Chapter 10 – The Dreamscape

Embrace the dance. Uncover the threads. Tapestry. Cosmic loom. Finding Cagalli.

After losing Cagalli in the frozen lake, Athrun found himself grappling with five persistent thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling that the words of Mwu and Murrue held a connection to Cagalli's disappearance. Despite his disbelief, he couldn't fathom her sudden vanishing.

Unaware of any lurking shadows, he pressed on, tracing what he believed to be Cagalli's path. However, the once-clear sky had now given way to a relentless snowfall.

Standing at the edge of the frozen lake, panic tightened its grip on Athrun's heart. The icy expanse stretched endlessly before him, devoid of any sign of Cagalli. With determination overpowering his fear, he steeled himself. Carefully, he ventured onto the frozen surface, his boots creating delicate echoes.

Cracks formed beneath Athrun's weight, sending shivers down his spine. He proceeded cautiously, his eyes scanning the treacherous ice for any sign of Cagalli's presence. The frigid air bit at his exposed skin, but the urgency of the situation fueled his perseverance. Athrun's breath formed frosty clouds as he gently called out her name, the echoes bouncing off the icy surroundings.

Having traversed the frozen lake without finding any trace of Cagalli, Athrun faced the relentless Arctic winds that whispered secrets of the ancient landscape. As he ventured further into the wilderness, the winds intensified, carrying eerie murmurs that seemed to guide him.

Athrun couldn't shake the feeling that a shadow had been following him. In this dire situation, he couldn't help but recall the story shared by Kira. "Don't tell me that the Arctic Wraith really exists," he thought, his mind racing with uncertainty.

Just then, he felt someone grab him from behind—there was no hint or a footstep. When he turned, he was shocked to see a young man, almost his age, with green hair.

The Aurora Sanctum emerges as a testament to technological advancement, surpassing its predecessor with enhanced facilities. Nestled on one of Orb's serene islands, it stands as a beacon of hope and a hub for dream exploration. Its outer shell boasts a gleaming, metallic finish, adorned with intricate designs that blend elegant aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering. While its overall structure evokes the streamlined elegance of the Archangel, it exudes an evolved sophistication.

Conceived and crafted within Orb's borders, the Aurora Sanctum houses the latest innovation—the Dreamscape. This visionary addition, conceived by Orb's finest minds, revolutionizes dream exploration. Within its interior, state-of-the-art facilities await, where advanced holographic interfaces seamlessly merge with dream exploration technology. Notably, the Dreamscape Navigation Chamber represents a pinnacle of innovation. Here, sophisticated technology guides dreamers through the intricate layers of their subconscious. Holographic projections within this chamber unveil elaborate dreamscapes, aiding navigators in their journey through the realms of the mind.

The Dreamscape boasts specially crafted dream pods that seamlessly blend comfort with futuristic sophistication. Within these pods, dreamers discover a tranquil haven, fully immersing themselves in the vibrant experiences of the dreamscape. Stepping into a dreamscape pod evokes a sensation of entering a realm of infinite potential. Its sleek, futuristic interior surrounds one with smooth lines and softly glowing panels, enveloping them in an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. As one reclines on the plush bedding, a sense of wonder fills them, eager to embark on the journey ahead.

Above the head, monitors softly hum with activity, displaying a mesmerizing array of images and patterns that continuously shift and evolve. Connected to an intricate network of sensors, these monitors track brainwaves and vital signs, guiding one on a voyage into the depths of the subconscious. With each breath, one feels themselves slipping further into a state of profound relaxation, poised to explore the boundless landscapes of the dreams.

However, as a prototype, there remain many uncharted territories yet to be explored within the Dreamscape.

Kira, Lacus, Yzak, Shiho, Meer, Meyrin, and Lunamaria found themselves suddenly disconnected from the dreamscape, a wave of disorientation swept over them. Their surroundings blurred momentarily, leaving them bewildered and confused.

In the midst of their confusion, Murrue and Mwu materialized before them, their presence bringing a sense of familiarity and reassurance.

"What's happening?" Kira asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Murrue's gaze held a solemn understanding as she spoke. "You've been disconnected from the dreamscape," she explained. "But fear not, for this is all part of the project."

Lacus furrowed her brow, trying to make sense of the situation. "But why? What's the purpose of all this?"

Mwu's expression remained enigmatic as he replied, "Relax everyone. Try to remember first what is real and not."

Everyone fell silent.

"Seems like while you were there, your consciousness was connected to the dreamscape and no one has remembered why they were sent there. Rest for today while you wrap your head around what is happening and try to remember as hard as you can."

Everyone nodded.

Mwu and Murrue left them and went back to the Command Center.

"Report."

"He's entered the Ice Abyss," Mirialla reported, her eyes focused on the screens displaying Athrun's progress.

Murrue, standing beside Mwu, scrutinized the data. "He's now in the second level of the dreamscape," he replied.

Murrue pondered, "Do you think we can assist them in the dreamscape?"

Mwu sighed, a hint of concern in his voice. "What we can do is guide them. The outcomes will be shaped by their own choices. Athrun has to recollect everything. As for Cagalli, she's descended to unchartered terrain of the dreamscape. Unfortunately, we've lost track of her."

"They need to figure out that they were within the dreamscape. Otherwise, they will be lost in this intricate maze of the mind," she added with a sense of urgency. I'm worried about the rest. It seemed like nobody remembered their mission. They are still confused. Let's give them more time to sort things out," Murrue replied.

Mwu nodded.

As they continued to monitor the unfolding events within the dreamscape, Mwu couldn't help but express his concern. "This dreamscape seems more complex than anything we've encountered before. Are we sure they can navigate through it?"

Murrue nodded, acknowledging the challenge. "They have the potential, but the dreamscape reflects their inner struggles. It won't be easy. We need to trust them. Only then can they both wake up from this shared dream."

From the monitor projecting Athrun's dreams, they saw Athrun traversing the frozen landscapes of the Ice Abyss.

"He's confronting his memories, facing his regrets. This is a crucial step. It is hard for anyone to face their regrets, fears and guilt."

Murrue remained vigilant, her gaze fixed on the screens. "And Cagalli? Any sign of her?"

Mwu shook his head. "Not yet. She's navigating a different layer, one that seems elusive even to our monitoring systems."

Somewhere in the dreamscape which the monitoring system failed to capture, Cagalli found herself in a dreamscape within a dreamscape. The surroundings shifted unpredictably, mirroring the ever-changing nature of her aspirations and fears. Lost in this enigmatic realm, she sensed a presence—a whisper in the wind, a silhouette in the shadows.

A/N: Hello everyone! AsuCaga may be an older fandom, but the fans went wild after their canonization. As one fellow fan put it, we're no longer Orb babies, but loyal Orb citizens. XD As a writer, I would like to think that I have learned some stuff about world building and not toss random things together like my writings 15 years ago. Regardless, I'll catch you all in Book 2: Dreamscape. Ciao for now!

29.03.2024, Shadowclite