Dream World
As Nemo opened his eyes, he was a bit groggy, and at first, wasn't sure as to what was going on. The room was hazy and dark, and as he stood up from his desk, he looked over to see Icarus asleep again. As he was about to go over to him, the haze lifted, and he saw he was in his room, but a moment later, his window began to glow brightly, a rainbow of light coming through the glass. As he shielded his eyes, he heard something... familiar.
"Hup two, three, four! Hup two, three four!"
Staring incredulously at the words, the window opened up and out appeared three men who were wearing the same outfits that they had worn all those years ago. They were the royal callers. As his mouth hung agape, he then saw two figures approaching, both of them different in height. As his heart stopped for a second, not knowing if this was actually happening, they came into the room, the unmistakeable Professor Genius and Bon Bon.
"P-p-professor...?"
"Aha! Nemo, my boy! It has been far too long!" Coming over to Nemo, he swept him up in a big hug before putting him back down. He wasn't sure, but Nemo thought he was shaking in disbelief.
"I-I don't understand. What's happening? Professor, where have you been?" Getting angry, he couldn't understand why he was feeling a rage build up inside of him.
"Where were you?! It's been five years since I last saw you! Do you know how long I thought that everything that happened in Slumberland was just a dream and really didn't happen? WHERE WERE YOU?!"
Looking a bit sad and broken, the Professor took a seat on the edge of the bed, allowing Icarus to jump to the top of his hat.
"I'm sorry, my boy, but it has been very busy in Slumberland. When you defeated the Nightmare King, we've been working hard to stop any of the nightmares that are left. It's been peaceful, yes, but much work had to be done. The princess has also been taking on more roles for Slumberland."
He smiled, but there was sadness etched in him. "You have every right to be angry, Nemo. You've done more to help us than anyone else."
Nemo looked down at the floor, feeling guilty. He had thought they had just forgotten him. Hell, he had almost begun to believe that what had happened those five years past was just a figment of his imagination. Softening his tone, he looked at the Professor and Bon Bon.
"How is Camille? Has she been alright?"
Bon Bon spoke, her voice jubilant. "The princess has longed to see you, Nemo. That is part of the reason why we've come, but there is another reason we've come to see you. Professor, why don't you read the note?"
"Ah, right." Pulling out from underneath his hat was a scroll. Opening it up, he began his speech, elegantly reading it.
"His benevolent highness, King Morpheus, has hoped that you have remained in good health all of these years. Slumberland has entered a new age of peace, but he wishes to see you for a great discovery has been made. We've discovered a new world through exploring the dreams of others and, as the protector and prince of Slumberland, wishes for you to go meet the inhabitants of this world. The princess has asked for you to come personally on this trip to speak on behalf of Slumberland."
As he finished, he placed the scroll back into his hat. Nemo was a bit confused but he spoke immediately.
"A new world? I don't understand. I thought Slumberland was the dream world and there was nothing else."
The professor shook his head, smiling at Nemo like an old teacher ready to tell his student the answer to a question he was having trouble comprehending. "Slumberland is only ONE of many worlds. Like your world, Nemo, your universe contains trillions of planets, and just as our world is, there are many worlds that reside along with us. We've never been able to really explore due to the Nightmare King holding a threat over us, but since he's been defeated, we now have been able to look beyond."
Getting up, Icarus fell onto the bed, chattering loudly. Nemo picked him up, looking at the Professor.
"So, who are these people? Are they friendly?"
"We're not sure, my boy, but they're not people, at least not in the sense you know. They're ponies, Nemo, and they have the ability to talk. They have a civilization, many towns. They're quite advanced."
Nemo began to laugh, not knowing if the professor was pulling a joke on him. "Talking ponies? Come on, professor, that's a bit silly, isn't it? Ponies can't talk..."
"Just as nightmares didn't exist? Just as the magical wonders you saw when you came to Slumberland didn't exist until you saw them? They do exist, Nemo, and we want to meet with them. To be exact, King Morpheus wants you to meet with them."
Sitting down at his desk, Nemo ran a hand through his hair. Why was this happening? Did it have to do with that voice he heard? Had it been... a pony?
"Professor, I don't know if I can come again. I'm trying to move on with my life. You never came back, until now, and you want me to go a new adventure? This is a lot to take in."
Bon Bon looked at Nemo, speaking in a huffy voice. "The princess wants to see you again, you know. She's been quite lonely since you left, and this is how you react?"
Nemo sighed, wringing his hands. "It isn't that simple. I'm trying to get into a university, trying to make a life for myself."
The professor looked at Nemo with determination in his face. Placing hands on Nemo's shoulders, he gave the boy a look of wisdom that he had gained through all of the years he had been doing his job.
"If you want to leave after you've come, we'll bring you back home. But for the sake of the princess, just come to see her again."
Nemo felt a pang in his heart, one that hadn't been felt since he and Camille had shared that final kiss before he had woken up. He DID want to see her again, and she wanted to see him too. Looking at Icarus, he spoke to his pal.
"What do you think, Icarus, ready to make a trip to Slumberland again?"
Icarus nodded, speaking excitedly. Nemo smiled, turning to the Professor and Bon Bon.
"Whenever you're ready, Professor. I guess we're heading to Slumberland."
"Excellent! Come on, my boy, we have much to do."
As they got up, Nemo knew this time he wasn't going to meet the princess in his pajamas. He was already wearing his day clothes, but he threw on his jacket, straightening his tie. Though, there was one more thing he had to do before he left.
Writing out a note, he pinned it to his pillow, just in case his parents worried. Though, he thought with a laugh, it wouldn't make any sense to them.
Gone to Slumberland... Again