FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

HM-06 Hazardous Magical Mystery Tour - 02/16/2007

Written By The Writing Team Of Darrel James Vanwinkle & Joanna Leigh Vanwinkle

Quote:

With some financial string pulling by Katherine Crane, Alex's grounding is cut short as he is shipped over to London, England, to look into colleges and universities in the United Kingdom. But when a plot involving the crown jewels, magic wands, and musical instruments becomes known, the team converge for a merry olde romp in jolly olde England.

Coming up next on Hazardous Materials!

It was perhaps a good three weeks after the Tokyo fiasco and his rescue from a Garm like hound monster that didn't want to let him go... Alex was currently sitting in a private leather bound seat aboard the Hazard jet, as it flew steadily over the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps what irked him the worst of this whole affair was that he was forbidden to tell his friends where he was being sent to. But unbeknown to Alex... they already knew!

Katherine Crane (of the Dragon Pagoda sleuths) had pulled all the strings to get Alex not only ungrounded, but sent over to England for a few weeks. Better ungrounded there than grounded in L.A.

The two overly large cats watched as their mistress dug through yet another trunk. This was the third trunk in the last hour, and she was becoming agitated. She had only returned from her world tour last night and, like every homecoming, she had been so exhausted that she had fell into her massive bed as soon as she had appeared.

Surfacing from the trunk she looked around at the room. She had turned over the room looking for her wand. She knew she had left it there, she always left it there. The cats didn't know where it was, and it couldn't have walked off by itself, she was carefully not to enchant anything with that ability. So why couldn't she find it?

Opening another trunk she got started searching through it. The cats looked at each other and shrugged their massive shoulders. They then returned to watching their mistress in her frutile search for her wand.

The club was dark and silent. Dark because there were no windows to allow the morning sun to intrude. Silent because there was only one person present at this hour of the morning.

He was going over the receipts from the night before. Not as good as he thought it should have been. The club was in desperate need of some fresh blood. Some hot young blood to bring in the hard-to-please, bloodthirsty nightcrawlers of the city.

He finished up tallying the profits of the night before. Poor. He locked the profits and receipts up in the hidden safe, then entered his private chambers. There had to be something he could do to get some fresh blood into the club. He was just going to have to do some thinking.

He lay down and closed his eyes, allowing his mind to shut down, entering into a pleasant rest.

"We couldn't thank you enough, Katherine, for pulling those strings," Vicky said, taking a bite of the London breakfast. "And thanks for treating us to breakfast at Brandy's. Alex is going to be very surprised to see us."

Katherine smiled. "It was the least I could do. Though if my Aunt Olivia finds out that I got you into the country without her knowing about it, I might get interrogated in a sound proof room." She winked.

Mark smiled as he read over the London Times at an article describing Linda Star. "England's most foremost stage magician performs every evening in her own private theater, and once a week at a public theater for charity."

Ivan was on another approved vacation. He had sold another Carrington Security System to the Yakuza Police in Tokyo. He loved these PAID vacations. He glanced over at Mikael and Lionel, both of who were conducting a magic lesson on the docks.

Reena and Andrew sat at table together in Brandy's. "I still can't believe that Genie agreed to do that job for Raven. I wonder what he offered her to do the job?"

Andrew smiled. "I still can't believe that oriental dragon showed up on your ranch to play mahjong with Adam. How did your dad take it?"

Reena grinned. "He was shocked, of course. He asked me if I had anything to do with the dragon. I just said, It's a friend of Adam's. Do you want to tell the dragon to leave? And he just let it go."

Andrew smiled, as he ate breakfast. "If he's watching the dragon, he won't be watching you."

Reena grinned widely. "Amen!"

Andrew hummed. "I wonder how Kevin did with that book and his mom?"

Erina smiled. "Being this close to my Mom is a bit weird. She knows I'm here, but she's not going to butt into our business."

"That must be nice," Trina replied. "If it were my Mom she'd be here asking what we were up to and what we thought we could get away with."

"Last I heard, Kevin was still trying to get his mom to admit to anything in that book," Vinnie chuckled. "I believe he'll join us as soon as he gets fed up with her run around answers."

Hel sipped his tea. "I kinda feel badly that Alex was in the position he was in, but he wasn't specific when he made that wish."

Andrew turned to Hel. "I think it was really nice that Odin restored the used wish for Alex at a later date... for a small fee collectible later. I don't know why that part of the deal bothers me... it just seems like Odin has something on his mind that he'll need Hazardous Materials for later."

Reena grinned. "Because he's Odin, of course. He doesn't need another reason."

Mark chuckled, "I guess we're lucky that Alex didn't end up pregnant from that huge Garm like beast. Odin did say that it was that pack's breeder." He laughed again. "Why don't you play us some flute music, Andrew? It's been pretty quiet around here."

Andrew nodded his head and pulled out the magical moon dog flute and began playing it's hauntingly eerie melody. In the past few weeks, Andrew had gotten extremely GOOD at playing that flute. You could now almost see elven Arvandorian moon dogs whenever the flute was played. It wasn't perfect yet, but Andrew was getting better with it.

"You're pretty good with that, luv," the beautiful blond waitress said. Katherine had introduced the group to Brandy when they first arrived. "Good thing it's morning, or you might be in a bit of a pinch," she added, refilling their drinks then moving away.

"What did she mean by that, Katherine?" Trina asked.

Katherine said, "The street that leads up the docks has several famous nightclubs on it. And at night, this street is just crawling with some of the weirdest night crawlers that you could ever meet. Fortunately, most are usually heading to the Count's place. Those who aren't... could be trouble for anyone they take an interest in. Anyway, the Count has been having a drop in business lately. He is usually responsible for introducing new musical talent into the mainstream public. But like I said, lately, none of the bands have been coming around. It's really weird... The Count had 7 bands lined up this week, but none of them have arrived to play. And Andrew is so good with that flute... I think Brandy is afraid that someone might try to nab Andrew."

"That is odd," Erina said.

"Or maybe she's afraid that The Count will want him to perform at the club," Vinnie chuckled.

Vicky chose that moment to interject, "Maybe we should offer him our services."

Katherine said, "The Count would be asleep at this hour, so if you call him, you'll either get his answering service or that weird wererat bartender that works his nightclub bar." She then lowered her voice. "The Count is a vampire."

"Well, it could be a good thing having a vampire owe us a favor," Vicky said.

"Leave it to Vicky to look on the bright side of things," Trina laughed.

Katherine said, "Keep in mind, guys... there isn't an actual mystery to solve this time. And if you get too active, my Aunt Olivia will definitely notice that something is rotten in Denmark. And she's not stupid."

Reena hummed. "Just who is your Aunt Olivia?"

Katherine grinned, as she walked over to the magazine rack and pulled out a magazine and turn it's pages over to a service award article with a picture. She then showed it to everyone. "This is her."

The name read: Chief Inspector Olivia Crane, Scotland Yard.

"I would think seven no show bands would be a tad bit mysterious on some level," Hel mentioned. "Especially if they didn't show up without given any notice."

They whistled low. "That's impressive. So we'll just have to remember to keep below her radar if we do any solving," Trina said.

Katherine said, "Then we need to be out of Brandy's before noon then. My Aunt has her lunches here. I can give you a tour of Dock Street and Club Row."

Andrew stopped playing his flute and hid it again under his shirt. "So, we're taking a walk?"

Just then...

Andrew got the flying glomp pounce from an enthusiastic Asgardian sea otter mariner!

It was Aegir! "HI! Andrew! I haven't seen you since the Lorelei incident!"

Andrew replied, "Aegir! What are you doing here?"

Aegir grinned. "Visiting my wife, of course." He winked. "Have you met my daughters yet?"

Andrew said, "If they look like you, then no."

Brandy chuckled as she brought over the check. "Aegir. What did I tell you about pouncing on my customers?"

"So how dangerous is the Dock Street dangerous?" Vicky asked, itching for some action.

Aegir smiled. "This is the boy that I had an adventure in Asgard with, honey. He's the one who tried to ride Frigga's Golden Stag, Goldenrod, and lived to tell the tale."

Andrew was now blushing! He muttered, "...I was trying to forget that I'd done that..."

Katherine grinned at Vicky. "During the day, it's as tame as a kitten, but at night..." she then made the doo doo de doom sound. "...you don't know what you might run into. And worse, you might meet Nightshade, and then you'd dump old Alex in a heartbeat and be saying Who's Alex?" She then winked.

Vicky almost choked as she laughed. "I really don't think that would ever happen. I love Alex. If I didn't do you think I'd endure his father loathing disdain all the time? Any way, if Dock Street is that bad, how can The Count have any good business? Or does he cater exclusively to the things that go bumb?" she asked.

"Oh, really?" Brandy looked closely at Andrew then. "In that case I suppose you would be ok. I need to get back to the kitchen. Do you all need anything else?"

Katherine got up and grabbed Vicky's hand. "Come on, Vicky. I'll take you up to the Count's right now. We won't be able to get in, but I can show you the Musical Wall of Fame depicting bands that you probably know who got their start with the Count's funding." And Katherine escorted Vicky out of Brandy's and up Dock Street. "Oh, and that black and purple building belongs to Nightshade. It's a nightclub, too."

Vicky was eying the building as she and Katherine walked by, when a tall, oddly dressed man exited the building. She watched as he locked the door and turned slowly. His eyes locked on them and he smiled, tipping his head in acknowledgement of them before turning and walking over to a very modern motorcycle. The motorcycle roared to life and he raced off Dock Street, disappearing into the city.

"Who was that?" Vicky asked. "He was hot, in a strange, freaky kind of way."

Katherine chuckled, "Don't you mean... Who's Alex? That was Nightshade."

"I see what you mean now. Is it possible that he could be behind The Count's problems? He is a night club owner himself," Vicky wondered.

Katherine grinned. "Not a chance. Before the problems started, they were both doing equally well. They've been friends for years. Maybe longer. Besides, the clubs are both sound proof and light proof, and Nightshade thrives on a different kind of clientèle." Then she pointed at a wall on the Count's building. "Oh, we're here. See anyone you recognize?"

Quote:

Ratt 'n Katt (rock) Time Slip (rock) The Lions Den (new age/tribal) Ragnarök (heavy metal) Outta Control (heavy metal) Colin Dowdy (country) Patti Pryde (country) Shakesphere Sax (blues) Secret Singer (new age) Pan's Dream (new age) Body Work (Christian rock) Circle of Epona (new age/Celtic) Circe (solo rock) L.A. Street Girls (new age/rap)

"That's a lot of big names," Vicky said, reading down the list. "So Nightshade and The Count are buddies. OK. So that would lead one to believe that someone was out to put The Count out of business. If it's not a rival club, then it could be either someone wanting to get into the band business, or someone with a major grudge against The Count. We'd better go get the others and go meet Alex's plane. He's supposed to land in an hour," Vicky said, checking her watch.

Katherine said, "I've personally seen Body Work perform. 4 big Chippendale's dancer guys wearing suits and crosses, singing the word of god. Talk about getting an orgasm in the name of the lord." She winked. "Let's go, Vicky..."

As they returned to Brandy's Cafe, the rest of the group were exiting.

"There they are," Erina said.

"Brandy told us to vacate because he lunch crowd would be coming in soon and she was going to need the table," Trina added.

"Sorry I couldn't join you guys for breakfast," Kevin said, having arrived sometime after Vicky and Katherine had left the cafe. He looked tired and frustrated. "My mom can give a three ring circus the run around."

Just then, Brandy stepped out of the cafe holding a brown paper bag.

"Here you go, Kevin," she said, handing him the bag. "I don't ever send anyone away hungry. Andrew, you're welcome to stay here and visit with Aegir if you'd like. You kids take care. And watch yourselves around London after dark. More than just your average spooks wander around." And with that she reentered the cafe, leaving the group.

"So where are we off to next, Katherine?" Vinnie asked.

"We have to meet Alex's plane, remember?" Vicky said, reminding the group of Alex's upcoming arrival.

"Then we'd better get to the airport," Hel said. "Is everyone ready?"

Alex's jet was arriving early, actually, as he sat there in his seat looking over the schedule that his father had given him. "Meet my escort at the private gates, then go keep my scheduled meetings with each of the... 6 Deans... oh brother... he means business this time. Why won't he let me choose my own college?"

And then the jet landed on the private runway, and he disembarked, a manservant carrying his luggage for him.

Together, they walked along the private industrialist's walk toward a private gate where Alex was told that a limousine would be waiting on him...

The silver Phantom Rolls Royce limo that was sitting at the gate, gleamed in the misty morning sunlight. A smartly dressed driver stood at the rear door, holding it open silently as Alex approached. He bowed slightly to Alex as he stepped forward to take his bags. He stashed the bags efficiently in the boot then, after making sure that Alex was seated comfortably, he took his place behind the wheel.

The engine purred silently to life with a turn of the key. The driver then carefully steered the car into traffic and drove away from the airport. The driver didn't seem inclined to speak to Alex as he skillfully maneuvered the car through the busy London streets until they were leaving the city proper and entering a more residential area of the city.

Older looming homes stood back away from artfully manicured hedges on both sides of the street they were traveling down. Large stone walls cradled ornate wrought iron gates, offering decoration as well as protection.

They traveled deeper into the residential area, where homes were farther and farther apart until, finally, the driver pulled the car into a hedged drive and stopped before a looming white gate. The car had only halted for a moment when the gates began to swing open wide. Once the gate was open fully, the driver guided the car through the gate, when then closed silently behind them.

The first look at the keep that Alex had, as they pulled up in front of it, afforded him with a view of imposing stone towers adorned with feline-looking gargoyles. The large stone steps leading up to the front door were flanked by two large ivory leopards in repose. The oaken double doors were adorned with very ornate carvings of felines.

The driver stopped the car, opened Alex's door, and then retrieved Alex's luggage from the boot. The driver then took Alex's luggage up the stairs, leaving them before the double doors. Once Alex had exited the car, the driver shut the back door, then quietly drove the car away, leaving Alex alone in front of the stately manor.

Alex was actually impressed. He had not expected to be treated so well. He wasn't even sure who his benefactor was. He did know that whoever this was... was not the limo escort he was supposed to have gotten. His father didn't like white cars. And anything that his father didn't like must be okay.

Alex rapped the knocker on the great doors, unsure of what to actually expect from within. The feline gargoyles were actually kind of sexy, in his opinion.

Katherine and the others soon arrived at the airport where inquiries were made about the Hazard private jet. However, when they were told that it had already arrived and the limo escort had already taken Alex away, Katherine started to get concerned. "I didn't arrange a limo. Who else in London knew Alex was coming?"

Aegir and Andrew were seated inside the Count's nightclub at the bar counter where the ratty bartender was tending to their needs.

Aegir smiled. "Andrew here plays the Moon Dog Flute. I thought you'd like to hear him play just once. I know how the Count is having problems getting the others in here."

The wererat bartender, who also doubled as the freelance talent booking agent for the club, replied, "Okay kid... let's hear you play. I know you only play for pleasure, so just treat this as practice."

Andrew nodded his head, as he climbed up on stage, positioned a huge cushion dead center in the stage in front of the glistening black curtains, then sat down and began playing his special magical flute... and this time, it was even better than the last... as the hauntingly soothing sounds of the flute creeped down to the Count's resting chamber...

The doors swung open silently and standing before Alex was a lovely woman flanked by two large, live, white leopards.

"Alex! You made it!" she exclaimed, hugging him enthusiastically. "Please, come in," she said, waving her hand at his luggage, which caused them to levitate and follow her inside.

"Don't mind those guys," she said, indicating the leopards, "they won't bother you."

"Does that mean that someone has kidnapped Alex?" Vicky asked Katherine.

"First Mark, now Alex. I'm beginning to think you guys should never be left alone," Erina said with a chuckle.

The Count opened his eyes as the music of the Moon Dog Flute filtered around him in his casket. It was still daytime, he knew. But his curiosity got the better of him and he exited his casket, moving silently up the stairs into the office. He then entered the main room of the club, taking in Aegir sitting at the bar, and the young human boy sitting on the stage playing the flute.

He smiled. "I'm impressed, Aegir. Where did you find him?" he asked.

Aegir quietly replied, "Sorry to disturb your rest, Count, but Andrew is the boy that I had an adventure with in Asgard. The boy the Moon Dogs gave that flute to. Andrew is a friend of the Hazardous Materials team, who just happened to be in London currently."

Reena hummed. "So who has Alex? No one but us knew he was coming to England. It doesn't make any sense."

Ivan replied, "First the missing musicians, and now, someone nabs Alex. It looks like we have a mystery on our hands."

Alex exclaimed, "Linda Star? You're my benefactor this time? I'm surprised, actually." Then he entered and walked with Starlight. "To what do I owe the pleasure? I certainly never expected you to get me ungrounded from my father. I knew something weird was up when I saw the white limo."

"On the contrary, Aegir, it's not disturbing at all. I find his music quite soothing. It's too bad that he's not seeking a profession in his art," The Count said, sitting beside Aegir. "So what brings Hazardous Materials to London?"

"We have got to find Alex," Vicky said. "But where can we start?"

"When your father called me I was thrilled to have you. Sorry for the mess, though," she said, indicating the articles spread all over. "I've been trying to find my wand for my performance tonight. I know I put it away before I went on my world tour, but now I can't find it anywhere."

Aegir smiled, explaining the current mess with Alex, his father, Vicky, and how Katherine Crane 'arranged for everyone to be in London while Alex was there on business. "Katherine told them about your missing musicians, so they are interested in helping you find your musicians. But tell me... is anything else weird going on here in London?"

Mark and Mikael then returned from the front desk.

Mark said, "We found out that a White Phantom Limousine picked up Alex at the private gate."

Mikael added, "And not just any White Phantom Limo, either... This one belongs to Linda Star. London's foremost magic user has Alex. We just don't know why."

Alex hummed. "Linda, if your magic wand isn't where you put it, then you will just have to admit that someone has taken it. But it's just a stage prop wand, right? It has no real power.... does it?"

Linda smiled. "Unfortunately, my wand is not a prop, it acutally holds some power. I only use it here in London because I do some magic that I don't perform elsewhere. What I don't understand is how someone could get into my home to take it. The cats guard the ground fiercely while I'm gone. Who ever took it would have had to know exactly where I kept it, and be able to get in and out without being detected by the cats or setting off one of my wards. I don't leave my home unprotected."

"So let's go pay Linda a visit and find out why she has Alex," Vicky suggested. "Besides, it wouldn't hurt to get to know some of the local celebraties."

"Of course, five bands disappearing in five days is pretty strange by itself," The Count said. "As for anything else, I'm not sure. I've been busy with my own bottom line. I'm sure if you asked some of the daywalkers you could find out. Bring Andrew back tonight. I'll compensate him for entertaining the masses, even if he's not my regular forte. I must go rest now, it really is too early for me to be active."

Alex hummed. "What about siblings, Linda? You said the cats would guard the wand fiercely, so maybe a sibling came and took it. Your cats wouldn't bother a family member, would they?"

Katherine replied, "That's a good idea. Seeing Linda Star will be a treat for sure. Your friend Mikael is going to have to get permission from her to use his Magic in England anyway."

Mikael nodded his feline muzzle. "That is very true."

Aegir smiled, as he collected Andrew and they left the club. "See? The Count wants to see you perform tonight. True, you aren't an official band or something, but he is desparate. He needs entertainment for the stage and he can pay you."

Andrew smiled. "I think I am starting to get the hang of playing this thing. I could almost smell the moon dogs this time."

Aegir then said, "Let's head up toward Skipton for the day, and I'll show you some unicorns and foxtaurs."

Andrew oohed! He was excited about seeing local myths!

Linda actually laughed. Heartily. "My siblings have their own wands. Plus, my older sister never sets foot on Earth and my younger sister despises the modern times."

The Hazardous Materials group, plus Katherine, arrived at the gates of the Star Estate. Vicky whistled low. "Now that's a gate," she said.

Katherine grinned. "Wait until you see the cats."

Lionel chuckled. "Meow? We have cats, you know."

Ivan giggled. "WHAT? NO CARRINGTON SECURITY SYSTEM?!" He knew better because he had previously installed one here several episodes ago, in The Haunted Toy Factory.

Mark laughed! "You're funny, Ivan. Here... I'll ring the gate buzzer." And he stepped forward and pressed the button.

Reena exclaimed, "He pushed the button and no one fell down a hole!" She winked and laughed.

Linda turned from Alex. "Excuse me a moment. Someone is at the gate," she said, walking over to a gazing glass. "It looks like your friends have tracked you down," she said with a chuckle. Linda waved her hand slightly, summoning the group into the foyer. "Welcome," Linda said.

Katherine smiled. "Hello Linda. I'm their escort on this trip. Genie couldn't come; she's doing some job for Raven in the southwest. Adam, Reena's brother, got a dragon visitor on the Utah ranch. And Andrew is hanging out with Aegir."

Alex chuckled. "Andrew is with Aegir? Oh gods... They are sure to find the most trouble... just like last time."

Mikael and Lionel presented themselves to Linda with a courteous bow. Mikael then asked, "May my student and I have permission to use magic in your region, Linda?"

Mark grinned. "I'm going to go say hello to your cats. I brought treats this time." And he walked off toward the chamber they hung out in...

"Well, if you help me find my wand, you can use all the magic you want," Linda answered.

Ivan grinned. "Well, I didn't steal it. And it probably wouldn't have been taken if you had a Carrington Security System in place." He was teasing. "Though the MacDowell Security Systems are the best that the United Kingdom have to offer, admittedly."

Reena blinked her eyes. "Did Ivan just admit that someone else's security systems are as good as his own?"

Lionel replied, "That's what it sounded like to me."

Alex said, "Well, as much as I'd like to help you guys look for the wand, I have college Dean appointments to keep here in the United Kingdom. Three in Southern England, One in Scotland, and Two in Ireland."

Deep woods near Skipton England, Aegir and Andrew are walking along when Aegir stopped and pointed across a clearing. "There's your first unicorn. Isn't he a stud?"

Andrew smiled and walked across the clearing slowly, gently rubbing a hand over the unicorn's sides and neck, then to Aegir's surprise, Andrew mounted up on the unicorn, who simply stands there in a pose. "This isn't as dangerous as Frigga's golden stag mount. He actually seems pretty tame."

Aegir rolled his eyes and turned his back, counting backward from 5...

...and sure enough, on 2, the unicorn suddenly took off at a gallop into the woods, with Andrew holding on for dear life.

Mark walked into the chamber that Linda's cats lived in. "Hey guys! Long time no see! I brought the right treats this time! Who wants to give good old Mark a hug?"

The cats, who were lounging when Mark entered their quarters, bounded across the room and pounced him in one fluid motion. In their eagerness for the treats they got a little carried away and 'accidentally' shredded Mark's clothing. Once they had the coveted treats, they retreated to their cushions to snack at leisure.

"Here is your schedule while you're here, Alex," Linda said, handing over a leather appointment book. "As for my security system, Ivan, it has never been a problem before. But it does seem that some other strange things have been going on while I've been away on tour," she added thoughtfully.

Mark giggles and walks over and sits with the big cats, petting, stroking, and rubbing on all of them. "Shredded clothes, just like last time. And my parents keep wondering why I lose more clothes when I come to England than when I go anywhere else..."

Alex opened the book and looked over his schedule with a sigh. He showed Vicky the route of the six colleges. "Thanks for being here, Vicky. If my dad finds out that you're here, though... he'll come unglued."

Vicky chuckled. "We'll just have to make sure that he doesn't find out. So where's your first stop?" she asked looking over his schedule. "Might as well get started."

"Feel free to take the car," Linda said. "My spectral chauffeur will take you anywhere you need to go."

Alex smiled. "Thanks Vicky. But remember... when I am seeing the Deans, it would be best if you weren't seen by the Dean. My father has a tendency to call Deans to find out if I have talked to them or not, and if a Dean mentions you, my dad might try to send me to Reena's dogs on Pluto."

Reena growled, "That's not funny!"

"No worries," Vicky grinned. "I have a plan. While you're meeting with the Deans, I'll wait in the limo. Then, between visits, we can do some sight seeing. We can play tourist."

Linda laughed. "Nothing wrong with that. You two go on and have some fun."

Alex grinned. "Good, because I want to eventually see Castle Lochmond outside of Carlisle England. That's in Northern England, of course. Let's go, Vicky."

Ivan hummed. "Okay guys, the rest of us should split up and search Linda's estate top to bottom for clues to where her wand might have gotten off to. By the way, Linda... what can your wand do, power wise? And who would know that your wand had that kind of power?"

Mark will be busy with the Cats for most of the episode. Poor Mark!

Andrew gets the unicorn ride of his life, and is finally thrown off into the middle of a bunch of Foxtaurs, as the unicorn stallion says, "Ask permission to get on me next time. Okay?" He then winked and nipped Andrew on the butt, then trotted back into the woods.

Andrew ows when he got nipped, but he was more wondering what the wink was for. Then he noticed the foxtaurs all looking at him. "Um... hi..."

Linda considered for a moment. "Well, anyone with any magical ability would know that my wand was the real deal. As for its power, it varies. For instance, one time I used it and was able to summon objects out of Limbo, luckily only inanimate objects or that could have been a disaster. Another time I was actually able to speed the natural growth cycle of an Irish rose. I believe that alot of what its power is depends on the cycles of the stars on the particular night I use it. I'm not sure what would happen if someone not of my bloodline tried to use it. It is specifically tuned to me, as with any wand. No two wizards can use the same wand. Its unheard of," Linda explained, "and it could lead to major disaster."

Ivan hummed. "I remember one time that the Witch merged her wand with another item of power and the combined item nearly made her god like. The only reason she got stopped that time was because Hecate herself showed up and beat the Hades out of her, and forced the two items apart. Hecate is the Greek goddess of magic, as I am sure you know. Could it be possible that someone here in England is thinking about merging your wand with another item for some purpose that we haven't thought of yet?"

Mikael was taking notes on the magical discussion.

Lionel and Reena left the room with Kevin, Trina, and Katherine, to search the mansion for the Wand.

That would leave Vinny and Hel who both have been very quiet.

Linda considered that for a moment. "You know, that does make sense. But my wand is pretty ancient. Although I did have an offer from a gentleman to buy my wand the last time I was home. I didn't think anything about it at the time, but now I wonder if, perhaps, that isn't connected to the disappearance of my wand. The part I thought was strange was that the gentleman appeared to be a techno geek. I thought he may of made the offer because he thought my wand was actually a technical device."

"It has been known of magical items being merged with technical items," Vinny mentioned. "Of course the repercussions of that union were pretty devastating."

Hel was admiring a large portrait of Linda and her sisters that resided above the large fireplace. The portrait had obviously been done by a master artist a very long time ago. The contrast between the three sisters was amazing.

The oldest sister was pale, her hair a silvery white, her eyes a pale grey, her skin a translucent pearly shade, and even her clothing was a mass of pale shimmering gossamer silk.

The younger sister was the opposite of the older sister in every way. Her hair a deep black that shone like a raven's wing, her eyes were a so dark that they appeared black, her skin was a deep honey tan, and she wore dark leather clothing in brown and black, that hugged every curve of her young body.

Then there was Linda. Her long flowing golden blonde hair framed her face perfectly, her glistening blue eyes were bright and warm, her skin was a warm cream, and her clothing, while form fitting and suggestive, was shades of blue and purple with gold accents.

All of the sisters were smiling in such a way that one would think that they had just shared some secret. It was obvious to Hel that the sisters were a completely balanced family. The dark side, the light side, and Linda represented the balance between the two. Most of all, he could tell that the sisters were close. He didn't think that any of them would do anything to harm the others in any way.

"What worries me the most is that someone was able to get into my home without being detected by the cats or my magical wards. However they did it, it doesn't bode well. If they were able to do it here, they could do it anywhere," Linda suggested.

College #1

Alex and Vicky emerged from the limo to see a student protest going on.

Alex said, "I wonder if my dad knows about this." He then tapped a student on the shoulder. "Excuse me? What is the protest about?"

The male student replied, "Someone broke into the music department and stole all of the musical instruments. The protest leaders think the Dean did it to keep the Saturday campus concert from being held."

Alex hummed. "Let me go talk to the Dean about this. I am sure he wouldn't have robbed his own college. He could lose his job if he did." Alex then looked at Vicky. "What is your evaluation of this college so far?"

"First we have missing bands, then we have missing magic wands, now we have missing university instruments? Something is definately fishy here, and it's not the fish and chips," Vicky replied. "As for the campus. Since the students are protesting it is a good chance that your father will hate it. It could prove to be a negative influence on you," she mocked.

Alex had to smile at Vicky's mockery of his father. "I think you're right. If Garm had a college, I'd apply for classes there. Oh well, In can't get THAT lucky, can I? I better go see the Dean so we can get out of this place..." And he headed off to find the dean.

Ten minutes later, Alex returned and got into the limo with Vicky. "One down, two to go."

Andrew was helped up by the foxtaurs and brushed off. They were both sympathetic and amused that Andrew even got to ride a unicorn for as long as did and not be killed during the ride. When Andrew asked them about magic wands, however, he was directed to a single door that stood on top of a hill. No building or castle with it... just a door.

Andrew knocked on the door using the knocker, feeling a little silly to actually be out there doing something like that, but when the door opened and a very large minotaur like demon reached out and yanked him through the door, he shouted out in surprise and fright! "AUGH!"

Then the door closed with a dull thud!

Andrew had his eyes closed, as he heard someone say...

"Scaring the locals again is not a nice thing to do, Baphomet! Release the boy and return to your room!"

Andrew slowly opened his eyes and saw...

...Morgan le Fay wearing a cooking apron and a pretty dress beneath it. "You're Andrew, the boy with the Moon Dog Flute. Well, come on inside... I'm preparing a huge dinner for a bunch of cranky magic usurpers."

Andrew slowly followed her into the kitchen. "Why do you call them 'usurpers'?"

Morgan replied, "I don't call Linda that. Just the other fools."

Trina whistled as they entered the attic. "That's one thing about magic," she began, "a place can be twice as big on the inside as it appears on the outside."

Kevin chuckled. "I'll say this for Linda's place, it is emaculately clean. She must have gads of unseen servants keeping the place tidy."

Hel turned from the portrait and asked. "Have you spoken to either of your sisters about your missing wand?"

Linda smiled. "As I said before, my older sister despises the atmosphere of Terra Firma. She prefers her soft blue solitude on the moon. My younger sister, despises the modernization of Terra Firma, preferring to reside in the much simpler dark ages. I have considered contacting my father, but that would just bring about the arguement that I needed to come home and resume my apprenticeship under him so that I may, one day, take over for him." Linda shuddered. "No thank you. I prefer the modern times, my modern friends, and my modern fans."

College #2

"This one looks promising," Vicky muttered. "High walls, iron gates, dark, stuffy-looking buildings. Your father would love it," she smiled. "I'll bet you lunch that their music department is missing its instruments also," she added as the limo pulled to a stop.

Alex grinned at Vicky. "If the instruments are missing here, too, then All I have to tell my father is that a thief was actively striking the colleges in England, and I'd personally not feel safe from such a felon's desire to take valuables from me. And if there is one thing my father is touchy about... it's that I am his most valuable possession. Be right back... time to see the Dean..."

And of course, 35 minutes later...

Alex gets into the limo once again. "Drive to the next college, please. You guessed right, Vicky. The instruments were stolen last night. I am worried about Mark's friend, Andrew, now... he's carrying that magical Moon Dog flute with him. I hope no one tries to steal it from him..."

"I'd be careful about playing the 'I could be in danger at college' card," Vicky suggested. "Knowing your dad he'd go overboard and keep you locked up at home to take correspondance courses."

Alex chuckled. "In truth, my father is trying to get me into a college where you can't visit me at. He's not too fond of you, remember?"

Reena said, "Are there any rooms we haven't looked in yet, Trina? The wand wasn't in the room full of top hats."

Morgan then said to Andrew, "I have a package that I need to get to Linda Star. Would you be a good boy and escort it to her? For doing this service for me, I'll give you this elven flute music book. I have no use for the book and being a flute musician, you do have a use for it."

She handed the package and the book to Andrew and after escorting him out the door, she teleported him off in the direction on Linda's mansion.

Mikael then asked, "Can't your wand be located via a detect location spell?"

And instantly, directly beside Hel, Andrew suddenly appeared! "Whoa... I wasn't expecting that!"

Ivan asked, "Wait a minute... weren't you with Aegir?"

Andrew replied, "Long story. He thought it'd be funny to put me on a unicorn's back without the unicorn's permission. I don't know where Aegir is right now. But I ran into Morgan le Fay and she asked me to deliver a package to Linda Star." And he handed Linda the long cylindrical package.

Trina shrugged. "I'm not sure. I swear that this place just keeps adding rooms as we are searching."

"I tried that as soon as I realized that it wasn't where I had left it," Linda explained. Linda didn't seem to be surprised by Andrew's sudden appearance. Instead, she took the package from him, walked over to her desk and opened it carefully.

Reena hummed. "I think you're right, Trina. Let's try the room across the attic hallway, to the left of the grandfather clock with the eyes on it."

The package contained a magic wand, not Linda's of course, and a hand written note.

Quote:

_Dearest Linda,

I am aware that your wand is missing. You may use one of my spares until your own turns up or is found. I only hope those looking for it don't make a mess or open any forgotten gates in your mansion. The last time someone opened a gate, Detective Crane threatened to lock all of us up.

Your friend in magic, Morgan le Fay the 16th

PS: I gave Andrew an elven flute music book. I swear, it's not magical._

College #3

The limo pulled up at a campus with trimmed hedges, mowed lawns, and clean unbroken sidewalks. It was then that Alex and Vicky saw the Monks and Nuns walking around the campus.

"My father has got to be kidding! It's a religious college!"

Vicky rolled around in the back seat laughing hysterically. When she finally caught her breath she managed to gasp, "Maybe he thinks you should take vows!"

Alex growled, "I'd rather attend college classes with Glasya! I'd probably learn more about business that way, too! And still have a good time! I better go in and see the Dean and find out what the criteria for his college is." And he got out and strode inside... and mere moments later, he had rejoined Vicky in the limo.

"One of the gods or a devil must have been listening... my father made a slight error in choosing this college. One of their criteria calls for my being a Catholic for at least 7 years before I can join the college. My father won't be happy with that, but he can't say I didn't visit the Dean... who was a Nun, by the way... Let's get out of here. The other three colleges are not in England though. One is in Scotland, the other two are in Ireland. We better just head back to Linda's place and see how the others are doing."

Vicky laughed even harder at that. "I'm wondering if he even checked them out at all or if he just picked names at random based on the distance away from me the university was," she suggested.

Alex grinned. "One of the two Irish colleges is actually endorsed by Erina's mother. I am sure Erina won't be too thrilled to hear that I'm going to be checking the place out."

"Hold on just a minute," Vicky said. "You owe me lunch, remember?" she winked. "The guys aren't going to miss us for a little while anyway."

Alex hummed. "It can't be Brandy's this time. Katherine told us that her mom eats there for lunch. And if Detective Crane sees you in London, the Hazardous Materials team would have police escort all over the place. There's a restaurant on the other side of London called the Myth Gallery. They serve all manner of foods there and it overlooks an art gallery. The atmosphere is candle lit and quiet, and it's the type of place my father would approve of." And he pulled a black bow tie out of his coat pocket and affixed it to his collar, just under his chin. "It's a classy place."

"Sounds good to me," Vicky said. "I hope I'm not too underdressed," she added, indicating her clothes.

"Well, that was kind of her," Vinnie said.

Linda thought silently for a moment. "I'm pretty sure I sealed all the gates in the mansion. Unless one popped up while I was gone that I haven't come across yet. Oh well," she smiled, "I'm sure your friends will all be all right."

"That is one freaky clock," Kevin said. "Why would Linda have a grandfather clock, with eyes, up here in the attic?"

Reena said, "If I was a magician, I'd have eyes on a clock to watch over something uber important. What is the clock actually facing? I know it's not the room we just came out of..."

Ivan hummed. "Will the replacement wand be okay to use, Linda?"

Andrew was sitting down on a padded chair near the front door, reading through the elven flute music book.

"As far as I can tell there isn't anything there," Trina said, checking the wall across from the clock.

"It's probably some kind of magic gateway or something," Kevin suggested. "It probably takes some magic word to open it. Let's check out this other room."

"Morgan keeps unused spare wands, so it will be ok for me to use this. It will customize to me as I use it. Unfortunately, it won't be as powerful as my old wand," she said.

Inside the room, there was a statue of a younger Linda Star with magic wand in hand.

Reena said aloud, "Hey look! It's a statue of Linda when she was our age!" Then she blushed, "Um,... I mean, not that she isn't still young, I mean... I better just keep my mouth shut."

Kevin studied the statue for a moment. "That is just wild," he said. "It almost looks like it is alive."

"Ok, why keep a statue of herself up her in the attic?" Trina asked. "Linda sure does have a lot of funny stuff up here. It's really starting to creep me out."

Reena shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe Linda or one of her family members can see through the eyes of the statue. You do realize that there are family pictures all over the place, and loose eyes in places eyes don't need to be."

Mikael asked, "Is Mark still being molested by your cats, Linda?"

Linda smiled, "They seemed to have taken quite a liking to Mark. They won't hurt him, even though it has been a while since they have had a playmate."

"Ok. You're freaking me out," Kevin said. "Although that could be a possibility."

Trina opened a wardrobe that dominated one corner. "Hey, there's a secret passage in here! Let's check it out," she said, leaning in.

Can you say, side adventure?

Reena grins, giving Trina a small shove. "Don't get sucked in, Trina! We don't have a plumber's helper to get you out, you know!" And she entered the passage behind Trina.

***INTERMISSION*

Back in the states, Genie was working for Raven in a native American's gift shop. It was a temp job to fill in for a local who was sick, but it was paying well. At that moment, Grim popped in from nowhere!

"Grim? What are you doing here?"

"Do you know where your friends are?"

"No, I've been here working for Raven, remember? What's going on?"

"I was relaxing at Mikael's house and some detectives showed up. I guess they thought I was wearing a costume. They asked me where Andrew was and if he was living there."

"Detectives looking for Andrew? That can't be good... All I know is that they supposedly went to London to surprise Alex."**

Grim hummed and vanished with a cloudy poof!

Genie hummed herself. "What trouble is Andrew in now?"

*END OF INTERMISSION*

The Myth Gallery

Alex and Vicky are escorted to a dining table with a clear view of the latest exhibits. Alex exclaimed, "Oh look, Vicky! It's the Pan's Dream collection! I've always wanted one of those... but father thinks they're too pornographic..."

The waiter handed two menus to the couple, then strode off to fetch the drinks.

Oddly, today, Alex and Vicky are the only ones in the balcony restaurant.

"Sometimes I can't believe that your father even lets you out of the house. Does he really think that he can shelter you from everything that he finds offensive? Especially since he thinks that everything is offensive," she muttered.

Alex sighed. "I have college location ideas in mind that I am sure my father would not approve of, although one of them is almost guaranteed to keep you and I separate. Mikael was telling me about the place. It's in Hollow Earth."

"But if you wanted, you could visit any time. As you mentioned though, your father would definitely not approve," Vicky agreed.

Alex smiled. "Let's concentrate on the meal."

After dinner, Alex and Vicky were walking through the art gallery, looking at the Pan's Dream collection, up close. Most of it was definitely studly MALE artwork... a good distraction for Vicky. During a moment when Alex was away from Vicky to get a drink of water, he walked into a hallway and saw a lone portrait on a wall... and it looked like... Garm and it looked 'too real'.

Alex sighed. "I miss you, Garm. My father is being very unreasonable. I miss you."

Vicky looked at yet another picture of masculine nude males frolicing in a deep green forest glade. She was getting bored with the choice of art. At first it had been interesting, but now it all seemed identical. Looking around she wondered where Alex had went, but she continued on to a large fountain that took a prominant position in the large courtyard of the gallery. She sat on a bench next to the fountain and looked around.

She found it very strange that there weren't any patrons. At first she had thought that it was just too early for the lunch crowd, until she realized what time it actually was. The place should have had more people than just her and Alex eating there. She hoped that they didn't end up poisoned.

Alex then returned and escorted Vicky out of the Myth Gallery. "I purchased a private viewing, Vicky. That's why we didn't see any other patrons in here. I wanted to treat you right without annoying snooty interruptions. I saw and purchased a huge painting of Garm." He winked. "They're shipping it home for me. And now that we're out and about, how about we head up to Carlisle, England, and see Castle Lochmond?"

Vicky smiled. "I almost wish I could see the look on your father's face when that package arrives. I was wondering why the place was vacant. I thought maybe the mad thief was broadening out," she place her hand on Alex's elbow. "I think a trip north would be wonderful. I wonder how the others are doing?"

Elsewhere...

"Still no idea about what's going on?" Nightshade asked, knowing better but wanting to here the answer anyway.

"Oh, I have an idea, but not much I can do about it without any kind of proof," The Count answered, swirling the think dark liquid in his goblet.

"Since when did that ever stop you?" Nightshade chuckled.

The Count merely lifted a brow as he sipped his nectar. "This time is different. There are many different players involved in this plot."

"Oh really? Do tell."

The Count shook his head. "Not yet. I want to see what the Hazardous Materials crew uncovers. They've been at Linda's most of the day."

Lionel sheepishly asked, "May we have tickets to your show, Ms. Star?"

Trina grabbed Reena, "If I get sucked into anywhere, you're going with me."

"I'll do better than that," Linda said, pulling out backstage passes. "Here's enough for everyone. You guys can make yourselves at home, I have to get going to prepare for the show tonight. I'll see you all there," and she vanished silently.

Mikael grinned. "Ivan! Now's your chance to install a Carrington Security System! Linda's not looking!"

Ivan laughed out loud! "I don't have her permission, Mikael! Otherwise, I'd have done it in a heartbeat! Seriously though, I already installed one here several months ago. But if its down for some reason, then I do need to see about repairing it."

Reena grinned. "You coming, Kevin, or do Trina and I get to have all the fun in this secret passageway?" she whispered to Trina, "...with any possible cute boys we find in here."

Vinnie laughed. "She did say to make ourselves at home. Go for it, Ivan," he encouraged.

"I'm coming. Just hold on," Kevin said. "I was just checking to see if that was Linda's wand."

Ivan said, "What tickles me is that she told Notorious Crook to make himself at home in her mansion! What the heck...! One security system upgrade coming right up!" And he got to work.

Reena hummed. "Where do you think this passage goes, guys?" she said as she began to glow to provide light in the passage.

Hel and Vinnie both laughed as they watched Ivan start his installation.

"Maybe it leads to a splendid magical land that has been besieged by an evil queen bent on destroying all good," Kevin monologued as they walked through the passage.

Trina rolled her eyes even though no one could see it. "You're a goof, Kevin," she said.

Reena grinned. "Is the evil queen called Psi-Khan and she's hiding information from the handsome psionic prince?"

Andrew got up and moved his chair into the chamber where Mark was playing with the big cats. "How's it going, Mark?" He then smirked a little. "Um, you're naked. Good thing Trina can't see this."

Mark giggled, rubbing cat tummies gently, listening the big purrs. "If Trina saw me like this, she'd probably be aroused. I heard that you rode a unicorn."

Andrew blushed. "I think Aegir did that to me on purpose. His sense of humor leaves a lot to be desired..."

Kevin frowned. "I really thought that the book Ivan got for me in Japan would have the answers to all my questions. But somehow my mother has managed to keep all the dirt out of it," he growled. "It is just really upsetting. I just wish there was someone out there that I could talk to about it that would give me straight answers."

"Hang in there, Kevin," Trina advised. "Your mom will slip up sometime. She can't be on guard 24/7. Eventually her defenses will drop, and then you can pounce!"

Kevin chuckled. "Leave it to you to use feline euphemisms."

Trina smiled over her shoulder. "I aim to pleeeeeeeeeese!"

Kevin and Reena stood helpless as Trina disappeared down a trap door which slid shut as silently as it had opened.

One of the cats looked at Andrew curiously before moving over to him and sniffing him. The cat made a face and then returned to his position next to Mark. Apparently Andrew's scent didn't appeal to the cats.

Reena exclaimed, "TRINA! Dammit! She fell through a trap door! I swear, she's worse than Daphne Blake (tm)! Madame Borva pushed a button, I'll bet!"

Andrew didn't mind that the cat was leaving him alone. He knew that he had a mish-mash of scents on him, and none of them were feline.

Sea otter, Moon Dog, Golden Stag, Unicorn, Foxtaurs, Baphomet (but only because the minotaur demon grabbed him.)

Trina's trip came to a painfully jarring end suddenly when she slammed into a stone floor. "DAMN!" she exclaimed as a sharp jolt of pain shot through her shoulder, which she had landed on. Trina gritted her teeth as she struggled to her feet.

It was pitch black where ever she was, so she closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them her feline vision was fully active. Not very helpful however, since there didn't seem to be any source of light, however small and slight.

Trina reached out her arms, gritting her teeth as another sharp pain pierced her left shoulder. She jerked her left arm back against her side and just reached with her right. She slowly and carefully turned in a circle, without taking a step, keeping her arm extended to see if anything was within her immediate reach.

Finding nothing, Trina let out a sigh and began slowly moving forward, moving her right hand back and forth to prevent her from walking face first into something. She just hoped when she fell she didn't slip through some gate. The last thing Trina wanted to do was find her way back to the others from some other dimension.

Reena looked at Kevin. "We lost Trina!" And with that, she dialed in Hel's cell phone number on her cell phone. "Hel! Trina fell through a trapdoor here in the attic and it seal shut behind her! We don't know where she is! Be on the lookout on the ground floor for Trina!"

Mikael giggled. "I am starting to miss having more male companions around. Maybe Hazardous Materials should conduct a membership drive when we return home."

Just then, Katherine's cell phone rang. "Hello? Katherine Crane speaking. Oh, hello Aunt Olivia. No, I'm just fine. Some friends and I are helping Linda Star look for her missing magic wand." There came a pause. "...you spoke with my friends just now... Now Aunt Olivia..." an attempt to keep it covered that HM was in London. "...you obviously don't know every friend I have. I'm with a different bunch of my friends today. Yeah, these guys are from... the west shores. No, I am NOT lying!"

Andrew began playing his moon dog flute once again... his best tune that he's been practicing with... as the sound of the flute begins echoing through the mansion...

"Who are you?" a gruff voice asked Andrew. The voice had come from a doorway that had been a solid wall just a few minutes before. The opening was dark, however, keeping Andrew from seen just who, or what, had asked the question.

"What are you talking about? We actually have more males with us than females at the moment," Erina giggled. "Lionel and Andrew have tipped the testosterone scales in your favor."

Linda took the phone from Katherine, "Hello, Olivia.... No, I don't need your assistance.... I do not want you doing an official inquiry in my mansion.... Katherine and her friends are doing a spledid job.... That's right, you just look for real criminals," she finished and disconnected the call. "There, that's taken care of."

"We have a member down," Hel explained, "Literally," he added as he explained what he had just been told. "Time to see if we can find some other hidey holes."

Andrew stopped playing his flute. "I am Andrew, friend to Mark Merlin and Aegir the Asgardian Ocean God. I am actually staying out of trouble for a change while the Hazardous Materials team explores Linda's Mansion for her missing magic wand."

Katherine rolled her eyes, looking at the ceiling! "Thanks ever so much, Linda! All you succeeded in doing is making Olivia curious as to what we're up to! Thank goodness Vicky isn't here, or Aunt Olivia would FLIP!"

Mikael grinned at Erina. "Oh come on... I know where several sons of Chippen Dales dancers live in California, and they are all really BUILT."

Reena and Kevin continued their search in the long corridor. "Trina would go down the hole. I swear... she's worse than Daphne Blake (tm)."

"I just can't believe that she tripped a trap door," Kevin said. "I mean, I would have expected someone else to fall victim to a booby trap."

Linda merely smiled. "Katherine, you must understand, Olivia knows she is not to step foot upon my estate without permission. The last time she did, I had to do some fancy magical footwork to rescue her from the predicament she found herself in."

"Your music is very interesting," the gruff voice said. "Not much in my taste though. I suppose you're a guest of Linda's?"

Trina had walked for what seemed like a long time when her hand finally touched smooth, cold stone. She let out a sigh as she turned to the left and followed the wall carefully, keeping her right hand on the stone wall.

"Well, at least it didn't continue indefinitely," she muttered as she started walking again.

Alex and Vicky were sight-seeing in Carlisle, England, visiting Castle Lochmond with a local tour group.

Alex whispered to Vicky, "See? This is really romantic and no one even batted an eye at either of us. And you're actually smiling, too."

Vicky actually blushed.

"I guess that's because it's nice to just be thought of as a normal tourist. No one has expectations of either of us right now," she whispered back, looking around at the tourists milling around. "Besides, this is the first time that you and I have actually had any real alone time away from the rest of the guys."

Alex smiled. "I think it's because we're in an area where no one knows what our little team is capable of and..." and at that point, his cellphone rang.

He then looked at the caller ID number and sighed very obviously, as he took the call, stepping away from Vicky.

"Hello father."

pause

"Believe it or not, the British colleges you chose were hit by thieves just days before I arrived here in the United Kingdom."

pause

"I know... it's almost like one of your corporate enemies is sabotaging every learning institute that you're trying to send me to."

a longer pause

"Calm down, father. If you'll allow me to explain something to you..."

pause

"While we were in Japan, Mark's cousins told me about a business university with high references. I didn't tell you about it then because I felt that you'd reject it on the basis that it's mention came from one of my friend's families and not a known source."

calm pause

"Apparently, it's inside one of these nexus zones, father. It's called... Ravibren University, in a place called Sun Raven City."

pause

"The only contact information I have on the college, father, is a man named Omar Kinsbert."

pause

"Could you call him for me, father? The number is..." he rattled off the toll free telephone number. "If you can find out something about the place for me and really interrogate Mr. Kinsbert for the information and quality you expect, perhaps it's a college selection that will finally work out without crooks attacking the place."

a very long pause

"Thank you, father."

small pause

"No, I am sightseeing in Carlisle, at the moment."

longer pause

"Sure, I can do that for you."

questioning pause

"Vicky? No, I haven't seen her since the last time we were together in Los Angeles. Why do you ask?"

revealing pause

Alex went a little pale. "I really have no idea where she is, father. Surely you don't think she's in England, do you? Inspector Crane would have her arrested so fast, she'd never be able to get away. You'd think she was Carmen Sandiego's daughter or something, as uncatchable as she is."

pause

"I will, father. I'll avoid her like the plague. Goodbye, father." And Alex closed the cellphone and walked back over to Vicky.

Alex looked at Vicky with a grim look on his face. "My father knows you're not in L.A."

Vicky frowned. "Well, I guess it isn't that hard to notice that I'm not doing anything in L.A. But why does he automatically assume that I'm with you? I could be in the clutches of my dad," she said with a wink.

Alex wasn't smiling. "Don't be so quick to wink. Your dad called my dad and they had words. Your dad asked my dad if you were with me somewhere in L.A. Apparently your dad spoke to one of your girlfriends and they mentioned me. My dad told your dad that I was over here in England looking into some fine colleges."

"OH, that's just great!" Vicky exclaimed, then quickly lowered her voice. "Leave it to my dad to screw up a perfectly good plan."

"Here's the worst part, Vicky... My dad said your dad mentioned coming over here to see if you were with me." Alex added. "And I think my dad thinks your dad is funny."

Vicky sighed, as she wrapped her arms around Alex's waist. She lay her head on his chest and said, "Are we ever going to be left alone? I still don't know why your father hates me so much. As for my father, well, I don't know why he's suddenly interested in me or my welfare. After all, he's left me under the care of my brothers ever since I can remember, now he suddenly wants to have some say in my activities. What is that about?" she asked, looking up at Alex.

Alex and Vicky were still seeing the sights in Carlisle when Alex exclaimed, "I don't believe it!" He pointed across the way. "There's a Witches Brew restaurant here in Carlisle! Would you like to have an early dinner with me, Vicky? I think it'd be a little more private in there." He winked.

Vicky smiled. "I'd be honored," she replied, joining arms with Alex.

"I know what you mean, Kevin." Reena replied. "Trina doesn't even have big boobies. It's totally out of character for her to fall into a trap like that."

Katherine said, "I know my aunt, Linda. She may not actually 'come' here, but she'll start verifying where all of my other friends are that she knows of. And it won't take long, either. She does know that I was in Japan a few weeks ago, and the moment one of them mentions Hazardous Materials, Olivia will go on Red Alert. She really doesn't want a loose Vicky in her England."

Andrew smiled. "Yes, I was invited in by Linda. As were my friends. They are exploring the mansion, looking for Linda's lost wand. They might even be in areas that Linda herself hasn't been inside for ages." Then he paused, looking toward the voice's apparent direction. "If you don't like my moon dog flute music, then you must be a cat or cat person. I've been told that cats are not that fond of the flute's music."

Ivan finally finished setting up the new Carrington Security System. "Now, let's see what the security cameras can pick up." And he turned on the system for a test. "There is Linda and Katherine in the front room... now to check another channel..."

"Ok. Let's go down this way and see if we can find a way to get to where Trina is," Kevin suggested. "A way that doesn't include falling down a trap door," he added.

Linda sighed. "Perhaps you're right. Of course, she could have already done that before calling you since I did send my car to pick up Alex before she could get to him."

"Actually I'm neither," the voice said. "But that really isn't an issue. I'll just be on my way back the way I came," the voice became fainter as the portal began to close. "You may want to go get your friend out of the catacombs before she becomes a snack for the weaver," was barely audible as the portal and the voice ceased to be.

Hel was enjoying some of Linda's fine aged wine in the kitchen.

Trina had stopped walking. She was tired and beginning to get really upset. There didn't seem to be anyway out of where ever she was.

"Hello!" she shouted, for what felt like the millionth time. Of course she was once again greeted with no answer.

She sighed and sat down. She had no sooner sat her bottom of the floor when she immediately jumped back up.

"What in the..." she muttered.

That definately didn't feel like any floor she'd ever sat on before. She carefully squatted down and hesitantly touched the floor with her hand. The floor was soft, and slightly sticky, but not grossly so. She was really starting to get freaked out now.

Standing up straight, she put both hands in front of her and started walking. Her progress became steadily more difficult, however, as her feet began to stick to the floor.

"This is not good," Trina said under her breath.

Andrew walked out to where Linda and Katherine where talking and said, "Linda? Where are the catacombs and what is the Weaver? Some weird voice in one of the walls said that Trina was in the catacombs."

Katherine exclaimed, "OH NO!"

Mikael and Lionel had chosen to return to Brandy's place and the river front to have a meal and collect their thoughts.

"Oh, my," Linda muttered, moving toward a blank wall. "She muttered a few unintelligable sylables, creating an opening.

The light from the living room flooded the pitch black recess of the catacombs. They saw Trina, stuck fast where she stood, and off to her side they could see the weaver, a giant spider-like being, who blinked its eight eyes and shied away from the light.

Linda then levitated to Trina and quickly loosened her with a simple spell. She then levitated herself and Trina out of the catacombs.

"Sorry about that," Linda said to the weaver, and, muttering a different set of syllables, shut the opening.

"Now how did you end up in there?" Linda asked.

"I was up in the attic and fell through a trap door," Trina answered, clearly shook up at what had almost had her for lunch.

"I think that's enough wandering around the mansion. I wouldn't want any of you getting eaten," Linda said, and with a wave of her hand, all the members of Hazardous Materials that was in the mansion, appeared in the living room. "Here are some tickets to the show tonight," she said, handing them to Katherine, "you are all welcome to come. I think you should all enjoy the sights of London while you can, however."

Katherine smiled. "I know where I can take them! The Werewolf Lighthouse! It's a restaurant that was made out of an old lighthouse. It's across the river from The Count's and Nightshade's nightclubs. And my aunt would never look for me there. For some reason, the place gives her the willies. If you will teleport our group over to the foyer entrance of the Werewolf Lighthouse, we can be out of your way."

And Mark emerged from the big cat room wearing a replacement suit of his white magician's clothes. "Your cats are sated, Linda."

Linda bade them farewell and then disappeared into her mansion.

"Andrew, Player of the Moon Dog flute?" an elegantly dressed messenger asked. "I have a letter for you," he added, handing over the fine parchment. He then disappeared before any of them could make any comment.

"What was that all about?" Trina asked.

"What does it say, Andrew?" Erina asked.

Andrew recited the note aloud. ((OOC: Normally a picture of the note is included with the original story.))

"I don't think we are dealing with a normal person," Kevin said, still pondering the mystery of Linda's missing wand. "A normal person wouldn't be able to get in and out without being detected."

Trina nodded, "Or eaten," she added with a shudder, wrapping her arms around herself.

"So does that mean that we are dealing with another magical being?" Kevin wondered.

Erina considered that for a moment. "It would be simple for someone to use one of the many gates or doorways to enter and exit without being noticed. But I wonder if it would be possible for a scientific person to be able to use the same methods."

"Essentially, we're still at square one in this investigation," Hel added.

Vinnie nodded. "Let's go and consider it more over some lunch."

Katherine got the guys over to the Werewolf Lighthouse , a restaurant that her Aunt Olivia never went inside of.

"Banquet table please. I am with a large group."

And soon, they were seated in a Romanian decor section of the restaurant at the banquet table.

"Order up, guys. It's on my charge card." Katherine said.

Andrew said, "I'll have to make my meal quick, Katherine. The Count wants me to show up at his nightclub early. He sounded very concerned over my actually being there, according to his letter."

Trina nodded. "Apparantly he was concerned enough to tell you not to go off alone. Is that normal, Katherine?" she asked.

Katherine replied, "No, it's not normal. Whoever is kidnapping all the hot musicians is pretty relentless. The missing musicians have been actually hurting The Count's business. And maybe that is the villain's goal. But I still can't figure out how the missing musicians ties in with the stolen magical props."

Mark grinned. "Maybe we should ask Grim Reaper to pop in and help us. He IS a junior member of this team, you know..."

Trina perked up. "That's a great idea! Not using Grim Reaper, but what if we get Time Slip to come and play? I doubt anyone would even attempt to kidnap them."

"That is a good idea, the only thing is that The Count likes to use unknown artists, he's well-known for giving new artists a break and getting them into the music industry," Erina explained. "That is why he is so interested in Andrew."

Hel considered it for a moment. "You are both correct, so what if we ask Time Slip to perform, but ask if they'd like to do it incognito," he suggested with a wink. "That way we actually have a chance of finding out who our musical kidnapper is."

Brandy's Dockside Cafe

Mikael and Lionel had just finished their own candlelight dinner.

"This was exquisite, Brandy." Mikael said. "Thank you."

Lionel lightly blushed a bit and nodded his head. "It was very good, ma'am."

Brandy smiled at them. "My pleasure, gentlemen. Have a good evening," she said, clearing their table.

So this was London. As long as he had been on Earth, he had never ventured to this area of the world. Not much different that the cities in the United States, he thought. The few places that he had been so far hadn't yielded any results, but he was determined to find what he was looking for. It couldn't let the Wild Star out unchecked. He was disappointed with the guards that he had assigned to watch it, and had already read them the riot act.

Glancing up at Big Ben, he took note of the time. Where could it be? He knew it was in London somewhere. That was the last known point of contact. He was going to keep looking. He had to find it before it came into cycle. The Wild Star would not be able to be contained when that happened.

Olivia Crane sat behind her desk, reading the closing file on an old case.

"Inspector Crane, there's a gentleman here to see you," a young officer said from the doorway.

"Send him in," she replied without looking up. She finished reading the report and signed off on it as the man entered her office and sat in the seat across from her. "How can I help you, sir?" she asked, looking up.

"You can help me find my daughter," Drake Lane said.

"Excuse me?" Olivia was stunned. "I believe your daughter is in Los Angeles somewhere. Isn't she?"

"No, she isn't. She's here in England. With Alex Hazard," he replied. "And I prefer to find her as quickly as possible and return with her to L.A."

Olivia fumed. Katherine had lied to her. And so had Linda Star. She took a deep breath and said, "They have probably gone to The Lighthouse. It's a restaurant on the river. Katherine knows I won't go there so it is the most likely place to find your daughter," she informed him, already plotting how to punish Katherine. "I wish you the best of luck."

He stood and smiled. "Thank you," he started to turn, but stopped. "By the way, consider this my checking in," he added, a gleam in his eye.

Olivia's eyes narrowed briefly, but then she smiled and said, "Good hunting."

Lionel and Mikael were going over some advanced magical lessons when the pride of Scotland Yard, Olivia Crane, was seen entering Brandy's Cafe. Neither Mikael nor Lionel noticed her, as they were very distracted with the educational lesson.

"Hello, Olivia," Brandy greeted. "How are things at Scotland Yard today?"

"They were tolerable, until Victoria Lane's father showed up. I don't suppose you know where she's gotten off to?" Olivia asked, eying Mikael and Lionel.

Brandy glanced over at the pair. "I might, but what kind of inspector would you be if I just came right out and told you what you wanted to know?" Brandy grinned. "They're in the middle of a lesson and have been for quite some time. No sense in interrupting them," she suggested strongly.

Olivia sighed. "You know I hate being in this sort of position, but I did agree to keep an eye on Mr. Hazard's son. She isn't even supposed to be in England. I'm sure Katherine had something to do with it or is that something else you're going to let me figure out on my own?" she asked.

Brandy smiled. "You know Katherine better than most. She is just like you, after all," she hinted, a bright gleam in her eye. "Some secrets are a time bomb just waiting to blow up in your face," she added cryptically. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have customers to attend to," she turned and disappeared back into the kitchen.

Olivia left Brandy's and looked down the dock toward The Count's. She knew that Katherine and her friends, Alex's friends that is, would most likely be there. Drawing in a determined breath, she headed toward the club. She would inform Katherine that she needed to get Alex's friends out of England as quickly as possible. Otherwise, they'd have to play keep away with Victoria's father.

Mikael and Lionel were still deep into it. It was as educational for them as it was entertaining for the other cafe patrons.

**INTERLUDE 2:

It was still daytime in New Mexico where Genie was helping Raven and Coyote with the native crafts tourist shop.

"She is certainly one of the finest fill ins that we've ever acquired, Raven." Coyote said, polishing a native handmade spear.

"Yes, I know. Grim Reaper was certainly right about this one. She is just so polite and the customers love her." Raven replied.

"I don't know about the costume you gave her, though... I think it's a bit showy."

"You think?"

Genie was helping a group of 14 male teenagers with a purchase, and yes, there was much cleavage and under skirt views being displayed, all without blushing. "This one here?"**

"Um... yeah... I think..." one of the boys said, clearly impressed by the female clerk.

End of INTERLUDE 2

The Witches Brew, Carlisle England

Alex and Vicky got themselves a quaint little stylish table with tablecloth and candles, then Alex ordered their drink. Then they were given menus.

Alex hummed. "Number 3 with hot sauce, a light salad with peanut oil, and a small dish of caviar, for me."

"I think I'll just have a light salad," Vicky said. "I'm not very hungry," she explained to Alex. "I have a really bad feeling that something is going to happen to really screw up our time together," she added after the waitress had walked away.

Alex smiled. "Let's let the others solve the mystery in London without us. Right after we finish our meal, we can catch the Carlisle Ferry and head over to Ireland where I can check on the two colleges over there. And we can go kiss the Blarney Stone while we're at it."

Victoria smiled. "Do you really think we need the gift of gab?" she asked, sipping her drink. "But I do think it is a good idea. I'm actually enjoying our excursion. I just wish our fathers would butt out of our affairs," she said, wagging her eyebrows.

Alex smiled. "Maybe we can catch a leprechaun and ask nicely about getting a wish or two. There is all manner of things to do in Ireland. We could even be nice and stop by and say hello to Erina's mom."

Vicky chuckled, "Ireland it is then," she agreed, lifting her glass in a salute.

Just then, one of the Lighthouse 'boys' approached Katherine and whispered something in her ear, then nodded his head and pointed toward a nearly hidden back door.

Katherine urgently and quietly said to the group. "Guys, trouble with a capital Mr. L is at the front of the restaurant. We need to vamoose immediately. Pierre here is suggesting that we take the tunnel under the river and go directly to The Counts by that route. I'll explain more once we're in the tunnel."

Moments later in the tunnel corridor under the river Thames between the Werewolf Lighthouse and The Counts, Pierre led the way carrying a torch. In the dim light, it could easily be seen that Pierre was a real werewolf.

Andrew smiled. "Wow... a real werewolf. Totally awesome..."

Katherine said, "Sorry we had to rush like that, guys. Vicky's father about caught us in the restaurant. And I don't need to tell you what that means..."

Mark irked. "Should we call Vicky and warn her?"

"What do you mean, 'They aren't here,'?" Drake Lane demanded, knowing that he was being stalled for some reason. "Then why don't you seat me so I can enjoy some of your delicious fare?" he asked the maitre'd.

"I'm pretty sure that Vicky and Alex know that their fathers are on to them," Erina suggested.

Hel nodded. "I agree. I would say it would be best not to contact them, lest we give away their location to their meddling fathers."

Just then, the tunnel opened up into an elegant chamber. The Count, who was sitting at a table going over some ledgers, looked up at their entrance. He was actually dressed casually as compared to his regular dress.

"Was there a problem, Pierre?" he asked, taking a sip of the bright red liquid in his goblet.

Andrew stepped forward and bowed to the Count. "Thank you for having me here tonight, sir." He turned to Pierre and shook his furry hand. "And it was a pleasure to meet a werewolf. Very cool."

Pierre bowed to the Count. "The father to one of their team almost cornered them after their meal. A hasty exit was appropriate for getting Andrew and his friends directly over here. The daughter to the father... was not even dining with them this evening. She is in Carlisle with a male friend of hers at the Witches Brew."

Mark arched an eye. "How is it that you know where Alex and Vicky are? We didn't even know where they were?"

Pierre replied to Mark, "We of the mystic order have contact power with each other all over the United Kingdom. One of my brethren werewolves informed me that he saw the two touring Castle Lochmond earlier, and a real witch at the Witches Brew informed me that they were there discussing places to go next. The subject at the moment seemed to be Ireland."

Mark turned to Erina with an IRK look on his face.

Erina shrugged. "At least if they're in Ireland, my mother can keep anyone from sensing their presence. Unlike some people's family members, my mother completely supports me and my friends."

"I don't see what the big deal is," Trina fumed. "As long as Alex is checking out universities like his father wants, why is it such a bad thing for Vicky to be with him? It's not like she's trying to talk him out of going to college or anything like that."

The Count smiled. "I believe it has more to do with a merging of power. Alex isn't aware of his true beginnings, and Victoria isn't aware of her complete potential. Alex's father doesn't know of Victoria's innate power, but he fears her criminalistic influence on Alex, and Victoria's father doesn't know of Alex's true nature, but fears her unleashing her full spectrum in a moment of unguarded stress," he explained. "If he understood that being with Alex kept Victoria in a serene state, he'd be less inclined to find them. Unfortunately, fathers being what they are, they both think that only they know what's best for their children."

Kevin laughed. "That is the most twisted outlook on Vicky and Alex's relationship that I've ever heard."

"But it does make sense," Vinnie said, pondering the situation.

"If you'll come with me, Andrew," The Count said, standing, "I'll show you where you can prepare for you performance. The rest of you can go on up into the club. The bartender has already been informed to see to your needs." Then he led Andrew up an ornate spiral staircase.

Andrew was on the stage just behind the curtain, looking over some musical pieces that he planned on playing that evening. Which included a hauntingly spooky piece entitled, Ode to the Lord of the Night. He had found it in a San Francisco curio shop and he thought it would be appropriate for honoring the guy who was giving him a chance to play on stage.

Out in the club itself, Mark said, "Um, no offense to Andrew, but Linda did give us tickets to go see her show tonight, and as a fellow magician, I want to honor her presence with my own, as a show of support. I don't know how good she is going to be without her original wand."

Ivan said, "Back during my villain days, I saw a lot of magic acts a lot, including some by Linda Star. I'll be glad to stay here and keep an eye on Andrew. The rest of you can choose to stay here or head off via teleport with Mark. It's up to you, really."

Reena hummed. "I'd like to see Linda perform. I mean, I've only seen televised performances, with commercial interruption, and I want to see a live show for a change."

Hel smiled, "I've seen Linda perform on multiple occasions. I'll stay and cheer on Andrew."

Erina was already getting a drink at the bar when she looked at them over her shoulder and said, "I've seen Linda perform as well, this being close to home and all, you guys go on and enjoy yourselves."

Vinnie, having found them a table up close to the stage, nodded his agreement. "Being on the mystical side, I've seen more than my share, and the musical act thief may make an appearance here," he suggested.

"Well, looks like we're splitting up," Kevin said. "Let's head off then shall we?"

Trina wrapped her arm around Mark's waist. "Let's be off for a night of magical wonders."

Moments later, Alex and Vicky were aboard the evening ferry enjoying the beautiful sea air as the ferry chugged away from Carlisle's docks and away from England itself.

"In truth, Vicky, this is the most relaxed I have ever seen you. Except for that one time way back during the Old Lighthouse Mystery when you glowed like a fiery Christmas tree," Alex remarked.

Vicky actually blushed. "You mean when I blacked out and had no idea what happened?" she quipped. "I still don't know what all that was about. What I do know is that when I'm with you, everything else doesn't seem to matter as much." Vicky looked up at Alex and smiled. "It's too bad that your father hates me so much."

Alex said, "It's not you that my father doesn't like, Vicky. It's the criminal element. And you run several gangs in L.A. The company you keep there is what puts my father on edge."

Vicky scoffed. "As much as I'd like to believe that, I don't think it would matter. I could be the sanctified holy marshal of peace and he'd still despise me with every fiber of his multi-billion dollar empire," she embellished.

An unexpected guest was about to land on the ferry to Ireland. The ferry was almost to the England/Ireland water border, when suddenly, someone landed on the back of the ferry! Alex and Vicky were up at the front of the ferry, so they didn't see... duh duh de DOOM!!!

Vicky's father... Drake Lane!!!

Alex continued unknowing of what was about to surprise them. "That is exaggerating things a bit much, Vicky. It's the criminal element that he doesn't like. I know he once mentioned that you might look like a real lady if you wore a proper dress like some real girls do."

Vicky smirked, "Well, let's test that shall we? When we get back to L.A., I'll change my spots for awhile and we'll see if your father changes his opinion of me. I'll be a proper, upstanding woman, and he'll still hate me."

Drake had quietly approached the pair and had heard the end of Vicky's statement. He shook his head. He couldn't allow Vicky to continue down the path she had laid out before herself. Only he knew what would happen if she was allowed to continue.

Sighing, he stepped forward. "It's time to go home, Vicky," he said, surprising the pair.

Vicky spun around to face her father. "How'd you find us?" she demanded.

"That doesn't matter. What does matter is that you are coming home with me right now," he said, bracing for a battle with his daughter.

Vicky's tension skyrocketed. She was furious. Her entire body began to vibrate as she glared at her father. Her eyes became void of color and her body began to emit a high-pitched hum as she began to glow. She slowly began to float up.

"Why can't you just leave me alone?" she exclaimed in a humming multi-toned voice.

Drake swallowed hard. He hadn't expected this, and he wasn't sure that he could handle her in this state. He was right too, because as he made his move toward her she lifted her hand to ward him off and emitted a cold, white blast of energy that knocked him off the ferry.

As soon as Drake was gone, Vicky suddenly went back to normal and collapsed on the deck at Alex's feet. She was unconscious and cold to the touch. Her entire body was shivering, her teeth chattering as she lay on the deck.

Alex hummed. "We're lucky that Vicky didn't sink the ferry with that stunt. As soon as the ferry hits Ireland... no, screw that. I can't wait that long." He picked up Vicky in his arms and initiated his unicorn dimension door ability. It was like a mini-teleport and it was a power that he didn't use very often.

Mark, Reena, Katherine, Trina, and Kevin teleported off to Brandy's where they snagged Mikael and Lionel, then it was off to the Linda Star Auditorium for a magic show.

And while Inspector Crane was entering the Count's to look for Katherine and her friends, the curtain on stage opened and Andrew began playing the haunting melodies of his flute, starting off with his favorite tune that he'd been practicing for months.

Ivan said to Vinnie and Hel, "You both might find this sort of strange, but I think I have figured out who our culprit is. And it's someone who we have already met, with the exception of Pierre. It's not the werewolf."

"Welcome! Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare to be amazed!" the announcer was saying. "Prepare to be astounded by they mystical mistress of magic, Linda Star!"

Linda appeared on stage in a billowous cloud of silvery mist. The mist seemed to evaporate instantly, revealing Linda dressed in a provocative stage costume ment to enthrall and enchant the members of the audience.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming out to see me tonight!" Linda said as she conjured a golden autumn forest upon the stage.

"Pray tell," Hel said, watching Andrew. "Is your suspect responsibile for the kidnapping of the musical groups alone or are they also responsible for the theft of Linda's wand?"

Vinnie thought for a moment, then said, "Someone we've already met? We've met quite a few people, and most of them are pretty upstanding members of the community, as it were."

Ivan smiled. "He needed the wand to get at the groups. The man we're after cannot teleport. But he is the lead British master of shadows. When I said that we've met him, my friends, I didn't mean that Hazardous Materials had met him. I meant that WE THREE have met him. Our Culprit is Slymee Toves. He has the power to manipulate shadows, but he cannot force people through the shadows. Therefore, he stole Linda Star's magic wand for the purpose to kidnap the musical groups and all of the musical instruments that he could find at the time... magically. In fact, the rest of the team has encountered Slymee in his civilian clothes. The three of us were busy taking care of something else, at the time. He's been following Hazardous Materials around ever since the Count decided to hire Andrew for the night. Slymee is nearby right now. But if he's smart, which he isn't, he won't try anything while the Inspector is around. He and She have a long nasty little feud going. She's been trying to catch the scummy little bastard and I personally wouldn't want to get in the way of that little game."

Lionel smiled. "She's very talented, but her tricks seem a little sluggish. I guess it's because she doesn't have her original wand."

Mikael hummed. "I still think it's weird that Linda cannot trace down her own magic wand. I mean, it does have her aura power in it."

Mark and Reena whispered at the two, "Shhhh....!"

Vinnie, who had taken notice of Inspector Crane's entrance, smiled. "I do believe you're correct, Ivan. In fact, I believe that this portion of our mystery could be coming to a screeching halt very soon."

"Well, what do we have here?" Olivia asked, having approached their table. "Where is the rest of your merry band?"

Hel stood and pulled out a chair, "Please join us and enjoy the music. We'll be happy to fill you in... after the performance," he stressed.

Olivia fumed, but since she knew it wouldn't do much good to press the issue with the god so she sat in the offered chair as Vinnie motioned for drinks to be brought over.

"Slymee Toves," Vinnie whispered as the drinks were delivered.

Olivia's eyes widened briefly before she scowled. Now she was examining the rest of the club while she sipped the drink she had been brought. She forgot about the rest of the team while she focused on trying to find anything out of the ordinary. When she got her hands on Slymee Toves she'd see to it that he was locked away for a very long time. He had been a serious thorn in her side for several years now and she'd love a chance to finally put him in his place. If that meant working with the Hazardous Materials team then so be it.

Linda amazed the crowd by summoning a juvenile brass dragon. The crowd ooed and ahed as she and the dragon did some movements together on the stage. No one noticed that she slipped the dragon a form of payment before sending him back where she had summoned him from.

"I think you're right about her spells being sluggish," Trina whispered. "I wish we could have found her wand."

Mark hummed. "Wand or no wand, Linda is performing beautifully. It's called practice?"

Katherine nodded her head. "I wonder if teleporting back to Japan tonight is an option for me...?"

Reena was applauding the show and ignoring the others.

Mikael said to Lionel, "Mark has a point. Practice in private is preparation for powerful prestidigitation in public."

Lionel oohed. "I can see how that is useful, Mikael."

Ivan said, "Slymee Toves is a cheap rip off version of Notorious Crook, except he never achieved the levels of prestige that NC achieved in the day. So he has to resort to stealing magic wands and cheat."

At that moment, Ivan nudged Olivia and pointed up into the catwalks above the stage at some movement... and whispered, "There's your quarry, Olivia. Do you think you can catch him this time? He's after Andrew, of course."

Andrew had switched to the song that he'd chosen to honor the Count.

**INTERLUDE 3:

"GRIM! HERE! NOW!"

POOF! The Grim Reaper saw that Genie was about to choke the life out of Raven, while Coyote quietly watched on the sidelines. "Okay, what happened this time?"

Genie glanced at Grim Reaper, one hand still with an iron grip around Raven's feathered neck. "Coyote came clean and told me why Raven hired me! Exploiting my body to make a sale is unforgivable! We're heading back to San Francisco and to Mikael's house! Now!"

The Grim Reaper replied, "The team is in England. No one is at Mikael's house."

Genie growled, "I don't care! We're heading there anyway!" She then turned to Coyote. "Thank you for being a gentleman, Coyote. It was very polite. Unlike some birds I know..." She then flung Raven to the side and stepped over to Grim. "Let's go!" POOF!

And they were gone!

End of INTERLUDE 3**

"Thank you, thank you," Linda said, bowing to the audience. "Now, I'm going to take a short break, but I'll return soon with more bewildering feats!"

Linda then vanished off the stage.

"Come on, guys," Trina said, "lets go see how she's doing."

Olivia's gaze flew upward. "You just watch," she muttered slipping quickly and quietly away from the table.

"This is going to be quite interesting," Vinnie chuckled even as he prepared a surge spell to protect Andrew.

"Andrew is doing splendidly," Hel said, enjoying the melody coming from Andrew's Moon Dog Flute.

Ivan smiled. "Andrew has been practicing hard, yes. But I keep wondering when the Moon Dogs are going to show up. When they gave him that flute, didn't they tell him that when he mastered it, that he'd see them again?"

Ivan was also keeping an eye on Slymee Toves and now, Olivia Crane... up on the catwalk.

Mark led the others backstage where they could check on Linda.

Mikael knocked on the dressing room door. "Linda? It's us, the HM Crew. May we come in?"

"Yes, by all means," Linda called from inside the dressing room. She smiled sadly at them as they entered. "To the untrained eye, my spells may look like they're flawless, but I'm sure you can tell that they're not as smooth as they should be."

Trina smiled, "Even so, it's still pretty amazing. I mean, you conjured an entire forest on the stage."

"Thank you, Trina," Linda sighed. "It would be so much better with my wand though."

Olivia drew on all the training and experience she had for stalking as she stealthily made her way across the catwalk. She carefully crept closer to Slymee Toves' position, slowly drawing her pistol. She wanted to apprehend him as quickly and quietly as possible, without upsetting The Count or his patrons.

"Oh, yes," Hel confirmed, "they did say that when he mastered it he would see them again. I wonder how much longer it will be before they show up."

Instantly, he and Vicky appeared far inland in Ireland, almost within smiling distance of Pentacle's countryside home.

"I sure hope we're not intruding..."

"Welcome to Ireland, Alex," Pentacle greeted. "I felt the flux of power that Victoria released and I knew that you would soon be coming to see me. Please," she indicated the simple looking cottage, "feel free to make yourself at home in the cottage. There is food and warm beds. I apologize that I cannot be a better hostess, but I have a prior engagement that cannot be put off. The cottage is open to you for as long as you wish to use it. No one will disturb you whilst you are there." Then Pentacle turned and disappeared into the mists that covered the hills.

Alex carried Vicky into the cottage and put her within one of the two beds, covering her up with a blanket. Then, Alex walked back outside and did the mature thing...

He pulled out his Sat-Phone and called his father. He would doctor how he ran into Vicky so it didn't sound like a deliberate rendezvous. But otherwise, he would be honest about the rest. He did intend to look into the Irish College.

Vicky slowly came to, her head was aching and her mouth felt like she'd taken a bite of a pillow. She sat up, holding her head, and looked around. Where in world was she?

The cottage was simply furnished with solid teak furniture. She wasn't sure but she'd swear the scenes on the tapestries on the walls appeared to be moving.

She closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to clear it. When she opened her eyes she felt a little better. Standing, she walked over to the small kitchen to find something to moisten her mouth. Checking the refridgerator, she found a pitcher of pure water. She searched the cupboards for a glass, finding one easily, and poured herself some water.

Vicky drank several glasses of the cold water before returning the pitcher to the icebox. Now where was Alex? She made her way to the front of the cottage and stepped out into the crisp Irish air. She spotted Alex across the yard on his Sat-phone and knew what he was doing.

She sighed and sat on the bench, watching him talk to his father on the phone. This was why she felt so strongly for Alex. No matter what, he always strived to do the right thing, despite how difficult that might be. She would simply wait till he got off the phone to ask him what happened on the ferry and how they got to where ever they were.

Alex was finally heard saying, "Thank you for hearing me out on this matter, father. And thank you for the future attempt to give Victoria a chance. She said that she was willing to make an effort to prove herself to you. I'll speak to you again after I check out the Scottish University. I may even bring you back a souvenir. Goodbye father."

He put away his Sat-Phone and smiled a little, admiring the Irish countryside.

Vicky sat quietly while Alex finished his call, then she stood and walked to stand beside him as he admired the countryside.

"So what did I miss?" she asked quietly.

Alex smiled. "My father is going to give you a chance based on how you dress, how you act and speak, and how you perform at an upcoming suit and tie dinner party that he plans on holding for some big name executives. And you have to dress and act the proper lady in public for a whole month. What worries me is that your father is probably not going to allow you out of his sight when you get home, and your gang is going to razz you for dressing up like a ballroom belle in public."

Then he frowned. "You did that body glowing super power fluctuation thing again. And afterward, you passed out. I picked you up and did one of my teleports to the countryside here in Ireland where Pentacle greeted me and gave us full usage of this cottage that she owns. We can stay as long as we like. But I promised my father that I would continue to look at the other three colleges. One in Ireland, one in Northern Ireland, and the one in Scotland. And when the last college is out of the way, father is giving me a week to do some sight seeing, then I am to return home immediately. No side quests, no mini-mysteries, no excuses."

He then gazed out over the countryside again, seeing a pair of rabbits and a wild horse and feeling a strange urge to run with them. "...And that's what all you've missed."

Vicky considered that for a moment. Her father showing up, now of all times, her uncontrolable power, and Alex's father willing to give her a chance. She couldn't believe the way things were beginning to happen.

"The gangs won't say anything," Vicky said, "but I still can't figure out what my father's angle is. I don't know why he's showing up now. But if your father is willing to give me a chance then I'm ready to step up to the challenge. Although, to be honest, I'm more concerned with disappointing you than him."

Alex said, "Here's a little catch to this 30 day thing. I have to spend the next 30 days helping my father with the corporate business. So the only way you're going to get to see me during that time is if you show up looking professional and lady like. In other words... you have to dress like Mrs. A-rranger."

Vicky nodded. "Ok. So, thirty days of helping your father with the business, which limits our time together to lunch dates, dinner parties, and weekends. All of which I have to attend dressed like a respectable member of society. I think I can do that," she smiled. "Of course, I also have to keep my father off my back, or humor him just to find out why he's so suddenly interested in keeping me under his thumb."

She sighed as she watched the wild Connemara ponies grazing in the heather. "They're beautiful, aren't they?" Vicky asked.

Mark said, "Linda... call it Hazardous Intuition... but I have a feeling that by tomorrow morning, you'll know where your wand is and how it got stolen."

Ivan nodded his head, as he watched Slymee preparing to take aim with Linda's magic wand at Andrew, who was on his third musical piece. Ivan could also see Olivia taking aim at the unsuspecting Slymee, both of whom were up on the catwalk.

"Moon Dogs are from Arvandor, the forested home to the elven gods. I wonder what they plan on giving Andrew once he masters that flute?"

"I hope you're right," Linda sighed.

Olivia crept closer, taking careful aim, but before she could utter a sound, Slymee was snatched up in the grip of The Count, the magic wand ripped from his grasp. He held him aloft over the stage and shook him like a rag doll.

"I knew you wouldn't be able to resist," The Count snarled, his fangs fully extended.

Ivan arched an eye. "How did the Count get up there? I knew Olivia and Slymee were up there..."

Slymee was squirming but not talking, except to say, "I want my lawyer! I want my lawyer! I have rights!"

Katherine then got a cellphone call and spoke quietly for a moment. Then she turned to Linda and said, "Your wand has been found, Linda! The Count confiscated it from a shadow thief named Slymee Toves! My friend Pierre just now told me!"

Mark smiled. "That was faster than I thought it would be. I was just saying it would be found by tomorrow to help cheer Linda up. I didn't think it'd be found that fast."

Vinnie chuckled, "He is a vampire, remember? They can move in the blink of an eye."

"You have no rights in my club," The Count said.

Olivia wasn't sure if she could diffuse the situation or not, but, determined to do her duty, she stepped forward and said, "If you kill him you'll never find out where the other groups are."

The Count grinned ferally, a deathly gleam in his eyes, "Oh, I will find out and I will find out soon."

"Excellent!" Linda exclaimed. She extended her hand and mumbled a brief incantation, and her wand appeared. "Finally, now I can put on a show! Go back out and take your seats and be prepared to be blown away."

Andrew had just finished one of his melodies, when he looked up at the three and said, "I know how you can find them. I've seen Linda Star do it on television during televised events of her magic show. She has a recall magic that she can activate. But I don't know how she does it. But what it does is that it recalls every thing that the wand sent away to the stage where she directs it to appear. I saw her recall an elephant, a giraffe, and a Thompson's Gazelle during her televised 'In Africa' special. So if you ask Linda to come and do the Recall magic, it will bring back all the missing bands and instruments that have been stolen."

Of course, if Linda does the Recall magic where she is performing... she's going to get a LOT of bands and instruments at her show!

Mark and the others returned to their seats to watch the second half of the show to begin.

Just then Linda appeared as a shimmering illusion on stage behind Andrew. "And now ladies and gentlemen, I will make appear some of the best up and coming musical acts from around the globe!" she exclaimed as she waved her wand and shouted an archaic incantation.

One by one, evey instrument and band member that had been snatched began appearing on stage around Andrew. When the last member/instrument had appeared, Linda bowed and her image disappeared from The Count's stage.

The crowd, both at The Count's and at the theater in which Linda was performing, burst into thunderous applause.

"Consider yourself lucky," The Count sneered as he thrust Slymee toward Olivia who grasped him tightly and cuffed him.

"Come on, Slymee," she said, leading him off the catwalk. "And don't even think about pulling your disappearing act, these cuffs were a gift from Magni, they're enchanted with the same magics that hold Garm. I'm sure you've heard of Garm?"

The next morning at Scotland Yard...

Most of the Hazardous Materials team was gathered there, save for Alex, Vicky, and Genie. Katherine was there, too, though very hesitant about being there under the scornful watch of her Aunt Olivia. And Linda Star was there, too, as was the Count, under special conditions.

Ivan said, "Thank all of you for gathering here this morning. First, to alleviate Ms. Crane's nerves... Hazardous Materials was NOT hired to come to England to solve ANY mysteries at all. We were invited to come here by Katherine to enjoy a short vacation. Also, as part of the package deal, Alex's father was known to be shipping Alex to the United Kingdom to look at various colleges. Katherine arranged with Linda Star to play host to Alex while he was here. And in addition, we could still visit with Alex during our own vacation."

Mikael then said, "It was while we were here that we found out that someone had been kidnapping the musicians from the Count's nightclub or simply preventing them from arriving to do their shows. To throw us off the scent, this criminal also hit a few of the colleges in England and made off with the musical instruments that they had in their curriculum."

Andrew then added, "When the criminal saw that I had a musical instrument, he knew that the Count would most likely want to hire me to play there, so he started plotting on how to capture me like he did the others. But apparently, the Count, being the intelligent businessman that he is, knew that he could use me as bait to lure out the criminal into revealing himself. Which worked perfectly."

Mark smiled. "Slymee Toves knew he couldn't just shadow grab some of the musicians because some of these musicians are not human to start with and a few have unique powers that are natural to their species. And that is why he knew he would need a magic wand to get the job done. And who in England had the most famous magic wand around? Linda Star, who was out of the country on business. Slymee Toves used a shadow beast to enter the mansion to search for the wand. After a few mishaps, he finally located the wand and had the shadow beast bring it back to him."

Ivan took over again. "Many of you may be asking how Slymee Toves could even use the wand in the first place. He's not even a magician himself. Well, some years ago... before Wendy Gliddle massacred The Evil Witch for slandering her good name (trying to make it seem like Wendy was responsible for the Evil Witch's crimes)... TEW taught a few of us villains how to use magic wands in preparation for a robbery that never happened. It never happened because Wendy Gliddle caught up with TEW on that fateful day... and ZAP! No more TEW." He winked with a grin.

Vinnie smiled, "Yes, of course, that was before Zap's time"

Chuckling, Hel added, "It was also during the search of Linda's home that it occured to us that whoever had snatched her wand had to have instantaneous shifting abilities to keep from being sensed by her defenses."

"So just where are Alex and Vicky?" Olivia asked.

Erina smiled, "They're sightseeing around Ireland and Scotland, all while fullfilling Alex's promise to check out Universities."

"I won't apologize for using you as bait, Andrew, for you proved to be quite a proficient musician. You will always be welcome to play in my club," The Count articulated.

"Vicky's dad showing up surely put a kink in our investigation," Kevin added.

Olivia grimaced, "I had forgotten about him. He was extremely evasive when I questioned his motives, but appartally he had spoken with Alex's father and had agreed that Alex and Vicky needed to be kept seperate."

A few days later back in San Francisco...

Reena grinned. "Hoo boy... Katherine was grounded and put to work by Olivia... not for sneaking us into England, but for LYING to her. Being honest to Olivia Crane seems to be the rule when in England."

Mikael chuckled, "Indeed. At least that vacation is over with and we've promised Olivia that we wouldn't return for at least a year without some prior warning." He then unlocked his front door and opened it, walking inside.

Genie and Grim looked up from the dining table. Genie had a tea cup with tea; Grim had his usual martini. Genie said, "About time you guys got back. And from the sound of it, we won't be seeing Katherine again for a long while."

Mark smiled. "How did your little summer job go, Genie?"

Genie growled openly. "If you want to be able to make babies later, Mark, then don't ever ask that question again!"

Grim remarked, "Raven tricked her into putting on a skimpy clerk outfit without her knowing that it was skimpy. Coyote was the one who told Genie the truth."

Ivan laughed! "Sorry, Genie. But it sounds like, to me, that you at least befriended Coyote."

Genie smiled. "Yes, I did. And I met a few nice young men, too. It wasn't an total fiasco. Anyway, a telegram arrived while you guys were gone. It's from Mexico. I put it in your study on your desk, Mikael. You can look at it later."

Mikael hummed. "I don't know anyone in Mexico... I hope it's not trouble."

Grim asked, "Where are the rest of your team?"

Mikael smiled. "We don't live up each others butts all the time, Grim." He winked. "They had business to go take care of. It might be another thirty days before Hazardous Materials has another outing, unless something crazy comes up before then. Okay, Credits Producer. You know what to do now."

And the ending credits began scrolling up the screen...

**End of HM-06 Hazardous Magical Mystery Tour

Stay tuned for HM-07 Viva la Fiesta del Hazardo!**