"Ugh, it's you again. Dawn...when will you learn that no one agrees with your theory? The only reason you're still allowed to live with us in the village is because your father is an asset, a real hard worker, and a devoted believer. If not, we would have crucified you." The bunny threatened, clutching his head from the bruise. I didn't understand what he meant.

The fox, no, Dawn ignores what the bunny just said. He quickly blocks the group of children in front of me.

"Just leave at once Mill, we're already breaking the rules of approaching the tree. Nightmare didn't give you, your group, or me, permission to come close. He has every right to attack us." Dawn states.

Mill glares, but he ushers his group to leave with him. Once we can no longer see the group of children, Dawn falls onto the floor, panting. I already felt in his emotions that he was more scared than mad.

Dawn turns to stare at me, he quickly gets back up and grabs the object he used to hit Mill with. It appears to be some book. Book...What's a book? Without another word, Dawn starts to walk away. But before he could go any further, I call out to him.

"Wait! Dawn, right? Thank you..." I shout.

Dawn nods in my direction. He doesn't respond, but from his emotions, I could tell he was happy. Perhaps, he doesn't like to talk a lot? When he is no longer within my sight, I sigh. I cannot understand him.

_____

Dream finally returned from the village. He seems tired.

"Hello Nightmare, how have you been?" He asks.

I look at him, debating about telling him what happened today. But, I decided against it. I should give the villagers some time to warm up to me. Maybe then we can finally be friends. And they will see that I am a good guardian. 

"Nothing much, I was just sitting, watching others play," I answer. Dream looks at me with a slight frown. 

"Brother...I have a suggestion. Why not let me watch the tree tomorrow? You can visit the village instead. Maybe, if you open up, you can make a new friend?" Dream suggests. I consider his idea. Yes, that could work. Since the adults will also be there, I shouldn't worry about getting hurt by the kids. "Goodnight brother, I'm exhausted." Dream mumbles as he slumps onto the ground. His head falls onto my shoulder. I smile.

"Goodnight brother."

_____

"I'll see you soon brother," I state as I walk down to the village. A child is leading the way, I'm pretty sure it's the same child who lead Dream to the village last time. I glance back once more to see Dream waving at me as the other children run around the hill. I frown a bit, they're too close to the tree.

"It's this way Nightmare." The child states, smiling. But, despite their smile, I cannot help but feel uncomfortable. Their emotions feel...weird...We arrive at the village, and I am amazed by all the new sights. But just before taking a step, I spot Aubrey walking up to us. She smiles as the child turns to look at me. "This is Aubrey, she's going to show you around the village! I'm going back to play with Dream."

Before I could question why, the child runs off. I stand there, silent. Aubrey waves at me. "Good morning Nightmare, I heard from one of the children that you were planning to visit the village today. Allow me to show you around."

I nod, feeling unsure now. I wanted to come to the village to make friends, but the children aren't even here. I guess I could look around to see what interests them and find something in common...

As Aubrey gives me a tour of the village, my uneasiness just gets worse. Despite everyone smiling, I only feel negativity from all of them. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, they probably just feel like this because I'm a stranger to them. Suddenly, Aubrey falls. I look at her in confusion and offer a hand to grab her. But she does something unexpected, she cries out and backs away from me. Looking at me with fear, yet her emotions say otherwise...What is she-?

"No! Nightmare! Leave me alone! I was only showing you around the village! Please! Stop!" Aubrey shouts.

I pause as whispers of condemning voices echo all around me. I can feel the villager's glares as their animosity leaks out. I begin to look around, struggling to find my voice. I don't understand...What did I do wrong? Without warning, someone throws a rock in my direction. I flinch, feeling the familiar pain as the rock hits my head.

I clutch my skull as I shiver somewhat. I try to voice my complaints, anything to clear any possible misunderstands, but nothing came out. I glance back at Aubrey, hoping she'd say something to explain herself. But all I could see was her crying. Some villagers approach, and I back away slowly. Their eyes bore into me as if wanting to chop me up into little, bite-sized pieces of bone. I fumble backward, scared. 

I quickly pick myself up and run away. When I can no longer hear their voices or footsteps, I slump onto the floor. Tears begin pouring out of me as I hug myself, trying to comfort myself. What did I do wrong? Why do they hate me? I just don't understand...

"Are you okay?" I hear a familiar voice ask.