Dreamless Dream League

[Collin Tourist Account]

It was a seemingly normal day in Epcot City - or at least as normal as a day was in such a peculiar place - though 'day' may not have been the most appropriate term, as most of the light had faded, giving way to an orange sky that heralded that mystifying space between darkness and light, shadows cast across the expansive metropolis. Traffic was abundant as the citizens of Epcot City got off of work, numerous people walking the sidewalks to and from the destinations they were used to in their every day lives. No one, not a one, could have suspected that the tranquil normalcy of the sunset-drenched city would soon be shattered; and not by any of the numerous villains that infested the city, but by an alien entity entirely foreign to the universe they knew.

The clouds overhead, painted various shades of orange, red, and purple by the natural beauty of the setting sun, suddenly began moving in a peculiar fashion. In the location directly above Khan Tower, the largest skyscraper in Epcot City and the heart of Khan Industries, the clouds swirled, forming an eye as though from a storm, though no winds outside of the usual had stirred. From this central point the clouds suddenly darkened, lightning snapping from the dark eye, though the electrical disturbance was unnatural, and the bolts struck in bizarre trajectories and at times formed intertwining weaves. A loud - nearly ear-piercingly loud, in fact - crashing sound then emitted, and seven streams of light, each hued a different color, shot off in different directions, scattering to all corners of the city.

It was then that it appeared from the eye, sparks of electricity dancing across its sleek, metallic form. The tip of what could only be described as a blade first appeared out of the eye, and as it slowly descended it revealed itself to be the blade of an enormous, larger-than-life sword. The base of the sword was golden, and fashioned to look like a monstrous face, complete with eyes; the protruding finger-guards looked to be clawed talons; the hilt of the sword was alternating bands of crimson and black, and at the very top of the hilt was a demonic skull with long, curved, bull-like horns.

Many people panicked and screamed as the alien weapon descended from the heavens, while others were too dumbfounded by what they were seeing to do anything more than stare, mouth agape. Cars collided and crashed and chaos ensued as the dark clouds continued to swirl in a vortex around the point where the sword had appeared. It continued its gradual descent, making a beeline right for Khan Tower. The city was then subjected to another ear-splitting sound, this time the sound of metal piercing concrete and opposing metal, as the blade of the sword impaled itself through the roof of Khan Tower, the blade planting itself into the building itself. It sheered through various floors of the building like a hot knife through butter, employees leaping out of harm's way as their cubicles and desks were torn apart from above. Windows shattered, entire floors collapsed, as the personnel fled to evacuate in a full-on panic. Once the cutting blade was roughly halfway in, the movement of the sword stopped.

Within moments of the sword firmly situating itself in the building, the top half of the sword and the hilt now peering over Epcot City like some god-like watcher, the face-like carving of the handle proved itself to be an actual face as its lower jaw, complete with two protruding, under-bite fangs, gaped open, its eyes widening and glowing electric blue. The eyes on the skull crowing the sinister weapon gleamed red as a discharge of blue energy shot upward, in the shape of a large sphere, high into the sky near the point where the sword had made its oh-so dramatic entrance. Once it reached an adequate height it then split into six smaller spheres, which shot off, each traveling to a different location, yet all stopping on the border of the city limits. When they were all in place they glowed blindingly, shooting pillars of energy which formed a dome-shaped outline of a shell surrounding the entire city. Between each pillar translucent, blue energy spread out, continuing until it connected with the other energy pillars, creating a barrier-dome which enveloped the entire city, blocking out the ground-level, subterranean exits, and even the sky itself, cutting Epcot City off completely from the outside world.

As if enough confusion and disaster hadn't been distilled, a great earthquake then began to grumble and shake the city. The street and sidewalks surrounding Khan Tower began to crack apart, crumbling away as Khan Tower, and whatever earth surrounded it, began to float up into the sky as a miniature, levitating island, leaving a massive hole where building had been just moments earlier. It floated high above the city before the sword again unleashed a discharge in a fashion not unlike the first time. This time, however, the spheres were smaller, and floated a much shorter distance. The barrier they, in turn, created enveloped the massive weapon, Khan Tower, and the floating chunk of land in a perfect, symmetrical sphere of transparent, blue energy from which the building, and the sword, could be seen inside.

Epcot City was completely cocooned by an impenetrable barrier. Whatever was happening, there would be absolutely no possible assistance from the outside world. No one could enter Epcot City, and to those trapped inside before the barrier was erected, escape was impossible. Likewise, Khan Tower and the alien blade, now floating hundreds of feet above the ground, were surrounded by a similar, impenetrable barrier, rendering entrance to the building and access to the strange invader impossibilities, as well.

With its arrival complete and the safety shields set into place the sword ceased taking any more actions for the time-being, remaining motionless. But for all of the devastation and madness which had occurred, all within the course of just a few minutes, little could the residents of the imprisoned city realize that it was merely the calm before the storm, and that the invader's enigmatic arrival was nothing more than a prelude to what was to come.

The invasion had begun.

[Dreamchild]

Alice Liddell was in St. Blair Academy's grounds when the invasion had begun. Classes were over for the day, but Alice was still in her school uniform. She was seated under a tree on St. Blair's garden, a notebook held up by her her striped-stockinged knees, and on the paper Alice scribbled geometric formulas that were easy enough for her. But the panicked cries of the few people surrounding her enticed the girl to look up from the notebook. Instantly, Alice knew why the few students and faculty near her were panicking.

From almost any point in Epcot County, Khan's ziggurat of a tower was visible in the distance. Whenever Alice entered St. Blair Academy, she was always reminded of the elusive antagonist, Mr. Shere Khan, because his tower was right there in the distance. But this time, Mr. Khan wasn't to be feared: it was something else entirely--something of alien origin.

Alice's mouth gaped open and her eyes were the size of dinner plates. She couldn't help but to stare at the foreign monstrosity helplessly. She stood up and watched as Epcot City was cut off from the outside world completely by a barrier, and the sword--the sword was terrifying. Dreamchld, Alice's alter ego, had faced many villains in the past year, but none were as colossal and damaging as a sword that could easily impale the largest building in Epcot City!

Soon, Khan Tower became a floating island confined in a barrier. There was no denying it; her service was required.

Alice quietly and hastily left St. Blair's grounds. Nobody noticed her, which was good. It made changing into Dreamchild much easier...

[hellfire]

Judge Claude Frollo, the holiest, most righteous man in all of Epcot City (according to him), had watched the invasion from the discomfort of a third story window, in his home.

"I come not to bring peace," Frollo recited, "but to bring a sword."

Although he was fearful of the invasion, his heart was nevertheless at peace, for he knew that he was a good and pious man. Surely, of everyone in this repugnant city, he would gain admittance in heaven. Yes, this is true. A self-satisfied grin tugged his face, and he threw open the window and crazily yelled at the frightened, chaotic denizens below.

"Repent, sinners! Judgment day is upon us!"

[She-Wolf]

As the sun set, illuminating the afternoon sky with a golden-orange glow, warm rays of the sun gave their last bit of warmth before nightfall - including the secluded hillsides of Epcot City's outskirts, close to the edge of Walter Elias Forest. It was here that another member of the Dream League was out and about on their own, off-duty.

San Hisaishi, known by anyone else as She-Wolf, stood beside a large, lone oak tree overlooking the grassy knolls. Her hand placed against the old oak's trunk, she looked off into the distance - not towards the city, but the forest that was just a couple of miles outside of the city. The wild girl - who, arguably, had become somewhat "tamed" since joining the Dream League - had just returned from a visit to her lupine family, and home, in the forest; one of two homes for her, now. San gazed into the sea of pine and oak and birch in the distance, her dark eyes distant and contemplative... and just slightly troubled. Fellow Dream League teammates would know that She-Wolf was certainly the most reserved member of the team, by a long shot - silently staring into the distance was not something uncommon to see from her. Nobody knew quite what she was thinking about... the wolf pack she had called her family for years... how her life had changed since joining the Dream League... or, maybe, her life before that fateful incident, years ago, had occured.

Whatever was on her mind, San's thoughts were interrupted by the low rumbling of thunder, its loudness indicating that a storm was brewing quite close. The girl slowly lifted her head upward to glance at the cloudy sky... but was surprised by what she saw. The clouds were moving... fast. Towards a particular direction. Something definitely wasn't right, here.

Her former solemn mood quickly evaporated as she darted out from under the tree to get a better look at the shifting sky, and then turned her head to follow the clouds as they swirled towards the east, to Epcot City... as if being sucked into a vortex. Indeed, the clouds, rumbling with thunder and spitting out lightning repeatedly, had all gathered over one particular spot. Taking a few steps forward, San discovered that this particular spot was none other than Khan Tower.

Bewildered, San stared at the spiraling storm above the tycoon's massive tower... was Shere Khan up to something, again? San's thoughts would quickly be proven wrong, however, as it revealed itself from the darkness of the clouds and, looming above the entire city, began to plunge downward, towards the tower. San's breath fell short as she watched from the distance - even from that distance, the gargantuan blade, with the face of a grotesque demon, caused her to feel dwarfed in comparison. Her awe was cut short as the monstrous floating sword, with a terrible ear-breaking sound, crashed straight into the tower, reducing it to rubble, floor by floor. What on earth was happening...?!

Whatever it was... San knew she had to act on it, fast. Whatever was happening had to be stopped at all costs - acting on her gut, as always, She-Wolf immediately darted towards the city, across the fields billowing with windblown grass, at top speed. As she sped towards the tower, she noticed that it was slowly rising up from the ground, this bizarre sight only giving her even more incentive to make haste. She did not stop to even glance back at the forest... but something else did give her pause. Another incredibly loud noise, accompanied by a bright light in the skies and behind her, caused her to whip around and find a massive wall of bright, blue light form across the perimeter of the city, reaching all around. San had no idea what that was... but didn't stop to gawk at it for too long. Something had to be done right now - and so, she continued her determined sprint towards the city. She had to find another Dream League member as fast as she could.

[Sunshine]

One of the strongest members of the Dream League harbored three identities: Aurora, Princess of Eyvindria; Sunshine, the Ray of Hope; and Briar Rose, timid, soft-spoken citizen of Epcot City. Of course, Sunshine lived in the Overlook with the Dream League, but when she had to be in Epcot City undercover, her Briar Rose guise worked well enough so far. But even black reading glasses, a black ribbon in her hair, a gray dress jacket and pencil skirt, a white blouse, and black high-heeled shoes couldn't hide Briar Rose's natural beauty. Fortunately, no one recognized Briar Rose as Sunshine, at least, to her knowledge.

But it didn't matter if she was Aurora, Sunshine, or Briar Rose on that day, because her reaction would have been the same. When Briar Rose watched the ominous clouds and lightning, Khan Tower attacked, said tower rise several hundred feet into the air, and the boundaries completely cutting off Epcot City from the outside. No one was getting in, and, more importantly, no one was getting out.

Briar Rose/Sunshine/Aurora had not felt this afraid since the attack on Eyvindria. Window shopping in downtown Epcot City could wait; it's time to put her powers to good use, and help save the world!

The bespectacled Briar Rose's hard, determined face as people ran past her ceased when she caught sight of a familiar sight: She-Wolf. Within a minute, Briar Rose found an appropriate place to hide, changed her clothes to become Sunshine, and jumped into the air to fly. She flew to catch up to She-Wolf, and called down to her as she flew.

"She-Wolf!" she exclaimed. She occasionally looked ahead to make sure she wouldn't fly into anything. "Have you seen any other Dreamers on your way here?!"

[The Balloonist]

Carl Fredricksen, better known to the Dream League as The Balloonist, was sitting on a bench in the park, feeding the birds and enjoying his time off, when he witnessed the happening. No, he wasn't senile, and nothing was wrong with his glasses. This was really happening.

The wide-eyed Balloonist sat on the bench and watched. When the sword was lodged into Khan Tower, the noise was so piercing and shrill that the Balloonist's hearing aid became faulty.

"Aaarrgh!!" The Balloonist winced and modified his hearing aid until it functioned properly. He glared at the sword, and at the boundaries that formed. Whatever this invasion was, the alien(s) couldn't have been good. This was dead serious.

"I'd better find the others!" the Balloonist said to himself. He stood up, leaving his bread crumbs for the birds, and immediately took flight, thanks to his power ring. He flew away, hoping to meet with one of the Dream League--anyone.

[She-Wolf]

She-Wolf slowed down her pace somewhat as she entered the chaotic city - running at top speed in an area packed with towering buildings (and in this case, panicked mobs as well) wasn't quite as safe as doing the same in an open field. Regardless, she made haste, expertly weaving through the sea of people, alleyways and buildings, keeping her sharp ears open for the voices of any other Dream League members. All the while, that gigantic, sword-like... thing, loomed over the entirety of Epcot City, its grimacing fanged face overseeing all... and just looking at it urged San to hurry even more.

Thankfully, she would find help quicker than expected. As she ran into a more open space of the city's streets and began to increase her springing speed, a familiar voice called out to her as she ran. Not missing a step, She-Wolf whipped her head up to glance at her compatriot, Sunshine. A smidgen of relief fell upon San at that moment... especially so, since it was Sunshine - the person she was closest to in all of the Dream League - that she had found. But San did not smile - her face remained hardened and serious in this dour time.

She-Wolf momentarily stopped in her tracks to briefly fill in the golden-haired heroine. "No, you're the first I've seen. But we need to find the others, now!" She shouted with gravity over the mayhem ensuing all around them. Now that she had found Sunshine, she'd be sure not to leave her side, so she kept her eyes on her and stood, her legs spread and ready to sprint after the airbound girl.

[The Masked Mallard]

The Masked Mallard, presently in his civilian identity of Scrooge McDuck, had been paying a visit to one of his businesses in Epcot City to see how things there were going when the calamity struck. The colossal racket had drawn the attention of all inside the building, and fearfully the employees either ran outside or peered out of windows to see Kahn Towers being skewered by a demonic sword that came from a stormy vortex in the skies overhead.

Pushing his way out through the crowd, Scrooge irritably huffed, "Excuse me! What's going on here -- blow me bagpipes!" His shock caused him to practically jump at least six feet into the air and his eyes to nearly double in size as he stared at the eye-popping scene.

'That blasted pussycat must've done something really bad this time." Scrooge gravely thought, referring to his and the Dream League's wealthy nemesis Shere Kahn.

His first instinct was to don his costume, but with a low groan, he realized that it was back at the Overlook, and the spare was at McDuck Manor all the way over in Duckberg as well. He couldn't very well go to battle in his present blue-and-crimson overcoat. He couldn't begin imagine all the trouble that would result if his true identity were to be revealed to the public.

Slowly and discreetly, Scrooge edged his way back inside the two-story structure and away from the crowd. As he walked down the empty side corridor, he cast his eyes about, searching for something. The Glaswegian spotted the one particular room he was looking for, and headed straight for it. Entering, he flipped on the light switch before striding over to a closet and peered inside. There were bunch of coats, jackets, and other such items hanging up, presumably the lost and found. Ducking swiftly inside, the duck closed the door behind him, and a few minutes later, had stepped back out again.

Now the Masked Mallard was garbed in a dark gray duster jacket and a rather battered black cap. In his hands were a black sash and a pair of scissors. With a few cuts, he had made holes in the sash large enough to see out of. Instant mask. Tying it around his head, he left the small room to go study himself in mirrors of the mens' restroom further down the hall. He didn't appear very elegant by any means, but it would have to do (but oh, he just knew that he'd take some jibes from certain Leaguers about it).

Speaking of which, it was time to seek the others. He switched on his comm-link watch, the one item of superhero paraphernalia that he did have on him at all times. "Dream Leaguers! This is the Masked Mallard! Do any of you read me?" He shouted into it using his "hero voice" as he did.

[Sunshine]

Sunshine's beautiful face was not as solemn and severe as She-Wolf's. However, this was not because Sunshine didn't care as much about Epcot City's situation, or the over one million citizens' well-being. Sunshine cared deeply, and the presence of the sword frightened her to her core--the same feeling she felt when Maleficent and her supernatural partner attacked Eyvindria over a year and a half ago. Sunshine was frightened, so why didn't she show it?

It's because of her nature. Sunshine was the Ray of Hope, and whether by choice or by instinct, she faced any seemingly impossible situation with hope and confidence, waiting and ready. She was scared, but she was hopeful that if she and her friends did their best, Epcot City--and even all of Earth--might see a better tomorrow. That's why Sunshine rarely, if ever, appeared as dour as her friend, She-Wolf.

Nevertheless, Sunshine's normally passive violet eyes burned with determination, and though her face wasn't as grave, she nodded wholeheartedly in agreement with She-Wolf.

"Yes, She-Wolf! I agree. Let's look for the others!"

Without wasting another moment, the airborne superheroine continued her flight. The two made an interesting pair: one was a land-runner, and the other took to the skies. But for now, Sunshine remained close, even as her eyes darted every which way, hoping to find other members of the Dream League. It was at that time when she heard a beep in her comm-link watch. She instantly recognized the debonair

"She-Wolf!" Sunshine exclaimed to her partner without looking at her. "I'm getting a message!" Sunshine instantly recognized the voice; it belonged to the Masked Mallard. She could hear that distinctive, graceful voice in a crowd.

Her comm-link watch was hidden most of the time by a blue sleeve, but she pulled back the sleeve and pressed the appropriate button on the watch, and spoke into it, so that the Masked Mallard, wherever he was, could receive her words.

"Oh, Masked Mallard, it's terrible! Have you seen the sword?" As she continued to fly, she brought her face up to gaze at the sword high above, on yonder topmost tower. Even though the sword was in a barrier, there was no mistaking that face. It looked over all, as if taunting them. Whatever it was, it was evil.

[The Balloonist]

"You're not just whistlin' Dixie, kid!" replied a voice in both Sunshine and the Masked Mallard's comm-link watches, except the voice belonged to neither of them. It came from Carl Fredricksen, better known to both masked vigilantes as the Balloonist. The biggest difference between both of the masked vigilantes is that the Balloonist was not masked at all; there was no hiding his identity. Not that the Balloonist felt that made him any more or less better; he just had nothing to protect. Ellie was dead, he has moved on, and he joined and is living with the Dream League now. He vowed to live the rest of his days as the Balloonist, fighting crime and doing what he needed to do, just like the decades his spent with the Aviator... with Ellie.

But there was no time to reminisce, because the sword, floating island that was Khan Industries, and the barriers were the biggest issue in Epcot City right now. Nothing else was more important, and this grave situation was reflected in the Balloonist's voice. It was raspy and aged, just like the Balloonist, except it was serious today.

"Where're you at? I just left the park, and I'm on my way downtown."

Thankfully, the Balloonist liked both Sunshine and the Masked Mallard. He could relate to the Masked Mallard because the two were in their golden years (the Balloonist was two years older than the Mallard), and who could ever hate Sunshine, so beautiful yet modest and sweet? So even if the Balloonist was curt with these two, he still respected them.

As the Balloonist spoke into his watch, he flew cautiously. His eyes were ahead, though his voice was to the watch. Unlike Sunshine, his ability of flight was not natural; it stemmed as one of numerous talents while wearing his power ring.

[The Green Bone]

Another figure in the area was Lucky Radcliffe, he and his family were out one day on a walk but the sight of the large sword in the sky caught his attention, Lucky still on his leash looked for a way to slip out unnoticed so he could assume his heroric alter-ego The Green Bone. Luckily for him the others' attentions where on that sword. Lucky made his move and darted into an alleyway "I'm sure the other Dream Leaguers saw it already." Lucky said to himself as he got to a safe enough distance.

Lucky slipped out his comlink hidden inside his collar "Green Bone here guys, I just saw that oversized letter opener above Khan Industries." He barked into the comlink, luckily his own power ring could translate his speech to english so his fellow leaguers could understand him. A green aura formed around the pup's body as he transformed into The Green Bone

[The Masked Mallard]

As he talked, The Masked Mallard slipped out of the building via a back entrance-way. He was greatly relieved to hear some familiar voices -- the dulcet voice of Sunshine, the Balloonist's gruffer, more aged one, and the unique, almost scratchy tone of the new kid... Green Bone, wasn't it?

"Aye. It's a terribly ugly addition to Kahn Towers, if I may say so! I'm on the east side myself. Perhaps you three should meet up with me here by the courthouse, since all of you can get to me faster flying then I could get to you walking." He pointed out as he ran down the street past streams of scared citizens, who were running from the strange threat. It was rather ironic that a duck couldn't fly while two humans and a dog all could.

In the streets, traffic had piled up considerably and the sound of honking car horns reverberated through the air, as fearful drivers tried to flee the city. The Glaswegian hoped that people wouldn't go mad and start trying to loot stores and businesses.

[Sunshine]

Sunshine's eyes widened in surprise when the Balloonist answered instead of the Masked Mallard. But this was great news, because every Dream Leaguer (or Dreamer, as Sunshine called them) available, great and small, needed to check in, because this was a desperate time of need. Because of that, it was a great relief to hear the voices of other heroes. After the Balloonist asked where everyone was at, there came a voice that Sunshine recognized as belonging to the Green Bone's (even though the Green Bone only spoke while wearing his ring). After the Green Bone, the Masked Mallard responded. Including She-Wolf and Sunshine, that made five members who responded immediately to the invasion. So far, so good.

Sunshine, continuing to fly, nodded in agreement as the Masked Mallard suggested the courthouse as a rendezvous. Her beautiful face hardened in determination as she spoke. "Understood, Masked Mallard! She-Wolf is with me, and we'll see you at the courthouse!"

Sunshine's comm-link remained active, but she lowered her arm to her side and occasionally looked down to She-Wolf to call to her. Of course, she kept her eyes ahead of her, to make sure she wouldn't crash into anything as she flew.

"She-Wolf, they're meeting outside the courthouse! Let's go!"

By chance, the first turn on the way to the court house was ahead. As the intersection approached, Sunshine graciously swerved and then turned in the air. She had to get to that courthouse to meet with the others, and fast.

[The Green Bone]

Green Bone nodded as he heard the voices of Masked Mallard, She-Wolf, Sunshine, and The Balloonist. "I'm on my way." Green Bone said into his communicator as he flew off surrounded by his green aura toward the courthouse to meet with the other Leaguers.

[The Balloonist]

The Balloonist listened to his comrades as he, while flying, looked up at the sword that had impaled Khan Tower with ease, like a hot knife through butter. The Balloonist's illuminant blue eyes narrowed, and his false teeth gritted as he stared at that damned sword. The longer the old superhero looked at it, the more he disliked it. If this were the last mission the Balloonist would rush in, then the Balloonist would gladly seal his fate, if it meant saving Epcot City from certain doom. With the barrier shielding the floating island, and an even larger barrier completely isolating Epcot City from the outside, it was obvious that this sword--and whoever/whatever was behind it all--was not gonna be friendly.

"Copy that," the Balloonist growled through his teeth, giving the sword one more sneer before returning his focus ahead. Next stop: the courthouse!

***

The Balloonist would be the first to reach the Masked Mallard in front of the courthouse. On normal circumstances, the elderly human would have been pleased to talk to the elderly duck, but such pleasantries would have to be postponed.

The Balloonist's blue aura dimmed as he landed on the ground. On his leather-shoed feet. He adjusted his hat to make sure it was fitted snugly on his head, and his eyes scanned around him, outside of the large courthouse, to look for the Masked Mallard. Because the Balloonist knew the Masked Mallard's normal costume very well, he did not expect the Mallard to wear anything different. And it's because that the Mallard wore different clothes that the Balloonist didn't recognize the Gentleman's Crimefighter.

[She-Wolf]

As soon as the Masked Mallard's distinctive voice piped up from Sunshine's communicator, followed by the familiar voices of two other Dream League members, She-Wolf felt just a tinge more relieved. It surely wasn't the entire Dream League that they had gathered the attention of, but She-Wolf considered having even five of them around right now, so soon, a godsend. She said nothing through the whole conversation, but listened intently through Sunshine's communicator.

At Sunshine's command, She-Wolf resumed her rapid sprint through the city streets, almost effortlessly keeping up with sunshine. "Right!" she shouted out to her trusted partner - even in a single word, her voice was heavy with the seriousness and intensity that this situation brought forth. Before continuing, she shot one short, last glance at that monstrous sword floating in midair above the whole city... just looking at it made her want to run even faster.

[The Green Bone]

The Green Bone soon arrived at the courthouse where he noticed the Balloonist, he landed beside him and looked up at him. "Just hope the others get here safetly." The Green Bone said looking up at The Balloonist. He also hoped his family was alright though if anything did happen he knew his partner The Star Pup could handle things.

[Sunshine]

"There's the courthouse," Sunshine reminded She-Wolf as the two superheroines neared the rendezvous point, "ahead of us!" Sunshine was relieved to see the Balloonist, the Green Bone, and... a weirdly dressed duck? That couldn't have been the Masked Mallard, could it? The costume was much too gauche to be his costume.

All the same, she was relieved to see familiar faces. As Sunshine got close to her companions, she descended the air. She landed hastily yet gracefully in front of the courthouse's steps, her pink skirt and golden hair fluttering in the wind as she landed. Sunshine, who was the tallest of all the members gathered (she even surpassed the Balloonist in height), placed her right hand on her chest and sighed in relief.

"Thank goodness you're here," she told the Dream League members who had gathered. "We still need to find the others, but I'm happy to see the three of you." She looked behind her at She-Wolf, giving her closer friend a look of uncertainty. Then she remembered the duck. She looked at the oddly-dressed duck and tersely asked, "I'm sorry, but are you the Masked Mallard?" A single eyebrow raised.

[Duck Avenger]

Duck Avenger and Gyro Gearloose were inside the Star Wisher, flying toward the Overlook to refuel, when the barrier appeared. Whether by curse or blessing, the barrier reached just away from the Overlook's island, so the Dream League could still reach their headquarters if they needed to. When the barrier materialized, Duck Avenger was so frightened, that he nearly crashed the Star Wisher by his trembling hands. Fortunately, he calmed himself, and he parked the Star Wisher beside Gyro's workshop to refuel the Star Wisher. Meanwhile, Gyro inspected the barrier, and it was obvious that there was no escaping. It was simply out of the question. After Duck Avenger had refueled, he and Gyro got back in the Star Wisher and headed for downtown. By fortunate coincidence, they saw some of the Dream League by the courthouse. But before Duck Avenger would circle to land near the others, he noticed Khan Tower flying in the air for the first time, with a gigantic sword through it...

***

"WAK!!" Duck Avenger pointed at the ominously barricaded island in the sky. It looked as though its barrier was the same kind of power that confined all of Epcot City. "Look at that thing, Gyro!! What is it?!"

[Gyro Gearloose]

Gyro was equally scared. He adjusted his glasses, but there was nothing wrong with his lenses; it was exactly what he and Duck Avenger saw. He swallowed and responded, "It looks like a giant sword in Khan Tower! Where do you suppose the sword came from?" He looked to Duck Avenger with worry filling his eyes. Times like this, he kinda missed being unaffiliated with superheroes and supervillains. Epcot City was in serious trouble.

[Duck Avenger]

Duck Avenger's eyes burned as he looked to Gyro in annoyance. "How should I know?! Look, there they are at the courthouse!" Duck Avenger pointed at some of the gathered Dream League in front of the courthouse. Gyro had looked out of his window to see them, and he nodded. "I'll just park the Star Wisher on the court's lawn and--"

Duck Avenger squinted when he thought he saw someone on the ground. It had yellow hair, and was dressed in blue and white. "Hey, is that Dreamchild?"

[Dreamchild]

Indeed, it was. Running would have taken way too long for the girl, so she opted for levitation. Some would have probably criticized her for being lazy, but this was no time for that sort of nonsense. Dreamchild had heard over her own comm-link that the others were meeting at the courthouse. Although she was telepathic, her telepathy could not have reached all the way from St. Blair Academy. Her feet did not touch the ground; she shot through the air like a rocket and was aiming straight for the courthouse. Using levitation for miles was strenuous on Dreamchild, though, so when she landed in the group, she clasped her right hand on her forehead and took this moment to rest.

Her white eyes were slits because they were mostly closed as she rested, so she didn't see the Masked Mallard's unusual clothing. "I'm sorry for being late!"

[Duck Avenger]

Duck Avenger circled the Star Wisher and landed it on the courthouse's lawn. It's a good thing he sacrificed time to refuel the thing! Once landed, Duck Avenger opened the ramped door, and he and Gyro hurried out of it. The ramp closed behind them, and the two anthropomorphic birds (Gyro was almost twice Duck Avengers's height) hurried to join the group. One by one, the Dream League checked in.

Duck Avenger looked around at his companions. "Sorry for keeping you waiting, b--" He looked back to the Masked Mallard and pointed at the dark gray duster jacket, the black cap that has seen better days, and an obviously makeshift mask. "What, is your costume at the cleaners?" Duck Avenger smirked as he poked fun at the Masked Mallard's costume.

[Bongo]

Shortly after Dreamchild and the two Star Wisher passengers had arrived at the courthouse, one more Dream League member appeared on the scene. Zipping past buildings and sidewalks, and weaving through hordes of panicked citygoers, Bongo the superbear rapidly wheeled into view on his unicycle, his short legs pedaling as fast as they could.

Without even breaking a sweat, Bongo reached the gathering, screeched his unicycle to a near immediate halt, hopped off of it and landed his paws on the concrete ground. The little bear didn't even wait to begin describing the situation to his teammates, in his own manner - frantically moving his arms all about, pointing to the enormous sword towering over the city, and occasionally mimicking the events that had occurred through pantomime. As adorable as this was, the bear wasn't putting on a show - he was just as frightened as everybody else, as evidenced by his panicked growls and whimpers.

[The Masked Mallard]

First the Balloonist, then the Green Bone, followed by Sunshine and She-Wolf, arrived at the courthouse. The Masked Mallard was about respond to Sunshine's inquiry when the Duck Avenger just had to make a wise-aleck remark about his costuming. He smiled mirthlessly.

“Droll as ever in the present circumstances, my boy. Yes, everybody, it is I, the Masked Mallard. Er, I’m afraid my costume was not at hand, so I was forced to improvise. I can work just as well in this as I can in my regular costume.” He insisted with an indignant bang of the tip of his cane on the pavement.

Dreamchild, Duck Avenger, and Gyro were the next to come in. The old duck raised a hand in acknowledgment of Dreamchild. He could tell that she was tired from using her levitation, and saw no need for scolding her for not immediately showing up. “As long as you're here, young lady.”

Bongo was the last to arrive, and was quite obviously scared out of his wits by the hellish sight of the giant sword. The Gentleman Crimefighter couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the poor ursine. “Easy my boy." He said in a reassuring tone, hoping to ease Bongo's nerves. The sight of the other Dreamers caused a swell of pride to surge within the Masked Mallard’s heart. It made him feel good to see his teammates ready to stand in defense of Epcot City. It would’ve been even better if it had been the entirety of the Dream League, but he was grateful that this many had assembled here. The senior superhero spoke once more, this time addressing all who were present.

"Figuring out where that blasted thing came from and getting rid of it and that accursed barrier is out first order of business. Has anyone actually examined either up close? If so, what did you notice? Did anything stand out in particular?”

[The Green Bone]

The Green Bone listened carefully. "Not yet, but I'm sure once we do we can get a clue as to what the heck is going on." The Emerald pup said with concern. He also wondered if Legacy Buck caught wind of that sword too.

[Paradox]

With Paradox's teleportation spell, the old wizard and Sir Pendragon (in his altered form) poofed into existence before the Dream League, outside of the courthouse. The materialization was instantaneous, and anyone who was familiar with the old man's teleportation knew what to expect: a large, fluffy cloud of ethereal smoke that was so thick, one might feel as though he could cut through it with a knife.

Thankfully, the sparkly, unnaturally colored smoke soon evaporated, revealing Paradox and the taller Sir Pendragon. Paradox's face was crossed with worry and annoyance.

"I don't like that sword," he said tersely. His long, white beard billowed lightly in the wind, towards his left.

[Archimedes]

Seated on Paradox's shoulder, as the colorful smoke dissipated, was the third member of the medieval trio, Archimedes. Under other circumstances, the owl would have flown to the designated site himself rather than use Merlin's rather disorienting spell, but this was too urgent a matter for wasting time like that - indeed, this could be the most urgent of matters the Dream League has ever faced, thus far.

Archimedes, like his human companion, was quite concerned about the sight visible all throughout the city; however, while typically he was the more level-headed one, in this particular situation, he seemed to be a bit more panicked than Merlin was. "Wha-wha-what, where in blazes did that thing come from?!" the distraught owl stammered, gazing up at the enormous sword-shaped entity in the sky with his yellow eyes, intense with worry, and his eyebrows curled in discontent.

[Sir Pendragon]

*The boy, much taller and older than he normally appears, thanks to the powerful magics of the sword Excalibur, stood by his mentor, gazing up at the enormous sword in Khan Tower through the visor of his golden metal helmet. Although no one could see it, a slightly worrysome expression fixed the magically-aged youth's features. That sword was much too large to be wielded by a normal human being, of course...who--or *what*--on earth could leave a sword that size imbedded in the middle of a building? He glances over at the wizard.*

Neither do I, Merlin...the question is, who dropped it there? It seems too big for anything but a Giant. And the air feels ominous...we should do something, but at the same time, don't you think we should find the others, first?

[Duck Avenger]

Duck Avenger snickered at the Mallard's response. The snicker would be the last piece of levity from the Avenger for some time; he volunteered to act like a leader, which he did often. Technically, the Dream League had no leader or commander, but Duck Avenger liked to be the one to execute ideas and commands, whether he was justified or not. Times like this, Duck Avenger was glad to be vocal and opinionated, at the risk of appearing superior.

He shook his head at Sir Pendragon. "We can't wait any longer." He gestured upward with his right thumb, while his left hand gripped his left side. "That sword--whatever it's doing--isn't going away, and we can't waste another minute. I say we get a better look'a that thing. Anyone who can fly," he looked at Sunshine as an example, "will fly. Everyone else, pack into the Star Wisher."