He floats alone in a dark void, but can hear it clearly, a voice echoing loudly from the distance, calling out a particular name. This name sounds vaguely familiar, but it isn't his.
Still, the speaker doesn't stop shouting. The sound of their voice growing louder and louder, pressing into his mind, forcing him to stir in the darkness.
"My Lord!... My Lord!... My Lord!... Toby!!!" (Charming yelled, finally managing to wake the young dreamer from his state of unconsciousness, happy to see him open his eyes)
Toby Robinson: Ugh, my head... What the heck happened? (Toby asks, weakly sitting up from the ground while rubbing his aching head)
Prince Charming: You've done it, My Lord! You defeated the mighty Queen of the ants! And it was glorious! (Charming tells him happily)
Toby Robinson: Seriously, why don't I remember that? How are you guys even out here right now, aren't you supposed to be in the tamed holding or something? (Toby asks in confusion, not remembering certain portions of the battle)
Prince Charming: You freed us, My Lord. We held off the ants upon your request, until you used your new ability to take her down. Once again I must say, the ending of that fight was Glorious! (Charming explains, moving aside to reveal Browny and Noble resting some distance away)
Toby Robinson: Wait, doesn't that mean Clockwork is free too?! (Toby asks in panic, nervously looking around for the fearsome dragon)
Prince Charming: The dragon is not free, and thank goodness for that. But do you really not remember anything? (Charming asks, starting to get worried)
Toby Robinson: Honestly, I'm just happy to be alive right now. I thought I was going to die so many times in that fight, it was terrifying. The Butter Ant Queen was crazy strong. (Toby tells him, standing on his feet and clutching at his bleeding stomach)
Prince Charming: You're still hurt, maybe you should...
Toby Robinson: I know... Heal. (Toby tells him, activating his healing abilities)
[-75 Dream Points]
[Dream Bank: 5362 Dream Points]
[100/100HP]
Toby Robinson: Aah, much better. (Toby said in relief, his injuries now fully healed)
Prince Charming: That never ceases to amaze me, My Lord. But, speaking of the Ant Queen, there's something you should know about her... She's here. (Charming tells him, staring at the large figure approaching Toby from behind)
The young dreamer turns back quickly, shocked to see the Butter Ant Queen towering over him from behind. Her golden exoskeleton armour has been heavily damaged, completely covered with cracks. But the Queen is still a dangerous high grade, flanked by some of her large Butter Ant Soldiers.
Toby jumps back quickly, blue energy swirling around his fingers, summoning the dream sword into his hand. The young dreamer stares at the weapon in shock, not knowing how he made it appear without speaking, but not worrying about that for long. Because has bigger things to worry about right now.
Toby Robinson: What the heck is she doing here? How is she even alive? (Toby asks in panic, nervously gripping the dream sword with both hands, preparing to defend himself)
Prince Charming: Be calm, My Lord. She is not our enemy, at least not anymore. (Charming explains to Toby, a hand resting on his shoulder)
Toby Robinson: What do you mean? (Toby asks, very much confused by this)
Prince Charming: She returned not too long ago, and wasn't aggressive towards us at all. You were completely vulnerable, another assault from her and we could have been wiped out. But she didn't do that, which leads me to believe that she might want something from us. (Charming explains to him, staring at the motionless Queen, silently watching them from a distance)
Toby Robinson: You can talk to animals right? Why don't you try talking to her, find out what she wants. (Toby tells him, the dream sword vanishing from his hands in his moment of clarity)
Prince Charming: I will do my best. (Charming replied, nervously approaching the Ant Queen and beginning to converse with her)
Charming and the Queen begin to have a strange back and forth conversation, with Charming speaking english, and the ant Queen responding with clicks and the occasional hiss. Toby tries to keep track of where this is going, but quickly loses interest, his mind starting to wander.
Toby Robinson: My sword's gone, that doesn't normally happen unless it's left alone for too long or destroyed. I can't summon it at will either, which means something strange is happening with the way my powers work... And I think I'm okay with that. (Toby smiles, thinking about his powers for a bit longer)... I wonder what the Butter Ant Queen wants from me, or what she wants in general. Its cool that Charming can communicate with any kind of dream being, but it also makes me feel bad. If these beings are capable of communicating, it means they're not just dumb animals or wild beasts, so why I attacking them? I know I want to get stronger, but does that justify what I'm doing here, am I really a hero, or just the villain of this story? (Sighs) What even is my purpose in this world? (Toby thought about this as Browny comes to sit next to him, after noticing his presence the young dreamer stretches out a hand, gently stroking the dream bear's fur)... If the Ant Queen wants us to leave, then we'll just leave. I need to seriously rethink my plans for adventure, maybe from today, I will only go after the obviously evil dream beings. Yeah, that sounds much better of my conscience. (Toby tells himself, loving this new idea he's making up on the fly)
Charming seems to have ended his conversation with the Butter Ant Queen, and now he's walking back to the young dreamer, about to tell him what the Queen wants.
Prince Charming: It seems like the Queen of the ants... wants to... (Charming said nervously, hesitant to tell Toby what the Queen actually wants from him)
Toby Robinson: Wants to what?! Just tell me! (Toby demanded to know)
Prince Charming: Apparently... She wants to marry you, My Lord. That is her only request. (Charming finally tells him)
Toby Robinson: Huh? What the heck are you talking about?! (Toby yelled, shock and confused by all of this)
[Congratulations: You Have Been Presented With A Rare Opportunity. Forging A True Bond]
[True Bond: A unique connection between a Dreamer and a Dream Being, formed by a strong, and mutual emotional understanding. This is a bond of trust and respect, so no skills can be shared. But camaraderie and undying loyalty will be earned]
Toby Robinson: The heck? (Toby muttered, now even more confused by all this)
Next: Dream Kingdom