Chapter 9: Wellick

This chapter is part of a collaborative project. The previous chapters to the story can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/431099/chronicling-project-verity

"So you're telling me that I don't have multiple personalities, but each were separate beings in my head due to magic?"

"It's ok if you don't believe it, but we speak the truth Eloise." Gareth said softly, both Gareth and Eloise communicating within Olban's mind. Olban stood in a peaceful garden located in the center of his village. "But stick with us, and-"

"It's fine, I will choose to trust you." Eloise interrupted. "I don't exactly have a choice anyway. This mission that would give me and the others freedom is my only chance at taking my life back, so I will have faith in your words. So, how do we do this?"

"We need to gather materials to create rings." Olban advised. "Creating enough rings will liberate you and the others to allow you to take on your own lives. The process will take a while, but-"

"That won't be necessary, there's an easier way."

Olban turned to the direction of the kind, gentle voice, and found a young warrior standing before them. He wore sleeveless leather armor and black pants made of metal.

"Nice night to be out together in one body, eh?" The warrior said pleasantly.

"How do you know there are three of us within one body? Also, who are you, and what do you speak of?" Olban asked.

"Apologies, forgive my lack of manners!" The warrior replied with a hint of embarrassment. "My name is Wellick, and I am what you would call a simple adventurer. Most normal folks would only see one person before them, but I can see the other personalities within you. I have been able to do this for as long as I can remember. As for your goals of separation, I know of a portal that leads to another dream world. The world contains many perils and traps based on previous nightmares that those who visit it have had in their lives. Should you overcome those obstacles, you will find a ring within the world, along with a new portal that will take you to the next dream realm containing a ring. The best part of these unique dream worlds? You each will have your own temporary bodies to inhabit while you are there."

"Would you happen to know how many of these worlds exist?" Olban asked with a hint of doubt. "And how have you heard of such worlds?"

Eloise also felt uneasy, despite Wellick's pleasant nature. She also sensed that she already knew him, but she couldn't figure out how.

"Well, as I said I am an adventurer." Wellick answered with a smile. "I have traveled to six such worlds, and I possess rings from each one." Wellick put his hand out, and six rings shimmered on six of his fingers.

"They're beautiful." Elosie marvelled before asking asking a question of her own, since Wellick could apparently see her anyway. "So what's your deal Wellick? Why are you collecting the rings?"

"Eloise, please don't be rude." Olban responded, giving Wellick an apologetic gaze.

"Oh, no worries at all!" Wellick answered kindly, his composure then changing. "These rings allow me to trap beings within, and gain their abilities and memories. One such life I have collected has very strong feelings about you Eloise. Surely you haven't forgotten your old friend Aiden?"

"Aiden!" Eloise shrieked, now realizing why Wellick felt familiar. She had sensed a manipulative, mean spirited aura from Wellick, seeing right through his pleasant facade from the start.

"What I have said about the dream worlds and rings are true." Wellick said in a now sinister tone. "I told you to give you a sense of hope before crushing it. I won't tell you where the portal to take you to these worlds is. But I will kill you, then go back to the portal and gather more rings. Three of these rings are currently blank, but I will take the three of your personalities and talents for myself. Not that you have either, Eloise, so I guess I will only be able to utilize two of my three blanks!"

The environment changed into that of an arena with ground made up of a massive dirt track. Wellick's body altered before their eyes as well, transforming into a giant monster truck.

"One personality I stole gives me the ability to change the environment, while another allows me to take this form." Wellick explained. "Let this rally begin!"

"Run!" Gareth shouted within Olban's mind as Wellick sped at him. Olban dove out of Wellick's path, barely avoiding his massive wheels.

"Nice dodge, but I have unlimited gasoline in my tank!" Wellick jeered. "How long will you be able to avoid me until your gas runs out?"

"We need a way to fight back." Gareth panted. "Did you happen to grab any weapons Olban?"

"Just one." Olban replied sheepishly, drawing a slingshot. He fired a rock at one of Wellick's tires. The rock managed to create a fresh hole in the tire, causing all the air to whoosh out.

"A flat tire, eh?" Wellick mocked as he laughed maniacally. "Three tires are plenty to flatten you. I'll get you before you have a chance to sling another rock at me!"

Olban grimaced, wishing he had access to better gear. Wellick revved his engine, then drove towards him for the kill.

Before all hope was lost, Wellick was suddenly airborne, landing in a seating section of the arena before exploding. The environment reverted back into the garden, and Olban and his mindmates rescuer stood before them.

"Bobby!" Eloise cried out, wishing she could hug him (Olban refused). "How did you get here, and how did you do that?"

Bobby showed off a ring on his left hand and smiled, then gestured to a glove that looked no different than a vinyl food service glove, except for its golden color.

"I am my own man now thanks to the ring, and the glove I created grants me great strength." Bobby replied. "The ring gives me the ability to see you within this man's mind, and for what it's worth, it is good to see you again Eloise. I can't journey with you, but I can equip you so you are ready for the dangers ahead."

"Well, Aiden.... I mean Wellick, is toast thanks to you at least.... right?"

"Sorry, but no." Bobby replied sadly. "He has simply fled, and has already entered the portal to seek a new ring. Fortunately for you and your allies, I can not only give you weapons that will give you a fighting chance against him, but I can also take you to the portal. We must make haste, you can't let Wellick collect more rings!"