Monkey D. Luffy and The Dreamland

Chapter 1: A Friend

The weather on the shore of the island was raging, punctuated by flashes of lightning. The rain had long since soaked their tired, out-of-breath figures. Each of them had chosen this life-a life brimming with battles, new adventures, scars, newfound friends, and visits to countless islands. As the Straw Hat crew watched their captain, who as always fought with every ounce of his might to protect them, they couldn't shake a sense of unease. They were always afraid, but this time felt different. It felt like a bad omen, signaling that today would be unlike any other.

"Luffy, you can do it! Beat him!"

"Luffy! Keep it up!"

"Luffy!"

Luffy stood on one of the rocks, breathing heavily. He heard his Nakama cheering him on from somewhere behind. He smiled. He always heard them. He readied himself for another attack. Now, he wanted to finish it.

His final attack.

The opponent didn't wait either. Luffy ran and leaped. His Haki enveloped his hands and body. He and his opponent struck at the same moment. There was no time to retreat, no time to reconsider... no time to correct any error.

Luffy delivered a blow to his opponent's heart, and simultaneously received a blow to his own head. The pain was excruciating. He saw his opponent collapse, and then he too fell to the ground. The last thing he heard was his Nakama screaming, and he felt a warm liquid obscure his vision.

Blood.

After that, there was only darkness.

The darkness swallowed him whole.

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The world of Aratis exists within each of us. Those who enter often fail to recognize its presence. It is a world teeming with creatures, magic, and strange logic-or lack thereof. Indeed, everything you can dream of can be found here. Quite like a dream, isn't it?

......

"In a world devoid of consciousness, where everything beautiful and magical resides, a brave soul will emerge to challenge the land of wishes and dreams. His spirit will incite rebellion and chaos, and his mind will not rest until his goal is achieved. Beware of him, Aratis, land of the subconscious and lost souls."

He is coming.

Monkey D. Luffy

......

"Our world is in danger," whispered a nervous, slightly shrill voice.

"Endangered? And why is that, my dear servant?" a female voice replied curiously.

"Our clairvoyant has predicted the future. This time, he is certain!" the deep, female voice chuckled.

The laughter echoed around the throne room.

"Dear Zoran, do you remember our clairvoyant's previous predictions? And who do you think these people are now?"

"Um, yes, Madam, but..."

"Silence!" the queen's voice boomed.

"This world has existed for centuries. Look outside," the Queen gestured outward.

"Land of wishes, land of dreams... why would anyone want to change it? Or even escape it? I, the generous queen, welcome everyone under my care and offer them the chance to live in a world where nothing is lacking!"

Zoran, a short, reptile-like creature, looked at his queen with admiration. He revered her power, her words, her self-confidence. But would none of these visions really come true?