Wierd Strange Trip - 3 - Even more Wierdness

[withamagicword]

Billy staggers into the large room, supporting Hank, barely. The bigger man, bruised and battered, limping badly on one leg, and his eyes unfocused, slumps on Billy's shoulder. Hank hasn't said anything the entire time they had been walking, not since they left the room where they had experienced the encounters.

Billy isnt sure what to do now. But the sight of some seats, bean bags of all things, makes him nod.

"Come on, Doc. Just a little further."

He manages to drag hank to the bean bags and let him down and slumps next to him, wiped out. His eyes close for what feels like a moment, then opens them.

"So far, this trip has been, well, trippy..."

"You can say that again, kid."

Billy finds himself on his feet, having somehow leaped to them in startlement. He stares at the three people who apparently entered while he was out... though he didn't remember actually being unconscious.

There was a large man who looked exactly like... Captain Marvel. His companions, two, included a man in a suit of black armor and... Hank? In a priest's outfit? All three seemed as battered as Billy felt.

"What the heck?"

He stares at them for a long few moments, eyes wide. The Captain Marvel look-alike is doing the same, eyes on him with a mixture of horror and startlement in his eyes.

The knight moved forward, glancing at them both.

"What ails you, William?"

The big man starts, then nods, slowly. he lifts a hand to point at Billy.

"That kid... he looks just like.... me."

Beside him, the Hank duplicate, done staring himself, moves forward.

"And that man looks much like me..."

He points at Hank as he says it, his voice somehow very serene.

"Um... okay... this is weird. Did I end up in a crossover without realizing it?"

The man in the armor blinks and makes a confused noise and the Hank duplicate, William, and Billy all exchange glances.

The one who looks like an older him turns aside to talk to the knight, their voices carrying, but Billy turns his attention closer as Priest-Hank approaches.

"What happened to him?"

The Priest-Hank leans over Hank, then nods to Billy.

"I am Father McCoy. What is your name?"

"Billy, Billy Batson. and he and I got into a tangle with a weird being, called himself The Shadow of Knight Alley."

"Ah, yes. We encountered him as well. But this man... he is me isnt he?"

"Doctor Henry McCoy, medical doctor and scientist, and X-Man."

Father McCoy shakes his head.

"How strange... nonetheless. This Henry... he seems worse the wear than I and my associates are."

Billy nods.

"Yeah. He has had a real bad time of it lately. A lot of things have happened, and I think he has been out in the woods for a few days... or longer."

Father McCoy raises an eyebrow, but doesnt ask. It isnt his place unless the two want council.

"I dont know that I can help him. If he is so far gone spiritually and physically both, only he can choose to come back. Otherwise? He may die..."

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Just then a Very Large, very white dog hurries down a set of stairs that everyone probably didn't notice. If a dog can look purposeful, this one does.
Once she reaches the bottom step she heads straight over to where the strange little group was assembled, as if she were expecting them.
She sits herself down in the middle of the group, and looks up at them expectantly.


A few moments later a little boy in overalls came thumping down the stairs. "'nowball! 'now-" When he reaches the bottom of the stairs he notices the strangers and his eyes grow wide.
Then he catches sight of Snowball and not taking his eyes off the others he whispers,

[withamagicword]

Billy blinks at the dog.

"What the heck?"

This is wierd... but maybe whoever owns the dog can help Hank! He looks up at the others with a raised eyebrow. William shakes his head and Father McCoy gives the dog an odd look. It is Sparhawk who speaks.

"Ah... there are others here?"

This is confirmed by the sudden appearance of the boy. Billy waves a hand.

"Hello! Ah... we won't hurt you. We are all somewhat lost."

In the way that somewhat meant a huge amount of lostness.

"And my friend... he is hurt bad."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold steps towards them tenitively, but he looks at Snowball and gains some courage. It's only after he gets closer that he really sees who has spoken to him.

He frowns at Billy and looks at William.
"'nowball say you like him but diffwent."
He looks at the two closer and then looks at Snowball.
"Dey not same," he says skeptically.

Snowball turns her head towards Hank and Harold steps close to him.
"Oh! He BWUE!!! ..'n oder colors. Me know him?" Harold frowns again and studies Hank before looking up at Father McCoy. "You Bwue too."

Beat.

"How here?"

[withamagicword]

Billy opens his mouth, then eyes William, who shrugs.

Sparhawk watches them and just sighs. He isnt all that good around kids.

Father McCoy is the one who finally speaks up.

"We came here through portals, or doorways, from some other place. We arent sure how we got here really. But we are very glad for the place to rest."

He pats the bean bag chairs.

"Very comfy."

He realizes he should take his time here, so he breathes and watches the young man carefully.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

"OOH! Me dwaw door other pwace sometime!" Doors to other places he can understaaaand, yep.

Harold grins and bounces on one of the beanbag chairs. "Me like dem!"

Snowball gives him a disapproving look and he gets up and comes back to where they are.

[withamagicword]

Billy eyes the dog, then glances around.

"My friend is sick. Do you know if there is any where to take him, to get help around here?"

Sparhawk interrupted then.

"And do you know where we are?"

William and Father McCoy both nod, though the priest looks askance at the knight for asking so hurriedly.

Sparhawk sighs again and tries again.

"If you could tell us, it would be appreciated."

Billy watches all of this with impatience. Hank could be dying and... he scrubs his face and hangs on to his nerves. Suddenly he thinks of Cassie and sighs.

I love you, babe.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold blinks.
"You in my tastle." He nods before looking back at Hank.
Snowball has moved closer to where the doctor is lying and she seems concerned.

Harold frowns.
"Tink maybe.."
He glances at Snowball then looks back at Hank for a minute.
"What wrong?"

[janetsdaughter.livejournal.com]

Cassie has been lightly pacing the room for the past while. Although her logical side says she should stop worrying and there is nothing she can do about it, something's not right. She feels Billy's worry and concern and anxiousness and he feels far away or..out of focus - almost like a static-y radio station.

So she's been pacing and concentrating when she feels a sort of warmth and love that, even if out of focus, is very familiar. She smiles a little, sits down on the couch and takes a deep breath. As she exhales she sends love and strength to him, as best as she knows how.

I love you..
Be safe.

[withamagicword]

Billy shivers as he feels that love and support and he straightens, looking at the young boy.

"Your... castle?"

Then he nods.

"Hank has been hurt, bad, physically and mentally... and he is afraid and lost."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold nods back at Billy.
"Dwaw it. Haf fwuit 'n lot book 'n bed 'n mon'keys!"

His expression turns serious again as he glances at Hank and Snowball again before looking back up at Billy, his eyes slightly uncertain.
"Maybe I help?"

[inquisitivehero]

Hank groans, where he lays, and the others look to him as he stirs but doesnt rise. His eyes are barely cracked open and his voice is soft.

"Where.... am... I?"

Father McCoy gently touched his arm.

"You are in a strange place, a Castle. There are several of us here, from at least four universes."

Sparhawk moves forward.

"Save your strength. There will be time enough for speach later."

Or death, he does not add.

William gives him a frustrated glance and shakes his head, looking worried.

[withamagicword]

Billy moves to his side,

"Hang on, Doc. Just hang on, okay?"

He looks up at Harold.

"Would you try, please?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold tilts his head a little and nods.

He moves over to Hank and climbs on top of the beanbag so that his little body can better reach the giant one in front of him. His hands hover an inch or so over the doctor's head and become warm..just slightly warm. Harold frowns a little and his hands move down Hank's body until they hover over his chest. Suddenly his hands glow brightly and the heat intensifies. Harold's face sets to one of high concentration and nothing seems to move. But then, after several moments, Harold's breathing becomes more labored, his hands glow brighter and hotter. Something seems to flicker and just for an instant it is not Harold over Hank, but a boy who looks just like Harold, or perhaps Harold himself in a different outfit; Snowball is gone. Then, as quickly as it happened, it's gone and Harold is over Hank again, his hands glowing brighter than ever, and Snowball beside him.
The glow begins to spread to Hank. First in his chest and then spreading outward until he is glowing all over. He seems to get brighter and brighter..
Harold begins to shake..

And then Harold collapses and begins to roll off the beanbag.

[withamagicword]

Billy stares in awe, blinking, shaking his head as the glow comes alive.

Nearby William throws up an arm and swears, squinting, while Sparhawk and Father McCoy retreat and hold a quiet conversation.

When Harold seems to collapse, it is William who catches him, a soft light on him as he lowers the boy to the ground.

[inquisitivehero]

Hank shudders, then cries out and the glow seems to spread, turning incandescent in moments. He sits up, looking around.

He cries out once.

"Home!"

And then he shimmers as the light becomes too bright to see, before he changes, shifts and falls backward, a bean bag falling on top of him.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Snowball nudges Harold carefully and licks his face. He blinks and slowly sits up.
He doesn't say anything but just looks around, disoriented.

[withamagicword]

William touches his face then looks at Snowball.

"You are a very unusual dog."

Sparhawk, meanwhile, is with Father McCoy and Billy lifting the bean bag chair off of Hank and then staring as Billy gasps.

"Oh My God..."

[inquisitivehero]

The person who seems to be, and not be, Hank, groans, but doesn't wake. He seems comatose, not awake, and Billy stares at him, shocked and sompletely unsure what to do.

Billy sinks down and sits, rocking slightly as he tries to figure out what to do.

He doesnt notice that Father McCoy, Sparhawk, and William draw aside with Harold for some little time, before there is a blue flash and he starts, feeling like... something odd just happened.

[withamagicword]

Where Sparhawk, William and Father McCoy are standing next to Harold... who is standing now, things seem normal, except for the whole Blue gem in Sparhawk's chest and the blue light in Sparhawk's eyes. Sparhawk smiles at Harold. When the man speaks his voice is echo-ey and it reminds him of Shazam's voice.

"Thank you, Harold. You have proved the faith of my Cousin most wise."

William blinks, and stares, realizing something very odd has happened.

Father McCoy looks at Harold, then at Sparhawk, then at the gem in his chest, then at Snowball, then sighs and says something low.

Billy just shakes his head, confused.

"What just happened?"

He mutters it and so no one hears him.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold blinks a little.
"Welkom."

[withamagicword]

William looks at the two of them, then shakes his head. Then, he blinks. Billy follows his gaze and his eyes open wide.

On two opposite sides of the room, there are two doorways. Those are like the ones that led them here, from this side, anyway...

"Um, guys? I think Our ride is here..."

William's words are excited. Father McCoy and Sparhawk look up, then Sparhawk nods.

"Yes. That gate there leads to where we came from."

He turns to Harold and bows.

"My thanks, Harold. I hope you always find joy for yourself. Should you ever need the aid of Me and Mine, it will come."

Billy is staring at the other door, quizzically. I wonder if that will lead me back home?

He shakes his head, then grins. Only one way to find out!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold looks at the sets of doors a little sadly. He doesn't really want them to leave.

He looks at Bhelliom and nods seriously.
"T'ank."

[withamagicword]

Father McCoy watches it all, and suddenly stands taller, and when he speaks, sounds surer.

"Perhaps someday we will back, and then have a chance to stay and play."

He smiles at Harold.

William arches and eyebrow and then moves over to Billy, whispering.

"How are you holding up?"

There is a weird feeling to talking to an alternate of yourself, but Billy nods, and glances at Hank.

"I'm okay, I think. Just dealing with this."

"How are things back home, for you?"

Billy blinks, then grins.

"Great. I, ah, basically left my world, I am bound in a place called Milliways, and, well, there is this woman..."

William's grin is wide.

"Good. And you are happy?"

"Yeah, I am."

"Good. Have fun, and be yourself... and good luck. Whatever happens, remember, you aren't alone."

He nods, then goes back to the group, smiling.

Sparhawk merely nods as William rejoins them.

"Be well, Harold."

Then, the three walk through one door, and vanish.

Billy sighs, then looks at Harold and smiles..

"Harold?"

He tests out the name the others called the boy.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold nods and grins at Father McCoy and waves sadly as they disappear through the door.

His attention turns to Billy as he hears his name. He and Snowball come to stand beside him.

[withamagicword]

Continued here - http://originalmarvel.livejournal.com/22597.html?thread=677957#t677957

[withamagicword]

Billy watches him and smiles.

"Do you have friends here? Ones that are around and you can play with?"

He remembers his own childhood and aloneness.

He smiles a little at Snowball, too.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

"Little. Stay wif An' Vinya. 'n like Merwin 'n Ginya 'n Pwue 'n oder.."

[withamagicword]

He chuckles and nods.

"I'm glad youy have people here. Sometimes I get lonely... but, I will come back, okay?"

He grins.

"Now that I know where here is, I can get back here... if that is okay with you?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold grins wide, bounces and hugs Billy.

"YAAY~!

LIKE PWAY LOTS!!!"

[withamagicword]

Billy hugs him back tight for a moment, then lets go.

"For now..."

He waves his hands in short movements and brings out a small globe. He shakes it and a scene forms. When he shakes his again, a different scene forms. He grins and holds it out to Harold.

"You can have this. These are images of places I have been, planets and dimensions and my home, even. If you get lonely, just shake it, and watch the images."

He grins again and slowly gets up, stretching.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO." Harold takes the globe carefully and staaaares at it and shakes it gently. He "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"s again when the scene changes.
"T'ANK LOTS!!"

[withamagicword]

"You're welcome. New friends are always good."

He moves over to Hank and mutters another spell and easily lifts the man, well, easily hefts him, as he seems to almost float in Billy's hands.

"Be good to yourself, Harold."

He waves and heads toward the door.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold nods and bounces after the two. "Bye tome back visit pway!" He waves.

[withamagicword]

Billy grins, then steps through the door, and is gone.

After he leaves, a small purple bunny hops up to Harold and looks up at him. Guess who left a second present behind?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_purple_crayon/]

Harold squeels. "BUNNNNNNNY!!!!" He picks the purple fuzzy up and dances around. "LOOK 'NOWBALL! BUNNY!!!" He grins and bounces up the stairs, talking to his new friend, with Snowball close behind.
"I name you LI'AC! 'n you be dood bunny 'n you lif with me 'n 'nowball 'n pomise An' Vinya LOVE you.."