Miracle of the black dream hole

[Seer]

<<Central Park >>

<<The Six gather themselves, don their battle costumes(those who have one), and are finally ready to leave. Harbinger, now carrying her Time Staff, indicates the sudden arrival of another candy ship, back in the same spot where the last confrontation occurred.>>

<< Spellbinder teleports the group there, and while they may have been expecting another round with the dream faerie, they found not only was she not there, but all was quite silent. Only the sounds of nature rang out in the night around the park and the unearthly ship. The Six slowly board and begin to search and investigate.>>

< As they explore the enormous ship, one can't help but wonder if it's actually as edible as it looks and how it could possible survive the inhospitable environment of open deep space!>>

<< Although the ship does not respond to any attempts by Black Widow to control it, Harbinger has a plan to get them going and to help them move through space. But before they do, there's another surprise instore for them.>>


-------------------

<< Somewhere else>>

<< A place where sugary candy coated fantasies meet a cold, technological power beyond earth standards.>>

<< We carefuly move through the large castle and we find within the smooth, gleaming walls, the horrifying site of children, all sleeping inside of black crystal dream coffins, locked in an eternal sleep. Their dreams, and their energy all going toward the service, the power of the black energy field that surrounds the castle with a force so strong it would CRUSH anything that tried to pass through it. ONLY the candy ships are able to move in and out of the field and gain access to the castle.>>


<< Deeper in the castle, up toward the ceiling o f one hall, we find Sharon Kelly, a.k.a. the Silver Swan, locked in a dream coffin herself! She still dreams, BELIEVES that she's been reuinted with Kyle. But some dreams are merely a prelude to the foulest nightmares.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

Never in your wildest dreams

[ In a luxury, highrise, penthouse apartment, Sharon Kelly stands in the stylish kitchen, with those state-of-the-art appliances, and gleaming counter tops, preparing a veggie and cheese tray.>>

[Across the way in the lounge- her husband Robert Kelly, and her subsequent lovers- Gustav, Zachary Armani, and one-time fling Cameron King, all sit around a table, chatting together and enjoying the panoramic view of the city skyline.]

[ Sharon herself is humming softly as she chops up various fresh vegegtables with shocking speed and smooth technique.]

Robert: Everyone I know can't stop talking about it.

Gustav: The Silver Swan received rave reviews in Variety.

Cameron: Come to think of it, the star of the show kind of looks like YOU, Sharon.

[ All the men look at Sharon, who looks up, showing off BLUE EYES, and smiles]

Sharon: Oh I highly doubt that. Stage lighting and an aces hair and make up team can do wonders for a person, and I don't have any of those things.

Zachary: You don't need them.

[ Sharon waves Zachary off with a soft laugh]

Sharon: Snacks will be ready in a minute, boys!

[ She stops cutting and chopping and takes a moment to STRIKE A POSE, holding the utensil she'd been using to chop and cut. The MACHETE, the SAME ONE she'd used to DECAPITATE her G-VIRUS mutated son KYLE in Arklay Mansion, GLEAMS as she looks at it, now with SILVER EYES, with pride and slowly places it back in the knife block. it SHOULDN'T be able to fit in that normal sized knife block, but she slowly slides it in and it fits PERFECTLY!]

[ At that moment]

KYLE: MOMMY!!!

[ Kyle comes running out to the kitchen, toward Sharon]

Kyle: Can I have a snack?

Sharon: I've cut up some of your favorite veggies, honey! Did you wash your hands?

Kyle: Yes mommy!

Sharon: Okay. Here you go!

[ She hands Kyle some freshly cut veggies and as he quickly eats them, Sharon picks up the veggie tray and brings it out to the table where the others are and sets it down. Other snacks and drinks are already on the table.]

[ The men continue to talk about the Silver Swan and Sharon gathers Kyle up in her arms.]

[FLASH!]

Kyle: Mommy? I....I don't feel so good.

[ The sky outside is now gray and overcast. The faint wail of sirens can be heard in the air even from the height that they are at.]

Robert: I keep getting phone calls about a meeting for a project to be financed by the eccentric billionaire, Lord Spencer.

Gustav: I had a meeting with a very strange woman, who asked many questions about my son.

Cameron: My mom....there's something wrong with her, and my sister, she left and I can't find her...

Zachary: I keep having dreams...about a man with intense red eyes. He's bigger than anyone I've ever seen before.

[ Sharon stares at them all, puzzled by what they're saying, as she holds Kyle in her arms.]

Sharon: What's wrong with all of you? Did the play bore you that much?

[FLASH!]

[ The sky is now filled with smoke from fires raging all around. Cameron is gone from the table, missing, as is Zachary. leaving only Robert and Gustav.]

Robert: I have to figure a way out of the mansion! I designed it! I should be able to get through any of the traps and puzzles!!!

Gustav: I looked into her eyes...those cold opal blue eyes. She didn't speak, but I heard her wicked voice in my mind...and I knew this would be my last night alive...

[ Sharon looks at the two men]

Sharon: Oh....okay. You're both taking turns seeing who can be the most dramatic. Well, it's intermission time now and I have a question! Who's going to open the wine?

[FLASH!]

[SCREAMS can be heard outside now. The fires and smoke have risen....and the symbol of MYSTECH now hovers in the sky where the MOON should be! Reports of the "Meltdown" of the Citadle are flashing intermittently on the wall mounted TV, showing horrifying images including ZOMBIES in the streets.]

[ Sharon stares transfixed, until she hears horrid moaning and gurgling sound coming from the table where her husband and friends HAD been sitting.]

[ Her silver eyes WIDEN with SHOCK as she sees her husband ROBERT is now a ZOMBIE CRIMSON HEAD. the chair where ZACHARY was sitting is now occupied by the SUPER SOLDIER. A SKELETON with mere pieces of flesh hanging off its bones sits where where Gustav once sat.]

Oh....my....

[ She shudders with dismay as she looks among the gruesome figures, all looking BACK at HER!]

[ and THEN....the floor-to-ceiling window view is OBSCURED by a LARGE object, a GIANT HEAD belonging to a SENTINEL, MASTER MOLD to be exact! It's beady eye now PEERING into her penthouse and looking at her as well!]

OH MY GOD!!!

KYLE!?

[Kyle's voice is heard, only now it's warped]

Kyle: Mommy....put me down...you're hurting me!

[ Sharon looks down. Her hands and arms are covered with the adamantium armor, but Kyle is gone!]

KYLE!???

Kyle: I'm here mommy....

[ Sharon looks over and sees her son....the G- VIRUS mutated version, sitting in the seat where Cameron sat....his body is in the chair...his HEAD is on the table. The head that SHE cut off with that machete!]

Sharon: No...

[ She backs away as they all stare at her]

NO....

NOOOOOO!!!!

[ She cries out with shock, dismay...TERROR! No longer the beautiful dream...but a HORRIFYING NIGHTMARE!]

[ Sharon....THE SILVER SWAN SCREAMS!!!! ]

[ Her SONIC SCREAM UNLEASHED in the dream AND in waking reality! It causes the dream coffin she's in to VIBRATE, WARP and finally SHATTER! And with that, comes her violent awakening as she screams even more and finally FALLS from the coffin, falls from the ceiling and CRASHES to the floor!]


[The ghostly echoes of her nightmare fill the air, slowly fading after her scream's echoes fade away and She lays on her side. The fall was hardly enough to hurt her, as she is well nigh invulnerable, but she is hurt on a far deeper level and even as she PARTIALLY registers that she's awake again...she begins to CRY. All alone...in the dark.]

 

[Alexia Sheremetyev]

Alexia peered into the room, hiding herself in the doorway, one eye watching intently the black compartment where she had seen them put the silver lady. She could see the lady moving restlessly inside her sleeping place. Looking around her carefully, making sure no one could see her, she slowly crept forward.

Alexia was startled as the lady SCREAMED, breaking the bed she was in. Alexia raised her shield, scared, against the loud noise, but quickly lowered it. The lady was lying on the floor. She crept closer and closer, before nearly pouncing on top of her. She looked down at the lady's face, head cocked to the side inquisitively.

"Do you have a silver mask?"

Her voice changed from questioning to matter-of-fact.

"In the stories, you always have a silver mask."

 

[Persephone]

After an emotional war room meeting, Alison had found another candy ship, ironically in the same place that Alexia had been taken before. The entire group arrived, and though she had seen the ship through Haleigh's live feed, actually seeing it in person was an entirely different experience. Ava's eyes widened seeing the massive vessel made of candy....was this real life? Walking aboard, the 'wood' planks were made entirely of chocolate, and the giant mass was cotton candy lined with licorice. Candy canes, gum balls, M&M's...everything you could imagine made up this ship. But what Ava didn't understand was how the HELL it survived SPACE. Haleigh immediately tried to figure out a way to control it while everyone else, including Ava, began to explore the vessel.

"This. Is. Ridiculous."

She muttered to herself as she drug her finger across one of the caramel coated doors--the semi hard candy sticking to her skin.

"I swear...if an Oompa Loompa appears...."

Disappearing onto the lower decks, the goddess continued to explore, trying to find any sign of Alexia or any other child that had been taken. Honestly, it was hard to even focus on their task knowing that they were literally escorting Delilah to her death. Ava stopped, her mind racing a million miles a minute. She just heard Delilah ask Cameron and Haleigh to raise her daughter. She just watched her friend say she was willing to die without hesitation. HOW was this happening? After all the bullshit that had happened since Alexia was given to Ororo, THIS was how it was supposed to end? Shutting her eyes, Ava leaned on one of the candy cane tables. She could feel the tears well up in her eyes again. She had prevented them from falling in the war room....but she couldn't now. A few drops tumbled onto her cheeks as she opened her eyes, staring blankly at the white and red swirls of the table. It was then that Ava just laughed. A sardonic yet emotionally charged laugh.

"I'm crying....over a candy cane table....while escorting my friend to DIE...on a ship of chocolate...I can't...I just...I can't."

Ava shook her head, wiping the tears from her cheeks, the frustration and anger now building inside her. She had kept it together in the war room, but NOW? It was just starting to hit her. The whole fuucked up situation. Exhaling, Ava craned her neck back and took a moment to collect herself. If at any time she needed to keep her focus, it was now.

 

[Prophet]

Central Park

:: It hadn't been easy, but eventually they gathered around each other and were teleported to Central Park where Alison had gotten word of the arrival of another candy ship where they had seen the first one. Everything was silent and the scene was quite eery. Even the fun and childlike ship seemed to spell out something very dangerous. ::

"What the hell..."

:: All of it seemed like a setup. It was clear this cosmic being WANTED them to get to her and knew this ship was the only way. Haleigh attempted to take control of the ship to no avail so The Six boarded the large candy ship and decided to take a look inside. The ship WAS definitely everything a kid could ever dream of in terms of candy but when Cameron looked back on his life, there was no way this kind of ship would have lured HIM in when he was a child. ::

:: When he was a kid, he was worried about having a place to sleep at night and either begging or stealing enough food or money to make sure he didn't starve. He didn't dream of ships made entirely of candy and dancing faeries. He dreamed of a family. A place to rest his head that was his and overall stability and security in his life. That may have sounded depressing to some, but it didn't to Cameron. He had MADE all of his dreams come true during waking hours. He was a billionaire with more money and "things" and stability than most people would ever know. Suffice it to say, Cameron would ALWAYS take a stack of cash, even as a child, than a ship made of candy. ::

:: That being said..if the worst case scenario was that he was in the position to look after Alexia for Delilah..he would make sure to build her a SKYSCRAPER of candy and WHATEVER ELSE she could possibly want. ::

"It's obvious this THING wants us to use this ship..Least she could have done was leave instructions."

:: Cameron was a little distracted as he moved through the sickenly sweet ship. He just wanted to get through this damn thing already. He just wanted to skip through the strife and the pain and the tragedy they might be facing. He wanted to forget the words of his sister and of Morgan. He would NEVER admit this to the others..but in this moment, he almost felt like running. The stakes were high..if he couldn't deliver Delilah, Alexia AND Bishop safe and sound at the end of this mission he felt like he would be a failure in the eyes of the team and himself. The second Morgan touched back down on Earth it seemed like he had to fight that much HARDER to "keep his place". He needed a win. ::

:: All that aside..he was trying to remain strong for Delilah. He really loved her. When he came to Melrose Place after the Barbas nightmare, his reception hadn't been the warmest and that was to be expected. But Delilah didn't pull anything with him. She agreed to look after him and she did just that. He was able to connect to Delilah in a way that he couldn't with the others. Cameron had come from nothing. He had built everything he accomplished from scratch. Just as Vivica did. Despite what his parents actually did for a living, he never experienced the benefits. He didn't grow up with big houses, fancy cars, clothes and champagne. Neither did Delilah. In that regard alone they connected easier than the others. Plus Delilah had been a cop and a mentor for young people for quite some time. She knew how to operate around Cameron's rough exterior. She knew how to deal with people like him. He was proud of their friendship considering the last time he had seen her before that he had attacked her and possessed her mind. ::

:: Every single relationship in The Six meant something to him. It brought him something different and it was unique to each person. He couldn't stand thinking of losing ANY of them..but for it to be DELILAH? It just made it worse. She was only tainted because of THEM. Because she put up with THEIR shit for so long, that she started to stink herself. It changed the way she thought about everything. They had made were walk from white, straight into grey, and slowly into black. And Cameron was going to do everything he could to walk her back. Even if it meant holding her hand or beating the shit out of some cosmic being trying to use her daughter. ::

:: He took his finger and dipped it into a whipped cream lined bannister and took a taste. It was pretty damn delicious. Cameron called out to the rest of them. ::

"Anybody find anything but CANDY yet?!"

 

[Black Widow]

Bitter, Angry, Dour. There was no way around how she felt right now. Cameron had given an inspiring rally speech, and they'd picked themselves up and got ready for battle. All the things he'd said were true, and he'd given the others hope. That was good, they'd need it to get through what was about to happen.

Haleigh wished she had hope, but instead she had demonic determination. She felt the darkness taking over. She wanted to kill something, and she knew she would, many times over. Bon bon babies, faeries, unicorns and whatever other fairy tale creatures came at her, she'd kill. Until there was nothing left that could take Delilah from them, she'd kill.

Her headache was killing her. This was an awful time for a blackout, but she almost WANTED one just for the relief it would bring. Alison told them there would be another candy ship in Central Park, at the same location Alexia was abducted, and Haleigh remarked that it sounded suspicious, but as their ONLY lead, they had no choice but to go. They all appeared in an eerily quiet setting, with the empty ship looming.

"Yeah, like I said, fuccking suspicious as hell."

They boarded anyway and spread out to explore the vessel. Haleigh headed for the 'control room', hoping to commandeer the ship for them. Each attempt to 'connect' was met with a backlash of white noise and an escalation of the pain she was already in. The third attempt, the hardest push, triggered the blackout.

**************

She crossed her legs at the knees, raising her white skirt slightly as she shifted in her seat. On one of her screens, a photo of a blond in her early twenties appeared. A girl in white: the crisp, austere white of a Navy officer's uniform.

"You have an update for me regarding Scion?"

Alice: Yes, Malice. She is completing her fourth and final year of attending Annapolis.

"The Naval Academy? What is she studying?"

Alice: Cyber Operations; a major which provides a basic foundation in computer architecture, programming, data structures, network servers, Internet, database systems, information assurance, and telecommunications. She is also on her fourth language; she is mastering Mandarin Chinese, Which she adds to her knowledge of German, Italian and Arabic.

"Her performance?"

Alice: First in her Class. A 4.0 GPA in academics, and exemplary reviews, plus high scores in marksmanship and the leading rank on campus in jujitsu. She's also been selected for prestigious summer internships.... She's been with the National Security Agency, The Defense Intelligence Agency, and Naval Special Warfare.

Zeus was smirking at her from across the desk, blowing smoke from his cigar like he was proud of himself. The sight of him made her hate him more.

Zeus: Scion excels at violence, intelligence, and deception. Are you at all surprised? I wonder...... Will she be a problem for us?

"You'd better hope not, Christopher. She's YOUR creation."

Zeus: Ah, but YOU stole her away from me long ago. And we both know she's more like you anyway. Now she lives a life of YOUR machination. Perhaps the Gulf War will take care of her for us. I hear she's been assigned to a warship to facilitate her service as a Reconnaissance and Intelligence Officer. I wonder if she'll be killed in action.

"No. No mere HUMAN can defeat her. She will succeed beyond ALL their imaginations."

Zeus: She was engineered to. You...... you're...... PROUD of her, aren't you?

"Aren't YOU?"

Zeus: WELL..... she's far more like us than either of my other daughters. Morgan is a young version of Karen, and Blaze, with all HER mother's wildly fluctuating sensibilities.... but I look at Scion.... and she reminds me so much of you..... you, the female version of ME...... and even though we didn't raise her, she has so much of our natures in her that..... Yes.... I have a certain sense of PRIDE at having created this being that is so DAMN efficient at every thing we do best.

**************

She came back 'online', still standing, her hands clamped onto the candy cane railing in front of her.

NO. It's a lie, it's a trick, she's trying to fucck with my head, get me to cross over to Hellfire. It's not TRUE.

She told herself, but it was getting harder to ignore. When had Malice ever flat out lied? Diana's game was using the TRUTH as a weapon, using the FACTS as ammunition to divide and conquer. Haleigh was usually able to keep a level had against the onslaught, but THIS? This was hitting her harder with each iteration. And what if this wasn't Diana's mental manipulation at all? What if during her reconstruction, Haleigh had also 'downloaded' all of Diana's memories, and she was just experiencing a glitch that was accessing these 'files'? The implication of her being ENGINEERED, a gross concoction by Adam and Christopher from his and Diana's DNA was deeply disturbing.

Cameron: Anybody find anything but CANDY yet?!

His voice brought her back, and reminded her just how horrible this was. Cameron had suffered the most, out of all of her family members, but they ALL bear the scars of Malice on their souls. Cj was the only exception, but that wouldn't be the case for long, if Isis was correct in her suspicion. What would Haleigh do when this came down on them? She had this sinking feeling that even if she saved Delilah, even if their family survived this, it would be shattered by Malice's next attack. She couldn't tell them THIS. She couldn't be the constant reminder of everything that went WRONG in their lives. She'd never felt more alone than did she did RIGHT NOW. She stepped out onto the main deck area, putting all those concerns on the back burner.

ONE catastrophe at a time.....I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I can't lose Delilah because I'm so wrapped up in myself that I miss my chance to change Alison's prophecy.

"The controls are unresponsive. I don't think the ship is technological in nature, or at least it's got some kind of magickal tamper protection on it."

 

[Rampage]

Sharon.

That was his focus. He knew that Alexia would be OK until they got to them because she was a part of this...THING'S plans.

But Sharon? Perhaps their adversary realized the power of her sonic scream, or perhaps she would use her as a psychic battery, feeding off her desire to live happily ever after with her son? Or maybe she would target her directly, Sharon at risk to be a casualty of the foolhardy design to go into battle at half-strength.

He boarded the vessel and quickly scanned for lifesigns, psionic signatures....any sign of somthing on board. Nothing. He admired Haleigh looking to commander the vessel mechanically, but it got here with no crew and it appeared that it would leave unmanned as well.

But not empty. Nicolas had no illusions that a being as powerful as this HAD to suspect that they would come for Alexia and Sharon, especially after the last skirmish. And so this was likely her way of bringing them in on her terms. Very well. They knew what they needed to do and where they needed to do it. It was just a matter of time. And so he sat in air, levitating as he meditated, allowing his mind to flow outward, active yet relaxed, ready to react at the first hint of anything he sensed. He could hear the others talking.

Cameron: Anybody find anything but CANDY yet?!

"The controls are unresponsive. I don't think the ship is technological in nature, or at least it's got some kind of magickal tamper protection on it."

The controls are for show. It is simply there because it SHOULD be there, not for any real purpose other than artistry. Unless Morgan and Alison can get this going, our best bet is to wait for whatever is to happen next, taking care to stay alert. I would suggest we stay in pairs as we move, much like we did when we faced Barbas.

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Central Park, the candy ship>>

<< Spellbinder boarded the ship along with the others. Firebird was on her left, Rampage was on her right. Her emotions were felt by both of them but she did a good job of keeping herself together at least on the surface. This candy ship was unlike anything she'd seen before, even in LIMBO! It was so visually appealing it looked good enough to EAT, LITERALLY. But there was old adage about taking candy from a "stranger" that seemed most fitting right now. Everyone carefully explored as they took in the sights and feel of the ship.>>

<< The trio stayed together, with Nicolas wrapping his arm around Morgan and holding her close for a moment, squeezing her with reassurance. She appreciated the silent gesture of comfort and encouragement. She knew others on the team were feeling similar states of distress over the situation, but now they were doing what they'd always done...even when they were at each other's throats, they always seemed to instinctively to PIVOT toward the situation or emerging threat to deal with it.>>


<< Aside from the strange look of the ship, there was an odd sort of energy about it. Cameron asked if anyone had found anything OTHER than candy and Black Widow confirmed she couldn't use her technopathy to take control of the ship.>>

The controls are for show. It is simply there because it SHOULD be there, not for any real purpose other than artistry. Unless Morgan and Alison can get this going, our best bet is to wait for whatever is to happen next, taking care to stay alert. I would suggest we stay in pairs as we move, much like we did when we faced Barbas.

There's a POWERFUL mystic aura all around this ship. It's almost like it's own atmosphere, but it's an extension of the Badiane, it's sustained by her will.

<< To the idea that either she or Alison could get them going>>

I can teleport this ship and everyone on it where ever we need to go, no problem. But I have to know WHERE we're going, at least an idea or a visual point of reference, otherwise, I could end up putting us in open space, a black hole or ANYWHERE in the time stream. A quick jaunt to Limbo, ship and all, and I can use my scrying glass to find this "otherworld" that Badiane is on...

<< Morgan knew Alison could help with that too.>>

 

[Harbinger]

:: Central Park- candy ship, to space itself::

:: Alison fell silent as Haleigh responded much as she did the eve of Master Mold. Her pain and resentment had taken her so far away from her center that for a MOMENT, she HAD been hoping that Delilah would be PUNISHED and HUMILIATED for decisions, and for the way she turned on Alison herself. But in this moment, as Haleigh strugged and Ava silently pleaded with Alison about ANY possible viariance in the time threads regarding Delilah, FINALLY she got a SHOCK that seemed to SNAP her out of this temporary return to her earlier days and ways. This was WRONG and so was Alison! She'd lost her way every bit as much as Delilah had. But now, as Delilah spoke to them all, Alison felt herself shifting in her mind, her HEART....and it HURT. Feelings, emotions, those things that Alison had tried to CUT OFF ever since her MOTHER had destroyed their family, they always found their way back. But Hazel had tried to teach her all along that emotions weren't weakness, they were part of who she was, part of what let her know she was ALIVE and they added COLOR to life. She couldn't be COLD to her family, her LOVED ONES.::


:: Delilah had always accepted her, been supportive of her in spite of her ways, and Alison had failed to return that level of consistant understand and acceptance. She truly hadn't realized it before, but she understood it now and it SHAMED her into silence as the others reacted and soon prepared themselves. Occasionally Cameron and Ava tried to look at Alison but she continued to avoid their gaze. Cameron could sense the change of heart in Alison, and how much it was HURTING HER but she didn't avoid it, she knew she was coming back to where she was supposed to be and finally seeing things in a clear light.::


:: Delilah deserved so much better than what she'd been given in the way of "support" both before/during/after the blue moon. Alison HAD done what she could in matters of saving Delilah's life, but there was so much MORE that had been missed, and now? It may be too late! But while that was what Alison "saw", that didn't mean she was going to shrink back. She never had before and she didn't BLAME Haleigh, Cameron or Nicolas for RAGING against Fate just now. She'd stand with them and do all she could until the very end!::

:: Haleigh said she'd been away too long, forgotten what it was to be ON the team, but in this moment, it was just as emotionally impacting as it had been the night they first came together, or the eve of the Inferno. It was time to COME TOGETHER as only THEY could, not merely to save the world...but to protect and support ONE OF THEIR OWN.::


:: On the ship, as everyone quietly explored, Morgan confirmed the presence of a mystic aura around the ship. It was indeed a living extension of Badiane's will and what allowed it to travel in OPEN SPACE without being immediately frozen OR being CRUSHED by the immense energies that protected her castle::

No need for the scrying glass this time, Spellbinder. We must maximize our time as much as we can. I "SEE" the "Otherworld" and the flight path that this ship has taken before. I can use my power to move it, get it off the ground and in the air, and then you open a disc and teleport us directly to Otherworld. ONCE we enter into the descending orbit, we will encounter resistance from her dream faeries....there are four of them, but the one who collected Alexia....is not among them. Something has changed with her, something has HAPPENED with her. I will need time to "LOOK" to learn more, but it definitely has something to with Alexia.


When we get there, everyone will need to maintain an open mind when it comes to what they see. Do not rely merely on conventional senses or preceptions on this Otherworld. It is much like Limbo.

Firebird, Persephone, you two will ESPECIALLY be needed to combat some of the threats that come our way as we attempt to land and reach the castle. Fierbird and Persephone are both immune to poisons and Firebird is also immune to radiation, she is also able to exist and SURVIVE in the vacuum of space. This will come in handy to us as we approach the castle.

If everyone is ready....

:: Everyone gathered into the same area and Harbinger stood near the helm, closing her eyes and extending her arms out, palms facing up. She begins to raise them and a slow, sustained version of the rushing/chiming sound associated with the activation of her movement/telekinetic power is heard as she reaches out and begins to MOVE the ship. It trembles at first, and then begins to LIFT.::


:: It's a reminder of just how strong a telekinetic Harbinger is as she continues to lift her hands up and propells the ship higher and higher away from the ground and soon, the Six are far above it.::

Spellbinder....I'll "show" you where we're going. Open a stepping disc and prepare to teleport us!


:: A few more feet into the open night sky and as Harbinger communicates with Spellbinder, the witch opens a LARGE , vertical oriented stepping disc opens and Harbinger PUSHES the ship through it. The disc closes and in the twinkling of Spellbinder's violet eyes, they are moved across space and now, impossible as it may seem, they are TRAVELING in open space. They know that the aura of the witch queen protects them from the destructive forces of open space, but As a precaution, Persephone uses her elemental powers to generate a continuous supply of oxygen on the ship around them while Rampage and Prophet add their psychic strength to Harbinger's helping her to push/guide the ship.::


:: For the team, this is a journey like no other, and that's saying something for them. Spellbinder, Firebird, Black Widow all stand alert ready to fend off any possible threats that may come their way, while MorningStar stands near Bishop. For Bishop, a "flatscan"...this is BEYOND any thing HE'S ever seen OR experience. From the streets of New York, to the very heart of space itself!? But then, he had to know, ALWAYS, that the moment he set himself on a collision course with the six, that he'd never be the same again. Beside that, there wasn't ANY place that he or Delilah wouldn't go to help their daughter and they now saw they weren't ALONE in their efforts::

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas took a moment to hug Spellbinder; it felt good to be able to JUST DO that without needing the guidance of a familiar and to risk traversing Limbo. She offered no resistance, even leaned into him and he could feel that connection between them feeding her psyche. He nodded as she answered his suggestion.

There's a POWERFUL mystic aura all around this ship. It's almost like it's own atmosphere, but it's an extension of the Badiane, it's sustained by her will.

<< To the idea that either she or Alison could get them going>>

I can teleport this ship and everyone on it where ever we need to go, no problem. But I have to know WHERE we're going, at least an idea or a visual point of reference, otherwise, I could end up putting us in open space, a black hole or ANYWHERE in the time stream. A quick jaunt to Limbo, ship and all, and I can use my scrying glass to find this "otherworld" that Badiane is on...

So Morgan needed a guide as well...an idea came to him even as Alison spoke.

No need for the scrying glass this time, Spellbinder. We must maximize our time as much as we can. I "SEE" the "Otherworld" and the flight path that this ship has taken before. I can use my power to move it, get it off the ground and in the air, and then you open a disc and teleport us directly to Otherworld. ONCE we enter into the descending orbit, we will encounter resistance from her dream faeries....there are four of them, but the one who collected Alexia....is not among them. Something has changed with her, something has HAPPENED with her. I will need time to "LOOK" to learn more, but it definitely has something to with Alexia.


When we get there, everyone will need to maintain an open mind when it comes to what they see. Do not rely merely on conventional senses or preceptions on this Otherworld. It is much like Limbo.

Firebird, Persephone, you two will ESPECIALLY be needed to combat some of the threats that come our way as we attempt to land and reach the castle. Fierbird and Persephone are both immune to poisons and Firebird is also immune to radiation, she is also able to exist and SURVIVE in the vacuum of space. This will come in handy to us as we approach the castle.

If everyone is ready....

:: Everyone gathered into the same area and Harbinger stood near the helm, closing her eyes and extending her arms out, palms facing up. She begins to raise them and a slow, sustained version of the rushing/chiming sound associated with the activation of her movement/telekinetic power is heard as she reaches out and begins to MOVE the ship. It trembles at first, and then begins to LIFT.::


:: It's a reminded of just how strong a telekinetic Harbinger is as she continues to lift her hands up and propells the ship higher and higher away from the ground and soon, the Six are far above it.::

Spellbinder....I'll "show" you where we're going. Open a stepping disc and prepare to teleport us!


:: A few more feet into the open night sky and as Harbinger communicates with Spellbinder, the witch opens a LARGE , vertical oriented stepping disc opens and Harbinger PUSHES the ship through it. The disc closes and in the twinkling of Spellbinder's violet eyes, they are moved across space and now, impossible as it may seem, they are TRAVELING in open space.

Dear GOD. SPACE. Nicolas had tried it and he could survive, but it was harsh and going without oxygen was always an adjustment. His father Gustav had noted the ability when he had Nicolas tested as a teen; but he had not exercised his adaptability sufficiently in this way to make the transition with ease. So the trip added another intrigue for him at the idea of combat in space. As Proserpine generated a miniature atmosphere for them on the ship Nicolas mentally added a psionic boost to Alison, increasing her durability and will to levels beyond anyone else on the ship. He gave Cass a look as he 'spoke' to her.

I need to borrow your strength Cassandra. When we arrive I will pay it back.

Cass would feel her strength ebb slightly as she became a psychic battery for Nicolas, allowing him to boost Alison further still...

 

[MorningStar]

The Candy Ship

Delilah didn’t like to blindly walk into a trap, but another of the candy ships was what they had been looking for, and their chance was unlikely to come again so she cautiously boarded, and it was quickly determined that no one else was on board. Nor did the ship run in any mechanical fashion.

The witches, though, had an idea, and there was nothing else to do but hoped it worked. Delilah’s body tensed as Spellbinder so flippantly suggested taking the entire ship to Limbo – as if it was down the block. Perhaps if she was made of candy, Spellbinder would have taken Delilah there too. And Alison was as vague as usual when speaking of Alexia’s “friend” the faerie, saying only that “something” had happened to it. It would have been nice to know if that was something good or something bad, but Delilah was used to Alison’s visions being decidedly unhelpful.

Regardless, she stood at the bow of the ship, eyes fixed on their destination. She wasn’t afraid of any faeries, or about her resolve when the time came. For once she knew exactly what was coming and what she needed to do.

 

[Ruby]

Central Park – Good Ship Lollipop


:: Cass boarded the ship and went her own way, gazing curiously at everything that was made of candy. It was exactly like being in a candy shop…if a candy shop was made entirely out of candy. ::

*mutters* “This…is a dentist’s worst nightmare.”

:: She walked through a hallway, fighting the urge to nibble a bit. The smell of chocolate was really strong, and Cass had a weakness for it! She shook her head and made her way down the hall. Out of all the capers she’d been a part of, she REALLY disliked this one. Children’s lives were hanging in the balance. She had a soft spot for children and she really didn’t want them all to perish. Haleigh may have said that Alexia was top priority, but Cass was going to make damn sure that they would bring ALL the children home…as well as Sharon. She sighed as she exited out of the hall of chocolate and met up with Morgan, Blaze, and Nicolas and they went to meet the others. Nicolas talked about the ship’s controls and Morgan and Alison talked about getting to where they are supposed to go. ::

SPACE?! Oh my GOSH…

:: Nicolas ‘spoke’ to her. ::

Nicolas: I need to borrow your strength Cassandra. When we arrive I will pay it back.

“Okay, Nicolas. You can borrow my strength.”

:: She mainly said this out loud for the others’ benefit, so they wouldn’t be alarmed when she started feeling a bit woozy…which was happening right now. She leaned into Blaze a bit, so she wouldn’t stumble and fall. ::

“Oh!”

:: So THIS was what her victims’ felt like when she started draining them at first. It was a really weird sensation. As Nicolas drained from her, she felt herself get hungry by Nicolas’ power. While she DID eat and drink, she didn’t really have to in order to live. Her main ‘food’ was peoples’ life energies. Thankfully, if she had enough, she could go MONTHS without feeding. She hoped she could feed on whatever was meeting them in space. ::

I expect a double portion when we get there, Nicolas. I’m NOT sitting out this time around.

 

[Persephone]

Cameron: Anybody find anything but CANDY yet?!

"Does ice cream count."

Ava deadpanned as she walked past a chocolate fountain filled with enough strawberry milkshake to choke a cow. Making her way back to the upper level of the ship, no one else had found anything either. That was when Morgan and Alison began to craft an idea on how to get the candy ship moving and to their destination. Alison would use her powers to move them while Morgan would use her disc to teleport them. And almost in the blink of an eye, the ship began to move and was soon in SPACE. Ava had been a lot of places in her lifetime...but space was definitely NOT one of them.

A soft breeze of oxygen began to flood the ship....Ava wasn't taking any chances, she wanted to make sure they all made it there alive. Which was incredibly ironic considering the circumstances.

 

[Silver Swan]

The Otherworld

[Sharon was on her hands knees, breathing heavily and clutching at her chest as she struggled to get her bearings. She felt an overwhelming sense of distress and sadness, and if she had more time to let herself PROCESS that foul nightmare, she might have lost herself in GRIEF, but then]

She crept closer and closer, before nearly pouncing on top of her. She looked down at the lady's face, head cocked to the side inquisitively.

"Do you have a silver mask?"

Her voice changed from questioning to matter-of-fact.

"In the stories, you always have a silver mask."

.....


[Sharon slowly looked up to see the unexpected spectator. Given her current position, she was almost at eye level with the little girl. ]


ALEXIA!

[The baby she'd delivered on Aerie was now a beautiful, precious little girl, with soulful eyes. She was why Sharon was here, and so, the mutate HAD to get herself together. Kyle....Kyle was gone. But Alexia was here, and she needed help.]

[ Being careful not to make any sudden or fast moves, Sharon takes a moment to clear her throat and make sure her voice is evenly toned. She blinks back the last tears that were attempting to fall her from silver eyes and she smiles at Alexia.]

Yes, I do wear a silver mask.

[ Sharon touches two of her fingers to her temple and mentally commands her silver eye mask to manifest]

I'm Sharon, the Silver Swan. I'm a FRIEND of your mother's. In fact, I was there with your mother the day you were born!

[She lets Alexia check her out as closely as she feels comfortable to do so]



I was having a bad dream a little bit ago, but it's over now, and I'm here to help you.

[Taking a moment to look around, Sharon saw other children in their dream coffins. Sharon was apparently the only adult that had been encased in one. Alexia's little faerie friend was no where to be found either. That wasn't a good sign]

Where's your little friend, the faerie?

 

[Alexia Sheremetyev]

The Otherworld

Alexia leaned back as the mask suddenly appeared around the silver lady’s eyes. She knew it! It was her! The real Silver Swan!

I'm Sharon, the Silver Swan. I'm a FRIEND of your mother's. In fact, I was there with your mother the day you were born!

She crossed her arms over her chest, looking down at the Silver Swan and spoke in her best know-it-all voice.

“I KNOW who you are. My Auntie told me ALL about you.”

She paused, then put her hands on her knees.

“Your hair is blonde like my mommy. I wish my hair was like your’s.”

She got up off the floor and dusted herself off.

I was having a bad dream a little bit ago, but it's over now, and I'm here to help you.

She examined herself, not looking at the Silver Swan as she spoke about her bad dream.

[matter-of-factly] “You sure yelled a lot.”

Where's your little friend, the faerie?

She looked at the silver lady then. She wished she could tell her friend about meeting the real Silver Swan.

“The big, angry, scary woman took her away. But not me. She left me here alone.”

Alexia looked up into the Silver Swan’s face, her big eyes sad.

“But that’s okay. I’m used to being by myself.”

She looked around her and sighed.

"So, can you really fly?"

 

[Silver Swan]

The Otherworld

[ Sharon was now on her feet and crouching down to meet the girl at her level. She smiled at Alexia's "matter-of-fact" response. Even in the face of such bizarre and scarey circumstances, the girl had such curiosity and bravery, just like her mother...AND her father.]

Auntie Ororo would be pleased to know you were listening to her! And I'm sure she has told you many amazing, beautiful stories, including ones about your parents, especially your mommy, and how bold, beautiful and brave she is.


[ Alexia observed Sharon's blonde hair and how it was like her mother's. She wished she had blonde hair like Sharon or Delilah's. As she stood up, Sharon also slowly stood up to her full height]


You're beautiful just as you are, Alexia. I know your Auntie Ororo has told you that as well.

You're also special, like your mommy, & me. Special people like us will sometimes have changes in our appearence, like our eyes, or our hair color.

[ Looking down at Alexia and smiling with encournagement]

So perhaps one day, your hair will become blonde like your mother's, and mine.

[Nodding with affirmation]

But you know something? Your mommy would very much like to see you just as you are now! That's why she and your daddy were at Central Park tonight. They've missed you so much and have long dreamed for the chance to see you again.


[ Sharon was already deciding the best course of action, which would be to get Alexia back toward the entrance of this large, strange castle. Being in a more open area would give Sharon room to fight/hold off Badiane while broadcasting a signal to help The Six get them faster. Only together as a group could they free the rest of these children and stop Badiane once and for all!]


[Unfortunately, Sharon had not been present for the tragic prophecy delivered by Harbinger. She didn't know what was coming...what HAD to happen. All she knew was that she had the chance to protect Alexia and THIS TIME, she'd succeed where she once failed with her own son, Kyle.]


[Speaking of Kyle, Alexia mentioned that Sharon had yelled alot when she was in the grip of her nightmare]


Yes...I did. I was very upset...scared even. But it's okay now. Bad dreams may make us yell, scream or even cry, but when you open your eyes...it's over.


[ Alexia revealed that her faerie friend had been forcibly taken away by a scrary woman. No doubt Badiane. But why would she do that after all the trouble the faerie went through to bring Alexia to her? Something was definitely wrong here. Even IF the faerie was in need of aid after all, Sharon's priority was Alexia. As Sharon was pondering the situation, Alexia continued on ]

Alexia looked up into the Silver Swan’s face, her big eyes sad.

“But that’s okay. I’m used to being by myself.”

She looked around her and sighed.

[Sharon looked at the girl with understanding. She DEFINITELY knew all too well]



You've been very brave, Alexia. Just like your mommy and your daddy, and your auntie Ororo.


You're used to being by yourself? Well, so am I. I know what it feels like to be lost, left behind and alone and even when you're brave, that isn't something that feels good.


[Smiling down at her once more]

That's why sometimes it's good to have a friend by your side, especially in a place like this. So it's good that you've found me. We can keep each other company and I promise you won't have to be alone.

Now, how about we find our way out of here so that you can see your mommy?

Then together, we can check on your faerie friend.

"So, can you really fly?"

Yes, I can really fly.

[Smiling at her once more]


Higher than the tip top of this castle even! AND....when we get out of this area we're in right now? I'd be happy to show you!


[standing along side Alexia, Sharon gently places her hand on Alexia's back to urge her to turn and face the same direction]


Let's make our way to a brighter, safer area in this castle.


[ they began to walk together, Sharon used her sonar to get a sense of where they were in the structure and thankfully, getting back to the main level would be a fairly straight forward task. Sharon registered Alexia's internal rhythms. The girl WAS bring brave, as Ororo had taught her, as her mother and father were by their natures, BUT she'd been through alot these last few hours and her little body was betraying signs of sadness. It didn't help that she had to pass through this dark area of the castle, filled with the all too real and disturbing sights of children her age in these "dream coffins". It was a fate that was probably in store for Alexia, but Sharon began to suspect the Faerie had defied her mistress on that, and that was why Alexia was still free and the faerie herself was missing.]


You know what helps chase away sadness for me? Singing.

You heard me yelling earlier, but singing is a much better way to pass the time.

What song would you like to hear?

 

[Alexia Sheremetyev]

The Otherworld

The Silver Swan was smiling down at her.

“[P]erhaps one day, your hair will become blonde like your mother's, and mine.”

Alexia visibly brightened at that thought.

But you know something? Your mommy would very much like to see you just as you are now! That's why she and your daddy were at Central Park tonight. They've missed you so much and have long dreamed for the chance to see you again.

Her face fell again at this.

“I dream about them sometimes…but they never come to visit me. Auntie says they can’t right now. But I don’t really understand why they can’t come live at the castle too…”

She looked up.

“It’s nice. And there’s lots of room.”

She looked away as Silver Swan talked about screaming in her nightmare.

Yes...I did. I was very upset...scared even. But it's okay now. Bad dreams may make us yell, scream or even cry, but when you open your eyes...it's over.

Alexia spoke very quietly. “Sometimes it’s not over even when you open your eyes.”

She couldn’t imagine the Silver Swan being scared of anything. Alexia wished she could be that brave – lots of things scared her. And it would be nice to be able to fly, too.

Sometimes it's good to have a friend by your side, especially in a place like this. So it's good that you've found me. We can keep each other company and I promise you won't have to be alone.

She looked back up into Silver Swan’s face. “You and me, we’re…friends?”

Now, how about we find our way out of here so that you can see your mommy? Then together, we can check on your faerie friend.

Alexia suddenly stopped still.

“And you won’t hurt my friend?”

Let's make our way to a brighter, safer area in this castle.

Alexia nodded, and began walking next to the silver lady. She was on an adventure with the Silver Swan, just like in one of Ororo’s stories! What a story she would have to tell her Auntie, and her friend! Silver Swan would certainly save her friend from the scary lady, and she could come live with them in Ororo’s citadel!

Alexia glanced beside her, and she could see more of the boxes like the one Silver Swan had broken. These had little kids in them, though. She reached up and gently took the Silver Swan’s hand.

You know what helps chase away sadness for me? Singing.

Alexia looked up at her like she was just a little bit crazy. That sounded like something for babies.

You heard me yelling earlier, but singing is a much better way to pass the time. What song would you like to hear?

Her eyes looked up and her tongue stuck out the side of her mouth in thought.

“Well…there is one song I remember. I don’t know what it’s called…but it goes like this: Baby face don't grow so fast, Make a special wish that will always last [singing Dear Jessie]. Do you know that song?”

 

[Silver Swan]

The Otherworld- Castle

She looked back up into Silver Swan’s face. “You and me, we’re…friends?”

[looking down at Alexia, Sharon nodded with affirmation]

Yes, we are.

Alexia suddenly stopped still.

“And you won’t hurt my friend?”

No, I...WE wont.

[Sharon's instincts told her that the faerie was not the enemy and that she too was a victim now. She'd have to make the others understand]

We'll find her and we'll make sure you both are safe and happy.

[Smiling at her ]

[ As they continued along, She could sense Alexia relaxing a bit, feeling calmer and happier. She intended to keep her on that path as she lead her to safety]

Her eyes looked up and her tongue stuck out the side of her mouth in thought.

“Well…there is one song I remember. I don’t know what it’s called…but it goes like this: Baby face don't grow so fast, Make a special wish that will always last [singing Dear Jessie].”

[Sharon smiled a bit wider as Alexia began to sing the classic Madonna song and what a fitting choice of song for Alexia, it was all about happiness, comfort, special and beautiful things, and dreams coming true]

Do you know that song?

[Without missing a beat, Sharon begins to sing the rest of the verse]


"Rub this magick lantern, it will make your dreams come true....for you!"

[ She nods and winks at Alexia as she takes her hand and walks on with her singing the song with a beautiful, crystal, comforting perfection that is made possible by her sonic power]

[ As they make their way to the next level of the castle, they are no longer in the hall with the dream coffins]

[ With higher ceilings and more space around them, Sharon gathers Alexia in her arms and lifts off the ground. She reaches the part of the song that briefly changes to 3/4 time and she spins around in the air with Alexia in her arms, giving the young girl a little flight of fancy as she continues on with the remainder of the song, singing it with warmth and beauty that Alexia can hear and feel all around her]

[ She encourages Alexia to sing along with her as she reaches the last part of the song, smiling and nodding with approval at the young girl's efforts and noting that she is definitely feeling more relaxed]

[ Finally, at the end, Sharon flies high above, pointing out their reflection in the crystal walls around them as she swoops back down. During the little sing-a-long, Sharon had covered quite a bit of distance while flying. Alexia hadn't even noticed how FAST they were going and she wasn't scared at all in Alexia's arms as Sharon's singing brought forth joy and happiness for her.]

[Finally landing, they were now on the MAIN floor of the giant castle! ]

How about that?

[ Smiling at Alexia as she gently set her down]

A song can chase away the darkness and make you feel so much better!


And look!

[Gesturing to the large, wide hallway they were now standing in, with it's barrel vaulted ceilings high above]

We're on the main floor of the castle! In just a little bit we'll be at the front doors and you're mommy will be here soon after!

 

[Alexia Sheremetyev]

The Castle

Flying! They were flying! It was amazing - she had never felt anything quite like it, not even when she and Ororo played in the winds her Auntie conjured. They were going fast - but she liked going fast. Alexia started to sing along with the Silver Swan's beautiful voice, smiling and moving her head from side to side.

And then they landed and it was over, but she could still feel the rush of speed and the wind on her face.

Look! We're on the main floor of the castle! In just a little bit we'll be at the front doors and you're mommy will be here soon after!

And they were - in a giant room made of stone. Not unlike Ororo's castle - Alexia thought it was beautiful, and not scary at all. At least not with the Silver Swan there to protect her.

And then a thought occurred to her.

"Do you...do you think they will be mad at me?"

Maybe now they'd never come live with her.

 

[Seer]

The Queen of the Castle

"Nevermind THEM, you naughty girl! I am mad at you!"

<< Silver Swan and Alexia BOTH hear the sharp, icy voice that rings out! The mutate orients herself to the direction where the voice seems to be emanating from, moving Alexia behind her.>>

<< A projection of the otherworldly sorceress Badiane manifests before them. It may as well the dawn of a terrifying SUN.>>

"I didn't go through all this trouble just to have you RUN AWAY, little girl!"

<< Black lightning crashes down from the barrel vaulted ceiling above and soon, Badiane appears in her full, impossibly tall and terrifying form, smiling wickedly at Alexia and almost looking THROUGH her, even as Silver Swan tries to block her view of the child.>>

"I offered you joy and happiness to your heart's content! I offered you the gift that EVERY child dreams of! But you and my NAUGHTY faerie Perle DARED to defy me!?"

" SHE has been PUNISHED, and now...it's YOUR turn!"

SILVER SWAN: I don't think so, woman! Alexia is under MY protection and I will NOT stand by and let you hurt her...OR take her anywhere! You have no right to be mad at her, you have NO business with her.

[Sharon POINTS at Badiane as her adamantium armor gleams. The mutate SHOUTS her defiance at Badiane, causing a sound wave to ripple out and actually give the sorceress pause, before she smiles once more]


<< Badiane smiles...and then shows a look of utter CONTEMPT.>>


Badiane: Ohhhh SILVER SWAN. There is NOTHING pure or REAL about you. You REEK of SCIENCE and MANIPULATION. Stand ASIDE! You can't stop celestial destiny! Alexia's energy MUST open the black dream hole!



[ Not wanting to leave Alexia open to any direct attack by Badiane, Silver Swan continues to stand fast and battle ready, making sure she's blocking/sheilding Alexia with her own impressive physical, armored form.]

Silver Swan: You think I CARE how you perceive ME!? Rest assured, you'll find out just how REAL I am if you try to take Alexia from this spot!