Miracle of the black dream hole

[Silver Swan]

The Castle- Castle's main hall

[ Silver Swan kept her eyes on her adversary, and registered the spikes in Alexia's vitals and internal rhythms. The girl was scared, and rightly so. Badiane was a creature who offered the sweetest dreams, but personified the stuff of NIGHTMARES.]

[ Sharon quickly looked back and down at Alexia]

Alexia, I know you're scared. But i want you to stay right here, behind me. If I tell you to....OR if something happens to me, I want you to RUN for those front doors just a few steps behind you! Don't look back, just RUN as fast as you can out of those doors.


Badiane: You shouldn't be telling her that, Silver Swan. The more she runs, the ANGRIER I'll GET!

[Sharon looks back at Badiane]

Alexia is not your child, Badiane! You have no claim to her!

[There was alot of talk at the moment, but action. Which, given the appearance and behavior of Badiane so far, was surprising. But the less violence Alexia had to see, the better. Also, Sharon hoped she could keep Badiane's interest long enough to hopefully give the Six time to get here! She didn't know how they were doing it, but she just KNEW they were on her way. She could find out more about Badiane's intentions and what her goal was. Could she continue to stall Badiane long enough for them to get here?]

Badiane: Oh I certainly DO, Silver Swan. She is the key to the ultimate power! And anyone who stands in my way will find themselves on a collision course with DOOM!

[ Badiane suddenly moves forward, and Silver Swan renews her battle ready posture. But rather than directly approach Sharon, the sorceress instead stretches out her hand and a crackling halo of black energy forms around it. ]

Badiane:Enough of this! You're coming with ME now!

[ Suddenly Alexia is moved, teleported from behind Sharon and into Badiane's grasp! The sorceress immediately immobilizes Alexia and denies her the use of her power]

Alexia!!!


Badiane: Goodbye, Silver Swan. Soon, you too will know the peace of eternal sleep and maybe you'll be more agreeable in your dreams than you are in waking reality!

NO! You let go of her RIGHT NOW!

[ Silver Swan immediately takes to the air, fists clenched, and CHARGES for Badiane. Impact would be deadly if not FATAL for most but as the powerful mutate closes in on her adversary, the sorceress gestures with her free hand toward Silver Swan and all sight of the mutate is LOST in a BLINDING flash of golden starlight.]

 

[Seer]

The Otherworld

<< After a long journey through open space, The Six finally arrive to this mysterious world in the blackest part of the galaxy. The way was long and filled with wonderous sights that one could only DREAM OF, but finally they arrive and not a moment too soon.>>

<< After docking the candy ship and setting foot on solid ground, the team, along with Bishop takes a moment to survey their surroundings. It's a cold, dark world with a curious mix of gleaming technology and gothic intrigue. Soon, their destination, the one Harbinger described, could be seen in the distance. A large castle. >>

<< Black Widow's sensors struggle to gather data of any kind from their surroundings but Harbinger urges them to press on to the castle and MorningStar moves forward, not really waiting for the others.>>

<< Once they reach the double doors, their entry into the castle is uneventful. They don't yet realize that just moments earlier, Silver Swan and Alexia herself had been in this very area. Sharon had gotten Alexia out of the darkest and most creepy part of the castle's undergound, back up to the main level and was about to get her out of the castle all together until they were both confronted by Badiane.>>

<< Now there was no sign of Alexia OR Sharon and the Six found themselves dwarfed by the spacious dimensions of the castle.>>

<< The silence inside the castle was only faintly broken by the echo of the flowing water falls outside, and no one seemed to be about. But soon, they ALL heard the sound of restless fluttering how above them. The sound of a BIRD that was distressed and trapped inside, wanting to get out!>>

<< Soon, they all movement! A small but beautiful white finch fluttered into view and was flying above them. The finch was highly agitated, vocalizing in a range of patterns and flying around in circles. Of all the things the Six were expecting to encounter in this mysterious place, one small white bird was hardly what any of them expected.>>

<< Before anyone could make any sudden or hasty moves though, Persephone sensed something about this bird and spoke up, calling for the others to remain where they were and let her take point and use her power to make contact with the bird to calm it down and even communicate with it! There HAD to be a reason why it was there!>>

 

[MorningStar]

The Otherworld

As the ship docked on the strange world, Delilah noticed that ironically, it looked nothing like a place where a candy ship would come from. Cold, dark, grey. More like Limbo than Oz. She took a shaky breath, and then another, staying at the prow of the ship until they came out steady. Only then did she turn and, exiting the ship with the others, she saw indeed that there was, as Alison had said, a witch's castle.

And the castle was where Alison said Sharon and Alexia were, so that was where they needed to go. No need for discussion: they all knew where they were supposed to go, and there was literally no time to lose. So she started walking in the direction of the castle, not looking behind her to see if the others were following. It really didn't matter either way.

But the others did come, and they reached the castle's huge double-doored entrance and made it inside without incident. In and of itself that seemed strange. The castle was gigantic, and inside it seemed even more so, with high vaulted gothic ceilings and architecture. But where was everyone? Surely, a castle like this would not be empty. Not even taking into account Sharon and Alexia, where were all the other children that the faerie had taken?

She listened, but heard no one. The only sound was one of...wings fluttering? Sharon's wings didn't flutter...

She looked up and saw a small white bird flying above them, clearly distressed.

"What the hell?"

 

[Bishop]

The "Otherworld"? What the hell does that mean?

This was fucked up. Totally, completely, unequivocally bone.

Not to mention insane.

He should have done something. Kidnapped Delilah, so they had to find another way. But no, that wouldn't have worked either.

He knew a little something about death wishes. Once you realized you were already dead, you became almost invincible. Nothing could touch you when you stopped being afraid of dying. But once you had something to live for, that all went down the toilet. HE had died. SHE had died. Twice. Maybe they were right. Hell, he knew they were right. Delilah would have been better of if she had never met him. But him? That was up for debate. But he wouldn't trade it if all the scumbags in the world were wiped out in return. See? Insane.

And now he was supposed to, what? Let her walk right up to Death's door like she was doing now, walking up to that castle? Watcher her die again? That was what she wanted him to do.

He watched her walking away from him.

He loved her. But that was his child up there. Their child. What was he supposed to do? How could he pick?

He did the only thing he could do.

Aw, fuck it.

He started walking after her. Slinging his HK416 over he should he turned back towards the others and shrugged, then turned back towards the castle and started jogging a little to catch up to Delilah.

In the silence, he really started looking around him. This place was damn eerie. And it didn't get less so when they entered the castle. There was literally no one around. So either they were getting ready to ambush them, or something had eaten them all and IT was getting ready to ambush them. Delilah looked up and he followed her gaze. A bird was squawking and making a huge racket. Probably some kind of faerie alarm system. He raised his gun and sighted on the bird.

 

[Alexia Sheremetyev]

The Castle - Main Hall

Alexia shrunk back behind Silver Swan as the scary lady's voice boomed out through the castle and she appeared in front of them. And she was ANGRY.

You and my NAUGHTY faerie Perle DARED to defy me!? SHE has been PUNISHED, and now...it's YOUR turn!"

Her own anger giving Alexia a little more courage, she stepped out part ways from behind the Silver Swan, and shook her little fist at Badiane.

"Don't you hurt her! Don't you hurt my friend! If you do, I'll make you sorry!"

The Silver Swan pushed her back behind her. She and Badiane were yelling back and forth at each other, and everything was very loud in the room. Alexia shrank back from the noise.

Alexia, I know you're scared. But i want you to stay right here, behind me. If I tell you to....OR if something happens to me, I want you to RUN for those front doors just a few steps behind you!

"I...I want you to come with me!"

Don't look back, just RUN as fast as you can out of those doors.

She WAS scared. But she nodded anyway.

"O...okay. I will, I promise."

Enough of this! You're coming with ME now!

Alexia screamed as she suddenly found herself in Badiane's grasp, away from the Silver Swan and her protection.

"Let me go, let me go!"

She remembered what she had been taught, and squeezed her eyes shut tight, calling up her shield.

But nothing happened.

Her eyes went wide with terror.

"Silver Swan! Help me! Please don't let her take me!"

And then there was a flash, and they were gone.

 

[Spellbinder]

Inside the castle

<< They had no real idea where they were. It was a place that truly felt like it was outside of perceived time, but it appeared to be in the same space.>>

<< The journey through open space...it was surreal to say the least. Normal rules were no longer applicable, since with the exception of Firebird, none of the others were capable of surviving in an open vacuum like space, to say nothing of the ABSOLUTE ZERO temperature in deep space!>>

<< But here they were, journeying on a bizarre candy ship, and seeing planets, stars and other celestial phenomena all around them. Like Limbo, the possibilities were endless. But there was something DIFFERENT about all this here.>>

<< Spellbinder was thinking of what was coming, and she was in a somber mood. What would have been a truly momentous experience for them all was merely a moment of transition now. That spoke to how heavy their hearts were. Spellbinder knew that even when they succeded in one of their goals, they'd LOSE over all. Delilah would be lost to them, to HER and though things were bad now...the potential, the HOPE for recovery would be FOREVER erased.>>


<< Firebird and Rampage stood near Spellbinder, and Firebird and Persephone worked together to keep everyone comfortable on the ship temperature wise.>>

<< Eventually they docked on the strange Otherworld, and disembarked. Spellbinder could sense the driving force of this world, the living will of its mistress, Badiane. The magick was strong, ANCIENT. Badiane was not hampered by things like... "HUMANITY"....she was a FORCE that was not to be underestimated!>>

I can sense Badiane's consciousness and will...it blankets this entire planet. The magick is unlike ANYTHING I've felt before. But I'm working on establishing empathy with it so that I can tap into it...WARP it and turn it back against her if necessary.

<< Harbinger indicated where they needed to go, and there was a VERY large, curiously designed castle in the distance.>>

Badiane's palace...

<< MorningStar was already on her way, with Bishop struggling for a moment before following after her. But there was no need to worry, Spellbinder could have teleported them all at once. The rest of the Six followed and once they made it to the front doors of the castle, they all paused for a moment. Black Widow's scans and Harbinger's vision couldn't indicate if there was anything or anyone waiting just on the other side, so the only thing left to do was just go in.>>

<< Once inside the group stood together, looking around and visually acclimating to the dimensions. The din of the waterfalls outside was reduced to a faint echo inside the castle. Soon they heard the sound of a bird, wings fluttering, and the bird vocalizing with distress.>>

<< Morgan violet eyes soon fixated on a small white bird that was making its way down to just above them, flying around them and making all sorts of vocalizations.>>

What the hell...

<< Bishop was taking aim at it, and Morgan lifted her hand, about to call for him to stop...>>

Persephone: NO! Don't hurt it! Everybody just wait! I'm sensing something about this bird.


<< Spellbinder nodded in agreement and looked around to everyone, making sure they complied. Persephone had a rapport with all animals in nature, and without Silver Swan here, Persephone would be the next best person to try an establish a link with this little bird. >>

Let's hope she can find us a clue from the little bird...

 

[Ruby]

The Otherworld - Castle

:: The journey through space was pretty bizarre but Cass was used to bizarre happenings by now. Cass was nearly bouncing off the walls, revved up and ready to go, thanks to Nicolas amping her back up once they arrived at the castle as he had promised. But she managed to rein it in as they entered the building, and resisted the urge to cover them all in her psi shield. She was kind of at the rear of the group, keeping an eye out on all of them. She looked all around her, watching out for anything and everything, though she didn’t know what to look for exactly. A bird that looked like it was in distress came swooping in. Cass tensed up. Bishop trained his gun on the bird and Ava quickly told him not to shoot. ::

Ava: “I’m sensing something about this bird…”

“Careful, Ava. This bird could be a trap.”

:: But she already knew that Ava wouldn’t listen to her…which meant that she spoke for no good reason. Cass watched the bird warily. It may look cute and harmless, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t something sinister underneath. ::

 

[Persephone]

Space was vast and never ending...but for whatever reason it felt like they arrived at Badiane's castle in lightning speed. This was great news for Alexia, but unfortunate news for Delilah. As they reached the castle doors Ava kept her guard up, her eyes scanning the area for any traps or unexpected guests. That's when she felt "it".

Delilah: "What the hell?"

Oh shit.

Seeing Bishop train his gun on the little white finch, Ava raised her hand quickly stepping forward.

"NO! Don't hurt it! Everybody just wait! I'm sensing something about this bird..."

The bird was extremely agitated, fluttering around and squawking like a mother bird who had just come back to an empty nest.

Cass: "Careful Ava. This bird could be a trap."

Lifting her hand up, Ava began to calm the bird's overwhelming anxiety until finally it landed on her finger. It was hard to "fully hear" the finch before because of the overflow of emotions...but now everything was crystal clear and her suspicions were correct.

"It's Sharon."

Despite Ava calming the little finch down with her powers, the bird still looked visible distraught as she telepathically began to communicate with Ava, explaining exactly what had happened.

"Alexia had been lost in the castle until she found Sharon.....however Badiane appeared shortly after. Sharon confronted Badiane and tried to stop her from taking Alexia....that was when she turned Sharon into a bird and left her to fend for herself. [looking at Delilah] Badiane disappeared with Alexia--Sharon doesn't know where they went."

She could see the anger spike in Delilah...and the fear as well. Ava then looked to Morgan.

"Morgan, she was turned by magick, which means you can reverse what Badiane did.

 

[Prophet]

In Space - The Final Frontier

:: The journey through space was definitely a strange one, but beautiful. Cameron actually felt very peaceful her, despite the horrible circumstance they were under. Being on Earth as a world class telepath took a lot of effort and focus to not pick up on every random person in the city's thoughts. It took effort to drown out the voice and the visions and everything else that came with being a telepath. Here there was nobody. He didn't need to try. His mind was clear and he felt centered. ::

:: Although he knew his sister was strong enough, he used his own telekinesis to augment his sister's as they pushed through space, if only as a small peace offering for the argument they had earlier. They had come a long way since first meeting, and he wanted to show her that while they may disagree and while he may feel disrespected at times, he still loved her and would help her no matter what. Plus, focusing on moving the ship through space was a lot easier than focusing on the fact that he might lose Delilah tonight, or himself by trying to avoid what had already been explained as certain fate. ::

:: Onward they continued as Cameron stood back with Delilah, a hand on her lower back, trying his best to offer silent support before they docked on land and took a moment to survey their surroundings before settling on an odd and ominous gothic looking castle in the distance. When they reached the double doors, Cameron immediately tried to reach out to Sharon. Though her thoughts were much like quicksilver and VERY hard to read, Cameron knew her intimately and that gave him a little bit of an edge in terms of locating her. ::

"I can sense her presence..but it's not the same..maybe she was here recently?"

:: Everybody seemed to be nervous, even Morgan who commented on Badiane's magick blanketing the entire planet. The whole mission seemed so futile, but still they carried on as a brilliant looking bird seemed to be causing a ruckus. Delilah motioned for it but Persephone stopped them as she made her way to the bird and began to communicate with it telepathically. ::

Persephone: "It's Sharon. Alexia had been lost in the castle until she found Sharon.....however Badiane appeared shortly after. Sharon confronted Badiane and tried to stop her from taking Alexia....that was when she turned Sharon into a bird and left her to fend for herself. [looking at Delilah] Badiane disappeared with Alexia--Sharon doesn't know where they went."


:: Cameron swallowed hard in his throat. ::

"Great. Just great."

Persephone: "Morgan, she was turned by magick, which means you can reverse what Badiane did."

"Maybe on Earth she can..but this isn't Morgan's realm. This isn't EARTH."

:: He looked at Morgan, who he was still rather sour with following their altercation on Aerie. ::

"Not to put the pressure on you, Spellbinder. But you think you can do it?"

:: As he awaited Morgan's response he began to sweep the area for psychic energy. This place may not have been on Earth but Alexia was a human. A mutant at that. If she was around, he should be able to locate her. If he could utilize his empathic abilities to look for a signal of distress that matched what Alexia must have felt at being taken by Badiane. In short, he needed to do something in order to feel useful. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

Badiane's Castle

<< Spellbinder's violet eyes widen with astonishment as Persephone reveals that the little bird is actually SHARON! Body transformation spells weren't unheard of, but some were more..."THOROUGH" than others...>>

"Alexia had been lost in the castle until she found Sharon.....however Badiane appeared shortly after. Sharon confronted Badiane and tried to stop her from taking Alexia....that was when she turned Sharon into a bird and left her to fend for herself. [looking at Delilah] Badiane disappeared with Alexia--Sharon doesn't know where they went."

Oh no...

<< Morgan said softly as she looked at Blaze. Badiane had Alexia, there was no telling WHAT she'd do to her now, and that poor little girl...she must be TERRIFIED!>>

:: Cameron swallowed hard in his throat. ::

"Great. Just great."

She could see the anger spike in Delilah...and the fear as well. Ava then looked to Morgan.

There's no doubt that Sharon tried to protect Alexia. She couldn't have known what Badiane was capable of and even if she did, Sharon wouldn't run, especially not when a child's life is at stake.

"Morgan, she was turned by magick, which means you can reverse what Badiane did."

I....

"Maybe on Earth she can..but this isn't Morgan's realm. This isn't EARTH."

:: He looked at Morgan, who he was still rather sour with following their altercation on Aerie. ::

"Not to put the pressure on you, Spellbinder. But you think you can do it?"

Just WHO do you think you're talking to....

<< Spellbinder was almost OFFENDED that Prophet was implying she was not capable....like he was underestimating her ability, but before she reflexively resorted to BITCHCRAFT , Blaze touched her arm, silently reminding her to stay on course. She aborted her original reply and instead offered...>>

...LIMBO is my realm, Prophet. There, I can do ANYTHING, but whether it's Earth, or this strange otherworld, NO enchantment can withstand my Soul Sword. It cuts through magick, disrupts enchantments and can hurt or kill just about ANY magickal being, regardless of his or her power source.

<< Holding up her hand, the Soul Sword flashes into view and in her waiting grasp. Her hand, arm and shoulder are now covered with eldritch armour as she holds the mystic blade>>

I can restore Sharon, but I'm going to have to "strike" her with my sword.

<< Some among them weren't comfortable with this, knowing what kind of damage the soul sword could do. Morgan didn't hide her displeasure at some of them doubting her skill as she bellowed>>

The sword HAS to connect with her in order to shatter Badiane's spell, it's the only way!

<< Looking to Persephone, exhaling and speaking in a calmer tone. >>

Let Sharon know that I CAN restore her, but I need her to trust me.

When she's ready...

<< Spellbinder took a few steps away and turned to face Persephone>>

Have her fly this way.

<< Spellbinder wouldn't swing her sword at Sharon with all her might like she would if she was fighting Set or some other deadly foe, but the blade HAD to connect with her in this form. >>

<< Nodding that she was ready>>

 

[Rampage]

What a tremendous journey.

Traveling through space, something that he could at most THEORETICALLY do, was a dream for him. He noted constellations and certain phenomena as they went past, using the cacophony of information that passed him by as a focus for the transfer of psychic energy from Cassandra to Alison. Once they arrived, Cass gave him 'the look' and he obliged, returning her energy and then some to make certain she would be in top form. It was a interesting and, so far, a very productive symbiotic relationship.

They made their way to the castle, Nicolas managing to shadow-step and stay relatively unnoticed as they went. Bishop and Delilah were the focus here, and he had long decided that his role was to stay unnoticed until he chose to be otherwise.

They saw a beautiful white bird, and Nicolas immediately realized the quicksilver mental harmony. He was prepared to teleport Silver Swan to his hand as he saw Bishop train on it with his firearm.

When she's ready...

<< Spellbinder took a few steps away and turned to face Persephone>>

Have her fly this way.

<< Spellbinder wouldn't swing her sword at Sharon with all her might like she would if she was fighting Set or some other deadly foe, but the blade HAD to connect with her in this form. >>

<< Nodding that she was ready>>

Hold on...there is surely an easier way.

Reaching out his hand, the small bird alighted on it as he stepped forward.

I have faith in your skill Morgan, but Sharon is no baseball. You can TOUCH her with the sword just as easily while she stands on my arm.

Nicolas stood stock still as did the bird, waiting for Morgan to do her thing...

 

[Bishop]

The Otherwhatever

He was about to silence the bird for good, when Black Widow’s sister stopped him.

NO! Don't hurt it! Everybody just wait! I'm sensing something about this bird.

He kept his gun up as he turned his head towards her.

“Really, Dr. Doolittle? Now’s not the time to join PETA.”

Delilah raised her eyebrows at him in surprise. He gave her an offended look.

“I read. Occasionally.”

He paused.

“Okay, I saw the movie once when I was a kid.”

"It's Sharon."

After a second, he lowered the gun and rolled his eyes as he turned and moved out of the way.

“Damn. Should have shot her while I had the chance.”

"Alexia had been lost in the castle until she found Sharon...however Badiane appeared shortly after. Sharon confronted Badiane and tried to stop her from taking Alexia...that was when she turned Sharon into a bird and left her to fend for herself. [looking at Delilah] Badiane disappeared with Alexia-Sharon doesn't know where they went."

Damnit! They had been here, right here. A few seconds earlier maybe, and they would have found Alexia. Time to get this circus moving.

“They’re here somewhere. Okay, let’s split up into teams and find them.”

But no. They were going to ignore him, and hmm & haw about Sharon some more while Badiane got further and further away with his daughter.

"Morgan, she was turned by magick, which means you can reverse what Badiane did.”

“Jesus – can’t all that wait? How do we know she won't wander away again in a magick trance like she did in Central Park?”

Again, the voice of reason was ignored. He was surprised these people ever got anything done.

NO enchantment can withstand my Soul Sword. It cuts through magick, disrupts enchantments and can hurt or kill just about ANY magickal being, regardless of his or her power source.

Bishop shivered at the sight of the sword, remembering the feel of another blade cutting through his back and nearly killing him. He shook himself to clear the memory while the others went on.

I can restore Sharon, but I'm going to have to "strike" her with my sword.

Hold on...there is surely an easier way. I have faith in your skill Morgan, but Sharon is no baseball. You can TOUCH her with the sword just as easily while she stands on my arm.

He smiled at the kid, then turned back towards Morgan.

“Why not just get her a cage…naw on second thought, go ahead and hit her with the sword.”

 

[MorningStar]

The Otherworld

Delilah looked around her, assessing their new location.

The magick is unlike ANYTHING I've felt before. But I'm working on establishing empathy with it so that I can tap into it...

She didn’t look at Morgan as she commented, “Just as long as you don’t sprout horns and destroy the place before we get Alexia and Sharon back.”

Her focus shifted to the strange bird, this castle’s apparent only occupant.

"It's Sharon.”

“Oh fuck me, are you serious? How did that happen?!”

“Alexia had been lost in the castle until she found Sharon.....however Badiane appeared shortly after. Sharon confronted Badiane and tried to stop her from taking Alexia....that was when she turned Sharon into a bird and left her to fend for herself. [looking at Delilah] Badiane disappeared with Alexia--Sharon doesn't know where they went."

Delilah’s hand clenched into a fist and began to glow. Too late! They were ALWAYS too late to save everyone. She stared hard at the floor. When she found this Badiane, she was going to blow her into a million pieces, no matter what Alison had to say about it.

I'm coming for you, Alexia. And you too, bitch.

“They’re here somewhere. Okay, let’s split up into teams and find them.”

Delilah shook her head, still not looking at any of them. She could understand his desire to move quickly, but if they were caught unprepared, Badiane would turn them all into birds and Alexia would be at her mercy permanently.

“We need Sharon’s strength. If Badiane did this to her so easily, it will take all of us to rescue Alexia.”

Cameron questioned Morgan’s ability to change Sharon back. Well done, Cam. The kid had grown a set of balls after all.

Just WHO do you think you're talking to...LIMBO is my realm, Prophet. There, I can do ANYTHING, but whether it's Earth, or this strange otherworld, NO enchantment can withstand my Soul Sword. It cuts through magick, disrupts enchantments and can hurt or kill just about ANY magickal being, regardless of his or her power source.

Delilah rolled her eyes at Spellbinder’s obvious posturing.

I can restore Sharon, but I'm going to have to "strike" her with my sword.

That statement was enough to snap Delilah back to the task at hand, causing her to exclaim in disbelief.

“Morgan!”

Delilah knew better than most what the Soul Sword could do. Touching ANYTHING with it that they didn’t want obliterated seemed like utter lunacy.

The sword HAS to connect with her in order to shatter Badiane's spell, it's the only way!

She reluctantly relented.

“You had better be right about this.”

 

[Harbinger]

In the Castle

:: Harbinger was grateful for the support provided by Rampage, and even her brother. She hated to be at odds with him, really she did...but she was not going to just act like she didn't see changes for the worst in him, KNOWING that some of his new found behavior was "inspired" by Delilah. She wanted him to REMEMBER who he was and how far he'd come, and any issues he had with her or female magick users in general, he could come to her. He didnt need Vivica or Delilah, neither of whom were interested in seeing Alison and Cameron make PROGRESS but rather seeing them grow apart AGAIN. But no matter what, she wouldn't lose sight of him, not like before when Erika or Barbas got to him. She loved him and she didn't want to be at odds with him, especially not over someone who seemed to DELIGHT in the two of them being in conflict! they'd get through these period of conflict...somehow.::

:: They arrived on the Otherworld and Harbinger felt the same thing Spellbinder did. What the others didn't know was that after seeing just a GLIMPSE of what was in store for Delilah, the precog had immediately PULLED BACK on her foresight. She wouldn't let herself "see" too much ahead of where they were now. As ANGRY as she was and as ANGRY as she always would be, she didn't want Delilah to die.::



:: In order for her to be effective and to direct members of the Six in directions they'd NEED to go during this caper, Alison kept her mind's eye on things closer at hand.::

:: Inside the massive castle, they found themselves in the company of a small white bird, who Persephone quickly identified as Sharon. Reuniting with Sharon was one of the very things Alison had revealed would be key to them mounting a successfull effort to defeat Badiane. But, of COURSE, there were always those who didn't listen because they were too stupid to know any better::

“Jesus – can’t all that wait? How do we know she won't wander away again in a magick trance like she did in Central Park?”

She "wandered away" because she was entranced by the Faerie. She was on the ship, per Prophet's direction. It could've happened to ANY ONE OF YOU and had you'd been on the ship, it WOULD have. But being that you're utterly POWERLESS, I don't suppose there's anyway you COULD have gotten to ship on your own now is there?

:: Alison coldly replied to Bishop. Persephone correctly assumed Spellbinder would have to break Badiane's spell on Sharon. Prophet was sounding more like his former, UNENLIGHTENED self as he questioned her ability and Alison sighed audibly, rolling HER eyes as Spellbinder was about to snap on him before Firebird silently steadied her.::


:: Others objected to Spellbinder's plan to use the soul sword. ::

Let Spellbinder do her work, unless YOU have a better idea or better still, the MEANS to even pull it off?

She reluctantly relented.

“You had better be right about this.”

Well, we could always have her test it out on YOU first?

:: Harbinger said with a flip tone as she rolled her eyes again and smirked. Others might tip toe around Delilah and let her disrespect them, but Alison was THROUGH turning the other cheek.::

::as Persephone managed to convince Sharon in her current form to let Spellbinder break the spell, Rampage insisted that he hold her and that Spellbinder could just TOUCH her with the sword.::

:: Everyone moved back as Spellbinder drew near with the soul sword, surrounded by violet hued mystic energy::

 

[Spellbinder]

The Castle

He smiled at the kid, then turned back towards Morgan.

“Why not just get her a cage…naw on second thought, go ahead and hit her with the sword.”

<< Spellbinder gazed at Bishop with her violet eyes>>

You're like a plague...FOREVER with us.

<< She said with contempt as Harbinger cut into him as well and then countered those who objected to Morgan's plan>>

She reluctantly relented.

“You had better be right about this.

Well, I guess you'll just have to watch and see.

<< Morgan said bitterly. There was a time where Delilah KNEW Morgan could handle magick. Harbinger gave back what Delilah was dishing out, but it didn't feel right. Nothing about their dynamic right anymore>>

<< Morgan kept thinking about what her sister said outside the war room>>

<<FLASH!>>

You CAN'T retreat now Morgan. If you do, you really WILL ruin everything. "

"We KNOW what Harbinger has said will come to pass. We know her visions are CLEAR, but Morgan...You're SPELLBINDER! You're SORCERESS SUPREME! "

"If there's ANYTHING you can think of...ANY SPELL that MIGHT do something to save Delilah, you've GOT to find it! "

"You don't have to say anything to the others...enough has been said. Just THINK of something and when the time is right...TRY IT! "

"I KNOW this is bad...but think how much WORSE it is for HER. and inspite of what's in store for her, she's facing it head on. We HAVE to go with her as far as we can."

<<Sigh!>>

Hold on...there is surely an easier way.

Reaching out his hand, the small bird alighted on it as he stepped forward.

I have faith in your skill Morgan, but Sharon is no baseball. You can TOUCH her with the sword just as easily while she stands on my arm.

Nicolas stood stock still as did the bird, waiting for Morgan to do her thing...

<< Spellbinder nodded in agreement with Rampage as he carefully held Sharon in his hands>>

Don't move, Nicolas. Don't move at ALL.

<< Sharon was as calm as she was going to be, thanks to Persephone and now was the time to take action.>>

<< Taking a few steps forward, she holds the handle of the sword with both hands, extending it out full arm's length. The violet hued mystic flames cast a glow over Nicolas and Sharon in her tiny form.>>

1. 2.

<< She extends forward JUST a bit>>

3.

<< touching Sharon with the blade, displaying fine dexterity and finesse as she holds the sword steady.>>

<< The violet hued mystic energy sparks and FLARES around Sharon with a few shards of energy hitting Nicolas too. Chimes sound off and in a huge flash of white light, Badiane's spell is BROKEN and Silver Swan is freed, restored!>>

<< She staggers in a dazed state as Rampage quickly helps to steady her and Spellbinder immediately pulls the Soul Sword back and away from Sharon and Nicolas >>

It's okay, Sharon. Just take it easy for a few moments and let yourself ADJUST.

 

[Silver Swan]

<<FLASH!>>

Alexia screamed as she suddenly found herself in Badiane's grasp, away from the Silver Swan and her protection.

"Let me go, let me go!"

She remembered what she had been taught, and squeezed her eyes shut tight, calling up her shield.

But nothing happened.

Her eyes went wide with terror.

"Silver Swan! Help me! Please don't let her take me!"

NO! You let go of her RIGHT NOW!

[ Silver Swan immediately takes to the air, fists clenched, and CHARGES for Badiane. Impact would be deadly if not FATAL for most but as the powerful mutate closes in on her adversary, she's come up with a strategy]

Have to get Alexia and get us out of here! Snatch Alexia from her grasp, continue forward and change course to a slight upward angle. Strike Badiane in the eyes with a barrage of spinning stars, BLIND HER. Continue UPward. Unsheath my wings to COVER Alexia and BUST OUT through the roof!

[Silver Sawn was closing in fast and where she was concern, THOUGHT and ACTION were nearly one in the same! She holds out her hands to Alexia, looking directly in her eyes. She'd have Alexia in her grasp in 5...4...3...2...]

<<FLASH!>>

Badiane: Goodbye, Silver Swan. Soon, you too will know the peace of eternal sleep and maybe you'll be more agreeable in your dreams than you are in waking reality!

the sorceress gestures with her free hand toward Silver Swan and all sight of the mutate is LOST in a BLINDING flash of golden starlight.]

[Sharon SCREAMS and recoils in mid air as her body is no longer her's. She's a PASSENGER in a body that flows like mercury. Her scream lacks the SONIC power that normally unleashed. Is she she alive? Is she even AWAKE or is this dream!? The PAIN of the starlight and her own body transformation gives way to something else. A new form! Silver Swan is NOW a tiny white finch! Her consciousness is in tact but her mental state and her senses are cast far and wide as she has lost all sense of self and surroundings!>>


[ Eventually she stabilizes and perches somewhere high above, but she's all alone. She can't talk, she can't do much of ANYTHING in her current form. She's helpless to protect herself OR Alexia. Alexia is gone, just like Kyle! What can she do?!]

<<FLASH!>>

[ A literal bird's eye view of the castle from where Sharon now sits. Her mind still wild and frantic, images and sensations flashing with each blink or slight turn of her little head! But then...]


[ She spots them! Instinctively she KNOWS she can trust more than a few of them, maybe they can help her! The tall brunette with the deep brown eyes. SHE'LL UNDERSTAND!]

[ She flutters down, once again chaotic and vocalizing with distress until FINALLY Persephone makes CONTACT with her and connects with Sharon's consciousness and forges a telepathic bond.]

"It's Sharon."

Despite Ava calming the little finch down with her powers, the bird still looked visible distraught as she telepathically began to communicate with Ava, explaining exactly what had happened.

"Alexia had been lost in the castle until she found Sharon.....however Badiane appeared shortly after. Sharon confronted Badiane and tried to stop her from taking Alexia....that was when she turned Sharon into a bird and left her to fend for herself. [looking at Delilah] Badiane disappeared with Alexia--Sharon doesn't know where they went."

She could see the anger spike in Delilah...and the fear as well. Ava then looked to Morgan.

"Morgan, she was turned by magick, which means you can reverse what Badiane did."

[ She heard the tones of the other's voices, but she didn't comprehend what they were saying. The moment she saw Spellbinder's Soul Sword, she became upset again, flapping her little wings and squeaking/chirping. Persephone reached out to her again telepathically, assuring her that she was not in danger and that SPELLBINDER could set her free of this form she was trapped in! Finally when she settled a bit, Nicolas held out his hands. She felt a strong resonance from him too, she recognized him instinctively like she did Ava, even in her current form and so, with gentle assurance from Ava, she moved to Nicolas' waiting hands and promised to hold her while Spellbinder freed her.]

<< Taking a few steps forward, she holds the handle of the sword with both hands, extending it out full arm's length. The violet hued mystic flames cast a glow over Nicolas and Sharon in her tiny form.>>

1. 2.

<< She extends forward JUST a bit>>

3.

<< touching Sharon with the blade, displaying fine dexterity and finesse as she holds the sword steady.>>

[Sharon cries out and flaps her little wings wildly but the blade doesn't pierce or cut HER. it breaks through the magick that keeps her trapped in this form!]

<< The violet hued mystic energy sparks and FLARES around Sharon with a few shards of energy hitting Nicolas too. Chimes sound off and in a huge flash of white light, Badiane's spell is BROKEN and Silver Swan is freed, restored!>>

[GASP!!!]

[ Now back in her TRUE form! ]

<< She staggers in a dazed state as Rampage quickly helps to steady her and Spellbinder immediately pulls the Soul Sword back and away from Sharon and Nicolas >>

It's okay, Sharon. Just take it easy for a few moments and let yourself ADJUST.

[ She IS truly winded, and needs a moment]


Th....THANK YOU.

[ She says as Nicolas holds her steady]

Thank you for helping me, for setting me FREE! I was...AFRAID that I'd be lost here forever!

[She looked at Ava]

You kept that CRETINOUS OAF [Bishop] from shooting me...and you were able to calm me when I thought I was going insane, and communicate with me!

[ The trauma of Badiane's attack was quite apparent, but Spellbinder did a good job counteracting it with her own magicks. ]

Badiane!

[She YELLED with a FRACTION of her sonic power that caused everyone around her to FLINCH from the painful feedback]

I was THIS close to snatching Alexia from her grasp!

[ Sharon held her hand up, clenching her armored fist in anger]

And getting us OUT of here!

[ She calmed herself and collected her thoughts now that she was able to THINK in her normal capacity.]

I had Alexia, and we were about to exit this castle when Badiane attacked. She negated Alexia's power when she teleported the child into her grasp. I tried to stop her and she attacked me and suddenly...well, you found me in the aftermath of her attack.

[Now standing at her full height on her own]

There are DOZENS of children, being held captive in translucent "coffins" in the lower levels of this castle. The coffins form a honeycomb like wall and the children are all trapped in "eternal sleep." I was in one but my sonic scream shattered it. Alexia found me shortly after I freed myself.

She told me that her little faerie friend had been VIOLENTLY snatched away from her by Badiane and she was left alone to find her way until she found me. Badiane herself said that the faerie had been PUNISHED for defying her regarding Alexia.

I don't know where Badiane took Alexia, but I'm certain that that it's somewhere down below where the other children are being held. The POWER down there is almost PALPABLE and Badiane said it was Alexia's "destiny" to be the KEY that opens the black dream hole.

 

[Black Widow]

They continued their surreal journey through space. Haleigh lingered towards the stem of the ship, withdrawn from the different fragmented factions within her team. For a while she watched Cameron as he stood by Delilah's side, trying to offer their doomed friend some modicum of support.

She leaned back against the railing, frustrated by the lack of options at her disposal. She tried to wrap her mind around what she'd promised Delilah: to raise the kid after Delilah's self sacrifice. The thought made her deeply uncomfortable. She knew she wasn't fit for the duty and the idea of failing to do the ONE THING Delilah asked of her seemed incomprehensible. There was only one way to get out of it. Conveniently, it dovetailed with her own agenda: keep Delilah alive.

As she contemplated yet another epic battle with fate, she watched as they crossed the universe. Distracted by the beautiful, massive view, she began capturing mental 'pictures' of the different formations that they passed. For a few moments her head stopped hurting, her heart didn't feel so heavy, and she was able to forget all the horrible ways her own personal universe was imploding.

Then they docked and it all came rudely back. Delilah rushed headlong towards her demise, and there was nothing left to do but follow. Trying to get her bearings here was impossible. She felt suppressed by some kind of static interference, and told the others as much as they reached the doors of the castle. They boldly let themselves in, and almost immediately came upon a frantic little bird that seemed so wildly out of place that they all stopped. Haleigh felt an odd kind of bond with the creature, a familiar feeling of kinship, and she was about to say so when Bishop trained his weapon on it, but Ava called for him to wait.

Ava: NO! Don't hurt it! Everybody just wait! I'm sensing something about this bird...

Bishop: Really, Dr. Doolittle? Now’s not the time to join PETA. (After realizing more than one person was giving him a curious look) I read. Occasionally.

"Playboy doesn't count as reading, Max."

Cass warned that the bird could be a trap, but Ava explained that it was Sharon, trapped in bird form.

Bishop: DAMN. Should have shot her when I had the chance.

"Yeah, because that worked out SO WELL for you the FIRST time you attempted to shoot her."

She replied sarcastically, wanting to slap the stupid out of him but knowing it would be a waste of energy.

You can't fix stupid. Still..... live punching bags are quite fun.

Cam: Great. Just great.

Persephone: Morgan, she was turned by magick, which means you can reverse what Badiane did.

Cam: Maybe on Earth she can..but this isn't Morgan's realm. This isn't EARTH. Not to put the pressure on you, Spellbinder. But you think you can do it?

Morgan: Just WHO do you think you're talking to....

And so began yet another round of bickering. They were wasting precious TIME, and Haleigh was growing tired of being reminded just how at odds they all were. They were so ineffective like this. They used to be able to lock it down when it came time to fight, but this new divide was insurmountable, it seemed.

Bishop was ready to get a move on, and Haleigh could understand his haste, but she knew this was not a step to be skipped.

"Sharon will have valuable Intel on the layout of this place, and she could save us hours of wandering around aimlessly. I know you want your daughter back, but if we don't play to our advantages, we could all get killed, so be patient while we figure this out."

Morgan pulled the soul sword, and Haleigh felt a chill race down her spine. She had only ever seen the soul sword destroy and kill. This seemed like an extreme option, but she had to trust that Morgan would never do anything to harm Sharon.

"Okay, let's all put our egos away for just a minute and act like saving Sharon might be more important than a pissing contest."

Morgan succeeded in breaking the spell and Sharon returned to her normal form, much to the relief of many. Sharon thanked them, though she was still CLEARLY agitated.

Sharon: Badiane!

Sharon shouted, her sonic tone echoing in the great hall and reverberating all around them. Haleigh immediately clamped her hands down over her ears. She had better hearing than most, and Sharon's scream seemed to pierce her brain.

"Sharon, fucck! Use your fuccking inside voice!"

Sharon settled down a bit a relayed everything she knew, as Haleigh massaged her temples and absorbed the information.

"Alright, we need to head down to this honeycomb place. You're the designated tour guide here, so you take point. Everybody keep your head on a swivel. We're prime targets for an ambush."

 

[Bishop]

The Huge Fucking Castle

He rested the butt of his weapon on the ground in front of him, standing there waiting for the Six to get their acts together. Haleigh busted his balls a little when he mentioned reading.

"Playboy doesn't count as reading, Max."

“But informative just the same.”

He smirked over at her. Of all the people in their little party, she was probably the one MOST on his side. A really sad state of affairs for him, not that he cared. It didn’t matter what they thought. What mattered was what they were here to do and how each of them would contribute to that end.

But he really would have liked to see their faces if he’d shot the bird before they found out it was Sharon. That would have been fantastic.

"Yeah, because that worked out SO WELL for you the FIRST time you attempted to shoot her."

“Well I’d say the fact that I’m alive counts as progress.”

Delilah: “I could kill you now if you like. For old times’ sake.”

The fact that Delilah was occasionally speaking to him now and again, even when she was being a bitch, was a good sign – though he knew it was only because she believed her time was up. But he was going to save her. He didn’t know how, but there had to be something on this god forsaken planet that could take that faerie cunt out without Delilah having to do it. Haleigh would help with that, he thought. But these others…as always they were more willing to let Delilah make the sacrifice to get what they wanted. It mattered more to them that they looked badass and powerful than to actually do what needed to be done.

And then he made the mistake of questioning Sharon’s obvious weakness where this faerie was concerned…

She "wandered away" because she was entranced by the Faerie. She was on the ship, per Prophet's direction. It could've happened to ANY ONE OF YOU and had you'd been on the ship, it WOULD have. But being that you're utterly POWERLESS, I don't suppose there's any way you COULD have gotten to ship on your own now is there?

He held up a hand. Ain’t nobody got time for this bullshit.

“Whoa – must be past time for a midol there, lady. Clearly Sharon is susceptible to this faerie’s power, and if you weren’t trying your hardest to waste time by feeling superior, you would realize it’s an issue.”

"Sharon will have valuable Intel on the layout of this place, and she could save us hours of wandering around aimlessly. I know you want your daughter back, but if we don't play to our advantages, we could all get killed, so be patient while we figure this out."

He nodded. As much as he would have liked to deny it, using Sharon’s knowledge of the castle did make sense.

Don't move, Nicolas. Don't move at ALL.

[winking at Black Widow, whispering]“That’s what she said.”

And thankfully (?) it worked and the tiny bird was a giant bitchy bird once again.

You kept that CRETINOUS OAF [Bishop] from shooting me...and you were able to calm me when I thought I was going insane, and communicate with me!

“Oh for Chrissake, I didn’t shoot you! Jesus! Next time you turn into a bird, keep the noise down. And newsflash: you definitely are insane.”

Sharon explained what had happened to her.

I had Alexia, and we were about to exit this castle when Badiane attacked. She negated Alexia's power when she teleported the child into her grasp. I tried to stop her and she attacked me and suddenly...well, you found me in the aftermath of her attack.

It was all he could do to keep his emotions in check. But he couldn’t fall apart, couldn’t feel it. If he did, his daughter AND Delilah were as good as dead. He had to compartmentalize, focus on what was happening right here, right now. Search the castle, find Alexia, get her and Delilah out, that's all that mattered.

I don't know where Badiane took Alexia, but I'm certain that that it's somewhere down below where the other children are being held. The POWER down there is almost PALPABLE and Badiane said it was Alexia's "destiny" to be the KEY that opens the black dream hole.

“Over my dead body.”

And the before any of them could make some snippy comment, he cut them off:

“Just make sure Alexia’s safe before you hold me to that.”

"Alright, we need to head down to this honeycomb place. You're the designated tour guide here, so you take point. Everybody keep your head on a swivel. We're prime targets for an ambush."

He raised his gun and pressed the butt back into his shoulder, at the ready.

“Yeah, who knows, trained assassins could be disguised as singing mice.”

 

[MorningStar]

The Otherworld

Well, we could always have her test it out on YOU first?

Delilah pretended to be startled.

“Oh, I’m sorry, did you say something? I wasn’t listening. I toned out your drivel about five minutes ago.”

With a sugary-sweet fake smile, she turned her back on Alison and went to stand next to Cameron. No reason to give Morgan any opportunities for her sword to “slip”.

Bishop was being a dick. But that’s what he did, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise to anyone. Delilah just rolled her eyes. It was so far down the list of things that mattered right now that it barely bothered her.

He seemed to listen to Haleigh, albeit reluctantly, which was a good sign for what was to come. They would need to work together, even if they didn’t want to. She knew Cameron would help with that. In spite of what was going on, she looked at him and smiled. Zach might be the empath, but for bringing people around to seeing reality, her money was on Cameron King any day.

I had Alexia, and we were about to exit this castle when Badiane attacked. She negated Alexia's power when she teleported the child into her grasp. I tried to stop her and she attacked me and suddenly...well, you found me in the aftermath of her attack.

Negated her power?!

That was not good. It had given Delilah some small measure of comfort that she knew Alexia could shield herself. But without the use of her powers Alexia was completely vulnerable.

I don't know where Badiane took Alexia, but I'm certain that that it's somewhere down below where the other children are being held. The POWER down there is almost PALPABLE and Badiane said it was Alexia's "destiny" to be the KEY that opens the black dream hole.

“And it’s mine to be the fist that shuts it.”

"Alright, we need to head down to this honeycomb place. You're the designated tour guide here, so you take point. Everybody keep your head on a swivel. We're prime targets for an ambush."

This time, she let Sharon lead the way and hung back a bit before mentally speaking to Cam.

Cameron, Bishop is an asshole but he’s not wrong about Sharon. If Badiane takes control of her again, can you break the connection?

 

[Harbinger]

The Castle

:: Harbinger returned MorningStar's fake smile with one of her own, along with an obscene gesture and a wink. She just could not contain her contempt for Delilah's behavior anymore but the two of them didn't realize how badly their behavior reflected on both of them, as well as the whole group's current soul-state. As Black Widow had observed, there WAS a time where the Six could LOCK DOWN any personal problems among the group and face the danger at hand TOGETHER, but this time...even with the heartbreaking prophecy looming over them, it seemed that they weren't quite TOGETHER as they should be!::

:: Spellbinder freed Silver Swan and Harbinger flinched, clutching her ears as the mutate YELLED with her sonic power::

"Sharon, fucck! Use your fuccking inside voice!"

Sharon settled down a bit a relayed everything she knew, as Haleigh massaged her temples and absorbed the information.

"Alright, we need to head down to this honeycomb place. You're the designated tour guide here, so you take point. "

:: As they all turned and began following Silver Swan, they didn't get very far down the great hall....::

"Everybody keep your head on a swivel. We're prime targets for an ambush."

It's TOO LATE!

:: Harbinger yells as everyone stumbles to a stop...::

Spellbinder! Open a disc and get us.....