AN: Whoo-hoo! We're getting closer to the end, and I actually have an idea on how to finish it! Thank you to those who have kept up with the fic and reviewed. You make writing a lot of fun! Enjoy and on with the story!
Where Do We Freeze"How come the bad guys always like changing my clothes," Usagi pondered aloud. "Am I just a giant Barbie doll or what?" First, Prince Diamond had her wear a cheap imitation of the gown worn by Neo-Queen Serenity, and now Lord Winter had her dressed in, well, it seemed like spun water. It shimmered and flowed around Usagi's curves with only strategically placed shadows to prevent her birthday suit from being exposed completely. She had to admit that Lord Winter had better taste in clothes than the departed Diamond, but wearing a water dress in an ice palace was not the most comfortable of fashion statements. The sound of the elevator announced Lord Winter's return. His eyes glowed with pleasure as he took in Usagi's new look.
"Magnificent." He casually flipped her transformation brooch onto the massive bed. "My scientists have deemed this trinket of yours 'safe.' As long as you promise not to use it to change your clothes back to that sailor get-up, you may keep it with you." Usagi was stunned. Didn't this guy realize that he'd just returned the most powerful weapon in the Universe back to the only person who could rightfully wield it? Apparently her disbelief was easily seen in her face because Winter laughed. It sounded like an avalanche giving way overhead.
"Don't look so surprised, my love. That slack-jawed expression doesn't suit you at all." He barely flicked his left index finger and Usagi found herself floating closer to him. His lips were only an inch away when he spoke next in a low whisper. "The Silver Crystal is nothing when compared to my Black Heart."
"Your black heart?"
"Black Heart," he corrected against her lips. "It will make the Universe our playground studded with ice diamonds that were once called planets." The hint of madness that Usagi had sensed before was back in the iceman's eyes. Hurry guys, she silently pleaded in her head as his lips sealed upon her own. As if in response to her distress, the ship floor bucked beneath Lord Winter's feet and he went flying across the room. Usagi, freed from the levitation magic that had kept her floating above the floor, rolled and dived to grasp her brooch from the nearby bed. The golden locket's touch seemed to warm her where Winter's kiss had sucked the heat from her body.
"Pervert," she yelled over her shoulder as she scrambled towards the exit.
Dazed, Lord Winter watched as his blonde fiancé raced across the huge room. An instant later, she came to an instant halt as the magic woven into her dress kicked in. Usagi swore, as her water gown became a solid creation; trapping her in a position that made a beautiful, if strange, ice sculpture. Seeing the girl taken care of, Lord Winter turned his attention to the minion that came dashing into the room through the servant's entrance.
"My Lord," gasped the scurrying figure. "The earthlings have taken over the engine room! They've stopped the ship!" The last came out in a high-pitched voice that made Lord Winter's ears hurt.
"Silence," he shouted, pleased when the minion prostrated himself upon the floor. "Activate all drones and have them meet me at the engine room. I have had enough." Turning to face his frozen lady, Winter smiled. "It is time I demonstrated my Black Heart. Be a good girl and wait right here for me."
Alone, Usagi began to assess her situation. The gown had frozen in such a way that her left leg was caught about a foot off of the floor and her right leg was balanced on the ball of her toes. The points where the dress touched the floor served as the weight bearing supports for this awkward position. The sleeves of her gown kept her arms in their swing arcs that she'd been making as she sprinted. She was considering trying to activate her brooch that was frozen into her fist, but a step sounded behind her. Unable to turn her neck, Usagi wildly rolled her eyes to catch a glimpse of who was behind her.
"Do you think you'll thaw by spring or should I have someone sent to fetch rock salt?" It was the high-pitched voice of the minion who'd entered earlier. She'd assumed he's followed Lord Winter out.
"Look, buddy. If your Master has his way, I'll be your Queen in a bit. Try cutting the sarcasm," Usagi bluffed. The minion laughed.
"What makes you think, you'll be here when he gets back?" The voice slowly lowered from the squeal it had been set in.
"Trowa," she yelled as his familiar face came into view. He made a shushing motion.
"We've got to get out of here before he figures out that his reinforcements aren't coming. The others are finishing up the engines while I get you out of here."
"Is Wufei with the others?"
"No, we've yet to find Minako and Quatre either. Let's hope that they're all together."
* * * *
It was at least a quarter of the ship's mass. It seemed that Minako could literally watch the blackness growing, trying to consume the very ship that cradled it. "What is it?"
"Pure evil." It hadn't been Usagi the drones were trying to protect from the three fighters. With the remains of ten androids crackling about them, they stared up at the massive tumor that beat with its own pulse. Waves of negativity crashed over them, and only by joining hands and therefore powers could Quatre, Minako, and Wufei remain so close without losing their sanity.
"This is what we're here to face."
AN: Man-o-man, I'm getting melodramatic in my old age. Happy Days, folks! See you next chapter!