Disclaimer:

The following is a non-profit fan-written story. Dream Eater Merry and its characters are not owned by me, it's owned by Ushiki Yoshitaka, J.C. Staff and Sentai Filmworks. Support the official release.

Author's Note:

Because I figured the opening and endings would be pretty good foreshadowings, I decided to include a new opening and ending each, which both of them shall set the tone for the rest of the fic; soothing and a bit uplifting, yet a bit melancholic and a bit emotional. Enjoy.

At the nurse's office, Isana watches at the unconscious Chizuru in bed.

"I knew it…there's something bugging her. I know she doesn't have any friends other than me, but…she's alcoholic at this age?!" Isana thought, "I really need to do something…otherwise…she might even…"

She starts to sniff and shed a tear, "She won't…! She won't! She won't just writher up and die!"

[2nd Opening Theme: "Breathing Underwater" by Metric]

Is this my life?
Ah-ah-ah-aah
Am I breathing underwater?

Ooh-ooh

Ooh-ooh

Nights are days
We beat a path through the mirrored maze
I can see the end
Ah-ah-ah-ah
But it hasn't happened yet

I can see the end
Ah-ah-ah-ah
But it hasn't happened yet

Is this my life?
Ah-ah-ah-aah
Am I breathing underwater?

Is this my life?
Ah-ah-ah-aah

Am I breathing underwater?

Am I breathing underwater?
Am I breathing underwater?

Episode 2: Dubiety

Back on Isana's home, Merry is watching TV in Yumeji's room, eating a cream-covered donut as then Yumeji's cellphone rings.

"Huh? He left his phone here…how did I not notice that? Perfect! But first…" she said as she then picks up the phone and responds the call, "Hello?"

A familiar voice is heard through the phone, "Yumeji, you there?"

"Yui? That you?"

"Oh, heya, Merry! Wait a minute…you're actually in school?"

"No, no, he just forgot his cellphone."

"Oh, that's actually a little hilarious! Well, thing is, I got out of class and there's been rumors that there was a female student drunk around here, can you believe it?"

Merry then whispers, "Shit…".

"Huh?"

"P-pardon my language…just that… I think I might know her."

"Going to check it out now?"

"Correct. I might need Engi for this as well…see you there in 10 to 15 minutes, got it?"

"Gotcha."

They both then hang their phones. Merry rushes off home while Yui is on a hallway alone, lying on a wall. "Engi…you were right after all.", she said, talking to Engi through telepathy.

"People like Chizuru don't really have any dreams at the moment. It's been getting more common as of late thanks to the world economy, which could make things complicated for children. Chizuru is a bit of an unusual example in the fact that she's build up on doubt due to the death of her parents. And she just can't let it go." said Engi,

"God…that's awful…she needs to be rescued soon! Wait a minute…how do you know about this?"

"Despite common belief…when Dream Demons die, they can actually communicate with other Dream Demons that are alive when they are asleep, although only for a short period. On the day where we defeated Mistilteinn, I actually saw Leon talking to me. The only thing I remember is that he told me to be wary of her…she could either forget everything or go crazy with depression. It looks like it could lean on the latter…"

"That explains why I should tell my friends…but, I wasn't even sure if they could understand immediately."

"It's likely they would. After the past few weeks, it shouldn't be a surprise. There's also one another thing about Chizuru…her current condition can also cause her to have really personal and really bizarre dreams. If a person she hates the most appears, it's likely she'll use the advantage of her doing anything in her dreams, she would kill them."

"Does that mean that it could actually kill them in real life too?"

"Afraid so. It would only works for humans. If it involved a Dream Demon already dead, say, someone like Mistilteinn, however, it's so she can locate her vessel. Namely, Ryota Ijima in the next time she dreams."

"Should we let her? Honestly, since they're the people who helped her be more miserable, we should let her…right?"

Engi stays quiet.

"They were bad people…taking advantage of Isana like that. As long as it's justifiable."

"There's a possibility it could backfire and she could get seriously hurt or die. I'm not going to lie…it's indeed understandable, but risking your own life isn't the best way to go. There's also that someone like Ryota actually had dreams and wouldn't have a clue who she is. In short, she could kill a now innocent person."

"You're right…it's not really worth it anymore…unless…wait, can't you and Merry intercept the dream? It's perfect!"

"We can't…we can't interfere those dreams as from what I heard, they have some sort of mysterious barrier that prevents people and Dream Demons to enter."

"Merry might need to hurry up, then…"

"There's also one more odd side-effect about those dreams…if the dream involves a person she loves…"

"Let me try to guess…the person she loves also has the same dream and actually meet each other?"

"Well…"

"Well?"

"You know this kind of thing by this point, so I'm just going to say it. She'll have massive sexual dreams with that person. The person she loves a lot won't know about it, though."

"That actually sounds kind of harmless…and kind of common. I mean, everybody has those kinds of dreams, right?"

"Yes, but still…even I'm sort of distraught on how this could happen."

(The beginning of "Hell Of A Life" by Kanye West starts playing in the background)

Back to the nurse's room, slowly going inside Chizuru's head, from her point of view as she's now dreaming again, she notices she's naked.

"W-what…? Why…?" she questioned as she then moans in pleasure. Turns out Isana is licking her clit.

Turn the level up if you wanna

Turn the camera on, she a born star
Turn the corners in a foreign car
Call the coroners do the CPR

Chizuru continues moaning, "Isana…did you do this..?"

Isana then stops licking, "You admitted your love to me. I don't mind if it's between us girls, Kawanami, you didn't need to be shy~." she said as she then gropes Chizuru's breasts. "These are quite big~. I couldn't stop staring at your body when we went to the beach last time."

"It's.,.a different you…hold on, Isana…"

(Music abruptly stops)

"First this, though." Isana then licks and then sucks on one of her nipples.

"Ahhh~! On second t-thought…keep going~!"

A muffled giggle is heard from Isana as she continues.

(Music resumes)

Have you lost your mind?
Tell me when you think we crossed the line
No more drugs for me, pussy and religion is all I need
Grab my hand and baby we'll live a hell of a life

(Music abruptly stops)

With one last moan from Chizuru, the dream suddenly ends, as she wakes up, with her eyes wide open, breathing heavily.

Isana gasps, "Kawanami! You're okay!" she said.

Chizuru slows her breathing and covers her face. "No…I'm not…"

"I know you're likely hiding demons. If you're drinking alcohol at the current state you're in…there's something going on."

Chizuru stays silent, as then the door opens, with Merry, Yumeji and Engi, possessing Yui's body, entering and approaching them, with Yumeji saying, "Isana!"

"Guys…she really needs help. I need to know how she became this way…"

Merry takes a deep breath, "We've been keeping a secret for too long…we might as well say it."

"What are you talking about…?"

"I'm not a human… I'm a Dream Demon."

"W-what…?"

Yumeji then steps in, "They're born form human dreams and live in the Dream World, where humans come to visit when they are sleeping. It's a supernatural secret."

Then Engi steps in, "A majority of them can possess bodies, causing the humans to be their vessels, including me with Yui. You were once almost about to be attacked without you even knowing it."

Isana looks at everyone, and then looks at Chizuru, "You knew, too?"

"Yes…I still regret how I handled it…"

"Isana, a couple of days ago, you were almost attacked by Mistilteinn and her vessel, Ryoma Ijima." said Engi.

"Mr. Ijima…so that could explain his sudden disappearance…" said Isana.

"They forced a weak Dream Demon to accompany you to target you easier. If a Dream Demon dies, you'll be in some sort of comatose-like state for God knows how long and lose your memories." said Chizuru. "I sacrificed my Dream Demon to save you…"

"Wait…how did you still remember me, though?"

"She doesn't have a clear dream. She's immune as a result." said Engi.

Isana stays quiet, overwhelmed by all this.

"It's true Isana…we protected you all from the possible attack."

Isana then responds, "I…I understand it all. It's just real strange how he would try to make me an empty shell…"

"He's a nothing more than a bastard. I've witnessed him and that… thing, killing other innocent dream demons as well." said Chizuru.

"Even though he motivated us in the first place…"

"He motivates his fellow students just to being them down. He just enjoys the misery from them." said Yumeji.

"Unbelievable…" said Isana, in a bit of an angry tone.

"It's over, though, so even if an attack like that happens again, we're there to protect you. I didn't want you to know this the most, but if it could happen again, it's best to warn you like this." said Yumeji.

"I get it…but no one really needed to hide it from me. I'm…I'm strong! I also want to try helping others and to give them their best. Although I guess I can't really handle this whole Dream Demons business…"

Yumeji then hugs her a bit, "It's okay…"

Chizuru notices this, suddenly turns sad and quickly leaves.

"Huh? Wait a minute, Kawanami!" said Isana, releasing the hug as Chizuru then runs away, out of her sight. "Guys, we need to locate her, quick!"

"Let her go, Isana, we don't need you to be involved. We'll handle this." said Merry.

After a small spout of silence fills the room, Isana then says "Could you repeat what you said…?"

She then slowly approaches Merry, "I said that you don't need to do it, Isana. There are too many suspicions on this and we can see what's going on." said Merry

"Yeah, right…"

"Huh?"

"Did you bother to try to help Kawanami in the past few days?"

Merry and Yumeji then grits their teeth a bit. Engi then grows a concerned look.

"You all knew about this, but no one thought about helping her?"

"Isana, I admit…I actually thought she could start over with you. Maybe try to get a brighter future with her."

"So you all assumed she'd be okay, but I was the only one concerned because I didn't…"

"Did she ever tell you her parents died?" said Merry.

"Wh-what…?

"I was able to locate her yesterday and…"

"Oh, thank God! Tell me where she is."

"It's not worth it, Isana. She's clearly not right in the head. She owns a gun, has suicidal thoughts, and she's trust me. I'm telling you now that she-"

Isana then slaps Merry hard across the cheek as Isana starts to cry.

"And you're just giving up on her?! Dead parents, lost probably the only other friend ever and you're saying it's okay to probably kill herself?! What the hell kind of message is that?!"

"Isana, calm down right now!" said Yumeji.

"I didn't m-mean it…" said Merry, now rolling a tear as well.

"I knew it…she has emotional issues and none of you thought to help her simply because of her appearance?" said Isana.

"We're real sorry, Isana…cross my heart…" said Merry.

"Just tell me where she is…we'll talk later."

"She lives in what looked like some sort of abandoned, slightly burned home."

Isana nods, "I think I know that home…thank you, Merry." she then runs quickly.

Yumeji tries to run after her, but Engi then stops him, "Let's trust her this time. Her courage is uplifting enough for her to save Chizuru."

Yumeji then gets a confident look on his face, "You're right. We should see how we go."

Merry looks onward as she stands up, "It's now or never, Isana…go help her…although…I hope we can still be able to be friends…" she thought.

Isana then runs outside, "Please, Kawanami, please…don't die! DON'T DIE!"

("Little Black Submarines" by The Black Keys starts playing in the background)

Little black submarines
Operator please
Put me back on the line

Told my girl I'd be back
Operator please
This is wrecking my mind

Oh can it be
The voices calling me
They get lost and out of time

I should've seen it glow
But everybody knows
That a broken heart is blind
That a broken heart is blind

Isana then starts to pant, "I don't care if I'm not a good athlete, I won't stop looking!" she said as she continues running again.

Treasure maps, fallen trees
Operator please
Call me back when it's time

Stolen friends and disease
Operator please
Patch me back to my mind

Oh can it be
The voices calling me
They get lost and out of time

I should've seen it glow
But everybody knows
That a broken heart is blind
That a broken heart is blind

(Song ends)

Isana is able to locate the house Chizuru resides in, as inside, Chizuru finds her revolver, and starts to aim it at her head, "Mom…Dad…I'm sorry I failed you…"

However, Isana is able to enter inside, "KAWANAMI, NOOOO!" she yelled as she would hug Chizuru from behind tightly and the gun falls down.

"Leave me be, Isana…I kept on—"

Isana then slaps her and cries, "Kawanami, don't even think of making yourself worthless, because you may be shy, but I knew you needed help from the beginning and…I know you can have a dream in the near future, just be thankful you didn't forget about me and just please, please, please…don't kill yourself…we'll hang out, live with us and you'll never suffer…"

"Isana…"

"Look at yourself…there's still time to recover."

"I don't know what to say…you're willing to give me a chance?"

"Yes…we all will."

Chizuru then starts to cry a bit, "I don't get it…when Merry came here, I acted like a cretin…not bothering to believe her at all and doubted myself because I thought she wouldn't care…she did care a lot and did it for you. She's actually a good friend…"

"She really is…and I slapped her back there…I just hope she'll be able to forgive me…"

"Maybe she'll forgive me, too…"

"So…as for you parents…"

Chizuru stays quiet for a bit, "Yes, they passed away… in a car crash…it's been traumatizing me since then…I went as far as cursing God Himself when I was at that orphanage. None of them looked concerned, though…they were too scared to even come close to me. I was able to raise myself, but only because I had no other choice…it just happened."

"That shows courage, though. You didn't just want to lay down and die."

"Like I said…no other choice. I just didn't care from now on. I didn't want to show any feelings whatsoever."

"But…back at the time we went to the beach…I recall you smiling a tiny bit at one point, when you revealed your swimsuit."

"I…admit it was I actually felt comfortable due to having company."

"Another thing I remembered; you teaching me how to swim better."

"I think I did…you know, talking with you…has actually made me feel better now…"

Isana then smiles, "You're now in the process to recovery, Kawanami. You'll be with us from now on."

"It could still be troublesome…I need to deal with your friends first, though…"

"You'll get the hang of it, there's still enough time…with all my heart, you'll be friendly and sociable, so give it a try."

Chizuru then hugs her and sniffs, "For you, I will."

"I'll take care of you...I'll help you in any way I can."

A couple of minutes later, Isana and Chizuru walk around the streets with Chizuru holding clothing bad that contain her clothes inside.

"I'll let you stay in my house. Hopefully Dad won't mind again." said Isana

"I've seen him before…is he a good person?" said Chizuru

"Just a little kooky at times, but he's cooler than you'd think."

"Yui was able to tell the teacher to excuse ourselves…can't really tell if that's a good or bad thing."

"Well, considering school ending in one week, it's not a total loss."

"You're right, no need to worry about that. And your Dad?"

"It's likely Yumeji or Merry told him already."

"Guess you're also going to have a keep Merry's Dream Demon thing a secret as well."

"Oh, that's easy. I'll just continue the act. Not a major difference."

Isana's phone then rings and she picks it up, "Yes?"

"Isana, turns out we might take a while to go home. We may have a location of a Dream Demon named Landsborough, and we're locating him right away." said Yumeji, being on the other line.

"Be safe, guys, I'm counting on you all! Also, one more thing…is Merry still mad?"

"Doesn't seem like it. Although I wouldn't be surprised if she'll release let it out in combat."

Isana then chuckles nervously, "What an energetic girl. Be careful, guys."

"Same goes to you and Chizuru." he then hangs up.

Isana then puts the cellphone back in her skirt pocket. "It's gonna need a little use to hear them fight for righteousness."

"Y-yeah…" Chizuru replied.

"Oh, I just noticed! There's no service at the STO today. Maybe we can hang out tonight since it's also Friday."

"No, it's okay…I just feel like I should relax today, after the troubled I caused, that is."

"Nah, no problem, you let your feelings out and you're now going to adapt being with us now. We could talk about our taste in music and movies, maybe share more personal secrets, it's just that wonderful!"

"Perhaps…" said Chizuru, and then thought, "I now see her everyday...I should be happy about this…but I still feel like I have butterflies on my stomach…"

Isana notices her concerned reaction and thinks, "She's still really shy…it's going to take a bit of a long while to bring her to her senses of simply moving on…"

Both of them arrive to Isana's home.

"Don't think I showed you inside. It seems a teensy bit cramped in, but it's still quite pretty." said Isana.

"It's not bad..." said Chizuru as she slowly sheds a tear and hugs Isana.

Isana returns the hug back, "It's a beautiful sight to you, isn't it?"

"An actual home…"

"Don't be afraid to cry, Kawanami…you'll never be alone anymore."

[2nd ending theme: "Blue and Yellow" by The Used]

And it's all in how you mix the two

And it starts just where the light exists
It's a feeling that you cannot miss
And it burns a hole through everyone that feels it

Well you're never gonna find it if you're looking for

It won't come your way, yeah
Well you'll never find it
If you're looking for it (Looking for it)

Should've said something but I've said it enough
By the way, my words were faded
Rather waste some time with you

Time with you…

Time with you…

Waste some time with you…

Waste some time with you…

Should've said something but I've said it enough
By the way, my words were faded
Rather waste my time with you

Should've done something but I've done it enough

By the way, your hands were shaking
Rather waste my time with you

Waste some time with you

Waste some time with you

Waste some time with you
Waste some time with you

Should've done something but I've done it enough
By the way your hands were shaking
Rather waste some time with you.

END OF EPISODE