Chapter 22: Samson wins the battle

Anna pressed a kiss to Elsa's wrist, holding onto her just a bit tighter. They were laying across the limousine seats and Elsa was settled comfortably between Anna's legs, her back squished to Anna's front. It would be their last moment until after Elsa finished talking to the city about her actions at her own party. All morning Anna had been holding onto Elsa when she could.

Which didn't bother Elsa in the slightest. The only bump this morning was when Anna found out she had actually bruised Elsa's wrist. Anna was horrified to see that she was the cause of the mark. Elsa had told her it was fine and even rolled her hand in a circular motion to prove it. But her wince told Anna everything.

She had hurt Elsa. So she tried to make up for it by being gentle all morning, and she did her best to stay on her best behavior.

Mrs. Roe broke the relaxing spell. "Separate. Now. I have had enough of seeing you two hold each other like it was going out of style. There is only so much I can handle in one morning." Anna rolled her eyes and she let go of Elsa who moved to sit across from Anna. "Anna come here, I want to give you something."

Anna didn't move for a few seconds. First Mrs. Roe needed her help and now she wants to give her something? Could Hell freeze over twice?

"Get over here." Mrs. Roe commanded and Anna scooted over to sit near her. Anna glanced at Elsa confused and she hoped she had something she could tell her. Elsa shrugged at her, holding her hands up.

"You get to hang out with me all day. But I can't have you running off." Mrs. Roe pulled out a plain, slightly bulky, red collar and Anna slumped. Damn. Why couldn't it be something else? "I even got you a matching leash." With a glee that only Mrs. Roe could have, she put the collar on Anna's neck. A click and the leash was connected as well.

"Perfect. Give it a tug." Anna didn't understand what she meant. A tug? Like try to move away? Or what? Or did she want her to tug on the leash?

"Go and try to sit by Elsa." Mrs. Roe pointed over to the spot by Elsa at the other end of the limo. Anna noticed the leash wouldn't really go that far.

"But it won't reach-" She started to say but then Mrs. Roe cut her off.

"I said try and sit by Elsa."

Anna got up at the colder tone in Mrs. Roe's voice, and as soon as the leash ran out of length it pulled on the collar. Anna really wanted whoever invented this collar to be burned at the stake.

Inside the collar, there was nubs that didn't really hurt when they dug into her throat, but she supposed it was supposed to hurt. But the tug caused the collar to shrink and for a second she couldn't breath. It loosened up when she moved back towards Mrs. Roe. She coughed and glared at the leash while she touched the collar.

Mrs. Roe clapped and smiled, "Ah Alice's father finds the most wonderful things out on his adventures. This collar originates from China and its for flier's who are known to stray from their owner. Perfect wouldn't you say Elsa?"

Elsa who had been quiet the entire time looked out the window. "If you say so mother." As soon as Mrs. Roe went back to her tablet, the loop on the leash around her wrist, Elsa mouthed the words.

'Are you okay?'

Anna smiled and gave her the thumbs up. Other than the few seconds her mind panicked when she lost the ability to breath, she was fine. This just meant she was stuck with this old woman.

xXxXxXxX

Anna was surrounded by people, and police officers tried to keep the crowd back. People were throwing questions at Elsa and she kept her head held high the whole way to the stage. Anna was stuck with Mrs. Roe who was letting people coo and pet her.

Never had she been touched by so many people at once, and she did her best to smile at them all. After five minutes of being swarmed Mrs. Roe deemed that Anna had enough and led her to the stage where Elsa was standing behind a podium. She looked calm and she waved at a few of them as well. But her other hand gripped the podium tightly.

Mrs. Roe snapped her fingers and pointed at the ground beside a comfy chair. "Sit." And with a grumpy huff Anna sat. To kill a little time, she worked on fixing a few ruffled feathers.

After a moment the crowd died down a little and Elsa began talking about how she was only a human. That they made mistakes. That what happened was just a lucky seduction. Someone yelled out at that point that whoever the masked stranger was, was a lucky bastard.

A few others wanted the masked strangers head for tricking their favorite person. For taking advantage of Elsa. Anna rolled her eyes, resting her head on her hand, just watching Elsa look regal.

And then Samson was walking onto stage. Where the hell did this guy come from? What was it with him and always butting in? He walked up to Elsa and said that he didn't care for mistakes and that he truly loved her with all his heart. And he hoped that she would marry him.

And the crowd did this disgusting Awww. Anna wanted them to boo and throw something at Samson. Anything to get him off the stage. Elsa looked like she wanted to run, or just sink into the floor.

The crowd started to chant, "Say yes and kiss him!" because what better way to seal your love than with a kiss? Anna moved to stand up but Mrs. Roe had anticipated this and she had the leash wrapped around her arm, making it impossibly short.

With a wheeze and a gasp for air she remained stuck on the ground. Anna knew now why Mrs. Roe had this collar on her. So she wouldn't fuck it up and go over and probably punch the guy out. Or kill him. Sounded plausible.

Samson leaned in, hands on Elsa's elbows and he whispered something to her. Elsa stared at him wide eyed and then she looked past Samson to glance at Anna and she hoped her eyes said sorry. Elsa gave Samson the prettiest smile and she said in a clear voice.

"Yes. Samson I will marry you." Anna died a little inside. Why did she say yes? Why couldn't she say no? What the hell did he say to her? And then Samson was kissing her, keeping Elsa in her spot by wrapping his arms around her.

I told you he wouldn't stop. In one day he has made more of a claim on her than you ever had. Shame isn't it? Voice was laughing at her pain, and she felt like her body was being drained of feeling. Like something was sucking the strength from her slowly.

Mrs. Roe leaned down, whispering to Anna. "I want you to give up on Elsa today flier. After today, Elsa is going to be Samson's fiance. With her marrying him, I will have the product our company needs to move on with our plans. You will not screw this up. If you play it nice, maybe Elsa will divorce him. For now I need this deal to push through. What better way to get that by marrying the son to the owner? Not to mention no one will care about the masked stranger incident. I have perfectly moved the attention to something better. Genius isn't it?"

Anna didn't answer, she let herself drown in the cheer of the crowd, let her eyes soak in the sight of the worlds perfect couple. Samson who held Elsa by the waist and waved to the cheering crowd. Elsa who had a small half smile on her face. They looked like that magazine couple people read about and dreamed of being. All perfect for one another.

Anna laughed suddenly and Mrs. Roe looked like she hadn't expected that.

I knew the crowd would cheer to see Elsa with him. I just didn't think I would ever have to see it. And so soon.

XxXxXxX

Anna was stuck by Mrs. Roe's side after the whole thing ended. Samson remained glued to Elsa and he talked with reporters with her. He answered questions about how long he had known Elsa. Or was last nights date a way to ask her to marry him in private, and this was the public affair?

Lies lies lies. Shut up all of them.

Anna ignored it all. She was sad, but Elsa didn't love the guy so it wasn't like she was worried. Not by that much. "Mrs. Roe, may I go inside that store there? I just want a minute away from the crowd. Please?" Mrs. Roe patted her arm, unhooking the leash.

"Of course, take your time." Anna knew she was being nice because she was probably feeling like she won. Maybe she had. Anna couldn't just walk up and announce that Elsa was hers. That would backlash pretty bad. Maybe Mrs. Roe was counting on it, because then with Elsa getting married she would look like a crazy lonely flier whose love went past pet and owner.

Anna went into the alley way next to the store, and the people didn't notice her. She pulled out the Guardian phone and called Kristoff. He picked up after a few rings.

"Anna! I suppose since you are calling you have more information for us?" Kristoff asked, his voice broke up a little but then it cleared near the end.

"Yes. I think. Mrs. Roe is wanting to join up with a military company. They make guns. Carter something.. Sort of fishy for what Mrs. Roe does. They make fliers, what would she want guns for? She said it was part of a plan." Anna glanced over her shoulder and moved further into the alleyway.

Kristoff sighed into the phone. "Shit. This must have to do with Doctor Stone wanting to be president. How he could work that out, I have no idea. But there definitely is something going on. Eugene turn that up!" A grumble in the background then the sound of cheers echoed. Kristoff and them must have been watching the news about Elsa.

"Anna, Elsa is leaving to visit someplace with Samson in a few days. It's just announced. Go with them and see if you can listen in on any information. I assume they are going because they are getting married. But you make it sound like there is no deal between the companies. So if they strike a deal then I need you to be there to learn what it is exactly that that Roe wants. Can you do that?" Anna gulped, she could. But that meant dealing with Samson and his googly eyes at Elsa.

Could she stop herself from doing anything? Like say kicking his face in?

Another thought lifted its ugly head.

What if he tries something and you aren't there?

"Anna?"

"I'll do it. I'll get this for you. But then I want answers. I want to know a little more about your plans. For Doctor Stone and such. No more patting me on the back and sending me to find more information. I want to know. Alright?" She bit her lip, waiting for the answer. Waiting to see if he would allow it.

..

"I can do that. I'll find a way to pick you up for a day and take you to see the plans. Don't ask how, but know I will get it done. For now. Get ready for a minor trip."

"Perfect. I refuse to stay in the dark any longer. I hate it." She hung up after that, shoving the phone back into her pants.

A familiar heavy feeling in the back of her mind.

You love the darkness, don't lie.

That's true. Its comforting. I find you there all the time.

Of course, because I will always wait for you there tiny creature.

And she smiled to herself, canines just a little longer, eyes flashing a beautiful forest green then they returned to their original teal color.

XxXxXxXx

After the marriage announcement Samson took them all to a dinner. More like a victory dinner. How much was this guy going to rub it in Anna's face? Even worse Samson sat right next to Anna in attempt to get to know her more.

Why?

Because he believed since she was Elsa's pet, and since Elsa was going to be his wife, he might as well get friendly with her. Anna would have rather stabbed herself with a fork ten times over, but here she was. Elsa across from her. Samson to Anna's left, and Mrs. Roe was to Elsa's right.

The waiter took their orders and Anna wished she could have ordered the strongest drink. That way at least she could numb the feelings of her hate away. Anything to make this fly right by.

I can be your drink. I can numb the feeling away. Would you love that? How could Voice do that? He sounded so convincing though, like he was already drugging her.

Relax. Feel that there? She could feel a tapping in her head, and she jerked, her knee thumping against the table. All eyes were on her, and Elsa looked worried. Like maybe she thought Anna would snap at any moment. That hurt almost as much breaking her wing. She wasn't going to attack Samson or anything.

She hunched her shoulders, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry. I felt like something scratched me. It just surprised me. It won't happen again."

One more time. Just let me in. And so she did, she felt like she had fallen into a fog, or a haze. Every movement wasn't her own. She heard a pleased laugh, and she watched her own hands reach for the water and drink. She couldn't feel it go down her throat. It was strange, like someone else was controlling her.

She was content to sit and watch, all she would need is some popcorn and she was set..

Samson clapped her on the back, "So… Anna. Tell me about yourself."

Forest green eyes locked onto Samson and she gave him a toothy smile, fangs flashing. "Like what sir? There isn't much to me at all."

Samson tilted his head looking slightly confused. Wasn't her eyes normally a teal?

"Tell me anything. I want to know more. You do belong to my fiance. I can tell she loves you very much. Better see what my competition is." He chuckled like he made his own joke up.

How much would he laugh if he knew?

Anna chuckled along with him. "No competition here sir." She leaned back in her chair, hands folded behind her head. "But if you must know, all I am is a good pet. I belong to Elsa and no one else. I want to know more about you. What can you tell me about you? You are much more interesting. I love the whole military company thing." Her voice even sounded strange, smoother like velvet. A little more deep, and the way she held herself. More arrogant, and the only two to catch on was Elsa and Mrs. Roe.

Samson smiled wide at her, looking very pleased, he was oblivious to the change in Anna. Of course. The conversation was back on him, and about him. She listened to Samson ramble on about his father's life's work. Anna didn't really glance at Elsa or Mrs. Roe. Voice kept her focused on pleasing Samson and getting in his good graces.

Anna felt the fog start to clear, and she felt the pressure of Voice start to strain and then fade.

I did my best for as long as I could. This is very taxing. A little more practice and soon I can numb the feeling away anytime you want. For as long as you want.

The presence left and she jerked a little when the plate of food was put in front of her. The green in her eyes faded back to the teal. Her heart was pounding and her limbs felt heavy, even her mouth was dry.

With a shaky hand she reached for her water, and she proceeded to chug it down. Much to Mrs. Roe's chagrin.

"Anna manners. You shouldn't chug water down. Excuse her Samson." Mrs. Roe tried to smile it off and Samson shrugged.

"She's an animal ain't she? It's okay for her to get messy. You don't expect a dog to know all human things do you? Animals can't do everything we can."

Elsa narrowed her eyes, "I would like it if you wouldn't treat her like so. She may be an animal, but she is mine. I get to insult her. No one else."

Samson's smile dimmed a little and he didn't look happy to be spoken to like that, but the look passed and he smiled at her. "Of course. My apologies. Another water for my flier friend here." He snapped his fingers and pointed to Anna.

Anna chugged that water down too and hoped she wouldn't pass out from exhaustion.

XxXxX

"Anna you don't seriously want to sleep in the floor do you?" Elsa looked cautious of Anna who fell to the floor on the same pile of blankets. She did have the right, since yesterday her asking that ended up in sex. And a bruise on her wrist.

"I do. I need to get used to being away from you. Since you know. … you're getting married and all. I give up on life for today. Told you they would cheer Elsa." Anna pulled the blanket over her head, not bothering to change out of her formal attire. Voice had left her exhausted and confused. Did Voice take over her body? Or was she still losing her mind and just thought she was being controlled.

Elsa lifted the blanket enough to see Anna's eyes. "What happened to you earlier? You were acting so strange. Your eyes changed to another color. Green. And you don't have to give up. Just because i'm getting married to Samson doesn't mean I automatically have to have sex or do anything with him. This is the modern times Anna. I can have a platonic marriage."

Anna lifted her head a little, and Elsa could see the frown on Anna's face, the blanket had slumped over her eyes. She didn't want to talk about what happened to her at dinner. "What did he say to you? Why didn't you say no?"

Elsa looked at the wall behind Anna. "He told me that he would help convince his father to work a deal out. And a few other things. He said that you were being looked for. Heard news that Doctor Stone was missing something important. And he suspected it was you." Elsa lifted the blanket from Anna, lifting her arm. She ran her fingers across the tattoo, and she looked at Anna.

"Anna tell me where you came from. Don't just say the labs. I want to know." Elsa looked scared and Anna couldn't look her in the eye anymore. The truth? Yeah she could give her part of it.

"I.. I really am a failed experiment. I did come from the labs. Somewhere out there. I was born there and Lovdahl was the only kind scientist to me there. She's.. like a mother to me. I guess Doctor Stone wanted to make a female flier but obviously I'm no girl. Not a real one. They were being shut down. Or at least that branch of the labs. So Lovdahl set me free. They were going to kill me." Anna shut her eyes feeling bad for getting angry at Lovdahl. Lovdahl who was only kind, but Voice said she was bad.

"And then I flew away. Far far away. I found you, or well you found me. It's why I ran when I dropped you at your party. Stone couldn't recognize me. I don't know what he would do to me. I am A117 the failure Elsa. Now you know. I think there is a reason why he wants me back. Maybe just to kill me, or maybe for.. I don't know."

Anna sat up and she glared at the tattoo, it forever marked her a failure. Elsa grabbed both of Anna's hands. "You are no failure. Not to me. I'm glad I said yes to Samson. It means you are safe. It's my sacrifice for you. I was going on a fifty fifty chance when he told me that you were being looked for. I will marry him, get that deal and then.. I'll find a way to keep you safe until I inherit my mother's company. I'll look through the files under female fliers and I will erase you from the system. Then I will divorce him."

Anna smiled at her, that marks the first person to ever think she wasn't a failure. And not because she was A117. But because she was Anna. Elsa didn't say she was the key, or that she was special because of some mark. And that was enough for Anna.

"Where do you think Samson will take you tomorrow? Can I go?"

Elsa smiled and hugged Anna. "I'll take you with me. Even if I have to fight Samson for it. With my luck he will take me some place that requires airplane flights."

AN: Yeah sorry for the two day delay. I brought my brothers laptop with me to my grandmothers house (i'm staying with her for a couple of days) And I forgot his charger for it. It died and I have been using my Grandmother's computer. Note this thing is hella old. Like paint dries faster than this thing can go.

Love the reviews I get! Seriously I do! I look like a dork because I grin like an idiot and feel all giddy knowing I got some review. I don't care if its a critique. I love reading them all.

If there is any errors in here I apologize. My grandmas computer is hard to read. You have to squint to get past the buzz line through it.

Tomorrow I am going to LegoLand with my family to celebrate yet another birthday. It's like birthday central here so probably no update tomorrow.

Next chapter is all about going somewhere with Samson and chilling with him.

I will SEE you in the NEXT CHAPTER. Bye.

FUN FACT and maybe a bit of a SPOILER below. read that at your own risk.

Next chapter may be the last we ever see of Samson. Dun dun dun?