Disclaimer -
Nope, NiGHTS and other NiD characters are not mine, they belong to Sonic Team.
The fanchars ARE mine though, so . . . wait, they're not in this one!
::blushes::
I forgot which story I was writing, how funny is that!
I'm glad that my first chapter went over so well. I don't know how this one will compare, but please review regardless!
Only nice, productive reviews, though. No three word comments like "I like it." or flames. I mean, I appreciate the flames and all, they make the best firestarters and it is starting to get cold . . .
but I AM a dragon after all, so I can kind of make my own flames. . . watch. ::takes a breath::
What in the world was I thinking when I wrote this sad excuse for a fanfic, I've seen better writing lining the bottom of a filth encrusted birdcage! I should be shot so that everyone else is put out of their misery!!!
::beams:: See? I'm good at that!
Anyway, reviews are a little more helpful.
Thanks anyway!
And I'm not stopping anytime soon, by the way.
I need to prove myself to all of you, and I will find a way to do that somehow.
::rises with an anime, fiery background and one fist raised::
I WILL join the ranks of the greatest NiGHTS into Dreams authors!!!
Or die trying!
And now, our story.
Sorry this is so short, I was suffering from Writer's Block and my main job is my Christmas fic right now.
Please read and review so that I know to add more!



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Reala and NiGHTS flew off together, heading in the general vicinity of Stick Canyon,
It was the hottest, dryest, most inhospitable region in Nightopia, as well as the most dangerous. For those reasons, almost nobody went there unless they had no choice, making it the perfect place for two brothers to have a heart to heart talk.
Reala led NiGHTS past one of the giant magnets, half expecting his companion to get himself trapped.
Of course, NiGHTS was an expert at avoiding traps, and simply wove in and out, evading with ease and playing instead of concentrating on the task at hand.

Reala chose a plateau to land on and turned to watch his partner come in for a landing.
NiGHTS came in with great speed, so much that for a moment, Reala feared that he would shoot right over the landing area. But no, NiGHTS twisted easily and touched down as effortlessly and gracefully as ever.
Reala snorted, tuning NiGHTS out as he proceeded to go through his self appreciation routine.

"And the crowd goes wild, another perfect landing for our star, NiGHTS! Whoo! Yeah yay!!!"
NiGHTS cupper both hands over his mouth to simulate a crowd, then bowed to no one at all before straightening to smile at Reala.

Reala scowled.
"Idiot. Do I need to remind you that we're here because of Wizeman's concerns?"

NiGHTS gave a little sigh and nodded, becoming serious again.
"Okay, Reala. I have to admit, I am curious . . . and maybe a little worried. Is . . . is Wizeman . . . unhappy with me?"
NiGHTS had always felt that he could admit anything to Reala. Often such trust was rewarded with disdain or taunting, but he was confident that Reala really did listen attentively and even try to help if he could, in his own way.

Reala blinked a little, then held a clawed hand out in a gesture of helplessness.
"I really don't know. All that I know is that Master Wizerman has had his eyes on you for some time, NiGHTS, and he's the one who's worried."
The paler of the two brothers titled his head slightly. "Are you . . . okay, NiGHTS?"

NiGHTS blinked in shock.
"Whoa! Did I imagine that, or is the fearsome, heartless Reala actually concerned about me?!!"

Reala's expression hardened so quickly and completely, that NiGHTS instantly regretted that tease.
Reala's face had frozen in that cold glare just like a frozen lake, effectively disguising whatever lurked below the water.

"You know I didn't mean anything, Ree. . . " NiGHTS' eyes pleaded with his brother to let some of that warmth back into his expression.
"It's just . . . well you know how I am . . . I can't help it. When a thought pops into my head, I just have to say it."
He winced as Reala turned his back on him. The red, black, and white Nightmaren was silent for a moment before speaking.
"And that is probably exactly why Wizeman is so concerned."
Reala whirled on NiGHTS, angry. "You are a Nightmaren, blast you! Why can't you behave like one?!"
He sighed as NiGHTS wilted under the ferocity of his tone. "NiGHTS. . ." NiGHTS just nodded, knowing what his brother meant to say. Reala's volume and harsh words were his way of showing genuine affection and concern.
NiGHTS sank into a sitting position, watching as Reala joined him. The two brothers relaxed in a rare moment of silence.

It was hours later when NiGHTS opened his eyes. Somehow he had fallen asleep without realizing it.
He became aware of a comfortable warmth beside him, and turned to find Reala resting nearby. Amused, NiGHTS studied the way that he had snuggled into his pale brother. It was amazing that Reala had allowed it.
And that frightened NiGHTS. There had been no taunting, nothing mean spirited in Reala's words. He had really been worried, and maybe even afraid . . . for him?
"You're awake?" NiGHTS jumped at the soft, grumpy voice beside him. Reala stirred, opening his eyes.
"Good. Then quit being perverted and get off of me."
Blushing, NiGHTS got up and mumbled an apology before looking instinctively up at the sky.
He could feel Reala watching him, maybe even debating whether or not to lunge at his unprotected backside. Reala was not above attacking other Nightmaren, especially if he was unhappy or embarrassed.
NiGHTS was not immune, he had felt Reala's claws on more than one occasion.

Reala studied NiGHTS' back , tracing with his eyes, the curve of his vest, and the darker shadow of his spine. Idly, he told himself just how easy it would be to snap the thinner Nightmaren in half. It would take no effort whatsoever.
But somehow, Reala had no interest in harming NiGHTS just then. There would be no surprised shriek or begging for mercy, he knew. The idiot would probably just take it, and that made the idea completely unappealing to Reala.
"Ree?" Reala blinked as NiGHTS spoke. "Hm?"
NiGHTS turned to look at him. "Am I really that different? Different enough for Wizeman to think . . . to think that . . .that there's. . ." Reala winced, knowing that NiGHTS was trying to believe that he was defective. "Shut up!"
NiGHTS blinked, surprised out of his self pity. Reala snarled, showing his fangs.
"Master Wizeman does not make mistakes, you imbecile! So just shut up and concentrate on pleasing him!"
Reala suddenly grunted, blinking in shock as NiGHTS suddenly charged and hugged him. grateful for the reassurance that he was not a mistake as he had feared.
That was going too far.

There was a loud smack as NiGHTS fell to the ground, clutching his cheek. Blood trickled from behind his hand.
Reala snorted. "You are a Nightmaren. Act like one."

NiGHTS held one hand tightly against his cheek as Reala's mouth worked, muscles twitching tensely as he struggled for something to say or do to improve the situation. Finally, he gave up on trying to say anything else, and simply took flight, heading home.
NiGHTS watched his brother vanish into the horizon, then studied his hand, dotted with the red and paler, shimmering blue that was his own blood.
With a sigh, the purple Nightmaren got up, patting his cheek to be sure that the bleeding had stopped before spreading his arms. He had a lot to think about.

NiGHTS stepped to the edge of the plateau and looked down for a moment, revelling despite himself in the vast expanse of stone, sand, and metal. If it weren't for the ugly machinery and grotesque metal structures, Stick Canyon could have been a beautiful location. But it was a pointless observation. The metal had to be there for a reason, although NiGHTS did not know why. He had been taught to accept things as they were and not worry about why they were that way.
And yet NiGHTS did wonder. Just like he wondered why he was so different from Reala. Not a good fighter or strategist, or even gifted with a sense of duty.
NiGHTS sighed softly. He seemed like a waste as a Nightmaren. The ground so far below seemed to call to him, urging him to lay here indefinitely.
NiGHTS studied the ground, then took a breath and stepped off the ledge.

He fell several feet before a whoosh and a pull told him that his startrail had formed. Instantly he pulled out of his dive and levelled out, circling lazily.
NiGHTS flew alone for some time before becoming bored. It was time to return to Nightmare, anyway. He soared over the sand and cacti of Stick Canyon until the dream ended, then he was passing over a pool of water.
NiGHTS skimmed low, watching how his wake churned the water below him. He switched to a glide to disturb the water as little as possible, and studied his reflection.
NiGHTS looked like any other Nightmare. With the round face and large eyes, full of character. His "horns" were more prominent than most and jutted behind him, flowing in the wind. NiGHTS tried baring his teeth, noting how the sharp fangs glinted dangerously. His heart wasn't in the expression, though.
Reluctantly, NiGHTS ended his game and turned away, heading home to Nightmare.

To Be Continued. . .