Legal stuff and Author's note:

I do not own any of the NiGHTS into Dreams characters, Sega does.

It would be nice if I did, but I don't and that's life.

Deal with it.

As always, reviews are welcomed.

You're free to be brutally honest, but please be kind about it.

If you're not nice, I'll send Reala to claw you to shreds when you go to
sleep, and it'll really hurt.

But you'll wake up and be okay.

But you'll be traumatized for life.

You get the idea.

Let's move on now.

Enjoy the story. :)

Oh yeah, sorry this part's so short.

I'll do better next time, promise.

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Coincidences

Part Two - Not a Request

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*NiGHTS. . .*

NiGHTS was curled into a tight ball, ignoring the summons.

*NiGHTS. . .*

He yanked his tassles against the sides of his head in an attempt to block it out.

*NiGHTS!!!*

It was an explosive roar this time.

That got his attention.

NiGHTS jerked into a sitting position, then yelped as his sore rear end protested the action.

He hovered instead.

"Master Wizeman?"

Wizeman was silent for a moment, probably rethinking what he was about to do.

After a moment, the gentle, yet commanding voice of his creator entered NiGHTS' mind again.

*My congratulations, NiGHTS. On winning the race. Your arrival was somewhat undignified, but you were never one who lived for the glory, were you?*

NiGHTS rubbed his bottom, wondering if he should mention the Kircle.

No, he decided.

It was nice to be praised by his creator, even for something that he didn't really do.

Well, at least he could be somewhat honest.

"Yes, well . . . ah, that is . . . I wasn't thinking clearly, and I just wanted to be alone. . ."

NiGHTS felt a sweatdrop forming beside his head.

'A Kircle pinched my bottom, and I ran home to lock myself in my room and feel sorry for myself.'

That didn't seem like the sort of thing that Wizeman would want to hear.

Wizeman accepted NiGHTS' excuse.

*I am speaking directly to you, NiGHTS, because you alone have earned the privelege. However, I must be sure of your abilities. You and my other Nightmaren shall compete once again tomorrow.*

NiGHTS stuttered in alarm, not wanting to be Wizeman's General. He was happy just being a common soldier, doing his Master's bidding.

"B. . . but I. . . that is. . . I, uh. . ."

*This is not a request, NiGHTS. You and Reala are my finest Nightmaren. I expect you to outperform the others. You will compete again.*

NiGHTS sighed and bowed his head.

"Yes, Wizeman."

NiGHTS winced as Wizeman withdrew, leaving him feeling hollow and very alone.

With a sigh, the purple clad Nightmaren laid down, being careful to lay on his belly as his rump continued to ache.

"Note to self - kill that Kircle later."

To Be Continued. . .