Finnegan let his eyes wander across the empty mindscape, watching as the last remains of shadowy goo burned away in bright light. It wouldn’t be long until the resident Dream woke up, and happy thoughts returned to streak brilliantly across the streets. All that was left was to close his eyes, and walk forward. To take a step back into reality. Then, he would look around. There would be dream smoke behind him. A cityscape in front of him. And to his side, there would be…

A teenage boy? Odd, for some reason one of the three young dreamwalkers had stuck around and waited for him.

“So, still have some questions for li’l ol’ me, huh?” Finn smiled nervously. “What did you want to know, uh… What was your name again?”

“Cedric. Cedric Galilei.” The black ectoplasm that made up Cedric’s ears and tail flickered brightly. “That’s my full name, what’s yours?”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“I…” Finn hesitated, his facial expression almost seemed to freeze - coasting on its previous momentum. “Sorry, what?”

“Your last name.” Cedric’s eyes narrowed. “What is it?”

“Well, that’s quite an odd thing to ask.” A smidgen of composure returned to Finn. “Why do you bring it up?”

“From my understanding, it’s quite common for people of your generation to introduce themselves with their full name.” Cedric stepped on his drone, hovering up to Finnegan’s eye level. “At least, those who care about proper manners do, and your introduction would certainly imply such.”

“…That’s all? That’s your reason for ambushing me?” Finn chuckled. “Quite the paranoid young lad, aren’t you?”

“Well, I also have a certain friend... Her name is Andrea Diane McClyde. She looks and acts quite a lot like you.” Cedric’s previously blank facial expression started to sprout into a smirk. “Just today she mentioned her favorite grandpa would be coming for a visit soon, and wouldn’t you know it, what a coincidence! His first name is Finnegan too…”