Dreams Come True

What's The Big Deal?

I let out a loud yawn as I finally woke up. I sat up in my bed, stretching my arms up. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, looking over to the nearby armchair. Gladius was stirring in his sleep, and I gave him a tired smile. Slowly, I crawled out of bed and put my shoes back on, before walking out the door into the hallway. Despite the architecture, the mood was light and happy, so I gave off a bright smile as I stretched again. As I did so, someone walked past me, and I opened an eye to see it was a small bat. He timidly walked down the hallway while wearing a purple scarf, carrying some sort of ribbon.

"Oh, good morning Scaredy!" I asked happily as I finished.

He stopped his progress to look up at me with his adorably massive eyes. He smiled up at me. "Oh, good morning, Caleb!"

I knelt down and so I wasn't such a giant compared to him. "What's with the wreath? Something special going on?"

The bat adjusted the decoration he was carrying. "Ummm... Yes. Iris suggested we have a party, and Ruby thought we could have a welcome party for you and your friends!" He ducked down. "If, uh, if that's okay?"

I smiled sadly, but it was clearly missed by Scaredy. "I'd love that. Here." I picked him up and rested him on my shoulder. "Let's go together." The bat made a noise of worry as he looked down to the ground, but then gave me a shaky smile and nodded. I smiled and walked down the hallway, making sure my friend didn't fall.

Since heading back inside yesterday with a delirious Izzy and Iris, Ruby had gone and gave me a proper tour of the manor, and thanks to that I knew my way around a lot better. I also met all of her other friends, Scaredy Bat being one of them. It made me feel a lot better, and since I know this place inside out, I knew it would be exactly what we needed for a break.

I headed out into the foyer, and there were most of the manor's residents walking about, setting up decorations. Iris was holding some rope, with a bunch of odd purple plants, and was being assisted by a short, black crow with a monocle and red bow tie, Poe.

I waved to both of them as Scaredy ran off to start helping with the set up. "Hey guys!"

Iris waved at me enthusiastically, while Poe flapped his little hands and flew onto my shoulder. "Good evening, my chap. What brings you out of bed?"

My smile fell and I looked out the massive window wall by the dining table, looking out to the night sky and full moon. "This place's internal clock is really gonna mess with me..." I mumbled. I then shook my head and looked back at Poe with another smile. "Just ended up waking up. Scaredy ran by me and told me what was happening."

Iris looked at the bat, who gave off a sheepish chuckle.

I waved off any chewing out Scaredy would have received. "It's fine guys. This isn't the first time I've had a welcome party held for me."

This brought Iris's attention back to me. "It's not?" She let out a gasp. "Did someone throw you one in Gloomsville?"

I shook my head. "No..." I let out a sad sigh. "It's actually because... well... long story short I was thrown one in the place I met Gladius, but an accident caused the two of us to be sent far away from there, so we've been trying to get back. Everyone else is just along for the ride, helping us..." I looked off sadly as thoughts of Rainbow's, Lightness', Darkness' and Virus' worried expressions entered my thoughts.

Poe let out a hum of sympathy, then patted my head. "Don't worry, my boy. I'm sure you'll get home soon. Take your time here to relax, you all clearly need it."

"Yeah!" Iris suddenly shouted, startling a nearby Scaredy. "Gloomsville has so much going on, especially if you stick with me." She proudly jabbed a thumb at herself. "Around me, there's endless possibilities!"