Chapter 4: Mysterious Happenings

Weiss' POV

I slowly walked into my chambers, extremely tired. It was 11 at night and I am ready to sleep like a baby. What a day… I had to bandage my injury from waking up because of that douche, learned more about these monsters from that detective, did my princess duties, announced the ball, passed out from a headache, and then more duties. Never a dull moment. Nope.

I was half tempted to not change out of my clothes and just go to sleep in my dress… but that will be very not princess like. I quickly stripped myself naked and placed the dirty laundry in the laundry chute near the door. I yawned and made my way over to my walk-in closet and grabbed my blue nightwear. Putting them on, I thought about the ball I planned for my people. Would it be too crazy to think that… that girl from my dream will come to it?

The plan was to recreate my dream in order to see if that mysterious person would show up at the ball like he did in my dream, so… maybe she'll appear too. It'd certainly be nice to dance with her for real and perhaps get to know her. Thanks to being a princess, I don't have the luxury of time to go out and make friends my own age. I was always limited to my servants who are older than me, but the relationships I have with them are strictly professional.

Going back to the plan though, I was surprised Fille didn't speak up about it, although, him being a good detective in my country, I am sure he knew the not so hidden motive behind it and just kept quiet for my sake. I shrugged to no one in particular and made my way to my queen sized bed. Sitting down, I looked at my Playstation Nexus that have been collecting dust on the counter under my flatscreen TV. I haven't touched the console in months as there hasn't been time for me to relax.

Gaming was a hobby of mine when I was younger. I didn't take my princess duties as seriously back then as I do now. Well… maybe just 10 minutes… and then I go to sleep. "Nexus, start." I said one of the voice commands and the console roared to life along with the TV. I reached underneath my bed to grab the controller as the console logged into my account.

Huh, looks like a beta of a game downloaded itself onto my console. "Nekogirl Online" A game that will be able to send you into this game world without fail. It appears to be a co-op game with a person and a very smart NPC that is a Nekogirl to fight giant monsters of some sorts. I scratched my head, wondering why this is a thing. Maybe if I have children, I'll let them play it, assuming this game is still active by then. As for me, no thanks.

I scrolled through my library of games and landed on a JRPG, Last Fantasy XX. Might as well do a race on those horsebirds for fun then go to sleep. "Nexus, load up recent save." I commanded the console.

Ring!

Ugh… Who would call at this hour? "Nexus, Mute sound." I quickly headed over to the counter where my smartphone was. Unknown number. Huh. I rarely ever get unknown numbers. Well, might as well entertain whoever is on the other side. I quickly swiped answer, put it on speaker, and then quickly sat back down on my bed to start a horsebird race.

"Speak to me." I was never one to say hello to any of my contacts, especially unknown numbers. If I had friends my age, I'd be more friendlier.

"Your highness, it is me, Fille."

Oh, the detective… How did he get my number? Wait, he probably has connections. Ah well, it is whatever. I'll let it go. He is helping me on these new monster problems and that mysterious man after all. I went into the second lap of my race before I decided to respond, "Detective, don't you know how late it is? What is so important that you needed to call me?"

"Before that, why did you take a while to respond. Busy?"

"Perceptive as ever. I am busy, but not the kind of busy you think. I am playing a videogame." I decided to answer truthfully. Not like he'll do anything with that information. There are a good number of citizens who knew about my hobby before I started ruling.

"A videogame? Does that mean you had time to relax?"

"If you call 10 minutes enough time to relax. Just a small session before I go into dreamland."

"I worry about you sometimes."

Sigh, why does he care? It is not like we're friends. If anything, it is a strictly platonic relationship. We'll probably never see each other again once we solve this problem anyways.

"I'll get my break once the ball is underway. Now, can you please get to the point?"

I hear him sigh from the other side. "First, this is probably irrelevant to the case, but have you seen or heard from a woman named Yuna Yume?"

Ah, the adventurer. What happened to her? I don't want to assume, but hopefully venturing into that Clock Tower for me didn't… kill her. I don't like the feeling of sending someone to their death. I felt that before and it was… very unpleasant.

"No. I haven't." I responded truthfully. "Let me guess, did one of my maidservants talk to you about my requests?" That's the only logical conclusion I can come up with as to why he would ask me that. I managed to finish the race in 1st place, earning some money to buy some items if I continue this game. "Before you answer, let me turn off my console."

He gave me the ok and I placed the controller underneath my bed. "Nexus, save and turn off." The console did just that and turned off along with the TV. I got up and grabbed my phone off the counter. I turned off the speaker and placed the phone to my right ear to talk normally. "Ok, done. Respond."

"Yes, you would be correct in your assumption. I questioned this girl before about the case and when I heard this, I grew concerned. I asked around and apparently nobody has seen her. She either vanished or... " I hear him trail him off, knowing what he was about to say. I sighed.

"Let's not think about that. I assume you have yet to check the Clock Tower?"

"Not yet. I will soon though. Perhaps I'll even figure out what the problem is with that Clock Tower for you. Free of charge." He offered to me. I can hear the sincerity in his voice. I thought about it for a moment. I am not one to accept offers that doesn't let me repay them. It doesn't feel right to me.

"Well, I appreciate your kind offer, but if you do this for me, I have to reward you. No buts." I told him. I can hear him chuckle softly before finally letting out a defeated sigh.

"Fine. If I finish this request of yours, I want the reward to be… a dinner at a fancy restaurant. How's that?"

I scoffed. That can be easily arranged. I expected more to be honest. Well, if that's what he wants, that's what I'll give him. "Sure. I can see the headlines now, The Princess of Snowtramine on a date with the great detective, Fille Beau. How bold of you…" I teased him.

"I-I assure you it is not a date! I just really want to eat some expensive food for once… and you could use some more time off away from the castle that isn't work related."

"You must really care about me… you sure this isn't a date?"

"P-Please stop… It really isn't…"

I giggled. It was so easy to tease him. For his sake, I'll stop. Still though, I am quite surprised that I will probably see him more often from now on. Perhaps this relationship of ours will not stay professional and maybe progress to… dare I say, friendship. That'd… be nice actually. Won't hold my breath though.

"Well we certainly gotten off topic. Heh. Now then, continue on. I believe you have something that's actually relevant to our case, right?" I asked, sitting back down on the bed. I can hear him clear his throat before he continued speaking.

"Right. Well a short while ago… I came across something pretty disturbing… I saw one of those monsters… kill a person."

...What? Seriously, what?! I got up from the bed, enraged. They already started killing my people? Un-fucking-believable! Whoever that bastard is, he is going to get what is coming to him. Gah, gotta calm down. Need to figure out more information… I breathed in and then let it out. "Ok… and what happened next?"

"Well, after they killed their prey, they eat them whole." He paused. I can hear his disgust from the other side. To be honest, I can't blame him. I am quite disgusted too. "Then… they turn into a giant monstrosity with… human like qualities… and their eyes are no longer those red swirls. They look like normal human eyes, just red."

I took in this information. So they essentially get stronger anytime they gobble up a human. In that case, they need to be stopped before then.

Whoosh

I gasped and looked to where I heard the noise, which was the window. I see a handprint that seemed to be made from the other side of the window, but no sign of the owner of that handprint. I quickly ran over and open the window. Poking my head out, I don't see anyone. Just tall trees. Also, this room is very high up with no ledges to let anybody peak in somewhat safely. So how did they peek in?

"Your highness, what happened?"

I scratched my head, confused. "I think I have a spy lurking around. I see a handprint on my window, but they shouldn't be able to peek in since there is no ledge."

"That is odd. I know the design of that castle and I agree that looking into your room is nigh impossible without some kind of makeshift ladder."

As he said that, I see something out of the corner of my eye shoot up into the sky at lightning speed. What was that?! And it was not too far off either. A… UFO? Hmm… I don't really believe in exterrestrials… so it was probably something else or I am simply imagining things because I am too fucking tired. Latter very possible.

"So, is that all?"

"At the moment, yeah. I just wanted to inform you of that."

"Well thanks for bringing me up to speed, detective." I closed the window. "I need to go to sleep. I don't think I can stay up any longer. If you find out anything more, please contact me at once."

"I will. Good night, your highness."

He hung up. I turned off my phone and put it back on the counter. I let out a big ass yawn and collapsed on my bed. Time to go to sleep. I got under the covers, laid my head on my comfy pillow and shut my eyes. Tomorrow I start planning for the ball… can't… wait… With that, I headed off to dreamland.

"W-Where am I?"

That was the question I asked myself. I was standing in midair… somehow… in a dark abyss of some sorts. Seriously, where the fuck am I? I feel like I've been in this scenario before… just recently in fact. Another weird stupid dream I'm having that seems to be really vivid.

Well, standing around like an idiot is not going to help matters, so best walk forward and see what I can find… assuming there is something in here. I marched forward. Onward and onward and onward. While I was doing that, I crossed my arms over my chest, thinking about what this dream reminds me of.

It had something to do with the clouds. In there I found… what exactly? Something golden…. And I believe somebody told me something important. Ugh, I don't remember… Why can't I remember?

"FUCK MY IMMORTAL LIFE! FUCKITY FUCK FUCK FUCK!"

Woah, that was a lot of F-bombs dropped. It sounded female and not too far away. I picked up my pace and ran towards the source. Not even 30 seconds later, I found the owner of the voice. It was a long black haired woman with bangs covering both her eyes. She wore black lipstick and all she seemed to be wearing was a black dress with spider web designs on it. Wow, gothic much?

She was behind a purple counter with the same kind of spider web design, slamming her fists onto it repeatedly. And right behind her was a big open black gate. I shiver as I see a dark mist escape from the open gate and disappear into the abyss… Whatever that is… it can't be a good thing.

"H-Hey. Uh… what happened?" I reached out to the woman. She stopped her childish tantrum and looked up at me. We both looked at each other for a good 20 seconds and I was starting to grow uncomfortable. Is she going to say something or what?

The gothic woman then scoffed and jumped over the counter. She was now a good foot or so away from me. Jesus, personal space, woman! I can feel the glare from behind those bangs of hers before she spoke. "What happened?! Hahahaha! What happened?! Well I'll tell you what happened, bucko!" She pointed towards the opened gate. "I was in charge of making sure this gate never get opened by people who are unworthy… and lo and behold, somebody managed to open it without me knowing! Now everything is escaping! Fuck me sideways!"

"Couldn't you just… close it now?" I asked, confused. She gave me a strange look as if the very question I asked was a stupid one.

"Well obviously if I could close it I would have done so already, but unfortunately sweet cheeks," She slammed her right hand on the counter, angry. "Until I have a specific 'key', I cannot close it and lock it. Gah, if only one of those key sword things actually work on this gate, it would make my life all the more easier… Locks and unlocks any lock my ass…"

I ignored the latter part of that sentence and chose to focus on the most important part. So she needs a specific kind of key to lock the gate behind her and prevent… whatever that dark mist is from escaping… I need more information.

"Wait just a cotton pickin' minute…" The woman blurted out suddenly, startling me. "How in the world did you get here?! Very few even have the qualifications to come here!"

I am having Deja vu all of a sudden. I feel as if I heard that line or something similar before. Well I am not sure how I ended up here. I can't control what I dream most of the time anyways. Should I even be taking all of this seriously?

"I do not know. I simply fell asleep and I found myself here. It is as plain and simple as that." I answered truthfully. The goth woman looked me up and down, as if my appearance will give her a more concrete answer. Then she tapped her chin in thought, looking up into… well the darkness.

"Hmm… well you don't appear to be lying. Is it ok if I check your memories? It will be a quick process, I need to confirm something." The woman suddenly being serious. Well I don't see why not. Anything is possible within a dream right? Might as well go along with it. I gave her a nod and she pulled out what appears to be a wand. She whispered a cantation for a spell of some kind and tapped my forehead with the wand. I blinked. I didn't feel anything and I didn't see anything come out of the wand. She had her eyes closed, concentrating. 10 seconds later, I see her eyes widen, surprised.

"Ah! I see now." She pocketed her wand, giving me a big grin. "No wonder you got here. You also met my brother I see. Still the hot-headed jackass. Nice to meet ya, White Confidence." She giggled. I rolled my eyes in response. Please don't call me by my literal translated full name. Also, I met her brother? Really? Where? I feel like I know, but where? Well before that, I'll ask a more important question.

"So… how did I get here exactly?"

"Well I can't tell you everything… at least right now. What I CAN tell you is that you are in the Nightscape. A place where all Nightmares are kept. Heheheh… scary huh?" The woman explained to me, grinning from ear to ear. I crossed my arms, taking in this information. It is certainly interesting, but am I scared? Well, no. I don't feel threatened, at least not yet anyways.

"Right, with who am I talking to, of course not." The woman facepalmed. "Oh how rude of me. I haven't even introduced myself! My name is Dayna Evans." She held out her right hand and I hesitantly took it in mine for a shake. Getting back to the information she told me though. I feel like it might be related to the problem I have in the real world as well as a dream I was in just yesterday night.

"So, am I correct in assuming you don't know who opened the gate?" I asked.

"While I didn't see it, I have an inkling as to who the criminal is. Too bad I can't really stop him. I am stuck here and can't leave… like ever. This is like my own personal hell. I am trapped here for all eternity." Dayna sighed. "Thems the breaks I suppose."

"C-Could it be…"

Dayna just shrugged in response. "Possibly. Either way, this spells bad news for the real worlds. Letting out the Nightmares just causes a mass Nightmare Apocalypse across all worlds. No one will be able to escape their fears. Just the thought brings chills down my spine."

"Is there anything I can do?" I asked. It is becoming my problem and I would like to take care of it ASAP.

"Well yeah. But, you lack a certain weapon at the moment. You have the potential, but you don't have the means. You can't go saving the universe without the means to an end, sweet cheeks!" Dayna laughed and I growled in frustration. So apparently I do not have the correct weapon to deal with this evil. Just what is this weapon?

"Then, at the very least, can you tell me what this weapon is and where I can find it?"

"I am sorry. That is something you need to figure out on your own." Dayna then placed a hand on my shoulder and looked at me square in the eyes… well my one eye anyways as the other is… covered up by my eye patch.

"Weiss, I wish you luck. This is how your real story begins…" She then puts something in my right hand. I held it up and looked at it. It appeared to be a crow's feather tied to a small string of rope. Confused, I looked at her for clarification. The woman just shook her head, instantly telling me that I am not going to get an answer from her.

"Hang on to that. You'll know what to do with it when the time comes." Dayna summoned a lever to her side and I felt the sudden need to brace myself. "Now I do believe you have a new day to greet. See ya next time, amigo!"

"NO!"

My objection went ignored and she pulled on the lever. A dark monster like hand came out from under me and grabbed me. I struggled against its grip but to no avail as it began spinning me around in circles. Few seconds later I was tossed into the air at high speed, screaming my head off.

I woke up, gasping. Sweat was pouring down my face as I looked at the time. It was 6:40 AM and the sun was peeking into my room. I sighed… another dream… that I do not remember at all. Jesus christ. I was about to get up when I felt something. W-Wait… what is in my hand? There is definitely something that shouldn't be there. I brought my right hand up to my face and loosened my grip on the object.

"A crow's feather on some small rope?" How did that get there? I don't remember going to sleep with it. Did someone plant it on me? I scratched my left cheek in thought. For some reason, I feel like keeping this thing, whatever it is. Well, for the time being, I could just use it as a fake lucky charm. I don't know what else to do with it…

"Gah, I'll think more on this and that dream I do not remember later. New day, more work." I tossed the covers off of me and went to get myself ready.

Emma's POV

After Weiss' announcement

The bell ringed, signalling that lunch break was over and it was time to head back to our next assigned class. I pulled off the headphones and logged out of the computer. I leaned back against the chair, not believing that I just dreamed of something that will happen in the future. Well, actually… If I don't go, then that changes things. But do I have any reason not to go? I don't have plans this Saturday. Every night I am just hunting food for my family. I am sure they can hunt food on their own. They are wolves after all. They might miss me, sure, but I can't always be with them.

"Guess that's fine." I muttered to myself as I got up and headed out the library. I'll get to dance with the beautiful princess after all possibly. And if that guy shows up… well… I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

"Hey Emma!"

Ah, Jessica. I look behind me and sure enough, I see the small, cute redhead power walk towards me. I am quite surprised she is talking to me a lot today. I mean, we aren't friends… at least I don't think so. But I wouldn't be opposed to being friends with her. She's nice.

"Yo, Jess. What up?" I gave her a friendly greet. We walked together to our next class, which was Physics class. I think I am barely passing Physics and since the school ends next week for us seniors, that means I have to do somewhat decently on final exams if I want to graduate. I would hate to be held back a year and disappoint everyone I am acquainted with.

"Did you hear the announcement from Princess Weiss? A ball! And everyone of us are invited to it! Ah I knew Weiss was a nice ruler, but I didn't know how nice!" Jessica said to me excitedly. I can only giggle at how cute she was being. "Her father was a nice ruler too, but I feel like she is much better, she really does care about Snowtramine and the people in it."

"Yeah she is isn't she?" I smiled. I have nothing but admiration and respect for the princess to be perfectly honest… obvious attraction aside. "Hope you and your boyfriend have fun."

"You're not going, Emma?" Jessica looked at me, confused.

"Oh I am going. I got nothing better to do. I am hoping to have a dance with the princess…" I decided to tell her for the heck of it. I trust her well enough.

"Pfft… Good luck with that." Jessica slapped me on the arm playfully. "You don't know if she's even into girls."

True. I don't know her sexuality. But I won't know until I try. At worst I'll get turned down. It is not like she is homophobic, otherwise she would be the biggest hypocrite for legalizing gay marriage, but is still against gays.

We entered our Physics class and parted ways so we can go to our assigned seats. The teacher has yet to arrive. Nothing too special today, just more review for our final exams for those that care to listen. I certainly don't. I'll just review my notes back in my cave and hope for the best. Study all night if I have to.

Wish I can nap in class, but the teacher would just throw chalk at me for that kind of behavior. So I stared out the window instead. I started thinking about what to do after graduation. I don't have any scholarships or any kind of money to go to college. I would if I stayed with my parents… but I ran away from them for good reason.

I can't live in that cave forever. I have to move on. I would need to get a decent job as far as a high school diploma would get me. Then once I get enough money, I can hopefully find a decent place to stay… perhaps even find "Mrs. Right". I have a long road ahead of me, regardless of what I do. I am probably one of the poorest, if not the poorest student in school.

"Good afternoon class." I didn't bother turning to look at the teacher. "We'll be reviewing for your final exams coming next Tuesday. For those worried about their grades, I strongly advise that you pay attention to this review. If you don't care, then do something productive, but don't bother others."

And I won't do that. Allow me to stare at the scenery in front of me for the next hour or so. Do your boring review without this useless girl over here. The scenery I was currently looking at is just the courtyard, couple of trees, a little koi pond, and a bench.

At least I can watch the koi fish swimming around. I am not easily amused, but better than staring at nearly unmoving scenery for an hour and being totally bored shitless.

...Huh? Some 15 minutes later and I see something I didn't expect come into view. A purple haired teenage girl in what appears to be a lab coat and boots walked limply towards the koi pond. I turned to look at my classmates to see if they see her, but all of them were just taking notes. The teacher was too busy writing on the chalkboard to notice either. I turned back to look at the mysterious girl and she was currently looking at the koi fish.

I leaned in a little closer to get a good look at this girl. I am not too sure but… her skin looks… really pale… like deathly pale. Her eyes… I am not sure what color they are… but they look clouded. What happened to this girl? Is she… no… I don't think she is one. If she was… she would be acting more differently and would probably go after everybody in here.

I decided not to make a commotion just yet and stare at the girl some more. I see her kneel down and fetched a koi fish out of water with little to no effort. My eyes widened as I see her tear into it hungrily as if she hadn't had a meal in a long time. Once again, I looked back towards my classmates and teacher to see if they see what I see. Nope, they were still preoccupied.

I fidgeted uncomfortably in my seat and looked back at the strange girl. To my surprise I see her stare at me from her spot by the pond. The koi fish's skeleton was on the ground. Not a single bit of flesh left. I froze, my body refusing to move a muscle as we stared each other down. My blue eyes to her cloudy eyes.

After what seemed like minutes, she finally turned around and walked a bit faster off towards the exit of the courtyard as if I spooked her. Now I am even more confused. This was totally unexpected. She doesn't seem like a zombie… kinda looks and acts the part… but when she saw me, she didn't immediately go after me like I was food to her. This is worrisome.

"Uh, teacher!" I spoke up to get his attention. He groaned and turned to look at me. "I need to go to the bathroom real quick… Can I please?"

"Fine. Go."

I quickly got up from my seat and headed out the room. I quickly glanced around. I don't see any hall monitors or anybody in the hallway. Thanking my luck, I quickly exited the building and headed near the courtyard. I need to see if she was a zombie or not. I knew I was taking a big risk in both my life and possibly getting detention for skipping class, but I had to find out.

"H-Hello?" I called out as I looked around near the courtyard.

No answer. If she was a zombie, I don't think she can speak anyways. All they can do is make weird deathly groans… or even growl. At least, to my zombie knowledge. She couldn't have gotten far. I decided to traverse further outside and into the parking lot of the school.

I looked and looked and looked as quickly as I could around the cars, but I still couldn't find her. Where did she walk off to so fast? Damn.

"Emma?"

I quickly turned around and see Jessica made her way towards me. "What are you doing here, Jess?" Dammit, I got caught. Well, hopefully she won't rat me out or worse we both get caught by someone patrolling the perimeters and we get detention.

"I could ask the same to you. I also called for a bathroom break since I knew you weren't actually going to go to the bathroom. You look like you were… worried about something. What are you trying to find?" Jess looked at me, eyebrow arched. "And don't lie, cause I'll know."

How do I explain this without sounding totally crazy? Beating around the bush isn't going to help matters… Uh…

"I was staring out the window and I saw a purple haired girl in a lab coat go to the koi pond and ate a fish. She saw me and fled so I came out here to see if I can find her…" I left out the part where I was trying to see if she was a zombie or not. It is not like I am totally lying about it. Jess looked at me funny, like she wasn't completely buying it.

"And why would you chase after an intruder like that? Don't you know that is dangerous?"

"Well duh, but…"

Jess sighed and grabbed my arm. "Come on, let's go before we both get into trouble. Your lucky I like you well enough." She mumbled quietly before yanking me along with her. I groaned, accepting my fate. Guess I'll never know who that was. I gave one last look at the parking lot before heading back to school.

The deathly pale girl crawled out from underneath one of the cars. Her pursuer was gone. She slowly got up, careful not to fall over thanks to how weak her body was. Groaning softly, she looked around to see if the coast was clear. There didn't appear to be anybody.

"..."

Fighting against her instincts, she walked off the school campus.