It started as the same, soundless dream I’ve been having every night for the past week, a dream filled with giant mechs with faces for torsos in all shapes and sizes. I’ve been watching from the shadows, a silent observer of this surreal, chaotic world. I've only been seeing bits and pieces for the past week, but tonight, something changed. For the first time, I can hear Battlecrys and the clash of metal against metal.

I see him, the boy with the drill. The one I’ve been seeing for the past two weeks, burrowing through the earth. The drill spun with an almost hypnotic rhythm, digging through layers of rock with effortless precision. Each movement seemed to resonate with a sense of purpose and hope, a stark contrast to the darkness of the underground world. His eyes were filled with wonder at the things he found.

This time, though, Simon’s story was not just a distant spectacle. As he fought and triumphed, I felt every punch, every victory, as if they were my own. I saw his pain as he mourned Kamina’s death, the weight of his grief a burden that pressed heavily on my own heart. His struggle to break free from the chains of despair was a battle I felt deeply connected to.

I witness his struggle as he uncovers the secrets of the world around him, and the grief that comes when he loses his brother Kamina. I feel the weight of his determination, the heavy burden of his destiny.

The scene shifted, and I saw Simon the Digger in all his glory, standing in front of a massive mech, the Gurren Lagann. The mech’s face was a mask of fierce resolve, its eyes glowing with an intense, almost palpable fire. Simon's silhouette, framed by the blazing skies of a newfound world, was a beacon of strength and freedom. I could hear the echo of his voice, roaring through the sky, as he fought against the parahuman (because what else would he be?) known as Lord genome and his oppression. Of how he learns of the anti spirals and their goal

This time, the dream doesn’t end with the triumphant battle. Instead, the scene shifts to a grand, celestial battlefield. The sky is an epic canvas of swirling galaxies and dark nebulae, punctuated by the colossal forms of the Anti-Spirals’ monstrous creations. Simon stands at the helm of the massive, gleaming Gurren Lagann, its face a mask of fierce resolve and defiant fire.

The mech roars with energy as it clashes against the Anti-Spirals, each strike resonating through the cosmos. I watch, feeling every blast and every collision as if they were my own. Simon, amidst the chaos, moves with unparalleled grace and fury. His eyes are set with a steely determination, a reflection of the indomitable spirit he’s nurtured through countless battles.

The Anti-Spirals, with their cold, mechanical precision, seem almost invincible, but Simon’s resolve is unshakable. I witness his struggle against their overwhelming power, each fight pushing him to the brink. His voice, a rallying cry against despair, echoes through the stars, inspiring not just his allies but reaching across the void to me.

The scene intensifies as Simon engages in a climactic battle with the Anti-Spiral leader. The universe trembles with their combat. Simon’s Gurren Lagann, glowing with an otherworldly light, becomes a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. I can almost hear the thunderous clash of their forces, see the shockwaves ripple through space.

Simon’s determination and sacrifice become palpable as he fights not just for victory, but for the survival of all he holds dear. His final, desperate push against the Anti-Spirals is a testament to his unyielding spirit, a fight that transcends space and time.

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Then, as the battle reaches its zenith, the dream shifts once more. I see Simon, now victorious but deeply worn, standing alone amidst the wreckage of the battlefield. The stars above are calm, a silent witness to the end of the war. The massive Gurren Lagann lies in the background, its once-vibrant energy dimmed but still burning with the essence of Simon’s struggle.

He holds up the golden drill from around his neck, its surface glowing faintly with the residual energy of his final battle. “This drill is not just a symbol of my fight. It’s a reminder of the strength you have within you to overcome your own challenges.”

Simon places the drill gently into my hand, its weight a tangible link to his legacy. “Use it to forge your path, to fight against your own Anti-Spirals, whatever they may be.”

As he begins to walk away, his silhouette blending with the peaceful cosmos, he glances back. “Live your life to its fullest, and live without regret.”

With that, Simon’s figure fades into the starlit horizon, leaving me with the golden drill and a profound sense of purpose that burns brightly within me.

The cosmic battlefield begins to fade, its vivid colors melting into a soft blur. Simon’s figure diminishes, and the warmth of the golden drill in my hand cools. The serene cosmic landscape gradually dissolves into the soft light of my bedroom.

Then suddenly, a splash of cold water hits my face, jolting me awake. I gasp, blinking rapidly as the remnants of the dream evaporate. My mom stands by the bed, holding a spray bottle with a look of frustration. “Simon, You slept in! Get your butt up, you're already an hour late!!” she says, her tone firm.

“I'm up!” I said hurriedly as I threw off my blankets and rushed to my dresser. As I searched for my clothes, I heard my mom’s voice from behind me. “I'm leaving some change on the coffee table so you can take the bus to school, ok?” She then left my bedroom to give me some privacy.

I found the clothes I was looking for, a black T-shirt, red jacket, and blue jeans. I quickly tossed them on, and I heard my mom shout from the front door. “I’m heading out to work. Love you, Simon!” Moments later, I heard the soft click of the door closing behind her as she left.

With a sigh I head to the kitchen to make myself some breakfast. Since I'm already late I may as well make myself some food. Don't want to start off school today hungry. I make myself a bowl of cereal and grab the drill around my neck to study it while I'm eating.

I know that the dream and this drill is tied somehow. I would worry that I'm being mastered but I'm pretty sure parahumans can't put mastering effects on objects. I'll have to look that up later.

After I'm done eating I make sure to clean up and get ready for school. I just hope the trio didn't do anything to Taylor while i'm gone. Well I think about that I grab my stuff and head out the door, and I make sure to lock it behind me.

//////////

When I make it to school the Halls are, as expected, empty. As I make my way to my locker I smell something absolutely horrid. It looks like it's coming from Taylor's locker. From what I can see, there is blood and other miscellaneous fluids just seeping through the bottom of the door.

To my horror, I can hear banging coming from inside the locker. I quickly approach Taylor's locker. The banging from inside grows louder and more frantic and my heart pounds in my chest.

“Taylor, are you in there? I'm going to try to get you out okay?”

I try to pry open the locker door. The door is locked tight, and I feel my anger rising as I try, and fail, to open the locker door. The banging coming from inside slowly starts to soften.

“Taylor, don't pass out! I promise I will get you out!” I start to yell frantically.

Then, the banging stops. I can feel my rage start to reach a boiling point. I can feel a weird, tingling sensation start to flow through me. I don't pay attention to it for now, focusing on pulling the locker open.

The drill around my neck starts to glow. But I don't care. “Taylor I swear, I'm going to open this locker and get you out if IT'S THE LAST THING I DO!”

As my hands grip the edges and my rage fuels my efforts, a surge of energy flows through me. The drill around my neck, beginning to pulse with a bright green light, begins resonating with my determination.

Suddenly, and with a final, desperate heave, I yank the door to the locker open. I see Taylor, unconscious, but alive. She is absolutely covered in blood, vomit, and bugs. Not wanting her to continue to be in there, I proceed to get her out of the locker and gently lean her against the wall.

And once I do, I take out my phone and call the police. Today is going to be a long day….