Spyral looks around...

"We tried to think you back into your other clothes but I guess we only got as far as thinking you back when you suddenly appeared." Spyral tried to reason.

Accompanied by the tapping of stiletto heals, Ragnar and Spyral attempt to think the ladies back to their other clothes. With the change of clothes the heal tapping stops and the group can hear the sounds of the rain diminishing.

Rae and 'ghost are still attempting to straighten out the strangeness of the ballroom. It seems right but, there are still some pretty odd things (now remember that I have never seen these paintings that you keep referring to).The fire in the fireplace has no heat, there is a breeze blowing through closed windows, and the kitchen door is gone.

Rae mutters. There's still a whole other dimension, but since it's mostly confined to the ceiling area (or is that the far wall?), Rae doesn't think it's a big deal. "Okay, Ghost, let's go get the others."

"Alright Ladies. Which one of you has been dreaming of Mexican beachs and cabana boys again?" He asked as he moved his feet thru the warm sand that had appeared under them.

A short distance away the waves were breaking. He turned to the ladies...and smiled, "Well," he thought aloud "I guess I cann't complain about your choice of swimwear."

"I don't know who thought of putting me in THIS," she pointed at her bikini, "but you sure have good tas..." 6th looked over at Ragnar, and tried not to laugh. "Uh Rag, I think you might want to tell us what size you wear...somebody around here thinks you're a BIT smaller than you are."

The girls all started giggling as 6th handed a blushing Ragnar a towel. "Here," she said soothingly, "let me think up something more...uh...suitable for you to wear." she closed her eyes, and tried to picture the viking wearing something that suited their surroundings. She opened her eyes...

His hips trying to adjust his new suit not sure if he should look down to see what 6th had done. Her reputation preceeds her. He might as well start blushing now.

Everybody strolled out onto the beach. The waves lapped invitingly against the sand. The sun was warm and the breeze was cool and wonderful. Out in the water a young man in red swim trunks waved at them.

"I could get used to this" she says as she lays down in one and wishes herself a MaiTai. She even likes her suit! Slimming, not too low (and high) cut, perfect!

She likes Ragnar's suit also, and tries not to laugh. The poor viking has been through enough, and since she's not complaining about her present condition, she's feeling some sympathy. Then she remembers the leather thing and loses the feeling.

The ladies are all looking stunning, of course. From 6th's leather to Artickat's tiger striped bikini to KaraS' wraparound print, the ladies look like they stepped out of the pages of the Swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated. Not too shabby for a bunch of adventurers!

Now, the question is, do we stay here on the beach and enjoy it, or actively try to find Rae and 'Ghost? And just what are going to do about Bob? Anyone bring the sunscreen?

I forgot Jila, who is wearing a designer swimsuit from Jantzen. The bright colors and the geometric design make this suit beautiful and prractical. Jila's the mother of two very active kids, and although she doesn't look it, she needs to be ready for everything!

The fin can be seen going closer and closer to the unsuspecting Bob when suddenly he spots it. His eyes get very large and round like a deer in headlights.

and wrapping it tightly about his waist the intrepid Viking tries to think up some more appropriate beachwear. The trouble is with all these beautiful Scaper gals around he just cann't quite keep his concentration where it belongs!

Ragnar turns his thoughts back to his forthcomming sunburn as if nothing had happened. He's funny that way. He'll take credit for troubles he doesn't cause and usually remains mum about the things he does right.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! Now this is the life. Things never got this good in Mexico," he points out to nobody in particular. Looking from one 'Scaper lady to the next (each equally stunning in their beach attire) "What there is of it!!! :-)" Spyral can only smile.

"What'cha got on that table? Got enough to share?" 6th says, grinning as she sits down beside the towel clad Viking. "Want me to see if I can try thinking up some better swim trunks for you?"

Indeed, the group was not in Mexico, though it looked like the same beach. They were on an island and the island was moving slowly through the water.

"Not a boat." Spyral said. "I think I know what this is. We are on the back of a giant sea creature. The creature has been asleep for centuries and sand has accumulated here and palm trees have grown. But now it's awake and swimming away."

Ragnar and Spyral start each of the ladies up the rope ladder in turn. They turn to each other and sigh as the last bathing suit clad female goes over the top rail. As the Leviathan starts its dive the two jump for the rope ladder and climb up as well.

"Well now what do we do?" Rae asks "The door that we found was on the back of the Leviathan. If we try to find *that* door again will it come out in the same place?" (I brought them back while we were watching Bob in the water but nothing has been said about them lately. Hi Rae and 'ghost)

Wobbling her way over to Ragnar, JilaCosa asks "Ragnar, where is a safe place to sit? I have never had to deal with getting my *sea legs* before and I don't want to end up falling overboard or through a door. I've never been on a boat larger than 14 foot long, and on those you mostly just sit. Here.... I don't know. I just may end up flat on my face."

Since the longboat is built on much the same principle as the Mansion ( Much larger inside than one might suggest from the outside)it should work Rae. Hard to say how far away the Mansion is from here though.

about the Mansion, but being that travelling is pretty much the only leisure-type thing that she really loves to do,it's almost impossible for her. She realizes this a split second before her mind starts going in a million directions. Africa? Asia? Iceland? Tahiti? Chile? Australia?

She looks at the gang, who are all mostly trying to concentrate on getting back to the Mansion. Then she looks back out over the ocean. "Guys...Do we HAVE to go back?" she says wistfully. "Can't we just float around for a while? I...don't really...well...I don't wanna go back right now!" the others look over at her. "well, I don't."

She sighs, and walks over to the railing, mentally changing into different clothes as she walks. Tight leather pants, zippered leather vest, and her favorite leather boots appear in place of the bikini. 6th leans on the railing of the longboat, gazing out at the ocean, the beautiful sky. The FS Mansion, at least parts of it, have gotten full of angry, petty people, and 6th would much rather stay on Ragnar's longboat with her friends, then listen to the shouting, yelling, and crying echoing up and down the halls.

6th's regular clothes reappear as Rae pulls her away from the rail. "This place is dangerous as hell, and none of us have the strength or discipline to control it. Sorry, Spy."

"mansion, mansion, mansion..." Rae takes up the chant, and gestures for the others to do the same. When everybody's chanting, she walks up to Ragnar. "Need help sailing this thing?"

along the railing artickat thinks herself into her regular clothes "You guys suppose we could go deep sea fishing while we are on the way to the Mansion? I've always wanted to but haven't had the chance before." Artickat turns to face the gang with a questioning look.

KaraS closed her eyes and concentrated on thinking of the mansion. She thought of her comfortable room with all her things in it. She thought of all the nonScooby 'Scapers who were her friends. She thought of the homey kitchen and Mouse's piano in the ballroom. She thought of the beauty of the roof garden and Sweetiepie's lodge house. She thought of the woods near the mansion, how it was pleasant and shady by day and just a little spooky by night. She thought of the picnic meadow where the 'Scaper kids liked to fly kites and play frisbee with Mardel's dogs. She remembered the Christmas party and Ben's Birthday bash and pie fights and...

The chant is heard in low voices across the longboat. How far from the Mansion they are, nobody knows because the terrain still does not look familiar.

"Rae, where does that map show that we are now?" JilaCosa asks. In the meantime she has thought herself into a long, lightweight robe (something like Zhaan's actually). The sun is shining brilliantly and a sunburn will surely happen.

Rae peers once again at the map. "Well, the map shows that we are right here (indicator square "You are here") on this bend in the river. The only problem is that I have no idea where *this* section of the river is in relation to the Mansion."

"I do hope that the thought of deep sea fishing has left everyone's thoughts." Rae looks at the rest of the group in turn. "Tell me nobody went back to that thought."

to look abashed Ragnar looks longingly out the corner of his eys at the fish equipment locker and sighs inside. He tries to look dutiful and dilligent for Rae, he does like her and all. After all she is only trying to guide them home...it's just that that mischievious little boy mentality that lurks within his mind likes to wonder. It's not like the decadent part of his mind was dreaming up new costumes for the lovely ladies or dreaming of the Playboy Mansion instead of the Scaper Mansion....well not for long...

Rae sighs. "Time for a new approach. Jila, I think you might be on the right track." Rae wishes herself into ruby slippers, taps her heels together and whispers "There's no frelling place like home." She promptly vanishes from the deck of the boat...

Rae looks around, startled at her new surroundings. She's deffinately in someones bedroom. Slowly she spins about looking at the contents. Bed, shelves, chests, nautical type stuff, full length mirror...full length mirror?

Rae's eyes dart back to the mirror. She moves closer for a better look at her reflection. Her eyes go wide, her jaw opens and a blush colors her cheeks. She steps back and looks down at herself and her new outfit....that's one word for it!

"Uh, no!" Ragnar has a pretty good idea of what just happened. "I'll check." Ragnar runs down to his cabin. Rae is sitting on his bunk wrapped in a blanket giggling.

Ragnar's arms flair out to his sides and his eyes widen at the sight of the others entering the cabin. Rae notes them as well and persues her revenge for just an extra moment to add to the effect.He can almost see the uestions and comments in the others eyes.

"Spy, remind me never to go on an astral trip with ametures again." Rae mutters. "Can everybody get out now, please? I need privacy and clothes." She grins at Ragnar as the others file out. "Guess I'm about to answer the boxers/briefs debate."

Suddenly, the water around the longboat starts to boil and heave. A long, thick tentacle covered with suckers rises from the water. It is followed by another. And another. The first tentacle grabs onto the boat.

6th takes in the scene. Tentacles flail wildly all around the boat. One wraps over the cabin, another winds around the mast. The gang looks for cover and SOMETHING to fight the giant beast off with.

6th remembers something she saw down in Ragnar's room. She dives for the stairs. Doing a lovely Trinity stair diving move, she lands on her back at the bottom of the stairs, sliding on the floor, and coming to rest between Rae and Ragnar. The startled two look down at her.

"Uh, guys...we have a situation up there." she leaps to her feet and heads to the wall, where several swords of different sizes lean. She picks one up, and hefts it. "CanIborrowthis?Thanks..." she heads back up the stairs, before Ragnar can even open his mouth. 6th calls back over her shoulder as she bolts up the stairs two at a time, "You might want to bring some more of those with you..."

Sliding out the door 6th is flung forward as the great beast gets a better hold on the boat. Spyral is already hacking away at one of the tentacles, and 6th heads for the one wrapped around the mast. She swings the sword over her head, around, and down onto the tentacle. Green goo spurts out as the sword slices into it. 6th pulls it out, preparing for another swing. "Gang!" she yells, "Rag's got more weapons downstairs!" she hacks into the tentacle again, crying out, "Now THIS is my idea of deep sea fishing!"

"Looks like our fun is over for tonight." she informs Ragnar. Running above deck, the two arrive in time to take in the scene: the rest of the scapers fight franticly. They take up the battle, hacking away at the tentacles on the creatures.

artickat shakes her head and looks again at the giant beast attacking the boat. "Ummmm...Doesn't that beast look a lot like one of those Scubby Bubble guys? The ones that run around you tub cleaning everything?"

was trying to pull the boat to the ocean bottom. The assembled Scapers (along with Aslan) were all trying to fight it off, using the various weapons that Ragnar conveniently keep stowed in the longboat. It suddenly occurred to Mouse that they were going about this the wrong way. She shouted to the crew, "Think about Godzilla!! Godzilla!" hoping that at least for a few seconds they ALL could think up Godzilla.

Sure enough a loud ROAR came out of nowhere, the ocean started frothing, and up came the scaly head. Immediately, Godzilla started disengaging the sea monster from the hull of the longboat. As the Scapers continued to fight the sea thing by hacking off tentacles, Godzilla used his strength to slowly pull the creature off the boat. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, the creature was removed from the boat, and Godzilla, holding the creature, disappeared into the ocean.

"Looks like smooth sailing from here on out," the angel says. Putting the binoculars away, the angel begins rummaging around in the longboats hold and finds just what he is looking for. A nice large gas grill.

Setting it up and turning it on to heat up to cooking temp, Spyral rummages around in is wing and brings out several fishing poles. He selects one for himself, sets the others aside in case anyone else wants to join in. Setting up several lawn chairs, and finding a nice cooler full of beer and soda, Spyral prepares for a nice quiet afternoon of fishing. (Of course Spyrals idea of fishing has always been to throw in the line and just sit back and relax hoping that sooner or later a suicidal fish will choose that time to come along and hang itself on his hook.)

"Anyone up for some grilled fish?" he asks, tossing his line into the water. Plopping down in a chair, he opens a beer, takes a long sip and watches the sun glimmer off the water.

"Gee...Thanks Spyral...been wanting to do this forever! he,he." shooting the rest of the gang a look as she leans closer to him to whisper "I can't eat the fish...but I'd love to catch some."

"I tried once...caused a terrible scene at a restaurant! They won't let me back in now...posted my picture above the doorway...*sigh*...Don't tell anyone...or they will take my Kat card away and I will just be....well....Artic!"

"Thanks!" feeling much better, artickat throws her line over the side and waits. She didn't have to wait for long. Feeling a tug on the line artickat yells out "I've got one! I've got one!" Pulling with all her might she tries to pull the fish in. Flying backward artickat flips over the lawn chair.

Spyral and the rest of the gang are all laughing by now..."Aren't you going to help me? It's a big one!" Looking down at her catch she sees it is a large metal helmet with horns on either side...."Now why would that be in the water?" artickat quickly removes the hook from the helmet turning to ask the gangs opinion on her catch she notices that Ragnar is helmetless..."Oops! Sorry big guy! Didn't mean to!" :)

The assembled 'Scapers look on with admiration as Spyral skillfully plays his fish. Time and again it looks like the fish will slip the hook and escape but Spyral always manages to save it. After about twenty minutes, the exhausted fish gives up. A dark form can be seen floating partialy under the boat. It's a big form.

"I'll give you fresh fish!" a voice says from under the boat. A hand reaches up and grabs Spyral's arm, pulling the startled angel into the water. With a splash and a flick of her tail, the offended mermaid heads for the bottom, taking Spyral with her...

Ragnar runs down below, and brings up a few tanks and a few sets of diving equipment. Mouse jumps up and puts on one vest, secures the tank, puts on the weight belt, tests the pressure, checks the gauges, puts on her mask and fins, and looks at the others. "I know how to dive, and I'm going to get him. If anyone else does, now would be the time to help! (I knew that PADI stuff I went through would be good for something someday!)"

Before anyone can protest, she's over the side and underwater. Mouse spots Spyral being dragged further under by the mermaid, and heads for him. He's using his wing as resistance to slow her down, but she's still making progress. With a burst of speed, Mouse catches up with him, and jams the alternate respirator into his mouth and pushes the purge button. Spyral looks at her with terror in his eyes, but waits as she makes the "wait" sign with her hands. The purge clears the water from the lines and then Mouse gives him the "ok" sign and he breathes in. He appears a little less frightened as he starts to breathe normally. But the mermaid isn't releasing him, and now Mouse is being dragged down too. At least they have air, for now...

Rae sighs as they watch first Spyral, then Mouse being dragged under. Thinking very hard, she imagines herself with gills on her neck and dives in after them, sword in hand...

"Miss, I realize that our resident angel has offended you, but I'm sure he's truly sorry, and we would appreciate it greatly if you would return him to us. (Besides, I don't think you really want to mess with angry female 'scapers.)"

Holding tightly to Spyral who holds even more tightly to Mouse and the oxygen tank. Feeling frustrated, because she *is* a ghost and can do not much more than suggest and argue with the mermaid, Lurkingghost heads back up toward the longboat. Rae swims as fast as she can but the tailfin on the Mermaid gives her more speed and distance.

So, giving it all she's got, Rae thinks herself a mermaids bottom-half. *Wow,* she thinks as her legs connect and her feet turn to fins *that's different.* (Okay everybody get this picture in your head. Raven feather hair with a green mermaid tail(?).)

Meanwhile, up on the longboat, Ragnar slowly lowers the anchor (he doesn't know exactly where they are underwater and doesn't want to hit anybody with the anchor).

The mermaid swam ever deeper, dragging Spyral and Mouse with her. Raven_Kat, with spear in hand and fish's tail flapping madly, was gaining ground. Just as she was about to intercept the mermaid, more merfolk appeared. They threw nets around Spyral and Mouse and quickly dragged them away. A merguard approached Rae.

Meanwhile, disguised as a Sky Priestess of the merfolk, Raven_Kat was getting the grand tour of the Sea King's palace. Her guide, a young guard, was taking great pride in showing her the sights. It was indeed a grand structure. But Rae was more interested in scouting the layout for escape routs than sightseeing. Just as the guard was showing Rae some amazing statuary, an alarm began to ring.

Rae closes her eyes and attempts to establish a mental conection with the angel. After all, it's his projection, so he should be easy to commune with.

Following Spy's instructions, Rae quickly finds the chamber where they are being held. They regard her fish-tail in amazement. Thinking as quickly as she can, Rae gives them both fish tails as well.

Sure enough, the message gets through, but just barely. (It's filled with something that sounds like radio static, probably due to the distance between them and the change of materials.) Sorry! Too much optics in physics last semester.

'Ghost says, "I think I may be able to home in on her thoughts and find her. Since I don't really need air, I can run non-fuzzy communication for you guys. Let's see..."

As Rae is leading Mouse and Spyral through the corridor. "Right, then, Let's get out of here." They quickly make their way through the palace, but are stopped by a group of guards. "Look CASUAL!" Rae hisses.

Meanwhile, in Ragnar's longboat, um, I mean submarine, everyone was watching Ragnar pilot his craft down to the ocean floor. As they neared the bottom, there was a sudden explosion.

On the monitor screen, the gang could see a swarm of merfolk buzzing around the sub like a hive of bees. One of the merfolk had what looked like a bazooka. He fired it and there was another