Dream Weavers Collection:
Part 1
By K.R. Gomlok

Chapter 1: Melina

Chapter One: I cannot explain these worlds of the subconscious, and apparently neither can anyone else in the world. It always seems we are being pushed about in our own minds by some unknown force. What would happen should I master this force and be the one who controls my dreams? What if I could stop these horrible nightmares about Vampires and other creatures of the imagination? If only I could change my dreams? I shall try it tonight. If I?m right, this could lead to something amazing?
Later: It did not work perfectly but I am now convinced that with practice I have a chance of actually forming my dreams to my liking. It is strange, when I looked in one of the mirrors in my dream I saw a faint blue marking was on my left cheek, barely visible even in the increased light I could now create. It was not of my making, so what was it? I think I know, but maybe I?m just being a silly fantasy follower. But if I am correct? I think I shall call it the dreamer?s mark: the wings of freedom.
Next night: Last night I brought Zach into my dream, he was confused at my power and perhaps a little frightened. I was sort of disappointed when he couldn?t also manipulate the dream, but he did come up with a title for me. From now on, at night I am called this, I am a Dream Weaver

Excerpt from ?The Dream Weavers?
By Melina Isador

?Zachery?? His mother asked, looking back at him from the front passenger seat of the car. ?We?ll be staying at the Dreamoor hotel. Once we get there you?ll be free to wander the city till sundown. And remember, whatever you buy you buy with your own money, and that includes extra minutes for your phone.?
?Yes, I know.? Zachery Ember, or Zach as he was more often called, sighed trying to keep his patience. It was not his aspiration to be a difficult teenager but sometimes he felt his parents were retaining a little too much control over his blooming life. He had big plans for today and almost none of it involved expenditure on his part. He just had to wait until he was on his own. Melina did not know he was in the city yet and he planned on surprising her with his presence. A small smile emerged in the midst of his anxiety as he thought of what his friend would think when she found out he was in the same area on break.
The rest of the car ride was spent in relative silence, meaning Zachery screened out whatever else was said as he continued to formulate his plans. How would he make himself known? That was the main question of the plot and one he felt should have been resolved much earlier. Should he go for the direct approach or involve the cell phone technique a little?
He was still mulling over this as he stepped onto the bleak concrete sidewalks of Dremoor but by that point he had decided to leave it for its moment of imminent importance and start thinking about what to say once he did run into her. A small part of his mind was stuck on the notion that there would be a horrible awkward silence after he revealed his presence.
But even with the pressing matter at hand, he could not help but catch a glimpse of the life Melina had left behind when she moved to Lorenville. It was a little more urban than he was used to but he did not mind so much if the spring wind still blew and traffic remained in its minimal state. The leaves on the trees looming over the sidewalk were just coming out of their winter hibernation like stone golems awoken after their day of rest. A new life was coming after the long wait and he was just in time to catch it in its infant stages when life is so beautiful and untouched.
His thought process abruptly stopped at the sound of a car crash just ahead. His steps froze as he beheld the wreckage at the end of the sidewalk. A car and a van, the van had apparently been hit in the side by car as it had tried to break, Zach could only guess that the driver of the van held little regard for stop lights.
The rest of his surroundings slowly seeped in as he cautiously approached the scene. In the distance he could hear an ambulance coming, cutting through the deathly silence. He was passing by a park, a very well kept one with green grass and sheltering trees... It then occurred to him a girl with long black hair was lying under those trees were the park met the curb, unmoving.
Well, help her! His old homeschooler side demanded, taking charge for the moment. All the reading he had done in his youth had endowed him with a strong sense of chivalry that was now resurfacing in full strength. Giving into his instincts, he rushed to the girl?s side and put his arms under her. Somewhere he had heard that the fireman?s carry was the easiest way to transport an unconscious person and now seemed like a great time to test the theory.
But his heart skipped to a stop as he began to lift her onto his shoulders and the hair fell away from her face. Familiar, deathly pale skin, offset by her midnight dark eyelashes and brows and a bleeding scrape on her left cheek. He froze in shock and let her drop back into her peaceful repose.
She stirred in her sleep and slowly opened her eyes. As her tranquil gaze met his horrified eyes she smiled, ?So?? She said softly, her eyes closing once again, ?you really were in the city.?
Turmoil gripped him as he held her frail form close, the tears in his eyes slipped in and out of existence as he struggled to control them, and whispered her name over and over, ?Melina.?

* * *

Zachery Ember knocked on the door hesitantly, he felt as if his heart was dying within him, falling into oblivion, never to feel again.
The woman who opened the door was not Chimera Twilight, he surmised quickly, she was far too old to be the girl Melina had described.
?Is Chimera home?? he said softly, looking the woman in the eye. She was not all that old, but still she couldn?t have been the seventeen-year old Chimera whom Melina had told him about. His mind flashed back to the hospital where he had last seen his friend, Melina Isador, lying peacefully with her hands clasped as if in prayer.
?Oh, are you one of Chimera?s school friends?? the woman asked politely, though it seemed he had interrupted something.
Zachery thought a moment. ?Of a sort,? he concluded, deciding not to go into detail, ?I have to talk to her though, it?s about Melina.?
?Wait a moment, I?ll go get her.?
His mind was frantic in the few moments that it took for Chimera to finally come to the door. Thoughts of Melina, of the crash, and of his last over the shoulder look at his dying friend as he had run out of the hospital ricocheted inside his mind like shards of glass. Was he in time? He tapped his foot impatiently and let out a long breath.
When Chimera finally did exit the house, he was looking across the street at a few squirrels squabbling over an acorn, trying to make sense of the world around him.
?Hey,? she greeted him, it was obvious she was at a loss for correct conversation starters, ?Mom said you wanted to talk to me.?
He jumped at her voice, startled out of his contemplative state. He stared at her for a second before scrambling to his feet and giving her a slight bow. ?Yes, that is? My name is Zachery Ember, I?m Melina?s friend, and apparently, you are also. You see?? he paused; sadness and unsettled thoughts choked his voice to a halt. ?I need you to come with me, it?s about Melina. I don?t know how much time we have left and I hope we?re not to late but??
Chimera looked at him with her deep brown eyes, confusion evident in her gazed. Zachery hated being confusing, it was one of the many faults he was often reminded he possessed. ?What?s wrong?? she inquired, concern becoming prevalent in her voice. ?What happened to Melina??
?As far as I know, Melina?s going to be fine,? he soothed, wishing he were more confident in this thought. ?But she wants to see you, so she sent me to go get you.?
?All right. And how can I trust you?? she said slowly. It was becoming evident to Zach that he had not really shown any proof of his errand. Fortunately, Melina had thought this far ahead and had armed him with evidence to convince her friend. Reaching into his pocket, he drew forth a crumpled hand-drawn birthday card Melina had created distinctly for Chimera. Inside the card was Melina?s personal signature and a few birthday themed sketches drawn with her unique style.
Chimera looked from the card to Zachery and then back to the card, all the while carefully studying him with measuring eyes. ?Okay, I?ll come with you.? she stated in a cautious voice. ?Where is she??
Zach nodded, relieved to finally be making some ground. ?She?s at the hospital right now, come on.? He gave her a ?follow me? motion before racing off down the street, hoping she was a good runner.
?Hold on!? she called to him, lagging behind a little. She was okay at races but, to his dismay, she could not keep up with his phenomenal stride.
He groaned. ?Hurry up!? he shouted back, anxiety pushing for a faster pace but his careful nature forcing him to wait for Chimera. If he came back without her it would all be a waste.
All the trees, all the colors around him that had seemed so bright and alive only hours ago now seemed to stare solemnly back at him as he pressed himself to the task of keeping an accompanying pace,
When they finally reached the hospital, he checked them in and rushed to the elevator, ?Room 522,? he murmured, his thoughts coming to his friend who might be perishing even as he rushed out into the hallway. ?Please Melina, don?t die on me now.?
Chimera was now able to keep his pace as they rapidly approached their destination. The door numbers rushed at them, Room 516, 518, 520, and finally 522, Zach pushed open the door with unsteady hands, were they to late?
No, there in the hospital bed lay Melina Isador, her black hair tied up in braids, her dark eyes staring out the window to what lay beyond as her life signs grew faint. With obvious effort, she turned her head at the coming of her friends and offered them a weak smile, ?I knew you?d come for me in the end,? She said, her voice barely above a whisper, ?Thank you Zach, I?d like to be alone with Chimera for a while.?
Zachery nodded grimly and stepped out, his mission accomplished. Closing the door behind him he leaned against it and sighed, she could not die now? not yet. She did not look very good at the moment, true, but Zach would not accept the possibility that her fragile life might expire while yet in its youth. He would do anything to keep her alive?
Anything? wait? He thought, memories finally coming back of those rushed moments in which she had asked him to get Chimera. She had also asked him to make arrangements for Chimera to stay overnight. Sighing to himself and dearly hoping her mother would be understanding, he flipped open his cell phone and dialed in the number Melina had given him if he got lost. It seemed like most of the time she knew exactly what he would forget when he got caught up in the primary objective. He smiled at the image of her exasperated expression when he told her about this after she recovered. If she recovered?
?Hello?? His thoughts were pushed back into focus as Chimera?s mother answered. Sighing once again, he organized his thoughts and presented his case.

* * *

Zach nodded and ducked into the hallway, though it was clear he would rather stay by his friend.
?Chimera,? Melina said, looking into her eyes, a bit of life shining in her for a moment, the shadow of the smile Chimera remembered, ?we planned so many adventures back in the day. I don?t think we?ll get to carry them out.?
Chimera tried to return her friend?s expression but with little success. Lately, she had become a stranger to smiles. ?Only because we planned on doing them as kids,? She answered, making a lame attempt to refuse the statement. ?There?s still time.?
?Not for me,? Melina told her sadly, her gaze piercing through the argument, pleading Chimera accept the truth. ?My time has expired.?
Chimera turned her eyes from Melina?s stare, unable to fully comprehend or give warrant to the idea that her childhood friend was dying in front of her. She had been hardened by life in their years apart but death still stung her heart. Somehow, it was never less painful to know a life was ending? And yet, what could she do? She was utterly helpless to change Melina?s doom. Once again, things had been decided without her?
?Chimera,? Melina began, her eyes once again looking out the window, ?I want you to take something for me.?
Chimera breathed deep to hold back the tears of realization that were forming. ?Anything,? she promised, taking Melina?s cold hand in both of hers. It seemed now that her childhood friend was one of the few familiar aspects of her life left. If she willed it, Chimera would follow through, she owed her that much.
With her free hand, Melina removed a book from under her white sheets and handed it to Chimera. ?I wrote down everything in this. You?ll need it more than I do, so I want you to keep it and write whatever you think is important in its empty pages. You?ll understand everything in time.?
Chimera gently removed the book from Melina?s hand and ran her hands over the smooth leather binding and pewter bracings. On the front of the book were the golden inscribed words: The Dream Weavers, by Melina Isador, a study of the sub conscious. Chimera looked at it in simple confusion, turned it over in her hands, and looked back to Melina, hoping for an explanation, ?But what can I learn from it?? She asked. She noted with much chagrin that her voice had begun to tremble with emotion.
Melina just smiled and said, ?I?ll see you tonight, promise you?ll be there.?
Chimera simply stared at her friend, uncomprehending, as Melina fell into a light sleep. It felt like a very bad dream, one that she could only watch as darkness crept in, unnoticed by the world and all she could do was scream and wait for it to end.
Outside, Zach was making arrangements for Chimera to spend the night in Melina?s room and later tried to look casual, propped up against the door in a manner that would probably render him a fire hazard.
Chimera took one look at the patient Zachery, I wonder how much she means to him

, she thought. He looked slightly pensive, though somehow trusting that this would end okay. She wished that she might have that solace before sighing to herself and opening the book Melina had given her?

Chapter One:

I cannot explain these worlds of the subconscious, and apparently neither can anyone else in the world. It always seems we are being pushed about in our own minds by some unknown force. What would happen should I master this force and be the one who controls my dreams? What if I could stop these horrible nightmares about Vampires and other creatures of the imagination? If only I could change my dreams? I shall try it tonight. If I?m right, this could lead to something amazing?
Later: It did not work perfectly but I am now convinced that with practice I have a chance of actually forming my dreams to my liking. It is strange, when I looked in one of the mirrors in my dream I saw a faint blue marking was on my left cheek, barely visible even in the increased light I could now create. It was not of my making, so what was it? I think I know, but maybe I?m just being a silly fantasy follower. But if I am correct? I think I shall call it the dreamer?s mark: the wings of freedom.
Next night: Last night I brought Zach into my dream, he was confused at my power and perhaps a little frightened. I was sort of disappointed when he couldn?t also manipulate the dream, but he did come up with a title for me. From now on, at night I am called this, I am a Dream Weaver

Excerpt from ?The Dream Weavers?
By Melina Isador

?This is the world I wanted you to see,? Melina said to Chimera, standing beside her in the rose field. The roses, red and white, were wilting even as she spoke. ?The world I could retreat to, even after all the bad things that happened. I wanted to share it with you, before it was too late.?
?Too late?? Chimera asked, looking around at the cloudy landscape, trying to make sense of things. She could see a pavilion wrought of manzanita trees, standing like crimson guardians over looking the cobblestone paths that twisted through the roses. But it was being overtaken by the mists? just as Melina seemed to be fading, ?What?s happening to you??
Melina smiled a full smile from her unblemished face and took Chimera?s hand, pressing it to her left cheek, ?You?ll be able to control it in the end. I?m leaving everything to you. I?m sorry Chimera, this is one dream I won?t wake up from. But I promise you, we will meet again.?
She faded?
Chimera snapped open her eyes, what was happening? Groggy, she groped around in the unfamiliar room, had she fallen out of bed? She felt sheets beside her?
Then she remembered where she was. Looking over, she saw a faint blue glow from what looked like a strange tattoo on Melina?s left cheek. She was smiling. But the life signs were out.
Chimera panicked, looking around, desperate for a sign it was just a dream.
But Melina?s hands were cold as ice, and her life signs had come to a halt. No longer did she rule as Dream Weaver.

Chapter 2: Zachery

Zachery finally left the Hospital around ten thirty. He wandered aimlessly in the streets, his numb mind losing comprehension for a moment before remembering he had to get back to the Dreamoor hotel. The sky was illuminated by a full moon as he navigated the empty roads of Dremoor. He hoped Melina would make it through the night, he hoped he would get to see her smile just once more. Memories of her occupied his mind, coming before his eyes for a moment before disappearing into the night.
He made it as far as the hotel lobby before he collapsed on a bench and rubbed his eyes. What would mom and dad say? They?d probably be worried sick and furious. Which, in his experience, was a bad combination. But in his current state, all he wanted was to go to sleep, forget Melina was leaving, and dream of all the good times they had shared. Everything else could wait till dawn? or later.
The clock at the desk said 1:30 AM. Was it really that late? Everything was quiet? Zach felt his eye?s closing slowly of their own accord. Giving up, he forsook his resistance. So tired?

Chapter One, continued:

Zachery? I can?t be sure but I think he might have the ability as well. I sense it in him. Some people just aren?t cut out for it but I?ve begun to suspect how to tell. Everyone who has awakened the ability has the irrevocable mark of Freedom?s Wings, but before that they look just like a normal dreamer. I?ve run into many dreams now, the dreams of people I know as well as the dreams of people I?ve never met. If I let myself drift into the Dream River, the inexplicable force that seems to command the Dream World, I can connect my dreams with others. It?s like a puzzle but I don?t have all the pieces yet. It would take a great number of Dreamers like me to connect the dreams but if we did, the results would be beyond imagination.
But I must set these thoughts aside for the moment, for a great peril has awakened in this world. Last night I was searching for Chimera again and while drifting I ran into a familiar consciousness. I have met it before in the real world, in darker times, in the adventures into the Ersatz. It was still human but it was filled with anger and bitterness over what wrongs it had perceived that had been stopped. It wanted revenge?
This dream was dark? darker than any nightmare I have yet calmed. I was lost in a great living labyrinth of monsters who formed the very walls that trapped me. I realized his dream had fallen to this not because he felt despair, but because he wished the darkness to over take him. When I tried to protect myself from his unrestrained malice, he realized my control over the Dream World. He was intrigued for a moment, inquiring if I would join him. ?What is this power?? he asked me, ?Can I access it?? I would not answer.
At that moment the Wings of Freedom appeared on his left palm. But unlike mine, which glowed blue, his was a twisted, sharp, black mark that glowed red around the edges. His glee was horrible to witness as I stood frozen, unable to escape from his nightmare. The walls grew high around me and arms reached out to hold me there, keeping me prisoner in the dark abyss of his mind.
I got away at last but I don?t know how long I can keep this up. He is hunting me. I can smell his malice as it travels through the Dream River, forever seeking my destruction. He is gathering aid from others, awakening their inner Dreamer before its time, corrupting their growth with his teaching. I hope Zach will be safe. Tonight I go to a long sleep. If I don?t wake up, I hope Zach will find this and continue this quest, whatever it is. He will not fall?

Excerpt from ?The Dream Weavers?
By Melina Isador

?Don?t give up Zach,? Melina told him, trying to smile, ?We?ll see each other again.?
Zach could not meet her gaze. He could not accept these words; they were the elements of an ending. They stood in a garden, surrounded by strange plants, mostly roses, and welcomed by the sea that invaded the far end. Melina was just standing there, on the edge of the water, waiting as it came closer and closer to overtaking her. ?Don?t go yet,? he pleaded, still looking down. ?I need you here. You need to graduate, to live your life.?
But even to him his words sounded empty. The waves lamented upon the soft sands as he stared down at them and from the garden wall he could hear the lay or a nightingale, singing a bitter dirge. He searched desperately for the right words but it was soon too late, the white waves began to touch her heels. Who was he kidding? This was the end of Melina Isador.
?Take care of her, Zach.?
He felt the familiar warm sting of tears but looked up at her anyway. All the brokenness she had possessed seemed washed away; she was at last perfect in her final moments. Her dark hair fell in braids about her snow-white gown and she smiled at him, a last farewell as the waves bore her away. And yet he dared not avert his gaze. ?I promise, Melina.? He whispered, lost in her absence, ?I promise you I?ll look after her.?
And she was gone. Not too far away, Melina Isador took her last breath in a hospital that had failed to identify the deadly poison that had infected her veins.
Zachery Farren Ember could only mourn for the ending of a young life that should have gone on. And yet it had ended here, a far cry from the greatness it was intended for.
In all the years he had known her, he had never thought she would perish before him. Come to think of it, it was one of those things that he hadn?t given much thought to. He?d always known and feared the moment of death he?d eventually have to endure, but somehow he?d never considered the death of anyone he knew.
Yet, even in the wake of her ashes, Zachery knew it would not end there. This was the end of Melina, but it was not the end of her legacy. Her tale would continue through her friends and family, through the light that she had inspired in their hearts. He would not let the story end this way; not now, she deserved that much.
He woke up to the light touch of tears on his cheek, tears that fell unanswered to a cold tile floor. What had just happened? He blinked his eyes a few times and sat up. His memories rose with his consciousness. He was in the Dreamoor hotel, Dremoor. Somehow, he had apparently stumbled his way to a couch in the lobby and no one had disturbed him. He had the eerie feeling that someone else was watching him, someone was there besides the clerk snoozing at the counter. Someone around? immediately, his thoughts turned to Melina and his tears reformed. Yes? she was gone. Somehow he knew she had not lasted the night. But, as he strode over the smooth ground unheeded, he felt a new strength within himself like the rising flame of a Phoenix. This was not the end?

* * *

The morning air was crisp and stagnant, just what Zach needed as he walked through the yet undisturbed city on his way to the hospital. He had left a note explaining things for his parents since he could not find their room and now he was on his way to confirm his suspicions. If Melina was still alive? if his hope against hope were granted? he almost smiled at how much he would cry and make a fool of himself. He just needed to put things in perspective; the crash had not seemed to have fatally wounded her, she could be okay... In fact, to his perception it looked like she had leapt out before the moment of collision. In a few weeks he would be telling her how worried he had been, all the things he had forgotten to say. And yet, some dark foreboding still followed him, whispering doubt into is heart.
To his surprise it was the same feeling he had experienced earlier in the hotel lobby, as if someone was watching him. Slowly, he looked over his shoulder and scanned the sidewalk behind him. Nothing? No one was there.
Sighing, he continued on his way and kept to the open sidewalks as best he could, avoiding the looming shadows of the city. Inside he was anxious to break out into a flat out sprint but his skeptical side said their was nothing to worry about, he just was not used to cities.
His steps slowed until he came to a final stop. There in front of him, just across the street, was the hospital.
Now was his moment of truth, now was the time to set his heart to rest, one way or another. Breathing deep, he crossed the street and traversed the silent parking lot, focusing only on the doors at the far end despite a sudden interruption of wind that swept through the place. He felt is heartbeat pick up and start to pound in his ears, begging him to cut the tension and close the distance somehow. In an agonizing half minute he was through the doors and into the lobby.
Everything seemed to blur about him, details he usually would have noted were blocked out as he hastened to the front counter and made his demand. ?Is the patient who occupied room 522 alive?? he said between the heaving breaths left from his last sprint.
The person at the counter, who was on the phone, gave him a tired glance and tapped a few keys on her computer. ?Name?? she asked, practiced politeness in her voice. He wondered how often she dealt with people like him?
?Melina Isador,? he answered quickly, leaning onto the counter in his anxiety. ?Accompanied by Chimera Twilight,? he added in after thought, as if to acknowledge her closer relationship to Melina rather than to speed the search. The seconds stretched into eternity as he stood their, his foresight going wild with possibilities? and yet somehow he knew the answer before it was spoken.
?I?m sorry,? the woman told him, looking up from her desk. ?Melina passed away at two o?clock this morning. Chimera is currently in a waiting room on the first floor, would you like to see her??
Zach felt the piercing grief of his loss break through the barriers he had erected. He had known this would happen, had he not? Even so it still broke his heart to finally confirm his dread, to dash his hopes he had kindled knowing they would die. But even in that moment of dark realization he felt her last memory touch his heart; don?t give up Zach, we?ll meet again. Take care of her.
I will, Melina, he promised her once more, I will.
?Would you like to see her?? the woman repeated, giving him a concerned look.
Melina would willed him to not despair in this darkness, he knew that much of his deceased friend, and he would not let her down, not now. Zach gave her a bittersweet smile and nodded, ?Yes,? he confirmed. ?I?m here for Chimera.?
After all, her story was yet to be told.

* * *

?Zachery?? Chimera greeted him quietly as he walked through the doors to the waiting room. She was still wearing the plain white shirt, forest green jacket, and blue jeans she?d worn yesterday, evidence that she had not returned home.
?I?m sorry? Chimera.? Zach said quietly, walking to where she sat. ?I?m just wondering? what happens now??
The frustrated look she gave him caught him off guard. ?It?s over Zach, all we can do is move on with our lives now. Nothing we do will bring her back.?
?I know?? he tried to consol her, searching for the words of comfort he had always lacked, ?But why give up now??
His words rang as fake in his own ears. Now? Nothing had begun. What was he talking about? He could see the loss written on her face, the frustration, the pain, the sadness that was mirrored inside of him. What could make him so insensitive as to say such a thing?
?I?m sorry,? he apologized quietly after a moment of thought. ?I miss her too.?
?Not like I do, Zach.? Chimera told him sorrowfully, calming back into her mournful state, ?not like I do.?
Zach was caught in a strange moment of indecision on whether or not to try to comfort her again. Odds were he would only make it worse. He had never been very good at perceiving people?s feelings, or how to properly react to them. Over the years he had gradually accepted he was not the person to turn to for help.
His speculation was interrupted as the cell phone in his pocket gave off a violent vibration. Darn it! He bit back on the words, not wanting to further his previous uncaring words, I should have turned it off at the hotel? ?Excuse me then,? he said, wondering who had the audacity to call at a time like this. He exited the room into the hallway flipped open the phone with a quick and practiced motion, despite the fact that he rarely received calls. ?You?ve reached Zachery Ember,? He answered it icily, this had better be something of extreme importance, otherwise? ?What?re you after??
?Zach? You?re actually awake?? The speaker?s voice held genuine surprise as well as a light scotch accent. ?It?s me, Sam. Where are you??
?Valentine hospital, Dremoor. Why??
?I need to meet up with you as soon as possible,? Sam explained hastily, ?something?s come up that you should know about.?
?And what?s so imminently pressing about this matter?? Zach probed, still wracking his tired brain to remember who Sam was and why in the world he was calling. Sam, Sam? the name was of course familiar? Sammy? No? Samuel? Samuel! Yes! That was it, Samuel. With some relation to? ?And where?s Rue?? he asked, bringing up his cousin, Rusiu Ember. He smiled grimly at the small ray of victory in an otherwise bleak situation.
?She?s going after the other one right now.? Samuel said his voice giving away that he was trying to hide something. ?She should be at the rendezvous with you two if all goes well.?
?You know I don?t like surprises Sam,? Zach began impatiently, ?And I doubt that? us two?? he stopped a moment, wishing he could dispel the weariness that fogged his brain. ?Me and who else??
?She?s not with you?? Sam asked, an edge of worry coming into his usually light tone.
She? ?Wait?? Zach said, trying to buy time to think. ?You?re talking about Chimera, aren?t you??
?Is that her name?? Sam?s voice was genuinely curious. ?I guess we?ll know soon enough. I?ll meet you outside the hospital at dawn. And don?t worry; I?ll make all necessary arrangements. Watch after her, will you??
Before Zach could demand further information, Sam hung up. Maybe Rue had begun to rub off on him. Sam had always been a bit more levelheaded than his cousin but he had always figured it was only a matter of time until this happened.
Sighing in frustration, he headed back into the waiting room, hoping to fix things with Chimera. And boy do I have a lot of fixing to do, he thought to himself, grimacing at what he probably seemed like to her. If first impressions were that important then he was probably sunk.
?Chimera,? he began as he entered. His words froze in his mouth as perception set in, for the room was not as he had left it. Because when he had left, Chimera was still there.
Feeling sudden panic grip him, Zach scanned the room over with his eyes, hoping Chimera would pop up from behind the couch and laugh at his gullibility, hoping the bad dream would end and he would wake up late for art class with Melina, but more than anything hoping he would not let Melina down after he had promised to take care of Chimera Twilight.
After ten minutes of thorough search, Zach sat alone with three objects on his lap. One was a card with a phone number neatly printed with the words ?Fanciful dream? written in perfect cursive under it, the second was a page torn from a book titled ?The Dream Weavers?, and the last was a torn piece of notepaper with only three words hastily scrawled onto it: Save me, Zachery.

Chapter 5

The Noble Weavers have been gathering in strength. We are now quite organized and have set up many borders against Anuro and his kind. Now is my time to look into the factors involved in a Dreamer?s awakening. Zachery has been taking forever to awaken? And yet I feel hesitant to hurry it along. I feel it must come naturally or it won?t come correctly. Remmit Jenton, one of my Dream World friends, tells me he?ll get the hang of it when the time comes, but still? If only Zach could be here.
I?ll find a way to make this world peaceful before I try to bring him in, I promise?

Excerpt from ?The Dream Weavers?
By Melina Isador

?So how have you been?? Samuel asked; his usual tone of self-confident cheerfulness was replaced with a quiet, cautious voice.
?Not good,? Zach sighed, looking out the car window at the landscape flashing by. Even though he had been down this road before none of it was familiar, ?I still won?t say Melina?s gone.?
?It?ll end okay,? Sam assured him, his musical scotch accent soothing the wounds. ?Once we meet up with Rusiu I?ll explain everything. I promise.?
?Where is Rue anyway?? Zach inquired, absently asking the question before he thought about it. Sam had mentioned something about her earlier but he could not quite recall what it had been. ?We haven?t spoken much since the whole Flytwind incident. ?
?She?s been busy, I can tell you that much,? Samuel happily informed him, seeming grateful for the change of subject. ?But she was a little downcast when I left,?
He sighed and looked over at Zach, giving him a calculating look. ?Though?? he continued thoughtfully, ?perhaps you can cheer her up.?
?I doubt it,? Zach almost laughed at the prospect, ?Anything that can get Rue down is probably beyond me.?
?You?d be surprised,? Sam warned him, turning his eyes back to the task of driving, ?Rue can be difficult to understand but sometimes it?s simple things like a visit from her cousin that can clear things up.?
Zach gave Sam a dubious look he knew he would not see and shook his head, ?Since when is Rusiu excited to see me? I thought Allan was her favorite,? he thought out loud, forgetting Sam?s proximity and alertness for a moment.
Sam only smiled at the remark and kept his eyes on the road. ?You hold a special place in your cousin?s heart, Zachery. Don?t doubt that she counts you closer to her than you may think.?
Zachery bit back on an automatic reply and chose to carefully consider Sam?s perspective before getting himself into trouble. Samuel did spend a lot more time with Rue than he did but it had always seemed he was the background character. Of course, that had changed in the Flytwind incident years back. For a little while, it felt like they were on the same page. However, when the break ended, they had gone back to their former distance. And seeing as his current state of mind was half conscious he would rather not argue the point and make a fool of himself.
?Zach?? Sam asked giving him a sidelong glance, ?You were with Melina near the end, right? Did you notice anything??
?She was a lot calmer about death than I?d expected.? Zach said slowly, trying to think of the moment yet not awaken the pain. ?It seemed she was ready to die, even though it wasn?t her time yet. I can?t fathom what kind of assurance that took??
?I think I know where she got it from,? Sam commented, another slight smile coming to his face as he watched their course with a steady gaze.
Zach sighed; Sam always spoke in riddles around him. And yet? Zach froze in mid thought process, how would Sam know about Melina? ?You know,? he began slowly, double-checking his mind to make sure he had not asked the question already, ?there?s a question I?ve been dying to ask you.? He said, studying Sam?s focused gaze. What was he thinking about? ?How did you know Melina??
?How did the first U.S. militia know good sir George Washington?? Sam countered, raising his eyebrows in question? Or was it anticipation?
?He was their general.? Zach replied, not interested in the riddle game. Perhaps he would have to rephrase the question?
Sam?s Scottish green eyes sparkled with pleasure. ?Precisely.?

Chapter 3: Chimera

Chapter 4

On the subject of the Wings of freedom, it appears that the mark changes based on the actions of its holder. We Noble Weavers still have the mark in its original blue hue, but it seems the Dark Weavers? have changed their marks to black with a red lining? and not of their own accord. One of the Weavers, Reddivor he called himself, tried to conceal his tainted mark. It did him no good. In the Dream world, I suppose our true colors are shown.

Chapter 7

Our research concerning our abilities has reached its height; we have now become quite organized and are working on restraining the Dark Weavers. Yet, as more and more consciousnesses enter the dream world, it becomes more and more difficult to guard them all. If we do not gain more members, Anuro will surely find a way through our defenses.
Thus, I now wonder as head of the Noble Weavers whether or not a time will come in which I must lead my people to battle against this evil. I have yet to discover his motives and plots but there is more than enough evidence in what he tried to do to Peter, the greyshade. Miss Akatsuki seems rather impatient on this subject and would rather march to doom than wait an eternity for the perfect trap. She does seem reckless at times but with enough time you can see the true and courageous heart she holds. If anything happens to me, she will take over the Weavers until the others are in place.
It is with these thoughts that I now consider waging the greatest unseen war of our world. I?m unsure how far into the real world our abilities reach but I?m now quite certain Anuro is willing to push his power as far as possible. This is why we must stop him, all other reasons aside, because he is a danger without remorse. When kindness and grace utterly fail to sway a heart, then it is kindness and grace to end its darkness.

-Excerpts from ?The Dream Weavers?
By Melina Isador

Chimera found herself on the edge of an onyx arena, looking deep into the perfectly formed structure. Smooth benches ringed around the center, which was broken by a giant cloudy quartz crystal. Was it a dream? It had to be. No one in the real world with that kind of money would blow it trying to make a sixteen-foot crystal right out in the open where any half awake person could find it. Besides? the place felt like it had an ancient air about it. As if it were made to look before her time.
She took a hesitant step forward, feeling drawn further into the arena as if some invisible hand were tugging on her sleeve. ?Okay then, what?s going on?? She asked the empty air, trying to sound more confident than she felt. Somehow talking out loud to confirm her thoughts felt good, even though she only did it when alone now a days. The world had taught her to know better than to open herself; to allow vulnerability into her life. Despite the fact that it was probably a dream she did not want whatever it was that was pulling her to realize her weakened state. She hated feeling weak? if her heart had been stronger it would not have been broken half a year ago.
?It?s a monument of our triumph,? a voice answered from across the arena, breaking into her thoughts. She looked up to see a black haired young man with disturbingly pale skin leaning against one of the entry archways, staring back at her with cold eyes.
His tone was indifferent, either trying to hide something or truly apathetic to whatever had been achieved. She had seen a number of goth types in her time and this guy out did most of them. There was something? very disturbing yet entrancing about him.
?What?s the occasion?? She asked, trying to fit the pieces together. How had her subconscious come up with this guy? Was he supposed to be death? No, she?d always imagined death to be more repulsive. There was a strange beauty in his focused, understanding stare. Or was he her own dark past?
His clothes were either muted, ash grays or dark blacks and browns, a long coat, gauntlets, he looked like he belonged in a medieval forest though, waiting to rob some unsuspecting cart or challenge someone to a duel with his long, thin sword.
?We?ve recently stopped one of our adversaries,? The Youngman explained, returning her analyzing gaze, though with less curiosity, ?This one was of particular nuisance.?
?Well, who are you?? Chimera pressed, not daring to turn her eyes from him. It felt as if the second she turned her back he would be beside her and she would rather keep him a arms length at the moment. Part of her wanted to run away but the other half wanted to step forward and be what he was: unafraid.
?Around these parts they call me Reddivor.? He answered, lowering his eyes to a brooding stare at the ground and pushing himself off the archway. ?And you??
?I meant who are you in the plural sense.? She clarified, taking another step forward. Was he intentionally avoiding the question or was she just suspicious? She felt she had to pursue this further?
Reddivor sighed, shaking his head, and looked up, giving her a smile, a chilling smile. ?We are Dream Weavers.? He said simply, as though there was simply nothing more to answer.
She felt her cautious side finally kick in and force her to take a step back. What was going on? What was a Dream Weaver? Where had she heard that before? had she heard it here? Where was here? Why did she feel so? tired?
?Do you want to join us?? He asked politely, extending his left hand in welcome and walking down the stairs toward her.
On the palm she could see a black mark, lined with glowing red, like a tattoo lined with blood. Only, it could not be a tattoo. To her horror, she watched the mark writhe and grow across his arm, reaching out, consuming him? and consuming her.
?Of course not.? Some one answered for her before she could get her voice working. ?Sorry, but she?s with me.?
Chimera spun around, breaking from her wide eyed stare at Reddivor and found herself looking at a bright eyed young woman standing in the entrance directly across from him. She was clad in a dress with a dark over skirt split down the middle to reveal another layer that was crisscrossed by black netting it seemed. She had a ribbon about her waist and another in her hair, keeping most of it back though a good portion of its black mass fell free over the right side of her face. ?Come on, Chimera,? the girl said, offering a comforting smile, ? I?ve been looking all over for you.?
?Smolder,? Reddivor muttered under his breath, breaking off his attention on Chimera and glaring at the new comer, ?I thought I sensed you near.?
?That?s Ember, thank you,? The young woman corrected him lightly, ?And if you don?t mind I?d like to leave your realm so don?t try to stop Chimera.?
?What?ll you try if I do?? He countered loftily, turning his nose up at her.
Almost before the words left his mouth, he was sprawled against one of the walls, no wind left in his lungs to argue.
?Hurry, before more get here.? The young woman ordered Chimera, though her annoyed gaze still rested on Reddivor. ?Anuro really wants you bad. He?s not going to let you go that easy.?
Frozen in shock Chimera could only give her a weak nod before following her into through the archway into an ill kept courtyard. What had just happened? One second Reddivor had been standing there and the next he was smashed into the wall. What was this woman? Though it was still a mystery, Chimera would rather it stay that way. Whatever these people were they were trouble.
She stopped short as they passed through the arch into a gray abyss. She could not see what they were standing on, though it felt hard even through her shoes. Was she wearing shoes? She frowned, trying to remember if she had taken her shoes off.
Beside her, the young woman breathed deep and closed her eyes. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed that the arch had dissolved away and they were now trapped here quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Chimera groaned and fell to her knees, why was this happening to her? Why was she always left behind? Apparently this Ember girl did not care enough to explain?
Earlier in her life she might have burst into tears at that point but now she only scowled and clenched her hands on the insubstantial platform they had found themselves on. Only, it was not insubstantial anymore, it had smoothed out and taken shape. She opened her eyes and stared into the white floor that had formed beneath her, watching as black spider-webbed across it, strokes of brown emerged, and lines of relief raised them into the likeness of a tile floor. She scrambled to her feet and turned to Ember, hoping for an answer this time.
But Ember was not to be interrupted. Chimera stood in awe as the strange girl moved as if dancing in her sleep, spinning her hands in a spindly motion above the forming floor. The expanse of tiles stopped as Ember shifted her movements and spun her arm over her head as clouds swirled in the new sky. After the clouds settled, Ember thrust her hands up into the air and clapped them together over her head. Almost immediately an archway formed above her and began to grow into a corridor.
It then became apparent to Chimera that the girl?s movements were directly connected with the formation of these things. Now aware of this, she observed with new interest as Ember wove her hands about herself, bringing up broken towers and sprouting grass in between the tiles that made up the floor. Walls grew around them, crowned with ramparts that overlooked the landscape as it was born below.
?Stay here till I get back,? The young woman told her, turning to leave through one of the archways. ?You should be safe from Anuro here. And don?t worry, Rusiu Akatsuki never fails.?
?Wait! Why should I trust you?? Chimera demanded, forcing her mouth to work. What in the world was going on? This was all just a bad dream? or was it? If only she had the peace of mind to sort it all out?
The young woman stopped, perhaps thinking up a good answer. ?If this was a trap,? She said at long last, giving Chimera an over the shoulder reassuring smile, ?You?d already be stuck. Besides, it?s all just a dream to you, right? Just try not to wander into the nightmare.?
Chimera tried to call after the girl, to tell her she did not understand. But her voice caught on her pride. She did not need her help, she would find her own way out. All she needed was someone to say it was the right way? or at least someone to talk to.
She sighed to herself, gathering her thoughts in an attempt to discover a solution. If only Melina were still here?
?But I am still here.? Melina answered her, looking down from her perch upon the walls. ?I?ve been in this place for a long time.?
Chimera did a double take and rubbed her eyes, what? There she sat, in perfectly good health, clothed almost identically to the strange girl who had brought her here. It was Melina to all appearances but something felt odd about her, something was missing?
?You?re? alive?? Chimera asked hesitantly, trying and failing to find a valid answer for her friend?s strange revival. She had been dead, had she not? ?What is this place??
?This is the dream of a very interesting person.? Melina explained, leaping down from the wall and landing with unnatural grace. ?But it is also your dream, since you are now here and manipulating its flow with the first threads of your influence.?
?So I am dreaming.? Chimera concluded, thankful for a logical explanation. But then? was it such a good thing after all? True, it meant she was not going insane but it also meant Melina was probably still dead.
?You? aren?t alive, are you?? She inquired, searching for the right words, hoping there was someway she could say this without awakening her own heart to the absence.
The Melina in front of her only smiled, ?Do I look dead to you?? She asked, tugging on her cheek with one hand to demonstrate the presence of skin on it.
Chimera shook her head and glared at the cobblestone floor. This was only getting more confusing?
? Here,? Melina said after a moment, taking her hand and leading her further into the broken castle. ?You?ll understand soon.?
It dawned on Chimera as they went further in that the castle was not so much ruined as it was unfinished, as if someone had decided it was not worth the effort half way through.
At long last, they stopped at a courtyard, blanketed with mist. Around the courtyard were statues, most of which she recognized. Her parents, her past friends, the boy who had broken her heart half a year ago, her teachers, Melina, and one she could not quite see at the far side of the courtyard.
?I?m still here, you see,? Melina said slowly, as if in reflection. ?Even if the real me is gone.?
?What do you mean?? Chimera asked, unsure if she really wanted to know.
?This courtyard contains some of the things in your heart,? Melina explained, spreading her arms to encompass the scene. ?Some things fade with time, some things stay, even though they hurt, some things live on here? and others have begun to take root.?
Chimera tried to make sense of the words, hating the fact that she was literally unconscious and in no state to reason. ?I still don?t understand.? She told Melina, frustration seeping into her voice, frustration at her failure, her weakness?
The mist suddenly was gone, as well as some of the statues. But two objects had become visible now, a tombstone and the last statue.
She stopped short, for here set in her heart was Zachery Ember.

* * *

Here lies Melina Isador, Master Weaver, dear mentor, loving friend, and inspiring leader. Her dream has been forever burned into our hearts. May she sleep well.

Chimera stared at the tombstone once more. Even though it was part of the ever-changing dream world she felt it would never fade. Here was the once clouded courtyard in which Melina had died.
Chimera had been in the complex for some time now, a castle made of white stone subject to here imagination it seemed. Though no matter how hard she tried, she could not escape. It was as if someone had blocked all the entrances? someone who knew exactly when and where she would look for them. It seemed every time she was almost out the corridors lengthened or led to a locked door.
Her last conscious memories of the swirling room and the shadowed figure flashed through her mind as she stood up and continued to gaze at the marble tombstone. ?Be your legacy?? She asked, knowing full well Melina couldn?t hear her now. Only her remnant lived on in her mind. ?I could live a thousand years and not achieve what you could have. I can?t do this, I?m not the one for the job.?
?Don?t be like that,? The mysterious girl said, entering the dream, ?Melina didn?t mean for this to happen. But of all the people among us, it is you who are fit to carry out her legacy.?
Chimera sighed and turned to the girl, she had not been very straight forward in their short acquaintance and it felt like high time they got some answers. ?Look,? She stated, frustrated, ?I don?t even know your name, I?m stuck inside a never-ending dream and my best friend just died. What right do you have to???
?I?ll give you three guesses,? The girl said, smiling. Her dark bangs falling slightly over her right eye as she bowed it, perhaps smiling in amusement. ?Ready??
?What?? Chimera blurted out, disbelieving of this girl?s insensitive and difficult to follow logic. ?Are you even listening to me??
?Not a valid guess so I won?t count it against you, next guess??
Chimera, bit down on her half forming protest and puzzled the situation out. So that was how it was going to be? How in the world was she supposed to know her name? She lowered her eyebrows into a glare, hoping it was not one of those gut-feeling things? Her intuition had not led her to any good in the past. ?Alison?? she asked, hoping the first thing that came to mind would work. It was, after all, a dream.
?Wrong,? the girl answered, leaning up against a stone pillar and stretching her arms. ?Next??
?Fallein??
The girl gave her a confused look. ?Is that even a real name? You?ve got one guess left, don?t waste it.?
Chimera took a deep breath, what was the point of this anyways? If she got this one right, would it really matter? The girl seemed like she had been mentioned before, yet she still could not pin it down. Something was whispering her name but not loud enough to be understood. She seemed like? ?Rusiu.? Chimera said confidently, smiling back at the girl in triumph.
?Correct, ? the girl acknowledged, giving her a slight curtsey, ?Rusiu Akatsuki at your service. What would you wish of me??
?Some answers, first of all,? Chimera said pointedly, happy to be holding the reigns of the conversation again. ?We can sort the rest from there. Now then, how come you can come and go as you please and I can?t? Are you part of my imagination as well??
?Don?t you get it?? Rusiu asked, genuinely puzzled, ?They drugged you. You won?t be able to wake up for a while yet. And even if you did wake up there isn?t much to see. Anuro has you caged in an empty room without light. Jenton, one of our operatives, has been in your place before; he told me of his experience in that prison.?
?Question two,? Chimera continued quickly, making a note to herself to process the information later, ?Who is Anuro??
For a moment, Rusiu seemed to falter, the assured light in her cheerful eyes slipped. But it was only for a second. ?He likes his secrecy, I can tell you that much.? She answered, as if nothing had happened. ?I feel as if I?ve met him in person before but at the same time??
?Does that really matter in the dream world?? Chimera asked cynically, ?Why would you have to meet somebody for them to be in this dream??
?Did you read the book?? Rusiu replied, ?Melina recorded everything she knew about this world in that book and it is now in your hands. Its wisdom is invaluable.?
Chimera paused, taken back. What book? Oh! Yes, the book Melina had given her right before she died. She remembered glancing at it but??What is written in the book??
Rusiu gave Chimera a concerned look, ?Everything.?

Chapter 4: Reddivor

Reddivor opened his eyes as the car stopped. ?Are we here?? he asked Darren, or Gelligok as they called him.
His fellow operative simply nodded. They were outside of a place called the Dreamoor Hotel, looking for the second target. Kallous had already confirmed the first was at the hospital.
Reddivor got out and reached into the lobby with his subconscious, ?I sense the clerk inside? he?s drifting to sleep.? He said slowly. ?Help him along, I don?t want to be spotted.?
He did not bother to check whether or not Gelligok would comply, they all knew the price of compromising their objective. Anuro would not like that at all?
Walking in the front doors, Reddivor was pleased to see the clerk was already snoring quite loudly. Getting behind the counter, he crouched and started reviewing the check in list for the name Ember.
Before he got through the first page, he heard something moving in the lobby. Immediately, he thought he had been spotted by security. He froze and waited for the fatal moment, for the yell or gunshot that would sentence his doom.
But nothing happened. The person got up and headed towards the elevator.
Reddivor was about to continue his work when it struck him, why had he not been able to sense the other? It was as if their presence had been sheltered from his mind. That was not possible last he checked but then again the Dream World was full of surprises?
And it would be just his luck if the sheltered one turned out to be his target. The world in general did not seem to like him very much. It had begun with his near death experience as a child at the hands of the man he refused to call his stepfather and almost every step of the way things had fallen ill for him. He had been all alone in the world until Kallous had recruited him for Anuro?s cause. Of all the people in the world, she would accept him.
In all truth just about the last thing Reddivor wanted was sympathy but if there was some way for him to avenge his lost childhood and if Anuro would help he really could not care less what kind of pity they threw at him.
Come to think of it, there was not much that he cared for save for Kallous, his savior. Of all his cohorts he regarded her with the highest esteem. It did not matter to him if she was not in charge of his faction, if she willed it he would follow to the ends of the earth.
A sharp intake of breath from the passed out clerk brought him back to reality. He had a mission to do and going after the second target was not going to be an option right now. Sighing to himself, he vaulted over the counter and walked out the doors.
Upon a quick survey of the environment, he decided on an alley just across the street. There he would wait for the target, it being a choke point on the direct path to the hospital where the first target was. Settling behind some trashcans, he brushed his hair back and stared into the empty morning.
Shaking his head he looked down, he needed to focus on the task at hand. A quick injection of Soporial should be enough to accomplish the deed and he did have enough for one shot but he had to make sure no one was around to witness. Anuro?s plan would be in action soon but he could not risk being discovered, not yet?
Closing his eyes he reached into the Dream world. Where was Gelligok? He could sense him in the city but not near. No, definitely not near. Reddivor sighed in annoyance, if Gelligok was not around it would be his job to take the first target as well. And he was by no means happy about that.
His thoughts were rudely interrupted by footsteps fading away. What was that? As if someone was passing by?
His eyes snapped open. No. Peering over the trash cans he saw the retreating form of the second target in the distance. He had missed him?
Frowning in disapproval to himself, he melted into the shadows and began pursuing the target. This would not look good on his report, not at all?
Unfortunately, the target stopped abruptly as if he had caught on to Reddivor. Biting back a curse, Reddivor dropped down behind a planter, trying his best to maintain silence. Thankfully, it was a windy morning so the leaves were already rustling, for once luck was on his side. Or maybe not?
It then occurred to him that if he kept this pace up he would not be able to capture either target and the mission would be a failure. Sighing in frustration he closed his eyes and reached out once more. Someone had to be there, just this once?
Yes, there. He felt Gelligok now in the city, being pursued but still active and approaching. Just ahead he felt Trabbéir, another Dark Weaver already in the hospital with? he paused. Why was Kallous in the hospital? Plunging deeper he started to probe Trabbéir?s mind, looking for some sort of answer.
What?s going on? He demanded as he brushed Trabbéir?s consciousness. Where?s Kallous?
Patience, Reddivor, Trabbéir answered him, a bit annoyed, She did well, I?m taking over this part of the operation. Do you have the second target?
Reddivor sighed in defeat. No, he replied, he is headed for the hospital, you had better act fast.
I?ll get through, Trabbéir assured him, that tinge of cockiness seeping into his voice. Just make sure we have a get away and be ready to receive First Target into the Dream World.
Reddivor opened his eyes and got up. Morning was breaking on the city and the darkness was fading fast. He would have to leave the questions for later? ?Today we play the requiem,? he sighed to himself. ?Tomorrow we evoke the dirge.?
Shaking his head in contempt for the whole situation, he started off towards the front of the hospital where he suspected Gelligok to have parked their car. Much to his satisfaction it was there, without Gelligok but still there. Hopping in, he noted the keys were still in the ignition and warmed up the engine, whatever they were planning it probably required a fast get away and who better to dump the responsibility on than the one member who did not have a drivers license yet. Of course, the law had never stopped them before but in Reddivor?s opinion it was still better to have somebody who knew what they were doing. He had not been behind the wheel for long and was still picking up the art of it from Kallous in between missions.
He smiled for a second, feeling his guard soften at the thought of his mentor, but that did not last long. ?Well prepared as always I see?? Trabbéir noted, getting in the back. In his arms was an unconscious girl Reddivor could only assume was the first target. Apparently the second target had evaded Trabbéir as well?
?We need to get moving,? Trabbéir said thoughtfully, as if it were some divine notion he could only brush. ?Where is Gelligok??
Reddivor looked at him flatly, ?On his way. Where?s Kallous?? he replied, annoyed by his comrad?s airy manner. ?She was with you in the hospital, was she not??
?She?ll have to stay there for the time being,? Trabbéir told him dismissively, ?We have our target and Kallous is safe. However, Gelligok is not.?
?I don?t care about Gelligok.? Reddivor stated, turning his brooding gaze to the road. ?Let?s go.?
?Move over.? Gelligok ordered, seeming to come out of nowhere as he opened the door and shoved Reddivor out of the driver?s seat. ?And hold this.?
Gelligok tossed another unconscious girl into the car, to Reddivor?s dismay, on top of him, and grabbed the wheel before gunning it. But in that moment before the car sped off, as Reddivor tried to sit up and look over at his rude companion and caught a glimpse of their pursuer in the rear view mirror, the world seemed to stop. The bump as the man with dark read hair leapt onto the car and climbed onto the roof, seeming to be gone for a second, before crashing in through Reddivor?s window and nearly crushing Gelligok against the door, rendering him unconscious. Without missing a beat, the intruder grabbed for the girl next to Reddivor. Only, Reddivor was slightly prepared for him. As the newcomer?s arm curled around the girl, Reddivor drew forth the soporial and injected it into the man,
The man glared back at him as he stared unflinching into those focused eyes.
Before he could see it coming, the man?s fist connected with his face and everything went dark.

* * *

Reddivor stepped out of the void and into Anuro?s dream. It seemed the man had knocked him out? he could still feel his conscious mind but it was quite distant and would not respond to his summons. At least he was still alive?
It had been some time since he had been in Anuro?s dream. Vaguely, he wondered why he had appeared here. Unless he had been summoned into the dream he should have appeared in his own? So obviously Anuro had a purpose for him here.
After a short walk, he found himself in the central arena that always formed in Anuro?s dream. A sort of monument to his life style, Reddivor would call it. Except now something was different? Now there was a great crystal in the center.
Adjusting his vision, he peered into it, attempting to discern its purpose?
His face went blank when he saw what was inside. So they really had succeeded? There inside the crystal, suspended in animation, was Melina Isador, their greatest nemesis.
Sighing to himself, he leaned up against the archway he had come through and continued to stare into the prize of their triumph. They had done it? they were really defeating the Dream Weavers that opposed their rightful place in the Dream World. Yet? he did not feel happy. If it was without Kallous he would take down every one of his had been allies till he had an answer for her. Something was definitely up and nobody would tell him.
?Okay then? what?s going on??
His thoughts froze at the words. Someone else was here. Someone new? looking up he found it was not just anyone, she was familiar; where had he seen her before?
It then struck him she was the same girl Trabbéir had brought into the car. She must be the First Target? What should he do? It was not his style to lie?
?It?s a monument to our triumph,? He replied at last. If he could help her see the truth he would have one very powerful piece on his side. And he could use all the help he could get about now, especially if it was easily manipulated?
She seemed to process this while still trying to make sense of her surroundings. Perhaps she was still new to the true form of the Dream World. ?What?s the occasion?? She asked him. She was not easily stopped by new things, he would give her that. In a way she seemed like Kallous? forging ahead and taking the initiative. She was almost too predictable?
?We have recently stopped one of our adversaries. This one was of particular nuisance,? He said, looking into her eyes. She would probably pursue the subject further? either that or seek some answers concerning his identity. Kallous was always like that, trying to get all the information.
?Well, who are you?? She asked, fiercely returning his gaze, as if he were openly threatening her. He dropped his gaze to the floor, perhaps she was not so much like Kallous, Kallous kept calm, or at least grim, in most situations. She never lost her composure. Perhaps he had overestimated her?
?Around these parts they call me Reddivor,? He told her, still trying to puzzle out of how much use she could be to him. She had amazing potential, even in her infantile state as a Weaver. But she would have to learn to detach herself from her fiery heart. ?And you?? he countered in after thought. Inwardly he grimaced, he should have returned the question earlier. Though perhaps she had not noticed the lapse? newcomers often did not realize the flow of time in the Dream World as acutely as true Weavers.
?I meant who are you in the plural sense,? She corrected herself, stepping toward him. Her eyes, noted, held a suspicious light. He sighed and shook his head, she was suspicious of him, for good reason, but he would ensnare her soon enough?
He looked up at her and offered a smile, ?We are Dream Weavers,? He stated, taking care not to state his allegiance in case Melina had warned her of the warring factions.
She took a step back. She knew? or at least, she suspected. He quickly caught himself before he lost his smile and extended his left hand to her as he began to walk down to her. ?Do you want to join us?? he asked as gently as he could. He did not have much charm, he knew this much, but he still had the Chaotic Requiem on his side, his Dream Blade, a weapon that amplified the characteristics of its wielder. And apparently, he amplified characteristics in others. He already sensed fear in her but also great deal of intrigue. He could still win her over?
He focused, calling the weapon to his hand. Exerting his influence into the Dream, grasping it, weaving it? And there at the edge of his consciousness he felt another coming, a distinct and rather annoying consciousness he was none too fond of,
?Of course not. Sorry but she?s with me.?
His concentration broke and he looked up. Rusiu Ember, or ?Smolder? as he liked to call her, had made an inconvenient entrance onto the scene. He glared back at her, at a loss for words.
?Come on, Chimera,? she said to the girl, ignoring him, ?I?ve been looking all over for you.?
?Smolder,? he muttered, reaching behind him in another attempt to draw his blade, ? I thought I sensed you near?? Chimera, he would have to remember that name. He had a feeling it was now deeply entwined in his destiny.
?That?s Ember, thank you. And if you don?t mind I?d like to leave your realm so don?t try to stop Chimera? She answered, always the same answer? why did she do that? Did she honestly think he did not know her name or was she just being her annoyingly upbeat self?
?What?ll you try if I do?? He asked, looking down his nose at her. He could feel his blade coming to his hand, the hilt was forming its familiar grip?
But in the moment before he could bring it out he felt his influence overturned. He found himself flying in one second and in the next he was plastered against the wall. Ember said something he did not catch before taking Chimera out of the dream.
Slowly getting up, he scowled to himself. He would have some explaining to do for himself when he got back to Anuro. He did not want to think about that at the moment? he wanted to see Kallous. He belonged with her?
Sighing and clearing his head, he gripped his conscious mind and exited the dream.

Newspaper Clippings

This story is dedicated in memory of Melina Sandoval, November 13th, 1988-Fabruary 16th, 2008. May her legacy live on, woven in the hearts of her friends and may this tribute be found worthy to let the world know that her life was not in vain, for it inspired the tale of two Dream Weavers who found life after death, in redemption.

Dreamers Journal Entry 1:

Freedom?s Wings, the mark of a Dream Weaver, is irrevocable in the Dream world and may even appear on a Weaver in the real world. This mark will only appear on someone who has awakened the ability to control their dreams. It is blue for noble Dream Weavers and black with red edging for Dark Dreamers. The group lead by Hinter Grey, the Greyshades, inherits the mark of the noble, despite the implications of their name.
Many variations of the mark exist, often displaying the personality of their owner in some way, but all follow the basic formula of two outstretched wings joined at the base.

Dreamers Journal Entry 2:

Within the Dream Weavers there are many distinct ranks. The highest of which is an Ultima Weaver, who can overturn the influence of any Weaver(s) they wish.

Under the Ultima Weaver are Master Weavers. Melina was classified as one of these as were Brandon Malterson and Hinter Grey.

After them are the Killia Weavers, who are more numerous than the above ranks, and were first founded by Sandra Killia.

Next are the Rossot Weavers, founded by Emily Rossot, who compose the bulk of the Weavers. The noble Weavers of this category are currently led by Samuel Rakaburn.

Samuel Rakaburn felt a deep tremor in the Dream River as Melina faded into the night. In the sky, a star went dim and flickered as its light gave out. ?So she is dead then,? he murmured sadly, and walked across the grassy ruins he often created. There, in the middle he placed her blade in the ground and knelt before it. ?We won?t fail you now, Melina,? he said, feeling the foreign pain of tears beginning to form in his eyes. ?Now sleep well and sweet dreams.?

?Sing, Nocturne!? Rusiu cried out, raising her blade into the air. Suddenly, all was silent around Reddivor. Time seemed to stop? Everything was so still. He almost laughed, before realizing his own voice could not be heard. Then he heard her, ?Can you hear it?? She asked him, her own voice ringing in the silence, ?Can you hear the melody of nocturne??
His heart began to pound, coming alive, begging him to hear it. ?No?? he said, his voice barely above a hoarse whisper. He fell to his knees and covered his ears as the darkness came upon him, the darkness from within. ?No!?

Dreamer?s Bio 01:

Samuel Rackaburn

Samuel Rackaburn is a resident of Fostor, one of the northern towns. He first met Zachery Ember during the Angel in the Snow incident. He is good friends with Zach?s cousin Rusiu Akatsuki, though his personality some times contrasts quite deeply with hers. Samuel is often cheerful, though quite calculating in nature and mechanically minded. As described by Rue, Sam is ?A fiery haired Scott with the toned muscles of a sporty kid?.
In Angel in the Snow, Sam was originally very against taking the risk of helping Karis Flytwind due to the many hazards of the situation. Eventually though, he realized if he stepped out he would let Rue down and decided to lend his strength of mind to the matter.
His Dream Blade is named the Nightmare Scythe. It eliminates the influenced parts of a dream as long as the Dreamer who influenced it is weaker than or equal to his level.

Dreamer?s Bio 02:

Rusiu Akatsuki

Rusiu Akatsuki also resides in Fostor and, as put by Samuel, ?Brings warmth to the cold surroundings?. Rusiu (often shortened to Rue) is a cheerful friend and cousin to Zachery Ember.
Notable is the fact that Rusiu often goes by Ember instead of Akatsuki. People often believe this is due to her sociable personality and want to make her name as easy to remember as possible.
Rusiu first truly connected to her cousin in Angel in the Snow, where they joined on the common ground of saving Karis Flytwind. Due to their combined persistence, they eventually got Karis to safety.
It has been seven years since this incident and Rusiu hasn?t changed much.
Her Dream Blade is named Nocturne. Its ability is to isolate a weaver and make heard to them the thoughts of their heart.

Dreamer?s Bio 03:

Karis Flytwind

Karis Flytwind, former resident of Benchant Bay, now lives with her grandfather in an old monastery.
Karis is younger than most of the others by about three years. Despite this, she often shows surpassing wisdom in most situations.
Due to the events in Angel in the Snow, Karis was left with a pair of snow white Angel wings as well as some interesting abilities. Even so, Karis is ashamed of the experiments that gave her these unnatural gifts.
Karis is thoughtful and caring, though she distances herself from society for her mutations.
It has been quite some time since Karis has had contact with Rue and the others, though she often thinks of them fondly.
Her Dream Blade is named Seraph Whisper, its ability is to create an ?untainted? duplicate of another weaver in the Dream World. Due to her lower caliber weaving, she is only able to maintain one duplicate at a time.

Dreamer?s Bio 04:

Remmit Jenton

Remmit Jenton, named Joel Rikkod in the real world, is a powerful member of the Dream Weavers. It is due to his efforts that the Noble Weavers have been able to make progress in their research.
Though almost immediately trusting, Remmit still retains levels of caution others tend to ignore. His friendliness has earned him the codename ?Open Book?. Ironically, the Dreamer?s Journal he keeps is rarely shown to others.
Remmit?s Wings of Freedom mark stretches around his left wrist. His weapon of choice in the Dream World is an iron spiked ball formed around his hand.

Dreamer?s Bio 05:

Melina Isador

Melina Isador, long time friend of Chimera Twilight, was the only Master Dreamer in her time. It was under her that the Noble Weavers were formed and many campaigns against Anuro were carried out.
However, Anuro injected her with a fatal poison known only as Nightmare. On her way to the hospital to obtain an antidote, she was intercepted by a dark weaver.
Melina made it to the hospital but too late. After passing on her journal of the events in the dream world to Chimera Twilight, she perished.
She is remembered by her companions as an even tempered and intelligent person.
Her Dream Blade was named Starlight. Its ability was to convert enemy weaving abilities to their ?True? form, in which they are used for good.

Dreamer?s Bio 06:

Hinter Grey

Hinter Grey is the leader of the Greyshades, a group of Dream Weavers that operate independent of the Noble Weavers. He cares for his group very deeply and was good friends with Melina.
Unknown to most is that Hinter used to work with Anuro in the real world. However, He quit the WCDS at the beginning of the Angel Projects and began searching for ways to expose the organization. His work came to success around the time of the Ersatz campaigns. He briefly met Melina during this time and reunited with her in the Dream World. However, due to a difference in method Hinter left the Noble Weavers and formed the Greyshades. However, he holds no aversion to continuing to assist them.

Impressum

Texte: All creative rights belong to Keiran Roxas Gomlok(Me).(Period)
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 29.11.2009

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Widmung:
This series is Dedicated in memory of Chawanakee Academy student Melina Sandoval. This particular work is dedicated to my sister who patiently reads over my creation time and again before I unleash it on any unsuspecting readers.