Dream Partners: Twisted time

Chapter 19: Second Chances

A few hours later, Andrea woke up feeling groggy and also confused about how she got there. She quietly opened the door and headed downstairs where she found 3 people; a woman and a boy who looked to be 15 and an older man; it was Carlos. As she walked over to the couch, they all stopped talking and looked over at her. Andrea stared for a minute before it clicked in her mind and she pulled the younger woman into a hug. She said, "Victoria is that really you sweetie! I missed you so much...how are you here, we were headed to save you". Victoria frowned and said, "About that...you're in an alternate dimension according to your buddy over there...well to you it's alternate but to me, it's my normal dimension".

Victoria smiled and said, "I know you're not my parents from here, but you're still my parents and I'm glad you're here". Andrea looked at her and said "What happened to your parents and she said "You guys died 2 years ago saving the world from Agathor...your bodies were never found after the explosion". Andrea hugged her and said "In my dimension, Agathor captured my Victoria and corrupted her heart and is currently continuing to erase the timeline and kill millions with her". Victoria said" I know, your friend over there told me it all". Carlos walked over and said "it's good to see you Andrea" and she looked at him confused and said, "I thought Aula wouldn't let you come". 

He sighed and said"2 weeks after you left, Agathor caused the sun to go supernova and implode, so she moved the family to another planet and sent me to join you guys...unfortunately, though, she died helping the family escape to safety". Andrea shook her head and said "then I will make sure her death isn't in vain". Carlos walked over to Andrea, grabbed her hand and said "hold still, I need to make sure you're corruption-free". A few minutes later, he opened his eyes and shook his head and said, "good news is, you're not corrupted, but the bad news is, your harmonic core that's responsible for your powers is destabilized and continuing to break down...we need to find an Astro-god and have them look at you".

Victoria looked at her and said "They're already on their way" just as a flash of light lit up the living room. As if on cue, Jay came downstairs where the gods now stood before them all. Andrea smiled and said, "Come take a seat and yes this is Victoria...she's 15 but we'll explain that later". Ariel walked over to Andrea and linked with her for a second before saying...you are not from this universe but you are not evil either. She continued and said "You carry a lot of pain my child and it's destabilized your core to the point of no return...I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but at this rate, you will lose your powers...for how long I do not know, but the chaotic energy welled up in you has compromised your powers".

Aula smiled and said "We normally don't do this but due to the circumstances, were willing to allow you to stay in this dimension and be this Victoria's parents and we'll even integrate you into society but the choice is yours". Jay said "we'll need time to decide first" and Andrea said "no, I love this Victoria here but she's not the one I birthed...even if she was, I can't just turn a blind eye knowing there's a version of my daughter who's out there, lost taking lives, I will not let my enemy ruin my own daughter's life". Andrea sighed and said, "if I don't recover then jay and Carlos will find a way...but as long as we're alive I will not give up on finding a way to free my daughter, I owe her everything... it's not fair for me to have a do-over and she doesn't". 

Ariel nodded and said, "Very well but the offer still stands...in the meantime rest and if you need to consult us, you have our full cooperation". Jay smiled and said "Thanks, we'll talk soon" before the gods disappeared. Before anyone else could talk, older Carlos said "First thing first...call me Carl from now on, and second, I know what happened to get you guys here". Carl smiled and said, "When your powers destabilized before the destination was picked, it transported you to a place correlating with your thoughts...however the power feedback was so huge it blew you across time and space and when it got a lock again it brought you here". 

Jay sighed and said "For now, all we can do is just relax, wait a few days, and hope her powers return and plan for if they don't. Carlos nudged Victoria and she said "Oh...right, I'm sure by now, this house looks familiar so ill just say it...I live with Aunt Julie now and her and Grandma will be home any minute". Andrea and Jay held hands and said "We'll wait right here and face it head-on". Victoria giggled and said, "You're just like mom was, unafraid, confrontational and strong". A few minutes later, the front door opened and in came Julie but she didn't get past the threshold before the sight in front of her caused her to drop all her bags. She stared at the woman and man sitting on her couch but all she could do was gasp and say "Andrea?"