The Knight of Her Dreams

chapter Three



“Damn!” echoed the frustrated Dominick, upon returning to his own realm. After an ensuing set of angry curses, he wasn’t too surprised to hear the familiar mocking laughter of his annoying elder brother. Glancing over to the far wall of his room, his eyes narrowed. “I’ll thank you to keep your amusement to a minimum, Riff!”

Sitting opposite him casually, his brother coolly ignored the warning, as he would with anyone else. But to be fair, in the name of blood relations, he treated Dominick with some respect... using his most irritating pranks on him instead.

As far as Dominick was concerned, the only similarity between them was their appearance. Even though Riff was three years older than Dominick’s twenty-seven years, he and his brother shared nearly the same face. Unlike Dominick’s wavy hair though, Riff’s own was fairly straight, and unlike his brother’s deep blue eyes, Riff’s were an emerald green.

Those eyes combined with Riff’s expression were often mirthful, especially at times like this. Due to his capability for endless troublesome shenanigans, some had dubbed him Riff-Raff. Only his enemies spitefully used this other name, which always earned them a dose of fistfights in return for their understanding. His friends and family knew better, and would only refer to him as Riff.

At the moment, he appraised his brother with curiosity. “No can do, Bro,” he said cheerfully. “At least, not until you tell me all the details. Was this one pretty, Phase?”

Phase?

Dominick started for a moment, before shaking his head to clear it. Remembrance came swiftly towards his middle name Phaser, which his brother and father frequently used. As an occasional after-effect of using his special powers to travel into the mind of an extremely distant person, once again, he’d experienced memory lag upon returning. It didn’t always happen, and some might consider the side effect laughable; but in truth, it wasn’t pleasant for the person experiencing it. Still, since it was infrequent, he wasn’t about to let it faze him now.

While an unusual name in many outer regions, Phaser was an accepted name for a supernatural living on the mist-concealed island of Barokka. The island was comprised mainly of supernaturals, a race of people who were gifted with inborn magic abilities. Whether bearing one magic ability or two, sometimes a supernatural would have a separate name based on an ability or a personality trait, in addition to having a second more ordinary name. Some of the supernaturals preferred the added distinction.

Although Riff didn’t have an alternate name, his own was actually a nickname. He’d once sworn he’d never reveal his true name to anyone outside of his immediate family. Though they disagreed, even Dominick would never break that trust.

Dominick’s names emerged from a parental disagreement, where his father wanted to name him Phaser after his supernatural ability known as dreamphasing, while his mother preferred the name Dominick. Hence, he was born Dominick Phaser Westbrooke. His father was only mollified by this decision when his mother said that she’d chosen to give their son the same initial as his own name.

He preferred his true name, especially when meeting females in the dream-state who resided on the other planet he frequented via astral travel, since he knew it to be more accepted there. A name that curiously enough had been remembered by the attractive woman Julianna whom he’d met with again last night on that self-same planet… Earth.

Earth being the foreign world on the other side of the sun.

At least it was foreign to most on their world of Chavernos, with the exceptions of dreamphasers like him.

Rubbing his eyes tiredly, Dominick then leaned back against the comforts of his bed, resting his head against his hands on the pillows.

“Phase?” Riff prompted.

Ignoring the impatient look on his brother’s face, he merely stared at the ceiling lost in thought.

This was often quite literally the case of a dreamphaser.

Despite the unknown explanation of whatever forces of nature had granted the supernaturals of Chavernos their varied inborn magical abilities, the fact stood that their powers did exist. Dreamphasing was only one ability, and very often a dreamphaser had a second inborn ability as well.

A supernatural’s powers were usually genetic, yet often differed even amongst direct family members. Dreamphasing was the one exception that was shared by many of the supernaturals, but a second inborn ability would generally be more distinctive. Oddly enough, some supernaturals—and especially dreamphasers—could go the majority of their lives unaware of having a second inborn ability unless actively sought out or accidentally triggered.

Such was the case of Dominick and Riff. Both were dreamphasers, but to this point, neither had any knowledge of a second inborn ability, although they did have friends who were both dreamphasers in addition to having secondary powers.

Dreamphasing was an ability that was normally considered both useful and pleasant. However, in the rare case that a dark soul abused the ability, it could be devastating.

The basic principle of dreamphasing was two-fold. First, it allowed a person to effortlessly transmit his or her astral spirit from one location to another; and secondly, it would allow that person to safely travel in astral form into another’s dreams. Whether to become a part of a nightly fantasy, or even if only to control one’s own dreams, it could provide confidence to the recipient.

Most dreamphasers limited their astral traveling to visit other dreamers on Chavernos, only stepping out of this boundary on rare occasions that might warrant it. These supernaturals made it a rule to stay away from the minds of beings of other worlds.

Dominick had never been the type to listen to rules.

Instead, he’d made use of his ability to travel across the vast distance to Earth. In his astral form, he often satisfied his curiosity by secretly visiting the people of this world. He gained a fascination of the differences between the two worlds, seeing the various buildings and structures the Earth humans had created, and seeing some of the forms of entertainment they enjoyed, although the technical devices remained a mystery. And of course, finding pleasant company in dreams was always welcome.

Yes, that planet in the solar system certainly had some good things to recommend it!

Despite rare occasions of a brief memory lapse upon returning, or sometimes in the dreams themselves, dreamphasing was fairly safe to the astral voyagers. There was no known limit to how long a dreamphaser could remain in another’s dream, until of course the other person woke up, a fact which could send the dreamphaser back home instantly. Not always though, since a dreamphaser did travel in astral form, and might choose to linger in the astral plane if desired. Dominick himself usually only lingered before entering a person’s dreams, except on rare occasions.

His dreamphasing ability, which had been identified as a child by the experienced physicians of Barokka who were most familiar with it, had been honed with help from his grandfather Chaos who was also gifted with it.

When he was fifteen, Dominick had first traveled to Earth with him, and after a few visits, the young man’s curiosity grew towards the distant planet. By sixteen, he was traveling there on his own. Shortly afterwards, he began to notice and appreciate the ability to meet fair damsels in their dreams.

One of the only things he had in common with his elder brother.

Now, just over a decade later, Dominick still traveled occasionally to Earth, but he’d tapered down on his visits with female dreamers lately. For of all these women he’d encountered, no matter how pleasant their brief company was, the fact remained that dream affairs had become unsatisfying over the years. Contrary to his carefree bachelor attitude, Dominick sometimes found himself wishing that he had one special woman in reality, rather than those who were only of brief dreams.

Perhaps... a woman like Julianna? he wondered.

“Chavernos to Phaser!” Riff shouted in his brother’s ear, jolting Dominick to turn to him. Narrowing his eyes at his grinning elder brother, he was tempted to send Riff a nightmare later! “By Chaos, you’re impossible when you’re off daydreaming. I asked you, was this one pretty?”

Dominick paused before answering, for some reason ill at ease with his brother’s typically glib remark.

“Pretty enough,” he commented dryly.

“Well, don’t just sit there close-mouthed!” chuckled Riff. “Cut to the chase, and tell me what happened. What was she like?”

Dominick grimaced at this particular question, knowing what he referred to not so subtly. He knew it shouldn’t bother him, as he and Riff had often discussed their dalliances with females in the dream realm. If their father knew, he’d likely have skinned the pair alive, but as the brothers were discreet, this never happened. As it was, their grandfather who did know, was less than pleased at this idle use of a supernatural gift, and never made secret his disapproval.

Not that this stopped the brothers from pursuing their nightly encounters. They only kept this information to themselves.

Information they’d sometimes shared in the past.

Yet now, oddly enough, Dominick wished his brother hadn’t shown up with his usual line of questioning.

“I’d imagine she’s the same as any other Earth girl.” He tried to sound convincingly disinterested, hoping it would discourage Riff.

Naturally it didn’t.

“Come on, Phase. You’re acting like someone who got kicked out of someone’s dream.” He paused, a catlike smile spreading across his face. “Oh... so she woke up first.”

Anger shot across Dominick’s face. “Look, I didn’t invite you here, and I sure as hell don’t need an inquisition from you right now! If you can’t keep your amusement to a minimum, why don’t you bother the other guys instead?”

“Thanks loads, Dom,” laughed a voice from the hallway, as the bearer and one other person entered the room. The speaker continued, arms folded. “So you’re the one who sends this joker after us with his pranks. I never would have guessed it.”

Dominick gave the dark-haired man a weak smile. “There’s a lot you couldn’t guess regarding me, Buddy,” he replied, turning to the blond-haired man beside him. “Inferno, do me a favor. If my brother won’t leave my room willingly, would you kindly heat things up to make him more amenable?”

Inferno nodded once, rubbing his hands together. “It is chilly in here.”

Riff patted his shoulder meaningfully. “One flame out of you, my friend, and you’ll be drinking coffee by the barrel to stay awake from what I send after you at night.”

“Thanks for the invitation, but I actually value my sleep,” Inferno replied smiling, gesturing his hand meaningfully towards a nearly plant on a table, which thrived under the sudden warmth. Truthfully, he wouldn’t be eager to use his fire powers to irritate Riff. Even though being a dreamphaser too, he could probably counter anything Riff came up with, it could still make for some very disturbing nightmares.

Buddy was a different matter, since he was a guardian angel. Not the conventional type with the halo and wings—he had the former, but not the latter—since his father had been a guardian devil himself, explaining Buddy’s forked tail that no guardian angel should possess.

All guardians were less susceptible to the powers of dreamphasers, since they normally went to another realm altogether to retire. And fellow guardians usually protected their own. So outside of a physical fight, Buddy deemed he could argue with Riff at leisure without likely retribution.

“As we were traveling down the hall, we heard you mention an Earth girl,” Inferno remarked. “What happened, Dominick? Did you travel into someone’s nightmare again?”

“The last one from Earth was certainly a beaut,” Buddy chimed in with a laugh. “Being chased by an army wielding swords in an otherwise tranquil surrounding of green fields could make anyone want to steer clear of dreams.”

Dominick said nothing, but betrayed a grimace. No, he certainly hadn’t forgotten that particular trip. What really amazed him was how imaginative the people of Earth could be as far as creating ideas for such movies and books. Imagination, of course, was most revered by the dreamphasers, since without it, dreams would be humdrum.

Of course, there was nothing humdrum about being chased by a nightmare of an army. That was a little too much imagination for comfort in the dream-state, best kept to a movie screen.

“No, no,” said Riff, shaking his head. “This doesn’t sound like it was from a nightmare. It sounds more like he got shot down in his latest attempt to win a female.” The others turned to Dominick with curiosity.

He groaned in irritation. There was nothing—absolutely nothing—more annoying in the universe than his smart-mouthed elder brother.

“It’s no big deal,” he told them, glaring at Riff. “I met a distressed female who was dreaming of a ball scenario dated back a century or so on her world. She was overwrought regarding someone who jilted her, so she turned to me for comfort.” Riff gave a low whistle. “Not that kind, you idiot!” he snarled.

“If that’s true, then why were you swearing like a hurricane just a few minutes ago? Were you interrupted from something important?”

Dominick shut his eyes and sighed, his irritation dissipating somewhat as his memory faded back to his last moments with Julianna. Her sweet kisses, her laughter, the touch of her gentle hands... At least before those hands suddenly gripped him in fear of their impending separation. He could still hear her calling out his name.

His meeting Julianna somehow seemed like a device of Fate, he decided, thinking back to the first time he’d seen her a few months ago. He remembered how she’d been dreaming of a beach scene, galloping along on horseback, when he’d drifted into her dream that night. He’d been searching for a pretty dream companion to spend a pleasant evening with, astral traveling through multiple towns before he found her. Not so much travel compared to his coming from the other side of the sun!

When he’d first met her on the beach, his intentions were the same as always. A quick courting, followed by a few stolen kisses, and then... well, what many times followed. During their kiss, he’d been thinking that perhaps he’d enjoy this encounter more than others he’d known.

Just before she’d nearly crushed his foot beneath her heel.

This was one incident he certainly hadn’t mentioned to Riff, but despite his surface irritation at the time, the dream had lingered in his mind ever since. Hence, he began searching for her again as of a week ago. Much as he’d thought at the time, who was this spirited woman to get away with wounding his pride?

A woman who’d succeeded in erasing his irritation last night, when he finally found her again.

Was it her tears that drew out another side to him? Or was it her personality, which never lacked for being unique in her own way? Whichever, there was no denying the sparks between them were mutual by the way they’d clung to each other in their most powerful embrace.

Just before they were suddenly interrupted by the annoying disturbance of morning on her world.

Earth! he thought, glowering.

If only she’d been here on Chavernos with him in reality, then their sparks wouldn’t have been forcibly extinguished so soon.

“I don’t know what might have happened,” he lied, feeling justified in this case since it really was none of Riff’s business. “She woke up too soon for me to tell.”

Having a more sensitive nature, Inferno picked up on his friend’s hidden disappointment, voicing a suggestion. “If that’s all it is, why don’t you go back to find her?” Dominick’s gaze snapped up to face him with uncertainty.

“Go back?”

In all these years, that was the first time one of his friends ever suggested the notion.

“Sure,” continued Inferno. “You told us that you’ve contacted dreamers more than once before.”

Not often, but yes he had, he admitted privately, obviously including last night although the others didn’t know that. He’d only done that regarding a few of his favorite paramours, but he’d said good-bye to the last of them years ago. Finding Julianna again hadn’t been easy in itself, although determination was one of his more prominent qualities.

Having been to her house twice now, and thankfully having an excellent memory, he knew he could locate Julianna easily should he wish to be with her again, but a part of him was hesitant. If all she’d spoken of was true, then Roger and the others she’d known had hurt her badly emotionally. Given this fact, Dominick wasn’t eager to return to perhaps accidentally hurt her in her sleep as well. She’d dealt with enough.

Yet at the same time, he couldn’t deny that a part of him yearned to continue where they’d left off. He wanted to kiss her again, to hold her, and to feel their hearts beat as one. To brush away her tears, and see her come to life again in his arms. Just remembering last night rekindled the warm desire of deepening blue in his eyes.

Eyes that blinked rapidly to erase the sensation, as he heard Riff’s mocking laughter.

“It would seem my little brother’s suddenly lost his touch. Or is it the girl herself who displeased you?”

Dominick’s jaw tightened, setting his strong determination once more, with a forced smile. “Neither, I assure you. And for your information, I fully intend to see Julianna Sherborne again. Tonight, if possible. After that, we’ll see who’s laughing, brother.”

Riff took undisguised amusement from his words as he finally left, followed by Buddy, but Inferno remained behind, his expression concerned.

“I didn’t suggest it as a challenge, Dom. I meant it genuinely, since you do seem to care.”

His friend nodded. “At times like this, you’re more of a brother to me than he is. But rest assured, my wanting to see her again really doesn’t have anything to do with Riff. I do care about her.”

More than I initially thought, he mused privately.

*****

The woman glancing in the full-length mirror turned this way and that, making sure every fold of her new gown was correctly draped over her slim figure. The dress was a pale blue, drawing out the similar color of her eyes. Every strand of her flowing golden hair was firmly in place. She was proud that she’d never needed to use her illusion magic to enhance her beauty, but sometimes it made it necessary to use her force-field ability against persistent suitors.

“You look like an absolute angel,” her mother confirmed.

Turning with a smile, Sionne looked past her ever-doting parent to find someone else appraising her similarly. “I’m quite sure my grandson will think so as well,” said the man beside her, kissing the younger woman’s hand.

“Maybe,” she sighed, “but I doubt he’ll be as agreeable with the prospect of marriage.”

“He’ll accept,” assured her mother, her eyebrows knitting together. “After all, with his status, he can’t very well expect to remain a bachelor forever. And who better than a beauty like you to stay by his side always?”

Sionne blushed becomingly, more out of her breeding than an innocent gesture. Most men, even worldly ones like Chaos, often mistook this as genuine.

“I heartily agree,” he said, just before hearing a voice call out from downstairs. “Ah, that sounds like the prospective groom himself. If you’ll excuse me, ladies.” Both nodded as Chaos strode down the hall, just before Sionne’s mother eyed her daughter speculatively.

“I’m afraid he’ll take a bit more charming than his grandfather,” she murmured. “You’d best use all your charms to advantage, my girl.”

Sionne fluttered her lashes once. “Why, Mother, I think you underestimate my intelligence. Why else would I choose such a low-cut gown?” Nodding once in approval, the elder woman departed.

“Surface beauty only goes so far, sister,” said another voice, highly similar to her own. Not surprising, since it came from Sionne’s twin Sireni. “But a man like Dominick Westbrooke will want far more than a pretty face. He’ll desire a willing woman to warm his nights, which you my dear sister, are not.”

Her words struck an expected minor chord from Sionne, for unlike her sister, she had a strong dislike for physical closeness, repulsed even by kisses, and had no intention of giving up her virtue lightly. Fortunately, intimacy was required but once to consummate a marriage. After that, she had every intention of keeping things in name only with her future husband.

“Dominick doesn’t need to know that,” Sionne retorted. “And you aren’t going to tell him, unless you want me to let it drop that you’re having an affair with his worst enemy.”

Sireni’s cheek twitched, but she maintained her usual catlike smile. “Touché, Sionne,” she murmured, folding her arms. “And may I ask how you intend to keep your husband at bay with forced celibacy?”

Sionne’s smile rivaled her own. “Very simple, dear sister. I shall suddenly contract a migraine every night.” Laughing at her own cleverness, she waltzed out, ignoring Sireni’s skeptical expression.

“Sir, I’m sure he’ll be down presently,” said the palace butler, trying desperately to maintain decorum.

A pointless battle with the Westbrooke brothers.

“Grandfather!” Dominick shouted again.

“Blazes, boy, you don’t have to crumble the castle walls with your bellowing!” Chaos barked back from the staircase.

“Yes, you rival our kind when you do that,” chuckled a deeper voice, as a silver dragon emerged from another room, earning the attention of both. Fortunately, the wise Chaolyn had altered his size to fit more comfortably in the palace without bumping into furniture, although he knew Chaos wished he’d revert to his human form altogether when indoors.

Calming slightly, Dominick faced him apologetically. “I’m sorry for that, Chaolyn, but I received an urgent message to come, and I didn’t want to waste any unnecessary time.”

“Humans can’t help that with their limited lifespans, but I understand, my young friend,” the dragon replied. When the elder man came downstairs, eyeing him questioningly, he gestured a taloned claw forward. “After our talk earlier, I’d hope you wouldn’t mind my merely listening in, my friend.”

“As you will,” sighed Chaos.

Dominick’s expression became grim as he strode towards his grandfather. “I got here as soon as I could. Don’t tell me. The pyromasters are at it again, right?”

Chaos’s green eyes widened, before he gave a short laugh. “Not quite. If that was the case, Chaolyn and I could have handled it.” Ignoring his grandson’s bemused look, he shook his head. “No, Dominick, this involves a more personal issue, regarding these foolish dream-state affairs of yours.”

Thinking of Julianna, Dominick frowned. “Riff certainly doesn’t waste time in spreading lies about me,” he said icily. “Look, Grandfather, contrary to what he may have told you, I’ve been steering clear of female dreamers for the past several months. But as to the one Riff may have mentioned...”

“I might have known,” sighed Chaos. “Dominick, it’s time you stop chasing dream women, and settle down with one woman of our world. In other words, it’s high time you married.”

Chaolyn’s ears perked up at that, while Dominick began to laugh. “You’ve been saying that for years now. You hardly needed to drag me here for that.”

“Chaos,” Chaolyn interjected softly, sensing his friend’s thoughts. “This might not be the best way to...”

“I’ve received your counsel earlier, and you agreed to listen only. Now let me finish,” Chaos replied, shooting him a sharp look before returning his gaze to Dominick. “There’s more,” he continued solemnly. “I’ve decided that if I wait for you to find someone, you’ll end up like your excuse-ridden brother, and I’ll never see any great-grandchildren. Thus, I’ve taken the liberty of making the decision for you.”

Dominick’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Footsteps on the stairs answered him as Sionne appeared, resplendent in her new gown. “Dominick,” she said lightly. “It’s so good to see you.” Turning to Chaos, she flashed him a dazzling smile. “Am I interrupting anything?”

“Your timing is impeccable, my dear,” he replied, taking her hand as she reached the bottom step, before turning to his bemused grandson. “Sionne’s been with us for many years, and has become quite a beauty, has she not?” At the younger man’s reluctance to answer, he frowned, nudging his arm.

“Yes, she is that,” Dominick said finally.

“Now you’re being reasonable,” murmured Chaos, beaming moments later. “Which brings me to the point. You’re no strangers, and have gotten along well over the years.”

Tolerated each other is more accurate, Dominick thought.

“Thus, I’ve decided your betrothal will be announced today, and your wedding will take place in a few weeks.”

Chaolyn gave a low funereal whistle, to Chaos’s chagrin.

Dominick’s mouth dropped open, anger filling his eyes. “You’ve decided this?” he hissed, erasing the pleased looks from the human pair. “Grandfather, if you want to find Sionne a husband, then I’m all for it. But as far as I’m concerned, I have no intention of being the shackled groom. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a life to resume.”

As he strode towards the door, Chaos began shouting after him. “Damn it all, Dominick, I won’t have you ignore me this time! I’m announcing your betrothal, and that’s final!”

Turning at the last minute, while resting his hand on the door handle, Dominick shook his head. “You can announce what you like, but the humiliation will be on your head later when your words are proven false. And as for this obsession with great-grandchildren of yours, let me assure you that a forced marriage won’t bring them any sooner.”

Slamming the door behind him as he exited, his grandfather’s face turned purple with rage. “Blasted impertinent boy!” he growled.

“You gave him little choice in the matter, old friend,” Chaolyn said quietly.

Not replying, Chaos abruptly remembered Sionne. “I apologize for my grandson’s rudeness,” he told her. “Take heart, child. He’ll come around in time.”

“I know,” she replied softly, a few tears forming in her eyes. “I just wish it was sooner than later.”

“More likely when the netherworld freezes,” murmured Chaolyn, earning a glare from Chaos before exiting the room.

Eyes narrowing with determination, the elder man squeezed Sionne’s hand comfortingly. “Never fear. I may not be able to do anything about his brother, but one way or another, I intend to see Dominick married as soon as possible. And once I’ve set my mind to something, it’s as good as done.”

She smiled knowingly through her craftily conjured tears. Chaos prided himself on keeping his word.

Soon, Dominick would be hers.

*****

Dominick had passed the well-tended castle gardens and approached the outer gate, still seething at his grandfather’s bullheadedness. Not the first time he’d tried to marry him off, but the elder man was becoming more adamant, bringing Sionne into the matter. Knowing her scheming nature all too well, demonstrated over the years with her other suitors although she thought him ignorant—let alone her narcissistic manner—he’d sooner disappear amongst the dragons and live peacefully as a hermit than be forced to marry her.

Approaching the gate guardians who’d been talking, they saw him and immediately saluted. Smiling, he waved his hand. “At ease, guys, he’s still in the castle.” The pair relaxed, knowing Dominick was less interested in formalities than the others. “Right now, I just want to get as far from here as possible.”

“Allow me to assist,” a voice called out, as he glided to a halt beside him.

“Chaolyn, you don’t want to get in the middle of this.”

“Exactly. So let’s get out of here.”

Smiling at the knowing look of mischief in the dragon’s eyes, Dominick climbed up, and the pair took to the skies.

As the clouds soared by, the wind cooling Dominick’s brow, he did start to feel his anger ease. Chaolyn was as wise at reading him as he was with his grandfather.

“Feel better?” the dragon inquired.

“You know I do. But I doubt Chaos will. After all, he is your keizha benirrai.”

The dragon smiled at the ancient Chavernian term for ‘soul’s friend,’ long used by dragons regarding their oaths of friendship with specific humans or elves. Chaos had been his keizha benirrai for many years, able to communicate privately telepathically when needed, and to sense when the other needed help. Typically to represent a one-to-one friendship, but occasionally regarding a small group, it was a term long respected by all races and revered by the recipients.

“Soul friends are not obligated to agree, and Chaos would never expect it of me.”

“You’re lucky then. At least he respects your opinion.”

The rumbling laugh that shook the dragon nearly caused Dominick to lose his grip. Realizing this, Chaolyn quickly composed himself, but there was still mirth in his voice when he spoke. “I’ve been needing a good laugh today. Thank you. But believe me, Chaos is as stubborn with me as with you, as has been proven by as many of your years. It’s just his way.”

“I’m not marrying someone just because he has visions of great-grandchildren in his head. The only way he’s getting those from me is if I find a woman to love.”

“Might this Julianna be a possibility?”

Dominick’s eyes narrowed. “Where did you hear that, as if I didn’t know?”

“Actually, I was lounging in the main hall, when I overheard Riff and Buddy speaking of it as they passed through to the kitchen earlier. I didn’t have a chance to ask you about it before Chaos went off on his tirade. But from what little I did hear, Riff sounded frustrated you kept much to yourself.”

“My brother doesn’t need to know every detail of my personal life. The time I spend with Julianna is none of his business.”

“May I inquire if you’re planning on meeting with the lady again?”

Dominick’s irritated expression softened. “Inferno asked the same thing, suggesting it. Even if he hadn’t though, I already knew I wanted to see her again.”

“Then what’s stopping you?” At his ensuing silence, Chaolyn smiled. “There’s a difference in your tone of voice. You really like this one.”

Knowing without asking that Chaolyn would keep a confidence between them, Dominick nodded. “Yes, I do. Which is why I don’t want my family interfering. Chaos would have a fit if he knew she was from Earth, and Chavernos knows I trust Riff even less.”

“Ah… so she’s an Earth maiden. Now the rest makes sense. Well, don’t worry. I’ll say nothing to any of them, though I agree you should be mindful of your brother and say no more to him especially.” The dragon smiled again. “Is she very pretty?”

“That and more. She has a beautiful spirit to match. Someone had made her unhappy on her world, but after we spent some time together, she seemed much happier. As a matter of fact, she seemed happy to be with me even before we got into that.”

“Then your friend is right. You should visit her again, and see if she feels the same.” His tone abruptly became fatherly, almost rivaling Chaos’s. “Now remember, keep your intentions honorable.”

“Chaolyn, you know me better than to have to tell me…” Sensing a small, teasing laugh from the dragon, he hugged him. Of course he did.

“She’s a more fortunate lady than she believes.”

*****

Lost Limbo. A meeting place that catered to all walks of life on Barokka. Once a tiny pub, it had flourished by the constant patronage of dreamphasers, shifters, pyromasters, guardians, and other empowered beings, and thus had not only been remodeled to a much larger establishment, but it also had won its share of acclaim. Here, a group of friends met frequently, consisting of the guys—Riff, Buddy, Inferno, and Dominick, and the gals—Kiri, Jarissa, and Psych.

Buddy and Inferno were mulling over the earlier scene between the two brothers, hoping the women wouldn’t suddenly show up to interrupt them.

“Did you overhear anything else?” asked Inferno.

Buddy shook his head. “Only what you did. She’s from Earth, and Dom’s mad as blazes over Riff’s jibes.”

Earth, he mused. So far away from Chavernos—although not as far as a dreamphaser was concerned—it was elsewhere in the Milky Way Galaxy, on the other side of the sun from them. No short distance there! Buddy couldn’t help but be impressed at how often Dominick traveled there, even though he and Inferno didn’t always agree with the purpose of said visits.

But then again, Dominick had never known a steady girlfriend for any length of time, either in the dream-state or the reality of Chavernos. In fact, Buddy sometimes wondered if he was as content with his single status as he claimed, or if he secretly envied the relationships of his friends. Even Riff and Kiri saw each other from time to time, depending on where their moods were at.

Inferno and Psych were the only pair who were an official couple, and they often mediated the interactions of the others. Especially with Riff and Kiri, who at times would bait each other into arguments, although they certainly displayed jealousy when one or the other seemed to be looking elsewhere. And as for Buddy himself, he more than had his hands full with the unpredictable Jarissa. A situation that might never see a solution, considering he was a guardian angel, and she was a guardian devil.

And considering the fact that half the time they were at each other’s throats.

Conjuring her image in his mind, Buddy couldn’t help smiling. Every guardian devil of Barokka, and a great many guardian angels, sought the curly-haired Jarissa as well. Her long-lashed brown eyes teased her suitors mercilessly, as any female guardian devil would, and she’d stated hundreds of times that she’d had boyfriends aplenty over the past several years.

However, Buddy knew it to be more an act than anything else. Proven once, when he demanded the truth from a so-called ‘lover’ of hers. The hapless guardian confessed that there’d been nothing romantic between them, despite the surface gossip. Buddy then swore him to secrecy, and allowed Jarissa to continue believing him fooled until she tired of it.

Only one of many games between them over the years.

Granted, she was a beauty, clever, and mischievous as any guardian devil of her breed, her curly hair sometimes obscuring her horns. But she couldn’t deny being part angel as well, thanks to her wings, a gift from her mother’s parentage. Perhaps that accounted for her inner vulnerability that she tried to hide, unlike the more wanton females of her type. It was Buddy’s knowledge of her hidden innocence that brought on the protective angel side to him, and he was determined to keep the local devils away from her.

Of course, she’d provoked his devil side often enough with her flirtations.

Too often! he decided, knowing that there were complete guardian angels that’d wanted to cast aside their halos forever for Jarissa’s attentions. He was no different, except he was close friends with her, which was better than the rest could say.

Theirs was a relationship of literal heaven and hell, but to a half-and-half guardian like Buddy—and the similar situation of Jarissa—they truly seemed meant for one another.

Or at least meant for Bedlam.

His dream-like stare was enhanced when he saw the three familiar females enter Lost Limbo. Kiri pointed towards their table instantly, but Buddy didn’t notice. He was too busy staring at the brown-haired guardian devil who was heading straight for him, an odd expression in her eyes. Her warm smile caused him to discount her gaze... moments before she smacked him stingingly in the face.

Good-bye, dreams!

“What the hell was that for?” he demanded as he stood. Jarissa stared up at him with undisguised fury that bore no hint of fear. A common trait of female guardian devils.

“You men are all alike!” she exclaimed, pounding him on the chest once with her fist. “Kiri just visited Riff, and her mind-reading ability tapped into your conversation with Dominick earlier. You men seem to think that we women are here solely as the targets of your conquests. Well, think again, buster!”

Right now, he could only think that Kiri’s powers helped her to eavesdrop way too much.

“It wasn’t my idea!” he protested. “Why don’t you vent your anger on Riff and Dominick where it belongs?”

“And you call yourself a guardian angel!” she hissed mockingly. “Yet you’ll stand by while a poor girl in a fragile emotional state is seduced by the petty whims of your friend!”

“Guardians aren’t dreamphasers, Jarissa. Even if you told me to interfere, I couldn’t. Dammit, you know that!”

Yes, she knew that, but it still didn’t sit very well with her. “You could talk him out of it,” she suggested, her quiet tone barely concealing her anger. “A guardian’s power of suggestion can be of some use with dreamphasers.”

“Maybe with some, but Dom’s will’s too strong, and I really don’t want to get involved.” He turned away to walk over to the window, hoping that would end this discussion, but the persistent Jarissa followed him.

“I see,” she said, spreading her hands defeatedly. “You know, Buddy, maybe you’re right. After all, it is just a dream to the girl, and that certainly excuses all else. And I know you’d be just as morally upstanding if I told you that a dreamphaser had shown up in my dreams recently.”

Things went from quiet to chaos in less than five seconds.

“What?” he shouted, whipping about to face her, while earning the attention of everyone else in Lost Limbo as well.

Jarissa casually ran a finger against the edge of a table, nodding with a serious expression. “Given your most understanding nature, I suppose you’d have absolutely no qualms over my telling you that I was pursued by a dreamphaser more than once, and that he finally succeeded in ravishing me. After all, it was just a dream, and we all know how you feel about... Ouch!”

Having grabbed her shoulders with a steel grip, Buddy shook her hard. “Who did this?” he demanded loudly. At her silence, he prompted her with a shake. “Who?”

“Buddy, you’re hurting me!” she protested.

“Much less than the pain I’ll inflict on whoever the bastard is that’s responsible for this!” he swore. Jarissa felt a rare wave of fear sweep through her as she stared into her angry companion’s eyes. No longer the friendly blue, they seemed darkened beyond recognition now, more characteristic to a guardian devil. “If you don’t know his name, give me a description to go by. Just tell me what you know, Jarissa!”

“Nothing, nothing!” she blurted out, shaking her head. “Buddy, I was just trying to prove a point, that’s all.”

“Really now?” he sneered. “Judging by your character, I tend to doubt that. Now for the last time, who are you protecting?”

“No one, I swear! I...”

“BUDDY, LET HER GO, OR ELSE!” a loud voice shrieked, nearly causing him to release Jarissa if only to cover his ears. Several other patrons did reach for their ears, causing several mugs to drop and shatter.

While he merely gritted his teeth against the pain from the ear-piercing shout, many others in Lost Limbo loudly protested the usage of Psych’s deafening ability. When she got angry, there was no one with a louder voice, and since she and Jarissa were so close-knit, Buddy knew better than to push the issue.

“Mind your own business!” Psych called out in a more normal shout, or I’ll shatter the rest of your beer mugs for you!” The grumbling continued, but more quietly. “Sorry, Zantarl,” she told the barkeep. He waved a hand in dismissal, using his own ability to raise the shattered glasses and restore them whole again. The patrons affected then brought their repaired mugs over for refills, including several newcomers who were surprised by Zantarl’s ability.

“She’s telling the truth, you dummy,” supplied Kiri, folding her arms. “She only said what she did to make you understand the Earth girl’s plight. You won’t lend a hand in her case, but you don’t seem to like the idea of a dreamphaser chasing after Jarissa, do you?”

Glaring at her once before turning back to his silent companion, Buddy squeezed her arms tighter, his anger still close to the surface. In a low voice, he said warningly, “If you ever, ever, throw a lie like that at me again, I’ll send you gift-wrapped to an appropriate dreamphaser myself!”

“Don’t bother,” she murmured coldly, exiting in a literal flash as she vanished.

A singeing flash which left burn marks on Buddy’s hands.

Gasping once at the sharp pain, while waving his hands quickly to cool them, Buddy angrily heard murmuring and laughter from the attentive crowd around him. Leave it to Jarissa to exit with a bang! his thoughts mocked him. Striding back to his table, he rubbed his sore hands, without giving the slightest glance to the two remaining females.

“If that crazy she-devil thinks I’m going to interfere with a friend’s affairs, then she’s got less of a brain beneath those curls than any of her would-be suitors know,” he told Inferno. “I also have more faith in Dom than to believe he’d take advantage of a woman, dream-state or no.”

“A typically male response,” hissed Kiri. “But it’s the women who pay the consequences for your actions, angel-boy.”

“Now just a second,” Inferno broke in. “Aren’t you forgetting that we’re talking about Dominick? I don’t argue that some dreamphasers might be as you say, but I agree with Buddy that Dominick is not the type to force his attention on this woman or any other.”

For a few moments, Kiri’s expression softened. Of the two brothers, she knew Dominick did seem to have a deeper sense of caring when it came to another’s feelings. Something she wished would rub off on Riff now and then, although privately she was certain he wouldn’t force his attention on women either. Even knowing this though, the situation didn’t seem right.

“Maybe there’s a mutual attraction there that we don’t know about,” he continued.

“Sure, if someone spilled glue over them,” murmured Kiri, tossing her reddish-gold curls angrily.

Buddy turned to her with a forced smile. Moments afterwards, Kiri gave a loud gasp of outrage. Slapping him in the face, she stormed out.

Psych stood in confusion, glancing after her departed friend. Admittedly, Kiri had a chip on her shoulder regarding men, no doubt built with assistance from Riff over the years, but she had a good heart. She just didn’t want to see someone hurt, emotionally or otherwise.

Given Kiri’s ability to read people’s minds, Psych grasped the obvious, turning to Buddy accusingly. “All right, angel-boy, just what were you thinking that caused that?” she demanded.

“Merely an added thought to her glue comment,” he replied nonchalantly.

“Which was?”

He shrugged. “Simply that glue’s the only way she’d ever attract anyone willingly, much less the attentions of the most desperate dreamphaser.”

Psych slapped him too.

“Beast!” she hissed, following in her friend’s footsteps.

Maintaining somber expressions, it was only when the door slammed that Buddy and Inferno released their laughter. Picking up their glasses, they held them aloft cheerfully.

“A toast to the wiles of unpredictable women,” said Inferno.

“And a toast for bravery to good ol’ Dominick. If this Earth maiden of his is anything like Barokka’s females, then he may be in more danger than she is!”

Laughing boisterously, they clinked glasses.

*****

The Earth maiden in question might not be in danger right now, but she was certainly agitated.

Julianna paced the floor nervously as she struggled to keep awake. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was past two in the morning, yet the last intention on her mind was of sleeping. Last night’s dream had haunted her endlessly with its disturbing vividness, as if it had really happened. And as it had been on her mind all day, she was worried she’d wind up back with Dominick again.

Not that the dream last night had been unpleasant. Far from it.

But it had been all too real.

Why, if she hadn’t woken up when she did... well, even if it was just a dream, she found it disturbing!

Her feet soon tired from her pacing though, and rather than wear out the floor, Julianna reluctantly sat down on her bed to read a book instead. Maybe she could erase thoughts of Dominick with a good science-fiction novel, she thought hopefully, picking up the first one to catch her eye, ‘Warp Zone of Doom’.

Quite an appropriate title lately.

The idea seemed to work, because after reading several pages, all she could think of was futuristic people on space ships, instead of the nineteenth century characters of a romance novel. No more thoughts of hall-of-mirrors ballrooms, no more fancy ball gowns, and no more Dominick. She yawned once as she flipped through a few more pages, just before sleep began to overtake her. Realizing this, she reached out to grope for the light switch. With a quick flip, the room was blanketed in darkness, and she leaned back with a contented sigh.

Moments later, a curiosity broke into her tired state.

Her eyes drifted half-open upon sensing light upon their closed lids, and she struggled to see ahead. Her eyes weren’t adjusted to the dark yet, but she could see the streetlights from outside through the edges of her window curtains. Nothing unusual there, she thought absently. No doubt my imagination working overtime again.

Relaxed as Julianna was, she soon gave it no further thought, turning to her side while her eyes fluttered shut again.

She was totally oblivious when a string of countless, tiny star-like lights filled the room moments later. Lights which circled the room, just before forming the silvery outline of a certain dreamphaser.

Feeling for a moment as if he was in fact truly part of her world, Dominick’s ghostly astral form cast a shimmering glow on the peaceful expression on Julianna’s face, only enhancing her beauty. He couldn’t help smiling, as she looked so innocent while quietly lost in slumber. Despite the knowledge that there weren’t many hours left in which he could be with her again, Dominick found himself reluctant to abandon this moment where he could gaze upon her freely without retribution.

The silvery light framed her face, much like moonlight, as he moved to stand beside her. Glancing down at her with longing, he found himself wishing that he had the ability to become tangible here, if only for a moment, so he might touch her cheek just once in reality.

He sighed heavily, knowing his powers could never allow him to do that.

Funny how a search two months ago had brought him to this.

Back then, he’d been traveling about this town in his astral form, floating through each house’s walls as if they were made of mist. He’d nearly brushed through Julianna’s room without a second thought too, but even on that first night, he’d found her crying herself to sleep.

Oddly moved by her tears, he floated closer. She was pretty, he’d decided instantly, looking all of a child for how small and fragile she’d seemed. Yet there was no mistaking that the pleasant curves outlined by the blankets surrounding her were those of an attractive woman, not a child. Her sadness touched a chord in him, setting his determination to try and bring a smile to this dreaming child-woman of sorts.

Thus he’d met her that night in a dream he’d engineered to comfort her.

He hadn’t counted on the most strong-willed young woman behind those tears.

Upon returning months later, he was surprised to find her much as he’d left her before, still unhappy, and crying herself to sleep again.

Appearing in one of the only visible forms he could while the other dreamer was awake, he’d remained close by her window, no doubt seeming like a star to the unaware woman, despite his much closer proximity. He’d been startled when she gasped, and even more when she wished aloud to see the Dominick she’d dreamed of before.

She still thinks of me? he’d mused, oddly pleased.

And then she seemed to stare directly at him, mentioning his name again. As if she’d known that he wasn’t a star at all, although that was surely impossible.

When she’d returned to her bed, he dimmed his light so she couldn’t see him, and followed her to glance at the book she was reading. The people on the cover dressed differently than what he’d seen of her world lately, but if the history lessons he’d overheard on Earth were of any consequence, this story took place in another era. Unseen, he moved in back of her to read what she did, grinning at the rather interesting segment she was fascinated by. So she liked romance, did she? Well, perhaps he should oblige her then.

Hence followed their meeting in her dream.

He’d been interested to find more than just beauty or passion in her. She was also intelligent and amusing when she’d overcome her initial hesitancy towards a stranger. And then when she told him of Roger, he’d found yet another side to her. One that seemed to crave comforting as he’d once noticed before.

Far be it from Dominick to resist lending his own assistance there!

Tonight, he noticed her science fiction novel with its spaceship on the cover, wondering briefly if Earth might one day use one to find Chavernos. Highly unlikely, due to its mist obscured appearance and its parallel position on the other side of the sun. Yet if it could be made possible... perhaps he might one day receive the chance of meeting Julianna while they were both awake.

But for the time being, a dream rendezvous would have to suffice. Science fiction scenes, his mind thought quickly. Perhaps Julianna would prefer that background instead this time, nodding once to the idea.

In the next moment, his astral form vanished and his dreamphasing ability took over.