"Escapist"
An ordinary 17 year old highschool student attending his second year of highschool.
He doesn't stand out too much outwardly, however that is highly compensated with his inner inquisitive nature and perception.
Being sick of monotony and dullness of his life, he began seeking out ways to indulge in his escapism: be it video games, sketching, sightseeing, etc.. He tends to take minor evening walks after school by the park if he feels like it.
One day, he found out about lucid dreaming while browsing and began researching it, feeling intrigued by the prospect of self-controlled dreams. He was already having some interesting dreams before, so he began to purposefully record his dreams in hopes of attaining such lucid dream.
And then, on the dawn of April 8th, this night happened.
Left utterly puzzled, curious and awed by the dream - he began to speculate over the meaning of it, and who was that mysterious figure that he must seek out.
Could be a load of nonsense made up by his brain, but he can't help but hope that there is more to it.
Perhaps his expertise of being a shmup player gives him an advantage of surviving in this dream.
=Dream Journal Entry=
In that dream, I was like this.
[Drawing of Shinji's Dream Clothes]
Dunno about the significance of it, yet they oddly have a sense of familiarity to them.
In spite of how drab and seemingly uncomfortable they look (scarf and poncho are too big for my tastes), they feel pretty light.
In moments of enhanced lucidity, I feel like I could prowl through enemies much more easily. Truly amazing stuff.
I guess I always had fascination with celestial bodies, hence the star imagery.
"Connecting Apparition Betwixt Realities"
One of several guardian spirits roaming in Nexus, also known as "Inbetween" an odd filament separating real world from the fantasy.
They're a rather playful sort in spite of their duty as guardian of their own dream world. You can't tell at first glance if they're taking their job seriously or not.
Hearing a distress call from the queen however; they began to seek out lucid dreamers that could fit her criteria. And one dreamer would eventually come into their line of sight.
No one's sure where those apparitions came from, but they seem to have a purpose of overseeing their respective dream worlds. Perhaps they were once forgotten creations of their dreamers, akin to imaginary friends they had long ago.
Perhaps... It doesn't matter.
=Dream Journal Entry=
What an odd character (lol)
I don't particularly believe in ghosts, and for what supposed to be it - they look strangely adventurous.
They seem to have both the ability to not only oversee the intwerbeen space, but also reality and that dream world. Seem to only function as windows as opposed to actual portals though (or at very least, can't go through said portals themselves).
Their hat is interesting. Typically you would have bird feathers on one side like this:
[Picture of a Hat with a Feather]
But they have them on both sides, making them look like tiny ears (cute):
[Picture of Gen's Hat]
I wonder if the feathers are of sparrows? In hindsight they're annoyingly cute like a bird. Chun~chun~
[Picture of a Tiny Sparrow]
"Nimbus Shepherd of Slumber"
Embodiment of Counting Sheep, which is a common practice in western societies. Essentially their Caretaker and Creator.
A rather peaceful and meek person normally, despite what you may believe - she genuinely does not like fighting. Pasture connects to the inbetween, as counting sheep is one of many ways to enter the state of slumber.
There are many ways sheep can be born. Either through her pipe, through her hair (which she ends up cutting a lot due to how rapidly it grows) or through the same dandelion seeds scattered everywhere on the field.
Said sheep turn into automatons that guard the place from any intruders and more elderly ones turn into clouds in the sky. They're extremely fluffy and normally she would've encouraged you to pet them - but the turmoil and uncertainty turns even the most benevolent of creatures into force to be reckoned with.
She is a motherly sort, keen on comforting both dreamers and residents alike - however she does not appreciate any advances made towards her. In that case she would use her soothing and calming voice to essentially dull your dream out, making it very brief and forgetful.
=Dream Journal Entry=
Oh my...
She is a surprisingly tall and imposing figure at the first glance, must be all that hair.
At first I didn't care about sheep, but after that dream and fight, I got curious.
Apparently counting sheep is what they do overseas. Apparently doing something repetitive and mundane would induce sleep - but I fail to see how effective it would be in practice; maybe that's why she's a bit of a clutz.
And as of where the practice came from, there are many conflicting claims - coming either from England or Spain; and one origin story caught my interest "King and his Story-teller" which tells of a worrisome King and tired Story-teller. Perhaps that could explain their (Queen and the Shepherd) familiarity?
Due to its roots as a western practice - there's not a lot of people who have heard about counting sheep, let alone using that to fall asleep.
I find it ironic and cute that the sheep lady is herding the sheep♡, perhaps that intricate familiarity with sheep is what helps her lead them way better.
The sheep are so fluffy; I wish clouds were like that instead of just being glorified fog clumps.
[Drawing of Sheep Jumping Over a Fence]
"Imaginary, Imposing Timekeeper"
One of the few "reformed" nightmares trying to live their own life under the surveilance. He is an embodiment of 'oversleeping' nightmares, typically appearing before dreamers with turbulent life.
Once upon a time he went on a rampage in the dream world, but was later pacified by one of its residents; which explains his otherwise drowsy and apathetic nature.
Hostility is a natural state of a nightmare, and just like becoming lucid of one's dream may bring a feeling of derealization; being aware of one's innate hostility is a rather painful feeling, akin to hunger.
And so, in spite of his genuine efforts to become better, he cannot control that guttural feeling of hatred - so he is constantly under supervision from others, only dreamers and curious entities would end up crossing his path unwittingly.
Due to his sensitivity towards light, he is usually found floating atop the Starlit Lake (dubbing him "Lady of the Lake" in part of his effeminate appearance; does not give swords though). And the clock that he keeps nearby at all times aids him in fooling dreamers, though it also shows his emotions as well - you just have to pay attention.
=Dream Journal Entry=
Damn it! I almost fell for it! Should have never went to that lake!
That place is pretty and all, but besides that swarming outpost - this area proved to be the most dangerous of them all due to sheer number of sprites, stray ephemerals and... This guy.
Floating without care, at a first glance he seems approachable. Hell, if it wasn't for his voice and mannerisms - I would've thought that was a sleeping princess. But once you wake him up... Get ready to be sent to hell.
Admittedly... I bluffed. The thing is, I do at times completely oversleep - but it's usually not for that long (unless at weekends and even then it has to do with me forgetting about some bogus event school was having). And while my mom is always here to wake me up - I kinda lied here (oops ;v;).
She is a human after all, so sometimes she gets pretty sick - but by that point I usually wake up earlier than necessary just to take care of her.
[Picture of Tatsuya's Clock]
"Knight of Four Suits"
An original creation brought forth by Queen Maboroshi, thus he is more of an amalgamation of memories and thoughts rather than embodying something specific.
He is the first "Ephemeral" brought into existence - a magical fae creature guarding the tower and patrolling the dream world. From him, several more were born - now being more whimsical and inquisitive in some aspects. In a way, he is queen Maboroshi's child.
He knows many magician tricks, and is considered a part entertainer in the dream world, trying to bring everyone joy - but more importantly his queen. He wishes to see her smile more often.
He is also considered a leader of his platoon, so he is one of few people capable wrangling rogue Ephemerals back into obedient... Mostly (see pasture Ephemerals). Either way, he cares deeply for his men and does not appreciate any harm done to them, even if they are reborn afterwards.
=Dream Journal Entry=
Mesmerising Annoying Fairy.
Upon deeper discovery, his name essentially refers to the playing suits of Anglo-American Trump cards. So lame.
心 - Heart
宝 - Jewel (Diamond)
鏟 - Shovel (Spade)
棒 - Staff (Club)
(I wonder if Kenbou Shinpou (心宝 剣棒) would've been a more accurate name; otherwise it's rather too western)
Admittedly, in spite of the sheer peril of the battle, I actually enjoyed our bout together. Feels like I'm on a stage of the circus. Takes me back~
Oddly enough, the fluttering wings of Ephemerals sounded like the flutter of paper. And on touch they felt like paper too (though I got reprimanded for that). Perhaps they're akin to shikigami? Queen really must be that strong.
I'll create some to decorate my room sometime.
A Magical Joker or Jack of All Trades? Who knows.
[Drawing of Ephemerals Floating Around and a Top Hat with Bunny Ears Pocking Out]
[Dreaming Queen of Golden Moon]
Once upon a time, a lone tower stood in the center of a certain dream world.
No one dared to approach the tower. No one, except for one young lady.
While to others it felt like she was approaching the eye of the storm, her steps were oddly determined.
And upon touching the gate, it opened just for her. Just like how pulling a certain sword from the crowned Arthur the king of England; opening the gates of the tower crowned that lady the queen of this world.
That's where she ultimately settled, keeping the track of records written within the tower and watching over the dream world through the telescope.
As being in the tower allows her to feel the dream world much more throughly, she needed some help with maintaining the order and peace without having to leave said tower. Thus she created Ephemerals, to be her eyes and hands.
From her laboratory - which really consists of the throne (which was refurbished into a fancy armchair), a couple of bookshelves, a couple of writing tables, a small tea table to have snack time on and notes scattered throughout the area - she watched over the dream world once more for the sake of her sanity.
"Please, being that is about to be - heed my call, that no matter what happens - you'll protect the tower and guard this bizarre world."
She looked over the platoon guarding her tower. It was like a hive, with soldiers and magicians fluttering about - patrolling and reporting. Her favourite and most cherished creation looks over them like a big brother. Multiple times she thought of giving them a genuine break from their duties, however under such turbulent conditions - this luxury is unattainable for the foreseeable future.
She remembers all the times her favourite creation tried to make her smile and proud. Yet no matter how she tried, she couldn't express her genuine gratitude - no matter what she did, it all came either as forced or fake. And so he continued to suffer, putting too much weight and pressure on him just to see his queen—no, his mother happy.
If he only knew that his existence alone makes her genuinely happy in these trying times.
"Why are you STILL here? Didn't you dream enough here?"
Her gaze then turned towards the lake, perhaps one of the dream world's most mesmerising sights. The water that doesn't reflect the daylight; only the crystals growing deep in the bottom, like star fragments that fell from the sky, bearing tiny wishes... And of course it had to be tainted.
That lonesome cyan-robed figure is still taking refuge in the lake, floating atop of it like a princess. That sight caused her to wince. To anyone unfamiliar, that would've added to the sheer beauty of the sight, but she knows better. Or... Perhaps she doesn't know at all. That figure loathed her with his wretched heart, and yet there was a tone of sadness, like he genuinely couldn't help himself. Perhaps some people just don't get along. Perhaps some people will never end up understanding each other.
He is a nightmare, and she is a resident. She can't even pretend to understand him, and neither should he.
"Would you like to hear a story to help you calm you down? I used to love telling bed-time stories and singing lullaby to young ones."
Then her gaze wandered to pasture. It was supposed to be a peaceful place. It was supposed to be a serene refuge. And yet, that unrest... It ruined it. Now many hostile entities roam the pasture to deter the intruders. She remembers some, other than "him" who came here, who simply didn't care - who simply used this cage of hers as a playground.
That poor shepherd... She pitied her. She wanted to apologise for causing this mess in the first place. In fact she did, multiple times, yet she kept saying "it's not her fault" so much that it twisted into some kind of lie just to make her feel better. She didn't want any of this. She didn't mean to. She wants to go back. She wants everything to come back to normal.
That shepherd... Why doesn't she tell her the truth? Why doesn't she tell her that it was all her fault?
And when the gaze turned towards the rift, that awful memory flashed before her eyes.
~
"... What do you mean?"
"Don't you get it? I'm going to destroy the Inbetween. I can't be having this hellish fantasy anymore. There's this constant, neverending hostility with everyone saying it was all my fault!"
"You... You can't be serious..."
"If I destroy this hellhole... I'll be as far away from ending up like her... I'll never be consumed by fantasies anymore..."
"W-What are you talking about?"
"I'VE HAD ENOUGH WITH YOUR WRETCHED LIES!!! You're not her. You're only imitation of her. I thought I was so happy to see her again after everything... But no. She can't. She would never tell me such evil lies, fooling me into believing that she's still here!"
"B-But... But!... Please, you ought to understand! If you destroy this dream world... That'll be the end of me as well!... Please I'm still with you!"
"...
Then perhaps it's the outcome I will welcome. I will no longer be consumed by fantasies. I will not... End up like her.
I shall move on, so I can only live in one personal hell. The dreams we had together... Were a mistake."
~
For the first time in a long while, she feared. Was everything all for naught? She tried to be there for him, convincing him that she never truly left him, whatever that meant.
Only to disregard her as a mere fantasy.
The dream world can be destroyed in two ways. Either you annihilate its nucleus... Or make a tear into its membrane (barrier).
Everything will spill if that happens. The innards of this world would be unable to hold themselves as they're pulled outward. And if that happens...
She will cease to exist.
She failed. She couldn't do anything. She can't do anything.
And so she let out a distress call.
"Please... If there's anyone willing to listen... If there's anyone who has sympathy in their heart... Please heed my call...
Please...—"
S a v eㅤㅤm e . . .
Her train of thought had been suddenly interrupted when she felt an unfamiliar presence within her dream world.
A young boy flying through the field, plowing through enemies.
That ghost... It listened to her.
Finally, the luck was on her side for once.
She shall prepare for his visit. He will be the key to finally open "his" eyes to the reality of a dream.
=Dream Journal Entry=
An enigmatic figure of the Golden Moon.
How does she even move like that (lol)? I doubt that outfit is even practical in any situation; but I guess that's dreams for you.
Apparently, a certain someone is endangering her and her land by trying to destroy the Intwerbeen (I.D.K. if I got that right) and it is my job to seek him out and try to convince to not do that.
My first proper lucid dream and it is already extremely bizarre. Simply amazing (sarcasm is what they call).
It seems, on her clothes, there is a writing on theme. While it's definitely a weird choice of a surface for writing - I'm curious if the writing is something I can decipher.
My memory is fuzzy on which characters I spotted; hell, apparently even being able to read and comprehend anything at all is a rare occurrence in dreams.
There's still a lot of mystery surrounding her and that person, and hopefully in my next lucid dream, I'll get some answers.
The queen is a rather stunning lady; somehow looking pretty European in spite of her apparent name - so here's my attempt at capturing her visage.
[Sketch of Maboroshi's Face]
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