A Tragic Creation 3: At Pepperland's End

Chapter 2: Visit in a Dream

Randel was quietly snoring as his head rested up against Ringo's chest, who too was also sleeping.

It was quiet all around Pepperland, and by this hour of the night, the stars in the night sky once again found themselves with no viewers.

Suddenly, Randel's head shifted slightly, and he let out a small groan.

He was having a strange dream.

Usually, his mind wouldn't make Pepperland look this empty. The sun was high in the sky, but besides him, there was no one else to bask in its warmth.

Randel looked around, but not one person or blue meanie could be seen.

"Hello?" He called out, his voice echoing.

No response.

Starting to feel uneasy, he took a step forward, turning around.

This was surely a strange dream indeed.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my old friend."

A demonic voice from behind him made Randel turn around, and the sight made him gasp. 

The creature, floating a few feet off of the ground, stared back at him with his grey eyes. His dark grey body looked as if it was struggling to maintain a definite shape.

"W-what are you doing here?" Randel asked, taking a step back defencively.

"Don't worry. I just came here to give a message to you."

It floated towards him, and Randel couldn't move.

"You think that you and your boyfriend are safe now, huh? Granted, it did take me a while to gather the energy to do this, but it'll be worth it."

Randel was confused.

"To d-do what?" He asked.

The figure stopped in front of him, a grin slowly forming on its face.

"You honestly think that my soul would allow me to stay dead? As long as a part of me exists, I can still live."

"B-but... We-"

"Yes, you two did kill me, but you didn't destroy my soul. I passed on, and when I did, I knew what had to be done, and..."

The creature leaned into Randel's face, glaring at him with its grey eyes.

"I suggest that you take this as a warning, Randel, because you and all of your new friends aren't going to have much time to prepare."

Randel shook as chills went up his spine.

"W-wha-"

"It's going to be something that I could have done before, when we were friends, but I figured not to do so since... Well, there'd be no point in trying to take over Pepperland if... It's not really Pepperland anymore."

Taking in a sharp breath, Randel's eyes widened.

"This isn't some game anymore. You turned your back on me and... Oh, I really don't appreciate what you and Ringo did to me!"

A shadowy hand placed itself on Randel's chin, and his breath caught in his throat.

"Believe me. Once I gather enough energy to get my physical body back, which won't be too long, you and your friends aren't going to stand a chance. An act of love can't save you this time."

The figure tilted its head for a moment.

"Say, once I regain my body, I think I'm going to do something special with it, just so that it'll spark even more fear."

Before Randel could speak, the creature floated away a few feet.

"So, I leave you with this Randel. Remember what I said, and don't just brush this off as some nightmare or whatever. I'll be back very soon, and you..."

Randel blinked, and he and the creature were alone together in a black void.

The creature smiled widely, revealing sharp teeth.

"You don't stand a chance this time."

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Randel woke up, taking in a small breath as he looked around.

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he looked around, only to see nothing but plants and a few sleeping people and blue meanies here and there.

He rubbed his head, the creature's words echoing in his mind.

Randel had no idea what to make of it.

Slowly, he laid back down, putting his head on the sleeping drummer's chest again.

Staring up at the stars, Randel couldn't find the need to go back to sleep.

It seemed like the sun was about to rise anyway, since the horizon began to glow a shade of pink.

Randel sighed.

"This... If it's true... Then this is bad..."