I woke up once more. Thankful to see and feel the morning sunlight, but was even more thankful to still have Viper right next to me. She still seemed fine. But then again, when she wakes up, one of the first things she'll be wanting is answers from me about my "Nightmare", see if there was anything she could do to put my mind at ease. Don't really know if I can say the same for her once she hears it. I mean, what will she even say once I tell her that she died in my dream? Especially in such a... unique way. I can almost picture her face as I picture a scenario of it in my head. She'll either be mad, sad, or perhaps fire will shoot from her mouth and burn me to a crisp... okay now I'm just being a little over dramatic. But still, her reaction is most certainly not going to be positive.

At least it was early enough to head into the kitchen and get something to eat while I still could. I managed to wriggle my way out of Vipers grasp without waking her and made my way into the kitchen where I managed to cook up something a little different. Porridge. From a new shop in town which opened not so long ago. I can't even remember the last time I've eaten this stuff. Does too long count as an answer? Heck if I know, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to cook and heat it up for anyone else who plans on getting up soon. In fact, I can imagine the morning gong going off right about...

*BONG*

...Now.

A few seconds later, everybody began to walk into the kitchen. Looking at the smiles on their faces, they were keen on the scent of the traditional Scottish breakfast. Who could blame them? I wonder if any of them have even had the stuff before? Well, they're about to now anyway. So after a few minutes had passed, I got some assistance pulling the large pot of porridge out of the oven and placed it on top where I managed to serve everyone a bowl. The coals underneath the oven would eventually cool down on their own accord so there was no need to worry about it. Even if there was I would be sure that Po would have warned me about it. He does work in his fathers noodle shop time to time after all. After making sure that everybody had a bowl each, even Tigress, I got myself some and sat down next to Po.

"Mmmmm, this stuff ain't half bad". Mantis complimented, bringing a smile to my face. "Keep this up and I think we'll have a new cook".

This got a small laugh from all except Po who took it a little personal.

"He's just messing with you Po". I quickly explained, cheering the panda up. "Besides, my cooking skills are... lets say limited".

I begun to pick up my spoon and ate what I had given myself. Although I did have to stop a couple of times just to fill another bowl as Po kept asked for a second helping. And a third... and fourth... Probably would have been a fifth if Tigress hadn't brought him up from his seat and forcibly escorted him to the training hall.

"The more you eat the longer I expect for you to work it off". She told him. The last thing the rest of us heard was a dissapointed groan as the main doors closed shut. I couldn't help but give a small laugh.

Eventually, one by one, the other members of the furious five finished their breakfast and left until I and Viper were the only remaining warriors. The way she was eating her own food slowly, she must have caught onto the idea that I was trying to delay our talk for as long as i could. I WAS kind of hoping that she'd forget all about it. All I could do was finish my bowl which, at no coincidence, Viper finished at almost the exact same time.

"I'd better get started up on washing these bowls I suppose". I commented, extending my tail to take away Vipers bowl, only for her own tail to tighten round it.

"Would you like some help doing so"?

"... I appreciate it, but I did the cooking, so it's only fair I sort out my own mess".

I then took her bowl, gather up the rest, and placed them into the sink before scrubbing each one separate. However once I put the first finished bowl to the side so that I could dry it later, it had already been taken by the persistent Viper. Despite my frown, she smiled at me.

"You'll have to try harder than that if you want me to leave your side".

I rolled my eyes. I could have sworn I heard a voice in my head shortly after.

"So she has proven that her persistence generates nothing more than a serious annoyance... Unable to stop until she gets you to scratch her itch... How long will it take before your endurance gives out I wonder? Months, years... even decades? It is as though you long for an eternal suffering under the grasp of this parasite you call a girlfriend"...

I shook the horrific thought from my head and proceeded with the dishes, allowing Viper to help out. For several seconds we keep silent, then as she started to dry her third dish, she spoke up.

"It's just the two of us here. Now would be the best time to talk about it if you wish".

I smirked.

"You make it sound like I have a choice in this. Or are you just saying what you want me to hear"?

"A little of both". She replied, mimicking my smirk.

"... Very well. But don't say I didn't warn you".

I passed over another washed bowl.

"I dreamed that... I woke up in my room. The first thing that came to mind was how cold it was. Then I noticed that you were nowhere in sight. After some investigating, I head into the kitchen where I find a single piece of paper on the table". I take a second to look at said table, half expecting the note to still be on it. I turned back round and continued. "Then, somehow, I end up in the Valley of Peace hospital where I hear a scream, your scream, and I do what I can to find you. I find Crane and the rest of the guys peering through a door at something, I wasn't sure what, and after I got their attention, they told me that you were waiting for me. I walked through the door and"...

I couldn't help but hesitate a bit. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to put this next bit. But Viper would have managed to put together most of the pieces by now I'm sure. Might as well finish up.

"I found you lying on a metal table. You... were... with child, and... everything became very horrible very quickly... I'd rather not continue"... I muttered weakly, trying my hardest not to let that horror show play all over again.

Thankfully I avoided explaining most of the grotesque details, but it was enough to see Viper's saddened face. Just as I had expected. But the upcoming answer was not what I had expected at all. She put her towel to the side and held my tail. She blushed.

"Mike, I may not know know what the future holds for us, but whatever happens, we need to remember to stay strong for each other. To help each other through thick and thin. No nightmare could ever threaten to tear apart what we have, I promise you that".

Her words was enough to get me to smile a little. From then on, there was nothing but silence until Viper left to retrieve something from her room. I slithered over and grabbed the large pot that had yet to be done, then, I heard something again.

"Her confidence keeps her opinions strong, this I cannot deny... But little does she know that her own nightmare has yet to begin"...

... Was there something in my mind... talking to me? I could hear faint words within my head. But it might have just been me

"Hello"? I tried thinking to myself.

"You acknowledge my presence... How intriguing"... Spoke the same voice, amused. Now I know something was wrong.

"What are you"?

"To you? I am salvation... The tool of your construction to power and freedom... Should you seek proper guidance from the only one capable of showing you how to acquire it"...

...

Okay, now we get a better understanding on this new threat. But what is its purpose? You'll find out next chapter. Cheerio!