Trapped

Chapter 7

It took a moment for Rupert's words to register.

Although I haven't had any lucid dreams since the first experience, I've had a few vague dreams trying to escape a variety of confinements. I pinched myself to make sure this wasn't another dream.

"Ouch..." I groaned rubbing my bruised arm. This was no dream. This was reality.

Rupert eyed me calmly. "I'd love to talk more with you Coy, but I need a decision from you now."

I stood up and crossed my arms. "Before I make any decision, I require full honesty from you; did I not say that earlier?"

Rupert stared at me silently.

"You said you were a custodian for Simba, but I find it hard to believe that's all you are. To have the amount of information you have on Simba, you must be a spy."

I paused. "Am I correct?"

Rupert stared at me for a few seconds. "That is correct. My allegiance to Simba is superficial. I only work under him to collect data that I can send back to Team Dreality Headquarters."

I nodded. "I see. So back to your initial offer: Let's say I am unable to help you find my father, what happens to me?"

"If it comes to that, my colleagues have the capacity to wipe your memory of anything pertaining to who we are. You would also be released and sent back to your home; everything will merely feel like a vague dream in a long slumber."

Not a bad idea. Still, I realized Rupert was offering me a unique opportunity I couldn't afford to pass up on. The thought of seeing my father again brought a surge of excitement.

Rupert checked his watch impatiently. "I can't wait any long-"

"We have a deal," I interrupted, extending my hand out to him.

He smiled and extended his hand. We shook on it.

"Great. I'm going to take you to one of our branches; the nearest one is roughly 3000 kilometers away."

"What?!", I exclaimed. "Where in the world are we?"

"Man, you ask a lot of questions," Rupert said jokingly. "I promise I'll give you answers, but we're going to have to leave now."

"Alright," I huffed.

"Before we get going..." Rupert removed his custodian outfit which revealed a maroon long sleeve tee and some black jeans.

"When Simba and his crew come to find out you are missing, they're going to put the pieces together; I have basically put a target on my head. Couldn't be helped." He smiled.

And then he frowned. He started to sweat and slowly a black portal formed between him and I.

"Whoa." I was in awe.

"I magically programmed this portal to teleport us to the destination I mentioned earlier. After you," he said, his hands gesturing towards the portal.

I took in a deep breathe. This is it. My chance to not only escape, but find where my father. Perhaps I can also find Sage.

I took one final deep inhale-exhale, hoped the portal didn't send me to my death, and hopped in, with Rupert tailing right behind me.