Rigel had expected them to step back into the familiar confines of the store, but instead, they found themselves in an entirely different room. This new space was expansive, reminiscent of a large living room, with a wide C-shaped couch dominating the center. Surrounding them were towering bookshelves, filled from top to bottom with books that seemed to whisper secrets from their pages. Just like the store they had left behind, vibrant dreamcatchers of various colors, designs, and intricate patterns adorned the walls, gently swaying as if stirred by an unseen breeze.
However, what truly captured Rigel's attention was the enormous tapestry hanging on the wall directly in front of him. Its surface resembled a swirling vortex of colors, shimmering with an ethereal light that seemed almost alive. Intricate patterns and symbols danced across the fabric, depicting surreal landscapes and mythical creatures alongside abstract shapes that shifted and morphed with every glance Rigel took. The tapestry appeared to be crafted from a material that was both delicate and resilient—something akin to the finest silk combined with the strength of steel.
As the other teens began to settle comfortably on the couch, Rigel remained rooted in place, his gaze transfixed by the mesmerizing tapestry.
Elara stepped forward, standing confidently in front of it. "You might want to sit down," she advised earnestly. "What we're about to tell you is going to be a lot."
Rigel gulped nervously; he really wasn't sure he wanted to know any of this. The C-shaped couch was the only seating available in the room, so he reluctantly walked over and sank into its cushions.
Clearing her throat with a hint of seriousness, Elara began her tale. "Long ago, before Earth was divided into realms as we know it today, ancient times flourished where gods walked among mortals. The Olympian gods recognized a growing threat—the increasing power of nightmares and darkness that loomed over humanity's peace. They feared that if left unchecked, these dark entities could seep into the waking world and unleash chaos upon mortals. It was during this perilous time that the line between dream and reality began to blur."
Rigel listened in wide-eyed shock, but his attention quickly drifted back to the tapestry behind Elara. As she spoke, its colors danced and swirled as if responding directly to her words. He found himself utterly captivated by its beauty.
"To combat this looming dread," Elara continued, "the goddess Morpheus—the deity of dreams and sleep—decided to create a secret order known as the Dreamcatchers. She summoned forth the very essence of dreams from her ethereal realm and infused it into a select group of mortal children born under a rare celestial event: a convergence of stars that occurs only once every thousand years." She paused for effect before adding dramatically, "She took inspiration from each god and transformed their essence into gifts—powers bestowed upon each of those chosen children."
"The Visionary," she said, her voice steady as she pointed towards the tapestry where a glowing crystal ball emerged from its depths. "Inspired by Athena."
As she spoke each name, more items materialized from the tapestry's depths: "The Dreamweaver," she continued with fervor as glowing threads of light appeared next; "Inspired by Hephaestus." Rigel's eyes remained glued to the tapestry, enchanted by its vibrant lights and colorful threads.
"The Night Sentinel," Elara declared next as a black arrow flickered into view above her head. "Inspired by Apollo."
With each revelation came another glowing item: "The Fearless Heart," she said firmly as a radiant sword of energy appeared; "Inspired by Heracles."
"The Shadow Hunter," Elara went on with increasing intensity as a shadow-like figure coalesced; "Inspired by Artemis."
"The Dream Seer," she continued passionately as a spirit-like form emerged; "Inspired by Hermes."
"The Emotion Manipulator," she stated confidently as a two-faced mask shimmered into existence; "Inspired by Eros."
"The Reality Bender," Elara announced next while gesturing towards an undulating wave made of stars; "Inspired by Poseidon."
"And finally," she concluded with gravity in her voice as an hourglass formed above them; "The Time Weaver inspired by Chronos."
Once Elara finished her account, all the items began to circle one another in a dazzling display of light and energy before settling gracefully along the edges of the tapestry.
Rigel swallowed hard and tore his gaze away from the entrancing surface to look at Elara directly.
"What you just saw are the elements that represent these gifts," she explained patiently. "We all carry them within us."
At her command, all fourteen teens raised their wrists simultaneously. Rigel noticed they each wore silver bracelets adorned with intricate carvings; in their centers rested stones—some identical to others while some were unique.
"What does any of this have to do with me?" Rigel asked abruptly, struggling to keep his voice steady despite his racing heart. He felt an overwhelming wave of terror wash over him; all he truly wanted was to escape this situation and return home. Unable to contain himself any longer, he shot up from his seat—the nerves and fear too much for him to bear while sitting calmly like this was some casual conversation about mundane topics like the weather or school assignments.
He noticed them exchanging wary glances among themselves—a silent communication that only deepened his anxiety.
"A new element appeared in the tapestry this morning," Kael said slowly as he sat up on the couch. His tone was serious yet tinged with curiosity. "And it's connected to you."