Part One: Curtain Call
"Indeed. . .this battle will be your last!" The menace in the voice could be felt through the audience as the two figures onstage spoke their lines. Molly tried her best not to laugh when Aaron responded with a pompous tone. "Claim what you will, but in the end, good is always victorious." The two lifted their swords as if to battle, as the curtains lowered to the thunderous applause of the audience.
Behind the curtains, Molly slid off her Nightmare Captain mask, a gruesome black and white face that reminded her unpleasantly of Reala's. "Phew, this thing's hot!"
Aaron grinned. "This outfit isn't all that much better, you know..." He wiped the sweat from his forehead. Molly chuckled. "Well, at least we get to take these costumes off when the play ends!" She emphasized her words in an odd way, as if her thoughts were elsewhere. "I'm glad for that. . ." Aaron nodded. "You're doing a great job tonight, keep it up!" He smiled.
"Molly, Aaron. You're on in ten minutes." The director smiled as he peered in. Molly waved to show that she'd heard. "I hate nightmares. . .what made me want this role anyway?" She shrugged at her own foolishness. "Everyone matures, changes." Aaron suggested. Molly shrugged. "I guess, but growing up's no fun. Let's get a drink before we have to go on again." She started toward the soda machine in the hallway.
"Good idea." He smiled and followed her out toward the machine. "Just have to be sure not to get anything on my costume..." "Oops!" Molly playfully tossed a can to him before opening one for herself. Aaron laughed, catching it, and holding it far away from himself to open it, just in case. "Ack! Hey!" Molly yelped as a stream of fizz struck her in the face. "I'm blinded!" She fell melodramatically. On the floor, she writhed. "The. . .White Knight has. . .triumphed!" That said, she relaxed and "died." Aaron tried not to laugh and kneeled down to help her up. "Are you allright?"
Molly opened her eyes, rubbing them. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just sticky." Aaron chuckled a little. "Aw, come on, get up. We're on in a few minutes. Here, let me find you some paper towels. . ." He went to the nearby bathrooms and brought her back a few towels to clean up with. She stood up and patted her face dry. "Thanks, Aaron. It's a good thing that that didn't get my costume wet!"
Meanwhile, a pair of large eyes watched with interest. "Nightmare Captain and White Knight? That sounds exactly like their Nightmaren costumes to me." Topper pointed out, eyes half closed. Behind the Nightopian, two Nightmaren pressed against one another, struggling to see inside the bubble that Topper had created. "Hey, lemme look! I've never seen the Waking World!" Tier complained as NiGHTS won and leaned over to look. The Nightmaren hero grinned. "Too slow, Tier." NiGHTS smiled fondly at the two humans as they made their way back onto the stage. "They're good. And that means that I'm good." Topper rolled his eyes. "They're not Claris and Elliot, NiGHTS. Their problem was trusting and being brave, not bruised pride and stage fright!" NiGHTS made a face, then blinked as the bubble popped. "Oh no! Aaron was just about to say his line! Quick Topper, make a new bubble!" Topper sighed. "Nightmaren. . ."
On the stage, Molly fixed her mask, then raised her plastic sword, posing behind the curtains. "Ready? You have the next line." Aaron nodded. "Always ready!"
As the curtains rose, Molly drew back, silently cuing Aaron as she pretended to be disgusted with his righteous attitude. "Take up your sword and defend yourself, warrior of darkness!" He brandished his plastic sword. "All that you see was spawned by the darkness, White Knight! Soon you shall be one with the void!" Molly turned the last word into a hiss, winning a couple of chuckles from the audience. That hiss hadn't been in the script.
"The darkness is nothing to the blinding light of truth and good! You will fall!" He slashed out at her. She jumped back, out of the way before darting forward to slash viciously at his chest. From the audience, shouts of "Get her, Knight!" Were heard. Some people were even cheering for the villain, much to Molly's amusement. Aaron barely managed to block the attack, just as planned. "You cannot win! Come away from the darkness and end this!" He slashed back at her.
Molly parried his thrust, both hands on her blade as she pushed to keep his from reaching her. "Ung. . . NEVER!"
She braced herself before whipping to the side. This was the part where she was stabbed in the side. The swords were only plastic, but a clumsy "stab" could still hurt.
"Hey, they're fighting!" Tier protested as the bubble was restored. NiGHTS smiled. "It's not real."
"So be it!" Aaron made the scripted stab as carefully as he could without looking unrealistic. Molly let out a scream before falling to her knees, then to her side. She hated this scene, it was too sappy and cliché. She pushed herself up, moving stiffly as if in pain. She looked up, eyes wide with shock as a hand was offered to her for the big "let's kiss and make up" scene, as she called it. The White Knight pulled his sword back. "It doesn't have to end like this. . . let me help you." He offered his hand. The Nightmare Captain drew back as if afraid of being burned. "You . . . would help me? What trickery is this?! To help me is to welcome nightmares into your kingdom of dreams!" Those words sounded familiar, but she ignored the feeling.
"Hey, I like that 'Kingdom of Dreams' bit." Tier grinned. NiGHTS nodded his agreement.
"There is no trickery. The light is truth. If you would turn away from the darkness, the light will welcome you home. . ." The audience was silent, waiting to see what the Nightmare Captain would do. In Nightopia, two Nightmaren leaned closer, grinning in anticipation.
After a dramatic pause, Nightmare Captain placed a clawed glove in White Knight's hand. The audience applauded as the curtain fell.
Topper smiled. "Way to go, kids. . ." He rose and waddled away, unnoticed by the cheering NiGHTS and Tier.
Unfortunately, someone else was watching. Wizeman's half covered face betrayed no emotion as the scene played out in the eyes positioned in each of his six hands. These two humans had escaped him, a fact that he was determined to do something about. A hand opened toward an Ideya Capture, which revealed four Ideya. Two yellow, a blue, and a white. Without their Ideya, it would be difficult for Aaron or Molly to return to Nightopia. They could however, enter Nightmare. And once there, their rare, Red Ideya could be harvested before NiGHTS or his followers could do a thing about it. Silently, Wizeman summoned his Shleep and sent them forth.
". . . So that's it." Molly said in her Nightmare Captain voice, extending a hand to indicate something beyond the audience. "The nightmares have ended and your kingdom is restored. There's nothing left for a living nightmare like me." She looked up as White Knight placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're wrong, Nightmare Captain. There is always something more." The two stood together as the rest of the cast stepped onstage for a final bow. The audience applauded as the curtains fell. Molly grinned as she and Aaron left the stage. She was just pulling her mask and gloves off when she froze. Aaron blinked as he untied his sword sheath. "Is something wrong?" Molly shook her head, frowning. "I thought I saw something. . . it's nothing."
As they left, the Shleep peered out from behind an old piano before drifting stealthily after them. Aaron smiled. "I bet you're right. Hey, wanna go get some coffee or something?" Molly grinned at the idea. "Good idea, I don't know why, but I'm wiped! Coffee will wake me up."
Their favorite coffeehouse, Novadeers was almost empty at this time in the afternoon, so after ordering their drinks and something to snack on, finding a table was easy. Molly sighed as she eased herself into a seat, waiting for her cappuccino to cool off. Aaron sat across from her, starting into his frappuccino immediately. She smirked, trying to hide how exhausted she was all of a sudden. "You'll burn your tongue off that way."
She blinked and shook her head, dazed. Placing a hand to her temple, she groaned. "I'm really asleep. . .what did I just say?" She failed to notice the Shleep resting beside her foot. Aaron looked concerned. "You were just saying I was going to burn myself . . . Are you alright? Did you not get very much sleep last night?" He blinked. He was beginning to wonder if the dream was real. Molly shook her head. "Eight hours. . .I shouldn't be so tired. I. . . " She had been pushing her mug away and now slumped forward over the table, narrowly missing the candle in the center. Aaron jumped to his feet. "M-Molly? Are you alright?" He wondered if she needed medical help. . . He looked around for an employee.
The Shleep gave a soft bleat, pleased with itself. It looked up at Aaron, then realized its mistake and scrambled to dive out of sight. "Wh-what in the world?" He jumped up, running to grab the Shleep. The Shleep bleated in alarm and dove under a neighboring table before changing its mind and making a beeline for the exit. Throughout the resulting chaos, Molly simply slept, peacefully oblivious to her friend's trouble.
Aaron chased the little thing toward the exit, not worried about how it may look to the guy behind the counter. He didn't need to worry. The sleepiness seemed to have affected everyone in the shop. The man behind the counter and seated on a stool, leaning on the counting and snoring. Aaron didn't take the time to wonder just why he wasn't also asleep, at least not yet. "Baaa!" The Shleep finally jumped through the door and escaped, leaving Aaron by the door, with puzzled passers by giving him odd glances.
Aaron growled at the little thing before returning to Molly and shaking her, attempting to stir her from her slumber. Molly didn't react at all to being shaken, but she frowned slightly as if troubled by whatever dream she was having.
"Oh no. . . It's him." Aaron suddenly wished he hadn't chugged the caffeinated drink.
"When did I fall asleep?" Molly looked around, puzzled as boulders and half dead trees appeared around her. "I knew that I should have finished that coffee in one gulp!" She started to walk, trying to find her way to a more hospitable place, but was stopped in her tracks by a familiar figure in red, black, and white. In the coffee shop, the young woman grimaced in her sleep, squirming slightly. Aaron picked her up, intending to take her home, and then to get home himself as fast as possible.
Aaron left Molly at home in her bed, fumbling up some excuse that she was exhausted from the play and had fallen asleep after the performance. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep on his own, so he took a few of his mother's insomnia pills against his better judgment and laid down to try to make it to sleep.
Now is not the time for insomnia, Aaron! End of Part One
Part two: Return to Nightopia
Aaron materialized on the border between Nightmare and Nightopia. He looked around him, realizing where he was. "I made it. . ." He flew up into the air, heading top speed for NiGHTS' tents. Topper looked up in surprise as Aaron whizzed past and started to call, but was overlooked. The Nightopian sighed. "Crazy Sunday flyers. . ." He continued on his way.
In Nightmare, Molly yelped as Reala dumped her onto the floor in front of Wizeman. She looked up and felt an urge to burst into tears as her worst nightmare returned in full force. "No way. . ." She screamed as Wizeman reached out and grabbed her in one of those enormous hands, squeezing the resistance out of her. Reala winced, well aware of what that felt like. When the girl sagged, exhausted, Wizeman finally spoke. "You have caused me a great deal of trouble. And Reala, a great deal of pain." Molly opened her eyes, noticing that Reala's costume was stained as if he'd been bleeding. From what she'd heard of Wizeman's temper, she could only imagine what had happened to the Nightmaren upon losing his captive. The dreamer felt no guilt at all, confident that all the damage had been done by Wizeman and not her. Still, Molly didn't dare to voice that thought. Not while Wizeman was in a position to squeeze her out of existence. And who knew what would happen to her in the real world if she died here?
"Reala." Wizeman's voice was soft, almost gentle. Reala flew until he was eye level with Molly. "Wizeman has promised to take you back. To prevent a repeat of last time however, you will be enchanted. And. . ." The Nightmaren General grinned like an evil mime. ". . . You will be mine." Molly knew that she should have been terrified, but something was bothering her. She frowned at Reala. "Okay. . .now where did you get that cheesy line from? A Disney movie?" Reala turned to exchange a glance with one of Wizeman's hands. This was one dreamer who had not changed one bit.
"Hey! Tell the purple guy that we have an incoming flyer!" A Nightopian giggled from on top of a makeshift watchtower in one of the trees. Another Nightopian instantly shoved the first away, ignoring it as it fell to the ground. "Wow, let me see!" Three more Nightopians pushed their way onto the narrow platform, accomplishing nothing as they continually pushed their fellows off before being pushed off themselves.
"What are those insane 'Pians doing?" Tier frowned as It glided out of Its tent, noticing the jumble of excited cherubs. The green and pink checkered Nightmaren looked around, annoyance increasing. "And where is Topper? He's the only one of them that ever makes any sense! I could use a translator about now. . ." Behind Tier, a lithe, powder blue Nightmaren flew gracefully into the light, long, thick lashes obscuring crystal blue eyes. Tier couldn't suppress Its grin quickly enough, and Picusha grinned right back. The two Nightmaren had become far closer than was normal for their kind. Picusha glanced up toward the 'Pian watchtower and sighed, shaking Its head. "I told NiGHTS that Nightopians could not be trusted with watch duty." Tier beamed at It friend. Picusha was always very careful to pronounce each word perfectly, in that soft spoken way that It was famous for. It added to the powder blue healer's not inconsiderable charm.
Realizing that It would have to be the one to take the initiative, Tier spread Its arms and flew up to the Nightopians, rolling Its eyes when they shrieked and scattered at the sight of a Nightmaren face. "It's me, you mindless sugarballs!" The remaining three Nightopians belatedly recognized Tier and returned to speak to It. "You're the fun one! Did you come to watch the flyer too?" Tier blinked. "Flyer?" It placed a hand over Its mint green eyes to shield them from what was to a Nightmaren, painfully bright light, and scanned the horizon. There was indeed a lone figure flying toward them, but who or what it was couldn't be determined yet. Tier regarded the Nightopians, unamused. "And just when were you Nightopians going to report that someone is flying toward our camp?"
The Nightopians regarded one another in amazement before the first spoke up innocently. "Were we supposed to do that?" Tier blinked at the smiling faces, then abruptly wheeled away, spiraling back down. Tier hated dealing with any Nightopian besides Topper. They were too simple minded.
NiGHTS looked up as Tier flew into his tent. "Tier?" Tier shrugged. "The Nightopians spotted an incoming flyer. We haven't been able to see who it is yet." NiGHTS rose, the Ideya shard in his chest glinting faintly. "Well then let's find out." As Aaron drew close to the camp, metal weighted nets suddenly shot from the trees, tangling him and making flight impossible. "W-what!?" He tore at the nets as he fell to the ground.
Belatedly, NiGHTS realized his mistake. "Whoops!" In a heartbeat, he was diving under Aaron, catching him out of luck more than skill. The purple Nightmaren smiled at the human in his arms as the dust subsided. "Dreamers. . . we have got to stop meeting like this!" Aaron looked a little unhappy. "Hello, NiGHTS. . ."
Later, NiGHTS rubbed the back of his head as they walked back into camp, pulling off bits of netting as they went. The Nightmaren regarded Aaron worriedly through large, violet eyes. "You're not still angry, are you?"
Aaron smiled at NiGHTS. "I'm not angry, but I am worried. Molly fell asleep today for no reason. There was this little creepy thing that ran out of the coffee shop just after it happened."
NiGHTS stopped, looking concerned. "She fell asleep? For no reason? Maybe you'd better describe what you saw. . ." Aaron shrugged. "Well, the little creepy thing looked kind of like a sheep. . ." He scratched his head. "A Shleep!" NiGHTS exclaimed suddenly "No, a sheep." Aaron corrected. NiGHTS shook his head. "Wooly body? Curled horns? No legs? They're Wizeman's minions, and they're called Shleep." Aaron looked clueless. "How was it in the waking world?" NiGHTS frowned. "That's their job. To help humans fall asleep. It's odd that you only saw one, though. Normally, they come in herds, and humans can't resist counting them until they doze off. . ." Aaron looked enlightened for a second, losing his clueless expression. "So that's where that came from. . ." NiGHTS blinked, confused. "Huh?" "Nothing." Aaron waved his hand, dismissing it. "Wizeman made Molly fall asleep and left me awake for a reason." "Maybe you caught onto the trick before they could get you." NiGHTS suggested, frowning again. Aaron considered. "Maybe. . . but I think that they wanted to make sure I couldn't interfere. Maybe they want to keep us separate." NiGHTS nodded. "That could be, but eventually, Wizeman is going to want you, too. If he's resorting to Shleep, you'll have to be extra careful." He waved Tier over. "Tier, find Topper. We need to head back into Nightmare and. . ." Tier shook Its head, shrugging. "Topper's gone missing, NiGHTS. I can't find the little runt anywhere!" Aaron was concerned. "What. . .? Where could he be?" NiGHTS shrugged it off. "Topper'll turn up. Nightopians love to flit off on their own every now and then."
Abruptly forgetting the missing Nightopian, NiGHTS turned to Aaron. "This might be a tender subject, but. . . how likely is Molly to. . . " he paused, searching for a gentle way to suggest that she might willingly go along with Wizeman's schemes. After all, she had been thoroughly corrupted before. Aaron considered. "I'm not really sure. I thought for sure she would be fine after this, but. . ." He sighed. NiGHTS placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling encouragingly. "We got her back once before. We can do it again." Aaron smiled and nodded. "I hope you're right."
Here we go again. . .! End of Part Two
Part Three: Living in Nightmare
Molly opened her eyes and instantly wished that she hadn't. Darkness swam around her, obscuring everything but her thoughts. What was happening to her? Was this what Reala had meant about an enchantment? Was she under some sort of spell? If she was, then she didn't feel any different. As if sensing her consciousness, the darkness receded, revealing a familiar form. Her body was covered with a silky purple costume, complete with a miniskirt and silver trim. She didn't have to reach up to know that there was a jester style cap on her head. "So I'm back. . ." She murmured dazedly. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Reala step forward, smiling coldly. "Yes. You're back." Molly frowned, rising to her feet. "It doesn't matter. I'm still Molly inside, not Nightingale. Whatever Wizeman thought he was doing, he messed up." Reala grinned, shaking his head. "But Wizeman hasn't finished with you yet." Molly blinked as right on cue, Wizeman appeared in front of Reala, hands raised. Energy began to collect in the pupil of each eye, and abruptly intensified before a beam of magical energy shot out toward the dreamer. Screaming, she fell back into darkness as her darker side forced its way to the surface. Back in the rebel camp, a different sort of struggle was in progress. "I want to go too!" The resident healer, a powder blue Nightmaren named Picusha stated firmly. Tier made a face. "No way! NiGHTS, Picusha's a healer, not a fighter!" Picusha frowned and turned on Tier. "You're no fighter either, Tier. And you're going!" The two Nightmaren faced off, resorting to a sort of staring contest to settle the matter. NiGHTS watched quietly, allowing them to sort it out for themselves. Aaron slapped his hand against his face. He didn't think they had time for all this crazy bickering... NiGHTS smiled at Aaron, sensing his impatience. But he knew that it was best to let Nightmaren settle their own differences. Interfering would only be met with childish resistance. "Aha!" Picusha declared triumphantly as Tier blinked. Tier glared. "I still say no! If something happens to you, who's going to heal anyone else when we get hurt?!" Picusha's glare returned. "Nothing will happen to me. All Nightmaren are born fighters! I can hold my own as well as any of the rest of you!" NiGHTS nodded absently. "Picusha's got a point, Tier." Tier looked shocked. "NiGHTS! How can you say that? This is Picusha we're talking about! It has a fit every time It sees injuries. How long will It last on a battlefield?!" Picusha smirked. "I am not the one who faints when It sees blood. . ." Tier flushed slightly. "Flip a coin." Aaron folded his arms. "That sounds fair." NiGHTS agreed, flying into the air and changing shape until he was a coin with a face on one side, and two folded legs on the other. "Heads or tails?" Picusha smiled. "Heads!" Tier only made a face as NiGHTS flipped himself, landing on the table in the center of the tent, face side up. "I'm afraid Picusha wins that one, Tier." He flipped again, reverting to his true form. Picusha beamed happily, ignoring Tier's protests. NiGHTS turned to Aaron. "Now, are we ready to leave?" Aaron nodded, glad they were finally ready to go. "Yes." Picusha nodded, Tier simply muttered an affirmative, strangely subdued. Later, the three landed in Nightmare. Picusha straightened, frowning at the darkened sky over the castle. "Now this brings back memories. . . and every one is a bad one." Tier glanced at Picusha, having second thoughts. NiGHTS shrugged. "Aw, c'mon, guys. Think of it as a homecoming!" The other two regarded him like he'd said the most insane thing possible. Aaron gave him a pretty strange look as well. NiGHTS actually shuffled his feet slightly as if embarrassed before peering toward the castle. "Does everyone remember the plan? Aaron, you'd better switch to your Knight costume." Aaron blinked. He had forgotten that he wasn't already in costume. Taking on the Knight costume, he nodded to NiGHTS. Tier reluctantly handed a length of sturdy rope to Aaron. "This stuff's gonna chafe. . ." NiGHTS shrugged and held his arms out, allowing Aaron to tie them together to prevent flight. "Make it realistic, I won't hold it against you if it chafes." Aaron tied the knots onto NiGHTS' forearms doing the best he could. He had never been in scouts or anything like that, so all that he that could manage was a basic granny knot. With his forearms properly tied in front of him, NiGHTS tested the knot. It seemed to hold well enough. He stooped, scraping his fingers against the long length of leftover rope. When he managed to lift the lead, he handed it to Aaron. "How nasty can you be?" "I'll do my best... I am an actor, after all." Aaron grinned. NiGHTS grinned back. "I know, we were watching. You were good, but you're going to have to do better than just acting. You may have to actually injure me in order to convince the Nightmaren inside." Aaron's face became solemn. "I'll do what I have to..." NiGHTS blinked at the instant response. Aaron hadn't hesitated at all, even when asked to injure NiGHTS! The purple Nightmaren felt the first twinge of unease, but disregarded it, smiling. "Good. Let's go." Aaron began to make his way into Nightmare. He was being a little rough, but not overly so, at least not this early. NiGHTS started to follow, then tried digging his heels in to stop their progress. He couldn't make this too easy, or else Aaron would never be believed. Aaron furrowed his brow and then started dragging harder. Behind them, Tier and Picusha advanced. NiGHTS yelped as twin slashes marred his shoulders, and reluctantly allowed himself to be pulled forward. Tier couldn't quite suppress Its sigh of unhappiness, Picusha shot It a quick glance before they fell in behind Knight and his captive. A muscular Nightmaren in red with steel grey highlights was on guard duty. It did a double take as It saw NiGHTS being dragged in by three Nightmaren. "What in Wizeman's name?!" Knight jerked the rope, pulling NiGHTS forward. "We've captured the traitor!" NiGHTS grunted as he was almost pulled off his feet. He frowned at Knight. Did he have to make it this realistic? Picusha smirked as the guard continued to stare. "What's the matter, Torc? You've never seen a beaten rebel before?" Torc muttered something and straightened, allowing them inside. It couldn't resist giving NiGHTS a kick in the leg as he passed, though. NiGHTS yelped in surprise and stumbled, almost pulling the rope from Knight's hands as he went down. Knight jerked him back up. "To your feet, filthy rebel!" Tier sprang forward, cuffing Knight lightly. "Not so rough, you idiot. NiGHTS is worth more if we bring keep him intact!" It whirled on Torc, and the guard hit the ground hard as It suffered a blow to the cheek. Tier straightened angrily, glad for the chance to vent. It hated this plan, every bit of it!
Aaron blushed a little. "Sorry..." Picusha grabbed Tier, pulling It roughly back. "Stop this! Our job is to fight the rebels, not each other!" It turned toward Knight. "Let us continue." Aaron nodded. NiGHTS sighed miserably, deciding that another attempt to break free would be a bad idea. He hoped that his friends remembered that this was only an act! Aaron led them inside. Once safely out of sight, NiGHTS tugged hard on the rope, forcing Aaron to look at him. He raised a nonexistent eyebrow, not daring to speak, but silently reminding Aaron whose side he was on. Aaron shot him an apologetic look. Tier and Picusha exchanged glances, not interfering. Satisfied that the act was still on, NiGHTS smiled and winked at Aaron. They had barely made it halfway down the hallway when a figure in midnight blue with black highlights stepped into their path. Picusha reacted instantly, freezing on the spot, Its crystal blue eyes wide in shock. The midnight blue Nightmaren turned gallantly toward Its slimmer, powder blue counterpart, and held a hand out tentatively. "Picusha. . .?" Picusha flew past Knight, throwing Itself into the strange Nightmaren's arms. "Vespa!" Tier frowned, and ground Its toes into the hard, stone floor, obviously annoyed. The two embraced before straightening. Vespa smiled tenderly. "Oh, Picusha! I was afraid for you! To see you back in the castle where you belong. . . It held Picusha at arms length, revealing a surprisingly masculine frame. NiGHTS took in the details. "Fourth generation. . ." Tier nodded, glaring darkly at Vespa. Picusha indicated NiGHTS with a graceful sweep of Its hand. "I was in hiding, Vespa. But now that NiGHTS is here. . ." Vespa nodded. "I fail to understand your logic. . . but it doesn't matter. The better part of me has returned, and nothing else matters." Tier had had enough, and strode forward, pushing the two apart. "I'm just so happy for you two." Its tone was filled with sarcasm, but a sharp look from Picusha silenced Tier. Vespa chuckled. "You're a sixth generation, aren't you? With that wispy frame and innocent expression. . ." It saw that It wasn't winning Tier over, and tried another tactic. "Tier, correct? You're Terrace's twin." Tier's expression changed instantly, and Vespa pressed on, eager to relieve the tension. "Terrace has been fearful for your safety, you'd do well to rejoin It." Vespa turned on NiGHTS, smiling maliciously. "And as for you, NiGHTS. . . your twin has also missed you. . . but. . .you won't be getting any warmth out of him." The midnight blue Nightmaren studied Knight briefly before dismissing him. "The orders are that Lord Reala is not to be disturbed. You will bring the traitor to his new Captain instead." Picusha and Tier exchanged a quick glance before stepping closer to NiGHTS. At Vespa's frown, Picusha reasoned, "We came as guards to escort the treacherous NiGHTS. We cannot very well abandon Knight to this duty, now can we?" Vespa nodded reluctantly. "Then I will escort you to the Captain's chambers." It strode proudly ahead, and they had no choice but to follow. Vespa bypassed Reala's chambers in favor of a smaller archway further on. The polished stone was a luminescent amethyst that gave the appearance of glowing from within. Vespa rapped on the doors and waited. They waited anxiously for a response. "Enter." A female voice, filled with confidence and power rang out. The doors opened to reveal a chamber considerably smaller than Reala's, but trimmed in shades of purple. Silver squiggles ran across the luminous amethyst floor, like flowing water over polished river stones. In the center of the room, an amethyst throne sat atop a pillar that seemed to have risen of its own accord out of the floor. And seated upon the throne. . . "Captain Nightingale, we bring you the traitor, NiGHTS." Vespa bowed respectfully. Knight bowed as well, mimicking Vespa, and waiting for a command. It struck him as strange that she would be trusted again so soon, but he knew that as soon as they were alone, he could speak freely again. Picusha bowed as well, delivering a kick to Tier's knee when It was a little slow to do likewise. Nightingale crossed one long leg over the other, smirking down at her visitors. "NiGHTS. . . what a pleasant surprise." Her smile was pure malevolence. NiGHTS frowned, sensing that something was terribly wrong. He forced a pleasant smile onto his features. "Isn't it, though?" Nightingale's smile faded to be replaced by a dangerous expression. Knight blinked, wondering if she was putting on a show for Vespa, and beginning to think more and more that something was dreadfully wrong. She abruptly turned her frown on Knight, as if waiting for something. Picusha caught his eye and glanced quickly at NiGHTS. No Nightmaren would tolerate such disrespect. Knight straightened. "Is there a problem, Captain?" Picusha made an almost inaudible sound of disgust and stepped closer. Before they knew what was coming, both NiGHTS and Knight had received a painful smack to the face. "Do your duty, Knight! The Captain cannot be expected to punish unruly prisoners for you!" It whirled on NiGHTS, who had hit the floor and was now getting back up. "As for you, traitor. Mind your tongue lest someone in authority decide to remove it." Knight growled at Picusha. He gave NiGHTS a kick for good measure. NiGHTS grunted. Aaron was a good actor. . .too good, he decided, feeling the beginnings of a bruise forming. Knight felt horrible for having to do such things, but he did his best not to let it show. "What should be done with the traitor, Captain?" Nightingale took her time, considering. "He will be turned over to Lord Reala, of course. But not before I've had my turn with him." She smiled coldly. "Who captured NiGHTS?" Knight nodded. "I did." She regarded him doubtfully, but nodded. "You stay, then. The rest of you will leave us." Picusha and Tier exchanged a glance before the powder blue Nightmaren cleared Its nonexistent throat. When Nightingale focused on Picusha, It nodded respectfully. "Forgive me, Captain. . .but it takes more than two Nightmaren to restrain NiGHTS. Is it wise for us to leave you?" Nightingale seemed amused. "I alone am more than a match for NiGHTS. You needn't worry." Picusha glanced at Tier again before allowing Vespa to lead It out. Tier regarded Knight and NiGHTS unhappily before following the other Nightmaren out. Aaron was nearly sure now that they had all just made a severe miscalculation. When the three other Nightmaren had left, Nightingale focused on Knight. "You are throwing your lives away. You know that." She didn't seem to care in the least bit. He nodded. "Things are not as they seemed." She threw herself from the throne and allowed herself to fall toward them. She landed lightly on her feet, frowning. "Indeed they are not. Come now, drop the act. It doesn't fool me." He nodded. "I know." He sounded quite unhappy with himself and with her. "You know who I am." NiGHTS straightened, still feeling that last kick. "She knows who we are. . .but she doesn't know who she is." He cried out as Nightingale suddenly Spindashed, sending him crashing into the wall with tremendous force. Nightingale kicked him savagely in the shoulder, aiming for the slash marks and grinning at the resulting yelp. "Hold your tongue, NiGHTS!" Knight leapt at her, backhanding toward her face. She dropped to the floor, lashing out with a long leg, then following up with an uppercut. Knight soon found himself on the floor, nose bleeding. "Aaron!" NiGHTS saw no need to continue the charade, and Aaron's safety was his first priority. Nightingale stepped back, smirking. "You see? I'm stronger than both of you. At the risk of sounding cliché, resistance is futile."
Out of the frying pan. . . End of Part Three
Part Four: Song of the Nightingale
Aaron picked himself up off the ground, his Nightmaren costume fading along with the blood on his face. He forced himself to realize that only he could make himself bleed in the dream. NiGHTS on the other hand, was not so lucky. He groaned as he struggled to push himself up. His hands were still bound, making the effort that much harder. Nightingale seemed greatly amused by this. Aaron made his way toward NiGHTS as quickly as he could and tried to undo the knots. Nightingale returned to her throne, satisfied that she'd made her point. She waited patiently for Aaron to free NiGHTS. Aaron frowned up at Nightingale. "Look, I don't know what they did to you, but whatever you're going to do to us, just get it over with. I don't feel like sitting here and playing around." He folded his arms. He wished now that he hadn't taken the sleeping pills. He probably wouldn't be able to wake up for a while. Nightingale seemed offended. "Look yourself. You're in no position to tell me what to do. I can make you hurt until you wake up screaming from the pain!" "Then do it!" He glared at her. "Do it now, or threaten me with something else." She blinked in shock. Obviously, she hadn't been expecting the sudden shouting. Aaron was very angry, and it showed, fiery, in his eyes. NiGHTS looked very worried. "Aaron. . .that's not Molly." Aaron turned his glare to NiGHTS before it slowly faded when he realized that NiGHTS was his friend. "I know." Nightingale rose in her seat, raising her hands like a summoner from an anime or video game. "Have it your way!" A faint ringing sound drifted through the air, and NiGHTS stiffened. "She's going to wake you up!" Aaron shrugged, giving in. "What can I do here?" He grinned. "Don't worry." NiGHTS closed his eyes and looked away, struggling to control his emotions. When he felt composed, he smiled weakly at Aaron. "You'll be safer back in your own world. . .just don't try to return, it won't be safe here." Aaron's grin widened. "You can't stop me." NiGHTS grabbed Aaron. "Promise me, Aaron!" Aaron put his hands gently on NiGHTS' shoulders. "I can't do that." NiGHTS glared as the ringing became louder. "This is no time for heroics, Aaron! Promise!" Aaron shook his head. "We all lose if I don't save you. I can't promise you this." He hugged NiGHTS. "I'm sorry." NiGHTS hugged Aaron back, squeezing tightly before releasing him. "And we'll lose a lot faster if Wizeman gets you! I've already gathered the rebels, they'll continue after me. You're more important." The ringing filled the room now, causing Aaron to flicker as he began to rouse. Seeing Aaron about to fade, NiGHTS tried again. "Please, Aaron! Promise! Please promise me!" "I can't stay away forever..." Aaron's voice trailed off slowly. He smiled to NiGHTS, not answering his last plea, fading out before he could. NiGHTS turned away as Aaron faded. He feared that Aaron was right. He felt a presence, and didn't bother opening his eyes. He knew that it was Nightingale. "Have you finished toying with us yet?" Nightingale smiled pleasantly. "He'll be back. I know him well enough to know that." Her tone was surprisingly reassuring, but had exactly the opposite effect on NiGHTS. Nightingale threw her doors open, smiling at the guard outside. "Take the prisoner away." Aaron threw his blanket off of himself and leapt out of his bed as soon as he realized that he was awake. He started throwing on clothing and getting ready to run to Molly's house when he suddenly realized that it was dark outside... and that it was eleven o'clock at night. He tripped over a chair and stubbed his toe on his bed frame. Nearly cursing aloud, he bit his lip and fell over onto his bed, holding his foot for a minute or two before standing up again and quietly putting on some shoes. He was going to sneak out and try to wake her up. Aaron made it as far as the door to the hallway from his room when he realized how foolish his idea was. He could get a ticket for breaking curfew or even get arrested for breaking and entering if he was caught. He sighed, taking off his shoes and laying back down on his bed. He didn't even bother to take off his clothes again, staring at the ceiling and waiting for sleep or morning, whichever came first. He soon found his eyelids drooping and faded into a deep dreamless sleep. Tier winced as another scream ripped through the castle. "Picusha. . . we have to end this!" Picusha nodded, gritting Its teeth. "Something has gone terribly wrong. This was not supposed to happen!" Nearby, Vespa frowned as It stepped closer. "What in Wizeman's name are you talking about?!" Picusha spun around. "Vespa, will you help me if I ask?" Vespa regarded Its twin oddly before nodding. "I would call down the moon for you, Picusha. You know that." Picusha frowned. "Would you betray Wizeman?" Vespa stiffened, backing away as if stung. "What?!" Picusha stepped closer, forcing Its twin up against the wall. "Vespa. . . what I am about to tell you, is more than enough to drive us apart forever." Vespa looked around wildly, feeling Its world crash down around It. "I don't believe what I'm hearing! Picusha! Not you!" Tier stepped forward and pulled Picusha closer. "Both of us. Now will you help us or not?" Vespa sagged. "I just got you back. . . and you're asking me. . . to deny everything! To turn my back on our creator! Our heritage! Our destiny!" Picusha looked grieved, and turned away, dropping Its gaze. ". . . I. . .I understand. . .Vespa." Vespa watched miserably as Tier and Picusha flew down the corridor by themselves, heading below, to the dungeons. Heartbroken, the midnight blue Nightmaren started toward Wizeman's personal chamber. The sorrow alone would be enough to kill It, if Wizeman didn't do it first. Reala was delighted, NiGHTS could tell. His twin had always been happiest when spilling blood, and it didn't seem to matter to Reala at all that this time, it was the same blood that ran through his own veins. There had been no questioning or threatening. There was no need. With NiGHTS gone, the resistance would crumble. Reala knew it, and so was simply having his fun while NiGHTS still lived. The pause in the beating lasted only a heartbeat before five burning daggers tore into NiGHTS' side. He heard a tortured scream being ripped out of him. Pleased, Reala pulled his claws free and watched the purple Nightmaren collapse, bleeding. "I am truly going to regret killing you, NiGHTS. . ." He admitted with a slight sigh. "No one else has ever been a match for me. But you. . .you know me, inside and out. We are one." Reala regarded NiGHTS sadly when the purple Nightmaren was unable to respond. Perhaps he had been too brutal in his beatings. After all, it wasn't the Nightmare General's intention to kill NiGHTS outright. He knew that Wizeman was watching. He could feel his master's pleasure increase with each scream, and sought to keep NiGHTS alive long enough to please Wizeman further. Reala turned as a slender figure appeared in the doorway, frowning at the battered figure that was NiGHTS. Nightingale could see by the slight twist to the Nightmaren's mouth, and the defiant sparkle in his eyes that NiGHTS was far from beaten, despite the pain that he was in. Reala turned to greet her. "Ah, my Nightingale. Does this this sight please you? NiGHTS was after all, responsible for your misery." Nightingale strode over and gently lifted NiGHTS' chin, studying his features. NiGHTS allowed her to look at him, smiling cheerfully. Nightingale smiled back and released him, stifling a laugh. Reala blinked, laughter was not what he had been expecting. "Something amuses you?" Nightingale laughed, shaking her head. "Reala. . . forgive me for saying so, but if your goal was to break NiGHTS' spirit, you are failing miserably!" She laughed again. NiGHTS grinned to himself, glad to hear the sound of laughter. Reala shrugged. "Perhaps, but I want NiGHTS to want to live. Breaking his spirit would only hasten his death" More laughter. Reala's expression darkened as Nightingale struggled to control herself. She paused to wipe a tear away, adding to Reala's displeasure. No true Nightmaren could shed tears. Nightingale smiled when she was under control again. "What you mean, Lord Reala. . . is that even you don't possess the ability to defeat NiGHTS' spirit!" Reala scowled. "And you do, Nightingale?" She nodded. "You think like a Nightmaren. . . no wonder you are unsuccessful. NiGHTS doesn't care about himself. If you wish to break his spirit, then aim elsewhere." To demonstrate, she flew into NiGHTS' line of vision, leaning back. Reala smirked and flew at her, tearing five red lines across her front side. She cried out in pain, causing NiGHTS to wince. Somewhere inside Nightingale, Molly was also suffering. That was Nightingale's intention, he knew. Nightingale smiled as the slashes healed almost instantly and beamed at NiGHTS. "And now, I am going to find Aaron, and make him scream." NiGHTS closed his eyes, hoping that Aaron wouldn't return to Nightopia anytime soon.
I hope for NiGHTS' sake that Aaron does come back soon! End of Part Four
Part Five: Topper Hits the Bottom
"Ouch!" Tier yelped as Picusha ground a heel into Its foot for the fifth time. "Stop doing that! The green and pink Nightmaren hissed. Picusha rolled Its eyes. "Stop humming spy music, then! Where did you hear that, anyway?" Tier shrugged. "Some dreamer." The two Nightmaren drifted silently down the castle corridor, toward the dungeons. As the light became dimmer and spots of mold began to appear on the stone walls, Picusha's agitation grew. It finally stopped and grabbed Tier by the collar. "Stop whimpering already!" Tier pulled away. "I'm not, I thought you were!" The two blinked at each other before looking around. Picusha was puzzled. "Well someone sounds terrified. . ." As they rounded a corner, rows of cells came into view. The whimpering was coming from one of them. Exchanging a glance, the two Nightmaren flew in close and peered inside. The cell was empty except for a large birdcage hanging in the center. It was veiled, but the sorrowful sounds were obviously coming from the cage. Picusha blinked. "Hello?" The whimpering stopped at once, to be followed by complete silence. Picusha sighed and turned to Tier. "You speak to it. It has to be a Nightopian, and they all like you the best." Tier rolled Its eyes. "Yeah, well the feeling's not mutual." It waved a hand through the bars. "Hey in there!" A familiar voice answered almost instantly. "Tier?!" Tier blinked, recognizing the voice. "Topper?! The cage trembled slightly as its occupant moved around. Topper leaned toward the sound of Tier's voice, unable to see anything through the veil. Even without the veil, the sun loving Nightopian would have been all but blind in the gloom of the dungeon. "It took you jokers long enough to get here!" The Nightmaren bristled at the insult. Tier folded Its arms, turning away. "Hmph, that's no way to convince us to help you!" Picusha jabbed Tier in the rubs. "We're not here for Topper anyway. It's NiGHTS who needs us!" Topper blinked. "NiGHTS?" Tier nodded, even though the Nightopian couldn't see. "NiGHTS and Aaron came to rescue Molly, but there's no sign of Aaron now, and NiGHTS was captured and is probably being tortured!" Topper winced. "I heard a terrible screaming. . .you mean that that was NiGHTS?!" Picusha nodded. "I'm sorry, Topper. . . but we must help NiGHTS! We will return for you at once after he is safe." That said, the powder blue Nightmaren grabbed Tier's hand and pulled It away. Topper sighed as he was left alone. "Yeah, sure. . . good luck, guys. . ." Tier saw light spilling from a small room and would have gone in if Picusha hadn't stopped it. Picusha held a slender finger to Its lips as a familiar voice spoke, filling both of them with dread. "You will take the traitor away and confine him in our. . .special cell." Reala grinned at NiGHTS. "A very special cell indeed. . .providing only enough space for you to turn or sit, and no windows. Even the simple act of hovering will be quite impossible for you. If you can even move." NiGHTS took all of this in without really listening. He told himself that he didn't care. Picusha and Tier went 2D and flattened themselves against the cold, stone walls as Reala drifted out. Much to their dismay, NiGHTS hung limply in his brother's grasp. The purple Nightmaren seemed to spot them, and winked without even trying to escape Reala. Then he was gone. Tier clenched Its fists. "What'd Reala do to him?!" Picusha frowned. "What do you think? You know how Reala is!" NiGHTS sat silently in his cell. It was exactly as Reala had described it, pitch black and cramped. He didn't know how long he had been there before he heard the sound of someone landing beside the bars. Turning to look, his cat-like eyes allowed him to make out a slender, definitely feminine figure in the costume of a Nightmaren. "Nightingale. . ." He was appalled by the raspy voice that was his. Nightingale seemed equally dismayed, and opened the door with a vicious gesture before stepping back. "Get out of there." NiGHTS was only too happy to obey. Nightingale seemed to size him up before smirking. "Normally, I would call upon guards to keep you subdued, but I don't think that you're in any condition to fight. And in any case, you will want to hear what I have to say to you." NiGHTS just nodded, unable to deny his curiosity. Nightingale turned and headed for the steps leading back to the upper levels. "Follow me, and stay close. And for goodness sake, behave!" NiGHTS shrugged, and instantly regretted the motion as it caused his injuries to ache anew. He would heal, but would take some time. In Nightingale's chamber, NiGHTS sat down and awarded her his full attention. Nightingale took her seat and regarded him thoughtfully before opening her mouth to speak. NiGHTS cut her off. "You look good in purple, you know." She frowned. "NiGHTS! Pay attention!" NiGHTS sighed and waited. Nightingale tried again. "You've really done it this time, you know. You. . . NiGHTS!" NiGHTS had begun to squirm and finally resorted to humming to himself and tapping a heel against the floor. He looked up and shrugged. "I hate sitting still." he complained. Nightingale glared. "You're going to be laying perfectly still from now on if you don't listen to me!" She shook her head. "He's going to kill you, you know." NiGHTS shrugged again, knowing that she meant Reala. "Yeah." Nightingale's expression didn't change. "And I don't mean that he's going to have you killed, he intends to kill you himself!" NiGHTS rose and stretched. "Yeah, I know." Nightingale felt her cheeks flushing angrily at his attitude. "You idiot! Don't you care that you're going to die soon?!!" NiGHTS spun around happily and points at her, grinning hugely. "HA!" Nightingale blinked. "Ha?" NiGHTS laughed. "You care about me!" Nightingale looked away. "No I don't." NiGHTS backflipped. "Yes you do, yes you do!" Nightingale banged a fist. "Stop it!" NiGHTS sat down again, but couldn't stop grinning at her. Nightingale shrieked in frustration at his cheerfulness. "GUARDS!" Later, NiGHTS blinked as he found himself back in his cell. "Well she's no fun. . .I guess I'll have to find another way out." NiGHTS was awakened from a dreamless sleep sometime later by Reala hauling him to his feet. "I don't know what you've done, NiGHTS, but Nightingale is all but useless! She's unpleasant, foul tempered, and loud!" NiGHTS shrugged. "That sounds like you. . .on a good day." He grunted as he was thrown against a wall. Reala growled and left. "You're running out of time, traitor." NiGHTS smirked, closing his eyes. It felt like dawn was only a few hours away, which meant that Reala would soon be without his new Captain. If NiGHTS was right, anyway. Time passed so differently between the Waking and Dream worlds. An hour in Nightmare could be equivalent to an entire day in the Real world, or an instant. Of course, he was assuming that Molly still existed inside Nightingale. He was counting on it. If dawn came and Nightingale remained. . . well, NiGHTS knew that he would be in big trouble. Nightingale looked around. Everywhere, the walls and floor were chipped, and her seat looked like something had blown up on top of it. She didn't know how long she had raged in her chamber, she had only been vaguely aware of Reala sealing the doors to keep her rampage from spilling into the rest of the castle. Now that she had vented, she was simply sitting in the midst of the destruction, studying her work. "I guess. . ." She paused, startled by her own voice echoing eerily around her. "I guess that I don't know my own strength. . ." She blinked as she happened to look down at her hand, noting that it had become transparent. "What's. . .?!?" She didn't have time to complete the question before she faded away completely.
I sure hope that she wakes up as Molly! End of Part Five
Part Six: Days and NiGHTS
Tears stained the pillow as Molly opened her eyes. Puzzled, she lifted a finger to the corner of her eye. It came away damp, confirming her suspicion that she had been crying in her sleep. Sleep? She strained to remember what time she had gone to bed the night before, and failed to find an answer. Her last conscious memory was of heading to Novadeers with Aaron. "Aaron. . ." She spoke the name eagerly, sitting up. A wave of dizziness stopped her, and she frowned. Something was wrong. Determined to have her way, she eased herself onto her feet, noticing for the first time that she was still clothed. What had happened? She reached for the purple phone on her desk, then stopped. Waking Aaron wouldn't be a good idea. Glancing at the clock, she was relieved to see that once again, she had overslept. Noon was only five minutes away! In one swift gesture, she had lifted the phone and dialed the number that Aaron had given her during their rehearsals for the play. She bit her lip, hoping that he would be home to answer it. Aaron ran to his phone the second he heard it start to ring, and in an instant it was in his hand and to his ear. "Hello?" "Aaron. . .?" The voice on the other sounded weak and exhausted. "Molly? Is that you? Are you alright?!" He sounded frantic. Molly winced and took a breath, sounding better when she spoke again. "I'm fine. . .I think. Aaron, I need to talk to you." He was elated. She seemed to be herself again. "Any time. Where do you want to talk?" "Any place but Novadeers." Came the sarcastic response. "Agreed." Aaron smiled. Later, Molly sat quietly outside of the local ice cream parlor, idly watching a squirrel try to carry a gumball that it had found. It wasn't having much luck, but its antics tickled a memory that Molly couldn't quite place. Aaron walked in, looking around for Molly, looking worried. She looked up and forced a smile onto her lips. "Aaron!" She waved. Aaron waved as well, smiling and coming to sit across from her. "Hey." Molly instantly leaned closer, getting straight to the point. "Aaron, what happened last night?" Aaron hesitated before speaking. "I'm not sure. H-he has you. Stronger than he ever had you before. The Nightingale is all there is when you're there. I wanted to wake you up, but... I couldn't come back and there was no way to get to you here." He hoped she didn't think he was crazy. He thought it hard to believe though that what he had been experiencing wasn't real. She stared at him blankly, obviously confused. "Aaron? What. . .?" She shook her head, trying to understand what he meant. He took a deep breath. "Don't tell me it isn't real. . ." He looked frightened. Molly put a hand over her forehead. "Just. . . " She sighed. "I remember finishing the play and walking toward Novadeers, but not much after that. . . did I dream that?" "No. I took you home from Novadeers when you fell asleep." Aaron answered. She seemed interested now. "I fell asleep? At a coffee house?" Aaron only nodded. Molly groaned. "Okay, that's bizarre. . .but it explains why my mom was being so weird. She almost didn't let me leave my room!" "You don't remember what you dreamt about, do you?" Aaron asked suddenly. She blinked, confused. "What do you mean?" She half closed her eyes, thinking. Had she had any dreams at all? She finally shrugged. "I have a hard time remembering my dreams. . .it's funny, I even woke up in the middle of one last night." She smiled. "I hate that feeling." Aaron was starting to look a little distressed. He tried to wipe the look away, to look happy, or at least not look bothered. "You did...?" Molly looked concerned. "Yeah. . .Aaron, what is it?" She picked up on his distress and bit her lip. Aaron took a breath. "It's just. . . I've been having these dreams lately. You're the only person I think I can tell about them. . ." She nodded, still looking worried. "I'm listening." Aaron nodded. "When I go to sleep, I dream that I'm in this world. . .A world that's half dream and half nightmare. And it's like there's a war going on there, between the dreams and the nightmares. Only some of the nightmares have defected and fight against their master. And you're in the dream. And the nightmare has you." Molly sat perfectly still, listening. "Wow. . ." It felt familiar to her, but to admit that might sound foolish. "That sure sounds like our play, don't you think?" Molly frowned, straining to remember. "I think. . ." "Y-yes...?" Aaron leaned forward slightly. She rubbed at her eyes. "Okay, don't get excited, but I think that I had a dream like that once. . ." "R-really? Tell me about it." He was starting to feel hopeful again. She laughed at herself. "Aww, it's stupid. Just something about giant monsters and fat, ugly little things with wings. . ." She waved a hand, dismissing it. "I barely remember any of it." Aaron leaned closer. "Fat ugly little things... pink, with wings and halos... Kind of like little cherubs, even? And guys that look a little like jesters, you know with the tassels? And real real big eyes." Molly blinked. "Why are we talking about drea. . . " She froze in mid-question, staring at Aaron in shock. "D-do you remember...?" He was staring into her eyes, hopeful that she would remember. "I. . . " She looked a little upset. Aaron leaned back. "What's wrong?" Molly sighed. "Okay, this is way too weird. . . are you sure I'm not dreaming now?" She was becoming increasingly upset. Aaron held his hands out soothingly. "No... no, you're awake now. Please don't be upset..." She groaned and leaned forward. "That's even worse. . .then how do you explain how you knew about that dream? I don't remember telling you. . ." Aaron relaxed. "Remember the dream I told you about? My dream? It was the same dream." "But it has nothing to do with last night at Novadeers!!!" She was almost hysterical, overwhelmed by the thought of sharing a dream with Aaron. It was even scarier because she half believed him. "M-molly..." Aaron looked around at the other patrons. "Please don't be upset. . ." She took a deep, shuddering breath, obviously shaken. "You're trying to tell me. . . that those dreams are real." She dropped her gaze, wrapping her arms around herself before dropping them. "And. . .the nightmares. . ." She whispered. Aaron nodded sympathetically. "I wish it weren't true. . . and I wish I knew what to do. They have NiGHTS now... d-do you remember NiGHTS? A slight intake of breath told him that she did. What happened next surprised both of them. Molly smiled slightly and put a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. Aaron stared at her in shock. She shook her head, struggling to control herself. "I think. . .that he's fine." He blinked. "A-are you sure?" She shook her head, seeing that round, noseless face beaming cheerfully despite the cuts and bruises. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw NiGHTS smiling. "NiGHTS. . . he. . ." She frowned suddenly, wincing and placing a hand on her temple. "Molly...? What's wrong?" Aaron was very concerned now. He had to hear all that he could from her today before they had to sleep again. "I. . .can't remember. . ." She tried harder, but it only made her headache worse. "Something's wrong. . .there was some problem that had to be fixed. . . but that's all that I know." "Please. . .try to remember. I need to know how to save you." His expression was painful in compassion for Molly's own pain. She blinked in surprise. "Me? I'm not the one who needs saving, I. . ." She gasped as a memory flashed through her mind, a slender hand tilting NiGHTS' head back. Then again, yanking him by the collar. Molly stared past Aaron, not wishing to share what she'd just remembered. He closed his eyes. "But you do. The nightmare has you, Molly." She closed her eyes as well, ashamed by the memory of what she had done as Nightingale, and the knowledge that NiGHTS wasn't alone in the castle. "They're both in there. . . but I don't. . ." She rose, shaking her head. Molly sighed. "I just don't. . . want to have to worry about it. Nobody can really be hurt. . ." She thought of NiGHTS, and tried to convince herself that she was right. Aaron looked almost terrified. "Molly... if we don't stop Wizeman, the whole world will be just like that nightmare. . ." She froze. "But it's not. . . just me. . ." She dropped her gaze. "She's real, Aaron. . ." He nodded. "I know. I could tell while I was there." The headache became worse, and she winced. "I'm sorry, I have to go. . ." He took a deep breath. "Can I walk you home...?" She opened her mouth to refuse, then thought better of it. She was likely to walk out, into traffic or something if left on her own. ". . .sure. . ." He stood up to walk with her, hoping she wasn't angry at him. Molly was strangely silent as they walked, defeated. "I. . . I'm going to have to lie down, but. . ." She dreaded the idea of falling asleep again, and hesitated as they reached her house. Aaron looked thoughtful. "I think I know how we can win. . . I. . .I just don't know how to do what it takes to do it. I have to make Knight real somehow. . .and I need my Ideya back. Is there anything you know, that you could tell me that would help me find it again? She smirked. "Aaron. If I knew that. . .don't you think that I would have tried to get mine?" He sighed, almost despairing. Molly shook her head. "Look, just. . . play with her. Keep her amused and happy, and above all, keep her laughing! That's her weakness, I think. . ." Aaron wasn't feeling at all heroic. "I don't know if I can do it. . .I don't know. . .I just don't know. . ." He turned and looked away. She pulled him inside and headed for her room. "You can, I'll show you. . " Aaron was a little surprised at being dragged inside. He wasn't quite sure where he was taking him or why or how she could show him how to keep a nightmare laughing. In her room, Molly snatched a crude sketch off of the desk and thrust it into his hands. It was a Nightmaren face with sparkling, cat-like eyes and a bright, cheery smile plastered on. The expression was contagious. He looked up at her. "Is this...?" She shrugged. "Just a character. . .from a dream."
Okay, people, let's get dreaming! End of Part Six
Part Seven: NiGHTS into Dreams
"Nightingale, join us!" Reala ordered as the rebels charged. Nightingale smirked and flew to obey. In front of them, the rag-tag collection of rebel Nightmaren and Nightopians gathered in front of Mystic Forest, unsure of what to do next. Nightingale exchanged a glance with Reala and smiled. This was going to be too easy. Tier whimpered as Picusha pulled It out of the tent. "I don't want to do this!" Picusha glared. "You will do it, you coward!" Tier pouted. "I've already said that I'm a coward, and I don't wanna!!!" It wailed even as It was thrust into view. Aaron floated among the Nightmaren as Knight. Picusha took charge, raising a powder blue sleeve high, the lacy cuff blowing in the breeze. "Friends, NiGHTS is in the grip of the enemy! Are we going to abandon him?!" The resulting roar of protest was deafening. Nightingale glanced at Reala. "Wow. . .they're serious!" Reala nodded. "Seriously outnumbered and outclassed!" He raised his own hand. "Nightmaren! Eliminate the rebel scum! For Wizeman!" The resulting cheers and shouts silenced the rebels. Tier paled at the cheers. "I need to use the little Nightmaren's room. . ." It turned to flee, but was caught by the collar by Picusha. Knight floated up into the air and tried to shout over them. "What has Wizeman done for you!? Ordered you around and treated you like scum? What has Reala done for you!? Kicked you when you failed and ignored you when you succeeded? What of your twins that fight for this side? Will you kill them in the name of Wizeman? Examine where your loyalties lie and think where they should be!" The rebels cheered loudly, some even shouting out names in the hopes that their twins would hear. Picusha found Itself joining in as It spotted another deep blue form drifting uncertainly behind Reala. "VESPA!" Tier added Its own voice. "Terrace!" "Fight for those who love you, not for him who would use you!" Knight raised one fisted hand into the air. More cheering, and many rebels landed to stamp their feet, eager to be turned loose against the enemy. Reala growled. "Enough! We have our orders. Our purpose in life, our one goal, our destiny! We know our one, true path, and will not be turned away!" His own hand went high, golden claws flashing in the light. Tier sweatdropped. "He has a point, y'know. . . " Picusha smacked It on the head. "Shut up." Knight watched the huge group of Nightmaren. He wondered if his words would really buy him any defectors, especially with Reala's strong leadership. "Nightmaren! Attack!" Reala's fist came down, and the enemy surged forward. Without waiting for their signal, the rebels broke formation and flew to fight. Knight was hoping it wouldn't come to this. He blinked. He wondered how many Nightmaren were guarding Nightmare. He made his way as covertly as possible away from the battle. Picusha blinked as their forces disregarded all training, but there was little choice. It was pulled into battle. As Picusha fought, a checkered figure raised a sword to strike. Tier abruptly landed in front of Picusha. "Terrace, no!" The other pink and green checkered Nightmaren hesitated. "Tier. . .!" Knight felt guilty as he fled from the fighting. But he knew that it was not a fight they could win, and this may be the only way to save them all. "Bless you all. . . we may yet win this fight in the end. . ." He zoomed off toward Nightmare. Nightingale scowled as she noticed the fleeing form. She glanced at Reala, busy slashing his way through the few rebels foolish enough to challenge him. Smiling, she too abandoned the battle in favor of pursuing Knight. As Knight arrived in Nightmare, he scanned the area for any guard. "Terrace. . .please!" Tier's mint green eyes were wide, pleading. Terrace closed Its own, rose colored eyes. "Tier, I. . ." The sword rose again, and Tier closed Its eyes, awaiting the killing blow. Instead, the sword clattered to the ground. Terrace choked back a sob. "I. . .I can't!" As the Nightmaren around them paused, Terrace frowned. "How can we kill our twins?!" It flew into Tier's embrace, causing further conflict between the two sides. Reala snarled as several of his soldiers abandoned their posts to seek out their twins. "Stop this, you fools! Your twins are dead! All traitors are dead!" His shouts and threats went unnoticed by many. Picusha flew away from Tier and Terrace, scanning the countless Nightmaren. "Vespa? Vespa!" It dodged several strikes, seeking Its own twin. Vespa abruptly appeared in the way, Its face grey with grief. Picusha backflipped to avoid crashing. "Vespa!" It started forward, but something stopped It right before a sword came down where Its head would have been, had it gone further. Picusha stared at the blade, then at the hardened eyes of Its twin. Its own, crystal blue eyes closed in sorrow. "I see. . ." Vespa nodded quietly. The anguished scream went unnoticed among the sounds of battle. As Knight flew through the empty corridors of the castle, a pale, purple figure darted after him. Nightingale twisted, trying to crash into him and bring him down. "You!?" He noticed her too late, slamming into the corridor wall before hitting the floor. "Me!" She confirmed, smiling in satisfaction. He swung an elbow at her chin, trying to squirm free. She wasn't expecting the attack, and shrieked as she fell away. He squirmed out from under her and flew down the corridor again, searching, searching for his Ideya. Ideya first, then NiGHTS. Nightingale wiped her chin before taking flight again. "Aaron!" He shouted behind. "What!?" A deep, blue blade whistled past his ear, narrowly missing. "Never drop your guard!" Nightingale grinned cruelly as she brought the blade up for another swipe. He hit the floor immediately. "Duly noted!" He kicked at her gut. She grunted, dropping the sword, but brought her leg around, catching him in the back of his knees. "You should have stayed outside. You don't belong in here!" He fell again, unable to stand through the attack. "Neither do you!" He gritted his teeth. Knight thought to himself, trying hard to conjure for himself a long metal staff. He hoped it would work with weapons as it worked with his clothing. "Idiot!" Nightingale flew at him, but not before a staff had appeared in his hands. Aaron quickly swung it upwards. She shrieked as it struck her, and tumbled to the ground, where she stayed. Aaron was shedding tears like rain. He left her lying, and staff still in hand, he continued his search for Ideya. He hoped he hadn't hurt her truly. "Oooh. . ." Nightingale groaned before opening an eye halfway. She decided that one quick nap wouldn't do any harm, and let her eye slide closed. The castle was eerily silent, except for the faintest of voices. It sounded like a Nightmaren, but it also seemed to be coming from below. Aaron tried his best to follow the voice. . . A shrill scream pierced the battlefield as the combatants backed off for a breather. In the silence, the cry was perfectly audible from inside. It was instantly echoed by another, slightly higher scream. Knight stopped at a window, peering out as he heard the shrill cry. The Nightmaren backed away from a limp, checkered form. Just beyond, a second, almost identical but reversed figure crouched, a feral look in Its eyes as It glared at Reala. Reala flexed his blood stained claws before stepping close to Terrace. It backed away, glancing fearfully at Tier's still form, stained with red. "You. . . killed It. . ." Reala grinned. "Your turn." He shouted in surprise and fell forward as something grabbed his leg. Twisting, he saw a pair of minty eyes frowning back. Tier released Reala and pushed Itself up. "No one. . . hurts. . .Terrace. . ." A green dagger flashed into sight, sinking into the ground as Reala twisted, sending five yellow daggers ripping across the lesser Nightmaren's chest. Knight's eyes flew wide open. He screamed. In the corridor, Nightingale also screamed, and threw herself into the air. She quickly caught up to Knight, but simply joined him in watching. "Tier. . .!" Knight had never felt so much anger and rage before in his entire life. Tier's eyes widened in shock before It crumpled. Terrace's scream silenced everyone, even Reala, but the Nightmaren was finished fighting. It simply fell over the body of Its twin. Knight flew from the window, searching frantically. He had to find them. He had to find them because he had to kill Reala. He had to make him suffer. . . Nightingale watched dumbly, not noticing when Knight left. "Tier. . ." As the battle recommenced, a single, purple figure fell to its knees by the window, hot tears staining the silken costume, even as she snarled at herself to stop.
And the battle rages on. . . End of Part Seven
Part Eight: Things Can Only Get Better. . .
Feeling that he had searched high, Knight turned his search low and headed down a staircase that seemed to go underground. A row of cells greeted Knight as he reached the bottom of the steps, silent except for a soft, half hearted murmuring that might have been an attempt at a song. Knight was stirred briefly from his rage as he looked into the cells. ". . .torn away, from all that pains. . . rip away the tears. . .scatter wide the healing rains. . .forgotten through the years. . ." The words became audible as Knight neared one of the cells. Knight approached the cell. "Hello. . .?" The singing instantly stopped. No sound came from the cell except for the faint creak of a birdcage hanging from the ceiling. Knight tried to pull the cell open. The occupant of the cage seemed to be waiting for him to speak, not daring to make another noise. "Wh-who are you...?" Knight asked. "Who're you?" A sarcastic voice like someone on helium retorted. Knight hesitated, recognizing that tone. "Topper?" The prisoner snorted in disgust. "No, genius, I'm Topper. Now who're you?" Knight nearly fell over. "I'm Knight! Topper, how long have you been here!?" "Aaron?!" The cage trembled as its occupant tried to see out. Knight tried to pry the cell open with his metal staff, but the bars refused to budge. "How do I get you out of here, Topper?" The cage shook slightly, and Knight had the impression of Topper shrugging. "How should I know? I'm just a Nightopian!" Knight looked around the room for keys to the cells, but none were in sight. Lacking any better solution, Knight finally gave up and tried using his staff to knock the cage down. "Whoa! Hey, watch. . .ACK!" Topper instinctively flapped as the cage crashed to the ground. The covering fell away to reveal the twisted metal and the figure inside. Pink wings twitched, poking out of what had once been the side of the cage. "Aaron. . .never do that again." "I won't." He hoped he'd never have to. "Everything is going wrong. I need to find my Ideya so I can go kill Reala." Topper pushed himself up, finding a hole in the cage large enough to escape through. He flew to the bars of the cell and reached out with a pudgy hand. "Aww, hey. . .c'mon, kid. It's not that bad. You found me!" Aaron sighed. "Tier is dead. I can't hope for anything better for Picusha and the others." "What?!" Topper landed hard, having a hard time accepting what he'd just been told. Knight couldn't say any more. He continued his search for the Ideya. Topper blinked, waving both arms through the thicker bars of the cell. "H- hey!" He turned back to look at him. "Oh. . . Sorry. How do I get you out of there?" The Nightopian took a breath, then let it all out, backing up to fly at full speed for the bars. He ended up being wedged between two, and flailed wildly. "Help!" "Topper!" Knight grabbed him and started pulling. Topper came free with a pop, sending both of them flying backwards. Knight grunted. From his lap, Topper managed a grin, dusting him off. "Um. . .thanks, I think." "Aaron. . .?" A soft voice came from further down the hall. "No problem. . ." Knight looked up at hearing his name. Topper flew ahead, then squeaked. "Aaron, hurry up!" He jumped up, picking his staff up and ran after Topper. The Nightopian was standing in front of a short series of stone steps, pointing helplessly toward a stone doorway. Knight tugged at it to open it. "C'mon, harder!" Topper urged, straining to help. He stumbled and panted heavily, obviously exhausted. Knight pulled as hard as he could. "Aaron! Y. . .you weren't supposed. . .to come back!" NiGHTS unmistakable voice came through the stone, tired but as strong as ever. "I never promised you." Aaron retorted as he strained. Topper gulped as a shadow fell over him, and he tugged at Aaron's leg. "Uh. . .um. . .ah. . .Aaron?" Aaron turned to look back at Topper. "What. . ." He saw the shadow and looked up toward what was making it. A slender arm knocked Aaron away. "Move." He fell to the ground, his staff rolling a little way away. He looked up. "What. . .?" Nightingale stepped forward, placing a hand on the stone and closing her eyes. "Open for me." She watched impassively as the stone slid aside revealing a cell not much larger than a small closet. She stepped back, her expression never changing. Knight reached out and grabbed his staff back to himself. NiGHTS all but tumbled out, yelping as he hit the floor. Even Nightingale gasped in shock when she saw the hero's injuries. "NiGHTS?!" Aaron was more than a little shocked. Topper had backed into Nightingale, and the two stood unsteadily a short distance away. NiGHTS retained his usual smile. "Hi, guys." Knight climbed to his feet. "NiGHTS? Do you know where my Ideya are? I have something very important to do." NiGHTS blinked from where he was laying crumpled on the steps. He made an attempt to lift himself, and made it into a sitting position. "What's. . .happened. . .?" Nightingale's eyes were squeezed shut. "Tier's gone. . ." NiGHTS' eyes widened in comprehension. Knight's expression was grim. "NiGHTS, I would wager that they're all gone." He gritted his teeth in frustration. "And I need my Ideya so I can kill Reala." NiGHTS looked shocked for the first time. "Aaron. . . " The tears were flowing once again. "He can't get away with this!! He'll pay for hurting them! He'll pay for taking them away!!" He punched the dungeon wall. A purple figure threw itself at him, but Nightingale simply held him tightly, pressing her face against his shoulder. Knight embraced her and cried long and hard. A small, pudgy form joined in, hugging their legs together. Topper's eyes were closed. "Not Tier. . .!" NiGHTS watched helplessly. Nightingale opened her eyes, looking down at Topper without removing herself from Knight's side. A distant shouting finally reached them, as if someone had begun to lose their temper. NiGHTS frowned at the familiar voice. "Reala. . ." Knight's eyes flashed open. "NiGHTS, I need my Ideya, now. Do you know where they are?" NiGHTS turned his gaze on Aaron, pleading silently. He didn't bother to speak, he didn't need to. His eyes said it all. 'Don't kill my twin. . .' Knight turned his gaze away from him. "Don't look at me with those eyes. . .You know he wouldn't hesitate to kill you. . ." He let out a long sigh, finally thinking about all of the implications of what he was about to do. "I won't kill him, NiGHTS. . ." He realized that he couldn't do it. He realized that he couldn't be like Reala. "I promise." NiGHTS managed to drag himself into an upright position, avoiding Knight's gaze. He limped unsteadily past, pausing to see Nightingale. The two seemed to test each other for a moment before he continued on. "No. You. . .know what you need to do. Reala and I share the same destiny. Only I can face him. . ." Topper glanced up at Knight before waddling after NiGHTS, leaving him along with Nightingale. Knight picked up his staff and walked after Nightingale. Nightingale watched quietly, frowning slightly at the staff. "What now? Are you going to take out your frustration on me?" He dropped the staff and it disappeared before it hit the ground. He looked stunned. "How. . . how could I do that?" "You're only human." She replied calmly. Knight wiped his nose on his sleeve. He sniffled and his costume faded back to his dreamer's clothes. "I don't want to hurt you. . . I never want you to hurt again." She smirked. "I didn't think that you wanted to hurt me to begin with." "I never wanted to hurt you. . ." He confirmed. Nightingale smiled. "Because of your friend?" She rested a hand lightly over her chest. He sighed. "I don't want to hurt anyone. . .I just want things to go back to the way they were." The Captain shook her head. "For you, it's easy. Just wake up. You don't have to see what's happened outside. . .but what if you're wrong about the battle? What if your friends have won?" Knight sighed. "Then I have someone else to mourn for. . . It doesn't matter who's won or lost tonight." Nightingale shrugged. "Then go back and help them." "I can't help anyone. . ." Knight refused to look at her. She frowned. "NiGHTS is going out there practically by himself. He has no reason to think that he can win, and that hasn't stopped him." He blinked, realizing that she was right. "Where will you go?" She sighed, folding her arms. "I haven't thought that far ahead yet. . ." NiGHTS strode quietly forward, not up to flight yet. he paused as he reached the entrance, listening to the shouts outside. Reala came up behind one of his own Nightmaren, slashing the fool across the back. The unfortunate Nightmaren's twin gasped and backed away. The Nightmare General sneered. "Stop this foolishness. Forget your twins and fight!" "Have you forgotten about yours, Reala?" A soft, soothing voice caused the red and black Nightmaren to whirl in shock. "NiGHTS!" At his stunned murmur, the battlefield went silent. I've searched this whole castle. . . I can't find what I'm looking for. . ." Aaron was desperate. Whatever hope NiGHTS had instilled in him was gone now, and he had no hope of his own to replenish it. Nightingale frowned darkly, and her hand whipped out, striking Aaron hard in the face. Aaron closed his eyes, but otherwise didn't react. He opened them again once the pain faded. She glared and balled her hand into a fist, punching him. She watched in satisfaction as he went down. "Has your courage left you as well? Are you going to run?" Knight frowned. "I'm not afraid of you. And I'm not running away. Do to me what you will" Nightingale's expression was fierce. "I don't want to do anything to you! You possess a Red Ideya, and yet you're cowering in the darkness, waiting for the enemy to finish you off!" Knight glared. "Fine." He started on his way out of the castle, walking past her. She closed her eyes, cursing quietly before flying after him. She backflipped as an enormous, round form blocked the steps, peering down at the two of them. Aaron's staff returned to his hand, but his clothing stayed the same. "Move aside." Puffy laughed musically. "What's this, Nightingale? Are you singing duets with the enemy now?" Nightingale smiled back. "Shut up and do what he says, Puff-ball." Aaron held his staff ready. Unlike Nightingale, he actually had a knowledge of how to use his weapon of choice. Granted, he had taught himself from a book... but that was better than nothing. The Second Level Nightmaren laughed again. "I don't have to Do Rei Mi anything that you say!" That said, She squeezed in and bounced after them. Nightingale cried out as she was struck and hit the floor. Aaron jumped back, and swung hard at the bouncy Nightmaren with his staff. Puffy dodged. "Naughty boy!" She cried out as Nightingale rose under her, straining under the weight. "Ung, she's heavy! Hey, Aaron! Batter up!" Aaron grinned, taking the staff into a baseball bat grip. "Hope this strikes a chord." He swung hard with all his strength. Nightingale hurled Puffy. The Nightmaren shrieked off key as she was struck and flew through the far wall. Nightingale leapt high. "And she's outta there!" "Home run." Aaron continued out of the castle toward the battle he hoped wasn't over yet.
Hurry, you two, NiGHTS needs help! End of Part Eight.
Part Nine: The Circle Unbroken
"It's NiGHTS!" The murmur swept across the field as the purple Nightmaren appeared behind Reala. For his part, Reala managed to hide his shock. "You just can't wait to die, can you?" NiGHTS smiled pleasantly back. "I'm in no hurry, but I would like to stop anyone else from dying." He looked past Reala, frowning at the limp bodies, many of which were already deteriorating into wisps of energy and blowing away. Reala grinned. "You're still soft." NiGHTS shrugged, wincing painfully. Reala noticed and laughed. "And it seems that you won't have the chance to mend your ways!!" He flew at the purple Nightmaren, claws extended. NiGHTS frowned and dropped to the ground, evading. He grimaced as the movement caused his injuries to reopen. Flight was out of the question in his current condition, but he couldn't fight on the ground. He was in trouble if Reala continued to attack. The General of Wizeman's army turned and flew at NiGHTS again. NiGHTS sighed. "I don't suppose I can convince you to land and talk to me?" He dodged another pass, narrowly avoiding being struck by those yellow claws. "I guess not." "I have nothing more to say to you, brother!" Reala grinned, looking forward to this kill. NiGHTS saw the bloodlust in his brother's icy blue eyes and scanned the area, looking for anything at all that might help. Reala took advantage of NiGHTS' distraction and landed, smacking him roughly across the face and sending him sprawling. He blinked as a small, pudgy form flew into his face, stubby arms battering harmlessly. "You leave him alone, you big dope!" Reala stood still for a moment, watching the Nightopian's attempt at an attack in amusement before he cracked his knuckles. He calmly raked his claws through the air, knocking the Nightopian to the ground. NiGHTS had just gotten up. "Topper!" He turned angrily toward Reala, who grinned. "You care too much, NiGHTS. . . and that's going to be your downfall." NiGHTS glanced at where Topper was pushing himself up. If he could just keep Reala distracted. . . . "Maybe you don't care enough" Reala followed his glance, and smirked. "Oh, I see. . ." He turned and strode over. Topper saw the threat and threw himself out of the way as five claws sank into the ground where he had just been laying. "Yeow!" Reala pulled his hand free, frowning at his mud caked claws before wiping them clean on his vest. NiGHTS darted forward as Reala was about to reach Topper, and knocked Reala aside. He cried out as Reala turned on him, slashing viciously. He was no match for Reala on his own. . .where was Aaron? Aaron was in fact, on his way toward NiGHTS that very moment. He was still wielding his metal staff and was still not wearing his Nightmaren disguise. "Aaron? You don't have to fight. . . you know that I'll have to stop you!" Nightingale flew after him, her expression dark. "I know! But I have to protect them!" He kept his determined expression. She called forth that strange sword again. "Well, in that case. . ." The blue blade came down toward Aaron. "Enguarde!" He held his staff up to catch the downward strike. She instantly lashed out with a purple tipped foot, kicking at his middle. He took the kick in the gut and fell over. As he hit the ground, he swung his staff at her legs. She tilted wildly, gasping in pain, but remained hovering. "Aaron!" The shout came from outside as NiGHTS dodged slash after slash of Reala's deadly claws. Aaron scrambled to his feet again, taking off toward NiGHTS. "No!" Nightingale flew to tackle him. He didn't make it far as she dragged him to the ground. 'Let me go! You know this is wrong!!" "I know that I have to stop you. That's all!" She retorted, pulling hard at his legs to drag him back. He pulled as hard as he could to get away from her. "Please! Let me go!" Meanwhile, NiGHTS took a hit and collapsed, breathing heavily as fresh blood seeped into his costume. Reala turned to smile at the combatants just inside the castle entrance. "Good work, Nightingale! Hold him!" Nightingale's eyes seemed to sparkle as she grinned, nodding. Aaron flipped himself over on his back to look at Nightingale's face. "Don't you remember what he just did to Tier!?" Nightingale hesitated at the reminder. The hesitation was quickly replaced by a malicious expression as she raised her sword high, ready to bring it down. "It doesn't matter!" Aaron stared into her eyes with a pained and angry expression. "Aaron!" NiGHTS threw himself into the air. In a heartbeat, he was beside him, catching the blade with his arm before forcing Nightingale against a wall. She struggled, but was hopelessly outclassed. With his free arm, NiGHTS reached out to Aaron, hand open. Aaron took the proffered hand, closing his eyes tightly. Instantly their perception changed as they merged. Nightingale sagged as she was released, watching helplessly as Aaron/NiGHTS took flight once again, heading for the battle. Topper was waddling as fast as he could as Reala tried to take out his frustration on a seemingly helpless Nightopian. Topper took flight to avoid a slash, but stumbled and landed again, resuming his waddling. As he stumbled, Topper squeezed his eyes shut. "NiGHTS!!!" He was instantly scooped up an instant before Reala's claws came down. NiGHTS winced at the slash, but it wasn't serious. "Is this exciting enough for you?" "I think I've had enough excitement for one night. . ." Aaron sighed. "I've had enough for one lifetime!" Topper replied exhaustedly, laying limply in Aaron/NiGHTS' grasp. Reala scowled as Nightingale peered out of the castle. "Nightingale, what are you doing?!" Startled, she darted out and landed beside Reala, only to be batted away. Reala glared. "Get NiGHTS!" Nightingale nodded and flew after the retreating Nightmaren, glancing back at Reala as she did. "What a grouch. . ." NiGHTS landed at the edge of Nightmare, depositing Topper. "You'd better go." Topper stumbled and peered trustingly up. "Right. . . you guys take care of yourselves, okay?" Aaron smiled at Topper. "You too." Topper smiled weakly, then waddled back to Nightopia and out of sight. NiGHTS sighed regretfully before turning back toward the battle. He was distracted by Nightingale flying for them. "Oops! Aaron, any ideas?" Aaron considered. "We have to find Molly. . ." He scratched his head. "I'm not sure how we're going to do that. If Tier's. . .If Tier didn't do it. . .then I don't know what will." NiGHTS straightened. "Did you manage to talk to her while you were awake? Maybe something that she said will help us now." Nightingale's eyes flashed angrily as she bore down on them. "You're getting me in trouble! I'm going to make you pay for that!" Aaron frowned as Nightingale narrowly missed. "She didn't even remember at first. . .she was upset with me when she did. I don't quite know why." NiGHTS pressed harder. "But she did remember? Did she try to help?" Aaron shook his head. "She just wanted to rest. . .She didn't say anything very helpful at all." He watched as Nightingale closed in on them. "W-wait. . ." He closed his eyes. "I think I remember." NiGHTS was silent, waiting. Aaron saw in his mind the picture that Molly had drawn. He tried to make that face, that smile that NiGHTS had in the picture. NiGHTS blinked in surprise, trying to take control of himself. "Aaron, this isn't the time to be silly!" No, we have to make her laugh!' Aaron struggled to keep the smile on his face. As Aaron succeeded in making NiGHTS grin, a flood of silent laughter seemed to be released. It swelled inside, aching to be released somehow. Nightingale pulled up short, blinking at NiGHTS' sudden grin. "NiGHTS. . .?" Aaron stamped his foot on the ground and started tickling himself and NiGHTS along with him. NiGHTS almost fell, but managed to stay upright, hugging himself in an attempt to stop the tickling. The grin became genuine as he laughed. "What are you. . .?" Nightingale smiled too, obviously amused. "Stop that!" Aaron tried to pry his hands out of the hug so he could keep tickling. "Stop tickling me!" NiGHTS shouted in between giggles. Nightingale slapped a hand over her mouth, sitting down to watch. "Why? Ticklish?" Aaron kept it up! NiGHTS twisted violently, as if he could stop the attack that way. "You know that I am!" He dissolved into laughter, sinking to his knees. Nearby, Nightingale wiped tears away, struggling valiantly against the laughter that threatened to overwhelm her. "Yeah. . .I know. Great, isn't it?" Aaron was on the verge of laughing as well. He was ticklish himself. NiGHTS grinned mischievously all of a sudden. "You know, two can play this way!" He abruptly doubled over, driving his hands into his tender belly, where he knew that Aaron would feel it the most. The tickling reached new heights. "H-hey!! No fair!" Aaron swallowed the laughter that nearly erupted. "All's fair in love and war!" NiGHTS retorted, barely choking out the words. He was vaguely aware of Nightingale falling off of her rock, giggling loudly. Aaron couldn't hold it in any more and began laughing loud and hard. This of course, had the effect of making NiGHTS laugh even harder. Nightingale squealed shrilly, gasping for air and wiping away the tears that were streaming down her cheeks. "She. . .she's down. . ." NiGHTS gasped, still laughing as he struggled to stop his hands from moving. "Good, then stop, stop, stooooop!!!" Aaron gasped along with him. NiGHTS grinned. "I did stop!" Aaron blinked. "Oh. . .that's me." He stopped tickling himself. Nightingale was laying curled on her side, laughing helplessly. She reached new levels of laughter at Aaron's statement. NiGHTS turned to the huddled, giggling figure. He glided over, standing over Nightingale as she laughed. "Okay. . .now what?" "Uhm. . . you know, I'm really not sure." He took a chance. "Molly? Are you alright?" She laid perfectly still, eyes closed against the tears of laughter. Aaron had the advantage of being inside NiGHTS, who couldn't cry, allowing him to see clearly. NiGHTS blinked and reached out to tap Nightingale on the shoulder. She giggled in response before moving to sit up. Moving quickly, NiGHTS caught her under the arms and lifted her into his grip. "Gotcha!" Aaron grinned. "Ooh, do we get to tickle -her- this time?" Nightingale gasped, snapping out of it as she found herself caught. "Hey!" She struggled helplessly, suddenly anxious. NiGHTS smiled. "We don't have to. She can't do anything to us right now." "Aw. . .Maybe later. . ." Aaron was a little disappointed. NiGHTS shook his head as he easily maneuvered Nightingale into his arms and took flight. "That would just be cruel, she's obviously not a fan of tickling." Nightingale glared as she squirmed. "Put me down!" "Nah, she thinks it's hilarious!" Aaron grinned. "I hate your guts." Nightingale retorted, angry. "Really? I love you." Aaron replied happily. Nightingale clenched her fists, seeming to swell, and NiGHTS blinked. "Um, Aaron. . .that's enough." Aaron sighed, catching on. "I guess I shouldn't anger her, eh? Oh well, I thought she'd get a kick out of it." "Oh. . .yeah!" Nightingale took his suggestion, lashing out with her feet. NiGHTS cried out as he was struck in the face, and fell backwards, accidentally letting go. "Drat. . ." Aaron was not happy. "Now do you see that it's not nice to taunt ensorcelled villains?" NiGHTS rubbed his face as he rose again. Aaron folded his arms. "But I wasn't taunting." Nightingale halted her attack suddenly, staring past them as if hearing something. Without another word, she flew into Nightopia. NiGHTS stiffened. "She knows!" Without bothering to say what Nightingale knew, he gave chase. Aaron let NiGHTS take full control of their flight. They followed Nightingale far into Nightopia, landing quickly as she slowed and glanced apprehensively around. As she approached a small patch of Nightopian eggs, NiGHTS let out his breath and released Aaron, watching. Aaron looked around, realizing what NiGHTS had done, then he looked at NiGHTS with a look that asked, 'What are you doing...?' NiGHTS simply pointed to where Nightingale had knelt. A small blue, pink, and white figure stirred at Nightingale's touch, looking up. She regarded Topper quietly, pityingly, oblivious to anything else. Aaron walked slowly toward her, stopping a few feet from her. NiGHTS moved as if to stop him, then relaxed and rose to stand nearby. Nightingale didn't seem to notice that she was no longer alone, but Topper did. He smirked up at Aaron. "Hey, kid. . ." "Hey, Topper. . ." Aaron didn't know what else to say. Nightingale closed her eyes. "Topper. . . did Reala. . .?" Topper chuckled. "Naw. No claw marks, see?" He lifted an arm to indicate his untouched form. And yet something was unmistakably wrong. The Nightopian frowned at the two faces hovering over him, and spoke in a soft tone. "Hey. . .did you two come just to stare at me?" He seemed amused. Aaron shook his head. Nightingale looked away. Topper smiled and relaxed, blinking. "Well, you're here for a reason. To ask questions? Or to say. . ." Nightingale frowned. "You know why we're here, Topper." The Nightopian shrugged in silent agreement. Aaron stood there, dumbfounded and clueless as to what to do next. "Uhm... Topper? What's wrong?" He wondered aloud. Nightingale looked disgusted. "You. . ." Topper chuckled softly. "Naw, that's a fair question." Nightingale fell silent. Topper shrugged. "Hey, Aaron. How long've I known you?" Aaron thought for a second. "I. . .I don't know. . .a week? A few days?" Topper thought for a moment. "Lesse. . . I was there when you first came to Nightopia. . . that was one. . . then there was when you came sweeping in by yourself and panicked the entire camp. . . And tonight made three. . . when you took over the rebellion in NiGHTS' place. . ." He nodded. "It's been longer than I thought." "It's felt longer to me. . ." He looked at the ground. Topper smiled. "Yeah. . .it was fun." Aaron smiled back. "Wh-why are you talking like I'm never going to see you again. . .?" Topper sighed and looked away, unsure of how to explain. "T-Topper. . .?" Aaron moved closer to it. ". . . I'm almost six nights old now. . ." Topper admitted quietly. Aaron looked confused. He didn't quite know what kind of significance that had. "You're younger than I thought, Topper. . ." Topper grinned. "Younger?! You don't know much about Nightopians! Come on, kid, I'm not a Nightmaren. Unlike NiGHTS, I have a limited lifespan. . . very limited. . .and. . ." he shrugged, leaving the rest for Aaron to figure out. Aaron's eyes grew large and misty. "T-topper. . .you can't. . ." Topper chuckled again. "What, do I need your permission? Nightopians are a dime a dozen, if we lasted forever, there'd be no room for dreamers." He glanced at Nightingale, who made a show of looking away. You're not like the others, Topper. . .You're special. . ." He frowned at Nightingale. Topper sighed. "Too much time spent around those court jester wannabes. . ." Nightingale smiled weakly, sensing the affection that Topper held for his Nightmaren friends. From his place, NiGHTS blinked. He hadn't realized that Topper thought of him that way. "I. . .I don't want you to go, Topper. . ." Aaron held back his tears. Topper shrugged, smiling as he let his eyes drift halfway closed. "I'm sorry to do this to you guys. . . but it's not like you're going to have a chance to miss me." "Topper!" Nightingale was surprised by his words. Aaron blinked. "What do you mean?" He was just as surprised as Nightingale. Topper closed his eyes. "You're not going to see me anymore. . .but I'm still going to be a part of your dreams. . ." Nightingale lunged, scooping Topper up. "That's not good enough!" The Nightopian squeaked in surprise, his eyes flying open before he relaxed again, smiling. Aaron walked to him slowly, putting his hand on Topper. Topper blinked questioningly. "Aaron. . . I have to. . ." Aaron leaned in close to listen to what he had to say. The Nightopian smirked before his expression faded into one of exhaustion. "I'm glad that I got. . .to know you guys. . . I want you to do me a favor now. . ." Nightingale blinked. "What is it?" "Anything." Aaron looked determined. Topper grinned briefly before relaxing. ". . .win. . ." Aaron nodded. "I will. . ." Nightingale let out a soft whimper as Topper seemed to grow lighter in her grip. Aaron put his other hand on Nightingale's shoulder. As they watched, Topper's smiling form faded slowly away, revealing a faint, iridescent sparkle that convulsed once before spreading wide and dissipating into the air. Aaron felt the tears starting again. He'd already cried so much tonight. What was a little more? Nightingale sat in stunned silence for a moment before dropping her gaze. A drop of moisture sank into the purple silk of her lap. Aaron had not removed his hand from her shoulder. A strangled sob finally ripped free, and Nightingale leaned hard into Aaron, giving into the emotions that she knew were not her own. Aaron put his arms around her, holding her lightly and crying with her. He wanted Molly back. Nightingale stiffened suddenly, standing up and brushing tears away. "This is too much. . .it ends now!" She glanced at Aaron briefly before taking flight and hurrying at top speed, back to Nightmare. Aaron stood as well, walking to NiGHTS. "Now what. . .?" NiGHTS was facing the opposite direction, head bowed. He didn't seem to hear right away. He touched him lightly on the arm. "NiGHTS. . .?" NiGHTS smiled gently and turned, carefully placing a finger on Aaron's cheek. He lifted it close to his own face, studying the moisture. "It's really not fair. . . that you can cry, and I can't. . ." Aaron turned his sad eyes to the ground. 'Nightmares weren't made to cry,' he thought to himself. But what he said aloud was just, "I'm sorry, NiGHTS. I wish. . .I wish that you could merge with me. So you could cry. . ." NiGHTS smiled. "You know, that's the nicest thing that anyone's ever said to me. . ." He abruptly cheered up in one of those famous Nightmaren mood swings. "Well, we'd better hurry back!" He offered a hand again. Aaron smiled weakly and took his hand. This time, the merge felt like second nature, and in no time at all, they had returned to Nightmare.
Back to where it all began. . . End of Part Nine
Part Ten: True Courage
"NiGHTS!" An orange and yellow Nightmaren waved, leading two others. "We have missing Nightmaren, but we got lucky. Look what we found!" between the two smaller Nightmaren rested a familiar powder blue form, one hand pressed tightly over Its belly. NiGHTS released Aaron again before gliding close to see Picusha. He frowned at the tattered remains of one lacy sleeve. The orange and yellow Nightmaren noticed and grinned. "Picusha did that Itself. It stopped the bleeding." It pointed to where the thin strips had been tied around Picusha's slender waist and over the wound. Aaron floated down with NiGHTS. "Picusha! It's so good to see you!" Picusha opened Its crystal blue eyes, but they were strangely dull. It managed a slight nod. NiGHTS glanced at Aaron before frowning. "Picusha. . .?" "It was Vespa that attacked Picusha." They turned as a pink and green checkered form stepped closer, cradling another close. Terrace's rose colored eyes were filled with pain. Aaron nearly mistook Terrace for Tier. He sighed at hearing this. "I'm so sorry, Picusha. . ." Picusha simply closed Its eyes. NiGHTS turned to concentrate on the figure in Terrace's arms. Tier hung limply, a sad smile frozen on Its round face. Aaron looked away. A soft noise, so faint that it could have been imagined came briefly.
Aaron blinked, looking back toward Terrace and Tier. Terrace blinked in surprise at Aaron's expression, looking down at Its twin. Tier hadn't moved at all. Aaron stared. "D-did you hear that?" Terrace shook Its head, not daring to hope. NiGHTS turned to Aaron and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What is it?" Aaron shook his head. "Nothing. . .I just thought I heard something. . ." He sighed. A soft exhalation, as if someone had been holding their breath answered him. His eyes flew open. "That was it again." Terrace gasped and fell to Its knees, still cradling Its twin. Tier's mouth moved slightly for an instant. "T-Tier. . ." Aaron spoke hesitantly. Fingers twitched before Tier frowned faintly. It groaned softly before Its eyelids lifted just enough to show the minty green eyes beneath. "Tier!" Aaron flew to Terrace's side. Terrace cried out and held Tier tighter, almost defensively. Tier's eyes opened fully, and It blinked before wincing. "Ow. . ." "Tier!" Tier roused fully at Terrace's voice, and Its face lit up. "Terrace!" It sat up, but in the process, caught a glimpse of Its chest, bloody and sporting five gouges. "Uhhh. . ." With a whimper, It fainted all over again. Aaron shouted, "Somebody help it!" NiGHTS laughed. "Tier will be fine, but just to be safe. . .can someone rouse Picusha? It's the healer!" NiGHTS turned toward the castle. "What happened to Reala?" A smaller, pure black Nightmaren with red, claw-like fingers and gleaming eyes drifted close. "Reala was attacked by Nightingale. The two went inside together." "What. . .?" Aaron looks surprised. The strange Nightmaren turned those red orbs that served as eyes on Aaron. Aaron was a little unnerved by it. NiGHTS saw the problem and quickly placed an arm around the other Nightmaren. "It's okay, Aaron. Shara's just a Last Generation Nightmaren." "A. . . a what?" He looked confused. "Oh. . .I see." He remembered what he had been told about the groups of Nightmaren Wizeman had created.
Reala flew through the corridor, confused and injured. He had been taken completely off guard when an enraged Nightingale had driven her sword into him. Luckily, the girl was not a killer, and the injury was only a shallow one to his shoulder. What bothered Reala wasn't his injury. What could have happened to change Nightingale? She had been as dark souled as himself and willing to obey every command. Nightingale saw Reala retreating, and gave chase. Like Aaron, she knew that it wasn't for her to kill the Nightmaren General, but she fully intended to have her revenge. And what form of revenge would hurt him most? The answer came from deep inside. Deprive Reala of his favorite toy. She stopped inside the castle, puzzled. If the way to harm Reala was for her to leave him, how would she go about doing it? Again, the answer came. She would simply relax and allow her better side to take over. With a sigh, she closed her eyes. Molly stretched. "Wow, that was some nap! I. . ." She broke off, realizing where she was. "Oh. . .I'm still napping, huh?" Abruptly, she remembered what had happened. The deaths, the betrayals, and the one responsible for all of it. "Reala. . ." Reala stood quietly, facing his throne. It was impossible for Nightingale to betray him. She had to be merely confused, and needing his guidance. "Reala!" He smiled as he heard the shout, filled with pain and confusion. "Ah, my Nighti. . ." he broke off as he turned to find a human female in a purple sweatshirt and dragon print pants. "Molly. . ." He stated the name, frowning. Molly advanced, not in the least bit intimidated by the yellow claws that Reala flexed as a warning, or the cold stare that he had fixed on her. Reala allowed her to halt directly in front of him, so that she was forced to stare straight up into his face. "You are out of uniform." He noted. Molly grinned. "Yep, and out of your control. Sorry, mime boy. . .Nightingale's gone." She yelped and jumped back as he slashed at her, grinning down before she realized that she was hovering. "What. . .?" Reala smirked and took to the air. Molly gasped as she saw two sets of claws flying for her and shouted the first thing that came to mind. "I'M IN TROUBLE!!!" Outside, NiGHTS jerked upright at the shout and took flight without any explanation, leaving several confused rebels and one puzzled human behind. Molly shrieked as she dodged a swipe through luck more than skill. Undeterred, Reala flew at her for the kill. "I don't think that he wants my Ideya anymore!" She noted, scrambling to escape. The claws were inches away when they were suddenly pulled safely away. Molly blinked. "Huh?" Reala grunted as both of his tassels were held firmly by NiGHTS. The purple Nightmaren grinned. "You know what, Reala? I've always secretly wanted to do. . .this!" His hands moved quickly, and Reala's tassels were tied together in a nice, neat bow. Molly stifled a giggle as NiGHTS flew to greet her. "NiGHTS!" NiGHTS studied her carefully. "So uh. . .are you still mad at me?" Molly blinked. "I was mad at you? Why. . .oh!" She sighed as she remembered being abandoned by NiGHTS. NiGHTS winces as Reala struggled to fix his tassels. He ultimately decided to simply kill them first and worry about his appearance later. NiGHTS glanced quickly back before turning to Molly. "Nevermind, right now we have to beat Reala and get out of here!" He held a hand out, his purple gaze meeting hers. Molly gasped as she saw the rampaging Reala. She looked at NiGHTS, then at his hand, hesitating. "Molly!" NiGHTS' eyes were wide as she failed to merge with him. She screamed as Reala narrowly missed her, and ran to the far wall. NiGHTS clenched his fists before giving chase. "Hey, wait!" Molly's heart was racing as she watched Reala turn around for another pass. She blinked as NiGHTS abruptly fell to his knees. "Please!" He held his hands high and clasped, pleading. She stared, unused to seeing NiGHTS in this particular position. "N. . .NiGHTS?" He gazed imploringly at her, and she gulped, turning to see Reala flying straight for them. She turned back to NiGHTS and took a hesitant step toward him. Their hands touched, and the merge occurred. Molly opened her eyes to see Reala directly in front of her. She started to scream, but it was cut short by a dazzling view of the room, spinning rapidly. Rather than feeling dizzy, she was overwhelmed by excitement, and she knew that NiGHTS felt the same. The two turned as one to face Reala. Reala laughed. "Depending on dreamers again, NiGHTS?" NiGHTS smirked and felt Molly echoing his words. "Maybe you should try it sometime!" The two figures spun in a tight spiral, heading higher with twin startrails flowing below their forms. Molly concentrated on Reala's movements, and thought to NiGHTS. 'He's concentrating on our startrail, this is the time for a physical attack!' NiGHTS nodded ever so slightly and suddenly rammed a knee into Reala's gut. Winded, the red and black Nightmaren grunted and fell. "Yeah!" Molly. She and NiGHTS each raised an arm, clapping the hands together in an odd variation of a high five. Reala didn't fall far before he'd recovered. He flew up high again. "Now, Ni. . ." he paused, looking around the now empty room. Yellow claws clenched tightly until his palms were bleeding. "NiGHTS!!!" NiGHTS winced at the outraged scream as he and Molly swooped out of the castle. "We could've taken him." Molly stated, not pleased with the retreat. NiGHTS grinned. "You've still got some Nightingale in there, Molly. We could have fought on, but I'm not at my best. It wouldn't have ended well. Besides, our friends are waiting for us." "Friends. . .right. . ." She turned to study the landscape under them, forcing NiGHTS to jerk his chin up. "They won't blame you." She was silent for the rest of the flight. NiGHTS landed in front of the others. "Hey, look who I found!" As he "dropped" her, Molly caught herself before she could stumble, but kept her gaze low. Aaron's eyes grew wide and he smiled. "Molly! I'm so happy to see you!" He ran toward NiGHTS and Molly. NiGHTS stepped back to let the two dreamers greet one another. Molly smiled weakly, but refused to meet Aaron's gaze. Aaron's smile slowly faded. "Molly? What's wrong?" She just shrugged, wondering how Aaron could be so friendly after everything that had happened between them. A colorful figure caught her attention, and she turned to look at Terrace. She gasped when she saw Tier dangling limply in the Nightmaren's grasp. Aaron turned to look at the pair as well and then looked back to watch Molly's reaction. NiGHTS quickly stepped in front of the twins. "It's okay, Tier'll be just fine!" Molly blinked and glanced hesitantly at Aaron for confirmation. Aaron nodded, smiling. "It's going to be okay." "But. . .It was. . ." She paused, remembering seeing Reala rip those deadly claws through Tier's chest. Aaron winced, as though seeing the same memories. "Yeah, It was. But not any more." As if on cue, Tier let out a low groan. "Will someone please turn off the sun? I'd like to sleep in. . ." Aaron grinned, thinking about how at least the two dreamers were quite possibly sleeping in as they spoke. Molly smiled as well. It faded quickly. The smile on Aaron's face faded with Molly's. "Molly. . .Tell me, what's wrong?" He asked her quietly. She shook her head, walking over to a boulder to sit down. "I don't know which is the nightmare, and which is the dream anymore. . ." She admitted in a soft voice. Aaron followed her sitting beside her. "How can I help? Anything I can do, I'll do it." She frowned. "Don't you get it? I'm. . . not me! Wizeman. . . he did something. . ." She squeezed her eyes shut, pained. Aaron didn't quite understand. "What did he do?" NiGHTS' smile faded, and he went to check on Picusha, unsure of how to handle this turn of events. Molly let out a long, shuddering breath. "I don't know. . .but he somehow trapped me inside myself. I was like that up until Topper. . ." She broke off, bothered by the memory. Aaron looked away. He didn't much want to talk about it either. A soft sob escaped her. When Aaron looked back, she was hunched over, clenching her hands. Aaron scooted closer to her, putting his arm around her, attempting to be consoling. "Please don't cry. . ." She shook her head. "You don't get it. . . I wasn't even there! And I wasn't exactly friendly to him. . .it's not fair!" "I. . .I know I can't get it. . .but I want to be here for you. It's all I can do." He closed his eyes. Molly opened her eyes. "I just feel badly. . . and I can't even say that I'm sorry. . ." She turned to look at him, grey eyes glistening. Opening his eyes, he looked into hers. "You're forgiven. I know that you're not Nightingale. You don't have to be sorry." "Not that, before." She found herself admiring his eyes. She opened her mouth to say more, but was interrupted. "Aww, so where's the romantic music when you need it?" Molly winced and turned to frown into a pair of minty green eyes. "Tier!" Tier just laughed as Terrace rolled Its eyes. "You big dummy. . ." Aaron nearly fell off the rock. "Tier! If you weren't half dead, I'd kill you!" Tier winced. "Thanks for the reminder. . ." It was currently hanging in Terrace's arms, smiling upside-down at them. Molly slapped a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. Aaron smiled as well, not hesitating to chuckle a bit at Tier. Tier laughed happily, then doubled up, trembling slightly. "Note to self. . .never laugh again. . ." Terrace blinked, gazing at Its twin worriedly. "Tier?!" Aaron's smile turned to a look of worry. "Tier, are you alright?" Molly winced sympathetically. "Poor thing. . . " Tier nodded, looking strangely serious. "Fine. . ." It choked the word out, wincing painfully. "You should go lie down." Aaron suggested, Molly nodded her agreement. "Really. . .what am I doing now?" Tier smirked weakly. Terrace frowned. "What do I look like, a sofa?!" Aaron blinked. "Do they even have sofas in Nightopia?" "Sort've. . . " Tier confirmed. "When someone's dreaming about one. . ." Aaron shrugged. "Oddly enough, that makes sense." "There's a first time for everything, I guess." Molly agreed, having the impression that Tier didn't often make much sense. Tier answered by coughing and squeezing Its eyes shut. NiGHTS came back at the sound of coughing, pointing at Tier. "You. Back to camp and into the healer's tent. NOW!" Tier winced, unable to respond. Aaron stood up, offering to carry It. Terrace blinked, not knowing where the camp was. Still, It was obviously unwilling to hand Its twin over to anyone. "Well. . .I'll show you where the tent is." He smiled, hoping to comfort Terrace more than Tier. "Wait. . ." One of the other rebels, a Nightmaren in varying shades of green spoke up. "Can we trust Terrace? It hasn't even joined us yet!" Terrace held Tier close, worried by the green and pink Nightmaren's silence. Aaron sighed. "Terrace, will you betray us to Wizeman, knowing it will doom Tier to death?" Terrace closed Its eyes. "I. . ." It hugged Tier close, eyes flying open in alarm as It received no response. "I don't care, just help It!" "I trust Terrace." Aaron confirmed. NiGHTS looked thoughtful. "Tier needs help quickly, but Daras is right. If Terrace can't bring Itself to betray Wizeman, we can't risk bringing It back to camp." Aaron sat back down. "Take it back then. Maybe Terrace trusts you more. . ." Terrace stepped back in alarm as NiGHTS walked over, but reluctantly allowed him to take Tier away. NiGHTS' eyes widened slightly, adding to Terrace's alarm. "Help It!" The pink and green Nightmaren pleaded. Aaron floated down off of the rock to land by Terrace, putting his hand on Its arm. "Tier will be allright. Don't worry." NiGHTS nodded, not looking at all convinced as he turned to head back. Aaron watched NiGHTS as he left, hoping that what he said wasn't a lie. Terrace groaned, turning away and hugging Itself. Its arm was stained with Tier's blood. Aaron wished there was something he could do. He floated back up onto the rock beside Molly. Molly sighed. "I don't know who I should feel sorry for. . .Terrace or Tier?" Aaron nodded. "Both." She turned to look at him. "Do you think It'll be okay? I didn't like that look in NiGHTS' eyes. . ." "I don't know. . ." Aaron looked down. Picusha was carried past then, looking at them without really seeing. Aaron bit his lip. Molly frowned, seeing Aaron's reaction to this strange Nightmaren. "Aaron, do you know It?" He nodded. "This is the rebels' healer, Picusha." Picusha blinked at Its name, and Molly managed a weak smile. She sighed as she was ignored. "Not exactly social, is It?" "I-It's usually different. . ." Aaron felt a little scared. Molly regarded him with a quiet, stunned expression. Terrace frowned and stepped in the way of the Nightmaren carrying Picusha. "Picusha, you saw Tier. Will It recover?" Picusha blinked, studying Terrace before closing Its eyes. Terrace gasped as the two continued past, sinking to the ground. Molly scooted closer to Aaron. "I definitely don't like the look in Picusha's eye. . ." Aaron shook his head as the Nightmaren left, leaving them with Terrace. "Me neither. Molly abruptly jumped from the rock, wobbling in the air before she managed to get back onto the ground. "Whoa! I wish I knew how I did that. . ." She tried again, and managed to hover without flailing her arms for balance. "It's not hard." Aaron floated over to her, hovering just in front of her. "Show off. . ." She muttered, kicking as if she was swimming. She wasn't making much progress. Aaron grinned. "I suppose it takes a little practice. . . you just have to remember, this is a dream. Gravity isn't quite the powerful force it is in the waking world. Terrace sighed and flew briefly around them. "Legs are only for take offs and landings. The real thrust comes from the hands. . . although for you, I suppose you'll need your entire arm." It demonstrated by snapping both arms tight against Its sides. It instantly rose above them. "The key is to want to go somewhere. Will it, and it just happens!" Molly looked from Aaron to Terrace. "Well, I've had flying dreams before. . . I guess this makes sense." She thought about flying higher, and abruptly sailed up and above her friends. "Hey, look at me!" "See? You can do it." Aaron grinned. She didn't answer, but instead turning and zipped in the direction that NiGHTS and the others had gone in. He floated up to follow after her. Terrace watched them go and hesitated, torn between loyalties. It resulted in the Nightmaren doing a little dance in place as It struggled to choose a course of action. It finally decided to head back to Castle Nightmare, and flew away on Its own. "Reala!" In Nightmare, it was a defeated Reala who answered his Master's call. Wizeman extended a hand, studying his favorite creation. Reala stood tall, accepting the inspection. Finally, Wizeman spoke. "The girl is missing." Reala bowed his head. "Yes, Wizeman." Wizeman considered for a moment. "This is twice that you have lost her, Reala." Reala nodded unhappily. "Yes, Wizeman." Wizeman's eyes narrowed. "You will not fail me again." Reala stiffened slightly. Was Wizeman going to destroy him? No, he could sense that his Master had something else planned. "Reala. . . you will report to me now. How did the girl come to undo my spell and escape?" Reala dropped his gaze again. "I do not know, Wizeman." He grunted as an enormous hand abruptly snatched him off his feet, holding him high so that the others could close in, staring. "I think that you do know. You are defending her." Wizeman's voice was as calm as ever. Reala grimaced as he was squeezed. Wizeman considered. "What has happened?" The hand holding Reala suddenly became much tighter, and the Nightmaren felt his vision blurring. He refused to cry out, even for Wizeman, but he was rapidly losing consciousness. When the Nightmaren finally sagged, Wizeman relaxed and became exceedingly gentle, raising another hand to gently stroke his creation. "Reala. . . what has happened? Why are you confused?" The five eyes on his unused hands came to life, replaying the images from Reala's recent memory as Wizeman sifted through his thoughts. He paused on an image of Nightingale wielding a sword, as if about to strike. Wizeman fast forwarded to the confrontation with Molly, leading to her escape. "These are the facts, Reala. But why are you emotionally affected?" He reached deeper, drawing a faint grimace from the unconscious Nightmaren. A gentle stroke along Reala's backside quieted him as Wizeman continued his search. At last, he found what he wanted. Not a memory, but a stray thought. Reala flying with Nightingale, and a sense of happiness and peace. "So. . .this is the answer." Wizeman regarded Reala quietly before continuing to stroke him. "This then, is what you desire. . . my son?" Of course, he received no response. He continued. "It would seem that it is in my interest to do as you wish. Very well, Reala." He opened his hand and allowed the Nightmaren to lay there. "Very well." Tier lay quietly as Molly and Aaron arrived at the camp. Picusha had finally managed to bandage the green and pink Nightmaren's chest before returning to Its own pallet to wallow in Its own thoughts. Molly glanced anxiously at Aaron as they entered the healing tent and saw Tier. She didn't like the pale cast to Its skin or Its lack of movement. Aaron tried to keep his expression neutral, but fear was gradually creeping in. NiGHTS himself was seated against a wall, apparently half asleep. However, cat-like eyes gleamed softly at them from beneath partially lowered eyelids. Molly walked over and reached out to brush a finger against Tier's cheek. She jerked it back, alarmed. Aaron looked confused as he walked after her. "What is it?" She looked very worried. "It's too cold!" She reached out again. Tier wasn't exactly cold, but Its temperature had dropped considerably, probably due to loss of blood. Aaron walked up beside her, touching Tier as well. "You're right. . ." He looked over to NiGHTS, wondering if he was allright. NiGHTS straightened to return Aaron's gaze, looking calm, but worried nonetheless.
He walked over and sat next to NiGHTS. "What are we going to do?" NiGHTS shook his head. "There's nothing that we can do except hope." He sighed. "Tier shouldn't have wasted Its strength, making jokes before." Aaron's face took on a look of guilt. "I'm sorry. . ." "It wasn't your fault, Aaron." NiGHTS smiled encouragingly, placing a hand on his shoulder. Aaron smiled weakly. Molly stomped a foot, drawing their attention. "NiGHTS! Is Tier dying?!" She was tired of avoiding the subject. NiGHTS hesitated, dropping his gaze. He yelped as she stormed over and grabbed him by the collar. "NiGHTS!" Aaron rose out of instinct, fearing the answer. NiGHTS sighed when Molly released him. ". . .I'm afraid so." Molly turned away, that was not what she had wanted to hear. Aaron closed his eyes as well. "W. . .was. . .was Tier going to die before? Before It made all the jokes and used up all Its strength?" NiGHTS refused to look at them. "Possibly. . . It had lost a lot of blood. Everyone thought that It was already dead." "What about a transfusion?" Aaron wondered. NiGHTS shook his head. "You're still thinking as if this were the Waking World. We don't have the medical equipment. . ." He glanced at Tier, then back to the two dreamers, as if considering something. "But?" Molly prompted, impatient. "So. . .so, we'll dream the medical equipment up. If I can dream up staves, clothing. . .why not that?" Aaron tapped his foot impatiently. NiGHTS frowned, being realistic. "Because those were simple items directly linked to you. Do you have close, personal knowledge of how to perform a blood transfusion?" Molly made a noise of exasperation. "So stop shooting our ideas down and tell us what we can do to save Tier!" Aaron folded his arms. No, he didn't have any idea how to perform a blood transfusion, but it was a better idea than letting him die. NiGHTS considered, gazing at each of them thoughtfully. Molly turned to see Tier, and yelped in sudden fear. "It's still bleeding! NiGHTS, just spit it out! What can we do?!" NiGHTS rose. "Okay. . . I believe that you can save Tier. There was a time when I was in a similar position." Aaron listened attentively. NiGHTS frowned. "I had used up almost all of my energy in order to help the last two Red Ideya dreamers, Claris and Elliot. As a result, I was near death. My own shard was almost completely drained of energy." Molly gave NiGHTS her full attention as he went on. "Claris and Elliot sacrificed their Red Ideya for me. It granted me a second chance at life, but they lost their power." Aaron looked like he was just hit with a bus. Molly didn't look much better. NiGHTS turned his violet gaze on the two of them. "You can do the same for Tier, but think it through carefully. If you do this, you will never be the same again. You may not even be able to return to Nightopia." "This. . .this is the only Ideya I have left. . ." Aaron's other Ideya flashed through his memory briefly along with his futile attempt to retrieve them. Molly blushed. "Not quite, Aaron. . ." "What?" Aaron looked to her. She smiled. "Nightingale had a slight temper tantrum before she disappeared. The Ideya Capture was destroyed, so every Ideya should have returned to its owner." He looked up into her eyes. "Then Tier can have my Red Ideya." He looked down again after he'd said those words, feeling guilty for withholding it to begin with. NiGHTS stepped closer, curious. He hesitated, almost afraid before letting his hand hover close to Molly's chest. "May I. . .?" She gulped, remembering the stolen Ideya that had started this entire mess. She took a breath and nodded, bracing herself. Instead of removing an Ideya however, NiGHTS simply concentrated. A yellow glow illuminated his hand. He smiled. "This is very good news." He turned questioningly to Aaron, wondering if it was worth doublechecking that they both had their Ideyas returned. Aaron nodded to him. NiGHTS stepped closer and held his hand out. Three glows appeared, white, blue, and yellow. NiGHTS dropped his hand and stepped back, nodding. "You have your Ideya back, allright. How do you feel?" Molly just shrugged, she still wasn't feeling like herself. Aaron on the other hand, smiled. "Better." NiGHTS smiled faintly back. Molly glanced at Tier, then sighed and walked over to the tent flap, gazing out at the camp for the first time. NiGHTS frowned slightly and caught Aaron's eye before indicating that he should speak to her. Aaron nodded to NiGHTS. He knew he needed to talk to her, but he wasn't exactly sure what he was going to say. He walked toward her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Hey. . ." She stiffened, but didn't move away. "What?" She spoke in a soft tone. Aaron regarded her quietly for a moment before speaking. "I can't make you give your Red Ideya to Tier, but if you don't, It's going to die. And Wizeman can't make you keep it from Tier, either. You can make your own decisions, and you have to make this decision. Will you or will you not save Tier's life?" She clenched her fists. "It's not that! I. . . " She sighed. "It feels wrong, somehow. . . you know Tier, but I don't. Of course I don't want It to be hurt, but. . ." Aaron shook his head. "If you don't want to give up your Ideya, then don't. . . Don't do something you'll regret." He turned around and walked back to NiGHTS. "Take mine. Take them all if it will save Tier." Molly squeezed her eyes shut, hurt to be cast aside so abruptly. "You don't understand!" She ran out, unable to bear being in the tent with a half dead Nightmaren and someone who thought that she didn't care. He turned and ran after her. "Molly, wait!" Aaron lifted up off the ground, hoping to fly in front of her to halt her. Molly ran through the camp, pushing Nightmaren and Nightopians aside. She just wanted to be out of there. She wanted more than anything to wake up and know that it had all been just a bad dream. Aaron still called after her, "Please, wait!" She ran into the forest and sagged under a tree, only vaguely aware of the strange traffic light hanging from the branch over her head. A minute or so later, Aaron finally was able to catch up with her. She did her best to ignore him. "Molly. . . I know I don't understand. I know I can't understand. But I want to understand. And I never meant to hurt you with what I said. Please talk to me. . ." Aaron stood nearby her, hoping that she wouldn't run away again. Molly simply closed her eyes. "Of course you don't understand. . . you've never been there. You don't know what they really are." Aaron considered. "I know what NiGHTS is. And I know what Tier is. They're not all the same, Molly. And I don't think any of them are truly evil. . .none of them except maybe Reala." He was only just beginning to feel the shame he had of himself for truly wanting to kill him. Molly shook her head. "That's just it. Reala's the only one who I can relate to. He's more. . . human." She sighed. "That sounds insane, I know, but he said things when he thought that I wasn't really hearing him. . ." Aaron sat down beside her. "What sort of things?" She looked away, flushed. "Just. . .things." She dropped her gaze, feeling a pang of guilt. "I've gotten him into trouble. . .Wizeman's going to hurt him for sure. . ." Aaron felt a guilty expression creep onto his face as well. "I wish I knew what to do. . ." Molly turned to look at him, and her tone was firm. "Look, just because I was able to get away doesn't mean that I'm back to normal. Can you imagine having your darkest fears and negative emotions brought to life to replace you? And she's here, right now." She held a hand over her chest, feeling something like a pain in her spirit. "I know. I know it's not that easy to bury a negative feeling." In his mind, he flashed back just a little while ago when he'd seen the look in NiGHTS' eyes, begging him not to kill Reala. He remembered, now even stronger, the guilt and remorse he'd felt for wishing death upon another living creature. He looked down at the ground. "I don't think she'll ever go away. She's a part of you. She was before Reala brought her out, and she will always be. But you are Molly, and no one can take that away from you." She considered. "I just. . . can't think straight. At least there, I knew what was expected of me. I don't even know where I am right now, and everyone just stares at me!" Sure enough a small flock of Nightopians took flight as she turned to glare at them, squeaking as they fled. Aaron watched them go before turning back to her. "No one is going to order you around here. You have to find out what you want and then do it. I. . . I wasn't trying to say that you didn't want to do what was right. I just didn't want to force you into giving up something as precious as your Red Ideya if it wasn't what you wanted." He sighed. "All I want is for you to have what you want." Molly stood up. "What I want is to wake up and never fall asleep again! I. . ." She froze, startled as something moved nearby. A shadowy figure clung to one of the trees, flexing lethal claws. It sprang for the dreamer, reaching out with those claws! Aaron stood with her, and saw the thing coming as it leapt for Molly. He dove toward her, hoping to get in between her and the impending doom and to knock her away. Molly gasped as she was knocked backwards. The shadow swept harmlessly overhead as they fell, missing Its target. Molly pushed Aaron aside and stood up again, turning to face her attacker, just as it landed briefly and came at her again. This time, it connected, ripping what looked like a shadow free before darting away through the trees. Molly stumbled and reeled, arms flailing for balance. Aaron reached out to steady her. "Molly! What. . .what was that?" She sagged briefly before catching herself, and turned to see him. "I don't know, It looked like one of those weird last generation Nightmaren!" "What did It do?" He sounded quite confused. She took a deep breath, then blinked, smiling hesitantly as she felt a great weight lifted from her. "Took away. . .my dark side. . .I think." Aaron looked even more confused, but he smiled as he saw the smile upon her face. NiGHTS looked up as they returned to the healer's tent, his usual smile plastered to his face. Aaron waved to NiGHTS, still smiling. NiGHTS waved back before turning toward Molly. Something was different about her, he could tell. "Molly. . .?" He grunted in surprise as she darted forward, embracing him. He hesitantly put his arms around her before glancing questioningly toward Aaron. Aaron shrugged, unable to erase the grin from his face. Molly seemed to realized what she was doing, and looked up at NiGHTS. "I'm sorry. . ." She saw the confusion in his eyes and smiled. "For not trusting you." NiGHTS smiled back. "Don't be sorry. . .it wasn't your fault." He smiled warmly at Aaron, confident that the dreamer had said something to make Molly feel much better. Molly decided not to mention the Nightmaren attack just yet. Aaron wasn't about to take credit for the change, but since he hadn't been asked. . . "So. . ." NiGHTS cleared his throat - which was quite a feat, considering that he didn't have one. "Have you two reached a decision?" "My decision is already made." Aaron asserted. Molly hesitated, remembering the first time that she'd seen Tier, after Aaron had carried her out of the castle. It had been very kind to her, and Aaron had later told her that It had fought the other Nightmaren for them so that they could escape. She definitely owed Tier a debt. And besides, she had discovered that she really liked the immature, green and pink checkered joker. It knew how to fix any awkward situation. Aware that all eyes were on her, she took a deep breath. "I'll do it." Aaron's smile widened, happy that Tier would be able to live. But his smile faded as he realized that he may never be able to see Tier again. "If we can't come back after this, I want you all to know. . . I'll miss you very much." NiGHTS smiled. "I have a feeling that you'll be back. You still have a lot of dreams as yet unrealized." He nodded and stepped back. Molly blinked. "Wait, what do we do?" The purple Nightmaren shook his head. "I really don't know. Just will it, I suppose. . .and touch Tier." Aaron nodded, waiting for Molly, so they could touch Tier together. Molly walked over to study Tier's silent form. "Tier. . ." She sighed sadly. "Before I do this, I want to tell you something very important. . ." She took a deep breath, then frowned. "You're an idiot." Aaron walked to Tier's side just behind Molly. He hadn't been expecting her to say something such as that. Molly smiled again and lifted one of the limp hands, studying the way that the arm lifted, despite there being no wrist. "A big, stupid, lovable, irreplaceable idiot. And I don't want you to ever change." Aaron grinned, realizing that she was very right. Aaron reached out to touch Tier's cheek. "She's right, Tier. . .I'll always remember you that way. . ." Molly felt a pain rising within her and closed her eyes. "Oh, stop talking like we're never going to see It again! I'm going to start bawling, and then I'll be in no condition to do anything!" Aaron nodded. "You're right. We will be back." He smiled, reaching out with his other hand to touch her arm. She looked back at him before placing both hands on Tier's injured chest, very lightly, as if afraid of hurting him. Her voice was suddenly filled with emotion, as if she were speaking to a beloved child. "Please, Tier. . .come back to us." Aaron mimicked Molly, placing his hands onto his chest as well. "Come back to us. . ." Molly blinked, looking up at Aaron in alarm as she failed to detect any heartbeat. Did Nightmaren even have a pulse? Aaron had a look of frustration. Why wasn't it working? Molly shook her head, terrified that they had waited too long and missed their chance. "Tier. . .please!" She felt tears welling up until she could barely see. Aaron wasn't willing to despair just yet. "Tier. Come back. . .take my Red Ideya. I give it to you." Molly glared. If she were giving up something as powerful as a Red Ideya, shouldn't there be some mystical glow, or a sensation of energy flying through her hands? "We're doing something wrong!" Aaron nodded. "But what is it? What are we supposed to do?" NiGHTS just shook his head sadly, not knowing the answer. He hadn't been fully aware of anything when Claris and Elliot had saved him. Aaron reached down and picked up Tier's hand, placing it onto his chest. "Please Tier, take it!" A loud scream startled them as Molly finally allowed the tears to flow. "Tier, you big idiot, are you doing this to us on purpose?! Come back now!" She gasped as a rose colored flash illuminated her hands. "Ah. . .Aaron. . .!" Aaron dropped Tier's hand, startled. "M. . .Molly? What. . .how. . .?" She sniffled, visibly shaken. "I don't know. . .the pain just got to be too much, and. . ." She watched dazedly as the glow intensified to a deep crimson and seemed to take shape, slowly collecting into a glowing sphere that hovered over her hands. Aaron looked down at his own hands and then back at Tier. Then he looked at Molly's forming Red Ideya. Tears began to well in his eyes as well. Why couldn't he do it? What was different about him? Molly closed her eyes. "You're holding back. . . let it all go." More tears slipped free as she spoke. He couldn't have held it back any longer if he wanted to. He felt the tears stream down his face as he fixed his gaze on Tier's eyes. Even though they weren't open. He didn't even notice, at first, as the red glow began again in his hands. "Aaron!" Molly breathed, suddenly hopeful as she noticed the glow. He jumped, realizing what had begun to happen. A smile crept back onto his face as hope sprang up again. "Be careful, you only want to give one Ideya!" NiGHTS cautioned as the glow took on a yellow shine briefly. Aaron smiled, nodding, and trying to hold back his hope for now. He reached out his hands, willing his courage and life into Tier. Molly smiled at Aaron, then gasped as two red orbs sailed away from them. Abruptly, they flashed brightly and flew with amazing speed for Tier, sinking into Its chest until no trace of their glow remained. Molly staggered, accidentally pulling away as she felt a great loss as if part of her were now missing. Aaron felt his knees buckle, nearly falling down. But he wouldn't let himself fall. "Whoa!" NiGHTS yelped, darting forward to catch first one dreamer, then another as they seemed on the verge of losing consciousness themselves. "Are you two okay?!" Aaron chastised himself silently. At least he hadn't meant to let himself fall. Molly smiled and held onto NiGHTS' arm to steady herself. She glanced at Tier and her face fell. "It's. . .still not moving. . ." Aaron was barely holding his eyes open. Not so strong as he would liked to have believed. The three friends stood close together, drawing on strength from one another in the face of what looked like another defeat. ". . .You try to move. . . when every inch of you hurts. . ." A soft voice, barely a whisper groaned. Aaron felt a smile creep across his tearstained face. "Tier. . ." Molly was less restrained and threw herself at the unfortunate Nightmaren. "Tier!" Tier responded by crying out as Its chest was squeezed. It managed a grin, though. Aaron rested his hand on Tier's arm lightly. "I'm so glad you're okay." Tier sat up, blinking dazedly. "Wow, that was sure weird. It was almost like I was having a dream! But that's impossible." "What did you dream?" Aaron wondered aloud. Tier considered. "I'm not sure, something about a light. . . " It shrugged it off. "I don't know what you guys did, but I feel great!" Aaron smiled. "I'm glad you're feeling better." NiGHTS smiled. "Tier. . . they gave up their Ideya." Tier blinked, turning to see Molly and Aaron as if It had only just realized who they were. Aaron scratched the back of his head, unsure of what to say. Tier gulped. "But. . . why would they, unless I was. . ." NiGHTS studied his feet as Tier realized just how much danger It had been in. Tier sat down. "Wow, that was scary. . . that explains the red glow that yanked me back, though. It was kind of fun, actually. . ." Aaron chuckled. "Glad you had fun, Tier." Molly wiped tears away. "Oh, Tier. . ."
Another happy ending. . .or is it? The End. . . for now.
EPILOGUE
3/1/2003. . . Well that was how the dream ended. It seems strange now that I was so willing to give up such a valuable gem. Especially to save someone who I barely knew, but stranger things have happened in dreams. And as I type here in my dream journal, I can't help but wonder if there isn't some fact hidden in there somewhere. I had thought that NiGHTS and his friends were nothing more than characters created by someone's sub- conscious. But the big question is, whose? Are they a part of my imagination? Or Aaron's? In any case, NiGHTS was true to his nature, and helped us to make our dreams come true. "Enchanted Kingdom" was a big hit, and Aaron and I even made it into the local newspaper! But I don't think that I'll be playing any more villains anytime soon. Whether my dream was real or not, I've had my fill of nightmare captains and dark thoughts. It's time to turn to something more pleasant. As I type, I'm preparing for another audition. A musical this time. Maybe I'll even get a part in it, who knows? Oh, and you're probably wondering about those dream characters, right? Well, Tier was badly shaken for a while. NiGHTS would never say anything, but I have a terrible feeling that Tier was already dead when Aaron and I tried to revive It. It's back to normal now, though, and causing no end of trouble between making plans to find Its twin, Terrace again, and trying to coax a word or two out of Picusha. Picusha eventually healed and returned to work, but as of yet, It still refuses to speak. Still, NiGHTS is confident that It will recover fully and speak again. As for Topper. . . well, I never did get to say everything that I wanted to tell the little cherub. But the funniest thing happened this morning. As I was waking up, I felt myself passing through a warm, comforting feeling. And right before I opened my eyes, I'm sure that I saw an iridescent mist. And didn't Topper say that he would still be a part of Aaron's and my dreams? It's good to know, even if it was only a dream. . . - From Molly's dream journal.
Aaron opened his eyes, looking up at the ceiling of his room. He laid there for a few minutes, watching the sparklies glint in the sunlight. Dragging himself out of bed, he pulled on some clothes and headed downstairs and wolfed down a bowl of frosted flakes. He took a quick shower and headed out the door, leaving his mother a note on the white board. He headed down the road toward the local coffee shop. He was very sure to check under the table for strange little sheep creatures. He wasn't about to be late for his newest audition. He had heard they were putting on a musical. He gulped down the rest of his coffee, burning his throat before realizing that it was still hot. He gasped and made a little scene before blushing and leaving the building to head for the Arts Council. He was hoping Molly would be there. One look into Molly's eyes would be all he would need to assure him that everything was okay. He had no doubt that the experiences he'd dreamed had been more than a dream. But he wanted to be sure that Molly was truly at peace with the sacrifice that they had made, the peace that he felt. A peace he had not felt all his life. Not before this morning, while he stared at the sparklies. . .that warm feeling, as if he hadn't yet woken up, and the sparklies were distant stars, making up grand constellations. One of them kind of looked like Topper. . . Aaron crept into the Arts Council as quietly as possible. He grinned as he saw Molly up on the stage, and he took as seat to watch her audition. He paid close attention to her expression, watching for the expression he knew would tell him what he needed to know. He couldn't help but be reminded of their first waking encounter. He hoped they would never play rivals again. A smile crept across his face as he saw it in her eyes. It was then that he knew she felt the peace he was hoping for. And the feeling only deepened his own.
I float. . . I drift. I hear. . .voices? I feel pain, I don't want to move! The voices are closer. "She's waking." She? Do they mean me? My eyes open. I can't see! Then a swirl of blue, beautiful blue moves away. . .and I see him. I do not know how or why, but I know this face. Paler than the moon, with eyes of beautiful, icy blue. His costume, alabaster white, diamonds down his front side, and red and black covers his tassels, vest, and boots. His hands. . . are sharp, golden claws. And I feel no fear as I gaze upon him. I know this Nightmaren, and know that that is also what I am. I lean forward, eager to speak his name and be recognized. "Reala. . ." He smiles at me, then. Not a painted, false smile. A real one, and a glint of some undefined emotion pierces through the blue ice that is his gaze. He approaches me, then, and takes my hand. Ah, I see now. I have hands. Slender, finely bones, but tipped with sharp nails. I obediently step closer to him, and for one brief moment, I see myself reflected in those beautiful eyes. Silky, pale purple, with silver highlights and a silver gaze, and a smooth, peaches and cream complexion. I know then exactly who and what I am. I am Nightingale, created for the sole purpose of being Lord Reala's consort. I smile up at our master, Wizeman. To exist, to simply be. It is a marvelous feeling, and I look forward to whatever the future may hold.
"Indeed. . .this battle will be your last!" The menace in the voice could be felt through the audience as the two figures onstage spoke their lines. Molly tried her best not to laugh when Aaron responded with a pompous tone. "Claim what you will, but in the end, good is always victorious." The two lifted their swords as if to battle, as the curtains lowered to the thunderous applause of the audience.
Behind the curtains, Molly slid off her Nightmare Captain mask, a gruesome black and white face that reminded her unpleasantly of Reala's. "Phew, this thing's hot!"
Aaron grinned. "This outfit isn't all that much better, you know..." He wiped the sweat from his forehead. Molly chuckled. "Well, at least we get to take these costumes off when the play ends!" She emphasized her words in an odd way, as if her thoughts were elsewhere. "I'm glad for that. . ." Aaron nodded. "You're doing a great job tonight, keep it up!" He smiled.
"Molly, Aaron. You're on in ten minutes." The director smiled as he peered in. Molly waved to show that she'd heard. "I hate nightmares. . .what made me want this role anyway?" She shrugged at her own foolishness. "Everyone matures, changes." Aaron suggested. Molly shrugged. "I guess, but growing up's no fun. Let's get a drink before we have to go on again." She started toward the soda machine in the hallway.
"Good idea." He smiled and followed her out toward the machine. "Just have to be sure not to get anything on my costume..." "Oops!" Molly playfully tossed a can to him before opening one for herself. Aaron laughed, catching it, and holding it far away from himself to open it, just in case. "Ack! Hey!" Molly yelped as a stream of fizz struck her in the face. "I'm blinded!" She fell melodramatically. On the floor, she writhed. "The. . .White Knight has. . .triumphed!" That said, she relaxed and "died." Aaron tried not to laugh and kneeled down to help her up. "Are you allright?"
Molly opened her eyes, rubbing them. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just sticky." Aaron chuckled a little. "Aw, come on, get up. We're on in a few minutes. Here, let me find you some paper towels. . ." He went to the nearby bathrooms and brought her back a few towels to clean up with. She stood up and patted her face dry. "Thanks, Aaron. It's a good thing that that didn't get my costume wet!"
Meanwhile, a pair of large eyes watched with interest. "Nightmare Captain and White Knight? That sounds exactly like their Nightmaren costumes to me." Topper pointed out, eyes half closed. Behind the Nightopian, two Nightmaren pressed against one another, struggling to see inside the bubble that Topper had created. "Hey, lemme look! I've never seen the Waking World!" Tier complained as NiGHTS won and leaned over to look. The Nightmaren hero grinned. "Too slow, Tier." NiGHTS smiled fondly at the two humans as they made their way back onto the stage. "They're good. And that means that I'm good." Topper rolled his eyes. "They're not Claris and Elliot, NiGHTS. Their problem was trusting and being brave, not bruised pride and stage fright!" NiGHTS made a face, then blinked as the bubble popped. "Oh no! Aaron was just about to say his line! Quick Topper, make a new bubble!" Topper sighed. "Nightmaren. . ."
On the stage, Molly fixed her mask, then raised her plastic sword, posing behind the curtains. "Ready? You have the next line." Aaron nodded. "Always ready!"
As the curtains rose, Molly drew back, silently cuing Aaron as she pretended to be disgusted with his righteous attitude. "Take up your sword and defend yourself, warrior of darkness!" He brandished his plastic sword. "All that you see was spawned by the darkness, White Knight! Soon you shall be one with the void!" Molly turned the last word into a hiss, winning a couple of chuckles from the audience. That hiss hadn't been in the script.
"The darkness is nothing to the blinding light of truth and good! You will fall!" He slashed out at her. She jumped back, out of the way before darting forward to slash viciously at his chest. From the audience, shouts of "Get her, Knight!" Were heard. Some people were even cheering for the villain, much to Molly's amusement. Aaron barely managed to block the attack, just as planned. "You cannot win! Come away from the darkness and end this!" He slashed back at her.
Molly parried his thrust, both hands on her blade as she pushed to keep his from reaching her. "Ung. . . NEVER!"
She braced herself before whipping to the side. This was the part where she was stabbed in the side. The swords were only plastic, but a clumsy "stab" could still hurt.
"Hey, they're fighting!" Tier protested as the bubble was restored. NiGHTS smiled. "It's not real."
"So be it!" Aaron made the scripted stab as carefully as he could without looking unrealistic. Molly let out a scream before falling to her knees, then to her side. She hated this scene, it was too sappy and cliché. She pushed herself up, moving stiffly as if in pain. She looked up, eyes wide with shock as a hand was offered to her for the big "let's kiss and make up" scene, as she called it. The White Knight pulled his sword back. "It doesn't have to end like this. . . let me help you." He offered his hand. The Nightmare Captain drew back as if afraid of being burned. "You . . . would help me? What trickery is this?! To help me is to welcome nightmares into your kingdom of dreams!" Those words sounded familiar, but she ignored the feeling.
"Hey, I like that 'Kingdom of Dreams' bit." Tier grinned. NiGHTS nodded his agreement.
"There is no trickery. The light is truth. If you would turn away from the darkness, the light will welcome you home. . ." The audience was silent, waiting to see what the Nightmare Captain would do. In Nightopia, two Nightmaren leaned closer, grinning in anticipation.
After a dramatic pause, Nightmare Captain placed a clawed glove in White Knight's hand. The audience applauded as the curtain fell.
Topper smiled. "Way to go, kids. . ." He rose and waddled away, unnoticed by the cheering NiGHTS and Tier.
Unfortunately, someone else was watching. Wizeman's half covered face betrayed no emotion as the scene played out in the eyes positioned in each of his six hands. These two humans had escaped him, a fact that he was determined to do something about. A hand opened toward an Ideya Capture, which revealed four Ideya. Two yellow, a blue, and a white. Without their Ideya, it would be difficult for Aaron or Molly to return to Nightopia. They could however, enter Nightmare. And once there, their rare, Red Ideya could be harvested before NiGHTS or his followers could do a thing about it. Silently, Wizeman summoned his Shleep and sent them forth.
". . . So that's it." Molly said in her Nightmare Captain voice, extending a hand to indicate something beyond the audience. "The nightmares have ended and your kingdom is restored. There's nothing left for a living nightmare like me." She looked up as White Knight placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're wrong, Nightmare Captain. There is always something more." The two stood together as the rest of the cast stepped onstage for a final bow. The audience applauded as the curtains fell. Molly grinned as she and Aaron left the stage. She was just pulling her mask and gloves off when she froze. Aaron blinked as he untied his sword sheath. "Is something wrong?" Molly shook her head, frowning. "I thought I saw something. . . it's nothing."
As they left, the Shleep peered out from behind an old piano before drifting stealthily after them. Aaron smiled. "I bet you're right. Hey, wanna go get some coffee or something?" Molly grinned at the idea. "Good idea, I don't know why, but I'm wiped! Coffee will wake me up."
Their favorite coffeehouse, Novadeers was almost empty at this time in the afternoon, so after ordering their drinks and something to snack on, finding a table was easy. Molly sighed as she eased herself into a seat, waiting for her cappuccino to cool off. Aaron sat across from her, starting into his frappuccino immediately. She smirked, trying to hide how exhausted she was all of a sudden. "You'll burn your tongue off that way."
She blinked and shook her head, dazed. Placing a hand to her temple, she groaned. "I'm really asleep. . .what did I just say?" She failed to notice the Shleep resting beside her foot. Aaron looked concerned. "You were just saying I was going to burn myself . . . Are you alright? Did you not get very much sleep last night?" He blinked. He was beginning to wonder if the dream was real. Molly shook her head. "Eight hours. . .I shouldn't be so tired. I. . . " She had been pushing her mug away and now slumped forward over the table, narrowly missing the candle in the center. Aaron jumped to his feet. "M-Molly? Are you alright?" He wondered if she needed medical help. . . He looked around for an employee.
The Shleep gave a soft bleat, pleased with itself. It looked up at Aaron, then realized its mistake and scrambled to dive out of sight. "Wh-what in the world?" He jumped up, running to grab the Shleep. The Shleep bleated in alarm and dove under a neighboring table before changing its mind and making a beeline for the exit. Throughout the resulting chaos, Molly simply slept, peacefully oblivious to her friend's trouble.
Aaron chased the little thing toward the exit, not worried about how it may look to the guy behind the counter. He didn't need to worry. The sleepiness seemed to have affected everyone in the shop. The man behind the counter and seated on a stool, leaning on the counting and snoring. Aaron didn't take the time to wonder just why he wasn't also asleep, at least not yet. "Baaa!" The Shleep finally jumped through the door and escaped, leaving Aaron by the door, with puzzled passers by giving him odd glances.
Aaron growled at the little thing before returning to Molly and shaking her, attempting to stir her from her slumber. Molly didn't react at all to being shaken, but she frowned slightly as if troubled by whatever dream she was having.
"Oh no. . . It's him." Aaron suddenly wished he hadn't chugged the caffeinated drink.
"When did I fall asleep?" Molly looked around, puzzled as boulders and half dead trees appeared around her. "I knew that I should have finished that coffee in one gulp!" She started to walk, trying to find her way to a more hospitable place, but was stopped in her tracks by a familiar figure in red, black, and white. In the coffee shop, the young woman grimaced in her sleep, squirming slightly. Aaron picked her up, intending to take her home, and then to get home himself as fast as possible.
Aaron left Molly at home in her bed, fumbling up some excuse that she was exhausted from the play and had fallen asleep after the performance. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep on his own, so he took a few of his mother's insomnia pills against his better judgment and laid down to try to make it to sleep.
Now is not the time for insomnia, Aaron! End of Part One
Part two: Return to Nightopia
Aaron materialized on the border between Nightmare and Nightopia. He looked around him, realizing where he was. "I made it. . ." He flew up into the air, heading top speed for NiGHTS' tents. Topper looked up in surprise as Aaron whizzed past and started to call, but was overlooked. The Nightopian sighed. "Crazy Sunday flyers. . ." He continued on his way.
In Nightmare, Molly yelped as Reala dumped her onto the floor in front of Wizeman. She looked up and felt an urge to burst into tears as her worst nightmare returned in full force. "No way. . ." She screamed as Wizeman reached out and grabbed her in one of those enormous hands, squeezing the resistance out of her. Reala winced, well aware of what that felt like. When the girl sagged, exhausted, Wizeman finally spoke. "You have caused me a great deal of trouble. And Reala, a great deal of pain." Molly opened her eyes, noticing that Reala's costume was stained as if he'd been bleeding. From what she'd heard of Wizeman's temper, she could only imagine what had happened to the Nightmaren upon losing his captive. The dreamer felt no guilt at all, confident that all the damage had been done by Wizeman and not her. Still, Molly didn't dare to voice that thought. Not while Wizeman was in a position to squeeze her out of existence. And who knew what would happen to her in the real world if she died here?
"Reala." Wizeman's voice was soft, almost gentle. Reala flew until he was eye level with Molly. "Wizeman has promised to take you back. To prevent a repeat of last time however, you will be enchanted. And. . ." The Nightmaren General grinned like an evil mime. ". . . You will be mine." Molly knew that she should have been terrified, but something was bothering her. She frowned at Reala. "Okay. . .now where did you get that cheesy line from? A Disney movie?" Reala turned to exchange a glance with one of Wizeman's hands. This was one dreamer who had not changed one bit.
"Hey! Tell the purple guy that we have an incoming flyer!" A Nightopian giggled from on top of a makeshift watchtower in one of the trees. Another Nightopian instantly shoved the first away, ignoring it as it fell to the ground. "Wow, let me see!" Three more Nightopians pushed their way onto the narrow platform, accomplishing nothing as they continually pushed their fellows off before being pushed off themselves.
"What are those insane 'Pians doing?" Tier frowned as It glided out of Its tent, noticing the jumble of excited cherubs. The green and pink checkered Nightmaren looked around, annoyance increasing. "And where is Topper? He's the only one of them that ever makes any sense! I could use a translator about now. . ." Behind Tier, a lithe, powder blue Nightmaren flew gracefully into the light, long, thick lashes obscuring crystal blue eyes. Tier couldn't suppress Its grin quickly enough, and Picusha grinned right back. The two Nightmaren had become far closer than was normal for their kind. Picusha glanced up toward the 'Pian watchtower and sighed, shaking Its head. "I told NiGHTS that Nightopians could not be trusted with watch duty." Tier beamed at It friend. Picusha was always very careful to pronounce each word perfectly, in that soft spoken way that It was famous for. It added to the powder blue healer's not inconsiderable charm.
Realizing that It would have to be the one to take the initiative, Tier spread Its arms and flew up to the Nightopians, rolling Its eyes when they shrieked and scattered at the sight of a Nightmaren face. "It's me, you mindless sugarballs!" The remaining three Nightopians belatedly recognized Tier and returned to speak to It. "You're the fun one! Did you come to watch the flyer too?" Tier blinked. "Flyer?" It placed a hand over Its mint green eyes to shield them from what was to a Nightmaren, painfully bright light, and scanned the horizon. There was indeed a lone figure flying toward them, but who or what it was couldn't be determined yet. Tier regarded the Nightopians, unamused. "And just when were you Nightopians going to report that someone is flying toward our camp?"
The Nightopians regarded one another in amazement before the first spoke up innocently. "Were we supposed to do that?" Tier blinked at the smiling faces, then abruptly wheeled away, spiraling back down. Tier hated dealing with any Nightopian besides Topper. They were too simple minded.
NiGHTS looked up as Tier flew into his tent. "Tier?" Tier shrugged. "The Nightopians spotted an incoming flyer. We haven't been able to see who it is yet." NiGHTS rose, the Ideya shard in his chest glinting faintly. "Well then let's find out." As Aaron drew close to the camp, metal weighted nets suddenly shot from the trees, tangling him and making flight impossible. "W-what!?" He tore at the nets as he fell to the ground.
Belatedly, NiGHTS realized his mistake. "Whoops!" In a heartbeat, he was diving under Aaron, catching him out of luck more than skill. The purple Nightmaren smiled at the human in his arms as the dust subsided. "Dreamers. . . we have got to stop meeting like this!" Aaron looked a little unhappy. "Hello, NiGHTS. . ."
Later, NiGHTS rubbed the back of his head as they walked back into camp, pulling off bits of netting as they went. The Nightmaren regarded Aaron worriedly through large, violet eyes. "You're not still angry, are you?"
Aaron smiled at NiGHTS. "I'm not angry, but I am worried. Molly fell asleep today for no reason. There was this little creepy thing that ran out of the coffee shop just after it happened."
NiGHTS stopped, looking concerned. "She fell asleep? For no reason? Maybe you'd better describe what you saw. . ." Aaron shrugged. "Well, the little creepy thing looked kind of like a sheep. . ." He scratched his head. "A Shleep!" NiGHTS exclaimed suddenly "No, a sheep." Aaron corrected. NiGHTS shook his head. "Wooly body? Curled horns? No legs? They're Wizeman's minions, and they're called Shleep." Aaron looked clueless. "How was it in the waking world?" NiGHTS frowned. "That's their job. To help humans fall asleep. It's odd that you only saw one, though. Normally, they come in herds, and humans can't resist counting them until they doze off. . ." Aaron looked enlightened for a second, losing his clueless expression. "So that's where that came from. . ." NiGHTS blinked, confused. "Huh?" "Nothing." Aaron waved his hand, dismissing it. "Wizeman made Molly fall asleep and left me awake for a reason." "Maybe you caught onto the trick before they could get you." NiGHTS suggested, frowning again. Aaron considered. "Maybe. . . but I think that they wanted to make sure I couldn't interfere. Maybe they want to keep us separate." NiGHTS nodded. "That could be, but eventually, Wizeman is going to want you, too. If he's resorting to Shleep, you'll have to be extra careful." He waved Tier over. "Tier, find Topper. We need to head back into Nightmare and. . ." Tier shook Its head, shrugging. "Topper's gone missing, NiGHTS. I can't find the little runt anywhere!" Aaron was concerned. "What. . .? Where could he be?" NiGHTS shrugged it off. "Topper'll turn up. Nightopians love to flit off on their own every now and then."
Abruptly forgetting the missing Nightopian, NiGHTS turned to Aaron. "This might be a tender subject, but. . . how likely is Molly to. . . " he paused, searching for a gentle way to suggest that she might willingly go along with Wizeman's schemes. After all, she had been thoroughly corrupted before. Aaron considered. "I'm not really sure. I thought for sure she would be fine after this, but. . ." He sighed. NiGHTS placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling encouragingly. "We got her back once before. We can do it again." Aaron smiled and nodded. "I hope you're right."
Here we go again. . .! End of Part Two
Part Three: Living in Nightmare
Molly opened her eyes and instantly wished that she hadn't. Darkness swam around her, obscuring everything but her thoughts. What was happening to her? Was this what Reala had meant about an enchantment? Was she under some sort of spell? If she was, then she didn't feel any different. As if sensing her consciousness, the darkness receded, revealing a familiar form. Her body was covered with a silky purple costume, complete with a miniskirt and silver trim. She didn't have to reach up to know that there was a jester style cap on her head. "So I'm back. . ." She murmured dazedly. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Reala step forward, smiling coldly. "Yes. You're back." Molly frowned, rising to her feet. "It doesn't matter. I'm still Molly inside, not Nightingale. Whatever Wizeman thought he was doing, he messed up." Reala grinned, shaking his head. "But Wizeman hasn't finished with you yet." Molly blinked as right on cue, Wizeman appeared in front of Reala, hands raised. Energy began to collect in the pupil of each eye, and abruptly intensified before a beam of magical energy shot out toward the dreamer. Screaming, she fell back into darkness as her darker side forced its way to the surface. Back in the rebel camp, a different sort of struggle was in progress. "I want to go too!" The resident healer, a powder blue Nightmaren named Picusha stated firmly. Tier made a face. "No way! NiGHTS, Picusha's a healer, not a fighter!" Picusha frowned and turned on Tier. "You're no fighter either, Tier. And you're going!" The two Nightmaren faced off, resorting to a sort of staring contest to settle the matter. NiGHTS watched quietly, allowing them to sort it out for themselves. Aaron slapped his hand against his face. He didn't think they had time for all this crazy bickering... NiGHTS smiled at Aaron, sensing his impatience. But he knew that it was best to let Nightmaren settle their own differences. Interfering would only be met with childish resistance. "Aha!" Picusha declared triumphantly as Tier blinked. Tier glared. "I still say no! If something happens to you, who's going to heal anyone else when we get hurt?!" Picusha's glare returned. "Nothing will happen to me. All Nightmaren are born fighters! I can hold my own as well as any of the rest of you!" NiGHTS nodded absently. "Picusha's got a point, Tier." Tier looked shocked. "NiGHTS! How can you say that? This is Picusha we're talking about! It has a fit every time It sees injuries. How long will It last on a battlefield?!" Picusha smirked. "I am not the one who faints when It sees blood. . ." Tier flushed slightly. "Flip a coin." Aaron folded his arms. "That sounds fair." NiGHTS agreed, flying into the air and changing shape until he was a coin with a face on one side, and two folded legs on the other. "Heads or tails?" Picusha smiled. "Heads!" Tier only made a face as NiGHTS flipped himself, landing on the table in the center of the tent, face side up. "I'm afraid Picusha wins that one, Tier." He flipped again, reverting to his true form. Picusha beamed happily, ignoring Tier's protests. NiGHTS turned to Aaron. "Now, are we ready to leave?" Aaron nodded, glad they were finally ready to go. "Yes." Picusha nodded, Tier simply muttered an affirmative, strangely subdued. Later, the three landed in Nightmare. Picusha straightened, frowning at the darkened sky over the castle. "Now this brings back memories. . . and every one is a bad one." Tier glanced at Picusha, having second thoughts. NiGHTS shrugged. "Aw, c'mon, guys. Think of it as a homecoming!" The other two regarded him like he'd said the most insane thing possible. Aaron gave him a pretty strange look as well. NiGHTS actually shuffled his feet slightly as if embarrassed before peering toward the castle. "Does everyone remember the plan? Aaron, you'd better switch to your Knight costume." Aaron blinked. He had forgotten that he wasn't already in costume. Taking on the Knight costume, he nodded to NiGHTS. Tier reluctantly handed a length of sturdy rope to Aaron. "This stuff's gonna chafe. . ." NiGHTS shrugged and held his arms out, allowing Aaron to tie them together to prevent flight. "Make it realistic, I won't hold it against you if it chafes." Aaron tied the knots onto NiGHTS' forearms doing the best he could. He had never been in scouts or anything like that, so all that he that could manage was a basic granny knot. With his forearms properly tied in front of him, NiGHTS tested the knot. It seemed to hold well enough. He stooped, scraping his fingers against the long length of leftover rope. When he managed to lift the lead, he handed it to Aaron. "How nasty can you be?" "I'll do my best... I am an actor, after all." Aaron grinned. NiGHTS grinned back. "I know, we were watching. You were good, but you're going to have to do better than just acting. You may have to actually injure me in order to convince the Nightmaren inside." Aaron's face became solemn. "I'll do what I have to..." NiGHTS blinked at the instant response. Aaron hadn't hesitated at all, even when asked to injure NiGHTS! The purple Nightmaren felt the first twinge of unease, but disregarded it, smiling. "Good. Let's go." Aaron began to make his way into Nightmare. He was being a little rough, but not overly so, at least not this early. NiGHTS started to follow, then tried digging his heels in to stop their progress. He couldn't make this too easy, or else Aaron would never be believed. Aaron furrowed his brow and then started dragging harder. Behind them, Tier and Picusha advanced. NiGHTS yelped as twin slashes marred his shoulders, and reluctantly allowed himself to be pulled forward. Tier couldn't quite suppress Its sigh of unhappiness, Picusha shot It a quick glance before they fell in behind Knight and his captive. A muscular Nightmaren in red with steel grey highlights was on guard duty. It did a double take as It saw NiGHTS being dragged in by three Nightmaren. "What in Wizeman's name?!" Knight jerked the rope, pulling NiGHTS forward. "We've captured the traitor!" NiGHTS grunted as he was almost pulled off his feet. He frowned at Knight. Did he have to make it this realistic? Picusha smirked as the guard continued to stare. "What's the matter, Torc? You've never seen a beaten rebel before?" Torc muttered something and straightened, allowing them inside. It couldn't resist giving NiGHTS a kick in the leg as he passed, though. NiGHTS yelped in surprise and stumbled, almost pulling the rope from Knight's hands as he went down. Knight jerked him back up. "To your feet, filthy rebel!" Tier sprang forward, cuffing Knight lightly. "Not so rough, you idiot. NiGHTS is worth more if we bring keep him intact!" It whirled on Torc, and the guard hit the ground hard as It suffered a blow to the cheek. Tier straightened angrily, glad for the chance to vent. It hated this plan, every bit of it!
Aaron blushed a little. "Sorry..." Picusha grabbed Tier, pulling It roughly back. "Stop this! Our job is to fight the rebels, not each other!" It turned toward Knight. "Let us continue." Aaron nodded. NiGHTS sighed miserably, deciding that another attempt to break free would be a bad idea. He hoped that his friends remembered that this was only an act! Aaron led them inside. Once safely out of sight, NiGHTS tugged hard on the rope, forcing Aaron to look at him. He raised a nonexistent eyebrow, not daring to speak, but silently reminding Aaron whose side he was on. Aaron shot him an apologetic look. Tier and Picusha exchanged glances, not interfering. Satisfied that the act was still on, NiGHTS smiled and winked at Aaron. They had barely made it halfway down the hallway when a figure in midnight blue with black highlights stepped into their path. Picusha reacted instantly, freezing on the spot, Its crystal blue eyes wide in shock. The midnight blue Nightmaren turned gallantly toward Its slimmer, powder blue counterpart, and held a hand out tentatively. "Picusha. . .?" Picusha flew past Knight, throwing Itself into the strange Nightmaren's arms. "Vespa!" Tier frowned, and ground Its toes into the hard, stone floor, obviously annoyed. The two embraced before straightening. Vespa smiled tenderly. "Oh, Picusha! I was afraid for you! To see you back in the castle where you belong. . . It held Picusha at arms length, revealing a surprisingly masculine frame. NiGHTS took in the details. "Fourth generation. . ." Tier nodded, glaring darkly at Vespa. Picusha indicated NiGHTS with a graceful sweep of Its hand. "I was in hiding, Vespa. But now that NiGHTS is here. . ." Vespa nodded. "I fail to understand your logic. . . but it doesn't matter. The better part of me has returned, and nothing else matters." Tier had had enough, and strode forward, pushing the two apart. "I'm just so happy for you two." Its tone was filled with sarcasm, but a sharp look from Picusha silenced Tier. Vespa chuckled. "You're a sixth generation, aren't you? With that wispy frame and innocent expression. . ." It saw that It wasn't winning Tier over, and tried another tactic. "Tier, correct? You're Terrace's twin." Tier's expression changed instantly, and Vespa pressed on, eager to relieve the tension. "Terrace has been fearful for your safety, you'd do well to rejoin It." Vespa turned on NiGHTS, smiling maliciously. "And as for you, NiGHTS. . . your twin has also missed you. . . but. . .you won't be getting any warmth out of him." The midnight blue Nightmaren studied Knight briefly before dismissing him. "The orders are that Lord Reala is not to be disturbed. You will bring the traitor to his new Captain instead." Picusha and Tier exchanged a quick glance before stepping closer to NiGHTS. At Vespa's frown, Picusha reasoned, "We came as guards to escort the treacherous NiGHTS. We cannot very well abandon Knight to this duty, now can we?" Vespa nodded reluctantly. "Then I will escort you to the Captain's chambers." It strode proudly ahead, and they had no choice but to follow. Vespa bypassed Reala's chambers in favor of a smaller archway further on. The polished stone was a luminescent amethyst that gave the appearance of glowing from within. Vespa rapped on the doors and waited. They waited anxiously for a response. "Enter." A female voice, filled with confidence and power rang out. The doors opened to reveal a chamber considerably smaller than Reala's, but trimmed in shades of purple. Silver squiggles ran across the luminous amethyst floor, like flowing water over polished river stones. In the center of the room, an amethyst throne sat atop a pillar that seemed to have risen of its own accord out of the floor. And seated upon the throne. . . "Captain Nightingale, we bring you the traitor, NiGHTS." Vespa bowed respectfully. Knight bowed as well, mimicking Vespa, and waiting for a command. It struck him as strange that she would be trusted again so soon, but he knew that as soon as they were alone, he could speak freely again. Picusha bowed as well, delivering a kick to Tier's knee when It was a little slow to do likewise. Nightingale crossed one long leg over the other, smirking down at her visitors. "NiGHTS. . . what a pleasant surprise." Her smile was pure malevolence. NiGHTS frowned, sensing that something was terribly wrong. He forced a pleasant smile onto his features. "Isn't it, though?" Nightingale's smile faded to be replaced by a dangerous expression. Knight blinked, wondering if she was putting on a show for Vespa, and beginning to think more and more that something was dreadfully wrong. She abruptly turned her frown on Knight, as if waiting for something. Picusha caught his eye and glanced quickly at NiGHTS. No Nightmaren would tolerate such disrespect. Knight straightened. "Is there a problem, Captain?" Picusha made an almost inaudible sound of disgust and stepped closer. Before they knew what was coming, both NiGHTS and Knight had received a painful smack to the face. "Do your duty, Knight! The Captain cannot be expected to punish unruly prisoners for you!" It whirled on NiGHTS, who had hit the floor and was now getting back up. "As for you, traitor. Mind your tongue lest someone in authority decide to remove it." Knight growled at Picusha. He gave NiGHTS a kick for good measure. NiGHTS grunted. Aaron was a good actor. . .too good, he decided, feeling the beginnings of a bruise forming. Knight felt horrible for having to do such things, but he did his best not to let it show. "What should be done with the traitor, Captain?" Nightingale took her time, considering. "He will be turned over to Lord Reala, of course. But not before I've had my turn with him." She smiled coldly. "Who captured NiGHTS?" Knight nodded. "I did." She regarded him doubtfully, but nodded. "You stay, then. The rest of you will leave us." Picusha and Tier exchanged a glance before the powder blue Nightmaren cleared Its nonexistent throat. When Nightingale focused on Picusha, It nodded respectfully. "Forgive me, Captain. . .but it takes more than two Nightmaren to restrain NiGHTS. Is it wise for us to leave you?" Nightingale seemed amused. "I alone am more than a match for NiGHTS. You needn't worry." Picusha glanced at Tier again before allowing Vespa to lead It out. Tier regarded Knight and NiGHTS unhappily before following the other Nightmaren out. Aaron was nearly sure now that they had all just made a severe miscalculation. When the three other Nightmaren had left, Nightingale focused on Knight. "You are throwing your lives away. You know that." She didn't seem to care in the least bit. He nodded. "Things are not as they seemed." She threw herself from the throne and allowed herself to fall toward them. She landed lightly on her feet, frowning. "Indeed they are not. Come now, drop the act. It doesn't fool me." He nodded. "I know." He sounded quite unhappy with himself and with her. "You know who I am." NiGHTS straightened, still feeling that last kick. "She knows who we are. . .but she doesn't know who she is." He cried out as Nightingale suddenly Spindashed, sending him crashing into the wall with tremendous force. Nightingale kicked him savagely in the shoulder, aiming for the slash marks and grinning at the resulting yelp. "Hold your tongue, NiGHTS!" Knight leapt at her, backhanding toward her face. She dropped to the floor, lashing out with a long leg, then following up with an uppercut. Knight soon found himself on the floor, nose bleeding. "Aaron!" NiGHTS saw no need to continue the charade, and Aaron's safety was his first priority. Nightingale stepped back, smirking. "You see? I'm stronger than both of you. At the risk of sounding cliché, resistance is futile."
Out of the frying pan. . . End of Part Three
Part Four: Song of the Nightingale
Aaron picked himself up off the ground, his Nightmaren costume fading along with the blood on his face. He forced himself to realize that only he could make himself bleed in the dream. NiGHTS on the other hand, was not so lucky. He groaned as he struggled to push himself up. His hands were still bound, making the effort that much harder. Nightingale seemed greatly amused by this. Aaron made his way toward NiGHTS as quickly as he could and tried to undo the knots. Nightingale returned to her throne, satisfied that she'd made her point. She waited patiently for Aaron to free NiGHTS. Aaron frowned up at Nightingale. "Look, I don't know what they did to you, but whatever you're going to do to us, just get it over with. I don't feel like sitting here and playing around." He folded his arms. He wished now that he hadn't taken the sleeping pills. He probably wouldn't be able to wake up for a while. Nightingale seemed offended. "Look yourself. You're in no position to tell me what to do. I can make you hurt until you wake up screaming from the pain!" "Then do it!" He glared at her. "Do it now, or threaten me with something else." She blinked in shock. Obviously, she hadn't been expecting the sudden shouting. Aaron was very angry, and it showed, fiery, in his eyes. NiGHTS looked very worried. "Aaron. . .that's not Molly." Aaron turned his glare to NiGHTS before it slowly faded when he realized that NiGHTS was his friend. "I know." Nightingale rose in her seat, raising her hands like a summoner from an anime or video game. "Have it your way!" A faint ringing sound drifted through the air, and NiGHTS stiffened. "She's going to wake you up!" Aaron shrugged, giving in. "What can I do here?" He grinned. "Don't worry." NiGHTS closed his eyes and looked away, struggling to control his emotions. When he felt composed, he smiled weakly at Aaron. "You'll be safer back in your own world. . .just don't try to return, it won't be safe here." Aaron's grin widened. "You can't stop me." NiGHTS grabbed Aaron. "Promise me, Aaron!" Aaron put his hands gently on NiGHTS' shoulders. "I can't do that." NiGHTS glared as the ringing became louder. "This is no time for heroics, Aaron! Promise!" Aaron shook his head. "We all lose if I don't save you. I can't promise you this." He hugged NiGHTS. "I'm sorry." NiGHTS hugged Aaron back, squeezing tightly before releasing him. "And we'll lose a lot faster if Wizeman gets you! I've already gathered the rebels, they'll continue after me. You're more important." The ringing filled the room now, causing Aaron to flicker as he began to rouse. Seeing Aaron about to fade, NiGHTS tried again. "Please, Aaron! Promise! Please promise me!" "I can't stay away forever..." Aaron's voice trailed off slowly. He smiled to NiGHTS, not answering his last plea, fading out before he could. NiGHTS turned away as Aaron faded. He feared that Aaron was right. He felt a presence, and didn't bother opening his eyes. He knew that it was Nightingale. "Have you finished toying with us yet?" Nightingale smiled pleasantly. "He'll be back. I know him well enough to know that." Her tone was surprisingly reassuring, but had exactly the opposite effect on NiGHTS. Nightingale threw her doors open, smiling at the guard outside. "Take the prisoner away." Aaron threw his blanket off of himself and leapt out of his bed as soon as he realized that he was awake. He started throwing on clothing and getting ready to run to Molly's house when he suddenly realized that it was dark outside... and that it was eleven o'clock at night. He tripped over a chair and stubbed his toe on his bed frame. Nearly cursing aloud, he bit his lip and fell over onto his bed, holding his foot for a minute or two before standing up again and quietly putting on some shoes. He was going to sneak out and try to wake her up. Aaron made it as far as the door to the hallway from his room when he realized how foolish his idea was. He could get a ticket for breaking curfew or even get arrested for breaking and entering if he was caught. He sighed, taking off his shoes and laying back down on his bed. He didn't even bother to take off his clothes again, staring at the ceiling and waiting for sleep or morning, whichever came first. He soon found his eyelids drooping and faded into a deep dreamless sleep. Tier winced as another scream ripped through the castle. "Picusha. . . we have to end this!" Picusha nodded, gritting Its teeth. "Something has gone terribly wrong. This was not supposed to happen!" Nearby, Vespa frowned as It stepped closer. "What in Wizeman's name are you talking about?!" Picusha spun around. "Vespa, will you help me if I ask?" Vespa regarded Its twin oddly before nodding. "I would call down the moon for you, Picusha. You know that." Picusha frowned. "Would you betray Wizeman?" Vespa stiffened, backing away as if stung. "What?!" Picusha stepped closer, forcing Its twin up against the wall. "Vespa. . . what I am about to tell you, is more than enough to drive us apart forever." Vespa looked around wildly, feeling Its world crash down around It. "I don't believe what I'm hearing! Picusha! Not you!" Tier stepped forward and pulled Picusha closer. "Both of us. Now will you help us or not?" Vespa sagged. "I just got you back. . . and you're asking me. . . to deny everything! To turn my back on our creator! Our heritage! Our destiny!" Picusha looked grieved, and turned away, dropping Its gaze. ". . . I. . .I understand. . .Vespa." Vespa watched miserably as Tier and Picusha flew down the corridor by themselves, heading below, to the dungeons. Heartbroken, the midnight blue Nightmaren started toward Wizeman's personal chamber. The sorrow alone would be enough to kill It, if Wizeman didn't do it first. Reala was delighted, NiGHTS could tell. His twin had always been happiest when spilling blood, and it didn't seem to matter to Reala at all that this time, it was the same blood that ran through his own veins. There had been no questioning or threatening. There was no need. With NiGHTS gone, the resistance would crumble. Reala knew it, and so was simply having his fun while NiGHTS still lived. The pause in the beating lasted only a heartbeat before five burning daggers tore into NiGHTS' side. He heard a tortured scream being ripped out of him. Pleased, Reala pulled his claws free and watched the purple Nightmaren collapse, bleeding. "I am truly going to regret killing you, NiGHTS. . ." He admitted with a slight sigh. "No one else has ever been a match for me. But you. . .you know me, inside and out. We are one." Reala regarded NiGHTS sadly when the purple Nightmaren was unable to respond. Perhaps he had been too brutal in his beatings. After all, it wasn't the Nightmare General's intention to kill NiGHTS outright. He knew that Wizeman was watching. He could feel his master's pleasure increase with each scream, and sought to keep NiGHTS alive long enough to please Wizeman further. Reala turned as a slender figure appeared in the doorway, frowning at the battered figure that was NiGHTS. Nightingale could see by the slight twist to the Nightmaren's mouth, and the defiant sparkle in his eyes that NiGHTS was far from beaten, despite the pain that he was in. Reala turned to greet her. "Ah, my Nightingale. Does this this sight please you? NiGHTS was after all, responsible for your misery." Nightingale strode over and gently lifted NiGHTS' chin, studying his features. NiGHTS allowed her to look at him, smiling cheerfully. Nightingale smiled back and released him, stifling a laugh. Reala blinked, laughter was not what he had been expecting. "Something amuses you?" Nightingale laughed, shaking her head. "Reala. . . forgive me for saying so, but if your goal was to break NiGHTS' spirit, you are failing miserably!" She laughed again. NiGHTS grinned to himself, glad to hear the sound of laughter. Reala shrugged. "Perhaps, but I want NiGHTS to want to live. Breaking his spirit would only hasten his death" More laughter. Reala's expression darkened as Nightingale struggled to control herself. She paused to wipe a tear away, adding to Reala's displeasure. No true Nightmaren could shed tears. Nightingale smiled when she was under control again. "What you mean, Lord Reala. . . is that even you don't possess the ability to defeat NiGHTS' spirit!" Reala scowled. "And you do, Nightingale?" She nodded. "You think like a Nightmaren. . . no wonder you are unsuccessful. NiGHTS doesn't care about himself. If you wish to break his spirit, then aim elsewhere." To demonstrate, she flew into NiGHTS' line of vision, leaning back. Reala smirked and flew at her, tearing five red lines across her front side. She cried out in pain, causing NiGHTS to wince. Somewhere inside Nightingale, Molly was also suffering. That was Nightingale's intention, he knew. Nightingale smiled as the slashes healed almost instantly and beamed at NiGHTS. "And now, I am going to find Aaron, and make him scream." NiGHTS closed his eyes, hoping that Aaron wouldn't return to Nightopia anytime soon.
I hope for NiGHTS' sake that Aaron does come back soon! End of Part Four
Part Five: Topper Hits the Bottom
"Ouch!" Tier yelped as Picusha ground a heel into Its foot for the fifth time. "Stop doing that! The green and pink Nightmaren hissed. Picusha rolled Its eyes. "Stop humming spy music, then! Where did you hear that, anyway?" Tier shrugged. "Some dreamer." The two Nightmaren drifted silently down the castle corridor, toward the dungeons. As the light became dimmer and spots of mold began to appear on the stone walls, Picusha's agitation grew. It finally stopped and grabbed Tier by the collar. "Stop whimpering already!" Tier pulled away. "I'm not, I thought you were!" The two blinked at each other before looking around. Picusha was puzzled. "Well someone sounds terrified. . ." As they rounded a corner, rows of cells came into view. The whimpering was coming from one of them. Exchanging a glance, the two Nightmaren flew in close and peered inside. The cell was empty except for a large birdcage hanging in the center. It was veiled, but the sorrowful sounds were obviously coming from the cage. Picusha blinked. "Hello?" The whimpering stopped at once, to be followed by complete silence. Picusha sighed and turned to Tier. "You speak to it. It has to be a Nightopian, and they all like you the best." Tier rolled Its eyes. "Yeah, well the feeling's not mutual." It waved a hand through the bars. "Hey in there!" A familiar voice answered almost instantly. "Tier?!" Tier blinked, recognizing the voice. "Topper?! The cage trembled slightly as its occupant moved around. Topper leaned toward the sound of Tier's voice, unable to see anything through the veil. Even without the veil, the sun loving Nightopian would have been all but blind in the gloom of the dungeon. "It took you jokers long enough to get here!" The Nightmaren bristled at the insult. Tier folded Its arms, turning away. "Hmph, that's no way to convince us to help you!" Picusha jabbed Tier in the rubs. "We're not here for Topper anyway. It's NiGHTS who needs us!" Topper blinked. "NiGHTS?" Tier nodded, even though the Nightopian couldn't see. "NiGHTS and Aaron came to rescue Molly, but there's no sign of Aaron now, and NiGHTS was captured and is probably being tortured!" Topper winced. "I heard a terrible screaming. . .you mean that that was NiGHTS?!" Picusha nodded. "I'm sorry, Topper. . . but we must help NiGHTS! We will return for you at once after he is safe." That said, the powder blue Nightmaren grabbed Tier's hand and pulled It away. Topper sighed as he was left alone. "Yeah, sure. . . good luck, guys. . ." Tier saw light spilling from a small room and would have gone in if Picusha hadn't stopped it. Picusha held a slender finger to Its lips as a familiar voice spoke, filling both of them with dread. "You will take the traitor away and confine him in our. . .special cell." Reala grinned at NiGHTS. "A very special cell indeed. . .providing only enough space for you to turn or sit, and no windows. Even the simple act of hovering will be quite impossible for you. If you can even move." NiGHTS took all of this in without really listening. He told himself that he didn't care. Picusha and Tier went 2D and flattened themselves against the cold, stone walls as Reala drifted out. Much to their dismay, NiGHTS hung limply in his brother's grasp. The purple Nightmaren seemed to spot them, and winked without even trying to escape Reala. Then he was gone. Tier clenched Its fists. "What'd Reala do to him?!" Picusha frowned. "What do you think? You know how Reala is!" NiGHTS sat silently in his cell. It was exactly as Reala had described it, pitch black and cramped. He didn't know how long he had been there before he heard the sound of someone landing beside the bars. Turning to look, his cat-like eyes allowed him to make out a slender, definitely feminine figure in the costume of a Nightmaren. "Nightingale. . ." He was appalled by the raspy voice that was his. Nightingale seemed equally dismayed, and opened the door with a vicious gesture before stepping back. "Get out of there." NiGHTS was only too happy to obey. Nightingale seemed to size him up before smirking. "Normally, I would call upon guards to keep you subdued, but I don't think that you're in any condition to fight. And in any case, you will want to hear what I have to say to you." NiGHTS just nodded, unable to deny his curiosity. Nightingale turned and headed for the steps leading back to the upper levels. "Follow me, and stay close. And for goodness sake, behave!" NiGHTS shrugged, and instantly regretted the motion as it caused his injuries to ache anew. He would heal, but would take some time. In Nightingale's chamber, NiGHTS sat down and awarded her his full attention. Nightingale took her seat and regarded him thoughtfully before opening her mouth to speak. NiGHTS cut her off. "You look good in purple, you know." She frowned. "NiGHTS! Pay attention!" NiGHTS sighed and waited. Nightingale tried again. "You've really done it this time, you know. You. . . NiGHTS!" NiGHTS had begun to squirm and finally resorted to humming to himself and tapping a heel against the floor. He looked up and shrugged. "I hate sitting still." he complained. Nightingale glared. "You're going to be laying perfectly still from now on if you don't listen to me!" She shook her head. "He's going to kill you, you know." NiGHTS shrugged again, knowing that she meant Reala. "Yeah." Nightingale's expression didn't change. "And I don't mean that he's going to have you killed, he intends to kill you himself!" NiGHTS rose and stretched. "Yeah, I know." Nightingale felt her cheeks flushing angrily at his attitude. "You idiot! Don't you care that you're going to die soon?!!" NiGHTS spun around happily and points at her, grinning hugely. "HA!" Nightingale blinked. "Ha?" NiGHTS laughed. "You care about me!" Nightingale looked away. "No I don't." NiGHTS backflipped. "Yes you do, yes you do!" Nightingale banged a fist. "Stop it!" NiGHTS sat down again, but couldn't stop grinning at her. Nightingale shrieked in frustration at his cheerfulness. "GUARDS!" Later, NiGHTS blinked as he found himself back in his cell. "Well she's no fun. . .I guess I'll have to find another way out." NiGHTS was awakened from a dreamless sleep sometime later by Reala hauling him to his feet. "I don't know what you've done, NiGHTS, but Nightingale is all but useless! She's unpleasant, foul tempered, and loud!" NiGHTS shrugged. "That sounds like you. . .on a good day." He grunted as he was thrown against a wall. Reala growled and left. "You're running out of time, traitor." NiGHTS smirked, closing his eyes. It felt like dawn was only a few hours away, which meant that Reala would soon be without his new Captain. If NiGHTS was right, anyway. Time passed so differently between the Waking and Dream worlds. An hour in Nightmare could be equivalent to an entire day in the Real world, or an instant. Of course, he was assuming that Molly still existed inside Nightingale. He was counting on it. If dawn came and Nightingale remained. . . well, NiGHTS knew that he would be in big trouble. Nightingale looked around. Everywhere, the walls and floor were chipped, and her seat looked like something had blown up on top of it. She didn't know how long she had raged in her chamber, she had only been vaguely aware of Reala sealing the doors to keep her rampage from spilling into the rest of the castle. Now that she had vented, she was simply sitting in the midst of the destruction, studying her work. "I guess. . ." She paused, startled by her own voice echoing eerily around her. "I guess that I don't know my own strength. . ." She blinked as she happened to look down at her hand, noting that it had become transparent. "What's. . .?!?" She didn't have time to complete the question before she faded away completely.
I sure hope that she wakes up as Molly! End of Part Five
Part Six: Days and NiGHTS
Tears stained the pillow as Molly opened her eyes. Puzzled, she lifted a finger to the corner of her eye. It came away damp, confirming her suspicion that she had been crying in her sleep. Sleep? She strained to remember what time she had gone to bed the night before, and failed to find an answer. Her last conscious memory was of heading to Novadeers with Aaron. "Aaron. . ." She spoke the name eagerly, sitting up. A wave of dizziness stopped her, and she frowned. Something was wrong. Determined to have her way, she eased herself onto her feet, noticing for the first time that she was still clothed. What had happened? She reached for the purple phone on her desk, then stopped. Waking Aaron wouldn't be a good idea. Glancing at the clock, she was relieved to see that once again, she had overslept. Noon was only five minutes away! In one swift gesture, she had lifted the phone and dialed the number that Aaron had given her during their rehearsals for the play. She bit her lip, hoping that he would be home to answer it. Aaron ran to his phone the second he heard it start to ring, and in an instant it was in his hand and to his ear. "Hello?" "Aaron. . .?" The voice on the other sounded weak and exhausted. "Molly? Is that you? Are you alright?!" He sounded frantic. Molly winced and took a breath, sounding better when she spoke again. "I'm fine. . .I think. Aaron, I need to talk to you." He was elated. She seemed to be herself again. "Any time. Where do you want to talk?" "Any place but Novadeers." Came the sarcastic response. "Agreed." Aaron smiled. Later, Molly sat quietly outside of the local ice cream parlor, idly watching a squirrel try to carry a gumball that it had found. It wasn't having much luck, but its antics tickled a memory that Molly couldn't quite place. Aaron walked in, looking around for Molly, looking worried. She looked up and forced a smile onto her lips. "Aaron!" She waved. Aaron waved as well, smiling and coming to sit across from her. "Hey." Molly instantly leaned closer, getting straight to the point. "Aaron, what happened last night?" Aaron hesitated before speaking. "I'm not sure. H-he has you. Stronger than he ever had you before. The Nightingale is all there is when you're there. I wanted to wake you up, but... I couldn't come back and there was no way to get to you here." He hoped she didn't think he was crazy. He thought it hard to believe though that what he had been experiencing wasn't real. She stared at him blankly, obviously confused. "Aaron? What. . .?" She shook her head, trying to understand what he meant. He took a deep breath. "Don't tell me it isn't real. . ." He looked frightened. Molly put a hand over her forehead. "Just. . . " She sighed. "I remember finishing the play and walking toward Novadeers, but not much after that. . . did I dream that?" "No. I took you home from Novadeers when you fell asleep." Aaron answered. She seemed interested now. "I fell asleep? At a coffee house?" Aaron only nodded. Molly groaned. "Okay, that's bizarre. . .but it explains why my mom was being so weird. She almost didn't let me leave my room!" "You don't remember what you dreamt about, do you?" Aaron asked suddenly. She blinked, confused. "What do you mean?" She half closed her eyes, thinking. Had she had any dreams at all? She finally shrugged. "I have a hard time remembering my dreams. . .it's funny, I even woke up in the middle of one last night." She smiled. "I hate that feeling." Aaron was starting to look a little distressed. He tried to wipe the look away, to look happy, or at least not look bothered. "You did...?" Molly looked concerned. "Yeah. . .Aaron, what is it?" She picked up on his distress and bit her lip. Aaron took a breath. "It's just. . . I've been having these dreams lately. You're the only person I think I can tell about them. . ." She nodded, still looking worried. "I'm listening." Aaron nodded. "When I go to sleep, I dream that I'm in this world. . .A world that's half dream and half nightmare. And it's like there's a war going on there, between the dreams and the nightmares. Only some of the nightmares have defected and fight against their master. And you're in the dream. And the nightmare has you." Molly sat perfectly still, listening. "Wow. . ." It felt familiar to her, but to admit that might sound foolish. "That sure sounds like our play, don't you think?" Molly frowned, straining to remember. "I think. . ." "Y-yes...?" Aaron leaned forward slightly. She rubbed at her eyes. "Okay, don't get excited, but I think that I had a dream like that once. . ." "R-really? Tell me about it." He was starting to feel hopeful again. She laughed at herself. "Aww, it's stupid. Just something about giant monsters and fat, ugly little things with wings. . ." She waved a hand, dismissing it. "I barely remember any of it." Aaron leaned closer. "Fat ugly little things... pink, with wings and halos... Kind of like little cherubs, even? And guys that look a little like jesters, you know with the tassels? And real real big eyes." Molly blinked. "Why are we talking about drea. . . " She froze in mid-question, staring at Aaron in shock. "D-do you remember...?" He was staring into her eyes, hopeful that she would remember. "I. . . " She looked a little upset. Aaron leaned back. "What's wrong?" Molly sighed. "Okay, this is way too weird. . . are you sure I'm not dreaming now?" She was becoming increasingly upset. Aaron held his hands out soothingly. "No... no, you're awake now. Please don't be upset..." She groaned and leaned forward. "That's even worse. . .then how do you explain how you knew about that dream? I don't remember telling you. . ." Aaron relaxed. "Remember the dream I told you about? My dream? It was the same dream." "But it has nothing to do with last night at Novadeers!!!" She was almost hysterical, overwhelmed by the thought of sharing a dream with Aaron. It was even scarier because she half believed him. "M-molly..." Aaron looked around at the other patrons. "Please don't be upset. . ." She took a deep, shuddering breath, obviously shaken. "You're trying to tell me. . . that those dreams are real." She dropped her gaze, wrapping her arms around herself before dropping them. "And. . .the nightmares. . ." She whispered. Aaron nodded sympathetically. "I wish it weren't true. . . and I wish I knew what to do. They have NiGHTS now... d-do you remember NiGHTS? A slight intake of breath told him that she did. What happened next surprised both of them. Molly smiled slightly and put a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. Aaron stared at her in shock. She shook her head, struggling to control herself. "I think. . .that he's fine." He blinked. "A-are you sure?" She shook her head, seeing that round, noseless face beaming cheerfully despite the cuts and bruises. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw NiGHTS smiling. "NiGHTS. . . he. . ." She frowned suddenly, wincing and placing a hand on her temple. "Molly...? What's wrong?" Aaron was very concerned now. He had to hear all that he could from her today before they had to sleep again. "I. . .can't remember. . ." She tried harder, but it only made her headache worse. "Something's wrong. . .there was some problem that had to be fixed. . . but that's all that I know." "Please. . .try to remember. I need to know how to save you." His expression was painful in compassion for Molly's own pain. She blinked in surprise. "Me? I'm not the one who needs saving, I. . ." She gasped as a memory flashed through her mind, a slender hand tilting NiGHTS' head back. Then again, yanking him by the collar. Molly stared past Aaron, not wishing to share what she'd just remembered. He closed his eyes. "But you do. The nightmare has you, Molly." She closed her eyes as well, ashamed by the memory of what she had done as Nightingale, and the knowledge that NiGHTS wasn't alone in the castle. "They're both in there. . . but I don't. . ." She rose, shaking her head. Molly sighed. "I just don't. . . want to have to worry about it. Nobody can really be hurt. . ." She thought of NiGHTS, and tried to convince herself that she was right. Aaron looked almost terrified. "Molly... if we don't stop Wizeman, the whole world will be just like that nightmare. . ." She froze. "But it's not. . . just me. . ." She dropped her gaze. "She's real, Aaron. . ." He nodded. "I know. I could tell while I was there." The headache became worse, and she winced. "I'm sorry, I have to go. . ." He took a deep breath. "Can I walk you home...?" She opened her mouth to refuse, then thought better of it. She was likely to walk out, into traffic or something if left on her own. ". . .sure. . ." He stood up to walk with her, hoping she wasn't angry at him. Molly was strangely silent as they walked, defeated. "I. . . I'm going to have to lie down, but. . ." She dreaded the idea of falling asleep again, and hesitated as they reached her house. Aaron looked thoughtful. "I think I know how we can win. . . I. . .I just don't know how to do what it takes to do it. I have to make Knight real somehow. . .and I need my Ideya back. Is there anything you know, that you could tell me that would help me find it again? She smirked. "Aaron. If I knew that. . .don't you think that I would have tried to get mine?" He sighed, almost despairing. Molly shook her head. "Look, just. . . play with her. Keep her amused and happy, and above all, keep her laughing! That's her weakness, I think. . ." Aaron wasn't feeling at all heroic. "I don't know if I can do it. . .I don't know. . .I just don't know. . ." He turned and looked away. She pulled him inside and headed for her room. "You can, I'll show you. . " Aaron was a little surprised at being dragged inside. He wasn't quite sure where he was taking him or why or how she could show him how to keep a nightmare laughing. In her room, Molly snatched a crude sketch off of the desk and thrust it into his hands. It was a Nightmaren face with sparkling, cat-like eyes and a bright, cheery smile plastered on. The expression was contagious. He looked up at her. "Is this...?" She shrugged. "Just a character. . .from a dream."
Okay, people, let's get dreaming! End of Part Six
Part Seven: NiGHTS into Dreams
"Nightingale, join us!" Reala ordered as the rebels charged. Nightingale smirked and flew to obey. In front of them, the rag-tag collection of rebel Nightmaren and Nightopians gathered in front of Mystic Forest, unsure of what to do next. Nightingale exchanged a glance with Reala and smiled. This was going to be too easy. Tier whimpered as Picusha pulled It out of the tent. "I don't want to do this!" Picusha glared. "You will do it, you coward!" Tier pouted. "I've already said that I'm a coward, and I don't wanna!!!" It wailed even as It was thrust into view. Aaron floated among the Nightmaren as Knight. Picusha took charge, raising a powder blue sleeve high, the lacy cuff blowing in the breeze. "Friends, NiGHTS is in the grip of the enemy! Are we going to abandon him?!" The resulting roar of protest was deafening. Nightingale glanced at Reala. "Wow. . .they're serious!" Reala nodded. "Seriously outnumbered and outclassed!" He raised his own hand. "Nightmaren! Eliminate the rebel scum! For Wizeman!" The resulting cheers and shouts silenced the rebels. Tier paled at the cheers. "I need to use the little Nightmaren's room. . ." It turned to flee, but was caught by the collar by Picusha. Knight floated up into the air and tried to shout over them. "What has Wizeman done for you!? Ordered you around and treated you like scum? What has Reala done for you!? Kicked you when you failed and ignored you when you succeeded? What of your twins that fight for this side? Will you kill them in the name of Wizeman? Examine where your loyalties lie and think where they should be!" The rebels cheered loudly, some even shouting out names in the hopes that their twins would hear. Picusha found Itself joining in as It spotted another deep blue form drifting uncertainly behind Reala. "VESPA!" Tier added Its own voice. "Terrace!" "Fight for those who love you, not for him who would use you!" Knight raised one fisted hand into the air. More cheering, and many rebels landed to stamp their feet, eager to be turned loose against the enemy. Reala growled. "Enough! We have our orders. Our purpose in life, our one goal, our destiny! We know our one, true path, and will not be turned away!" His own hand went high, golden claws flashing in the light. Tier sweatdropped. "He has a point, y'know. . . " Picusha smacked It on the head. "Shut up." Knight watched the huge group of Nightmaren. He wondered if his words would really buy him any defectors, especially with Reala's strong leadership. "Nightmaren! Attack!" Reala's fist came down, and the enemy surged forward. Without waiting for their signal, the rebels broke formation and flew to fight. Knight was hoping it wouldn't come to this. He blinked. He wondered how many Nightmaren were guarding Nightmare. He made his way as covertly as possible away from the battle. Picusha blinked as their forces disregarded all training, but there was little choice. It was pulled into battle. As Picusha fought, a checkered figure raised a sword to strike. Tier abruptly landed in front of Picusha. "Terrace, no!" The other pink and green checkered Nightmaren hesitated. "Tier. . .!" Knight felt guilty as he fled from the fighting. But he knew that it was not a fight they could win, and this may be the only way to save them all. "Bless you all. . . we may yet win this fight in the end. . ." He zoomed off toward Nightmare. Nightingale scowled as she noticed the fleeing form. She glanced at Reala, busy slashing his way through the few rebels foolish enough to challenge him. Smiling, she too abandoned the battle in favor of pursuing Knight. As Knight arrived in Nightmare, he scanned the area for any guard. "Terrace. . .please!" Tier's mint green eyes were wide, pleading. Terrace closed Its own, rose colored eyes. "Tier, I. . ." The sword rose again, and Tier closed Its eyes, awaiting the killing blow. Instead, the sword clattered to the ground. Terrace choked back a sob. "I. . .I can't!" As the Nightmaren around them paused, Terrace frowned. "How can we kill our twins?!" It flew into Tier's embrace, causing further conflict between the two sides. Reala snarled as several of his soldiers abandoned their posts to seek out their twins. "Stop this, you fools! Your twins are dead! All traitors are dead!" His shouts and threats went unnoticed by many. Picusha flew away from Tier and Terrace, scanning the countless Nightmaren. "Vespa? Vespa!" It dodged several strikes, seeking Its own twin. Vespa abruptly appeared in the way, Its face grey with grief. Picusha backflipped to avoid crashing. "Vespa!" It started forward, but something stopped It right before a sword came down where Its head would have been, had it gone further. Picusha stared at the blade, then at the hardened eyes of Its twin. Its own, crystal blue eyes closed in sorrow. "I see. . ." Vespa nodded quietly. The anguished scream went unnoticed among the sounds of battle. As Knight flew through the empty corridors of the castle, a pale, purple figure darted after him. Nightingale twisted, trying to crash into him and bring him down. "You!?" He noticed her too late, slamming into the corridor wall before hitting the floor. "Me!" She confirmed, smiling in satisfaction. He swung an elbow at her chin, trying to squirm free. She wasn't expecting the attack, and shrieked as she fell away. He squirmed out from under her and flew down the corridor again, searching, searching for his Ideya. Ideya first, then NiGHTS. Nightingale wiped her chin before taking flight again. "Aaron!" He shouted behind. "What!?" A deep, blue blade whistled past his ear, narrowly missing. "Never drop your guard!" Nightingale grinned cruelly as she brought the blade up for another swipe. He hit the floor immediately. "Duly noted!" He kicked at her gut. She grunted, dropping the sword, but brought her leg around, catching him in the back of his knees. "You should have stayed outside. You don't belong in here!" He fell again, unable to stand through the attack. "Neither do you!" He gritted his teeth. Knight thought to himself, trying hard to conjure for himself a long metal staff. He hoped it would work with weapons as it worked with his clothing. "Idiot!" Nightingale flew at him, but not before a staff had appeared in his hands. Aaron quickly swung it upwards. She shrieked as it struck her, and tumbled to the ground, where she stayed. Aaron was shedding tears like rain. He left her lying, and staff still in hand, he continued his search for Ideya. He hoped he hadn't hurt her truly. "Oooh. . ." Nightingale groaned before opening an eye halfway. She decided that one quick nap wouldn't do any harm, and let her eye slide closed. The castle was eerily silent, except for the faintest of voices. It sounded like a Nightmaren, but it also seemed to be coming from below. Aaron tried his best to follow the voice. . . A shrill scream pierced the battlefield as the combatants backed off for a breather. In the silence, the cry was perfectly audible from inside. It was instantly echoed by another, slightly higher scream. Knight stopped at a window, peering out as he heard the shrill cry. The Nightmaren backed away from a limp, checkered form. Just beyond, a second, almost identical but reversed figure crouched, a feral look in Its eyes as It glared at Reala. Reala flexed his blood stained claws before stepping close to Terrace. It backed away, glancing fearfully at Tier's still form, stained with red. "You. . . killed It. . ." Reala grinned. "Your turn." He shouted in surprise and fell forward as something grabbed his leg. Twisting, he saw a pair of minty eyes frowning back. Tier released Reala and pushed Itself up. "No one. . . hurts. . .Terrace. . ." A green dagger flashed into sight, sinking into the ground as Reala twisted, sending five yellow daggers ripping across the lesser Nightmaren's chest. Knight's eyes flew wide open. He screamed. In the corridor, Nightingale also screamed, and threw herself into the air. She quickly caught up to Knight, but simply joined him in watching. "Tier. . .!" Knight had never felt so much anger and rage before in his entire life. Tier's eyes widened in shock before It crumpled. Terrace's scream silenced everyone, even Reala, but the Nightmaren was finished fighting. It simply fell over the body of Its twin. Knight flew from the window, searching frantically. He had to find them. He had to find them because he had to kill Reala. He had to make him suffer. . . Nightingale watched dumbly, not noticing when Knight left. "Tier. . ." As the battle recommenced, a single, purple figure fell to its knees by the window, hot tears staining the silken costume, even as she snarled at herself to stop.
And the battle rages on. . . End of Part Seven
Part Eight: Things Can Only Get Better. . .
Feeling that he had searched high, Knight turned his search low and headed down a staircase that seemed to go underground. A row of cells greeted Knight as he reached the bottom of the steps, silent except for a soft, half hearted murmuring that might have been an attempt at a song. Knight was stirred briefly from his rage as he looked into the cells. ". . .torn away, from all that pains. . . rip away the tears. . .scatter wide the healing rains. . .forgotten through the years. . ." The words became audible as Knight neared one of the cells. Knight approached the cell. "Hello. . .?" The singing instantly stopped. No sound came from the cell except for the faint creak of a birdcage hanging from the ceiling. Knight tried to pull the cell open. The occupant of the cage seemed to be waiting for him to speak, not daring to make another noise. "Wh-who are you...?" Knight asked. "Who're you?" A sarcastic voice like someone on helium retorted. Knight hesitated, recognizing that tone. "Topper?" The prisoner snorted in disgust. "No, genius, I'm Topper. Now who're you?" Knight nearly fell over. "I'm Knight! Topper, how long have you been here!?" "Aaron?!" The cage trembled as its occupant tried to see out. Knight tried to pry the cell open with his metal staff, but the bars refused to budge. "How do I get you out of here, Topper?" The cage shook slightly, and Knight had the impression of Topper shrugging. "How should I know? I'm just a Nightopian!" Knight looked around the room for keys to the cells, but none were in sight. Lacking any better solution, Knight finally gave up and tried using his staff to knock the cage down. "Whoa! Hey, watch. . .ACK!" Topper instinctively flapped as the cage crashed to the ground. The covering fell away to reveal the twisted metal and the figure inside. Pink wings twitched, poking out of what had once been the side of the cage. "Aaron. . .never do that again." "I won't." He hoped he'd never have to. "Everything is going wrong. I need to find my Ideya so I can go kill Reala." Topper pushed himself up, finding a hole in the cage large enough to escape through. He flew to the bars of the cell and reached out with a pudgy hand. "Aww, hey. . .c'mon, kid. It's not that bad. You found me!" Aaron sighed. "Tier is dead. I can't hope for anything better for Picusha and the others." "What?!" Topper landed hard, having a hard time accepting what he'd just been told. Knight couldn't say any more. He continued his search for the Ideya. Topper blinked, waving both arms through the thicker bars of the cell. "H- hey!" He turned back to look at him. "Oh. . . Sorry. How do I get you out of there?" The Nightopian took a breath, then let it all out, backing up to fly at full speed for the bars. He ended up being wedged between two, and flailed wildly. "Help!" "Topper!" Knight grabbed him and started pulling. Topper came free with a pop, sending both of them flying backwards. Knight grunted. From his lap, Topper managed a grin, dusting him off. "Um. . .thanks, I think." "Aaron. . .?" A soft voice came from further down the hall. "No problem. . ." Knight looked up at hearing his name. Topper flew ahead, then squeaked. "Aaron, hurry up!" He jumped up, picking his staff up and ran after Topper. The Nightopian was standing in front of a short series of stone steps, pointing helplessly toward a stone doorway. Knight tugged at it to open it. "C'mon, harder!" Topper urged, straining to help. He stumbled and panted heavily, obviously exhausted. Knight pulled as hard as he could. "Aaron! Y. . .you weren't supposed. . .to come back!" NiGHTS unmistakable voice came through the stone, tired but as strong as ever. "I never promised you." Aaron retorted as he strained. Topper gulped as a shadow fell over him, and he tugged at Aaron's leg. "Uh. . .um. . .ah. . .Aaron?" Aaron turned to look back at Topper. "What. . ." He saw the shadow and looked up toward what was making it. A slender arm knocked Aaron away. "Move." He fell to the ground, his staff rolling a little way away. He looked up. "What. . .?" Nightingale stepped forward, placing a hand on the stone and closing her eyes. "Open for me." She watched impassively as the stone slid aside revealing a cell not much larger than a small closet. She stepped back, her expression never changing. Knight reached out and grabbed his staff back to himself. NiGHTS all but tumbled out, yelping as he hit the floor. Even Nightingale gasped in shock when she saw the hero's injuries. "NiGHTS?!" Aaron was more than a little shocked. Topper had backed into Nightingale, and the two stood unsteadily a short distance away. NiGHTS retained his usual smile. "Hi, guys." Knight climbed to his feet. "NiGHTS? Do you know where my Ideya are? I have something very important to do." NiGHTS blinked from where he was laying crumpled on the steps. He made an attempt to lift himself, and made it into a sitting position. "What's. . .happened. . .?" Nightingale's eyes were squeezed shut. "Tier's gone. . ." NiGHTS' eyes widened in comprehension. Knight's expression was grim. "NiGHTS, I would wager that they're all gone." He gritted his teeth in frustration. "And I need my Ideya so I can kill Reala." NiGHTS looked shocked for the first time. "Aaron. . . " The tears were flowing once again. "He can't get away with this!! He'll pay for hurting them! He'll pay for taking them away!!" He punched the dungeon wall. A purple figure threw itself at him, but Nightingale simply held him tightly, pressing her face against his shoulder. Knight embraced her and cried long and hard. A small, pudgy form joined in, hugging their legs together. Topper's eyes were closed. "Not Tier. . .!" NiGHTS watched helplessly. Nightingale opened her eyes, looking down at Topper without removing herself from Knight's side. A distant shouting finally reached them, as if someone had begun to lose their temper. NiGHTS frowned at the familiar voice. "Reala. . ." Knight's eyes flashed open. "NiGHTS, I need my Ideya, now. Do you know where they are?" NiGHTS turned his gaze on Aaron, pleading silently. He didn't bother to speak, he didn't need to. His eyes said it all. 'Don't kill my twin. . .' Knight turned his gaze away from him. "Don't look at me with those eyes. . .You know he wouldn't hesitate to kill you. . ." He let out a long sigh, finally thinking about all of the implications of what he was about to do. "I won't kill him, NiGHTS. . ." He realized that he couldn't do it. He realized that he couldn't be like Reala. "I promise." NiGHTS managed to drag himself into an upright position, avoiding Knight's gaze. He limped unsteadily past, pausing to see Nightingale. The two seemed to test each other for a moment before he continued on. "No. You. . .know what you need to do. Reala and I share the same destiny. Only I can face him. . ." Topper glanced up at Knight before waddling after NiGHTS, leaving him along with Nightingale. Knight picked up his staff and walked after Nightingale. Nightingale watched quietly, frowning slightly at the staff. "What now? Are you going to take out your frustration on me?" He dropped the staff and it disappeared before it hit the ground. He looked stunned. "How. . . how could I do that?" "You're only human." She replied calmly. Knight wiped his nose on his sleeve. He sniffled and his costume faded back to his dreamer's clothes. "I don't want to hurt you. . . I never want you to hurt again." She smirked. "I didn't think that you wanted to hurt me to begin with." "I never wanted to hurt you. . ." He confirmed. Nightingale smiled. "Because of your friend?" She rested a hand lightly over her chest. He sighed. "I don't want to hurt anyone. . .I just want things to go back to the way they were." The Captain shook her head. "For you, it's easy. Just wake up. You don't have to see what's happened outside. . .but what if you're wrong about the battle? What if your friends have won?" Knight sighed. "Then I have someone else to mourn for. . . It doesn't matter who's won or lost tonight." Nightingale shrugged. "Then go back and help them." "I can't help anyone. . ." Knight refused to look at her. She frowned. "NiGHTS is going out there practically by himself. He has no reason to think that he can win, and that hasn't stopped him." He blinked, realizing that she was right. "Where will you go?" She sighed, folding her arms. "I haven't thought that far ahead yet. . ." NiGHTS strode quietly forward, not up to flight yet. he paused as he reached the entrance, listening to the shouts outside. Reala came up behind one of his own Nightmaren, slashing the fool across the back. The unfortunate Nightmaren's twin gasped and backed away. The Nightmare General sneered. "Stop this foolishness. Forget your twins and fight!" "Have you forgotten about yours, Reala?" A soft, soothing voice caused the red and black Nightmaren to whirl in shock. "NiGHTS!" At his stunned murmur, the battlefield went silent. I've searched this whole castle. . . I can't find what I'm looking for. . ." Aaron was desperate. Whatever hope NiGHTS had instilled in him was gone now, and he had no hope of his own to replenish it. Nightingale frowned darkly, and her hand whipped out, striking Aaron hard in the face. Aaron closed his eyes, but otherwise didn't react. He opened them again once the pain faded. She glared and balled her hand into a fist, punching him. She watched in satisfaction as he went down. "Has your courage left you as well? Are you going to run?" Knight frowned. "I'm not afraid of you. And I'm not running away. Do to me what you will" Nightingale's expression was fierce. "I don't want to do anything to you! You possess a Red Ideya, and yet you're cowering in the darkness, waiting for the enemy to finish you off!" Knight glared. "Fine." He started on his way out of the castle, walking past her. She closed her eyes, cursing quietly before flying after him. She backflipped as an enormous, round form blocked the steps, peering down at the two of them. Aaron's staff returned to his hand, but his clothing stayed the same. "Move aside." Puffy laughed musically. "What's this, Nightingale? Are you singing duets with the enemy now?" Nightingale smiled back. "Shut up and do what he says, Puff-ball." Aaron held his staff ready. Unlike Nightingale, he actually had a knowledge of how to use his weapon of choice. Granted, he had taught himself from a book... but that was better than nothing. The Second Level Nightmaren laughed again. "I don't have to Do Rei Mi anything that you say!" That said, She squeezed in and bounced after them. Nightingale cried out as she was struck and hit the floor. Aaron jumped back, and swung hard at the bouncy Nightmaren with his staff. Puffy dodged. "Naughty boy!" She cried out as Nightingale rose under her, straining under the weight. "Ung, she's heavy! Hey, Aaron! Batter up!" Aaron grinned, taking the staff into a baseball bat grip. "Hope this strikes a chord." He swung hard with all his strength. Nightingale hurled Puffy. The Nightmaren shrieked off key as she was struck and flew through the far wall. Nightingale leapt high. "And she's outta there!" "Home run." Aaron continued out of the castle toward the battle he hoped wasn't over yet.
Hurry, you two, NiGHTS needs help! End of Part Eight.
Part Nine: The Circle Unbroken
"It's NiGHTS!" The murmur swept across the field as the purple Nightmaren appeared behind Reala. For his part, Reala managed to hide his shock. "You just can't wait to die, can you?" NiGHTS smiled pleasantly back. "I'm in no hurry, but I would like to stop anyone else from dying." He looked past Reala, frowning at the limp bodies, many of which were already deteriorating into wisps of energy and blowing away. Reala grinned. "You're still soft." NiGHTS shrugged, wincing painfully. Reala noticed and laughed. "And it seems that you won't have the chance to mend your ways!!" He flew at the purple Nightmaren, claws extended. NiGHTS frowned and dropped to the ground, evading. He grimaced as the movement caused his injuries to reopen. Flight was out of the question in his current condition, but he couldn't fight on the ground. He was in trouble if Reala continued to attack. The General of Wizeman's army turned and flew at NiGHTS again. NiGHTS sighed. "I don't suppose I can convince you to land and talk to me?" He dodged another pass, narrowly avoiding being struck by those yellow claws. "I guess not." "I have nothing more to say to you, brother!" Reala grinned, looking forward to this kill. NiGHTS saw the bloodlust in his brother's icy blue eyes and scanned the area, looking for anything at all that might help. Reala took advantage of NiGHTS' distraction and landed, smacking him roughly across the face and sending him sprawling. He blinked as a small, pudgy form flew into his face, stubby arms battering harmlessly. "You leave him alone, you big dope!" Reala stood still for a moment, watching the Nightopian's attempt at an attack in amusement before he cracked his knuckles. He calmly raked his claws through the air, knocking the Nightopian to the ground. NiGHTS had just gotten up. "Topper!" He turned angrily toward Reala, who grinned. "You care too much, NiGHTS. . . and that's going to be your downfall." NiGHTS glanced at where Topper was pushing himself up. If he could just keep Reala distracted. . . . "Maybe you don't care enough" Reala followed his glance, and smirked. "Oh, I see. . ." He turned and strode over. Topper saw the threat and threw himself out of the way as five claws sank into the ground where he had just been laying. "Yeow!" Reala pulled his hand free, frowning at his mud caked claws before wiping them clean on his vest. NiGHTS darted forward as Reala was about to reach Topper, and knocked Reala aside. He cried out as Reala turned on him, slashing viciously. He was no match for Reala on his own. . .where was Aaron? Aaron was in fact, on his way toward NiGHTS that very moment. He was still wielding his metal staff and was still not wearing his Nightmaren disguise. "Aaron? You don't have to fight. . . you know that I'll have to stop you!" Nightingale flew after him, her expression dark. "I know! But I have to protect them!" He kept his determined expression. She called forth that strange sword again. "Well, in that case. . ." The blue blade came down toward Aaron. "Enguarde!" He held his staff up to catch the downward strike. She instantly lashed out with a purple tipped foot, kicking at his middle. He took the kick in the gut and fell over. As he hit the ground, he swung his staff at her legs. She tilted wildly, gasping in pain, but remained hovering. "Aaron!" The shout came from outside as NiGHTS dodged slash after slash of Reala's deadly claws. Aaron scrambled to his feet again, taking off toward NiGHTS. "No!" Nightingale flew to tackle him. He didn't make it far as she dragged him to the ground. 'Let me go! You know this is wrong!!" "I know that I have to stop you. That's all!" She retorted, pulling hard at his legs to drag him back. He pulled as hard as he could to get away from her. "Please! Let me go!" Meanwhile, NiGHTS took a hit and collapsed, breathing heavily as fresh blood seeped into his costume. Reala turned to smile at the combatants just inside the castle entrance. "Good work, Nightingale! Hold him!" Nightingale's eyes seemed to sparkle as she grinned, nodding. Aaron flipped himself over on his back to look at Nightingale's face. "Don't you remember what he just did to Tier!?" Nightingale hesitated at the reminder. The hesitation was quickly replaced by a malicious expression as she raised her sword high, ready to bring it down. "It doesn't matter!" Aaron stared into her eyes with a pained and angry expression. "Aaron!" NiGHTS threw himself into the air. In a heartbeat, he was beside him, catching the blade with his arm before forcing Nightingale against a wall. She struggled, but was hopelessly outclassed. With his free arm, NiGHTS reached out to Aaron, hand open. Aaron took the proffered hand, closing his eyes tightly. Instantly their perception changed as they merged. Nightingale sagged as she was released, watching helplessly as Aaron/NiGHTS took flight once again, heading for the battle. Topper was waddling as fast as he could as Reala tried to take out his frustration on a seemingly helpless Nightopian. Topper took flight to avoid a slash, but stumbled and landed again, resuming his waddling. As he stumbled, Topper squeezed his eyes shut. "NiGHTS!!!" He was instantly scooped up an instant before Reala's claws came down. NiGHTS winced at the slash, but it wasn't serious. "Is this exciting enough for you?" "I think I've had enough excitement for one night. . ." Aaron sighed. "I've had enough for one lifetime!" Topper replied exhaustedly, laying limply in Aaron/NiGHTS' grasp. Reala scowled as Nightingale peered out of the castle. "Nightingale, what are you doing?!" Startled, she darted out and landed beside Reala, only to be batted away. Reala glared. "Get NiGHTS!" Nightingale nodded and flew after the retreating Nightmaren, glancing back at Reala as she did. "What a grouch. . ." NiGHTS landed at the edge of Nightmare, depositing Topper. "You'd better go." Topper stumbled and peered trustingly up. "Right. . . you guys take care of yourselves, okay?" Aaron smiled at Topper. "You too." Topper smiled weakly, then waddled back to Nightopia and out of sight. NiGHTS sighed regretfully before turning back toward the battle. He was distracted by Nightingale flying for them. "Oops! Aaron, any ideas?" Aaron considered. "We have to find Molly. . ." He scratched his head. "I'm not sure how we're going to do that. If Tier's. . .If Tier didn't do it. . .then I don't know what will." NiGHTS straightened. "Did you manage to talk to her while you were awake? Maybe something that she said will help us now." Nightingale's eyes flashed angrily as she bore down on them. "You're getting me in trouble! I'm going to make you pay for that!" Aaron frowned as Nightingale narrowly missed. "She didn't even remember at first. . .she was upset with me when she did. I don't quite know why." NiGHTS pressed harder. "But she did remember? Did she try to help?" Aaron shook his head. "She just wanted to rest. . .She didn't say anything very helpful at all." He watched as Nightingale closed in on them. "W-wait. . ." He closed his eyes. "I think I remember." NiGHTS was silent, waiting. Aaron saw in his mind the picture that Molly had drawn. He tried to make that face, that smile that NiGHTS had in the picture. NiGHTS blinked in surprise, trying to take control of himself. "Aaron, this isn't the time to be silly!" No, we have to make her laugh!' Aaron struggled to keep the smile on his face. As Aaron succeeded in making NiGHTS grin, a flood of silent laughter seemed to be released. It swelled inside, aching to be released somehow. Nightingale pulled up short, blinking at NiGHTS' sudden grin. "NiGHTS. . .?" Aaron stamped his foot on the ground and started tickling himself and NiGHTS along with him. NiGHTS almost fell, but managed to stay upright, hugging himself in an attempt to stop the tickling. The grin became genuine as he laughed. "What are you. . .?" Nightingale smiled too, obviously amused. "Stop that!" Aaron tried to pry his hands out of the hug so he could keep tickling. "Stop tickling me!" NiGHTS shouted in between giggles. Nightingale slapped a hand over her mouth, sitting down to watch. "Why? Ticklish?" Aaron kept it up! NiGHTS twisted violently, as if he could stop the attack that way. "You know that I am!" He dissolved into laughter, sinking to his knees. Nearby, Nightingale wiped tears away, struggling valiantly against the laughter that threatened to overwhelm her. "Yeah. . .I know. Great, isn't it?" Aaron was on the verge of laughing as well. He was ticklish himself. NiGHTS grinned mischievously all of a sudden. "You know, two can play this way!" He abruptly doubled over, driving his hands into his tender belly, where he knew that Aaron would feel it the most. The tickling reached new heights. "H-hey!! No fair!" Aaron swallowed the laughter that nearly erupted. "All's fair in love and war!" NiGHTS retorted, barely choking out the words. He was vaguely aware of Nightingale falling off of her rock, giggling loudly. Aaron couldn't hold it in any more and began laughing loud and hard. This of course, had the effect of making NiGHTS laugh even harder. Nightingale squealed shrilly, gasping for air and wiping away the tears that were streaming down her cheeks. "She. . .she's down. . ." NiGHTS gasped, still laughing as he struggled to stop his hands from moving. "Good, then stop, stop, stooooop!!!" Aaron gasped along with him. NiGHTS grinned. "I did stop!" Aaron blinked. "Oh. . .that's me." He stopped tickling himself. Nightingale was laying curled on her side, laughing helplessly. She reached new levels of laughter at Aaron's statement. NiGHTS turned to the huddled, giggling figure. He glided over, standing over Nightingale as she laughed. "Okay. . .now what?" "Uhm. . . you know, I'm really not sure." He took a chance. "Molly? Are you alright?" She laid perfectly still, eyes closed against the tears of laughter. Aaron had the advantage of being inside NiGHTS, who couldn't cry, allowing him to see clearly. NiGHTS blinked and reached out to tap Nightingale on the shoulder. She giggled in response before moving to sit up. Moving quickly, NiGHTS caught her under the arms and lifted her into his grip. "Gotcha!" Aaron grinned. "Ooh, do we get to tickle -her- this time?" Nightingale gasped, snapping out of it as she found herself caught. "Hey!" She struggled helplessly, suddenly anxious. NiGHTS smiled. "We don't have to. She can't do anything to us right now." "Aw. . .Maybe later. . ." Aaron was a little disappointed. NiGHTS shook his head as he easily maneuvered Nightingale into his arms and took flight. "That would just be cruel, she's obviously not a fan of tickling." Nightingale glared as she squirmed. "Put me down!" "Nah, she thinks it's hilarious!" Aaron grinned. "I hate your guts." Nightingale retorted, angry. "Really? I love you." Aaron replied happily. Nightingale clenched her fists, seeming to swell, and NiGHTS blinked. "Um, Aaron. . .that's enough." Aaron sighed, catching on. "I guess I shouldn't anger her, eh? Oh well, I thought she'd get a kick out of it." "Oh. . .yeah!" Nightingale took his suggestion, lashing out with her feet. NiGHTS cried out as he was struck in the face, and fell backwards, accidentally letting go. "Drat. . ." Aaron was not happy. "Now do you see that it's not nice to taunt ensorcelled villains?" NiGHTS rubbed his face as he rose again. Aaron folded his arms. "But I wasn't taunting." Nightingale halted her attack suddenly, staring past them as if hearing something. Without another word, she flew into Nightopia. NiGHTS stiffened. "She knows!" Without bothering to say what Nightingale knew, he gave chase. Aaron let NiGHTS take full control of their flight. They followed Nightingale far into Nightopia, landing quickly as she slowed and glanced apprehensively around. As she approached a small patch of Nightopian eggs, NiGHTS let out his breath and released Aaron, watching. Aaron looked around, realizing what NiGHTS had done, then he looked at NiGHTS with a look that asked, 'What are you doing...?' NiGHTS simply pointed to where Nightingale had knelt. A small blue, pink, and white figure stirred at Nightingale's touch, looking up. She regarded Topper quietly, pityingly, oblivious to anything else. Aaron walked slowly toward her, stopping a few feet from her. NiGHTS moved as if to stop him, then relaxed and rose to stand nearby. Nightingale didn't seem to notice that she was no longer alone, but Topper did. He smirked up at Aaron. "Hey, kid. . ." "Hey, Topper. . ." Aaron didn't know what else to say. Nightingale closed her eyes. "Topper. . . did Reala. . .?" Topper chuckled. "Naw. No claw marks, see?" He lifted an arm to indicate his untouched form. And yet something was unmistakably wrong. The Nightopian frowned at the two faces hovering over him, and spoke in a soft tone. "Hey. . .did you two come just to stare at me?" He seemed amused. Aaron shook his head. Nightingale looked away. Topper smiled and relaxed, blinking. "Well, you're here for a reason. To ask questions? Or to say. . ." Nightingale frowned. "You know why we're here, Topper." The Nightopian shrugged in silent agreement. Aaron stood there, dumbfounded and clueless as to what to do next. "Uhm... Topper? What's wrong?" He wondered aloud. Nightingale looked disgusted. "You. . ." Topper chuckled softly. "Naw, that's a fair question." Nightingale fell silent. Topper shrugged. "Hey, Aaron. How long've I known you?" Aaron thought for a second. "I. . .I don't know. . .a week? A few days?" Topper thought for a moment. "Lesse. . . I was there when you first came to Nightopia. . . that was one. . . then there was when you came sweeping in by yourself and panicked the entire camp. . . And tonight made three. . . when you took over the rebellion in NiGHTS' place. . ." He nodded. "It's been longer than I thought." "It's felt longer to me. . ." He looked at the ground. Topper smiled. "Yeah. . .it was fun." Aaron smiled back. "Wh-why are you talking like I'm never going to see you again. . .?" Topper sighed and looked away, unsure of how to explain. "T-Topper. . .?" Aaron moved closer to it. ". . . I'm almost six nights old now. . ." Topper admitted quietly. Aaron looked confused. He didn't quite know what kind of significance that had. "You're younger than I thought, Topper. . ." Topper grinned. "Younger?! You don't know much about Nightopians! Come on, kid, I'm not a Nightmaren. Unlike NiGHTS, I have a limited lifespan. . . very limited. . .and. . ." he shrugged, leaving the rest for Aaron to figure out. Aaron's eyes grew large and misty. "T-topper. . .you can't. . ." Topper chuckled again. "What, do I need your permission? Nightopians are a dime a dozen, if we lasted forever, there'd be no room for dreamers." He glanced at Nightingale, who made a show of looking away. You're not like the others, Topper. . .You're special. . ." He frowned at Nightingale. Topper sighed. "Too much time spent around those court jester wannabes. . ." Nightingale smiled weakly, sensing the affection that Topper held for his Nightmaren friends. From his place, NiGHTS blinked. He hadn't realized that Topper thought of him that way. "I. . .I don't want you to go, Topper. . ." Aaron held back his tears. Topper shrugged, smiling as he let his eyes drift halfway closed. "I'm sorry to do this to you guys. . . but it's not like you're going to have a chance to miss me." "Topper!" Nightingale was surprised by his words. Aaron blinked. "What do you mean?" He was just as surprised as Nightingale. Topper closed his eyes. "You're not going to see me anymore. . .but I'm still going to be a part of your dreams. . ." Nightingale lunged, scooping Topper up. "That's not good enough!" The Nightopian squeaked in surprise, his eyes flying open before he relaxed again, smiling. Aaron walked to him slowly, putting his hand on Topper. Topper blinked questioningly. "Aaron. . . I have to. . ." Aaron leaned in close to listen to what he had to say. The Nightopian smirked before his expression faded into one of exhaustion. "I'm glad that I got. . .to know you guys. . . I want you to do me a favor now. . ." Nightingale blinked. "What is it?" "Anything." Aaron looked determined. Topper grinned briefly before relaxing. ". . .win. . ." Aaron nodded. "I will. . ." Nightingale let out a soft whimper as Topper seemed to grow lighter in her grip. Aaron put his other hand on Nightingale's shoulder. As they watched, Topper's smiling form faded slowly away, revealing a faint, iridescent sparkle that convulsed once before spreading wide and dissipating into the air. Aaron felt the tears starting again. He'd already cried so much tonight. What was a little more? Nightingale sat in stunned silence for a moment before dropping her gaze. A drop of moisture sank into the purple silk of her lap. Aaron had not removed his hand from her shoulder. A strangled sob finally ripped free, and Nightingale leaned hard into Aaron, giving into the emotions that she knew were not her own. Aaron put his arms around her, holding her lightly and crying with her. He wanted Molly back. Nightingale stiffened suddenly, standing up and brushing tears away. "This is too much. . .it ends now!" She glanced at Aaron briefly before taking flight and hurrying at top speed, back to Nightmare. Aaron stood as well, walking to NiGHTS. "Now what. . .?" NiGHTS was facing the opposite direction, head bowed. He didn't seem to hear right away. He touched him lightly on the arm. "NiGHTS. . .?" NiGHTS smiled gently and turned, carefully placing a finger on Aaron's cheek. He lifted it close to his own face, studying the moisture. "It's really not fair. . . that you can cry, and I can't. . ." Aaron turned his sad eyes to the ground. 'Nightmares weren't made to cry,' he thought to himself. But what he said aloud was just, "I'm sorry, NiGHTS. I wish. . .I wish that you could merge with me. So you could cry. . ." NiGHTS smiled. "You know, that's the nicest thing that anyone's ever said to me. . ." He abruptly cheered up in one of those famous Nightmaren mood swings. "Well, we'd better hurry back!" He offered a hand again. Aaron smiled weakly and took his hand. This time, the merge felt like second nature, and in no time at all, they had returned to Nightmare.
Back to where it all began. . . End of Part Nine
Part Ten: True Courage
"NiGHTS!" An orange and yellow Nightmaren waved, leading two others. "We have missing Nightmaren, but we got lucky. Look what we found!" between the two smaller Nightmaren rested a familiar powder blue form, one hand pressed tightly over Its belly. NiGHTS released Aaron again before gliding close to see Picusha. He frowned at the tattered remains of one lacy sleeve. The orange and yellow Nightmaren noticed and grinned. "Picusha did that Itself. It stopped the bleeding." It pointed to where the thin strips had been tied around Picusha's slender waist and over the wound. Aaron floated down with NiGHTS. "Picusha! It's so good to see you!" Picusha opened Its crystal blue eyes, but they were strangely dull. It managed a slight nod. NiGHTS glanced at Aaron before frowning. "Picusha. . .?" "It was Vespa that attacked Picusha." They turned as a pink and green checkered form stepped closer, cradling another close. Terrace's rose colored eyes were filled with pain. Aaron nearly mistook Terrace for Tier. He sighed at hearing this. "I'm so sorry, Picusha. . ." Picusha simply closed Its eyes. NiGHTS turned to concentrate on the figure in Terrace's arms. Tier hung limply, a sad smile frozen on Its round face. Aaron looked away. A soft noise, so faint that it could have been imagined came briefly.
Aaron blinked, looking back toward Terrace and Tier. Terrace blinked in surprise at Aaron's expression, looking down at Its twin. Tier hadn't moved at all. Aaron stared. "D-did you hear that?" Terrace shook Its head, not daring to hope. NiGHTS turned to Aaron and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What is it?" Aaron shook his head. "Nothing. . .I just thought I heard something. . ." He sighed. A soft exhalation, as if someone had been holding their breath answered him. His eyes flew open. "That was it again." Terrace gasped and fell to Its knees, still cradling Its twin. Tier's mouth moved slightly for an instant. "T-Tier. . ." Aaron spoke hesitantly. Fingers twitched before Tier frowned faintly. It groaned softly before Its eyelids lifted just enough to show the minty green eyes beneath. "Tier!" Aaron flew to Terrace's side. Terrace cried out and held Tier tighter, almost defensively. Tier's eyes opened fully, and It blinked before wincing. "Ow. . ." "Tier!" Tier roused fully at Terrace's voice, and Its face lit up. "Terrace!" It sat up, but in the process, caught a glimpse of Its chest, bloody and sporting five gouges. "Uhhh. . ." With a whimper, It fainted all over again. Aaron shouted, "Somebody help it!" NiGHTS laughed. "Tier will be fine, but just to be safe. . .can someone rouse Picusha? It's the healer!" NiGHTS turned toward the castle. "What happened to Reala?" A smaller, pure black Nightmaren with red, claw-like fingers and gleaming eyes drifted close. "Reala was attacked by Nightingale. The two went inside together." "What. . .?" Aaron looks surprised. The strange Nightmaren turned those red orbs that served as eyes on Aaron. Aaron was a little unnerved by it. NiGHTS saw the problem and quickly placed an arm around the other Nightmaren. "It's okay, Aaron. Shara's just a Last Generation Nightmaren." "A. . . a what?" He looked confused. "Oh. . .I see." He remembered what he had been told about the groups of Nightmaren Wizeman had created.
Reala flew through the corridor, confused and injured. He had been taken completely off guard when an enraged Nightingale had driven her sword into him. Luckily, the girl was not a killer, and the injury was only a shallow one to his shoulder. What bothered Reala wasn't his injury. What could have happened to change Nightingale? She had been as dark souled as himself and willing to obey every command. Nightingale saw Reala retreating, and gave chase. Like Aaron, she knew that it wasn't for her to kill the Nightmaren General, but she fully intended to have her revenge. And what form of revenge would hurt him most? The answer came from deep inside. Deprive Reala of his favorite toy. She stopped inside the castle, puzzled. If the way to harm Reala was for her to leave him, how would she go about doing it? Again, the answer came. She would simply relax and allow her better side to take over. With a sigh, she closed her eyes. Molly stretched. "Wow, that was some nap! I. . ." She broke off, realizing where she was. "Oh. . .I'm still napping, huh?" Abruptly, she remembered what had happened. The deaths, the betrayals, and the one responsible for all of it. "Reala. . ." Reala stood quietly, facing his throne. It was impossible for Nightingale to betray him. She had to be merely confused, and needing his guidance. "Reala!" He smiled as he heard the shout, filled with pain and confusion. "Ah, my Nighti. . ." he broke off as he turned to find a human female in a purple sweatshirt and dragon print pants. "Molly. . ." He stated the name, frowning. Molly advanced, not in the least bit intimidated by the yellow claws that Reala flexed as a warning, or the cold stare that he had fixed on her. Reala allowed her to halt directly in front of him, so that she was forced to stare straight up into his face. "You are out of uniform." He noted. Molly grinned. "Yep, and out of your control. Sorry, mime boy. . .Nightingale's gone." She yelped and jumped back as he slashed at her, grinning down before she realized that she was hovering. "What. . .?" Reala smirked and took to the air. Molly gasped as she saw two sets of claws flying for her and shouted the first thing that came to mind. "I'M IN TROUBLE!!!" Outside, NiGHTS jerked upright at the shout and took flight without any explanation, leaving several confused rebels and one puzzled human behind. Molly shrieked as she dodged a swipe through luck more than skill. Undeterred, Reala flew at her for the kill. "I don't think that he wants my Ideya anymore!" She noted, scrambling to escape. The claws were inches away when they were suddenly pulled safely away. Molly blinked. "Huh?" Reala grunted as both of his tassels were held firmly by NiGHTS. The purple Nightmaren grinned. "You know what, Reala? I've always secretly wanted to do. . .this!" His hands moved quickly, and Reala's tassels were tied together in a nice, neat bow. Molly stifled a giggle as NiGHTS flew to greet her. "NiGHTS!" NiGHTS studied her carefully. "So uh. . .are you still mad at me?" Molly blinked. "I was mad at you? Why. . .oh!" She sighed as she remembered being abandoned by NiGHTS. NiGHTS winces as Reala struggled to fix his tassels. He ultimately decided to simply kill them first and worry about his appearance later. NiGHTS glanced quickly back before turning to Molly. "Nevermind, right now we have to beat Reala and get out of here!" He held a hand out, his purple gaze meeting hers. Molly gasped as she saw the rampaging Reala. She looked at NiGHTS, then at his hand, hesitating. "Molly!" NiGHTS' eyes were wide as she failed to merge with him. She screamed as Reala narrowly missed her, and ran to the far wall. NiGHTS clenched his fists before giving chase. "Hey, wait!" Molly's heart was racing as she watched Reala turn around for another pass. She blinked as NiGHTS abruptly fell to his knees. "Please!" He held his hands high and clasped, pleading. She stared, unused to seeing NiGHTS in this particular position. "N. . .NiGHTS?" He gazed imploringly at her, and she gulped, turning to see Reala flying straight for them. She turned back to NiGHTS and took a hesitant step toward him. Their hands touched, and the merge occurred. Molly opened her eyes to see Reala directly in front of her. She started to scream, but it was cut short by a dazzling view of the room, spinning rapidly. Rather than feeling dizzy, she was overwhelmed by excitement, and she knew that NiGHTS felt the same. The two turned as one to face Reala. Reala laughed. "Depending on dreamers again, NiGHTS?" NiGHTS smirked and felt Molly echoing his words. "Maybe you should try it sometime!" The two figures spun in a tight spiral, heading higher with twin startrails flowing below their forms. Molly concentrated on Reala's movements, and thought to NiGHTS. 'He's concentrating on our startrail, this is the time for a physical attack!' NiGHTS nodded ever so slightly and suddenly rammed a knee into Reala's gut. Winded, the red and black Nightmaren grunted and fell. "Yeah!" Molly. She and NiGHTS each raised an arm, clapping the hands together in an odd variation of a high five. Reala didn't fall far before he'd recovered. He flew up high again. "Now, Ni. . ." he paused, looking around the now empty room. Yellow claws clenched tightly until his palms were bleeding. "NiGHTS!!!" NiGHTS winced at the outraged scream as he and Molly swooped out of the castle. "We could've taken him." Molly stated, not pleased with the retreat. NiGHTS grinned. "You've still got some Nightingale in there, Molly. We could have fought on, but I'm not at my best. It wouldn't have ended well. Besides, our friends are waiting for us." "Friends. . .right. . ." She turned to study the landscape under them, forcing NiGHTS to jerk his chin up. "They won't blame you." She was silent for the rest of the flight. NiGHTS landed in front of the others. "Hey, look who I found!" As he "dropped" her, Molly caught herself before she could stumble, but kept her gaze low. Aaron's eyes grew wide and he smiled. "Molly! I'm so happy to see you!" He ran toward NiGHTS and Molly. NiGHTS stepped back to let the two dreamers greet one another. Molly smiled weakly, but refused to meet Aaron's gaze. Aaron's smile slowly faded. "Molly? What's wrong?" She just shrugged, wondering how Aaron could be so friendly after everything that had happened between them. A colorful figure caught her attention, and she turned to look at Terrace. She gasped when she saw Tier dangling limply in the Nightmaren's grasp. Aaron turned to look at the pair as well and then looked back to watch Molly's reaction. NiGHTS quickly stepped in front of the twins. "It's okay, Tier'll be just fine!" Molly blinked and glanced hesitantly at Aaron for confirmation. Aaron nodded, smiling. "It's going to be okay." "But. . .It was. . ." She paused, remembering seeing Reala rip those deadly claws through Tier's chest. Aaron winced, as though seeing the same memories. "Yeah, It was. But not any more." As if on cue, Tier let out a low groan. "Will someone please turn off the sun? I'd like to sleep in. . ." Aaron grinned, thinking about how at least the two dreamers were quite possibly sleeping in as they spoke. Molly smiled as well. It faded quickly. The smile on Aaron's face faded with Molly's. "Molly. . .Tell me, what's wrong?" He asked her quietly. She shook her head, walking over to a boulder to sit down. "I don't know which is the nightmare, and which is the dream anymore. . ." She admitted in a soft voice. Aaron followed her sitting beside her. "How can I help? Anything I can do, I'll do it." She frowned. "Don't you get it? I'm. . . not me! Wizeman. . . he did something. . ." She squeezed her eyes shut, pained. Aaron didn't quite understand. "What did he do?" NiGHTS' smile faded, and he went to check on Picusha, unsure of how to handle this turn of events. Molly let out a long, shuddering breath. "I don't know. . .but he somehow trapped me inside myself. I was like that up until Topper. . ." She broke off, bothered by the memory. Aaron looked away. He didn't much want to talk about it either. A soft sob escaped her. When Aaron looked back, she was hunched over, clenching her hands. Aaron scooted closer to her, putting his arm around her, attempting to be consoling. "Please don't cry. . ." She shook her head. "You don't get it. . . I wasn't even there! And I wasn't exactly friendly to him. . .it's not fair!" "I. . .I know I can't get it. . .but I want to be here for you. It's all I can do." He closed his eyes. Molly opened her eyes. "I just feel badly. . . and I can't even say that I'm sorry. . ." She turned to look at him, grey eyes glistening. Opening his eyes, he looked into hers. "You're forgiven. I know that you're not Nightingale. You don't have to be sorry." "Not that, before." She found herself admiring his eyes. She opened her mouth to say more, but was interrupted. "Aww, so where's the romantic music when you need it?" Molly winced and turned to frown into a pair of minty green eyes. "Tier!" Tier just laughed as Terrace rolled Its eyes. "You big dummy. . ." Aaron nearly fell off the rock. "Tier! If you weren't half dead, I'd kill you!" Tier winced. "Thanks for the reminder. . ." It was currently hanging in Terrace's arms, smiling upside-down at them. Molly slapped a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. Aaron smiled as well, not hesitating to chuckle a bit at Tier. Tier laughed happily, then doubled up, trembling slightly. "Note to self. . .never laugh again. . ." Terrace blinked, gazing at Its twin worriedly. "Tier?!" Aaron's smile turned to a look of worry. "Tier, are you alright?" Molly winced sympathetically. "Poor thing. . . " Tier nodded, looking strangely serious. "Fine. . ." It choked the word out, wincing painfully. "You should go lie down." Aaron suggested, Molly nodded her agreement. "Really. . .what am I doing now?" Tier smirked weakly. Terrace frowned. "What do I look like, a sofa?!" Aaron blinked. "Do they even have sofas in Nightopia?" "Sort've. . . " Tier confirmed. "When someone's dreaming about one. . ." Aaron shrugged. "Oddly enough, that makes sense." "There's a first time for everything, I guess." Molly agreed, having the impression that Tier didn't often make much sense. Tier answered by coughing and squeezing Its eyes shut. NiGHTS came back at the sound of coughing, pointing at Tier. "You. Back to camp and into the healer's tent. NOW!" Tier winced, unable to respond. Aaron stood up, offering to carry It. Terrace blinked, not knowing where the camp was. Still, It was obviously unwilling to hand Its twin over to anyone. "Well. . .I'll show you where the tent is." He smiled, hoping to comfort Terrace more than Tier. "Wait. . ." One of the other rebels, a Nightmaren in varying shades of green spoke up. "Can we trust Terrace? It hasn't even joined us yet!" Terrace held Tier close, worried by the green and pink Nightmaren's silence. Aaron sighed. "Terrace, will you betray us to Wizeman, knowing it will doom Tier to death?" Terrace closed Its eyes. "I. . ." It hugged Tier close, eyes flying open in alarm as It received no response. "I don't care, just help It!" "I trust Terrace." Aaron confirmed. NiGHTS looked thoughtful. "Tier needs help quickly, but Daras is right. If Terrace can't bring Itself to betray Wizeman, we can't risk bringing It back to camp." Aaron sat back down. "Take it back then. Maybe Terrace trusts you more. . ." Terrace stepped back in alarm as NiGHTS walked over, but reluctantly allowed him to take Tier away. NiGHTS' eyes widened slightly, adding to Terrace's alarm. "Help It!" The pink and green Nightmaren pleaded. Aaron floated down off of the rock to land by Terrace, putting his hand on Its arm. "Tier will be allright. Don't worry." NiGHTS nodded, not looking at all convinced as he turned to head back. Aaron watched NiGHTS as he left, hoping that what he said wasn't a lie. Terrace groaned, turning away and hugging Itself. Its arm was stained with Tier's blood. Aaron wished there was something he could do. He floated back up onto the rock beside Molly. Molly sighed. "I don't know who I should feel sorry for. . .Terrace or Tier?" Aaron nodded. "Both." She turned to look at him. "Do you think It'll be okay? I didn't like that look in NiGHTS' eyes. . ." "I don't know. . ." Aaron looked down. Picusha was carried past then, looking at them without really seeing. Aaron bit his lip. Molly frowned, seeing Aaron's reaction to this strange Nightmaren. "Aaron, do you know It?" He nodded. "This is the rebels' healer, Picusha." Picusha blinked at Its name, and Molly managed a weak smile. She sighed as she was ignored. "Not exactly social, is It?" "I-It's usually different. . ." Aaron felt a little scared. Molly regarded him with a quiet, stunned expression. Terrace frowned and stepped in the way of the Nightmaren carrying Picusha. "Picusha, you saw Tier. Will It recover?" Picusha blinked, studying Terrace before closing Its eyes. Terrace gasped as the two continued past, sinking to the ground. Molly scooted closer to Aaron. "I definitely don't like the look in Picusha's eye. . ." Aaron shook his head as the Nightmaren left, leaving them with Terrace. "Me neither. Molly abruptly jumped from the rock, wobbling in the air before she managed to get back onto the ground. "Whoa! I wish I knew how I did that. . ." She tried again, and managed to hover without flailing her arms for balance. "It's not hard." Aaron floated over to her, hovering just in front of her. "Show off. . ." She muttered, kicking as if she was swimming. She wasn't making much progress. Aaron grinned. "I suppose it takes a little practice. . . you just have to remember, this is a dream. Gravity isn't quite the powerful force it is in the waking world. Terrace sighed and flew briefly around them. "Legs are only for take offs and landings. The real thrust comes from the hands. . . although for you, I suppose you'll need your entire arm." It demonstrated by snapping both arms tight against Its sides. It instantly rose above them. "The key is to want to go somewhere. Will it, and it just happens!" Molly looked from Aaron to Terrace. "Well, I've had flying dreams before. . . I guess this makes sense." She thought about flying higher, and abruptly sailed up and above her friends. "Hey, look at me!" "See? You can do it." Aaron grinned. She didn't answer, but instead turning and zipped in the direction that NiGHTS and the others had gone in. He floated up to follow after her. Terrace watched them go and hesitated, torn between loyalties. It resulted in the Nightmaren doing a little dance in place as It struggled to choose a course of action. It finally decided to head back to Castle Nightmare, and flew away on Its own. "Reala!" In Nightmare, it was a defeated Reala who answered his Master's call. Wizeman extended a hand, studying his favorite creation. Reala stood tall, accepting the inspection. Finally, Wizeman spoke. "The girl is missing." Reala bowed his head. "Yes, Wizeman." Wizeman considered for a moment. "This is twice that you have lost her, Reala." Reala nodded unhappily. "Yes, Wizeman." Wizeman's eyes narrowed. "You will not fail me again." Reala stiffened slightly. Was Wizeman going to destroy him? No, he could sense that his Master had something else planned. "Reala. . . you will report to me now. How did the girl come to undo my spell and escape?" Reala dropped his gaze again. "I do not know, Wizeman." He grunted as an enormous hand abruptly snatched him off his feet, holding him high so that the others could close in, staring. "I think that you do know. You are defending her." Wizeman's voice was as calm as ever. Reala grimaced as he was squeezed. Wizeman considered. "What has happened?" The hand holding Reala suddenly became much tighter, and the Nightmaren felt his vision blurring. He refused to cry out, even for Wizeman, but he was rapidly losing consciousness. When the Nightmaren finally sagged, Wizeman relaxed and became exceedingly gentle, raising another hand to gently stroke his creation. "Reala. . . what has happened? Why are you confused?" The five eyes on his unused hands came to life, replaying the images from Reala's recent memory as Wizeman sifted through his thoughts. He paused on an image of Nightingale wielding a sword, as if about to strike. Wizeman fast forwarded to the confrontation with Molly, leading to her escape. "These are the facts, Reala. But why are you emotionally affected?" He reached deeper, drawing a faint grimace from the unconscious Nightmaren. A gentle stroke along Reala's backside quieted him as Wizeman continued his search. At last, he found what he wanted. Not a memory, but a stray thought. Reala flying with Nightingale, and a sense of happiness and peace. "So. . .this is the answer." Wizeman regarded Reala quietly before continuing to stroke him. "This then, is what you desire. . . my son?" Of course, he received no response. He continued. "It would seem that it is in my interest to do as you wish. Very well, Reala." He opened his hand and allowed the Nightmaren to lay there. "Very well." Tier lay quietly as Molly and Aaron arrived at the camp. Picusha had finally managed to bandage the green and pink Nightmaren's chest before returning to Its own pallet to wallow in Its own thoughts. Molly glanced anxiously at Aaron as they entered the healing tent and saw Tier. She didn't like the pale cast to Its skin or Its lack of movement. Aaron tried to keep his expression neutral, but fear was gradually creeping in. NiGHTS himself was seated against a wall, apparently half asleep. However, cat-like eyes gleamed softly at them from beneath partially lowered eyelids. Molly walked over and reached out to brush a finger against Tier's cheek. She jerked it back, alarmed. Aaron looked confused as he walked after her. "What is it?" She looked very worried. "It's too cold!" She reached out again. Tier wasn't exactly cold, but Its temperature had dropped considerably, probably due to loss of blood. Aaron walked up beside her, touching Tier as well. "You're right. . ." He looked over to NiGHTS, wondering if he was allright. NiGHTS straightened to return Aaron's gaze, looking calm, but worried nonetheless.
He walked over and sat next to NiGHTS. "What are we going to do?" NiGHTS shook his head. "There's nothing that we can do except hope." He sighed. "Tier shouldn't have wasted Its strength, making jokes before." Aaron's face took on a look of guilt. "I'm sorry. . ." "It wasn't your fault, Aaron." NiGHTS smiled encouragingly, placing a hand on his shoulder. Aaron smiled weakly. Molly stomped a foot, drawing their attention. "NiGHTS! Is Tier dying?!" She was tired of avoiding the subject. NiGHTS hesitated, dropping his gaze. He yelped as she stormed over and grabbed him by the collar. "NiGHTS!" Aaron rose out of instinct, fearing the answer. NiGHTS sighed when Molly released him. ". . .I'm afraid so." Molly turned away, that was not what she had wanted to hear. Aaron closed his eyes as well. "W. . .was. . .was Tier going to die before? Before It made all the jokes and used up all Its strength?" NiGHTS refused to look at them. "Possibly. . . It had lost a lot of blood. Everyone thought that It was already dead." "What about a transfusion?" Aaron wondered. NiGHTS shook his head. "You're still thinking as if this were the Waking World. We don't have the medical equipment. . ." He glanced at Tier, then back to the two dreamers, as if considering something. "But?" Molly prompted, impatient. "So. . .so, we'll dream the medical equipment up. If I can dream up staves, clothing. . .why not that?" Aaron tapped his foot impatiently. NiGHTS frowned, being realistic. "Because those were simple items directly linked to you. Do you have close, personal knowledge of how to perform a blood transfusion?" Molly made a noise of exasperation. "So stop shooting our ideas down and tell us what we can do to save Tier!" Aaron folded his arms. No, he didn't have any idea how to perform a blood transfusion, but it was a better idea than letting him die. NiGHTS considered, gazing at each of them thoughtfully. Molly turned to see Tier, and yelped in sudden fear. "It's still bleeding! NiGHTS, just spit it out! What can we do?!" NiGHTS rose. "Okay. . . I believe that you can save Tier. There was a time when I was in a similar position." Aaron listened attentively. NiGHTS frowned. "I had used up almost all of my energy in order to help the last two Red Ideya dreamers, Claris and Elliot. As a result, I was near death. My own shard was almost completely drained of energy." Molly gave NiGHTS her full attention as he went on. "Claris and Elliot sacrificed their Red Ideya for me. It granted me a second chance at life, but they lost their power." Aaron looked like he was just hit with a bus. Molly didn't look much better. NiGHTS turned his violet gaze on the two of them. "You can do the same for Tier, but think it through carefully. If you do this, you will never be the same again. You may not even be able to return to Nightopia." "This. . .this is the only Ideya I have left. . ." Aaron's other Ideya flashed through his memory briefly along with his futile attempt to retrieve them. Molly blushed. "Not quite, Aaron. . ." "What?" Aaron looked to her. She smiled. "Nightingale had a slight temper tantrum before she disappeared. The Ideya Capture was destroyed, so every Ideya should have returned to its owner." He looked up into her eyes. "Then Tier can have my Red Ideya." He looked down again after he'd said those words, feeling guilty for withholding it to begin with. NiGHTS stepped closer, curious. He hesitated, almost afraid before letting his hand hover close to Molly's chest. "May I. . .?" She gulped, remembering the stolen Ideya that had started this entire mess. She took a breath and nodded, bracing herself. Instead of removing an Ideya however, NiGHTS simply concentrated. A yellow glow illuminated his hand. He smiled. "This is very good news." He turned questioningly to Aaron, wondering if it was worth doublechecking that they both had their Ideyas returned. Aaron nodded to him. NiGHTS stepped closer and held his hand out. Three glows appeared, white, blue, and yellow. NiGHTS dropped his hand and stepped back, nodding. "You have your Ideya back, allright. How do you feel?" Molly just shrugged, she still wasn't feeling like herself. Aaron on the other hand, smiled. "Better." NiGHTS smiled faintly back. Molly glanced at Tier, then sighed and walked over to the tent flap, gazing out at the camp for the first time. NiGHTS frowned slightly and caught Aaron's eye before indicating that he should speak to her. Aaron nodded to NiGHTS. He knew he needed to talk to her, but he wasn't exactly sure what he was going to say. He walked toward her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Hey. . ." She stiffened, but didn't move away. "What?" She spoke in a soft tone. Aaron regarded her quietly for a moment before speaking. "I can't make you give your Red Ideya to Tier, but if you don't, It's going to die. And Wizeman can't make you keep it from Tier, either. You can make your own decisions, and you have to make this decision. Will you or will you not save Tier's life?" She clenched her fists. "It's not that! I. . . " She sighed. "It feels wrong, somehow. . . you know Tier, but I don't. Of course I don't want It to be hurt, but. . ." Aaron shook his head. "If you don't want to give up your Ideya, then don't. . . Don't do something you'll regret." He turned around and walked back to NiGHTS. "Take mine. Take them all if it will save Tier." Molly squeezed her eyes shut, hurt to be cast aside so abruptly. "You don't understand!" She ran out, unable to bear being in the tent with a half dead Nightmaren and someone who thought that she didn't care. He turned and ran after her. "Molly, wait!" Aaron lifted up off the ground, hoping to fly in front of her to halt her. Molly ran through the camp, pushing Nightmaren and Nightopians aside. She just wanted to be out of there. She wanted more than anything to wake up and know that it had all been just a bad dream. Aaron still called after her, "Please, wait!" She ran into the forest and sagged under a tree, only vaguely aware of the strange traffic light hanging from the branch over her head. A minute or so later, Aaron finally was able to catch up with her. She did her best to ignore him. "Molly. . . I know I don't understand. I know I can't understand. But I want to understand. And I never meant to hurt you with what I said. Please talk to me. . ." Aaron stood nearby her, hoping that she wouldn't run away again. Molly simply closed her eyes. "Of course you don't understand. . . you've never been there. You don't know what they really are." Aaron considered. "I know what NiGHTS is. And I know what Tier is. They're not all the same, Molly. And I don't think any of them are truly evil. . .none of them except maybe Reala." He was only just beginning to feel the shame he had of himself for truly wanting to kill him. Molly shook her head. "That's just it. Reala's the only one who I can relate to. He's more. . . human." She sighed. "That sounds insane, I know, but he said things when he thought that I wasn't really hearing him. . ." Aaron sat down beside her. "What sort of things?" She looked away, flushed. "Just. . .things." She dropped her gaze, feeling a pang of guilt. "I've gotten him into trouble. . .Wizeman's going to hurt him for sure. . ." Aaron felt a guilty expression creep onto his face as well. "I wish I knew what to do. . ." Molly turned to look at him, and her tone was firm. "Look, just because I was able to get away doesn't mean that I'm back to normal. Can you imagine having your darkest fears and negative emotions brought to life to replace you? And she's here, right now." She held a hand over her chest, feeling something like a pain in her spirit. "I know. I know it's not that easy to bury a negative feeling." In his mind, he flashed back just a little while ago when he'd seen the look in NiGHTS' eyes, begging him not to kill Reala. He remembered, now even stronger, the guilt and remorse he'd felt for wishing death upon another living creature. He looked down at the ground. "I don't think she'll ever go away. She's a part of you. She was before Reala brought her out, and she will always be. But you are Molly, and no one can take that away from you." She considered. "I just. . . can't think straight. At least there, I knew what was expected of me. I don't even know where I am right now, and everyone just stares at me!" Sure enough a small flock of Nightopians took flight as she turned to glare at them, squeaking as they fled. Aaron watched them go before turning back to her. "No one is going to order you around here. You have to find out what you want and then do it. I. . . I wasn't trying to say that you didn't want to do what was right. I just didn't want to force you into giving up something as precious as your Red Ideya if it wasn't what you wanted." He sighed. "All I want is for you to have what you want." Molly stood up. "What I want is to wake up and never fall asleep again! I. . ." She froze, startled as something moved nearby. A shadowy figure clung to one of the trees, flexing lethal claws. It sprang for the dreamer, reaching out with those claws! Aaron stood with her, and saw the thing coming as it leapt for Molly. He dove toward her, hoping to get in between her and the impending doom and to knock her away. Molly gasped as she was knocked backwards. The shadow swept harmlessly overhead as they fell, missing Its target. Molly pushed Aaron aside and stood up again, turning to face her attacker, just as it landed briefly and came at her again. This time, it connected, ripping what looked like a shadow free before darting away through the trees. Molly stumbled and reeled, arms flailing for balance. Aaron reached out to steady her. "Molly! What. . .what was that?" She sagged briefly before catching herself, and turned to see him. "I don't know, It looked like one of those weird last generation Nightmaren!" "What did It do?" He sounded quite confused. She took a deep breath, then blinked, smiling hesitantly as she felt a great weight lifted from her. "Took away. . .my dark side. . .I think." Aaron looked even more confused, but he smiled as he saw the smile upon her face. NiGHTS looked up as they returned to the healer's tent, his usual smile plastered to his face. Aaron waved to NiGHTS, still smiling. NiGHTS waved back before turning toward Molly. Something was different about her, he could tell. "Molly. . .?" He grunted in surprise as she darted forward, embracing him. He hesitantly put his arms around her before glancing questioningly toward Aaron. Aaron shrugged, unable to erase the grin from his face. Molly seemed to realized what she was doing, and looked up at NiGHTS. "I'm sorry. . ." She saw the confusion in his eyes and smiled. "For not trusting you." NiGHTS smiled back. "Don't be sorry. . .it wasn't your fault." He smiled warmly at Aaron, confident that the dreamer had said something to make Molly feel much better. Molly decided not to mention the Nightmaren attack just yet. Aaron wasn't about to take credit for the change, but since he hadn't been asked. . . "So. . ." NiGHTS cleared his throat - which was quite a feat, considering that he didn't have one. "Have you two reached a decision?" "My decision is already made." Aaron asserted. Molly hesitated, remembering the first time that she'd seen Tier, after Aaron had carried her out of the castle. It had been very kind to her, and Aaron had later told her that It had fought the other Nightmaren for them so that they could escape. She definitely owed Tier a debt. And besides, she had discovered that she really liked the immature, green and pink checkered joker. It knew how to fix any awkward situation. Aware that all eyes were on her, she took a deep breath. "I'll do it." Aaron's smile widened, happy that Tier would be able to live. But his smile faded as he realized that he may never be able to see Tier again. "If we can't come back after this, I want you all to know. . . I'll miss you very much." NiGHTS smiled. "I have a feeling that you'll be back. You still have a lot of dreams as yet unrealized." He nodded and stepped back. Molly blinked. "Wait, what do we do?" The purple Nightmaren shook his head. "I really don't know. Just will it, I suppose. . .and touch Tier." Aaron nodded, waiting for Molly, so they could touch Tier together. Molly walked over to study Tier's silent form. "Tier. . ." She sighed sadly. "Before I do this, I want to tell you something very important. . ." She took a deep breath, then frowned. "You're an idiot." Aaron walked to Tier's side just behind Molly. He hadn't been expecting her to say something such as that. Molly smiled again and lifted one of the limp hands, studying the way that the arm lifted, despite there being no wrist. "A big, stupid, lovable, irreplaceable idiot. And I don't want you to ever change." Aaron grinned, realizing that she was very right. Aaron reached out to touch Tier's cheek. "She's right, Tier. . .I'll always remember you that way. . ." Molly felt a pain rising within her and closed her eyes. "Oh, stop talking like we're never going to see It again! I'm going to start bawling, and then I'll be in no condition to do anything!" Aaron nodded. "You're right. We will be back." He smiled, reaching out with his other hand to touch her arm. She looked back at him before placing both hands on Tier's injured chest, very lightly, as if afraid of hurting him. Her voice was suddenly filled with emotion, as if she were speaking to a beloved child. "Please, Tier. . .come back to us." Aaron mimicked Molly, placing his hands onto his chest as well. "Come back to us. . ." Molly blinked, looking up at Aaron in alarm as she failed to detect any heartbeat. Did Nightmaren even have a pulse? Aaron had a look of frustration. Why wasn't it working? Molly shook her head, terrified that they had waited too long and missed their chance. "Tier. . .please!" She felt tears welling up until she could barely see. Aaron wasn't willing to despair just yet. "Tier. Come back. . .take my Red Ideya. I give it to you." Molly glared. If she were giving up something as powerful as a Red Ideya, shouldn't there be some mystical glow, or a sensation of energy flying through her hands? "We're doing something wrong!" Aaron nodded. "But what is it? What are we supposed to do?" NiGHTS just shook his head sadly, not knowing the answer. He hadn't been fully aware of anything when Claris and Elliot had saved him. Aaron reached down and picked up Tier's hand, placing it onto his chest. "Please Tier, take it!" A loud scream startled them as Molly finally allowed the tears to flow. "Tier, you big idiot, are you doing this to us on purpose?! Come back now!" She gasped as a rose colored flash illuminated her hands. "Ah. . .Aaron. . .!" Aaron dropped Tier's hand, startled. "M. . .Molly? What. . .how. . .?" She sniffled, visibly shaken. "I don't know. . .the pain just got to be too much, and. . ." She watched dazedly as the glow intensified to a deep crimson and seemed to take shape, slowly collecting into a glowing sphere that hovered over her hands. Aaron looked down at his own hands and then back at Tier. Then he looked at Molly's forming Red Ideya. Tears began to well in his eyes as well. Why couldn't he do it? What was different about him? Molly closed her eyes. "You're holding back. . . let it all go." More tears slipped free as she spoke. He couldn't have held it back any longer if he wanted to. He felt the tears stream down his face as he fixed his gaze on Tier's eyes. Even though they weren't open. He didn't even notice, at first, as the red glow began again in his hands. "Aaron!" Molly breathed, suddenly hopeful as she noticed the glow. He jumped, realizing what had begun to happen. A smile crept back onto his face as hope sprang up again. "Be careful, you only want to give one Ideya!" NiGHTS cautioned as the glow took on a yellow shine briefly. Aaron smiled, nodding, and trying to hold back his hope for now. He reached out his hands, willing his courage and life into Tier. Molly smiled at Aaron, then gasped as two red orbs sailed away from them. Abruptly, they flashed brightly and flew with amazing speed for Tier, sinking into Its chest until no trace of their glow remained. Molly staggered, accidentally pulling away as she felt a great loss as if part of her were now missing. Aaron felt his knees buckle, nearly falling down. But he wouldn't let himself fall. "Whoa!" NiGHTS yelped, darting forward to catch first one dreamer, then another as they seemed on the verge of losing consciousness themselves. "Are you two okay?!" Aaron chastised himself silently. At least he hadn't meant to let himself fall. Molly smiled and held onto NiGHTS' arm to steady herself. She glanced at Tier and her face fell. "It's. . .still not moving. . ." Aaron was barely holding his eyes open. Not so strong as he would liked to have believed. The three friends stood close together, drawing on strength from one another in the face of what looked like another defeat. ". . .You try to move. . . when every inch of you hurts. . ." A soft voice, barely a whisper groaned. Aaron felt a smile creep across his tearstained face. "Tier. . ." Molly was less restrained and threw herself at the unfortunate Nightmaren. "Tier!" Tier responded by crying out as Its chest was squeezed. It managed a grin, though. Aaron rested his hand on Tier's arm lightly. "I'm so glad you're okay." Tier sat up, blinking dazedly. "Wow, that was sure weird. It was almost like I was having a dream! But that's impossible." "What did you dream?" Aaron wondered aloud. Tier considered. "I'm not sure, something about a light. . . " It shrugged it off. "I don't know what you guys did, but I feel great!" Aaron smiled. "I'm glad you're feeling better." NiGHTS smiled. "Tier. . . they gave up their Ideya." Tier blinked, turning to see Molly and Aaron as if It had only just realized who they were. Aaron scratched the back of his head, unsure of what to say. Tier gulped. "But. . . why would they, unless I was. . ." NiGHTS studied his feet as Tier realized just how much danger It had been in. Tier sat down. "Wow, that was scary. . . that explains the red glow that yanked me back, though. It was kind of fun, actually. . ." Aaron chuckled. "Glad you had fun, Tier." Molly wiped tears away. "Oh, Tier. . ."
Another happy ending. . .or is it? The End. . . for now.
EPILOGUE
3/1/2003. . . Well that was how the dream ended. It seems strange now that I was so willing to give up such a valuable gem. Especially to save someone who I barely knew, but stranger things have happened in dreams. And as I type here in my dream journal, I can't help but wonder if there isn't some fact hidden in there somewhere. I had thought that NiGHTS and his friends were nothing more than characters created by someone's sub- conscious. But the big question is, whose? Are they a part of my imagination? Or Aaron's? In any case, NiGHTS was true to his nature, and helped us to make our dreams come true. "Enchanted Kingdom" was a big hit, and Aaron and I even made it into the local newspaper! But I don't think that I'll be playing any more villains anytime soon. Whether my dream was real or not, I've had my fill of nightmare captains and dark thoughts. It's time to turn to something more pleasant. As I type, I'm preparing for another audition. A musical this time. Maybe I'll even get a part in it, who knows? Oh, and you're probably wondering about those dream characters, right? Well, Tier was badly shaken for a while. NiGHTS would never say anything, but I have a terrible feeling that Tier was already dead when Aaron and I tried to revive It. It's back to normal now, though, and causing no end of trouble between making plans to find Its twin, Terrace again, and trying to coax a word or two out of Picusha. Picusha eventually healed and returned to work, but as of yet, It still refuses to speak. Still, NiGHTS is confident that It will recover fully and speak again. As for Topper. . . well, I never did get to say everything that I wanted to tell the little cherub. But the funniest thing happened this morning. As I was waking up, I felt myself passing through a warm, comforting feeling. And right before I opened my eyes, I'm sure that I saw an iridescent mist. And didn't Topper say that he would still be a part of Aaron's and my dreams? It's good to know, even if it was only a dream. . . - From Molly's dream journal.
Aaron opened his eyes, looking up at the ceiling of his room. He laid there for a few minutes, watching the sparklies glint in the sunlight. Dragging himself out of bed, he pulled on some clothes and headed downstairs and wolfed down a bowl of frosted flakes. He took a quick shower and headed out the door, leaving his mother a note on the white board. He headed down the road toward the local coffee shop. He was very sure to check under the table for strange little sheep creatures. He wasn't about to be late for his newest audition. He had heard they were putting on a musical. He gulped down the rest of his coffee, burning his throat before realizing that it was still hot. He gasped and made a little scene before blushing and leaving the building to head for the Arts Council. He was hoping Molly would be there. One look into Molly's eyes would be all he would need to assure him that everything was okay. He had no doubt that the experiences he'd dreamed had been more than a dream. But he wanted to be sure that Molly was truly at peace with the sacrifice that they had made, the peace that he felt. A peace he had not felt all his life. Not before this morning, while he stared at the sparklies. . .that warm feeling, as if he hadn't yet woken up, and the sparklies were distant stars, making up grand constellations. One of them kind of looked like Topper. . . Aaron crept into the Arts Council as quietly as possible. He grinned as he saw Molly up on the stage, and he took as seat to watch her audition. He paid close attention to her expression, watching for the expression he knew would tell him what he needed to know. He couldn't help but be reminded of their first waking encounter. He hoped they would never play rivals again. A smile crept across his face as he saw it in her eyes. It was then that he knew she felt the peace he was hoping for. And the feeling only deepened his own.
I float. . . I drift. I hear. . .voices? I feel pain, I don't want to move! The voices are closer. "She's waking." She? Do they mean me? My eyes open. I can't see! Then a swirl of blue, beautiful blue moves away. . .and I see him. I do not know how or why, but I know this face. Paler than the moon, with eyes of beautiful, icy blue. His costume, alabaster white, diamonds down his front side, and red and black covers his tassels, vest, and boots. His hands. . . are sharp, golden claws. And I feel no fear as I gaze upon him. I know this Nightmaren, and know that that is also what I am. I lean forward, eager to speak his name and be recognized. "Reala. . ." He smiles at me, then. Not a painted, false smile. A real one, and a glint of some undefined emotion pierces through the blue ice that is his gaze. He approaches me, then, and takes my hand. Ah, I see now. I have hands. Slender, finely bones, but tipped with sharp nails. I obediently step closer to him, and for one brief moment, I see myself reflected in those beautiful eyes. Silky, pale purple, with silver highlights and a silver gaze, and a smooth, peaches and cream complexion. I know then exactly who and what I am. I am Nightingale, created for the sole purpose of being Lord Reala's consort. I smile up at our master, Wizeman. To exist, to simply be. It is a marvelous feeling, and I look forward to whatever the future may hold.
