Six years later . . .

Elsa's P.O.V.

Everything was tidy and ready for my parent's departure. What if something happens while they're gone? What if something happens to them while they're gone? I was beginning to get anxious as I waited for my parents to come downstairs. I tried hard to control my powers although it was difficult.

Finally, they made it down. I could feel my hands tingling with ice at my fingertips as I bowed politely. "Do you have to go?" I asked, my voice cracking a little.

"You'll be fine, Elsa," my father said while my mother smiled.

❄❄❄

Two days later, I received the news. My parents had passed away on their trip to Corona. I felt heartbroken. Worse of all, I couldn't attend their burial. I stayed in my room, locked up just like the old days, and mourned there. "Jack? Jack, where are you? I need you," I called weakly between tears. Did he abandon me? When I needed him the most. How can he leave me? I trusted him. Believed in him. Did I somehow stop believing in him? No. Nonsense. I still believe.

Then outside, I heard three soft knocks. I curled up into a ball against the door. I haven't heard from Anna for years. I missed her laughter and sweet face. "Elsa? Please, I know you're in there. People are asking where you've been. They say have courage and I'm trying to. I'm right out here for you, just let me in. We only have each other, it's just you and me. What are we gonna do?" she sang to me. I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't come out, couldn't let her in, couldn't help her with anything. I have been useless to her for ten years. So distant. But if that was what it took to keep her safe, I would do it. But what if she got a bad impression about me? What if she sees me as a cold, unwelcoming person? "Do you wanna build a snowman?" She was the only friend I had left.

I had formed a blizzard in my room. Within this tiny space of confinement, a snowstorm had begun raging. Where was Jack when I needed him the most? Did he even care about me all of these years? Was this just a scam? Was I just one of his game pieces? As I buried my face in my arms, I felt a soft, cold breeze wrap around my shoulders and fill me with comfort and warmth.

Jack's P.O.V.

"Ready?" I asked.

"Is there a need to ask?" Phoenix said, rolling her eyes.

"Of course. When you lose, don't tell me I didn't warn you."

"Whatever."

"Ready, set, go!" We darted off into the horizon, Phoenix's wings blazing. Once in a while, I would shoot ice from my staff to catch her off guard. She would stop for a little, regain her balance, and frown at me. In return, I would laugh. But end up getting burned.

"Did you really think I'd let you beat me that easily?" I heard her ask. But something had gotten my attention. There was a chilly breeze surrounding me. Much colder than usual. I instantly stopped and went toward the breeze.

I arrived at the castle. Elsa was causing the chill. I stepped into her room and saw that she had frozen her room completely. Huddled next to the door, I saw her crying. "Elsa, are you okay?" I asked, hurrying to her. I sat down next to her and put my arm around her. But instead, it went right through.

She can't see me. She doesn't believe. Under her breath I could hear her saying, "Jack, where are you?"

"I'm right here," I said, tears welling up in my eyes. "I will always be right here. Even if you can't see me." I wrapped my hand around her shoulder once more and mourned for a loss. The loss of my only friend who understood me.