Dreamworlds 9: Journeys and Gates

By Victory Low

The time of reckoning had come for Nakama World
The rules are changing and the truth behind the Green Men must come to light.

And for Colin, there is a time of reckoning
Of a different sort

This time, the stakes are far, far higher than anyone thought

Bonus: Alicia Side Story: "(Little) Angel on Assignment"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Victory Low
• Release date: Oct 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310822889

Victory Low

Loves martial arts, performing arts, anime, manga, sci-fi, fantasy, philosophy and theology.Really likes to think ahead.Doesn't believe in 'dumbing things down for kids'.Mixed Chinese and based in Malaysia, a land of many cultures and all that comes with multi-racial communities.Currently serving as Vice Principal in SCM, ordained Pastor of LRCM with a Master's in Ministry.

Book preview

Travelers and Gates

Dreamworlds 9

If you think things can’t get any worse

Just try and bring your younger sister along

The time of reckoning had come for Nakama World

The rules are changing and the truth behind the Green Men must come to light.

And for Colin, there is a time of reckoning

Of a different sort

This time, the stakes are far, far higher than anyone thought

Travelers and Gates

Dreamworlds 9

Victory Low

Copyright 2014 by Victory Low

KDP/Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

(Tap links below for shortcut to chapter, tap chapter headers to return here)

Prologue

Phase 137: Changes

Phase 138: Last

Interlude

Phase 139: First

Phase 140: Date

Phase 141: Cooperation

Phase 142: Steps

Phase 143: Loss and acquisition

Phase 144: Burning Bridges

Phase 145: The End Dungeon

Phase 146: The Silent Pair

Phase 147: The Silver Arch

Epilogue

Bonus: (Little) Angel on Assignment

The Eight

We began on the same night. For some reason, the Green Men are after us… all eight of us.

As far as I know, the relationships between us are...

Colin’s Comrade Summary

Prologue

There was bad news and then there was bad news.

And right now, Colin Rivers wasn’t sure which was worse.

It was very neatly divisible in two, to him. There he stood at Lynn Airport with several Knights keeping a wary eye on him as he faced both sources of bad news at exactly the same time.

There on the left was a girl with her hair in pigtails and a big smirk on her face at seeing him. Colin would have liked to say he was happy to see his younger sister, but it was difficult saying that about an annoying, tattletale brat attempting to matchmake him with the girl who for years had been one of his greatest tormentors.

And there on the right was that other bad news, a screen displaying a newscast report. On it was a debate between two men about whether certain kinds of sales to certain kinds of people was ethical.

I’m not saying that the markets are out of control. But what I am saying is that ultimately the choice of whether or not to sell is up to the investors. Some business expert was saying. And usually, those investors want profit. Most of them are entirely willing to sell if they’re offered the right price.

"And over the past few nights, there’s been someone buying at very good prices." The newsman mentioned.

That about sums it up, yes. The business expert said.

So there you have it folks. The newsman cleared his throat. "And with that, as of 3 a.m. this morning, Imperial Hiranor Time, the majority share of the Dreams4Kids company came into the ownership of the New Order of Gaia.

Nakama World has been bought over by the Gaians.

***

Colin’s younger sister was named Gracie. She was about three feet tall, nine years old, and had very fair skin which she took care of with lotion and body scrubs that lasted hours at a time. Why she troubled herself, he had no idea; with shiny braces, squinty eyes, a horse-like bray for a laugh and endless giggling over the weirdest things, she was far from popular.

[Give her seven years.] Alicia advised. [Then you’ll have to ward off her admirers with a Torrent Cannon.]

[No thanks, I have enough ‘admirers’ of my own.] Colin made a subtle glance toward the handful of Knights watching him.

They weren’t admirers, exactly. Well, most of them, at least.

There was Satrox, of course, keeping an eye on the guy who made the most changes to the world map that he’d ever known.

There was Henry, tagging along with his brother, who seemed to want something from Colin, but Colin wasn’t sure what.

There was Rita, very miffed at being ignored in the light of recent events and who seemed to want to make some sort of deal.

Then there were two Knights who just happened to be at the airport whom Rita comandeered to watch over the Destroyer of Lamico while he was around, as if they could stop him if they tried.

Alicia was a Knight too, Colin supposed. But she wasn’t there with them. She was there with him. It was kinda hard to get rid of someone who respawned with you every time either of you died.

Can I have that as my First Comrade?! Gracie pointed at Kirin, who had flown Colin and Alicia from the Heart of the Forest of Legends to the airport.

You have to start small. Mice, rabbits, squirrels... that sort of thing. Colin told her. And you have to start at the Comrade Home. But I thought you were just here to call me away.

Too late! Gracie smirked. Mom waited and waited until she had to go and then she gave me your birthday present to pass to you.

Oh. Colin’s face fell. Truth be told, it was his own fault. He’d been so busy trying to be a hero that he’d missed his own birthday party. Sorry.

So! Gracie proclaimed. As punishment for making us wait, you’ll have to bring me around Nakama World! Or else I’m not giving you your present!

What?! Colin gaped. You can’t do that! It’s mine!

You weren’t even at your birthday party! Gracie pointed out.

Alicia nudged him. Why, Colin, you’re not seriously upset about bringing your dear little sister around your favorite Dreamworld, are you?

Colin gritted his teeth. It hadn’t been too long ago that Alicia had pointed out the flaws of the relationship between him and his sister. It figures she’d want this. She just loves to see me squirm. Fine!

Thank you! Gracie threw her arms around Alicia (Alicia, not Colin!) and laughed. It’s so nice my brother has a girlfriend.

She’s not my girlfriend! Colin growled and stomped off.

What about showing me around?! Gracie darted after him.

I’ll let Alicia do that! Colin retorted.

"Why can’t you do it?" Gracie demanded.

Colin almost heard his teeth grind. Take it easy. Remember, she has your birthday present. Mom said you’d love it... "I have... things to do."

Like?! Gracie pouted.

We have business with the Forest Prince. Rita said them, stepping in at exactly the wrong time.

Forest... Prince?! Gracie stared. Colin is a prince?!

Yes. Rita said. So you see why it’s...

Then I’m a princess!! Gracie exclaimed. If my brother’s the Forest Prince, then I must be the Forest Princess!!

Colin groaned. "Lynn’s the Forest Princess. You see this airport? It’s Lynn Airport. It’s named after her."

No way! Gracie shouted. My brother’s the prince! I must be the princess! This airport should be Gracie Airport!

Colin had to restrain himself from throwing a shoe at her. It’s not like that! Lynn was the princess before I ever came here!

"And then you married her?! Gracie stared, eyes wide. That’s why you’re a prince?!"

No, it’s not! Colin blared. "People have to earn the power they get here! Dozens of guys fight for the title at a huge Tournament!"

"You fought for the title? So it’s a championship title then?" Gracie poked.

Not exactly... Colin groaned. Not even close.

"So you didn’t fight for the title?"

No.

Then how come you’re the prince?! Gracie flounced.

Lynn must have done it herself. Colin said. That was the only explanation he could think of. It’s her right to choose the next Prince.

"Then you should choose me! Gracie shrieked. I’m your sister! Kick Lynn out! I should be the Forest Princess!"

Colin turned cold. Kick Lynn out?! That idiot has absolutely no idea what she’s talking about! "You will never be the Forest Princess!"

There was a jerk in the wind, and a sudden halt to the land as if Nakama World itself made a sharp gasp. Gracie’s eyes widened, and something in the air made it feel like it turned into stone for a moment.

What... what just...?! Gracie stared.

Alicia was staring at Colin too. "Oh no. Colin... what have you done?! You’ve explicitly destroyed any chance of Gracie ever earning that title, no matter how hard she works..."

Colin felt it too, like a cold hand gripping his heart. But something else burned clear and bright in his mind. Nobody who tries to order me to kick Lynn out has any right to the power of the Forest. Ever.

She had no idea what she was talking about! Alicia protested. She’s just a little girl!

All the more reason to learn her lesson and learn it well. Colin growled. It was regrettable to him, but he felt it was very important that she did.

You IDIOT! Gracie screamed. I’m never going to give you your present! Mom gave you a license pass to Adventura Dreamworld! But I’m never going to give it to you! You’ll never get there now! Not ever!

And with that Gracie turned and ran into the airport terminal.

Phase 137: Changes

Twenty minutes ago, Alicia had been giving Colin a hard time about the way he treated his sister.

You should be caring toward her. She said as she made the most scenic site in Sanctuary her new Home Base. It was a hollow with a waterfall, a lake, lush grass and tall, well-shaded trees with plenty of branches for her birds. "And considerate. Love her and share with her and you gotta communicate..."

I don’t see it happening. Colin had said dubiously.

Still, he had to pick her up. After leaving Kyubia and Asblar in charge at Sanctuary, Colin had Alicia kill him back to his Home Base (with all benefits involved, including her claiming yet another kill bounty and them getting an instant teleport halfway across Nakama World) and warped in Kirin to get them to the airport from there. The flight from his Home Base to Lynn Airport was a lot shorter than it would have been all the way from Sanctuary.

It didn’t take long for Satrox, Rita and Henry to meet him there. All three were most insistent on knowing exactly how it is he changed the map.

Colin wasn’t too eager to tell them, but Alicia being there made it moot. Straight out, she told them, Colin is the Forest Prince.

Rita and Henry froze, but Satrox said, Wait. Are you serious? Sekai said the same thing at Lamico, but she was just kidding, right? I mean, she was just saying that to protect Colin, because he was a Forester and all...

You knew?! Rita jumped. You already knew?!

I didn’t think it was real. The CEO of the Lamico Union was hot on Colin’s heels until Sekai said that, but I thought it was just some sort of trick. Satrox scratched his head. "Think about it. There hasn’t been a Tournament of Ascension. Lynn has never made such an announcement. Colin can’t be the Forest Prince. Sekai had to have been lying to protect Colin."

It’s no lie. Alicia said. I heard this from Asblar and Kyubia both.

Who? Satrox blinked.

Stop! Colin stepped in. Alicia! Don’t tell them!

What? About... Alicia paused. "Them?"

Don’t tell. Colin shook his head fiercely.

Well. Alicia thought for a bit. Regardless of who said what, you have to believe the evidence in front of you. The Uber Marshes just turned into a completely different place, and from what I understand, no Traveler can bond a Comrade in Sanctuary. I didn’t test it earlier, but I have no doubt that if you try it, you won’t be able to. I don’t think you could even Tame anything there.

It was about that time that Gracie arrived and the broadcast happened.

They met. They argued. And off Gracie ran with Colin’s birthday present.

***

A pass to Adventura Dreamworld. It DID have an age limit of twelve and above. If I had that... I could get away from the Green Men... Mom knew they were after me... Mom wanted me to have it so I could get to safety... but...

Gracie! Colin barked sharply, but the little girl never turned back.

She’s stealing my present. She’s stealing my chance to get to a safe world.

Rita had her hands clasped over her mouth. I’m sorry! Did I say something wrong?! I shouldn’t have mentioned that... but I was just trying to help, and I thought... I mean...

Stop her! Colin told Kirin. He tapped his badge. Foxie! Stop her!

Foxie whuffed at him as she appeared, with a blue beret on her little vixen head. [Who?]

Gracie! Colin pointed. She’s going to get herself killed running around without a Comrade!

Foxie squinted. [Should I protect her or kill her?]

Colin bit his lip. Protect her.

Foxie dashed off after Kirin, both of them trying to make their way to Gracie through a throng of passengers boarding the next flight out.

Rita was still chattering away. "...And I didn’t mean for that to happen, but when my dad found out about it, well, he..."

Rita? Colin turned to her. Was there something you wanted from me?

Wanted? Ah. Yes. Right! Rita pulled herself together. I want you to return to the Justice Knights under my grid.

Rita’s ambitions were obvious. She wants to be able to boss the Forest Prince around. No way.

We can issue you full Pardon! I mean, destroying a village is a crime for a J-Knight, but if you were acting as the Forest Prince, it explains a lot... Rita began.

Not interested. Colin backed away hurriedly.

What about a new Forester? Henry stepped up next. I could use a job.

I’ll think about it... Colin said, looking for a quick way out.

Could you at least answer one question for me? Satrox cut in next.

One question? That seems do-able. What is it?

How long have you been the Forest Prince? Satrox asked.

Colin stared. I have no idea.

That began another uproar which Colin found himself literally running away from.

Since when? Colin had to wonder that himself. How long exactly have I been Forest Prince?

Asblar clearly recognized him from the start. She wouldn’t care a whit about Alicia, but she definitely recognized Colin as the Forest Prince. That means, it had to have been before he ever went to the Uber Marshes.

Iylara was adamant that I not take part in the Tournament of Ascension, yet she treated me like a younger brother and tried to take care of me. Casiphia, too, was jumpy about my joining her Tournament until I told her I didn’t intend to win it, just to have a bit of fun. That means... they both knew already?! Even before the Mountain’s Tournament of Ascension.

What an idiot. Why didn’t I think of this before? Bonding people and Comrades, even Pardoning Cour... that isn’t something a Forester does. That’s the power of the Forest Princess... or the Forest Prince.

Speaking of Princesses and being recognized... Sekai recognized me! That’s why she said it! Or at least she probably would have if she managed to finish her sentence. She almost told me. She said, ‘You’re no Forester. You’re...’

The Forest Prince. Alicia finished Colin’s train of thought for him with an amused smile on her face. Somewhere in the middle of all his thinking, she had caught up with him and Satrox was not far behind her. And I’m dragging him around like a puppy on a leash every time I die and respawn.

Very funny. Colin growled. Except I’m dragging you around too.

Alicia’s face said she didn’t think it funny. At all. No matter what his rank.

Meanwhile, more and more people were arriving at Lynn Airport, both from OSS Nakama and from the planet’s surface itself. Colin frowned, wondering what all that was about. Maybe Satrox could tell him. He was already reaching them.

That? Satrox mused when he asked. I think it’s about what the Gaians did. They bought over Nakama World, remember?

So? Colin asked. What can they do?