*Waking Beauty*

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

The Demon's Head has done almost all that he can for Mar'i. Her wounds are severe enough that it may take months to heal. Her back may be damaged for a long, long time. They don't have the time. Croutex will be coming for her as long as she is a threat to him. In this world, she is vulnerable. It is dangerous to wake her, but he needs to ask her permission for the next step.

Gently, he waves the smelling salts under her nose and kisses her upon her cheek. "Awake, Beloved. We have universes to save."

Comments

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

Her eyes open slowly. "Ma'aranyr?" She coughs, pain creasing her face. "What--"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"You were attacked, Beloved. Your body is badly damaged. I am doing almost everything I can for you, but I fear you will not be well enough when he comes for you. I only have one means to make you whole right this instant, but I need your permission. . ."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

She tries to raise her hand to touch his face, but she is too weak. "I--Dad--tell him ... what?" She blinks rapidly. "What ... means?"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"The Lazarus Pit will restore your vigor and strength. It will replace that which Croutex has drained from you. You are the only danger to him, and thus are in danger. You are safe here for a time, but in the end he will find you. I have given this matter a great deal of thought and I know where you can defeat him. But first, you must be whole," Ibn says softly. "But know this, long term usage of the Lazarus Pit is harmful to the soul. A single time will not cause lasting damage, but it begins a process that later trips will take advantage of."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"Pit," she breathes, understanding clear in her eyes. "Cra-crazy. No. Won't--might hurt. You. Never. Love. You."

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"I belong to Death now, Beloved. Just as you belong to Dream. I can not die. I will be safe. If worse comes to worse, I will arise again."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

Weakly she shakes her head. "Not hurt. You. Love. You. Always." Again she tries to reach out to him.

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

Ibn takes her hand. "I don't know any other way, Beloved. If I could do so with out tainting you, I would. I'm afraid you might die..."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

Her fingers squeeze his lightly. "No--" A coughing fit obliterates the rest of her sentence. "--die. Dad. Tell Dad--sorry. Tell--" Another coughing fit. "--save me. Beloved. Please." Her eyes close again, her strength exhausted.

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

Ibn nods. He takes his Beloved in his arms and takes her to the Lazarus Pit. Ubu has prepared everything. "Remember, Ubu, when Mar'i leaves give the signal to Hidate Ryumyo. Those tricked by the cult of Croutex are to be spared. The leaders that have surrendered their souls are to be killed. Ask the Lady Shiva to meet Mar'i in New York at Doctor Rogere's and to give her what assistance she is able. And then, do what must be done."

The temperature required to sustain the Lazarus Pit is uncomfortable. The monks in white cleaned Mar;i as best they could. Ibn does not let them take her from his arms. He lays her upon the platform, secures her in the steel chains, and flicks the switch. Slowly, she decends into the Lazarus Pit. Ibn nods to Ubu, who leaves the room.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

When the platform rises, Mar'i is already screaming in three languages. "Get me out! Filthy--" A stream of Tamaranean and Romany curses echo within the cavern.

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

The Demon's Head watches closely. Should those chains break, she will try to kill him. As powerful as she is, she might be able to do it.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

The chains rattle and groan as she struggles against them. "Scum--bastard--X'hal damned fool! I can't die, you idiot! But you had to throw me in here! You had to do what you thought was best, didn't you? You never listen to anyone else--just like your father!"

Her hands glow violet and the cuffs begin to melt.

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

The Demon's Head waits in silence. She mad, he knows, and the mad only speak the truth....

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

The cuffs fall away from her wrists, and she fires at her ankles, freeing her legs. "Look at you," she sneers. "Think you've got it all figured out? Even now?"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"Of course, Beloved..."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"How can you call me that?" She fires at him. "You won't take me into your bed. How can you love me if you're not willing to touch me?"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

Ibn doesn't dodge. The attack was close. He ponders the truth behind her words. "The madness will fade in a few minutes. I don't know exactly how long because of your unique biology..."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"Stop hiding behind science!" Again she fires. "X'hal damn you, tell me the truth of what you feel!"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"Very well. I love you, but I'll never be good enough for you, or your world. The Dreamking was right. I can't do what is needed when I am near you. And I hate myself for knowing that and staying near you."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"Don't be a coward!" Another starbolt flies from her hands. "If you love me--"

She staggers in mid-air, looking confused. "Ibn?"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

Ibn wants to go to her, but waits. The poison goes in and out of her system. It might return. Ubu enters the room and whispers into the ear of the Demon's Head. "Let them in and direct them here as long as they should honor and respect."

Ubu nods and leaves. "Your parents are here to save you," The Demon's Head states.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"I--" She holds her head. "What horrible things have I said to you, love?"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"Nothing but the truth," The Demon's Head replies, clicking a button hidden in his cloak. The chains are released.

"There is suitable clothing on the table. You can may change behind the curtain. I suggest doing so as your parents will be here soon and I don't wish Mr. Grayson to think ill of me."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

She sits up. "Darling, please--what did I say? Why do you call it the truth? I've never lied to you before--"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"There are some things that kindness silence from our mouths. I am not offended. Get dressed. You don't have much time to save the universes..."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

She changes, not bothering with the curtain. "Do you ... do you still love me?"

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"I will always love you. That should never be in question."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

Dressed again, she goes over to him, hugging him. "As I will always love you." She stands on her toes to kiss him briefly. "Always."