The school day had finally ended, and fortune seemed to favor Toby's plan. Mr. Clover was stuck covering for an absent teacher, the class stretching late into the afternoon. If there was ever a perfect moment to act, this was it.
But could the young Dreamer truly pull it off? So much could go wrong, one mistake could turn this into the biggest disaster of his life. Was the reward really worth the risk? Well... we're about to find out.
The classroom emptied in a rush of laughter and chatter, students already swept up in plans for the evening. Only Toby Robinson remained, pretending to search under his desk, his convenient excuse for staying put.
Todd Forager: What are you looking for, dude? (Todd asked, not leaving with everyone else)
Toby Robinson: I can't find my... pen! And it's such a good pen too, I don't know what I'd do without it. (Toby lied nervously, trying to deceive his best friend)
Todd Forager: Right... You I can tell when you're lying to right? You've been lying a lot lately... It's getting old. (Todd said before he walked away, leaving the classroom in anger)
Fred Clover: Trouble in paradise? (Mr. Clover asked, his attention stolen from his notes)
Toby Robinson: Can I talk to you about something? It's very important. (Toby told him firmly, calmly approaching his desk)
Fred Clover: Alright... what's on your mind? If it's something I can help with, I'll do my very best. (Mr. Clover said, his reassuring smile never fading)
Toby Robinson: Just try and keep an open mind? (Toby nervously instructed him)
Fred Clover: Oookay... I'm starting to get worried here. Is something wrong? (He asked, his tired expression clouded with concern)
Toby Robinson: Honestly, you've always been a great teacher to us. From day one, you stood out as the best in this school. I used to be terrible at biology, but now I actually look forward to it... and I'm not the only one. So, thank you. Thank you for being our teacher. I truly hope you'll continue teachng us. (Toby said with a bright, genuine smile)
Fred Clover: (Chuckles) The substitute was that bad, huh? (He joked, using the moment to gather his thoughts)... You're very welcome, Toby. Teaching here has been one of the best experiences of my life, and it's all thanks to my incredible students. (Mr. Clover admitted, his smile warm with pride)
Toby Robinson: Obviously some more than others. (Toby replied, that smile still on his face)
Fred Clover: (Chuckles) Thanks again for your kind words, I hope to continue being a teacher you can be proud of, and learn from of course... Is that all you wanted to tell me? (He asked)
Toby Robinson: There's actually one more thing I wanted to tell you. (The young Dreamer said to him, his eyes starting to radiate with dream energy)... Activate... Sleep! (Toby said to him, those eyes now glowing an intense, hypnotizing shade of blue)
[Sleep Activated]
[-80 Dream Points]
[Dream Bank: 4984 Dream Points]
Fred Clover: Wha... the... (His voice trails, sluggish and broken, eyes unfocused as the world fades around him)
The teacher's head lowers onto his desk, and in a matter of moments, he slips into a heavy, dream drenched sleep.
Toby Robinson: I wasn't sure it would actually work. But now that he's asleep... what happens next? Is the Wraith going to make its move? (Toby wondered, his glare fixed on the creature tormenting his favorite teacher)
The Wraith, sensing its host has surrendered to sleep, unravels its form into a haze of black smoke, slipping silently into the man's unconscious body.
Toby Robinson: Stop that! (Toby yelled, trying to stop the nightmare from completely seeping into his body)
But the young Dreamer's hand passed through the smoke, unable to grab anything but air. He could not stop the monster.
Toby Robinson: I'm not letting this thing torment you anymore. Whatever it takes, I'm destroying this Wraith! (Toby's voice was steady, every word full of conviction)... Dream System, activate... Dream Sharing! (Toby commanded)
[Dream Sharing Activated]
[-100 Dream Points]
[Dream Bank: 4884 Dream Points]
[Entering Dream State]
Toby's vision blurred, the world around him twisting into something almost nonsensical. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground.
Darkness coiled around him, dragging him under. His mind had already begun its journey, toward a new plane of existence. A new Dream Domain.
But while Toby drifted into the depths of the unknown, the atmosphere of the classroom shifted. The air stirred, as though reality itself had been nudged aside.
That was when Susie Walters appeared, not through the doorway, but as if she had been standing there the entire time.
Susie Walters: Hmph... so you really are a Dreamer after all. And you're doing my work for me. Admirable... but also very foolish. You have no idea what you're up against, kid. I just hope you're strong enough to make it out alive, because there's nothing I can do to help you. (Susie crouched down beside Toby's still body, her blue eyes flickering with an otherworldly glow as she studied his sleeping face)
Next: Nightmare.