Chapter 16 - While life remains, Hope too
Five Months later....
It had taken some time, but little by little, the kingdom of Arendelle managed to resume the course of a normal life despite the terrible ordeal he had suffered. Five months had passed since the battle of the titans. The castle of Arendelle, as well as the church and some houses had been rebuilt, although still much work remained to be done for many houses and other buildings. In order to preserve their kingdom, all the inhabitants of the city, with the help of the soldiers, all decided to go to work to rebuild the city. A great funeral ceremony was held a few weeks after the battle, to pay tribute to all the victims, civilians and soldiers, of this battle. The body of Ulrik having been pulverized by Otachi, only his sword was found, in the wreck of the ship where he was at the beginning of the battle. Ulrik's sword was sent to his family fiefdom, farther inland, so that his family could bury him with dignity and honor.
For Ishiro, his body also disappeared, only remained his grand old grimoire about the titans. The book was preciously kept in the treasury room of the castle, where he had a place of honor. The name of the professor Ishiro was engraved on the war memorial, like that of Ulrik, on the war memorial that was built on the central square, so that no one forgets the sacrifice of these people. With the help of enormous means, the corpses of the dead titans have been moved. The corpses of Otachi and Leatherback were left in the ocean, where they sank to plunge into the seabed. For King Caesar, Elsa and Anna wanted finding a tomb worthy of him, and the lion-ape king was buried at the foot of the North Mountain, where he was buried with honor, by order of the Queen. On the tomb was erected an engraved stone, on which was marked: Here rests King Caesar, titan and king of Japan, and protector of Arendelle.
It was noon and another beautiful spring day was coming for Arendelle. But today was not an ordinary day, for the whole kingdom that was already rejoicing about the event that would be held. A month ago, Kristoff had managed to find the necessary courage and finally managed to ask Anna in mariage. Anna's reaction was immediate and her answer was yes, without hesitation. They had also obtained, and this time with a good heart, the blessing of Queen Elsa, who knew that Kristoff, even if he was not born from noble lineage, would make a perfect husband for her sister.
The hour of the ceremony approached, and already, the inhabitants, nobles like peasants, all having been invited to the event, went towards the doors of the church, all of whom was eager for it to begin. Some dignitaries from other countries and commercial partners of Arendelle, had been invited for the occasion. Pabbie and the trolls were also present, having been invited to the wedding by Elsa herself. On the steps of the church, Kristoff was already present, wearing an elegant light blue shirt and a black jacket, pants and matching shoes, and a small blue lavaliere. Olaf and Sven were with him, both of them as impatient and already enjoying. Thoran, Arendelle's ambassador, arrived at Kristoff and patted him on the shoulder before shaking his hand with a big smile.
- "Allow me in advance to announce my congratulations, and welcome to the noble and royal family of Arendelle."
- "Thank you, lord Thoran ..." Kristoff replied a little nervous but trying not to show too much.
Meanwhile, inside the castle, in one of the royal chambers, that of Elsa. The young queen, too, was preparing for the ceremony, for she herself would have to take her little sister to the altar. Elsa was nervous, but happy too. She looked at herself in the big mirror in one corner of the wall. She had combed her hair in a bun, and then put on her queen's crown. She had donned her ceremonial queen outfit, consisting of a thin, black outfit covering her body, arms and shoulders, and above, a blue-green corset with Arendelle's symbol on it. A long dress of the same color, covering her legs to her feet. And finally, a long purple cape, closed around her neck and dragging along her back. For this time, Elsa had decided not to wear gloves because she did not want to "hide" for the wedding of her little sister, and this time she had full confidence in herself.
Elsa was checking her hair again, then the crown on her head. Then, her gaze turned to the window, overlooking the harbor, the bay and the horizon where the infinite ocean stretched. Elsa gave a slight sigh and walked to the window, silently. Five months had passed, and Godzilla still had not reappeared. Elsa had been afraid that he had gone away and died of his wounds, but she did not believe it. And yet, no sign of the monster since these past five months. But after all, for a creature who had lived millions of years, going through the ages, five months was just an blink for Godzilla. Perhaps titans do not have the same conception of time as humans have? Quite possible. Elsa sighed sadly, placing one of her hands on the window pane, and looking, as if hoping to see Godzilla appear from one moment to the next, rising from the ocean, tall and proud, and uttering his powerful roar. She felt it, in her heart.... She missed him. But did he only remember her or had he already forgotten her? Elsa could not know. Titans are way too different from humans, too misunderstood and no one could really know their way of thinking and see the world. Anna had also been able to tell her about what she had seen in the troll cave, which had reinforced Elsa's opinion about the guardian titans, and especially Godzilla. Ishiro was right: humans were only hosts on this earth and owed their long survival to the guardian titans who had fought for millennia to preserve this world.
During the past month, she had paced several times the pages of Ishiro's great book, hoping to learn a little more about the existence of the titans. Thus, Elsa, in reading these pages being the work of a lifetime, had discovered that Godzilla, King Caesar, Leatherback and Otachi were far from being the only titans in this world. Many drawings of these creatures were represented, but unfortunately, rares names or descriptions about them, except for some guesses. One of these unknown titans was described as Rodan, a giant-scale bird, able to fly faster than any bird and so powerful that only one of its wingbeats would be able to cause a cyclone. Another drawing represented a kind of giant butterfly called Mothra, magnificent and graceful, described as a pure spirit, goddess and protector of nature. And another, the most terrifying according to Elsa, was a kind of big dragon with three heads and looks particularly threatening, but unfortunately the name of this one has been erased.... Another thing worried Elsa from now on. Now that the titans had awakened, it would not be long before the news of their existence reached the other kingdoms around the world. Some of the ancient cults of the titans might well come back, or other realms might, on the contrary, and most likely react violently to the return of the titans and see them as serious threats. How would these kingdoms react by learning that Arendelle is now under the protection of one of them, in the person of Godzilla....
Knock! Knock! Two small knocks at the door of the room made Elsa return to reality and she turned around.
- "Come in." she says. The door opened and Elsa saw, with pleasure, Anna enter, all shy. The young queen could only smile at seeing her sister like that. Anna was dressed in a great white dress, laced with lace, a white corset, her shoulders covered and slightly swollen, and large white gloves covering her elbows. His hair had been perfectly coiffed as a beautiful ponytail running on her neck. Rubbing her hands nervously, Anna stepped forward, blushing, smiling and nervous at the same time. She took a turn on herself as if to show Elsa her outfit.
- "Well ... what do you think?" Anna asked a little embarrassed. Elsa felt almost tears of joy come to her eyes and gently took her sister by the hands.
-"You are beautiful like an angel." Elsa told her in all sincerity. Anna looks reassured and smiles too.
- "But .... It's just missing something." Elsa added with a small smile and a wink. Anna looked curious, seeing her sister heading for the office, and pulling something out of one of the drawers. Anna's eyes shone with admiration. A beautiful silver and shiny pendant with reflections of sunlight passing through the window. The pendant was shaped like a snowflake. Elsa went behind Anna, and delicately put the pendant around the neck. Once done, Anna admired the jewel around her neck with great enthusiasm.
- "He is beautiful, thank you." Anna said, feeling the tears of joy come. The two sisters took each other in the arms in a hug. After that, Anna could guess in the iris of her sister that despite the joy, something was bothering her. Anna was not stupid and staring for a moment through the window, towards the ocean, she understood immediately.
- "He misses you, is not it?" the young princess says mentioning Godzilla. Elsa sadly nodded, turning again her gaze towards the window. Anna was sorry for her elder sister, but it was so and they could not help it, unfortunately. Dong! Dong! the bells of the church suddenly began to resound through the city, announcing the official beginning of the ceremony. Anna had a beating heart, and took a deep breath.
- "Well .... The time has come." she said with a nervous little laugh.
-"Indeed." Elsa replied. Then, having joined their arms, side by side, the two sisters began to walk, leaving the room and crossing the corridor. The servants and guards, standing in perfect rank on the sides of the corridor, bowed respectfully. As they walked, the two sisters could smell a sweet and familiar smell from the kitchens of the castle.
- "Do you smell that ...." Elsa said in smiling. Both sisters smelled this delicious smell.
-"Chocolate." they said at the same time and looking at each other, then shared an amused laugh before continuing.
In the church, all the guests stood in perfect rows, right and left. Some spoke in low voices with each other while waiting for the bride to arrive. In front of the altar, Kristoff waited, more and more nervous and doing, as is the custom, facing the altar, because having not to see the bride before she is at his side. Olaf saw the young man nervously rubbing the backs of his hands, and gave him a slight elbow in his leg.
-"Hey. Don't be so nervous, everything will be fine." whispered the snowman, confident, with a wink. Sven, next to him, nodded and winked confidently too. Kristoff would like to be as confident, but he had been waiting for that day for so long that the mere thought that something could go wrong made him sick. The servant Kai then entered the church, and everyone turned to him, except Kristoff, not having the right to look. The servant cleared his throat and spoke loudly.
- "My lords and good ladies ... Princess Anna, escorted by her sister, Queen Elsa of Arendelle!"
The most complete silence was in the church and everyone stands erect. On small balustrades high on the sides, guards blew in trumpets, announcing the arrival of the bride. Kristoff took it upon himself and does everything to calm himself inside, deeply breathing. First of all, young girls dressed in white or light blue robes entered the middle aisle among the people, holding baskets and throwing petals of flowers around them. Then Anna and Elsa entered the driveway, escorted by a few guards standing discreetly behind and proudly holding Arendelle's banners. Each guest was very respectful, making no noise and contemplating the bride, and the queen escorting her, advancing to the altar. Anna could see Kristoff, standing and waiting. She wondered how he would react by seeing her like this. The young princess was blushing, the bouquet in her hand and all those looks on her. She saw Olaf and Sven giving her big smiles, and she gave them one in return. Elsa was also a little nervous but showed it less, standing upright and dignified like the queen she was.
The trumpet melody stopped when Elsa and Anna finally arrived at the altar. Kristoff could finally see his bride, and seeing her, he thought he was in a dream, unable to find his words to see Anna in this wedding dress. Anna could notice it and gave a nervous little laugh. Elsa gave Kristoff a big smile and then moved slightly to one side of the altar.
- "You .... you are .... really beautiful ...." Kristoff said softly, unable to say more.
- "You too ..." Anna replied discreetly with a smile.
Joining their hands, the couple now faced the altar. All the guests sat down in silence. The priest of Arendelle, in his white outfit, and wearing a large red scarf falling on his shoulders, and the cross around his neck, stood before the bride and groom, his book in his hand. He began to speak in a loud, clear voice so everyone could hear.
- "If we are gathered today in this holy place, it is in order to unite two young souls by the sacred bonds of marriage, Kristoff and the princess Anna. Because in spite of the dark times that have struck our kingdom, the light always comes back and as long the life remains, hope too."
The priest paused for a moment, then turned his gaze first to Kristoff.
- "Kristoff .... Under the gaze of God and men, do you want to take Princess Anna here as your wife, and swear to love and cherish her, until death separates you?"
All the attention was paid to the young man, very nervous internally, but who had already made his decision for a very long time, and turned his gaze to Anna.
- "I, Kristoff, says it and swears it, to take you, Anna, as my wife, to love you and to cherish you until death separates us."
In the crowd of guests, many could not restrain to show their emotions, but while remaining respectful of silence. On the sides of the altar, Elsa, Olaf and Sven were also really moved. After Kristoff's oath, the priest turned to Anna.
- "Princess Anna of Arendelle.... Under the gaze of God and men, do you want to take sir Kristoff here as your husband, and swear to love and cherish him, until death separates you?"
A brief moment, the gazes of Anna and Elsa met. Anna could see her sister's eyes shine with the joy she felt for her. Anna, also gave her answer, looking Kristoff in the eyes.
- "I, Anna of Arendelle, says it and swears it, to take you, Kristoff, as my husband, to love you and to cherish you until death separates us."
The oaths having now been pronounced, the moment to seal them had come. Olaf advanced to the couple and holding in his wooden arms the box containing the rings and gave them to Anna and Kristoff. The priest spoke again.
- "You can now place the ring on the finger of your promised one, thus sealing the oath and bond that will unite you for life."
Kristoff was first, gently placing the ring around Anna's finger, who was on the edge of tears of joy. Then the young princess placed the ring around Kristoff's finger. Once the rings were set, the couple joined their hands, while the priest pronounced the words that would finally unite them.
- "If anyone opposed to this marriage union, speak now, or forever hold your peace."
In the church everyone was silent. Besides, only a madman would dare to dispute this marriage in the presence of the queen. Before the acceptance of the crowd, the priest continued.
- "By the power vested in me, and under the gaze of god and men, I declare you husband and wife .... Cursed be the one who will try to separate them ...." The priest turned to Kristoff. "..You may kiss the bride."
Anna could no longer hold back her tears of happiness as she and Kristoff embraced each other and kiss with passion, to the applause of the crowd. On the side of the altar, Elsa shed a tear of joy, too, while applauding. Olaf also applauded, all smiles and hopping on the spot. Sven was hitting the floor on the floor, his way of applauding. From the top of the balustrades, guests were throwing dozens of flower petals flying around the newlyweds. After kissing to seal their union, Anna and Kristoff looked at each other, their iris shining with the happiness they had been waiting for so long, and leaning their foreheads together enjoyed every second of that unique moment. Anna then turned to the crowd to say something, despite all the emotion.
- "Today is not only the celebration of my happiness, or that of Kristoff, but of each of us .... Our world has changed, and it is our duty to accept it ..... Under the protection of the guardian titans, humanity will stand..... Let us rebuild this world together, to ensure a better future for all."
The crowd applauded the bride's speech, although some, like Thoran, did not show much enthusiasm for she mentioned the titans. Elsa came to hold Anna in her arms in a strong hug.
- "You talked well, little sister .... And congratulations."
The day was coming to an end and the sky was slowly turning to dusk as the red sun set on the horizon, gradually disappearing behind the ocean. In the courtyard of the castle of Arendelle having been completely rebuilt, a big party was in full swing. Rows of tables with white tablecloths and decorated with garlands of flowers were arranged, overflowing with succulent dishes and drinks. People were talking, laughing, and celebrating Anna and Kristoff's wedding together. In the middle of the tables, an empty space used as a dance floor, on which the young married couple danced, to the applause of all and the catchy music played by a group of men belonging to a Scottish crew, and singing one of their ballads for the bride and groom, in a melody of bagpipes, lute and flute.
-"Step we gaily on we go
Heel for heel and toe for toe
Arm and arm and row and row
All for Anna's wedding
Over hillways, up and down
Myrtle green and bracken brown
Past the sheilings through the town
All for the sake of Anna...."
Dancing to the rhythm of the ballad, Anna laughed and smiled heartily, hands joined to that of Kristoff as playful as she. Around them, people were clapping their hands in rhythm and encouraging the young couple.
At the royal table where the bride and groom's seats were, Elsa was sitting in her royal velvet seat and amused, watching Anna and Kristoff enjoying their first night as a real couple. Sitting on the table, Olaf tried to swallow a drink, but the liquid passed through his body and fell to the ground, under his perplexed gaze. Sven next to it made a noise like a laugh. Elsa took a sip of wine and laughed a little too for Olaf.
Suddenly, the band stopped the music and everyone made the biggest silence and looked perplexed. Elsa also did not say a word and seemed to listen.... A few seconds passed without anything happening.... Then.... all heard it resonate far away, beyond the horizon..... A powerful roar and familiar, who brought back in Elsa shivers and a smile of hope on her face.... Anna and Kristoff, hand in hand, also recognized the noise....
-"Look!" Anna said with fascination. On the horizon, behind the ocean, a column of blue flames rose to the sky, crossing the clouds. Everyone looked at this sight with stupor and not with terror. Anna leaned her head against Kristoff's shoulder, and they both admired this beautiful and brilliant blue ray in the distance. Olaf and Sven watched with the same fascinated eyes. Elsa came to Anna and Kristoff's side, and she, too, admired the phenomenon that she knew now ... Godzilla ..... There he was, somewhere, and let it be known that he was still alive and that he had not forgotten them. Anna gently took Elsa's hand and both looked at each other with the same hopeful face. Elsa smiled and whispered softly, looking at the blue flames again ....
- "One day, Godzilla .... We will meet again ...."
Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away from Arendelle, somewhere in the middle of the North Sea, on the rocky remains of an ancient island, Godzilla stood, straight and seeming to have recovered strength and to be cured of most of his wounds. The monster had his head turned to the sky and continued to spit his jet of flame to the heavens. After a few seconds, he stopped, catching his breath and emitting a slight growl while looking towards the horizon ... He knew it, deep inside him, that she had heard him and she saw his sign ... Then, as reinvigorated by this new force that inhabited him, the king of the monsters took a deep breath and as a warning to all the evil titans around the world who had the bad idea of attacking Arendelle, launched another powerful roar. piercing the air, the water and the earth.
SKKKREEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOGGGGHH!
THE END
Ending credits song: Trigger by Cryoshell
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