Willow Bloom and the Dream Keepers

by E. V. Farrell

  “How can you be so sure?” Willow asked. And then she remembered something Avari had once told her. “I know … It’s your way.”

  Avari smiled. “Yes. As a situation unfolds we respond according to what the situation requires from one moment to the next. However we also place some of our focus on the resolution to the situation – our preferred outcome – but always working with the moment at hand to help shape that outcome.”

  “Okay … If you say so.” Jessie nudged Atlas. “Glad you guys are on our team.”

  “Listen to this,” Willow said, looking up from the book she was reading. “Only when the Earthling shall learn to see the secrets within the city will the hidden text be revealed.”

  “I wonder what kind of secrets they’re talking about,” Jessie said.

  Willow sighed in frustration. “I have no idea. And I have really no idea how I’m meant to learn to see them either. No offence, but haven’t the Ancients heard of GPS?”

  “The Ancients have gone to great effort to conceal the Book,” Avari told them. “Perhaps the reason will also be revealed.”

  Atlas broke the silence a short time later. “This page says, ‘within the city a distant light will reveal that which has been unseen from the beginning’,” he said.

  Avari stood up from her chair and was looking towards the doors of the History Room. A Consuli was seeking her attention. “I will return shortly,” she said.

  They watched her serious face as she listened to what the Consuli had to say. Avari gave her a nod before making her way back to the others.

  “And?” Willow said to Avari when she returned. “What did she want?”

  “You and I are to make our way to the Viscent Chancellor’s private chambers,” she replied.

  “Oh,” Willow said. “Okay. Did she say why?”

  “No, she did not.”

  “Please, make yourselves comfortable,” the Viscent Chancellor told them. She walked over to her glassy silver desk and tapped some of the symbols on display.

  Viscent Chancellor Aroha returned from her desk and sat in the chair closest to Willow. “As you are aware, we have a crisis on our hands. We have at this stage stabilised our security fields and are also in the process of sealing the rupture to our macasphere.”

  A young man entered the chamber with a tray of glasses, each of them filled with a two-toned liquid, pale pink on the bottom and deep purple on the top. Willow thanked him as she took her drink and studied it closely. She put the glass to her lips and the flavours of mango and raspberry filled her mouth.

  Willow placed her glass down on to a small side table. “Do you know why the Vraag are here?” she asked.

  “Yes, we do,” Viscent Chancellor Aroha answered. “Currently we are monitoring the Vraag’s activities over Mondria. They seem intent on finding a way to penetrate our Crystal Chamber.”

  “The Crystal Chamber …” Willow remembered the conversation she had had with Avari on her first visit about it. She was still waiting for the opportunity to go there. “So the Vraag want to destroy the protective shields around our Earth dreams. That’s why they’re here, isn’t it?” Willow felt a sharp sense of guilt all of a sudden. The whole of Mondria and its people were under threat because of dreams from her Earth.

  “That is only one aspect of it,” she replied. “You see, Mondria is like a living entity, and, as such, our relationship with the city is symbiotic. Our life force enables the crystals to grow, and in return they store knowledge and information as well as produce our energy. Our world relies on this unique relationship. So the Vraag are also here to destroy us, Willow. As Dream Keepers we embody a high frequency of Light energy – and this is abhorrent to Maliceius.”

  Willow’s guilt mellowed, just a little. She recalled Avari and Atlas’s glowing purple eyes when they were transferring their thoughts and ideas into one big melting pot to a central data bank. She would never have guessed that the city itself was the data bank. “That’s incredible,” she murmured.

  “Yes, it is,” the Viscent Chancellor agreed. “And that is why we will protect Mondria with everything we have.”

  “Could the Vraag get inside? Can they find a way to the Crystal Chamber?”

  “I would like to categorically say that they cannot. But we can never underestimate the persistence of Maliceius,” she said. “However, perhaps he will underestimate us. What is imperative is that Light Keeper duties resume as soon as possible. The Doorways will re-open shortly, once alternative access to them is completely secure. Without the Light Streams, dreams will begin to falter and hopelessness and fear will take over your world. Our task is to stop that from happening. We are also in the process of securing a pathway between the galaxies and will inform everyone the moment it is safe to return to Earth.” The Viscent Chancellor paused, and her thoughtful expression deepened. “Willow, how close are you to finding the Book?”

  Willow wished that she could tell her that it was really close but she honestly had no idea. Judging by the cryptic clues, she was sure it wouldn’t be soon. She shook her head. “I don’t know.”

  “We have gathered a number of clues,” Avari added, “and are in the process of deciphering their meanings.”

  “I trust, then, that the Book’s discovery will come soon,” Viscent Chancellor replied.

  Willow was in awe of Viscent Chancellor Aroha’s demeanour. Therans seemed to live and breathe their philosophy. Back on Earth, she was certain that this set of circumstances would play out quite differently. By now the military would have been deployed, people would be building bunkers and there would be rioting on the streets. Granted humans hadn’t yet invented invisible shields … but even so, the composure of the Mondrians in dealing with this situation was incredible.

  Viscent Chancellor Aroha reached over and placed a hand on top of Willow’s arm. “Trust what is deep within you,” she said. “Goodwill to you.”

  After leaving the Viscent Chancellor, they joined Jessie and Atlas in the Dome Room where everyone had been asked to gather. They learnt that sleeping arrangements had been organised for all of the Light Keepers in the city. It was the first time in eons that the Dream Keepers hosted Light Keepers for such a long period of time.

  That night Willow shared a room with Avari and Jessie. Standing in a pair of shiny gold and purple pyjamas, she tried to get her head around sleeping in a cocoon-shaped pod that hovered above the floor. “So will the bed wobble when I get into it?”

  “No. It will feel as solid as if it were on the floor,” Avari told her.

  “Looks pretty comfortable,” Jessie said, pressing her hand on the soft golden bedding.

  Willow walked over to the glass cylinder where she had hung her clothes. “I can’t believe that my clothes will be clean in the morning just by hanging them up. That’s so cool!” Even the shower that was built into the wall was ingenious: a combination of light, steam and warm air.

  Willow climbed into the pod, which surprisingly did feel solid. She lay with her head propped up on her pillow and marvelled, “This is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever been in.”

  “Ditto,” Jessie said, rolling onto her side.

  “The bed adjusts to the contours and weight of a person so that you are fully supported for optimal sleep,” Avari pointed out. “And while you sleep, frequencies pass through the bed to ensure that your body’s field of energy is balanced for health and wellness.”

  “Sounds like a spa retreat,” Jessie murmured, rolling onto her other side.

  “It is one of the ways in which we maintain our longevity,” Avari said.

  “How old do Therans get?” Willow asked.

  “We live to the region of four hundred and fifty of your Earth years.”

  “Are you for real?”

  “Yes. Why would I not be … for real? High Chancellor Antoy is now one hundred and seventy-four years old.”

  “Well, he looks great for his age,” Jessie said, driftily.

  A Strange Turnaround

>   Hugo let out a sigh at the sound of the school bell. He rushed to his locker for his bag so that he could meet his mother in the car park and get out before the school buses began to leave.

  “Hugo!” Claire called from behind him.

  “Damn,” Hugo muttered. He turned around. “Hi.”

  “You in a rush?”

  “Yeah. Have to be somewhere,” he said.

  “Okay. Won’t keep you. Hey, Willow wasn’t here today. Do you know if she’s sick? She hasn’t sent a text.”

  “No idea.” Hugo glanced at his watch. “Sorry, I have to go. See you.” Harriett was coming towards them. He gave her a quick wave before quickly turning to leave.

  Back home he grabbed an apple and a slab of fruit cake and headed straight for the woods.

  He was halfway to the portal when a movement a good distance ahead of him caught his attention. He scanned the trees, wondering if it was his dad or one of the Blooms heading his way, but saw nothing. Hugo adjusted his back-pack and hurried on. Approaching the place where he had seen something move, he stopped suddenly. This time he was certain that he had seen something. He waited a few moments then stepped forward cautiously. “Hello?” The area was quiet and still. The heavy evening air was settling in and the leaves on the ground were soft and damp. Hugo cocked his head towards the sudden creaking sound coming from a tree somewhere further ahead. He looked around then took another step. “Is someone there?” His wide-eyed stare locked onto a set of shiny grey eyes belonging to a Woodfayre who was timidly hiding behind a tree. “No way …” he thought.

  “Hi,” he said after his initial surprise. “I’m Hugo. Don’t be afraid. I’m a Helper for the Sanctuary.”

  The Woodfayre stepped out from behind the tree. “Hello, I am Trinn,” she said softly. “I am helping to take care of the young ones while my community protects the portal.”

  Hugo nodded his understanding. “Right …” He then frowned, puzzled.

  “What troubles you, Hugo?” Trinn asked.

  “It’s just – how can I see you? Here in the woods. It’s not meant to be possible.” The sound of crunching leaves to his right made him turn. Two young Woodfayre were looking out from behind a nearby tree.

  Trinn shook her head. “I do not know how you can see us.” She motioned for the younger Woodfayre to come forward. “Esha wen sha,” she told them firmly, and took their hands in to her own. She looked back up at Hugo. “The night is coming. I must leave for the burrows.”

  Hugo arrived at the portal expecting to be able to see the Wood Folk in their formations, but he couldn’t see any of them. He placed his hand on the portal’s surface so that he could see the invisible community. The Grounding Trees were still emitting their blue glow and the Wood Folk looked like statues as they held their long trance.

  He stepped through the portal field. His father was sitting in a chair next to the Blooms. Their faces looked strained.

  “Ah, Hugo. How was school?” his father asked.

  “It couldn’t have gone slower. Hello Mr Bloom, Mrs Bloom. So, nothing’s happened?”

  John Babbington shook his head. “Nothing yet.”

  “Well I can’t say the same. Something bizarre just happened on the way here.”

  “Like what?” John asked immediately.

  “I just saw three Woodfayre in the Sanctuary. And I wasn’t even close to the portal. Or to the blue stuff they’ve been spreading around.”

  His father and the Blooms sat upright.

  “Are you sure?” his father asked.

  “Yes, Dad. I spoke with one of them.”

  “You spoke with a Woodfayre outside of a portal?” John was clearly startled. “It seems that unexpected events are becoming the new normal.” He held Hugo’s gaze. “It’s virtually unheard of but in the Keepers’ history there have been several occasions when a Helper has become Awakened. Though the last time was centuries ago.”

  Hugo raised his brows. “You really think that’s what happened? Wouldn’t I have to see Peonie in the Sanctuary first? To Awaken?”

  “I’m no expert on the intricate moves of the Ancients, but with everything that’s going on – it’s feasible that sequences are changing too.” He gave Thomas a sideways glance, his expression was one of concern.

  Hugo pondered his father’s words. “If what you’re suggesting is true, what would that make me? Would I be a hybrid or something?”

  “If it’s true, and from what little information there is on the subject, you would have to choose between the two,” his father told him. “You can’t be both Light Keeper and Helper. The TriVrata interacts with the energy signatures of a Helper and Light Keeper differently.”

  “You mean like when the TriVrata knows to turn into a wristband for a Helper and when to be a pyramid for a Light Keeper to travel through the Doorways.”

  “Yes,” his father said. “Your energy signature is what initiates the transformations, so you can’t hold both energy signatures at any one time.”

  Hugo slumped into one of the camp chairs to continue the wait for Willow’s return. “I wonder what Willow’s doing right now.”

  “Knowing her, she’s keeping herself busy,” Thomas said. He glanced at his wife with a reassuring smile. “And she’ll be just fine.”

  Willow had woken incredibly well rested and very hungry. She and Jessie followed Avari to the food hall and she was enjoying a raspberry-coloured porridge that tasted like honey and coconut. “I can’t believe I had such a good sleep, considering what’s going on.”

  “Me too,” Jessie said. She was eating a stack of small pancakes that looked just like pancakes. It was the pink kiwi fruit and orange blueberries sprinkled on top of the stack with a green syrup that made it Mondrian. “I feel really good.”

  “Here on Thera,” Avari said, “we fully understand the importance of energetic fields and their ability to affect outcomes. When your body’s field is rested and energetically balanced, the rate at which solutions present themselves in a given situation are sped up significantly. It is more efficient to sleep for a time within our pods and to then resume with the matter at hand.”

  “Can’t argue with that,” Willow said, through a delicious mouthful.

  A female Consuli came up to where they were sitting. “Good morning, I am Sena Paliy. Safe passage to Earth has been secured. We will be commencing Doorway Activation within the hour and ask that you arrive promptly.” She then addressed Atlas. “You are to go to the Hall of Imara and then proceed to the white door where a temporary portal room has been established.” Turning to Willow she said, “High Council has requested that you delay your return until the last of the Light Keepers has departed for Earth. More references have been gathered for your perusal in the History Room.”

  Willow nodded. “Please tell the High Council Avari and I will leave now.”

  Consuli Sena Paliy quickly departed.

  Willow wanted to be back with her parents and she knew that they would be beside themselves with worry, but the Dream Keepers were relying on her. And she wouldn’t let the Dream Keepers take the fall for everyone’s dreams back on Earth. She had to find the Book.

  It was dark when the TriVrata began to glow. Hugo sprung towards it from his seated position. “It’s working! She’s coming back!” He quickly tapped the symbols on the floating TriVrata.

  “Where’s the blue beam? It should have appeared by now,” Audrey said. She squeezed Thomas’s hand.

  “I’ll try again.” Hugo tapped the symbols, but the TriVrata seemed to be jammed. He was about to ask for advice from his father when the blue bleam flashed over him so quickly there was nothing anyone could do. Hugo was gone.

  “Hugo!” his father cried.

  Thomas turned to John but didn’t say anything for a long moment. “The TriVrata – it couldn’t differentiate between his and Willow’s energy signatures.”

  John looked pale. “Or it was something else entirely.”

  Willow and Avari walked with Jessie and
Atlas to the temporary portal on their way to the History Room.

  “We’ll meet you back here, I guess, on our next visit,” Jessie said. “Ain’t no bad ass UnderLord gonna stop us from saving dreams.”

  Willow poked her head inside the portal room. She counted nine enormous crystals placed in a circle around the Arch and they all pulsated a soft green and blue glow. Next to the crystal circle, three Consuli stood by a console displaying three holographic screens, each showing a specific point in the galaxies towards Earth. They pointed and prodded the screens with their silver rods, commenting and nodding to each other. One of the Consuli began to move some kind of scanning device up and down the surface of a crystal. She continued to make her way around each of the crystals in the circle.

  More and more Light Keepers arrived with their Guides preparing for departure. A long queue had already formed as they waited for their designated time slots to travel home. “Bon voyage,” Willow said to Jessie. “Avari and I will catch you up on any new clues on your next visit.”

  Hugo arrived at the Doorway’s halfway point. Directly opposite, at a distance away, he could see Peonie standing by a glowing Arch. Everything had happened so quickly. One moment he was looking at his father – and in the next, he had been swept up in a swirl of colours. And now he was surrounded by the most magnificent space he could possibly imagine. He knew it was crazy, but here he was, standing on the narrow crystal path Willow had described to him, suspended in space with only one way to go.

  Hugo moved his body steadily forward, telling himself that if Willow could do it, he could do it. He kept his eyes on Peonie, but for some reason she wasn’t watching him. Peonie was looking at something behind him. Hugo turned and his body rippled with a sickening unease. The blue beam that had transported him was phasing in and out; he knew from his studies that it wasn’t meant to do that – at least, not until he had passed through the Arch. Now his heart really raced. What if he became trapped here! His body couldn’t withstand a prolonged stay – not between the Doorways. Peonie beckoned him forward and something deep within him took charge. Hugo bounded across the glittering path, quickly closing the gap between him and Peonie.