The Winter Phoenix (WAYHAUGHT)

Toasted s'morons

The couple returned to Kate's house, all the better for their little adventure. Each had a hot chocolate topped with frothy cream, and those tiny pink and white marshmallows which Nicole adored, laughing at a shared joke about Waverly roasting whoever gave them dirty looks in future.

Completely consumed in each other's company, they failed to notice the large black limousine parked a little way down the street, the housekeeper ushering them into the drawing room. There before Nicole was the British Prime Minister, his oversized backside seated uncomfortably on one of Kate's antique chairs, deep in conversation with their host. It almost was enough to make her drop her drink. Almost.

Kate introduced them, the Prime Minister standing to offer his hand. "I believe we need to talk. Kate has filled me in on your connection to this other place."

"I'm sorry for your loss," she replied, a little of her drink slopping over the sides of her cup as she accepted his firm grip.

"Thank you. Please, let us sit and discuss where we go from here."

Still in shock, herself seated on a less-than-comfortable piece of furniture, she listened while Kate continued the conversation. "The crystal holds a unique power, one which can be magnified at will, if one knows how."

"I see," the Prime Minister replied. "And you claim it has potential beyond its destructive nature.

"Oh Honey, far far beyond. The Egyptians first used it in the construction of the pyramids. Their ways were primitive by today's standards. Nevertheless, it has provided us with a window on its potential."

"How come it's not around now?" Nicole interrupted, struggling to make sense of the information Kate was trying to get everyone present to understand. "If they were using it in this world all those years ago, where did it go?"

"It hasn't gone anywhere," Kate explained. "It has always been in Rathe."

"Right. Sorry, not following," Nicole pressed, conscious all eyes were now on her.

"Pharaohs journeyed to Rathe through a tunnel in the Temple at Heliopolis, returning with the crystal which they believed to be the frozen tears of their sun god Ra."

"Okay. Sorry, still not following."

"When their civilisation collapsed, the entrance to Rathe was lost until those in need of sanctuary found a way to return." Nicole stared at Kate, her mind drowning in questions. "I'll tell you later," she replied. "Oh Honey, Rathe was created at the same time as earth. Earth. Rathe. They're the same place Honey. That's right, whatever created this world, created your world."

"Fascinating," the Prime Minister interrupted. "However, my main concern is if enough of this crystal gets into the wrong hands the consequences could be catastrophic. Although, should it get into the right hands its potential could be enormous."

"In what way?" Nicole asked, three faces staring at her, waiting for her to catch on. It didn't take long. "Sorry, sorry. You...sorry, are you saying the British government actually wants me to get them the blue crystal?"

"As Kate explained," the PM continued, "the power released could be used for good, rather than to destroy each other. I see it as my personal legacy to make this a reality."

Nicole sat for a moment absorbing what she was being told. For all I know you want it to get revenge. And, how do you expect me to get it? Hi Mr B, I'd like some of your crystal please. Yes, for the British Government. A hundred pounds enough? I'll throw in a hot chocolate too.

"I agree, there is much to consider," Kate said, trying not to laugh at Nicole's mind monologue. "We'll need time to work out what to do."

"Well, don't leave it too long," the PM replied, checking his watch. "Damn, late for my weekly meeting with the Queen. I'll leave this with you Kate. Keep me posted."