Bryn was awake yet not awake. Darkness was all that surrounded him.

Suddenly, his vision returned to him and he squinted his eyes as he adjusted to his new surroundings. The room was unfamiliar to him, mainly because it appeared to be underwater, and Bryn is a bird man who shouldn’t be in a room that’s underwater. While it was clear the room was flooded, he had no issues breathing, even as he felt his lungs with fill water. The room itself was tastefully decorated, with scenic paintings of various ocean themed subjects adorning the walls. The table he sat at was made of what appeared to be refined coral, and the stone chair he sat on went well with the color scheme, despite how uncomfortable it was.

Looking out the window, Bryn saw a city street and several dome shaped buildings lining each side. It looked remarkably similar to a normal day in Zyphtal, with people of all ages and races occupying the busy sidewalks. The main difference was that people outside were wearing what appeared to be glass bowls on their heads.

“It’s cheaper to wear the bowl. The water breathing spell is rechargeable, and the disposable scrolls are like 8 gold each now.” Bryn heard someone say as he snapped his head away from the window. Before him sat a small figure, wearing a tattered tunic and a leather vest. The black hood over his head looked old and worn, and the blank white mask he wore covered his entire face. “But buying the rechargeable one in the first place is 80 gold and who has that just sitting around when they desperately need to save more money?” The figure said raising his hands. His voice sounded intentionally playful to Bryn, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that the man in front of him was a talented and experienced liar.

Bryn attempted to get up, but he couldn’t move. The figure seemed to notice his face contort and spoke up.

“You can’t move in here Bryn, it’s your dream but I’m making myself at home for the moment.” The figure said, folding his hands and placing them on the table. “My names Raphael, and no matter what, the spell I cast means I’m in charge of your dreams for the next 5 minutes. So I have a deal: you’re going to answer some questions for me, and in exchange I’ll give you some advice from a seasoned adventurer. Or we can just chill for 5 minutes, it’s up to you” he said, sitting back in his chair.

Bryn thought for a moment about just sitting there. He was trapped and conceding to the demands of his captor left a bad taste in his mouth, but his curiosity got the best of him.

“Alright ask away, can you free up my legs though? I need to be able to fidget while we talk” Bryn asked.

Raphael smiled and snapped his fingers, the sound coinciding with the movement in Bryn’s body being restored. As he stretched out his legs under the table, Raphael continued to speak.

“What was your childhood like?” He asked, the question causing Bryn to pause.

“A little personal don’t you think?” Bryn asked as his eyebrows raised.

“Never said it wouldn’t be” Raphael said in return.

Bryn remained silent for a moment before speaking up. “Mom and dad were fine. They didn’t really like each other by the time I was a teenager and it was pretty clear they were holding off on separating until I left the house. I haven’t talked to them since I came to Zyphtal but I assume it’s 2 different addresses at this point. They tried their best to be good to me, and I never was homeless or went hungry. I received a good amount of education and was adequately prepared for the world.” Bryn said, surprised at the sudden tightness he felt in his chest as he thought of his parents.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Raphael nodded his head as Bryn concluded. “So what did they do wrong?” He asked.

Bryn looked at him with a puzzled expression. “Um… I don’t think I said they did anything wrong, they did a good job.” He said, noticeably staring down as he spoke.

Raphael smacked the table with an amount of force that nearly shattered it. The sound caused Bryn to jolt up with a look of panic on his face. Raphael stared directly at Bryn, and without speaking, began to take off his mask. The face beneath was not one that Bryn recognized, as Raphael revealed himself to be a Kobalt in his mid 20’s, his dark grey skin nearly blending in with the stone of the chair he sat in. His large eyes stared unblinking at Bryn, his mouth twisted in an angry frown.

“What did they do wrong?” He asked sternly.

Bryn was intimidated as he looked into his captors eyes, and hesitated only for a moment before he spoke. “I guess they were never… extra happy. Everything was fine, good enough, passable. But they never made me feel like I was capable of anything special.” He said, the truth sounding strange coming out of his mouth as opposed to being locked in his mind.

Raphael sat back, his former relaxed aura returning to him. “Good, thank you Bryn. You should be honest with me, I’ve got a lot riding on you so it only benefits me to help you.” Raphael said, his sharp teething forming an intimidating grin. “Now next question, what are you proud of?” He asked, Bryn’s eyebrows raising in a now familiar fashion.

“What do you mean a lot riding on me? And what kind of questions-“ Bryn said before he felt his ability to talk leave him. Every attempt to make a sound was met with silence, and Raphael shook his head slowly.

“You should listen more. Even if you don’t trust me, you should be wary of the warning I gave you about the control I have in here. Don’t be sloppy Bryn, you know outside of combat you have to be the brains.” He said. Bryn glared at him, but sat back down and crossed his arms. Raphael smiled, snapping his fingers and restoring Bryn’s ability to talk. “What are you proud of Bryn?” He asked calmly.

Bryn couldn’t help but cringe, knowing he would most likely be unable to lie to this dream therapist. “I’m proud of us. I’m proud of Jordan and what he’s been able to accomplish. By the time we left Zyphtal he was one of the higher ranking first year rangers, and that’s with having a party member with no adventurers boon.” He said, the image of Jordan seeing this causing him to be immediately nauseous.

Raphael waved his hand repeatedly, implying he should keep going. Bryn sighed deeply, but begrudgingly continued. “I’m also proud of… myself. I never thought I’d be an adventurer that not only survived, but is making a good living without the boon. But I thought outside the box, worked everyday, and tried really hard which resulted in me being useful. Hell, I saved Jordan’s life once.” Bryn said, surprising even himself with his suddenly boisterous attitude.

Raphael laughed loudly, and even clapped for a few seconds. Bryn could immediately feel embarrassment wash over him, and he sunk into his chair as Raphael finished his applause.

“You’re funny Bryn, if you were completely honest 100% of the time, you’d probably be the funnier of the two.” Raphael said, his laughter causing Bryn to sink even further into the uncomfortable stone chair. “I think I made a good choice picking you. The folks in the elemental rift have been getting a very clear look at what’s happening on the Fentorph plane, and the unique way that you two handle your quests is must see viewing. This is only my first help, so I still feel pretty good that I’ll come out ahead” Raphael said, his sudden rambling confusing Bryn enough to rise in his seat.

“What are you talking about Raphael? Who are you?” He asked, his fists clenching as the tension rose in his body. Raphael smiled and sighed slightly as he stood from his chair. Bryn once again noticed the massive eyes of his Kobalt companion, and felt almost entranced, as if he was being hypnotized.

“I don’t think we really have time for anything more, sorry I got too excited and lost track of time.” He said, his toothy grin adding to the creepiness of his aura. “I would like you to remember one thing before I head back though so listen closely” as he said this, he snapped his fingers again and Bryn felt his body freeze once more. As he sat motionless, Raphael slowly walked around the table until he was next to Bryn, his blue hand laying gently on his shoulder.

“Stop being so insecure, or you’re never going to notice what you’re actually doing wrong, only what you think you’re doing wrong”.

With that warning, Bryn heard a final snap. The next thing he saw was the roof of his room on The Boon, the gentle waves rocking the ship on a peaceful night at sea.