It was like a dream or rather a nightmare. In an instant I was whisked away through a portal of who knows what creation, the moment I was sent through the portal all I saw was darkness, nothing but empty darkness. Then, a voice spoke out
"Please customize your new look."
I look around, tossing and turning until I finally see a faint blue light in the distance. The light grows and grows until I see myself. A young boy with white hair, gray eyes, pale white skin, and I was completely naked.
"Please customize your new look." the voice continued
"What do you mean?" I asked, no answer, silence, what was I supposed to do? I didn't get any answers. Customize my new look? I look at myself in the mirror and think, customize my new look. I think about my hair being longer, the mirror starts to glow and my hair in the mirror starts growing longer and longer to the exact length I thought of, but my personal appearance didn't change, just the mirror. So, I'm changing my looks in the mirror? If this is a new world I might as well create a new life, become a new person. I have no family left, they all passed away, no friends to go to so why not start anew? So, I made myself completely new, the body of a young kid, long white bluish silver hair that goes down to my elbows, bright silver eyes, pale white skin.
"Finished?" came the disembodied voice
"Yes" I answered
"Satisfied?"
"I am"
"Please name yourself"
Name myself? Man, I don't know… oh I got it, "Merulina"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Merulina"
"Confirmed, please enjoy your new life and make full use of your new opportunities. Goodbye." And just like that I'm sucked through another portal. This time I can kind of see through it, I see what looks like trees maybe, slowly it's getting closer and clearer. I was right it was trees, but why are they so far away and why is there such a breeze. I see my clothes fluttering, waving back and forth violently, ah I understand, I'm falling.
Faster and faster with each passing second the wind bites at my skin, the intense cold breeze and violent gusts raking my skin. Blue flashes across my vision, water! I'm falling towards the water. Is it shallow or deep? All I can do is accept my fate and take my chances with the water. The only problem is I can't swim. If it is deep, will it even matter? I'll probably die anyway, this is bullshit. I hit the water with a violent crash, a giant splash of water launching up in the air and back down. I can't breathe, my vision is blurring and the air in my lungs is filling with large gulps of water. It's not salty though, in fact this water tastes sweet, drinkable even. But it's too much, I'm going to drown. What should I do? I can't move. I'm too scared. I hear a loud splash above me, what looks like a white skeletal hand scoops me up, saving me from death. I'm lifted up out of the water, soaking wet and shaking cold to the core, and the breeze from the wind isn't helping.
Suddenly I feel a nice warm sensation engulf me. The clothes sticking to my skin dry almost instantaneously, my skin completely drying and my hair curling a bit from the water and heat mixed together. The giant skeletal hand plops me down on the ground and I see where it originates from. It has a giant frame, big body, tall and hunched over, like those ogres you'd see in video games except a complete skeleton. Then suddenly the skeleton flashes with a bright white light and all that's left in its wake is a multitude of tiny baby skeletons, big eye sockets and swords at their sides. There's one that sticks out among the others, he has a meaner look to him, his big eyes squinted, a slash scar across his boney cheek and a well-kept sword that has a curved edge. He must be some kind of leader, for these kinds at least.
There are three other types of baby skeletons: the same big eye sockets and tiny frame, stubby skeletal legs and chubby arms. One of them has a bow strapped around their shoulder, again there were multiple of this kind, but one stands out, it had a flashier bow with red gems pocketed in sockets on each end and the string flashed, this skeleton also had a scarf around its neck a short red scarf cut at the end's fabric strips flowing in the wind. I suppose this is what made it stand out among the other archer skeletons, supposedly signifying it's the leader of this bunch, at least that's my hunch. The other two kinds were similar in one way, they both carried wooden staffs of some kind. The ones dressed in robes had long wooden staffs with a big circle lump at the top of it, with a hole in the middle. The other ones were much different from the other skeletons, the previous ones have big eye sockets but nothing in them, these skeletons have a sort of green fire in them, setting their difference from the others and again there was one skeleton that stands out from the others of their certain group. In the ones I could only guess are mages of some kind there was one who had the same long wooden staff but instead of an empty hole in the staff it had a purple gem in the middle, floating. It had a blue robe with all kinds of buttons and belts, while it also had your typical big pointy mage hat, like the ones you'd see in video games.
The other skeletons with the green flames have one who stands out, they have a staff with all kinds of greens flowing out, vines, leaves, flower etc., all surrounding the outer shell of the staff, it also has a fat hat big and circular with green and blue stripes running all along it and a red cross in the middle of it, if i have to guess they are healers of some kind. Finally, there is a very tall skeleton, maybe about seven feet, hunched over like they were old, supporting their balance with a staff of their own, long and curved at the end, made out of metals and sharp enough on both ends for stabbing. It has a long dark robe covering it from neck to toe, with a hood draped over its head, it looks almost as if it was smiling and it seems to have a sense of intelligence to it, all of these skeletons did but this one felt different. I don't know what it was, but I can sense it.
"Hello, my lady, we've been expecting you. forgive us for not helping you before you hit the water, we're ashamed of how slow we reacted and promise to do better.'' the tall skeleton I just mentioned spoke. As he finished, he got on one knee and bowed, the others all followed in unison. They all kneel down and bow, showing respect to me as you would a statue of a god or something similar… What's going on?
"You guys can stand there's no need for any of that" i said waving my hands at them. As if following commands, they all stand up in unison. I look at them standing firm and straight, not moving an inch. The tall skeleton starts to open his mouth again.
"You must be very confused my lady are you not?"
Crossing my arms I say, "A little yes"
"Will you allow me to explain a bit about us?"
"...go ahead" I'm being cautious of this whole situation; everything seems off and I'm kind of scared honestly.
"Allow me to get straight to the point, we are called Dream Skeletons, Dream Creatures who reside within the Dream Realm, a place you have complete control over, seeing as you created it the moment you came to this world" the tall skeleton said proudly
"Wait, you know I'm not from here and hold on a minute, My Lady?!" I just realized he said my lady. I look down at my chest, there is a clear bulge protruding from my chest, not big but noticeable. I reach down to touch them.. Yup I'm a girl now, what the fuck is going on?!
"I'm aware of your situation but lack information on the matter and for your gender situation I'm aware you used to be a man but I'm not sure why you've changed. I apologize." he answered apologetically
"Ah, ok… continue then please '' I need answers, I can deal with becoming a girl. It's not that big of a deal but this whole new world thing is ridiculous.
"You are what is called a Dream Demon or Dreamon for short if you so please, you command the creatures who reside within the Dream Realm, for now that being these skeletons. In the future you can possibly have more Creatures call the dream realm their home but for now we are all you have." he finished
"Wait, you called me a Demon.. do I have like.. horns and a tail?" I sound a bit excited but having horns would be kind of cool.
"Look for yourself" he says waving his hands, as he does this a floating thin layer of water appears in front of me acting as a mirror of sorts. Then I see it, my new appearance in its true form, a beautiful young girl, with long white bluish silver hair, bright silver eyes, and pale white skin. My shirt is just a simple white t-shirt, it's thin and large and covers my entire body. I have shorts under and I'm barefoot. Two small white horns on the top left and right side of my forehead, my hair not being able to go through it, instead being cut and flowing down around the small horns, then finally I twist my body a little and see it. A tail long but thin, starting from the edge of my back before my butt starts, a thin white tail with a big white puff ball at the end of it. I wonder if I can move my tail freely. So, I try, and it feels just like moving another finger or leg, it's just as easy as waving my hand.
"Judging by the smile on your face, I'd guess you like your new look my lady, am I wrong?" The tall skeleton says smirking
I suppose a smile slipped out, "Nope you're right" i say. Does this tall skeleton have a name, "Hey big guy, you got a name?" I asked, staring at him.
"Ah, you got to the next thing without me saying anything. Ahem, as I'm sure you could tell, in each group of this variety of skeletons there is one who sticks out among the rest." Now that I'm listening to him closer, even though he is a skeleton his voice doesn't sound much different to that of a human. He also sounds like he's trying to sell me something right now.
"Those four who stand out amongst their respective groups are the leaders of each group, basically they are the strongest. The ones with swords at their hips are called fighters, the ones with bows are archers, the ones with robes are mages, and the ones with green flames are healers."
I knew it! but he still didn't answer my question,
"So, what are their names?" I ask
"We do not have names, and as such we would like names. But we want you to name us."
WHAT! Come up with names, I can't do that, I'm fucking horrible with names… ugh man,
"Are you sure you want me to come up with your names? I'm not exactly good with that kind of stuff.." I said
The tall skeleton smiles, "We will accept any name you give us and wear it with pride and honor."
"Ugh.. fine but don't complain if you don't like them" I say, crossing my arms. They're standing there staring at me expectantly. I feel so pressured, like the weight of the world is on my shoulders,
"Alright big guy" I say, pointing at the tall skeleton, "I'll call you.. Gizmo!"
"Gizmo.. hmm, i like it, thank you my lady" He puts his fist to his chest and begins to kneel down in front of me. I can hear the other skeletons start to jitter and shake, probably jealous or too eager and excited to receive their names, man I'm not going to enjoy this.
"Alright fighter leader can you come up?" The mean looking skeleton fighter with his scar and fancy sword walks up to me, slowly making their way, as they reach my feet they did just as Gizmo did and kneel down fist on chest. "How.. about.. Cain, C a i n?" I ask. He says nothing but stays in his kneeling posture, a clattering of teeth all I could hear, I don't think any of the little ones have talked before. Can they even talk?
"Forgive him my lady, the little ones don't speak your language, but they understand it, I'm the only one capable of speaking it. Later on, if you wish, I can teach you, our language. Also, he is very grateful for his name." Gizmo said as he stands up,
"I'm glad he likes it, and I would like that very much, thank you." I say in a gentle voice
"Of course" Gizmo says, immediately returning to his former posture. Man, I don't like this feeling.
"Alright archer leader please come up." That beautiful bow and ripped scarf I saw from before is now right below me, the tip of the bow almost touching my chest as the archer leader bows. "Ok.. uh.. Nima, yea Nima'' again nothing, but judging by the look Gizmo gave me it seems he likes it. Then came the mage next, following the example of the other skeleton..
Before i can say anything, Gizmo stands up and says, "My lady I should tell you that the mages and healers are female"
"Skeletons have gender!?" I meant to say that in my head.
"Yes, I know it may seem weird, but we do."
"Ok, thanks for informing me, lets.. see.. how does Yuin sound?" Gizmo gave me another look informing me she likes it, I guess they'll really take any name I give them. Finally comes the healer, "Vyaru, I think that would fit you well" she looks at me startled probably by how fast I came up with the name. "Yea sorry I know it was fast, it just came to me suddenly and I think it fits" nothing but silence then I hear a click of teeth and a low, "Agh", kind of like a kid making a dinosaur roar, it was really cute.
"She said she likes the name my lady" Gizmo informs me
"Alright, man I'm glad that was easier than I thought, hope to God I don't have to name anyone anymore" I say out loud, a faint but sad sounding clatter of teeth and bone emits from the group of skeletons. Did I hurt them!? Ah man now I feel bad "For now do you think you guys could go back to the dream realm? I know it's sudden to just make you guys leave but I need some time to think alone." all the skeletons rise and look at me,
"Of course, my lady, whatever you need, we shall return to the dream realm for now, but please do not feel scared to call on us, we will be there to help you whenever you may need it. Also, I can speak to you telepathically so I can answer any questions you may have without having to be there" Gizmo says
"Alright thank you and I'll be sure to call on you if I need help" and just like that, tiny portals opened up below the skeletons, I can see only black darkness through the portals and what looks like stars, then they vanish into what I could only guess was the dream realm.