Why was it like this? In a world defined by power, why did Nico’s luck run out? He had awakened at the young age of 10, and conquered his first nightmare. But after that the spell played a cruel trick.
Flaw: weak body.
It didn't take a genius to know what that meant. Nico was confined to his bed for the past seven years, only able to view the world from a screen.
His brother, Rio awakened soon after, and became a master at the age of eighteen, an astonishing feat.
Rio has brought them prosperity, out of the slums. Their drunk father became a decent human. Nico should be over the moon. Yet nothing mattered.
“Stand and Fight.” “Make them Bleed.” The Tv screen blarred these videos at a high volume. “I am only human.” Mongrel stood in each panel, in front of a wave of monstrosities, in front of skilled warriors. Every man or beast he fought, he fought with dignity. He fought with his life. The ebony armor glistened despite feeling like it was just a shadow. The man’s lustrous white hair flowed in each shot, sometimes being painted red with the blood of monsters. Each swing of his blade was cut into Nico’s heart. Why can’t I be like him? Nico threw the remote into the Tv, smashing the screen to bits. Just this action alone caused his body to shudder, and he needed to lean back, exhausted.
“Curse this body,” Nico clenched the white sheets and wiped the moisture from his face and looked out the window.
“You should really take care of your habit.” Riollo said from the doorway. He stepped over the broken glass and sat on the side of Nico’s bed. “They might not replace it this time, and what then?” Rio and Nico shared not traits. Rio was black haired with tan skin and dark, almost black eyes. Nico was pale as the hospital walls and his hair was wheat color, almost white. His eyes were sky blue.
“I won’t need it replaced.” Nico had agonized over this choice, but finally found the resolve to do it.
“Riollo, tell father I'm going to the dream realm."
The room was silent, and the only thing that could be heard was the neighboring patient’s newscast. Riollo patted Nico’s legs and laughed.
“You don’t mean that.” Riollo smiled. This smile used to warm Nico’s heart, but after seeing the pity, it only invigorated him. Riollo awakened after Nico, and paved the way for both of them to survive, becoming a distinguished member of the Song family.
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“Tell father to remove the memory from my room, I’m going into the dream world.” Riollo held Nico’s gaze, his eyes only showing a calm ocean, while Nico’s a raging storm. Riollo did not reply.
“The dream realm is terrifying. Monsters that can kill you at every turn. Not only them, but the land is also your enemy. Most sleepers never make it out.” Riollo sternly warned.
“I’m going.” Nico replied, resolutely.
“Have you heard of the forgotten shore incident? A group of sleepers trapped for years
because they couldn’t find a citadel.”
“I’m going.” Riollo’s words become more uneven, pleading even.
“You haven't fought in seven years, and what strength you did have is gone now.” Riollo Picked up Nico’s hand and pressed it hard. Nico looked away trying to hide how much Riollos words hurt him. Nico knew Riollo was being kind, but he did not want to live a life of pity.
“You can’t go.”
“I’m…g--” Nico cut off his words. “You're right. I wasn't thinking.” Riollo’s face lit up and he squeezed Nico’s hand once more. “Your big brother will make sure you are safe.” They stayed like that for a while before Riollo’s communicator went off. The brother regretfully pulled it out and answered. His eyes went wide.“Seishan is meeting who?!” Riollo leaped from the bed and let some of his aura leak. The paint of the walls burned away and the glass cracked. Nico was an honorary member of Song, so the fortified room was nothing to scoff at. Nico fell on his pillow, unable to withstand the weight.
His body felt like someone was shaking every atom of his being. Riollo abruptly stopped his aura and rushed to Nico.
“I’m sorry, I have to go.” He looked at the broken TV and let a slim smile through. “I’ll get that fixed soon.” Then he was gone. The breeze was nice, but now the noises of the busy city could reach Nico.
Sorry, brother, but I’m not stopping. Nico thought. He flipped the covers off and sat on the edge of his bed. One foot touched the icy floor, sending a shock up his spine.
“Give me strength, Lord Mongrel.” Nico put weight on his one leg, then the other. He balanced there, astonished at what he was doing. He started walking and looked at the broken TV. His habit of breaking the TV was not from a temper, but to weaken the wall. Everytime, they replace the screen, not the support.
Nico took a deep breath and pushed forward. The glass on the ground reached to stop him, gnawing at his feet, and Nico fell. He grabbed the screen and the whole thing came out of the wall. A silver cross with a green gem in the middle glowed. Nico reached up and heaved his useless body up. The memory was warm, and disappeared in a sparkling display.
I’ll surely follow you. Nico closed his eyes, and let the darkness consume him.
“Sleeper Nicollo has entered the Dream Realm.” The spell whispers. Nico’s body was cut and bruised, but his mouth was curled in a satisfied smile.