Alex Finn Vs The Nightmare Marauders

Suburban teenager Alex Finn yearns for freedom, adventure, and most of all, not having to constantly watch his little sister Laney. But Laney won’t stop yammering on about an imaginary world involving giant flying ships, the Bringers of Dreams who bring dreams to children, and the Nightmare Marauders who bring nightmares. She also incessantly mentions Merkel, a Bringer she considers her best friend. To Alex, it’s all make-believe and nonsense. Until one night, when their parents are away, the Marauders kidnap Laney. And if she’s not home by sunrise, she’ll be gone forever. When Merkel arrives and finds out what’s happened, he is determined to rescue Laney. Alex wants to help, but Merkel refuses and leaves. Alex gets accidentally taken along up, up, up to the Dreamship. Captain Quiesco, the Bringers’ leader, explains Laney was taken due to being born when two shooting stars crossed paths, which enables her to drastically enhance the strength of dreams and nightmares. The Marauders’ leader, Captain Kizara, plans to use Laney to cause never-ending nightmares for children around the world. Arguing that he should accompany the rescue effort, Alex accidentally wrecks the Dreamship. Quiesco orders Merkel to take him home. While en route, Alex convinces Merkel they should go after Laney. Merkel reveals that he used to be just like Alex – a selfish big brother, but then lost his family, which is why he’s so dedicated to protecting Laney. The rescue attempt fails with Alex captured and thrown in the brig. Kizara reveals her scheme: fear truly makes you feel alive, and what better way to feel fear than through nightmares? As Kizara’s plan for Laney begins to take shape, Alex escapes from his cell and narrowly dodges several harrowing run-ins with the Marauders. He rescues Laney, and they sabotage Kizara’s plan before stealing an escape ship and flying off, back to the Dreamship. Kizara and the Marauders pursue Alex and Laney, culminating in an intense battle between the two sides. Merkel makes the ultimate sacrifice and Laney is recaptured – possibly gone forever. Showing no regard for his own safety, Alex accomplishes a daring rescue of Laney. A final confrontation reveals that Quiesco is Kizara’s big brother, followed by her plummeting to her doom. The Bringers are victorious, as the Marauders escape to fight another day. Alex and Laney head home as sunrise looms. She gets inside first, and just as it looks like Alex is doomed, Laney helps him with literally half a second to spare. With a newfound appreciation of his relationship with Laney, Alex finally realizes there’s plenty of adventure to be found right here at home, and that being the responsible big brother isn’t so bad after all.