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"From what we gathered; this is pretty much everyone...save for a few people that the sandman has gotten when we were out looking for food... There could be more out there...perhaps...though personally it would probably be best if no more people show up since this world is sort of like purgatory... Granted that's a bit too strong of a word saying about this place since we can find at least things to eat in order to sustain ourselves along with materials for me to make stuff out of...so it's really not all that bad... With poor Callisto though, I think we will need to at least hurry up trying a way out of this world if she's highly affected by the changing moon phases." said Jonathan

"Hmm, I see your point. There's someone else near us though." She looks distant and distracted. Her ears twitch occasionally and she looks around at seemingly nothing. "I can feel their mind.." Although she can feel Abigail's presence she hasn't entered her mind in respect for privacy and whatnot.

Turuilla's attention was brought back to Cal, who was with Jalie at the moment. Perhaps this world was taking a deeper toll on some. Ren with the trance, Jonathan with the headaches...maybe it was only a matter of time before matters became worse for them. "Let's help Cal sit?" Turuilla would mention after a moment, ushering Jalie and Cal to sit on a minimally comfortable couch found on the first floor of the bookstore.

Turuilla would take a seat in the least, sighing as she tried to formulate everything. Her fingers idly played with a book in her hands before she spoke up. "I think we have to hurry and get out of here...Jalie your powers are more helpful than you know. I agree with Ren. We have to lure him in- maybe stun the sandman? Then if you and Azumi can work together maybe we can...get him to realize who he is."

Turuilla held up the book she had, a sleepy yawn escaping her lips. "I found more journal logs- this one's from a girl. I'm thinking the little girl from the photo." Turuilla said. "Ah Jalie- basically there's this...old man whose like a sandman trapping people in dreams. We think he trapped us here. We believe he used to be trapped here by a different sand man...and then somehow he took over for him and became the new sandman of this place? It's all a theory and kinda confusing." Turuilla admits, rubbing her forehead.

"But the man had a girl in his life. His grandchild it seems. And I think this is the girls journal. She was here with him in this place." Turuilla glanced at the pages of the book she held. "The girl was terrified of their sandman, and tried hard to work with her grandfather find a way out. They were both humans. The girl wrote about dreams she was having...nightmares about clowns? I guess the nightmares felt surreal. Poor kid."

Turuilla went on, "The logs get blurry and hard to read but I guess...the girl and her grandfather made friends here. It seems the girl and her grandfather were here for along time, and had witnessed many folks getting trapped by the sandman. Endless sleep they called it. But then the girl mentions..a way to get out??" Turuilla goes quiet as she reads more of the journal.

"It says:
'Grandpa was saddened to see the young dragon boy escape. Supposedly he faced his true fear and then...was set free? Grandpa hates to see people go this way...and would rather someone stay to help him...but I'm so scared here. Do I even want to stay and help Grandpa defeat the sandman.? Or do I want to go home? I don't know if I could face my nightmares. Stupid clowns' ."

Turuilla paused after reading that last entry, flipping through blank pages. "There's nothing else here."

"I guess you should probably take that picture with you", Ren noted to Turuilla, "Sounds silly, but if both Azumi and Jalie can't deal with this thing. Maybe we could straight up show the Sandman a picture of the girl?"

Azumi was slightly offended by the idea that her summoner would think that there was even an inkling of a possibility that she was not capable of dealing with the Sandman. She was capable, and Ren always underestimated the power of a four-tails. She would not fail him, right? Despite the recent inconvenience that involved her nearly being unsummoned.

"Ren", Azumi frowned, "Why are you making a plan B? Worry not dear, I'm strong enough to protect all of you!"

"I don't want you overexerting yourself", Ren said bleakly, "It involves both you and Jalie retreating if the situation gets tougher. I'm not ready to lose you, mom"

She did not realize it. Ren was starting to remember. The trances, in fact, were not directly caused by the Sandman himself, but instead indirectly weakened Azumi's magic and subsequently, her physical form as it was made of magic.

That did not worry her, what did worry her was the fact that he called her "mom". She could sense that her summoner knew that they were in grave danger. He was usually embarrassed to even refer to her in front of strangers, but now. He was afraid. They were both afraid of what was to come. This caused the fox spirit to have tears streaming down of furry face as she ran to hug Ren tightly.

"I will not succumb to this Sandman, I promise you as your guardian spirit!", She said, "I will do everything in my power to protect all of you!"

"I know, mom. Let's do this", He said before turning to Turuilla, "Another silly Idea, but maybe this little girl is still around and hasn't escaped yet?"

Callisto sat silently, trying to muster up some energy. If she could just gain some...she had been in the moonlight long enough.

"I got it!" she suddenly exclaimed.

She'd listened to Turuilla talk about the journal and the others talk about the plan, but was also praticing. After Ren spoke, moonlight streaks shone in her hair, almost like dyed highlights. Although this glowed, shined, like moonlight on a lake. Callisto's fingernails looked almost painted, but it was the moonshine seeping out of her.

"Um...well this is awkward..." she chuckled awkwardly.

"Hmmmmm...two sandmans, huh...? And one of them is actually a good guy according to what you've discovered... Well, I suppose if we find this particular sandman, will also be a good way to get ourselves out of here. Defeat the evil sandman that trapped us here...or go and find the good sandman to send us back to our worlds... Two options to choose from..." said Jonathan as he then listens to what Jadie had to say "There's still someone out there? Well, I suppose I can do a search and rescue if he or she is somewhere close by."

Then Jonathan looked at Callisto's body doing something weird...

"Umm...are you going to be okay, Callisto...? Your body is doing...something..." said Jonathan, looking very confused as to what's happening to her

Jonathan did both Ren and Azumi converse with each other but didn't want to butt in...especially when it sounded quite personal like mother and son...at least he heard those words... Anyway, if requested, Jonathan would go out again to find the person what Jadie is detecting; otherwise he'll likely go to bed in hopes to get enough rest for the morning.

"Hey..." Futaba flinched after Turuilla mentioned about true fear as a way for them to go out from this kind of universe. Why was there a man became a new sandman after defeating the "old sandman"? Was it means that this universe had kind of loop illusions to make people whom trapped to be one of them? Futaba wasn't sure enough. With Turuilla's explanation about the sandman which had a little girl also kind of infuriating. "Does this mean the girl still trapped here with us? If she said that she couldn't face her fear.... Or, should we look for this girl?" Futaba raised her eyebrows in perplex. How if the one she saw before was the grandchild of the sandman? If only there would be any electricity nearby, Futaba need to recharge her goggles and find this girl she saw the glimpse before.

"Yeah, I'm good," Callisto tried to control her powers, the moonlight slowly fading.

After a few minutes, she was completely back to normal.

"As for the sandman, I can confuse him with my powers."

"Oh, yeah, that's.. that's kinda weird, and confusing." Jalie seems to think about this for a second. "Yeah, sure. I can help with whatever needed."


She nods at Ren. "Maybe, it's not a very far fetched idea. Definitely possible.." She pauses. "Hey, maybe that other person is her."


Jalie watches Callisto curiously. "Wow, that's really cool. I'm guessing that's part of your, uh, moon powers? Is that what you call them?"


"Well, I don't think you'll have to really search. They're on the roof of this building.." She looks at Jonathan. "Plus, I could probably convince them to just walk in here. That is, if that's what everyone wants." Jalie looks around at everyone for responses.

Callisto nodded in response to Jalie, "Kind of, yes. You know how they say the moon mezmorizes people with it's beauty, or how werewolves are most active on full moon nights? It's sort of like that. I can't fully manipulate them or control them, but I can confuse them. Like a mirror maze at the fair."

She thought for a moment about the person on the roof. Maybe their presence wouldn't turn out too bad. She could always subdue them if need be.

"I vote yes, for them to be here."

"If we don't have to search for them because they're already here, then yes, we should find them and let them in. After all we do need to all stick together in order to get through this alive. That being said though, I'm sure everyone else is tired so go on inside to get some rest. I'll be joining in a short order once everything is done and secured here." said Jonathan

"Yeah", Ren said, "Sure. Sounds risky, but our plan's already risky in the first place without any choice"

He then turned to Azumi who nodded. They were ready. They were ready for the fight ahead of them.

"I concur. I shall ready myself outside this bookstore. Miss Jalie, come with me if you are ready!"

Turuilla wished she could say she has been dutifully keeping up with everything...but rather she was still staring at the journal she had. Most of the text unreadable save for the portion she read aloud. The pieces weren't fully clicking to her, but it was clear something had to be done. "Someone else is here? Oh goodness how many folks are there?" Turuilla chimed in just enough to gather that. By now her hair was fluffy mess, her eyes tired but also fearful. What happened next wouldn't really prove to sooth her either.


Little sheeps little sheeps.

A voice resonated throughout the place. It sounded like it was from outside, but somehow the voice was clear enough to those who heard it. Almost exhoing in the woman's head. The woman got immediate goosebumps. "Oh no..." Outside the window Turuilla could see a thick mist covering the outside. It was so thick it began to mask their little safe haven in darkness. Particles of sand began to bombard the window...bombard the library as a whole.

"Ren! Come back inside quickly!" Turuilla had chills and she stood up weakly and fearfully. "Jalie if you have someone up there on the roof nows the time to get them." Turuilla wished she could do more, guide more, but she was afraid. All she could think to do was hug Futaba protectively.

If Ren and Azumi where outside they may witness a thick mist along with Sand particles whipping through the air. There was no person present yet...just a soothing yet haunting lullaby.

Little Sheeps, little sheeps, the voice outside echoed. Azumi and Ren could feel it. It was definitely the Sandman. Sand had blended with the mist of this gloomy world and surrounded the two. Azumi felt weakened once more, her body see through and wispy.

"Azumi!", Ren cried out

Her mind filled with worry Azumi lost herself in and endless sea of thoughts.You cannot save him , one thought said. He'll be alone, another though said. However, Azumi took offence to those statements, she did not become crestfallen by the thoughts.

She stood strong...

"I said", Azumi paused and groaned in pain,"it shall take more than that to destroy me, Sandman!"

She knew why she was losing her physical form. It was fear that made her lose her focus on maintaining it. The Sandman must have preyed on it. She knew she was a strong fox spirit and there was no convincing her otherwise. She would protect her son
Her form returned to its normal self and they hurriedly made their way to the rooftop. Most of the library was full of sand, it hindered both of their eyes all the way to the stairs. Thankfully, they came out unscathed. Ren immediately approached Turuilla, Azumi followed close behind

"I guess we do need a plan B", Ren said, "Any hiding spots to ambush the Sandman? Because, we gotta act quick!"

"Geez...that sandman really can't let us have a single break to ourselves...and on our first night no less... If only I can do something with alchemy...like making something... Problem is that I need ingredients, and I doubt we even have stuff we could even use as such around here. Also, I would need to know what I need to make as well." said Jonathan as he sees the sand trying to force its way inside a locked window "Guess we need to barricade this place down a bit more, we definitely do not want that sand to get in here...doubt there's any wood or extra furniture we can use, is there...?"

"Okay." Jalie seems to not be all there as she enters Abigail's mind and places a thought. *Go inside.* It seems to Abigail that it's her own thought. While Jaile is able to manipulate minds, she cannot control them. She can only make suggestions. Most of the time it works, not all the time though.


"I placed a thought in her head, I could place more if it doesn't seem to work. But for now, it depends on whether she listens to *her* thoughts or not." She makes air quotes with her fingers when she says *her thoughts*.


"Oh god..." Jalie's ears lay down flat against her head. "Are you guys okay?" She turns toward Ren and Azumi as they come back in.


She nods at Jonathan. "Yeah, I really don't like the idea of drowning in sand."

I suppose I have to be on guard. Mostly my equipment are on their lowest stage of energy.

That's what Futaba's think about. Her brain already working hard on how she should act when the enemy approach them and she came empty handed. She had to be reliant on her sense instead or her brain on how to escaping later because it seems that the others already have their magical power which is enough for them to face the sandman. Futaba felt like she can't do anything useful than the other people with their magic. Futaba felt a slight despair when it seems like the darkness started to engulfed her. You are useless. the voice on her head lingers. It was just like a strong headache come to Futaba as fast as the strange noise came with the tick mist.

"Aaaargh!!!" Futaba shrieked. The voice keep mocking on her inside.

You are worthless. You are useless without the tools. You can't do anything. The voice keep rumbling.



"Stop it." Futaba felt the immense pain on her head. It was hurt. She covers her head with her arms before Turuilla came to hug her and the sand particles bombarded them. "P-please....Be safe..." Futaba was almost cried being covered by Turuilla's arm. She felt chill when Ren, Azumi and Jalie went outside to capture the unknown girl.

Everything seemed to happen so quickly, Turuilla holding onto the clearly distressed Futaba. "W-what's wrong? Hey-" Turuilla tried talking to Futaba. Ren and Azumi came back asking about a hiding place.

Think...think.

"Erm.." Turuilla looked around, trying to find something...anything they could use. It was then she spotted the stairs leading upstairs. "There's a bedroom up there!" She called out, walking to Jalie and entrusting the distressed Futaba to her. "Ren, Azumi, can you go up there to it? Cal and I couldn't explore the room fully but there was a window. Maybe..maybe we can find something useful in there or better- escape the window? I don't know." Turuilla took a shaky breath, rolling up her sleeves and going to a nearby bookshelf. Her , now green, eyes glanced to Jonathan.

"Well I don't have the items you need but...are you strong enough to move these-" With a huff, Turuilla began thrusting books from their place. The books tumbled onto the floor. When the shelf was half empty the woman threw her shoulder into a lone bookshelf, sliding the bookshelf infront of the door. Turuilla panted and inspected her work. How was she strong enough to move that shelf...? It was physically impossible!

Turuilla didn't spend too long thinking, instead rushing to move another shelf infront of the windows. As she hurried, however, she spotted her own reflection in the mirror, horror painted her expression and she couldn't help but freeze.Once more her eyes had changed color...when?? They were now emerald green. How. Why? That wasn't normal! It was...

Inhuman.

Turuilla felt as if she could cry, clearly some personal realization coming to her head. She didn't want to dwell on it, she didn't want to talk about the inner fear that was causing her to panic. Turuilla merely walked to another bookshelf, throwing books aside to try and move another shelf infront of the window. However because she was internally panicking, Turuilla could hardly move the shelf- her own frame shaking. She sniffed and cursed under her breath.

"Futaba? Is she...okay...? Dammit it all this is starting to get out of hand for everyone here..." growled Jonathan as he then hears Turuilla's suggestion of using bookshelves to block the door and windows "Sure, if they aren't bolted to the ground, then we can move them and use them as barricades...hope they're strong enough to keep things out though..."

Jonathan would be able to help push the bookshelves to the windows with Turuilla's help...but when trying to do another one though, she stopped and looked quite distressed...

"Turuilla, what's wrong? You looked very...troubled..." said Jonathan "Things are really getting out of hand here... Gahhhhhh! Even I am about to lose it under this intense pressure... No! I must preserve...if we all lost hope now, all is lost..."

Jonathan would try and move the bookshelves himself if he has no other help...but he will be worn out after a while...

With Jonathan coming to help her, Turuilla and him would be able to cover the windows that presented a danger to them. Turuilla was surprised she was able to do anything; her mind plagued by the image of her own reflection in the mirror. "Green eyes..." She said sadly, looking to Jonathan and going up to him. Obviously it was more important that she focus on getting upstairs; hiding with the others and discussing plan B. However she was fearful on multiple levels.

"What color are my eyes?" She inquired to Jonathan, practically shouting at him. Her emerald green eyes looked on the verge of tears but she insisted anyway. "They are green aren't they? Or maybe it's all a mind game...yes maybe maybe..." The woman was spiraling; talking to Jonathan yet also talking to herself to try and self sooth.

She was human! That was that! But then why were her eyes changing colors...? Why as she able to move more than a normal person? Was she even human at all?

Turuilla whimpered, the sound of sand continuing to batter the house. The low lullaby penetrated the walls.

Where do my sheep hide? Are they asleep? How selfish, those sheep. Flaunting their sleep