The Dream Weavers
Collection Part 2
By K.R. Gomlok

Chapter 5: Karis

Zachery Ember stepped out of the car and squinted into the streetlight-saturated fog. In Zach?s humble opinion, Fostor had not been updated since the early twentieth century and was long overdue for some restoration. On the other hand though, watching his breath come out in visible clouds at noon had never been quite normal for him so he was already a little biased against the place.
?Bring back any memories yet?? Samuel asked, giving him a sly side-glance, and walking partially into the fog, his arms outstretched in welcome of his home, ?Finding snow angels, being stubborn, and it was just around the corner that we found Karis half frozen.?
?Yeah? And then Rue dragged you into our noble little quest to save her instead of going to the authorities,? Zach recalled, pressing his lips into a tight smile. He was almost sure they were purple by now? they certainly did not have any feeling at the moment. ?Now if you don?t mind, could we head indoors?? he inquired eagerly, ?I?m not used to frostbite.?
?By all means, sir Ember,? Sam agreed with mock formality, ?Though ?round these parts we just refer to it as ?a slight chill?.?
Zach gave him a flat look in reply and waited for Sam?s grin to fade and seriousness to set in. ?You didn?t bring me up from Dremoor just to ?chill?, did you?? He asked after Sam did not follow the cue. ?I feel cold enough as it is.?
?And yet you?re heart still beats warm.? Sam answered, his grin becoming rather impish. ?But come, we?ve strayed too long on trivial matter. Let?s get to miss Rusiu?s house and discuss the plan of action.?
Before Zach could protest, Sam turned his back and started off down the street. Still a little annoyed with the Scot, Zach followed slowly on the frigid sidewalk, going just fast enough to keep Sam in sight but slow enough that he could think to himself without interruption. About seven years back this place had seemed so dull? But now it almost seemed, well, suspicious in some respects. It could easily be credited to the Flytwind incident but Zach still felt there was something beneath the worn exterior, just waiting to be found. In many ways, he reflected, it was that aspect that made it the perfect residence for Rusiu.
Rusiu Akatsuki, or Rusiu Ember as she was more commonly known, was Zachery?s cousin. Though Zach had never really seemed to be her favorite, he had connected with her nearly seven years back during an incident involving a girl named Karis Flytwind. The whole thing had been a little too crazy at first but over the course of events that followed, Zach had gained respect for his seemingly oblivious cousin as they faced the challenge together.
Sam abruptly turned and stopped in front of the house where Rusiu now resided, a quaint old building with stone fences and large bay windows. ?How much does she pay for rent?? Zach asked absently as he caught up to the Scott, running his hand along the fence as Sam opened the wrought iron gate and ushered him in. ?An antique place like this would cost a fortune in Lorenville.?
?Well,? Sam explained, leading the way through the snow-laden courtyard. ?She gets reduced rates for the upkeep of the place. She doesn?t seem to mind the task and she?s become an excellent housekeeper through such activities.?
?Of all the things she might do? I never imagined her as a maid,? Zach mused, admiring the ancient style of the residence. Rusiu had always escaped his predictions but still? he had to admit this was something of a surprise, ?I guess some things change with time, huh Sam??
Sam only smiled and continued indoors, whistling a highland tune to himself. Zachery followed him into a cozy entry room with beige walls and deep red-brown carpet. A desk and chair of dark red wood sat at the far end of the room by a window and Zach could see a glimpse of a dining hall beyond it. On the desk sat a small bonsai pine tree, its gnarled branches reaching toward the soft light of the window, welcoming the blessing of life amongst the snow.
?Come along then!? Sam called to him the dining room. ?In here!?
Zach sighed and moved on, following Sam up a flight of stairs to a hall of doors. Going into the first door on the right, they found themselves in a well-kept room with a bed, nightstand, dresser, bookshelf, and desk sat neatly dusted and gleaming in the light that came through the window. ? I thought you said people lived here.? Zach said incredulously, giving Sam a hard glance, ?We didn?t stumble into a magazine photographer?s room, did we??
?Rue will be along in a moment, have some patience.? Sam reprimanded softly, settling himself against the wall. ? She said she was expecting another visitor as well.?
?That would be me,? A man with dark red hair interrupted, coming in behind Zach. Zach spun around and took a few steps backward, trying to discern the intent of the new comer. He was dragging something behind him, it appeared to be a person wrapped in coats and scarves to the point where Zach could not see much more than a pair of sleeping eyes. ?We ran into some trouble on the way. Thanks to Rossot, we got out but it was only after that we realized the second target was with them too. They have her, Samuel. If we don?t act fast she might choose poorly. ? The man continued, putting his load on the bed and looking at Zach and Sam with frustrated eyes.
?Is it? dead?? Zach asked slowly, staring in horror at the bundle of clothes. Whatever it was, it wasn?t moving. Was Sam suddenly having under the table dealings? He had always seemed a little too noble for such things? At any rate, he obviously was not disturbed by this event which could either mean it was okay or Zach was in the middle of a psychotic underground group of killers. In which case he would have to jump out the window since getting past Hinter was not going to be an option.
?She is NOT dead!? The man declared, glaring at Zach. His gaze softened though and he began to pace. He was tense, Zach could tell that much, and with his current record in people skills Zach decided it was best not to try and press the matter, especially with his current impressions of the man. ?Not yet any way,? The man continued softly, ?We need to dispel the soporial in her veins. Perhaps if we all try together??
?Rue will tell us what to do when she gets here, Hinter.? Sam said softly, gazing curiously at the sleeping person. ?Will your assistant be alright??
?You tell me,? Hinter replied, grimacing in concern, ?How soon before we can expect Miss Akatsuki??
?Present!? Rusiu Akatsuki announced, entering the room with her usual energy. She had a tired smile on but she was still the Rusiu Zach remembered. Her black hair was put back in a ponytail with some stray bangs messily arrayed around her face. She was dressed in a long plaid skirt with a long sleeve white button up shirt and a sleeveless burgundy jacket over it. ?Good to see you all made it. Who did you bring, Hinter??
?An old acquaintance of yours,? Hinter explained, gesturing towards the bundled person. ?Unfortunately, reunions will have to wait; Gelligok got to her. I?m afraid you?re the only one with enough understanding of the poison to save her.?
Skipping over to the bed and pulling back the scarf and hood of their sleeping guest, Rue raised her eyebrows in question. ?Does she look familiar to you Zach?? She asked, a strange tone in her voice as she addressed her cousin without taking her gaze from the sleeping person?s face.
Zachery did not answer her. Even after seven years, he still recognized the face of Karis Flytwind. Walking slowly over to the bedside, he stared upon her, wondering where the time had gone. In his mind, she had always been that little girl they had found in the snow nearly seven years ago now. Reaching out, he paused for moment before brushing long golden hair away from her face. ?It?s been a while, Angel.? He murmured. ?Angel? had been a sort of code name for the girl but now it felt more like a term of endearment. She had brought them together once, now it seemed she had united them again.
Karis stirred in her sleep but would not awaken. ?What?s wrong with her?? Rue questioned, her voice holding a more serious note than usual. And if Rusiu was serious, Zach mused to himself, something was definitely up.
?The same stuff they gave to Chimera,? Hinter said gravely, ?Except a stronger dose. She?s trapped until someone of your caliber stops the poison.?
?Alright then,? Rusiu stated in a business like tone, getting up and facing them all as a commander reviewing her squad. ?There are two empty rooms down the hall. Hinter, take Zach to the room across from me, Sam and I will use the other room and meet up with you once you?re in. The goal is to get in, find Karis, and remove her from the restraining area of the Soporial Upkeeper. Let?s go, Weavers.?
?Wait, what?s this about weavers and an upkeeper?? Zach asked, more than a little confused as Hinter pushed him towards the indicated room. Not quite ready to give up yet, Zach braced himself against the door way and struggled as Hinter increased his thrust. ?What?s going on, Rusiu?!? He called to his cousin as she disappeared down the hall.
Suddenly, Hinter got smart and got his arms over Zach?s in order to bring them back on the inside of Zach?s elbows, effectively ending his resistance and forcing him into the room. Inside was a bunk bed, dresser, and a window over looking the yard outside. ?What are you doing?? Zach demanded of Hinter, trying to get a good look at the man as he ushered Zach to the beds.
?You?ll see soon enough.? Hinter muttered, pushing Zach onto the lower bunk, and staring deep into his eyes, ?Now settle down and close your eyes. You?re about to enter another world.?
Zach was about to protest when an overwhelming dizziness came over him. Seeing the room spin around him, he fought to sit up as darkness seeped in. It was a disconcerting sensation of weightless insubstantial existence. What was? making him so? tired?? His brain was numbing fast? He fought it for a moment longer, trying to hang on until things made sense, before giving in to the overwhelming desire for sleep. He fell.

Chapter 8

Anuro has developed a drug he calls Soporial. It seems this substance can be placed in victim?s bodies outside or inside the Dream World. Though the full effects of this drug are unknown, Its most common use is to make sure the afflicted will not have the ability to wake unless nullified by a Master Weaver. The effects of the drug are short lasting on their own but if an Upkeeper is present, the dose may last over a month.
However, in the early stages of infection, the Upkeeper does not have a solid hold on the victim. It is in this time that it is best to strike and return the victim to consciousness.

Excerpt from ?The Dream Weavers?
By Melina Isador

Zach looked around with guarded curiosity. He found himself within a great forest, reminiscent of the woods near Fostor where he had helped Karis escape her pursuers. It seemed a fair bit more peaceful but it still held that arcane air of divine emergence about it. The branches above spread into leafy wings, blocking out the sky, and all about him there was silence, save for a quiet wind blowing across the newly sprouted soft grass. And yet? everything was slightly blurred, as if the world had lost focus.
?The Dream of Karis Flytwind,? Hinter stated from a perch in the high branches of the tree closest to Zach, ?Unfortunately it is in a more simplistic state right now due to the situation. Are you ready to go Zach??
Hinter jumped down from the tree and stood beside him, looking deeper in to the woods. Zach glanced behind and could just glimpse the edge of the forest where the trees seemed to thin into nothingness. It then occurred to him that something was odd about the place. There was no sun about, or at least, no sign of it. Instead, the trees gave off a hushed luminous glow that gave enough light to see but still kept the essence of night about them.
Beside him, Hinter breathed in and reached out a hand towards the heart of the forest. Ever so slowly he exhaled, smiling slightly as he did so. Turning his hand palm up, he carefully lifted empty air as white steppingstones leading the way seemed to grow out of the grass. ?This way,? He told Zach, pressing on down the road. ?She?s in the middle of it.?
?Who?? Zach asked, taking a hesitant step down the path after him. He couldn?t focus? it was as if someone had removed his conscious ability to think. ?Who are we looking for??
Hinter looked back at him with a strange light in his eye. ?The Angel of Benchant.? He said at last before continuing on.
Zach stopped and glared at Hinter, ?Stop talking in riddles.?
Hinter shrugged and motioned with his hand for Zach to follow. Immediately, Zach began to move by his side through the forest. Or rather, the forest moved past him. Astonished, he stood gaping at his surroundings, trying to figure out why any of this made sense. The green leaves fell gracefully from their lofty perches and faded into snow as they settled to the ground. Small fountains fed rivers that spider webbed across the forest, nourishing the trees. Every once in a while, he would see a statue of an angel, looking away over her winged shoulder. Her cascading hair hid her face from him yet somehow? he felt he knew her. Yet, no matter how many times he saw her, she was never any nearer.
?We?re close now.? Hinter murmured casually, slowing his stride and seeming to sniff the air. ?You smell that? I guess Kallous survived our last encounter.?
?Wait a moment, who?s Kallous?? Zach asked, trying and failing to be on the same page as his companion. They had not made any progress to his perception in any direction. He was growing tired of these unanswered skips in logic. ?What vocation summons us here?? he continued on, voicing his thoughts. ?I only made your acquaintance five minutes prior and now you?re in my dream. Why??
?You?ve got a pretty interesting word choice for on the fly,? Hinter commented quietly, giving Zach a measuring look. ?Rue wasn?t kidding when she called you an odd one.?
?Don?t bring my cousin into this!? Zach commanded, trying to keep his voice lower. He had never been very threatening in confrontations, one of his many down falls? ?Just explain this whole matter of intrigue.?
?You grab Karis and I?ll handle Kallous, okay?? Hinter said, not bothering with Zach?s demands. ?Try not to let me down now. Oh, and one more thing,? He looked over his shoulder and gave Zach what looked to be a sympathetic smile, ?Once you get in there, She?s going to be your only way out.?
Before Zach could protest, Hinter had disappeared into the woods without a trace. Sighing in frustration, Zach took a hesitant step forward and stared into the dark sky which was now visible through a break in the trees. Was this a dream? It had to be a dream. Hinter had somehow knocked him out and now he was in a dream. Either that or Fostor had just gotten a lot weirder.
At any rate, there was nowhere to go but forward now. The trees had closed behind him and now the only way out was the corridor of branches before him. Taking a deep breath, he stepped onward, trying not to listen to the whispers that now haunted the luminous trees. He could distinguish many voices within them, voices of the past. Rusiu, saying she would not leave Karis despite the pursuit of the Agent bent on erasing her from the world. Samuel, saying the logical thing to do in the situation was irrelevant when compared to the right thing Even Chimera?s voice, broken in pain, asking for deliverance. But these were underscored by a dark, harsh voice that forced itself in, muttering one moment, laughing the next, taunting with a psychotic smirk playing through. It was this voice that he tried to escape. Yet even when he covered his ears it persisted.
?Zachery.? It said softly, underplayed in chaos, ?What are you looking for? There is no one here; No one human anyway. She has deviated from your race, she is a monster, she will seek your end. How can you trust one who has lost her humanity??
Zach squeezed his eyes shut. This was all a dream? there had to be a way out, he had to wake up soon?
?There?s no escape, you?ve already strayed into her trap.? It chuckled, ?Doom is before you.?
?No!? He shouted back. His voice warped into a vicious tone, tortured by the doubts of his heart. ?NO!?
"Zachery?" The soft voice startled him by its close range. ?So they really did bring you??
Zach fell back in shock, the dark voice had stopped talking. He was in a clearing of the forest, under the watch of the Angel statue that he had passed so many times on the way in. Scrambling to his feet, he looked up at the stone guardian, her hands folded in silent prayer, her gentle face looking down on him in mercy. ?Hello Zach.? The same soft voice said, coming from behind him, ?It?s been some time, hasn?t it??
Spinning around, he found himself face to face with a much older Karis Flytwind than he had last left her. Her blue eyes had turned a deeper shade and now were the hue of sapphire, their deep glow resonating as they stared back into him. It felt as if? perhaps she could read right into his soul.
?Wait a moment,? Zach said, stumbling back across the mossy ground in surprise. She had grown so much in his absence. She was a fine young woman now, ready for the world. ?How did you? grow up so fast?? he asked, trying to articulate his wonder.
Karis smiled, she seemed relieved but he had never been good at perceiving emotions clearly. ?You always did run on the other wavelength, didn?t you?? She asked, reaching out to take his hand. ?Even in the middle of danger you?re caught up in the personal matters. Come on, let?s get out of here and I?ll explain.?
?But?? Zach began to protest. He wanted to find out what was going on, he was tired of being in the dark? but at the same time he wanted to help Karis. And Karis needed to get out of here. He sighed in defeat and met her gaze. ?Okay, which way is out??
Not waiting for him to look bewildered, she grabbed his hand, gave him a reassuring smile, and leapt into the air. He felt weightless as he hung there for a second, watching the grass sway calmly in the breeze below him, before everything blurred. It took him a moment to comprehend that they were flying through the forest, no wind resistance greeting them. The trees were forming a corridor now, parting to let them pass. It felt oddly liberating to zoom just above the ground, not worrying about hitting the low branches or oddly spaced tree trunks. But only a few seconds later they came to a halt,
Even with no visible sign, Zachery could sense something stopping them from going further. There was a barrier? Reaching out his hand he found a smooth, clear, moist, surface blocking the way. But it wasn?t physical so much as it was? well, mental. As if he did not want to pass it for some unknown fear. Grimacing, he reached out again and was about to pound on it when his fist stopped less than a centimeter from impact.
?What is this hindrance?? He asked Karis, experimentally feeling around the barrier, trying to find a weak spot. ?Are we stuck??
?I?d remove it for you but the drug is inhibiting my abilities,? Karis told him apologetically. ?Just tell yourself this is your dream and break it. You?re in prime shape so it shouldn?t be able to stop you.?
Zach gave her a doubtful glance before facing the barrier. ?I?d like to know what I?m fighting against before I start fighting.? He muttered. ?Can?t you just tell me these things??
?I can explain everything once you?ve begun it,? Karis said, her voice wavering as she tried to keep calm. ?But it was her wish that you awaken on your own.?
?Who?s wish?? Zach demanded, glaring over at her. Why were they not telling him? He held her in his unbound gaze, trying to understand her hesitance. She stared back at him, a little bit of fear emanating as she took a step back. He wanted so desperately to help her but he did not understand how? he took a deep breath. He needed to calm down. Getting mad at Karis would not solve anything.
?I?m sorry.? He said quietly, ?Just tell me? what do I do??
At the slightest touch of his thoughts though, the membrane vanished. Startled, Zach stumbled back and stared at where the invisible barrier had been. He could not feel it anymore? At his bidding it was gone?
?Good job,? Karis encouraged him, trying to smile and once again taking his hand. ?We?re almost out.?
He nodded and followed slowly, feeling a dark presence start to emanate from behind them. Looking over his shoulder, he caught a glimpse of a girl with bright white hair in black robes. She looked? sad. But almost as if she were trying to stop herself from feeling what she felt. Trying to be strong?
?Who is she?? He asked Karis, turning his gaze back to the path in front of them.
Karis gave him a questioning look before glancing over her shoulder, ?Who? Kallous? She?s one of the dark Weavers. Don?t worry, she can?t hurt us now.?
?But what connection has she to us?? Zach persisted, still confused.
?You?ll see in time.? Karis assured him, letting go of his hand. They stopped abruptly as they reached the edge of the forest. A clear sunset sky greeted them as they passed the last tree. ?But for now, you just have to wake up.?

* * *

Zach opened his eyes and gasped for air. He was still in the room? outside snow was still falling in the thick fog. Inside everything was just as he had left it. But somehow he felt? different. He could not quite remember what had just happened but it seemed to him to be something important, a great discovery. He felt a different kind of strength now in the back of his mind but he had yet to understand what it was or how he had obtained it.
Sitting up slowly, he peeked over the side of the bed and slowly stood up for a better view. Hinter was gone. Had he ever been there? Yes? he was there when Zach had fallen asleep, was he not?
Putting a hand to his head, Zach closed his eyes and tried to remember. He was missing something here, something vital. And yet? he had no reliable memory of why what had conspired had happened or even if it really had. Grimacing, he sat down on the bed again and rubbed his temples. Why could he not remember?
?Zach?? Karis asked, entering the room quietly, ?Are you okay??
Zach jumped at her voice, bumping his head on the upper bunk, before putting his hand to the sore spot and wincing as he turned towards his old friend. ?Karis?? He asked, bewildered by her appearance. He had not seen her in seven years? ?What are you doing here??
?Hinter brought me, I?d been infected with Soporial.? She explained coming closer and bending over to look at him. ?But I do believe you wished for an explanation, right??
Zach paused a moment before nodding in agreement. It was better not to ask questions now that he had the chance for an explanation. After all, he had waited long enough, had he not? Yes, the memory echoed in him. He remembered the frustration of being in the dark about? something. What was it? Dreams? Yes? something to do with Dreams.
?Good,? Karis said, smiling, ?Because there?s a lot to explain. But first, welcome to the Dream Weavers.?
The Dream Weavers? that was it. They had been talking about Dream Weaving. He could see it clearly now, Sam, Rue, and Hinter all saying things about Soporial and Dream Weavers. ?But what is a Dream Weaver?? Zach asked. He remembered the name vaguely but he could not remember where it had been used before these instances.
?To put it simply,? Karis said, ?one who weaves dreams through cognitive mental influence of the Dream River. There are many different Weavers of Varying strengths but at the top are Master Weavers, like Melina.?
?Melina was a Dream Weaver?? Zach asked, trying to put two and two together. ?But? how did she meet the others Dream Weavers if not in person? I?ve known her for a while and she never really left Lorenville any time for very long.?
?Because,? Karis explained patiently, ?An adept Weaver can follow the Dream River into other Dreams. Most of us met in the Dream World, or in the case of Sam and Rue, reunited. But we aren?t the only ones out there? there are also the Dark Weavers.?
?Like Kallous.? Zach Murmured, the memory resurfacing for a moment. The white haired girl standing amongst the trees, staring sullenly after them, ?You told me she was one of them, right??
Karis nodded grimly, ?Yes, that?s right. Kallous is a powerful Dark Weaver. But? she seems different now, as if she gave up. She let us go without a fight. I? can?t help but wonder why.?
?Betrayal does that to a person,? Hinter told them from his place at the doorway, his voice was rough, as if he preferred not to talk on the matter. ?If you can?t trust your leader who do you follow??
Zach looked over at Hinter, trying to discern this new mystery. It seemed everything the man spoke led to a riddle?Something Zach was none too fond of. But in this case he had no choice but to solve it. ?Is there a civil war in the Dark Weavers?? Zach asked, giving it his best first shot.
?No,? Hinter said flatly, ?Though there may be one brewing. Anuro doesn?t care about his subordinates much and they may not be smart enough to join us before facing him. Kallous is just the first victim. But who knows? They may rally behind her death.?
?You?re not usually this optimistic,? Karis commented, giving him a curious yet guarded smile. A valiant effort to lighten the mood? ?Is something wrong??
?I?ll tell you both later.? Hinter promised, turning to leave. ?But for now? Now we have other business to attend to. Welcome to the Dream Weavers, sir Ember. Your work is about to begin.?

Chapter 6: Kallous

Chapter 12

The Grayshades are scouting searching for holes in Anuro?s defense and we are readying for the first battle. Samuel and Rusiu have perfected the use of dual Dreamer connection for increased power. Yet, the power we draw from seems to grow with our faith. As long as we trust it to be there and believe it will help us for good it is at its best, or so I have found it to be. Or perhaps I am trying to describe something beyond the capacity of our three dimensions? One thing is for sure, the Dream World is a different world yet entwined with ours in one moment; separate yet dependent. I don?t think it started like this but now that it is unleashed our only option is to take control and stop it before it consumes our world in an endless nightmare.

Excerpt from ?The Dream Weavers?
By Melina Isador

Reddivor lifted his face from his chest as he awoke in the car. What? had happened? He? he could not remember where he was, or why. It looked like he had fallen asleep just before the mission. His arm was numb from being slept on and his jaw ached horribly. Putting his hand to it he found a sticky substance, probably dried blood, was covering his chin. Where in the world was he? His memories flashed as he tried to recall the occasion. It could not have been after his escape from his step father, otherwise he would be in the driver?s seat. Besides? the car was different. No, he had made it further than that. He now recalled Kallous, the girl who had found him, who had guided him to a new life serving Anuro as he stopped the world, punished it for its wrong.
Yes, He was in the service of Anuro. He had served him for a while now? he remembered many missions, most of them successful, the ones who called themselves the Noble Weavers, with Isador and Ember whom he had faced many times, but what he remembered most was coming back to Kallous after each mission and hoping to see her smile. Where had she gone? Trabiér had said something on the subject as they had been escaping. Was she still in the hospital? Had she been discovered?
No? there was no way they could link them together. Their work was done in the Dream World. Without knowledge of this, they would never be able to connect the dots. And there were very few adults out there who still cared much about dreams so it was quite unlikely that they would discover the power themselves. And any Noble Weaver or Greyshade that might try to help would be written off as a lunatic for this. After all, who would believe someone who said dreams still held any power?
Reddivor shook his head; they had lost wonder. No, they had destroyed it. In their quest to go ever higher they forgot what Dreams are truly like. They would pay for their ignorance, for their greed, for their oppression. They spawned nothing but evil within themselves as they tried to say their cause was just while cutting down whatever was not convenient. He had learned this much in his lifetime.
Sighing to himself, Reddivor unbuckled and got out of the car. If Kallous was here she might just be further in. They had, after all, struck a mortal blow into the heart of their enemies. It was only a matter of time before the rest fell or joined them. Though he had not had much part in the matter? other than securing the information of Melina?s whereabouts and her original purpose in the area. Were it not for him, Chimera would not have been captured to their cause. True, they had failed to ensnare Zachery but between the two, he fancied Chimera to show more potential for being the Ultima Weaver.
Would Kallous be proud of him for this? He hoped so? it was all he had to offer at the moment. Though the more he looked at it the more he realized how inefficient he had been in the mission. Anuro would not be pleased. On the edge of his mind, he wondered if he would be killed for this failure. It had happened to others before?
Regardless, he would report back. He had to. Where else did he have to go? Anywhere else he went he had a small chance of living but more than that, Kallous would not be there. And that was something he could not bear.
He walked through the garage slowly, his steps echoing off of the concrete floor as if to heighten the somber mood. Anuro had been in a bad mood lately? He wondered what Kallous would do? if she would come to his defense or support Anuro?s judgment. A part of him hoped she would uphold the order they had fought for so long to create, to approve of his own death. But deep inside? he held on to a small strange glimmer of hope that perhaps she would speak out against Anuro and plead his case.
He hesitated at the door into their base of operations. His hand froze on the handle, pausing as he pondered whether or not he should take the final steps and seal his fate. He could take the car? could go and start anew? But in the end he had nothing more in this world than Kallous and his hate for the world of light that had been hunting him. Well? if he was to be taken it would not be by that world.
The door knob turned beneath his hand and swung violently inwards as another person opened it from the other side. Reddivor stumbled in and fell against Trabiér, who had been about to come out. Too confused to say anything, Reddivor scrambled back into a hasty fighter?s stance. If Trabiér had been sent to finish him? should he resist?
?Reddivor!? Trabiér shouted, quite annoyed with his accomplice, ?So you finally came around? About time? We need you.?
Reddivor hesitated a moment. Was Trabiér playing him to be a fool? In their time working together, Reddivor had noticed his cohort was not very sincere with his words. ?So? You?re not going to kill me?? He asked slowly, as if he could trust the answer.
?No,? Trabiér answered plainly, though it seemed to Reddivor a tinge of disappointment was in his voice, ?We still need you for the moment. Anuro wants you to talk to Chimera? see if you can get her to join us.?
?Why didn?t you tell me in the Dream World?? Reddivor asked, passing by Trabiér and entering the base. The Barracks were just ahead, if he could find a good bed for this assignment he would be able to focus much better? ?Never mind,? He muttered, it did not make much difference now, ?I?ll just get to it. Say hi to Kallous for me, alright??
Not waiting for a reply, Reddivor entered the Barracks, laid himself down on a bunk and closed his eyes. In seconds he was touching the dream world. Breathing deep, he plunged into the depths of his mind.


He got up in pond that had broken the pavement of an abandoned castle entry court. This was where she was? he could feel Chimera?s presence nearby. She had so much power just on the verge of discovery and she did not have any idea it was there. He would help her realize this?
Reaching out with his mind, he felt the various wards and traps Ember had set up for him but by now he knew his way through. She would have to be a little more creative next time or things would wind up a little too quickly.
There were the typical alerts placed in the doorways that would give away his presence to Ember if he triggered them, the various animals and statues that she had placed to aid her surveillance efforts, and the newer addition of trap ceiling, making over going maneuvers impossible without being noticed; this was complimented by a trap floor to stop him from doing a reverse maneuver so as to prevent going under the wall and there also felt to be one on the wall itself.
The task seemed all but impossible to one without proper knowledge, but Reddivor knew better. Ember was only a Killia class Weaver thus could not possibly generate more than two of the traps on her own. In junction with her friend Rakaburn perhaps she could add another one, at most two but that was unlikely. In which case one of these had to be a fake or an incomplete obstruction. Upon further evaluation it was probably the floor since that way they could do an incomplete job by doing every other tile. Or? No, the pattern was the same as the tiles but it was off set so as to make things difficult. On top of that, it was slowly rotating across the floor and thus actually ?Covered? everything eventually.
However, this only meant he would have to work quickly. Carefully touching on one of the gaps, he leapt on and sunk himself under the barrier before it touched him. He worked his way through the floor till he almost hit the wall barrier before creating a copy of himself, or doll in dark weaver terminology, and touching off the alarms with it. Immediately the barriers began closing in. As it approached he used a technique known as ?Slipping the Consciousness.? He half left the dream world, making his presence seem like that of a doll to the detectors, before slipping back in once the wall had passed and continuing on. That had bought him a little time with Chimera but not much, he would have to be fast about it?
He resurfaced in a hallway leading to another open courtyard where he could sense Chimera?s presence quite keenly. She was there, standing by a gravestone, watching as the clouds passed over head. How would he persuade her? What could he say? What different angle could he give her on the situation? It seemed like he was as trapped in this stone prison as she was?
Sealing off the dream behind him, he entered the courtyard and approached Chimera.
?Reddivor?? She asked as he set foot in the place. She had sensed his presence, how intriguing? ?How did you get in? You got Rue, didn?t you??
?Good guess, but no.? He answered, smiling at her assumption; did she truly believe he would be so blunt? ?I would rather not face unnecessary conflict at the moment. It does not take much to make Smolder turn her head. But even so, I fear we do not have much time.?
Chimera gave him an odd, evaluating look, before nodding, ?Alright,? She said, ?Then get to the point. What do you want??
?I want to free you.? Reddivor answered. Not entirely a lie? ?I want to get you out of Smolder?s trap and help you realize your destiny. You could be great among us, but Rusiu denies you that power. Come, and I shall show you the way. I will show you the path of the Dream Weavers.?
He smiled at her and offered his hand. She could seal his fate in an instant? she was his hope to live another day or his doom at his master?s hands. The deciding factor in so many lives? ?Will you accept??
She looked at him with hesitance, though definite indecision. Could he summon Requiem fast enough? He did not want to risk losing her? What could he do? It was his neck that was on the line here. What would Kallous do? He wished she were there. She knew what to say in almost any situation. She was a master with words and yet? it seemed she never felt them. She had tried on many occasions but it seemed she had entirely lost the ability to feel passion in her words. But what else could she do? She had used Heartbreak upon herself. There was only one way she could take back the action? and yet, perhaps she would rather not feel the burn of a heartless world. Perhaps? perhaps it was better this way.
But at long last, she said those half dreaded words that he knew would not sound good to his superiors. ?I?ll think about it.? She told him, standing firm. ?Come back tomorrow and I?ll tell you.?
?Of course,? He said smoothly, bowing in respect to hide the frustration in his eyes. Of all the things one could manipulate in the dream world, manipulating oneself was often the most difficult. Reddivor had never really understood why this was but in a strange way it made sense. He had intended to bring up the matter with Kallous on multiple occasions but somehow it never seemed the right time.
He turned to go and quickly melted his way through the dream once he was out of sight. He began preparing himself for the skirmish on the way out as he had been detected but when he got to the edge, Rusiu was not waiting for him.
He paused, wondering if she was hiding herself, waiting for him to enter the trap. But no, he couldn?t sense anything around him. No trace of manipulation, the castle even seemed to be withering away into nothingness as he left the dream. It felt so? empty.
Once he left, he plunged his thoughts into the Dream River, searching for Kallous?s scent. He found her surprisingly close by, in a dream not of her making. Was she still on duty? That would explain her absence at the base? but what could she be doing? Forging ahead, Reddivor entered just as the Dream began to fade.
He found Kallous alone, waiting on the gloomy shores of a murky beach. A distant sunset could be seen through the heavy clouds but aside from that the dream was quite dark. She sat alone, watching the waves come closer before they retreated back into safety amongst themselves.
?You came,? She said, turning to him. A humorless smile twisted her scarred face.
What had happened? Horrified, he rushed to her side and brushed her cheek, trying to find words of comfort for her. But his heart had become empty, and nothing answered his summons. He held her close and tried to weep but no tears came to his eyes.
?They don?t know you?re here, do they?? She asked him at last, ?Anuro told me no one was to know what happened, even though it had to be done.?
?What are you talking about?? Reddivor demanded, ?What happened? Why are you like this? Why??? He was about to ask why he felt the way he did inside if it was nothing to worry about but somehow the words would not come out. His mouth closed, refusing his efforts. Did he really feel it? Yes, his heart was pounding so hard he could feel his pulse in the dream, creating small disturbances as he began to lose control. But in a moment, things calmed down as Kallous breathed deeply and faced him, her eyes at war within themselves pausing in conflict for the confrontation.
?Listen.? Kallous commanded holding him back a little, her brown eyes locked into his, using Heartbreak to remove his emotion for the moment. ?It?s about time you heard the truth? the truth behind everything.?
He stared back, helpless to the effects of her dream blade. He was not angry, he was not sad, he felt? empty.
?My name in the real world?? She began, evaluating the words for a moment before continuing, ?my real name is Kathrin Isador. I ran away from home around five years ago when I finally gave up on trying to gain my parents approval. It was a lost cause, they cared too much about my younger sister, Melina, to pay any mind to me, no matter how hard I tried. She stole my parents love as well as my childhood. Anuro found me then, and recruited me for his cause. Not long after that, I found you and my life seemed like it would be okay for a while? but each mission tested my feelings further. When I found out our enemy was my sister, I wasn?t sure how to feel. I hated her for what she had done to my life but? she was still my sister.
?To eliminate my hesitance, I used Heartbreak upon myself and forged on before realizing that in doing so I prevented myself from loving you. After all, being void of feeling I could not feel regret or attachment. But I still had memories of what it felt like? and I followed those memories back in the end, back to what I once was; But only after the fatal moment. The deed had already been done. I had delayed my sister long enough for the poison to take effect and claim her life. By then we were in the same hospital and I knew I would not last much longer than her. When Trabíer came by to pick up Chimera, I ordered him to keep silent about my condition. Inside, I hoped you would not find me because I knew what this would do to you but? I?m happy that you?re here with me in the end, here to see me off.?
?You?re going to the other side?? He asked numbly. The other side? somehow he was unsure of what he meant in this whether it was defecting or? death.
She nodded. For the first time in a very long while, he saw her cry. And yet, they were bittersweet tears. Even through all the pain and sorrow he could see she was happy to feel her heart once again; She was happy to relinquish the immunity of the heartless. ?Reddivor,? She said in a coarse whisper, ?You should know that? Anuro knew... what would happen. He knew I would die. I?m so sorry it ended this way, but? come what may? you must never give in again.?
She looked up at him for the last time and smiled before releasing her hold on him and closing her eyes. He felt her fading away, leaving the world behind to face the great after. He felt an odd peace in her soul as she departed, as if she had found forgiveness at last.
It is an odd thing, the fatal moment, the sliver of time in which all things are decided. It is the moment of truth in which thought is put into action and nothing can be done but to sit back and watch the consequence. It seemed to Reddivor that in her fatal moment, Kallous? or Kathrin, had finally decided what to hope in. And now she was gone forever.
But after the fatal moment was passed, after all was said and done, he was left alone to weep on the shores as the waters came up to wash away the darkness.

Chapter 7: Emily

Chapter 13

I?m not the most powerful Weaver out there, someone with more influence will enter the Dream world this year, I can feel it. I?ve felt the power in both Zach and Chimera for a long time now but it can?t be both of them? If one falls, will the other become the Ultima Weaver?
I don?t want to lose either of them, I can?t let Anuro touch their hearts and assert his sway. I won?t lose to him? not again?

Excerpt from ?The Dream Weavers?,
By Melina Isador

Chimera ran her hand across the smooth white walls of the decaying fortress. It felt like she had been here forever? How long had she been dreaming? It could not have been too extensive?
The sky above her was as drab as always, an unbroken blanket of snow clouds ready to fall. The broken halls and courtyards, though shifting in place and appearance, had become monotonous and familiar. Especially the yard in the center? There in the middle of the castle she had found a cemetery filled with flowers.
On one of the graves she had found a burgundy hair ribbon like Melina used to wear. Overcome with memories of her childhood friend, she had taken the ribbon for her own. It now held her hair back in a braid as she gazed at the homogenous sky, wondering how her ill-fated life would end.
?Truly troubling, isn?t it?? Reddivor asked, seeming to appear out of nowhere.
Chimera sighed and turned to him. ?You?re late.? She stated, giving him a pointed look. ?What was stopping you??
?Smolder is becoming more attentive,? He shrugged, ?Until she is preoccupied, I don?t dare strike.?
?So you distracted her??
Reddivor smiled a sickly smile, one that unsettled her to an extreme degree. ?Precisely, is that not what you wished??
?I?m getting out of this dream somehow,? Chimera sighed, her gaze falling to the cobblestone floor, ?And this Rusiu is being of no help. Thus I have enlisted your assistance.?
?But of course.? He said, his voice saturated with pleasure of the decision, ?I know the way out of your dream, the serum you must take, and the answers to the power you will gain. I?m glad you chose to accept my offer.?
Chimera felt her lips twisting into a grimace. Zach may have been overly optimistic but at least he did not exude an aura of fear. What was this foreboding she felt around Reddivor? Something was amiss? He was not as composed as he had been previously.
Yet, even so, he was her only way out of here. If Rusiu did not have answers, she would turn to somebody who did.
?Shall we go then?? Reddivor inquired, offering his hand along with a twisted grin, ?We haven?t much allowance before Smolder returns.?
?Alright.? Chimera breathed, taking his cold hand. It felt like taking hold of a frozen piece of marble? a piece of marble that sent uncontrollable shivering up her spine.
?Chimera, no!? Rusiu shouted, jumping in from one of the balconies overlooking the courtyard. Desperation was the dominant tone in her voice? ?Don?t touch him!?
Reddivor spun and drew a sword, just in time to block the blade of a young redheaded man. ?Come, Chimera, and I shall tell you all you want to know.? He told her, his voice growing rough. ?Enter my dream and I will show you the world you are destined to command!?
The wall behind her was suddenly consumed by a gaping dark portal. She felt it reahing for her, pulling her into its abyss?
?Don?t go with him,? The redhead persuaded calmly, his voice taking on a scotch accent, ?Even you can see his contorted truth, can?t you??
?He wants to control you, Chimera,? Rusiu explained, taking Chimera?s hand in a pleading gesture. ?Come with us. Rossot is getting you out in the real world, we can finally get you out of here.?
?Is that really it?? Chimera asked, trying to control the wild flood of confusion, fear, and suspicion that was slowly over taking her. ?Or do you just want to keep me under your thumb now that I?m trying to escape? Why didn?t you help before??
?It?s? complicated.? Rusiu stuttered, her eyes were edging on exasperation, ?We don?t have the time to explain the whole concept right now.?
?You?re reliability isn?t looking very good right now.?
?And Reddivor?s is?? Rue countered, standing up and giving Chimera a disbelieving stare. ?He?s gone insane! How can he look trustworthy in any sense of the word??
?If you can?t trust Rue then trust me,? The redhead offered evenly, locking blades with Reddivor once more. His intense eyes burned with determination, sharpening the confidence in his smile.
Chimera closed her eyes and breathed deeply, what to do? ?Alright,? She sighed, ?I?ll go.?
Reddivor?s stance slipped for a second, costing him a nice clip on the arm from his opponent, before regaining his composure and leaping away from the follow up blow. ?Chimera?? He began, his voice becoming subdued, ?This? this is not the end.?
In the blink of an eye he was gone. In the next second, the dream was ending.

* * *

Chimera slowly became aware of her consciousness in the arms of a lanky, youthful man bounding through the woods. Her thought process froze for a moment as she tried to decide if it was just another dream or if it was just another bizarre occurrence in the vast string that was becoming dominant in her life.
?Finally awake, are we?? Her mysterious rescuer asked, a cocky quality to his voice, ?Took you long enough. I was beginning to think the antidote didn?t work.?
?Rossot?? Chimera murmured, recalling Rusiu?s mention of the person assigned to her physical extraction from Reddivor?s keeping.
She heard the man chuckle, despite a growing shortness of breath, ?No, but I?m working with her. The name?s Adam, Adam Aervallet; pleasure?s all yours, I?m sure.?
?Where are we?? She asked, trying to get a better look at the surroundings. Fading, cloud filtered, sunlight revealed their path as they passed by crumbling buildings and overgrown shrubbery. Overhead she could see great thunderclouds amassing, lit by the evening sunset, waiting for the proper moment to strike. The air around her was cold, turning every waking breath into a shiver. She was still dressed as she had been the night Melina died.
?You are en route to safety,? Adam replied jokingly, his self-confident tone persisting. ?But more specifically, you are between Fostor and Lorenville, just outside of the Dark Weavers head quarters soon to be revealed to the authorities and vacated. Does that give you enough information??
Chimera paused and mulled it over for a moment, though it was difficult to think while being jostled by Adam?s persistent pace. Dark Weavers? Now where had she heard of them before?
?Oh, by the way, do you have the book with you?? he asked, giving her a look of mild concern over his shoulder, ?I didn?t think to check you for it when I pulled you out of there. But in my defense, running from the guys with guns is common sense when I?ve only got a sword.?
The book? What book? And what in the world was Adam talking about? She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to focus on one subject at a time. The last book she had read was something by Poe, a little bit of poetry as she recalled. Or was it? The book Melina had written! Chimera almost choked on her own breath. Where had she last seen it, in the hospital? Was it still there? Why wouldn?t it be? Too many questions? until someone explained why she was kidnapped in the first place. Nothing made sense anymore? Since the moment of Melina?s death onward everything had warped and blurred into the twilight of reality.
?Okay? so they still have the book.? Adam concluded to himself, reading into her silence. ?Well in that case, once you?re safe with Emily make sure to send back up as thank you.?
?Mmmm?? Chimera mumbled in response, not sure what to make of Adam?s monologue. She was running with a strange group at the moment, much to her dismay. It had begun with Zachery and had pretty much gone downhill from there. Now that she thought about it, Zach really had not been that bad? he was just a little rigid.
?There we are,? Adam announced softly as a car came into view. ?Remember what I said now, see you later kiddo.?
Chimera simply closed her eyes. She was too emotionally exhausted to deal with this right now. It would all have to wait for when she woke up from this crazy dream?
Adam opened to the car door and dumped her on the passenger seat before slamming the door and disappearing into the growing dusk. A redheaded woman, presumably Rossot, sat in the driver?s seat watching the screen of a personal data assistant as it cast faint light across her freckled face. She gave a slight start when she finally noticed Chimera before turning off the data assistant. ?Nice work, Adam,? She said, turning on the ignition and buckling her seatbelt. ?Now let?s? Adam??
?He went back for the book.? Chimera told the woman wearily, staring blankly ahead. ?Do we need to go back??
The woman downshifted to reverse in reply and turned the car around, ?He?s going to get himself killed one of these days?? she grumbled under her breath, ?Couldn?t he at least ask for some help??
?He said to send some.? Chimera hastily recounted, trying to stabilize herself despite the woman?s rushed pace, ?Did he mean us??
Rossot stopped the car in mid motion, jerking Chimera against the seat belt just as she fastened it. Giving a frustrated sigh, she laid her forehead against the steering wheel and slowly turned the car around once more, ?I guess not. Here,? She tossed Chimera a cell phone, ?call nine-one-one for me. We?re going to have to act quick but priority number one is getting you out of here. Got it??
Chimera nodded and punched in the number, handing the phone over to Rossot when she was done. Rossot quickly explained that she was calling about a gang of kidnappers and their position, an hour south, south east of Fostor, and hung up. ?Kidnappers?? Chimera asked, trying to fit the puzzle pieces together now that she was a little better rested.
?The Dark Weavers,? Rossot said, keeping her eyes on the road, ?They kidnapped you, didn?t they? Besides, we?ve been keeping quiet about this whole dream world thing for a reason. One of our people tried to explain it to the rest of the world once and was sent to an insane asylum. Unless somebody experiences Dream Weaving first hand it?s a little difficult to believe. So? not a word of this to anyone, got it??
?How are you going to explain my absence then?? Chimera challenged, still in doubt of how she would manage to accept and yet deny this insane story.
?Just as I said, they kidnapped you, didn?t they?? Rossot stated, ?People usually don?t have a good reason for that. You?ll be telling the truth and you?ll still be able to walk around the real world without being considered crazy; alright? Besides, I?d hate for you to miss the memorial service for Melina.?
Chimera fell silent at the mention of Melina. So she really had died? She had tried to deny it this whole time but now there was just no more running.
?You know? they could probably use your help in the Dream world.? Rossot began again, graciously changing the subject, ?Odds are, Adam is going to face some hard mental assault. Maybe you could help the others protect him while he?s in there.?
?How?? Chimera replied flatly, ? I can?t fall asleep on command.?
Rossot pulled over and put her hand on Chimera?s forehead. ?Not yet, maybe. But I?ve learned a few tricks from Hinter that might speed the process.?
Suddenly, everything was blurring out. Under Rossot?s guidance she felt her subconscious rising within her. Her thought processes shifted and churned, moving out of the realm of conscious thought and into the darkness of the Dream World, into the realm of the phantasmal, into a new life.


Chimera opened her eyes on a brick bridge spanning a darkened stream below. On one end was a marble archway and on the other the towering sprawl of an early twentieth century city, spewing smoke into the heavens to ensure no light reached the foggy alleyways below.
?Are you coming?? Melina asked, sitting on the railing of the bridge on the end that led into the city. ?They could use your help.?
?Who??
?Zach and the others, they?re in there guarding the borders.? Melina explained, getting up and looking into the swirling fog. ?And I?m sure they would appreciate an extra hand.?
?Not mine,? Chimera said, mostly to herself, ?They don?t need a broken link.?
Melina sighed and shook her head, ?You know I don?t see you that way.? She reassured Chimera, ?And Rusiu and Sam don?t see you that way, and Zach? well, he?s out voted but I would bet anything he doesn?t see you that way either.?
?But I do,? Chimera persisted, ?I know what I?ve done, I know who I am.?
?So do I,? Melina replied, equally persistent, ?But the difference is that I think you can heal from it. Now take the first step and put the past behind you so you can heal from it.?
Chimera looked long and hard at her old friend, wondering if she really meant the words, or if they even mattered since they were from her imagination. Could she really become someone of worth in anyone?s eyes again? Could there really be a new beginning? She heaved a sigh to herself and began after Melina. She would just have to find out?
But just as she set foot in the city Melina?s apparition disappeared, leaving her alone in the alleyways of the great city. Turning around, she noticed that the archway on the other side of the bridge was fading away behind her, leaving only the option of braving the fog. ?Well?? Chimera said, bracing herself for anything, ?Only one way out now. Might as well get started.?
As she began to venture further in she noticed that the world lacked color and detail, gray bricks melted into each other, white clumps populated flowerpots set hopefully on some of the higher window sills in an attempt to catch ephemeral sunlight. She caught glimpses of the streets every now and then through picket fences and piles of rubbish but for the most part she was confined to the dingy alley where soft gray shadows roamed.
It did not take her long to come to the conclusion that she was not getting anywhere fast. The world seemed to be repeating in no particular order but it was repeating no less. However, it seemed to her that she could hear voices always just ahead, growing a little stronger with every step. She finally pinpointed its location as it moved along the street and one of the speakers as Rusiu. If only she could get through one of the barricades somehow? Could she jump the fence? No, it seemed to grow to accommodate the height of her leap. The refuse piles were likewise as well as stuck together beyond her dismantling abilities. As she worked on her escape, the voices grew fainter, fading into the distance. Finally, she kicked the fence and cried out in frustration, at a loss for other action.
?You?re looking for a way out too, huh??
Chimera turned around, tripping over a stray board leaning against the wall in the process. ?Who?s there?? She demanded as she pulled her face up out of the dirt to stare at a fog enshrouded figure a little way down the alley. His voice sounded vaguely familiar but she could not seem to place it.
?Nobody of importance yet,? the person replied wryly, coming a little closer as he talked, ?But I?m real, and that?s important enough, right? All the other people I?ve run into so far have been part of this Dream. But? you feel different. You feel like? Chimera??
Zachery Ember stepped out of the fog and into full visibility. He looked almost exactly Chimera had remembered him, except now he had a sword at his side. ?What are you doing here?? He asked, helping her up off the ground, ?You?re real too, right?? he asked after a moment, a little unsure of the assumption.
?Yeah, I?m real,? Chimera affirmed, ?And I?m lost. I lost the trail of the two I was following. They were in the main street, know how to get there??
?Have you tried Dream Weaving?? Zach asked, putting his hands against the fence, feeling across the grain for something.
?But how do I Dream Weave?? Chimera grumbled, exasperated with the phrase. Did everybody in the world know how to Dream Weave but her?
Zach only closed his eyes in response and clenched his hand against the board. The fence began to dissolve beneath his hands until there was a hole big enough to climb through. ?Reach out with your mind and touch the world.? He said, starting through the hole, ?I?m not sure how else to explain it. I?m a little new at it so I?m no valid mentor on the subject but??
?Fact of the matter is you can do it,? Chimera told him, following through the fence, ?And if you can do it, maybe you can teach me.?
?Maybe my cousin can,? Zach said hesitantly, ?I wouldn?t put much stock in my own ability.?
Chimera shook her head and smiled, why would he not just believe in himself? He had gotten them out of the alley, had he not? Together they raced down the road, catching hint of the voices again. ?Who is your cousin anyway?? Chimera asked, just to fill the empty space. It felt a little too quiet between them?
?Rusiu Akatsuki,? Zach stated, keeping his eyes ahead. ?You?d know her if you?d met her. She?s? a bouncy one to put it oddly.?
Chimera stumbled, catching herself just in time to not have a close encounter with the street, ?Rusiu is your cousin?? She did not see much resemblance? but it was not impossible.
?Yeah, why?? Zach asked, taking his eyes off the end of the road for a second to throw a questioning glance at her.
?I was trying to find her when I entered the city,? Chimera told him, ?She should be just ahead.?
Immediately after the words left her mouth they ran straight into Rusiu and Sam. Chimera caught herself with Rusiu?s help but Zach was not quite so lucky and had to settle for breaking his fall with an arm. ?Where did you two come from?? Sam asked cheerfully, ?You?re just in time. We sense a group of Weavers just beyond this point.?
?We were just discussing how to approach it with just the two of us when you stumbled along,? Rusiu finished, smiling at them, ?Feel up to it??
Zach and Chimera exchanged a look of uncertainty, a skirmish? Chimera knew she was not prepared for such a thing and Zach did not seem much more confident. ?Well?? She began, raising her eyebrows at Zach in a plea for decisiveness.
?Just tell us how to help.? Zach sighed, lowering his eyes from Chimera?s gaze, ?How many are we facing??
?Three,? Sam said, staring off into the fog, ?and I think one of them is Anuro. Who knew Adam was such a threat??
Rusiu gave him a stern look and turned to Zach and Chimera, ?Just follow our lead,? she told them, ?let loose with your Dream Weaving and hit them with all you?ve got. Once the other two are down, we all converge on Anuro, got it? Good. Let?s go.?
Chimera began to protest but Rue and Sam were already gone. Zach gave her a shrug and took her hand, ?Don?t worry, I?ll protect you.? He told her, ?Just stay close to me.?
Sighing, she reluctantly followed into the battlegrounds where the fog was not quite so thick. Just as Sam had said, three people faced them. Two of them seemed to be of lower rank, wielding short swords and small shields, and the third towered above all of them, holding a two handed claymore forged of obsidian.
Zach rushed into battle, unsheathing the sword at his side and vaulting off of one of the henchmen before dispatching the other. The soldier disappeared while uttering a surprised cry, fading out of the Dream World.
Rusiu took advantage of Zach?s vault and took down the first soldier before joining with Sam and converging on the leader.
But something was amiss, power was stirring in the air. Chimera could sense it? she could sense the Weaving. The Leader, apparently the one Sam had identified as Anuro, lifted his hand and sent a ripple through the street, unbalancing Zach and forcing Sam and Rue to jump With two targets airborne, Anuro slapped both with the flat of his sword, sending them careening into a nearby building, before turning to Zach.
Chimera, who had watched from a distance, felt the strength of his weaving eclipsing Samuel and Rusiu as they struggled out of the rubble. Zach seemed to sense it too, taking a step back as Anuro?s shadow came over him. She felt helpless, there was nothing she could do to save her compatriots. Her mind raced for some sort of solution, awakening an innovative spirit within her that had been absent too long.
?No!? She shouted out, rushing for Zach. She felt his Weaving struggling against Anuro?s and merged into it, throwing her whole being into the effort, touching once more the side of her that she had thought gone.
Anuro halted, surprised at the barrier he encountered, before growling from beneath his heavy helm and sinking into the ground. He was gone in an instant, not only from sight but from the Dream as well. ?What? What was that?? Chimera asked, feeling exhaustion rising at an alarming rate within her.
?Chimera?? Zach panted, giving her a weak smile as he leaned on his sword for support, ?Congratulations? and welcome to the life of a Dream Weaver.?

Epilogue: Isador

Zachery looked at the overcast sky outside the chapel in mixed feelings of sorrow and wonder. Chimera stood at his side on the stone steps, following his gaze to the heavens. They were alone amongst the whispering Oak and Manzanita trees that surrounded the solitary building, here in the silence after the first blow before the heavy chaos of the second. He felt the folded paper in his pocket, running his fingers over the places where he had pressed his pencil too hard, and patted it deeper in to ensure it did not get lost.
Ever so slowly, he turned from the lofty blankets of clouds and smiled at her, taking her hand and heading up the stairs to the wooden doors of the ancient chapel. Their intricate and entrancing woodwork played back and forth between the doors, intertwined like the branches of friendship. Chimera stopped and gave Zach a sideways wry smile. ?It reminds me of Rusiu?s dream.? She said softly, running her hand over the smooth etchings. ?Everything was so? fantasized in that place. In retrospect it felt reassuring to be there amongst such familiar elements.?
?I?m glad Rue treated you well,? Zach replied, returning the expression. ?She may seem a little superficial on the outside but once you see inside her heart? you realize her foundations lie deep in the values that have passed away from the world.?
?Stop, before you launch into a soliloquy on your cousin?s noble heart I think we should just go in and attend the service.? Chimera interrupted, beginning to open the door. ?Besides, we both know how great her heart is, the only one who needs to be reminded is her.?
Zach nodded, still smiling, and followed her inside. At the edge of his mind he wondered if he would say his part well enough, or if he would be allowed to speak it at all. His cousin Rusiu stood down the aisle with her friend Samuel Rakaburn, in the pews leading up to the altar were various members of the Dream Weavers including Karis Flytwind, now back to good health, and Hinter Grey, as well as many Zachery had not met.
Chimera found an open row in the back and motioned for Zach to join her. He smiled and followed her whim as Rusiu cleared her throat and looked out upon the assembled crowd. In all Zach?s experience with her, Rue had never been one to shy from speech when she was directed to, no matter the obstacle. She gave a lofty, yet almost timid look over her audience before her gaze locked onto Sam and she gave a half smile. ?Dear friends.? She began softly, almost too quiet to hear from Zach?s current position, ?We have gathered here for the unifying purpose of celebrating the short but inspiring life of Melina Isador, Master Weaver and close companion to many of us. Though her days were cut short here, she ensured her work would live on in us who share her passion for this lost world.?
She paused a moment and sighed, perhaps gathering her thoughts, ?If every star in the sky is for one of us, the nightly heavens are now bereft of a luminous presence. ? She continued on, looking resolutely back at the assembled Weavers, her eyes coming to rest on Zach and Chimera. He thought for a moment he saw tears in her eyes? ?Yet even as that star dies, its glow burns the brighter in the stars around it, to whom it has given its company. I first met Melina as I walked through my nightmare, trying to find light to run towards, looking for someway out of my own wretched heart. She showed me how to uncover the light in my soul that I had lost and rekindle it with holy fire. She? brought to life the side of me that had died in despair.? Here she stopped again, as if reflecting on the words she had said; evaluating them, wondering if they were enough to show what she felt.
Chimera gave Zach a sharp nudge and a pointed look. ?Help her,? she whispered to him when he failed to respond.
So? he thought, almost amused at that circumstance, I?m going to speak after all?
Zach stood up and cleared his throat, slowly inching his way down towards the front and just as slowly accepting the fact that all eyes had turned to him. ?I?? he began, trying furiously to find those saving words, ?will really miss her. And I?m sure you all will as well. Everyone who knew her, all of you who fought alongside her, we all feel her absence to this day. But? Melina would not have willed us to pain. There is a time for mourning, and it is good in its own right, but we cannot allow it to overshadow our lives. I?ve always seen an unbreakable spirit in her but there at the end? the last time I saw her? she seemed ready to die. She knew her part in the story was over? but she knew we would continue it, she trusted us with that much and it is our solemn duty to carry it out. Her life was not yet lived, barely touched, and yet?? He smirked at the play on words as he finally reached Rue?s side and turned to his audience. ?It is very evident that she touched us all. Let us make it known to the world that there was a girl named Melina Isador who led us in a struggle to end a dark and present menace.
?And I?m not saying it won?t be hard,? He continued on, dearly hoping he was not boring everyone or being too cliché, ?by all means I don?t deny that it will only get harder from here on out. But we must persevere, if not for ourselves then for Melina. We have to see this through to the end, like Melina who gave her life to this conflict, we can?t give up now, this dream is not yet over.?
He paused and reached into his pocket, retrieving the folded paper. ?I? I want each of us here to know we are part of a legacy.? He told them, trying to keep his voice steady and end strong, ?We are the legacy of Melina Isador, Master weaver; let us now weave our part.?
He looked out over the assembled people, taking in their expressions of approval, their tears, and one thing that mattered more to him.
Chimera smiled.


The path by my side has ended,
It's weary traveler has passed,
The one whom I befriended,
Has gone away her last.

I dreamed a dream soon after,
Of wonder and of woe,
She had written her last chapter,
But in my dreams she didn't go.

She has fallen in his service,
She has walked till morning's light,
I know now not to be nervous,
She was redeemed through glorious might.

So I live, and so does she,
But not among us here,
I gaze upon the clouds and see
The dreamer we held dear.

?Dreamer?s Legacy?,
By Zachery Ember

Chapter 13 (continued)

And yet? even as I feel this poison pulsing through my veins with every breath I know it does not end here. Life goes on, even in it?s ending. Yes, I shall pass from this world, be it the right time or not for my time has expired here. I go on now to the way prepared for me by my savior, I am not afraid.
I am trusting these matters and this unfinished book into his hands as well as my friends still alive. It is my hope that someday this book will be passed to Zachery Ember and Chimera Twilight, who both exhibit the symptoms of a masterful weaver. Though it may surprise them, I was secretly hoping they would meet. Chimera needs some one like Zach, and he needs someone like her. But enough of this, I know that be it my doing or not, they will end this together. My hand grows weak now and I must stop, I believe I hear someone coming down the hall. I hope it is Chimera and Zach, I don?t think I can last the night. But then, I don?t have to. I know they will.

Excerpt from ?The Dream Weavers?
By Melina Isador

Here ends The Dream Weavers Collection
To be continued in The Dream Weavers: Legacy?

Unused Newspaper scenes

?So, nothing has changed, has it?? Zachery asked, sitting down at the table with Hinter and Karis. ?Seven years later and it still feels the same??
?It seems that way.? Karis agreed, fixing her hair ribbon. Her eyes were veiled in thought as her fingers made the practiced motions. ?Except this time we?re all in danger.?
Hinter smiled at the remark, his gaze drifting to the window. ?But this time, we are all connected. ? He stated, giving them both a factual expression. ?That counts for something, wouldn?t you say so, Rossot??
The door squeaked open in response and a red haired young woman walked in. She was of medium height, though a little on the shorter side, and had a warm accomplished smile on her face. ?You bet,? she affirmed, taking off her gloves and nodding to Hinter. ?Mission accomplished: please welcome Miss Twilight to this meeting of the Noble Weavers.?
Rossot stepped aside to make way for another person. Zach felt his breath catch in recognition of her face, it was none other than? He smiled in welcome. ?Good to see you again, Chimera.?
Chimera gave him a tight half smile and nod before taking a seat beside him at the table. Something was different about her?
?Where?s Sam and Rue?? Rossot asked, cocking her head to one side and giving Hinter an inquisitive look. ?I?ve got some bad news concerning Jenton?s absence, as well as a few other things.?
?Well you better make it quick,? Rusiu told her, coming down stairs into their meeting room. To Zach?s perception, she had always had an odd talent of displaying her sincere feelings. So it was in no way comforting that she was exuding a grim aura at the moment. Sam stood by her side, a nice thick welt on his forehead. ?We don?t have much time for reunions and all,? she continued, taking a seat at the head of the table, ?the real battle is about to begin.?


Rusiu stepped into the dream and stretched. Today was being just plain difficult. ?You ready Sam?? She asked as she formed a stone path through the empty dream. To get to Karis? dream she would have to form a bridge over the dream river? ?Where?s Hinter??
?He?s already in.? Samuel Rakaburn assured her. ?Come now, let?s stop this nightmare.?
?Where?s Zach?? Rue asked, pulling on her gloves and forming the rest of her dreamer?s gown. She was ready? She was a Killia Class Weaver. ?Melina asked us to keep a close eye on him.?
?With Hinter,? Sam reported, his eyes closed as he searched the Dream for their friends. ?Karis is in the forest right now, she?s being watched by one of the Dark Weavers.?
?Then let?s get to work.? Rusiu said, summoning her sword to her hand. ?Sing, Nocturne.?
Clouds swirled about them and cleared to reveal a white forest with numerous dirt paths stretching in every direction. Dust lifted into clouds about their feet as they ran freely down the middle path, focused on Karis? Dreamer?s Signature. The white woods were empty save for their easy breathing. Yet, they did not seem to be getting any closer to Karis?
?Sam, how far?? Rue asked quietly, raising their path above the trees to get a better view. ?Are we being held back??
Sam nodded grimly and crossed his arms as he stopped to think. ?It seems we?re running against a barrier. From the strength of it, I?d guess it?s being upheld by several Weavers.?
?In other words, we?re locked out.? Rue concluded, pushing a stray lock of black hair back into place. ?How soon can Emily and Jenton get here??
?Not soon enough,? Sam told her, shaking his head, ?Zach and Hinter are already in.?
?Zach?s in there alone?? Rusiu demanded, grabbing Sam by the arm and staring horrified at him. ?But he doesn?t stand a chance without us!?
?He does have Hinter with him.? Sam reminded her, twisting from her grip and brushing off his arm.
Rue rolled her eyes, oh, that helped. ?Hinter doesn?t know Zach like I do, he needs me there; Zach?s just going to go into his crazy home-schooler mode and start using weird analytical sounding sentences!?
?Oh, show a little faith,? Sam hushed her, glaring hard at the invisible wall that held them back. ?Zach?s not as naïve as he was all those years back.?
?That doesn?t make him any less helpless!? Rue retorted, giving Sam a hard look. ?We?re going in Sam, and we?re going in NOW!?

?Fine then, I agree we go in.? Samuel ceded, ?But I differ on where we go in to. Come Rue, Chimera is in deeper need of our help than Zachery.?
?But Zach isn?t in the middle of a warded castle!? Rusiu complained, shoving her sword into its scabbard and curling her hands into fists. ?If we leave now, Kallous could kill Zach!?
Sam shook his head and started to create the portal to his Dream. ?Rue dear, you give her far too much credit. Besides, we haven?t much time before Reddivor and Anuro find their way into the ruins and take Chimera as their own. Until we know which one is the Ultima Weaver we must keep both equally safe.?
Rue lowered her eyebrows, searching furiously for some good retort to Sam?s indisputable logic. Unfortunately, to her dismay, it was still indisputable. ?Fine, you win.? she muttered, giving him a frustrated look. ?Let?s get going.?

Impressum

Texte: All creative rights to The Dream Weavers belong to Keiran Roxas Gomlok. Any allusions drawn between these titles, names, events, characteristics, and real titles, names, events, and characteristics are coincidental.
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 27.12.2009

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Widmung:
The Dream Weavers series is dedicated in memory of Melina Sandoval, and this particular section is dedicated to my good friends Evan and Jessica, the real Zach and Chimera.