will be risky, but it will benefit the both of us. I'll be off exploring a change of scenery and you get to make up with your former pupils and those warriors you call bodyguards."

"I accept," was all Diz could say.

One handshake later and the plan was sealed.

Summertime was always a beautiful season in the royal sovereign of Arendelle. The grass was just about as beautiful as the grassy meadows of Corona, the waters of the fjord were a beautiful blue that captured a perfect reflection of the sky and the mountains were looking as beautiful as they had ever been. After the wintery fiasco of last year, Elsa, the world's queen, was looking forward to her sister Anna's twenty-second birthday, which was also the day of the summer solstice, with her new brother-in-law Kristoff, an ice harvester who once sold his stock to casual customers.

Elsa looked out the window of her chambers, admiring the beauty of summer in all it's forms. At the same time, she was worried over causing another blizzard, but Anna's love, which had saved her life in the past year, had eased her concerns. Since it was Anna's birthday, she had planned everything out in advance. Green and purple banners and streamers, a huge 12 layer cake made out of ice frosting (she was inviting a large number of royals and commoners alike), and chairs, dishes and tables made from the finest silver.

After some fifteen minutes of thought, Elsa left her chambers and walked down the hall towards Anna's room. The red-haired princess was still sleeping her room, her hair frazzled from lack of shampoo or any other kind of sanitizer. She let out a snore before turning over in the bed.

"Good morning, Anna," Elsa said at last.

Anna was able to hear her.

"Morning..."

Shifting and yawning, she woke herself up. Anna sat upright from her bed and shifted her neck left and right, before finally noticing her sister.

"How long have you been standing there?" she asked.