⛓ My beautiful caged songbird ⛓

Chapter 13: Awkward...

—Dream’s perspective (but since he has amnesia, I’m gonna call him Emerald)—

Emerald took a step back from shock as he stared at his mirroring image.

It was him, yet it was not.

He heard his sister gasp behind him. “Emmy… did you by chance have a sibling?”

“No...” he responded warily. “Not that I'm aware of. I’m certain I’m the only slave child my mother ever sold in the black markets…”

Despite looking quite identical, the air around that man was...off. Taking a closer look at his appearance, there were some features he possessed which Emerald didn’t. Other than the face structure and blonde hair, the man before him had blood red eyes, tanned skin, short hair, and was taller than Emerald.

He was… manlier looking than Emerald… 

He chewed his lip as he studied him, feeling a tinge of envy.  

How?  

Just how…?

“Lost in your thoughts, my little Daydream?” Emerald flinched from his voice. “You often have the habit of biting your lip whenever your mind is troubled.”

His green eyes widened underneath the mask and he took a step back. How? How did he know despite wearing this mask? Earlier, he even remarked how ‘ravishing’ he looked underneath the cloak, too…

He’s dangerous, he thought, raising his guard up. Emerald was ready to open his inventory to pull his weapons.

The man laughed in delight, then pulled out a potion and drank it. He slipped the mask back over his face before raising his hands. “There is no need for you to attack me, little bird. I am completely harmless.”

“Funny hearing that from the guy who was strangling a fighter not too long ago.” He scoffed, stepping back. “Who are you, anyway?” Emerald blinked once, and the man suddenly vanished in front of him. “Where did he?”

“My name is Nightmare, my sweet. I am your lover. Remember that...”

Emerald breath hitched when he felt a cold breath whisper in his ear behind him. Emerald turned hastily, pulling out a hidden axe. But the man was nowhere in sight. “What?” Emerald eyes darted around the room in confusion.

He tried to stay calm, but he trembled a bit (why was his body shaking?) when he heard his lookalike say that.

Lover?

Dream scoffed, shaking his head. “Me? Your lover? Please—if I had someone like that in my life, all the songs would finally make sense.”

“You did have one, have you forgotten?”

Dream’s smile melted away. No one could see his expression, but something like horror flashed across his face.

“Ah— it is best if i do not bring such haunting memories back.” He said, seeing through him again.

“What do you mean?” Lily demanded at the lookalike as she scanned the room. Emerald felt her gaze on his back now. “Emmy, what is he talking—“

“NOTHING!” He quickly said in a sharp tone, Lily flinched from his response.

How does he know? Emerald stepped back.

They heard his voice again, except this time, his voice bounced from the walls of the room like an echo. The mobs and creatures stopped attacking as their entire bodies turned black, then started disintegrating to ash.

“I would say today’s experiment with this body had exceeded my expectations. And since I am in a delightful mood, I will be generous and spare your pathetic lives for my beautiful gem. But, I hope you do improve yourselves. The next time I come with my army, I will not be so kind. Farewell.”