chapter 05 : The world of dreams and illusions.

Life might be so harsh that it drives you to despair, leading to forbidden acts or worse – rushing toward death before it comes to you. Yet, there is a place everyone escapes to every night when daylight is expelled, and the night takes over. There, all creatures bound by physical and universal laws seek refuge in this illusory solution to escape the brutal cruelty of their daily lives. In this place, they live thrilling adventures in a world where the dead and the living meet. This place is called the World of Dreams.

So, are you ready to enter this world? Believe me, it is not a pleasant place if you have a weak heart. Ever since the fall of the last kingdom that ruled this realm, the Dream Guardians were forced to flee and retreat to the edges of visions and dreams, leaving nightmares and hidden dreams under the control of Baba Yaga and her brother, the Boogeyman.

But worry not, you are not alone here. Perhaps you'll find your grandmother or a close friend who left you and never returned. A piece of advice: don't go with them, or you won't return either. Maybe you're wondering why we're entering this world? Well, we need to uncover the truth of what happened to Abdeljalil and, more importantly, save him from himself. Between you and me, he's planning something. What is it? Unfortunately, I can't say, but I'll let you discover it on your own. For now, look toward that tree near the river flowing without a course. You'll find Christina sitting on thick grass, gazing at a distant mountain with tears in her eyes, sorrow and despair etched on her face as though she's seeing something we cannot.

Quick steps bring us closer until we finally reach her. Unfortunately, an ancient being has already arrived before us. We cannot see it, nor are we able to, for we are in its domain, and it alone decides if it wishes to reveal itself. All we can hear is its voice, speaking to her in a chilling, frightening tone:

The Being:

Why the sorrow? The World of Dreams is a place of joy and delight.

Christina:

I see something… something that tore my heart to pieces.

The Being:

Ah, I see. I've seen it too. Do you know that dreams can foretell the future?

Christina:

No, I didn't know, and I don't care. Please, tell me that it isn't his true fate.

The Being:

Unfortunately, I cannot say. There are divine beings watching me, and one mistake would be my end.

Christina:

You mean the angels, don't you?

The Being:

Yes. If I tell you, their light would burn me. But…

Christina:

But what?

The Being:

I can help you on one condition.

Christina:

What is it? Speak. I'll do whatever it takes.

The Being:

The Book of Death. I need it to escape this prison and enter the living world to change their lives for the better.

Suddenly, Christina bursts into tears for no apparent reason, as if she's seen something we cannot because of the laws imposed by our host and Christina's new companion.

My dear, there is still hope. You can save him. He hasn't reached Mortos the Great's cabinet yet.

The voice, filled with confidence, bordering on arrogance, is underpinned by pure and innocent love.

Christina:

Alright, I agree. Where can I find the Book of Death?

Baba Yaga:

In the Kingdom of Curses. I know a shortcut that can take you there.

Christina:

Thank you so much for your help. I'll never forget your kindness.

Baba Yaga:

No need for thanks. Baba Yaga is always at the service of humans.

Christina:

Baba Yaga, I'm ready.

Baba Yaga:

Good. The bird, Soros, will take you to your destination.

Christina lifts her head toward a red, starless sky and sees a giant bird with an eagle's head and a horse's body with featherless wings. As the bird lands, she quickly mounts it, speaking to it:

Christina:

Baba Yaga, I promise to bring you the Book of Death.

Baba Yaga:

I know, dear. Just be careful of their king and his daughter. They are the head of the serpent and the cause of the curse that afflicted the kingdom.

Christina:

I'll be cautious and vigilant of them. Is there anything else I should know before I leave?

Baba Yaga:

Remember, we never met or spoke. I don't want to violate the Yazor Yaturk treaty and end up in the black void.

Christina:

I don't know what you mean by that, but I won't mention anything about you.

Suddenly, Christina takes off, riding Soros toward the mountain to begin a new adventure to save the one she loves until she vanishes from sight. Meanwhile, Baba Yaga mutters to herself:

If she succeeds in bringing the Book of Death, she and that fool will return to her world. But if she fails, she'll remain there forever, just like him.

A wicked laugh escapes her as she continues, saying:

She doesn't know she's in a coma because of a drug overdose. What an intriguing ending.