Fear
Chapter 9: Cruel Awakening
"Monsters are real, and ghosts are too. They live inside us...and sometimes...they win."
Author's notes:
Ugh life is taking a toll on me. Way to busy for my liking. Luckily I managed to have about a day for this chapter.
Fighting for a balance between quality and quantity. Need some feedback on my efforts.
The POV from here on will be Anna and she'll be referring to Mareritt as Elsa because she doesn't know.
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Anna sat by Elsa's bed in distress yet again. However this time she had the comfort of Elsa's breaths to reassure her. Her eyelids were heavy but her sister outweighed her need for sleep. Anna grimaced as she felt her lower lip split and blood registered on her tongue. She quickly released the painful clench of her jaw freeing her injured lip from her teeth's harm. A hand went up instinctively to rub at the lip, soothing the pain. Although Anna was not sure if there was anything that could alleviate the pain she felt emotionally right now. It was a pain that came from seeing her sister in such a state; weak, injured and vulnerable. A far cry from the regal queen Anna knew who was perfect and strong in many ways. But there was something else as well that Anna did not want to admit. It was a feeling that bordered on betrayal and anger, as it all boiled down to the fact that Elsa had broken a promise. Anna let out a hollow laugh at her childish nature to uphold promises. But she could not deny the fact that the promise was important, it broke down the mental barriers that were still isolating Elsa. They promised that both of them were to no longer hold back anything, and that Elsa was not to harm herself again.
But here Anna sat beside the unconscious and injured Elsa. A result of a promise not kept. Although Anna could not bring herself to hate her sister, she was determined to give Elsa a good scolding once she woke up. She turned to look out the window, taking in the sight of Arendelle illuminated by the moon. The kingdom was bathed in a gentle white light. Anna felt something move close to her and panicked when she was suddenly held by the neck.
"Elsa?" Anna said in a mixture of shock and relief. The platinum blonde wore a neutral expression and was inspecting Anna closely. The neck grip on Anna did not loosen however.
"Elsa are you alri-"Anna was cut off and instead whimpered as lips came crashing down on hers. The kiss was intense but her split lip caused a slight discomfort to Anna. They breathed in heavily when lips parted, Anna thought she saw Elsa's eyes darken but shrugged it off when the blonde began to speak.
"I love you," Elsa proclaimed as she gave the biggest smile Anna had ever seen grace that face. Anna's discomfort rose slightly and she was not sure whether it was due to the hold Elsa had on her neck, the kiss on her split lips or the odd way Elsa had said 'love'. She watched on in a daze as Elsa casually got out of the bed and made her way towards the door.
"I'll be out for a while, love you baby," Elsa said before exiting the room. Anna sat there feeling overly warm at the name Elsa had just given her. It sounded possessive but Anna thought no more of it. What was of concern however was that Elsa had somehow ignored her injuries or the previous events. Anna opened her mouth to speak but stopped when she felt something trickle down her chin. A hand flew to her face to reveal blood running from her lip wound. How did I, or even Elsa, miss that?
Elsa woke up to the crushing of her windpipe. She tried to speak but all that came out of her was a strangled mess of air. Her eyes slowly focused on her assailant, an all too familiar sight. Mareritt. Elsa's hands instantly jerked into action only to be found restrained. Her eyes inspected the menacing ice cuffs that held her hands and feet securely to the floor. A floor made of ice. My ice palace Elsa realized. She gasped with what little air she had left as she felt a sharp ripping pain in her heart. Elsa's vision blurred and she swore Mareritt grew larger. The hand on her neck withdrew and Elsa felt air slam back into her burning lungs. Mareritt let out a hearty cackle.
"Now since you can't interrupt me, let me start by expressing my sincerest gratitude," Mareritt said sinisterly. All Elsa could do was stare daggers as she attempted to regained her breath.
"I thank you for going along with my plans, it makes things so much easier," Mareritt continued as she walked around Elsa.
"What?" Elsa spat, her voice raspy.
"During our chess match, I was more than prepared to win and take control," Mareritt said kicking Elsa in the stomach for good measure "But I overlooked a very important factor."
Elsa stared at Mareritt as she stopped her circling and came close. The two were face to face. Elsa could feel Mareritt's every breath.
"Anna."
Elsa's breath hitched at the mention of the name and anger mixed with fear coursed through her. "If you dare touch her I'..AH!"
Mareritt smirked as she landed another kick on Elsa's stomach. "Do what Elsa? Now shut up."
Elsa clenched her eyes shut at the pain in her gut. Her mouth was shut tightly too, Elsa dared not to speak. Mareritt was satisfied with the new found silence.
"Now where was I?... Oh yes Anna," Mareritt said as she began to circle Elsa again "You see I would never be able to do what I wanted with Anna standing in my way and the fact your relationship was a wreck."
Mareritt stopped her circling to let out a slight chuckle. "I knew then that I needed Anna on my side, getting rid of her would be too troublesome." A finger lifted Elsa's chin forcing Elsa to look at Mareritt. "This is where you come in. You did a marvelous job too, seducing your sister with a few nudges from me. Now no one can stop me not even your beloved Anna. She will now trust and obey her one and only 'Elsa' wholeheartedly." Mareritt said with a mocking tone at the name 'Elsa'. Fear seized Elsa and her self-loathing returned once again.
"Poor poor Anna," Mareritt said sarcastically as she walked to the large double doors. Elsa watched on helplessly as she broke down. Tears streamed from her eyes. What have I done? Anna is again in danger because of me Elsa mentally shouted to herself.
"Oh I'll leave some entertainment as well, don't want you getting bored do we?" Mareritt exclaimed as she swirled her hands. Figures and objects began to appear in the air and the figures moved by their own accord. Elsa recognized the scene playing before her immediately.
"NO! Please no!" Elsa screamed as she shook her head. Mareritt let out a frustrated sigh and she focused her magic at the screaming blonde. A heavy ice collar formed around Elsa's neck holding the thrashing head still. Mareritt smiled, satisfied with her work as she resumed her departure.
"Enjoy," Mareritt called out as she slammed the doors shut after her. She would finally have her way after so many years and it felt so good. Very good indeed. She was going to enjoy this.
Anna wandered aimlessly in the castle. The morning sun poured in through the windows that lined the walls, providing a warm glow for the interior. She had hoped to talk with Elsa but she had been unable to find the blonde. Anna was worried since Elsa did leave last night and has not been heard from since then. But she had been unable to find any leads so she opted to explore the castle, hoping that Elsa would be back in time for lunch.
Her walk led her to the gardens where a lone snowman stood in the centre. Anna noted that the air was quite chilly and the leaves were turning brown. It was a clear sign of autumn's arrival. She rubbed her arms to build up some heat.
"Olaf?" Anna called out as she approached the snowman who had his back to Anna. When she did not receive a response, Anna became confused. It was very unusual for Olaf to be so quiet let alone unmoving. Anna approached Olaf apprehensively.
"Olaf?" Anna tried again as she was within arms reach of the snowman. His arms were by his side and his head was drooped forward. Anna rounded to the front of Olaf to get a better look.
The snowman was terror-stricken and it was all to clear to Anna. Olaf was covered lightly in frost and it was mostly concentrated on his chest.
"Princess Anna?"
Anna snapped around to see Kai standing at the door way. "Yes Kai?"
"Your sister Queen Elsa has requested for your presence in her chambers immediately," Kai informed.
"Elsa! Oh yes right of course," Anna said, quickly correcting herself and masking her excitement. She inspected Olaf quickly before dashing towards the door where Kai stood. She would have to ask Elsa about this as well. As she sped off, Olaf's arm twitched ever so slightly.
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