The only sound heard in the dark room was the light breathing of the Goblin King. A smile
silently stole across his face as he watched his listians with the utmost sneakiness. "So, they're
considering a gathering?" he said softly, his voice echoing off the walls. Sitting on the edge of his
throne, Jareth held the crystal elegantly upon his slender fingers.
"Hmmm...." he muttered as his smile widened, "this could be rather fun. I love to torment them.
After all, they deserve it," he added, flicking the crystal into the air.
As he strode across the throne room, he thought of how he couldn't wait until they were all
together again. Considering their last gathering, he was certain that he could crack them easily.
All it would take was a little nudge in the right direction and they would do anything he asked.
Jareth couldn't rid himself of the wicked smile upon his face as he contemplated how they would
bend to his will.
Those wicked wenches - he stopped himself as he thought of how Jade would object to such a
term and mentally corrected himself- horrid listians of his would soon be calling for his aid.
"Yes, this will be a time they will not likely forget," he chuckled, knowing that Essy had picked a
superb place to hold the get-together. Another wicked smile crossed his face before he
disappeared into the darkness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I can't believe I'm here," Dawn said, a smile crossing her face. She'd not been to one of these
before, and yet she couldn't stop smiling. "Who else is here?"
"Let's see. . ." Smut Queen started. A regular of these outings' she would make Dawn feel right
at ease with the rest of the weirdos. "That's Easy over there with Gem and Spidey," she pointed
then directed her attention in the other direction. "That's Leelee talking with Selah, Jade, Paola
and Kara. Well lookie there, here comes Mairead talking up a storm with the rest of em. That's
Allie, the baby of the list," she grinned, making sure to point out the right people. All this time
and Dawn's never met any of them. Unbelievable, she thought.
"Is that Dee?" Dawn asked, remembering a picture she had seen.
"Yup," SQ replied, noticing someone new. "That's Christy there, which reminds me, she still
owes me some more of Labyride'." SQ stated, excusing herself and heading straight for Christy.
Dawn stood there looking at them. Who would have thought they would be here now? Essy, of
course, with all her convention planning, but Dawn was just happy to be there. Watching them
carefully, she didn't notice the figure sneaking up behind her.
Hands reached out gingerly to squeeze Dawn's sides making her jump and squeal only to spin
around quickly. A pair of brown eyes stared back, an amused grin lighting the face of Dawn's
attacker.
"You've got to be Dawn," she stated, looking her up and down. "I recognize you from your
pictures. It's me. . .Poledra!" she cackled, glancing around to see who else made it.
Dawn smiled, breaking out into laughter as well. Before she could blink, the Dominatrix of Death
pulled her along toward the rest of the group. Once there, she couldn't get a word in edgewise as
Spidey, Dee, Smut Queen and Mairead talked up a storm.
"Hiya," a new voice said causing her to glance to her left to see a young brunette looking back.
"Glad yousa could make it!" she laughed.
"You've got to be Selah," Dawn mentioned, smiling.
"Yes, that's Selah," came the reply. "Hi."
"Jade!" another called as a thin brunette came running up, red highlights shining in the sunlight. A
smile crossed her face. "It's about time you showed up. I've been waiting and for me that's not an
easy thing to do. I'm so knackered."
"Hey Gemma," Jade laughed.
"Gems, good to see you again," Kara stated, walking up to the group.
Gemma looked to the newer arrival. "Wow! I'm gobsmacked! Hiya, Dawn baby... glad you
made it!" she piped out, looking over her shoulder. "Don't look now, but I think Easy's up to no
good."
As the gazes all turned on Essy, their mouths dropped open in shock as she pulled out her
crossbow. A wicked smile crossing her face, she slowly loaded it.
"I don't think this is a good idea, Essy," Leelee called out from where she had been tied to a tree.
"I mean, come on. What if you miss?" her voice quivered.
"Sith do not miss, it's in the handbook," Essy replied, studying her target closely. "Besides, if
William Tell could do it, I can do it better!" she remarked, raising the bow and taking aim.
"Essy! NO!!" Selah shouted, running toward her.
Essy's attention snapped the instant Selah screamed. Letting the crossbow fire without thinking,
the arrow shot through the air toward Leelee who screamed I am not an Addams!' and closed her
eyes.
Nothing happened.
"Holy shit!" SQ said, not sure what just took place, but from the look of it, she didn't think she
wanted to know.
Leelee let her breath out and sneaked an eye open to see the tip of the arrow right in front of her
nose. Attached to that arrow was a hand. . . and not just any hand.
Jareth looked at Leelee then glanced at Essy. Pulling the arrow away, he shook his head. "Can't I
trust you alone for five minutes, children?"
"That was more than five minutes, Jareth. She nearly killed me!" Leelee screamed, glaring back at
Essy.
"Just honing your rage, apprentice," Essy remarked quickly.
Jareth grabbed the back of Leelee's pants, holding her in place long enough for her anger to shift
elsewhere. A smack upside the head and a few choice words later, Jareth released her without
hesitation. "I was only trying to help, you fiend."
Leelee turned around and glared back at him. "Excuse me?" she uttered, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, you can't kill her yet, Lisa," Jareth muttered, sidling up next to her. "Don't you think it
would be much more fun to torment her while she sleeps?"
Giving Essy a quick glance, she grinned wickedly. "Good idea. I'll kill her later."
"What?" Essy shrugged, ignoring Leelee's last comment.
"Geez, Easy, how did you find this place?"
"DCME Joyride!" Essy retaliated.
Jade shook her head with a smile. "I live to torment."
"She's right, Ess. This is one spooky-ass house," SQ said, looking over the premises.
"It's a hotel, Lisa. Deal with it and thank me for the great rates," Essy shot back with a grin. She
could always find a bargain anywhere.
Jareth grinned, just waiting for the moment they realized just how wrong Essy could be.
Movement caught his eye and he glanced to his right to see the owners of the establishment
walking up. My, don't they look like walking corpses?', he thought to himself. With a hushed
snicker, Jareth stepped back and watched with eager anticipation.
"Hello," a deep voice echoed through the air, causing all the UGLies to turn and look at the man.
"Welcome to my humble establishment. I trust you will be well taken care of," he mentioned,
snapping his fingers.
Within seconds, their luggage was snapped up by the employees and carried off toward the hotel.
After one last look, the man disappeared without another word.
"Creepy," Dee mentioned.
"He won't win any congeniality awards," Kara replied.
"Ess, are you sure about this place?" Selah asked, glancing around carefully.
"Will you just relax?" Essy uttered.
"When you find out just what Lurch there is up to, maybe!" Selah shot back.
Jade and Kara shrugged with a smile. Some things never change. Grabbing Gemma's arm, they
tugged her off toward the hotel, hoping the others would stop their nonsense and just enjoy the
time they had.
"Hello?" Kara called, walking in through the main door with Jade and Gemma close behind.
"Whoa, would you look at this place?" Gemma uttered, her eyes growing wide at what she saw.
With a small smile, one word escaped her lips. "Wicked."
"Cool as frostbite," Jade added, noting the architecture and admiring the hand carved fixtures that
lined the wall adding to the decor.
"What are you guys doing?" Dee asked, crashing through the door with the rest of them.
"And you thought it was creepy on the outside," Leelee laughed, poking SQ in the ribs.
"Your rooms are ready. Perhaps you would like to retire?" the man asked, creeping out from the
shadows behind the counter.
"You have got to stop sneaking around like that!" Spidey shouted, not pleased with the prospect
the hotel held. At least they couldn't get into any trouble, right?
"We shall see," the man replied softly, making Spidey look back at him with an expression of
shock. He had a feeling this would be too easy to scare these fools. They had already proven to
be foolhardy and quick to jump at shadows.
"What?" Spidey asked, not sure of what to make of this strange man. His pale features were the
only striking presence that seemed to call out to every danger sense she had in her body. Tensing
at the thought that maybe he was so pale because he was one of the undead, she smirked, trying
to shake off the idea.
"Sign here and I'll give you your room keys," he replied in a monotone voice that sent chills down
any sane person's spine. "Your luggage should already be in your rooms. Please take care, and
make sure that you and your roommate get along. We here at The Darkened Door feel that the
only boarder is a happy one."
"Save us the speech, okay, pops?" Dee mentioned, snatching up the key. "Thanks. Who am I
stuck with?" she asked, glancing down at the book. A smile crossed her face. "Looks like it's you
and me, Daisy."
"Excuse me, miss," the man said, clearing his throat. "There are three to a room. You will also
be boarding with. . ." he started, looking down through his book. "Fairy?" he said in a
questioning tone.
"Whoo hoo, Allie! Let's get this show on the road, shall we?" Dee exclaimed, heading for the
stairs.
Gemma grabbed up a key and looked down at the names beside hers. "Um, sir... I don't mean to
be mardy, but can we do an iccle bit of arranging here?" she muttered, grabbing a pencil and
taking it into her own hands to erase the names and rewrite them. "That's better." she smiled.
"You can't do that Germ," Essy said quickly, looking to see what Gemma was up to.
"Why? You just stick with Leelee and Spidey. And I'll be safer than you in this wicked reject of
spooky houses." Gemma stated, heading for the stairs pitying anyone that didn't realize what they
were in for. She had noted the looks exchanged between the resident spooks, and she wasn't at
all pleased. At least this way, she was sure to survive long past the others. "Come on you two,
pick up the pace."
"And to think she was such an inspirational muse," Jade muttered.
"You could always trade her in," Kara replied, as they headed toward the stairs.
"Germ! You coward!" Essy shouted, holding her crossbow up in the air in defiance.
"Give me that!" Jareth growled, yanking the crossbow from her hands. "I think you've caused
enough damage with this for one day. You'll get it back when you return home. Until then, it's
mine."
"You shouldn't threaten a Sith Lord, Jareth. Not only is it bad form, but you might just wake up
bald one morning," Essy sneered, raising a finger in mock thought. "Now then, where did I leave
that shaver?" she asked randomly, then made a buzzing sound that gave Jareth the shivers.
"You wouldn't dare?" he growled, standing up to her.
"Wouldn't I? Come on, Jareth, you know me well enough by now. Am I serious?" she asked,
looking as innocent as a five year old, just before they wreak havoc on the unsuspecting victim.
Jareth walked away from her, not sure if he should take her threat to heart or just blow it off.
Soon, the rest of the UGLies were signed in and handed keys. Going off to their respective
rooms, Jareth smiled, glancing over at the man behind the counter. There was something odd
about him, but Jareth just couldn't place it. Shrugging, he let it go and went on about his
business.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What do you want to do first? Scout or just kick back and relax?" Kara asked, setting her
suitcase on the floor at the foot of her bed.
Jade tossed her suitcase on her bed, turning around toward Kara. Shaking her head, she smiled.
"I say scout it out," she giggled.
"I knew you'd say that," Kara laughed. "You coming with us, Gems?"
"Nah, not this time. I'm knackered. Think I'll settle in for some sleep. Just for the record, I think
you two are bleedin' nuts," she laughed, tossing her shoes to the floor without a second thought.
"Aw, gee, you found us out," Kara stated seriously, then broke into laughter. "Sleep well, Gems,
we'll see you in the morning."
"Nan night, Gemmie," Jade added.
"Nan night!" Gemma smiled, pulling the covers over her and trying to block out the last shred of
light that happened in through the blinds once the lights were turned off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Essy walked through the door with an appraising eye. Not too bad, she thought as she took in the
beds that were along the far wall. Walking across the room, she raised her bag up and started to
set it down on the bed.
Spidey immediately jumped in her way, pouncing on the bed with a grin. "You snooze, you lose,
Ess," she laughed, pulling the covers up around her like a cape. "Look! I'm Jaden's clone!"
"Jaden suddenly got unattractive then," Essy stated, examining her nails, ducking Spidey's arm to
avoid being swatted.
"Hey! Could you at least give me a hand with this?" Leelee called out, but was ignored by her
master of the dark force along with Spidey who was preparing to take flight off the end of her
bed.
"Ouch!" came the cry of the poor blonde, who in a moment of insanity, thought herself to be a
vampire who could fly.
"Well you both have the same I.Q. it seems," Essy snickered evilly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This should be some good fun, ladies," SQ said, glancing down the hall toward the door at the
end. "That must be ours."
"Did she ever say how she found this old relic?" Amy asked, studying the pictures that lined the
darkened hallway.
"You'd think they could at least turn the lights up to a more pleasant brightness. This dark is
killer," Dawn muttered.
"Yeah, but it'll be great for sleeping," SQ mentioned, grabbing the door handle. Inserting the key,
she turned it slightly and heard a click. With a smile, she pushed the door open and the three of
them stood there gazing at the room they would share for the next few days.
"Wow," Amy whispered, her eyes falling across the smooth surfaces and the delicately carved
woodwork that lined the walls. The plush, blood red carpet sank beneath her feet, as she tried to
register that this was indeed their room and that for once, Essy's bargain hunting had panned out.
"Holy shit, this is sweet!" SQ said, walking into the room and glancing at a fireplace that was set
into the far wall. Shaking her head, she walked over to a bed and sat down, eager to finally get
some rest.
"Whoa," Dawn muttered beneath her breath as she glanced around the spacious quarters. "This is
my idea of style," she smiled, taking up residence on one of the two remaining beds.
Amy walked over to the third bed, then glanced to a door off to the right. "What do you think
that is?" she asked, immediately starting towards it.
"Closet maybe?" SQ replied, stretching out across her bed.
Amy walked nearer, the need to know growing deeper than she would have thought. Grasping
the handle, she glanced over her shoulder to see Dawn watching her. With a slight hesitation, she
turned the handle and pushed the door open slowly. In the next moments, Amy was pounced
upon by an unknown predator. Letting a scream of fright escape her lips, it was immediately
followed by laughter and soft whispering.
"Amy!" SQ shouted and was up like a shot, running across the room. Shoving the door back, she
smiled at the sight.
There sat Amy with a grey cat sitting in her lap, pink collar around its neck, nuzzling her cheek.
"Aw, what a precious kitty," Lisa cooed.
"I vote we keep her," Amy said, scratching the cat between the ears.
"Just don't let those weirdos downstairs catch us with a cat," Dawn added, reaching down to pet
the soft fur.
"Not a chance," Amy said with a smile. She got to her feet, holding the purring cat close to her.
Frowning suddenly, she added, "I think she's hungry."
"Well, I don't have anything to feed her. I'm not a walking kitty bag, you know?" SQ said,
thinking of what they could do. "I have it. We'll just go down to the kitchen and get some tuna
or something she'll eat."
"Good idea," Amy replied, setting the cat down on her bed.
"Wait a minute," Dawn interrupted.
"What?" SQ asked, dropping her jacket in the chair.
"Those weirdos aren't going to want us in their kitchen. They could be random axe murderers or
something," Dawn replied hastily.
"Those poopheads?" Amy interjected. "I doubt it. I don't think they have enough brain matter
between them to fill a thimble."
Shrugging, Dawn gave in and followed them out the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Remember who we were stuck with the last time?" Mairead asked, laughing softly as she recalled
Selah's shocked expression.
"Yeah, but he better not pull that crap again," Selah snickered, shoving the door open to see an
empty room. Pushing her hair away from her face, she sighed. "Looks like it's you and me,
babe," she smiled, walking into the room without a second thought.
"Wait up!" a voice called out.
Selah and Mai turned toward the new voice, wondering who might be brave enough to room with
them. Selah smiled and offered her hand, introducing herself.
"Hi," the newcomer replied, a bit nervous. "I'm Lies."
"Never been to one of these, I take it?" Selah asked.
"You'll love it," Mai added.
"I hope so," she replied softly, following them into the awaiting room. She wasn't sure what she
expected, but she was certain it wasn't anything of this grandeur. She slowly let abreath as her
grey-green eyes took in the surroundings. "How did she find this place?" she asked, her eyes
taking in every last feature of the room.
"Mesa no know, but would you look at this?" Selah said, stretching her arms out and motioning
around her. "This is too cool," she grinned, sprinting across the room and picking the first of the
three beds. "Mine!"
"You are so silly," Mai shook her head, moving through the room. "Do you have a preference,
Lies?" she asked politely, standing between the two remaining beds.
"Nope," Lies replied, shaking her head.
When they had all finally settled down, they tried to relax, but Lies was on edge already. With
odd looks from Selah and Mai, she got to her feet and walked to the window, pushing it open to
let the fresh air in. Leaning on the window sill, she looked out across the landscape.
"What's out there?" Mai asked, walking up behind her.
"Nothing," Lies replied, an odd look on her face.
Mai and Lies stood looking out the window. Ocean waves broke upon the shore, far below the
cliff. The simple sounds of the surf eased their minds and soothed any doubts. After a few
minutes, Mai walked back to her bed and sat down, leaning against the headboard and pulling a
book from one of her bags.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dee, Fairy and Daisy made themselves comfortable in their shared quarters. Fairy sat down at a
desk that lined the far wall, relaxing as she drew. Dee and Daisy sat by the window talking about
everything they could do while they were there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paola, Christy and Jen settled down in their room for the night. The night was already upon them
and the anxiety of the day only added to their exhaustion. As they pulled the covers up and fell
asleep, not one of them noticed the shadow along the edge of their room, hanging there between
existence and nothing before disappearing without a trace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Those fools," a voice said, the darkness surrounding him like a shroud.
"Ah, but there are a few who can't be so easily beguiled," another stated softly, running a pale
hand across his chin.
"We need adherents if we are to remain powerful," the first replied, his voice rising in pitch.
"Those who will not serve our purpose shall perish. There is no one to stop us."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What do you think?" Kara asked, walking down the hall with Jade.
"Essy shouldn't have brought everyone here," she replied, shaking her head. "Do you feel that?"
"Yes," Kara answered, "Cold."
Just as she finished speaking, a growl filled the hall and they turned to look behind them, to see if
the source could be located. A sudden blast of air hit them and they were blown backwards,
hitting the wall. Slowly getting to their feet, they looked at one another then back down the
hallway.
"Can we do that again?" Kara laughed, smiling over at Jade who had already started back down
the hall. Catching up with her, she walked steadily down the corridor. "What are they waiting
for?" she whispered softly, looking to her left then to her right.
Jade shrugged. "I have no clue," she replied, watching the shadows as they played across the
walls. Reaching the door at the end of the hall, Jade grasped the handle, turning it enough to
release the lock so she could push it open easily.
Kara flipped the light switch and they stood there looking around at the immaculate room.
Pictures lined the walls and as soon as they set foot in the room, the door shut immediately behind
them. Startled briefly, they walked slowly around, looking at all the small statues and
engravements.
As her foot fell lightly on the surface, Kara's shoe pushed a concealed protuberance back into the
floor and the room shifted.
"What the - ?" Jade asked, grabbing on to the nearest table.
Kara lifted her foot to see the small circle beneath it. "I think I stepped on something," she
muttered, crouching down to get a better look at it. Running her fingertips around the edges, she
didn't notice the surroundings change until she looked up at Jade and found her sitting on a
carousel.
"This is great!" Jade said, jumping down and moving over to a train. "Think this is a nursery of
some sort?" she asked, running her hand along the tracks with a smile.
"What ever gave you that idea?" Kara retorted, then laughed.
"Ha ha, very funny," Jade shook her head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Quiet, you guys," Dawn said, as they moved through the hall toward the kitchen.
Pushing open the door, SQ peeked inside. "Coast is clear," she whispered, stepping into the
kitchen, her Doc Martin's tapping on the wooden floor. Pulling open a cupboard, all she could
think about was the massive head count Essy claimed to have hidden in her cupboard. With a
smile, she shuffled around the cans looking for tuna.
"I'll get some milk," Amy said, grabbing a small bowl from the counter top.
"Not too much, Amy, it's not good for the kitty," SQ offered.
"I know that," Amy retorted with a sigh.
"Come on, you guys," Dawn whispered from her lookout by the door. Peeking out the small
crack, she could see shadows coming closer. "Shit! Hide!" she blurted, running for cover and
ducking in the pantry.
SQ and Amy's heads jerked up at Dawn's warning, their eyes searching for an adequate place to
hide. Amy ran to join Dawn in the pantry while SQ hid beneath a counter. Holding the can to her
chest, she flinched when she heard the door open and footsteps fall on the wooden floor. "Shit,"
she whispered softly, wondering what they would do if they found her there.
"Someone's been in here," a voice uttered, sending chills down the girls' spine. "See about the
guests, make sure they are all accounted for."
"Yes sir," another replied, the door swinging shut behind him.
The footsteps echoed through the room, as he walked closer to the sink. Turning on the water,
he let it run over his fingers, not bothering to look behind him to where Lisa "SQ" Weber was
holding her breath and staring back at him.
Her heart pounded in her chest as her eyes stared at him. Glancing at the door just in front of her,
she knew she couldn't move it without him hearing it, he was that close. Swallowing hard, she
raised a shaky hand to cover her mouth as she heard the door open once again. More footsteps
sounding on the wooden floor, made her skin crawl as she heard them approaching.
"Two have found the room," a voice uttered, standing on the other side of the counter.
"And?" he asked, not turning.
"Should we leave them or take them out?" the other asked.
"Leave them be. They can't possibly realize what they've stumbled into," he replied, drumming his
fingers on the counter top before picking up a towel. Wiping his hands off, he shook his head
tiredly, turning slightly to his left to regard his comrade. "Which two?" he questioned.
"Does it matter?" the other replied, scoffing at the question.
"Which two?!" he asked, his voice rising in pitch.
"Jade and Kara, I believe," the other replied quickly.
"Damn," he muttered, as though he had some hidden secret. Throwing the towel angrily across
the room, he turned on his heels and left without looking down.
Lisa watched him go, wondering what Essy had gotten them into. When she finally heard the
door close, she slowly wrapped her fingers around the counter top and pulled herself up to peek
over the counter. As soon as she was sure they had gone, SQ got to her feet, walking toward the
pantry and pulling the door open.
"Let's get back to the room before they check on us," Dawn said, making her way toward the
door and cracking it open to peer outside. "Clear, lets go."
They slowly made their way back to the room, jumping at every thump or thud they heard. Only
when they had finally settled into their quarters were they able to relax a bit. But the conversation
they overheard played heavy on their minds.
silently stole across his face as he watched his listians with the utmost sneakiness. "So, they're
considering a gathering?" he said softly, his voice echoing off the walls. Sitting on the edge of his
throne, Jareth held the crystal elegantly upon his slender fingers.
"Hmmm...." he muttered as his smile widened, "this could be rather fun. I love to torment them.
After all, they deserve it," he added, flicking the crystal into the air.
As he strode across the throne room, he thought of how he couldn't wait until they were all
together again. Considering their last gathering, he was certain that he could crack them easily.
All it would take was a little nudge in the right direction and they would do anything he asked.
Jareth couldn't rid himself of the wicked smile upon his face as he contemplated how they would
bend to his will.
Those wicked wenches - he stopped himself as he thought of how Jade would object to such a
term and mentally corrected himself- horrid listians of his would soon be calling for his aid.
"Yes, this will be a time they will not likely forget," he chuckled, knowing that Essy had picked a
superb place to hold the get-together. Another wicked smile crossed his face before he
disappeared into the darkness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I can't believe I'm here," Dawn said, a smile crossing her face. She'd not been to one of these
before, and yet she couldn't stop smiling. "Who else is here?"
"Let's see. . ." Smut Queen started. A regular of these outings' she would make Dawn feel right
at ease with the rest of the weirdos. "That's Easy over there with Gem and Spidey," she pointed
then directed her attention in the other direction. "That's Leelee talking with Selah, Jade, Paola
and Kara. Well lookie there, here comes Mairead talking up a storm with the rest of em. That's
Allie, the baby of the list," she grinned, making sure to point out the right people. All this time
and Dawn's never met any of them. Unbelievable, she thought.
"Is that Dee?" Dawn asked, remembering a picture she had seen.
"Yup," SQ replied, noticing someone new. "That's Christy there, which reminds me, she still
owes me some more of Labyride'." SQ stated, excusing herself and heading straight for Christy.
Dawn stood there looking at them. Who would have thought they would be here now? Essy, of
course, with all her convention planning, but Dawn was just happy to be there. Watching them
carefully, she didn't notice the figure sneaking up behind her.
Hands reached out gingerly to squeeze Dawn's sides making her jump and squeal only to spin
around quickly. A pair of brown eyes stared back, an amused grin lighting the face of Dawn's
attacker.
"You've got to be Dawn," she stated, looking her up and down. "I recognize you from your
pictures. It's me. . .Poledra!" she cackled, glancing around to see who else made it.
Dawn smiled, breaking out into laughter as well. Before she could blink, the Dominatrix of Death
pulled her along toward the rest of the group. Once there, she couldn't get a word in edgewise as
Spidey, Dee, Smut Queen and Mairead talked up a storm.
"Hiya," a new voice said causing her to glance to her left to see a young brunette looking back.
"Glad yousa could make it!" she laughed.
"You've got to be Selah," Dawn mentioned, smiling.
"Yes, that's Selah," came the reply. "Hi."
"Jade!" another called as a thin brunette came running up, red highlights shining in the sunlight. A
smile crossed her face. "It's about time you showed up. I've been waiting and for me that's not an
easy thing to do. I'm so knackered."
"Hey Gemma," Jade laughed.
"Gems, good to see you again," Kara stated, walking up to the group.
Gemma looked to the newer arrival. "Wow! I'm gobsmacked! Hiya, Dawn baby... glad you
made it!" she piped out, looking over her shoulder. "Don't look now, but I think Easy's up to no
good."
As the gazes all turned on Essy, their mouths dropped open in shock as she pulled out her
crossbow. A wicked smile crossing her face, she slowly loaded it.
"I don't think this is a good idea, Essy," Leelee called out from where she had been tied to a tree.
"I mean, come on. What if you miss?" her voice quivered.
"Sith do not miss, it's in the handbook," Essy replied, studying her target closely. "Besides, if
William Tell could do it, I can do it better!" she remarked, raising the bow and taking aim.
"Essy! NO!!" Selah shouted, running toward her.
Essy's attention snapped the instant Selah screamed. Letting the crossbow fire without thinking,
the arrow shot through the air toward Leelee who screamed I am not an Addams!' and closed her
eyes.
Nothing happened.
"Holy shit!" SQ said, not sure what just took place, but from the look of it, she didn't think she
wanted to know.
Leelee let her breath out and sneaked an eye open to see the tip of the arrow right in front of her
nose. Attached to that arrow was a hand. . . and not just any hand.
Jareth looked at Leelee then glanced at Essy. Pulling the arrow away, he shook his head. "Can't I
trust you alone for five minutes, children?"
"That was more than five minutes, Jareth. She nearly killed me!" Leelee screamed, glaring back at
Essy.
"Just honing your rage, apprentice," Essy remarked quickly.
Jareth grabbed the back of Leelee's pants, holding her in place long enough for her anger to shift
elsewhere. A smack upside the head and a few choice words later, Jareth released her without
hesitation. "I was only trying to help, you fiend."
Leelee turned around and glared back at him. "Excuse me?" she uttered, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, you can't kill her yet, Lisa," Jareth muttered, sidling up next to her. "Don't you think it
would be much more fun to torment her while she sleeps?"
Giving Essy a quick glance, she grinned wickedly. "Good idea. I'll kill her later."
"What?" Essy shrugged, ignoring Leelee's last comment.
"Geez, Easy, how did you find this place?"
"DCME Joyride!" Essy retaliated.
Jade shook her head with a smile. "I live to torment."
"She's right, Ess. This is one spooky-ass house," SQ said, looking over the premises.
"It's a hotel, Lisa. Deal with it and thank me for the great rates," Essy shot back with a grin. She
could always find a bargain anywhere.
Jareth grinned, just waiting for the moment they realized just how wrong Essy could be.
Movement caught his eye and he glanced to his right to see the owners of the establishment
walking up. My, don't they look like walking corpses?', he thought to himself. With a hushed
snicker, Jareth stepped back and watched with eager anticipation.
"Hello," a deep voice echoed through the air, causing all the UGLies to turn and look at the man.
"Welcome to my humble establishment. I trust you will be well taken care of," he mentioned,
snapping his fingers.
Within seconds, their luggage was snapped up by the employees and carried off toward the hotel.
After one last look, the man disappeared without another word.
"Creepy," Dee mentioned.
"He won't win any congeniality awards," Kara replied.
"Ess, are you sure about this place?" Selah asked, glancing around carefully.
"Will you just relax?" Essy uttered.
"When you find out just what Lurch there is up to, maybe!" Selah shot back.
Jade and Kara shrugged with a smile. Some things never change. Grabbing Gemma's arm, they
tugged her off toward the hotel, hoping the others would stop their nonsense and just enjoy the
time they had.
"Hello?" Kara called, walking in through the main door with Jade and Gemma close behind.
"Whoa, would you look at this place?" Gemma uttered, her eyes growing wide at what she saw.
With a small smile, one word escaped her lips. "Wicked."
"Cool as frostbite," Jade added, noting the architecture and admiring the hand carved fixtures that
lined the wall adding to the decor.
"What are you guys doing?" Dee asked, crashing through the door with the rest of them.
"And you thought it was creepy on the outside," Leelee laughed, poking SQ in the ribs.
"Your rooms are ready. Perhaps you would like to retire?" the man asked, creeping out from the
shadows behind the counter.
"You have got to stop sneaking around like that!" Spidey shouted, not pleased with the prospect
the hotel held. At least they couldn't get into any trouble, right?
"We shall see," the man replied softly, making Spidey look back at him with an expression of
shock. He had a feeling this would be too easy to scare these fools. They had already proven to
be foolhardy and quick to jump at shadows.
"What?" Spidey asked, not sure of what to make of this strange man. His pale features were the
only striking presence that seemed to call out to every danger sense she had in her body. Tensing
at the thought that maybe he was so pale because he was one of the undead, she smirked, trying
to shake off the idea.
"Sign here and I'll give you your room keys," he replied in a monotone voice that sent chills down
any sane person's spine. "Your luggage should already be in your rooms. Please take care, and
make sure that you and your roommate get along. We here at The Darkened Door feel that the
only boarder is a happy one."
"Save us the speech, okay, pops?" Dee mentioned, snatching up the key. "Thanks. Who am I
stuck with?" she asked, glancing down at the book. A smile crossed her face. "Looks like it's you
and me, Daisy."
"Excuse me, miss," the man said, clearing his throat. "There are three to a room. You will also
be boarding with. . ." he started, looking down through his book. "Fairy?" he said in a
questioning tone.
"Whoo hoo, Allie! Let's get this show on the road, shall we?" Dee exclaimed, heading for the
stairs.
Gemma grabbed up a key and looked down at the names beside hers. "Um, sir... I don't mean to
be mardy, but can we do an iccle bit of arranging here?" she muttered, grabbing a pencil and
taking it into her own hands to erase the names and rewrite them. "That's better." she smiled.
"You can't do that Germ," Essy said quickly, looking to see what Gemma was up to.
"Why? You just stick with Leelee and Spidey. And I'll be safer than you in this wicked reject of
spooky houses." Gemma stated, heading for the stairs pitying anyone that didn't realize what they
were in for. She had noted the looks exchanged between the resident spooks, and she wasn't at
all pleased. At least this way, she was sure to survive long past the others. "Come on you two,
pick up the pace."
"And to think she was such an inspirational muse," Jade muttered.
"You could always trade her in," Kara replied, as they headed toward the stairs.
"Germ! You coward!" Essy shouted, holding her crossbow up in the air in defiance.
"Give me that!" Jareth growled, yanking the crossbow from her hands. "I think you've caused
enough damage with this for one day. You'll get it back when you return home. Until then, it's
mine."
"You shouldn't threaten a Sith Lord, Jareth. Not only is it bad form, but you might just wake up
bald one morning," Essy sneered, raising a finger in mock thought. "Now then, where did I leave
that shaver?" she asked randomly, then made a buzzing sound that gave Jareth the shivers.
"You wouldn't dare?" he growled, standing up to her.
"Wouldn't I? Come on, Jareth, you know me well enough by now. Am I serious?" she asked,
looking as innocent as a five year old, just before they wreak havoc on the unsuspecting victim.
Jareth walked away from her, not sure if he should take her threat to heart or just blow it off.
Soon, the rest of the UGLies were signed in and handed keys. Going off to their respective
rooms, Jareth smiled, glancing over at the man behind the counter. There was something odd
about him, but Jareth just couldn't place it. Shrugging, he let it go and went on about his
business.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What do you want to do first? Scout or just kick back and relax?" Kara asked, setting her
suitcase on the floor at the foot of her bed.
Jade tossed her suitcase on her bed, turning around toward Kara. Shaking her head, she smiled.
"I say scout it out," she giggled.
"I knew you'd say that," Kara laughed. "You coming with us, Gems?"
"Nah, not this time. I'm knackered. Think I'll settle in for some sleep. Just for the record, I think
you two are bleedin' nuts," she laughed, tossing her shoes to the floor without a second thought.
"Aw, gee, you found us out," Kara stated seriously, then broke into laughter. "Sleep well, Gems,
we'll see you in the morning."
"Nan night, Gemmie," Jade added.
"Nan night!" Gemma smiled, pulling the covers over her and trying to block out the last shred of
light that happened in through the blinds once the lights were turned off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Essy walked through the door with an appraising eye. Not too bad, she thought as she took in the
beds that were along the far wall. Walking across the room, she raised her bag up and started to
set it down on the bed.
Spidey immediately jumped in her way, pouncing on the bed with a grin. "You snooze, you lose,
Ess," she laughed, pulling the covers up around her like a cape. "Look! I'm Jaden's clone!"
"Jaden suddenly got unattractive then," Essy stated, examining her nails, ducking Spidey's arm to
avoid being swatted.
"Hey! Could you at least give me a hand with this?" Leelee called out, but was ignored by her
master of the dark force along with Spidey who was preparing to take flight off the end of her
bed.
"Ouch!" came the cry of the poor blonde, who in a moment of insanity, thought herself to be a
vampire who could fly.
"Well you both have the same I.Q. it seems," Essy snickered evilly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This should be some good fun, ladies," SQ said, glancing down the hall toward the door at the
end. "That must be ours."
"Did she ever say how she found this old relic?" Amy asked, studying the pictures that lined the
darkened hallway.
"You'd think they could at least turn the lights up to a more pleasant brightness. This dark is
killer," Dawn muttered.
"Yeah, but it'll be great for sleeping," SQ mentioned, grabbing the door handle. Inserting the key,
she turned it slightly and heard a click. With a smile, she pushed the door open and the three of
them stood there gazing at the room they would share for the next few days.
"Wow," Amy whispered, her eyes falling across the smooth surfaces and the delicately carved
woodwork that lined the walls. The plush, blood red carpet sank beneath her feet, as she tried to
register that this was indeed their room and that for once, Essy's bargain hunting had panned out.
"Holy shit, this is sweet!" SQ said, walking into the room and glancing at a fireplace that was set
into the far wall. Shaking her head, she walked over to a bed and sat down, eager to finally get
some rest.
"Whoa," Dawn muttered beneath her breath as she glanced around the spacious quarters. "This is
my idea of style," she smiled, taking up residence on one of the two remaining beds.
Amy walked over to the third bed, then glanced to a door off to the right. "What do you think
that is?" she asked, immediately starting towards it.
"Closet maybe?" SQ replied, stretching out across her bed.
Amy walked nearer, the need to know growing deeper than she would have thought. Grasping
the handle, she glanced over her shoulder to see Dawn watching her. With a slight hesitation, she
turned the handle and pushed the door open slowly. In the next moments, Amy was pounced
upon by an unknown predator. Letting a scream of fright escape her lips, it was immediately
followed by laughter and soft whispering.
"Amy!" SQ shouted and was up like a shot, running across the room. Shoving the door back, she
smiled at the sight.
There sat Amy with a grey cat sitting in her lap, pink collar around its neck, nuzzling her cheek.
"Aw, what a precious kitty," Lisa cooed.
"I vote we keep her," Amy said, scratching the cat between the ears.
"Just don't let those weirdos downstairs catch us with a cat," Dawn added, reaching down to pet
the soft fur.
"Not a chance," Amy said with a smile. She got to her feet, holding the purring cat close to her.
Frowning suddenly, she added, "I think she's hungry."
"Well, I don't have anything to feed her. I'm not a walking kitty bag, you know?" SQ said,
thinking of what they could do. "I have it. We'll just go down to the kitchen and get some tuna
or something she'll eat."
"Good idea," Amy replied, setting the cat down on her bed.
"Wait a minute," Dawn interrupted.
"What?" SQ asked, dropping her jacket in the chair.
"Those weirdos aren't going to want us in their kitchen. They could be random axe murderers or
something," Dawn replied hastily.
"Those poopheads?" Amy interjected. "I doubt it. I don't think they have enough brain matter
between them to fill a thimble."
Shrugging, Dawn gave in and followed them out the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Remember who we were stuck with the last time?" Mairead asked, laughing softly as she recalled
Selah's shocked expression.
"Yeah, but he better not pull that crap again," Selah snickered, shoving the door open to see an
empty room. Pushing her hair away from her face, she sighed. "Looks like it's you and me,
babe," she smiled, walking into the room without a second thought.
"Wait up!" a voice called out.
Selah and Mai turned toward the new voice, wondering who might be brave enough to room with
them. Selah smiled and offered her hand, introducing herself.
"Hi," the newcomer replied, a bit nervous. "I'm Lies."
"Never been to one of these, I take it?" Selah asked.
"You'll love it," Mai added.
"I hope so," she replied softly, following them into the awaiting room. She wasn't sure what she
expected, but she was certain it wasn't anything of this grandeur. She slowly let abreath as her
grey-green eyes took in the surroundings. "How did she find this place?" she asked, her eyes
taking in every last feature of the room.
"Mesa no know, but would you look at this?" Selah said, stretching her arms out and motioning
around her. "This is too cool," she grinned, sprinting across the room and picking the first of the
three beds. "Mine!"
"You are so silly," Mai shook her head, moving through the room. "Do you have a preference,
Lies?" she asked politely, standing between the two remaining beds.
"Nope," Lies replied, shaking her head.
When they had all finally settled down, they tried to relax, but Lies was on edge already. With
odd looks from Selah and Mai, she got to her feet and walked to the window, pushing it open to
let the fresh air in. Leaning on the window sill, she looked out across the landscape.
"What's out there?" Mai asked, walking up behind her.
"Nothing," Lies replied, an odd look on her face.
Mai and Lies stood looking out the window. Ocean waves broke upon the shore, far below the
cliff. The simple sounds of the surf eased their minds and soothed any doubts. After a few
minutes, Mai walked back to her bed and sat down, leaning against the headboard and pulling a
book from one of her bags.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dee, Fairy and Daisy made themselves comfortable in their shared quarters. Fairy sat down at a
desk that lined the far wall, relaxing as she drew. Dee and Daisy sat by the window talking about
everything they could do while they were there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paola, Christy and Jen settled down in their room for the night. The night was already upon them
and the anxiety of the day only added to their exhaustion. As they pulled the covers up and fell
asleep, not one of them noticed the shadow along the edge of their room, hanging there between
existence and nothing before disappearing without a trace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Those fools," a voice said, the darkness surrounding him like a shroud.
"Ah, but there are a few who can't be so easily beguiled," another stated softly, running a pale
hand across his chin.
"We need adherents if we are to remain powerful," the first replied, his voice rising in pitch.
"Those who will not serve our purpose shall perish. There is no one to stop us."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What do you think?" Kara asked, walking down the hall with Jade.
"Essy shouldn't have brought everyone here," she replied, shaking her head. "Do you feel that?"
"Yes," Kara answered, "Cold."
Just as she finished speaking, a growl filled the hall and they turned to look behind them, to see if
the source could be located. A sudden blast of air hit them and they were blown backwards,
hitting the wall. Slowly getting to their feet, they looked at one another then back down the
hallway.
"Can we do that again?" Kara laughed, smiling over at Jade who had already started back down
the hall. Catching up with her, she walked steadily down the corridor. "What are they waiting
for?" she whispered softly, looking to her left then to her right.
Jade shrugged. "I have no clue," she replied, watching the shadows as they played across the
walls. Reaching the door at the end of the hall, Jade grasped the handle, turning it enough to
release the lock so she could push it open easily.
Kara flipped the light switch and they stood there looking around at the immaculate room.
Pictures lined the walls and as soon as they set foot in the room, the door shut immediately behind
them. Startled briefly, they walked slowly around, looking at all the small statues and
engravements.
As her foot fell lightly on the surface, Kara's shoe pushed a concealed protuberance back into the
floor and the room shifted.
"What the - ?" Jade asked, grabbing on to the nearest table.
Kara lifted her foot to see the small circle beneath it. "I think I stepped on something," she
muttered, crouching down to get a better look at it. Running her fingertips around the edges, she
didn't notice the surroundings change until she looked up at Jade and found her sitting on a
carousel.
"This is great!" Jade said, jumping down and moving over to a train. "Think this is a nursery of
some sort?" she asked, running her hand along the tracks with a smile.
"What ever gave you that idea?" Kara retorted, then laughed.
"Ha ha, very funny," Jade shook her head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Quiet, you guys," Dawn said, as they moved through the hall toward the kitchen.
Pushing open the door, SQ peeked inside. "Coast is clear," she whispered, stepping into the
kitchen, her Doc Martin's tapping on the wooden floor. Pulling open a cupboard, all she could
think about was the massive head count Essy claimed to have hidden in her cupboard. With a
smile, she shuffled around the cans looking for tuna.
"I'll get some milk," Amy said, grabbing a small bowl from the counter top.
"Not too much, Amy, it's not good for the kitty," SQ offered.
"I know that," Amy retorted with a sigh.
"Come on, you guys," Dawn whispered from her lookout by the door. Peeking out the small
crack, she could see shadows coming closer. "Shit! Hide!" she blurted, running for cover and
ducking in the pantry.
SQ and Amy's heads jerked up at Dawn's warning, their eyes searching for an adequate place to
hide. Amy ran to join Dawn in the pantry while SQ hid beneath a counter. Holding the can to her
chest, she flinched when she heard the door open and footsteps fall on the wooden floor. "Shit,"
she whispered softly, wondering what they would do if they found her there.
"Someone's been in here," a voice uttered, sending chills down the girls' spine. "See about the
guests, make sure they are all accounted for."
"Yes sir," another replied, the door swinging shut behind him.
The footsteps echoed through the room, as he walked closer to the sink. Turning on the water,
he let it run over his fingers, not bothering to look behind him to where Lisa "SQ" Weber was
holding her breath and staring back at him.
Her heart pounded in her chest as her eyes stared at him. Glancing at the door just in front of her,
she knew she couldn't move it without him hearing it, he was that close. Swallowing hard, she
raised a shaky hand to cover her mouth as she heard the door open once again. More footsteps
sounding on the wooden floor, made her skin crawl as she heard them approaching.
"Two have found the room," a voice uttered, standing on the other side of the counter.
"And?" he asked, not turning.
"Should we leave them or take them out?" the other asked.
"Leave them be. They can't possibly realize what they've stumbled into," he replied, drumming his
fingers on the counter top before picking up a towel. Wiping his hands off, he shook his head
tiredly, turning slightly to his left to regard his comrade. "Which two?" he questioned.
"Does it matter?" the other replied, scoffing at the question.
"Which two?!" he asked, his voice rising in pitch.
"Jade and Kara, I believe," the other replied quickly.
"Damn," he muttered, as though he had some hidden secret. Throwing the towel angrily across
the room, he turned on his heels and left without looking down.
Lisa watched him go, wondering what Essy had gotten them into. When she finally heard the
door close, she slowly wrapped her fingers around the counter top and pulled herself up to peek
over the counter. As soon as she was sure they had gone, SQ got to her feet, walking toward the
pantry and pulling the door open.
"Let's get back to the room before they check on us," Dawn said, making her way toward the
door and cracking it open to peer outside. "Clear, lets go."
They slowly made their way back to the room, jumping at every thump or thud they heard. Only
when they had finally settled into their quarters were they able to relax a bit. But the conversation
they overheard played heavy on their minds.