Alice sat across from Terra Luna in her office, still reeling from the conversation they'd had earlier about Night Terror. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her mind, but Terra's next words pushed her thoughts in a new direction.
"Alice," Terra began, leaning forward slightly, "I need you to build a team."
Alice blinked, her surprise evident. "A team?"
Terra nodded. "After analyzing the data from your recent battle, we've come to the conclusion that your Sleep Totem's unique resonance is going to be crucial in our fight against the Nightmares—especially as they grow stronger. You've proven that your sword, Waking Hour, is a natural counter to their energy. But you can't do this alone. We need others to work with you, to amplify that power."
Alice's heart raced. She had just started to get a grasp on her powers, and now she was being asked to lead others? She didn't feel ready. "But… I'm still learning. Shouldn't someone more experienced be in charge?"
Terra offered a small, reassuring smile. "You have more experience than you think, Alice. The bond you have with your Sleep Totem is something special, and others can benefit from that. But don't worry, you won't be doing this entirely on your own. I'm assigning Lina to assist you. She's been working on a device that might help amplify your harmonic resonance to others."
Before Alice could ask more questions, the door opened, and Lina walked in, carrying a small silver device that looked like a wristband, sleek and smooth with faintly glowing lines running across its surface.
"Here it is," Lina said, her voice excited. "This little beauty is designed to sync up with your Sleep Totem's energy. With it, we can share your resonance with up to three other people."
Alice's eyes widened as Lina held out the device. "Wait, so… they'll be able to use my power?"
"Not exactly," Lina clarified. "They won't be able to use your power directly, but they'll benefit from the harmonic resonance your Sleep Totem emits. It'll protect them against the Nightmare energy in a similar way your Waking Hour sword does, making them more effective in combat, even if they don't have a direct counter to the Nightmares themselves."
Alice stared at the wristband in awe. "So this could turn a regular fighter into someone who can stand against Nightmares?"
"Exactly," Lina said, beaming. "It's still experimental, but I've run a lot of simulations, and it should work. We just need to test it in the field."
Terra leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on Alice. "That's where your team comes in, Alice. You'll need to find three individuals who you trust, people who can fight alongside you and handle the pressure. The device will sync with your resonance, but you'll need strong people to support you."
Alice sat back, her mind racing. A team. She had fought alone in the field, and though she had merged with her Sleep Totem, she knew that facing stronger Nightmares was going to require more than just her sword.
Her first thought immediately went to Maple Thorncroft.
"I think I know who I want for the first spot," Alice said, a small smile forming on her lips. "Maple."
Terra nodded, clearly expecting the choice. "Good. Maple is a skilled witch and has been a steady ally to you so far. Her experience with the dream world will be invaluable, especially when things get complicated out there."
"I'll talk to her right away," Alice said, feeling a little more confident. "She's strong, and I know she can handle herself in a fight."
"Perfect," Terra replied. "Once you've spoken to Maple, I'll have the necessary equipment ready for your field tests. But remember, this team needs to be more than just strong. You'll have to rely on each other in ways that go beyond combat."
Alice understood the gravity of Terra's words. It wasn't just about picking people who were powerful—she needed people she could trust, people who could work together seamlessly, especially when lives were on the line.
After the meeting, Alice found herself standing outside, staring at the clear sky above the Sleep Restoration Institute. The weight of leadership felt heavy on her shoulders, but she was determined to rise to the challenge. Maple had been there for her when she had been a beginner, and now, she would be the first one Alice asked to join her team.
---
Later that afternoon, Alice tracked Maple down in one of the Institute's many training rooms. The witch was practicing her spellcasting, her long hair flowing as she chanted softly, tendrils of green magic twisting and curling in the air like vines.
Alice leaned against the doorway, watching her for a moment before speaking. "Maple, got a minute?"
Maple turned, lowering her hands as the magic dissipated. A smile tugged at her lips when she saw Alice. "What's up? You look serious."
Alice stepped inside, folding her arms. "Terra wants me to build a team. To help fight the Nightmares."
Maple raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A team, huh? Sounds like a big responsibility."
"It is," Alice admitted. "But I can't do it alone. That's why I came to ask you… would you be willing to join me?"
Maple's expression softened, her usual mischievous grin replaced by something more sincere. "You don't even have to ask, Alice. Of course, I'll join you. We've been through enough together already that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Alice let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, relief washing over her. "Thanks, Maple. I knew I could count on you."
"Always," Maple replied with a wink. "Besides, who else is going to keep you out of trouble?"
They both laughed, and for a moment, the looming threat of Nightmares and the weight of responsibility seemed a little lighter. Maple's unwavering confidence gave Alice strength, and knowing she'd have her by her side made the task of building a team seem a bit more manageable.
As they left the training room together, Alice felt a renewed sense of purpose. She still had two more teammates to find, but with Maple at her side and Lina's device to amplify her power, she was starting to believe they might have a real chance against the growing threat of Nightmares.
Even against Night Terror.
For the first time since she had received her powers, Alice didn't feel like she was in this fight alone.