Dreamless Dream League

[Dreamchild]

Dreamchild smiled as she heard the Masked Mallard's response. She always appreciated when the elderly yet formidable duck was gentlemanly to her. She opened her eyes fully, better rested, when she heard about the Masked Mallard's unusual outfit. She managed to avoid smiling at the sight of the Gentleman's Crimefighter.

She quickly set aside the Masked Mallard's warddrobe, and she looked to the other heroes who had just joined. She only spoke up when Duck Avenger suggested they fly up toward Khan Tower to get a better look at the sword.

"Don't you suppose that will be dangerous, Duck Avenger?" Dreamchild's voice was more cautionary than critical.

[Duck Avenger]

Immediately, Duck Avenger's idea met criticism. He narrowed his eyes slightly in annoyance and brought his eyes upward to face the taller girl. "You got a better idea? 'Cause if you do, I'd like to hear it!" After a short pause, Duck Avenger's voice only increased in volume and emotion as he continued. "I'm not staying down here when our target is up there!" He angrily pointed toward Khan Tower in the sky. Duck Avenger's teeth on the sides of his bill were visible as he gritted them. "I won't be a sitting duck!"

[Sunshine]

Sunshine finally spoke after her long period of silence. Although her voice was as dainty and pleasant as ever, it was definitely tainted by deep concern. Her arms were folded on her chest. "I agree." She first looked at Duck Avenger, and then her head slowly moved so she looked to all members of the Dream League as she explained herself. "I, too, want to have a better look at the sword, as close as I can get to it. How can we know it's all bad unless we get a better look?"

After a pause, her characteristic altruism surfaced. The eyes behind her mask exuded selflessness. "I could protect the Star Wisher if we all go together, but if no one wants to try, then... I could fly alone." Her lips looked unusual when they didn't smile. This was one such occasion.

[The Balloonist]

The Balloonist scoffed at Sunshine's last words almost immediately after they escaped her lips. The elderly superhero grimaced at the idea of Sunshine going solo, and he shook his head and waved his ring hand at Sunshine, who stood in front of him. "Hey, kid, don't say that! If you're goin', I'm going with ya. You're not going alone!"

The Balloonist looked at all the other Dreamers. "We gotta look after each other, right?" There he was, everyone's favorite grandpa.

[She-Wolf]

She-Wolf, standing beside Sunshine with her wolfskin cape lightly blowing in the ominous wind, lowered her eyebrows in anxiety at Sunshine's suggestion to go it alone. "No," she immediately belted out in a half-shouting tone, speaking for the first time since the Dream League had regrouped on this dark day. If the idea of Sunshine facing this menace solo caused concern for the Balloonist, then She-Wolf, who was closer to Sunshine than to anybody else in the Dream League, showed great discomfort towards it, maybe even moreso than the elderly man. She ceased her voice when the Balloonist spoke up, however, and allowed him to speak, all the while staring at her companion Sunshine with concern in her dark eyes.

"... He's right," she tersely added, normally reluctant to so willingly show agreement with another Dream League member; but this dire time was a prime exception. They all needed to act together now, whether the loner She-Wolf liked it or not. "Nobody's going anywhere alone." The wolf girl then turned to face the blonde beauty beside her, solemnly staring into her lavender eyes with loyalty shining through her own pupils; her stare seemed to say, itself, that she would not leave Sunshine's side, no matter what. "We're all staying together."

[The Green Bone]

Green Bone nodded in agreement "Sooner we get up there, the better." He said looking at the sword again, a growl escaped the pup's muzzle as he got ready to investigate it. "I'm only worried about one thing, if it has some kind of defense mechanism. That's something we gotta consider too." He told his fellow leaguers.

[The Masked Mallard]

When assorted other stragglers started to pour in, the Masked Mallard found his query was only partly answered. From the way the others spoke, no one had actually seen the massive sword up close. Duck Avenger wanted to go in for a closer look, unsurprisingly. The lad had always been a spitfire.

"We gotta look after each other, right?"

The Masked Mallard gave a firm nod of agreement at the Balloonist's words. Granted, there were still a few Dreamers he didn’t quite know what to make of, like She-Wolf for example, but he would never leave any of them hanging, as his nephews might say. It was their job as a team to support and watch out for one another. Once the others had had their say, the Gentleman Crimefighter let his own thoughts be known as he spoke once more.

“I don’t like running in without knowing exactly what’s going on either, but I suppose there’s no other reasonable option left, is there?” He sighed. Like Dreamchild, he feared that trying to investigate could be potentially dangerous. Still though, who else would go up there? The ECPD? The very idea was laughable to him. He doubted they had anything in their arsenal to deal with monstrosity.

“Perhaps only a few of us should approach that thing. What if it’s a trap, or has some sort of a defense mechanism, like the Green Bone said? If something happens and we’re all up there, then there won’t be very many heroes left to protect the city.” He pointed out.

Privately, the Masked Mallard liked that the Green Bone had shown such foresight in considering the dangers of trying to get close to the sword.

[Sunshine]

Sunshine's altruistic offer was immediately (and lovingly) shot down by two the Dream League, her deepest, closest friends. First the Balloonist, and then She-Wolf. She had looked to her friends as they rebuked the idea of a sacrifice. Sunshine did not intend to show off or imply suicidal tendancies. She was as selfless as can be, and she would rather risk her own skin than for any of her beloved friends to die. But her friends refused to allow Sunshine to go alone, and their feelings of strong friendship (particularly She-Wolf's) had surfaced.

Sunshine blushed and smiled warmly at the Balloonist and She-Wolf. "Thank you. I was foolish--of course I can't leave my friends!"

Alas, heartfelt moments had to wait, because the Green Bone's profound statement brought Sunshine's attention back to the sword in the sky. She looked from the distant sword to the Masked Mallard, who spoke his thoughts. She nodded in agreement with the Mallard's suggestion, about how some members should stay on the ground level, just in case.

"I agree," said Sunshine to the Mallard. "But if anyone else is going, I want to fly with them." Her voice was polite yet firm, as though there was no arguing with her.

[Dreamchild]

Dreamchild felt slightly embarrassed that her cautious inquiry was shot down harshly. But she felt worse when Sunshine had a moment where she, frighteningly, implied risking herself. That wouldn't be the case because of the other members' disapproval, thank goodness. By that point, Dreamchild realized that there was no getting around it--even if it was obviously dangerous, the only way to ascertain the sword is to get a closer look of the ominous weapon.

Dreamchild nodded to the Masked Mallard, and then her white eyes returned to meet Duck Avenger's. "Very well. I will go if you want me to. Otherwise, I'm sure I could talk through one's mind from this distance." She looked up at the island in the sky. Her lips pulled in a worried frown.

[Duck Avenger]

Duck Avenger shook his head disapprovingly at Sunshine even before she finished her offer. He would have given the Ray of Hope an earful for her idea, but the Balloonist and then She-Wolf jumped in before he could. The Avenger nodded his head (there was a lot of head nodding, it seems!) at the Green Bone after the puppy's burst of wisdom, and then to the Masked Mallard.

"Good idea, Masked M." He saw Dreamchild look to him through the corner of his eye. He returned to face her as she spoke, and replied even though she looked up to the island after she finished speaking. "You can stay here on the ground. I think your powers would come in handy down here better than up there."

Duck Avenger stepped back so he could properly address everyone present. "Okay, everyone, listen up! I'm going in the Star Wisher." He gestured to Sunshine. "And it looks like Sunshine will fly with me." Then he gestured to the Masked Mallard with his other hand. "He says some of us should stay here on the ground. If you wanna stay, then stay. Decide now, 'cause I'm not gonna wait."

His feathered hands gripped his hips (at least, what could be best described as hips, for his anatomy was radically different from a human's), and he looked at every member of the team, expecting all of them to react.

[Dreamchild]

Dreamchild smiled and bowed her head in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Duck Avenger. I suppose I'll just wait here." She looked at all the other members of the team present. "I'll be with whoever stays, too. But I'll keep my mind open for you, Avenger."

[The Balloonist]

After Dreamchild's answer, the Balloonist stepped closer to Duck Avenger. "If Sunshine's goin'," he said as he held up his ring hand, which was clenched into a tight fist, "I'm goin'. I just crossed my heart for her--we're in this together!" He smirked at Sunshine as he walked closer to Duck Avenger. "I can fly as well as her, so I won't ride in that Starspeeder thing."

Duck Avenger muttered under his breath, "Star Wisher."

[Paradox]

Paradox had finally broken his silence. He remained quiet yet observant the whole time, his expressive face reacting to the conversation when appropriate. But now, Paradox stared worriedly at Dreamchild. So far, she was the only member who was confirmed to stay behind. He stepped to the girl and patted her back in a friendly, encouraging manner.

"I'll stay here with you, lass. I can't leave you alone here, you know." He smiled kindly under his thick mustache and beard. Dreamchild looked up to Paradox and smiled in return.

[Gyro Gearloose]

It was Gyro's turn to speak. He awkwardly rubbed his brow with a red handkerchief he often kept in his pocket. Thankfully, the handkerchief wasn't damp with motor oil or so. This was all unnerving, honestly. "I'm not really a superhero, so I'll standby. But you can call me if you need anything, Mr. A." He smiled to Duck Avenger.

Dreamchild and Paradox would stay behind. Duck Avenger, Sunshine, and the Balloonist would get a closer examination of the sword. What will the other Dreamers do, Gyro wondered.

[Archimedes]

At the news of Paradox remaining on the ground with Dreamchild, Archimedes came to the conclusion that he, too, would be staying there; wherever Merlin went, the owl was sure to go. All the while, as the Dream Leaguers conversed, Archimedes' intense yellow eyes nervously flicked from the floating island (particularly that sword pierced into it) to the rest of the team - he was visibly agitated, not a rare sight at all, but the typically level-headed owl also appeared to be more neurotic than he has ever been, at this moment. There was just no explaining what was going on, right now.

After Paradox spoke to Dreamchild, Archimedes shifted his focus to her and added a firm nod to the old man's words. Although seemingly permanently cantankerous and quite suspicious at first, the owl was truly loyal, and even caring sometimes. He had eventually come to trust well most of his teammates, and felt a sense of duty to help protect them however he could - especially Dreamchild, one of the youngest members of the group.

"There's no telling what other sort of nonsense could end up happening down here - so there's no sense in leaving anybody here alone." Still, ever reluctant to truly show any tender emotions, Archimedes masked his concern with cold, hard logic.

[Bongo]

As all of this talking was going on, Bongo, the only (semi-) mute member of the Dream League, could no naught but watch and listen intently. He still seemed just as upset as when he first appeared at the courthouse - The Masked Mallard's reassurance was somewhat comforting, but it didn't last for long. The little bear was terrified by all of this chaos, repeatedly glancing back up at that giant sword with his round ears flattened. Just what would happen to Epcot City? What would happen to the world?

Once hearing that Dreamchild was staying behind, the anxious bear immediately perked up and looked towards her. Without a moment's notice, he hopped on over to the girl's side and quickly replaced his frown of uncertainty by managing to form that charming smile of his across his muzzle; he even lifted up his strap-on cap to further reassure the girl. Of all the Dream Leaguers, Dreamchild was Bongo's favorite - they had developed a close friendship over the many months they've both been in the team, since its very creation. If Bongo had to choose somebody to remain with during this fearful time, it'd be Dreamchild.

[She-Wolf]

She-Wolf, however, wouldn't stay behind even if she was ordered to.

Taking a few bold steps forward, fierce determination on her painted face, she faced the three who were to fly up and face that mysterious menace, on the floating isle. "I'm going, too," was all she said, in her usual blunt but fiery tone of voice. There was no separating her and Sunshine right now; as her closest friend, possibly the only human friend she ever did have, San simply could not be at peace knowing that Sunshine was at risk of being injured or worse. Just like the wolves she had lived with for so many years, she was loyal to the very end to those who had fully earned her trust. It was not simply a matter of protecting Sunshine, though; in a dire time like this, San just couldn't stand to be forcibly removed from Sunshine's side in the first place.

[The Green Bone]

"I'll go as well." The Green Bone spoke up. He was ready to help anyway he could, his main concern was his family but he had faith in his partner Star Pup to protect their family. His ring sparking emerald sparks, he couldn't wait to go up there to investigate that sword

[The Masked Mallard]

One by one, each present Dreamer volunteered to either go investigate the sword or stay behind. The old vigilante tried to conceal a smirk at Archimedes' response. In some ways, that owl reminded him of himself. Once the Green Bone had his say, the Masked Mallard spoke next. "I will remain here as well."

Being a great uncle, he was quite projective of the younger Dreamers like Dreamchild. Bongo appeared to have calmed down, thankfully. Watching him and Dreamchild interact together, the duck mused that it must have been the child who caused the ex-circus bear to regain his courage. While he didn't doubt the capabilities of those two, or Paradox or Archimedes', it seemed they would require a person who could coordinate and organize them in case of trouble. The Masked Mallard felt he could do that.

Between their comm-links and Dreamchild's telepathy, the divided super-team should be able to communicate back and forth easily.

[Sir Pendragon]

*Sir Pendragon looks from Dreamchild to the other members of the team, thinking. On one hand, he wanted to stay with her to protect her, but on the other...the Dream League needed all the help they could get with this, and the situation was prickly, indeed. He thought in silence for another moment, then nods.*

Alright, I'm in with the team on the Star Wisher. They're going to need help. Just please....

*He puts a gauntleted hand on Paradox's shoulder, a soft, pleading look on his face through the helmet. He spoke to the wizard softly, almost inaudible.*

Watch over her, alright? I'm counting on you, old friend.

[Dreamchild]

In these troubled times, Dreamchild realized how loyal and caring her partners in justice were. They were more than partners--they were her friends. As a girl growing up in England, Alice didn't have too many friends, but the Dream League changed all of that. Paradox was the first to volunteer staying behind, and the first to reassure her. For once, Archimedes commented positively. Both the wizard and his owl touched Dreamchild. Bongo was especially charming, and Dreamchild's lips were filled with sincerity as they smiled at him. Bongo was definitely one of her closest, if not closest, friends in the team. Gyro would stay behind, too; even though the mechanic was not a hero, his assistance was still invaluable, so his presence was welcome. And, of course, there was the Masked Mallard; one of the first of the Dream League she ever met, and he remained one of her closest collaborators. She was about to tell him and the others who volunteered to stay behind how grateful she was, until she was approached by Sir Pendragon.

Arthur.

Dreamchild's smile was wiped off immediately by the enchanted knight's words. After Pendragon spoke barely audibly to Paradox, the Dream Come True ran to the knight and pulled his arm, tugging him.

"No! Wait, Pendragon! I--" Dreamchild immediately realized what she was doing, and realized that she could be the center of attention now. Sunshine more prone to blushing than she, but this time her cheeks grew pink, and she timidly released her grip on Pendragon's arm. She looked down to hide her eyes, but she braved and looked up to him. With red cheeks and a shaky voice, she wished him the best. "Please be careful. Please."

After she finished, she turned quickly and returned to those who volunteered to stay behind. Dreamchild stood beside the Masked Mallard very closely, and she looked down to hide her face. She was still blushing, but she attempted to calm herself. It was obvious that she treated Pendragon differently than she treated the other Dreamers.

[Paradox]

Paradox looked to Pendragon as he approached him, and whispered to him. Merlin's sense of hearing excelled his aging eyesight, so he heard Pendragon's words clearly. He was ready to comment when Dreamchild interrupted, and tugged Pendragon's arm. Dreamchild acted awkwardly, blushed, and stepped back after she asked Pendragon to be safe. Paradox looked to Pendragon again and smiled.

"I will, Arthur." Paradox swallowed and hesitated to show such emotion, but he gave in. "Take care."

Paradox stared at his closest friend, apart from Archimedes, for a moment. Satisfied, Paradox walked to join the others who would stay behind, convincing himself that Pendragon would return in one piece.

[Duck Avenger]

Duck Avenger watched and listened to everyone in the Dream League as they either chose to join him, or stay. He sensed there was something between Dreamchild and Pendragon, but he wasn't quite sure what it was. So, he would be joined by the Balloonist, Sunshine, the Green Bone, She-Wolf, and Sir Pendragon. He assumed the heroes who could fly would take to the air, while the land-walkers would have to rely on the Star Wisher. There wasn't enough room in the Star Wisher for all six of them (at least, enough room to be comfortable), so that's why Duck Avenger made the assumption.

After the Masked Mallard decided to stay, Duck Avenger nodded in agreement immediately. "Okay." He turned to start of the Star Wisher after everyone had spoken, but he stopped in his tracks and turned to walk to the Masked Mallard. Duck Avenger stared at the older, unorthodoxy-attired Masked Mallard, and spoke with hesitation. "Look after everyone. I'm... counting on you." Duck Avenger's eyes expressed tenderness for a second, before the duck resumed his determined expression.

He turned and entered the Star Wisher in earnest. He seated himself in the pilot's chair and buckled his safety belt, and waited for other butts to fill in the empty seats.

[The Balloonist]

The Balloonist quietly watched his comrades talk, each taking a turn saying if he would go or stay. His bushy eyebrows raised as he watched Dreamchild's reaction to Pendragon going. He didn't know why, but he sensed he knew what was going on inside Dreamchild's head, even though she was the psychic, not he.

More than ready, the Balloonist adjusted his glasses with his right hand, straightened his hat with both hands, and, with his ring glowing, ascended the air and waited above the ground for those who would check out the sword.

"All right, everybody ready?"

[Sunshine]

Sunshine's radiant lips and eyes reacted to She-Wolf. She smiled to the wolf girl, the smile that only comes from a best friend. But as her friends decided to either stay or join, Sunshine watched silently. Her eyes remained on Dreamchild as she reacted to Pendragon. From the way Dreamchild blushed, and how she spoke to Pendragon differently than anyone else... Sunshine smiled softly. That could only mean one thing.

Duck Avenger entered the Star Wisher, and the Balloonist ascended above, stating his preparation.

Sunshine turned to She-Wolf, wearing a smile even in these frustrating, uncertain times. "She-Wolf, because you can't fly you should go in the Star Wisher. But I will fly next to the Star Wisher, so I'll always be by your side. I promise!"

After her friendly words to the wolf girl, Sunshine looked to everyone who volunteered to stay in Epcot City, while the others would inspect the sword. "Be careful, everyone. I love all of you!" Sunshine was affectionate even now. Still smiling, she continued to look at the group as she raised her hands to several inches from her waist, and carried herself in the air. Now airborne, like the Balloonist, she turned and moved closer to the Star Wisher, waiting for the journey to begin.

[The Green Bone]

Green Bone watched the Duck Avenger enter the Star Wisher, his own power ring glowing as a green aura surrounded the dalmatian's body, he soon hovered in the air as he hovered over toward Sunshine and the Balloonist as he fixed his gaze at the large sword "Let's be extra careful." He said showing concern for his fellow league members

[She-Wolf]

Up until this point, She-Wolf's face had remained as stern and serious as ever - but Sunshine's smile was also as amazingly contagious as ever. Once she shined it towards San, its spell was cast on her immediately - and, in these dire times, San, too, was now able to give a small smile of her own to her most trusted partner. And upon hearing Sunshine's faithful promise, her smile even grew a little. In loyal affirmation, She-Wolf nodded.

As everybody who would travel up to the sword in the sky prepared to do so, it was then that She-Wolf turned her gaze up to that very sword. Her eyebrows lowered in fierce anger, as determination swelled up within her. Something about seeing her teammates comfort and encourage each other - including Sunshine's own words of solace spoken to her... she was confused by it, and couldn't figure out why in her head, but she felt stronger than ever, now - and more willing than ever to battle alongside the rest of the Dream League. A strange vigor flowed through her fiery veins - a vigor that encouraged her to give her all in this mission.

"Let's move." With these two words, She-Wolf headed towards the Star Wisher and climbed aboard, seating herself in one of the seats behind the pilot and passenger seats, buckling up once she was seated.

[Sir Pendragon]

*Sir Pendragon leaned down to the girl's height to hear her, His facial expression hid by the guilded helmet, concealing the almost confused and flustered expression on his face. He nodded gently to the young blonde girl in response to her request, quietly low for only her to hear.*

I shall try...for you, lass.

*With that, he stood, and fearlessly walks to the Star Wisher, boarding the flying craft.*

[Duck Avenger]

Duck Avenger looked over his shoulder and waited until Sir Pendragon boarded the craft, seated himself, and fastened his seat belt. The Avenger nodded as his comrades. Then he looked out of the windshield and nodded to the flying comrades. Satisfied and ready to go, he activated the Star Wisher, ascended the air, and kicked the jets into high gear. The Star Wisher, followed by Sunshine, the Balloonist and the Green Bone, climbed higher and higher, up close to the floating mountain.

Whatever feeling Duck Avenger had before, it was tenfold worse now. It was one thing to see Khan Tower from ground level. It was another to be closer to it, in the sky. And the closer the Dream League got to the impaled Tower, the larger the sword got. The sword was colossal to say the very least.

"We're getting closer!" Duck Avenger exclaimed. Just after he said that, the Star Wisher was now relatively close to the sword's face. The duck narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth as he piloted.

[The Masked Mallard]

The little scene that had occurred between Dreamchild and Sir Pendragon had not escaped the wily old duck’s notice. It would seem that the lassie fancied the young knight, and he her. Ah, young love. It was rather charming, to be honest. However, only the slightest of smiles crossed his bill, and he kept his thoughts to himself. Beside, the poor child was clearly flustered.

He was startled when Duck Avenger approached him, and, in a tone of voice that was gentler then his usual manner of speaking, told him to look after everybody. The Masked Mallard clasped the younger avian's shoulder, and firmly but gently replied, “Aye. You needn’t ask, lad – you know I will.”

After Sunshine wished those who were remaining behind well, the Gentleman Crimefighter waved to her and the rest of her party. “Godspeed!” He wasn’t quite as prone to be as upfront with his emotions as Sunshine was, but he did feel comfortable in wishing them luck. This mission had taken on an air of seriousness, with the way everyone was giving one other their goodbyes and whatnot. Scrooge was determined not to allow himself to be daunted by the task before them. The Dreamers would prevail, and everyone would be alright... right?

Clearing his mind of his worries, The Masked Mallard briskly addressed his cohorts: Dreamchild, Paradox, Archimedes, Bongo, and Gyro. “Well, I suppose we should monitor crowd control and see if there any civilians are in need of assistance. If the others need our help, they will call us.”