Note: Queen Quiver was originally created by Warrenfire (used with permission), but Vanessa/Ice Princess is my OC.

Sky High: The Series

Christmas Special

Snow Ball Fight

Part 2

"Warren," said Will as he knocked on the door to the Peaces' apartment, "are you there? Come on dude, you haven't been to school in three days and nobody has any idea about what's going on. There's already talk about suspending you."

There was no answer, but Will continued pounding on the door, getting irritated but trying to keep his super strength under control or he'd accidentally smash it.

"Warren, I'm your friend," Will called, "I want to help if anything's wrong."

There came the sound of footsteps on the other side of the door, followed by the turning of several bolts and the unlocking of the door.

"Alright," said Warren, throwing the apartment door wide open, "you really want to know what's going on? Come on in and see."

Will hesitated at first, but finally decided to step into the apartment. Everything looked all right, nothing was out of place. So what was Warren so upset about?

"Go on," said Warren, "go into the kitchen and see."

Totally puzzled, Will did as he was told and saw a girl sitting at the table. He was instantly struck by how she looked with dark features and long black hair with white streaks. She looked up at him with a nervous smile, but dropped her eyes when Warren entered the room behind Will.

"Uh…hi," said Will, noticing the obvious tension between his best friend and this familiar looking girl. "I'm Will Stronghold…a friend of Warren's."

"Stronghold?" said the girl. "As in "Commander and Jetstream" Stronghold?"

"Yeah," said Will, "they're my parents."

"Knock it off Stronghold," said Warren, "you want to know who she is? Go on and ask her."

"He doesn't have to," said the girl, scowling in a way that made Will take an involuntary step backward. "My name is Vanessa Von Froste…but that's my mom's last name. My REAL name is…"

"Don't say it," said Warren in a way that seemed half warning and half pleading.

"My name SHOULD be and WILL be Vanessa Battle. I'm Warren's sister."

Far in the Arctic, further than anyone had ever traveled without protection, was an enormous castle chiseled from the surrounding ice. Though a beautiful sight, what lurked within was anything but beautiful. All about were what appeared to be knights wearing armor made of glistening ice, wielding weapons of the same material. All were there as guards, warriors and servants of the ruler of the castle and, technically, the vast frozen land beyond.

In the castle's heart was the throne room, a vast chamber of crystalline stalagmites and stalactites all polished to a mirror finish. In one corner was a crystal perch of enormous size on which sat a huge bird that looked like an eagle with feathers of white and blue that glistened and shimmered. The throne itself shone like a diamond, creating a rainbow of colors from the refracted light, and upon the throne sat a vision of cold beauty.

Her white hair, held out of her face by a glittering tiara of diamonds, flowed down to her shoulders, which were bare as were her arms save for white opera gloves. She wore a turquoise gown that reached the floor as well as white slippers that seemed out of place in the doubtlessly slick-floored palace. Her contemplations were disturbed by the approach of one of the knights, who stopped and kneeled at the foot of the throne.

"Your majesty," said the knight in a strangely hollow voice, "the princess has been found."

"I am assuming," said Queen Quiver in a voice that was like a wind off the ice, "she is exactly where I thought she would be?"

"You are correct," said the knight, "she has gone to Maxville, and even now is in the home of your enemy, Firedancer. Shall I dispatch a hailstorm of your knights to retrieve her?"

"No," said Queen Quiver, a wicked smile crossing her face, "have every knight prepare for immediate departure to Maxville, but they are to remain on standby to leave at a moment's notice. It will only be a matter of time before I return to my old territory and show them how cold a dish revenge can be."

"WARREN HAS A SISTER?!"

The echo of what was shrieked bounced down the hallways, making Will jump and motion for Layla to be quiet even though it was obviously far too late.

"Yeah," whispered Will, "at least a half-sister. They have the same dad."

Layla's eyes grew wide as she realized what was said. "You mean his dad…"

"With his mom's archenemy…one of them anyway."

"It couldn't be the witch," said Layla out loud to herself as she opened her backpack and pulled out a reference book for Heroic History 101, "she's happily married with kids about our age. Did you say this girl…"

"Vanessa," said Will.

"Vanessa," repeated Layla, "does she have any cold powers by chance?"

"Yeah," said Will, 'and she can fly too…just like Warren's dad."

"So this must be her mother," said Layla, having found the article she was looking for. "Queen Quiver, Class 5 cryonic…" she then showed Will pictures of the identified villainess, and he whistled as he looked at both her cold beauty and her history.

"Definitely a bad one," said Layla, "she was even a founding member of E.V.I.L.…the Enclave of Villains and International Lawbreakers. She fought not only Warren's mom, but also your parents…wow, nearly EVERYBODY'S parents who were members of the Honor Guard."

"I really need to start paying attention in history class," said Will, "or maybe actually listen to Dad when he talks about the "old days"."

"I can't believe that Warren's dad actually…you know…with her," said Layla. "He was the first one to actually defeat her in a public battle…fought her a few more times in the wars between the Honor Guard and E.V.I.L."

"He did go bad," said Will after first quickly looking around to make sure Warren was nowhere around to hear him, "and I guess crazy too. Maybe he did…"

"No," said Layla as if her words were set in stone, "he did a lot of bad things and hurt a lot of people, but I don't think he'd hurt his family that way."

Will could only smile at Layla for her faith in a man who she at first knew only as a legend until she met and befriended his son, then when he refused to harm her and the other sidekicks…even though he had no trouble blasting Will.

"What's up guys?" asked Ethan as he and Zach sat down on the bench with Will and Layla. Ethan looked as chipper as ever while Zach looked anything but happy. He was no longer sick from nearly over dosing on his mom's fruitcake, but looked like something was bothering him even worse.

"We're talking about Warren's sister," said Layla, "actually half-sister, but I guess that's not the issue. Anyway I'm not so sure she is his sister. Sure they may look alike, but there's lots of instances where totally non-related people can resemble each other…"

"No big guess what you're talking about," said Warren as he seemingly appeared out of nowhere and had obviously overheard what Layla was saying.

"Hi Warren," said Layla, blushing slightly, "we were just…"

"I'm sorry," said Will, "I couldn't keep my mouth shut about Vanessa. It's just so wild to suddenly find out you have a sister like that."

"Especially who her mom is, right?" said Warren slumping down in a spot on the bench.

"Are you sure she's really…"

"Yeah, we ran a quick blood test and she tested positive for…well, let's just say there's a little genetic quirk in the Battle family genes that she has…along with me, my uncle, aunt and…dad."

Everyone was quiet for a moment as the news sunk in, but only for a moment.

"So how's your mom taking it?"

"Gee," said Warren sarcastically, "she thought it was just great I have a sister without her having to put any work into it. How you do you think she took it?"

Warren instantly regretted the way he spoke to his friends, as he knew they only wanted to help, but what could they possibly do?

"Look guys," he admitted, "I appreciate your concern, but there's nothing you can do to help right now. Just go on back to planning for the stupid dance…"

"And what's YOUR problem," said Warren as he noticed how glum Zach looked.

"Maj isn't going to the Ball with me," said Zach, "she's going with bird boy Darryl."

Warren remembered all too well when Darryl had asked Magenta to the Ball, as he had been right between them when it happened. He was surprised that Magenta had actually agreed as he knew both and didn't see how the two could get along.

"So what are you telling me for?"

"Well," said Zach, finally getting the nerve up to look Warren in the eye, "I was wondering…if it's okay with you…"

"If what's okay with me?"

"Can I ask your sister?"

Everyone standing nearby and having heard what was just asked nearly immediately fled the area screaming. Even Zach realized that maybe he had finally screwed up big time for the last time as Warren got the weirdest look on his face, then did something that scared Zach even worse.

Warren actually smiled, then put an arm around Zach's trembling shoulder.

"Dim bulb," said Warren, "I think you just gave me an idea…"

Warren came home and found Hellene and Vanessa going over family albums, which really surprised him. He was still amazed at how well his mom had taken the news that Vanessa could indeed be his half-sister. Though naturally she had been shocked at first, she had been very civil and even opened her home to the girl who was the daughter of one of her greatest enemies. She simply explained to Warren that it was not her fault she was in the situation she was, and if she were indeed who she claimed she was, it was their responsibility to give her a chance and teach her about her father.

Warren stood in the doorway for several minutes, watching them. They strangely seemed so natural together, as if Vanessa had been around all the time. He shook his head to clear it, and finally let his presence be known by entering.

"Hi firefly," said Hellene to her son, "we were just looking at some old photos of…we were just reminiscing about…the past."

Warren could see they were looking at articles and pictures of Barron Battle, both in and out of his super identity of "Thunder Man" that seemed like a million years ago. He tried to ignore them as he sat down at the table.

"I was just thinking," Warren said to Vanessa, "maybe it's time you got to meet some more of my friends…they aren't all as goofy as Stronghold."

"That would be wonderful," said Hellene, "we could have a movie night and order pizza and…"

"Mom," said Warren, "I actually have something a little bigger planned…"

The night of the Snow Ball arrived, and as the city below rested under a fresh blanket of snow, Sky High floated above the cloud cover, looking like a star in it's own right with only the full moon outshining it. Classes had dismissed for the holidays the day before, and the kids were ready to have one last good time before classes resumed after the first of the year. Already several of them had arrived and the dance was just starting up

Rising up from the lightly snowing sky below came Darryl, dressed in an entirely white tuxedo and looking like an angel. In his arms he gently cradled a black and purple guinea pig that resumed her true form; Magenta was a stark contrast in her entire black ensemble, but was nonetheless absolutely beautiful. Arm and arm they walked into the gym, which had been transformed into an almost magical place with countless shimmering stars, streamers of reflective silver, and a gentle fog rolling across the floor. Several of the others were already there, and the couple, still holding hands, joined them.

"Hi guys," said Layla, dressed for once in something non-green; a blue sequined gown and matching shoes, and her hair had been done in a flowing cascade of red that went down her left shoulder. "It's great you're here."

She was talking to Magenta, but still couldn't keep from glancing over at Darryl. It was just strange seeing him there instead of Zach.

"First homecoming then this," said Magenta, "I guess I'm getting to be a real social butterfly. And I see your boy cleaned up really good."

Magenta was referring to Will, who joined them with punch for himself and Layla. He was dressed in a standard tuxedo, but the second he handed Layla her punch he started tugging at his tie.

"Stop that," said Layla as she swatted his hands away from his tie, "I'm NOT going to retie that thing if you undo it again."

"If you hadn't tied it to so tight the first five times I wouldn't have undone it," whined Will, "you're as bad about tying these things as my mom is."

"You should have gotten a clip-on," piped in Ethan, who was wearing an orange tuxedo, "that way there wouldn't be any problem with it."

"There's no way my date would wear a clip-on," said Layla, "when Warren was with me at homecoming he tied his own tie and looked very dashing." Layla almost squeaked as she realized what she had said and the way the others were looking at her. She then saw her way out when she spotted Ethan was also carrying two cups of punch.

"Uh Ethan," said Layla, "I see you have two cups…do you have a date?"

"Yep," Ethan beamed with pride, "she's right over there."

As one they turned to see Ethan's date, almost blinked simultaneously, smiled at her, then turned back together.

"You…brought…her?" said Magenta, the look on her face one of stunned disbelief bordering on laughing.

"Hey," said Ethan, "she's a really nice girl once you get to know her. Now if you'll excuse me I've got to get her drink to her."

The others watched as Ethan scampered over to his date; she was a full foot taller than him, and at least three feet wider. Her ample form was stuffed into a deep purple dress, and several bracelets clinked on her thick wrists. Her brown hair was up in a beehive hairdo, and she smiled at Ethan's return, revealing a mouthful of braces that gave new meaning to the term "grill work" as she looked at him through the thick lenses of a pair of glasses.

"So Popsicle asked out Big Bertha," smiled Darryl, "guy's got courage, I'll give him that."

"What does that mean," said Layla as Will rolled his eyes preparing for one of her little speeches, "just because she's not some anorexic little thing with perfect hair and teeth she's someone to be afraid of?"

"No," said Darryl, "I mean when it comes to the dancing. Bertha's not exactly light on her feet…that's her sidekick power…and if she trips she might…you know."

"I think Ethan's the last one to worry about getting squished," piped in Will.

"Besides," said Darryl, "I'm not going to make fun of Bertha. She may be a sidekick, but she's also my cousin."

"Oh," said Layla, actually feeling her cheeks blush in embarrassment at what she said. Her shade of red paled in comparison to Magenta, who was ashamed she had made the comment she did.

"Whoa," said Will, noticing who was entering the gym, "take a look at that."

Everyone turned and saw the lightly glowing form of Zach; his hair slicked back and dressed in a neon yellow tux that hurt to look at for too long. But it was who was with him that really made everyone take notice.

Vanessa was wearing a beautiful turquoise dress that revealed her shoulders and hugged her figure as it swept to the floor. Her long dark and white streaked hair had been styled and slightly curled with little bits of glitter that were actually tiny ice crystals. She looked shyly out at the crowd, clinging onto Zach's arm like it was a lifeline. Everyone was so interested in seeing her that no one noticed Warren, once again dressed in his father's old tuxedo, slip in behind her and make his way to the crowd. He seemed to enjoy the way everyone was watching Vanessa, as if he was proud of the way she drew the attention.

"Yo dudes," yelled Zach, totally breaking the spell of Vanessa's entrance as they made their way through the crowd to join Will and the others. Magenta didn't know how to react seeing Zach with Vanessa; she had heard about Zach asking Warren for permission, but didn't think he'd actually say yes, much less that Zach would actually show up with her and her looking so beautiful. She had said yes to Darryl because he asked her first, and Zach hadn't asked her at all, and now she didn't know how she felt.

As if sensing her quandary, Darryl took Magenta's hand and, without saying a word, led her to the dance floor where he unfurled his wings and wrapped them around her in a gentle hug as they began to slowly dance.

In response Will took Layla by the hand and they joined the growing crowd of dancers on the floor. All were under the watchful eye of the faculty members, including Principal Powers and her "date" Coach Boomer. Mr. Boy was conspicuously absent as he was at home helping his wife take care of their three kids, who had all come down with the flue.

Warren only stood against one of the walls, watching the dancers. Except for him chaperoning Vanessa, this was turning out just like Homecoming; everybody dancing and having a good time while he stood on the sidelines, ever the outsider looking in.

It was then that the roof suddenly exploded inward, showering everyone with pieces of building material that had been rendered as brittle as glass by the intense cold unleashed on it. Though no one was hurt, they were still stunned and surprised as a horde of what appeared to be knights made of glass flew down through the hole and began landing with their wicked looking weapons drawn. Everyone was also surprised as, with a blast of arctic wind, Queen Quiver lowered herself into the auditorium on a cushion of freezing air.

"So this is the legendary Sky High," she said with an imperious sneer, "I was thinking it would be more…interesting."

To Be Continued