To the End || Dream Team

Chapter 1, Part 1: Into the Arena

Lights, beacons, a roar of voices over speakers playing music softly. You could smell the excitement in the air. Miles of people around a large dome stadium, kept back only by rope and guards.

One final limousine makes its way down the road along the excited viewers. One voice can be heard over the crowd.

"And last, but not least," the announcer says. "Yet another returning fighter, another of your favourite masked fighters, who despite his name, is a Nightmare in the arena..."

The limo stops, it's back door opening out onto the red carpet. A tall man, with a forest green bomber jacket with patches along the sleeves, and a white mask with a smile upon his face, steps out. The crowd screams louder.

"DREAM!"

Dream waves and smiles to the adoring fans calling out to him and waving back.

Further along the path, three men, all friends, and watch Dream as he walks down the carpet.

One, with a white bandana wrapped around his head, and layered shirts, the top designed with a single flame in the centre, turns to the other two.

"You guys," he says over the crowd. "There he is!"

Dream passes by, giving the three of them one smile and wave.

"He waved at us!" The one with large white sunglasses exclaims, the three of them cheering with much excitement.

The crowd quiets some as Dream finally enters the stadium, getting through security and down into the fighters corner, leaving the screams and cheers behind the large iron doors and thick concrete walls to echo in the hallways.

Each fighter has their own room, much like actors for a film or show. Dream walks to find his, reading some of the names along the wall and recognizing many of them. Sky, Captain Sparkles, Aphmau, Zelk, Grian... As he reads through name tags and trophies, he bumps into someone else.

"Hey!" He shouts.

"Ah! Sorry about that!"

A man in a grey t-shirt and red plaid flannel smiles to Dream apologetically. Dream's guard lowers and he smiles back.

"That's alright. Sorry, I figured you meant to do it. Most people try to pick fights with me before the battle's even begun." Dream chuckles.

"Been there." The man chuckles. "You're Dream, aren't you?"

Dream nods.

"Awesome! You've made quite a name for yourself. Name's Mitch, but I'll be introduced as Bajan. Nice to meet you."

Bajan holds his hand out, and Dream takes it firmly. They shake hands.

"I've heard quite a bit about you. Heard you being called the "smartest fighter of the year." Quite a name."

"I've been called a lot of things. You've been around for quite a while, I know. I'm honoured to go up against you."

"Likewise." Bajan smirks. He sighs and looks down at his phone. "Ah, the fight starts soon."

"I have a few things that I need to do before it starts..." Dream says.

"Same here. See you in the Arena."

"If you see me, then you'd better get to me before I get to you."

Bajan laughs and nods. "May the best man win!"

The two laugh over their synchronized speech and nod to each other as they pass and go their separate ways. As soon as their faces are out of view of each other, they turn from a friendly smile to a competitive frown.

"Don't worry..."

"I intend to."