Chapter 1: Night Battle Royal

On a bright and sunny day in Nightopia, the story begins at a beach that has a calm blue ocean that moves to the shore and back to the water. Along with creatures who either play at the sand or splash in the sea. Along with a beautiful sound of music. Along the shore, there is a young nighttime residence and protector of Nightopia, NiGHTS. The purple jester is playing her music on a rock as small Nightopians play as they listen to the music. Of course, some of them sit in front of NiGHTS to listen to her play. She continues to play her music with the air like she is playing a flute.

As NiGHTs play, she says in thought, "It sure has been peaceful in Nightopia lately. However, there hasn't been that many visitors arriving from the waking world either. I wonder how Elliot and Claris are doing? And Will and Helen? It's been a while since they came to this world. Of course, in the waking world, I assume it might be longer. I do hope I get to see them again… someday."

NiGHTS continues to play her music with her little friends. Suddenly, the Nightopias become scared and make frightened sounds causing NiGHTS to stop playing to see the Nightopians fly in fright.

"What's wrong? Why are you running away?" NiGHTS asks.

"Ah NiGHTS… you seem to be having a peaceful time with the Nightopians today," A voice says.

NiGHTS quickly turns her head to see her sibling, Reala. A Nightmaren and chief inforfers of the Nightmare army.

NiGHTS sighs and asks, "What do you want this time, Reala? Leave me alone."

"Don't be so quick to brush me off so quickly. After all, you shouldn't be so harsh to your sibling," Reala says.

NiGHTS turns her head away from her sibling with her arms crossed, "Hmph!"

"You still haven't changed, have you?" Reala questions.

He then flies to NiGHTS so they are face to face.

"It's not like I'm here to chit chat anyway," Reala says.

"I suspect you aren't just here to talk, and Wizman sent you to take me back. Well, you can tell him to forget it. I'm not going back with you to him and you're going to make me," NiGHTS says as she hops off the rock and on the sand. Then takes her leave.

However, Reala grabs NiGHTS by her arm and gives it a strong tight grip. NiGHTS struggles to break away from Reala's grip.

"Now NiGHTS, it is not very polite to simply walk away like that. However, you are correct. Master Wizman ordered me to bring you back with me and I will do so," Reala says.

NiGHTS continues to struggle to his grip, "Reala! Let go!"

NiGHTS is able to release her arm from Reala's grip. Reala smirks and then chuckles.

Confused, NiGHTS demands, "What so funny?!"

"I have to wonder how much longer you're going to keep up your act of rebellion. It won't change the fact that you will always be a Nightmaren," Reala says.

NiGHTS grits her teeth and turns her back on Reala. Reala then flies to NiGHTS so he will be in front of her.

"You do know that I speak the truth, NiGHTS. You cannot change the being that you, no matter how much you defied Master Wizeman," Reala says.

NiGHTS crosses her arms and looks down towards the sand. It's anything but seeing her silbing's face.

"Even though you wanted to protect Nighttopia, you will always be a Nightmarean. Created to collect Ideyas from young visitors and to serve under Master Wizeman," Reala says.

"Shut up Reala! I'm not going to come back to become his puppet! Stealing Ideyas from innocent visitors is wrong! I will do whatever it takes to stop you and any of the Nightmarean who comes here!" NiGHTS angrily says.

Reala smirks and says, "We'll see about that. But remember, Master Wizman is very displeased by your defiance. It will be a matter of time before you will serve him once more, once he replaces your rebellious soul with another."

Reala then flies off leaving NiGHTs to still hold pure anger in her eyes.

She turns away as she clutches her hands and angrily says, "Urgh!"

After finally getting away from Reala, NiGHTS visits Owl's home that is in the middle of the woods. Owl's house is a small cabin hiding in the trees. In the house, NiGHTS sits on the chair with her arms hugging her knees and lets out a sad sigh.

Owl sits on the couch next to her and asks, "Are you feeling alright, NiGHTS?"

"No. I… had another heated argument with Reala today. At least we didn't fight each other, but…" NiGHTS says.

She then groans as she rubs her head with her hands, "That sibling of mine is starting to get on my nerves. When will he understand that I don't want to take orders from Wizeman anymore and that taking Ideyas from humans is wrong!"

"It won't be easy. One of main objections besides helping Wizman take over Nightopia, but to also get you to return to their side," Owl says.

"Yeah. That will be close to never," NiGHTS says. She then sadly sighs.

"I understand your frustration, but you shouldn't let that scoundrel frustrate you like that," Owl says.

"I know, but what he said really bothers me," NiGHTS says.

"What did he say to you?" Owl asks.

"He said that I'm always going to be a Nightmaren. Even though I lived in Nightopia, happily playing with the Nightopians, Helping visitors from the waking world and being friends with them. No matter what I do to protect Nightopia, I'm still a Nightmaren. And that I can't change what I am," NiGHTS sadly says.

"I see. It seems that what Reala said, uh, how do the visitors say, 'hit you where it really hurts,'" Owl says.

"It really does hit me and I don't mean physically. I may be a Nightmarean myself, but I want to protect Nightopias and the Nightopians from what they're doing," NiGHTS says.

"I can understand how frustrating it must be for you. You were with Wizeman before you devoted yourself to protect Nightopia. However, I think it mostly determines what you think. It is what you do with your gift of life, all the actions you take, that determines who you are," Owl says.

NiGHTS calmly says, "Thank Owl, I think I needed to hear that."

Owl says, "I have to suspect that something else is bothering you. Does it have something to do with the lack of visitors as of late?"

"I guess, and yet, I also miss my friends. Elliot, Claris, William, and Helen. I know that they are in the real world and leaving their lives, but I wish they could come back to Nightopia for another visit," NiGHTS says.

"I miss them too. They are good friends, but you also need to remember that like us, they have their own lives in their own world, and are doing their best to fulfill their dreams," Owl says.

NiGHTS smiles, "I know. I know they're doing their best to live their dreams to become real. I do hope they make their dreams come true."

Sometime later, NiGHTS is fast asleep on the couch. Owl flies over with a blanket and tucks her in.

"Goodnight, NiGHTS. See you in the morning," Owl says.

Owl then leaves the room to get some rest as well. NiGHTS continues to sleep peacefully after a rough day she has. Still, she wishes to see her friends again.

The next day, NiGHTS is at the beach with Owl and the Nightopians. Owl watches NiGHTs and the Nightopians playing with the bubbles. NiGHTs flies around one and it spins around in a circle. The bubble begins to rise up from a sea anemone like plant and moves around freely. NiGHTS turns her head to see Owl sitting on a rock as he watches them play.

NiGHTS giggles, "Come on Owl, aren't you going to play with us?"

"Thank you, but no. I'm very comfortable sitting here," Owl says.

Suddenly, one of the bubbles phases through Owl's head and carries him into the air. Soon NiGHTs and the Nightopians begin laughing to see him being carried away by the balloon. Owl places his feathers on the bubble and tries to shake it off. NiGHTS flies to Owl and pops the bubble.

NiGHTS continues to laugh as she asks, "Y-you o-o-o-kay O-O-O-wl?"

"I-I am fine. Thank you," Owl answers.

NiGHTS can't help but continue giggling with a smile on her face.

"N-now then. You seem in a good mood today," Owl says.

"Yes. I feel a lot better now," NiGHTS says.

NiGHTS begins to take flight and flies to the sky. Soon, NiGHTS begins to sing a little tune.

NiGHTS:

In a dream I could see you are not far away

Anytime, anyplace I can see your face

You are that special one that I've been waiting for

And I hope you're looking for someone like me

In my dreams I can hear you calling me

In the night, everything's so sweet

In your eyes I feel there's so much inside

In the nights, dream delight

I want to see you standing there

In the nights, dream delight

I've found someone who really cares

In the nights, dream delight

I want to see you smile again

In the nights, dream delight

You're the one I've waited for

Owl and the Nightopians cheer and clap as they show smiles on their faces. NiGHTS gently floats back to the ground and then takes a bow.

"That is a nice song. I haven't heard it in a long time," Owl says.

"Yes. I played the song on my flute, but Claris was able to help me put it into words," NiGHTS says.

NiGHTS sighs and says, "It's funny. I remember I played the song at the concert hall in Memory Forest with Helen. We put on a great show. And Claris, she sang beautifully. She told me that her big dream is to be a singer."

"I must admit, you also sang well yourself, and you're very well with music," Owl says.

"Thanks," NiGHTS replies.

"I must admit, your singing is rather pleasant," A familiar sinister voice says.

NiGHTS turns her head to see Reala floating at a higher level and holding the smirk on his face.

"Reala?! What do you want this time?!" NiGHTS demands.

"Why a few friends and I are planning on taking you back to the Nightmare Realm," Reala says.

"Not gonna happen! I'm not going with you to Wizeman and that's final!" NiGHTS angrily says.

Owl questions, "What does he mean by…"

Then realizes, "NiGHTS, keep your guard up! I don't think he came alone!"

Suddenly, another jester-like being appears. He has blue eyes, a toothy grin. He wears a different color scheme: whites, red, oranges, yellows and light blues. His hat curls forward and inward over his head wears a large cape.

And a large spider dressed in a Victorian garb that fits around her abdomen. She has four eyes, pointed fangs, earrings, and a golden crown with gemstones on it, and eight legs.

Finally, a green humanoid reptilian wizard that resembles a chameleon with yellow eyes. He has sports the four shapes of the four playing card suits (hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades) on his colorful tuxedo and hat and holds playing cards in his hand.

NiGHTS gasps, "Jackle! Queen Bella! Chamelan!"

"I thought it would be nice to invite some old friends who really like to see you," Reala says.

NiGHTS angrily turns to Reala, "Shut up, Reala! I'm not going to allow myself to be another one of Wizeman's puppets!"

"Not if we have anything to say about it," Jackle says. Then he throws sharp tarot cards at NiGHTS and Owl.

They both quickly dodge out of the way. The Nightopians become scared and fly away. Suddenly, Queen Bella shoots silk balls at them. Some of them end up being caught in the web.

NiGHTs gasps, "Oh no!"

NiGHTs flies to the ground and pulls the web off the Nightopians. She is able to take them out in a short amount of time, and soon the little natives are free.

"There you go. You better get going quick," NiGHTS says.

The Nightopians do what she says and fly away. NiGHTS quickly turns around and sees silk balls coming straight towards her. NiGHTs quickly dodges out of the way. Chamelan then brings out his wand to create playing cards and fly them at NiGHTS. NiGHTS jumps up and flies through the air. She flies towards the two attackers as she moves from their attack. NiGHTS then drill dash and strike Chamelan and then Queen Bella.

Jackle laughs, "Looks like our dear sibling is still being persistent!"

"To persistent for her own good," Reala angrily says.

He then flies down and attacks NiGHTS. Soon, NiGHTS and Reala are at a full scale battle. They both Drill Dash at each other. NiGHTs then uses her paraloop to create a ball and uses it to strike at Reala. Reala then grabs the ball and strikes at NiGHTS back. Then she falls into the sand. NiGHTs turns to Reala and glares at him and he does the same to her. NiGHTS then turns to see the frightened Nightopians.

"I need to get them aways from the Nightopians and somewhere safe," NiGHTS thinks.

NiGHTS begins to fly into the air and creates another paraloop. Then strikes at Reala. Reala dodges and looks to see NiGHTS flying away. NiGHTs continue to fly over the beach as her sibling is flying from behind. NiGHTS soon sees the Dream Gate. She flies through the door, but so does Reala.

Owl flies over to see NiGHTS and Reala fly through the Dream Gate door.

"Oh my, this isn't going to end well," Owl worriedly says.

Owl quickly flies through the door to find NiGHTS. Unknown to them, Jackle is able to find out where they went and follow them as well.

In the Dream Gate, NiGHTS and Reala continue to fight against each other. Since they're both high-rank Nightmareans, they both have strong attacks and they both are very skilled. It's almost hard to know who will win in this match. NiGHTS continues to fly away from Reala as she attacks him. Reala catches one of his paraloops and throws it at NiGHTS. NiGHTS is hit by the paraloop and falls to the ground. NiGHTS begins to use her arms to lift her body up. She then notices she is at the edge of the Dream Gate, close to the Dark Ocean. NiGHTS coughs as she stands to see Reala floating over them.

Reala chuckles and says in a remark, "You just refuse to give up, don't you NiGHTS?"

"That's right! I'm not going to give up that easily! I'm not going to allow myself to be like you and the other Nightmarean! Puppets for Wizeman!" NiGHTS angrily says.

"What!" Reala angrily says.

"You hear me, Reala! You and the Nightmareans are nothing but puppets that Wizeman can control! You may like taking orders from him and hurt innocent Visitors, but I don't! I'm not going to allow you, Wizeman, or any of the Nightmareans destroy Nightopia!" NiGHTS angrily says.

Reala is anything but pleased by NiGHTS statement. To him, he hasn't felt this much rage since NiGHTS decides to turn traitor. This time, he is through playing around.

Reala creates a dark aura around his clawed hand, "Well NiGHTS, I was hoping to bring you back to Master Wizeman in one piece. However, if you're going to continue your traitorous behavior, you leave me no choice, but to use this spell…"

He then makes a smirk on his face. NiGHTS begins to feel weary about this. She is able to stand up to her brother before, but this time, NiGHTS is actually worried about what he's planning to do.

NiGHTS then asks, worried, "S-Spell? What kind of spell?"

Reala makes an evil smirk on his face, and says, "Correct. Master Wizeman showed me how to do this particular spell because of your continued defiance. Since you keep refusing to come back willingly, I will have to use force. And the only way to do that… is to destroy your consciousness myself."

"Wha-What?!" NiGHTS exclaims, shocked and takes a step back in shock.

"Don't worry. It will hurt a bit, but it will be worth it to have you returned to Master Wizeman. By removing your consciousness and replacing it with a more obedient one," Reala says.

Reala then flies down to NiGHTS with his glowing hand in front. NiGHTS quickly flies up dodging the attack. NiGHTS turns her head to see Reala landing on the ground and bounces up to chase NiGHTS. NiGHTS flies through the trees as fast as she can. She zig-zag, goes up and down, and all around, but Reala is closing in on her. NiGHTS then performs a paraloop and attacks Reala. Reala then performs the same attack, and both of the attacks cancel each other out. NiGHTS continues to fly away from Reala as fast as she can.

NiGHTS turns her head, "Reala is closing in pretty fast. I can't let him catch up."

NiGHTS continues to fly away from Reala so he won't cast this spell that will take away her consciousness. Unknown to them, Jackle reach the area where NiGHTS and Reala are.

Jackle chuckles and holds out a card, "When NiGHTS and Reala arrive around here. I'll use one of my Tarot Cards to strike at NiGHTS and that will give Reala a chance to grab that little trouble maker. She'll be knocked out by the time Reala and Wizeman are done with her."

Above, NiGHTS continues to use her paraloops to attack Reala or knock him down. Reala is not making it easy for her. NiGHTS then creates a large Paraloop and Reala does the same. They both make the paraloop bigger than each other, and are ready to throw it.

Meanwhile, Jackle is up on a tree branch and is holding out his tarot card, "Looks like I have a chance, while NiGHTs is distracted."

Jackle then throws the tarot card at the same time as Reala and NiGHTS throw their paraloops. When the three attacks collide, it sends out a powerful explosion around the area. Jackle and Reala end up falling down the trees and land somewhere in the forest. NiGHTS however, is blasted far out of the forest that she ends up slashing into the waters of the Dark Ocean. When Owl and the Nightopians arrive. They see where NiGHTS has fallen and isn't swimming or flying back up.

Owl gasps, "Oh no… it… it can't be…"

Owl screams echos, "NIGHTS! NIGHTS!"

NiGHTS slowly opens her eyes and looks up to see the light from above is disappearing. Her body becomes petrified after the explosion and isn't able to move an inch. With her eyes half away, NiGHTs realizes that the explosion has caused her to fall into the Dark Ocean. According to legend, any visitor who has fallen into the darkness of the black sea, their soul can be destroyed and are unable to return to the waking world. Since NiGHTS is a Nightmarean, who knows what will happen if a Nightmarian or a Nightopian falls into the sea.. Either way, NiGHTS continues to gently fall deeper and deeper into the seal. She barely hears Owl crying out her name, along with Reala's voice.

NiGHTS coughs, "Bye Owl…"

NiGHTs continue to sink deeper and deeper into the Dark Ocean. She suspects she will find herself at the bottom, and is soon close to passing out. At the last moment of her half open eyes, she sees a strange glowing white light. Nights soon become a bit confused in her thoughts. She has to wonder; What is that light? Why does it feel so warm and bright? Does it lead anywhere? And why does her body feel strange? The Heroic Nightmarean continues to fall into the light until she disappears.

In the waking world, four children are fast asleep and are having the exact same dream. Two boys and two girls. The first boy is seventeen, and has blue hair and blue eyes. The second boy is fifteen that has light blonde hair and blue eyes. The first girl is also seventeen, she has pink hair and hot pink eyes. The second girl is fifteen and she has blue eyes and dishwasher blonde hair. All four of them are wearing their pajamas. Seeing what is happening in their dreams causes them to wake up in shock.

They all exclaim, "NiGHTS!"

Author's Note: Not sure what NiGHTS' real gender is, but I think NiGHTS is a girl. Sorry if it's not the true gender.