CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE DREAMING
He heard her cry for help even through the frenzy of battle.
Her voice reached him despite the sound of his fists battering Lord Havok with relentless rage. At the moment, the Extremists was lying in a heap on the ground before him, no longer moving. Once the energy of his formidable armour had finally been exhausted, the villain had to use his own strength to defend himself. Fortunately, as with most super villains, they relied almost completely on their meta human strength without paying any attention to normal physical fitness. Lord Havok was no exception. If he had faced a lesser opponent, he might have stood the victor.
However, he was faced to face with Vuldarian warrior in full blood heat.
The Vuldarians were a race dedicated to serving in the cause of justice but their means to achieving this end were nothing short of ruthless. In their day, they were rightly known as the most fearsome warriors in the galaxy until they were hunted down by the evil Tormocks and destroyed in a genocidal war. In order to keep some part of them alive for the future ages, they had manipulated genetic blood lines for centuries on numerous worlds, in order to culminate their warrior inspirit into a new race. Unfortunately, the Tormocks hunted them down on every world settled upon. Finally, the survivors were forced to take refuge on a primitive world on the spiral arm of the galaxy.
In Guy Gardner, was the last child of Vuldar.
That was something not even an Extremist could combat and win. Guy Gardner, Warrior, stood above the unconscious form of Lord Havok who had stopped fighting long ago. The welfare of the Extremists was the farthest thing from his mind at the moment. Guy had heard Beatriz through the signal device hanging on his belt. It disturbed him to no end that she had not signalled again and he shook the device with frustration when nothing but silence came from it. After a few seconds, he realised he was wasting time. Wherever she was, she needed help.
Guy spun around and ran back into the previous room. Sigrid had just incapacitated Gorgon in a wall of ice. The Extremist was no longer moving for he was completely encased. Sigrid was wiping her brow, although the moisture could hardly be called sweat. It was more like condensation. Initially, she had only decided to freeze his tentacles, but as Gorgon worked himself into a bloody rage, Sigrid felt extra precautions were necessary. The obese man was staring at her through the block of eyes, a look of surprise frozen on his face. Sigrid had taken care to see to it that his prison was formed from mixture of fluids that would act as a cryogenic prison until she was ready to revive him.
"Bea's in trouble." Guy stated. "Did you see where she went?" He demanded. Although the signal device had a built in tracker, it indicated direction only, not a location.
"No, I didn't." Sigrid said with concern, starting to follow him as he hurried towards another corridor.
"Stay here." Guy ordered before she could reach him. "Keep an eye on these two, especially Lord Havok, he might be playing possum."
Sigrid nodded mutely, casting a glance over her shoulder at the unconscious armour clad villain. "Alright." She called after him as he disappeared down the hall way. A part of her wanted to join him but knew he was correct. One of them had to remain behind.
Besides, Warrior knew how to take care of himself.
*************
The tracking function on the signal device led Guy downstairs into the bowels of the museum. The journey downward, indicated that some serious fighting had taken place in this part of the building. He could see large chunks of plaster lying on the edge of the floor where they had fallen. Light globes had shattered from the heaving stress of the ceiling above them. He wondered if this was where Ted and Zatanna had teleported to when they had disappeared to face the Gray Man.
The farther he continued to the basement levels, the more he was gripped with this growing feeling of dread. He had only ever felt such intense foreboding one other time and that was the day he learnt Tora had died fighting the Overmaster. Despite all his macho bravado and warrior instincts, he tried not to even conceive the possibility that he might again be too late to save Bea as he had with Tora. Even though their relationship had begun in the ashes of Tora's death, Guy's emotions for Beatriz were as strong as it had been for the fallen Ice. The thought of her being gone sent icy shivers through his being.
Cut it out, Gardner.
Guy told himself quite forcefully. He shook his head and forced away his fears over Beatriz's safety because he knew it was counter productive. If she were in trouble, he would need to be in command of his senses, not terrified like some kid.
The lighting in the staircase leading to the basement level of the museum was almost none existent. The battle raging upstairs and below had damaged most of the museum's primary systems. Trails of plaster and concrete was following him down with each step against the floor. However as he descended, the sound of rushing water that had been a distant consideration, moments ago, was now rumbling loud enough to fill the narrow passageway. Voices also begin to filter through the sound of running water that made Guy hasten his advance to the bottom of the stairs. As the basement floor came into sight, Guy could see a shimmer of fluid on the ground even with the dim lighting.
Seeing the sight of so much water made little difference to his descent but it did give him some idea how Beatriz had been incapacitated enough to need help. She was one of the most powered super heroines in the meta-human world. There were not many villains who could take her on and live, if she had the desire for blood, which she did not. Stepping into the basement levels, the water immediately rose up and gripped his ankles.
Despite his haste, Guy had made his approach quietly. Thanks to the light coming through the large hole in the wall, Doctor Diehard wielding a large fire hose that was blasting out a jet of high pressurised water. He was guiding metallic fragments against the far wall, each piece of iron and steel moving with the speed of bullets. Beatriz was lying semi-unconscious against the corner of the room, trying to avoid the pressurised spray of water that was robbing her of the ability to flame on and thus defend herself.
"Come on honey," Doctor Diehard laughed in absolute delight at his subjugation of this meta-human. "You can do better than that."
Beatriz could barely answer or hear for that matter. The water blasting at her body possessed such force that it she was having difficulty breathing. Water had gushed down her throat and was pounding relentlessly on her bruised and damage wounds. Each time, she tried to move out of its way, the Doctor had changed the angle and forced her back into this corner, to cower like some helpless woman. She had narrowly missed being crushed by the car he had brought in here and Beatriz had a sinking feeling he was just toying with her until he was ready for a satisfying kill.
Where were the others? She thought frantically.
Suddenly, the powerful jet stopped in mid spray. The water was reduced to a slight trickle before the hose went limp in Doctor Diehard's hand. Beatriz fell forward, coughing out the large volume of water that had forced its way down her throat. After the roar of water almost deafening her, she was able to hear with fierce clarity.
"What the hell?" Doctor Diehard swore as his weapon died in his hand. He looked over his shoulder and saw the valve activating the water had been snapped clean off.
"Nobody starts anything with my girl except me." Guy announced himself, stepping out of the shadows the Doctor had used so fully to his own advantage, earlier.
The Doctor said nothing at first but Guy heard the creaking of the wrecked Citroen that was lying on the floor. It shot up in the air and flew towards Guy with ease, despite the limitations of the corridor and its state of damage. "I'm afraid I am not done playing with the bitch yet!" Diehard said viciously as he hurled the vehicle at Guy.
Guy saw the hunk of metal and glass flying at him and immediately dove under it. The vehicle passed harmlessly over him as he used the water on the floor to carry him safely away from it. The car smashed into a door, shattering the wood and the door frame that was holding it in place. However, Doctor Diehard was already preparing his next attack as metal fragments that were door knobs, light fixtures and anything he could visualise, started flying at Guy with savage speed. The first few caused a slight measure of pain to the Vuldarian speed but he only had to morph to nullify that particular threat. Within seconds, Guy had morphed himself Vuldarian armour and the objects bounced off him with little concern.
"Try again." Guy retorted.
"No problem." Doctor Diehard laughed. "I've got a whole bag of tricks."
Suddenly, a new voice entered the conversation. "Get out of the way Guy."
Guy looked over the Doctor's shoulder and saw Beatriz standing behind the Extremist. She looked bruised and injured but that look in her eyes was unmistakable. Guy knew not to argue with her when she was like this. "Sorry Doctor," Guy replied as he glanced at the hole made by the car. It led into another room and through the ceiling. "It appears the lady is gonna take the reins." With that, he leapt through the orifice and jumped through the hole in the ceiling. As he looked down seconds later, he saw the darkness below was suddenly illuminated with green light.
"Now you wanted to tango?" Beatriz looked at Diehard who was attempting to make a hasty retreat, now that his advantage was gone. "I'll warn you now," she said walking after him. "I'm a hot touch."
She blasted a column of intense fire at him, concentrating on making that blast of flame, hotter and deadlier than normal. This time, there would be no confinement strategy to follow. Beatriz de Costa aka Fire, was going to put and end to him. The flames hit the Extremist with the force of a mini-nuclear weapon. It carried him on a wave of heat, slamming him into the wall, until the metal inside his replicant structure began to soften and then buckle. By the time, Doctor Diehard impacted against the wall, his body had the consistency of mercury at room temperature.
Beatriz flamed off and returned to her normal self, feeling ache and pains from bruises and the other lacerations on the skin. A few seconds after the disappearance of the her body's green flame and darkness had returned to the room, she heard footsteps approaching.
"Where is he?" Guy questioned as he climbed through the hole, his feet splashing against the water.
"Over there." She gestured offhandedly, as she examined a large cut on her arm. "Bastard," she whispered under her breath.
Guy saw what was left of Doctor Diehard and whistled. "You're one mean babe when you're angry." He remarked before returning his attention to her. Lifting her chin in his hand, Guy winced at the purplish bruise forming around her left eye. "Are you okay?" His voice devoid of its previous humour and full of genuine concern.
"I'm black and blue, but I'm okay." She replied, squeezing his hand in comfort.
Guy gave her a smile before leaning downwards and expressing his relief in a soft, lingering kiss. For the moment at least, there was no Gray Man, Dreamslayer or Extremist for that matter, to intrude on this stolen minute of intimacy. There would be plenty of time to get back to fighting the good fight but none of it would matter if they denied themselves moments like these.
"How touching." A voice snapped them back to reality.
Both Guy and Beatriz looked up to see the Gray Man at the far end of the corridor. He had emerged from the set of doors Beatriz had tried to investigate prior to her meeting with Doctor Diehard.
"Give it up Dreamslayer!" Guy shouted, striding towards him fearlessly. 'We've already pounded your friends into tin cans!"
"I expected you would." Dreamslayer said unperturbed. "They were here merely to distract you while I tended to other matters."
Guy did not like the sound of that at all. "What do you mean?" He asked, not really expecting answer.
"Now that would be letting you in on the surprise, wouldn't it?" The villain smiled coldly. "I'm not ready to do that yet. So as they say in France, au revoir for now. We will meet again.
Dreamslayer spun around dramatically, a trail of energy spiralling from him as he disappeared. It struck Guy in mid stride and sent him flying backwards. The pain it caused was just as powerful. It rose in white hot waves from the centre of him until Guy could nothing but scream as the world went black.
**************
"Guy," he felt someone slapping his cheeks lightly. "Wake up."
Reality flowed back into his mind like a sink that was left to drain. Images swirled painfully back into place as Guy Gardner started to wake up. His skin felt icy cold and with those images crowding in on him all at once, Guy managed to extract the memory that he was still in the passage way, covered with water.
"Come on Guy," the voice spoke again. "We've got work to do. Get up."
"Jesus Ted," Guy managed to groan. "I hear you already."
"Come on pal," Ted said quietly. "We need our fearless leader up and atom."
"Okay, okay, okay," Guy fought off Ted's attempts to help him to his feet. He felt as if he was having a mother of a hangover, which would not have been too bad if he had done the drinking to cause it. "I'm getting up." He opened his eyes and saw Beatriz lying on her stomach similarly, unconscious. Sigrid was attempting to rouse her.
"Is Bea all right?" Guy asked momentarily alarmed.
"She's okay," Ted spoke quickly allaying his fears. "She's knocked out like you were." He explained. "I got back a few minutes ago and found all of you like this."
"Like what?" Guy demanded as he rose to his feet. Grabbing Ted's arm, he steadied himself to spite the swirling in his head.
"All of you were unconscious." Ted answered. "There was no sign of the Extremists or Dreamslayer anywhere. I figured he's gone to find his next playground." The bitterness in his voice was unmistakable. Now that he listened carefully, it was more than just that. Something in his voice sounded strange. There did not appear any of the joviality or humour that was a staple of any conversation with Ted Kord. In fact, he was more sedate than Guy had ever seen him. It was clear indication of some terrible news over the horizon.
"You're chewing at the bit," Guy declared as he walked gingerly to Sigrid and Beatriz. "What aren't you telling me."
Ted released out a frustrated sigh and swallowed hard. As he gathered his thoughts, Guy saw the muscles in Ted's jaw tighten. His reaction put Guy on alert immediately. Once again that feeling of ominous foreboding crept up on him and clenched at his insides. "What has happened Ted?" He asked firmly this time.
Ted closed his eyes as he willed the strength to speak. Even now, what he had seen a short time ago seemed inconceivable. It was almost painful to say out loud but he knew he had to. The others had to know. They had to understand what kind of threat they were now dealing with.
"Dreamslayer dropped a nuclear bomb on Kooey Kooey Kooey."
"Oh my god!" Sigrid exclaimed from behind them. She had looked up momentarily from her attempts to rouse Beatriz, her eyes widened with horror.
Guy said nothing for a few seconds and it appeared that no words could adequately describe what any of them felt with accuracy. This was beyond words. He heard Beatriz stirring behind him but did not turn around to see if she was all right. Dreamslayer's revenge was far from over, he wanted them alive to taste his victory. Finally, he understood what Dreamslayer had said to him before the Extremist had rendered them all unconscious. It made perfect sense now that they were aware of Kooey Kooey Kooey's fate.
"He said he was using the replicants to distract us." Guy said softly. "He was right. All this time, he was just keeping us busy while he went after his real target."
"Yeah." Ted remarked. "He's stronger than ever now Guy."
"I know." Guy nodded in agreement. "I'm sure he helped himself to a great deal of dream essence when he blew up the island. All those people....."
"Dreamslayer sent me and Zatanna there to." Ted turned away, trying to hide the anger in his voice. "He made us watch." The anger Ted felt was beyond description. He had known the Chief and Herb personally. They were not just names to him. They were his friends. The islanders of Kooey Kooey Kooey had come to Maxwell Lord to keep their home from becoming a pawn between the super powers at the time. With League sanctioning, Kooey Kooey Kooey had been protected from US and Soviet plans for strategic nuclear placement.
With sadistic cruelty, Dreamslayer had taken their fears of becoming a nuclear target and made it a reality.
Guy looked at him sympathetically and wished there were something he could say to assuage Ted's rage but the words failed him. Tora was always good at that sort of thing. Guy Gardner could offer no words of comfort because he shared Ted's anger. He wanted to tear Dreamslayer apart as much as Ted. Kooey Kooey Kooey was just a harmless island with a tiny civilisation that had been a threat to no one. They did not deserve to die like this.
"Where is Zatanna?" Guy asked, suddenly realising that the magician was absent.
"She didn't come back with me." Ted replied still dazed by what he had seen.
"Where is she?" He demanded. "We're going to need her to track that bastard down."
"She said she will be along soon." Ted continued. "She said she was going to get help from somewhere else."
Guy rose a brow at that. "What did she mean by that?" This mystical stuff was making his head ache worse. He wondered if Inspector Cadmus had any Tylenol.
"I don't know." Ted answered honestly. "I don't know."
**************
Zatanna Zatara went home to her little house in New England. She teleported
into the familiar surroundings of her bedroom and felt some comfort in seeing
the trappings of home, after the carnage she had been forced to witness. All
was as she left it. Zatanna had expected nothing less. She saw her bed covered
with its inviting patch quilt spread and immediately felt drawn to it. Even the
smells of home put her at ease as she walked to the edge of the bed and ran her
fingers over the fabric of the quilt.
Sensing her presence, a jet black movement through the door signalled the arrival of Branwen, her cat. The feline leapt onto the bed with one graceful manouvre, with agility and elegance that was only cats were capable and humans would always envy. She moved across the spread, nestling comfortably into place as she waited for Zatanna to join her.
"Hello Branwen." Zatanna smiled, pleased to see her old friend. "It appears we must make a journey, would you care to join me?"
The cat's eyes narrowed and Branwen uttered a single meow of consent.
"You were always braver than I." Zatanna smiled and climbed further into the bed. It took a few moments for her to become comfortable and she felt Branwen's furry head, resting against her shoulder as they prepared for their journey.
Zatanna laid her head back on the pillow watching the ceiling above her for a second before she closed her eyes. Her mind slipped swifly into the prepared meditation and the images of her destination swirled through corner of her mind. The sleep would come eventually but first the visual image had to be present. It was difficult at first, keeping the memories of that island paradise from her mind but gradually they faded into the mist of forgetfulness.....
************
A philosopher, a conqueror
Or would be sorcerer could tell you
If they knew,
That nothing in the realm of the Dream Lord was ever true.
No incantations, no advanced science or prayer
Could clear the mist that veils the mind
As one walks through the path that meander
A woman you may see, a raven with she
Perhaps even a pumpkin that talks
And a golden gargoyle that squawks
You will come to the gate of the castle
Pray tell their guards your petition
And should they deign to speak
Make haste with your answer
For griffins have no patience
Of fools with designs on their master
Branwen meowed in her ear.
Zatanna opened her eyes and saw the sky above her was dark as night. There were no stars that could be seen from this place, however, should she chose to imagine them, she had no doubt they would appear for her. The landscape was covered with an almost blank like fog. She could see nothing except the path that led to the castle before her. In the depths of the fog, she could see the vague shaped of gnarled trees and voices that echoed in the distance.
"We are here." Branwen said softly.
Her cat had apparently undergone some metamorphosis. For now it appeared Branwen had the shape of a woman's body, clad only in a cotton wrap.
"You look different Branwen." Zatanna whispered. She knew of this place, had heard of it, sometimes visited in her dreams, but had never consciously chosen to come here on her own. Perhaps Zatanna never believed it possible to until now.
"My Lady Bast had allowed me this form while we conduct our business." Branwen replied, her green eyes flaring.
"What do we do Branwen?" Zatanna asked, feeling slightly fearful. This was more than magic she was dabbling with. That which had created this place had also given every living in the universe, its dreams to create ever idea that was ever borne of a mind.
"It is all right Mistress." Branwen smiled. "I can guide you."
Branwen walked up the gravel path. Her bare feet making crunching noises as she continued towards the massive stone figures that flanked the gate entrance. Zatanna followed her quickly, feeling very much like the novice at this moment. Who knew her cat has such connections?
The gateway was nothing like anything she had ever seen. Enormous doors that easily made her look infinitesimal towered over their heads. Guarding the massive entrance way, were two equally massive statues standing guard. The creatures they were meant to emulate were gryphons and seemed somehow alive beneath that seemingly immobile visage of stone. Zatanna followed Branwen, who seemed to know this realm well. She made a mental note to question Branwen further when their business had been dealt with.
"Who trespasses at the gates of our Lord?"
Branwen spoke before she could and considering her companion seemed to be familiar with their surroundings, Zatanna saw no reason to object.
"I am Branwen, a subject of the Lady Bast." Branwen said grandiosely.
The gryphons whose body was shaped like a lion but bore the features of a bird of prey, craned its massive neck and looked down upon them both. "We are familiar with the Lady Bast, Branwen. State your business with our Lord."
"This is my mistress," Branwen replied glancing at Zatanna. "She is a sorceress of great repute who seeks the aid of the Dream Lord in a situation of urgency regarding the waking world."
This did not seem to impress the guard very much and it uttered a sceptical snort. "It appears the waking world is always in urgent need. "Does your mistress have a name?"
"I am Zatanna, daughter of Zatara and Sindella of the Hidden Ones. I wish to make petition to the Lord of this realm."
"It is at our Lord's discretion who he chooses to see." The gate keeper responded. "I shall bring news of your arrival to him. You will remain where you are until that moment."
With that, the statue lost its fluid motion and became immobile once more.
Zatanna felt completely out of her depth here. Originally, this had seemed a
good idea but now she was no so certain.
"Branwen," Zatanna whispered softly. "Do you think he will see us?"
"I am not certain mistress," Branwen answered honestly. "My Lady Bast shared a deep friendship with Lord Morpheus but she knows nothing of Lord Daniel, his newest aspect."
Suddenly, the gryphons booming voice spoke again. Its voice startled both of them and cut short their discussion. "Our Lord will see you." It said politely. "You may enter."
*************
The castle of the Dream Lord was nothing like what she expected. In some ways, it looked very much like any old English manor but it appeared to be inhabited by some terribly eccentric creatures. She was certain, she saw a Courtney Love look alike turning down a corridor and what appeared to be a green gargoyle was trying to catch a mouse in one of the other rooms. They were met at the stately hallway by a man who looked as if he might have been closely related to Vincent Price.
"I am Lucien." He said politely. "My Lord has asked me to conduct you to him."
"Thank you Lucien." Branwen answered. "Please forgive my lady's silence, it is her first attempt to petition Lord Daniel."
"That is quite understandable," Lucien said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Most people find this journey to be quite discontenting."
You don't know the half of it, Zatanna wanted to say. Instead she opted for polite conversation. "You know, I thought I saw Courtney Love here just now."
Lucien looked at her oddly and readjusted his steel rimmed glasses before his eyes widened in understanding. "I think you are referring to the Fashion Thing." He declared as they started moving through the ornate hallway. "Its is her latest fad."
"Oh." Zatanna said shortly.
The corridor entered into a massive hall with high ceilings, huge Tudor glass windows and a floor with a high shine on it. It almost looked like a ball room. There was no furniture in it except for an old carved desk and chair. Zatanna swallowed hard feeling her fear rise. This was nothing like communing with the Lords of Order. Once again, Zatanna reminded herself for the hundredth time, the stakes involved in this venture.
"Daughter of Zatara and Selinda," a man spoke from the centre of the room. "You have come to seek me out."
"Go on," Lucien motioned them forward and Zatanna continued walking, even though Branwen was now two steps behind her.
The man was taller than her by at least a foot. His skin was pasty white and his tousled hair was grey. His eyes were nothing more than pinpricks of light through dark sockets. Without ever seeing him for herself, Zatanna knew with absolute certainty, this was the Dream King. His clothes were nothing more than light robes and he did not seem very austere for one of the seven but there was no doubt he was one of them.
"My Lord, I thank you for this opportunity." She said upon reaching him.
"Thanks are not needed, you are here. What is it you wish of me?"
"I come from the waking world," Zatanna launched, determined to do her best to convince him. "I seek your help."
"In what way?" He asked folding his hands behind his back. "I have expended my favours to your realm a short time ago."
"I know." Zatanna answered, not to be put off. "However, there is a being of unspeakable power who has escaped from what I assume was limbo. He has seized control of Gray Man's body and is now using it to wreak destruction across the planet."
"The Gray Man is in the purview of the Lords of Order. Have you not consulted them?" He eye critically.
"I have," Zatanna nodded. "It is their time of Kali-Yuga and they will not help because the entity who controls the Gray Man is of the waking world."
"Then of what concern is it of mine?" He asked Zatanna, his eyes sparkling as he spoke.
"The entity uses the dream essence of dead mortals to fuel his power. Unfortunately, he is not prepared to wait until mortals are dead before he removes it. He is now resorting to murder to increase his supply of dream essence. I am aware that the Lords of Order collect it for their own reasons but as far as I see it, dream essence should belong to you. If they will not lift a finger to keep it from someone who will use it for evil, I had hoped you would be less indifferent." Zatanna had considered her plea to the Dream Lord carefully prior to her arrival here because he was right. This situation had nothing to do with him. He had no reason to help them. This was a matter clearly for the Lords of Order, not him. She had hoped she could appeal to him and engender some interest with the bait of the dream essence. Zatanna prayed that it was not a mistake.
"I care not for the dream essence of dead mortals," the Dream Lord declared and put that question to rest. "My interest is in the living. However, your words have some weight." He wandered away to a nearby window. "I will consider the matter for now."
A lesser person might have viewed this unfavourably but Zatanna knew that this was a good sign. If he had decided to refuse her, he would have done so immediately. In considering the matter, the Dream Lord would conduct an investigation and reach his own conclusions. Zatanna chose to be optimistic about its outcome and knew it was time to leave. However, she waited for the Dream Lord to give her the leave to depart.
"You may go." He said finally. "If I choose to involve myself in this matter, you will know."
"Thank you, my Lord." Zatanna said sincerely.
As she withdrew, the Dream King turned back to Branwen. "Give my regards to the Lady Bast," he said politely. "Inform her that when order has settled in the Dreaming, I shall pay her a call."
"My Lady Bast would be honoured." Branwen said with a slight bow.