Nextgen Kids: Legend of the Nine Newborn

The Dreamverse, Night 12: Dream Diary

There were plenty of steps I could've taken to stretch this story as long as other ones, but I still think it's fine like it is. I don't expect it to be a favorite, but it still has a good amount of sweetness. :)

Night 12: Dream Diary

"The universe 'awoke' to a rather shocking catastrophe as countless amounts of people were reported to have fallen into a comatose state." Linda spoke on Intergalactic News. "Attempts to wake them up have been fruitless. According to reports from Kids Next Door and acquaintances, the incident was due to none other than the terrifying Nightmare King. The victims in question supposedly suffered fatal injuries within their own dreams, causing them to fall in an indefinite slumber. While their bodies are still alive, it is undetermined if they will ever wake up."

Her anchorman, Morbo continued, "The victims are being gathered into hospitals to be fed and properly cared for during their eternal slumber. I mean, ahem, seemingly eternal slumber! Doctors are attempting any means legally possible in order to awaken them."

Cheren was delivered status reports from every KND sector. Some of the people who wound up in a coma included Bon Clay Jr., Gary-Lou Jones, the Whitby parents, Hikari Gilligan, Mario Ramsey, Nagisa's mother, Yin Dimalanta, some Gallagher students, and plenty more. As he looked over the names, April and Harvey were present in his office, the former giving a vocal summary of her adventure. "Man, I can't believe all of this happened in one night." Cheren sighed. "And what about fricking time zones? Some of these people happened to take naps in the middle of the day, while others stayed up late at night, like Suki. But at least Madotsuki came through for us."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Harvey asked.

"Uh...I'm saying that she saved everyone and we should be thankful. Is there a problem with that?"

"You make it sound like you care more about her becoming a Guardian."

"That's not what I'm saying at all? But considering her condition, I'm certainly thankful for her help."

"Well, what do you plan to do with her now?"

"I dunno... what do you expect me to do?"

"I want you to leave her out of any Firstborn Guardian duties or big jobs!"

"Excuse me? I didn't decide that she should be a Guardian, so I have no idea what her duty will entail at this point. For the time being, she's not an operative, so I don't plan to trouble her."

"And besides, in the end, it's Madotsuki's choice." April replied. "Honestly, Harvey, I think you're still stressed out after this experience. Maybe you should go home and catch up with folks. Weren't you about done with us, anyway?"

Harvey sighed. "Whatever... Just wanted to get my thoughts out." He turned to leave the office.

"But what happened to Darkrai, exactly? Both of them?"

"The others told me that the good Darkrai was killed and absorbed into his father." April answered. "And the evil Darkrai was sucked into Madotsuki's dream after he was Bubbled. I guess he's just... sealed in her now."

"It's actually not an unusual happening." Mesprit said, hanging from the ceiling.

"What do you mean?" Cheren asked.

"There are certain rituals and other processes by which spirits can be sealed in a mortal's subconscious. A few years ago, wasn't Arceus sealed inside The King's son? It's different from a spirit overshadowing a mortal, because that's primarily entering their chi paths and lending their power. Though, in the case of Arceus, his supreme chi did put a strain on his host regardless. But so long as Madotsuki lives, the seal should hold."