NiGHTS into DayDreams New Beginnings

by The NightDragon

And you thought that you were safe! well, the madness continues! Tier gets in trouble, friends are kidnapped, Wizeman is plotting! Can our heroes save the night? Sorry about the spacing, ff.net keeps eating my formatting. :P

3. The Rescue

Disclaimer:
The NiGHTS into Dreams characters belong to Sonic Team and are used without permission.
This is a joint effort between myself and my friend Aaron.

In Reala's lair, a violet figure stood at attention. Nightingale watched as Reala studied her from atop his throne, high above. At last, Reala spoke. "You did well, Nightingale. Does that make you happy?"
Nightingale bowed her head. "I exist to serve you, my lord Reala. Your pleasure is mine."
Reala considered. "You have ensured us the cooperation of a rather volatile Dreamer. I am not certain that I fully approve of your methods, but the end result is what I had hoped for. You should be pleased."
Nightingale looked up at Reala, and then her eyes hardened as she nodded. "Then I am quite pleased, my lord."

In the dungeons, Aaron sat against the wall of his cell for a few minutes before standing up and pacing. He had spent the last hour wondering what was happening to Tier and so far, he had not heard or seen anything to let him know that Tier was okay. He was beginning to be very worried.
Every so often, a faint whimpering could be heard, or the sound of fingernails on stone. Not the most reassuring of noises. Aaron winced. This noise was beginning to be very frustrating. He walked slowly to the bars and peered out as much as he could to the left and to the right. "Is someone there?" he called out into the cellblock. The sounds halted as if whatever was making them was listening. A moment later, a soft, frightened voice called out, muffled by stone. "Please! Please help us. . ." It was only faintly heard, but the panic was undeniable.
Aaron was a little surprised to hear someone calling back to him. He tried to move as close to the source of the noise as his cell would permit and called back, "I'm afraid I need help as well! Who's there?" He thought for a second, realizing that it was rude to ask for a name before giving your own. It struck him as strange that he would think to be courteous in his present situation, but he offered anyway, "My name is Aaron!"
There was no response for several moments. Taiel opened its mouth to cry out to Aaron, only to yelp as Doren gave it a light smack in the head. Doren called out, a harsher and colder voice. "A Dreamer, huh? Just wake up then and quit wasting peoples' time!"

Aaron blinked. He was being attacked for being a dreamer? It must be a Nightmaren in the next cell, he decided. "The only time I'm wasting is my own, and waking up won't do me any good! Next time I sleep, I'll just find myself here again and with -my- time lost, at that!" He fumed for a second before adding, "And I don't know why I'm telling -you, whoever you are." He went back to his wall and sat back down, upset.
"Oh, please don't stop talking!" The first voice pleaded, shy and desperate all at once. It had the same childish innocence as Tier's voice, only softer and less sure of itself.
Aaron looked up at the wall where he guessed the sound must be coming from, picturing Tier behind it. Whoever was behind it reminded him very much of the harlequinn Nightmaren. "I'm still here."
"Please keep talking . . . I . . . I'm afraid. . . " The speaker let a little sob slip out. Beside Taiel, Doren sighed irritably and leaned against the wall, trying to block it out.
Aaron wondered what he could say to the poor Nightmaren. He couldn't say anything in truth that could reassure it. He wondered though, if these two Nightmaren might be the ones they came here in the first place to rescue. "What's your name?" He asked in a friendly tone.
The second speaker snapped before the first could answer. "That's none of your business. Leave us alone!" The first speaker squeaked in alarm, then fought to overpower the other's voice. "I'm Taiel! Oh please, can't you do anything! We're in such trouble, we're going to be. . ." Taiel let out a pained cry and fell silent. The second voice growled. "Are you happy now, boy! Now be silent!"
Aaron stood up, suddenly angry. "I don't know why you're in there, you, but you're just like them! You're just like Reala! You leave that other one alone!"
The Nightmaren chuckled. "Good. I'm supposed to be like lord Reala."
Aaron growled, "I'm sure Lord Reala will be proud of you for returning to him just before Wizeman destroys you."
Doren growled, was this kid serious? "You idiot, if we were going to be destroyed, why would Wizeman bother keeping us here!"
"What has Wizeman done thus far to every rebel that has been captured?" Aaron had all but forgotten about the poor, fearful Nightmaren the other had been terrorizing. Doren snarled. "Thus far, yes. That isn't the case this time. . ." For the first time, a hint of insecurity and doubt slipped into the Nightmaren's voice.
"I hate to break this to you, but Wizeman has no special love for you. You won't be treated differently just because you've fulfilled your purpose of being just like Reala. Your only chance is still NiGHTS."
Doren felt rage growing with each of Aaron's words, and snarled. "You fool! Who ever said that I was TRYING to be like Reala! All that I am trying to do is get back to my tw. . . " It broke off. "NiGHTS? You know NiGHTS!" Aaron blinked, suddenly off topic as well. "Yes, I know NiGHTS."
Doren quieted. "Tell me how you know NiGHTS." It sounded suspicious, as if not allowing itself to feel hope.
Aaron folded his arms, annoyed at being drilled like this by a Nightmaren who was being so unfriendly to begin with, but he replied, "When I first started dreaming here, I ran into one of your rebel Nightmaren. It and I were captured here in an attempt to rescue two Nightmaren. NiGHTS and Palis got away. Or at least, they weren't captured when I saw them last. Molly, the other dreamer, woke up." He didn't make mention of Drem. He didn't think the other Nightmaren would care at all to hear about her, as little as he liked to think about that.
Doren's tone softened considerably. "Palis. . . " The Nightmaren sighed. "So . . . they're safe. Good."
Aaron blinked, wondering if these two were the ones they were here to rescue. Some rescue this had been, at that. "You know Palis, then?" Doren blinked, then shifted its weight, trying to get comfortable in the broom closet that served as Taiel's and its cell. "I know Palis. We're Twins." It admitted.
Aaron glared, even though Doren couldn't see it. "You've made it sound as if your twin were still here in Nightmare."
Doren had a similar expression on its face. "I never implied that it was. It's better if Palis stays far away from this place." Doren couldn't hide the intense love and regret it felt, no matter how gruff and cold it tried to be.
"Well," Aaron said, "for now, I can't say there's anything I can do to help you. All I can say is that NiGHTS will probably come back to try to get all of us out of here." Doren sighed, moving to try to find a crack in the stone that it could look through. No such relief appeared. "NiGHTS would be outmatched. It's better for him if he doesn't come here." The Nightmaren sighed as Taiel stirred, rousing. Doren spoke quickly to be sure that the younger Nightmaren wouldn't hear. "Taiel's only a Sixth Generation, but it doesn't deserve this . . . I'd get it out if I could, but that's just not happening. We're just going to have to resign ourselves. . ." There was real regret in Doren's voice now.
Aaron suddenly felt a renewed pang of worry for Tier, who was also a Sixth Generation. "Don't talk like that. I've gotten someone out of here before. It can be done. NiGHTS will come back and we will get you out of there."
Doren was silent, but Taiel let out a soft, questioning vocalization. Doren sighed and gently rubbed the younger Nightmaren on the head before sagging as much as the cramped cell would allow.
Taiel blinked, then whimpered. "Mister Aaron?" Aaron lifted his head a little in response. "Hm? What is it?"
Taiel moved, trying to see out. "I can barely hear you . . . it's too dark and quiet . . . do you think. . ." Taiel hesitated, then plunged on. "Do you think that I'll be allowed out before anything happens to us. . .?"
Aaron didn't know what to tell it. He wasn't really sure what was going to happen to him or them, and he didn't know if it was safe to tell it anything for certain. "I don't know... All I can do is hope NiGHTS gets here fast." Taiel was silent for a moment as it considered. It finally nodded. "I trust NiGHTS. . . " Taiel spoke in the same frightened but devoted tone that Tier had used earlier when it had told Aaron that it trusted him.
Hearing such a tone from Taiel caused yet another pang of worry and of guilt for what he felt was betraying that trust. He hoped strongly that Taiel's trust would not be broken. "Yeah . . . trust NiGHTS."

A pale Nightmaren flew into the dungeon and landed, regarding the cells critically with dark blue eyes rimmed with an even darker purple. The figure strode forward and tapped on the wall of the special cell, smiling as it snicked fully into place, cutting off any further contact with Taiel and Doren.
The Nightmaren turned to see Aaron, regarding him as a cat might eye a lame squirrel before losing interest and moving on, out of sight.
Aaron shuddered. He hated seeing Nightmaren that acted like that after he had known Tier. A moment later, the pale Nightmaren reappeared, evidently having finished inspecting the cells. The pale figure glanced at Aaron again before gliding for the steps and almost colliding with Nightingale. The two exchanged a glance before the pale Nightmaren flushed faintly and moved on, back into the castle proper. Nightingale turned and stepped into the dungeons, walking over to Aaron.
Aaron stood and walked to the bars, standing at attention and waiting to be spoken to. Nightingale blinked at the Dreamer's alertness then smirked, finding the situation amusing. "At ease, Aaron. You have a while longer to wait, I'm afraid." Aaron relaxed visibly, almost grinning at her comment before catching himself. He wouldn't let himself show her any warmness, not as long as they were in such a position. "What's the situation?"
Nightingale glanced toward the steps as if afraid of being overheard. "Wizeman is preparing himself for you. Nobody knows what he has planned, but it may be similar to what he's planning for a couple of rebels that were brought in. Not pleasant, I'm sorry to say." Nightingale didn't sound sorry. It seemed more like she felt that she ought to feel sorry rather than actually feeling it.
Aaron winced. "Wizeman can't actually kill me, can he? I mean, the only thing I really have to fear is losing my ability to dream, right?" He felt a little strange confiding in Nightingale like this, but her similarity to Molly made it a little easier, and her demeanor was friendly enough to allow the sentiment to remain. Nightingale hesitated, unable to hide her emotions before they flashed across her face. In that moment, she was unsure and afraid. Nightingale quickly recovered though. "I'm not sure. I don't think that he's going to try."
Aaron was a little worried and curious at the same time. He never feared for his life, but he didn't want to lose this life, the life in this dream world either. "Do you have any idea what he's going to do?"
Nightingale regarded Aaron with some unreadable emotion on her rounded features. She slowly shook her head.
"Tier is stable." Nightingale abruptly changed the subject. "If we still have your cooperation, it can be brought back."
Aaron nodded. "You have my full cooperation. I will follow the orders of Wizeman's lackies to the letter and you won't hear another peep out of me." He folded his arms, unhappy about having to say that. "I have your word that Tier will not be harmed again?"
Nightingale nodded. "I can't promise that no one here will harm Tier. I can only assure you that Tier will be relatively safe for the time being. . . which is almost the same thing." The violet Nightmaren met Aaron's gaze. "Is that all?"
Aaron glared. "I don't like that for reassurance. Put Tier into my cell with me if you won't give me something more concrete." He knew he wasn't in much of a position to be making demands, especially after his last was met with Tier being Gaoed, but he thought this was a fairly reasonable request.
Nightingale was silent for a moment, considering. "That's not for me to decide. I'll have to pass your request along."
Aaron stood for a few seconds before begrudgingly offering Nightingale his thanks. "Thank you." He couldn't deny she was being much more civil than many other Nightmaren would.
Nightingale nodded and turned to go. "If that's all, I'll go speak to lord Reala now." She paused, then glanced back at Aaron. "I suppose your wish may be granted . . . if only to spare any further damage to medical equipment or staff. Your friend has quite a temper. . ." Smirking, Nightingale walked up the steps and out of sight.
Aaron couldn't help but smirk a bit as well. He was glad Tier caused a little damage.

A short while later, Nightingale returned with a trio of well muscled Fourth Generations and indicated the cell block across from Aaron, turning to nod to the boy as the 'Maren set to work removing the divider between the two cells directly across from Aaron.
Aaron watched them with curiosity, wondering what exactly they were doing. He guessed they were making two cells into one and planned to move him into that cell with Tier, or that they were just teasing him, or planning on moving something else entirely into the cells, and what that could be, he hadn't the foggiest idea.
The Nightmaren removed the divider bars and spread straw across the bottom of the now enlarged cell until it looked like comfortable enough to accomodate an injured Nightmaren. As soon as that was done, they left.
Nightingale turned to Aaron. "You'll have to settle for this. Lord Reala believes that the two of you together may be troublesome. He is however willing to bring you closer together."
Aaron sighed, realizing that he wasn't going to get to be as close to Tier as he had hoped. "My deepest gratitude. . ." It wasn't exactly clear from his tone of voice whether he was being sarcastic or whether he was serious. In actuality, he felt a little of both.
Nightingale studied Aaron for a moment before opening the door to the enlarged cell and feeling the straw. The 'Maren had even added a couple of bales to act as seats or a bed. Satisfied, Nightingale turned back to Aaron just as a familiar voice snarled at the top of the steps. "Will you get your stupid loyal hands OFF of me! And no I will not quiet down, I want Aaron!" Aaron rushed to the bars, a huge smile on his face. "Tier! I'm here! Calm down, okay? Everything's going to be alright!"
Tier came into view, being hauled by the healers from before. One now sported a bandaged arm and the other had a bit of a limp as they landed to maneuver Tier into the customized cell. The bandaged healer glared at Aaron. "You're so lucky that the Lady forbids us to kill that rebel. It bites!"
Tier yelped as it was thrown into the cell and sprang for the door just as it was closed. "Yeah, well try to push me again and I'll get the other one!" It was being uncharacteristically bold. Aaron covered his mouth to hide his huge grin. As he spoke, he moved it for just a minute. "Tier, you're going to get us into trouble. . ."
Tier sighed and fell more than sat onto one of the bales of hay. It couldn't resist razzing the healers as they left, though. Nightingale looked like she was trying very hard not to laugh. "I'll . . . leave you alone. . ." She turned and flew up the steps in her haste to get away before she burst into laughter. Aaron smiled openly at Nightingale's seeming uncontrollable similarity to Molly. He hoped she was more like Molly than a Nightmaren.
Tier sighed, sagging weakly now that there were no loyals to show off for. It fell onto its side, draped over the bale.
"Tier . . . are you alright?" Aaron was a little worried that Tier was so weak after just having been so feisty. Tier groaned in response. "Y. . . yeah. . . I think. . ." It stayed in what had to be an awkward position, not moving a muscle. "I just feel . . . what's it you humans say when you run out of energy? Out . . . out of . . . out of gas. That's it. . ."
Aaron looked quite concerned. He wondered for a second where Tier had heard that expression, but he didn't have much time to think about it before his thoughts moved back to Tier itself. "So much of your energy must be devoted to healing . . . I'm sorry . . . I should have given in sooner. . ."
"Naw. . ." Tier closed its eyes weakly. "I . . . I flew." There was a triumphant note in the young Nightmaren's voice. The significance of Tier flying again only just struck Aaron as Tier itself pointed it out. "You did! I'm so used to Nightmaren flying, I'd forgotten that you couldn't! Tier, I'm glad you got your flight back."
Tier mumbled something in response, half asleep. Aaron sat down at his cell bars, letting Tier rest and watching it to be sure it was okay. Tier had completely stopped moving after a few moments. The green and pink 'Maren lay silently and limply where it had fallen, looking vaguely uncomfortable. Aaron sat forward a little. "Tier?" He wanted to let it rest, but he wanted to be sure it was still alive as well. Tier showed no sign of having heard. "Tier!" Aaron called a little louder, starting to worry. Tier tensed slightly before relaxing again, but otherwise failed to respond. It was as if its body simply wasn't responding anymore. Aaron took that, at least, as a sign that it was still alive. He sat back a little, but kept watching it intently. At least he couldn't fall asleep, really.
Several long moments passed and Tier didn't so much as take a breath as far as Aaron could tell. "Okay, you're going to have to do something, Tier. TIER!" Aaron looked for something to throw at it. His gaze fell on a few small pebbles, probably scratched free by the last desperate occupant of his cell. Tier tensed again, grimacing vaguely before relaxing again. Aaron grabbed a few of the pebbles to throw next time Tier started to worry him. Tier didn't seem to notice.
Just for a test, Aaron lobbed one of them at Tier's horns. The pebble ricocheted off the ground and bounced lightly against one without getting any reaction. "Tier . . . you're really starting to freak me out. . . Give me some sign that I don't need to worry about you." Aaron suggested, worried. Tier didn't budge, unaware of its friend's concern.
The pale Nightmaren entered again, gliding by slowly to check on the cells. Aaron stood up and poked his head out into the corridor toward the stairs up out of the dungeon, seeing the pale Nightmaren. "You! I think something's wrong with Tier. It won't talk and it's passed out."
The Nightmaren blinked in surprise, then seemed to remember that humans could speak and turned to regard Aaron boredly. It seemed that this loyal had no interest in being helpful at the moment. Aaron, however, was not going to let it go without it checking on Tier and he threw one of the rocks at its head.
The Nightmaren surprised Aaron by catching the rock in a slender hand, eyes darkening dangerously. Just when it seemed that the 'Maren would attack, Tier let out a pained whimper. The white Nightmaren turned to look, absently tossing the pebble back to Aaron before drifting closer to Tier. Aaron caught the pebble as best as he could, glad the thing was finally interested in helping.
Tier had stiffened, failing to notice when the cell was opened and the pale Nightmaren drifted over. Tier didn't even wake when a pale hand was laid on its forehead. The guard's strange purple rimmed blue eyes blinked before focusing on Aaron. Aaron folded his arms. "Is it going to be alright?" The Nightmaren sighed, frustrated. "Do I look like a healer to you?" For such a cold and stern guard, the 'Maren had a surprisingly warm and soothing voice. In fact, it reminded Aaron of a certain purple friend of his. . . Aaron stared at it. "To be completely honest, I couldn't tell you. You don't look any different from the healers I saw before."
The Nightmaren seemed to take offense, but was cut off by Nightingale returning. "What are you doing?" Her tone could have frozen lava. The guard stood at attention. "Lady Nightingale, the rebel's condition seems to be worsening." Nightingale scowled. "It's not. That rebel's been sedated to speed the healing process. Now get out of there before you inhale the sedatives." Surprised, the pale guard obeyed, coming to stand beside Nightingale after sealing the cell.
"What kind of sedatives did you give it? It's out like a rock!" Aaron called out of his cell. Nightingale turned to regard Aaron firmly. "The kind that we needed to keep it from causing any further damage to itself or others. That Nightmaren is out of its microscopic mind!" Tier let out a small squeak as if part of it had heard and was trying to protest.
"So, it's not in any danger?" Aaron looked concerned. Nightingale smiled, humoring him. "No." She turned to the guard. "Master Wizeman is ready for the rebels. Deliver the small one first, it will be easier to start with."

"I want to talk to Wizeman first!" Aaron blurted out. He wanted to give NiGHTS as much time as possible to rescue them. Nightingale regarded Aaron coldly. "You'll have your turn, Dreamer." She nodded to the guard.
The white Nightmaren nodded back and turned to go to the special cell, opening it and shoving Doren roughly back before grabbing Taiel by an arm and yanking it out. Taiel came tumbling into the dim light, crying out with the pain of a lightly sprained arm and light that its eyes had not had time to adjust to.
"Please, you have to let me talk to him first!" Aaron pleaded. He was dreadfully afraid for what would become of that Nightmaren if Wizeman were allowed to see it. The Nightmaren ignored him as Taiel tried desperately to save itself.
The small icy blue, turquoise, and white Nightmaren tried to reach for the cell. "Doren, help!" Its eyes widened as the larger reddish brown Nightmaren turned away. Taiel's mouth worked, it was horrified. "Doren! DOREN!"
Aaron turned away too, not being able to look at the poor thing being dragged away. He had told it that everything was going to be okay. He had lied to it.
"DOREN!" Taiel's screams echoed shrilly through the dungeons as it was dragged away. Nightingale smirked as she resealed the cell, locking Doren away again. Alone this time. Aaron glared at Nightingale, able to turn back as Taiel was no longer in the corridor. "That's so cold. . ."
"Ung. . . " Tier stirred, rousing at the familiar voices and screams. "T . . . Tai. . ." Nightingale smiled at Tier. "The same thing will happen to that one if you go back on your word. Remember that." Tier's eyes widened as it fought to wake up completely. "Taiel!"
Aaron looked very upset at the thoughts of Tier being harmed and of his going back on his word. "Don't doubt me. I will honor my word." Tier let out a pained whimper, but not for itself this time. "Tai . . . oh no." It regained some of its earlier energy, glaring fiercely at Nightingale. "You're all monsters!"
Nightingale laughed. "You're a dream monster too, Tier. Or had you forgotten that?" She grinned as that reminder effectively silenced the younger 'Maren.
Aaron leaned against his wall, sighing loudly. "Was there ever anything I could have done to save that poor Nightmaren? It trusted me when I told it that NiGHTS would save it. . ." Tier looked incredibly pained. It and Taiel were cousins, created from the same batch. The same Generation. "Tai. . ." Tier wilted, despairing.
Nightingale sighed. "You couldn't do anything. And you won't be able to help the other one when its turn comes either." She turned to leave. "What . . . what's going to happen to them?" Aaron asked, even though he knew the answer. "I don't know." Nightingale replied without looking back, ascending the steps. Tier had collapsed, fists clenched.

Taiel cried out as it was marched into Wizeman's chamber and pushed into the center. A dim glow lit up underfoot, and the little Nightmaren glanced down, realizing to its horror that it was standing in one of Wizeman's hands.
"Welcome home, Taiel." Wizeman spoke in a deceptively gentle voice. And then the hand closed. Energy flared and engulfed the Sixth Generation, illuminating the darkness.
Taiel's screams died quickly as the entity that emitted them was slowly replaced by darkness.

Tier was curled in a ball on the floor of its cell, sobbing in the tearless fashion of all true Nightmaren.
Aaron sat on the floor of his cell, staring forward. That Nightmaren was dead now. He promised it that NiGHTS would rescue it, but he didn't. NiGHTS didn't come. He held back tears as he envisioned Taiel's last thoughts about the human dreamer lying to it. He hoped NiGHTS would come for the other before it was too late.
Tier's broken sobs were the only sound as the Nightmaren grieved. Nightingale sighed from her spot at the top of the steps, peering back downstairs.
"Tier. . .? I won't let them hurt you. I'll do whatever it takes to keep anything from happening to you." Aaron covered his ears and pulled his knees up to his chest, finally back in his dreamer's pajamas. He prayed hard that his promise to Tier wouldn't be made into another lie by Wizeman.
Tier looked up at Aaron's words. "I . . . I know. . ." The green and pink 'Maren whimpered. "But . . . Taiel. . ." Aaron didn't look up. He couldn't look Tier in the eye. "I know. . . I know. . ." Instead, he looked to the side, at Nightingale standing on the stairway. "How long are you going to stand there and watch it cry. . . ?"
Nightingale blinked, surprised that Aaron had seen her. She was astonished and confused by such misery. Being captured and locked away hadn't upsetted either Aaron or Tier, but when a worthless rebel was placed in danger, both became furious and pained. The violet Nightmaren couldn't understand.
Nightingale rose and stepped down into the dungeon. "Would you rather I gloated?" Her tone was soft and bitter. Aaron shook his head, keeping to his spot on the ground. "No. I thought you would feel compassion . . . call me a fool, but I keep expecting you to react like Molly would."
Nightingale sighed and turned away. "Well, you're in for a shock. I am NOT Molly." She blinked at a choked whimper and whirled on Tier. "And for crying out loud, will you SHUT UP!"
Tier gasped, shocked out of its grief by the cruel shout. Aaron winced at the shout and sighed. "No, you're not. Don't worry. I won't make that mistake again." He looked over at Tier, trying to give it a reassuring glance. Tier looked stunned, trembling violently. "She won't hurt you, Tier. Don't be afraid." He smiled at it as best as he could, though anyone could probably see the worry in his eyes.
Nightingale nodded, calming down. "Right. We do have a deal, after all. . ." She walked over to Tier, then blinked. "Hm?" Nightingale grabbed the bars as Tier began to wilt. "Tier, lie down. You're going to faint." Tier sank onto its side. "Sh . . . shushyp . . . poo. . ." Aaron stood, becoming concerned. "Shushypoo? Tier, are you okay?" Tier nodded, laying on its side. "Molls saysitto. . . me. . . " Nightingale opened the cell and calmly placed a hand over Tier's mouth. "A lot. And I don't blame her. Look, right now talking's a bad idea. Nobody wants you to get any worse so relax and concentrate on healing." Tier blinked, not fighting back.
Nightingale smiled from where she was kneeling, then covered Tier's eyes, beaming when it obediently closed its eyes in response. She turned to Aaron and her gaze hardened. "Compassion has its time and place, Aaron." She gave Tier a gentle pat then stood up, walking out and closing the cell as she prepared to leave.
Aaron blinked, a little confused. One minute she was angry for being compared to Molly and the next she was acting just like her. He didn't know when to expect compassion from her and when to expect . . . Nightmaren from her. "I don't understand you. . ." Nightingale looked over at Aaron again. "You ARE only human . . . I'm sure there's a lot that you don't understand." She seemed to be missing his point.
Aaron sighed and looked away. "I suppose you're right . . . Any idea if Wizeman will be getting to me before I wake up?" Nightingale shrugged. "It hardly matters. If you do wake up you'll come back."
Aaron sighed. "I know it doesn't matter to you all very much, but I'd like to be able to go through a full day without worrying my head off about going back to sleep." Nightingale smiled unexpectedly. "Such is humanity."
Aaron wasn't exactly satisfied with that answer, but he couldn't argue with it either. Defeated, he just sat back down and laid back. "This is the most boring nightmare I've ever had. . . "
Nightingale smirked. "Hmph. Humans are worthless. You exist to support the Nightmare, you just don't know it." "The Nightmare owes its very existence to humans, and humans do not require the Nightmare to survive. Who is the weaker of the two?" Aaron grinned a little, but was still staring up at the ceiling of his cell.
Nightingale laughed. "You're so naieve! And if you never suffered nightmares, if life was all sweetness and light, what then? What would you have to look forward to? What would you be?" The Nightmaren leaned closer. "You would be nothing without a Nightmare to nourish your darker side. Trust me on this one. I know."
"A dark side is the last thing welcome in my psyche. Even if I can't avoid it, I don't have to like it." Aaron propped himself up on his elbow. "And I don't have to let it rule me. I am the ruler of my darker side." Though Aaron may have sounded confident in this assertion, it may not have been entirely true. He had seen his darker side in control when his Innocence and Wisdom had been lost to Nightmare and all he had left was his Bravery.

Nightingale wilted melodramatically, lifting a slender hand to her forehead. "You hate me! Oh boo hoo! Boo hoo WHO cares!" She laughed. "You're fooling yourself, but I'll allow you to enjoy your misguided sense of righteousness while you can. . ." The violet Nightmaren chuckled before heading out.
Aaron tried to maintain his composure in the face of being laughed at, but it was difficult and it showed that he was a little upset at her accusations. He did call after her on her way out, however, "I don't hate you," and said nothing more.
Nightingale didn't seem to hear but paused at the top of the steps, looking down. "You will." She answered under her breath, then took flight and headed for her own lair.
Aaron blinked, wondering what she meant by that. He hoped dearly that his deal would not be altered. He would never forgive himself if Tier came to harm.

Meanwhile, NiGHTS was speaking to Jesse. He had been surprised to find a loyal Nightmaren so eager to leave.
A smarter Nightmaren might have become suspicious or refused to associate with a traitor such as Jesse.
NiGHTS was fairly smart, but he had never mastered being very suspicious. Now he was hovering alertly in Spring Valley, watching the Fourteenth Generation Nightmaren intently. NiGHTS had taken Palis and Drem to Picusha to be cared for.
"So we're safe enough now. What do you want to do now?" The purple Nightmaren smiled in what he hoped was an encouraging manner. Jesse looked around nervously, almost expecting Reala or Jackle or maybe even something worse to pop up and snatch it up and take it back to Wizeman to be punished. "A-are you sure it's safe. . .? What if they don't like me?"
NiGHTS chuckled. "I wouldn't worry about that, we're rebels for a reason. The others will like you." Jesse tried to smile a little, but its scared expression was quick to return. "Wh-what if someone finds me?"
NiGHTS drew himself up to his full height. "If they mean you harm, they'll regret it. I don't take kindly to my friends being threatened."
Jesse's smile was wider and remained much longer this time, glad that NiGHTS considered it to be his friend. But it didn't take long for the thought of friends to remind it of Janus. "Oh . . . no . . . what about Janus? I never told it I was leaving. I . . . I wanted it to come with me. . ."
NiGHTS sobered. "Oh . . . I see. You're not the first to leave a loved one behind. Most of us have." He looked back in the direction of Nightmare, wondering what Reala was doing at that moment. Jesse furrowed its brow, looking a little pained. "What if it hates me for leaving it. . .?"
NiGHTS was still thinking of Reala. "No one could hate their twin." He stated passionately, hoping that that was somehow true for his.
"I would have been sad if Janus left me . . . I . . . I never even asked it if it wanted to come. . ." Jesse found itself feeling like a grand heel. It had been so selfish in wanting to get away from what it felt was an undesirable situation, it forgot to consider the one Nightmaren who made the situation that much more bearable.
NiGHTS watched Jesse quietly for a few moments before speaking. What does Janus look like? Maybe it can be persuaded to come." Jesse floated up into the air a little so that NiGHTS could see it well. "Like me, only it has different colors. Where I'm darker, it's lighter, and where I'm lighter, it's darker."
"Something like Terrace and Tier. . ." NiGHTS noted to himself, still feeling guilty for yelling at Tier. He promised himself that he'd free his friends. Jesse's attention seemed to be drawn away from its twin, if only temporarily, when NiGHTS mentioned Terrace. "I know Terrace."
NiGHTS looked at Jesse. "Terrace's twin, Tier has been captured along with a dreamer who it's bonded to." Jesse's eyes widened. "I was trying to help two Nightmaren who got captured before you found me!"
NiGHTS blinked in surprise. "A reddish brown one that takes after Reala, and a turquoise Sixth Generation!"
Jesse sank back to the ground. "Well . . . I didn't actually see them. They were in the special cell, and I couldn't get them out." NiGHTS sagged. "The special cell. . . " He couldn't keep the dismay out of his voice, that was a cel lthat blocked the senses and drove Nightmaren insane! Jesse looked a little worried. "Can't we help them?" NiGHTS nodded. "I intend to."

Tier had been unconscious for hours when it finally stirred in its cell, groaning.
Aaron, on the other hand, had been staring at the ceiling of his cell the whole time. Hearing Tier's groan, he propped himself up on an elbow. "Tier?" he called to it.
Tier seemed dissatisfied with the greeting, and tried again, groaning a bit louder and more dramatically. When Aaron still failed to panic and call out in concern, Tier propped itself up. "I said . . ." And Tier let out a very loud, very long fake groan, desperate to be fussed over. Aaron did not look impressed. "Tier. . ."
Tier quieted at the gentle reprimand, grumbling under its breath and flopping again. Aaron grinned. "I'm glad you're okay." He hoped it would cheer up a little, at least. Tier blinked, then abruptly turned and scrambled to the bars. "Aaron! Is . . . is . . . it true. . .? Tai. . .!" Tier whimpered as it remembered the night's events so far.
Aaron winced and dropped back to the floor, slipping off his elbow. He stood up, his face still bearing that grimace. "Yeah . . . It is true . . . I'm so sorry, Tier . . . I tried to save it, but they wouldn't listen to me." Tier's eyes widened in horror before it turned and sagged with its back against the bars. "No. . . " The young 'Maren whispered to itself.
Aaron didn't know how to console it. He had no idea what it was like to lose a friend to premature death, and frankly, had no desire to know.
Footsteps on the stairs told them that Nightingale was returning. The violet Nightmaren stepped into view, ignoring the captives in favor of the pale 'Maren behind her. "Move it along, we don't have all night."
Aaron wondered just who this pale Nightmaren he kept seeing down here was. He didn't remember it from his previous venture into Nightmare, but there were probably thousands of Nightmaren who he'd never seen before.
He moved to the front of his cell so that he could watch them. Tier followed Aaron's example, watching weakly from its place on the floor.
Nightingale smirked as the white Nightmaren glided down, guiding a smaller figure. The turquoise figure was as silent and lifeless as a balloon, being gently guided without ever seeming aware of its surroundings. It was as if no mind existed behind those half lidded, dull blue eyes.
Aaron looked a little confused at first as to who the little Nightmaren was, but he soon recognized it as Taiel, the one who they had taken away before. He was actually astonished that the poor thing wasn't dead. No smile could be brought to his face, however, because he could see that there was no life in its eyes. "What did Wizeman do to it?" Aaron demanded.
Tier tried to leap to its feet, a maneuver that was spoiled by its legs giving out. "Taiel!" It glared at Nightingale when Taiel failed to acknowledge its name. Nightingale shook her head. "Master Wizeman simply perfected a flawed specimen. He's done it a favor."
Aaron glared at Nightingale. "Why did you bring it here? I can't believe you think you're being sympathetic by showing it to Tier. Why are you torturing it like this? You said it wouldn't be harmed, and I expect that to include mental abuse as well!"
"I am under orders. I'm afraid this is out of my hands." Nightingale didn't look at all happy about the situation, but gestured to her companion. The white Nightmaren guided the catatonic Taiel into a cell and left it there, floating lifelessly in place. Tier strained to see from its cell.
Aaron was less angry with her when he found that she didn't bring it here on her own, but he was definitely still irritated. "Perfect, indeed. What purpose does it serve Wizeman now?"
Nightingale shrugged, wondering that herself but not about to admit her doubts. "Give it time." She turned to the pale Nightmaren again. "Fetch the other one." Aaron gritted his teeth. "Can't you . . . delay this or something?" He looked to the pale white Nightmaren. "You. You don't really want this to happen, do you?"
Nightingale glared as the other 'Maren hesitated at Aaron's words. "What are you waiting for? Fetch the rebel! Do I need to explain the procedure to you!" The white Nightmaren stiffened and flew to the special cell, opening it again.

Aaron tried to pay special attention to how the Nightmaren opened the cell, just in case he might be able to figure it out, and just in case he might have the need to know in the future.
The Nightmaren appeared to say something before the door slid open. Doren winced as the cell was opened, then gritted its teeth defiantly, puffing up in preparation for a fight Nightingale chuckled. "I wouldn't misbehave Do try to set a good example for your friend. . . " She indicated the comatose Taiel. Doren's eyes widened as the pupils contracted. Its mouth worked as it took in the sight of its companion. "There has to be a way to save it . . . and you," Aaron tried to reassure Doren.
Doren clenched both fists, baring its fangs at Nightingale. "You monsters!" Nightingale looked at Tier. "Oh, so THAT'S where you get it from!" Tier growled angrily in response.
"Where he gets what?" Aaron questioned. "Its will to survive and disgust with barbarism? I know that surely didn't come from Wizeman."
Doren abruptly shoved the white Nightmaren aside and flew to Taiel's cell. "Taiel!" It blinked when Taiel didn't so much as blink. "TAIEL!"
Nightingale made a face. "Please stop embarrassing yourself. It's painful to watch. . ." She gestured to the white 'Maren, who flew over to grab Doren securely.
"What if that was you?" Aaron called to the white Nightmaren. "What if it was your twin? How eager would you be if it was you being dragged off to Wizeman?"
The white Nightmaren looked at Aaron and the purple rims to its eyes seemed to diminish slightly before it stiffened. "I . . . have no twin." The 'Maren winced at a harsh shout from Nightingale. "Be silent! Do as I say, you forgotten reject, or I'll put you back!"
The white Nightmaren sighed and shoved Doren forward, forcing it up the steps. Doren looked back at Taiel, then met Aaron's gaze. Its own cherry eyes softened with reluctant acceptance before it bowed its head, allowing itself to be led away.
Aaron's eyes were filled with remorse as they met Doren's. He did not understand how Nightingale could have such a strong duality to her personality. He also couldn't help but wonder why the white Nightmaren didn't have a twin. He hoped that it would come back later, and without Nightingale in tow.

Doren didn't fight as it was positioned in Wizeman's palm, silently bracing itself for the worst.
Wizeman lifted his creation. "Is there no fight left in you, Doren?" Doren closed its eyes. It had plenty of fight left, but it knew when it was beaten. And besides that, Doren had always been faithful. It had only left Nightmare in order to stay close to its twin, Palis.
Wizeman knew all of this and seemed somehow disappointed by the lack of thrashing and screaming.
"So be it." The hand closed. Doren bit back a cry and fell into darkness.

Tier threw itself against the cell door for the fifteenth time, causing more damage to itself than to the door. "Open! Open! OPEN!" The green and pink Nightmaren shrieked angrily, crying as it struggled to break free.
Aaron shouted, starting to be very worried about Tier's physical well being in addition to its mental health. "TIER! Stop it, right now!"
Tier gave the door one more hit before falling to its knees, crying. Nearby, Taiel hung motionless in its cell.
"Tier! We'll find a way to save it! Please . . . just . . . don't cry any more. . ." Aaron was holding back tears himself now. He couldn't bear to see Tier like this any more, and it was starting to grate on his soul.
Tier looked at Aaron, its eyes filled with trust. It quieted but failed to answer.
Aaron felt as though Tier's trusting eyes were stabbing him and he looked away. He felt as though he were already breaking Tier's trust and that he was telling it things that were untrue just to get it to stop crying. Maybe that was what he was doing after all. Maybe there was no hope in this situation. Maybe Tier would spend the rest of its life here, as Wizeman's bargaining chip to keep him under his control.
Tier's head shot up as if it were hearing something that Aaron couldn't. A moment later, a hazy figure flickered briefly into view nearby before blinking out. Aaron jumped back a little, a bit wary of the strange flickering. "Tier, what was that?" Tier rubbed its eyes even though Nightmaren couldn't shed tears. It was a habit it had gotten from the humans. "M . . . Molls. . . ." Tier hiccupped. "She's trying to come back. . ."
A smile flashed across Aaron's face, but it faded. "Why is she coming here?" He looked at Tier and what he should have already realized dawned on him. They would appear where Tier was. "Oh no . . . They'll get her too!"
Tier's eyes widened again as yet another horrible thought was presented to it. "No!" Aaron kicked himself mentally for saying that aloud. Tier looked around wildly, seeing no other figured trying to materialize. As a purple figure stepped into the room, Tier turned excitedly. "Molls. . . !" It stopped short, realizing that it was only Nightingale, come to check on them.
Nightingale blinked, borrowing Molly's confused or bewildered expression as she turned to see Tier. "Hm?" Tier turned away, sulking. "Nevermind, I thought it was someone who mattered. . ." Aaron tried to keep a straight face, but he couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Nightingale when Tier lashed out at her like that. He wished that she didn't remind him so much of Molly so that he could make himself hate her. He had such trouble with hating . . . it seemed he really couldn't make himself hate anyone.
Nightingale blinked at Tier before turning questioningly to Aaron. "She was here." The violet Nightmaren stated blandly, having sensed her other half briefly. "Who was here?" Aaron played dumb. Nightingale sighed. "You know who I mean, Aaron. The one who matters." She shot a stern glance at Tier, who ignored her.
Aaron sighed. "Oh really? I didn't see anyone. Where is she now?" Nightingale glared at the boy. "Probably in her room, being afraid of the dark. . ." She smirked at Tier's loyal growl. The Sixth Generation Nightmaren wouldn't allow "Its" humans to be harmed or insulted.
"There's nothing there in the dark that isn't there in the light..." Aaron recited the old reassurance that parnents tell their frightened children. Nightingale considered, then smiled darkly. "Yeah? Well that's where you're wrong." She smirked, then looked up as Doren drifted in, looking dazed. The white 'Maren followed closely. Aaron looked away, not willing to watch it be dragged in like Taiel was.
Nightingale blinked in alarm. "Why are you able to move yourself!" She glanced at the still motionless Taiel before regarding the conscious Doren in shock. Doren narrowed its eyes and shouldered past Nightingale, landing by Taiel and studying it. Aaron blinked, looking back when he heard Nightingale. "What? Doren?"
Nightingale drifted backwards, alarmed. "What is this!" The white Nightmaren hurried over, catching Nightingale from behind. "It emerged like this. Wi . . . Master Wizeman ordered me to bring it here and leave it with the other one." Doren turned to look at the loyals, waiting with a mocking smirk.
"Doren, are you okay?" Aaron looked genuinely concerned for the Nightmaren, whatever he may have felt toward it earlier when they were arguing. Doren's now red gaze snapped onto Aaron, hostile and cold. Tier pulled itself onto its feet. "A . . . Aaron. . ." It fretted, not liking Doren's strange behavior. Aaron was very disturbed as well by Doren's crimson stare. "Doren. . .? Is that even you. . .?" Doren smirked, folding its arms. "Last time I checked, Dreamer." It turned to bark at Nightingale. "Shouldn't you be doing something!" Nightingale looked shocked, clearly not wanting to come near Doren.
Nightingale growled, scowling to hide her insecurity as she in turn turned on the white Nightmaren. "You! Don't just stand there, lock this fool away with its companion!" She drifted back as the lesser 'Maren nodded and approached Doren.
Doren gave a good imitation of Reala's smirk as it allowed itself to be placed into the cell and locked in with the still unresponsive Taiel.
Tier whimpered, not liking this turn of events at all. Was it really safe from that fate? The green and pink Nightmaren looked worriedly at Aaron, then took a breath. Aaron had promised that Tier would be safe. And Tier trusted Aaron. That settled, Tier turned to glared at Nightingale and the white Nightmaren.
Aaron was a little speechless. He was trying to reason it out in his head what Wizeman could have done to them to make them act this way. "Is . . . there any word on when Wizeman will want to see me. . .?" He was trying to ignore Doren and Taiel for the moment. Nightingale looked at Aaron. "Soon, I would imagine. Now that the rebels are out of the way." She glanced at Tier before shaking her head. "You turn will come soon enough."
Aaron hoped that she was talking to him. He didn't like the way she looked at Tier before she said that. Tier didn't like it either and shrank a little as Nightingale turned to leave. The white Nightmaren regarded Doren nervously before drifting out, patting the bars on Tier's cell briefly.
Aaron called after the white Nightmaren, hoping to keep it in the cellblock without Nightingale. "What's your name?" The 'Maren glanced briefly at Aaron, looking uncertain before continuing out. "Wait!" Aaron called again. "Stay for a minute." Tier sat down heavily on a bale of hay as the guard gave a slight head shake and left. Tier had a frightened look on its face. Doren smirked from its cell, leaning casually against the wall and staring intently at Aaron.
Aaron looked puzzled. He wondered just why the white Nightmaren should be so scared to be in Nightmare. "Tier, do you know that white Nightmaren?" Aaron tried his best to keep his gaze away from Doren's.
Tier shook its head, too frightened to speak. Aaron considered. "I don't know what to think of it. I don't think it wants to be here . . . it looks afraid. You've never met it before?" He hoped Tier would calm down after hearing Aaron speak so casually.
Tier looked miserable, shaking its head again. Doren gave a soft chuckle. "You're wasting your time. That runt's too scared stupid to tell you anything." Aaron ignored Doren. He didn't want to talk to it. Doren seemed amused by Aaron's coldness. "It isn't healthy for Dreamers to be curious about Nightmaren. . ."
Aaron muttered, "It isn't natural for Nightmaren to be concerned with the health of Dreamers." Tier stiffened, looking hurt as it overheard. "Ah . . ." The green and pink Nightmaren blinked, then sighed, dropping its gaze. Aaron winced. "Tier . . . I didn't mean you. . ." Tier didn't answer, studying its oversized feet intently. It was becoming more and more afraid. Aaron massaged his temples. Today was not going his way at all. . .

"NiGHTS, the Nightopians have given us an all clear." A sunny orange Nightmaren stated proudly, landing in front of NiGHTS and Jesse. "We can probably go home with no further trouble, sir."
NiGHTS nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you, Irihi. Let's wait a while longer just to be safe. Nightopians tend to leap to conclusions. . ."
Irihi nodded and flew off. NiGHTS turned to Jesse. "You may get to see the real camp. Do you like that idea?"
A huge smile spilt Jesse's face from horn to horn. It looked thrilled. "Yes, sir!" NiGHTS laughed. "Allright then. Come on, let's see if Palis is well enough to fly yet." The purple Nightmaren started toward the makeshift healer's tent. Jesse darted after him, staying close in tow.
NiGHTS smiled as he entered the tent, glad that it was largely empty. The rebel healer, Picusha glided expectantly over, ignoring NiGHTS but fixing a stern scowl on Jesse. Jesse shrunk away behind NiGHTS like a scolded puppy, its horns flat against its head. It peered out from between his legs up at Picusha.
NiGHTS blinked at Jesse before stepping forward and to one side. "It's okay, this is Picusha, our healer. Picusha, this is . . . uh. . ." NiGHTS blinked then turned to Jesse. "I'm sorry, I must have forgotten your name. . ."
Jesse was looking around for some kind of cover, seeming to be rather intimidated. "Uh-uhm . . . I'm . . . Jesse. . ." NiGHTS beamed. "Jesse." He finished happily. Picusha looked Jesse over before nodding. It still didn't feel inclined to speak, so NiGHTS did the talking. "Is Palis feeling well enough to move? We've been given the all clear to return to camp."
Picusha scowled, but nodded and walked over to a small cot in the back, ending the one sided conversation. Jesse did not know what to think of the healer. Even the healers in Nightmare talked. As if sensing Jesse's thoughts, NiGHTS smiled. "Don't let Picusha get to you, it suffered some trauma a while ago and doesn't speak anymore. Picusha doesn't mean to be cold." Jesse tried to smile a little. "I . . . I'm sorry." NiGHTS smiled. "Don't be, Picusha's just fine and we're all helping it." He looked up. "Ah, here comes Palis."
Palis took a few steps before gliding over to NiGHTS, anxious. "NiGHTS, did i hear you say something about moving back to the camp? That'll take too long! Meanwhile, Doren and Taiel. . ." NiGHTS became firm. "And Tier and Aaron. They're trapped in Nightmare as well now."
Palis quieted, upset. NiGHTS nodded. "I'm as anxious to go back as you are, Palis. But we lack the numbers right now. Without knowing how to get straight to our friends without fighting, there isn't much that we can do besides wait."
Jesse found itself frozen. It knew exactly how to get to the cell. It knew all of the best ways to get into Nightmare without anyone seeing; it had spend a good deal of its life avoiding other Nightmaren. But, it couldn't seem to force itself to overcome its nerves and speak up.
No matter how much it wanted to help them, it could not force itself to volunteer to go back to Nightmare so soon.
Unaware of Jesse's dilemma, NiGHTS patted Palis reassuringly on the shoulder. "We'll get them back, Palis."
Palis nodded uncertainly. NiGHTS nodded, then smiled at Jesse. "I'm going to help the others start to pack up. You're welcome to get to know everyone if you like. They all saw you come in with me, so you'll be fine." NiGHTS winked reassuringly and flew toward a few tables and crates that were being monitored by a few younger Nightmaren. Jesse tried to speak up again, but once more found itself unable. It did not want to be left alone without NiGHTS, but now that it found itself in that situation, it decided that it would be best to try to become acquainted and comfortable with some of the other rebels.
Palis glanced unhappily at Jesse. "NiGHTS brought you back from Nightmare?" Palis had of course been unconscious for most of the trip back to the camp. Jesse nodded in response, scooting a little closer to Palis, having found someone new to latch onto.
Palis blinked at Jesse's clingyness, then smiled weakly. It was accustomed to Taiel tagging along all the time and wanting to be close. Out of habit, Palis placed a hand lightly on Jesse's backside. "Come on, I'll introduce you to the others." Jesse smiled, at once feeling comfortable with Palis. It floated up to shoulder level on the larger Nightmaren, ready to go. "Okay."

Tier groaned and flopped backwards off of its haybale for the fifth time, restless. "Aaron, you couldn't dream me up a harmonica or something, could you?" Tier chose to ignore the fact that Nightmaren lacked lips, were are essential for harmonica playing.
Aaron blinked. "Actually, I might." He closed his eyes, imagining Tier playing the harmonica and grinned, happy for the diversion. He hoped it would work.
Tier blinked in alarm as it was caught up in a brief flurry of dream energy. It calmed when it was left unharmed, but holding a vibrant green harmonica with pink highlights. "Hm, you have a good eye for color."
Aaron laughed out loud, something he had not done in a long while. "Tier, I'm glad you're here with me." He bit his lip after he said that. "Well . . . you know what I mean."
Tier lowered the harmonica to fix its gentle, minty gaze on Aaron. It smiled warmly. "I'm happy to be with you, Aaron."
Doren made a rude noise. "Aww, quit it. You're giving me cavities!" Aaron stuck his tongue out at Doren. "You don't have any teeth." Doren bared its fangs in response. Like all Nightmaren, it was perfectly capable of showing as many teeth, or as few as it desired.
Aaron rolled his eyes. "I stand corrected. . ." Doren chuckled, closing its mouth in satisfaction. It seemed to be a little more like its old self. At least to the best of Aaron's knowledge.
"What did Wizeman do to you, Doren?" Aaron wondered if Doren would tell him the truth, or anything at all, but he had to ask. Doren smirked. "Planning on running back to NiGHTS with Wizeman's latest plans? Is that it?" It ignored Tier's soft growl.
Aaron looked a little confused. "I will not run anywhere. I promised to cooperate to secure Tier's safety, and as long as Tier is in danger, Wizeman can count me as one of his loyals. If he would have let Tier go when I asked, I might have had to serve him forever . . . I guess I'm glad he left me with the chance to escape through a loophole."
Doren studied Aaron. "Hmph, Wizeman's right not to trust a Dreamer. You? Loyal? You'll be back to waging war against the real Nightmaren as soon as the chance arises." Aaron grinned. "I'll keep the letter of my word. But I have no desire to serve Wizeman."
Doren glanced away as if bored. "Well there you are, then. With that attitude, of course you're not trusted. And those self righteous thoughts are more likely to get your friends hurt than help you." Something seemed to occur to the reddish brown Nightmaren and it turned to sneer cruelly at Aaron. "Then again, you weren't very helpful to Taiel or myself, or maybe you're just choosy about your friends. . ." Doren blinked as it was cut off by an angry shout from Tier. "That's enough!"
Tier snarled, trying to get a glimpse of Doren. "You've forgotten what friends even are, don't you DARE accuse Aaron of failing as a friend!" Doren seemed surprised, then looked over at Aaron as he spoke.
"I tried to extend my protection to you and Taiel, but they were loathe to keep Tier from harm in the first place. I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you, but keep in mind. I'm just a self-righteous dreamer." Aaron went back to the corner of his cell, no longer in the mood for conversation.
Doren gave Aaron an odd look, then tried to get a glimpse of Tier, who was still seething. Lacking Aaron's part in the discussion, the two Nightmaren began a sort of verbal sparring.
Doren huffed. "Don't accuse him, huh? I don't know what a friend is? Do YOU know then, you little reject!" Tier winced at the insult, then bristled. "I have more friends than you ever will. . ." Doren laughed. "Nightopians and a couple of dysfunctional Dreamers!" "SHUT UP!" Tier shrieked, panting with the exertion of staying angry when it was still recovering from its injuries. "Just shut up! You . . . you don't know anything!"
Aaron slowly stood up and walked quite calmly to the point in his cell closest to Doren and looked it straight in the eyes. To another human, he would have looked rather intimidating. "Don't ever talk about my friend that way again."
Tier looked over at Aaron, glassy eyed. "Aaron. . ." Doren made a face. "I hate to break it to you, but you're hardly friends. You use Tier for transport and protection, but what does it get in return? Maybe I don't know what friends are, but I do know that friendship isn't one sided."
Aaron glanced at Tier and smiled. "You're right, you don't know anything about friendship. I don't use Tier. Tier protects me because we're friends, we're not friends because Tier protects me." Tier nodded weakly. "I came here on my own, nobody made me follow Aaron . . . and I'd do it again, even if it meant getting in worse trouble. . ." Tier's voice trembled slightly. It meant what it said, but was afraid of the possibility nonetheless.
Doren was silent, unable to think of a way to undermine the two friends' feelings. It simply watched.
Aaron's smile widened. He was quite happy to hear Tier say that. "Of all of the people in the world I could end up locked in a dungeon in Nightmare with, you're the best, Tier." He chuckled a little at the absurdity of what he just said. Tier giggled softly, looking tired but otherwise okay. "Let's not plan on repeating the experience. . ." "You've got a deal." Aaron smiled.
Doren blinked. "What makes you so sure that you'll get the chance?" Tier blinked in response, then smiled at Aaron. "I guess . . . because we've gotten out of worse situations before. . ." Aaron nodded, confirming it. "It's true. We've overcome death, even. This is nothing."
Tier flushed, not liking the reminder. Doren leaned into the bars of its cell. "I know the story, so spare me the flashback. . ." "
Will Taiel ever . . . come back to its senses?" Aaron wondered aloud, hoping Doren might know the answer since it was already seemingly back to its old self. Doren glanced at Taiel, who was still floating limply in place. "Like it matters." Tier growled softly from its haybale, too worn out to do more.
Aaron glared at Doren and sighed, just flopping down onto the floor of his cell, bored but anxious to know what was going to happen.
The white Nightmaren returned and anded in front of Aaron's cell, unlocking it. "Wizeman's ready for you." Aaron jumped up, almost a little excited to finally find out what Wizeman wanted with him. "Alright, let's be going then."
He was thrilled to finally catch the white nightmaren alone. Maybe now he could get some information out of it.
The Nightmaren gave Aaron an odd look, what kind of dreamer WANTED to see Wizeman? "Er, right . . . come on."
Aaron had promised cooperation, and that's what he was going to give them. He was not going to have another episode with a Gao. He followed the Nightmaren out of his cell and up the stairs. "What's your name?" Aaron asked, hoping to finally get an answer.
"Lumis." The white Nightmaren stated bluntly. Aaron smiled. "Lumis means 'light.' Did you know that?"
Lumis paused and blinked at Aaron, surprised by the comment. "What?"
Aaron stopped with it, explaining what he said. "The word Lumis means light in some old language nobody speaks any more. You didn't know then. I wonder why Wizeman chose that name for you."
Aaron pondered a twin for Lumis should have been black and called Umbra. It was a logical juxtaposition, and Wizeman seemed to enjoy such mismatches.
Lumis considered, then shrugged. "I see. It doesn't mean that my name is related to a human word though. . ." Lumis looked doubtful, not sure how true that was. Why would Wizeman name a Nightmaren after the light? Aaron shrugged. "What is it related to? How does Wizeman choose names for you all, anyway?" Aaron wondered aloud, neither really to Lumis nor to himself, nor to anyone in particular.

They came to Wizeman's doorway and Lumis paused to frown sternly at Aaron. "Nothing personal Dreamer, but in you go!" In a gesture reminiscent of NiGHTS' playfulness, Lumis twirled Aaron into the room so that he was in danger of losing his balance. In a less playful gesture, the white Nightmaren lifted an oversized foot and booted the Dreamer onto the floor.
Aaron grunted as he hit the ground, rather unappreciative of Lumis's sudden roughness. He tried to get to his feet and regain his composure as quickly as possible, and stood at attention as he had when Nightingale first came into the dungeon after he had pledged to cooperate fully.
A softly glowing eye materialized, followed by five others hovering in the background. "You've caused some trouble, boy." Wizeman's deceptively gentle voice echoed eerily as his six hands came into focus, one for each eye. "Yes, sir," Aaron replied almost professionally. He wasn't going to lie to Wizeman, not after promising his cooperation.
There were still a few things he would not divulge, not even to save Tier or himself. The wellbeing of the rebels as a whole outweighed his own feelings and physical safety, as well as Tier's alone.
Wizeman regarded Aaron silently for a moment before all six hands came together to enclose him in a tight box. "You will not trouble me again." Wizeman seemed to be preparing for something.
Aaron was beginning to worry. It did not appear that Wizeman was going to drill him or interrogate him. It was starting to look like he just wanted to kill him. Aaron hoped it was not possible.
He tried his best to keep still and not to cower, but as much as he tried to remain completely devoid of emotion, fear shone in his face.
Wizeman lifted his hands, then opened them to reveal Aaron. "Now."
Several shadowy forms swept past before sweeping toward Aaron. The shadow in front was surprisingly familiar with its clawed hands and blood red eyes. Aaron barely had time to recognize Shara before it lunged, sinking those claws into him and ripping something away.
Strangely enough, it left Aaron feeling lighter inside. It was as if all of his negative emotions had been taken away.

Aaron felt slightly sick to his stomach and felt as though all of the blood had drained out of his head.
It felt like he had been sleeping and suddenly jumped to his feet out of the bed. He watched his vision fade to black and sank to his knees until his sight returned in a few shorts seconds.
"What . . . did you do to me?" He looked up at Wizeman, wondering if he still had his bargaining chip to keep Tier safe.
Wizeman had lost all interest in Aaron and simply dropped him. Before Aaron could be jolted awake though, a violet form dove and caught him.
Nightingale deposited Aaron safely on the ground before standing at attention beside him, gazing up at where Wizeman had just been handed a roiling mass of murky black and brown with yellow highlights.
Wizeman carressed the energy gently before tightening his grip around it, energy flashing brightly as he did. One eye turned from the spectacle to narrow at Aaron. "I've finished with you, boy. Our bargain yet binds me, but this will not be the case for much longer. . ."
The eye returned to the sparking, shapeshifting mass of energy in Wizeman's grip. "Return him to the dungeon."
Lumis took hold of one of Aaron's arms as if to support him. "Come."
"Wait! Tell me what you did!" Aaron demanded. He knew this would only be met with Wizeman's ignoring him but he had to try, and he wouldn't be able to struggle against being led back to the dungeon.
He wasn't about to break the deal himself.
Wizeman didn't look at Aaron. "Exactly what I did to your companion." In front of Wizeman, Nightingale closed her eyes before turning to regard Aaron sadly.
Lumis growled, pushing Aaron out like any other overly violent Nightmaren. "Move!"
Aaron looked to Nightingale, searching for some sign that she would help him, but he knew in his heart that she wouldn't betray Wizeman. No, that she wouldn't betray Reala. So, instead, he looked up at Lumis, a glint of desperation in his eyes. "Lumis . . . you have to help me. . ." Lumis regarded Aaron strangely. "You really are dreaming, kid. . ." The Nightmaren shoved Aaron into the hallway, looking up as Wizeman's doors closed themselves behind them.
Aaron's face slowly became more and more desperate. "Lumis, you can't leave me to watch Tier become like Taiel . . . you can't." Lumis shrugged. "Even your precious Tier was loyal once. What's wrong with it coming home and rejoining the rest of us?" The Nightmaren's voice was a little too nonchalant, as if Lumis didn't really believe the words.
"You can't mean that," Aaron pleaded. "You know it isn't true; you saw Taiel! It hasn't rejoined anything. Lumis, I know you can feel that this is all wrong! You have to! You're light, aren't you?"
Lumis abruptly halted and turned to snarl in Aaron's face, eyes glinting alarmingly. The odd purple edge of Lumis' pupils had become a thin line of blue. "Look, I already told you - I am not named after some ridiculous human word! I've been ordered to return you to the dungeon, and that's exactly what I'm doing!
Lumis hauled Aaron forward and resumed the trek to the dungeons.
Aaron felt a glimmer of hope at the sight of this sudden change in Lumis's eyes. "Lumis, please . . . you can't ignore it. Your name, your color . . . you're destined to be Light, Lumis, I can see it. Can't you?"
They had reached the dungeons and Lumis lifted Aaron to carry him down to the cells. "I can see lots of things. For one, I see why Wizeman was so concerned about you. You're a silly dreamer with a head full of insane ideas." Lumis set Aaron down outside of Tier's cell, fumbling a bit with the latch as Tier drifted closer to watch.
Aaron looked up at Lumis, seeing something in it that he had not quite realized before. "You remind me of NiGHTS. . ." It seemed to him a little off the subject, but he couldn't help vocalizing the observation.
Lumis smiled as the cell door swung open, letting Tier out as Lumis smiled at Aaron. "I should. I was created from NiGHTS' own energy. Now come on!"
Lumis took flight, heading for the steps. Tier flew to Aaron, picking him up in a huge bear hug. "Aaron!" The young 'Maren released him reluctantly, looking at Lumis. "Aaron, what's going on? Isn't Lumis one of the bad guys?"
Aaron blinked. "I don't think it can be. It's too much like NiGHTS. Come on, Tier!" He hugged it tightly. "We're getting out of here."
Tier nodded and knelt to let Aaron get a grip on its shoulders. "I think I'm strong enough to carry you, buddy!" Tier helped Aaron up and took off after Lumis! A familiar voice cried out after them. "Tier, don't go!" Taiel suddenly came to life, reaching through the bars. Aaron gasped, turning back to see Taiel, a little disappointed with himself for forgetting it.
Tier slammed on the breaks, nearly throwing Aaron as it twisted in alarm. "Tai!" Lumis turned as well. "Don't! It's a trick!" Tier ignored Lumis, turning to go back for Taiel. "Tai!"
"Tier. . ." Aaron glanced back at Lumis. "I think we should trust Lumis." Tier shook its head. "But it's Tai! Aaron, Tai wouldn't lie!" "We don't know what Wizeman did to it, Tier. . . I . . . I think we should come back for it, later, with NiGHTS. Trust me on this, Tier." Aaron looked worried.
Tier hesitated, torn. Its faith in Aaron was absolute, but Tier felt a strong duty to its kin as well. The young Nightmaren whimpered as two equally powerful desires clashed within it. "We'll come back to save it, Tier, I promise." Aaron tugged at its hand.
"Tier!" Taiel peered out with wide eyes. Eyes rimmed with jade rings. Tier started to fly for it, but cried out as it was grabbed by the collar and jerked backwards. Lumis glared. "Listen to Aaron, you can't help Taiel right now. Believe me, I know!"
Aaron was beginning to be very nervous. He wanted to leave, and he wanted to leave now. "I promise we'll come back for it, Tier . . . but for now we have to go, or we'll get caught, and we won't be getting another chance like this. Tier, I don't want you to end up like Taiel. . ."
Tier cried out, but Lumis wasn't about to give it a choice. Tier was hauled up the steps and down the hallway with Aaron clinging to its shoulders. Lumis released Tier when it seemed to have given up on trying to get back to Taiel.
"You won't be helping anyone if you get yourself damaged." The white Nightmaren stated firmly. Tier glanced unhappily back at Aaron, following Lumis with great reluctance.
Aaron's face told Tier just how sorry he was to force it to leave its friend, but he had a feeling deep inside that Lumis should be trusted over Taiel. He wished he had thought to look at Taiel's eyes, to see if that familiar purple aura could be seen about Taiel's pupils.
They had just reached the exit when a familiar figure, clad in white, red, and black appeared in their way.
Reala sneered. "And just where did you think you were going?" He glared at Lumis, who closed both eyes to avoid meeting that icy gaze. Doren and Nightingale flew over, taking hold of Lumis, who showed no sign of wanting to fight them off.
Tier paddled through the air, trying to get away as Reala reached for it. "Ah! Aah!" Aaron's heart leapt into his throat. He was at a loss for words, and didn't know what to do. "Don't touch it, Reala!" Aaron managed to speak in defense of his friend.
Reala smirked defiantly at Aaron, grabbing Tier's collar and hauling its terrified face close to his. "Such a pity that you took advantage of Wizeman's hospitality. But I must admit, I'm glad that you did. I was wondering whether this treatment would also work on your precious pet here. . ." Reala laughed as Tier squeaked, dangling limply in its terror. "I suppose we'll find out now. . ."

Aaron leapt at Reala, courage welling in him as he saw Tier in danger. He struck out with a fist at any part of Reala he could reach. Reala had not been anticipating the attack and took a hit square in the face. He reeled as Nightingale released Lumis to fly to him. "Lord Reala!"
Lumis took the chance to jerk free of Doren and whirled to face the brown Nightmaren, grinning dangerously.
Tier cried out as Reala failed to release it right away, his thrashing resulted in Tier being thrown against a wall.
Reala groaned and got up just in time to see Doren fall over with a wheeze, leaving Lumis in Reala's path. The two locked eyes, testing each other.
Aaron rushed to Tier's side, forgetting temporarily about everything else that was going on. "Tier! Are you okay?" He was getting a little weary of Tier being hurt so much in one dream.
Tier grimaced, laying on its side. "I think . . . that must be what a rollercoaster'd feel like. . . " It pushed itself up slowly. "Especially if the track broke. . ."
Aaron smiled just a little, relieved that Tier was at least conscious. "I don't think you'd be talking after something quite like that. Are you going to be alright? Can you stand?" Tier nodded, leaning on Aaron a little as it go to its feet.
Lumis snarled and lunged for Reala, only to pull up short as Nightingale interposed herself. The female snarled viciously back, regarding Lumis with wild, wary eyes as she defended the still recovering Reala.
Lumis hesitated before sighing and turning away. Doren took the chance to grab ahold of the white Nightmaren.
With Lumis restrained, Reala glared at Aaron. "Doren, return these rebels to their cells. And prepare the special cell for a special new traitor. . ." He sneered at Lumis before jerking away from Nightingale. "I'm going to inform Wizeman that he has another rebel to work with."

Nightingale hesitated. "Lord Reala, Master Wizeman is finished with them, so. . . " She cried out as Reala whirled and struck. Reala snarled at the female as she hit the floor. "NEVER challenge my decisions!" He glared at Lumis until the white Nightmaren looked away, then nodded to Doren. "Take them away."
"No!" Aaron screamed. "Don't make us go back!" Reala froze, looking mildly surprised. "What was that?" Doren and Tier were staring at Aaron in astonishment. Tier leaned closer to Aaron. "Are . . . are you feeling okay, Aaron?"
None of the Nightmaren had ever heard Aaron cry out like that before.
Aaron looked almost panicked. "I'm not going back there, Tier!" He grabbed its hand. "We all have to get out of here!" Tier was far too stunned to argue and simply followed Aaron. behind them, Reala, Nightingale, Doren, and Lumis were staring with wide eyes. Aaron looked back and waved his hand at Lumis and mouthed, "Let's go!"
Lumis looked at Doren, then at Aaron. The pale 'Maren finally smiled and very casually elbowed Doren in the gut. Lumis flew to Aaron and Tier, grabbing onto them. "Hang on tightly!"
Taking flight, Lumis flew at great speed toward the castle exit. Aaron was rather astonished. "I can't believe that actually worked. . ." Tier squirmed. "We can't just go! Taiel's here! And Doren!" Lumis wobbled, unable to maintain speed with a struggling Sixth Generation 'Maren under one arm.
Aaron poked Tier where its ribs would be, supposing it had any. "Tier! If we go back, we'll -all- be stuck there! We have to get help to go back for them!"
Tier continued to squirm. "I'm not abandoning Tai!" Lumis was forced to land, looking upset. "Tier? Listen to reason, you have to go!" As Tier continued to fight, Lumis sighed. "Fine. For what it's worth, I'm really, really sorry. . ." Tier suddenly doubled over as Lumis's fist struck it in the middle.
Aaron winced, looking away. He wished it didn't have to come down to that, but he knew that Tier was not going to give up struggling to save its friend. He felt like a world class heel for forcing it to give that up, but he knew that they would not succeed alone.
Lumis lifted the limp Tier and looked at Aaron. "Come on!" Aaron nodded and followed after Lumis.
Lumis ran with Aaron, stumbling occasionally. When they reached the exit, Lumis handed Tier over. "Okay, just keep going. You can get away if you run!"
Aaron blinked. "And we can all get away if you come with us."
He did not want Lumis giving itself up to save them, especially when he believed they could all be saved.
Lumis looked away uncomfortably. "I'm sorry, I can't." The sounds of angry Nightmaren echoed from inside the castle. Lumis winced, not looking forward to what would happen when the loyals caught up. "Run!"
Aaron grabbed its arm just below where the wrist should be. "Yes, you can! You can't go back there just so they can turn you into something terrible!"
Lumis pulled away. "I'm a Nightmaren, I belong here! You're losing your chance to escape!" The pursuing 'Maren were drawing nearer, each shout ringing clearly.
"Lumis, how will I carry Tier all by myself?" Aaron looked at it pleadingly. "I need your help!"
A moment later, Doren and Taiel flew for Aaron and Tier, eyes flashing dangerously. Lumis leaped to knock them out of the air, knocking Taiel into Doren so that the three crashed in a pile of multicolored limbs.
Aaron froze, not knowing what to do. Lumis groaned in response, struggling to get up. Doren was doing likewise, intent on causing mischief.
Aaron began frantically trying to wake Tier, the only thing he could think to do.
Tier winced as it was shaken, squeezing its eyes shut defiantly. "Tier! Wake up, please, I need you! I can't do this alone. . ." Aaron looked like he was about to cry.
Tier whimpered, rousing at the urgency in Aaron's voice. It opened its eyes, blinking in surprise at finding itself in Aaron's arms. "Aaron?"
"Tier!" Aaron hugged it. "You have to help Lumis!" Tier instantly fell limp again, feigning unconsciousness. Aaron dropped it. He did not look amused. "Tier, quit fooling around!" Tier yelped. "Yeowch!" It looked miserably up at Aaron. "Aaron, what can I do!"
"You're not a weenie, Tier! Help Lumis! There's two of you and two of them!" Aaron glared at it. "I'm not?" Tier winced at Aaron's glare and whimpered. "Aww, don't look like that, Aaron!"
Aaron continued to glare. "If you don't help them, then I will. And I don't think I'm strong enough to take Doren and Taiel, even with Lumis's help." He folded his arms.
Tier sighed. "You humans and your guilt trips. . . " It got up and turned toward Lumis and Doren.
Doren took the chance to lunge at Lumis, resulting in the two wrestling on the ground. Tier darted over and grabbed Taiel before it could be trampled, carrying it back to Aaron. "Tai's safe, but how do I stop that!" Tier pointed at the fighting Doren and Lumis, feeling lost.
Aaron backed away a little from Taiel, not knowing whether it could be trusted. "Tier, don't be so sure. . ."
Tier frowned. "Tai's just stunned, relax! Maybe it'll be okay when it wakes up."
"Did you see that look in its eyes when it flew out. . .?" Aaron would not come closer to it. Tier sighed. "Yeah, exactly how NiGHTS looks when he's fighting. And how all Nightmaren look when they're in attack mode!" The young Nightmaren waited for an answer. "But why would Taiel have been in attack mode?" Aaron looked at Tier with a "beat that" look.
Tier frowned harder. "I can't believe that you're afraid of a stunned Nightmaren! And Taiel of all 'Maren! Tai's family, okay? I'm not doing anything else until you promise to take care of Tai!" Tier folded its arms to glare back at Aaron. "Okay! I'll make sure nothing happens to it!" Aaron folded his arms, looking away. He would be all to ready to deliver an "I told you so" if Taiel woke up vicious.
Tier nodded reluctantly. "Wizeman did something to Tai, it's not Tai's fault!" It just wanted to be sure that Aaron understood that much. Tier sighed as Lumis had pinned Doren. "Now what?" Tier winced as Doren kicked at Lumis, who slammed it against a wall in return.
"Tier, I know Taiel isn't someone I should be afraid of, but Wizeman -did- do something to it. And he did something to Doren too. You have to knock it out! This is our chance to get them both back to Picusha!"
Tier looked at Doren. "Well, Koosh is just a little scarier than Doren right now. . ." It flew over as Doren kicked Lumis with both feet. Lumis stumbled back as Doren pressed its advantage, throwing punches. As Lumis fell, Doren clasped both hands together, prepared for one final strike. It failed to notice Tier drifting behind it, lifting an old brick.
Aaron kept an eye on Taiel while trying to watch Tier and Doren at the same time. He hoped that Lumis would not be hurt, and that Doren would not be angry that they resorted to this once Picusha found a way to help it.
Doren grinned at Lumis. Lumis looked up in alarm, eyes widening further as Tier slammed the brick down on Doren's head.
Doren went cross eyed in shock before crumpling. Tier hovered worriedly beside the limp 'Maren. "Um, I guess now's not a good time to say sorry. . ." Lumis sat up, staring at Tier in astonishment.

Aaron cheered. "Tier! You were so brave!" He ran to hug it, leaving Taiel lying on the ground, forgetting that he was supposed to be watching it. Tier didn't answer, it was staring at Doren in growing horror.
Aaron noticed that Tier did not respond to his hug and stepped back, looking up at Tier. "Tier, what's wrong?"
Tier whimpered at a small patch of shimmering coppery red where the brick had struck Doren. Tier had gone pale, looking faint.
Aaron rubbed Tiers arm. "Come on, Tier, you carry Taiel. . ." He tried to lead it away from Doren, hoping it wouldn't faint again. They did not need three unconscious Nightmaren on their hands. Tier squeaked in response, almost falling as it followed Aaron. Lumis stood up, blinking. "You'd better hurry. . ." The white 'Maren rubbed at a bruised arm, slightly distracted.
Aaron walked over to Lumis, leaving Tier behind with Taiel and knelt beside it. "Lumis, you -are- coming with us. Someone has to carry Doren."
Lumis sighed. "I can't. Okay? I just can't. I can't leave Nightmare." By Taiel, Tier had fallen into a sitting position, biting its lip and lookling slightly traumatized. "Why can't you?" Aaron did not understand and he did not want to leave Lumis behind to the terrible fate he knew it would meet.
Lumis looked away. "It's not in me. I can't betray Wizeman anymore." Lumis closed both eyes as a pale purple rim became visible again. Aaron shrank away a little bit. "Lumis, how can you say that? You don't have a Shadow to cover up the Light. You said yourself you have no twin. There isn't anything for you here in Nightmare except darkness."
Lumis turned away. "It's all that I have." Lumis looked over at a soft groan. Taiel was stirring.
Aaron was beginning to be very desperate. He escaped Nightmare, but he wasn't going anywhere. He needed to be far, far away from this place, and no one was going to help him get there. And he couldn't leave anyone behind to go by himself. "It doesn't have to be."
Tier blinked sazedly. "Taiel?" Taiel blinked. "Tier?" Lumis ignored the Sixth Generations. "It's just how things are, okay? I have to stay, I shouldn't even be outside."
"That's not a good enough answer. -Why- are things that way?" Aaron's attention was focused elsewhere as well. "It wasn't that way for NiGHTS, or for Tier, or Taiel. Even Doren felt it needed to be with Palis more than it felt loyal to Wizeman."
"Yeah, well Doren didn't seem to feel that way when it was trying to rip into me." Lumis snapped bitterly. "Even Wizeman can't put something into a 'Maren that wasn't already there."
Taiel sat up, exchanging a glance with Tier, who nodded and helped Taiel to stand.
"What will he do to you when you return?" Aaron wondered aloud to Lumis. Lumis shrugged. "I don't know. It's beside the point anyway." Tier supported Taiel.
Aaron sighed. "You know . . . if Wizeman can't put anything into a 'Maren, he can't take anything out. And you'll always be Light no matter what you do or where you go." He hugged Lumis. "Thank you so much for you what you did . . . if I can't convince you to come with us, then . . . I wish you the best."
Lumis hesitated, clearly unsure of how to respond to the hug. "I'm NOT Light. That was something that you made up, nothing more. Just wishful thinking." Lumis clenched both fists. "It's not who I am!"

Elsewhere at that moment, Molly was pacing in her room. "Ooh, I can't stand Jackle! And now I'm stuck and can't sleep! I'm too worked up to go to bed and I'm pacing and my friends are in danger and I'm talking to myself. . . " She stopped, then flopped onto her bed. "Aaron, Tier . . . please be okay. . ." Molly closed her eyes, sighing sadly.

". . . and this is the platform where the Nightopians sit. . ." Palis and Jesse were finishing up their tour as the makeshift camp was dismantled. Palis smiled at Jesse. "Wow, they've almost finished with the camp. . . I feel like I should be helping."
Jesse looked like it felt a little out of place and still rather timid. It was staying very close to Palis and smiled up at Palis, happy to feel welcomed at least, if not as though it belonged. "Should I help too?" It asked quietly, hoping it wasn't going to be in trouble for not helping.
Palis smiled at the little blue 'Maren. "No, you're our guest for now. Don't worry about helping yet." Palis watched as NiGHTS flew past, carrying some rolled up tents on his back. "Wow, look at that. Our glorious leader, the packmule. . ."
Jesse covered its mouth, hiding a gasp. It quickly darted out to try to take the tents from NiGHTS. "Lord NiGHTS, please, allow me to take these for you." Jesse was clearly not able to carry all of the cumbersome tents by itself, but it was still trying to take them.
NiGHTS wobbled in surprise. "Whoa! It's fine Jesse, but thank you." Palis blinked at Jesse. "Hey, this isn't Nightmare. We all do our part here. The wilderness is the great equalizer, and Lo . . . and NiGHTS is just another Nightmaren out here." NiGHTS looked a little Shleepish, nodding. "We work a little differently, you see."
Jesse looked a little flustered, not certain it could accept that. "But, Lord NiGHTS. . ." It had not referred to NiGHTS as "Lord" up until now. It seemed as though it may have latched onto NiGHTS as the master that Reala made himself to be in Nightmare, because it was difficult for it to understand any other way to do things. "You are the firstborn of Fa . . . uhm . . . of Wizeman . . . you can't be expected to do a lowly 'Maren's labor. . ."
NiGHTS hesitated, his expression changing to one of sorrow and dismay before he covered it up with a smile. "Please, just call me NiGHTS. I gave my rank up when I left Nightmare. Now I'm just another Nightmaren, as Palis said." He shifted the tents, making sure that they wouldn't fall.
Jesse did not like the idea of no one having any rank. Who was supposed to tell it what to do? How would it know its duties? Jesse hoped that it did not mess anything up. "C-can I help you, please . . . NiGHTS?" NiGHTS hesitated. "Thanks Jesse, but I've got it. If you want to do something though, you can round up the 'Pians and. . . " he blinked as a shimmer began to form in the air, then smiled. "Well, it's about time. . ."

"Who are you, Lumis? Do you know?" Aaron looked away. He felt that pursuing this subject any further might be unwise, but he felt a nagging within him that would not let him admit to Lumis or to himself that he had been wrong and that Lumis was not meant to be Light. "Why did you help us?"
Lumis was making a show of not looking at Aaron. "I don't know. And I don't know if I was right to help the enemy. You'd be better off if you'd just go before I come to my senses."
Nearby, Tier and Taiel were hovering side by side, watching. The Sixth Generations exchanged a glance before drifting closer.
"I'm not your enemy, Lumis. Must you be mine?" Aaron looked at it with pleading in his eyes, hoping that it would stop looking away. Lumis didn't look at Aaron. "Master Wizeman has told me all about your kind. Yes, we are enemies." Tier winced. "But that's not true! Dreamers are great, you just have to give them a chance!" Taiel remained quiet, watching and listening. Aaron blinked, a little curious. "What did Master Wizeman tell you about my kind?"
Lumis glanced at Aaron. "The obvious. That you're alien to this world and invading our realm."
Tier considered, then patted Aaron on the head. "Well, he's a pretty cute invader, isn't he?" Aaron gave an unamused look at Tier, but he did not reject the pat. "I didn't come here to invade anything. . ."
Tier beamed happily. "I know that, but you ARE cute. I just love Dreamers." It gave Lumis a meaningful look. Lumis gave Tier an odd look, then blinked at Aaron. "Is this guy always so strange?" Tier pouted. Aaron nodded and mouthed, "Always." He looked up at Tier, grinning and poked it in the side.
Lumis blinked at Tier. Tier yelped at the poke, then grinned at Aaron and poked him back. Lumis watched in confusion. Aaron laughed for a little bit, but the seriousness of the situation caught back up to him before he could leap at Tier and tickle it to death. "Haven't you ever known anything like friendship?"
Lumis' eyes shone a lighter shade of blue. "It's a human concept." Tier was slow to realize that the time for play had passed, and climbed onto Aaron's shoulders. Taiel blinked cutely from the side. Aaron tried hard to hold back a laugh. "Why do so many Nightmaren enjoy it? I wish you had a twin . . . it would be easier to understand, then."
Lumis made a face, looking exactly like a white NiGHTS for a moment. "Well, I don't." Tier leaned forward, resting its head in its arms, over Aaron's head. "That's so sad . . . I can't even imagine not having a twin. . ." It made a soft squeaky noise and fell silent, thinking of its own twin, Terrace.
"I want to be your friend, Lumis. You don't have to be without them your whole life just because Wizeman created you differently." Aaron sounded sincere, but he did not consider that saying this might not be as helpful as he thought.
Lumis' eyes hardened again. "This conversation is pointless. I've finished with you, now go before you lose your chance."
Tier gave a startled yelp as it was abruptly ripped away from Aaron. It gagged, eyes rolling back frantically as Taiel grinned darkly, hugging Tier around the collar with enough force to crumple the fabric. Lumis looked at Taiel but made no move to interfere. Aaron blinked. "Taiel. . .? Tier? Are you alright? Taiel, what are you doing?" Aaron began to fear that his concerns about Taiel were not unfounded.
Tier choked, trying to grab Taiel's arms. Taiel's face remained frozen in that unfamiliar expression, its eyes were glazed over and ringed with jade. Lumis shrugged. "You've waited too long, boy."
"No! Tier, I warned you!" Aaron leapt at Taiel, trying to pry its arms off of Tier. He did not plead for Lumis's help again. He was beginning to be discouraged by its attitude. Taiel did not seem to notice Aaron, hardly moving at all. Tier's eyes began to glow as mint colored sparkles popped in and out around it. It ignored Aaron as well, trying to fight Taiel off.
Aaron became desperate, taking a big bite into Taiel's arm, hoping it would release Tier. Taiel's eyes unglazed and it shrieked, jerking back. Tier crumpled, frantically straightening its collar and gasping. "Agh. . .!" Aaron ran to get in between Tier and Taiel, hoping that he would not be hurt.
Taiel stood as if it were hanging from its shoulders, not moving. Aaron wished this was all over. He was tired of worrying about who he could trust and when he could trust them. "Tier, I want to go home!"
Tier had finally reopened its collar and gasped, still choking a little. "I . . . I'm with you. . ." It rolled over and pushed itself up, wincing and rubbing its collar. "Tai. . .!"
"Taiel is fighting the change. But it is lost to you." Lumis informed Tier, turning and gliding back toward the castle. Tier was a little pale as it stared after Lumis, then turned worriedly to Aaron, seeking comfort from its friend. Aaeon looked back. "We have to get them both to Picusha. I . . . I think it could be our only hope for them." Aaron looked very anxious to leave. "Lumis, I hope you'll come with us, but I can't make you . . . I feel that you belong with us, but you must do what you feel is right, of course."
Lumis frowned, not turning back. "My sense of what is right obviously isn't the same as yours, Aaron. Good luck to you."
Aaron winced, saying a quick, silent prayer for Lumis's well being. "And to you, my friend. I owe you the lives of my friends and my own safety as well. I won't forget you, and I hope you won't forget me . . . no matter what Wizeman does to you." Lumis paused and glanced back, seemingly having second thoughts. The white Nightmaren's eyes softened before Lumis nodded curtly and vanished into the castle. Tier fretted, giving a little cough. "Lumis will give us away! Aaron, let's go!" It looked to Taiel, who had not moved. "Tai, we have to go!" Getting no response, Tier hurried over and grabbed Taiel's arm, jerking it over to Aaron. Taiel was yanked forward, following mindlessly.
Aaron nodded. "Let's go. I don't know how we'll carry them all, but . . . we have to go." Aaron walked to Doren and tried his best to lift the Nightmaren into a fireman's carry, and though it wasn't entirely too heavy, it was rather awkward to carry. Tier nodded, leading Taiel. It gave Aaron an apologetic expression. "Aaron . . . I'm sorry, but I don't think that I can carry you this time. . ."
Aaron grimaced, having come to that realization as well. "Don't worry about it. Come on, we have to get going or they'll catch up to us." He was certainly more than worried now that they could not possibly gain enough distance to put them out of Nightmare's reach.
Tier nodded and concentrated on lifting itself before flying for the boundary with Taiel in tow. "I'm not going back there!"
Aaron did his best to keep up with Tier, but he could not run as fast as Tier could fly. "Tier, I want you to promise me something." Tier slowed, then glared at Aaron. "No, I won't keep going if you get caught, Aaron. Don't even bother asking." Aaron started to ask just that, but stopped before most of the first word could come out of his mouth. "How did you know?"
Tier sighed. "I've known you longer than anyone else here. I know how you think. And you should know that I would never abandon you!"
"Tier," Aaron reasoned, "you are Wizeman's only bargaining chip. If he has you, he can bend me to his every whim. I won't allow you to be hurt again. If you get away, I can resist." Tier glared, and pulsed with rosy energy. "You know that that's not happening. Now hurry!" It started to fly again, but froze at a distant shout. "Tier!"
Tier slammed to a halt, eyes widening. "T. . . Terr. . ."
Aaron halted as well. He remembered the story of what happened to Picusha when it met its twin in battle.
He hoped dearly that Tier would not experience that same hurt at the hands of its twin. After seeing what Wizeman was capable of doing to Taiel, he couldn't put it past Terrace.

"Tier, please don't!" Terrace flew from the castle eyes wide and pained. "What are you doing? You'll make everything worse! Tier, I . . . I don't want to be parted from you again. . ."
Tier released Taiel, flying to Terrace. "Ter, that's why I want you to come with us! NiGHTS would love to have you in the camp!" Terrace looked away sadly. "I can't, Tier. I . . . I'm sorry . . . I just cant. . ."
Aaron clenched his teeth. It was frustrating to have so many loyals tell them how they couldn't leave Wizeman, especially now that it was delaying them. "Tier, they're going to catch us." Tier looked pained. "But Terrace!" It argued, clutching its twin's hands. "Will Terrace come with us?" Aaron asked.
Terrace winced. "It's not in me to betray my master. But that doesn't have to make us enemies." It turned to Tier, eyes fierce. "Tier, I can't do this. I. . ." Terrace seemed to reach a decision and yanked away from Tier before pushing it roughly away. "No, I CAN'T do this! I refuse to betray my twin, even for Wizeman!" Tier stumbled backwards. "Terrace!"
Terrace looked grim. "Fly away, Tier!" Aaron looked surprised that Terrace could place such loyalty in someone other than Wizeman. He was glad that some Nightmaren still had it in them to be loyal to their friends. "Tier . . . it was sent to bring us back. They know how you feel about Terrace. We have to go." Tier shook its head, eyes frantic. "Terrace, come with us!" The whoosh of Nightmaren taking flight was heard and Terrace looked quickly toward the castle before meeting Tier's eyes. "Please, Tier! Please go!" As Tier hesitated, Terrace smiled sadly. "Maybe somenight . . . but not tonight, my better half." Terrace formed a gleaming pink dagger and brandished it menacingly. "Now GO!" Tier jumped, confused. "T. . . Ter?"
"Tier! GO! Listen to your twin!" He kept going, away from Nightmare, hoping that Tier would follow him.

Tier was torn. "Terrace, you're in danger! You HAVE to come!" The loyals were almost upon them. Terrace snarled as the first of the 'Maren burst into view, turning the dagger and stabbing itself in the shoulder. Terrace screamed and fell. Tier's eyes widened in horror as its twin fell. It met the gaze of the first of the loyals before turning and fleeing after Aaron. As it flew, Tier could hear Terrace shrieking about the rebels attacking it.
Tier flew to Aaron after gathering Taiel again. "Terrace. . ." Its voice cracked with emotion.
"Tier, it did this for you... don't let its sacrifice for you be wasted." Aaron looked back at Tier, hoping that it would come to its senses and accept Terrace's gift for what it was. Tier whimpered, obviously putting every ounce of self control into effect in order to keep itself flying toward the camp. Aaron tried his best to not allow himself to feel fatigue, trying to convince himself that one could not be tired in a dream.
They hurried as quickly as they could until Tier slammed on the breaks again, forcing Aaron to halt as well. "Aaron? Moll's not coming back tonight, right?" Aaron winced. "I don't think we should expect her back tonight. But remember, if you're caught, she'll appear in Nightmare next time she comes as well."
Tier drifted backwards. "Because . . . if she's not, I think we're in trouble. . ." Nightingale hovered in front of them, arms folded with a frustrated expression on her face. "How very rude of you to leave without saying goodbye."
"Goodbye!" Tier announced cheerfully and grabbed Aaron and Taiel, trying to hurry past. Nightingale blocked their path. "You're not going anywhere."
Aaron's face fell upon seeing Nightingale. "As pleasant as our stay in Nightmare was, we really ought to be getting home, now. . ."
Nightingale shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't allow that, you haven't been dismissed you see. No, I just can't let you leave without permission." Tier leaned over to Aaron. "Uh, I don't suppose she has any weaknesses you know?" Aaron shook his head, inching his way closer to Nightingale. "No, Tier... I fear we have been beaten... Nightingale has no weaknesses. Only strengths." He kept creeping slowly toward her, looking defeated. Nightingale watched coldly. Tier blinked. "Oh, well then I guess we'll be okay and WHAT!" It stared in disbelief as Aaron approached Nightingale.
Aaron stopped just before Nightingale, well within arm's reach and knelt before her, a submissive look on his face, holding his arms out for her to take them. Nightingale tilted her head inquisitively before hesitantly reaching for Aaron. Tier watched in apprehension. "Uh . . . Aaron?" Nightingale glanced quickly toward the harlequin. Aaron quickly leapt toward her, shooting his fingers up to her sides and began tickling her mercilessly. "Fooled you!"
Nightingale shrieked, jerking back in surprise as Aaron assaulted her with a tickle attack. "AUGH!" Aaron followed her, doing his best not to relent from the tickle assault, a grin appearing on his face that he couldn't suppress. Nightingale shrieked, laughing despite herself. "St. . . stop that!" Tier stared. "Huh? I'm . . . I'm confused. . ." "Nope!" Aaron laughed as well, unable to help himself as well. He kept tickling, all too aware of what would happen if he let her go.
Nightingale tried to fly out of reach, but kept doubling over defensively. Tier looked worried. "Aaron!" It blinked as Aaron turned to look its way. "Tier! This is her weakness, you goof! Make her laugh!" Aaron laughed as well, trying to pin Nightingale down so as to keep her within his tickle's reach.
Nightingale fought back, trying to fend Aaron off by slashing at him with sharp fingernails. Tier blinked. "Laugh . . . right. . ." It laid Taiel gently next to Doren before hurrying over. Tier's startrail gave out before it made it over, and it crashed, plowing its head into the ground. "Mmph!"
Nightingale cackled shrilly at Tier's predicament, falling over herself.
Aaron winced and bit his lip as he felt his skin being sliced by Nightingale's sharp claws. He would not relent, however, continuing to tickle her at all costs.
Nightingale gasped for breath, eyes filling with tears as she rolled on the ground. "S. . .stop it! STOP!" She was practically crying with laughter. "If I stop, you'll hurt me and take me back to Wizeman, won't you?" Aaron wouldn't stop. Nightingale cried out, looking as if she had been worn out. "Please! N . . . no more. . .!" She looked piteously up at Aaron. "Stop it, please!" "Will you let me go?" Aaron kept tickling until he could get her to at least say that she would let him go. A loud shriek answered him as Nightingale thrashed wearily. "O. . . on my honor. . . as an actress!" She sobbed, curling into a ball in a vain attempt to escape Aaron's attacks. Aaron stopped, feeling a stab of guilt at having made her cry. "I . . . I apologize for having to do that."
Nightingale didn't respond, her body trembling as she gasped for breath, recovering from the tickle torture. Tier blinked, worried. Aaron winced. "Come on, Tier, let's go."
Nightingale let out a pitiful wail, sobs wracking her seemingly frail body. She certainly didn't seem to be any sort of threat now! Aaron stopped, unable to leave Nightingale like this. "N . . . Nightingale? Why are you crying?" Nightingale choked. "I . . . I gave you . . . my honor. . . as an actress. ..!" She started, hiding her face. Aaron didn't exactly realize why that should make her cry. "But . . . why are you crying?"
Nightingale glanced up and smirked, then uncoiled like a serpent, latching onto Aaron's arm. "Because I'm NOT an actress!" She laughed triumphantly, squeezing to be sure that Aaron couldn't tickle her again. Aaron looked annoyed, sighing and falling limp. "You know, you really stink."
Nightingale smiled, pinning the young man's arm behind his back before beckoning Tier over. "I can't help it, it's just how Wizeman made me." She spoke in a deceptively sweet voice.

Tier yelped as it was tossed into the cell after Aaron. They watched as the door was slammed shut and the guards left. Tier leaned against the wall, frowning at its feet. "So . . . any other brilliant ideas?" Aaron shook his head and flopped back onto the dungeon floor. "No, that was pretty much it for the brilliant ideas. How about you?"
Tier shook its head. "They took Tai and Doren again. . ." It complained in a softer tone of voice.
Aaron watched his friend. "They probably want to keep them away from us. . ." He sighed. "Tier, I'm sorry this happened. I wish you would have left me like I asked you to. . ." Tier frowned. "I'm not . . . I would only have been sorry if I'd betrayed you." The young Nightmaren looked around the dungeons. "Of course, I think we're stuck this time. . ." "You're probably right. . ." He sighed. "What a depressing night. . ."
Tier flopped into a sitting position, lifting a piece of straw. "Yep . . . we're back in the sleepytime cell, too. . ." It flicked the straw at Aaron. Aaron flicked it back, bored again. He almost had to force himself to feel afraid while in this dungeon. Most of his time in it had been spent bored, not afraid.
Tier yelped as it was hit in the face by the straw, irritably grabbing a handful of straw to toss at Aaron. It giggled as the stuff caught in Aaron's hair. "Hey, that's a good look for you. . ."
"Aw, Tier, gross. . ." He set to picking it out of his hair, grumbling. Tier blinked, looking hurt. Aaron had never turned down an invitation to play before. After he had picked each bit out of his hair, he threw them all at Tier, grinning. "I win." "Gah!" Tier yelped in surprise, taking the hit full in the face. "That was dirty, Aaron! I'm go. . . t. . . " Tier's eyes unfocused and it sagged a little.
Aaron blinked. "Tier? He crawled over and brushed the straw off of its head. "You in there?" Tier blinked dazedly. "The straw. . . t. . . they. . . " It broke off, remembering belatedly how the loyals had coated the straw with some sort of 'Maren sedative. Aaron seemed to recall that Tier had been awfully sleepy in the cell. He started to try to sweep the straw up into the corner and away from Tier.
Tier watched through half lidded eyes, fighting the urge to take a nap. "You're okay?" Aaron nodded. "I'm fine. It must only work on Nightmaren." He got the straw into as much of a pile as he could and crammed it into the back corner. Tier nodded, closing its eyes. It was jolted awake by a loud crash as Lumis fell down the stairs, sprawling in the center of the dungeons.
Aaron rushed to the bars to try to look out into the corridor to see what had caused the loud noise.
"Lumis!" Aaron called out to it. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Reala drifted into view, lifting Lumis by the collar. "Did you really believe that you could follow in your predecessor's footsteps and not be found out! Did you really believe that I was that stupid!" Aaron coughed. "Actually, I thought you might be." Reala whirled on Aaron, eyes flashing. Tier growled weakly, moving in front of Aaron. Fortunately Reala was too distracted to attack and concentrated on dealing with Lumis. "So you want to be a second NiGHTS, do you? Very well then. I'll treat you just like that traitor!"
Reala dragged the weakly kicking Lumis over to the special cell. he laughed as a look of horror flew across the white Nightmaren's face.
"Reala, stop!" Aaron pleaded, grasping the bars. "It's my fault that it betrayed you! I . . . I lied to it! I told it lies about you so that it would believe that you were planning to destroy it! Because there is no NiGHTS and there can be no replacement for that which does not exist, right?"
Reala snarled. "Shut up! Lumis knew exactly what he was doing!" He sneered as he thrust Lumis into the cell and sealed it. "Besides, I've wanted to do this for a long time. . ." Aaron blinked, suddenly wondering if what he had said about Reala just now might be true.
Reala chuckled. "There we go. All is right with the world once more." He began to fly out, then seemed to remember something. "Oh, Tier was it? I'd make myself presentable were I you. The Master will be seeing you soon enough." Tier gasped in horror, jerking back. Reala grinned and flew out, pleased with himself.
Aaron gaped in horror. He knew what Wizeman would do to it. And he wouldn't let that happen.
Tier moaned as Reala left, slamming itself onto the floor in despair. "I think I'd rather have been reduced to my component elements. . ."
Aaron watched his friend worriedly. "Don't . . . don't worry, Tier . . . I'll protect you. . ." He did not sound very sure of himself. He hoped that his and Molly's Red Ideya might offer some kind of shield to whatever Wizeman might do to it, if nothing else. Maybe that would be the way that he would protect Tier. Tier looked at Aaron, eyes glassy and filled with sorrow. "What can we do. . .?" It asked hopelessly.
"We can still hope for rescue. NiGHTS surely hasn't given up on us yet. . ." Aaron hoped that NiGHTS really was going to come for them some time. Tier groaned, covering its face. "What can NiGHTS do? There aren't enough rebels to storm the castle, you know that! Last time, it ended with. . . with. . ." Tier broke off, fignering the nearly invisible lines running across its chest. The last time that the rebels had attacked Nightmare, Tier had almost lost its life. "Even if I have to give up the rest of my Ideya for good, I won't let you die, Tier. . . I'll . . . I'll die before I let Wizeman harm you." He took a breath, almost like a hiccup, holding back tears and sobs.
Tier gasped, eyes widening in horror at the idea. "Aa . . . Aaron. . . " It whimpered, then lunged, yanking Aaron into a big hug, sobbing in Nightmaren fashion, without tears. Aaron hugged it back, unable to hold back his tears any longer, hearing Tier cry. "I won't lose you. . ."
The two stayed close for some time before Nightingale glided over, leaning into the bars. "Tier. . ." Tier growled, hugging Aaron defiantly. Aaron looked out at Nightingale. "Don't take it from me. . ." Nightingale blinked, then smirked. "You really care about that rebel, don't you?" Aaron nodded. "Probably just as much as you care about 'Lord Reala.'"
Nightingale looked stung, then became firm and opened the cell door. "Tier, come with me." Tier growled, releasing Aaron only long enough to crawl behind him in a vain attempt to hide itself. Aaron turned around, reattaching himself to Tier. He wasn't going to let go.
Nightingale rolled her eyes. "You morons, I'm taking Tier to the infirmary!" Tier growled. "I'm healed now, so go away!"
Nightingale made a face. "Not you, idiot. Your twin wants to see you." "May . . . may I go with Tier, please?" Aaron did not trust them to leave this a trip to the infirmary alone. Nightingale scowled. "You're not worth the risk, it's bad enough that I've promised to bring the rebel." Tier had gone silent, thinking of Terrace. Terrace had stabbed itself in order to defend Tier, it was in the infirmary. "Is Terrace okay?"
Nightingale nodded. "Of course. And I know that you didn't inflict that injury, rebel. The angle was all wrong."
Aaron wondered just what made Nightingale want to let Tier see its twin, and what made her an expert on knife wounds. Tier blinked at Nightingale and glanced at Aaron before drifting out from behind him and heading toward her. "Tier . . . be careful," Aaron cautioned. He did not entirely trust Nightingale. Especially Nightingale's honor as an actress. Nightingale rolled her eyes. "Your pet here is fine with me." She took hold of Tier's elbow and closed the cell before leading it away. Tier glanced back at Aaron, but the thought of seeing Terrace was more than enough to keep it going. Aaron watched as Tier was lead out of the dungeon, unable to think of anything other than, 'This will be the last time I'll see it before Wizeman destroys its mind.'"

The dungeon was silent for a long time. Lumis was probably raging inside the special cell, screaming and thrashing. But not a sound escaped through the stone. Aaron shuddered at the thought, but he could not keep it out of his mind. He wished he could wake up.
Soon, a pair of small Nightmaren clad in blue and pink drifted in, one of whom held a tray. They ignored Aaron to head down the row of cells, dishing out what could very well have been a last meal for the prisoners in those cells. Aaron wondered just who was in those cells. Before now, he never had bothered to check the other cells for occupants. The sounds of angry chitters and growlings drifted back before quieting abruptly.
Aaron could only guess what the noises meant or where they came from. He didn't suppose he really wanted to know. He just wanted to get out of this terrible dungeon. It seemed to him almost that he had spent his whole life in this dungeon and that everything else was just a dream.
The serving 'Maren finally returned, hesitating when they saw Aaron and whispering to one another. They clearly weren't sure whether a human should be given food meant for Nightmaren or not. Aaron shook his head. "I'm not hungry. Thanks, though. . ." The Nightmaren ignored him, whispering more. Finally, one took a small dish from the tray and pushed it at Aaron. Clearly, whether you ate or not was their choice and not the prisoners'.
Aaron sighed and took the dish, setting it down next to the wall, in case he did get hungry. He wondered whether dream food would make any difference to him anyway. The meal seemed to consist of some sort of pinkish brown mass, seasoned thoroughly with a yellow powder. Not the sort of thing that one would eat by choice. Aaron was glad that he wasn't hungry. He sighed, flopping back onto the floor. Waiting, waiting, waiting again.

A scraping sound caught Aaron's attention as the feeders reached the special cell. They selected a dish that was practically floating in the yellow spice. Lumis blinked in surprise as the dish was thrust into the cell. The white Nightmaren snarled a protest, fending the dish off as if it were a blade. "If you think that I'm ingesting that, you've lost your minds!" Aaron was glad to hear that Nightmaren didn't care for the strange looking food either. "I'm sorry, Lumis!" he called out to it, hoping that it would hear him and know what he meant. He was sorry that he dragged Lumis into this when it did not save him, nor Tier, nor any of the others.
Lumis snarled fiercely, trying to smack the bowl out of the server's hands. The second server lunged, grabbing hold of Lumis as the first smeared a glob of the stuff over the former guard's mouth. Lumis gagged, trying to turn away as if the meal were a life threatening poison.
When they were satisfied that Lumis had eaten some of the food, the servers resealed the cell and moved along. "Hey!" Aaron had stood and was at the bars of his cell. "Hey, what is that stuff?" "Dinner." One of the servants muttered before vanishing out of sight, up the steps.
Tier flew down the steps and glanced up before smiling and drifting over to Aaron, waiting by the door as Nightingale came down behind it. "Hey, Aaron!" Tier seemed much happier than it had been earlier. Aaron blinked, poking Tier. ". . . What did you do to it, Nightingale?" he called up the stairs.
Tier yelped, looking a little hurt. "Hey, what'd I do? Don't poke!" Nightingale laughed as she walked over. "Relax, Tier's only happy because it had a nice conversation with Terrace. You'd be surprised at the amount of trivial nonsense that those two entertain themselves with!" She regarded Tier with some gentle disapproval.
Tier shrugged. "I think that the number of cracks in the ceiling is a VERY relevant issue." Aaron looked positively bumfuzzled. "Huh. . .?" Nightingale smirked. "Now THERE'S an intelligent comeback!" She opened the door for Tier, sealing it as the green and pink Nightmaren settled down next to Aaron. Aaron scooted back from Tier slowly, not sure if he could really trust it just yet. This was all just a little too weird, even for Tier. Or so he thought.

Tier blinked, looking hurt. It tried scooting closer again. Aaron poked it one more time. "Tier. . .? They didn't do anything to you, did they?" Tier yelped again, rubbing its arm. "THEY didn't poke me. . ." It frowned accusingly.
Aaron grinned apologetically. "I didn't poke you that hard . . . I just . . . didn't know if Wizeman did stuff to you to make you different. . ." Tier's eyes widened and it sobered, looking unhappy again. "No. . ."
Aaron leapt at it, hugging it tightly with enough force to knock it over. "I'm glad you're okay. . ." Tier fell onto its backside with a startled "YIPE!" It blinked at Aaron in shock before hugging him in return. "Nightingale kept insisting that I should visit Terrace a little longer, it was nice of her but I don't understand why she cared." Nightingale blinked and blushed lightly, glancing to one side.
Aaron turned his head to the side, facing Nightingale. "Why did you care, anyhow?" Nightingale glanced at Aaron out of the corner of her eye before turning to face him. "You had some visitors." She observed, glancing disapprovingly at the bowl of food.
He nodded, wrinkling his nose at the food. "Yeah, they tried to give me that stuff, but I didn't want any. What is that gunk anyway? They forcefed some of it to Lumis. . ." Tier opened its mouth a little as if scenting the air, cat style. It approached the bowl, only to cry out as a rock hit it in the head. Nightingale snarled. "Don't you touch that!" Tier whimpered and dove behind Aaron for protection.
"Hey!" Aaron glared at Nightingale and then rubbed Tier's head gently where the rock hit it. "Tell me, what's in that stuff?"
Tier closed its eyes, enjoying the attention enough to forget what it had been alarmed about. Nightingale frowned. "Aaron, give that bowl to me. Right away." He grabbed the dish and handed it out to Nightingale. "Okay, now tell me what it is." Nightingale took the dish and flew to the steps, placing it safely out of reach before returning. "It's a specially prepared blend. Only prisoners are permitted to eat it." She glanced toward the special cell, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Aaron was getting a little frustrated with Nightingale's answers, but he figured it was not meant to be nutritious.
Nightingale walked over to the special cell. "They got some of it into Lumis?" She placed a hand on the stone, moving it aside.
Aaron nodded. "Quite a bit, I think . . . It had a lot more of the yellow stuff in it." He watched intently as she opened up the cell. Nightingale sighed. "Neurotic alarmists, all of them. He's not even aware of what he is yet. . ." She muttered to herself, then gasped as a white form fell into her, clutching at Lumis. "Ack! Can't you even stand on your own two feet!" Aaron gasped. "Lumis! A-are you okay?" He looked shocked and worried. Lumis groaned, leaning on Nightingale, who seemed to be helping only because she lacked the strength to step aside. Tier blinked worriedly. "What's wrong with Lumis!" Aaron stood next to Tier, a worried look on his face. "Please be okay, Lumis. . ."
Nightingale grunted, easing Lumis onto the floor. "He'll be fine, he just needs to get that stuff out of his system. . . " She blinked, wondering just why she was being so helpful. "Do Nightmaren . . . throw up?" Aaron wondered aloud.
"Eew!" Tier covered its mouth disgustedly at the same time that Nightingale shouted "No!" The two 'Maren blinked at each other for a moment. Aaron blinked, confused. "Then . . . do they . . . uh . . . you know. . .?" Tier blinked. "Huh?" Nightingale gave Aaron an apprehensive look. Aaron blushed, looking embarrassed. "Okay, fine. How do Nightmaren get things out of their systems?"
Nightingale looked strangely relieved. "We have to wait it out. And get him airborne." Aaron noted Nightingale's persistent use of the masculine pronoun to refer to Lumis. He guessed that Wizeman must have created him more like NiGHTS than he previously thought. "How do we do that?" Nightingale blinked, catching herself. "We . . . don't." She stood up abruptly. Aaron looked shocked. "We don't? Why not?"
Nightingale glared at the dreamer. "Because I won't betray lord Reala. I'm his." Tier whimpered, disappointed.
Aaron felt that he should want to curse, but he did not feel that urge. He realized that whatever Wizeman had done to him removed the part of him that would have uttered such words. "I don't know if I will ever understand you, Nightingale. You are an enigma wrapped in a puzzle, stored in a decorative bag. . ." Aaron blinked, suddenly wondering about his choice of words.
Nightingale blinked. "What did you say?" Tier grinned. "Oh, he said that you're an en. . ." Tier squeaked as Nightingale raised a fist. "I heard, you jester."
"It's more of a harlequin, really. Or so I've heard," Aaron corrected her. Nightingale folded her arms. "Tier is more of a Nightmaren, actually. Unfortunately." She smiled slightly as Tier winced.

Aaron sighed, tired of bantering with Nightingale. "I can't win . . . this dream has been nothing but failure upon failure for me, and it doesn't seem that I can do anything about it. Will I always open my eyes to this dungeon wall every night when I dream? Will I lose my friends to Wizeman's childishness? Nightingale, will I ever see a happy ending to this?"
Nightingale was silent for a moment, then said in a perfectly fair tone of voice, "That all depends on whose point of view you're seeing it from, I guess."
This was not any sort of answer that Aaron wanted to hear. "For me to see a happy ending, shouldn't it be -my- happy ending? I'm beginning to wonder if I'll see any ending at all. . ."
Nightingale frowned. "Oh stop. You only got yourself and your friend kidnapped and Molly banished for the night while your dark side's being used to make a new Nightmaren. It's not the end of the world." She blinked at herself. "Actually, even I have to admit that sounds bad. . ."
Aaron gave her a "See, I told you so" look before suddenly looking strangely at her, standing. "Wait, what was that you said? My dark side is being used to create a Nightmaren? Is that what Wizeman wanted me for all along?"
Nightingale slapped a hand over her mouth, looking dismayed. "Um . . . I didn't say anything!"
Aaron glared at her. "And you weren't supposed to tell me, huh? Why would he do that? What purpose would another Nightmaren like you serve? There's no female Reala for him to kiss up to!" He winced, realizing that that wasn't exactly the way he wanted that to sound. He didn't mean to hurt Nightingale in saying it.

Nightingale gasped, letting her hand drop to her side. She looked absolutely shocked, staring at Aaron in dismay. Tier winced sympathetically. "Yeowch . . . score one for Aaron. . ."
Aaron looked absolutely horrified at what he said. He hadn't meant it maliciously, but he knew that it could not have been interpretted any other way. "Nightingale . . . I didn't mean it like that. . ." He looked up at her with eyes pleading understanding and forgiveness.
Nightingale turned her back on them, fighting to recover her composure. "The way that you and Molly kiss up to NiGHTS? Is that what you mean?" Her voice was soft, but filled with venom.
Aaron hesitated. "Yes . . . just like that," he admitted. "I'm sorry . . . I shouldn't have referred to you as though you can't be greater than the sum of your parts. As though you can't be more than what Wizeman intended for you." Aaron's voice was completely sincere. He truly had not meant his words to be hateful. He wished that he had taken more time to consider what he blurted out all too bluntly.
Nightingale glared over her shoulder at Aaron, eyes narrowed. She was clearly no longer feeling helpful. "I am as great as I need to be! I like where I am now and I have no higher aspirations!" She snarled.
Tier snarled back. "Hey, he said he was sorry! What more do you want!" Nightingale blinked, then growled in frustration.
Aaron shook his head. "Don't be angry with her, Tier, when I'm the one who's at fault. She has a right to be angry with me, and I won't take it away if she won't accept my apology." Tier lifted its head stubbornly. "Being a loyal is no excuse for being rude!" It stated in a pompous tone, glancing at Nightingale. Aaron looked at Tier, almost like it was crazy. "Didn't you hear what I said to her? And you say -she's- rude? Speaking with a loyal gives no excuse for being rude either, and if we're so righteous, shouldn't we be the ones to set the example?"
Tier looked away. "Hmph. I'm a Nightmaren too, y'know. . . " It didn't bother to clarify whatever point it was making.

Nightingale sighed, calming down enough to speak. "Oh, so you finally remembered that. was it that conk on the head I gave you?"
Aaron blinked at Tier, a little confused. He didn't know quite what response it expected or what point it was trying to illuminate with what it said, but he didn't suspect that he was going to have any more information volunteered.
Tier grumbled at Nightingale's taunt, pouting beside Aaron. It didn't seem to feel like speaking anymore. Aaron had no idea of what he should say next either. The whole night had been mostly a reaction rather than an action.
Nightingale finally returned her attention to Lumis, propping him up in a sitting position. "Come on, you. Upsey daisy." Lumis gave a little groan in response, stirring. Tier seemed to take an interest, turning to watch.
Aaron watched as well, making sure not to say anything else lest he offend someone else. Nightingale gave Lumis a few gentle pats on the cheek to rouse him. "Sheesh, how much did you eat, you dope? Time to snap out of it, I am NOT going to carry you!" Tier smirked. "How about you wake him with a kiss?" Nightingale's sharp glare shut Tier up in record time. Aaron covered his mouth to hide a grin.
Tier noticed Aaron's mood and leaned close to whisper. "Pssst, I think she likes him. . ." Aaron gave Tier a strange look. "Are you kidding me?" Tier blinked in surprise, then looked back at Nightingale, who was yanking the drowsy Lumis onto his feet. Tier blinked again. "What do you mean?" Aaron spoke quietly, "She only has eyes for Reala. She isn't about to go falling for some other 'Maren."
Tier blinked. "Oh . . . right." It blushed faintly.

Nightingale finally got Lumis up. "There we go, good thing you have such big feet!" Lumis mumbled something in response that couldn't be made out.
Aaron supposed that Lumis probably said, "All Nightmaren have big feet," or something along those lines. He thought NiGHTS would have said the same thing. Tier watched thoughtfully, guessing that Lumis had made a comment about Nightingale having such a big head. It thought that NiGHTS might have said something like that.
Nightingale blinked at Lumis, then stepped back. "Shake your arms out, let's see some startrail." Lumis dazedly began a flapping motion, looking less than enthusiastic. A few icy blue sparkles fell free.
Aaron watched the sparkles fall to the ground and then returned his gaze to the hands that produced them. He looked up at Lumis's face, hoping to see some indication that he was going to be okay. Lumis looked as if he were drunk, obeying Nightingale's commands out of pure instinct.
Aaron looked clearly worried, even moreso now that his attention was refocused on the situation at hand. He could not imagine just what was in that moldy looking food they forced down Lumis's throat. Aaron blinked. He didn't suppose Lumis had a throat. But the food had gone somewhere.
Nightingale nodded. "Now, fly." Lumis lifted his arms and began to levitate, only to wobble. Nightingale caught him before he could fall and gave him a gentle heave back into the air, like a leaking balloon. Lumis bobbed in place, managing to stay airborne this time.

Nightingale watched as Lumis' startrail faltered, only to start up again. She smiled smugly.
"Is he alright now? Is this flushing out the bad stuff?" Aaron wondered aloud to Nightingale.
Nightingale blinked, remembering where she was. "Something like that. And I'll personally send you screaming back into sleeplessness for nights on end if you ever tell anyone that I helped him." Tier giggled, finding the threat amusing.
Aaron nodded to her. "I won't betray your confidence." He assured her. Nightingale looked shocked, recalling something similar. She, Nightingale had lured Aaron and NiGHTS into a trap, then joined Reala in an attempt to lure Aaron into joining them. She frowned as she recalled her words, deceptively concerned. "He wouldn't . . . betray me. . ." Nightingale shook her head, snapping back into the present. She frowned and simply nodded to Aaron, turning back to Lumis.
Aaron would keep his word and hid no deception behind cleverly worded promises. He was fairly plain in his pledge to keep Nightingale's secret. He had, after all, kept his word to Wizeman. Or had he? He had made the conscious decision to discontinue his cooperation with Wizeman because he sensed that Wizeman's end of the deal would no longer be kept, but he did not wait to find that statement true or false; he merely assumed Wizeman would hurt Tier if they remained in the dungeon because he had achieved his purpose in keeping Aaron. Tier shifted restlessly, watching Nightingale.

Nightingale moved down the corridor between the cells, causing Lumis to follow and thus creating more startrail. She winced at a shout and glanced toward the steps. "Stay here!" Nightingale flew up the steps and out of sight, heading off to investigate.
Aaron sat down, trying to justify to himself in his mind what he had done in trying to escape, trying to convince himself that he had indeed kept his word. He had, after all, been sure to include the stipulation that his cooperation would depend on Tier's safety. How safe would Tier be now that Wizeman no longer needed him? Aaron smiled. Of course he had been justified. If Wizeman's intent was to cause harm to his friends, he had every right to break his verbal agreement because his commitment of love to his friends would always supercede any contract of words. He hoped he would remember that always
Faint voices echoed down the steps, followed by the soft "whoosh" of startrails taking form. Nightingale's voice called out. "Hurry up! And don't bother returning until you find whoever is making that racket!" Tier rose to its feet in alarm. "I think someone's in the castle!"
"The rebels?" Aaron stood as well, looking excited. A pair of shadows appeared at the top of the steps, one walking while the other preferred to glide. One violet, the other an icy shade and sporting the now infamous red and black horns. Tier whimpered and moved behind Aaron as Nightingale and Reala entered and looked around suspiciously. "I . . . don't know. . ."
Aaron very much disliked dealing with Reala, but he felt that now with his darkness elsewhere being molded into some new Nightmaren creature, he might be better suited to speak civilly with him. He knew Reala did not like him either but then again, Reala didn't like anyone. Aaron gave a slight bow in acknowledgement of Reala's rank; even if he did not appreciate the source of his authority. Aaron felt that he was not currently in a position to disrespect it.
Reala spotted Lumis and frowned before realizing that the white Nightmaren was no threat. He flew over to the weakened 'Maren as Nightingale strode stiffly down the line of cells, looking in each one as if searching for something.
Aaron remained silent for the time being. He knew he should not address Nightingale as he had before when Reala had not been present. Reala made the entire situation entirely different. Nightingale would act and speak for his benefit, not Aaron's or Tier's.
Tier fidgeted nervously, looking at Aaron, then Nightingale. Tier blinked at Nightingale before glancing at Aaron again, beginning to look rather confused. Reala was maneuvering Lumis onto the ground, not paying attention to anyone else.
Aaron looked at Tier in such a way that he hoped would convey a "speak when you're spoken to" vibe. Tier didn't seem to notice, regarding Nightingale with a suspicious expression on its face. "Hmm. . ." Nightingale was almost at their cell now, looking . . . worried? She paused, whispering cautiously. "Aaron. . .?"
Aaron was nervous as well about how this situation would play out. "Yes?" he whispered back, taking the cue from Nightingale.
Nightingale turned toward his voice, spotting Aaron and Tier. She smiled, laughing a little in relief as she ran over. "Aaron! Tier! Are you two okay? I was so worried!" She broke off, seeing that she was confusing the two of them. Reala turned from Lumis to fly over. "You found them?" He smirked. "I knew you would."
Aaron was positively baffled by Nightingale's actions. He glanced over at Reala. "Found us. . .? Were we hidden?"
Nightingale laughed. "Wow, I must be a better actress than I thought!" Reala grinned. "It's okay, you two. It's us!" Tier blinked in confusion. "Us who?"
Reala grinned, wavering and becoming slimmer and purple while Nightingale became a human female. Aaron's jaw hit the floor. "NiGHTS? Molly?"
Molly laughed, reaching through the bars for them. "Are you okay?" NiGHTS was glancing anxiously at the steps as if waiting for someone. "And our star, the racket maker who knows Nightmare like the backs of Wizeman's hands. . ." He clapped. "Jesse, are you there?"
Jesse poked its head into the door, peering around to make absolutely certain that everything was safe in the cellblock, it darted inside and landed very close to NiGHTS.
Molly beamed. "Jesse, you were marvelous back there! Way to distract the loyals!" She turned and planted a kiss on the smaller Nightmaren's head. Jesse's cheeks blushed from gray to blue, almost matching the upper half of its face. It smiled, very pleased at having won Molly's approval. "Thank you," was all it managed to squeak out. Tier blinked. "Whoa, that must've been some kiss!" It turned to look expectantly at Aaron, anticipating a reaction.
Aaron grinned, reaching up to pull Tier's head down low enough for him to plant a nice big kiss of his own onto Tier. "How was that one?" Tier's eyes popped wide open in shock and it fell onto its bottom in surprise. "Unexpected. . ." Tier squeaked out. Aaron suppressed a giggle with his hand.

Lumis seemed to be snapping out of his stupor and blinked dazedly. "What. . .?" He stiffened at the sight of NiGHTS, alarmed. Molly looked up. "Uh oh . . . Aaron, is this guy a good guy or a loyal!"
Aaron blinked, unsure of how to answer that question. "Well . . . that's a little unfair. He may be loyal, but he is a good guy. And after what Wizeman did to him, I'm not so sure that he'll want to be loyal much longer. What is that stuff that they fed you, Lumis?" Aaron thought that Lumis might be able to shed a little more light onto the subject than Nightingale had.
NiGHTS frowned. "Food? Sort of yellow and sparkly?" Molly was feeling a little left out, looking from Aaron to NiGHTS to Lumis, and back to Aaron. Tier seemed too flustered from the kiss to be of much use, sitting in place with a silly smile on its face. Aaron nodded. "Yeah, that was the stuff."
NiGHTS regarded Lumis in surprise. "That's powerful stuff. What did you do, try to assassinate Wizeman!" Lumis winced, snapping defensively. "Of course not!" The two Nightmaren blinked at each other, straightening in unison before leaning closer to see one another. It looked almost like a mirror effect.
Aaron touched NiGHTS's arm. "Lumis helped us to escape. The first time," he added. NiGHTS blinked. "He did?" He blinked at Lumis, who seemed highly uncomfortable with the question. Molly blinked at Aaron. "The first time?"

Aaron nodded. "After I was brought before Wizeman, I felt that Wizeman's purpose in keeping me had been achieved, and so I no longer trusted his vow to keep Tier safe. Lumis's name means Light, and . . . well, I told him so. It seemed to mean something to him, for a little while at least, that his name should have a light connotation, and I stuck my foot in the door and convinced him to help us. I thought that he would want to come back with us to the camp, but. . ."
Tier interrupted. "Connowhatie?" Molly giggled at Tier's way pf phrasing its question. "Synonymn, Tier. Um . . . " She looked at Aaron for a betetr description.
Aaron thought for a second for a more simplistic way to word his explanation. "When you say 'Lumis' it reminds me of light. That means it has a light connotation." Tier blinked blankly. "So . . . connosomething means being reminded of something?" "More or less, yes," Aaron agreed.

Lumis flushed a little. "It's just a romantic notion, there's no fact to support it. My name doesn't mean anything."
Molly blinked. "Hey!" She pointed to the Nightmaren. "Lumis and NiGHTS! Light and . . . um, night!" NiGHTS and Lumis regarded the girl blankly.
Aaron's expression regarding Molly's comment wasn't all that much more enlightened. "It is a little strange that the two who are so similar should have such an antithesis present in their names. Perhaps Wizeman meant for you to be NiGHTS' opposite in order that you should remain loyal where NiGHTS did not. I think he made you too much like NiGHTS for that to be possible."
Molly clasped her hands. "What a romantic idea, the creation becomes exactly what he was meant not to be. . . " She sighed as she got more strange looks all around. "I wish I wasn't the only girl here. . ."
"Tier's kind of girly," Aaron suggested. Tier batted its eyes in response. Molly smiled. "But Tier's also kind of macho." Tier flexed its muscles, grinning.
NiGHTS chuckled. "Tier is neither and both. I'm afraid that unless you want to wait for Nightingale, you're going to have to settle for being the only female for a while, Molly." Molly pretended to be disappointed. "I'll just have to deal with having a pack of guys fussing over me. . ."

Aaron grinned. "Well, not to be unsociable, but... shouldn't we get out of here?" Molly walked over and tapped the lock of the cell. "I'd love to, but don't we need a key?"
Aaron blinked, almost baffled. "You came all the way in here without the key?" Molly blinked back. "And where would we have gotten one? There isn't exactly a guard sleeping outside with the keys on their belt!"
Aaron thought it was possible that there could have been. "Well, someone has the keys . . . and I think she looks something like you, Molly." Molly blinked. "I think that you need to lay off the soft drinks before bed, Aaron. How could anyone here look like me?"
Aaron scratched his head. "Well, she has a nose like yours, and eyes like yours, and she's purple, and she's not an actress, so don't trust her word of honor in that regard. . ." Molly regarded Aaron as if he had turned purple and sprouted an extra head and a tail.
NiGHTS sweatdropped and leaned over to Aaron. "I don't think that Molly would remember that, Aaron. . ."
"I mean Nightingale. She's been the one that's been seeing to us. If you mean to get the keys from her. . . don't hurt her." Aaron explained.
Molly blinked. "Nightingale. . .?" She looked thoughtful for a long time, then blinked at Aaron. "Why does that sound familiar?" She blinked as NiGHTS and Tier facevaulted. Aaron looked a little shocked. "You don't remember her at all?" Molly regarded Aaron in surprise and concern. "Should I?"
Aaron nodded silently for a second or two. "She's the Nightmaren that Wizeman created using your stolen negativity."

Molly's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait! A Nightmaren? Purple!" Her time in Nightmare came rushing back. Molly squeaked. "Ruffles. . .!"
Tier nodded cheerfully. "Yep! She's kind of cute, too!" Tier blinked as Molly fell over backwards. "Um . . . Molls?" Aaron jumped forward, grabbing the bars on his cell. "Molly!" he shouted in alarm.
NiGHTS dove and caught Molly before she hit the floor, fanning her face with his hand. "It's a good thing she's already asleep, I think that that was too big of a shock. . ."
Tier blinked. "Maybe we shouldn't tell her that she was Nightingale for the whole time that she was stuck here. . .?"
"That seems like it would be prudent, don't you think?" Aaron rubbed his temple. "I really thought she would remember." Molly whimpered, opening her eyes. "I kind of thought that was a dream dream. . . " She spoke in a faint voice.
"I . . . I'm sorry for the times that I... that I hurt you. When you were here, and . . . I was only trying to rescue you." Aaron looked away. Molly blinked, confused. "Wait. So you asking about how to stop someone, I showed you a picture . . . that really happened?"
He nodded, still looking away. "It all really happened. I thought you remembered. I thought you knew it was real."
NiGHTS helped Molly stand up. "I'm sorry to cut this short, it's important that you remember. But we need to get out of here." Lumis nodded. "Nightingale will be back soon enough." Molly looked worried. "Nightingale. . ."
Jesse tugged at NiGHTS' arm, a little worried. It pressed closer to him. NiGHTS placed a hand on the smaller Nightmaren's shoulder, trying to be reassurring.
Aaron looked just as worried. "If she brings Reala back with her. . ." he trailed off. Right on cue, a now familiar voice rang out from the top of the steps. "For the final time, I did not order anyone to go chasing some noise maker! Do you see any other Nightingale here? How could I have been in two places at once!"
Molly gasped at the voice, touching her own throat uncertainly. Nightingale came down the steps, grumbling. "Honestly, just how many of me do they think there a. . ." She froze as she spotted Molly. Molly froze as well, eyes wide in shock. Tier blinked. "Nightingale, Molly. Molly, Nightingale. . ." It murmured the introductions under its breath.

"Well," Aaron stated, "at least you know now how there were two of you. . ." As Molly and Nightingale continued to stare at one another, Tier leaned over to Aaron. "I don't think she can hear you, Aaron. . ."
Aaron whispered up into its ear, "What should we do?" Tier leaned against the bars of the cell. "NiGHTS? Maybe you can wave your hand between their eyes or something? I think they're stuck. . ."
NiGHTS complied, getting a couple of blinks before both Molly and Nightingale stepped back and pointed at one another, speaking in unison. "What . . . what is this!" They hesitated before stepping closer, still speaking in unison. "You tell me! Stop talking at the same time as me! ARRRGH!"
Tier smiled smugly, wrapping an arm around Aaron. "Oh yeah, they're the same person. . ."
Aaron winced. "They're . . . similar. But they're more like two sides of the same coin than the same person," he explained. "And someone should get in between Nightingale and the door before something bad happens, like Nightingale going to tell Reala who's here to visit us."
Nightingale snorted, folding her arms disdainfully. "What for? MasterWizeman doesn't want YOU anymore." She made a face at Molly, who bristled. "I'd rather see Reala than some copycat Nightmaren!"
Nightingale's eyes popped wide open and she growled. "Oh no, you did NOT just call me a copycat!"
NiGHTS stepped in, pushing the two females apart. "Let's just calm down here and talk, okay?"
Molly and Nightingale looked away in opposite directions, quieting reluctantly.
Aaron scratched his head. "What should we talk about?" he wondered. Tier grinned. "Acting?" It yelped as Molly playfully threw a shoe against the bars of the cell. "Singing?' It tried, then pretended to hide behind Aaron as Nightingale growled warningly.
"Musical theatre?" Aaron offered as a compromise. Molly's second shoe hit the bars as Nightingale snapped, "Quit that!" Molly chuckled. "Well, I do like musicals. . ." Nightingale made a face. "Like you can sing. . ."
Tier peered out from behind Aaron. "Actually, she wouldn't stop singing during the trip here. . ." "I know," Aaron said, smiling. "I was listening."

Molly turned away to hide her blush. "I was just trying out some tunes I made up. . ." Tier nodded. "And they didn't fit." Aaron shook his head. "They were just fine," he argued. "I enjoyed it. Up until the part where I was dragged kicking and screaming into Nightmare and thrown into a dark, uncomfortable cell, and so on and so forth . . . you get the idea."
Molly frowned. "Remind me to give Jackle a good kick in the mouth. I really can't stand that guy!" Nightingale blinked, then glanced away. "Well that's one thing we have in common. . ."
"He is pretty creepy," Aaron agreed. "Uhm . . . is there any chance you could let me borrow the key to my cell for about five minutes, Nightingale?" Nightingale instantly scowled at Aaron. "And why would I do that? I've already told you, I'm not helping y. . ." She stiffened in alarm as Lumis tugged something out of her right cuff. Lumis smirked, jingling the keys. "But if I steal them from you, you're not helping, now are you?"
Aaron nodded. "It's true. There was nothing you could do about it. They simply overpowered you and got away before you could do a thing, right?" Nightingale snarled. "Wrong! I will not allow you to escape, I can't!" She lunged for Lumis, who jumped back in surprise. Molly gasped. "Quiet down!"
Jesse quietly and quickly zipped behind Lumis and nabbed at the keys he held away from Nightingale. The little Nightmaren had been quiet and assumed that it had probably been forgotten. The smaller, late-generation Nightmaren tended to have that quality about them: easily overlooked, and easily forgotten.
Lumis looked surprised, but didn't fight. He pushed Nightingale away. Nightingale looked around, trying to locate the keys. "Give those back!"
Jesse zipped around and unlocked the cell across from Aaron and Tier. Nightingale spotted the little Nightmaren and snarled, flying for Jesse! "Oh no you don't!" Jesse panicked, unsure of what to do. It hoped that its original plan would succeed, but it was beginning to succumb to fear. At the last second, it summoned all of its courage and flung the cell door open, flying up to cling to the ceiling. Nightingale hadn't been expecting that and found herself flying into the cell. She spun around and tried to get out. Jesse dashed back down, closing the cell and locking it as swiftly as possible.
Nightingale winced as she smashed into the bars. "No!" She stared at Jesse in astonishment and alarm.
Jesse's face was full of shock at what it had just done, the greatest act of betrayal it had committed thus far. "L-lady Nightingale, I . . . I'm sorry. . ." It managed to squeak out. Nightingale snarled. "Not half as sorry as you will be, you treacherous little gnat! Open this cell at once!" NiGHTS frowned. "It's okay, Jesse. Nightingale will be fine, let's just get out of here." Upon hearing NiGHTS' voice, Jesse retook its place hiding behind his leg. "Kay. . ."
NiGHTS smiled. "Let Aaron and Tier out please, Jesse." Tier waved cheerfully to Jesse before trying to hide behind Aaron again as Nightingale let out another snarl.
Jesse gasped. "Oh! I forgot!" It darted to their cell and opened the lock. Tier hesitated, clinging to Aaron's backside and staring at Nightingale in concern. Aaron looked back over his shoulder. "She can't get out, Tier. If she could get out, that would mean that you would have been able to get out this whole time. And that would be silly."
Tier blushed. "Um . . . actually. . . " It ignored the cell door and inhaled, flattening until it was 2D and slipping between the bars. Aaron glared at Tier for at least a minute. "Why didn't you do that before. . .?" Tier shrugged. "Where would I go? I wouldn't leave you!" It blinked, then added shyly, "Plus I forgot I could do that. . ." "Then," Aaron reasoned, also glancing at Nightingale, "can't she do it too?"
NiGHTS smiled. "I doubt it, Nightingale isn't all Nightmaren after all. . ." Nightingale clutched at the bard of her cell, trying to dig her claws in. Molly watched the violet 'Maren with an odd look on her face.
Aaron's face actually took on a bit of a sad expression as he watched her. "We should go. Nightingale, I . . . I want to thank you for everything you did for me while I was here, and I'm sorry it had to be this way. But you know I couldn't stay here if I had the chance to escape."
Nightingale snarled in response, then stepped back from the bars, inhaling. NiGHTS frowned. "She's about to blow our cover! Everyone out! Now!"

Jesse was first out the door, immediately scouting the hallways to find the best and safest route out. Aaron ran to the door as well, looking back just a short time to give Nightingale a sad glance and to say, "I'm sorry," one more time.
Molly grabbed Aaron's arm as she ran past and out. "Aaron, come ON!" She glanced at Nightingale as well but only for an instant as she tugged at her friend. Aaron didn't resist as Molly pulled him out into the hall. Jesse flitted back to the group and waved. "This way!" It shot off back down the hallway.
Tier glanced at NiGHTS. "Can we trust the little guy?" NiGHTS nodded. "Jesse helped to free you, Tier. You can trust it." Tier nodded and followed after Jesse.
They hadn't gone far when Molly hesitated. "Hey, that white Nightmaren isn't here, Lumis!"
Aaron tripped. "Lumis! I . . . I can't believe that he would betray us. He just wouldn't . . . Why did he leave us? Why won't he come with us, NiGHTS?"

NiGHTS sighed as he flew, catching Aaron's arm as he tripped and supporting him. "We've asked Lumis to make a difficult decision. Leaving everything that he's ever known. As far as Lumis knows, we expect him to practically commit suicide, and fight against family." NiGHTS' face clouded as he recalled his own decision to leave Nightmare.
Molly jogged along beside them. "I guess that makes sense . . . will he be okay? He helped to get those keys, after all. . ." Aaron sighed as he kept running down the corridor. "I hope he will . . . I'm afraid of what Wizeman will do to him if he doesn't leave."
Jesse periodically rejoined the group to advise them as to which way to turn on the way out, but for the most part it remained seperate from the group.
Molly looked thoughtful. "This is taking too long, the Nightmaren have to fly at our pace!" She glanced at Tier, who was flying low just behind Aaron, glancing down periodically as if afraid of crashing. Aaron looked up at Tier. "Well, they could always carry us if we need to expedite the escaping process, don't you think?" He grinned at Tier.
Molly nodded, then did a doubletake, staring at Tier. "Hey, Tier's flying! I thought that you couldn't!" She smiled glady at Tier. Tier blushed. "I'm still a little wobbly, please don't distract me too much. . ."
Aaron nodded to Tier before turning to Molly. "Maybe Tier shouldn't carry us then, hm?" He looked thoughtful. "I wish Lumis would come with us. . ."
Molly smiled at NiGHTS. "NiGHTS can carry us. . ." NiGHTS smiled. "I can, yes . . . but two at once might slow me. . ."
"I bet that little guy couldn't carry us either," Aaron noted. "Maybe we should just keep running. . .?" NiGHTS smiled kindly. "I'm afraid that Jesse won't be able to help you there, no." He lifted his head. "Jesse, tell me that we're almost out!" Jesse flitted back to fly just beside NiGHTS. "Almost. Just one more minute, I think, if nothing unexpected happens."

NiGHTS jumped as a dark shape loomed in front of them, blood red eyes gleaming demonically. "Oops! I think that this could be classified as unexpected. . ." He winced as Tier rammed into his backside, unable to halt in time.
Aaron almost fell over as well in an attempt to stop. Jesse, however, had no trouble in reversing its momentum and hiding behind the group. "This," Aaron agreed, "is rather unfortunate as well as unexpected."
The shadow narrowed its eyes. "So. You've done it now, Jesse. . ." Shara flew closer, eyes slanted and cold.
Jesse huddled into a ball, shivering. "I . . . I didn't want to betray him, but . . . but I couldn't let them be hurt!" Shara flew to hover in front of Jesse. "You've gone soft. . ." NiGHTS rolled his eyes. "You can drop the act, Shara. We know that you have a soft spot of your own."
Shara's eyes widened in surprise before narrowing again. "Very well then. . ." It extended a clawed hand and helped Jesse to uncurl its body. "Relax, Jesse . . . I'm not your enemy. . ."
Molly glanced at Aaron. "Hey, I know that Nightmaren. The freakish demon one from after NiGHTS saved me from Reala. . ." She blushed at the memory.
Jesse's eyes widened in shock. "No! Shara's not a freak or a demon!" It seemed baffled that Molly could say such a thing. It had not made it clear that this was the case as of yet, but Jesse had a deep admiration for Molly. It had watched her become captured by Nightmare and Reala and it had seen her escape, something that until now, it had not been able to accomplish itself.
Molly blinked at the small Nightmaren, surprised by Jesse's energy. "I know it's not, Jesse. It's just that when I first saw Shara, its appearance kind of startled me." Shara narrowed its eyes as if offended and pretended to clean a claw.
Jesse nodded, understanding how one might be a bit startled by Shara's appareance. "Shara, you can come with us! Lord NiGHTS isn't at all like Lord Reala. He doesn't beat me or yell at me or anything!"
Shara's eyes softened a little. "Yes, Jesse. I know. . ." NiGHTS smiled. "Please, just call me NiGHTS. That 'Lord' stuff really doesn't suit me. . ." He smiled at Shara. "Shara and I are friends, Jesse. That's all I can say here, though."

Molly frowned. "I don't want to be rude, but shouldn't we be fleeing for our lives or someth. . . " She gasped as a shrill vocal erupted from the dungeons far behind them. Nightingale had finally alerted the loyals. Molly's eyes widened. "We have to get out of here!" A tinge of panic had entered her voice. Aaron nodded in agreement. "Now would be a good time!"
Molly took a running start and sprang into the air, landing on NiGHTS' back, much to the Nightmaren's surprise. She kneed him as if he were a horse. "Let's go!"
Tier landed by Aaron.
Aaron nodded, getting a little distance and hopped up to grab Tier's shoulders. "Got it. Let's go!" Tier grunted, straining under Aaron's weight. After a moment, the young 'Maren managed to fly after NiGHTS as they sped out.
Aaron held on as tightly as he could while doing his best not to interfere with Tier's flight. "We're going to make it, alright? Don't worry." Jesse flew beside Tier, wishing there was something it could do to help. It flitted up to NiGHTS's side and then zipped off to find the safest route away.
Shara looked around, then flew after Jesse. "It's a doorway to the right that you want. It leads into the banquet hall and from there, to the gates. . ." Jesse stopped to hear Shara's words. It had no reason not to trust Shara, and it never occured to it that it should doubt Shara. Jesse flew back and gave the signal to NiGHTS to follow it toward the banquet hall.
NiGHTS nodded and waved to Tier, following Jesse. Tier was panting badly but managed to keep up the pace as they flew into the hall. Aaron looked down worriedly at Tier. He tried to imagine himself being lighter, hoping that it might somehow help.
Shara flew back to join them. "A bit further!" Molly leaned forward on NiGHTS, trying to decrease wind resistance. "Hang in there, Tier!" Aaron leaned in close to Tier and whispered, "You can do it. I believe in you, Tier." Tier glanced back at Aaron. "I . . . d. . . don't think. . ." It had to stop, rasping as it flew. Molly looked over, worried.
Aaron looked just as worried, if not more. Jesse flew back to Tier, and placing itself underneath Tier, tried to lift it upward, to help it fly. Jesse looked up and with a strained voice, encouraged Tier, "Don't give up. . ."
Tier blinked in surprise, peering at its underside at Jesse before straining to stay up, not wanting to crush the smaller 'Maren. Shara flew to join Jesse. "Just a bit further. . .!" Tier nodded, staring straight ahead.
Aaron looked surprised that the two smaller 'Maren would help like this. He wished that he didn't have to rely on someone else to fly, but his flying days were over. "Almost there."
NiGHTS erupted out of the castle, flying higher before realizing that Tier was faltering, even with the help it was receiving. NiGHTS flew back. "Tier! I know that you're tired but we can't rest yet! If the loyals catch us we'll be as deas as. . ." "Fish?" Someone suggested. NiGHTS nodded. "As fish out of water!"
"Like a fish out of water!" Aaron blinked, wondering if he heard what he thought he heard. "Fish?" He looked around, trying to see if anything near him could have made that sound. Molly blinked at Aaron. "What about fish?" She slide off of NiGHTS to let him up. NiGHTS straightened, listening. "Fish?" Aaron shrugged. "I thought I heard fish," he explained, not so helpfully. Molly stared. "What, like a splash or a glub?"
Aaron shook his head. "No, I just thought I heard a sound, and it sounded like fish." This was, of course, so much more clear than he had been before. Molly blinked. "It had better not be Gulpo. . ." She didn't understand why Aaron didn't seem more concerned. NiGHTS held a hand up. "Do you mean that you heard fish, or someone saying 'fish'?" Aaron blinked. It never occured to him that he might have heard actual fish. "Like someone saying 'fish.' Exactly."

Tier was on its hands and knees. It finally groaned and collapsed, the smaller 'Maren darting out from under it in time to avoid being crushed. Molly looked around. "Fish?" She repeated. Aaron gasped, jumping off of the collapsed Tier. He probably should have climbed down sooner. "Yes, fish." He paused. "Sorry, Tier. . ."
Tier made a gurgling noise, looking like it wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon. Molly came over to rub Tier's back, trying to make it feel better. "Okay, but where did it come from?"
Aaron shrugged. "I'm not sure. . ." He looked around, trying to pinpoint where he thought the voice was coming from.
The bushes rustled, causing the Nightmaren to perk up, staring warily at the foliage. NiGHTS grimaced. "I don't have time for more fighting. . ." He lifted a hand to hold the others back, moving carefully toward the bushes.
Aaron watched the bush carefully. Jesse flitted around to hide behind Molly. Molly kept a hand on Tier, watching anxiously as NiGHTS inspected the bushes. Shara's eyes had narrowed to crimson slits as it hovered nearby.
NiGHTs waited until he heard more movement, then spread the bushes. "AHA!" He yelped as a plump form squealed and flew into his face, shrieking fearfully. Jesse shrieked as well, huddling in the air behind Molly's upper body. Aaron fell backward, landing on his backside.
Molly jumped, glancing behind her in surprise, then turning to cuddle Jesse reassuringly. "What was. . . !" She blinked at the blue and pink form that made a beeline for Aaron's arms. "Drem!" Aaron's face split from ear to ear with a huge smile. "Drem!" He hugged her, happy to see that she was alright.
Drem cuddled Aaron, burrowing into his arms and chittering excitedly, clearly upset. NiGHTS turned. "You could have just said hello instead of scaring us like that. . ." he blinked, then added, "Not that I was." Jesse shivered, still looking spooked. "M-me neither!"
Molly smiled, hugging Jesse. "Of course not. I feel much safer with you, Jesse. . ." Jesse's smile was just as big as Aaron's at hearing Molly say that. It hugged her back, unbelievably happy to finally have someone that cared enough about it to try to make it happy. Molly giggled, brushing her cheek against Jesse's before ooking at Aaron. "I'm glad that you found Drem! Is she okay?" Aaron checked her over quickly, inspecting her for any bumps, bruises or other various owies. Drem blinked at the attention, then cooed and planted a kiss on Aaron's nose. Aaron blushed, grinning. "She's fine."
Tier smiled exhaustedly, glancing toward Molly for her reaction. Molly giggled, glancing at Jesse in her amusement. Jesse smiled up at Molly, glad that she was happy. Molly smiled back and let go, worried that she might be smothering her new friend. "So everyone's accounted for?" Aaron winced. "Almost. . ." He knew that they'd had to leave Lumis, Doren, and Taiel all behind. NiGHTS nodded. "We'll save who we can now, then return for the others." He blinked at Aaron's expression. "Aaron?" Tier closed its eyes, thinking of Taiel. Aaron nodded. "It's all we can do. We're in no position to stage an assault." He carried Drem back toward Tier. "We should keep going." NiGHTS nodded. "Where are the others?"
Aaron sighed. "They're all with Wizeman. He did something . . . weird to them. Reprogrammed them, or . . . brought out the worst in them, or something to that effect." Molly looked at Aaron, horrified. "Brainwashed! That's too horrible, even for Wizeman!" She squeezed Jesse's hand, trying to reassure herself. Aaron winced, wishing that it wasn't true. "I'm sure it's reversible..."
Molly blinked, brushing a hand over her eyes. "We . . . we have to get them out . . . I don't want that . . ." She released Jesse, dropping her gaze. Aaron looked resolute. "We will. We will get them out."
NiGHTS looked at Molly, thinking back to their encounter with Nightingale. "We've dealt with this sort of thing before. . . it'll turn out okay." NiGHTS glided to Tier. "Let's move out." Aaron nodded. "We'll let Tier rest. I can run along with you."
Molly frowned. "You've been through too much. You can take NiGHTS, I'll run." NiGHTS stepped closer, waiting for the Dreamers to reach an agreement. "Are you sure?" Aaron asked. "I can run, you should take NiGHTS."
Molly nodded. "Absolutely sure. Poor Tier looks like a wreck, and I hate to imagine how you must feel! I've been stuck in the Waking, doing nothing. I can handle running." Aaron couldn't argue with that. And besides, he really didn't think he could run that long. "Okay. But the minute you get tired, let me know, and we'll switch." Molly smiled. "I'll manage the best that I can." NiGHTS knelt to let Aaron on, levelling into a horizontal hover.
Aaron jumped up and held on with one hand, the other arm cradling Drem. The Nightopian squeaked in fear at the sudden movement, quieting as she leaned into Aaron. Molly smiled, winking at Jesse. "Too bad you can't give me a lift, maybe you can stay close?" Jesse nodded. "I'll be right here." It smiled and floated by her side.

NiGHTS rose then tugged at Tier's arm. "Come on Tier, try your best."
Tier groaned, moving stiffly but managing to get up. As NiGHTS nodded and moved on, Tier elected to walk, feeling weakened. Molly watched Tier with some concern before glancing at Jesse.
Jesse was not quite sure what it could do to help. It did the only thing it could think to do; it flew up next to Tier, pulling Tier's arm around its shoulders and trying to support the larger 'Maren as best as it could. Molly blinked. "Don't hurt yourself, Jesse. . ." She came up on Tier's other side to take some weight off of both of them. Jesse grunted a bit. "I can do it," it asserted. Molly smiled. "Humor me, okay? I wouldn't feel right making you do this alone. and Tier's my friend too. . ." Jesse smiled. "'Kay. It'll be easier with both of us, right?" Molly nodded. "Exactly. Maybe I can sing to pass the time."
Tier groaned as they moved away from the castle. "Oh no, not again. . . ..!"

To Be Continued. . .