Dream Keeper Chronicles

by TheDragonSaver

Sequel to "Across the Mirrorverse." The Magical World has so many people to meet, sights to see, adventures to go on, and Gabriel the Dream Keeper wants to explore them all! Follow him and his friends from across the many worlds of Disney was they enjoy life, complete missions, and sing plenty of songs along the way! (This story is now monthly instead of weekly!)

30. Guardians Afterparty

AN: I want to give a big, BIG SPOILER WARNING for "Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3" before this chapter starts. Normally I have a system when it comes to spoilers in my stories: wait a week after a new episode of a TV show drops, and wait three weeks for movies so people have time to go see it. However, since Guardians of the Galaxy and specifically Rocket mean a lot to me, I wanted to give some of my thoughts on their final movie while my memory is still fresh. I'll make a note within the chapter itself when the big spoilers for the movie happen so you can skip that part if you want, but be warned that Rocket's backstory specifically will be discussed as part of the plot of this chapter.

---

In the place known as Knowhere, a colony built in the head of a dead Celestial, a great celebration was happening. The Guardians of the Galaxy had just recently completed their third adventure together, and as was customary in the Magical World whenever someone had a new story come out, everyone got together on premiere day to celebrate the event.

"Three cheers for the Guardians of the Galaxy!" Rachel called, holding up her cup as others cheered and followed suit with the act.

"Here, here!" Poe nodded, using some magic to set off mini fireworks. "I must say, while I'm not big on superhero movies myself, I do enjoy your stories, Guardians."

"And everyone was so cool as well!" Toren exclaimed, currently hanging out with Cosmo the Space Dog. "Like that one scene where Groot had all the guns, or how about that hallway fight?"

"I appreciate that the Guardians movies use their music well," Adam said. "A lot of movies nowadays have a lot of pop songs just because, but the soundtracks here all fit the theme of the team."

"I probably helps that they listen to the same music in-universe as well with the Awesome Mix Tapes," Double D nodded.

"Oh, and can we talk about that villain?" Aline said. "Oh, the High Evolutionary made me so mad for what he did to Rocket! Seriously, if I see that guy, I'm gonna punch him in the face!"

"Yes, anyone who tries to play god and thinks they're above others is deserving of justice," Rachel nodded. She looked over to see Logan sitting there, not joining in on the conversation. "Logan? You okay there? You seem spaced out."

"What?" Logan shouted, before taking out earplugs. "Sorry Rachel, I have these earplugs in because I don't want to get spoiled on the movie."

"Then why are you at the premiere party?" Toren questioned.

"Because you guys were all here, and I didn't want to feel left out," Logan explained.

"That's strange. I thought all of us Dream Defenders got sent invitations to the movie night," Silver recalled. "I know I got a letter in the mail, at least."

Logan suddenly looked surprised, then slapped his forehead. "Oh, darn it! I just realized why I didn't get an invitation! Remember how Rocket set up a bunch of booby traps around my house for saying DC was better than Marvel? Well it made me paranoid about anything Guardians related near my house, so when I got my invitation… I may have freaked out and cast Firaga on it."

"Funny how it was a Guardian that made you miss the Guardians movie," Adam chuckled.

"Speaking of which, where's Gabriel?" Silver asked. "The Guardians are his favorite superhero team, so you'd think he'd be headlining this event."

"Oh, he told me he had something important to do," Rachel explained. "Something about a gift for Rocket I think…"

Meanwhile, on one of the upper levels of Knowhere, Rocket Raccoon (he'd finally gotten over the whole "not a raccoon" thing) was sitting by himself, humming along to the music from the party below. He had a lot on his mind after the last adventure, and just wanted some time to settle down and… breathe.

"Hey Rocket," Gabriel greeted, climbing up onto the roof and sitting down beside his friend. "I really enjoyed your movie."

"Heh, thanks," Rocket said with a small smile. "I feel like I went through Hell, but I'm glad it's all over now …"

"Yeah, I am too," Gabriel nodded.

{***}

[SPOILERS AHEAD!]

{***}

[SPOILERS AHEAD!]

{***}

[FINAL SPOILER WARNING FOR "GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3"]

"You know, up until the release date I was so worried that you were going to die. The marketing team really made it look like someone on the team was going to kick the bucket. But to quote a certain time-traveling doctor: just this once, everybody lives!" The raven smiled.

"I'm glad the team all made it out okay as well," Rocket nodded. "Though we all had our close calls. Did not appreciate being stuck in a near-death state half the movie…" The raccoon sighed. "Although the trade-off is a bit of a shock to me. I know I always said I wanted to be the captain, but leading an all-new team of Guardians? I did not expect that."

"Well, everyone else got their send-offs and moments to find where they belong," Gabriel said. "Nebula, Drax, are going to help raise all those kids you saved from the High Evolutionary and to run Knowhere, Mantis is going on a journey of self-discovery, while Star-Lord reconnects with his grandpa and Gamora returned to the Ravagers. And hey, you still have Groot on the team, and Cosmo, Kraglin."

"Adam Warlock's still a work in progress, but I'm glad Groot got through to him," Rocket said. "We were all pretty helpless when Quill almost died, but I guess doing good and helping others really does inspire them to do good in the future as well."

"Yeah…" Gabriel nodded. "Sorry about what happened to your friends in your backstory. I know it must hurt so much to lose your first friends like that…"

"I'm just glad I got some closure with him, now that the High Evolutionary can't hurt anyone like he did me," Rocket said. "Teefs, Floor… Lylla… they're all still watching out for me, and when my time comes, we can all fly in that big sky above together…"

[END OF MAJOR SPOILERS. All spoilers from here will be relevant to the "Dream Keeper Chronicles" Plot]

{***}

[MAJOR SPOILERS ENDING]

{***}

[ONLY MINOR AND DREAM KEEPER RELATED SPOILERS FROM NOW ON!]

{***}

Gabriel reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a strange device and twirling it in his hands. The device was shaped like an hourglass with markings on the side, the top and bottom of the device hollow. The raven looked to Rocket before holding the device up and whispering a few words into it. The objected glowed before going dull, Gabriel closing his eyes before standing up. "Well, I'll leave you to be alone for a bit then," he said. "I'll see you down at the party, okay?"

"Yeah, sure," Rocket said.

"See you later, Captain Rocket," Gabriel said with a chuckle before jumping down to return to the party.

[***]

Eventually Rocket came down and joined the party, where Gabriel had taken up position as Master of Ceremonies. Currently there was a karaoke setup being used, with Drax and Mantis singing an off-key version of "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone.

"Thank you, Drax and Mantis," Gabriel said, straining to put on a smile. "That performance was… something…"

"Yes, it was. That was a performance done in the style of my people," Drax replied.

"I think I need a cleaning in the ears now," Cosmo sighed, shaking her head. Toren nodded in agreement, rubbing his ears in irritation.

"Rocket, there you are!" Star-Lord called, waving down his friend. "We were wondering where you went off to. This is your night too, buddy."

"Yeah, I just… needed a moment, Quill," Rocket replied, taking a seat at the VIP table with the other Guardians.

"So, what did you guys think?" Mantis asked.

"It was great, sis," Star-Lord lied.

"It was awful. Neither of you can sing," Nebula said bluntly.

"Why do you have to be so mean about it?" Mantis pouted.

"I am Groot," Groot said.

"No, the pitch was perfect. I was just doing it in my people's style," Drax defended himself.

"Okay guys, settle down," Rocket said, rolling his eyes. "How and I the reasonable one now…?"

"Okay, I think that's enough for the karaoke part of the party," Gabriel said, picking up the microphone. "But for one last thing, I do have a special gift for our favorite raccoon."

"Thank you for finally getting over being called that, by the way!" Poe called.

"It's better than being a rabbit or badger," Rocket shrugged.

"Either way, as a special treat for you, I've invited a guest singer to serenade you," Gabriel said, smoke rising from the stage a figure ascended from below. They were shrouded in a blue cloak held in place by a pink gem. They stood about Rocket's height, maybe a bit shorter, but the cloak covered up any distinct features. "Bringing you a fusion of the 80s and 2000s, this is "Halo/Walking on Sunshine", performed by the lovely Lady of Half-World!"

The Lady of Half-World raised a hand, revealing a microphone being held in a brown paw, taking a breath as the music started and she began to sing.

Oh…

Remember those walls I built?

Well, baby they're tumbling down

They didn't even put up a fight

They didn't even make a sound

Gabriel started to provide more fantastical lighting as she sang, lighting up the room and getting some people to get up and dance along to the song.

It's like I've been awakened

Every rule I had you breaking

It's the risk that I'm taking

I ain't never gonna shut you out

The Lady of Half-World raised her free arm to Rocket, and though he couldn't see her face, the raccoon swore he could feel her smile directed at him.

Everywhere I'm looking now

I'm surrounded by your embrace

Baby I can see your halo

You know you're my saving grace (I'm walking on sunshine…)

The singer slowly sauntered her way over to Rocket, a thick tail happily dragging on the floor behind her as she did so.

You're everything I need and more (Whoa-oh)

It's written all over your face (I'm walking on sunshine…)

Baby I can feel your halo (Whoa-oh!)

And don't it feel good!?

The Lady of Half-World suddenly pulled Rocket out of his chair and started dancing with him, spinning the raccoon around as she sang.

I can feel your halo (Halo) (Halo)

I can see your halo (Halo) (Halo!)

I can feel your halo (Halo) (Ha-a-a-alo) (I'm walking on sunshine, woah)

I can see your halo (Halo) (I'm walking on sunshine, woah)

And don't it feel good!?

Taking control of the dance, Rocket managed to catch the Lady of Half-World in a dip, causing her hood fall off and reveal an otter underneath. "Lylla!?" Rocket exclaimed in shock, the music suddenly cutting off.

The otter, Lylla, giggled. "Hey Rocket. Long time no see."

"What… but how did… I thought you were…" Rocket was at a loss for words. He looked around and saw Gabriel smiling the biggest grin. "I know you have something to do with this, Dream Keeper."

"I can explain later," Gabriel replied. "For now, back to the song!" And with a bit of Fantasia, the music came back, with Lylla righting herself before putting a hand on Rocket's chest as she went back to singing.

I used to think maybe you loved me

Now baby I'm sure…

The otter giggled as she went in to give a quick nuzzle to Rocket, leaving the raccoon flustered.

And I just can't wait 'till the day

When you knock on my door…

Oh now-now

Gabriel set a spotlight on the two as they danced, letting them have the main stage.

I'm walking on sunshine, woah!

I'm walking on sunshine, woah!

I'm walking on sunshine, woah oh oh!

And don't it feel good!?

Soon everyone was singing along and dancing, showing off their various styles as Fantasia surged around them.

I can feel your halo (Hey!) halo (Halo!) halo (Alright now!)

I can see your halo (Hey!) halo, halo (Oh, yeah!)

I can feel your halo (Hey!) halo, halo (Halo-oo!)

I can see your halo (Hey!) halo, halo (Halo-oo)

I can feel your halo, halo

As the song came to its end, the music cut out as Lylla belted out the final lines, getting a standing ovation from the crowd.

I can see your halo-

Halo!

"And that was the Lady of Half-World everyone!" Gabriel said. "Now then, just outside are some stalls with all kinds of alien foods, so feel free to stuff your face until you turn green!"

"I am already a teal color. I do not need to turn green," Drax said as everyone went out to get food. Gabriel, Rocket, and Lylla all lingered behind as they left.

"So, did you enjoy your gift?" Gabriel asked.

"I'm still surprised," Rocket shook his head, looking at Lylla. "How are you here? I saw you…" He paused and held her hand, feeling the warmth in her paws. "And your arms, they're-"

"Not fully robotic?" Lylla finished. "It's a bit confusing, I know, but one minute it feels like I'm falling into a deep sleep, and the next I'm waking up in the arms of your friend over there, looking like this."

"I'm the reason Lylla is back," Gabriel explained, pulling out the device from before and placing it in front of Rocket. "This is the Eternity Forge, a powerful artifact that can resurrect anyone as long as it has a charge."

"This isn't a freaky zombie thing, is it?" Rocket asked.

Gabriel shook his head. "No, actually. The Eternity Forge fully brings back someone to full health, no drawbacks at all. If anything, it might have worked a bit too well, since Lylla here is lot more flesh and blood than before."

"Not that I'll complain," Lylla giggled. "It's nice to be able to feel your hand in mine, Rocky."

"That Eternity Forge thing is powerful," Rocket muttered.

"It is, and that's why I have to do this now," Gabriel said. He raised his hand and summoned Cosmic White, before bringing the Keyblade down on the object, destroying it. "The power of resurrection is not one to be messed with, and I had to cash in a lot of favors with Yen Sid before he let me use the Eternity Forge. I only had one charge to use it, and after that I was ordered to destroy it. I figured if I can only bring back one person from the dead, it was going to be for one of my friends."

"But, what about Toren? He coulda used it so he doesn't have to be stuck here in the Magical World all the time," Rocket said.

Gabriel shook his head. "There is one more catch… the Eternity Forge only brings them back here in the Magical World."

"Ah, there it is," Rocket sighed. "So basically, I can only be with Lylla while I'm here and not off in another Guardians adventure."

"Sorry that we can't fully be together," Lylla said.

"Eh, it's fine. That just means I have more to come back to when I'm here," Rocket said, smiling before giving the otter a nuzzle. "Thanks for this, Gabriel. You're the best friend a raccoon could ask for."

"I think I'm your third best friend, since Groot and Star-Lord are one and two, respectively," Gabriel laughed. "Now then, how about we introduce your lovely lady to the others and enjoy some food."

"I'm excited to get to see the sky," Lylla said eagerly.

"Oh we're going to see more than just the sky, Ly. I'm gonna show you the entire galaxy!" Rocket said.

---

Author's Note

For those that want the TL;DR, I really enjoyed the last chapter in the Guardians of the Galaxy story, at least for this team! Everyone got something to do, and they all got satisfactory conclusions to their stories as well.

My one negative of the movie is something I knew was inevitable, that being the fact that Lylla and the other friends Rocket made in his backstory were probably going to be killed off to add drama and angst to his origin. While I knew this was probably going to be the case, Lylla dying is something that was also used in other Guardians of the Galaxy media and it sucks because her and Rocket are really cute couple, especially in the original Rocket Raccoon comic book run.

So, Gabriel uses the Eternity Forge to bring Lylla back from the dead so her and Rocket can be together in the Magical World. The Eternity Forge is a real artifact that was a big plot device in the "Telltale's Guardians of the Galaxy" video game, and at the end of that game there was actually an option to bring Lylla back with the last charge of the artifact. That was the ending I went with when playing the game, by the way!

Anyways, Lylla's cloak is based on her appearance in the original Rocket Raccoon comic, and her title "Lady of Half-World" is a nod to Rocket's original comic home world as well. The song she sings is "Halo/Walking on Sunshine" from Glee, a favorite of mine and one I think fits her character.

Next Time: A new Sorcerer's Tournament is announced to be taking place in the Magical World!