Reminder:
This chapter features multiple points of view (POVs) to provide insight into each character's perspective and motivations. Be sure to express the thoughts and emotions of each character thoroughly to give readers a well-rounded understanding of the events unfolding.
Arman's POV
But I need to try," I uttered firmly, seated at the bar inside Dream Hotel, engrossed in conversation with Kiefer about my predicament. Without another word, I left the bar, leaving Kiefer bewildered.
I stepped outside the house, grappling with the decision to enter Taaliyah's dream. "I can't waste time," I resolved, "I'll venture into her dream, even if it's risky. If this is the only way to save her, I'll do whatever it takes, even if it costs me my own life."
Closing my eyes, I focused on connecting with her soul, initiating the process of 'Shared Dreaming'. Suddenly, the surroundings shifted, and I found myself in a vast expanse of white.
As I opened my eyes, the brilliance of the place momentarily overwhelmed me. Once my vision adjusted, I observed that I was dressed in pajamas.
Surveying my surroundings, I spotted a bench where a girl sat. Moving closer, I realized it was my beloved wife, Taaliyah, adorned in a floral dress, clutching a red flower. Nearby stood an elderly couple, presumably her parents, attempting to engage her. Their presence signaled the impending tragedy of her demise.
Knowing time was of the essence, I approached them, startling them with my sudden appearance.
Taaliyah, without speaking, smiled warmly. "Arman?" she greeted, her eyes shining with affection. "I'm glad you're here. This is my mom and dad. They want me to accompany them to their home."
Refusing to let her go without a fight, I shook my head vehemently. "No. I won't let you go," I declared, my heart heavy with the knowledge of what awaited her.
Undeterred, Taaliyah reassured me, "Oh, dear, don't be sad. I'll go with them for a while and come back to you. I promise."
Unwilling to disclose my plan to sacrifice myself, I intervened. "What if I go with them first?"
Confusion clouded her expression as she questioned, "Why?" Her parents regarded me with disapproval, sensing my intent to prevent her departure.
"I know you miss them, but can I talk to them first? I just want to get their permission about us," I said, flashing a smile to mask any uncertainty. 'Please agree,' I silently pleaded.
"Is that so? Ok," she agreed.
I smiled, ready to approach her parents, but suddenly, their demeanor shifted from calm and loving to angry and menacing.
"NO! WE WANT OUR DAUGHTER, NOT YOU!" They shouted in unison, and in an instant, the setting morphed into a dark, foreboding place.
Her dreams twisted into nightmares, and the flower Taaliyah was holding began to wither and die as the surroundings changed.
"Mom? What is happening? Calm down!" Taaliyah attempted to approach them, but I intervened.
"Don't," I cautioned, noting her puzzled expression.
"But—" she began, but a strong wind interrupted her.
"Taaliyah! Come with us!" her mom's voice echoed eerily as she reached out to her. The chilling sound sent shivers down my spine.
Confused, Taaliyah took a hesitant step forward. I grabbed her hand, locking eyes with her. "No, please," I implored. She seemed bewildered by my behavior. Gripping her right arm, I stood tall, determined to protect her.
"Arman," she murmured, her voice laden with conflict, torn between her allegiance to me and her loyalty to her parents. I could sense her struggle, grappling with the weight of the situation. I felt helpless, unable to offer her any solace or support. Seeing her in such distress pained me deeply, stirring a mixture of emotions within me. I longed to ease her burden, but I was powerless to change the circumstances. It tore at my heartstrings to witness her anguish, knowing that I could do nothing to alleviate her suffering.
"Don't interfere with us. You're the reason she has to die," her mom accused angrily.
"Suffer for the rest of your life, you monster!" her father screamed in frustration.
'No!' I wanted to protest, but all I could manage was a futile shake of my head. I knew deep down it was my fault; I was the reason she had to leave us.
As the storm subsided and an eerie calm settled in, I prepared to act when suddenly, I felt immobilized. From head to toe, I was paralyzed, unable to move even a muscle. It was like being trapped in a nightmare of my own.
Desperately, I tried to break free, but my efforts were in vain. Tears welled up, cascading down my cheeks like a torrential downpour as I watched Taaliyah attempt to pry my hands from her arm.
'Please...' I pleaded silently, my voice a mere whisper lost in the void of my despair. Each attempt to vocalize my anguish was met with silence, as if my cries were swallowed by the darkness surrounding me. Despite my desperate desire to scream out, no sound escaped my lips, leaving me trapped in a suffocating silence. It was as though an invisible barrier stifled my voice, preventing any semblance of communication from reaching the outside world. With each failed attempt, a sense of frustration and helplessness washed over me, amplifying the overwhelming sense of isolation that enveloped me.
A liquid substance containing salt, fatty oils, and a thousand different proteins began to trickle down on the side of my face.
"Please, don't." I managed to whisper, fearing what might happen next
~ To be Continued ~
Definition of terms:
Superhumans – encompass a diverse range of enhanced individuals or humanoid beings who possess extraordinary qualities and abilities beyond those found in regular humans. They can belong to various elemental categories such as water, wind/air, fire, rock/land, nature, as well as the unique abilities possessed called Dreamer.
Alviva – an extraordinary type of Dreamers with the remarkable ability to connections between their own dreams and the dreams of others. With their innate gift, Alvivas can enter into and interact with the dreams of different individuals, forging pathways that transcend the boundaries of individual consciousness. Through this connection, they can offer guidance, insight, and even influence within the realm of dreams, serving as conduits for shared experiences and mutual understanding among dreamers.
Amabil – a special type of Dreamer who possess the rare ability to turn dreams into reality. These dreamweavers harness the power of lucid dreaming, enabling them to actively control their dreams and manifest their desires in the waking world. Through their mastery of the dream realm, they can shape reality itself, blurring the lines between dreams and the tangible realm.
Dark Aisling – a unique variant of Alviva, characterized by vivid nightmares and a penchant for utilizing their abilities in darker ways. They possess an extraordinary gift for seeing visions that often portend impending disasters or profound losses. Unlike other Dreamers, Dark Aislings primarily experience a bleak and haunting future, intertwined with a haunting past. Unfortunately, many Dark Aislings always choose the same path and end up dieing early. They are often called as fortune-tellers and skilled in interpreting the ominous signs revealed by their visions.
Darsha – another classification of Dreamers, distinguished by their capability to continue their dreams. Unlike other, they are the only one who possess the power to glimpse into the past, present, and even future of individuals. Darshas exhibit a heightened sensitivity to the interconnectedness of realities.
Plain Dreamers – it is the general population who experience a series of thoughts, images, and sensations during sleep. They are ordinary humans, classified by their ability to have dreams. These dreams can range from mundane to fantastical, providing a glimpse into the inner workings of the subconscious mind.
Peniel – a type of Dreamers who have the ability to see the vision of God. These visionary individuals can perceive divine messages and insights, witnessing the will and designs of the divine realm through their dreams.
Book – It symbolized the life of the Upper hand. It is the tool Armanns (Messenger of dreams) used to store dreams and could transmit the dream from the Book of Upper hand to the Book Of Record to store.
Book of record/ Record book – it is a book used as storage for all dreams that Armann sends. The record is classified per person. Meaning, one book, one person. The pages represent how often a person dreams on their entire life.
Dream Hotel – a common place within the dream realm where dreamers of all types come to relax or unwind. This sanctuary can only accessible to those seeking an escape from the challenges of their waking lives. Upon awakening, visitors to the Dream Hotel can't find any trace of memories of the experience they had during their stay.
Dream Keeper – He's the one who's in charge of holding the key to dream. He was also the guard of the record room located in the holy land to maintain the balance between realm and dream.
Holy Land – it is the place where all God and Goddesses live. It is also represented as the office of Upper Hand. This is the place they keep all dreams and where all the upper hand report.