Before you read, I have to tell you all that I AM SO VERY SORRY!!! My laptop broke and I had no other means of publishing! I am so sorry for how long this took, but I just got a replacement laptop, so it was the soonest I could get it up! I know a lot of you are probably angry, and I'm prepared to apologize to any who ask for it, but for now, I am so sorry everyone!!! I hope you do not take it out on Marina and her story for my blunder. Please continue to support her, even if you hate me!

Eventually the realization of the length of our embrace dawned on us. We pulled away with awkward smiles, and I quickly squatted to pick up my bag with a blush. Truly I was once again myself, for dropping my precious last gift from mom was indeed a very bold move.

Realizing this sent me into another round of jovial dances as I slung my bag carelessly over my shoulder to let it rest across my bosom. Henry shut the door and moved to lean against the rail. He watched me with a bemused smile, and laughed at my more outrageous moves. After an unusually loud laugh, I turned to him with a smirk and jumped forward. Taking his hands in mine I pulled him from the rail and forced him to twirl with me.

He stumbled as he tried to keep up with my fast pace without looking foolish. It was my turn to laugh as his cheeks darkened. He gave me a look of hopelessness and I slowed my twirls, not sparring him a last giggle. He gave a cross between a laugh and a sigh as he tottered sideways into the rail. I hustled to his side and smiled up at him as he steadied himself. He gave a small embarrassed grin and mumbled, "I was foolish to thing you would cease to make my head spin."

I grinned in pleasure, "I make your head spin?" I could not help but ask. His knuckles turned white as he clutched the rail, "Increasingly, though it accelerated these past few days." My smile faltered. Increasingly? I had assumed he spoke in jest, but what if it was actually a bad thing? He did seem quite ill from my game. I had not meant to harm him...

My expression must have fallen with my mood, for Henry gave a soft, "Oh," before quickly saying, "I meant nothing by it, Marina. Merely that you live a rather...exciting life. Sometimes I fear I cannot truly keep up." He straightened his stance, and ceased to clasp the railing. "Forgive me, I lead a rather...sheltered life in France. In fact, being on the Nautilus is the first time I've been among people as... myself.

I felt two pains as he spoke. One for Henry and his plight. The other was for Edward and his life. For a moment, I wrung my hands together, then I looked into Henry's saddened eyes. Though opposites, they shared this one trait exactly, and I could look at both Henry and Edward through it. Edward did not want the life he lived, but he was resigned to his fate. Henry hated the life he lived, and the regret consumed him because he had caused it himself.

"Were you ever, yourself in France?" I asked him slowly. He gave a joyless smile, "In body, yes. In the day, locked in a room, with many, many lights. " He gave a humorless laugh, "As I am now, never." His gaze left mine to stare out at the darkening water. "Being alone and being with others makes a big difference. I admit I'm rather terrified of what will happen once we defeat M. Even being back in England wouldn't change the fact that I would be alone once again. Will it be like France was?" He asked. He was not talking to me. Nor do I believe he was asking Edward. I believe he was asking himself, and only himself, if he could change things.

Standing there awkwardly, I tried in vain to think of something to change his darkened disposition. All I knew is that I wanted him to stay on the Nautilus, with me. It was a useless thought though, for I could not very well ask him to stay here...

Could I?

Willing to try anything to to disperse his gloom, I touched his hand softly. Slowly his gaze returned to me, and I smiled brightly. "You could always stay here with us till you're ready."

He stared at me intently, and something in his expression changed. I could not read it, but emotion wrung his voice as he said, "I doubt I'll ever be truly ready." It was said as a whisper, like he was telling me a secret. My grin grew less about cheering him, and more about the warmth that was filling my chest.

"Then you can stay forever."

Something sparked in his blue eyes, and as I stared, he began to fall forward. Unsure of what was wrong, fearing he was still unsteady from my game, I reached up and held his shoulders gently. What was he doing?

He froze in my hands, and I felt his warm breath suddenly on my cheeks, saw it mist in front of me. Had it gotten colder? I really could not tell, for Henry was warm in my hands.

"I think I would like that," he mumbled, and I watched his face blotch with red. He was blushing? I grinned at him most fiendishly for I noticed our proximity, and his face grew redder. "Uh, I-"

"-Marina?" Captain's voice sounded from the hallway beyond the closed door. Instantly, like a shot had been fired, we jumped from each other. "S-she's here, Captain Nemo!" Henry called, hiding in the shadows. I quickly felt my own face, and moved to the shadows as well, for the burning I felt no doubt caused a rather red face.

The door opened, and Captain stepped through it and smiled slightly, "Good evening Dr. Jekyll, Marina." I smiled and waved as Henry mumbled, "Evening." Captain stepped forward and said, "We are about to dive, unless you both wish for an unpleasant death, I suggest we all head inside."

Now that I was far from Henry's warmth, I noticed the brisk chill in the air. As my face cooled, goose-flesh rose on my arms and legs. Nodding quickly, I looked over at Henry before hurrying forward. Henry followed, and Captain locked the door behind us. "We shall be arriving at our destination tomorrow morning, I suggest you both head off to sleep."

It was both suggestion and command, and I nodded in understanding. "Sleep well Captain, sleep well Henry," I signed. With a smile I turned from them both and headed down the hall. "Good night, Captain Nemo," I heard Henry say before his quick steps followed. He matched my stride beside me, and we walked in silence until we had to part.

I stopped him, tugging on his sleeve to do so. "Don't forget my offer, alright?" I smiled up at him. He nodded, "I couldn't possibly. Sweet dreams, Marina" he smiled. I grinned widely in return, "And you the same Henry, Edward."

His smile fell, and I could not help but chuckle. His returned as he shook his head, "Night girl, don't worry bout tomorrow, I'll take care of 'em." I laughed fully and nodded, "A relief, I assure you," I teased. With a wave and a final grin at Henry I turned and headed for my room.

I dreamed of the sun.

When I awoke, my room was freezing, and I dressed myself as warmly as I could underneath my covers. When I could finally leave them, I wrapped my sari around my shoulders, put on Allen's hat and draped Henry's tie around my neck.

I jogged to the helm, my sack bouncing against my hip as I attempted to warm my body, and stood beside Captain at the wheel. Captain motioned for me to grab a hold of something, and I latched onto a pipe as the Nautilus began to rise. The ship shook as it fought to break through the ice. I held tight to the pipe and planted my feet, the few men in the room doing the same. The cracking ice fell into the water around the ship with large crashes, breaking more ice in the process. When at last the ship stopped, I released the pipe and hurried to Captain's side.

He looked down at me with somber eyes and said, "Round up the League, we have a journey ahead of us." I nodded and hustled to obey. Jogging down the corridors, I made it to the closest room and knocked on the door. After a few moments a shivering Tom opened the door.

I gave him an awkward (but what I hope was encouraging) smile. He tried in vain to give one of his characteristic huge grins through his chattering teeth. I quickly pulled out my note and quill/ink and scrawled, "We've arrived. Captain wants the League to meet at the helm."

I showed him my message and he muttered, "'K-kay." Felling bad for the warm-weather bred Southerner, I pulled off my sari and held it out to him. I did not understand how the boy could be so cold he chattered, but apparently it was possible despite his many layers. "N-nah, Marina. Thanks but-" I shoved it in his face, trying to stop his protest. He pushed it away and said, "Now lookie here, I ain't takin no girl's...wrap-thing! I-"

I shoved it into his chest so hard he had to grab it to get to his no-doubt throbbing chest. I quickly backed away and waved as I started to jog. I could hear him cursing behind me. He is such a stubborn boy!

I met Mina in the hall, looking much better adapted to the cold than Tom, and I showed her my note with a smile. She gave a small grinned as she read it and said, "I was on my way there now, thank you for the warning, however." She pat my shoulder as she walked by, and I started for my next member.

It took me three sets of knocks before the toad finally opened his door. He stared at me in frustration, before his gaze flickered to his hat. I quickly backed away so he could not attempt to grab it, and he grunted in frustration. "It's too bloody cold to fight ya now," he mumbled, "I take it we've arrived?" I nodded, and showed him my note, without a word he nodded and disappeared back into his room. I chuckled, for while he did not show it as Tom did, Allen must be freezing. He had been plucked from Africa, had he not?

As I headed eagerly for Henry's room Maitreya stepped into the hall from one of the connecting ones. Slowing my pace, I watched him consider going back the way he came, before turning to face me. When I was but a few feet away he all but whispered, "...Marina...." I stopped, and re-guarded him with care. Was I ready to speak with him, or should I give him the cold shoulder and make him earn my forgiveness?

Sighing to myself, I signed, "Have the men behaved?" He blinked twice, then nodded slowly, "Some tease, but the ones who disapprove ignore, so there have been no problems." I gave him what I hoped was an uncaring expression and asked, "Is the teasing in jest or no?" He quickly nodded this time, "Jest."

"Good," I signed, and we stood in an awkward silence that had never before happened between us. It was horrible, and saddening. It was like fate had betrayed us, we who had once been as close as siblings. Looking away, I began to walk past him. What else could I do? I feared I had lost my brother for good.

A few moments later footsteps tread softly behind me and I had little to wonder to figure out who they belong to. Stopping again, I turned and stared at Maitreya. "If you require something, tell me. Otherwise you should continue with your duties." The look Maitreya gave me then quite literally ripped my heart. Pain flooded his face, and it seemed to overflow to a dam behind his eyes. I had never in all the years I had known him ever seen him look so horribly defeated, and it killed me too know I was the cause of it.

"I..." He seemed lost for words, and his gaze fell to his shoe's. "You have every right to be angry, and I don't expect you to ever forgive me. I'm sorry. So very, very sorry for not stopping him. I love Prabir," he said, and the pure honesty in his voice scared me. "-And I acted foolishly because of it. I know leaving you alone would be best for you, but I can't do that-" he finally looked up at me. Tears were now running down his cheeks.

"I still love you too, Marina. "

Every act, every pretense, and every blockade I had assembled imploded, and the force sent tears bursting from my eyes as I stared at Maitreya. That no-good bastard had ruined my attempt to punish him. His honesty had destroyed my plot again. All reserves gone I rushed forward to embrace him, and for a moment I was a child again, hugging my teenage big brother.

Maitreya held me tightly and together we shook in the middle of the hall. For who knows how long we cried, and by the time someone cleared their throat beside us, we were basically soaked from each others tears. Pulling away from Maitreya I saw Prabir and Henry staring at us as though we were two headed monkeys. I bristled once again at seeing them so close to each other, and Maitreya hugged me closer.

"Are you two alright?"Henry asked slowly, unsure of the cause of our tears. I grinned and pulled away Maitreya, who walked over too Prabir (who no longer looked superior) and took his hand. Prabir, no doubt knowing the cause, greeted Maitreya quietly and smiled softly. I looked away and smiled at Henry, bringing my sleeve up to my face, I tried to scrub away the tears and snot quickly. "Marina!" Henry scowled, pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket. He stepped up to me and softly pulled away my arm as he began to scrub my face softly.

Taken aback, I stood still and let Henry wipe my face. Though I would never complain of his touch, I never thought he would be cleaning my face like I was an incapable child. Suddenly I heard Maitreya giggling, and I felt my face heat. Pulling away from Henry I glared at the two lovers as they tried to hide their laughter. Embarrassment fueled me as I tried to take command, "What are you two lazy dogs doing? Go help Captain collect supplies and gear up, you're both coming with the League!"

It was quite. Maitreya and Prabir stared at me as I tried to look menacing. Henry's hand flew to his mouth suddenly as he tried to sniffle a laugh, which sent Maitreya into hysterics and caused Prabir to chuckle (scary, I know). I looked up at Henry and my eyebrows rose at his betrayal. "I-I'm sorry, Marina! You were just so-" He faltered as his own laughter grew. Maitreya made to salute me, only to trip over himself and slam into Prabir. "R-Right away, Captain," Prabir snickered as he pulled Maitreya with him down the hall.

I watched them go defeat, hearing Henry trying to contain his laughter beside me not helping in the least. To try and rid myself of embarrassment I had only caused myself more. Could I not win? Apparently, considering Henry was now trying deep breathing to control himself. He cleared his throat and looked down at me with an apologetic smile, and I sighed grandly. "Was it that horrible?" I asked solemnly. He grinned widely and set his hand on my head, "Yes."

I raised my hands in defeat and motioned for him to follow as he chuckled. He most likely new from last night that we had arrived and so I felt no need to show him my note. We walked without conversation for the longest time. Finally, Henry said, "You know why we laughed, don't you?" I looked up at him and shrugged, not in the mood to guess. "It's because we're used to seeing you happy and in control. Seeing you trying to be forceful when you were so frustrated was, quite simply, adorable," he chuckled.

I felt myself flush at his words, and looked down the hall quickly. "I am sorry," he apologized, trying to make amends. I nodded, and managed to smile, but I could only imagine the torments Maitreya would have waiting when we got back. He would probably start trying to clean my face...

"Ah, Marina, I know this is a bad time but-" He took my shoulder and stopped us. I looked up at him in confusion, and blushed as I saw him bring out his handkerchief again. "I didn't get a chance to finish-" he said as he started to rub the cloth across my face. He was rubbing a lot, was I really such a mess? He folded the cloth and placed it in front of my mouth, "Lick," he commanded.

I gave him an impertinent stare before doing as instructed. After several more scrubs, he finally pulled the cloth from my face and smiled. "There," he said as he pocketed the handkerchief. I felt my face gingerly, and felt the heat. I really must have been a mess... "Clean as a whistle?" I asked humorlessly. He grinned, "Not even close. I did just clean your face with spit. You'll have to wash up properly when we get back," he told me. I stuck my tongue out at him and started the path to the helm once more. He followed along, for his hand was still on my shoulder.

As we walked it dropped, and I could feel his arm brushing against mine. I fought to control the urge to 'accidentally' bump his hand, and fend off a blush at the same time. With control only training had bought, I fought my urges, and we made it to the helm where the League was waiting. The room was also filled with no less than fifteen men, including Maitreya and Prabir. Maitreya had cast his sights on Tom, and seemed to be teasing him about my sari. Tom seemed to steam as he sat there next to a snickering Maitreya, when he saw me he stood up and crossed to me in near no time. His glare seemed weak, but it was there, and he all but ripped my sari off and shoved it into my face. I took it as he turned and crossed over to stand next to Mina. I looked down at my wrinkled sari and could not help but laugh.

"Now that we're all here," Captain stated as he looked over at Henry and I, "I must tell you all this will be a treacherous journey." He turned to his men, "There is a good chance you won't come back. With that in mind, you may choose to stay or come."

None of the men moved. Captain's eyes smiled, and I grinned as well. The crew was loyal and brave, I would be grateful to Captain a crew like them someday. Prabir's hand found Maitreya's, and I felt a pang of envy. Despite that, I could not help but be happy for them, and proud. I had help them stay together, I had helped allow them to be.

"Now that that's settled, come," he motioned to the League, "We shall equip ourselves for the climate..." Captain led us to the stairs to the deck, where several crew members had stacked supplies. On top of the packs were several white, floor length coats. Reaching the jackets first, I handed them out to the rest of the League as Captain climbed the ladder to the deck. Once the League had dawned their coats, they followed. I was about to, when I saw several binoculars on one of the packs. Grabbing three I awkwardly climbed up the ladder, and entered into the horrid cold.

I do indeed believe I hate the cold. I think I shall retire to a tropical island someday, if fact. Until then, I handed the binoculars over to the closest League members (Captain, Allen, and Mina) and stood beside Captain as my cheeks smartened. They looked at the frozen scene before us and Allen announced what the dark figures in the distance were. "Peasant settlements," he said, "Their all deserted."

"Why deserted?" Mina asked. "Fear, no doubt," Captain told her, bringing the binoculars up to his eyes. He handed them to me a few moments later and I stared through them at the snow covered wooded houses at the base of a large mountain. I pulled them down and looked up at Captain as he surveyed the scene. He finally looked down at me and instructed me to get the men quickly. They were to carry the packs of supplies up and then again once we were down on the frozen water. I was also to get the rope ladder.

Hurrying down I found that the men had indeed already set the packs on their backs, and I smiled at them for their brilliance. Inquiring about the ladder, Prabir opened Imam's pack and pulled it out. Imam tensed as he did, and only relaxed as Prabir moved over to me and handed me the tightly coiled ropes. I scolded Imam silently, and smiled at Prabir (who looked shocked). Motioning for the men to follow, we headed up the ladder one-by-one.

Captain took the ladder from me once I was up and securely tied it around the edge as I hid my hands in my sleeves. My breath formed in great puffs as I waited for the crew with supplies to go down first. For several minutes it lasted, and I hid behind the large opening to try and hide from the wind chill. No words passed as the crew descended, just as none passed as the League descended. Mina was let down first, then I, merely because Henry had noticed me hiding and pulled me from my retreat. I knew he was just being a gentleman, 'ladies first' and all that, but I am sure the fight I put up to stay in hiding annoyed him (not to mention Tom and Allen).

Once we were all on the ground, Waman handed Captain his white coat and turban, and there in the freezing snow he changed. As he did, the crew handed the rest of us our white gloves and head covers. They were uncomfortable, but at least they were warm, so we quickly pulled them on. Captain motioned for us to follow him, and silently we did. For several hours we trekked across the frozen iced land. If you became thirsty, you picked up snow and ate it. If you had to pee, well...Let's just say it was not pleasant. Though it hardly matters, I noticed Mina did not go either. I think we made a smart choice...

As we traveled through the driving snow, an small irk in my throat became a constant annoyance. It began when I started to breath through my mouth, for my nose was quite frozen, and worsened as we trekked through the white world. I tried to quench the pain by sucking on pieces of ice, yet even that seemed useless. Indeed, it almost made it hurt more. After several hours of a miserable walk, I finally walked with my hand in front of my face to block the cold from reaching my throat.

Though you could not tell the time by the sky, I was quite sure it was late noon by the time we passed between a crevice in the black mountain. With wide eyes I looked at the large black building beyond the mountain in shock. It spouted fire balls, and clouds of smoke, and I stared at the disgusting structure with disdain. So this was where the horrors were taking place. Somewhere in that building was us, the League, and that bastard Gray. His time was done, that was a sure thing. Whether Captain willed it or not.

Sliding along the base of the mountain, I heard Tom say, "M's summer retreat." I shook my head, and could not bring myself to smile at his joke. "This is where Skinner signaled he'd meet us, so we wait," Allen said, and I rolled my eyes. Wait where, old toad? In the driving snow?

Pain ripped through my shin as I tripped over a very large, very covered with snow rock. I ended up rolling in the freezing snow as a result of the rocks height. As I picked myself up I could just hear Captain and Henry calling my name, but it was almost covered by the wind, which I no longer felt. I had fallen into a cave, and despite the pain in my leg, I was rather glad to have done so. It actually seemed warmer without the wind.

Henry hurried inside and squat beside me, "Are you alright?" he asked. I nodded, yet winced as I pulled up my pant leg. I had a small scrape, but nothing hindering. The small pain in my throat was worse than that. Still, as Captain hustled in the crew and League, Henry held a piece of ice on it. The men set up camp, and started a small fire. They set fire to the few frozen sticks they found and spare cloth, which worked just as well.

Allen took up guard outside, sitting on the very rock which had led me to find the cave. Too cold to care about personal space, I sat right beside Henry to where our bodies touched and huddled inside my coat. For the longest time we waited, and the butterflies in my stomach for the battle to come raged. I am quite sure my mind was mostly on the battle, and that my shakes were only from the cold. However, the fear of what could happen might also be the cause of one. Henry's hand inconspicuously gripping mine where it lay between us could possibly be the cause of the other...