Dreamapolis

As reluctant as he was to admit it, Slinx did not want to wake up. The time he spent traveling through Dreamapolis with Cavina and Walder had been the best moments of his life. If you had told Slinx what was to happen just a day ago he would still regard it as nonsense, but at this moment he felt as if anything was possible. His expedition in Dreamapolis has given him the privilege to see things he would not be able to under the limits of his own lifespan and reality.

The dream could only be described as a walk into the future, a truly magical experience just like the time Slinx's mother had brought him to Disneyland, if not more magical and unforgettable. For every step he took in Dreamapolis, Slinx felt the majesty of his surroundings: They passed conglomerate monuments towering the size of pyramids, futuristic skyscrapers of dark stainless steel with neon blue light glowing along the edges and gravity-defying bridges levitating above the sea with cars passing through both on top and under.

By now Slinx had many questions, yet he did not dare ask Walder so the three walked in silence. Walder's presence as a powerful sorcerer intimidated Slinx, and as a muggle Slinx did not want to annoy a sorcerer. So when the old wizard said "Follow me Slinx, let's just give you a quick tour for the first night." That was exactly what Slinx did, no questions asked.

Eventually they decided to rest. They settled on the rooftop of a tall skyscraper, beneath them was the glamorous view of Dreamapolis. The humongous features of the city had turned small and insignificant under this view, it was a rare occasion that Slinx felt as if he was on the top of the world.

Minutes later, Walder excused himself for something urgent. He said farewell to Slinx and said something to Cavina. Cavina nodded and said goodbye. A beam of white light appeared in front of him, he stepped into the spotlight and in seconds he was gone. As if he had traveled through a wormhole.

"What do you think of the city Slinx?" Cavina asked as she sat down besides Slinx as they gazed down at the city.

" I... I … I think… it's'... beautiful…"

Even with Walder gone, Slinx stuttered as he spoke. Cavina's presence made him feel comfortable and happy, but at the same time nervous and insecure. Cavina was charming, witty, positive and confident, she was everything Slinx ever wanted to be. Slinx despised himself for craving affection from someone like Cavina, because deep down he knew there was no way she would feel the same.

He wanted to tell Cavina more. Hell, he wanted to tell her everything he knew, hoping that she would somehow understand and fix all his flaws. But no, he was Slinx.

"I'm a nobody with nothing to give. And the more I tell, the quicker she realizes how messed up I am."

The thought halted his words before they could reach Cavina. He wanted Cavina to like him; but even more so, Slinx didn't want her to hate him.

"Beautiful… And?" a small grin appeared between Cavina's soft enticing lips, as if she had read Slinx's mind.

"And… I feel like I've been here… the strange towers, the levitating bridge, the vast empty streets… though not clearly I remember having been to these places."

"I see. So you do remember even without the powers of the ring…"

Cavina turned her head and stared at Slinx, coincidentally Slinx did the same. And for a brief moment they locked eyes and stared into each other's souls. Slinx could feel his heart racing as he started to blush, something beneath those blue enchanting eyes like something that Slinx desperately wanted. The two quickly turned back their heads, chuckling to reduce the awkwardness.

"If only this wasn't a dream…" Slinx said " I mean this place is absolutely gorgeous!" He quickly added.

"True. But even as a dream, Dreamapolis's existence has its meaning…" Cavina stood up and gestured to Slinx to do the same.

"Slinx, we are a special kind of dreamer. We can control what we dream, and by doing so also control what others dream of."

Cavina points down to the city, two tiny figures walk aimlessly along the levitating bridge. They do seem to fret nor notice the giant cruise heading straight towards the bridge. Slinx shivers upon foreseeing the cascading disasters soon to occur. On the other hand, Cavina's reaction was quite the opposite. Showing no sign of fear but a calm and warming smile.

" As lucid dreamers, we create and alter Dreamland to our will. Our powers are limited, but with enough practice anything is possible."

Consecutively, Cavina raised both of her hands as they glowed a neon pink light similar to Walder's. She appeared to be crafting something as she shifted her hands in the air.

And as Slinx witnessed in total amazement, the levitating bridge performed a clockwise rotation detaching it's ends from both sides. The bridge was now functioning as a revolving door allowing the cruise to pass through it. Despite the movement, the two figures on the bridge did not seemed to notice as they continued to move forward as is.

"That's amazing, Cavina! I wish I could do that. " Slinx exclaimed in excitement and envy. He admired Cavina like a goddess, with a tiny ambition that one day he would prove worthy of her.

" Course you can!" Cavina smiled proudly back at Slinx, it was the prettiest and brightest smile Slinx had ever seen.

" After all, that's why you're here, Slinx."

The next thing Slinx could remember was a loud crackling alarm ringing in his ears.

"See ya Slinx!"

Slinx heard Cavina shout but those were the only words he could hear.