Look Back on Arc 01 – The Start Of A Dream

A collection of articles looking back on the story written from the perspective of the characters featured in it.

Prior to reading this album please finish reading the Arc 01 – The Start Of A Dream (2019.08) to avoid spoilers

Dive into the universe of Nika Cantabile and let her paint your world with sounds and dreams. This is a free visual novel by Nika Cantabile and to maximize your fan experience, we highly recommend that you click on the links of your liking (Spotify on the top and YouTube at the bottom) provided as musical accompaniment.

Featuring songs from the following albums: Hotaru’s Road, Opus 1 (from the Naked Soul series), Opus 2 (from the Naked Soul series), Opus 3 (from the Naked Soul series), Hotaru’s Road Special Edition

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 3 Arc 01-23 to 26”

***************

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(a young fae twirls around hastily in the forest)

{Yuki}
(laughs)
“…too slow. You can’t catch me like this…”

(a group of horse-like beasts with red glowing eyes are chasing him down)

{Yuki}
(creates a vacuum and easily outruns the night-mares)
“Yippie! This is too much fun…”

{Yuki}
(looks back at his pursuers)
“Is this all that you can do? Tag isn’t fun if no one can catch me…”

(he pouts as the beasts growl at him with murderous intent)

{Yuki}
(slows down to talk to one of them)
“Oh well… I guess I’m just too good with this game… Wanna play another
one instead?”

(the beast tries to bite him but he swiftly dodges)

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… I think this one is hungry…
Oh well…”

(a few moments of constant twirling and evading later…)

{Yuki}
(yawns)
“This day has been boring… I tried to
play with everyone but they were
all busy with something…”

(a gust forms as he flaps his wings,
shredding the night-mares behind him
into pieces)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(eyes glittering)
“Hehe! Now it’s my turn to show you how great I am!”

{Haru}
(whispers to Calabolt’s ear)
“I am truly sorry for my junior’s attitude…”

{Calabolt}
(whispers back)
“You actually know him?”

{Yuki}
(turns towards the two)
“Hey! What are you two talking about?!”

{Calabolt & Haru}
(feigning ignorance)
“Nothing… Nothing…whistles…”

{Yuki}
“Anyway, I am a wind elf. And that means I can control the wind with my Majïk! Those mean horsies are no match for me! Nyahehehe!”

{Haru}
(whispers to Calabolt)
“I retract my previous statement… I do not know this person…”

{Calabolt}
(whispers back)
“Me neither…”

{Yuki}
(shouts towards the pair)
“Hey!! I heard that!!!”

(Yuki envelops himself with a turbulent wind)

{Calabolt & Haru}
“We’re sorry! We’re sorry! We won’t do it again!”

{Yuki}
(disengages his Majïk & pouts)
“Hmp! You better!”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Oh! Where did they all go?”

(looks around but the night-mares were nowhere to be seen)

{Yuki}
(frowns)
“Aww boo… Maybe they went home… Aww… And I was just starting to have fun too…”

{Yuki}
(he teleports to Nika’s practice spot)
“Maybe I’ll wait for Nika… She always plays with me!…”

{Yuki}
(sits in the middle of some tall grass)
“Or maybe I’ll show old man Haru my new trick… Hmmm… I wonder what Gloomy Uncle is up to…”

(Calabolt moves a bit, feeling something on top of him)

{Yuki}
(flaps his wings to Cala’s face)
“……this is so boring”

{Calabolt}
“… Unghh…”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm? Did someone say something? Nika? Gloomy Uncle?”

{Calabolt}
(unconscious)

{Yuki}
(looks around and smiles)
“Oh! I get it! We’re playing hide and seek!…”

{Calabolt}
“….ughh…”

{Yuki}
“Ready or not… Here I come!…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“Yuki really loves games, doesn’t he?”

{Haru}
“Yes, as annoying as most of them are… I find some of them mildly amusing…”

{Yuki}
“Oh! Grumpy Uncle is just saying that because he can’t beat me!”

(Yuki’s words seem to strike a chord in Haru’s ears)

{Yuki}
(grins)
“I mean, I am a gifted gamer!”

{Calabolt}
(tries his best to keep Haru away from killing Yuki)
“Ehehe… Anyway, doesn’t it seem like those beasts came out of nowhere?”

{Yuki}
(ponders)
“Now that I think about it, it does seem weird that they became aggressive when they saw me…”

{Haru}
(retaining his composure)
“…coughs…Well, this is just a theory… But I think they were sensing you as a threat…”

{Yuki}
(tilts his head to the side)
“Sensed it? How?”

{Haru}
“If you recall, we are magical beings… And as such, we do radiate Majïk… Maybe they sensed your power and reacted in such a way, mindless beasts do… To attack before they get attacked…”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… Makes sense, I guess… But still… That doesn’t explain why they were here…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(looking behind a tree)
“Gotcha!… Uh… Nope…”

(he flies back towards the tall grass)

{Yuki}
(pouting)
“That’s the tenth time I am wrong… I can understand Nika being good at hiding… But usually, Gloomy Uncle isn’t that great at this game”

(slumps to Calabolt, unaware he’s
sitting on someone)

{Calabolt}
(heavily sighs)
“….urrghhh…”

{Yuki}
(the wind picks up, as he ponders)
“Haru-san would usually be like: This game is way too childish, I refuse to participate in it. Then he would fly onto one spot and I would easily catch him…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“Pffft… Hahaha! Sounds like Haru-kun alright!”

{Yuki}
“I know! Sometimes he’s Grumpy… Sometimes he’s Gloomy… That’s why I like to tease him a lot!”

(Haru tries his best to keep calm but his ominous aura is giving away his true feelings)

{Calabolt & Yuki}
“Scary…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(frowns)
“Aaaah! This game isn’t fun anymore!…
Nika? Gloomy Uncle? You can come out now…”

(the woods remain silent)

{Yuki}
(stomps himself onto Cala)
“Waaaaaah! I don’t want to play anymore!..”

(a strong gust of wind starts to form
around his flapping wings)

{Calabolt}
(unconsciously whispers)
“….tarot… mani…pulation… Four of cups…
Magnus…. effusio…”

(bright chains begin to manifest on his body and absorb all of Yuki’s magic)

{Yuki}
“Wait, huh? What’s happening?”

(the magic condenses in a bright
blue light, covering Cala’s body)

{Yuki}
(eyes glittering, jumping up and down)
“Ooooh! Shiny! Shiny!…”

{Yuki}
(smiles triumphantly as he settles on his newly found treasure)
“I wonder why Gloomy Uncle tried to hide this? Hmmm…
Oh well… Finder’s keepers!… Hehe”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Ooooooh! Shiny! Shiny!”

{Calabolt}
(nervously sweats)
“Yuki likes shiny stuff, huh?”

{Calabolt}
(whispers to himself)
“I never realized that this kid almost came close to kill me…”

{Haru}
“I wonder…”

{Calabolt}
(looks towards a pondering Haru)
“Hmmm? What’s wrong Haru-kun?”

{Haru}
“The Majïk you did… Never in my life have I seen such power… It still fascinates me to this day… And honestly, it gives me chills whenever I see it…”

{Calabolt}
“Tarot manipulation, huh…”

(Upon uttering the words, chains emerge from Calabolt’s hands and feet)

{Calabolt}
(the chains start glowing in bright light)
“What?”

{Yuki}
(gleefully flies around Calabolt)
“Finally! Cala-chan let out my treasure!”

{Calabolt}
“Stay back, Yuki! Haru!”

{Haru}
“Don’t worry! This isn’t canon. If something goes wrong here, there won’t be any lasting consequences on the story anyway…”

{Yuki}
“Treasure! Treasure! Trea-?”

{Calabolt}
(calms down as the light dissipates)
“…sigh… You’re right… I hope all of this will be explained in the next arcs…”

(Yuki’s smile disappears along with the glowing chains)

{Haru}
“Let’s wait and see… Wait, what happened Yuki?”

{Calabolt}
“I don’t know, he was ecstatic a while ago…”

{Yuki}
(tears begin to form from his orb)
“Hic… My… Treasure… Give it back!”

(Yuki summons wind around himself)

{Calabolt}
“Uhhh? Yuki? J-just calm down…”

{Haru}
“Calabolt! Get down!”

(the wind blows heavily on Nika’s room causing everything to be in disarray)

{Haru}
(tries not to be caught up by the storm)
“Ughhh… And I just cleaned up earlier…”

(Calabolt and Haru passes out while Yuki continues his tantrum)

***************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 3 Arc 01-23 to 26
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157321208513536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 4 Arc 01-27 to 33”

***************

{Nika}
(walks into the room)
“Oh! Hey guys! What are you doing?”

{Yuki}
“Heya Nika! Whacha doing here? Where have you been?”

{Nika}
(hugs Yuki)
“Yuki… Oh my, you’ve grown! Sorry, I’ve been busy working on a lot of stuff lately… Besides my work, I have my driver’s license exam soon and certification for Scaled Agile Framework® that’s why I was training out of town… I hope I didn’t give Haru a hard time with the page and the re-release… Hmmm… Anyway, where are the others?”

{Yuki}
(shrugs)
“I dunno… They were here a moment ago…”

(a faint moan echoes in the room)

{Nika}
“Hmmm? Did you say something?”

{Yuki}
(shrugs)
“I didn’t hear anything…”

{Nika}
“I’m pretty sure I did…”

(the moans grows louder)

{Nika}
“There it is again!”

{Yuki}
(looks towards Nika dumbfounded)
“I think… it’s coming from…”

(the two investigates the moaning sounds coming from the other side of the bed)

{Nika}
“Haru! Cala! What happened to you?!”

{Calabolt & Haru}
(writhing in pain)
“Ask… Yuki…”

(Calabolt and Haru tries to explain what happened before Nika entered the room)

{Nika}
“Oh, so that’s what happened… Yuki!”

{Yuki}
(flinches and flies towards Calabolt’s back hiding)
“Sorry…”

{Nika}
“Don’t use your powers here… Look at this mess… Apologize to Haru and Cala now!”

{Yuki}
(nervously smiles)
“I’m sorry guys..”

{Calabolt}
“It’s fine, Yuki…”

{Haru}
“Don’t ever do that again!”

{Yuki}
(tears starts to form)
“I-I said I’m sorry…”

{Nika}
“Now… Now, Haru… Yuki already apologized… You don’t need that kind of attitude towards him…”

{Haru}
(slumps)
“Ok…”

{Nika}
“…so about this recap? Where are you guys at?”

{Haru}
“We were at the point where you and I went to the mall to buy a new charger for your phone…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Nika}
(plugs in her charger)
“Weird… My phone is beeping for some reason…”

{Haru}
(curiously looking at the rectangular object)
“….anything I can help you with?”

{Nika}
(shrugs as she unplugs the phone from its charger)
“It’s nothing… It’s just my phone isn’t charging, it keeps on beeping and giving me this message…”

{Haru}
(looking at the phone, thinking to himself)
“…what kind of magic… powers this device?”

(the phone’s alarm fires off on Haru’s face as Nika retries to plug in her phone)

{Haru}
“I-It’s cursed!!!!…”

{Nika}
“Haha… No, Haru-kun… It’s not like that… It’s the third time this happened…
From the looks of it, I better buy a new charger…”

{Haru}
(panting)
“Whew… Sorry Nika, it startled me a bit…
I can’t help you with this…”

{Nika}
(pats him and smiles)
“It’s fine… Hmmm… If you’re not in a hurry, can you please accompany me for a bit?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Nika}
(giggles)
“Oh yeah! I remember that! Haru was so funny, he didn’t have any knowledge about human technology… Seeing him surprised is a fun memory!”

{Haru}
“You… You don’t have to say it like that… Sure… It was interesting and new to my eyes… But I wasn’t THAT surprised…”

{Yuki}
“Haha! Grumpy Uncle squirming!”

{Haru}
(looks towards Yuki)
“Yuki…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

“After Nika and Haru went away…
Calabolt casts a spell and while he dreams…
The spell attracts night-mares into this realm…

The demons follow a familiar scent but instead of their master… They found a wind fae named Yuki…

Yuki, mistaking them as friendly, decided to play with the creatures…

And as they chased the youngling…
Calabolt continues on his ordeal…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(Calabolt stood silent shuddering)

{Haru}
“…that explains why those beasts appeared in the dream world…”

{Calabolt}
(whispers)
“I-I’m…”

{Yuki}
(looks towards Calabolt)
“Hmmm? Did you say anything Cala-chan?”

(everyone stops and looks toward Calabolt)

{Calabolt}
(breaths heavily)
“I’m sorry guys… I guess it was really my fault for putting you all in harm’s way…”

{Haru}
“Cala…”

{Yuki}
(smugly retorts)
“It’s fine! I needed the exercise anyway! Plus, it gave me a chance to showcase my talents!”

{Haru}
(pats Calabolt’s shoulders)
“Yuki’s right… And besides… It’s not really your idea to summon those foul beasts…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(nurses his wounds)
“This is a dream, right? Why am I not waking up?! I…I got to get out of here…”

{Calabolt}
(tries to stand but stumbles)
“…uhhhgg… I…should…get away… Wait… I feel like I’m missing something… Something important… Something… Uhhhgg…”

{Calabolt}
(places his hand on the table)
“…what is this? Kinda looks like a normal deck of cards…”

{Calabolt}
(picks up a card)
“…The Star… Ouch… I remember something about this… Yeah… My mother used to teach me about this stuff… Tarot… Major Arcana… The symbol of hope…”

{Calabolt}
(places it back)
“Now is not the time for this… I need to get away from here…”

(inspects the door, it was left unlocked)

{Calabolt}
(slowly drags himself)
“….Weird… Coughs… Why is it open? Nevermind, let’s get out of here…”

(picks himself up trying to walk as fast as he can)

{???}
(smiling in the shadows)
“…Interesting…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“That guy is a JERK for hurting you like that!”

{Calabolt}
(struggles with his composure)
“Relax, Yuki… We don’t really know if it happened… All I know was… It felt too real…”

{Nika}
“Hmmm… A bad memory… Or just a bad dream? We’ll find out on the next arcs, I think…”

{Yuki}
“Yeah… When will that come out?”

{Haru}
“Sooner than you might think…”

(the group continues to read the next parts)

***************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 4 Arc 01-27 to 33
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157333394838536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 5 Arc 01-34 to 39”

***************

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(walks around the house)
“How many rooms does this house have?… Urghh…”

(the wooden floor creaks)

{Calabolt}
(looks in the direction of the sound)
“What was that?!….
Nevermind… Here’s the door…”

(opens it up and quickly walks away)

{???}
(turns to his side)
“….you almost got caught, Alleïys…
It seems you need a bit more training…
Anyway, for now, follow him…
And don’t let him out of your sight…”

(the girl silently obeys and goes out of the door)

{Calabolt}
(reaches the end of the courtyard)
“A forest? Oh great… What the hell did I get myself into?”

{Calabolt}
(enters the forest)
“Well, it’s better than going back…”

{Alleïys}
(giggles and whispers)
“…that’s the wrong way…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Hmmmm… I’m pretty sure, at this point, Cala-chan is seeing a memory… Kinda hazy but… Yeah…”

{Calabolt}
“What makes you think that, Yuki?”

{Yuki}
“Well, for starters, you said it felt too real. Maybe it is real. And also, you see the people that we saw in the later parts of the story… You even interact with them…”

{Haru}
“Regardless of how astute your interpretation is, Yuki. We cannot rule out the possibility of this memory being fake. Maybe implanted.”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm?”

{Haru}
“People dream about others even if they aren’t connected to each other. All it takes is a passing glance and your memory will lock their distinguishing features subconsciously…”

{Yuki}
“So… Grumpy Uncle is saying that there’s a database of strangers in our head?”

{Haru}
“Exactly… And where do the proverbial database of various faces upload to, you might ask?”

{Calabolt}
“In our dreams… Yeah! It might just be a dream after all!”

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“Well, I still think that it’s a bad memory!”

{Haru}
“Calm down… As I said, these are just possibilities… I never said that this is what Nika intended to write about…”

(Nika mysteriously smiles)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“Arrrgghh! Stop following me!… Enough is enough?! I just want to go home!…”

{Alleïys}
(raises her hand to stop the screechers)
“…home…you say?”

{Calabolt}
(pleadingly)
“Yes! Please… Can you help me?! …”

{Alleïys}
(blankly lowers her hand)
“…no…one…will…help…”

(with one final peck, the screechers manage to get Calabolt out of balance…)

{Calabolt}
(loses footing and falls into the ravine)
“Aaaaaaaah?!…”

{Alleïys}
(gets out of her daze and smiles)
“Pity… I was hoping to play with you a bit more… Oh well! Master is waiting for me… Hopefully, he will be so angry… And showers me with attention… “

(the fog dissipates as she walks away)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“That Alleïys girl isn’t well in the head…”

{Calabolt}
“Well, I could understand… She was always spouting something about her Master and punishment…creepy…”

{Yuki}
“Oh yeah! I wonder what kind of punishment her Master gives her… She seems to enjoy it a lot! Why couldn’t Grumpy Uncle be like Alleïys’ Master?”

{Haru}
(looks at Yuki with shock)
“What?”

{Calabolt}
(nervously sweats)
“I-I don’t think it’s a kind of punishment made for kids…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(opens his eyes)
“Huh….? What…?
Why am I back where I started ?…
Oh yeah… I was… I was only dreaming….”

{Calabolt}
“Or… Was it… A memory?…
It… It felt too real to be a dream though…
Ughh… I just want to go home….”

(ripples form as he touches the air in front of him)

{Calabolt}
“Whoa?!… Am I still asleep?!…”

{Calabolt}
“No… This can’t be a dream… I can feel the wind blowing…”

{Calabolt}
(looks around him)
“…I-Is he back? No… No…
This can’t be?! This is only a dream?!…
O-only… a dream….”

{Calabolt}
“The wind… It’s getting stronger!…
Oh god… I must do something…
Anything!…”

{Calabolt}
(a card appears in front of him)
“…I…Huh?
A card? What is it doing here?…”

{Calabolt}
(remembers something familiar while holding it)
“…tarot…
mani…pulation… Four of cups…
Magnus…. effusio…”

(a dark light engulfs the entire room)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“So that’s how I survived Yuki’s unconscious attack… I guess I was lucky that my body reacted on its own to save my life…”

{Yuki}
“Still… It’s a weird kinda Majïk you used… Can’t Grumpy Uncle tell us a bit more about it?”

{Haru}
(opens up a window to post an article)
“No… I can’t…”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… Maybe Grumpy Uncle doesn’t know about it as well…”

{Calabolt}
“I guess we’ll just have to wait…”

{Yuki}
“Oooh! While waiting… Can you please tell me what kind of punishment this Master did to Alleïys?”

{Calabolt & Haru}
(cringes)
“…..!!!”

(Calabolt and Haru slowly leaves Yuki behind the room)

{Yuki}
“Hey! Where are you…? Wait! Don’t just leave me here! Did I say something wrong? Cala-chan? Grumpy Uncle? Guys?”

{Nika}
(nervously sweats and pats Yuki)
“Uh… You told me earlier that you downloaded a new game on the tablet… Wanna play it with me?”

{Yuki}
“But…”

***************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 5 Arc 01-34 to 39
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157351842083536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 5 Arc 01-40 to 41”

***************

(Nika & Haru opens the front door)

{Nika}
“We’re home!”

{Haru}
“That place always astounds me… Such contraptions and gadgets, I could have mistaken them for Majïk… Humans are truly remarkable in their ingenuity!”

{Nika}
(laughs)
“I’m happy you enjoyed our trips to the mall!”

(a flutter of wings and foot-stomping echoes from the house)

{Calabolt & Yuki}
“Welcome home!”

{Nika}
(picks up Yuki and hugs him)
“Did you miss us?”

{Yuki}
(nods)
“Why’d you leave me behind?”

{Haru}
(sighs)
“After the stunt, you pulled off with the tablet, Nika couldn’t afford to accidentally buy anything else…”

(Yuki pouts)

{Nika}
(cuddles Yuki)
“Well, I did plan on getting a new one… But Yuki… You shouldn’t do that again… OK?”

{Yuki}
“I promise…”

{Nika}
“Now! Let’s get this mouse set up and get back to the Recap…”

{Yuki}
(nods)
“OK!”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
(steps out of a portal)
“Sighs… That was a tiring week… Well, if it helps Nika in any way… Plus, I get to visit one of the best places in the human world…”

{Haru}
(goes over to Calabolt’)
“Still sleeping, huh?… Well… I won’t hold it against you… I just find it odd for some reason… It’s almost like…”

{Haru}
(laughs)
“Why am I talking to someone unconscious?”

{Haru}
“Well, maybe because when I look at you… It… It’s like I’m talking to myself… As if you were… “

{Haru}
(pauses and looks in the distance)
“…something is amiss…”

(hears growls getting closer)

{Haru}
(curious)
“What was that? Huh? Laughter?
Is that… Yuki?”

(he sees a young fae being chased by Horse-like demon beasts)

{Yuki}
(playfully laughs)
“Yay! My new friends came back!
You can’t catch me!…”

(a night-mare notices Haru and runs straight towards him)

{Haru}
(summons tree roots to wrap around the night-mare’s feet)
“It’s as if it was hostile against fae-folks… What are they doing here?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Nika?”

{Nika}
“Yes, Yuki?”

{Yuki}
“Well… I was just wondering…”

{Nika}
“Wondering about what?”

{Yuki}
“Uhmm… Before Grumpy Uncle came back to the Dream world… You two had a conversation… You noticed Haru-ojisan was feeling down and the story finished with Nika asking what was wrong…”

{Nika}
“Hmmm? Yes… Go on.”

{Yuki}
“Well… I’m just curious about what he said…”

{Nika}
(smiles)
“Well, why don’t you ask him yourself…”

(Yuki looks at Haru eagerly)

{Haru}
(sighs)
“Fine… Of course, I feigned ignorance and told her nothing was going on. I told her I was OK. But yeah, I was thinking of someone…”

{Yuki}
“Do you mean, Cala-chan?”

{Haru}
“Correct. At the time, I did not know what to make of him… Is he a friend or a foe… Should I tell Nika or your Big sister…”

{Yuki}
“So, why didn’t you tell them?”

{Nika}
(smiles)
“Yeah. Why DIDN’T you tell them?”

{Haru}
(coughs and whispers)
“I felt bad for him… You know how your big sister reacts to such things… And if Nika would know, of course, she will know… Or have you forgotten that they both have a certain kind of connection to each other?”

{Yuki}
“Oh!”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
(annoyingly commands the roots to engulf the beast)
“Is he really playing with these hideous things? They look rather dangerous…”

(the night-mare disappears transforming the roots into a thick black liquid)

{Haru}
“What the?!… What happened to those poor roots?”

{Yuki}
(charging straight into Haru)
“Move over Grumpy Uncle!…”

(they collide into each other)

{Haru}
(angrily)
“Yuki!!! How many times do I have to tell you, that’s not my name!…”

{Yuki}
(tears forming from his eyes)
“Owww oww… My head… Why didn’t ya move Grumpy Uncle? You’re going to make me lose this game…”

{Haru}
“Everything is always a game for you… Huh?”

{Haru}
(notices that the both of them are surrounded)
“…this is bad… Yuki…”

{Yuki}
(Nursing his head with his wings)
“…I…I don’t want to play anymore… Hics..”

{Haru}
(snaps)
“No, dum dum. This isn’t a game… These creatures are really dangerous…”

(the beasts hiss and growl as they
move closer)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Eeewww… I just remembered those mean horsies turning into those smelly black goo!”

{Haru}
“Yes… They do leave a lasting imprint… Believe me when I say that the sight cannot be unseen.”

{Yuki}
“I hear ya… Hey! Wait a minute! I just remembered! This was after Nika and Grumpy Uncle took a vacation! Why wasn’t I invited?”

{Nika}
“Well, you were busy playing or, rather, fighting with those night-mares… And Haru was already in the Human world…”

{Yuki}
“No fair…”

{Calabolt}
“Hmmm… You guys did say Haru was feeling a bit down, maybe Nika also wanted to cheer him up?”

(Nika smiles at Calabolt’s remark)

{Haru}
“I think so…”

{Nika}
(cuddles Yuki)
“Awwww… Poor baby… Don’t worry! I wanna go to Disney! Next vacation, you’re coming with me!”

{Yuki}
(smiles up to Nika)
“Really?! Where do we go? Ooooh! I wanna see Harry Potter Village!”

{Nika}
(laughs)
“We’ll see… But I’m definitely bringing you with me. It’s a promise!”

(the group scrolls down to the next parts of the story and reads)

***************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 5 Arc 01-40 to 41
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157362608533536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 6 Arc 01-42 to 46”

***************

{Haru}
(opens the computer and checks Nika’s page)
“Let us see what we got here… Hmmm… The holiday special seems to have a lot of views…”

{Yuki}
“Of course! It was a cute story!”

{Haru}
“Indeed… However, I am not talking about quality… More of the frequency of post we had during our vacation…”

{Yuki}
(flies around the corner)
“Well… It was a looong vacation…”

{Haru}
“You could say that again… Sadly, Nika got sick during that time… I had my hands full taking care of her and…”

{Yuki}
“But it was sooo fun! I wished we could’ve stayed longer at the chalet… It had so much room for me to fly around! A lot of trees to hide in… and… and..”

{Haru}
(cringes)
“Speak for yourself… I do not want to babysit you 24 hours a day! Calabolt was no help either! Speaking of which… Where is he?”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… The last time I saw him, Nika asked for his help with preparing something… So, I dunno…”

(Haru shrugs as he types the article)

{Yuki}
“B-But I don’t need a baby sitter… Didn’t you have fun, Grumpy Uncle? You were the one who ate the most during that time…”

{Haru}
“Ughh… I needed energy… Besides, if we stayed any longer… We would have not been able to finish the recap in time for the next arcs…”

{Yuki}
“Oooh! I completely forgot about that! What part are we on again?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
(summons walls of leaves to protect them)
“Wait… Yuki… You said this is not the first time you saw these creatures…”

{Yuki}
(evades a bite from one of the Night-mares)
“Well, I did play with them earlier… Hey! Stop that… This isn’t fun anymore…”

{Haru}
(commands tree roots to shoot
upwards upon the beasts)
“Earlier? What do you mean by
earlier?”

{Yuki}
(sees the Night-mares explode as roots pierce through them)
“Oh Cool!… Uhmm…
Maybe about a month before
I found the treasure…”

(the roots begin to rot turning into a black liquid)

{Yuki}
(moves back avoiding the splashing goo)
“Eeew… What the heck is this…
It smells terrible… Ack…”

{Haru}
(points to the liquid coalescing)
“‘It’s not over yet…”

(the Night-mares regenerates from the vile concoction)

{Haru}
(prepares for another wave of enemies)
“So… 1 week in the human world that’s… Wait, a treasure?!…”

{Yuki}
(happily points towards the tall grass)
“The shiny thingy over there…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(Yuki hovers silently)

{Haru}
(types in the keyboard)
“What?”

{Yuki}
“Oh, nothing…”

{Haru}
“Yuki, I know you have something troubling you… So… Why not just make it easier for us and…”

{Yuki}
(whispers)
“…Grumpy Uncle can be cool in some moments…”

{Haru}
“What was that?”

{Yuki}
“I said, Grumpy Uncle can be cool… in some moments…”

{Haru}
(blushes)
“W-Well, I do not know about being c-cool but… I know how to protect myself… All faes do…”

{Yuki}
“Sadly, these moments pass by quickly…”

{Haru}
“What?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(the beasts restart their onslaught)

{Haru}
(instinctively motions the roots to form a barrier)
“Later, Yuki!… We need to find a way to get rid of these…things”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… They DID disappear once I flew away from them…”

{Haru}
(holding back the beast’s gaping jaws)
“How?!!!…”

{Yuki}
(flinches at Haru’s frantic voice)
“….uhhh… We were playing tag and I was like… You can’t catch me… And I was… Whoosh!… Then they were gone…”

{Haru}
(snaps)
“This isn’t a game, Yukiel!!… For faes’ sake!!!… Wait… That’s it… Let’s play a game…”

{Yuki}
(worries)
“Play a game now?… Oh… OK…
What will we play?”

{Haru}
(screams)
“Tag!!! I’m it!!!…”

{Yuki}
(glows in anticipation)
“Yay! A game! A game!…”

{Haru}
(chants a spell)
“Oh Nature’s breath… Blessed embrace of creation… Grant favour to thy servant’s plea…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
(shudders)
“I can still feel some of those thorns sticking deep into my feathers…”

{Yuki}
“Is that why you hate it so much?”

{Haru}
“Well, it is my most powerful defensive spell… However…”

{Yuki}
“However?”

{Haru}
“Since it is a strong shield, it can withstand a dragon’s flame… But I cannot control what type of plant it will summon…”

{Yuki}
“…so, like a plant roulette?”

{Haru}
“Ugh… Yes… And l-let’s just say that there are certain kinds that I do not wish for my wings to touch…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(flies around)
“Where is it? Where is it?”

{Haru}
(passes through the portal)
“Huh? Yuki? What are you doing here? I thought you were going to your treasure or something…”

{Yuki}
(frantically searching around)
“It’s gone!…”

(tears begin to form from Yuki’s orb)

{Haru}
(moves towards the tall grass)
“Don’t worry… You’ll find it soon enough..”

{Haru}
(flies down and notices that Calabolt is missing)
“Oh no… Calabolt…”

(He feels a surge of ominous energy nearby)

{Yuki}
(happily exclaims)
“There you are!!!…”

{Calabolt}
(raising his right hand towards Yuki)
“…uuugh…”

{Haru}
(flies quickly in between Yuki and Calabolt)
“Get back, Yuki!…”

{Yuki}
(startled)
“Hmmm? But he took my treasure…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“For someone who doesn’t know how to control Majïk, Cala-chan sure is strong!”

{Haru}
“Coming from a kid that can destroy a house by throwing a tantrum… I do not think that it is a compliment…”

{Yuki}
“Hey! What does that mean?”

{Haru}
“Nothing… Nothing… I did not say anything…”

(Yuki crosses his wings and stares at Haru)

{Haru}
“Anyway… Yuki…”

(Yuki pouts looking away)

{Haru}
“Oh come on… It was a joke, you and Calabolt do it to me all the time…”

(Yuki silently gaze at the screen)

{Haru}
“Well, I was about to inquire about this ‘treasure’ you always speak of…”

{Yuki}
(eyes starts to twinkle)
“Yes?”

{Haru}
“Don’t you think it looks familiar?”

{Yuki}
“Familiar? Hmmmm… Nope!”

{Haru}
“Come on think… Those chains… It really looks like Calabolt was a pu..p…”

{Nika}
(shouting from downstairs)
“Yuki! Haru! We’re back!”

{Yuki}
(flies down)
“Ooooh! Nika! Welcome back! Foooood! I’m hungry!”

{Haru}
“Wait! Yu…ki… He’s gone… Oh well, I did say before that we have to limit spoilers for the following Arcs… Best if we leave this topic for now…”

(Haru turns off the monitor and flies down to greet Nika)

***************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 6 Arc 01-42 to 46
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157376616408536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 6 Arc 01-47 to 50”

**************

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Alleïys}
(stomps around)
“Ughhh… I can’t believe that this is part of the Master’s punishment… Like… Why am I stuck here in another human’s dream?…”

(a beast roars nearby)

{Alleïys}
(ranting to a blackbird perched on a nearby branch)
“I’m not really complaining but…I mean, isn’t my body enough for him? Why would he need another human? All humans are trash compared to us, immortals…”

{Alleïys}
(snaps at the loud roaring beast)
“Oh, would you just SHUT UP!!!… I can’t really think straight while you’re being such a bother…”

(a huge dragon tears the Night-mares with its claws)

{Alleïys}
“And they say that I’m mad… Look! I’m talking to a Screecher and a red dragon for weeks now… I sure hope everyone is doing their part… Or else, I’m going to get pissed…”

{Alleïys}
(sighs)
“Well, at least we have company…”

{Alleïys}
(casts a spell)
“…I hope my shadow chains can keep you occupied… Long enough for…”

(the dragon trashes about)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(screams)
“Noooo!”

{Haru}
(fumbles the mouse)
“Ack! Yuki!”

{Yuki}
“Ooops… Sorry… I just wanted to help Dragon-kun…”

{Haru}
“For the last time, Yuki… We are only recalling past events… It is not happening presently…”

{Yuki}
“I know… But that mean old lady is hurting it… I-I needed to do something!”

{Haru}
“I know Yuki… I seldom wonder how Calabolt survived being held prisoner for so long by someone like her…”

(Yuki pleadingly stares, fighting his urge to defend the poor beast)

{Haru}
“But, I dare say, she isn’t the worst creature Calabolt has encountered…”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm? You say, what… now?”

{Haru}
“Oh, nevermind… On to the recap!”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Red Dragon}
(roars)
“Let me out!!!…”

{Kazurýlen}
(flinches)
“….”

{Red Dragon}
(snickers)
“You Stolündian twins are an arrogant breed… You kept me locked away for millennia and now what… Are we going to die without even defending ourselves?”

{Red Dragon}
(grins)
“Let me go, woman… I promise after this pretentious doll is defeated… I’ll forgive your transgressions… and take you as my wife…”

{Kazurýlen}
(seemingly in a trance)
“..no..”

{Red Dragon}
(mischievously remarks)
“Do you not care for your dear brother?
Do you NOT want salvation from this quandary? She’ll kill us all… You do know that?”

{Kazurýlen}
(undeterred)
“..hold…your…tongue… Or lose it…”

{Red Dragon}
(laughs)
“Of course not… Wasn’t it your fault that we are all here, to begin with?”

(for a split second, the dragon’s image distorts and shifts into a girl)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… This dragon…”

{Haru}
“Yes?”

{Yuki}
“H-He seems eerily familiar… Hot-headed, ‘destroy everything’ mentality, and no apparent regard for his surrounding…”

(Haru looks towards Yuki, waiting for the right time to interrupt)

{Yuki}
“His personality is really unpredictable… Like flames… Burning down walls and doors for no reason…”

{Haru}
“Yuki… We already talked about this… We cannot spoil everything… Else, the fans would not have anything left to look forward to for the coming arcs…”

{Yuki}
“What are you talking about, Grumpy Uncle? It’s not a spoiler if I don’t even know who I’m referring to…”

{Haru}
(stunned)
“Really…? Not even one of those things remind you of a certain someone?”

{Yuki}
“Nah! Doesn’t ring a bell…”

(Haru sighs)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Alleïys}
“There’s something…odd about this one… It’s powerful… I’m starting to understand why master needs this one under his control…”

(the logs burned bright on the dreamscape)

{Alleïys}
“…I do remember one of Master’s toys escaping… Am I to suspect this is one of the perpetrators of that impossible occurrence…”

{Red Dragon}
(thundering voice)
“Foolish insignificant creature… I will not be bound a second time by those beneath me…”

{Alleïys}
“Oh please spare me with your baseless taunts… You do know that once I take over your host, you’ll become no more harmful than a subservient dog…”

(the dragon roars in agony as the black chains wrap around his feet)

{Alleïys}
“…my mind manipulation might be limited to lesser beings… But that does not mean I can’t mess with fae-folk’s mind… It’s only a matter of time before you grovel at my feet like a puppy…”

{Red Dragon}
(snaps)
“Foul-mouthed harlot! You’ll regret those words with your life!!!…”

(the dragon engulfs itself in flames trying to melt the chains but to no avail)

{Alleïys}
(laughs)
“…you thought that would work? These chains are a gift from the Master… He made them especially for me… No flame can melt them… Nothing will ever break them… Except for my command…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
“Those chains… Do they remind you of anything, Yuki?”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… Nope.”

{Haru}
“Really? They do not remind you of anything?”

{Yuki}
“Not really… Why?”

{Haru}
“Seriously… They don’t remind you of the marks, Calabolt has on his arms and feet?”

{Yuki}
“Eeew… No. Cala-chan’s marks are shinier and much more beautiful…”

{Haru}
“Errr… Are you sure? They really look alike…”

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“Hey! Don’t lump my treasure along with something so… ugly…”

{Haru}
(sighs)
“…alright.”

(the room’s door suddenly opens)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(Night-mares whines as they charge the fire demon)

{Red Dragon}
(flicks them away with his wings)
“Puny wretches… Your master… He’s the one who wields the blue flame, is he not?”

{Alleïys}
(curious)
“…yes… So you are one of the beings who helped Master’s prisoners escape…”

(the dragon laughs as the chains clatter)

{Red Dragon}
(looks intently)
“That weakling couldn’t even graze me, let alone compel me to do his bidding… He’s a coward relying on dubious tricks!…”

{Alleïys}
“You don’t know him as I do…”

{Red Dragon}
(laughs)
“And even his own magic isn’t even HIS… He stole it from someone else and yet you hold him on high regard… Pathetic…”

{Alleïys}
(snaps)
“Lies! All lies!!!
Master Krandïyar is not a coward!!!
How dare you sully his name!!!…”

(lifts her hand in anger and transforms the chains into a black liquid)

{Red Dragon}
(laughs)
“Oh, what’s this? Another one of your great Master’s CREATIONS?…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(enters the room)
“Oh… You guys already started…”

{Yuki}
(looks behind)
“Cala-chan!”

(Yuki flies towards Calabolt and circles around him)

{Yuki}
(nests on top of Calabolt’s hair)
“Where have ya been?”

{Calabolt}
(tries to sit down)
“I was… Uh… Helping Nika with the groceries…”

(Yuki purrs on top of Calabolt’s hair as Haru types on the keyboard)

{Haru}
“…how is she?”

{Calabolt}
“Oh hey, Haru! She’s… uhh… Feeling better… Although, she’s a bit disappointed about missing the holidays due to her sickness…”

(Haru silently nods)

{Calabolt}
“So… Where are you guys at with the recap?”

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 7 Arc 01-47 to 50
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157413376323536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 7 Arc 01-51 to 54”

**************

{Calabolt}
(shudders)
“Oh… You’re at that part…”

{Haru}
(stops typing and looks at Calabolt)
“Why? Does any of it remind you of anything?”

(Yuki snores as he sleeps on Calabolt’s head)

{Calabolt}
“Yes… It brings back painful memories…”

{Haru}
(pats Calabolt’s hand)
“It is going to be alright… You do know what is going to happen next?”

{Calabolt}
(smiles)
“And I thought you don’t want us to give out spoilers…”

(Haru smiles back as he turns to the monitor)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(the goo envelops the winged beast)

{Red Dragon}
(surprised)
“What is this vile concoction? It reaks a foul odour…”

{Alleïys}
(laughs)
“This is for defiling the name of my beloved Master… You like it?”

{Red Dragon}
(tries to flap its wings)
“…employing such tools, I cannot bend my opinion… This can only be the work of a coward…”

{Alleïys}
“And yet again, you dishonour him with your foul and baseless words…
Well, it would not surprise me since you don’t know the magnitude of his greatest…”

(the dragon relents)

{Alleïys}
(continues)
“Let me explain… That black goo is condensed negative energy collected from various slave species… It’s usage greatly varies from reading to subjugating the minds of lesser beings entirely…”

{Red Dragon}
(tries to claw its way out)
“Impure and disgusting welp… You mean Dark magic?! Roaaaars…”

{Alleïys}
“As my master used to say, Light and Darkness are only subject to one’s own perception…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(yawns and stretches)
“Hmmm… What did I miss?”

{Calabolt}
(pats Yuki’s orb)
“Nothing much…”

{Yuki}
“Ewww… You’re still on those parts with the yucky goo…”

{Haru}
“Yes, Yuki… Sorry if we are still not done with this topic… But WE need to remind the readers about this part… It is one of the important plot points of the next arc…”

{Yuki}
“What do we need to be reminded of? The Yuckiness and… Ughh… The foul smell of that liquid?”

{Haru}
“Maybe…”

{Yuki}
“The ugly lady and her ugly deeds? The master she is always talking about?”

{Haru}
“Well, somewhere down the line… They will be more and more important… However, we haven’t introduced other important companions…yet…”

(Yuki scratches his orb)

{Calabolt}
“The dragon might join us… Provided that he does not kill us first though…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Red Dragon}
(whimpers)
“I cannot keep her back whilst you keep on sealing my entirety from taking over… You have to admit… Now, we must work together…”

{Kazurýlen}
“…and risk having you kill my own brother? No… That won’t be necessary…”

{Red Dragon}
(snaps)
“Foolish girl! Your Stolündian blood vexes me greatly!… Even at the brink of death, you deny me my own freedom!…”

{Red Dragon}
(feels the dark energy enveloping him)
“Argghh… For its influence to reach this far…”

(the black liquid drips down from his fangs)

{Red Dragon}
(pants)
“…woman…do not let her take over…”

(the dragon utters its final breath as the goo engulfs his consciousness)

{Kazurýlen}
“What is this weird type of Majïk?…”

{Kazurýlen}
(shudders)
“I-It feels so… Malevolent…”

(a girl slowly emerges from the goo)

{Alleïys}
(smiles)
“Now I understand why it’s taking so long… There was another personality, aside from the beast and the male fae…”

(both stare at each other, awaiting the first strike)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Hmmmm… Kazu-chan… Where did I hear that name before?”

{Haru}
“…really, Yuki? Don’t you know whose sister is she?”

{Yuki}
(shrugs)
“Meh… Must be someone really annoying for me to forget…”

{Calabolt & Haru}
(nervously sweats)
“That’s cold…”

{Yuki}
“What?”

{Haru}
(continues typing)
“A-Anyway… Stolündians are actually elves blessed with the Fire element… According to Nika, they were nomads that learned the art of making flameproof armours because of their hostile environment…”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… Is there anything more Nika wrote about Stolündians?”

{Haru}
“Well… There are a lot but… We can’t have any more spoilers…”

(Yuki nods)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Kazurýlen}
(surprised)
“Wha-Who are you?”

{Alleïys}
(bows)
“Oh!… Where are my manners? My name is Alleïys… And I’ll be your worst nightmare…”

(black chains erupted from the goo and heads for Kazurýlen)

{Kazurýlen}
(dodges and weaves)
“……”

{Alleïys}
(laughs)
“This is fun… It’s like playing a game of tag… But with your lives on the line…”

(more chains appeared to pursue Kazurýlen.
Only this time, she couldn’t completely dodge them)

{Kazurýlen}
(summons a shield made of flames)
“W-why are you doing this…?
Please let us be… Leave our cursed selves alone…”

{Alleïys}
(steps back)
“Actually, I am just following Master’s bidding… Getting back his stolen toys…”

{Alleïys}
(smirks)
“…along with those who took them, while punishing everyone for even thinking of escaping…”

(chains violently crashes into Kazurýlen, whipping her from all sides)

{Kazurýlen}
“….enough!…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(Calabolt shivers)

{Yuki}
(pats Calabolt)
“What’s wrong, Cala-chan?”

{Calabolt}
“I-It’s nothing…”

{Yuki}
“Oh come on! There’s something wrong and you won’t tell!”

{Calabolt}
“Fine… It’s just that…”

{Haru}
“Calabolt knows the feeling of having his mind being warped by the Evil One’s and his minions…”

{Yuki}
“You mean?”

{Calabolt}
“Yes… I-It was like you’re dreaming… They act like the people that you are close to… But it wasn’t really the people that you know…”

(Yuki gasps)

{Calabolt}
“They make you do stuff… Horrible stuff… In exchange, they get all your memories and… and replace it and… I-I…”

{Haru}
(slams the table)
“Enough!”

{Calabolt}
“…I-I’m sorry…”

{Haru}
(looks at Calabolt)
“It is not your fault… Don’t blame yourself for what they did…”

(Calabolt nods as Yuki remains puzzled)

{Haru}
(breathes a sigh of relief)
“Now… How about we take a short break?”

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 7 Arc 01-51 to 54
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157413410388536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 8 Arc 01-55 to 57”

**************

(Haru continues to type on the keyboard)

{Yuki}
(peeks from the top of Calabolt’s head)
“So… Has Nika recovered from her injuries?”

{Haru}
(looks towards Yuki)
“Hmmm? Why did you say that? Nika isn’t injured as far as I know…”

{Yuki}
“Well… I haven’t heard her play the violin for some time now… Sorry for bringing it up…”

{Haru}
“Hmmmm….”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Nika}
(walks around the room)
“No… No… No… This isn’t working… The emotion is all wrong… I’m lacking something, somewhere… It doesn’t feel right…”

(grabs her violin and resumes playing)

{ Nika}
“Yes… It’s something like this… But more…”

(fingers run across the violin’s neck generating a beautiful tone)

{Nika}
“Yes… That’s it… I’m starting to feel it…”

(As the piece progresses, she puts more and more pressure on the strings)

{Nika}
(her thumb twitches)
“…hnnng… Not… Again…”

(she replays the tricky part again and again)

{Nika}
(misses note after note)
“…ack!… What the heck is happening to me?!… I need to prepare… My new album recording starts in two weeks…”

(slowly picks up the pace, entering a trance-like state)

{Nika}
(finishes the piece)
“That was good… That was… Ouch…”

(feels a sharp pain piercing her arm from the thumb through her elbow)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
“Pain? What pain?”

{Yuki}
“I knew it… There has to be some explanation why Nika stopped practicing…”

{Haru}
(flies back)
“No! This can’t be… If she was injured, she would have told me…”

{Yuki}
(looks towards Haru)
“Grumpy Uncle, we ARE reading the same story, right?”

{Calabolt}
“She must have some reason why she hasn’t told you yet…”

{Haru}
“I guess so… But still… She should have…”

{Yuki}
“Anyway… Let’s change the topic for a moment… Why does Nika’s appearance change every time she enters the dream world?”

{Calabolt}
“Huh?”

{Yuki}
“Come on… You haven’t noticed it?”

{Calabolt}
“I think I did but… I just assumed that was because of Majik…”

{Haru}
(breaths heavily)
“It’s not that simple…”

{Calabolt}
“Hmmm?”

{Haru}
“When a normal human enters the world of dreams they leave their physical bodies behind… What you are seeing is a manifestation… Her NAKED SOUL, if you want to put it that way…”

{Calabolt}
“So that’s why her physical body stays behind in a sleep-like state…”

(Haru nods)

{Calabolt}
“But wait… You told me that Nika was special, right?”

{Haru}
“…it’s not so much HER, per se… But the music that she creates binds her to the world of dreams… That also explains why WE found her…”

{Yuki}
“Wait… So, if she stopped playing? What would happen to us? She won’t be able to see us again?”

{Haru}
“Who knows what COULD happen…”

(Calabolt pats Yuki reassuringly)

{Yuki}
“…hmmm, well… I think I understand your explanation… But…”

{Haru}
“But?”

{Yuki}
“…why do I feel like it’s a shameless plug to Nika’s cover albums?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Nika}
(opens up an eye, hoping for an answer)
“…did…it work?…”

(the silence of the room permeates)

{Nika}
“Hmmm… I wonder where I got it wrong?…”

{Nika}
(one by one, she recalls the notes of the melody)
“I guess I did it right, but maybe Kazan is busy? That’s weird… Usually, at least, he replies even if he is…”

{Nika}
(sits down again and prepares for another calling)
“Wait, maybe I should ask Haru instead…”

{Nika}
(glows while she hums the melody)
“…there… I hope the spell works…
Haru-kun was extremely adamant that he had to go back… I don’t really want to disturb him though…”

{Nika}
(thinking to herself)
“Nevermind, It is too late now… I can already see him…”

{Nika}
(her consciousness appears in the dream world)
“Haru-kun!… Do you know where Kazan…”

(before she could finish her sentence, a strange black goo appears on the ground and sucks her down)

{Nika}
(a bright light emanates from her, preventing the goo from wrapping around her)
“…Kazan…is that…”

(she passes out)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(scrolling on the page)
“See… In this one, she used the song of something…”

{Yuki}
“…Calling!”

{Calabolt}
“Right, Right… Song of Calling but was tricked by someone or something… Like she was captured…”

(Haru silently nods as he made his way back to the laptop)

{Yuki}
“But Nika called your name… Maybe she was about to tell you that she was injured!”

{Haru}
(sheepishly replies)
“Maybe…”

{Yuki}
“Well… Ask her when she comes back! There’s no point in skulking, is there?”

{Haru}
“Yes… I guess you’re right, Yuki…”

{Yuki}
(flies up, grinning)
“Of course I’m right!”

(the trio laughs as they continue with the recap)

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 8 Arc 01-55 to 57
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157413495723536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 8 Arc 01-58 to 61”

**************

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(hears a faint whisper)
“…Uncle, did you hear that? I think it was Nika… She’s calling you…”

{Haru}
“…not now Yuki…”

{Haru}
(thinks)
“He’s not mistaken… That was Nika… I hope it isn’t too urgent… But we still need to deal with this first…”

{Calabolt}
(catches a card that appears in front of him)
“Tarot…manipulation…”

{Haru}
(shields Yuki with his body)
“If only I didn’t use all my Majïk in the last battle… I could have easily conjured up another shield…”

{Yuki}
(curious)
“What is happening Haru-ojisan?”

(a bright light starts to emanate from
Calabolt’s hand)

{Calabolt}
(the card spins in midair as he releases it)
“Four of cups! Magnus Effusio!!!…”

(the Night-mares hidden amongst the trees are seemingly dragged towards Calabolt’s location in a violent torrent of wind and light)

{Haru}
(cannot believe what he’s seeing)
“W-What?…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“So that confirms Nika called you, Grumpy Uncle!”

(Haru stares silently at the monitor)

{Yuki}
“See? We told ya, didn’t we Cala-chan?”

{Calabolt}
(nods)
“Yeah… Don’t worry about it anymore, Haru… I guess we’ll get an explanation soon… Don’t we have the next arc coming up?”

(Haru weakly nods as he scrolls down)

{Yuki}
“Hey! Wait!”

{Calabolt}
“Hmmm? What’s the matter, Yuki?”

{Yuki}
(rushing to the screen)
“Look here! My treasure appeared!”

{Calabolt}
“Ermmm… Are you talking about the shiny chains I had around my arms?”

{Yuki}
(nods)
“Yes! Look! How can you use cool Majïk like that?”

{Calabolt}
“Like… what exactly?”

{Yuki}
“Like… Like… Ughhh…”

(Yuki lands on top of Calabolt’s head)

{Yuki}
“…I give up. I can’t explain it…”

{Calabolt}
(looks at his hands)
“That makes two of us… Even now, I don’t know where or what this POWER is…”

{Calabolt}
“All I know is that it hurts whenever I use it and it is really effective against those beasts…”

{Haru}
“It is a power unknown to us and that could be revealed as highly dangerous in the long run…”

{Yuki}
“But Cala-chan would never use it against US, right?”

{Calabolt}
(looks at Yuki)
“Of course not… I would only use it to protect you guys…”

{Haru}
“…but what if you cannot control it? You do not even know HOW it works… Or where you got it from…”

{Calabolt}
(scratches his head)
“Yeah… I guess we’ll see…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“…W-What are you even? Wait, there’s more of you?”

{Yuki}
(playfully pushes Calabolt)
“Come on! You wanna play tag? Let’s play tag!… I’ll be IT if you wanna”

{Haru}
“Enough Yuki… You don’t even know him… You should not talk to strangers like this…”

{Calabolt}
“Ouch… Don’t push so hard…”

{Yuki}
(visibly disappointed)
“Awwww… But he seems cool… Especially when he defeated those mean horsies all on his own…”

{Calabolt}
“Wait? Horses? What horses?”

{Haru}
(flies right in front of Calabolt’s face)
“It seems rather suspicious that they appeared almost at the same time YOU appeared… I would like to prod you for more information, but you would likely reply
that you do not remember…”

{Haru}
(growing more suspicious)
“…or lie that you don’t…”

{Calabolt}
(looks at his feet)
“…b-but I really… don’t…”

{Yuki}
(perches on top of Calabolt’s head)
“Oh lighten up! Grumpy Uncle! He just saved our lives… We both know that we didn’t have any Majïk left after the last game…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
“You really like to nest on top of his head eh, Yuki?”

(Calabolt reaches for Yuki and pats him)

{Yuki}
(stretches)
“mrrrr… Who wouldn’t… want to? Cala-chan is tall so I can see everything and it’s comfortable up here… Plus, it smells like mint and flowers…”

{Calabolt}
“…err. Thanks?”

{Haru}
“…are you by any chance referring to Calabolt’s shampoo?”

{Yuki}
(sniffs)
“Hmmm? What’s that?”

{Haru}
“Nevermind…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
(surprised)
“…I-I guess you’re right… Yuki…”

{Haru}
(looks at Calabolt gravely)
“Granted you did save us from an ambush… While we were not equipped to deal with those beasts, you protected us…
In that regard, I must thank you…”

{Calabolt}
(confused)
“…I-Uh… You’re welc…”

{Haru}
(continues)
“Even so, a being with such a high amount of volatile and uncontrolled Majïk isn’t someone we wish near here… Regardless if it’s a friend or foe…”

{Calabolt}
“…I get your point…”

{Yuki}
(confused)
“Wait? So, what now?”

{Haru}
“…he needs to leave…”

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“That isn’t fair!… I won’t accept that…”

{Haru}
(opens up a portal)
“Yuki, we both know that this realm is a special place… We’ve been through so much that it’s better to be safe than sorry… Anyway, Nika needs me…”

(Calabolt silently gets up and walks away)

{Yuki}
(follows)
“Hey! Where are you going? Wait!…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Hey! Why were you so mean to Cala-chan!”

{Haru}
“…I wasn’t mean. What are you talking about?”

{Yuki}
“Are you really reading what we’re reading? You were really mean!”

{Haru}
(sighs)
“Fine… I felt responsible for keeping him hidden. I don’t know who or what he is… Or where he came from… I-I just thought that he might be a threat to all of us… Including Nika… Sorry…”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… I guess you have a point…”

(Yuki pats Calabolt)

{Yuki}
“But knowing him now… You don’t think Cala-chan could hurt us, right?”

(Haru continues to type silently)

{Yuki}
“Hey! Why aren’t you answering?”

{Haru}
“…I need to finish this article.”

{Yuki}
“Answer the question!”

{Haru}
“Which question?”

{Yuki}
“About Cala-chan…”

{Haru}
“What about him?”

{Yuki}
“Arrggggh!”

{Calabolt}
“Uhhh… If I may…? Haru has a…”

{Haru & Yuki}
(glaring)
“Quiet Calabolt, we’re arguing about you!”

(the pair continues their argument as Calabolt sighs)

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 8 Arc 01-58 to 61
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157413511968536/?type=3&theater

?ፈᏗᏝᏗ〄ᏰᎧᏝᏖ? & ?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 9 Arc 01-62 to 69”

**************

(Yuki and Haru continues their argument as Calabolt remains silent)

{Yuki}
“Hmmph! Nevermind then! What’s next?”

{Haru}
(looks towards the screen)
“Glad you see it my way… Now, where are we?”

{Yuki}
“…we’re not done. I just think that our readers had enough of our squabbling…”

{Haru}
(scrolling on the page)
“I agree… That is why I accept your apology…”

{Yuki}
“What apology?”

{Calabolt}
“Hey! Hey! Calm down, guys. You both don’t need to fight on my behalf…”

{Yuki}
“…but Grumpy Uncle is being arrogant! He needs to fess up and be more… Uhh… Mature…”

{Haru}
“…coming from a child, that’s reassuring…”

{Yuki}
(flies towards the door)
“Arrrgh! I’m not a kid! You know what? Fine! If you think that way, I’m just gonna go!”

{Calabolt}
“…Yuki.”

(on his way out, Yuki slams the door)

{Calabolt}
(turning to Haru)
“Why did you do that? You could have just stayed silent and let it go?”

{Haru}
(sighs)
“…it had to be done. Do not fret, I’ll apologize later…”

{Calabolt}
“What are you…?”

{Haru}
“I can’t let him see the next part of the story just yet…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Nika}
(sprawled out on the floor)
“…ouch… D-Did I do something…wrong with the spell?…”

{Nika}
(feeling a pool of liquid)
“Huh? What is this?”

(she slowly sits up and wipes it off her face)

{Nika}
“Weird… Have I been crying…?”

(tries to stand up but she stumbles due to the pain)

{Nika}
(screams)
“A aaack! It hurts… My body hurts… What the hell happened…?”

(notices that she is in a room as she tries to limp around)

{Nika}
“T-This looks so familiar… It can’t be”

(she checks the other doors only to find them locked except for the bathroom door)

{Nika}
(panicking)
“No… No… No!!!… I can’t be here… Not here… Not again?!!!…”

(blue flames erupt in a circle completely surrounding her)

{Krandïyar}
“Oh but here YOU are… My beautiful little birdie… Back to your quaint little cage…
Where little birds like you belong…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(gasps)
“Krandïyar…”

(Haru nods)

{Calabolt}
“B-But… That’s impossible… H-He couldn’t have… He’s just a dream…”

(Haru looks sternly at Calabolt)

{Calabolt}
“…I see. I’m sorry.”

(Haru looks back towards the monitor and types silently)

{Calabolt}
“Haru… Did he…”

{Haru}
“…do you know him?”

{Calabolt}
“Y-Yes but…”

{Haru}
“Then you know the answers to your question…”

{Calabolt}
“Yeah…”

(Haru silently types)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
(calmly stands up and bows)
“Lord Krandïyar told me that this would happen… Forgive me, my lady for this uncalled for ruse…”

{Nika}
“You are…”

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
“Pray tell… How did you know that I am not the Master?”

{Nika}
(cautiously points toward his face)
“It is the dark pink glow in your eyes…”

{Nika}
“Different…but somehow… Familiar…”

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
(shapeshifts into an elegant tall man)
“I see… You have been gifted good sight… There are no words that I can think of to comfort you… The atrocious memory of when we kidnapped you… Master, torturing you… And now, this idea of having you re-live it all through me…”

{Nika}
“You!… So YOU were the one who was with him that day!… What are you doing here?!… How?! Have you not done enough?!…”

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
(sternly looks at Nika)
“Simply because… My master wills it so… You escaped him… The first one to do it… That alone is enough to fascinate him… Coupled with your apparent beauty and grace… He…”

{Nika}
(sees the truth behind his words)
“Then why do you even serve him?!… That narcissistic pervert of a swine…”

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
(body shakes as if being electrocuted)
“…aaaargh… I cannot tell you more than this… Please miss… You have to…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“So… about Yuki?”

{Haru}
“What about him?”

{Calabolt}
“Were all of your argument earlier…”

(Haru nods)

{Calabolt}
“Oh…”

{Haru}
“He’s a very evil man if you remember… I think sparing Yuki some details was the best idea… I wish nothing but happiness for that child…”

{Calabolt}
“…you really don’t show it well though.”

{Haru}
“Hmmm? What?”

{Calabolt}
“Your fondness for Yuki”

{Haru}
(laughs)
“Someone has to be the big brother…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(the room shakes, collapsing even further)

{Nika}
(tries to keep standing)
“Kyaaaa!!!…”

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
“You have to leave… While you still can… Or else… Arrggggh…”

{Nika}
(emotionally screams)
“Is this another one of your Master’s tricks?! I am not going to fall for any of these anymore!!!…”

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
(bows down to her)
“Please listen… There is not much time… If you want to leave… Do it before… Aackk!!!…”

(electric bolts fly out of his whole body)

{Nika}
(feels pity for him)
“OK… Let’s say I trust you… I don’t know where I am… The doors are all locked… How can I ever hope to leave this place?”

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
(looks at her with pleading eyes)
“Think back… How did you get here?…”

{Nika}
(remembers)
“Oh, the melody!… OK… OK… Relax Nika… Think about your friends… Visualize them…”

{Nika}
(looks gratefully towards the man)
“One last thing though…what is your name?”

{Impostor Krandïyar?}
“It is not important… Quickly, flee!…”

(Nika nods and starts to hum the spell but a hand appears from behind and covers her mouth)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(Haru silently reads the story)

{Calabolt}
“…tell me the truth, did he?”

{Haru}
“I already told you… You know the answer…”

{Calabolt}
“I guess so… sigh… I-I just wished that I had been strong enough back then…”

{Haru}
“Strong? Why seek strength?”

{Calabolt}
“…so that I could have stopped him and no one else would have suffered…”

{Haru}
(looks towards Calabolt)
“It’s not your fault… He’s… an anomaly…”

{Calabolt}
“Still…”

{Haru}
“What’s done is done… No need to mull over it…”

{Calabolt}
(nods)
“…I think I finally understand a bit why you’re so cautious… You don’t want something like this to happen to anyone ever again… Right?”

(Haru nods)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(flies through the portal)

{Haru}
(thinks to himself)
“Was I too harsh?… I mean, Yuki is right… He did save us…”

{Haru}
(stops and hovers midway)
“Yuki is right?… Those are three words that I never believed that I would ever say…”

(continues his trek swirling alongside the portal)

{Haru}
(ponders)
“Maybe I should give him some slack… He is a smart kid after all…”

{Haru}
“I wonder why Nika just whispered my name back then?… Usually, she physically appears in the dream world to bring me back…”

{Haru}
“I find it a bit odd but… Perhaps she’s
just busy with work…”

(crosses to the other side of the portal)

{Haru}
“Nika’s room… I really should remind her to clean up one of these days… Well… I could easily do it myself if I could only revert back to…”

{Haru}
(notices Nika sprawled on the floor)
“Is she OK? Oh! She’s breathing… It seems she fell asleep… Better not disturb her…”

{Haru}
(lands on the bed)
“Sighs… Calabolt…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 9 Arc 01-62 to 69
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157439582668536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 10 Arc 01-70 to 75”

**************

(Yuki enters the room and sits on the bed in a huff)

{Haru}
“Welcome ba-“

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“I’m still not talking to you!”

{Calabolt}
“Yuki…”

{Haru}
(continues to type at the keyboard)
“Don’t mind him… Let’s just continue.”

(Calabolt nods)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
(hears a ring coming from upstairs)
“…Oh? Maybe Nika is up… Her alarm is blaringly loud…”

(flies up to the bedroom)

{Haru}
(surprised)
“Hmmm… Nika’s still sound asleep… I wonder…”

(the phone keeps ringing)

{Haru}
“Oh! It’s not an alarm…”

{Haru}
“…Phones… And at first, I deemed humans as weak and inferior… Without any knowledge of our various Majïk, they created something as complex as this device…”

{Haru}
(laughs)
“I remember when Yuki taught me how to use one… Oh!!… “

{Haru}
(lightly pokes Nika to wake her up)
“Nika… Nika… Wake up… I think
someone is calling you…”

(a message notification pops up from Nika’s phone)

{Nika}
(sound asleep)
“…uuugh…”

(the message reads: Kindly call us back as soon as possible, we need to discuss something about your new release)

{Haru}
(reads and panics)
“Oh no… Oh no… Nika, wake up… Your producer is calling you again!…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(snickers)
“Ha! You can’t even use the phone by yourself!”

(Haru continues to type)

{Calabolt}
(walks towards Yuki)
“That was mean. Haru didn’t deserve that kind of attitude.”

{Yuki}
“I was just stating the obvious…”

{Calabolt}
“Be that as it may, Haru is just looking out for us. We both know he has trouble sharing his feelings and intentions.”

(For a split second, Haru stops typing and listens)

{Yuki}
(looks sadly at Calabolt)
“B-But… He started it!”

{Calabolt}
“Well, that’s why I’m ending it. We’re all friends here, right?”

(Yuki tearfully hugs Calabolt)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
“Ok!… Second try…”

(clicks on the icon)

{Haru}
“It’s ringing… Hopefully, I called the right guy…”

{Cussy}
“Hello? Nika? Are you free now? We need to discuss something about your
upcoming album re-release…”

(Haru steps back and gathers courage)

{Haru posing as Nika}
“Oh… He-hello Cussy… Sure thing… What do you need?”

{Cussy}
“Are you alright, Nika? You sound a bit off… Are you feeling sick?”

{Haru posing as Nika}
(heavily sweating)
“Ah! Yes… I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather today… Sorry… So… About the
re-release?”

{Cussy}
“Yeah… Hotaru’s Road isn’t it?”

{Haru}
(breathes a sigh of relief and thinks)
“Oh good… I know a bit about it… Well, I’d rather not though… It brings a lot of bad memories…”

{Cussy}
“Hello? Hello, Nika? Are you still there?”

{Haru posing as Nika}
“Yes! I’m still here… Do you need clarification on the story or anything?”

{Cussy}
“What? I don’t care about the story…
I just want to confirm the four new pieces…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“By the way… Did I just hear the Alchemia Story title song playing?”

{Calabolt}
“Yes. Haru-kun opened it by mistake.”

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“I missed playing that game with you! Cala-chan is always busy with working he doesn’t have time to play with me anymore…”

{Calabolt}
“Well… We can’t leave all the work for Nika’s page to Haru-kun alone. That would be cruel.”

{Yuki}
(looks towards Haru)
“I guess…”

(For a split second, Haru looks towards Yuki as Yuki turns away)

{Calabolt}
“…we’ll play soon. I just need to finish a lot of stuff before I can take a break. Sounds good?”

{Yuki}
“But I want to play now!”

{Calabolt}
(smiles)
“Maybe later…”

(Calabolt places Yuki on top of his head as Haru continues typing)

{Haru}
(breaking the silence)
“….I’m sorry, Yuki. I might have acted a bit out of place earlier. Hope you can forgive me.”

{Yuki}
(eyes widens)
“Really? Grumpy Uncle is apologizing?”

{Calabolt}
“See! What did I tell you? Haru-kun is a softy deep inside.”

{Haru}
(blushes)
“Am not! What are you-“

(Calabolt and Yuki snickers as they see Haru glow bright red)

{Haru}
(coughs)
“Anyway, we have to move on and finish this recap. Otherwise, we won’t ever be able to introduce the next arcs.”

{Calabolt & Yuki}
“Agreed!”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Cussy}
“Well, I guess that’s everything… Any questions?

{Haru posing as Nika}
(gulps)
“…no…no… Not really… Be safe in your travels!…”

{Cussy}
“O-k…?Oh! Before I let you go…”

{Haru posing as Nika}
(sweating profusely)
“Mhmmm?”

{Cussy}
“Don’t forget to send the Special Edition album cover of Hotaru’s Road to Sossie…”

{Haru}
(thinking to himself)
“How the heck am I supposed to do that? Nika!!!… Please wake up!!!…”

{Haru posing as Nika}
(clicking the mouse furiously)
“Where is it… Where is it… Ah!
Here it is… OK… So… Send?”

{Cussy}
“Anyway, Sossie will check it later…”

{Cussy}
“Also, you really should freshen up your Facebook cover page to promote the re-release artwork… It’s been a year now that you had that Opus 3 banner… Anyway, I’ve got to go… I’ll talk to you later… “

(hears the call being dropped)

{Haru}
(dives into the bed feeling confused”)
“Send…? Change…? Facebook…?
What?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Grumpy Uncle did what?”

{Calabolt}
“I’m just as surprised as you are, Yuki-chan.”

{Haru}
(shrugs)
“What? Nika was knocked out. I had to do something…”

{Yuki}
“Pfft… I guess so. Still, you did a REALLY good job impersonating Nika.”

{Haru}
(blushes)
“What’s that supposed to mean?”

{Yuki}
(laughs)
“Nothing!”

{Calabolt}
(thinking to himself)
“Well, at least things are back to normal. Oh no… They’re bumping the mouse and keyboard too much. At this rate…”

{Calabolt}
(takes control of the mouse and keyboard as the two argue)
“I better take this out of their area for the meantime… Hmmm…?”

{Calabolt}
(glances at Arc 01-69)
“I can’t help but wonder if those missing people will play a part in the upcoming arcs…”

{Yuki}
“Hey! What are you doing Cala-chan? I thought we were teasing Grumpy Uncle?”

{Haru}
“That’s so unfair!”

{Calabolt}
(laughs sheepishly)
“Ehehe… I’m just trying to protect the work. You guys were a bit rowdy.”

{Yuki}
“Oh!”

{Haru}
(coughs)
“Anyway… Let’s move-“

{Yuki}
“Oh! I remember this part! This is where you accidentally leaked out Cala-chan’s image to the public!”

{Haru}
(bows his head)
“…it is a shameful act that I try to live with every day.”

{Calabolt}
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You didn’t know how to use Facebook back then. Look at you now! Managing Nika’s page day to day activities!”

{Haru}
“Y-You’re right. I did improve over time.”

{Yuki}
“Yeah great improvement, Grumpy Uncle! Hmmm…”

{Calabolt}
“What is it Yuki-chan?”

{Yuki}
“I wonder if this is the reason why Grumpy Uncle hates spoilers a lot?”

{Haru}
“There’s no correlation!”

(the group laughs as they take a break)

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 10 Arc 01-70 to 75
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157452245993536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 11 Arc 01-76 to 86”

**************

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(thinking to himself)
“I hope I’m not going around in circles again…”

{Yuki}
“Hey, shiny onii-chan… Can you do the shiny trick again and bring back my treasure?”

{Calabolt}
(wonders)
“Why is he still following me… It’s
been hours since we left but… Ughh…
Why do I feel so…weak… And what
does he mean? His treasure?”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… Oh yeah!… You’ve used up all your Majïk earlier… That’s sad… I wanted to see you glow again…”

{Calabolt}
(trying to force his way through the dense bushes)
“…I… don’t know what you’re talking about… I’m just trying to get home…”

{Yuki}
(feeling smug)
“Well, why not make a portal? It
doesn’t use up a lot of Majïk…”

{Yuki}
(gleefully flies in front of Calabolt’s face)
“Oof, anyone around here can do it with little to none left… Ooooooh! Let’s rest a bit so you can charge up your Majïk and then we can play!…”

{Calabolt}
(still ignoring him)
“I have no time to play… I need to go… Uhmm…”

{Yuki}
(puzzled)
“Go? But where?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“You know… I’ve always wondered why I can’t walk freely in the Dreamworld?”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm? What do you mean?”

{Calabolt}
“Like… Whenever I walk by myself, I always end up at the same spot I was before. I feel like I am trapped…”

{Yuki}
“That’s weird. Grumpy Uncle and I can go anywhere in Nika’s dream… Big sis allows it most of the time. Especially for me!”

{Calabolt}
“Big sis?”

{Haru}
(looks at Calabolt)
“It is probably because you aren’t meant to be there in the first place. I would like to say more but… I feel that Nika will expand more on that in the coming arcs.”

{Calabolt}
“I guess so…”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… I think we better ask Big sis to allow you to move freely from now on. I mean, we can’t always be there to accompany you every time you enter Nika’s dream.”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(snaps)
“Anywhere but here?!…”

{Yuki}
(sulking)
“Geez, I was just asking… Sorry…”

{Calabolt}
(realizes that he made Yuki sad)
“Look… I’m sorry, alright… I just don’t know where I am or why am I stuck here…”

{Yuki}
(pouts as he sits on a branch)
“…you could’ve just asked…”

{Calabolt}
(tries to pet him)
“Kid… Hey…”

{Yuki}
(flicks Cala’s hand away with his wing)
“I’m not a kid…”

{Calabolt}
(smiles and pats him gently)
“Well, you certainly act like one… There, there…”

{Yuki}
(starts to enjoy it)
“I’m not…”

{Calabolt}
“Where are we actually?”

{Yuki}
(bends and stretches his wings relaxed from the massage)
“….You didn’t notice? We’re in a Dream…”

{Calabolt}
“Wait, so I’m just asleep? That means I just have to wake up!… And this will all be over…”

{Yuki}
“Not really, it doesn’t work like that for people like us…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
“Calabolt?”

{Calabolt}
“Yes?”

{Haru}
“Yuki gets annoyed easily. I hope you understand that if you want to be friends with him.”

{Yuki}
“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?”

{Haru}
(turns towards the screen and continues typing)
“Nothing.”

{Calabolt}
(laughs)
“I knew that from the start.”

{Haru}
(whispers)
“He can also have lots of stupid ideas from time to time… Well, I pray to the Creator that you too will survive.”

{Yuki}
“I heard that!”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“You-You’re lying… I don’t have the strength to do something like that…”

{Yuki}
(summons and aims a gust of wind towards the night-mares behind them)
“…I think I have enough for this…”

{Calabolt}
“I-I remember… I couldn’t even…protect myself…in the past…”

{Yuki}
“…from what?”

{Calabolt}
“I don’t know… I’m weak… Always have been… Even if I don’t remember every single detail about it, I can’t help but feel like I’ll break down… Fall apart… I-I’m just a good for nothing…”

(Calabolt stops running and just stands in place)

{Yuki}
“Onii-chan? What are you…?”

{Calabolt}
(coldly stares down at his feet)
“Go ahead… I… I’ll stay and fend them off…”

{Yuki}
(flies towards Calabolt’s face)
“Oh… You’re going to use your cool Majïk again?”

{Calabolt}
“How many times…”

{Yuki}
“mhmmm?”

{Calabolt}
(forcing a smile as tears fall from his
face)
“Yes… Yes, I’m gonna use it again…”

{Yuki}
“Yay! I wanna see, I wanna see!…”

{Calabolt}
“No…”

{Yuki}
“But why? No fair… Just now, I let you see my Majïk…”

{Calabolt}
“I need to focus on… It’s too dangerous…
Because I really can’t control it…”

{Yuki}
“Oh… OK then…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“I told you Cala-chan has his cool moments!”

{Haru}
“I cannot, for the life of me, define self-sacrifice as being cool.”

{Calabolt}
“Well, to my defence… I really didn’t know what I was doing back then. Ehehehe.”

{Yuki}
“That’s why it’s so cool! You never even thought about yourself and just focused on saving me!”

{Haru}
(whispers)
“Figures. A friendship made in heaven.”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm? Did you say something, Grumpy Uncle?”

{Haru}
“I was just reading the next part. Don’t mind me.”

{Calabolt}
“Anyway… This is all I can do for now.”

(Calabolt summons a glowing card out of thin air)

{Yuki}
(orb glowing gleefully)
“Woah! You can call on it freely now?”

{Calabolt}
(stumbles but soon regains his balance)
“…eh more or less. *Recarm Arcanum.*”

(the card disappears)

{Haru}
“Well, at least you have some semblance of control now.”

{Calabolt}
(out of breath)
“…y-yeah. S-Still drains me buckets of Majïk whenever I use it though.”

{Haru}
“I can see that. Anyway, I’ll let it slide that you just gave away a major spoiler. Do you need water?”

{Calabolt}
“N-No. I can still… Ugh…continue.”

{Yuki}
“Do it again! Do it again!”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
(covers his eyes)
“What the heck is this light?… It’s so bright… Argg… Wha-what is this?”

(the beasts step back as Yuki continues his incantation)

{Yuki}
“Bend to my will… my servants…
Sweep my enemies with your slashing gusts!!!…”

{Calabolt}
“I can’t move my limbs…Chains?!… Why
are my arms wrapped in chains?”

{Yuki}
(turn his wings towards the
Night-mares)
“…waltz of the wind gods…”

{Calabolt}
(the chains wrapped around his hands and feet suddenly glow intensely, burning deep within his flesh)
“Aaaargh… I-It hurts… S-Stop… Please… Stop…”

{Yuki}
(somewhat in a trance destroying every Night-mare in sight)
“…allegretto…”

{Calabolt}
(the chains tighten up and glow brighter as Yuki uses his power)
“T-this is too much… Maybe… I-I’m… Gaaaah!!!… Yu…ki…”

(bits and pieces of the horrid beasts fly off, covering the forest in black goo)

{Yuki}
(coldly stares in the distance as drops of black sludge splashes past him)
“Vivace… Vivace…”

{Calabolt}
(horrified while trying to remove the burning chains)
“What are these… Are they part of Yuki’s spell? Why would he… Ack… It feels like I’m being tasered…”

{Calabolt}
“Though… Is it just me or the pain is slowly subsiding? Almost as if my body is getting used to it…”

(the carnage keeps going for hours until
only Yuki and Calabolt remain)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Haru}
“Those chains… They seem to respond to something…”

{Calabolt}
“Yes. I still feel a slight pain whenever they are active…”

{Haru}
“I can’t say for certain but these seem like they are linked to your power… They appear in a most peculiar fashion… Also, you said that you were being constricted at some point… Correct?”

{Calabolt}
“Well, yeah. Not only are they heavy but I actually feel them burning under my skin.”

{Haru}
“I can’t definitively rule out the possibility that it is all linked to… However, they do seem to appear whenever…”

{Yuki}
(storms towards the screen)
“Ooooh! Ooooh! This is the part where I bravely punish those mean horsies!”

{Calabolt}
(glimpses at Haru before going back to Yuki)
“Oh! Yeah. Yeah! Whew… Yuki-chan is really powerful. He took care of those creatures with such ease.”

{Haru}
(nods and shivers)
“I can’t disagree with that… That kid is scary.”

{Yuki}
(smiles)
“They were no match for me!”

(Calabolt and Haru contemplates as Yuki cherishes his past victory)

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 11 Arc 01-76 to 86
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157474347958536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 12 Arc 01-87 to 95”

**************

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(smugly smiles)
“Nope”

{Calabolt}
(grits his teeth)
“Wha-? Then why would you even suggest it?!…”

{Yuki}
(smile widening)
“Well, I could try… I guess? The
others can all do restoration Majïk
so… It can’t be that hard…”

{Calabolt}
(cringes)
“…are you sure it’s going to be safe?”

{Yuki}
“100%”

{Calabolt}
“How can you say that straight to me when you just said that you aren’t sure it’ll even work?!…”

{Yuki}
“Well… We’re in a Dream, right?
So in the end, everything should probably be alright…”

{Calabolt}
“…I-If you say so…”

{Yuki}
(flies in front of Calabolt’s body preparing to cast a spell)
“Well, then…”

{Calabolt}
(closes his eyes in anticipation)
“…gulps…”

{Yuki}
“One special healing spell, complete with
full restoration and stamina gain, coming right…uhhh… Hmmm…”

{Calabolt}
(tries to open his left eye)
“…i-is there something wrong?”

{Yuki}
(sheepishly states)
“Well… Yeah…”

{Calabolt}
“…don’t tell me…did you make it worst?”

{Yuki}
(scratching his orb)
“Err…no… I completely forgot,
I used up all my Majïk in the last battle… Hehehe…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“I really should practice more on conserving my energy…”

{Haru}
“You think? That was just one of many life-threatening encounters in our lives. You SHOULD be more careful in your usage of Majïk.”

{Calabolt}
“Is it dangerous to use it?”

{Haru}
(looks up towards Calabolt)
“Not really… How do I put this…”

{Yuki}
(slumps down on Calabolt’s head)
“Here we go… Another boring lecture…”

(Calabolt scratches his head and smiles)

{Haru}
“Ahem! As I was saying… We faes utilize Majïk in our day to day lives in the form of movement, healing, and in some cases self-defence. We are not the only creatures in this world, you see…”

(Yuki yawns as Haru continues)

{Haru}
“…while some are benevolent. There are those who hunt us as their prey.”

{Yuki}
“Wake me up when it’s over. Zzzzzz…”

{Haru}
“Majïk is our energy. It is tied to our life force…”

{Calabolt}
“So… What you’re saying is you can die from overusing Majïk?”

{Haru}
“There are some cases but it is rare for anyone to die from Majïk-depletion because we can recover it over time. But if we were facing a foe when our Majïk is low, we would be defenceless and might definitely die.”

(Yuki snores as Haru continues)

{Haru}
“…that’s why we train to harness it to its full potential.”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“Wait… What?”

{Yuki}
“It’s easy… Well, for me it is though…”

{Calabolt}
“That’s highly reassuring…”

{Yuki}
“Oh come on, don’t you want to leave this place and move on? I mean it’s kinda boring…”

{Calabolt}
“…yeah… We might still be in danger…”

{Yuki}
“So? What do you say?”

{Calabolt}
“Sighs… Alright, let’s do it…”

{Yuki}
(flies around triumphantly)
“Yay! Don’t worry! I’ll help you as
much as I can…”

{Calabolt}
“so…what do I need to do? Do I just
wave my hand and wait for a fireball to come out?”

{Yuki}
(laughs)
“No, that’s silly… Why would we even need a fire spell?”

{Calabolt}
“Eeh? Did I say something wrong?”

{Yuki}
“Not at all… But Majïk works with elements and… A fireball, as cool as it looks, isn’t the base foundation for Healing spells…”

{Calabolt}
“o-k? Which element is for healing spells?”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… It doesn’t have a specific element, I guess… But all faes can use basic healing Majïk… So, it can’t be tied down to one element…”

{Calabolt}
(groans)
“I can’t move much… Though, I don’t think I have any choice at the moment…”

{Yuki}
“OK! Lemme think of something…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt}
“Wake up, Yuki-chan! Haru’s explanation is over.”

{Yuki}
(stretches)
“Huh? What?”

(Haru goes back in front of the screen to finish up the article)

{Yuki}
“W-Was it bad?”

{Calabolt}
“Not really, it was actually good. I feel like I know more about you guys a bit.”

(Haru takes a glimpse at Calabolt and turns back to the screen)

{Yuki}
(reads the screen)
“It was probably boring. Anyway, where are we now?”

{Haru}
(snaps)
“The part where you were too overbearing on your friend.”

{Yuki}
(smirks)
“Hmmm… I don’t remember that ever happening… Must be your imagination Grumpy Uncle. You need to relax a bit.”

{Haru}
(sighs)
“We are at the part that you try to heal Calabolt but failed.”

{Yuki}
“Ooooh! The part where I taught him how to be strong?”

{Haru}
“Wait, what?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Maybe I can teach you a wind healing spell… But, you’re not as fast as me… So, you can’t possibly be a wind elf…”

{Calabolt}
“…is that bad?”

{Yuki}
“Nah… It just means that you can’t do it the same way I do it…”

{Calabolt}
(nods)
“OK…”

{Yuki}
“And you don’t seem to be the silent type and too serious like Grumpy Uncle… So, I feel like you aren’t a forest elf either…”

{Calabolt}
“…so?”

{Yuki}
“So, I have no idea where to start!…”

{Calabolt}
“That doesn’t help… Let’s face it, Yuki… Maybe I can’t even use Majïk at all…”

{Yuki}
“But I saw you! Besides, I’ve never seen an elf that can’t use Majïk!…”

{Calabolt}
“For the last time, I am human… Or was…”

{Yuki}
“That’s not the point… You’re an elf now… That’s all that counts…”

{Calabolt}
“Enough, Yuki… Even if I want to
believe you… It… It can’t be me that you saw…”

{Yuki}
“But… But… You were shiny… You held out your hand and made a shiny thingy showed up and…”

{Calabolt}
“Look… If I try to hold up my hand like this… See… Nothing happened…”

{Yuki}
“Oh! But heard you say something while doing that…”

{Calabolt}
“So… I do what?”

{Yuki}
“Like I said before… Imagine this as a role-playing game…”

{Calabolt}
“Oh, you mean like Toram?”

{Yuki}
“Ooooh! Yes, yes. Kinda like Toram!…”

{Calabolt}
“So… Am I to assume Majïk is like a Mana points bar and I need to charge it?”

{Yuki}
“Uh-huh! Exactly!…”

{Calabolt}
“…it does charge after some time in a game when we are idle… So that explains why you need to rest after you use a spell…”

{Calabolt}
(whispers)
“Thinking about it like that, it sorta makes sense… But how do I use it…”

{Yuki}
“Well, use your imagination!…”

{Calabolt}
“Imagination? What do you mean?”

{Yuki}
“Picture your Majïk, I mean Mana, going through your wounds and healing them… You need to imagine the feeling that you’re being healed… The stronger the image, the more powerful your spell will be…”

{Calabolt}
“…ok…”

{Calabolt}
(whispers)
“Imagine myself being healed… Huh…?”

(Calabolt starts glowing in bright light, healing every part of his body)

{Yuki}
(giggles)
“It’s working!… It’s working!… See! You’re healing yourself!… But…hmmm…”

{Calabolt}
(thinking to himself)
“Am I really doing it? That’s… Majïk…?”

{Yuki}
“Weird, I haven’t seen this type before…
It doesn’t look any of the other elemental healing spells I’ve seen…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(trying to pose like Calabolt)
“See! I told him to go like this and whooosh!”

{Haru}
(bows his head)
“That’s not really teaching him…”

(Yuki shrugs)

{Haru}
“Well, at least you taught him that there were different elemental spells… But it was short and did not specify what it meant.”

{Yuki}
“But I did my best! And I don’t like to sound so PREACHY and BORING.”

{Haru}
“Hey! I’m not preachy and boring! I just state the facts! THE FACTS!”

{Yuki}
“Relax, Grumpy Uncle. No need to be angry. We’re almost finished.”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(the healing glow stops)

{Yuki}
“Aww… And you looked so cool…”

{Calabolt}
(opens his eyes)
“Did I…? Did I really do this?”

(Calabolt touches his ankle and feels that it has no more pain)

{Yuki}
(scratches his orb)
“Hmmm… Yeah… But why did you stop?… You haven’t even fully healed yet…”

{Calabolt}
(tries to get up on his feet)
“Well… It worked enough for me to walk…”

{Calabolt}
(looks at his hands)
“Weirdly, these burns from the chains aren’t cured… Even in the slightest…”

{Yuki}
(comes closer)
“Hmmmm… You’re right…”

{Calabolt}
“Is there something wrong, Yuki?”

{Yuki}
“Oh… It’s just… They’re in the same place my shiny treasure was… And now, it’s gone…”

{Calabolt}
“You really like shiny stuff, huh? Well, if these chains appear again… You’ll be the first one to see them…”

{Yuki}
(flies around excitedly)
“You really mean it?! Yay!!!…”

{Calabolt}
(whispers)
“However, I hope they won’t ever appear…”

{Calabolt}
“…again… They hurt like hell…”

{Yuki}
(shouting joyfully)
“Treasure!… Treasure!… Yaaaay!…”

(a beast roars in the distance)

{Calabolt}
(instinctively grabs Yuki)
“Yuki?!… Shhh… Quiet down… What in the world is that?!…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(jumps up and down)
“It worked! It worked! I’m a great teacher, right Cala-chan?”

(Calabolt pats Yuki as he nervously laughs)

{Haru}
“I have to admit, though unorthodox your method was, it did provide some significant results…

{Yuki}
“Yay! Even Grumpy Uncle is praising me!”

{Haru}
“…or maybe Calabolt was just lucky or a genius to understand it all by himself without proper guidance. You, teaching him was therefore irrelevant.”

{Yuki}
“Hey! That’s not fair! I was the one that taught him! Me! Me! Me!”

{Calabolt}
(smiles)
“Well, you have to admit that Yuki-chan helped me, Haru-kun.”

{Haru}
“Of course he did. I just can’t imagine how anyone would learn anything useful from such an explanation…”

(Yuki growls as the group finishes the article)

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 12 Arc 01-87 to 95
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157491200368536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 13 Arc 01-96 to 97”

**************

(Haru stops typing and stretches his wings)

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… I’ve never seen Grumpy Uncle relieved like this. Did something good happen?”

{Haru}
(resumes typing)
“What are you talking about? I felt a bit stiff, so I’m just stretching.”

{Yuki}
“I wonder… Ooooh! Is it because we’re almost done?”

(Haru ignores Yuki and continues typing)

{Yuki}
“Hey! Why are you ignoring me?”

{Haru}
“…I don’t have to explain my actions. You already know why…”

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“Then why don’t you just answer me?…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(breaks free from Calabolt’s embrace)
“I didn’t hear anything…”

(the beast violently roars another time)

{Calabolt}
(whispers)
“Can you hear it now?!”

{Yuki}
“It didn’t sound like those mean
horsies…”

(Calabolt looks around, and finds nothing)

{Calabolt}
“Yeah… But it sounds way bigger than those red-eyed horses…”

{the beast seemingly cries out in despair)

{Yuki}
“Now it sounds like it’s in pain… Cala-chan… We have to help!…”

(Yuki flies towards the unknown creature)

{Calabolt}
(runs after him)
“Yuki!… Wait!!… It’s too dangerous…”

{Calabolt}
“He can’t hear me… Ughh… I have a bad feeling about this…”

(Calabolt and Yuki dashes through the forest, soon reaching a burning part)

{Calabolt}
(looks around)
“Coughs… What the heck happened here?!… Yuki?!!…”

{Yuki}
(shouts from a distance)
“Over here!!…”

{Calabolt}
(catches up to Yuki)
“Coughs… This isn’t the place to be playing around!!!… Come on!!…”

{Yuki}
(shrugs Calabolt’s arm)
“Wait!… Look!!…”

{Calabolt}
(looks towards where Yuki is pointing at)
“We have to get… Is that a…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(flies towards the screen)
“Hold on. I don’t really remember this part much. Did this actually happen?”

{Haru}
“Of course it did.”

{Yuki}
“As if I would forget a thundering growl like that? I dunno why I can’t recall though… Hmmm…”

{Haru}
(stops typing)
“Did you hit your head or something?”

{Calabolt}
“Well… Uhmm…”

{Yuki}
“But come to think of it… Is this the same dragon as before?”

{Haru}
(places his palm in his face)
“I still can’t believe you are asking me this but… yes. It is the same hot-headed beast.”

{Yuki}
“Hmmmm… Why do I get the impression that you know about this dragon?”

(Haru fidgets)

{Yuki}
“Why are you so agitated all of a sudden, Grumpy Uncle?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Calabolt & Yuki}
“…a dragon?!!…”

(a dragon roars and trashes about the trees)

{Calabolt}
(swipes Yuki away)
“Look out!!!…”

{Yuki}
(rubs his orb)
“Owww… That hurts…”

(Calabolt looks toward the red dragon)

{Calabolt}
(looks toward Yuki)
“We almost got hit by his tail?!… We absolutely need to get away from here!!…”

{Yuki}
(protests)
“No… I can’t… There’s something about this dragon that seems familiar… I feel like I have to help him!…”

{Yuki}
(flies towards the beast and inspects it)
“Eeew… That black stinky goo again…
Why is it covering the dragon?”

(the red dragon roars pleadingly to Yuki as the black liquid engulfs it)

{Yuki}
“The stinky goo devoured it?!… No…!!! “

(the dragon frees it’s head for a moment, letting out another thunderous roar)

{Yuki}
“The dragon is fighting back… We must help it…”

(Yuki charges his Majïk)

{Calabolt}
(shouts from a distance)
“Watch out!!!!…”

(a dark ray appears out of nowhere, hits Yuki, and knocking him out to the ground)

{???}
(menacingly smirks)
“Well, well… How was our little stroll…?

(Calabolt’s gaze widen as a familiar figure steps out from the burning trees)

{Calabolt}
“Y-You… Wha-what are you doing here…?”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“Wait a minute! So that’s why I can’t remember what happened!”

{Calabolt}
“Owww Yuki! You’re tearing off my hair! Quit it!”

{Yuki}
(growls)
“You know that girl, right Cala-chan? I’m gonna blast her to bits the next time I see her!”

{Haru}
“Hey! Calm down! I don’t want you to destroy all our hard work when we’re about to be finished.”

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“I am calm… I was just asking Cala-chan. That person seems to know him.”

{Calabolt}
(trembling)
“W-Well… I-It’s just… I saw her in my dreams… Maybe a memory. I don’t know. But she looks dangerous. At least, based on what my body was telling me…”

{Yuki}
“Telling you to do what?”

{Calabolt}
“…to run.”

{Haru}
“I would definitely carry Yuki and run too in that circumstance. A fire dragon rampaging while surrounded by a forest fire… I cannot imagine staying.”

{Calabolt}
“That’s the thing but… As much as the dragon might look powerful and terrifying. He is like a pet kitten when compared to her malicious aura.”

{Haru}
“You’ve got to be kidding… Dragons are the most dangerous creatures in our world! They are basically treated as gods under the Creator.”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm… So this little girl is scarier than a dragon?…”

(Calabolt nods as the group continue the article)

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 13 Arc 01-96 to 97
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157502574958536/?type=3&theater

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“The Start of a Dream – Recap: Week 13 Arc 01-98 to 99 Finale”

**************

{Haru}
“So? What do you think about the Recap series?”

{Yuki}
“It’s waaaaay too long! No one would ever bother reading that!”

{Haru}
“Hey! I can’t perform miracles. Besides, the story IS long. You were lucky that you have someone like me to summarize everything in such a short amount of time.”

{Calabolt}
“You have to admit that Haru-kun is right. I mean, if it weren’t for him… We wouldn’t even know where to start.”

{Yuki}
“Well, yeah. That’s true but I’m just saying…”

{Calabolt}
(smiles and pats Yuki)
“Come on now. You should thank him for giving us a chance to get some insights into the coming arcs… Plus, this whole series IS your idea.”

{Yuki}
“Y-You… You’re right. Thank you, Grumpy Uncle!”

{Haru}
“…it’s not a problem. We do need to keep our readers engaged.”

{Yuki}
“Yeah! I hope they are happy with what we’ve done… Uhmm… What part are we at now?”

{Haru}
(scrolls down)
“…these ones.”

{Calabolt}
(shivers as he stares)
“I-It’s… N-No… Not…him.”

{Yuki}
(flies towards Calabolt)
“Huh? What’s the matter Cala-chan? Are you alright?”

{Calabolt}
(snaps out of his trance)
“Uhh… Huh?…yes, Yuki. I’m sorry to make you worry. It’s just… This part always gave me the chills whenever I read it…”

{Haru}
“…do you think we should continue? We did manage to answer a bit of the question surrounding the arcs, even if they are vague… I think we have enough to keep the readers interested.”

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“Awww..but I want more answers! I want to find out who are these new guys!”

{Haru}
(sighs)
“…well, if it is alright with Calabolt.”

{Yuki}
(yanks on Calabolt’s hair)
“It’s ok! Right, Cala-chan? Don’t worry! I’ll protect you!”

{Calabolt}
“Ow… Yuki! Uh… S-Sure.”

(Haru takes a worrying glimpse at Calabolt and turns his attention towards the screen)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(a man steps out of a portal)

{???}
(stretches his hands up in the air)
“Hnnnnng!… Man, that really takes a lot out of me… I really should take a vacation…”

(walks up to the darkly lit mansion)

{???}
“Home sweet home…”

(from out of the shadows, all the servants appear and prostrate themselves before the man)

{The Servants}
“Welcome home, Master!…”

{???}
(chuckles with delight seeing them)
“Glad to be home… Indeed…”

(he walks up the stairs along the line of beautiful maids)

{???}
(steps back)
“Oh?…”

(stares at a young maid, trembling in fear)

{???}
(caresses her cheeks with his hand)
“…why are you trembling, my dear? Can’t you see that the line is being poisoned by the imperfection of your movements?…”

(tears begin to fall from the beautiful young lady’s eyes)

{???}
“…and now you dare to soil your Master’s hand with your pitiful tears… Unacceptable…”

{The crying maid}
“I’m sorry Master Krand… Aaaah!…”

{???}
(grabs her by the hair and shoves her down on her knees)
“Did I permit you to speak?…”

{???}
(snaps his fingers)
“I think this little birdie needs more… Training…”

(chains start to appear and wrap around her wrists and ankles, dragging her to one of the rooms as she screams from the pain)

{???}
“Now… Where was I? Ah! Yes…”

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
(fear turns his cheeks livid)
“T-There’s something strangely familiar about those guys. Especially that kid…”

{Haru}
“And so? Kindly keep it to yourself and don’t blurt out any unnecessary spoilers…”

{Yuki}
“B-but that kid… I remember now! I know him! He’s my… mffff…”

{Haru}
(covers Yuki’s mouth with his wings)
“Oh no, you don’t!”

{Calabolt}
(looking at the pages)
“W-What is he planning?! Hasn’t he hurt enough people?!”

{Haru}
(trying to hold on to Yuki)
“R-Relax… Calabolt.”

{Calabolt}
“W-Why… Why must he do these things…”

{Haru}
(trembling)
“We can’t really understand what truly goes on his mind at the moment but…I don’t know if I WANT to find out.”

(Calabolt stood still as Haru explains)

{Haru}
(looks inwardly on himself)
“…for all we know, he’s thinks that everything is all a part of his sinister game. For his own disgusting… amusement.”

{Calabolt}
(whispers to himself)
“A-Am I… just a toy?”

(Yuki breathes as Haru lets him go)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

(the man steps into his grandiose living room and sees a boy bowing his head down)

{a boy’s voice}
“Welcome home, father… How was your trip to the capital?”

{???}
(seemingly pleased, he makes his way to his chair)
“…booooring… After that proud Queen submitted herself to me, it is like I am talking to a rag doll… Constantly in need… It’s as if, she doesn’t have any mind of her
own…”

{a boy’s voice}
“I’m sorry to hear that, father… Maybe mother needs a bit more of your attention…”

{???}
(chuckles)
“Perhaps… But I’m more curious about the progress of our little… Excursion…”

(a man clad in a black suit appears from the shadows with a tea tray in hand)

{Butler}
(pours a cup of tea and serves it to
his master)
“If I may sir…”

{Butler}
“Your plan worked perfectly… Even if we only retrieved half of the spell, we are now on the verge of replicating the full extent of its power…”

{???}
(laughing his heart out)
“She actually fell for that one?!… I have to admit, I myself didn’t know that it would work… I was expecting that my trusted butler would fail me for the first time…”

{Butler}
“I merely wanted to follow your orders to the letter… Master Krandïyar…”

{Krandïyar}
(smiles)
“…followed it, you did… And lo! You produced excellent results!… Even with the odds stacked against you… You certainly are my favourite…”

(envious of the man, the boy clenched his fist)

{Butler}
“I am but your humble servant, Lord Krandïyar… Your word is my law…”

(Krandïyar laughs as the night wanes toward another day)

〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄〄

{Yuki}
“…is it over?”

{Haru}
“For the most part, it is…”

{Yuki}
(jumps up and down)
“Yay! Finally, it’s done!”

{Calabolt}
(exhales)
“Thanks, guys. I-I never thought we would be able to finish this.”

{Haru}
“Me neither. To tell you the truth, I did not expect Yuki to be this behaved and follow my instructions on not giving up spoilers.”

{Calabolt}
(smiles)
“True. But there were some instances where you’ve broken your own rule though.”

{Haru}
(laughs)
“A few breadcrumbs won’t hurt for the fans to be interested in the coming arcs.”

(Calabolt nods)

{Yuki}
“But now that that’s over… I feel a bit lighter… And now I know what we have to do!”

{Calabolt}
“What?”

{Yuki}
“We have to protect Nika!”

(Calabolt and Haru nods as they look on towards the screen)

{Yuki}
“Well, since I’m not allowed to comment on that final scene and share my master plan to protect you all… I think I’m going to get something to eat! You guys want something?”

{Calabolt}
“I-Uhhh…”

{Yuki}
(flies out of the room)
“Nevermind! I’ll just surprise you! Catch you later!”

{Haru}
(continues typing the article)
“That’s Yuki for you. Like a breeze, he’s gone in a second.”

(Calabolt stares at his hands inspecting the invisible chains)

{Haru}
“Looking at them won’t do you any good… You want to talk about it?”

{Calabolt}
(puts his hands away)
“Oh… Uhmm… Talk about what?”

{Haru}
(glimpses at Calabolt)
“I’ll ask when you’re ready then…”

(Calabolt sat down silently in the bed as Haru types)

{Haru}
(abruptly stops)
“…but tell me one thing, what did he do to you?”

{Calabolt}
“…you already know the answer to that.”

{Haru}
(laughs)
“I guess I’ve said that line one too many… But seriously?”

{Calabolt}
(walks towards Haru and smiles)
“No spoilers, right?”

**************

Read the original scenes here: The Start of a Dream – Week 13 Arc 01-98 to 99
https://www.facebook.com/nikakantabile/photos/a.10157281163948536/10157502579708536/?type=3&theater