*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

[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.