Score and Helaine are racing against time to rescue their friend Pixel on the planet Zarathan, and even though they are exhausted, they cannot stop and sleep because on this planet, nightmares always become reality.
Score, a New York street orphan, Renald, a princess/warrior, and Pixel, a boy who lives in a world dominated by virtual reality, are taken from their homes at the command of the Shadows and drawn into a world of danger and magic.
Score, Renald, and Pixel have almost reached the source of their strange journey, and must call upon all their united strength and magic to defeat the dark forces awaiting them in the Diadem.