Frozen: The Hero's Return

The cheers of the crowd after his victory over Hans filled Ben with a sense of accomplishment. The roar of the crowd was a physical thing, a wave of sound that washed over the castle courtyard and vibrated in Ben's bones. For a brief moment, although nothing new to him, he felt like a true hero. His gaze shifted to the blue skies and allowed a rare, genuine smile to touch his lips. This was a different kind of victory. It wasn't for a title or for coin, it was for them. Nearby, Sven let out a hearty laugh, teasing Kristoff mercilessly. Olaf, oblivious to the playful banter, hugged Sven tightly, his happiness radiating through his icy form. Anna sighed dreamily and smiled at Kristoff, who, being the extremely shy person he was, blushed scarlet.

Ben couldn't resist the teasing.  He couldn't let the moment pass. "Careful there, Kristoff," he said, his voice carrying just enough for the group to hear. "You're starting to match Anna's hair." For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the air in Arendelle was not still with fear, but alive with celebration. The shadow of Hans and an endless winter was finally gone, banished back to the Southern Isles where, Ben had personally made sure, twelve older brothers were waiting. Peace felt good. The kingdom was at peace, and the people celebrated their newfound happiness.

Ben watched the final act of Arendelle's little drama play out. On the docks below, the dignitary, a man whose uniform was as stiff as his posture, gave a crisp nod to Kai. "I shall return this scoundrel to his country," he declared. "We shall see what his twelve big brothers think of his behavior."

"Arendelle is in your debt, milord," Kai said with a slight bow, before turning to the young man beside him. "As it is in yours, Ben Tennyson."

Ben just shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Hey, no problem. Compared to some of the guys I've fought, he wasn't that tough."

His attention was snagged by a familiar, whiny voice. Down the dock, the Duke of Weselton was being herded onto a ship, his two goons looking even more ridiculous in the broad daylight. Ben had to stifle a laugh. After facing down universe ending threats, it was almost funny to see what passed for a villain in some dimensions.

A much friendlier voice cut through the noise. "He got it coming." Ben turned to see Eugene Fitzherbert leaning against the railing of a nearby ship, Rapunzel at his side. 

The Princess of Corona beamed at him. "We're heading off, but we wanted to say a proper goodbye! You have to visit Corona sometime." she said warmly. "I'm sure you'd love it there!"

Ben returned her smile. "I'll think about it," he replied, intrigued by the prospect of visiting another kingdom.

Eugene chimed in, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just give us a heads-up first. Maximus isn't a fan of surprises, if you know what I mean."

Rapunzel playfully swatted his arm. "Oh, hush, you! Bring Queen Elsa and Princess Anna, too," she added, her gaze shifting to include the sisters standing nearby. "Our gates are always open to you!"

"Sounds like a real adventure," Ben replied, the idea already sparking his interest. 

"Just be warned," Eugene added with a conspiratorial wink. "Our head of the guard is a horse with a bad attitude. You might need one of your monster forms to get past him."

Ben laughed. "Sounds like a challenge. I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Deciding to give the newly minted couple some privacy, Ben turned and strolled back towards the town square. The crisp winter air invigorated him as he walked, the events of the day still settling in his mind. As he approached the square, a heartwarming scene unfolded before him. He saw Anna guiding a blindfolded Kristoff, her steps light and bouncy with excitement. Ben leaned against a wall, crossing his arms and watching with an amused smirk. For all the alien tech, royal drama, and magic he'd seen, he decided there was nothing quite as strange or entertaining as people in love.

He watched Kristoff collide with a lamppost and saw Anna tug him along without missing a beat. When they reached the edge of the pier, she came to a halt. When she finally pulled off the blindfold, Ben saw Kristoff freeze. For a long moment, Kristoff just blinked, his eyes adjusting. Before him sat a magnificent new sled, its wood polished to a warm gleam and its metal runners shining in the afternoon sun. Propped against the seat was a brand-new lute.