Disclaimer:
I do NOT own NiGHTS Into Dreams or ANY Sonic Team or Sega characters.
I do not own Insomnia, either. He is copyrighted to my good friend and constant inspiration, Avis the Crow (Crowhop77)
It should be noted that this is purely my story and I obtained permission to feature Avis' characters here.
This story is NOT a part of her series and should not be confused with any other stories.
Although I would take it as a great compliment if it were. . . :)
In short, this is a one shot thing with some a cameo in it, and Som belongs to Avis, NOT me.
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NiGHTS flew into Nightmaren, past the dead foliage, rocks, and murk. He would have bypassed the drawbridge in favor of a window or secret entrance, but a figure below waved him down.
"Oh great, it's time for bed and I get to stay up and deal with Insomnia!"
The Nightmaren below waved again. "And what's wrong with dealing with me, sir? Everyone's been worried. They said that you went out with Lord Reala, but Lord Reala returned alone!"
Despite himself, NiGHTS grinned. "Aww, you care!" The purple Nightmaren made a mental note that Insomnia was this person's name. Odd since none of the other high ranking Nightmaren would have cared much. He abruptly sobered. "But I'm fine. I was just enjoying Stick Canyon. Am I wanted?"
"Wanted, or has someone asked for you, sir?" Insomnia seemed to enjoy taking that statement a little more literally than he was meant to. NiGHTS felt a pang of annoyance, this was not the way that ranking 'Maren were usually treated. "You know what I mean, Insomnia. Has Wizeman or a ranking Nightmaren asked for me?"
Insomnia dropped his gaze for a moment like a scolded child before nodding. "Not asked for you, sir. But Clawz was pacing the halls like he was looking for something. He probably wanted you."
NiGHTS nodded. "Then I'll be retiring. . ." He blinked at the shock that flew across Som's face. "For the night." he added, smirking as the younger Nightmaren relaxed visibly. Some people were so literal! It kind of made them more fun to talk to, NiGHTS had to admit.
With a very soft chuckle so that Insomnia wouldn't be encouraged, NiGHTS turned away and waved casually as he drifted toward his room.
Insomnia watched his superior leave before turning to look up at the soft blush of dawn that was beginning to creep across the horizon. It seemed to the Nightmaren as if even the sun feared to cross the boundary of Nightmare.
With a shrug, Som turned to go, suppressing a wince as a stray beam of light gently carressed his shoulder. The sun was no friend to a Nightmaren.
NiGHTS flew down the corridor and flew into his own chamber. Purple and blue diamonds on the wall lit up in response to their master's presence, casting a very soft glow across the floor.
It was not enough even to read by, but for a dark loving Nightmaren, it was enough.
NiGHTS settled himself down on a seat that rested against the far wall and closed his eyes, falling limply over the arm as soon as he did.
The diamonds faded into blackness as he did.
Dusk soon reclaimed the castle with soft blue fingers, greedily clutching at the spires before being called off to other duties. The sun's light was still visible, and the Nightmaren waited patiently inside for the painful light to die for the night.
Not NiGHTS.
"Cock a doodle doooooooooo!!!" NiGHTS had awakened the instant that the sun has begun to sink beyond the horizon. He was happily perched on the castle's highest spire, flapping his arms and crowing triumphantly at the retreating ball of flame.
As if offended, a stray beam of rose clolored light flew harmlessly over the purple Nightmaren. NiGHTS grinned. "Ha! In your face, ya big so and so! If you had a face. You can't hurt me, for I am NiGHTS the invincible!!!"
Back in his own lair, Reala winced at the loud laughter and shouting coming from the roof.
"What is that idiot up to now?!" The red, black, and white Nightmaren grumbled as he rose from his throne and flew out, fully intending to yank NiGHTS' head off and bury it someplace where his body would never find it. At least that would shut him up long enough for the well behaved Nightmaren to rest! He came to the drawbridge and took a breath. "NiGHTS. . ."
"NiGHTS, you are SO dead!" Reala blinked as a shrill, slightly unsteady voice cut him off.
Jackle was flying violent circles, a card held in each hand and fire in his eyes. It was fairly clear that he was out for blood.
Just beneath him, Puffy was bouncing as high as she could. "DO come DOwn, NiGHTS! SO That I can crush you!!!" She ran a gloved hand along a pink ear. "How dare you interrupt my beauty sleep?!"
"Yeah, poor Puff needs all she can get!" Jackle couldn't resist the obvious opening for an insult.
NiGHTS looked down, glad for once that neither of the two were strong flyers. Jackle could fly, but his precious cape constantly got in his way. When he did fly, he tended to move backwards, to avoid having his cape blow to one side and expose his lack of a body.
Puffy was indignant now, turning on Jackle. "How dare you?! I should teach you my favorite musical note - B Flat!" She bounced high, coming down on Jackle with a whoopee cushion noise.
Jackle sputtered and let himself lay flat. "Ow! That hurt. . . "
Reala watched quietly from the drawbridge as Puffy smugly moved her bulk and lifted Jackle to his feet. The two were constantly going at each other, but they were obviously very close.
Jackle shook himself off and growled as he spotted NiGHTS grinning. "I'm going to slice that stupid smile off your bulbous face, NiGHTS!!!"
"DO you even know what that means?" Puffy asked quietly, getting a shrug from Jackle in response before he concentrated on flying higher, aiming a card at NiGHTS.
NiGHTS leapt to his feet in alarm as the much larger Jackle came at him, but they were both distracted by a cry from Puffy.
The singer bounced back, clutching her arm and eyeing Reala fearfully. Reala looked up at the figures on the roof. "What is this?!" He flew up to them and latched onto Jackle's collar, pulling the cape free and letting it fall. He pulled the disembodied feet, hands, collar, helm and face closer.
"You have a complaint against NiGHTS, perhaps? Shall I take you to Wizeman so that you may state your grievances?" There was venom in his voice as he spoke.
NiGHTS blinked as Jackle's face sank a little. The lesser Nightmaren looked down at his cape, laying down on the ground beside Puffy. "N . . . no, sir! Not me! Heh! Nice night, eh? Well, I'll just leave you two alone then!!!"
Reala dropped Jackle and watched as he dove for his cape, then proceeded to dash for the safety of the castle interior with Puffy close behind. It was strange since Reala had just stopped Jackle from doing exactly what he himself had wanted to do to NiGHTS not long ago.
Reala turned to NiGHTS. "I should have let them have you."
NiGHTS blushed a little, then sat back down, smiling as Reala did likewise. The two sat silently for some time.
"Well. . . " NiGHTS started nervously, causing Reala to glance over. The purple Nightmaren smiled almost shyly. "Thanks, I guess. . . "
Reala snorted. "Did you think that I was helping YOU?" NiGHTS winced, recalling Reala's strong sense of duty. Helping NiGHTS had been his way of defending Wizeman's power more than anything else.
NiGHTS nodded. "Right. . . but if you hadn't. . . " Reala groaned in disgust. "Had I not acted, you would have done similarly." NiGHTS blinked, wanting to disagree. Violence and intimidation weren't his style.
Silence fell once again before NiGHTS reluctantly continued. "Is that . . . do you think that might be what has Wizeman worried?"
Reala looked over again. "You being a spoiled child trapped in a Nightmaren body, causing mischief and hampering the others at every opportunity? Now why would that be worrisome?" Reala continued before NiGHTS could respond. "You need to learn to take your job seriously."
"Job?" NiGHTS blinked, thinking. "What job?"
Reala stood up. "The constant job of being a Nightmaren. One of the future heirs of the world!"
NiGHTS considered, scanning the surrounding lands. He idly watched the last of the Nightopians settle down for the night. "I think that the land is already pretty well claimed. . ."
"By Nightopians? They're animals! Living someplace does not make you a ruler!" Reala scowled darkly, turning cold again. NiGHTS winced, he hated it when Reala shut him out like that. It felt like being turned out of a warm room into a blizzard.
"Relax, Reala. . . " NiGHTS half pleaded, lifting a hand in a submissive gesture. "I was only joking! I know that animals don't have any say. You take things TOO seriously." He shrank as Reala glared into his eyes. "Well you DO!" He protested weakly.
Reala sighed and rose. "You know . . . just because you're named NiGHTS doesn't mean that you have to be so mysterious and all knowing all the time." He stepped off the roof and glided into the castle entrance.
NiGHTS blinked as he found himself alone. He looked up at the crescent moon sparkling overhead. "Mysterious?" NiGHTS smiled and spoke to the place where Reala had been a moment ago.
"You know, Reala . . . the same goes for you." he flopped onto his back, admiring the sky. "You don't have to be so realistic and unimaginative all the time . . . but I guess you can't help it, can you? You're too much like me. . ."
Back in his lair, Reala landed on his throne before seating himself. He watched idly as the torch holders around him burst into flame, casting an eerie, green glow on the surrounding murk without ever really supplying any illumination.
"NiGHTS . . . why are you so different?" He couldn't help but wonder aloud.
To Be Continued. . .
I do NOT own NiGHTS Into Dreams or ANY Sonic Team or Sega characters.
I do not own Insomnia, either. He is copyrighted to my good friend and constant inspiration, Avis the Crow (Crowhop77)
It should be noted that this is purely my story and I obtained permission to feature Avis' characters here.
This story is NOT a part of her series and should not be confused with any other stories.
Although I would take it as a great compliment if it were. . . :)
In short, this is a one shot thing with some a cameo in it, and Som belongs to Avis, NOT me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NiGHTS flew into Nightmaren, past the dead foliage, rocks, and murk. He would have bypassed the drawbridge in favor of a window or secret entrance, but a figure below waved him down.
"Oh great, it's time for bed and I get to stay up and deal with Insomnia!"
The Nightmaren below waved again. "And what's wrong with dealing with me, sir? Everyone's been worried. They said that you went out with Lord Reala, but Lord Reala returned alone!"
Despite himself, NiGHTS grinned. "Aww, you care!" The purple Nightmaren made a mental note that Insomnia was this person's name. Odd since none of the other high ranking Nightmaren would have cared much. He abruptly sobered. "But I'm fine. I was just enjoying Stick Canyon. Am I wanted?"
"Wanted, or has someone asked for you, sir?" Insomnia seemed to enjoy taking that statement a little more literally than he was meant to. NiGHTS felt a pang of annoyance, this was not the way that ranking 'Maren were usually treated. "You know what I mean, Insomnia. Has Wizeman or a ranking Nightmaren asked for me?"
Insomnia dropped his gaze for a moment like a scolded child before nodding. "Not asked for you, sir. But Clawz was pacing the halls like he was looking for something. He probably wanted you."
NiGHTS nodded. "Then I'll be retiring. . ." He blinked at the shock that flew across Som's face. "For the night." he added, smirking as the younger Nightmaren relaxed visibly. Some people were so literal! It kind of made them more fun to talk to, NiGHTS had to admit.
With a very soft chuckle so that Insomnia wouldn't be encouraged, NiGHTS turned away and waved casually as he drifted toward his room.
Insomnia watched his superior leave before turning to look up at the soft blush of dawn that was beginning to creep across the horizon. It seemed to the Nightmaren as if even the sun feared to cross the boundary of Nightmare.
With a shrug, Som turned to go, suppressing a wince as a stray beam of light gently carressed his shoulder. The sun was no friend to a Nightmaren.
NiGHTS flew down the corridor and flew into his own chamber. Purple and blue diamonds on the wall lit up in response to their master's presence, casting a very soft glow across the floor.
It was not enough even to read by, but for a dark loving Nightmaren, it was enough.
NiGHTS settled himself down on a seat that rested against the far wall and closed his eyes, falling limply over the arm as soon as he did.
The diamonds faded into blackness as he did.
Dusk soon reclaimed the castle with soft blue fingers, greedily clutching at the spires before being called off to other duties. The sun's light was still visible, and the Nightmaren waited patiently inside for the painful light to die for the night.
Not NiGHTS.
"Cock a doodle doooooooooo!!!" NiGHTS had awakened the instant that the sun has begun to sink beyond the horizon. He was happily perched on the castle's highest spire, flapping his arms and crowing triumphantly at the retreating ball of flame.
As if offended, a stray beam of rose clolored light flew harmlessly over the purple Nightmaren. NiGHTS grinned. "Ha! In your face, ya big so and so! If you had a face. You can't hurt me, for I am NiGHTS the invincible!!!"
Back in his own lair, Reala winced at the loud laughter and shouting coming from the roof.
"What is that idiot up to now?!" The red, black, and white Nightmaren grumbled as he rose from his throne and flew out, fully intending to yank NiGHTS' head off and bury it someplace where his body would never find it. At least that would shut him up long enough for the well behaved Nightmaren to rest! He came to the drawbridge and took a breath. "NiGHTS. . ."
"NiGHTS, you are SO dead!" Reala blinked as a shrill, slightly unsteady voice cut him off.
Jackle was flying violent circles, a card held in each hand and fire in his eyes. It was fairly clear that he was out for blood.
Just beneath him, Puffy was bouncing as high as she could. "DO come DOwn, NiGHTS! SO That I can crush you!!!" She ran a gloved hand along a pink ear. "How dare you interrupt my beauty sleep?!"
"Yeah, poor Puff needs all she can get!" Jackle couldn't resist the obvious opening for an insult.
NiGHTS looked down, glad for once that neither of the two were strong flyers. Jackle could fly, but his precious cape constantly got in his way. When he did fly, he tended to move backwards, to avoid having his cape blow to one side and expose his lack of a body.
Puffy was indignant now, turning on Jackle. "How dare you?! I should teach you my favorite musical note - B Flat!" She bounced high, coming down on Jackle with a whoopee cushion noise.
Jackle sputtered and let himself lay flat. "Ow! That hurt. . . "
Reala watched quietly from the drawbridge as Puffy smugly moved her bulk and lifted Jackle to his feet. The two were constantly going at each other, but they were obviously very close.
Jackle shook himself off and growled as he spotted NiGHTS grinning. "I'm going to slice that stupid smile off your bulbous face, NiGHTS!!!"
"DO you even know what that means?" Puffy asked quietly, getting a shrug from Jackle in response before he concentrated on flying higher, aiming a card at NiGHTS.
NiGHTS leapt to his feet in alarm as the much larger Jackle came at him, but they were both distracted by a cry from Puffy.
The singer bounced back, clutching her arm and eyeing Reala fearfully. Reala looked up at the figures on the roof. "What is this?!" He flew up to them and latched onto Jackle's collar, pulling the cape free and letting it fall. He pulled the disembodied feet, hands, collar, helm and face closer.
"You have a complaint against NiGHTS, perhaps? Shall I take you to Wizeman so that you may state your grievances?" There was venom in his voice as he spoke.
NiGHTS blinked as Jackle's face sank a little. The lesser Nightmaren looked down at his cape, laying down on the ground beside Puffy. "N . . . no, sir! Not me! Heh! Nice night, eh? Well, I'll just leave you two alone then!!!"
Reala dropped Jackle and watched as he dove for his cape, then proceeded to dash for the safety of the castle interior with Puffy close behind. It was strange since Reala had just stopped Jackle from doing exactly what he himself had wanted to do to NiGHTS not long ago.
Reala turned to NiGHTS. "I should have let them have you."
NiGHTS blushed a little, then sat back down, smiling as Reala did likewise. The two sat silently for some time.
"Well. . . " NiGHTS started nervously, causing Reala to glance over. The purple Nightmaren smiled almost shyly. "Thanks, I guess. . . "
Reala snorted. "Did you think that I was helping YOU?" NiGHTS winced, recalling Reala's strong sense of duty. Helping NiGHTS had been his way of defending Wizeman's power more than anything else.
NiGHTS nodded. "Right. . . but if you hadn't. . . " Reala groaned in disgust. "Had I not acted, you would have done similarly." NiGHTS blinked, wanting to disagree. Violence and intimidation weren't his style.
Silence fell once again before NiGHTS reluctantly continued. "Is that . . . do you think that might be what has Wizeman worried?"
Reala looked over again. "You being a spoiled child trapped in a Nightmaren body, causing mischief and hampering the others at every opportunity? Now why would that be worrisome?" Reala continued before NiGHTS could respond. "You need to learn to take your job seriously."
"Job?" NiGHTS blinked, thinking. "What job?"
Reala stood up. "The constant job of being a Nightmaren. One of the future heirs of the world!"
NiGHTS considered, scanning the surrounding lands. He idly watched the last of the Nightopians settle down for the night. "I think that the land is already pretty well claimed. . ."
"By Nightopians? They're animals! Living someplace does not make you a ruler!" Reala scowled darkly, turning cold again. NiGHTS winced, he hated it when Reala shut him out like that. It felt like being turned out of a warm room into a blizzard.
"Relax, Reala. . . " NiGHTS half pleaded, lifting a hand in a submissive gesture. "I was only joking! I know that animals don't have any say. You take things TOO seriously." He shrank as Reala glared into his eyes. "Well you DO!" He protested weakly.
Reala sighed and rose. "You know . . . just because you're named NiGHTS doesn't mean that you have to be so mysterious and all knowing all the time." He stepped off the roof and glided into the castle entrance.
NiGHTS blinked as he found himself alone. He looked up at the crescent moon sparkling overhead. "Mysterious?" NiGHTS smiled and spoke to the place where Reala had been a moment ago.
"You know, Reala . . . the same goes for you." he flopped onto his back, admiring the sky. "You don't have to be so realistic and unimaginative all the time . . . but I guess you can't help it, can you? You're too much like me. . ."
Back in his lair, Reala landed on his throne before seating himself. He watched idly as the torch holders around him burst into flame, casting an eerie, green glow on the surrounding murk without ever really supplying any illumination.
"NiGHTS . . . why are you so different?" He couldn't help but wonder aloud.
To Be Continued. . .
