Haruto is sitting in the hidden sanctuary, his hands still trembling from the nightmare. Ryo and Aya are present they are what is known as the Dream Walkers, both looking at him with concern.
Ryo:
(leaning forward, voice steady) "The Nightmare Lord isn't just a bad dream, Haruto. He's real. And his influence is spreading. You felt it tonight. He's crossing into the waking world, and if we don't act fast, he'll bring chaos."
Haruto:
(shaken, voice cracking) "But I don't even know you, or what to do! I've been running from these nightmares for so long, and now you're telling me I have the power to fight him? I can't even control myself!"
Aya:
(softly, yet firm) "You can, Haruto. It's not about control. It's about embracing what's inside you. You're a Dream Walker, and that means you have power—the ability to shape the dream world and even fight the creatures that inhabit it."
Ryo:
(serious, his voice darkening) "But it's not just any power. The Nightmare Lord wants that power. Your connection to the dream world is what makes you a threat to him, and he's going to do everything in his power to break you."
Ryo brings Haruto to the training room—a strange space where the walls are filled with runes and ancient symbols. Aya stands by the door, watching with quiet determination.
Ryo:
(gesturing around the room) "This is where your training starts. The Dream Realm is a reflection of your emotions. If you want to fight the Nightmare Lord, you need to understand how your emotions shape this world."
Haruto:
(nervously) "I don't know if I can do this. Every time I close my eyes, I feel like I'm drowning in darkness."
Aya:
(gently) "That's the fear inside you, Haruto. You need to confront it. You can reshape it—change it, bend it to your will. The first step is learning to enter the dreamscape at will."
Ryo:
(sharply) "Focus. Close your eyes. Find a place in your mind—a place where you feel safe."
Haruto shuts his eyes, attempting to visualize something familiar. The image of a hill from his childhood appears, bathed in warm sunlight. But then, as his anxiety rises, the landscape begins to warp, and the colors grow distorted. Shadows stretch toward him, creeping like tendrils.
Haruto:
(panicking) "No, NO, not again!" he says grabbing his head.
Aya:
(calm but urgent) "Focus on what you know is real. You control this, Haruto. Don't let the fear take over."
Ryo:
(stepping forward) "You've been running from your fear. But now, you need to face it. What is this place to you? Who are you in this dream?"
Haruto struggles to steady his breath as the shadows grow darker. The ground beneath him trembles as a monstrous figure appears in the distance—the Nightmare Lord's shape, towering and menacing. Its deep, echoing voice reverberates in Haruto's head.
Nightmare Lord:
"Haruto... you cannot escape. You are nothing but a puppet to your fears."
Haruto:
(voice shaky, but defiant) "I'm not afraid of you! This is my mind. I control this!"
Suddenly, Haruto focuses all his energy, and the dreamscape shifts. The shadows retract, and the warmth of the sun returns. The nightmare begins to dissolve as the Lord fades into nothingness.
Ryo:
(nodding with approval) "That's it, Haruto. You're starting to understand."
Aya:
(smiling softly) "You've made the first step. But you'll need to do this again and again, each time stronger."
As Haruto regains his composure, the sanctuary trembles. The ground shakes, and the walls crack. A shadowy figure materializes in the doorway, flickering like an illusion.
Haruto:
(voice tense) "W-what is that?"
Ryo:
(frowning, voice urgent) "It's the Nightmare Lord's influence. His reach is extending further. We don't have much time before he breaks through."
The figure steps forward, its form morphing into something more solid. Its eyes glow a deep red, and it lets out a low, menacing growl.
Marture:
"You cannot hide, Dream Walker. The Lord will find you. You will join him."
Aya:
(stepping forward, voice sharp) "Stay focused, Haruto. Remember your training."
Haruto steps back, but Ryo steps into the creature's path. With a fierce, commanding shout, he channels his own power, a wave of light surging toward the creature. The creature howls in pain, fading back into the shadows.
Haruto:
(gasping, wide-eyed) "What was that? Was it real?"
Ryo:
(breathing heavily, nodding) "Not entirely. But the Lord's power is starting to bleed into this world. And we'll need to be ready for what comes next."
Aya:
(firmly) "This is only the beginning. If we don't act now, the Lord will bring all of us into the Dream Realm for good."
The End