The Gardenkeeper's Daughters

Lotus- 13

There is no one dragon queen. Instead, there is a full circle of ten thrones with entrances between each. Each throne has an insignia carved on it, and unlike the Dreamlandian thrones, they are more like beds, large and elaborately decorated places for each leader to rest. It's quite visually stunning, and you can almost imagine that ten dragons with control over entire dimensions in their little claw aren't watching you like you're their next meal.

I suppose it stands in contrast to Dreamland and the Obsidians, two worlds ruled by proud queens and heavily connected to their worlds. In the Obsidian's case, they have become their own world, each creature living and breathing in the same rhythm. In Dreamland's case, Almalia must be protecting it in some way. How much were we really told?

Vena has left us, leaving only the five of us alone before the furious dragons. My sister is nervous, shaking slightly, though it may be in rage more than anything else. Vivian's cool silence is just as menacing and frustrated. Stuck between them, I watch Aislyn step away from us and bow to the council. "Aislyn Swift of Dreamland- the alpha timeline. We... we're here to help. These are the prophesied heroes. As it was destined to happen, it has come. We wish to vanquish the Obsidians."

"Impossible. They are far too strong at this point." booms one of the dragons. When we look around, all of their mouths are closed, making it impossible to identify where the sound is coming from.

"We identify with your plight, Little Bright Star. You have come here before, and the council gave you the same answer. Chosen or no chosen, Verhamera and the Queen's protection over Dreamland is bound to break. The Keepers do not even know what they are supposed to do in the one timeline they're all in together."

"What are we supposed to do?" Gash asks.

"The prophecy behind your quest stated that once you were all together, you were supposed to inherit the powers of the First Star and use it to open portals to a single world each. You would then gather up those who most represented your virtue and start a new civilization where you would be the respective monarchs. However, judging by your size and incompetence, it appears only a few of you received that power and it is already far too late. It would appear that Verhamera and her kin have finally lost." calls a dragon, her tone curt and condescending.

"We... we what?!" Vivian spits. "What are you saying?!"

"I refuse to be a pawn in your game. I don't care what the prophecy says or doesn't say. Dreamland is going to live and so are the species on it." Aislyn snarls.
"Few have enough power to open portals. Even you three working together could barely keep one open. How many are you going to save, twelve?" mocks another voice.

"I could save hundreds! You don't know what I'm capable of!"

"You are not as special as you think you are. This is the fate that was always meant to befall your world." says another.

"Give me where the Obsidians are strongest! I'll fight every last one of them!" Aislyn says desperately.

"You can not save her." Another voice.

"Y-you don't know that!" Aislyn's wings flare up defensively.

"We have seen all the possibilities, Little Bright Star." The last dragon seems almost sympathetic. "We ask that you leave, or we will have to use force."
Aislyn turns tail and leaves, looking up for a second with rueful eyes. "You don't know how big of a mistake you've just made. This'll be worse than the great Sealing. You've just lost an ally who will one day be allies with hundreds of dimensions. Someday you'll reach the end of your timelines and look for somewhere to go and guess what? I won't be there to help you."