AN: before this chapter starts, I'd like to give my thoughts and prayers to the people of Hawaii, who have of the time of me writing this been dealing with a devastating natural disaster. I've had the chance to visit Hawaii before and fell in love with the nature and culture of the islands, so my heart goes out to the families that were displaced by the recent wildfires.
With that out of the way, please enjoy the finale of the Dimensional Cruise arc!
The Dream Defender Luau!
"Here we are! Welcome to Hawaii!" Gabriel cheered as the gang got off the cruise ship. "I can't wait for you guys to meet all of my friends here!"
"I'm interested to meet more than just Logan myself," Azrael nodded.
"I can't believe we're actually in Hawaii!" Porsha said, pulling out her phone and taking pictures of everything. "I always wanted to go here, so this is a dream come true!"
"And it's not just any Hawaii, but the one of the Magical World," Ray pointed out. "Am I right to assume that we'll be having some special alien guests at the luau?"
Gabriel nodded. "Yep! In fact, we're here on the island of Kauai to visit Kokaua Town, the home of Lilo and Stitch." The raven looked down the path they were walking on an smiled. "And I think I see my friends coming this way. Aloha, everyone!"
"Aloha to you too, my friend!" Logan said, laughing as he gave Gabriel a fist bump. "And Azrael, cool to see you as well."
"Likewise," Azrael nodded.
"Hm… I feel like I've seen someone similar to you, but I can't put a finger as to who…" Ray hummed.
"Oh, who's your new friend?" Logan asked.
"Logan, this is Ray, my counterpart from the Gamesphere, the video game dimension," Gabriel introduced. "But I think we should go meet up with the others before making more introductions, don't you think?"
"Right! Everyone's been waiting for you all," Logan said.
The gang all went into town, where the Dream Defenders had rented out Lahui Beach for their big luau. The team all gave their greetings to Gabriel as the raven introduced his counterparts and their friends to them. Food stands were set up for people to enjoy the foods of Hawaii along with various games such as volleyball, surfing, diving, and sandcastle building. The gang all split up to enjoy the activities, with the Dream Defenders taking time to meet their interdimensional guests.
"Huh, so you're Azrael," Aline said as she looked at the wolf. "I guess I owe money to Logan now for not believing him about there being another dimension for the Universal parks."
Before Azrael could respond to that, a Jaquin suddenly zipped up into his face. "Uh… Hello there, macaw-jaguar thing," Azrael greeted. "Could you maybe not be so close to my face."
"Sorry about that," Toren said, backing up a bit. "I'm just really excited to meet you. I'm Prince Toren, by the way."
"Azrael, Scion of Death," Azrael introduced himself. "You wouldn't happen to be related to Soren, would you?"
"That was one of the former names I went by before merging my personalities together," Toren said. "That's actually part of why I wanted to meet you, actually. We're both spirits that were reborn into our respective Magical Worlds, and for the longest time I thought that only my counterparts could do that. I didn't expect a version of Gabriel to have a similar fate to my own."
"It wasn't an easy transition for sure," Azrael said. "And there are days that I wonder what happened to my original family… but now I have my pater, Death, and the rest of my familia in Team Friendship, as well as all the other friends I've made along the way."
"Yeah, I'm glad I was able to find a family with the Jaquin royals, as well as Robin Hood and Maid Marian," Toren nodded. "Hey, do you wanna build a sandcastle with me? I promise that it'll be a beaching experience!"
"Ah, puns. I much prefer that than the pranks your counterpart in my world pulls," Azrael chuckled.
"I used to do pranks, but I'm more about puns now," Toren giggled.
On the other side of the beach, Logan was hanging out with Ray and Mineru as the three watch Destiny, Jasiri, and Sisu splash around in the water together. "So there's an entire world for video games out there? That's so awesome! I mean, I can use a Keyblade and stuff, but imagine getting to go to worlds like Super Mario and others on a daily basis," Logan said.
"It is amazing, though I have to make sure I log off before midnight, or else I won't get enough sleep," Ray said.
"How does that work, by the way?" Logan asked. "I mean, if you still live in the real world, but you're dating a video game character… isn't that a bit odd?"
"Hm… The best way to explain it is that my world is set further in the future than the Magical World or the Epic Universe, though paradoxically we still get video game releases at the same time as you do. It's like how Star Wars is in the past but has future technology, but reversed, if that makes sense," Ray explained.
"I think I get it. You have future tech, but everything is still based around the 2020s, kinda like the Jetsons being in the future but through the lens of the 50s and 60s," Logan said.
Ray nodded. "Yes, and as such, going into the Gamesphere acts the same as being here in the Magical World, a different parallel world that resides in my dimension. So video game characters there are just as real as the cartoon characters are here. I can just jump back and forth between the real world and the Gamesphere more readily than any of you can."
"And you don't have to worry about the "no breaking canon couples" rule to boot. Sounds pretty lucky to me," Logan sighed.
"Well, our world also has a lot more challenges than the Magical World or Epic Universe, so there's more danger to take into account," Mineru pointed out. "It is based around video games, after all. You need a higher level of a skill to live there and not be constantly kicked out. Once a user is defeated in the Gamesphere, they're logged out for the day and can't come back until the next."
"I have so many stories of getting defeated in some bizarre ways," Ray shook his head. "If you ever come to my world, don't try to give a Pikachu an energy drink. That'll give you a one-way ticket to feeling what it's like to be Team Rocket."
"Yikes," Logan winced. "Still, it was nice to meet you. I'm still playing through "Tears of the Kingdom," so it's cool to get to meet you early, Mineru. Although…" The young man suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, "Can you give me some tips on how to take down Lynels!? I really want to increase my Fierce Deity armor set but those centaur guys keep kicking my butt when I try to farm for materials!"
"I would gladly pass on some knowledge from my travels with Link," Mineru nodded, giving a chuckle at Logan's antics.
As the three started discussing gaming tips, Destiny created a big wave in the water, making Sisu and Jasiri laugh as they were soaked. "I'm so glad to have my friends back!" the whale shark cheered. "I missed getting to hang with you, Jasiri, and I missed my water buddy Sisu!"
"Missed you to, Destiny," Jasiri said. "This cruise was fun and all, but I'm ready to get back to the Magical World and see my family again. I think Madoa and Shenzi could use a break from having to rule in my absence."
"I gotta check in Raya too," Sisu added.
"Sisu! I got us some ice cream!" Long called, waving from the beach.
"Oh, another dragon? Who's that?" Destiny asked.
"That is my boyfriend," Sisu stated, making the whale shark gasp in shock as Sisu went over and gave Long a kiss on the cheek. "Hey babe, thanks for the ice cream!"
"…I did not think Sisu would ever get a boyfriend," Destiny said.
"It was a surprise for us too, but a welcome one," Jasiri giggled.
Over with Gabriel, the raven had just finished up a game of volleyball alongside Ben, the two giving each other a high five after finishing their set. "Great job, Ben! You've really gotten the hang of your wind magic since I left," Gabriel complimented.
Ben grinned. "Well, I have been training non-stop ever since you made me a Dream Defender. I'm training with Logan, by myself, with Nuka and Rocket, and doing my job to help around the Magical World. In fact, I should probably check around Hawaii to see if there's anywhere I can help."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow and looked over at Rocket, the raccoon currently lounging next to Lylla under an umbrella together. "Nuka and I have been trying to get him to slow down, but the kid just won't quit," Rocket sighed.
"Well then, I think you and I should do some relaxation training after this party," Gabriel said, shaking his head.
"Yeah kid! You gotta learn to relax!" Bao called, the Fu Dog sipping on a drink as he sat underneath a tree.
"Who's that?" Ben asked.
"That is Bao Ding. He's from Azrael's world and is the laziest peace keeper you'll probably ever meet," Gabriel sighed. "He's actually the opposite of you: you're too worked up, and he's too lazy."
"Hey, I've been training on the cruise ever since they sent Agent K to train me!" Bao said. "I didn't get beat up by Tai Lung just to be called lazy again!"
"…But you're still relaxing here now, aren't you?" Ben questioned.
"I mean, yeah, but that's because this is a party," Bao shrugged.
Morgana then came up to them and smiled. "If you need someone to help you with relaxing, I can help with that. I'm pretty good and getting people to go to bed so they're well rested in the morning."
"We can work on a schedule for sure," Gabriel nodded.
"Hey, are we going to play another round or not?" Rachel called from the other side of the net.
"Yes, darlings, we've still got a game to finish!" Mym added. The two girls had quickly formed a friendship after Mym found out about Rachel's newly acquired dragon form, with the flamewrym giving some pointers on how to use her dragon powers effectively.
"You're on!" Gabriel said, Ben nodding in agreement as they got back out on the field.
After getting some video game tips from Ray, Logan went off to find his friend Tomada, the falcon having gotten back from the ocean after shredding some waves. Tomada was also currently chatting with Azrael, the wolf and falcon forming a respect for one another.
"Here's some towels, boys," Porsha said, coming up and passing them towels.
"W-Woah…" Tomada breathed, blushing as he looked at Porsha. "H-Hello there…"
"Porsha, Porsha Crystal," Porsha greeted.
"My girlfriend," Azrael added, making Tomada's heart shatter in an instant.
"Aw man… Why are all the good girls already taken!?" Tomada exclaimed.
"We'll find you someone someday, falcon buddy," Logan assured him.
Porsha giggled at their antics. "Sorry about that. I know my beauty can be a bit much for some bodies. But you were totally shredding it out on those waves earlier."
"I've got a bit of practice, especially after I did some training here in Hawaii," Tomada explained. "I was searching for Polynesian gods to train with and ended up picking up on the sport from the locals in the process."
"Do you think you could teach me how to surf?" Porsha asked. "I am looking to make some new friends, and you seem like a fun guy. Plus anyone that gets along with my Azzy is good in my book."
"S-Sure!" Tomada said. "Logan, you should surf with us!"
"I don't know…" Logan said nervously.
"You can impress Destiny with your skills and show off your abs on surfboard," Tomada said.
"Let's do it!" Logan shouted, tearing off his shirt at the same time.
"Still the same Logan, I see," Azrael chuckled, rolling his eyes. As the three went back out to the water to surf, the wolf went over to the sandcastle area, where Silver, Almyra, Mei Ling, Lop, and Chomper were all working on making a sand-dinosaur. "Hey Chomper. You making new friends here?"
"Hi Azrael! I sure am," Chomper nodded. "This is Ms. Almyra, and that's Mr. Silver."
"I'm so jealous you've got a cute little T-Rex as a friend, Azrael," Almyra said, cuddling with Chomper. "He's just a sweetest little thing. And look at the sculpture we've made here."
Azrael looked at their sand-dinosaur, which looked very similar to Devil Dinosaur in a few ways. "Very good, Chomper."
"Thanks!" the little T-Rex said.
"So you're Azrael," Silver said, shaking the wolf's hand. "I'm Silver, one of Gabriel's friends. Is it okay if I ask you a question?"
"Shoot," Azrael nodded.
"Well, Gabriel told me that my counterpart in your world is a girl," Silver said. "I was wondering if I could know about what she's like."
"You must be referring to Goldie," Azrael replied. "Well, she's a newswoman first and foremost. If you want to know the latest and hottest news in the Epic Universe, you go to her or follow her news broadcasts. She knows all the gossip, and you'll frequently find her hosting at parties and on late-night shows."
"Wow, she sounds important," Silver said. "Do you know if she's… seeing anyone?"
Azrael shook his head. "Not that I know of. If anything, I'd say she's married to her work, so to speak."
"Oh…" Silver sighed. "I bet she has some cool powers at least, right?"
"Actually, Goldie is completely powerless," Azrael replied. "She's just very skilled at avoiding danger whenever it arises, and has the uncanny ability to always get the perfect scoop whenever she's on the job."
"Huh, interesting…" Silver hummed.
"Azrael, help me!" Morgana exclaimed, running down the beach and hiding behind him. "That crazy hyena is after me!"
"Jasiri?" Azrael raised an eyebrow.
"No, the other one!" Morgana shouted, pointing in a direction as Melody ran up to them.
"Have any of you guys seen Morgana?" Melody asked, wiping sweat from her brow. "I saw him come this way."
"What do you want with him?" Azrael asked.
"I wanted to get to know him, of course," Melody said. "He's from one of my favorite RPGs ever, and I wanted to meet him."
"Wait, you're a fan?" Morgana said, coming out of his hiding spot. "I thought you were coming after me to eat me or something with the way you were running!"
"Oops, I guess I did kinda try to jump you as soon as I saw you," Melody blushed in embarrassment. "But I really am a fan of yours, Morgana. Care to tell me some of your Phantom Thief stories?"
The cat smiled. "Sure!"
As those two went off to hang out, Mei Ling put the finishing touches on their sand-dinosaur. "There we go, all finished! Great job, team."
"We all did well here," Lop smiled.
"If you think that's good, then check this out!" Adam called. The cyborg and his wife, Melanie, had just completed their own sandcastle, a recreation of the Haunted Mansion down to the finest details.
"Wow, that's pretty impressive, Adam," Almyra said.
"And it's not even done yet," Adam grinned. "Sparky, let's do it!" the electric experiment appeared and nodded, hopping into Adam's robot arm as it overcharged with lightning. The cyborg pointed his arm at his sandcastle, blasting it with energy. When the smoke cleared, the lightning had transformed the sand into glass! "Hah, take that! Here's a top-tier sandcastle!"
"…Not to be rude, but I don't think that's a sandcastle now," Mei Ling said.
"What?" Adam tilted his head in confusion.
"Yeah, it's not sneeze rocks anymore. It's clear rocks," Chomper said.
"It does defeat the purpose of a sandcastle if you turn it into glass, Adam," Silver pointed out.
The cyborg, realizing his mistake in his ambition, comically fell over in the sand. Melanie gave a sympathetic sign and patted him on the back. "You did well regardless, dear," the ghost bride giggled.
[***]
As the day turned to evening, torches were lit as a feast was brought out for everyone to enjoy. There was a performance of fire dancers and Stitch's cousins doing tricks, before Gabriel got up on stage and grabbed a mic.
"Everyone, this vacation has been amazing," the raven said. "I had a lot of fun on the cruise going to different dimensions and meeting so many different faces. But now, as our vacation comes to an end, I think it's time that I do what I do best: give you all a song!"
Everyone cheered as Azrael and Ray joined Gabriel on stage, the raven reaching out his Fantasia to join with his counterparts in harmony. Gabriel snapped his fingers three times before the boys started singing together.
Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann!
Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann!
Barbara Ann… (Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann)
Take my hand… (Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann)
Barbara Ann… (Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann)
The trio sang together, serenading their girlfriends.
You got me rockin' and a rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin'
Barbara Ann!
Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann
Oh Barbara Ann-
Suddenly, Tomada jumped in with a guitar rift, taking a microphone for himself as he started to sing.
If everybody had an ocean
Across the U.S.A. (Oh Barbara Ann)
Then everybody'd be surfin'
Like Californi-a (Let's go Barbara Ann)
The Gabriel trio sang backup as the falcon started doing some surfing moves for his dance, with the other people at the luau following along.
You'd seem 'em wearing their baggies
Huarachi sandals too (Oh Barbara Ann)
A bushy-bushy blonde hairdo
Surfin' USA (Surfing with Barbara Ann)
Everybody's gone surfin'
Surfin' USA…
The song then slowed down as Azrael started to sing to Porsha, the wolfess blushing as her hand in his.
Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?
Then we wouldn't have to wait so long
Gabriel and Ray added in some doo wops as Azrael sang.
And wouldn't it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong?
Wouldn't it be nice… (Barbara Ann…)
Tomada and Logan then started singing together, the two snapping as they did so.
Well, East Coast girls are hip
I really dig those styles they wear
Logan leaned up against Destiny as he sang, the young man turning into his anthro owl form to further fluster her.
And the Southern girls, with the way they talk
They knock me out when I'm out there
The Gabriel trio then came in as backup vocals for the two friends.
(I wish they all could be California-)
(I wish they all could be California-)
I wish they all could be California girls…
Like you…
Now it was Long's turn to sing, the wish dragon magicking himself a 60s beach getup as he sang to Sisu.
(I wanna take ya to-)
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Gabriel then came in, singing to Jasiri as they all started dancing with their respective partners.
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don't we go?
Ray and Mineru snapped along to the beat as they sang together.
(Barbara let's go to-)
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you to
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Azrael gave Porsha a spin as he sang.
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don't we go?
The ladies all swayed to the beat as the guys sang to them.
(Ooh, I wanna take you down to Kokomo)
We'll get there fast
And then we'll take it slow
That's where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo…
Way down-
Morgana and Chomper then jumped in to sing together as the beat picked up, the two stomping to the new beat.
I'm pickin' up good vibrations
She's giving me the excitations
The other guys came in as backup as the two smallest members of the group got the spotlight.
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (good vibrations)
She's giving me the excitations (excitations)
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (good vibrations) (Good, good, good)
She's giving me the excitations (excitations) (Good vibrations…)
Almyra and Melody laughed at the antics of Morgana and Chomper as the two danced together.
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (good vibrations) (Good, good, good)
She's giving me the excitations (excitations) (Good vibrations…)
Good, good, good, good vibrations…
In an unexpected twist, Ben jumped in for the next part, the wolf using his wind magic to enhance his dance moves in flashy ways.
(Barbara won't you ride in my-)
409, my 409
She's real fine my 409
Bao, in a moment of inspiration, also decided to join in and sing.
Giddy up giddy up giddy up 409
(Giddy up giddy up 409, 409)
Giddy up 409…
(Giddy up giddy up 409, 409)
Giddy up 409…
(Giddy up giddy up 409, 409)
Ben and Bao then went back-to-back as they sang together.
Nothing can catch her
Nothing can touch my 409, 409-
Silver then came between the two as he started singing his part of the song.
I get a round round, get around
I get around, yeah
Gabriel, Toren, and Logan came in to be backup for their friend.
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around…
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town…
The quartet started doing wave motions with their arms as they sang and danced together, much to everyone's amusement.
(Get around round round, I get around)
I'm a real cool head…
(Get around round round, I get around)
I'm makin' real good bread…
(Get around round round, I get around)
Round, round, round…
The song then slowed down a bit as Gabriel took the spotlight, getting on one knee as he took Jasiri's paw in his hand, the hyena gasping as he serenaded her.
I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it
Heaven knows what I'd be without you…
Azrael and Ray provided backup as the Dream Keeper shared a moment with his beloved hyena.
If you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me
"Oh Gabriel…" Jasiri said, smiling as she gave him a kiss on the forehead, making the raven blush.
Oh, Heaven knows what I'd be without you!
(Heaven knows what I'd be without you…)
Heaven knows what I'd be without you!
(Heaven knows what I'd be without you…)
Heaven knows what I'd be without you…
Picking up the pace again, Rocket jumped in as the song picked up for the finale, the raccoon dancing around with Lylla as he sang.
Well she got her daddy's car
And she cruisin' to the hamburger stand now
Seems she forgot all about the library
Like she told her old man now
Everyone got with their partner as they started dancing using car-like motions.
And with the radio blasting
Goes cruising just as fast as she can now
And she'll have fun-fun-fun
'Til her daddy takes the T-bird away (Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann!)
Everyone was jamming to the song and doing classic beach dance moves.
(fun-fun now her daddy take the T-bird away)
(fun-fun now her daddy take the T-bird away)
(fun-fun now her daddy take the T-bird away)
(fun-fun now her daddy-)
The song then ended as it began, with Gabriel, Azrael, and Ray singing the last lines before giving a bow.
And we'll have fun-fun-fun now that daddy took the T-bird away!
Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann!
Everyone cheered at the fun Beach Boys medley. "Thank you, thank you," Gabriel said. "It's been a lot of fun, but it's almost time for this dimensional cruise to come to an end."
"Not so fast!" Roxanne Wolf exclaimed, coming up on stage. "You can't just end a luau in Hawaii without playing some Elvis. He's like, the most important celebrity to the Hawaii experience."
"That is true…" Gabriel nodded. "Well then, I'm guessing you've got an idea of what song we should play then, Roxy?"
"You bet," the animatronic wolf grinned. "Jasiri, Porsha, Mineru! Get up her and let's show these boys how you end off a rocking party!"
The three girlfriends got up on stage, with Gabriel using Fantasia to give each of them an instrument: Mineru on drums, Porsha with a tambourine, Jasiri with a guitar, and Roxy with her signature keytar. "All right then! It's time to heat things up with some Burning Love!" Roxy announced. "A one, two, a one-two-three-four!"
As the music started up, the scene started to shift as the quartet played, becoming cinematic as scenes from the dimensional cruise were shown intercut with the concert on the beach.
Lord Almighty
I feel my temperature risin'
We see Gabriel and his friends arriving on the Disney Wish, along with them meeting both Azrael's and Ray's groups.
Higher and higher
It's burnin' through to my soul
We see Lop and Chomper having fun going down the water slide together.
Baby, baby, baby
You gonna set me on fire
We see the gang all in fancy outfits as they go to the Iceberg Lounge and meet Ravena and penguin.
My brain is flamin'
I don't know which way to go
Sera makes a cameo here alongside her team, with the raveness and Rev singing on stage together before kissing.
Your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
Roxy sings her heart out to the song, with the other girls giving her backup before the wolfess does a spin and winks at the crowd.
Ooh, ooh, ooh
I feel my temperature rising
We see Ray and Gabriel figuring out the cause of his almost death using Ghost Tricks.
Help me, I'm flaming
I must be a hundred and nine
We see Azrael, Morgana, and Bao teaming up to defeat M3GAN, along with Mineru and Porsha repairing Roxy.
Burnin', burnin', burnin'
And nothin' can cool me
We see Mym and Azrael duking it out in the sword fighting arena, then the gang all teaming up with Shantae to stop Risky Boots and her pirates.
I just might turn into smoke
But I feel fine
We see Gabriel meeting Long for the first time, the wish dragon breaking the fourth wall to smile at the audience before pulling at the side of the screen for the next transition.
'Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like a sweet song of a choir
And you light my morning sky
With burning love
As the band performs, we see various couples like Rocket and Lylla, Rachel and Poe, Silver and Staghart, and others all dancing together. Toren "accidentally" trips up Ben, making him fall over on Nuka, the two looking flustered as Toren gives a mischievous grin.
It's coming closer
The flames are now licking my body
We Mei Ling and Lop doing fighting moves alongside Aroo.
Won't you help me
I feel like I'm slipping away
We see Ray, Gabriel, and Neo all running away from the Waterwraith as it chases them, with Sterling making a cameo here as well.
It's hard to breathe
And my chest is a-heatin'
We see Team Friendship holding their fiesta on the cruise ship, with Kitty and Puss dancing together.
Lord have mercy
Burning a hole in me
We see Sisu and Long sharing their dance together, the two dragons happily dancing in the present as well.
Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
With burning love!
As the song comes to an end, we see portals open up for Azrael and Ray's groups to go home through. Gabriel shares a hug with each of his counterparts, promising to keep in touch after the adventure they'd had together.
I'm just a hunk, a hunk of burning love!
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love!
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love!
As the gang leaves, they each get a moment to say goodbye to the camera: Chomper gives a little wave, Mei Ling gives a bow, Porsha gives a peace sign, Morgana gives a thumb's up and a wink, Mym blows a kiss, Mineru simply nods, while Azrael and Ray say "See you all another time!" before going through their portals as they close behind them.
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love!
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love!
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love!
The song then ends, with Roxy holding up the mic as everyone cheers as the screen fades to black.
[***]
Epilogue of a Cruise
Gamesphere
Ray sighed as he logged off of the Gamesphere for the day. Whenever he wasn't in the game world, he took on the appearance of an average Caucasian male with short brown hair, blueish-green eyes, and a nice pair of glasses that framed his face well. In fact, if you were to see the human forms of Azrael or Gabriel, the three of them could pass as twins, with maybe a few differences here or there.
"Ray, it's time for dinner!" he heard a voice call.
"I'm coming, Mom!" Ray replied. In his world, Ray still lived with his parents, but was looking for a roommate to move in with at some point. 'Maybe if I find one of my world's Dream Defenders IRL, I can room with them,' Ray thought. He paused as he looked down at his phone, seeing a notification of a text.
Gabriel: Hope you guys got back home safely! I'm having a reunion lunch with my friends right now.
Azrael: Doing well over here. Porsha wants me to be in one of Mr. Moon's shows now, though…
Gabriel: You've got to try at least one, right?
Azrael: We'll see…
Ray smiled before putting his phone away, sending a reply that he was doing okay. He grabbed his watch from his bedside table and put it on, sending a notification to his guild that they would be going on a new quest tomorrow. 'I've seen what my other selves can do now, and I don't want to let them down," Ray thought. 'We may not be a top-tier Guild, but I'll make then proud. I just know it!'
[***]
Epic Universe
In Azrael's dimension, the wolf is casually sitting on a pier as he recounts his vacation to one of his newest friends and a guest of the Epic Universe, Alex. Alex is a Koopa Troopa with a large backpack and a friendly demeanor, who's on his own adventure to see all he can in the Epic Universe. He's also Logan's counterpart in Azrael's world.
"You got to see other dimensions? That's crazy!" Alex said in awe.
"It was neat for sure," Azrael nodded. "I can see about you tagging along if we ever do something like that again."
"You better!" Alex laughed. "So, what's next for you?"
"First, I've realized that I've been taking on too much work for myself to do alone," Azrael said. "I want to make a team of sorts… well, more like an alliance. I still want to do my own solo missions, after all."
"How will that work?" Alex asked.
"We're going to set up a help line that people can call or send messages to that people in the alliance can respond to. That way, anyone that's willing or able to help can respond and I don't have to run myself ragged," Azrael explained. "How does "The Epic Alliance" sound for a name?"
"I think it sounds great!" Alex cheered. He then looked a nearby clock and gasps. "Oh gosh, I gotta get going! My Kung Fu lessons with Master Viper are starting up soon. See you later, Azrael!"
The wolf waved goodbye to his friend, before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the map and book Porsha had given him. "So, these are from Gabriel, right? Hm… The marker on the map points to a place out in the middle of the Spanish desert near Puss' home…" Azrael nodded to himself, giving a flick of his sword before pulling his hood up. "I guess I'll figure out what this map means when I get there."
Author's Note
And that's the end of the Dimensional Cruise! I hope you all enjoyed the little interactions between everyone, and thank you for all of the support you've given me during this large arc!
There were two musical numbers this chapter, the first one being "Ultimate Beach Boys Medley" by Jared Halley, a mashup of ten of the Beach Boys' most iconic songs. For me, it's not summer if you don't listen to the Beach Boys at least once. For the second song that also serves as the ending song of this arc, it's the Wynonna Judd version of "Burning Love" as heard in Lilo & Stitch. If we're in Hawaii, you have to get some Elvis love, and Roxy and the girls singing the song felt right to end off this part. I hope you enjoyed the recap of some of the big moments from the cruise as well!
As for what's next… I'd like to make an announcement here: "Dream Keeper Chronicles" is going to be slowing down after New Years. I've honestly almost run out of ideas for Gabriel and friends to do at this point, and I don't want to risk burning out! So here's what I plan to do in regards to this story:
"Dream Keeper Chronicles" is still going to be a weekly series up until New Years, at which point I'm going to split the series into two spin-off stories. There will still be updates for "Dream Keeper Chonicles" in 2024, but they're just not going to be weekly anymore (I'll be doing this to give me more time to come up with quality ideas and such). As for what the spin-offs are going to be, one will be set in the present with an idea I've had in mind for a while now on where to take Gabriel's character next, and the other will be a look into a possible future of the Magical World. I'll give you updates on these future stories at a later date.
Until then, though, we still have some fun things planned right here! Next Time on "Dream Keeper Chronicles": Gabriel, Logan, and Rachel take the newest Dream Defenders on a secret, special training mission!