Third Person's POV
"He is an Armann. Do you know him?" Morph inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.
The term didn't trigger any recognition in Astra, but a whirlwind of emotions swirled within her. Despite the throbbing ache in her head, she resolved to listen to Morph's explanation.
Astra's response came with a hint of uncertainty and hesitation, her voice tinged with an underlying sense of apprehension.
"Not really, but I've seen him once or twice. In my dreams, and in the convenience store but maybe I'm just hallucinating. He was always wearing a black overcoat and hat, just like him," she confessed, her tone trailing off into uncertainty as she recalled the encounters.
Morph's expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing her features as she processed Astra's admission. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts, torn between the urge to protect Astra and the necessity of revealing the truth. She knew all too well the dangers that lurked in the shadows, the secrets that had claimed the lives of those closest to her.
"So you've encountered them before?" Morph finally responded, her voice carefully neutral, though her eyes betrayed a hint of worry.
Astra nodded hesitantly, her gaze fixed on Morph as she awaited an answer. The tension in the room was palpable as Morph took her time to respond.
Morph paused, thinking about the memories and regrets from her past. She knew dreams could be tricky, blurring the line between what's real and what's not. But she also felt the weight of being honest with Astra specially because she also has the right to know the truth about herself.
Remembering Astra's past struggles and her condition of Dissociation made Morph even more cautious. She knew her decision would have a big impact on both of them.
Morph glanced around the room, her movements deliberate and cautious, as if someone might be listening in on their conversation. Satisfied that they were alone, she leaned in closer to Astra, her voice low and urgent.
"Y-yes, but who are they?" Astra pressed, her curiosity now fully ignited, her eyes searching Morph's face for answers.
Morph took a deep breath, steeling herself for the revelation that lay ahead. She decided to tell Astra the truth she knew.
"Astra, what I'm about to tell you is not easy to believe," she began, her voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "The truth is, the individuals you've encountered are known as the Armann, and they are far more than mere figments of your imagination."
Astra's eyes widened in surprise, a myriad of emotions flickering across her features as she processed Morph's words.
"Armann?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. This is the second time she hears it.
Morph nodded solemnly, her gaze never leaving Astra's eyes.
"Yes, the Armann are... complex beings. They're superhumans with a history spanning centuries. Some see them as guardians of the dream realm, but for us, there's more to their story," Morph replied cautiously, choosing her words carefully.
Astra's confusion deepened, her mind struggling to comprehend Morph's revelation.
"Superhuman?" Astra blurted out, her surprise evident in her tone. The idea was entirely new to her.
"Yes. Few know, but the world is changing. We're seeing the rise of superhumans, individuals with abilities beyond the ordinary, and the Armann are among them," Morph explained, sensing Astra's growing curiosity.
"But what exactly are they?" Astra pressed further, her interest fully engaged now.
"Some believe they're tasked with maintaining balance amidst the chaos of the subconscious, but we think there's a deeper purpose behind their presence," Morph clarified.
As the conversation unfolded, Astra found herself drawn deeper into the mystery surrounding the Armann and their enigmatic role in the dream realm. Each revelation added another layer to the intricate tapestry of information, painting a clearer picture of the hidden forces at play in their lives.
"But how? Why? When did it start?" Astra's curiosity peaked, her mind buzzing with questions.
"Well, it all began about a year ago before your birthday, when I received a proposal to be part of PROJECT REM, which aims to understand everything about human behavior when they dream. This was after your mother's passing," Aunt Morph began, her voice tinged with sadness. "I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something I had missed, something crucial that could have saved her."
Astra's heart sank at the mention of her mother. "What do you mean? Was there something you could have done?"
Aunt Morph hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor before meeting Astra's eyes.
"I'm not entirely certain, Astra," she confessed, a troubled furrow creasing her brow. "But after Taaliyah's death, I started noticing unsettling gaps in my memory. There were instances where I felt like someone should have been there, but I couldn't remember who it was. The disorientation and confusion that followed were profound, as if trying to piece together a puzzle with missing or mismatched pieces. These gaps left me feeling unsettled, questioning the reliability of my recollections, and yearning for clarity and closure."
Astra's mind raced with questions. "So you think Armann had something to do with it? Could they have influenced your memories?"
"I keep all possibilities open," Aunt Morph confessed, her brow furrowing in deep thought. "That's when I decided to delve deeper into their role in the realm of dreams. I needed to understand what happened to Taaliyah, and if the Armann played a part in it."
Astra leaned forward, her expression serious. "And what have you found out so far?"
Aunt Morph paused, contemplating her response. "It's been a journey filled with more questions than answers," she admitted. "But I've come across some intriguing leads."
Astra's curiosity peaked. "Like what?"
"Like the connection between the Armann and certain dream patterns," Aunt Morph explained. "There seems to be a correlation between their activity and the occurrence of vivid dreams, particularly those with recurring motifs or symbols."
Astra nodded, absorbing the information. "So, you think they have the power to influence our dreams?"
"It's a possibility," Aunt Morph replied thoughtfully. "But it's still too early to draw definitive conclusions. There's much we don't understand about the dream realm and the entities that inhabit it."
Astra frowned, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"If what you're saying is true, what does that mean to us? Why would they be interested in me?" Astra asked, uncertainty creeping into her voice.
Morph's expression softened, empathizing with the weight Astra now carried.
Morph's expression softened, her heart aching for the burden that Astra now bore.
"I wish I had all the answers, Astra," she admitted, her voice heavy with regret. "But the truth is, the Armann's motives are shrouded in mystery, their actions often inscrutable to mortal eyes. All I know is that your involvement with them could put you in grave danger."
Astra's breath caught in her throat, a chill coursing down her spine at the gravity of Morph's words.
"Danger?" she repeated, her voice barely a whisper.
Morph nodded gravely, her eyes reflecting the weight of the knowledge she carried. "Yes, Astra. Danger unlike anything you've ever known. If we can decipher their motives and their impact on our dreams, we may uncover hidden truths about ourselves and our worlds. That's why I need you to promise me something. Promise me that you'll stay away from the Armann, no matter what. Promise me that you'll protect yourself, above all else."
Astra felt uncertain, unsure whether to follow her curiosity or listen to the fear creeping into her heart. When she glanced at Morph, she understood she had to take her warning seriously. With a serious nod, she promised to protect herself from whatever secrets lay ahead.
Astra nodded slowly, absorbing Morph's words. "So, by understanding Armann, we might uncover the truth about what happened to Mom?"
Morph nodded solemnly. "That's the hope, Astra. But we must tread carefully. The realm of dreams is a complex and mysterious place, full of secrets waiting to be unraveled."
As Morph's words hung in the air, Astra couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something significant. The mysteries surrounding Armann and their connection to her mother's death loomed large, casting a shadow over their lives. But with Aunt Morph by her side, Astra felt a newfound sense of determination to uncover the truth, no matter where it might lead.
~ To be Continued ~