8. Another side

As Elysia and Oberon sat on a park bench, the tranquil atmosphere was suddenly disrupted by the sound of light footsteps approaching. A cheerful yet enigmatic voice broke the silence.

"Ah, look who we have here. A strange pair who seem… not from around here."

The two turned to see a petite young girl with dark brown hair tipped with pink. Her hair was tied into two high pigtails with red ribbons, and a white-and-red kitsune mask perched askew atop her head. Her fluorescent pink eyes, adorned with butterfly-shaped pupils, regarded them with intense curiosity. A small floral tattoo graced her collarbone. The girl wore an ornately decorated outfit—a mix of traditional and futuristic styles—with small bells that jingled softly with her movements.

"Oh? Sitting quietly in a park? How boring. I nearly fell asleep just watching you," she said with a sly smile, her hands resting on her hips.

Oberon squinted, skepticism immediately crossing his face.

"And who are you, brat, sticking your nose into other people's business?"

The girl giggled, her tone theatrical, like an actress beginning her performance.

"Me? I'm Sparkle, a great artist and maestro of performance! A heroine with a thousand faces! But you can call me Sparkle because, well… everyone does." She bowed gracefully, the bells in her hair chiming gently.

Elysia smiled, clearly entertained by Sparkle's theatrics.

"Oh, Sparkle, you're bursting with energy! So, what brings you here?"

Sparkle straightened up, her smile shifting into a mischievous grin.

"I happened to notice you. Illegal travelers who've somehow snuck into the Dreampool without an invitation? That's quite intriguing."

Oberon raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"So, are you planning to report us or what? If so, get it over with. I don't have time for childish games."

Sparkle giggled again, waving her hand dismissively.

"Report you? How dull. I'm far more interested in seeing what you plan to do here. After all, this dream world could use a little drama, and you two seem like fascinating characters."

"Drama, huh?" Elysia chimed in, a small smile gracing her lips. "I can see that in you. You're like an actress always looking for a stage."

"Ah, such flattery! Thank you," Sparkle replied, pretending to blush before her expression turned serious. "But really, tell me… you're here for the *Watchmaker's legacy* too, aren't you?"

Elysia furrowed her brows.

"The Watchmaker's legacy? What do you mean?"

Sparkle sighed dramatically, as if explaining something elementary.

"Oh, you're completely lost, aren't you? In this dream world, there's a legend about the Watchmaker—the creator of this place. They say they left something incredibly valuable hidden within these dreams. Many come here seeking it, hoping for a miracle."

Oberon crossed his arms, staring at Sparkle coldly.

"And why bother telling us? Are you expecting something in return?"

Sparkle placed a finger to her lips, her grin widening.

"Not at all. I just want to see what you'll do. After all, I love entertainment, and you two seem like promising actors for this show."

Elysia tilted her head, intrigued, her gaze locked on Sparkle.

"You're quite strange, but I like the way you talk. How about we team up?"

Sparkle chuckled lightly.

"Oh, I'd rather be a spectator than an actor. But don't worry, I'll be watching you very closely. Make sure to put on a captivating performance, okay?"

Elysia smiled sweetly, brushing her hair back with a casual flair.

"Oh, Sparkle, you're such a delight. Is that all the 'theater maestro' has to say to us?"

Sparkle giggled and spun on her heels like a dancer on stage.

"Ah, one more thing. This dream world has so many sides. This park, this city—it's just a small piece of it all! There are other places, more exciting ones, with giant adorable creatures and puzzling spots like an endless theater stage. Interested in exploring? I could be the perfect guide!"

Elysia seemed intrigued, but before she could respond, Oberon cut in.

"Thanks for the offer, 'great guide,' but I have a policy of not trusting strangers, especially ones who seem to live for entertainment."

Sparkle gasped theatrically, covering her mouth as if scandalized.

"Oh, how cruel, Mr. Insect! I'm just trying to help, you know?" She stepped closer, her glowing eyes locking onto Oberon's. "But I suppose you prefer wandering on your own, sneaking into every corner like a thief in the dark?"

Elysia chuckled softly at that.

"That's just how he is. Don't take it personally, Sparkle."

Sparkle laughed loudly, leaping back with a graceful motion.

"No worries, I love complicated personalities. They add more color to my stage!" She twirled once more before starting to walk away.

"Oh, and if you change your minds, you know who creates the best fun around here. See you, you two fascinating oddballs!"

As Sparkle vanished into the crowd, she waved back at them.

"I'll be around. Don't hesitate to give me your best show, okay?"

Watching the girl disappear, Elysia glanced at Oberon with a meaningful smile.

"You know, she's right. We are quite the interesting pair."

"If you keep saying that, I might just report us myself to the guards."

Elysia's laughter rang out, wrapping the park in a light-hearted atmosphere contrasting the earlier tension.

She chuckled softly, glancing at Oberon. "Looks like we've found ourselves a loyal audience, Oberon. Ready for the show?"

"Hah. If she think she can use us for entertainment, she's going to be disappointed."

"Sure, Oberon~," Elysia teased, her tone playful. "But you have to admit, she pretty amusing."

Oberon merely scoffed as they turned their thoughts to their next move in this dream world full of mysteries.

Oberon stared at the spot where Sparkle had vanished, his mind torn between curiosity and caution. Rising from the bench, he caught Elysia's attention as she remained seated with a carefree smile.

"We can't just sit around forever. This world is clearly much bigger than this garden."

Elysia, accustomed to Oberon's way of thinking, tilted her head as she looked at him.

"So, you want to explore the place Sparkle mentioned? Didn't you say you didn't trust them?"

"I don't trust them. But if they're right about another side to this dream world, we need to see for ourselves. No use relying on someone who might have their own agenda."

Elysia stood, her hands clasped behind her back in her usual cheerful manner.

"All right, I get it. Besides, it's way more fun than just sitting around."

She lightly tapped Oberon's arm.

"You know, you could just admit you're curious too. No need to hide it."

Oberon gave her a deadpan look.

"Curious or not, I'm just making sure we don't end up stuck here aimlessly. Stop talking so much, flower girl."

Elysia chuckled softly, then began walking ahead of Oberon, waving her hand as if calling him to follow.

"Come on, Oberon~. This dream world won't wait for us!"

Reluctantly, Oberon followed, his eyes scanning every detail of their surroundings. Floating vehicles passed overhead, food stalls emitting enticing aromas lined the streets, and unique individuals walked by—each seemingly carrying their own story.

"Where do we start?" Elysia asked, looking back at him with a broad smile.

Oberon glanced at her briefly before looking toward a darker area, far from the bustling city center.

"Somewhere less crowded. We don't want to attract the guards' attention."

Elysia raised an eyebrow.

"You really know how to ruin a mood, don't you? But fine, I'll follow your 'brilliant plan.'"

With that, they ventured toward the quieter part of the city, entering alleys that seemed to mark the border between pleasant dreams and something more foreign, mysterious, and potentially dangerous.

Oberon stopped at the end of a deserted alley, raising his hand as he manipulated the dark energy around them. A crack began to form in the air, emitting a faint glow with a sound like glass on the verge of breaking. The crack widened, revealing a portal to an enigmatic space.

"Here it is," Oberon muttered, his eyes fixed on the growing rift.

Elysia, standing beside him, tilted her head in curiosity.

"You do love your theatrics, don't you? But wow… what is this?"

Oberon didn't answer, stepping cautiously through the portal. Elysia followed, her face alight with uncontainable curiosity.

As they crossed into the portal, the sight before them left them speechless. They stood in an infinite void, surrounded by floating objects—fragments of buildings, metal debris, and even bizarre items like antique chairs and open books suspended in mid-air.

"What is this...?" Elysia whispered in awe. "It's like an unfinished dream. Or maybe… a forgotten one?"

Oberon remained silent, his eyes scanning every corner of the space. He seemed more alert than awestruck.

"This isn't an ordinary place. It might be a part of the dream world we were never meant to access."

Before Oberon could stop her, Elysia had already darted ahead, running lightly as if she were a child in a playground.

"Look at this, Oberon!"

She pointed to a golden pillar floating nearby.

"This place feels like a world full of possibilities. I love it here!"

"Elysia, don't wander too far—"

Suddenly, the ground beneath Elysia vanished. She lost her balance, her body drifting toward the void below.

"Elysia!" Oberon yelled, his voice sharp with anger, as he quickly reached out to grab her. With lightning-fast reflexes, he caught her wrist and pulled her back to solid footing.

Elysia gasped for breath, her face pale.

"Ugh… that was close…"

"I told you not to run around. This isn't a playground, flower girl."

Elysia offered a weak smile, trying to lighten the mood.

"But… doesn't that make it more exciting? You can't deny this place is fascinating."

Oberon snorted, quickly withdrawing his hand.

"You'd be more fascinating if you didn't get yourself killed. Stay close to me and stop being reckless."

"All right, all right," Elysia replied, standing upright as her eyes sparkled with excitement despite the near-fall.

"But you have to admit, I make this journey more fun, don't I?"

"If that's what helps you sleep at night, flower girl. Now focus. We don't know what we're dealing with here."

The two continued cautiously but curiously, navigating the void filled with unknown dangers and wonders yet to be unveiled.

As they walked through the empty space, Elysia glanced at Oberon with a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. Her steps slowed slightly, as though she were waiting for the perfect moment to speak.

"Hey, Oberon," she called sweetly, catching his attention.

"What now, flower girl?" Oberon replied flatly, keeping his eyes on the path ahead.

Elysia moved closer, walking right beside him.

"I was just thinking… you were so attentive earlier, catching me before I fell. Maybe… you should hold my hand. You know, just in case I get clumsy again and need saving, right?"

Oberon paused briefly, staring at her in disbelief.

"Hold your hand? You're serious?"

"Of course," Elysia replied with a cheerful smile, wiggling her fingers as if offering them to him.

"Wouldn't it be safer? After all, I'm just a fragile girl."

Oberon snorted, crossing his arms with an expression that bordered on amused but was mostly exasperated.

"Fragile? You, the same person who unleashed an energy blast that nearly destroyed an entire dimension? Sure, very fragile."

Elysia giggled softly, her eyes glinting mischievously.

"Oh, so you noticed how strong I am? I'm flattered, Oberon."

"Forget it. If you fall again, that's on you."

But Elysia wasn't one to give up. She lightly hooked her arm around Oberon's, causing him to startle slightly.

"Well then, if you're too shy to offer your hand, I'll take the initiative. This is safer, isn't it?"

Oberon stared at her with an expression that was half-annoyed, half-resigned.

"I can't believe this. You really don't know when to stop, do you?"

"Of course not," Elysia said brightly.

"That's what makes me so charming, isn't it?"

Oberon sighed, but he didn't make an effort to pull away. Instead, he kept his gaze forward and said sardonically, "Fine. But don't run off again."

Elysia, her smile full of confidence, responded lightly,

"As long as you don't run, I won't either."

Oberon glanced at her briefly, his expression remaining stoic.

"Don't fall into the darkness here. If you do, I'm not coming after you."

"As long as you lead the way, I won't fall~," Elysia teased, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

Oberon sighed heavily, his voice tinged with exasperation.

"And don't let go. I don't want to get dragged into trouble again because of you."

Elysia chuckled softly, swaying their linked arms.

"As long as you hold on tight, I promise I won't let go. After all, I'm very reliable, aren't I?"

Oberon looked at her, his lips forming a thin line between frustration and the reluctant urge to retort.

"Sure. As reliable as someone I absolutely don't trust."

Elysia only laughed, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"And don't worry. I know you wouldn't let go of a sweet girl like me."

"A sweet girl?" Oberon muttered, his tone dripping with irony.

"You're really redefining the term."

With a cheerful laugh, Elysia continued walking, their lighthearted banter making the cold void feel a little warmer and more alive.