(Short Two: Bad Dreams)

A tired yawn escaped the small child, sluggishly walking over to the dining table. Food was ready, but her parents weren't there. They probably got called in early; looks like it's the bus today..

"Ah! Good morning, Julia." The voice of Moon was heard as the little girl sat down; toast and eggs were in front of her.

"...Morning.." Julia quietly spoke out. Tapping away at her food with the fork before she started eating. Julia couldn't afford to be late or she'll miss the bus.

Julia was quite, which was odd because she normally talks a lot during mornings. Today, though? She was slightly pale, and you could clearly see purple under her eyes- only caused by lack of sleep.

When Julia was done eating, she got her bag, and walked out the door; locking it with the secret hidden key her parents told her about. Down the path of her house, she could hear the diesel engine of the bus pulling up, and quicken her walking.

The quiet finally eating away at the spectral being, MoonJumper spoke up, "uh.. Julia, my dear- what is the matter?"

Once aboard the school bus, and sat down she asked in a small voice, "what.. do you mean?"

"You've been.. rather quiet today.." as much as he'd hate to admit, Moon was worried. His voice gave it away, but she hadn't noticed. Typical.

"Oh.. sorry.." Julia apologized, head dipping down.

"No, no.. do not apologize.." he whispered "you've done nothing wrong.. I was just wondering if you were.. okay."

"...been having.. bad dreams.." Julia said, seemingly nodding off. Before MoonJumper could ask about what, Julia's head was pressed up against the window, fast asleep.

He mumble. "She's been having trouble sleeping.. and I hadn't noticed..?" Squinting his eyes, MoonJumper became suspicious. However, these thoughts will have to wait until later tonight.

Night time rolled around, MoonJumper saw Julia to sleep; Surprisingly sat by her until she was out like a light. How else would he able to enter her dreamscape?

The world was dark, which was somewhat alarming for a child like her. What could have happened to make her world so dark like this? Though, the old being needed to stay focused.. what was causing his little puppet to have night terrors?

There Julia was, the little child running. From what? He couldn't see. The atmosphere seemed to have changed, she was running through a dark forest- something was chasing her! Yellow snakes..?

She has a fear of snakes? But.. why were they so.. yellow..? Unless..! A growl escaped MoonJumper's throat, and a scowling forming on his face.

The scene below changed once more, a swamp- causing Julia to slow down, she couldn't escape the snakes easily anymore. Quickly, MoonJumper swept down, strings out and with a terrifying yell- strangled the snakes.

They dissipated into smoke and vanished. Someone's laughter could be heard, and Julia ran over to MoonJumper; quivering. "Moon! Make the mean scary man stop!" She yelled. Tears almost forming.

Ushering her away, he told her to stay behind a tree far, far away from him. It was for her safety..

"Zephyr!"

And to yell at the old troublesome puppet of his.

"Omnipotent fool!" He called out "who told you to leave your dreamscape!"

"..Oh! But master! We were only having fun..!" The voice called out. He was hiding. However, not good enough.

MoonJumper swung his hand around, catching Zephyr's head in a crushing hold. His fingertips pinching into his skin, causing Zephyr pain.

His body revealed itself shortly after, a stutter screechy voice couldn't make words, so MoonJumper asked again "Who... gave you permission.. to torment my new Puppet..?"

"We- we were only trying to help, my lord!" A cry of pain was let out when MoonJumper pinched Zephyr's face harder "honestly! Zephyr would never dream of going behind your back! We would never!"

"I do not need help! I can handle a small child like this- do you take me for a failure?" A terrifying look was still plastered on Moon's face, making this new being squirm, shaking his head "if I catch you scaring this child again, there will be.. consequences."

With a quivering nod, the yellow fool disappeared, leaving MoonJumper to find Julia. She was hunched over by a willow tree that slowly started to vanish; now since that fool was gone, so were his illusions. The world grew dark again, but Moon was there.

"Is.. is he gone..?" Julia asked, looking up from her balled up position. "Is the Boogie man gone?"

MoonJumper chuckled "yes, no more night terrors.. I'll make sure of that."

With that, Julia smiled.