Chapter 20: Dimensions And Dreams

The Enlightened Ones enter into Cole’s mind to help him unlock his hidden power. Cole learns the importance of dreams to Ultrasapiens. Then he enters the between dimension finding many secrets.

Enkil ignites a small bundle of red leaves in a bowl. He blows the smoldering smoke into Cole’s face first, then passes it to the group to let them inhale. Even with his eyes closed Cole finds he can see. He can see the different colored auras of everyone around him. They burn hot and powerful. The colors increase in vibrancy, ebbing and flowing to the cosmic dance. He can feel himself disappearing into the fabric of reality. Who he is in all that could be defined is fading into something greater. Oneness. It’s terrifying yet beautiful at the same time. The vines gently reach out to cradle the group. They hold them, allowing them to float as if suspended in a deprivation tank. The vines guide each of their arms to a center of a circle placing their right hands on top of each other. With the physical connection made, Journey, Justice, Fate, Pappa, and Ktroll fall into Cole’s psyche. The sound of the drums slowly fade away into the nothingness. Together they fall into nothingness. Ktroll’s voice whispers in their minds, “Life is nothing but a dream, and we are the artists. Thus our dreams can become masterpieces of art.”

Have I been here before?

Cole opens his eyes. Everything is black, if nothingness could be considered black. There’s nothing to see except for each other still holding their hands out like a highschool football team about to run their play. Cole steps back looking around asking, “Where are we?”

“This is the dream world. The dimension that lets us access your subconscious.” replies Ktroll.

“So are you guys all with me right now, or are you all dream characters?”

Justice rolls her eyes at Cole’s question, “Of course we’re all dream characters. We’re in your dream!”

“Ah! Ok! No need to get angry!” exclaims Cole.

Ktroll sits cross legged then floats to eye level with Cole. He speaks, “It’s quite alright. We have all the time in the world to let you adjust to things.”

“We do?”

“Yes time doesn’t flow the same in the dream world, and yes we are all inside your head right now. That makes us both dream characters, and real characters. Anything we experience here we will collectively see.”

“Does that mean I can float like you?”

“Of course, this is your dream after all.”

I love flying dreams!

Cole mimics Ktroll floating while sitting in a cross legged fashion. The others can’t help but join in on the fun. Ktroll questions Cole, “Now what has your dream been telling you?”

“So far, uhh, that I have no imagination I guess. I mean it’s just all black.”

“No not this dream. I’m talking about your dream.”

“My dream? I don’t follow. Is this dream logic?”

“I see. I didn’t realize you were at the beginning. Forgive me. It’s just that you have already tapped into your power to such an extent, I just assumed. Let me ask you this. Do you know what Ultrasapiens are?”

“People who were resurrected after The Event. They have evolved from humans and now have superpowers.”

“That's partly true. Every Ultrasapien had a dream after The Event. This dream is a natural reaction when trying to survive. It’s a representation of their will pulling them through making them corporeal. Ultrasapiens convert themselves into energy enabling them to use their powers. If they deplete all of their energy, they become energy without will. If this happens it would destroy them, in essence transferring their being into nothingness. Ultras do not die from normal thirst, hunger, or age. They die only when their will is broken. In theory as long as your will stays intact, then you could be vaporized into dust in the wind, and still pull yourself back into existence. Though, most of us who have been destroyed to that point usually lose our will.”

“My will?”

“Yes, your unfinished business, your reason for being powerful enough to pull you into existence. Do you know where your will comes from?”

“My experiences?”

“Your will energy comes from your dream. When you sleep you get your will rejuvenated by accessing your dream.”

“So as long as I sleep I’ll be able to heal myself?”

“More or less… Now what’s interesting is when an Ultra, like yourself, wakes up later, they develop more dormant power. This is because they have been soaking in their dream longer. Thus they are powerful, but they have a hard time knowing how to use their power. The ones that wake up early have a much easier time remembering the dream and have a better chance of understanding how to use their power, but the actual power comes to a lesser degree. Though, it doesn’t really matter how long you’ve been soaking. It’s all about learning your will and tapping into that. That’s where your real power comes from. That’s why we’re here.”

“Can it be a flying dream?”

“What?? No. I’m not talking about just any dream. I’m talking about the dream. The recurring dream you have every night. The dream that everyone has that guides them into their power. That’s how you know how to use it and where the power comes from. Do you know what I’m talking about now?”

“What you're saying is I shouldn’t know how to use my ability?”

“At least not to the extent you do now without knowing your dream.”

“I don’t have a dream like that. I think I had a dream before, but it’s really hazy now. There was a guy in a hood… And I think one of them was Cain… Uhg! It’s on the tip of my tongue! I don’t know!”

“It’s ok. That’s why I’m here!” says Journey grinning, bringing a new energy to the conversation. She takes Cole’s hand causing them both to descend back into a standing position, “Let’s just retrace what you do remember. I’m using my power now. Just go where the feeling takes you.”

The black nothingness begins to take form around them. The details come in slow at first but rapidly accelerate. The rocks and the trees form out of the ground as though they were being pushed upwards by an invisible force. Then everything comes rushing in from all directions. It’s the day of The Event. The group find themselves standing in front of the bunker door with the awesome aurora lights blazing the sky. Cole and Dimitri have collapsed against the door. Cole screams, “No! I don’t want to live this again!”

Ktroll questions, stroking his beard in thought, “This isn’t a dream. This is a memory. This isn’t normal, what’s going on here? Justice, what are you doing?”

“It’s not me, but I can confirm this is one of Cole’s memories.” replies Justice.

Journey touches Cole’s chin bringing his face to hers. She whispers, “We’re all here with you. Follow the memory.”

“No, this is heart wrenching. I don’t want to see this happen to him again!”

“There’s something there. Find it. Be strong.”

Be strong…? Be strong! Dimitri!

The memory moves forward. Epic explosions shake the earth filling the sky with radiation and light. Dimitri snuggles up to Cole whispering to him. Whispering words that only Cole can hear. Words that even the dream watchers can only guess at.

It’s your turn to be strong now. I’m giving you the strength…

The sky burns brighter and hotter, aggressively consuming everything in a washed out light. Dimitri’s hand falls from Cole’s face exposing a red hot imprint. At first Cole thought it was a reaction from the radiation inflamed world, but now he can see it changing. The handprint is glowing brighter and brighter even more so than the rest of the world growing brighter than day. Journey whispers, “Get closer. Touch it. We’re all behind you.”

Cole touches the handprint on his doppelganger face. The world turns white just as it had on the original day. The group teleports to another world. A park. A park on a pleasant, windy, spring day. A world with Dimitri. The small boy joyfully runs to anchor another kite.

Cole asks Ktroll, “I don’t understand. Is this something I’m dreaming?”

“This isn’t a memory, it's a dream. Though this isn’t your dream. This is someone else’s, but not from anybody in our group. This doesn’t make any sense…”

“This is similar to a memory I shared with Dimitri.”

“That may be so, but this is a dream, not a memory. A dream where Ultra power is born.”

Cole walks to Dimitri, “Then we are on the right track… This was a special day. Dimitri was sad that his mom died. I just wanted to give him a fun day to get things off his mind. I took him to the park to fly kites. We had an awesome day letting off a dozen kites all at the same time.”

Though Dimitri is a dream character he turns speaking to Cole, “I loved this day. We were having the kites fight each other, seeing which ones were strongest. The shark kite was my favorite because it never fell. We would buy extra string to send the kites miles into the air. Then we’d tie small stuffed animals to the strings and have them zipline back down to us. This is my favorite day uncle Cole. This was the day where I knew you’d take care of me no matter what.”

Cole attempts to hold back the tears embracing his nephew, “I’m so sorry little man. I’m sorry about what happened to you. I miss you so much.”

“It’s ok Cole. I’m staying with you. I’m giving you my power, power of the air, power of the wind. This way I can protect you even though you never knew I was there. Just like the wind I can be there for you, all around you, from close or from far. Just like how you protected me.”

Cole almost succumbs to sobbing. He holds Dimitri tight, “You deserved better. I.. I…”

Dimitri interjects, “It’s ok! You were great! You were everything I needed and more. But don’t worry, I won’t leave you, just like you never left me.”

Cole opens his eyes. The park is gone. They are back in the nothingness land. Journey, Fate, and Justice collectively give a consoling hug to Cole. Ktroll gives him a few minutes before speaking, “This is where your wind power comes from. This is where the will derives from. Though this is not your will. Are you able to understand it now Cole?”

“Yes, I understand it now. This is Dimitri’s will. Dimitri’s will is to be my protector. To be an invisible force bringing hope, carried by the wind. To be strong for me in times of need.”

“Good. Now if you can remember that, then you can tap into this ability. You can fully use the wind power nested deep within you. Normally this is where we’d finish our session, however you are an Ultrasapien. We have yet to discover your true power.”

“What does that mean?” asks Cole incredulously.

“It means you have two abilities, and just as I thought you have no idea what your ability even is. My guess, you have already used your power and you just don’t understand it.”

Ktroll looks to Journey beckoning for her help. Journey takes Cole and Ktroll’s hand, “Let’s keep moving forward then.” she says while closing her eyes. A red door suddenly appears in front of them as if it has been there the whole time and they were just now noticing it.

Justice jumps excitedly pointing to the door, “This is the same door I saw in my reading with Cole! I couldn’t open it, but it did open for Cole. Though once he did, we got pushed out. It was the strangest thing. I’ve never experienced anything like that in my readings.”

“Really now?” says Ktroll stroking his beard. “How is that possible? This is obviously a dream door. We are in the dream world. You’re not able to summon this door with your type of ability.”

“That may be true but I’m telling you, Cole and I both saw it.” replies Justice. Cole slowly nods his head.

“Alright then. Open the door Cole.” says Ktroll.

Cole grabs the handle but jumps back nursing his hand, “Ouch! The damn thing is flaming hot!”

“What a strange dream we’re having. I guess it’s time for my help.” says Ktroll approaching the door. He hesitates to touch the handle at first, but after a moment of closing his eyes he reaches for it. The handle is no longer hot, “There you see? I’m the dream master, and in this domain I’m the one in control.” says Ktroll looking back at the group with a slight grin. He turns the handle, but it’s locked. He grunts, wiggling it harder, “What a strange dream what a strange dream.” he says aloud to no one in particular.

Ktroll steps back holding his hand to the door like a Jedi about to do a force trick. It doesn’t budge. A look of intense confusion comes over his face. He uses both hands and closes his eyes. He forces his power harder. The door shakes violently.

“I am Ktroll! I am in control of this dream! Open! I command you, open!”

The door stops shaking then bursts into white flames seemingly erupting from within the cracks of the door frame. Cole questions, “So I guess we just let the door burn? Is that how we get in?”

Ktroll speaks while looking down at his hands, “I, I don’t understand. This is the dream world. I should be able to open any door for I have all the power in this realm.”

The flames disperse after a moment. It’s odd, there’s no damage done. No lingering smoke. The door remains just as it first materialized. Journey looks to Pappa Legba, motioning to the door with her head.

“Oh you think I’ll be able to help here?” says Papa removing his hat, walking up to the door. Pappa caresses the door, pondering. He bends down peering into the keyhole, “Ahhhh, I see I see.” He looks to Cole speaking slowly and mysteriously, “The memories you lost arrren’t so easily retrieved, for they arrren’t just from a dream. They are from another dimension.”

Pappa speaks to Journey, “I don’t know if I should. This, could be dangerous. Opening an unknown gateway can have, consequences…”

“Do we see any other way?” replies Journey.

“Very well.” replies Pappa while summoning a mystical key into his hand with a puff of vapor. The key is strange, appearing to be carved from bone. It is etched with strange writings of an ancient forgotten language. He inserts the literal skeleton key into the door. The door cracks open just a few inches allowing a stelar white light to shine from beyond.

“You may enter now, Cole.” says Pappa, extending his arm with a slight bow.

Ghyia said I had to walk through the door. I didn’t think she meant it literally.

Cole reaches for the door hesitantly. Ktroll bursts out pushing past Cole, “This doesn’t make any sense! I don’t believe it! This is the dream world! I’ll prove it!”

Pappa cries, “No Ktroll! Don’t touch it! The gap in the door, it’s a separate reality!”

Pappa’s attempt was too late. Cole and Ktroll have vanished. Cole squints his eyes adjusting to the bright light.

This place… I’ve been here before!

“Where are we?” asks Ktroll.

“A safe place. I think.” replies Cole.

Ktroll’s face is of astonishment, “This place… I’ve never experienced anything like it before. It’s half dream, half something else.”

Cole bends down touching the floor. It’s texture is so familiar to him. White as smoked glass, hard as marble.

“What a beautiful dream.” says Ktroll, discovering the epic white Taj Mahal like structure. A deep voice from behind startles Ktroll.

“Welcome.”

Ktroll jumps finding two mysterious figures. One in a blue cloak with their face concealed by the hood. The second, a beautiful woman with white hair and dark caramel colored skin. More significantly though, she’s glowing, wearing a dress made of white flames.

“Who are you and how exactly did you get here?” asks the cloaked man.

Ktroll quickly shotguns questions, “You can see us?! How is this possible if you're just a dream character? What is this place and why am I not able to use my abilities?”

The cloaked man pulls back his hood revealing his identity. Ktroll is taken back by what he discovers. Cole is not surprised because he had a sense of what was coming. The hooded man is yet another version of Cole. He speaks in a kind deep voice, “I’ve almost forgotten what you look like Ktroll. I’ve been in this land for so long. Please forgive me. I didn’t realize it was time already.”

“Cole?! How many of you are there?!” asks Ktroll.

“The only me is me. Are you sure the only you is you?” replies the doppelganger Cole.

Cole touches his temples, “I’m getting some memories, but it’s not everything, it’s hazy. It’s, uhh, I call you Teacher.”

“Very good Cole. Yes I am Teacher Cole, but you two can simply call me Teacher.” says Teacher Cole.

“And… She, is Cinder.” says Cole gesterting to the woman in white.

Cinder... I’ve heard that name recently.

Ktroll looks to Cinder in shock. He asks her, “How are you here? We didn’t take you with us into the dream. Why do you look like this? What happened to you?”

Cole interjects asking Ktroll, “You know Cinder?”

“Yes she is one of The Enlightened Ones. She was in the forest with us before we entered into the dream world.” replies Ktroll still suspiciously looking at Cinder.

Teacher Cole interjects, “Sorry to burst your bubble, but we are not dream characters, and your powers don’t work because this isn’t the dream world. Sort of. Actually, we created this land for a purpose, to train Cole. We needed a place where we could be safe, an infinite place of land and time. We combined bits of the spirit world and the dream world creating a space between dimensions. Here, time runs differently, just as in a dream. I think Arch called it time dilation?”

“You know Arch? Who are you really?” asks Ktroll.

“I’m a version of Cole from another dimension. Just like Cain, Gaze, and Cole. Before, I stole Cole just before he awoke in the afterlife. For years we trained here, honing his abilities until they became second nature. It was the only way to gain the time needed to prepare him to survive what was coming his way.”

“I’m starting to remember! It’s flowing in the more you speak.” says Cole.

Teacher raises his voice just a bit adding to his speech, “I know why you guys are here. You came in search of understanding. To find Cole’s destiny. To discover what’s hidden in Cole. To discover the evil plot that has been set against us, and when you leave through the dimensional door you’ll be able to retain your memories this time. Are you starting to remember Cole? What is your true ability?”

Cole’s face is strained in concentration, “My ability is not wind...”

“Correct, your wind ability was given to you. By Dimitri. His ability is only your shield. Now what is your sword?!”

“I don’t remember!”

“It’s important you remember your dream, your will. It’s deep inside you. It’s always been with you just on the tip of your tongue. Feel it rise inside you!”

Cole ignites his wind ability while yelling, “I remember! I remember! It’s my voice!”

Teacher cries, “You’ve found it Cole! You’ve found your sword! Now remember this feeling and never let go!”

Ktroll fixes his hood after the blast of wind, “I don’t understand. What’s your ability?”

“Cole’s true power is his suggestive word. He can command anyone to do what he says. It’s a type of complete hypnosis. Give him a demonstration Cole.” says Teacher.

Cole calls out, “Ktroll, hop on one foot five times.”

Ktroll can’t help it, even though he absolutely doesn’t want to, he jumps five times. His face morphs into waves of concern, confusion, then anger.

“What the hell was that!?” wails Ktroll.

“That, is my true ability.” replies Cole.

Ktroll strokes his beard deep in thought, “For someone whose ability grants me control, I was completely out of control. I never want to feel like that again.”

“Now try that on me Cole.” says Teacher.

“Teacher, hop on one foot five times.” says Cole.

Teacher squints, shaking his head, but Cole’s words have no effect on him. Ktroll stares silently with brooding eyes. Teacher speaks to Ktroll while pointing to Cole, “Though I didn’t succumb to his power it wasn’t without some effort. You can see now the reason for stealing Cole. This type of ability is very powerful, and Cole is the only one who can stand up to it.”

“Cain has the ability too...” says Cole.

Teacher nods to Cole speaking, “Good you’re remembering. Let me explain what he’s doing. Right now, Cain has already arrived in your dimension. He’s goal is to kill Gaze and Cole. Without getting into the whole explanation of how the dimensions work, let it suffice to say that Cole is from the golden dimension. Cain only needs to kill Cole and Gaze to complete his transformation. With each kill of his doppelganger Cain absorbs their power, and now there’s only two left. Now that he’s here, Cain needed a way to remove his obstacles without calling the demon. If anyone dies then the demon can sense it, it is called by it. More importantly he knows The Enlightened Ones are onto him. To get around this Cain has been controlling Death from behind the scenes with his words of power. He manipulated him to attack the humans in the bunker, but he never told Death the true reason. In your timeline, right now, Death is working to take over the Ultras at the NGP.”

“Cain is using Death? How do you know all this?” asks Ktroll.

“Dimensions and timelines can get confusing… How I know is not important. But yes, by Cain’s design, or more likely the Black Phropet’s design, Death has been working with a scientist from the human bunker. They have derived a way to keep the Ultras alive by turning them into blood hunters. Hence the disappearances, and if they never die then the demon is never summoned.”

“What is a Blood Hunter?” asks Ktroll.

“They are powerful, terrible, abominations. They are the ultimate predator. They are creatures that have been genetically and mechanically modified. They were created by a scientist who used to live with the humans in the bunker. They kicked him out because of his immoral projects. That’s when he met with Death. At first he was using humans, but now that he’s integrated the tech with Ultras, they are impossibly worse. Now they have Ultra powers too. They have black skin. Their body is like a wolf but much larger. They have wicked claws and their eyes face forward, always aimed at their prey. They always have a helmet covering their face. Inside the eye sockets of the helmet you’ll be able to see their red glowing eyes for they don’t have eyelids. When they hunt they always travel from behind the victim. Their name comes from the fact that once they have been given a sample of blood then they activate having only one purpose, to hunt down the owner of the DNA signature. Nothing can distract them from their prey. There’s nowhere you could go to hide from them. Their helmet displays the DNA trail as a red mist allowing them to track you. They are relentless, and once you leave this land and wake up, you all will be faced with these creatures. They will have already been unleashed. Cole, you have to stop Death and the Blood Hunters before they become too powerful. You have to use the teachings I’ve given you and stop Cain. If Death succeeds with his plan there will be nothing stopping Cain from destroying everything.”

“Then why don’t you help us? Come with us?” asks Cole.

“I can’t.”

“Why not?!” Cole questions with a bit of frustration.

“It’s not my place. I have my own destiny to fulfill, I’m sorry.”

“I’m remembering! It’s always secrets and mystery with you!” exclaims Cole.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

“Huh? Did you guys hear that? Where is it coming from?” says Cole looking up to the sky.

“I did.” says Teacher.

“Huh? I didn’t hear anything.” replies Ktroll.

Cole rubs the back of his head, “I heard knocking, but it felt like it was coming from the back of my head.”

Suddenly the red door materializes in front of them. Pappa is forcefully holding the door open calling, “Come back to us! I cannot hold this door forever!”

Teacher cries, “Go! You won’t get a second chance! You have everything you need!”

Without a moment of hesitation Cole grabs Ktroll’s hand pulling him to the door. Cole and the door vanish without even a spark. Ktroll is left standing, in a state of confusion staring into the infinite between world. He turns questioning Teacher, “What just happened?”

“I’m afraid you’re going to be here for a while.”

“I guess I’ll just wake up.”

“I’m sorry it doesn’t work that way. Please don’t freak out.”

Ktroll squints his eyes, forcing all his power to wake him from the dream. When he opens he finds the awkward grins of Cinder and Teacher, as if their expressions were trying to tell him ‘I told you so. Please don’t freak out.’

“We were hoping this time we could keep you from entering the door by using Cinder’s power.” says Teacher.

Ktroll questions with a very concerned expression, “What do you mean, this time?...”

Teacher takes a deep sigh before speaking, “This dimension wasn’t designed for you. We didn’t want you getting in here because, well, now you’re stuck.”

“What do you mean stuck!?”

“Since you’re here I might as well tell you everything. Dimensions and time are confusing… I remember you, and here’s why. I’ve met you in my past. The truth is, I am Cole. I’m not just another version of Cole from another dimension. I’m Cole who just walked through that door. I’m also Cole who has lived hundreds of years from your timeframe, then on top of that, I’ve lived hundreds of years in this between dimension.”

Ktroll overwhelmed, remains silent not knowing what to say. Teacher Cole points to Cinder, “As you know, this is Cinder. The one who used her power to keep the door shut. She’s dead now. Her will broke. Obviously still to happen in your future. We’ve been keeping her in stasis in this dimension trying to prolong the inevitable.”

“You, you are Cole from the future? Who has lived hundreds of years? And this is Cinder from the future, who has died?”

“Correct. I’m actually quite ancient, and I’m spent. I’ve been hiding here not wanting to accept my fate. I feel I’ve lived too long, seen too much, lost too much. But just like Cinder my fate is calling for me. This was the last task I needed to complete before my final journey to complete my destiny.”

“I don’t understand. Why keep this from Cole, or younger Cole, you know what I mean. There must be so much you could tell him.”

“We can’t risk Cole knowing the course to our futures. If he knew, it would change what needs to be done in order to create the True Blood Society. To save the multiverse. I’m actually kind of relieved you’re here, because now that means my time here is done. I can leave. Don’t worry Cinder and I will stay with you until your time comes.”

“How long will that be?”

“Please don’t freak out.”