Intermission #3 - Follow the Muse

This intermission was actually the original epilogue for the Secrets of the Deep article in the Starsea series, so I decided that since it was so long that I would just make it its own article. Like I said, follow the muse. You never know just how deep the rabbit hole goes...or how many they are in the first place. *rubs temples*

Artz: I'm ending it here and yes, I know it's brief but the next bit radically switches perspective...

Mars: She's simply tired of being in aqua lad's head and I don't blame her one bit.

Crowley: *walks in with a drink in his hand* I'm genuinely surprised that she made it this far into fish boy's origin story.

Artz: What is this... A fire convention? A Phoenix, the king of the crossroads...

Crowley: That's the King of Hell, love. Some of us can afford the upgrade.

Artz: The point is that this is a water based story so what are fire based characters doing here? *several explosions are heard* What did you do and to whom?

Natsu: *slightly muffled* Fire Dragon Roar!

Artz: *waits for the explosion then frowns when nothing happens*

Wrath: *also muffled* Full Counter!

Artz: How did this happen? You two know better than to place two insanely hyperactive and powerful people into a sparring match, especially not Wrath and Natsu!!! Why?! Just why...why would you do this to me?!

They both smirk before dragging her outside to see what's really going on. Wrath and Natsu were sending wave after wave at something but not at each other. She finally got a good look at the center and had to hold back the laughter bubbling up inside of her.

Anna was reclining on a rather comfy pool chair with sun glasses on...and surrounded by ice. Artz had suggested a new kind of runic circle for her to try based on the NeverMeltIce from the Pokemon series. Anna used marbles and places arrays in them with the effect she desires. The painted ones are temporary but the engraved ones are permanent unless she feels like deactivating them.

Natsu was trying to power up his fire power by consistently combining it with Wrath's counter but with very little success. Anna just sits there, sipping from the straw in her glass, nibbling occasionally on some snacks while reading a book. Hey...she recognized that book.

Ah...looks like Wesley was finally able to duplicate Wolfram&Hart's universal library system. Pick up a book, whisper what you want to read to it and voila. She doubts that it works between planets, let alone outside of the Realm. If it did, she would have to make her own her version of the Library from Doctor Who...without the Vashta Nerada...obviously, before it would actually work at all but something about this entire situation just seemed off.

Artz: *looks to Mars and Crowley* Do either of you know where Wesley is right now?

Mars: *smirks* I told you she would notice. *a rather smug look on her face* So I win.

Crowley: Hold up, the wager was not about noticing it, remember? *looking self assured*

Mars: *becoming angry* You little...

Crowley: Demon...sorry thats Jaken. How about Dalek?

Now she knows that something is definitely off.

Artz: *glances between them* If you're referring to the interconnection system that is obviously attached to that book then yes, I noticed. I am, however, currently unaware of the range; planetary, system wide, galactic, universal or essentially Sliders in a book. *Mars stands a little taller, reminding her of Mayor Mills when she believes she has won*

Since Crowley is here, it is definitely system wide because he doesn't traverse past the Alpha solar system. *Crowley shrugs nonchalantly while taking a sip from his glass but she notices the slight gleam in his eyes*

Moving on. The fact that Gin is here proves that it's bigger than that, galactic at least. More so is the fact that she is within two feet of Crowley, whom she generally avoids due to her long standing feelings about men and that she is conversing with someone of the masculine orientation means that the interconnection system encompasses the entire Realm.

Factoring in a wager between you two means that there is probably a very big planet of books out there that I haven't noticed because I'm stuck in a non-virtual world in real life. Gin would have made certain that everything operated efficiently and has a staff present to smooth out any hiccups that may occur at any time just in case.

Also Crowley would have insisted that there could or would be some kind of virtual simulation interactive system... basically our own holodeck. He's become a real trekkie as of late and has been using that suave charm to convince just about anyone to help him build one *the man blushes slightly in embarrassment*

And now for the final piece of the puzzle for that is the interconnection system...Anna. The fact that Anna is even remotely involved means that the system encompasses Sol side and many of the smaller worlds connected to it...so its current range is in between universal and Sliders. *both blinked at her then groaned*

Mars/Crowley: Fuck me.

Two figures step out from shadows, looking rather pleased with themselves.

Missy: Mmm...saucy. *dances, spins and slides her way over to Mars, taking her into her arms* Don't you look scrumptious. *kisses Mars for several seconds before allowing her to breathe*

Mars: *looks to Artz, desperation on her face* Help me! *starts being dragged away* Please!

Meta: *walks over to the quite frankly horrified fire elemental and throws an arm around the man's neck in a friendly manner, a cheesy grin on face* Why hello there, Crowley. Just the person I was looking for. Need to bounce a few ideas on you. *face becomes serious* 

I kept up my end. Wasn't easy getting an entire holographic interface re-engineered from the partial schematics of a fictional source to allow the addition of molecular cohesion and such a finite control system for physical sensitivity. Now you wouldn't want Ayano becoming the Queen of Hell, now would you?

Crowley: *drink vanishes, straightens his tie, and smooths out his suit before swallowing the lump in his throat* I've never gone back on a deal in my life. Once a crossroad demon, always a crossroad demon...and keep that blasted little shit out of my territory, at the very least my castle. I've got enough problems with that idiot apprentice of mine. *jerks thumb towards Natsu*

Artz: *rather bemused* Do I want to know?

Death Toll: I can answer that one but you're cutting this out and putting it into an intermission piece.

Artz: *looks at length* Oops. *reconfigures* Okay, so we're an intermission piece. What gives, DT?

DT: The obvious, of course...a simple transaction of services but certain stipulations had to be met should both sides of the deal were to happen. In this case, Missy was recruited by Mars to assist in the interconnection system project. Meta, on the other hand, was approached by Crowley to build the Realm's version of the holodeck but without the constraints and restrictions depicted in the Star Trek universe.

Artz: With you so far but what about the wager they were talking about?

DT: *smirks, hands in pockets and a lit cigarette in his mouth* The other half of the agreement was just how much you would be able to discern whilst being distracted by the hyper twins and your moon princess.

*chuckles* They honestly thought that you wouldn't figure it out, especially not completely which is why they are now being subjugated to the sadistic whims of our resident Timelords. Missy told them flat out that it was never gonna work because you're you. Even Meta agreed, saying that you would become engrossed in the puzzle presented to you rather than paying a lick of attention to the hyper twins. Everything else is pushed away into becoming background noise or just flat out ignored.

Anna: *walks up to them, two passed out boys in a floating bubble following her* More like time becomes irrevalant and when she finally shakes loose its like 7 a.m. and she had started something at like 2 p.m. in the afternoon the previous day and she goes Huh?.

Artz: Yeah...I'm not gonna argue with that because I've literally pulled an all nighter writing, typing, editing and posting a chapter all in one night so yeah, I become oblivious to time...so does Anna when she hits her groove. Oh my god, when she gets going...

Anna: *smirks* I pull an Artz of course and word vomit all over the place.

DT: While splattering coffee all over your computer at the same time.

Anna: *forgot the konked out hyper twins were still in the bubble following her and once again, coffee was spilt all over her laptop and even on the book*

Artz: You might want to run...*dark aura flowing off the brunette* because I think she is about to kill you for jinxing her. *notices that he's gone and she just sighs* 

I know...it's not very action packed or fourth wall breaking but you did get a few sneak peeks of what's to come. So leave a comment/review at the bottom of the article because your support is very much appreciated and...*feels Anna's lethal intent hitting critical levels* ...and might just keep me alive. Till next time, dearies. *disappears in a cloud of magic*

Hope and Ren pop up and wave at Anna then points to a nearby training field where lots of cheering could be heard. The amethyst eyed girl dropped the hyper twins and stalked her way towards King Arthur and his Elite Knights.

Mordred: *comes out of his hiding spot while taking a bite of a green apple* And they say I'm sadistic. *girls giggle and vanish* Now for you two...why do I always get landed with the donkey work...and no, hard work does not breed a harder soul. *sighs again while lazily waving bye to the readers*...but it would make for one hell of a proverb.

Starsea - Part XII - Secrets of the Deep

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Realm! Last time, we left a mysterious purple eyed woman commanding Killian to rescue their friends and family. Let's see how that went, shall we?

He didn't appreciate being ordered around, but he did remember Balthazar's words about his past. He doesn't remember William or Artz or Koschei. He didn't remember how he apparently once wielded his powers as a water elemental when he was a child. Then something occurred to him...how did his parents die? Liam said their father had been murdered by a group of bandits, but how did their mother die? 

There was something there, something he was missing, something that revolved around him, his mother, and his powers. His head began to ache and his body started trembling as a memory tried to break through, the emotions of that memory already flooding his being.

'I wouldn't do that, if I were you.'

Killian glanced over at the mysterious maid that had so easily and adeptly removed the demonic parasite like she was pulling a weed. Did she know about his past? Could she...would she help him recover those memories?

'There are some things that you are not yet ready to know and it's not for your safety but for everyone around you. Your powers have reawakened and they will express what you feel inside; specifically dense, raw, intense, deep, and powerful emotions. *sees the question in his eyes* 

Yes, it happened once and thus the reason why your powers were buried, along with the memories of the event and of her. It was the only way to save you...and stop you from flooding the entire world. You are far more powerful than realize, Killian Jones. That's why Hook's existence is necessary. It's too much for the physical body to handle. Take care of her, Killian.'

'Poseidon.'

The amethyst eyed maiden smiled, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. She did promise that he would regain his memories in time, but to take the path down memory lane as slowly as he could...to prevent as much damage as possible when his powers lashed out. He nodded in acceptance and she disappeared in a silver light.

He turned to the portals, wondering which one would lead him back to his physical form. He heard the soft giggle of a girl coming from below him and watched in fascination as the gothic pixie in the floor's reflection walked away and stood in front of a mirror. He strode towards the Mirror, not even bothering to ask why or how or even who and just walked through the it...and right into the aquatic mental mindscape that he and James shared.

'Bout bloody time brat! The wench isn't going to be able to fend it off much longer! *fend off what?* The bloody Kraken for starters and then there's Silver trying to be a one man army against an insane amount of sharks! *informs him about Koschei* You're friends with a kraken? This just keeps getting better and better! What about the giant spider that can breathe underwater...*explanation*...Kali! 

Dear Lord, throw in one impossible wench and the entire world goes completely mad. *asks why he didn't know about any of this* I was dormant until adulthood and then I was stuck in the dark, so excuse me for not being up to date on the latest gossip! Look, I know that we don't have special powers like...*interjects* Really? Well I be damned...but do we actually know how to use them? *sheepish silence and the Scourge actually face palms* 

That's it the end. We'll have to wing it and see what happens. *wing it?* Right, sorry...some of the wench's modern slang. *slang?* Save first, educate later...*groans when he brings up the memories he had altered* alright, but I want to know what the hell happened when you suddenly checked out of our body. *about to ask but works out what checked out meant* 

Can we go now? I kinda want my ship tentacle free, preferably with our son and the wench on board. *glares* Alright, alright, stop trying to set me on fire with your eyes while in an underwater mindscape. We'll save Kali and what was that thing's name again? *HIS name is Koschei* Right, sorry. *Hook holds hands up in a placating manner* We'll save Koschei too. *frowns* Oh god, that means that we won't be pirates anymore. We're going to be heroes! *a horrified expression on his face* I don't wanna be a hero!'

Now it was Killian's turn to face palm. Of all the times for James to have a vanity crisis...he wasn't much better off though, but at least his soul was fully intact now. He knew who he was, who he truly was, but he wasn't quite ready to accept the title and responsibilities of being her God of the Sea.

'Once a pirate, always a pirate, mate. So let's show them what a true pirate looks like.'

Just a little more time and a chance to actually slow down and think. So much has happened in so brief a time. Even the legendary pirate captain known as James Hook needed a bloody vacation and he freely admitted to it. Killian...no, Poseidon didn't have the same luxury as Hook but he had plenty of people...friends that he could talk to about this, but he kind of needed to figure out how his powers worked first.

Artz: I'm ending it here and yes, I know it's brief but the next bit radically switches perspective...

Mars: She's simply tired of being in aqua lad's head and I don't blame her one bit.

Crowley: *walks in with a drink in his hand* I'm genuinely surprised that she made it this far into fish boy's origin story.

Artz: What is this... A fire convention? A Phoenix, the king of the crossroads...

Crowley: That's the King of Hell. Some of us can afford the upgrade.

Artz: The point is that this is a water based story so what are fire based characters doing here? *blinks, noticing that the space they originally occupied was now empty...receives a message from DT* Oh...so that's why they suddenly vanished. Still doesn't explain why they were here at all. *wanders off to finish the intermission article*

Starsea - Part XI - Mirror, Mirror

Hey everyone! Sorry about the hiatus but I got stuck at an impasse because I didn't actually know what would occur after Killian touched the shard. Then it hit me smack dab in the face...a mirror that was not his own. He touched a shard in the Hall of Shattered Sight. A shard can also be considered a mirror because it still reflects and by touching this shard, it turns to dust and flows into him. Now it's time to show you what came after...and then jump on the crazy train that is my brain.

'Hello, Killian.'

The dark haired captain straightened up and looked around. Swan Lake was missing...hell, the whole Hall of Shattered Sight was missing. Instead he was in some sort of large room with several tall windows depicting different places...perhaps they were portals to other realms with each one having a different color scheme or perhaps catered to certain types of environments.

A soft chuckle drew his attention to the blue tinted portal. The surface rippled like raindrops on a pond and a man walked through it...a man that looked just like him but the eyes were wrong. The irises were still a deep blue but held a vibrancy that seemed ethereal and almost like a liquid.

'Poseidon.'

The man smiled softly at him and nodded his head in affirmation. The man before him was her God of the Sea, the man that saved Artz from the end of her world, the man that had raised his son...how was this possible? Why was this meeting even occurring in the first place?

'This meeting is occurring because you shattered a mirror that was not your own...specifically my mirror. *opens his mouth to speak* Don't speak, just listen. Within the Hall of Shattered Sight, time does not exist and because it does not exist, the effect of a shard shattering happens all at once.

A shard of a mirror is still a mirror because it still reflects. By shattering that mirror, you made it possible for her to see you. Not as me, not as Jimmy, but as Killian. You shattered her perception of me, allowing her to fall in love with you, as if Poseidon never existed which at the current moment...I don't actually exist anymore.

There's only you now and you are Killian Jones, you have always been Killian Jones and you will never stop being Killian Jones. Poseidon is the name of a deity from Greek mythology...nothing more, nothing less. A story, a myth, a creation to describe the true power and might of the ocean. I'm not a god, a kami, a deity, and I'm certainly not immortal. I'm not even real. *tries to interject but is cut off*

Killian, you shattered my mirror...what part of I don't exist anymore, did you not comprehend? As of right now, I am nothing more than a work of fiction...a character with a fancy title and a badass introduction but that's it! That's all I am to her now! She has her Child of the Sea now...your power as a water elemental has been restored to you. She doesn't need me anymore...Her God of the Sea. *gasps as Poseidon begins disintegrate like the people of Artz's world*

It's started...not long now. She won't even remember me, no one will...not even you. My story is being unwritten because little Killi can't get his head out of his ass! Letting his fear control him like a child that's scared of the dark. *looks at Killian, tears streaming down his face and a multitude of emotions raging in his eyes*

I want to hate you, you fucking idiot, but I can't because it's true. I'm terrified of everything and that never goes away, but Artz...she has it so much worse than we do because she loves us, all of us. She cares so deeply and so much and tries to carry the burden alone...I don't know how she finds the strength to keep going, to never give up, to have courage and to be kind...even to those that believe that they don't deserve it...like me and Jimmy and so many others.

I never thought that I would ever experience the horror of losing everything, watching everything becoming undone. I never thought I would feel the way she did at the end of the world; all that sorrow and grief, despair and bloody frustration because I...I don't wanna go. *looks over at Killian, his eyes filled with a forlorn hope* Why can't I stay?'

There was a long pregnant pause, the air saturated with intense emotion. Killian could feel everything inside of Poseidon's heart...he was dying and it was his fault.The younger Jones stood there and just stared, watching more and more of his counterpart disappear. Dear God, what has he done? What was he supposed to do? Could anyone actually do anything in a situation like this?

A high pitch giggle echoed through the room, the portals ceasing to exist and leaving only empty frames behind. The aura shifted drastically from their combined emotions to something far more sinister and lethal. The room was blanketed in darkness, only the faint glow from the portal frames offering any kind of illumination.

'Oh shit, not good. *grunts* You've got to get out of here, Killian. So long as you exist, she will live. Now get out of here while I distract him!'

'Tough shit because I'm not leaving you just so you can act like a bloody meat shield. I'm not a coward and neither are you! If this is to be your end then I'm gonna make it a good one. *both men smirking at each other because of their stubbornness*'

A burgundy cloud of swirling magic appeared between them to reveal a man that looked like he had the skin of a lizard? A snake? Some kind of reptile at the very least and he giggled, prancing about in a flamboyant manner...he was completely mad...and very, very creepy.

'Using the crocodile for inspiration again? You could at least try to be original every once in a while, but then again, you are nothing more than a parasite...gorging yourself like an overstuffed pig.'

'So feisty, my dear Captain, and might I say that you look good enough to eat.'

Parasite? Killian remembered what Swan Lake had said about a demonic parasite that had tried to devour William's soul. What did she call it? It had a name...what was the name?

'Balthazar.'

'*giggles* Indeed I am and I thank you for your most generous gift. *gift?* Oh yes, for you see, little Killi, in order to protect you...well what's left of you...her beloved god of the sea is allowing himself to be devoured in your stead. *head snaps to Poseidon, who looks away but does not deny it*

You wanted your love to see you and only you, to see who you truly are, but that's not going to happen now. *confused* It is such a great pleasure and honor seeing you like this, dearie...so lost and confused, afraid and alone. To think that the Third Captain could ever have been this weak and fragile, so very breakable you are and so very foolish. 

You see but do not observe and that, dearie, will be your undoing because there's no one to aid you now. You're on your own and we both know that you don't have the resolve to do what needs to be done, to see it through to the end...a very bitter and lonesome end. Be honest with yourself, little boy, you're nothing more than an empty child, the core of your being having long since stolen from you.'

The parasite's words were shooting through his heart, piercing him so deeply and striking his very soul. He was right, he was alone and he has been for a long time...his brother was dead, his mother was dead, his father was dead, his son has already died once and Artz had died countless times...it was his destiny to be alone because everything he dares to love is destroyed. He carves them out and makes them hollow...just like him.

It honestly didn't matter anymore, any of it..Killian or Poseidon...none of it mattered. He didn't matter. He was faintly aware of Poseidon calling out to him, his voice full of panic and desperation. Why would he care? Why would her God of the Sea give a damn about him? 

He was just a peasant boy with delusions of grandeur. He joined the Navy so that he could see the world but to also do something good, something worthwhile. He wanted to be a man of honor and valor, earning respect and devotion by his own two hands. To build a life that he could be proud of. Then he met Clare, the most impossible woman he had ever known and discovered what it truly meant to love someone and to know how it felt to be loved in return. 

Then everything started changing, the seas becoming a mighty maelstrom that sent him spiraling into oblivion. Becoming a father, only to lose his wife. To find a new love, only to lose his son. To seek revenge on the traitorous bitch and her husband, easily fulfilling that task, but losing himself in the process. Casting off the name of Killian Jones to venture forth and become the Scourge of the Sea, his soul shattering completely. After all of that, everything he accomplished was meaningless, his life was worthless, he was nothing...Poseidon.

The world began to darken around him as his counterpart's voice became fainter. The world needed Poseidon, not him. The Star Child needed her God of the Sea, not the Terror of the Deep. His son needed his father, not his papa. Pointless, senseless, worthless, useless, powerless...he really was nothing.

With his eyes closed and his thoughts turned inward, he didn't see or sense when another's presence had joined his own. A girl with soft, rose colored hair with blue eyes, her clothes being that of a gothic style pixie, connected her feet to his, as if becoming a reflection of him. That connection opened the way to a place known as the Mirror verse. Why did this occur because he needed to know the truth.

He reopened his eyes when heard a multitude of ripping and shredding sounds, along with the sound of electricity. He watched as the very fabric of reality was torn asunder, creating a path to another world...Artz's world...and there she was, straining against the dimensional barrier dividing their two worlds. The darkness was getting closer...she was gonna die. Where was he and the other one...Light?

She screamed as she forced herself through, the sudden lack of resistance sent her running out of the rift. She staggered and fell to her knees, the last breath of air from her world being exhaled rather quickly. She took a breath in this new world, only to start choking. She cluched her throat and grabbed at her chest, tears streaming down her face. It looked like she was suffocating, but how could that be? She was perfectly fine in his version of reality.

His entire body stilled and the truth slapped him hard in the face. He did matter because without him, the very air itself would kill her. Emma's words rang through his mind...Poseidon Killian Jones. He watched the woman he loved breathe her last breath, her eyes open and staring at the starless sky. The darkness had come to this world too and she died alone, not a soul in the world even knowing her name.

It was his turn to scream and scream he did in complete and utter agony. He couldn't let this happen, he wouldn't let this happen...Killian, Poseidon, Child of the Sea, the God of the Sea...it didn't matter who he was because he was hers and that was enough! He will destroy this future and create a new one...for her...for his star...his guiding star!

That terrible vision of the future shattered like a mirror, the shards turning to dust and flowing into him. He was once again in the portal room, but his counterpart was gone, having merged with his being as he chose to change the future that had yet to come. 

'To change the future is to change the past.'

Killian could feel it inside of himself, the piece that he had been missing from his soul. Emma had tried to tell him, but he was too stupid to realize it. Even Artz had tried to tell him, mainly through her actions...he was a fucking idiot. The demonic parasite known as Balthazar simply giggled like he was nothing more than a pebble in his boot.

'Do you honestly believe that? That you can change anything at all? You may have reawakened your heritage, little Killi, but without your past, you cannot wield it and even if you did, you do not possess the fortitude to withstand the true power and might of the Sea. Just a weak little boy crying for his mummy.'

Killian looked behind the parasite to see a woman with chocolate brown hair and eyes of the most magnificent and majestic purple he had ever seen, amethyst of the highest quality and free from all impurities. She was dressed in a rather plain looking dress, the sleeves tied up as if she had been working or cleaning, her hair was spun into a sloppy bun and she was giggling like a mad woman.

'Sorry, couldn't resist.*

The crocodile shaped parasite reacted quite negatively to her sudden presence, his body changing to a more aggressive stance.

'*hisses* You again. Don't you have anything better to do? I'm rather annoyed with your constant interference of my affairs. Go away already. I'm busy.'

The amethyst eyed maid gave him a dead panned expression like they had gone through this same discussion over and over again.

'Well if you just stayed put than I wouldn't bother you all the time and don't you talk to me about interference. You're the one that keeps causing all this nonsense and you know who has to clean that up...me!'

There was a brief flash of light and the lizard man was gone, a crystalline bottle left in his place with gold sparkles swirling around it. The woman picked up the mystical item, shaking her head while sighing heavily. She then turned her attention towards him and he stiffened.

'*smiles softly* You did it, Killian Jones. You broke the mirror that was not your own, the mirror that held that terrible, unchangeable future...you did the impossible and saved her, you saved us all. I know that you're overwhelmed and that you require time to think but unfortunately, your work is not yet done. Your friends, your son, my sister...they are still in a danger and could really use your help. In other words...GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUM AND DO SOMETHING, YOU STUPID CLOTPOLE!'

Artz: And that's where I'm ending it because I've got to get back to work or I'll get in trouble with my boss. Be back in a bit to finish the wrap up. 

*appears from a swirling blue fog of magic*

Okay, I'm back. My work day became the ultimate clusterfuck between my shoes literally falling apart, created new ones with the soles and a lot of duct tape (thank you, Mythbusters), only for the electricity to go out, barely able to scrounge up enough supplies to tie everything off, humidity was off the charts, became an all you can eat buffet for the mosquitoes, second generator wouldn't work, light bulbs were starting to short out and the repair guys suggested that I should just go sit in my car just to be on the safe side.

Hook: Bloody hell, wench. You are really are a magnet for trouble.

Poseidon: *coughs* Super magnet.

Light: *smirks* Tesla coil.

Hook/Poseidon: Shit. *runs away and directly into the pre-established electrical fields created by King and Wolftech, who are snickering like idiots while watching the camera footage*

Artz: Thanks, boys! Now...time to finish up the next article because I had started in on it after finishing the rough draft of this one.

P.S. Special Shout outs for Anna, Hope, and Ren! Much love and overflowing gratitude to my most loyal and dedicated fans!