"Mr.…Esperaunce?"
"The one and only god of dreams there is, baby!"
"What was…that? Lily doesn't understand…"
"Ah, you don't remember? That was your dream."
"Lily's…dream? It was all a dream?"
"Yes, lass. Don't you worry, you are awake right now…well, sort of. You aren't dreaming any more, is the point."
"Lily is no longer…dreaming…"
Despite standing before a bizarre deity, Lily's gaze passed through him, as though he did not exist.
"You sounded really passionate at the end there. I'd love to hear your thoughts about your–"
Sobbing, tears-the harmony of sobbing accompanied by tears silenced Esperaunce. Though no tears dripped from the girl's eyes; the tears were dry.
"Lass, are you feeling–"
"Why? Why did Lily have to see that dream? Why did Lily have to see that evil woman again? Why was Lily so helpless…so helpless against not only that woman, but that noble man?"
In rapid succession, Lily asks these rhetorical questions with increasing intensity. Esperaunce looks earnestly at her, restraining himself from interrupting.
"I couldn't stop the abuse done to me or anyone else. The entire time I relied on other people to help me, just to still be treated like a pet. All I could do in the end was become…a monster. I became a mindless, ugly monster that lashed out at everyone. Even in that form, I was helpless!"
Lily looks directly at Esperaunce, her eyes finally acknowledging his presence. Her piercing stare reflects off of his shades.
"Mr. Esperaunce, why did I dream that? Am I really a monster?! Have I hurt people before?! Please tell me…please tell me that it was all just a dream! It was just a horrible prank!"
As her final word departed from her mouth, a wave of silence spread across the entire realm. After settling for a moment, Esperance gathered his words and took an audible breath.
"Lily, what you experienced was indeed a dream. Most of those events didn't come to pass in your life…but I wouldn't say that it's entirely fictional. In fact, the genre of realistic fiction is more accurate to describe it. When you dream, you see a glimpse of things deep within your mind. Based on what's in your mind already, I allowed you to peek into an alternate reality--the one your heart feared."
"But I never feared being a monster before! So why did I–"
"This isn't your first time seeing that 'monster' in your dreams, now is it? Be honest with yourself."
"!"
Huh? How did he know?!
A wave of astonishment spreads across Lily's face.
"Lily, dreams are fueled by your subconscious. That means there's a degree of truth being brought to life in your dreams. You wouldn't dream of something like this beast unless you have memories of it from real life experiences. I request you again to be honest with yourself. "
Lily shifts her face downward towards the exposed feet of Esperaunce. Her tone softens.
"... Ever since I last saw that evil woman at the fighting arena, I have seen that big monster somewhere in my dreams. It only happens sometimes, and it wasn't very intrusive, so I brushed it off…but this is the first time I ever became that monster. Mr. Esperaunce, did I really…"
"Pardon my ignorance, but I cannot answer that question. Whatever happened to you occurred outside of my domain. Deep down, your heart yearns for the answer. Am I wrong? "
Lily shakes her head.
"Well, is there someone you know who can tell you the answer that your heart seeks? Perhaps someone who was there at the event?"
In an instant, Lily's ears sprung upwards as she lifted her face up again.
"Yes…yes! It was the same man in my dreams, the one who saved me even though I did something wrong: Vex, Lily's savior!"
"I see. That man who carried you, Vex you called him, he is very special to you."
"Yes! He is…he is…"
"Haha, you don't have to try to describe your feelings about him--I can see clearly by the way you're smiling again."
Lily grabs her tail to stop it from wagging, the embarrassment of the moment made her blush.
"Sorry, Mr. Esperaunce. Lily got a little too excited."
"It's permissible, dear lass. So, what do you plan on doing next?"
"Lily will rescue Vex first, then ask him about the monster in my heart!"
Vex was strong enough to save Lily from that monster, so he can save me from anyone. Even if that monster lives inside of…me.
"Beautiful, simply pristine! Dreaming has helped you come to terms with the darkness that lingers in your heart so now you can extinguish it. Lily, you passed!"
Snap
The god snaps his fingers, making Lily disappear back to the real world. Now sitting by himself, he takes off his shades, rubbing his eyes.
"Twinkles, I hope that you're taking care of that poor lass. You should make it your obligation..."