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"Well, I think it's because...."
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As Kris's thoughts raced with determination to find Firefly and demand answers,
Susie's touch brought them back to their senses,
grounding them in the present moment. Together, they searched through the bustling corridors of Oti Mall,
their hearts heavy with worry and uncertainty.
Finally, they found her, tucked away behind one of the corners, her expression guarded and wary.
Firefly hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Kris and Susie, before she finally spoke.
"I... I have to tell you something," Firefly said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"But I'm not sure if I'm ready..."
"We're listening," Kris said gently, their voice a calming presence amidst the tension.
Firefly took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to reveal.
"I... I'm the stowaway that the Bloodhound family was after."
she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion.
"And I'm not a local of this world."
Susie's heart sank at the revelation,
a surge of conflicting emotions washing over her.
Hurt, anger, betrayal-all vied for dominance within her, threatening to overwhelm her fragile resolve.
Susie's initial instinct was to lash out in anger, to condemn Firefly for deceiving them.
But as she looked into Firefly's eyes,
she saw the fear and vulnerability hidden beneath the surface, and something softened within her.
Despite the betrayal she felt, Susie made a conscious decision not to let resentment consume her.
She knew what it was like to experience betrayal in the dark world, and she didn't want to carry that bitterness into this new chapter of their journey.
But as she looked at Firefly, truly looked at her, she saw the fear and uncertainty mirrored in her eyes.
She saw a friend who was scared and vulnerable, who had made mistakes but was still deserving of forgiveness.
"Well,(ah...shit...) I... I forgive you."
Susie said quietly, her voice tinged with sadness.
"But I can't forget what you did. You, lied to us."
For Kris, the revelation brought a twinge of betrayal,
a sense of hurt and confusion.
But as they watched Susie extend forgiveness to Firefly,
they felt a sense of peace wash over them.
If Susie could find it in her heart to forgive, then perhaps they could too.
"...But still, I appreciate your help. I mean it from the bottom of my heart...." Firefly said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
Susie's heart softened at the sincerity in Firefly's words, a flicker of forgiveness stirring within her.
"Yeah, well, we're not doing this for you."
she muttered, her tone gruff.
"We're doing it because we want to."
But beneath her tough exterior, Susie couldn't deny the gratitude she felt towards Firefly-for guiding them through the mysteries of Penacony,
for standing by them in times of trouble,
and for revealing her true self, flaws and all.
And then, as if sensing the tension in the air, Firefly spoke again,
her voice hesitant but determined.
"Can I bring you to one more place? It isn't a tourist attraction. It's my very own secret base."
Kris and Susie exchanged a glance, curiosity piqued by Firefly's offer.
Despite their reservations, there was a part of them that wanted to trust her,
to believe that she had their best interests at heart.
"Sure, why not?" Kris replied.
"Lead the way."
And so, with Firefly at the helm,
they set off on another journey,
following her through the winding corridors of Oti Mall towards her secret base.
But just as they were about to reach their destination,
they were interrupted by an unexpected sight-a living cartoon character with a clock face, who appeared before them with a sense of urgency in his eyes.
"What is that thing...?" Kris murmured,
their voice filled with surprise.
Clockie nodded solemnly,
his expression grave.
"My friend! I need your help!"
he said, his voice tinged with urgency.
"You can see me right....?Please! H-Help Misha! He's in trouble!"
Kris and Susie exchanged a wary glance, uncertainty clouding their thoughts.
As Kris and Susie exchanged a glance of bewilderment,
Firefly's confusion was palpable.
"What's going on?" she asked,
her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Kris took a deep breath,
trying to find the right words to explain the situation.
"There's... there's this... thing-"
they began hesitantly, gesturing towards Clockie, who stood before them with a sense of urgency in his eyes.
"It's asking for our help."
Susie nodded in agreement, her expression serious.
"Yeah, it's like a living cartoon character or something..."
she added, trying to make sense of the surreal encounter.
Firefly's eyes widened in surprise, but as she glanced towards where Kris and Susie were looking, she saw nothing but empty space.
"I... I don't see anything..."
she admitted, her voice tinged with confusion.
Kris and Susie exchanged a worried glance, unsure of how to proceed.
But deep down, they knew that they couldn't ignore Clockie's plea for help-not when they had the power to make a difference, to change the course of fate.
"We have to help." Kris said firmly.
Susie nodded in agreement, her resolve unwavering.
"Yeah, we can't just stand by and do nothing." she added, her voice filled with conviction.
Despite her inability to see Clockie, Firefly could sense the urgency in their voices, the determination in their eyes.
And though she didn't fully understand what was happening, she knew that she couldn't let Kris and Susie face whatever lay ahead alone.
"Okay..." she said quietly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'll... I'll come with you."
As Kris, Susie, and Firefly arrived at the scene, they were met with a tense standoff-Misha and the mysterious woman with long, dark purple hair were surrounded by a group of menacing gangsters, their expressions twisted with malice and hostility.
"See? Wasn't ly-"
Just Clockie about to explained,
Kris and Susie tensed, ready to summon their weapons and jump into action. But before they could make a move, Clockie intervened, his voice urgent as he urged them to hold back.
"WAIT!" Clockie exclaimed, floating between Kris and Susie with a sense of urgency. "That's a no-no way to deal with it! I have an easier way to stop the danger!"
Intrigued, Kris and Susie exchanged a curious glance, their interest piqued by Clockie's words.
Clockie explained the power of the Clockwork, a mechanic that could change people's emotions and perceptions.
But he warned Kris not to use it in a harmful way, emphasizing the importance of using their newfound power responsibly.
With a nod of understanding, Kris awkwardly stepped forward, feeling the weight of Clockie's warning heavy on their shoulders.
They raised their hands awkwardly, trying to mimic a heroic pose as they attempted to tap into the power of the Clockwork.
(Susie was trying not to brust out of laughing in a background 💀)
"Uhhh... take that...?" Kris muttered, their voice tinged with uncertainty as they struggled to channel the energy of the Clockwork.
But despite their awkwardness, a shimmering aura of light enveloped the scene, washing over the gangsters and filling them with a sense of calm.
The tension melted away, replaced by confusion and bewilderment as the gangsters stood frozen in place, their hostility evaporating into thin air.
Misha and the mysterious woman looked on in disbelief as the danger subsided, their expressions filled with gratitude and relief.
As the chaos faded and the crowd began to disperse, Kris let out a breath they didn't realize they were holding.
They had done it-they had used the power of the Clockwork to save Misha and the mysterious woman from harm.
As Acheron introduced herself, Kris and Susie listened intently, their curiosity piqued by her enigmatic presence.
"My name is Acheron." she began, her voice carrying a weight of authority.
"I'm a galaxy ranger, investigating something here in Penacony."
Misha, the bell boy, shifted nervously as he observed Kris and Susie, a sense of unease creeping into his demeanor.
"I-I've never seen guests like you before..."
he stuttered, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Something feels... off."
Acheron's sharp gaze fell upon Kris, a hint of recognition flickering in her eyes.
"You,"
she mused, her voice thoughtful,
"you resemble a knight I've never seen before."
Kris shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny, unsure of how to respond to her observation.
Beside them, Susie remained silent, her expression guarded as she waited for Acheron to continue.
Turning her attention to Susie, Acheron's gaze softened slightly, as if she had sensed something in Susie that she couldn't quite place.
But instead of pressing further, she chose to remain silent, her unspoken question hanging in the air between them.
"And where are you two from?" Acheron finally asked, her voice gentle but insistent.
"I've traveled far and wide, but I've never encountered anyone quite like you before....
You don't feel familiar, like everyone else I've encountered in this world."
Kris and Susie exchanged a knowing glance, their minds racing as they scrambled to come up with a plausible explanation for their otherworldly appearance.
Kris and Susie exchanged a wary glance, unsure of how to respond to Acheron's probing gaze.
They knew that their appearance and abilities were far from ordinary, but they hadn't expected to attract the attention of someone like Acheron-a galaxy ranger with a keen eye for detail and a sharp sense of intuition.
"Uh...we're just travelers...."
Kris replied hesitantly, their voice tinged with uncertainty. "From... far away."
Susie nodded in agreement, her expression carefully neutral.
"Yeah, we're just passing through."
she added, her tone casual but guarded.
"Nothing ... to see here."
Acheron's gaze lingered on them for a moment longer, as if she could see through their carefully constructed facade.
But then, with a nod of understanding, she let the matter drop, turning her attention back to the task at hand.
But before they could dwell on Acheron's words any further, she continued, her tone grave.
"After the initial dream that brought me here..."
she explained, her voice tinged with urgency,
"I spotted a woman in a black veil inside a mirror. She left something behind in someone's mind-a lingering presence that shouldn't be there."
Kris and Susie exchanged a worried glance, the gravity of Acheron's words sinking in.
...
After some time, Everyone had to part their ways.
"I have to part ways with you all and... You two, enjoy your....dating...?"
As Acheron's words settled over them, Kris and Firefly exchanged a sheepish glance,
their cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the unexpected teasing.
"W-what? N-no, it's not like that!" Kris stammered, their voice betraying their flustered state.
Firefly's face tinted with a faint blush.
"Yeah, d-definitely not!" she chimed in.
Susie, who had been watching the exchange with a smirk, couldn't resist adding to the teasing.
"Sureeee~ looks like it to me~" she teased, her voice dripping with amusement.
Kris and Firefly exchanged a knowing glance, their embarrassment only deepening at Susie's teasing.
"Oh, come on, Susie, cut it out..."
Kris muttered, their cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red.
With a final chuckle, Susie relented, her smirk widening as she watched Kris and Firefly squirm.
"Alright, alright, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone, and then we can go to the secret base that Firefly mentioned to us."
she teased, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
And with that, the group parted ways, each heading off to their own destinations.
As Firefly, Kris, and Susie ventured deeper into the city of Dream Edge, they found themselves navigating a labyrinth of towering skyscrapers and winding alleyways.
The streets were alive with the hustle and bustle of city life, as holographic advertisements danced across the buildings and flying cars zoomed overhead.
But instead of sticking to the crowded streets below, Firefly led her companions up onto the rooftops, where they could move more freely and avoid the chaos of the city below.
With each leap and bound, they felt the thrill of adventure coursing through their veins, exhilarated by the breathtaking views of the city skyline stretching out before them.
As they journeyed further into Dream Edge, they encountered a series of intricate mechanisms that blocked their path.
From rotating platforms to shifting walkways, each obstacle presented a new challenge that tested their skills and teamwork.
But despite the complexity of their surroundings,
Kris and Susie found themselves adapting quickly,
their experiences in the dark world and Digital City serving them well as they worked together to overcome each obstacle in their path.
With Kris's keen analytical mind and Susie's quick reflexes, they made short work of the mechanisms that stood in their way,
clearing a path forward for their group.
As they continued their journey through Dream Edge,
Kris and Susie found themselves faced with a new challenge: a horde of service robots that had been driven to madness by the emotional interference in Penacony.
With their circuits fried and their programming corrupted,
the robots attacked with a ferocity that took Kris and Susie by surprise.
But despite the danger, Firefly remained calm and composed,
her eyes scanning the battlefield for any signs of weakness in their mechanical foes.
As Kris and Susie leapt into action, engaging the robots in combat with their weapons drawn,
Firefly stayed behind them, providing support and guidance as they fought.
As the battle raged on, Susie couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Wow, these robots are like something we have seen back in the Digital City."
she remarked, her voice laced with amusement as she dodged a swipe from one of the mechanical monstrosities.
With Kris and Susie leading the charge, Firefly watched from the sidelines, watching the fight as it unfolded.
With each blow they landed and each robot they defeated, she offered words of encouragement and guidance,
helping to keep her companions focused and determined as they battled against the relentless onslaught.
And as the last of the robots fell, defeated by Kris and Susie's combined efforts,
Firefly let out a sigh of relief.
"Well done, you two!" she said, her voice filled with pride as she surveyed the wreckage of their vanquished foes.
"I knew you had it in you."
With the robots defeated and the path ahead, Kris, Susie, and Firefly pressed on towards their destination.
...
As Kris, Susie, and Firefly finally arrived at the Firefly's secret base, they found themselves standing on a wide balcony overlooking the sprawling city of Dream Edge.
The night sky stretched out above them, filled with countless golden shooting stars that twinkled and danced in the darkness.
As they took in the breathtaking sight, a soft melody filled the air, emanating from a nearby media player.
The song, titled
'If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking',
washed over them, its soothing notes enveloping them in a sense of peace and serenity.
Firefly, recognizing the song, turned to her companions with a smile.
"Did you know that this song is sung by Robin?" she remarked, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia.
Kris and Susie exchanged a surprised glance, their eyes widening in realization.
"She's the person that we met when we first arrived in Penacony."
Kris said.
"No fucking way, really?" Susie exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.
"I didn't know she was a singer too!"
Kris nodded in agreement, a smile tugging at the corners of their lips.
"That's pretty cool." they remarked, their tone filled with admiration.
"She's got a really nice voice."
As the song continued to play, Kris and Susie stood together on the balcony, basking in the beauty of the moment.
"This spot is the closest place to the sky in the Dreamscape.
It's far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and free from the bickering among the dreamers.
You can feel the moment - the scenery, the people, and the dreams - without being disturbed by anyone..."
Firefly said, her voice carrying a sense of serenity.
Kris and Susie nodded in agreement, taking in the peaceful atmosphere with a sense of appreciation.
"Everyone falls asleep here equally, regardless of our different agendas."
Kris added, their tone thoughtful.
Firefly hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"I'm sorry, Kris... Susie..." she said softly, her tone tinged with remorse.
"I really am a stowaway..."
Susie scoffed, a hint of worry in her expression. "Yeah, we know, Firefly.
You just said that when you disappeared on us earlier."
she remarked, her voice laced with concern.
As Firefly looked up at her friends, she could see the worry etched on their faces.
She knew that she needed to explain herself further, to make them understand the truth of her situation.
"Kris, Susie..." she began, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.
Kris and Susie exchanged a concerned glance, sensing the seriousness of Firefly's tone. "What is it, Firefly?" Kris asked, their voice gentle but filled with curiosity.
Firefly took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking again.
"My hometown was destroyed long ago by cosmic monsters."
she confessed, her voice tinged with sadness.
"I'm an interstellar refugee, just like many of the locals here in Penacony."
Kris and Susie listened in stunned silence, absorbing the weight of Firefly's words.
"I had no idea..." Susie said softly, her voice filled with empathy.
"But you're not alone, Firefly." Kris interjected, their voice brimming with compassion.
"Here in Penacony, the harmony accepts everyone. The 'Family' takes everyone in."
Firefly continues to speak.
As Firefly spoke, Kris and Susie listened intently, captivated by her words.
"In this splendid metropolis..."
she began, gesturing toward the dazzling skyline of Penacony.
"some come here with a dream called Penacony, while others have dreams that are no different from reality. But no matter their motives, everyone who arrives here is welcomed with open arms."
Firefly paused, her expression thoughtful as she continued.
"And it's the same for me."
she admitted, her voice tinged with longing.
"I have a wish that I want to achieve so badly in the real world, but I can't. So, I want to give it a shot here..."
Kris and Susie exchanged a curious glance, sensing that there was more to Firefly's story than she was letting on.
...
"Entropy Loss Syndrome. Have you heard of this term?"
Firefly asked them, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and resignation.
Kris and Susie shook their heads, their brows furrowed with worry.
"No, we haven't."
Kris replied, their voice tinged with concern. "What is it?"
Firefly took a deep breath, steeling herself to explain.
"It's a condition that affects people like me." she began, her voice trembling slightly.
"Those who suffer from Entropy Loss Syndrome slowly fade away from this world, and no one around them notices it."
She paused, her expression haunted as she continued.
"You can still run, jump, and talk as usual." she explained, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Everything seems normal, but then you'll start doing everything slightly slower than others... And then even slower than that, until the lines between your body and the entire world become blurry.
You won't be able to tell reality from dreams because they have all been shattered."
Tears welled up in Firefly's eyes as she spoke, her voice choked with emotion.
"That's why I chose to stay in this dream."
she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Here, I can free myself from the icy grip of the medical cabin and live life normally, even if it's just for a little while longer."
...
As Firefly revealed her after the Watchmaker's Legacy, Kris and Susie exchanged a glance, their curiosity piqued.
"What's the Watchmaker's Legacy?"
Susie asked, her voice filled with intrigue.
Firefly hesitated for a moment, her expression conflicted.
"It's... complicated..." she replied evasively, her gaze flickering away.
"There are some things I can't tell you yet."
Kris and Susie nodded understandingly, sensing that there was more to Firefly's story than she was letting on.
"That's okay."
Kris said reassuringly, placing a comforting hand on Firefly's shoulder.
With a bittersweet smile, Firefly suggested they take a picture together among the golden shooting stars, capturing a moment of camaraderie and friendship amidst the vast expanse of the Dreamscape.
[Art by me!]
After the photo was taken, the three of them made their way back to Golden Hour, the bustling heart of Penacony.
Kris and Susie believed their journey in Penacony was coming to an end,
and they prepared to bid farewell to Firefly and find a way to leave the Dreamscape behind, returning to their real world.
However, as they arrived at Golden Hour, they noticed that something was amiss.
The usually vibrant city seemed strangely empty, and an eerie silence hung in the air.
As Kris, Susie, and Firefly walked through the empty streets of Golden Hour, a sense of unease settled over them like a heavy fog.
Susie glanced around nervously, her eyes darting from shadow to shadow as if expecting something to jump out at them.
"This place feels... off." she muttered, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Kris nodded in agreement, their brow furrowed in concern.
"It's like everyone just vanished into thin air." they remarked, their tone filled with uncertainty.
Firefly frowned, her gaze sweeping over the deserted streets.
"I've never seen Golden Hour like this before..." she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's usually bustling with activity, even at this hour."
A chill wind whispered through the empty streets, sending a shiver down Susie's spine.
"Do you think something happened?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
As they walked through the eerily empty streets of Golden Hour,
Kris and Susie were taken aback to find Sampo standing in their path,
his expression a mixture of disappointment and frustration.
"It looks like you have not taken my warnings to heart."
Sampo began, his voice tinged with irritation.
"Are you so enchanted by that girl? You're just so... blind!"
Susie's fists clenched at her sides, her eyes flashing with anger.
"The fuck do you want, Sampo?"
she demanded, her voice sharp with defiance.
Kris stepped forward, their stance defensive. "We're not afraid of you, Sampo." they said, their voice firm. "We'll make our own choices."
Firefly stepped forward, her expression grave. "Careful, this man is more than just dangerous." she warned, her eyes flickering with concern.
Sampo chuckled softly, his amusement evident.
"You haven't noticed anything at all?" he asked cryptically. "What the 'Family' is hiding, what is the secret behind this sweet dreams?"
"What are you getting at?" Susie demanded, her voice sharp with suspicion.
Sampo shook his head, a disappointed sigh escaping his lips.
"I'm really disappointed in you, my friend..."
he said, his tone tinged with facades of sadness.
And then he smirked, his true intentions began to unfold.
The dream world around them started to distort, red magic tendrils swirling in the air around Firefly, Kris, and Susie, making them feel dizzy and disoriented.
"Excuse me, my friends~" Sampo said with an eerie calmness, his eyes glowing bright red. "Why don't you rest for a little while?
Inside the real dreamscape."
With a sinister grin, he slowly approached Kris, who struggled to maintain consciousness.
As Sampo reached out, flicking Kris's forehead, Kris slumped to the ground, falling into a deep unconsciousness.
It was then that the truth was revealed.
The figure who had appeared as Sampo was nothing but an illusion.
As the illusion faded away, the true culprit was revealed-a mysterious woman dressed in a striking red Japanese outfit.
"Sweet dreams, everyone~"