~~

"If you don't mind me asking again, why is it that you can't go home?"

.....

"I can understand your fear through what you went through. But the only way you're going to overcome those fears, is if you take that jump of faith. How else will you spread your wings and fly?"

......

"Then I beg of you!" Please help Scarabia through this turmoil!"

.....

"Ugh! I thought I told you we agreed not to help them!! Do you like sticking your nose in other peoples business?!"

—————————

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

'Hm? Where am I?' I looked around me.

Nothing but white floating space.

Huh? What? I don't....understand..... usually when I'm in the dreamworld, The space is always black as night. But now it's as white as snow....

I heard laughter behind me. And I turned around. There stood the others.

"Guys!" I smiled and ran for them. I reached out, but before I could reach, Riddle disappeared into dust.

I recoiled back in surprise. "What...?"

Then one by one, each of them had followed with him. Disappearing into thin air: Cater, Jack, Floyd, Jade, Deuce.....

"No...no! No no! Please! Come back!" I shout, but like if my words are whispered on the wind, they keep disappearing matter where I go.

"No! Azul! Ruggie! Trey! Leona! Where'd you all go?!" They all disappeared one by one. But then I turn and see-

"Ace! What's going on?!" I lunge for him, but he was gone.

I stopped. "Please....I don't want to be alone...!" I shook. What the hell is happening?!

"Charlotte!" "Charlie!"

I froze. I turn slowly behind me....and I saw.....I couldn't believe it.

"Mom...? Dad?!"

"Charlie!" They called me, arms outstretched.

I felt my heartbeat increased. A relieved smile etched my lips as I ran for them.

But it seems like this nightmare had a mind of its own...

Suddenly, A dark monstrous shadow emerged from the ground, The white morphing into the blackest black. It's piercing eyes looked down at me as it laughed maniacally. It stood in the way me and my parents, gloating in all of its wake.

I lurched back, feeling my fear spike. "No! NO!!! PLEASE NO!!!" I screamed as I looked behind it and saw my parents disappearing into the void.

Without thinking, I ran around the monster and towards my parent's disappearing figures, but a dark shadowy tentacle grabbed my ankle.

I desperately tried to tug my leg free, but the tentacle only wound tighter against me. Another shot out of the void and grabbed my wrist. Then two more grabbed my other arm and leg. I frantically try to wrench free from their grasp, my eyes focused on my parents, but the more I struggled, The more I felt a mass of tentacles wrapping themselves around my body like a clump of snakes, forcing me to the ground.

I felt them crawling up until they started winding around my torso and my neck, suffocating me. I felt them starting to slither up my face. My strength was growing weaker and weaker.... very soon, I didn't have enough strength to fight back.

"No....please...." I breathed faintly, feeling tears slipping out of my eyes while the darkness swallowed me.

———————

"You're never alone, Charlotte."

I felt my eyes open at the sound. When I took in my surroundings, everything was gone. The shadow monster, the dark void....and my parents.

"Ophelia?"

"Because you always have your friend's care. And me. Now listen. You must keep going and continue your path. You know it in your heart. You go back home! You may not see it, but your home is always where your heart is!

Now.....awaken."

————————

I sat up abruptly, taking in large gulps of air. I felt a hand rubbing my back. Ophelia was kneeled next to me, A calm look on her face with a reassuring smile but her eyes full of worry. Beside her was a bowl of water and a few towels.

"Charlotte? Are you alright?" She asked.

"Y-yea.." I nodded, crossing my legs. "But...I'm back in your home... I don't understand! I thought I was in the dreamscape-"

"As soon as you fell asleep, your soul was moved into my domain." She answered. "However upon arriving, you passed out near the doorway. I made a bed for you so you can rest for a bit. And I watched over you until you awoke."

"I passed out? Shit..." I shook my head.

"You had a nightmare, I assume."

I nodded and proceeded to tell her what I had seen. From silhouette of my friends disappearing, to the giant shadow monster that blocked my way between me and my parents. As she put away the things she had gotten out for me.

After I finished, Ophelia was staring at the wall in concentration.

"It seems as if things are taking a dangerous turn..." she whispered.

"What do you mean?" I approached her.

She stayed silent for a moment. Then after breathing carefully, she placed both her hands on my shoulders.

"Charlotte. Whatever that creature was that appeared in your dreams, it must've been harboring on your fears."

"Do you know what kind of creature it was?"

"I'm afraid not. I've read about many mythical creatures back when I was alive but nothing like this...I'll try and look up what I can about this thing. Try and make some connections, and do a thorough analysis if possible. Just one thing."

She then approaches me and places her hands on my forehead. I felt warmth emanating from her fingertips. It stay that way until she removed them, the light gone. In front of us both was a small yellow sphere.

"I've copied your memories of when you experienced the dream. And I will be looking through your eyes to see what kind of creature it may be."

"Okay."

"It's almost time to leave.... dawn is approaching."

"Already?! No! Please.... I can't be alone! I'm trapped in somewhere I'm not familiar with! The only person I have to rely on is Grim! I don't want to be alone...." I whispered.

"Charlotte, this is not goodbye." Ophelia smiles gently and wraps her arms around me in a hug. "Remember: I'm always by your side. And as long as you have those close to you, you're never truly alone....ever." I heard her promise.

She started singing a song to me as I let my tears run down my face.

"Constant as the stars above,

Always know that you are loved..."

I smiled. This definitely sounds like something my mother would sing to me. Somethings not only soothe my tears, but also my worries.

Whenever I was younger, I always had a tendency to cry. Physical pain, bullying, anything. I would never show the other kids my tears, because I thought it would make me seem weak.

Yet somehow, my mom always knew I was hiding something when she saw that my eyes were not as bright as they used to be. And how I had a strong tolerance of holding back my tears.

I'd eventually crack and tell her the truth of what I suffered. She'd hug me, comfort me, and dry my tears. Coping that her little ball of sunshine was feeling like a rain cloud.

"Crying means that it doesn't show your weak. You've just been strong for too long." Something she'd always tell me.

And with her voice, with either a peptalk or song, mostly both, it seemed as if all my worries vanished. She was just that determined to make sure I could have all the confidence I needed.

"When you look to the sky, just know that I'm always watching over you, no matter where you are." She told me.

I smiled as I remembered seeing her face, that same smile mirrored, but a lot more older and full of wisdom, looking at me with such love and compassion and comfort. That was the last thing I had seen as I drifted off to Ophelia's song.

—————————

"It has to be a prince!" The Sultan proclaimed.

Jafar merely shrugged. "Desperate times call for desperate measures." He produced his signature snake staff and pointed the head towards the Sultan. "You will have the princess marry me." He commands, as a ring of red light flashes, and the sultan's eyes burn that same color.

"T-the princess...will..." just as he was about to say the final words, he snapped out of it when hearing the sound of drums. "W-what's that noise?"

Princess Jasmine stood on the balcony of her room, witnessing the parade going on.

"Make way! It's prince Ali!" The crowd cheers as Aladdin, in his finest, sits atop of Abu, now an elephant, with banner holders, musicians and dancers filled the street, leading the celebration towards the palace.

———————

Charlie and Grim dozed in their bed, slumber obviously affecting them.

"Please...no more crackers..." Grim mumbled in his sleep.

They were too passed out to hear the rattle of locks being undone. The Door slams open and it shakes Charlie awake.

"How long do you plan on sleeping in?! Up now!" The student from yesterday scolded.

Grim shot up. "Ffgnna?! What's goin-?!" The excitement in his eyes diminished. "Ugh, it's 6 in the morning...."

"We're all marching ten kilometers to

The Eastern Oasis!"

"And you want us to drag our feet for several miles over hot sand?! Why us?!"

The student walked towards Grim and hauled him up by the scruff of his neck. "Quit complaining! It's an order by the dorm leader! Now move it!"

"Fgyya?! No no no no!! Lemme go!!!"

Charlie, not realizing her clothes shifted into her PE gear, followed after, in order to not get shouted at.

——————

"Begin the march to the Oasis! Consider this your Leg Day! Anyone who dares fall behind will be dealt with!" Kalim shouted stop of an elephant. Yes, you heard that. An elephant.

"Why does stuff like this always befall me?" Grim muttered as the group began their journey in the weather.

"Your legs are moving, not your mouth! Now March!"

——

"You're falling behind!" Kalim shouted at Grim, who was clearly breathing like a retarded seal.

"....gimme a rest already..."

"Don't think about slacking! If this is as far as you go, it's proof that you lack discipline! You've no one to blame but yourself!"

———

"Don't slow down! Lift those knees!!"

One student started stumbling across the uneven surface. "I....I don't think I can anymore...."

"Then it's no wonder you've been a disgrace in Magift and finals!"

Grim was starting to see stars. "Too hot....need water....my tongues dryer than the desert!"

"We're almost to the oasis. Just a bit further..." Jamil reassures.

—————————

Charlie felt like blisters were forming on her feet. "Why...Why are there bunnies in the clouds.... And are they holding..... Star fruits?" She stares up at the sky in a daze.

"Charlie! Don't space out! The heat's deep-frying your head!" Grim tried to push her forward as to not get yelled at.

"Stop!" The entire group halted at the command.

"Did we....make it to the oasis?"

"We're taking a fifteen minute rest here and start the march back to the dorm." Jamil announces and the student disperse. Some fall to the ground and exhaustion. Charlie fell to her knees breathing heavily, feeling her shirt start to soak up a sweat along her torso.

"Water...water...." Grim crawled towards the oasis only to find something shocking. "H-huh?! The oasis is dry!!"

"Water....water...." Kalim repeated and he looked between the two newcomers with worry. "You said you need water?"

Grim shot him a tired look. "Obviously! I can't feel my vocal chords!"

The Scarabia lead smiled. "Then leave it to me to get you good drinking water!" His hands stared glowing in white light.

From the skies, crystal droplets poured down from above.

"Aaaaaaaaaah! Glorious rain." Grim sighed in relief. Students start to feel more revitalized through the showers produced.

Charlie tilts her face to the sky, letting the rain hit her skin as her lips draw up a tired smile. Thankfully, she had put her hood on sometime back during the hike to protect her hair from the heat. And now, also the water.

"Glad you like it! If it's water you need, I can create enough to fill the entire oasis!" Kalim smiles. "This is my unique magic: Oasis Maker. It lets me summon a huge amount of clean water with very little magic!"

Grim nods, "Yea, uh, 'creating a lotta water' is a bit lame to have as unique magic, to be honest. There's lots of wizards that can do the same."

"That's not true. A large amount of water for a little cost is what makes this magic all the more different. In the time before indoor plumbing, this would've been vital to keep people from dehydration. It's valuable. But I will admit: it's not that useful Now that there's indoor plumbing and whatnot." He chuckles. "However! I'm positive that my water is the more different in this world!"

"Now that you mention it...it's the right temp to be cooling but not ice-like. Mellow like water from a spring and easy to drink!" Grim sticks out his tongue like he was catching snowflakes.

"Can a monster even tell difference between different kinds of water?" At that, Grim shot the vice lead a nasty glare.

"Rude! My tastebuds are of the highest grade!" He bragged.

"And this is coming from someone who constantly eats black rocks...." Charlie reiterates silently.

"See? I knew you'd get it! Here's your reward! A cracker!" Kalim holds out the wheat treat.

"U-uh, I may be famished....but there's no way I can eat something that dry..." he politely declined.

Charlie retried her shoes just as she felt the rain cease. "Well, The rain stopped, and Kalim snapped out of it...I think...."

Grim stood next to her. "Totally. It's like he's two-faced!"

Kalim perked up to see the two taking in hushed voices. "Hmm? Wat'cha talkin about?"

"Oh, just how we're revitalized after that water show!" She winked to throw him off.

Jamil takes a glance to see the timer has stopped. "The fifteen minutes are up. Let's gather everyone and head back."

"So soon?! We can rest them rest for a while more, can we?" Kalim tried to persuade.

"If we stay here anymore, the sun will get higher as will the temperature."

"Right. Okay!" He claps his hands. "Let's get ready to leave, so we can get back in time for breakfast!"

—————————

As soon as the group reached the Dorm, the food was already out and our duo didn't hesitate to stuff their faces. Charlie especially.

"I don't wannabe stuck in this damn prison for another millisecond!" Grim ranted with a full mouth. "Although, a part of me confesses the foods still awesome!!"

Kalim looks up at the two in confusion. " 'Prison'? Not sure I understand but I'm happy the food's to your liking! Take as much as you need! And today: blue cheese with cow's milk! Make sure to get it on the crackers!"

"Uh, I'm kinda over crackers...."

"C'mon don't be shy!" And cue the stuffing of crackers by Kalim as Grim starts screaming with his mouth full.

Charlie watched the scene go down in amusement. It totally reminded her of Iago forced to eat crackers by the Sultan.

Wait....what's that smell...and why does her tongue feel hot...?

"Kalim, don't force feed Grim too much. He's going to choke." Jamil put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

He seemed to get the message and halted. "Whoops! My bad! Take your time! We've lotsa food."

Grim chewed and swallowed what was forced into his mouth. "That's not the problem here..."

Kalim kept laughing until he caught sight of Charlie gulping down water fast, her face tinged a tad bit red.

"Hey, you okay, Charlie?"

"S-Sorry! I-I can't really handle spicy food." She calmed down and started fanning herself, trying not to cry out of the heat in her mouth.

The Lead's eyes widened in shock. "Aah! I didn't know!" Out of sympathy, he hands her another cup as she starts calming down. "You know, we've got ice cream leftover from yesterday if you need to cool your tongue down." He offers with a sheepish smile.

She places the glass down and looks up. "Actually....that's...actually nice..."

"We've got a lot! Getting as many as you can on your spoon is "Kalim-style"!"

"As many as possible? With a spoon?!" Grim looked at him weirdly.

"That's right! You've got room, right? It's take a sec! BRB!" But just as he got up from his spot, Jamil grabs him by the wrist.

"I'll take care of it, Kalim. You can stay here."

"No, It's fine! Really! I just gotta get it outta the freezer!" He insists.

"What kind of servant would let their master work?" The latter stood from his seat and faced the primary leader.

'A generous one?' Charlie nibbles on a bread roll.

"You need to have more respect for your position in the Asim bloodline. And your father would be furious if he found out."

"You're too serious. It's okay! Right now, we're only students."

A sigh later, "At least let me get dishes and help carry them out."

"Works for me!"

While Charlie watched the exchange, she barely noticed Grim scouring around the table.

"Something wrong?" Kalim watched him as well.

Grim whirled around to see the two and Charlie looking at him. "Uuh, n-no! Nothing at all~!" He grinned widely.

"Cool!" Kalim winked at Charlie. It'll be just a minute!"

As soon as the two were out of sight, Grim whispered, "And now I'm getting mixed signals...he doesn't listen to others...but not a bad guy either..."

Not ten seconds had passed when Kalim came back.

"Hey, all of you....just how long do you plan on sitting here and stuffing your faces?! You're not freeloaders!" He shouted in fury.

"Eh??!" The crowd uproared.

"Get this cleaned up! Afternoon training starts now!"

"Y-yessir!" Charlie managed you shoo herself away just as everything excelled into a frenzy.

"And just like that, we're back to the strict one...." Grim flattened his ears.