A/N: This took longer than I wanted it to. Not because it didn't know what to write that's never the case. The thing is there's something in this that I may have been building up, but I'm kind of nervous how it might be received. So, yeah that's the big reason. Anyways, here it and hope you guys enjoy.
I never thought I would find myself sitting the icy villainesses car. Yet, there I sat my back against the soft leather of the surprisingly heated seat. In the background played a symphonic metal song by one of artist Elsa liked. Apart from that the car was silent. I wondered what she was thinking about. Probably if we could work together and succeed in this mission. I laughed at myself under my breath never thought I'd ever wind up working with my nemesis, either. The adventure as a hero was full of surprised.
Elsa turned the vehicle and drove down a rather long paved driveway. Rounding the corner sat a large mansion, exotic birds littered the yard, a massive lake sat to the right, the reflection of multiple spotlights shone on the water's surface. She kept driving past the front stairs, where a line of people waited to get through the door and to the party beyond. A few moments she managed to find a spot to park.
I jumped out of the parked car, double-checking my mask, and graciously opened Elsa's door. Holding out my hand and said, "Come on, your majesty shall we have some fun?" She reached out taking mine in her gloved hands, they had just a bit of chill to them informing me that behind her sultry smile she was nervous. Her mask and dress shone under the moon, and the bright spotlights behind her giving her an angelic glow. Walking around the car, she removed her hand, placing it on the upper part of my arm.
"May I remind you, Phoenix this isn't about having fun. We have two jobs find the device and steal it before they can use and . . ." she trailed off, her frigid facade died for a second.
"Before they can destroy you," I finished solemnly.
"Exactly, I don't have much to lose, but there is something–actually someone I can't live without anymore. I should be spending what little time I may have with her, but here I am with you, hero. Try not to waste my time and mess anything up. I am unfortunately and reluctantly putting a bit too much trust in you."
"I get where you're coming from, so don't worry, your majesty. As a hero, and your partner in crime tonight I won't fail you." I simply can't. Failure tonight is not an option. As we walked up the stairs, I gave her a confident smile. "Furthermore, you don't have to worry, though we may be enemies, but I will do my best to protect you 'cause you're my villain. I'm supposed to defeat you, not some crazy guy and his dumb weapon." The sad, disturbing truth about our crazy lives left my lips. Our lives sure have gone into a downward spiral. I wish we could go back to the way things used to be.
Ice Queen looked away, hiding something behind blue eye. "Maybe, you should start protecting yourself before you concern yourself with me."
I didn't know how to retort, something about her words punched me in the stomach. She was hiding something that was either dangerous to her or hazardous to me. Upon reaching the double doors, I tried not to laugh at the two poor guys stuck guarding the entrance. They wore striped tops, the pants were puffy on their thighs and really tight around their legs, holding fake spears they looked uncomfortable and displeased about the ordeal. It was our turn next, Elsa gave one of the men the invitation she had fished out her glove box after arriving. "Well, that's a shame I was hoping we would have to crash in guns blazin'," I teased.
"We're trying to be discreet about this task. Not everything can be solved by rushing into things. A plan like this takes a bit of finesse, " she waved her hand, causing a few snowflakes to shimmer in the air.
"Yeah, discretion," I muttered, "Says the woman who just conjured a little bit of snow magic."
"My mistake, sometimes it just happens. Just remember to do as I say and we'll be fine."
"Yes, your majesty," I mocked bow.
She rolled her eyes, but couldn't quite contain her smile. "You know you can be quite insufferable at times, hero."
Making our descent down the grand staircase, I whistled seeing the extravagant setting. It reminded of one of those medieval castles from that high fantasy show Elsa and I decided to binge watch one weekend. Well, we tried. Being a hero meant being on call twenty-four/seven often gets in the way making normal things difficult. Multiple suits of armor and tapestries hung along the walls. From the stairs. Across the way upon a stage sat a large throne. I could see a large table lined with food, including a boar. In the middle of the room stood a large ice sculpture, what it was depicting I couldn't tell. At the bottom two jugglers were tossing burning torches. Walking along the pristine dance floor some people stared at us and seemed to be whispering. Must be jealous 'cause my 'cause my wife and arch enemy is far more gorgeous than anything else in this room.
"I see he didn't spare any expense this year," Elsa mumbled. "He's proud of this achievement and wants to rub it in as many face's as possible."
"Sounds like the guy is overcompensating."
"Well, there's that, but this man is not to be trifled with. He can afford and pay off anything and anyone. If he wants something badly enough Duke will go to great lengths to get it," she said darkly. "I hope this plan works."
Her hand squeezed my arm. "I have faith that this will work. You're the Ice Queen it's going to take more than a silly machine to defeat you."
A soft, seductive smile returned to her lips. "Your optimism might be your greatest power ever though it does make you seem naive and cocky, Phoenix."
"What can I say in the darkest times I create a light producing a guiding fire to fend off the daunting shadow of evil." Hero cheese at its finest.
"I guess that is one way of putting it," she hummed.
Once we were beyond the dance floor, someone stepped in front of us. Looking up, I met forest green eyes behind a white mask. His posture, and false smile reminded me of Hans. His right hand was behind his back, and he held out his left hand. In a gentle tone he said, "I noticed your radiant beauty from the top of the stairs, my pale angel, and I just had to chance it to ask you for a dance."
Hans or not there was no way in hell I was about to let my wife and my arch nemesis dance with someone else. Jealousy bubbled in my chest and anger flashed in my eyes. Taking her hand, I dragged her away without giving him the satisfaction of an answer. In the middle of the room in front of the ice sculpture sat basin filled with punch. I had a feeling it was tainted with alcohol, but I didn't care at the moment. I poured myself a glass, and began to take a drink glad that it tasted colder than I expected it to. Glancing down I discovered Elsa's hands gripping the punch bowl disgust and fright written on her face, ice danced on top of the liquid. "It's truly awful," she grimaced, her gaze was directed upwards looking at the ice sculpture that loomed over us.
Wondering what she meant, I gazed up finding the lines and shapes on the piece were a bit more defined being closer to it. The sculpture was huge with what looked to be three figures placed on the pedestal. The first was a faceless man, he held a large gun in his hand, his left foot placed over a second figure underneath him, despite not having a face I could tell he was in the midst of victory. The second, the one the man was stepping on resembled a woman judging by its more feminine feature, curves, and what looked like a dress sculpted in the ice. A mask covered her face, a braid was crafted to the point where the ice looked like strands of delicate hair. The outfit she wore seemed to sparkle under the light like diamonds or how fresh snow does under a sunny sky. To my utmost horror, I realized that was supposed to depict Elsa's demise as the villain everyone sees her as. My eyes focused on the last one wearing a mask as well. They were lying on the ground a single hand outstretched, reaching to make one final save even at the possible cost of their life. I had a terrible feeling that this one was meant to be me. "I see what you mean this is really vile."
"Shameless too," she added, looking at her hands, "and it feel as if I'm being mocked."
I could tell that her raw emotions were starting to get to her. I cringed still able to feel the shards of ice stabbing my heart. The pain only continued to get worse as Elsa or the Ice Queen didn't keep them in check from time to time. I quickly needed to calm her down for if she didn't we would risk winding up getting caught if she happened to accidentally freeze the entire room. "Hey, I get that this is disgusting and really foul, but you need to please calm down the room is getting colder awfully fast."
Realization dawned upon her as she noticed the frozen solid punch. "Right, I don't want to be the one who blows this for us.
She began to walk away when I grabbed her hand. "Look, this may be grim, but this is why we're here to prevent this sort of terrible fate from happening in the first place. Plus, if things do go south I will protect you, you may be a villain, but in the grand scheme of it I'm in the same boat with you." In more ways than one. "Plus, your ice magic is far more prettier than this monstrosity."
Thank you," she replied sincerely.
Averting my gaze from the statue, I needed to come up with a distraction for us both. The non-crowded dance floor caught my attention. "Care for a dance?" I asked bowing, and holding out my hand for her.
Ice Queen placed her other hand in my offered one, "I guess I can humor you. Plus, it will give me a decent chance to scout out the area when our time comes." Once upon the dance floor the seductive glint I've come to enjoy returned in her eyes. She didn't give me much of a chance to react as she pulled me into her taking my left in hers, and placing her right on the small of my back. It had been awhile since our alter egos had been this close together. In my ear she whispered, her icy breath sending a chill down my spine, "I'm taking the lead on this one."
"Do as you see fit, your majesty.
The orchestra started up once again playing a haunting tune. The lights dimmed around us. I tried to keep up with Elsa's slow, graceful steps as she somehow kept up with the music. I became lost in her elegant moves, the music, and oddly enough the complete control she had over me. I felt like a puppet on strings, I never really enjoyed playing the submissive in any situation, but this was one of those few times where I had no choice in the matter. At one point she spun me around, pulled me back into her, and dipped me close to the floor. In the low lighting there was mischievous glimmer in her icy eyes that took my breath away. We stayed that way for what felt like an eternity. I hadn't realized the orchestra had stopped only able to hear the blood pounding in my ears. Her face was close to mine, pale pink painted lips formed into a devious smile, in a husky tone she asked, "Having the fun you so desired, Phoenix?"
I wasn't able to answer, my mouth had gone dry, my face was flushed, chest heaving, panting heavily, and my heart beating rapidly in my chest. Our lips were inches apart all either of us had to do was move the tiniest bit and they would meet. Honestly, it was rather tempting, but my cover and her safety always came first above pleasure. The lights brightened up reminding us of where we were. From the other end of the room the sound of a spoon being banged against a glass further brought our attention back to reality.
Ice Queen stood me up, parting slightly, we glanced up to find the man who is responsible for this party and trying to murder my wife: Duke Weselton. I seriously hated the man for several reasons. Upon thinking about them, something in my head clicked. Elsa worked for this man over the last couple of month always keeping what she was working on a secret. A few questions sprung up in my head. Does mean she helped create the very device that could potentially destroy her? Or was she trying to prevent its creation? Whatever the reasons were though I had to trust that her intentions were undoubtedly decent in this matter.
He coughed gaining more of the room's attention. "Thank you all for coming upon this glorious day. For months I have watched this city become host to two powerful and equally dangerous entities. You all know them as the Phoenix and the Ice Queen. One tries to save this fair city, but tends to cause more havoc than good. However, it's the Ice Queen this city needs to be rid of that evil, seductive temptress, who had lured many of both men and woman with her icy charms."
Tell me about it.
"Her actions must be put a stop to before she gains complete control over Arendelle. Which is why I have commissioned the construction of a weapon that will finally free this city from her chilling wrath." He motioned for something to approach. I glanced to my right, out of a hall two men wheeled a cart towards us. Upon it sat a large gun, it looked more like a dangerous version of a squirt gun and certainly not what I imagined. In front of the trigger hung a clear canister, where inside a mini snowstorm swirled. I didn't know or want to fathom how that thing was supposed to kill Elsa. The cart arrived at the front of the room, Duke picked it, "This here is the final solution to the problem," he announced triumph in his voice. Beside him the man who asked Elsa to dance walked out of the shadows. "For this very reason I am entrusting it to a very dear friend of mine, Hans Sutherland." Few people clapped most looked unsure what to think about the ordeal.
Oh shit, I gulped. A hand settled on my shoulder, gripping it tighter by the second.
Removing his mask, he took the weapon in his hands a devilish grin curving his lips. "This is such an honor, sir. My employer, Mr. Arendelle, who sadly couldn't make it, will be happy to hear about this." Elsa's grip got tighter, her nails dug into my shoulder, and an intense wave of cold shot throughout my body. "Before the party carries on, I want to say a few things quickly. First, by this time next week the Ice Queen will be finally vanquished." I gasped in pain as the chill got worse fraying my nerves, shooting into my bloodstream. I could feel the shards of ice in my heart wiggle around. For a moment the room turned black and I thought I was about to pass out from the sheer agony. Thankfully, that didn't become the case as she realized what she was doing, and released me an apologetic look in her eyes. "Finally, after she is gone, our next target will be that insufferable Phoenix," he declared proudly." With that final statement the room dropped a few degrees.
Unable to take much more, I slipped out of the crowd, finding a way outside. The warm night air relieved some of the cold making me feel a little better, and the pain finally fully subsided. However, my head was swimming with a dozen thoughts at once and the weight of Hans words came crashing down on me. A week. That's all the time I have left to either destroy the weapon or lose Elsa forever.
I winced, feeling a hand on my back, turning I stared into Elsa's icy blue eyes. "Time to make our move."
"Okay, I want to do this just as much as you do now."
"Excellent, we'll convene in the bathroom, so you can change into your Phoenix suit. There's a guest one three doors down the hall behind the grand staircase."
"Gotcha, I simply can't stand for this injustice, any longer."
Separating so we wouldn't look suspicious, we meet up a few minutes later in the bathroom. It was indeed a spacious guest bathroom decorated like the rest of the house in Duke's interesting style. Though there was a major problem with the room. There were no places for us to change besides the obvious open space. I didn't get a chance to express my concern about exposing our identities to each other. Not because I didn't already know hers, but this wasn't the time or place to finally reveal my secret to her. A wall of frosted ice formed between us. "You have two minutes. Hope that's enough time for you, hero."
"I guess," I replied, starting to remove the tux Olaf gave me for this kind of occasion. My hero costume was concealed underneath it and the outfit was easily removable just in case I did have to make a quick change. Even if I had to resort to changing in a phone-booth. I removed a pair of gold bracelets from the pockets, I slid them on and they instantly tightened around my wrists. All that was left was to simply pusha button and they would turn into my gauntlets. The only things I was missing were my boots, but the shoes I had on had their own hidden secrets. "Since not everyone can make their clothing from ice."
She laughed, "It's not as easy as you may think. A part of my concentration is dedicated to making sure my ice dress stays intact. If I ever have a lapse in said concentration even for a second I could end up running around the city streets naked. Picture that for a second."
"Don't have to Ice Queen." For several reasons. "Your dress doesn't leave much to the imagination."
She went silent for a second, causing a wide grin to appear on my face.
"What no witty remark?"
"Are you about done?" she snapped. I must have hit a nerve. Not my fault some people think your clothing is a little too risqué for the public. Not that mind seeing me some evil cleavage.
Stepping out of the pants, I readjusted my mask once again. "Yeah, whenever you are, your majesty," I laughed.
The ice wall vanished, the elegant dress she was wearing was gone, replaced by her signature ice gown. Opening the window, she tossed her dress out, I followed by example, seeing both our outfits flutter down landing in a dumpster. She strolled to the door, hand on the knob she met my confident gaze. "Let's move out we have a small window of opportunity while everyone is still busy."
Leaving the bathroom, we stealthily walked along the back wall, keeping to the shadows. Turning down the corridor, where the cart came from there was a large steel door at the end. To the left was another hall meaning there was double the chance of getting caught. "You examine the door, I'll keep watch," I said.
"Don't need to, but I do need a card key," she informed.
"Makes little sense to have such a lack of security for something potentially deadly."
"I doubt this is the only security measure that weasel has. There's bound to be more beyond the door. We'll worry about it though when the time comes."
The sound of heavy footsteps caught my attention. Down the left hall I could make out the shape of a shadow. "Someone's coming. Perhaps they might have a card key."
"That's a possibility. Come here," she ordered, grabbing my hand and dragging me down the corridor we entered. The footfalls grew louder and the shadow on the wall became larger by the second. Leaning against the wall, she grabbed my shoulders, bringing me closer, she whispered, "I have an idea, but it's a little crazy.
"I like crazy," I replied.
"Kiss me," she said firmly. Her words rang in my ears. The man got closer and without a second thought, I leaned forward capturing her lips. It always caught me by surprise whenever the Ice Queen kissed me to either taunt or confuse the hell out of me. These sort of moments have happened three other times, the last being in the warehouse. Aside from the masks and her slight change in demeanor there's really no major difference when kissing her, her lips against mine always felt amazing no matter the circumstances. Even if it puts me in a little danger of her eventually figuring it all out, moments like these made it worth it. She pulled away, "Well, at least you're worth something every now and again." She proceeded to showcase a badge.
Ice Queen walked towards the door. "What no compliment?" I called after her.
Whipping around there was ice in her eyes causing me to frown, she hissed, "I don't enjoy kissing you." Swiping the card key down the slot a green brightening up and we quickly entered. "Be careful," she warned harshly.
A few steps in, the door slammed shut behind us causing darkness to shroud the area. Within a split second several lights, lite up instantly illuminating the room, giving us the chance to see the weapon at the end. I didn't see any traps or cameras in fact, it looked easy enough, maybe a bit too easy. "Okay, there it is, let's get this thing and go," I said taking a step forward.
Hearing a small click, Ice Queen yelled, "Stop you fool."
I froze just in time for in a blink of an eye the room filled up with lasers. "I hate these things," I groaned."
"Agreed, but there should be a button on the other side. Give me a moment and just stay still, Phoenix. They won't only alert people of our location, but could burn you. Don't want your goose getting cooked," she laughed at her own pun.
"Yeah, I understand. Just try not to melt on the way through. A puddle wouldn't make a good enemy." Ice Queen began to weave her way through the laser grid, making it a whole hell of la ot easier than I expected. Though I guess she has a knack for doing such task since the woman walked with grace having a regal air about her. Watching her intently and holding my position, I managed to work up a small sweat. It slid down my forehead, fell off my cheek, hit one of the bright red beams, and I heard a faint sizzle. Guess she was right.
Making it to the other end, reaching for the button, she hesitated making me nervous, "As much as I love to see you in pain, hero, you've been a valuable asset, so far." She hit the button, and I relaxed gaining the feeling in my limbs again.
I rushed over taking the place beside her finding the gun prime for the taking. She gave it a once-over probably checking for a pressure switch or sensor. I looked to her for a confirmation and she nodded. Quickly grabbing the weapon all we had to do was make a break for it. Unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to take another step for the exit when an alarm began to blare. The door opened immediately followed by at least a dozen men rushing in holding guns. In the front of the pack stood Hans, a smug smile on his face. "Phoenix, Ice Queen, what a pleasure it is to see you both here."
"How many men do you think you can take?" I asked gearing up for a fight.
"I think our best bet would be to leave and fight another day."
"Alright." Where exactly can we escape to? I glanced up to see a glass ceiling above us that would give the perfect access to the skies. With a dozen guns pointed at us waiting for Hans' order, I made a quick and hasty decision. One Elsa wasn't going to like. Tossing her weapon, I told her, "Hang on to that and brace yourself."
"Brace myself for what?" she shouted.
"Shoot them," Hans demanded.
Wrapping my arm around Elsa's waist, pulling her tight into me, I hit the button on my gauntlet, and we took off before a hail of bullets could hit us. "Wait, what are you doing you bird-brain?" she shrieked.
Firing off a shot shattering the glass roof, I replied with a smirk, "We're going for a ride." The warm night air greeted us as I flew higher into the sky above the mansion. Once we were a good distance away from the place and Hans, I leveled off to enjoy the flight. Flying around the night skies was so relaxing, it had been so long I almost forgotten what the wind felt like under my wings. "Are you okay, Ice Queen," I asked, glancing down at her with a sly smile
"I will be when we get down," she yelled at me, eyes shut tightly.
"Just keep a hold of that weapon and I'll worry about landing." The dress shoes I had on only had enough fuel for a shorter flight than usual, and smaller rockets. A flat rooftop caught my eyes. "We're going in for a landing."
I started to slow down the thrusters to ease into a gentle landing, when a blast exploded in front of us. "What the hell was that?" Ice Queen asked.
"I think someone's shooting at us." A missile flew past us, it exploded creating a blinding light. Unable to see, I veered to the right. Another one light up the sky and in the mayhem of the attack, I heard screaming.
Once my vision cleared, I saw Elsa plummeting towards the ground. With what little energy was left, I pushed the rockets to maximum power. Reaching out our fingers grazed until I finally grabbed her. The ground got closer, more missile's light up the sky. Somewhere deep within me an intense feeling of cold stabbed through me like a blade made from ice. The last thing I saw was Elsa's frosty blue eyes filled with distress. Then, a flash of white consumed us both before drowning us in darkness.
Sitting up with gasp, I found myself in a pile of snow in the middle of the street. Frantically I searched around, but was unable to see any sign of Elsa, "El-Ice Queen," I shouted.
Not far away she rose up from the snow. "I never want to fly again," she groaned.
"You get used to it. Thanks though for making this snow pile."
She looked at me confused. "I-I didn't do this. I didn't have time to conjure any snow during the fall."
"If you didn't, then who-" I shivered suddenly a chill wreaked through my entire body. Lifting up my hands, I was shocked to see my palms coated with ice. "Wait, what? How is this even possible?"
She couldn't seem to comprehend the situation. She spoke, but it wasn't an answer, "Where's the weapon?"
My problem would have to wait. I had to focus on Elsa's at the moment. Finding the gun a few feet away, I started to go for it. A pair of headlights flickered on stopping me dead in my tracks. Someone got out causing me to fear the worst. Shaking off the feeling of dread, I crawled over barely touching the trigger, then someone picked up the gun. I met Hans' taunting smile, "Sorry Phoenix, today isn't your day, but don't worry. Soon both of you will meet an equally devastating end."
He began to walk away, I stood up on shaky legs. "Don't you dare think my fire will be extinguished that easily, even if I am defeated, I will rise from the ashes."
He smirked wickedly, "We'll see about that."
With nothing else left, he got in the car, it drove away, leaving us in the dimly light street. Craning my neck I began remorseful, "Sorry about losing the weapon, but we'll find a way to get it back okay Ice-" I stopped noticing she was gone. Dropping to the ground, tears of frustration began to well in my eyes upon realizing that I was alone. In an instant all the events and a stinging pain in my legs consumed my thoughts. "I screwed everything up, didn't I?" My attention went to the snow, I had little to say about why, or how I conjured the snow in the first place. My mind ran rampant with questions and thoughts. None of it made sense and I had a terrible feeling this wasn't going to end well for us.