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In the grand throne room of the Castle of Apprehension, Xander sat on the throne. He was absorbed in a chapter of The Clash of Realities, a tome that had become a lifeline for him since he was trapped in the Anxiety Realm by Lunia. Xander had faced destruction at her hands many years ago, a fate that had seemed final, yet against all odds, he had miraculously returned to life just a few weeks ago. The experience had left him with a lingering sense of unease. As he turned the page, the doors of the throne room creaked open, and Calibrate and Octavia stepped inside. "Hey, Xan, how are you doing?" Calibrate asked as he looked at Xander, who merely shrugged, his eyes still glued to the text. Noticing Octavia's downcast expression, Calibrate stepped closer to her, gently urging her to speak up. "Come on, say something," he prompted. Octavia sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "So, what chapter are you on now?" she asked. Xander looked up from his book, his brow furrowing in thought. "Chapter Nine," he replied, his voice low and contemplative. "Oh, that's interesting," she said, her curiosity piqued. "You won't believe this! It mentions that it was I who freed the Army of Shade from their prison in the Shadow Realm, a mystery since Chapter Two. I can only imagine how guilty the version of me in this book will feel in Chapter Ten.” Xander complained.
“Xander, I really think you need to spend some time outside instead of moping,” Calibrate suggested gently. “Outside? How can I do that when we’re stuck in this realm?” Xander replied, throwing his hands up in frustration, his voice rising. His dark hair fell into his eyes, but he didn’t bother to brush it aside. “But the Anxiety Realm has everything we could ever want, remember?” Octavia chimed in. “What I truly want is impossible now, all because of Lunia,” Xander lamented. Calibrate let out a deep sigh, understanding Xander's feelings. He had seen the toll that their current situation had taken on his friend, the way the spark in Xander’s eyes had dimmed over time. “I know you’re feeling down, but you can’t let this consume you,” Calibrate urged. “I only have a few weeks left, Calibrate,” Xander reminded him, the reality of his situation sinking in like a stone in his stomach. “So you’re really just going to isolate yourself and fade away like some boy who died in a cave because he never got out and tried new things?” Octavia challenged him. “Well, that would depend on whether there’s a cave around here,” Xander replied, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his voice as he returned to his reading, flipping the pages. “Ugh, teenagers,” Calibrate muttered, facepalming in exasperation.
Octavia sprang forward, snatching the book from Xander's hands with determination. “Listen, Xander. You’re joining us whether you want to or not," she declared firmly. “I don’t even care if the Dream World faces its end at this moment." At that moment, the doors of the throne room swung open again, and the Silhouettes burst in. Their expressions were heavy with concern. "Xander, we have a serious issue," Dusk announced. "A really big one," Twilight added. Xander, Calibrate, and Octavia looked at each other, confused yet intrigued.
As the Somber Vistas stepped outside, they were met with the shocking sight of the Anxiety Realm crumbling away, transforming into shimmering Dream Sand. The Somber Vistas gasped in unison, their eyes wide with awe and fear. “You really had to bring up the end of the Dream World, didn’t you?” Xander chastised Octavia, his voice laced with frustration. “In my defense, I was merely exaggerating,” Octavia retorted. She crossed her arms, her eyes shifting from the crumbling realm to Xander, who was clearly on the verge of a breakdown. “Calibrate, what’s the situation?” Xander pressed as he turned to his second-in-command. “Well, it seems one of the most catastrophic events for the Dream World has just unfolded,” Calibrate replied. “What do you mean?” Xander asked. “I’ll explain everything later, but you have to promise not to panic,” Calibrate urged. “I’m already panicking! My arm is literally disintegrating!” Xander shouted, pointing in horror at his left arm, which was now shimmering and fading.
Intrigued by the bizarre sight, Dusk stepped closer, reaching out to touch Xander's arm, his fingers hovering just above the surface. But the gesture only served to irritate Xander further. Calibrate raised his hands in a placating gesture, his expression earnest. "I understand that you're terrified right now, but it’s not that. But rather, wha’t gonna happen and who’s responsible," he continued. Xander shot him a skeptical look, his eyebrow arched in disbelief.
Five Minutes Later
The collapse of the Anxiety Realm, coupled with the Somber Vistas, left both the group and the realm ensnared within a sinister prison known as a Doom Dome. This dire situation arose because the Never Witch had been systematically encasing realms, trapping their essence and siphoning memories and artifacts to execute a dark spell aimed at restoring the Dream World to its primordial form—a time when dreams never existed. When Calibrate shared this unsettling revelation with Xander, he didn't take it well.
Xander expressed his disbelief, his voice rising with incredulity. "Are you telling me there's a witch who has been around since the beginning of time, who is afraid of change, and now she’s casting a spell to revert the Dream World to its original form, which would mean the end of all dreams, and no one would be able to pursue their passions?" His eyes widened as he processed the implications of Calibrate's revelation. Calibrate confirmed this with a solemn nod. Octavia and the Silhouettes looked at Xander. They were eager to hear how he would respond to this daunting news. After taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Xander's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Why didn’t you bring this up earlier?! We could have dealt with her or destroyed those artifacts while we were busy taking down the Night Bureau!" His voice was filled with anger and desperation, the thought of missed opportunities gnawing at him. Calibrate replied, "To be fair, we were scared of her because she’s an ancient witch who can steal memories." He paused, gauging the reactions of his companions before continuing. "But while we were fighting the Night Bureau, we realized we actually have a chance against her because of our instability and the fact that we embody the passions of Dreamers, which she fears. Our unpredictability is our greatest weapon." He added, “Actually, the rest of you are mentally unstable. I’m not so sure about myself."
Xander turned to Octavia and the Silhouettes, asking, “What about you?” Dusk replied, “I think it really comes down to how we deal with her army, especially if I can eat just one Grimwolf as the Silo-Monster.” Octavia added, “I had a plan that involved taking out the Never Witch, but you didn’t want to consider it since you preferred to keep it as a last resort.” Xander felt a twitch of irritation in his eyes. “You didn’t even—ugh, forget it. The only hope for the Dream World rests on a young Dream Chaser,” he lamented, his eyes drifting out toward the swirling storm that loomed ominously over the memories and Doom-Domed Dream Realms. The chaos mirrored his inner turmoil, a tempest of doubt and regret. “I’ve let you down, Wyatt,” he said sorrowfully. The Somber Vistas looked on with concern and empathy. They felt Xander’s despair. He was the one who had shaped them into who they were now, instilling in them a sense of purpose and identity. Without his guidance, they might have been lost, striving to make a real impact in both the Waking World and the Dream World. True, he was also the reason for their imprisonment, but that didn’t erase their loyalty to him. Calibrate stepped forward, his voice low but firm. “Xander, we’re in this together. You’ve always been our leader, and we trust your judgment. But—”
Dusk shouted, “Look!” as he pointed outside, interrupting the moment. The group turned their attention to the young Dream Chaser, Mateo, along with his companion Z-Blob, attempting to evade the Never Witch. The scene was tense. “Wow, he’s really putting up a fight,” Calibrate remarked in surprise, his eyes wide as he watched Mateo deftly maneuver around the Never Witch’s grasp. “More like he’s just running away. Typical Dream Chaser behavior,” Octavia replied nonchalantly, crossing her arms. Her tone was filled with skepticism and amusement, as if she had seen this play out too many times before. “They always think they can outsmart their opponents with sheer speed.” Xander remarked, "That young boy is set on saving that realm. Such courage for a Dream Chaser.” The Somber Vistas observed Mateo engaged in conversation with the Never Witch, their voices barely audible. “What are they talking about?” Twilight asked, her brow furrowed in curiosity. She leaned forward, straining to catch a glimpse of the unfolding drama. “It’s all about belittlement, playing the hero, and the Wicked Witch. You know, the usual stuff,” Dusk explained, his eyes narrowing as he tried to decipher the gestures and expressions of the two figures. The Never Witch’s sharp features twisted into a smirk, while Mateo’s face was a mask of defiance, even as he backed away. “You can actually hear them?” Xander asked. He shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the others as if expecting them to share his disbelief. “Uh, yeah, can’t you?” Dusk responded, a hint of confusion creeping into his tone. He gestured toward the scene outside as if the answer was as clear as day. “We’re stuck in two domes, Dusk. Obviously, I can’t hear anything they’re saying,” Xander replied.
“And now, the boy has run out of Dream Sand and realizes that he and the blob are the last hope for saving the Dream World, or everyone will perish, Dusk explained. "Ugh, we’re doomed," Xander replied. “Actually, if he could draw the Dream Sand from the domes, he might be able to free the realms," Calibrate suggested. "But is that safe, especially since we're on a giant raven in a storm?" Octavia asked. "It can be done carefully," Calibrate assured her, his tone steady and confident. “They just need to focus and channel the energy properly," As if on cue, the Never Witch summoned a Grimwolf, a shadowy creature with glowing eyes and a fierce demeanor, to chase after Mateo, who had fallen from the Raven Raider. "Oh, great. We're doomed now," Dusk said. However, minutes later, they spotted Mateo and another Dream Chaser, Cooper, who appeared unexpectedly. "Who’s that?" Twilight asked as she tried to make out the figure. "I’m not sure, but I sense he has potential," Calibrate said with a smile, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
Suddenly, a Grim Raven swooped down from above. It snatched Cooper in its talons, and he let out a scream. Cooper managed to grab onto the Grim Raven. For a moment, it seemed like he might tamed it, but the creature’s strength was overwhelming. The Grim Raven crashed, sending Cooper crashing to the ground. “What were you saying?” Octavia teased, a smirk playing on her lips despite the chaos. She couldn’t help but find humor in the situation. Calibrate just rolled his eyes. “Not the time,” he replied.
Just then, another Dream Chaser named Zoey burst onto the scene. She drew her Guitar Bow, a unique instrument that doubled as a weapon, and began to strum a powerful chord. The sound resonated through the Raven Raider, sending waves of energy that drove away the Grim Ravens and the Grimwolf. “Seriously? That was all it took?” Octavia grumbled. Zoey then showed the Never Witch one of her own memories, putting them into a deep slumber. Meanwhile, the Somber Vistas watched intently as Mateo and Cooper seized the opportunity to grab the Never Witch’s staff. “They have the staff. If they can halt the spell, they will have the chance to free the realms,” Calibrate noted. Xander sighed heavily, his expression clouded with concern. “What’s wrong?” Calibrate asked, sensing Xander’s thoughts. “You’re forgetting that even if they free the realms, we’ll still be trapped here,” Xander replied, his tone serious. “Remember, only Dream Keeper can break the prison, and there’s no way Lunia would help us.” “Right, you did punch her in the face,” Dusk joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Suddenly, the Somber Vistas noticed the Anxitery Realm quaking. “What’s going on?” Octavia said. The Somber Vistas looked outside, seeing Mateo and Cooper extract the Dream Sand from the Doom Domes, causing the domes to collapse as they were released. This action transformed all the Dream Realms into a new and distinct state. Unbeknownst to Mateo and Cooper, the Somber Vistas were not only liberated from the Doom Dome but the prison Lunia had built to confine them in the Anxiety Realm was also destroyed, leaving them astonished and bewildered by their newfound freedom. "Wait, we’re…we’re free?" Xander exclaimed in disbelief, his voice echoing in the vast expanse of the newly liberated realm. His eyes widened as he took in the vibrant landscape around him. Calibrate looked at the sky, noticing the absence of the prisons that had loomed ominously overhead for so long. The Dream Sand swirled around the realms, including the Anxiety Realm, creating a mesmerizing dance of light. "But how?" Dusk questioned.
Xander stood at the precipice of the Anxiety Realm. He observed the pivotal moment unfolding before him. The Dream Chasers were now face-to-face with the Never Witch. Thanks to Zoey’s efforts, the Never Witch had found redemption as she prepared to say her goodbyes. The Dream World was now secured, and the Dream Chasers began to awaken, their consciousness transitioning back to the Waking World. Xander's eyes narrowed as he focused on Mateo and Z-Blob. "That boy," he remarked. "He possesses Dream Keeper power akin to Lunia. I can feel it."
Octavia looked at the Anxiety Realm. The landscape before her was nothing like the vibrant, newly liberated Dream Realms that had blossomed with color and life. Here, it remained the same. "Why isn't the Anxiety Realm transforming?" she asked. Calibrate stood beside her, his eyes fixed on the swirling Dream Sand that enveloped the realm. "It's likely due to the Apprehension Core," he replied, his tone measured and thoughtful. “The core regulates the anxiety in the realm, stopping it from evolving like the others. It acts as a stabilizing force but at a cost. The real question is what the realm would look now like without the core."
Calibrate turned to Xander. “So, what now?” he asked Xander. Octavia cackled with delight. “It’s time for REVENGE against all those greedy Dream Hoarders and those monsters!” Her enthusiasm was infectious, but Xander quickly shot her down, his tone serious. “No.” Octavia’s excitement faded, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Aw, really?” she pouted. Xander continued, his voice steady and resolute. “The Dream World has transformed into a state of pure bliss. This is our chance to push forward with our plan to get everyone to embrace the Dream World and finally take down the Night Bureau. This time, we’ll do it by summoning the United World.” The Somber Vistas looked at each other, their eyes widening at the mention of the United World. The name alone conjured images of vast landscapes and interconnected realms, a place where dreams and reality intertwined. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? You know how the Common Union works. If we’re the ones to call forth the United World, it could end up in ruins,” Octavia cautioned. Xander nodded. “I get that, which is why we need that boy and his friends. If we can enlist one of them to help us summon the United World, everything will be fine.” His confidence was palpable, but the Somber Vistas remained skeptical. Calibrate chimed in, his voice thoughtful. “That could work, but what about the Nightmare Creatures? They could be out there, lurking in the shadows.” Xander rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Three kids just redeemed the first villain in existence and battled their own doppelgangers. What could possibly be a tougher threat? Video games?” The Somber Vistas mulled it over. Before anyone could respond, Xander cut in again, his tone urgent.
“Look, what unfolded today is something that can't ever be undone, and it's all because of that Dream Chaser, who shows real promise of becoming a Dream Keeper. I’m not quite sure how many weeks I have left, but I refuse to just sit back and let the Night Bureau's rules dictate the fate of the new Dream World and push away those who are destined to forget it, like our Dreamers," Xander remarked, looking back at the vibrant new Dream World. The air was thick with potential, and the whispers of countless dreams echoed around them, urging him to take action. "Every moment we hesitate is a moment lost to the shadows," he continued.
The Somber Vistas stepped forward. They had seen the consequences of inaction, the way the Night Bureau's oppressive rules stifled creativity and crushed the spirits of Unaware Dreamers. They understood the stakes, and they were ready to fight for a brighter future. Calibrate placed a reassuring hand on Xander's shoulder, grounding him in the moment. “Like I said, we’re in this together.” The Silhouettes nodded in agreement. "We’ve waited long enough!" Octavia chimed in, her voice ringing with enthusiasm. She twirled in the air, her laughter echoing like music through the Dream World. "It’s time to show those Dream Hoarders and monsters what we’re made of!” With a renewed sense of purpose, Xander felt his fears lift. "Alright then," he said, a grin breaking across his face. “Let’s rock and roll,"