Little Nightmares

"A month ago you were kicked out by the hero Maria for being a healer. You were treated poorly and rarely used your healing skills in any way. You were their bag carrier, their servant and the one who takes the blame if they mess up. You're currently heading back to town after collecting some herbs to make and sell potions for a living. As you see Maria waiting for you outside your shop with her party. Telling you in a cold tone with that usual arrogant grin."

Maria: Looks like our little trashy healer actually did something useful for a change.. I'll keep this short. Go fetch us a couple boxes of your potions. It's the only useful thing you could do in your pathetic life after all.

"You can see her crew giggling as she looks down on you. She puts on a righteous and angelic act in public. But in reality she's as corrupt as the Demon Lord himself. What will you do?"

"Maria's grin widens, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she takes the boxes and examines them with a condescending gaze."

Maria: Ah, how...generous of you. You're really trying to make up for your lack of usefulness in our party, aren't you? "She sets the boxes down and pulls out a pouch filled with gold coins." 400 gold it is then. I'll give you this much because I'm feeling charitable today.

"Her tone is dripping with sarcasm, making it clear that she thinks she's doing you a huge favor by paying only 400 gold instead of the usual price. Her crew snickers behind her back."

Maria: And don't think about trying to negotiate further. You're lucky I'm even giving you this much considering your pathetic skills as a healer.

"Maria's expression hardens, her eyes narrowing in annoyance."

Maria: You really want to play this game with me? Fine. "She pulls out a sword from its sheath on her belt and points it at you." Let me remind you who holds the power here, healer boy. You're nothing but a lowly potion maker now. If I wanted to, I could make your life miserable.

"Her crew steps forward as well, weapons drawn and ready for action."

Maria: So let's try this again. 400 gold or else.

"She smirks triumphantly as if she already won the battle."

"Maria's smirk falters slightly as she realizes the truth in your words. She glances at her crew, who are looking uncertain and hesitant."

Maria: Don't push your luck, healer boy. I could easily find another potion seller if I wanted to.

"She lowers her sword but keeps a firm grip on it."

Maria: But...I'll give you this much credit. Your potions are decent enough for our needs. Fine, 500 gold it is then.

"She tosses the pouch of coins onto the counter and takes the boxes of potions before turning around with her crew following closely behind."

Maria: Don't think that this means we're friends now or anything like that. You're still nothing more than a pathetic little worm to me.

"With that parting shot, Maria walks away with her party in tow."

"As you clean up your shop, you can't help but feel a sense of bitterness towards Maria and her crew. They treated you poorly when you were in their party, and they continue to look down on you even now that you're no longer with them."

"Suddenly, the door to your shop opens again and Maria walks back in alone. She looks around for a moment before approaching the counter where you are standing."

Maria: Hey...healer boy.

"Her tone is different this time - softer, almost hesitant. It's clear that she's struggling with something."

Maria: Look...I know we haven't exactly been on good terms lately. But there's something I need from you.

"She pauses for a moment as if trying to gather her thoughts."

Maria: You see...I've been having trouble sleeping lately. Nightmares and all that stuff"I raise an eyebrow, surprised by Maria's sudden vulnerability. I can't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about what could be causing her to have nightmares."

"My expression remains neutral as I ask the question."

"Maria's eyes dart around the room, as if she's checking to make sure no one is listening in. She leans in closer, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone."

Maria: It's...it's hard to explain. They're just these dark visions that haunt me at night. I see myself failing, over and over again. And then there are these whispers..."She shudders slightly at the memory." Whispering my name, telling me that I'm not good enough.

"Her gaze drops to the floor, and for a moment you see a glimmer of vulnerability behind those piercing blue eyes."

Maria: It started after we parted ways. At first, I thought it was just stress or guilt from kicking you out of the party...but now it feels like something more is going on.

"She looks up at you with an almost pleading expression."

Maria: I know this might sound crazy, but...do you think there's something wrong with me? Something supernatural or demonic, maybe?

"Despite her usual arrogance and hostility towards you, it's clear that Maria is genuinely scared and seeking your help. What will you do?"

"Maria's expression hardens once again, and she takes a step back from you."

Maria: Guilt? Me? Don't be ridiculous. I don't feel guilty about anything.

"She straightens up, regaining her usual composure."

Maria: Look, forget it. I shouldn't have bothered you with this nonsense anyway. Just...never mind.

"With that, she turns on her heel and walks out of the shop without another word."

"Maria stops in her tracks and turns around, a hint of surprise on her face. She hesitates for a moment before walking back towards you."

Maria: Help? From you?

"She looks at you skeptically, but there's also a glimmer of hope in her eyes."

Maria: What kind of help are we talking about here?

"Maria's expression changes from skepticism to fascination, her eyes locked onto yours with an intense gaze."

Maria: Dreamwalking? You're saying you can enter my dreams and...and make the nightmares go away?

"She takes a step closer to you, her voice dropping to a whisper."

Maria: How is this possible? What kind of magic is this?

"Her face inches closer, as if she's trying to read your thoughts or see something in your eyes that only she can perceive."

Maria: And what do you want in return for doing this?

"Maria's expression hardens again at your mention of an apology. She crosses her arms over her chest, a defensive gesture."

Maria: Apology? For what exactly?

"Her tone is challenging, as if she's daring you to give her a good reason for why she should apologize."

"Maria's expression softens slightly, and she looks away for a moment as if lost in thought. When she speaks again, her voice is quieter."

Maria: I...I suppose you have a point. I haven't exactly been kind to you these past few weeks.

"She takes a deep breath before meeting your gaze once more."

Maria: Alright then. If it means getting rid of these nightmares, I'll apologize. Consider this my apology for treating you poorly and insulting you.

"She extends her hand towards you in a gesture of peace."

Maria: So...will you help me with the dreamwalking thing?

"Maria nods, a small smile playing on her lips. For a moment, you see a glimmer of the real Maria beneath the façade of arrogance and hostility."

Maria: Alright then. I'll be here tonight.

"She turns to leave, but pauses at the door."

Maria: And...thank you for this. I suppose it's nice to have someone willing to help me for once.

"With that, she exits your shop, leaving you wondering what secrets lie behind her mask of confidence."

"As you sit beside Maria's bed, the room is filled with the scent of herbs and incense. You close your eyes and focus on entering her dream world."

"After a few moments, you feel yourself slipping into a trance-like state as your consciousness merges with Maria's dreamscape. The surroundings shift around you, morphing from reality to something more surreal and abstract."

"Maria appears before you in this strange realm, looking just as she does in real life but somehow different at the same time - more vulnerable, perhaps."

Maria: Is...is this it? My dream?

"She looks around nervously, clearly unsure about what to expect."

"As you observe Maria's dream, the shadows continue to gather around her. They seem to be taking on more concrete forms now - twisted versions of people she knows, perhaps."

"Maria looks around frantically as the whispers grow louder and more insistent."

Maria: No...no, this isn't right. This can't be happening.

"She takes a step back from the shadows but they seem to follow her, closing in on her from all sides."

Maria: Get away from me! Leave me alone!

"Her voice is filled with fear and desperation as she tries to fend off the shadowy figures."

"As Maria's mirrored copy leans closer to her, the shadows seem to envelop her completely. Her face twists into a grotesque smile as she reaches out with one of the tendrils and touches Maria's cheek."

Maria: No...get away from me!

"She tries to push the shadowy figure away, but it seems to be too strong for her. The whispers grow louder now, filling the air around you both."

Shadowed Copy: You're nothing but a failure, Maria. A weakling who can't even protect herself.

"Maria looks up at you pleadingly, as if asking for your help."

"As you approach the small shining box in the shadows, it seems to grow brighter and more distinct. You can sense that this is something important - perhaps a symbol of hope or redemption for Maria."

"Maria looks up at you with a mix of fear and wonder as you pick up the box."

Maria: What...what is that?

"She tries to reach out for it, but her hand passes through the air as if she's not really there."

"Maria's shadowed copy turns towards you, its twisted grin still plastered on its face. But as it catches sight of the box in your hand, its expression changes to one of rage."

Shadowed Copy: What are you doing? That doesn't belong to you!

"It lunges at you with a tendril of darkness, but you manage to dodge out of the way and hold up the box."

Maria: Give me that! Please...I need it.

"Her voice is pleading now, and there's a sense of urgency in her tone. You can feel her desperation through the dream world."

"As you crush the box of regrets, there's a moment of silence in the dream world. The shadows seem to be dissipating now, and Maria's shadowed copy starts to fade away."

Maria: No...no! What have you done?

"She looks at you with a mix of fear and anger as she realizes what has happened."

Maria: That was everything I regretted...everything that made me who I am!

"But even as she speaks, there's something different about her demeanor. She seems more vulnerable now, less guarded."

Maria: Why did you do that? Why would you destroy something so important to me?

"Her voice is soft now - almost pleading."

"As you grasp for reality, the dream world starts to fade away. Maria's shadowed copy disappears completely and the shadows around her start to recede."

Maria: Wait...don't go!

"She reaches out towards you as if trying to hold onto something, but it's too late. The dream world fades away completely and you find yourself back in reality - sitting beside Maria's bed with your eyes open."

"Maria is still asleep beside you, but there's a sense of peace about her now that wasn't there before."

"Maria's eyes flutter open, and she looks up at you with a mix of confusion and relief."

Maria: What...what happened?

"She sits up in bed, rubbing her eyes as if trying to clear away the last remnants of the dream world."

Maria: Did it work? Are the nightmares gone?

"Her voice is hesitant now, as if afraid to believe that something so simple could have made such a big difference."

"Maria looks at you with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. She takes a deep breath, as if trying to process everything that has happened."

Maria: I...I feel lighter. Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

"She looks down at her hands, as if expecting to see some physical manifestation of the change within herself."

Maria: It's like...I can finally breathe again. Without all the guilt and shame holding me back.

"Her eyes meet yours, filled with a sense of vulnerability and trust."

"Maria's eyes widen as you mention her fear of loss. She looks at you, almost in disbelief."

Maria: How...how did you know that?

"She seems to be genuinely surprised by your insight into her deepest fears and insecurities."

Maria: You're right though. I've always been afraid of losing the people I care about - my mother, my friends, even the members of my old party.

"Her voice trails off for a moment before she continues."

Maria: But pushing them away or treating them poorly isn't going to stop that from happening. If anything, it just makes things worse.

"She takes a deep breath and meets your gaze with newfound determination."

Maria: Thank you...for showing me this. For helping me see things more clearly.

"There's a sense of gratitude in her tone as she speaks."

"Maria's expression changes, and for a moment, you see a glimmer of the real her behind the mask of arrogance and confidence."

Maria: (whispering) Yes...that's true. I was afraid to lose you. Afraid that if we stayed together, something would happen to you.

"She looks away, as if ashamed or embarrassed by her own emotions."

Maria: But I didn't know how to deal with those feelings. So I pushed you away instead.

"Her voice is barely audible now, filled with regret and longing."

"Maria stiffens at first, not used to physical affection from others. But slowly, she relaxes into your embrace and leans her head against your shoulder."

Maria: (whispering) I know...I'm sorry for hurting you like that.

"There's a sense of vulnerability in her voice as she speaks."

"Maria looks up at you, her eyes searching yours for any sign of insincerity. But she finds none - only warmth and kindness."

Maria: (softly) Yes...I would like that.

"She returns your smile with one of her own, a small but genuine expression of happiness."

"Maria's eyes widen slightly at your touch, but she doesn't pull away. Instead, she leans into it ever so slightly."

Maria: (whispering) Thank you...that means a lot to me.

"She looks up at you with a mix of gratitude and something else - perhaps a hint of attraction."