Chapter 1: For us.

Warm Dream: Nationhood

What is the difference from dreams and reality,

but chains and pain?

Volume 1: First year

Chapter 1: For us.

South coast of the province of La Quilla – Manecia Republic

The dripping of the sink echoed in the room in the middle of the night, and she looked at the reflection.

What was once a magnificent temple of God and his worshipers was now nothing more than a shadow among the abundant vegetation of the humble village; a shadow that raised its columns dragged by the roots of the ground.

Despite this, it seemed that the church still kept some of its purposes: it sheltered members of the community, victims of diseases, in blankets and sleeping bags.

No matter how much she cleaned her face, the makeup as black as her thin eyes continued to slide down her cheeks. In the abandoned bathroom, the young Yong Haeri was bothered by this while she looked for a napkin and checked her neck.

Distressed, she gave a long sigh and looked back at the worn mirror in front of her. The smell of dust and moisture did not bother her at all.

Haeri: “He's taking a while…”

By accident, she dropped the last towel in the sink, which now swam in dirty water and dark inks.

Haeri: “Shit! …Ah, always me.”

She used her own black sweatshirt as a remedy.

Her dull appearance would make anyone think that she had just woken up. They wouldn't think that she was a young foreign girl surviving a catastrophic plane crash, now lost in a completely unknown country.
It was only a few weeks ago when she sat comfortably in the soft seats of the airplane, looking out the window at the blue sky while sharing with his friends and family the excitement of a school trip abroad, especially to such an unknown and mysterious country.

Haeri smiled sarcastically at the thought of such weird comparisons, though her face quickly changed to a mortified expression again. She was still lost in her memories, after all.

The scar was still fresh, proof of the incident that turned her life upside down. And no matter how hard she tried, the ink wouldn't come out.

Haeri: “W-What are we supposed to do from now on?” She muttered to herself as she explored every corner of her mind for answers, lulled by the feeling of melancholy at losing her friends and loved ones so recently.

There was still someone else. She had someone else who suffered the same grief as her, although now absent.

Haeri: “Gitta, hurry up. Come quickly…” She shook her head to the side.

The person she longed for was Gitta Vintana, an American boy who, like her, had survived the tragic accident. Although she herself would not describe him as a simple acquaintance, but as the person she had fallen in love with since her high school days.

A spark of nostalgia made her remember for a brief moment the moment she met him for the first time, which only made her feel more anxious.

Haeri: “Maybe I should have accompanied him to look for my phone... How could I lose it just now?”

Her mind kept wandering, jumping from one idea to another. She could not explain the reason among the confusion born of the events that had occurred.

The rustling of dry leaves and the creaking of aged wood joined the soundtrack of the environment. Soon, what was a weak tinkling of drops became the scandal of a torrential rain perceived through the dusty windows.

It was difficult to discern between one noise or another. The young woman tried, and thought she heard voices.

Haeri: “He’s here!?” She gasped excitedly.

She pushed aside the chair that had blocked the bathroom door, rolled up her sweater, picked up her eyelash paint, and headed out into the outer hallways as quickly as she could.

A twenty-meter corridor that divided her section from the main hall of the temple. If it weren’t for the light that came through the grates on the sides, she wouldn’t have been able to see where she was walking between the gray walls.

Unknown voice: “What’s going on!? Where to—!? WHAT IS THAT—!?”

In the distance, voices could be heard, wrapped in an anxiety like her own, to a certain degree indistinguishable among the heavy rain.

Haeri: …

Walking more cautiously, she continued through the corridor, convincing herself that it was just her imagination.

A hint of illumination revealed the stage and the multiple silhouettes scattered on the floor of the main hall. Long pieces of furniture had been arranged to accommodate the sick who lay there prostrate, motionless, forming a sombre picture far from the immaculate image of the holy chamber.

Haeri: “(They're alive, aren't they? Heh).”

The young woman herself was surprised at her own mood in such circumstances. And the occasional coughs of the bodies answered the question.

She had also forgotten her mask, so she used her sleeve to cover her mouth while carefully avoiding the patients.

Once she reached the entrance, she opened the large doors with some difficulty.

Haeri: “Uh…”

She immediately retreated. It was not her companion Gitta who was on the other side of the door. In fact, there was no one.

However, in the distance silhouettes could be seen running back and forth between the rain, the wind and the trees of the forest. One of them was heading towards the entrance of the temple.

It was a blond boy who took off his broken glasses, agitated. His name was Alon, the person who guided her to the temple in the first place days ago.

Alon: “HA! C-COME IN AND CLOSE THE DOOR!”

Haeri: “…!”

She was trying to understand what was happening. Her ideas were already mixed together, they became more confused with the unexpected visit.

The clothing of the young man in front of her showed tears, soaked with multiple dark stains wherever he was seen.

Not knowing what to do, she simply backed away with staggering steps, frowning, which the young man would take advantage of to finally enter and close the entrance doors as he had ordered, but–

Strangers: “W-Wait! Hah!”

A woman and her child were desperately running towards the entrance of the temple.

They cared little if they had been heard or not, they just climbed the steps to reach the place without thinking twice, causing the woman to stumble due to her own distraction. The child, on the other hand, had managed to climb successfully.

Seeing this, the young blond man stopped and turned to Haeri. A tormented expression.

It took him a second like an eternity to decide to go out on his own and thus help the woman.

An inevitable responsibility, right?

Alon: “H-Haeri! Get the–! Guh!”

The moment he had set foot outside the sacred place, he had been lost to the girl's sight; Alon's body had been pushed against one of the church's pillars with such magnitude that the sound that emanated from it would be mistaken for a truck crashing at high speeds.

His body, now in a fetal position, lay motionless on the ground of the entrance.

Haeri: “…!”

The boy had stumbled upon such a scene, and the woman was still awkwardly getting up to reach him.

When Haeri raised her trembling gaze, she first glimpsed the woman who was now begging for mercy.

The loud screams were cut off, making sounds not unlike that of a drowning person.

They had been caused by someone, or something else.

Indistinguishable figures blended into the night. One, peeled off from Alon's body. The others, stalked the woman as well as other passersby in the distance.

His mind was hopelessly scattered. Haeri intended to help the little boy up.

On instinct she fled without him into the church.

Child: “M-Mommy! MOMMY! AH! Ma–!”

The frantic beating of her heart reverberated in her ears as she continued to escape on her own.

The sound of shrill screams of agony and the crunching of bones formed a cacophony of horrors that ran through her guts.

-[Ø]-

Haeri: “AH! HA! Guh! NO! AH!”

In the middle of the night, furniture and vessels were flying against the temple walls like mere trinkets in a whirlwind.

The most primitive of thoughts crossed her mind, and no other. Escape. She couldn't think of anything else.

The enormous creature behind her had entered the chambers without even flinching at the images of the saints. Any obstacle in his path seemed insignificant, unlike the young woman who stumbled on her way to the passages.

The sick, standing witnesses, their foreheads obscured by the shadow of the windows, witnesses of the disaster occurring in the great hall.

Perhaps Haeri had seen said scene in the midst of her predicament, or her eyes were deceiving her once again. Instead, her attention was drawn by what looked like a babbling, bearded giant.

Haeri: “Gsk! Ah!”

The echo of her own footsteps resonated between the walls of the church. Her heart beat in her chest with such overwhelming force that it hurt. While the tall shadow loomed over her like a hungry quadruped.

Every corner became a labyrinth that led nowhere. Even hiding inside one of the rooms would be in vain, right? Anyone would know well that there would be no way to stop the amorphous thing that lurked.

A guttural roar could be heard in every corner, getting closer and closer. The young woman felt the vibrations on her neck, not knowing the true distance that separated them.

Haeri: “Ah-!”

The girl lost the feeling of solid ground on her feet.

Without realizing it, a group of steps awaited her around the corner of the hallway. And without time to react, her body was already rolling on the hardness of the concrete until it ended up inside one of the entrances.

Haeri: “Gh! Cough! Cough! Tsk…”

With trembling arms, the young woman slowly rose from the dusty floor as she wiped the sweat and tears from her face. She caught her breath with heavy breaths as much as her body allowed her.

Her dark surroundings, a kind of cellar filled with ancient golden objects.

It seemed that her sudden mishap had made the thing lose sight of her, although that achievement had cost her painful bruises on her back and limbs.

Haeri: “Ah…!”

However, her moment of calm had been interrupted by that horrible growl again.

She covered her own mouth to remain silent.

The door had closed due to her forced entry, perhaps it still did not know that she was hiding inside, nor did she know if it was the same creature or something worse. What was clear was her lack of intention to find out.

Looking everywhere, Haeri ran and frowned until she glimpsed a green light that indicated the exit of that warehouse. Fortunately, the door didn't seem to be locked. Instead, if you have pushed it aside, you could have seen the torrential rain flooding outside.

The silence of the warehouse was gone, only the rain hitting everything, and something else.

Unknown: “JANE! ... JIMMY!”

A man soaked to the ground was shouting to the sky.

Unknown: “Hey! H-Hey! You!”

He had noticed Haeri in the distance, but she ignored his calls, preferring to run in opposite directions, so, without looking back for a single moment, she left the lonely man and his lament in the middle of the deluge.

A long moment passed before she began to regain her sanity and pay attention to her surroundings.

Haeri: “Ah! ... Ah.”

Her breathing had already become heavy, and her pace slowed. Under the rain that lashed her face, she couldn't find a way to orient herself. The young woman had run through narrow passages between the houses in the neighborhood without any fixed direction, thinking that that thing was still stalking her among the plantations.

She had never run so much before, not even in her high school days, but the adrenaline was beginning to disappear while the over-exhaustion was showing itself more and more honestly.

Haeri: “Gah… Ah…”

She had reached her limit, and was about to collapse on the asphalt if it weren't for a sudden crash that stopped her.

It wasn't a wall or another light post, but a person. And it seemed like she was saying something.

Gitta: “What-? Haeri? What's wrong?” The stressed boy asked, his voice drowned out by the deafening noise of the rain on the roofs.

Dropping the umbrella he carried with him, he held the young woman by the shoulders.

She was still breathing heavily, her words stuck in her throat as she struggled to keep her shaking legs from giving way. Even though her mind was spinning in a mix of confusion and panic, she was able to recognize the voice that spoke to her, and she immediately hugged the black coat he was wearing.

The person she had been waiting for so long was now in front of her; Gitta Vintana, one of the survivors.

Haeri: “G-Gitta…! Gitta!” She repeated while clinging to him.

The boy's eyes widened, trying to understand the reason behind the desperate urgency.

A robbery, a stalker, an accident… Or even a joke. Indeed, the young man knew her strange humor. Under different circumstances he would not have taken the situation seriously enough, however, that thought did not cross his mind for a single moment, nor did it allow him to hesitate for a single second; because he had noticed the bruises and cuts on the girl's arms and neck.

Frowning and looking up, he turned to all the passages and paths he could find between the houses, looking for any approaching threat.

There was nothing, and no one else.

He held her tightly.

Gitta: “L-Let's get out of here! Let 's go!”

-[Ø]-

Two hours earlier.

Hotel La Qosta

A few kilometers away, the well-known hotel “La Qosta” could be seen, located near the shores of the ocean in the province of La Quilla; a two-story building built with wood from the tropical nature born in the area, which gave it an attractive vacation air for the enjoyment of any tourist.

From the second floor of the hotel, “This is the reason I would have liked to have” thought the young man Nisha Quinto, while admiring the beauty of the blue waves of the sea, which took turns one by one to reflect the white light of the half moon.

Nisha: “Ah, come in.”

Her trance had been interrupted by the knock on her door, so he quickly arranged the sheets on his bed to receive the visitor.

The young woman who entered was Izzy Rylee. There was no way to confuse her. Her voluminous black Bob-style hair, and eyes as clear as the moon that night, reminded him of the scene he had just seen.

For her part, she was massaging her own ailing temple. Without bothering to take off her sneakers, she sat next to the boy on the long bed, resting her neck on the headboard and thus sharing the tranquility of the scene.

Izzy: “Hm…” She sighed softly, her gaze lost in the ceiling. She had removed her glasses and put away the notebook she carried with her.

It was a cozy room without a doubt. The walls made of decorated wood gave it a rustic, warm and homely appearance, a settlement that they obtained thanks to the conversations between Izzy and the owner of the place.

A refuge.

Izzy: “I would prefer that Garwin be the one in charge of these dialogues –she turned her gaze towards the boy, who could not reciprocate upon seeing such beautiful clear eyes.”

Nisha: “Uhm… Is everyone else okay?”

Izzy: “You don't need to ask about them, they have gone out for a walk to see the town.”

Nisha: “Heh” He smiled in relief, relaxing his shoulders “There… There is a lot we haven’t seen. That’s for sure.”

Izzy: “The real question is if you’re okay.”

Nisha: “…”

The Republic of Manecia. This was the name of the island nation they were all currently on. In the heart of the vast Atlantic Ocean; a land of natural splendor and diversity.

From the majestic peaks of the province of Acracia where cold forested mountains rose imposingly towards the sky, to the valleys, massive lakes and lush forests of the province of Loa, Manecia presented itself as a mosaic of climates and scenery where an amalgam of traditions and beliefs could be found no matter where one decided to go. So massive that it was difficult to categorize it as an island.

However, despite being such an earthly paradise, its stories from the past stained its reputation. Human conflicts are found wherever humans exist, and Manecia was no exception. A history of internal conflicts characterized each province in a particular way. The now non-existent capital, Matria, was living proof of this.

Seeing the boy's pensive expression, Izzy got out of bed and leaned against the sliding window frame. Her eyes fixed on the same waves he saw.

The province of La Quilla was one of the few areas that were not affected by the flames of disorder and chaos.

It was to be expected, due to its self-proclamation as an "independent land". Its people were known for their chivalrous values ​​promoting honor, resolution, diligence and courage. A society different from the others, which would not be found equal in the nation, and which at the same time distanced them from everything.

This coastal area built its settlements on the water as if its inhabitants expressed their desire to get away, but still connected by docks and bridges for their secluded daily coexistence.

Izzy appreciated these details as she observed the exterior carefully. Even as residents of the nation, they had gone unnoticed. It wasn't the first time.

Nisha: “A lot of things have happened…”

Izzy: “And not many of them in our favor.”

Nisha: “It wasn't long ago that we were studying at the Institute with our friends. All of them.”

Izzy: “…”

The ideas of freedom and peace are simple and complex at the same time. You'd expect that to be what anyone in the position of a resident would aim for as a priority. However, what they were looking for didn't exactly align with those thoughts. Still, they were just idealistic young people, what could they achieve on their own? Or rather, did they have any idea what they were getting into?

Youth is bold.

Nisha: “I know I have said it several times, but are we the right ones for this?”

Izzy: “If it were someone else, how would they be different from us?” She asked calmly, before turning her gaze towards the window “Their determination, resources, love for the country…? There is no one who has everything from the very beginning. And yet, nations have risen up.”

Nisha: “But we are not a nation, we are… just us. Ha… We don’t know how or where to start” He shook his head, trying hard to find convincing arguments “We are talking about a coup d'état. Maybe… there is another alternative.”

Izzy: “You know it well. If they didn’t want to talk before, why would they do it now?”

There she went once again with her maieutic and blind trust in him, without considering the circumstances.

Izzy: “There are those who have talked and look how they have ended up.”

Nisha: “… Mahatma Gandhi, 1948 –he muttered to himself.”

Izzy: “We can continue with arms crossed watching how each province falls, one after another, just as the capital did” She then extended her arms and breathed the aroma of the salty sea wind deeply, as if embracing the sight in the distance of the coast, witness to her words “In a world plunged into war, isn’t this the best time?”

Her beautiful gaze had not changed.

The images of the riots flashed through his thoughts. The riots that cost the lives of thousands long ago.

The young man fell into a thoughtful silence, as the dilemma unfolded in the dim moonlight in the room.

Nisha: “But, even with this opportunity, what will become of ourselves?”

The insects began to echo, and together with the waves of the sea, it seemed as if no one else was there.

There was a pause that distanced them.

Izzy: “Everything will be fine. I will take care of the restoration, you of the revival. I just want you to focus on it” She gently tilted her head and looked at him intently “Besides, we are looking for your mother, remember?”

She placed her hand on his shoulder gently, sliding up to his chest. The weight of her decision could be felt despite such delicacy. That was her answer, or perhaps the lack thereof.

And he placed his hesitant hand on hers, holding the unspoken thoughts.

Nisha: “Okay” He smiled slightly and opening his own hand, retracted his thumb “Like the last quarter, right?”

Izzy: “…Yeah, like the last one.”

Nisha: “…”

Izzy: “They’re waiting for us outside. They must have come back.”

She had heard voices coming from outside. It was time.

Approaching the exit, the young woman took one last look.

Izzy: “When you feel better, come with us.”

Nisha: “Yeah… Sure. Just a few minutes and–”

Izzy: “As long as you need.”

Nisha: ”…”

Under the light of the pompous hanging lamps, the walls adorned with picturesque paintings and floors entirely made of wood, young Izzy walked through a noisy audience that was enjoying themselves with drinks and bad jokes.

Waiting, her friends joined her until they reached a set of seats near the hotel columns. Garwin, Audrey, Doger, Sein, Earlene, Shaun… were some of the names recognizable to Izzy at the meeting. Many others, faces never seen before.

These were the people who, for one reason or another, had decided to join the cause.

It was just a group of classmates with mad ideas, visiting an unknown town for them.

Their Institute had organized a school trip to the mountains weeks ago. An innocent idea to escape from the routine, and it had ultimately turned out that way; it was not an ordinary trip at all, this had coincided with the school trip of the outsiders. In fact, they were the ones who found them among the ruins of the plane. Since then, the foreigners, including Yong Haeri and Gitta Vintana, joined the group of residents in order to have some guidance in this unknown nation, while the residents, for their part, had their own objectives.

Now the group of residents seemed worried. Earlene, a young, robust blonde woman who accompanied them, murmured in an almost imperceptible voice as they crossed the hall.

Earlene: “It's about to begin. They're coming…” She said in an unusual calm, lowering her gaze as if she were… disappointed.

Doger: “Huh? Yeah, that's why we're here, obviously. To meet with those guys who at least bothered to listen to us, right?” Added his friend with his usual sarcasm.

He was right. Someone had finally listened to them.

The internal conflicts of this nation were no secret to any resident. Added to the aggravated clashes between external powers, the world had become an unsafe place no matter where a human hid.

Perhaps for this reason they did so. Maybe they wanted to establish a safe place, a haven of peace.

An eye of the hurricane.

However, it was clear that they couldn't do it alone. They needed more people to join their cause, better if they were individuals of great influence in the community.

That's why they were there, on that night, in a coastal hotel far from their homes, ready to meet one of the most influential men in the area.

Without paying attention to what his friend had said, Doger turned to Izzy.

Doger: “You should have seen it Izzy... In the town they had a coliseum arena. Guys with full medieval armor and they used swords and all that! Damn... Imagine how cool it would be to wear something like that.”

Sein: “I don't think they were real... right?” His friend intervened.

Audrey: “I clarify that those guys were girls from my school. And of course, they didn't use sharp weapons.”

Garwin: “Heh, it must still hurt to get hit by one of those” He massaged his chin “I always heard that these competitions were popular in this province.”

Doger: “It was brutal, man. Nothing compared to our boring little town.”

Earlene: “…”

Garwin: “Hey Audrey, should we find somewhere to eat? What do you think?”

Audrey: “Uhm… Maybe we could–”

Doger: “Yes please. I'm starving and thirsty. I'd dive headfirst into a beer if I found one on the floor right now.”

Garwin: “Well my friend, I have this” He pulled out a package and handed it to him “A taco I bought on the way.”

Doger: “Thanks bro… Garwin, but this is just lettuce wrapped in a tortilla!”

Garwin: “He he.”

A… peculiar group, indeed.

As soon as they arrived at the place, the others present fell silent and approached.

So are they really going to do it? Some whispers were heard among the audience.

Sitting around the humble table, tension hung in the air as Garwin made the disturbing proposal. Adjusting his sports sweater and with a stocky body, the young man gave an authoritative impression much more imposing than the little Izzy could. This time, they hoped to be as convincing as possible.

They couldn't make any more mistakes.

Garwin: “Any questions?” He finished his explanation.

Shaun: “…”

There wasn't much to clarify, they knew that beforehand. Perhaps hearing it once again was a test to see how committed they were to the cause. Although, that would also indicate predisposition on the part of those present, which was evident when knowing that several had participated in the riots that occurred years ago in the capital.

People willing to dirty their hands in order to achieve their goals. People with whom no one would want to even cross glances once. They were dangerous people, more residents of prison than of freedom; fugitives who escaped from the cities to evade the law.

Still, these individuals were necessary. Their differences made them ill-suited to common living, but adept at the task at hand.

Those who stood before Izzy and her comrades were nothing more and nothing less than anarchists, simply put. She thought that while listening to them express their positions on the subject in a conversation that became more serious the longer it went on.

These men, with thick beards and disheveled clothes, raised their voices in a pragmatic manner. One of them spoke on behalf of everyone.

Unknown man: “Comrades, this fight is not an unconscious act, much less a search for a tiny change. Do not be confused. Having that clear, how do you ensure that, after overthrowing the current government, we do not fall into the same stratagems that brought us to this point?”

Doger: “(What a way to speak) Do you mean that you agree to follow us?” The boy accompanying Izzy raised an eyebrow and ruffled his own messy hair.

The men looked at each other, letting out sarcastic smiles.

Unknown Man: “I see you're in a hurry” He said, leaving his beer can on the table and pointing with his finger “But you're not understanding. I'm not like the unruly college students who don't know how to measure their actions. If we're going to take a risk, we hope it's worth it. Besides, you talk about this as a service, and not a collaboration. I don't like it.”

Izzy: “…”

She was going around in circles about the obvious. That was starting to bother her.

They wanted something of value and considering their image one could deduce what it was about. Apparently the characteristic code of honor of the province did not apply to everyone equally.

Garwin: “Gentlemen, then what–?” He mentioned before being interrupted by his friend.

Izzy: “I want you to know that we are not interested in positions of power if they are not the ones that lead us to order. Once everything is over, there will be vacancies in government positions” She intervened calmly.

Garwin: “…Well, you heard her” He raised his shoulders along with a confident smile, just like the man in front of them.

Unknown man: “In that case, there is no need to prolong this further. We shall leave the details for another moment. It will be a pleasure to collaborate” He declared satisfied “Although, I would just like to know what resources we have at our disposal. In addition to those present here, I will speak with my comrade Gustav. Although he is not present now, he will be the one– Uhm? A blackout?”

His vision had clouded over. Darkness descended upon the hotel room like an indecipherable blanket, a veil of uneasiness accompanied among those present, and drops, a sign of a storm that was approaching in the distance.

Unknown woman: “Calm down, it's just a blackout. There have been several lately.”

Unknown man: “What a nuisance. Go get the candles. Tsk, I can't see a thing…”

The animated chatter abruptly died out like the fading lights, leaving everyone wrapped in murmurs questioning the situation. The moon, now the only source of light, barely shed its faint rays through the windows.

But that wasn't all.

The insects had fallen silent. There was something else.

Unexpectedly, a tumult had formed outside, visible as shadows from inside and mistakable for the rest of the inhabitants. However, they did move, in erratic ways.

Izzy's group was confused in the middle of the darkness before the disconcerting scene never before seen.

Doger: “What the fu-!?”

The stillness was torn by these black silhouettes that pounced on the disoriented public.

Strange creatures? No. They were people like any other, but they had something, something that didn't fit.

One their eyes were too big, others their arms too long, mouths too wide...

Always something that shouldn't be.

“AH! HAAA!”

“WHAT!? GAH!”

The disaster broke out with ferocity. Heartbreaking screams intertwined with the sounds of spectacular escapes and knocked over furniture.

Those things were imperceptible. Only their eyes were visible to those who could catch them for even an instant, before staining the ground with their own entrails.

The growl of an animal. A dark cloudiness.

In the dimness of the night's dreams, the senses are stunned revealing an interwoven reality.

-[Ø]-

The shadows danced like insects around the fire, and in the same erratic way, it was difficult to follow their trail in the darkness.

Izzy Rylee had suffered the same fate as her companions. At one point, the disorder was such that the tumult of fleeing victims had scattered everyone.

The screams were distracting.

The young woman got up while sliding against a wall behind her, her only guide to understanding where she was.

After crossing the room she could make out the steps that led to the second floor.

Why had she made such a decision, in the middle of the frenetic tumult that was escaping for its life from the site?

She continued her way towards the steps a few meters away from her position without stopping.

Nisha: “AH!”

Izzy: “!”

Disoriented by the scandal of the angry public but guided by the boy's voice. She advanced towards the steps at a fast pace. Having a good feel for the ground and the dim moonlight from the windows in her favor, she climbed quickly.

The uncomfortable screams of the crowd were hidden in the background of the storm as she walked through the halls. Although they were drowned out by her heavy footsteps on the wood and the groans of pain coming from one room in particular, which she would now break into.

It didn't take long for her to force the door open and see the scene that awaited her.

The young Nisha Quinto was crawling in an attempt to escape from the thing that was staring at him. The bed was in pieces and objects were scattered on the floor.

Sweat beaded on Izzy's forehead as she tried to stay focused.

An animal? It was bipedal. Maybe a bear? No, it was small and its neck was too short to be one. Hard to conclude with merely the poor lighting coming in through the window. Besides, how could there be a bear on a tropical coast?

This thing could be described as a short, elongated-necked humanoid, with arms so long that they dragged at its feet, and a jawless head that highlighted its large black eyes.

It moved quickly for its build, and with slow but almost instantaneous steps, undoubtedly defying physics.

The thing continued to head towards Nisha. On one occasion it moved aside a piece of broom that reached Izzy's foot, who cautiously knelt down to take it without taking her eyes off the creature. However, the thing had been even faster than estimated, enough to get right in front of the young man and grab his head with both hands as if he were a ball.

Nisha: “Ugh!”

Whatever it was, it was clear that it was a threat, but something was happening that did not align with the context; it had remained motionless.

While holding Nisha's head, who was still struggling in vain, this thing had its gaze set forward, towards the distance visible from the windows, towards the sea.

Evidently it was a moment that Izzy did not waste.

Holding the piece of broom with trembling hands, she smashed the object directly into the thing's temple. She had achieved an effect, forcing it to let go of the boy, and in a stagger, it ended up falling from the second floor balcony. The loud crash could be heard even through the incessant rain, proof of the impact.

The young woman immediately approached to help Nisha who was still catching her breath.

Nisha: “AH! HA! Ah! T-That?! What was that!?”

Izzy: “T-They are... So they are real. The Dreamers.”

Nisha: “What do you mean!?”

Too shocked to respond, Izzy limited herself to checking the balcony in a hurry. She would confirm that the thing, or rather, Dreamer, would not climb back up.

Fortunately and unfortunately for her, there was no trace of her. She could only make out passersby fleeing from one side to the other.

Izzy: “Nisha… Try to stay locked up until I get back” She said seriously as she blocked the windows and closed the curtains. She didn't take long to pick up the piece of wood before heading for the exit.

Nisha: “Huh? …Wait—”

Izzy: “DON'T COME OUT UNTIL I COME BACK!”

Nisha: ”…”

She had a distracted look. It wasn't her usual calm demeanor, clearly with her mind more focused on any other idea than talking. In the end, what she had witnessed would change everything.

Nisha: “Izzy? Wait! Gsk…” The pain prevented him from reaching her in time. The exit had already been blocked by her “Please! Open up!”

-[Ø]-

Mm. I can't think.

Hm…

I see the flashing lights coming through the cracks in the wood. The rain dulls them.

I hear music in the distance. It's faint and out of tune, but beautiful in a way.

Why can't I think?

I feel something hitting my waist. It's my bag. Nothing but a fully filled bottle of water.

Ideas. That's what I'm trying to find.

So many ideas.

I bumped into the entrance. I didn't realize. When did I get to the entrance?

No… I wouldn't be that clumsy. I'm not. Someone pushed me. I have no doubt.

Why is my hand heavy?

A piece of wood. It shouldn't feel smooth and slippery.

I see. My hands are wet. It's strange, I haven't left the hotel yet.

Someone pushed me again. I'm on the floor.

It's hard for me to get up.

I don't know the reason.

I'd better get out already. I'm expected to.

I blink.

I breathe.

I blink.

My bangs are getting in the way more than usual.

I hear the music again. No. It's different. It's not melodic.

Squeaky.

I start to feel cold. Each step is heavier.

Oh, eureka.

Garwin. It's him. With a taller body than everyone else, it's easy to recognize him.

He seems to know what he's doing. I expected nothing less from him.

What was her name? Audrey. She's with him.

I catch a glimpse of Doger. And him, his name… Shaun. I thought they didn't get along. But they cooperate like they've known each other forever.

The situation calls for it. They make things easier. I guess.

There are so many of them… And none.

So why keep carrying this around?

It's done. Time to go.

I hope they don't push me again.

To be continued...

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Disclaimer:

This work contains material that may be considered inappropriate or sensitive for some readers. Please be advised that this narrative includes scenes of violence, explicit sexual situations, and strong and offensive language. In addition, the plot addresses social, religious, political, and cultural issues, among others, that may generate conflicting opinions or provoke emotional reactions in readers.

Readers are asked to be aware that the inclusion of these elements is not intended to promote or glorify any negative behavior, but rather to explore various facets of the human experience and its implications.

The content herein is purely fictional and any resemblance to real events, people, or places is merely coincidental.

Reader discretion is recommended, as the critical reflection on the content and its implications. Interpretation and reaction to these situations are subjective and may vary depending on individual sensitivity.

The author and editors assume no responsibility for any discomfort, offense, or upset that may arise as a result of reading this work.

By continuing to read this work, the reader accepts these terms and conditions.

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