Archive of Our Own ^beta

The bubble dreamer, but as all the creatures of the glade knew him, Polokus, was chilling on one of the corners of his tent house, blowing some bubbles while having as companion Murfy, the flying enciclopedia. He tends to spend time with the god when the heros had no need for his help or when Polokus asks him to stay.

They were waiting for those heros to come back, they had used one of Polokus paints to travel to a far land full with long necked dragons, very diferent from the ones found in the castle's ruins. 

Murfy hold his mug up while taking a sip when the painting the heros went through started to shake, tremble and then dance side by side while the colors of the canvas swirled, having the impresión of a portal opening and indeed thats what happened, a portal opened its path for the heros to go through.

– They're Back —  

Rayman, Globox, Barbara and goth tenssie along side with a bunch of teensies were spat out of the whirlpool, they all crashing against a pile of old Polokus boxes conveniently placed infront of the painting.

— Not again — Whined the god seeing his boxes full of his posesions being smashed and tossed everywhere.

Rayman, the hero of the glade, sat up and rubbed his right eye while apologizing with a nervous smile — Sorry Polokus — 

Murfy flew above the heroes, mug still in hand and started to count the teensies saved this time

— Let's see — He started counting one by one, all scattered between boxes and the heros, one even been squeezed by Globox's hand — One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine... — he stopoed and smugly said — Nine teensi- — but he couldn't finished because of Barbara interrupting him and screaming. 

— NINE?! — She leaned up with one arm whlie the other pulled a box up from her face, revealing her shocked expression. That was not right, nine teensies? They had saved ten of them!

— Where is the small one? — Asked Globox after sitting down and checked the identities of all the teensies, he had spotted the one missing. 

Soon after asking the painting where they had came from started to shake again, this time more violently while the portal opened for someone else. A strange glow could be seen coming from the other side and when it pooped out the portal it was-

— WATCH OUT! — Cried Rayman. He and the other moved out of the way of a fireball that did not stop until crashing against the wooden wall placed far deep than the boxes. Polokus rised his hands and squezed his head between them. 

— MY WALL! — Of course he worried himself more about the state of his home than the safety of his creatures.

The dream creatures focused on the half burned whole on the wall, seeing movement inside the shadows until a hand pop out, grabing the charcoal wood to push to the outside a silhouette similar to Rayman, except this one, including clothes, was as dark as the depth of the Glades caves, his eyes were the only thing that shined in yellow tones, the one only nightmares could naturally have. His other hand holding a bag close to his body. 

— DARK RAYMAN? — Cried terrified the teensies, soon the heros stood up and lifted their fists ready to fight him. 

— What are you doing here? — Demanded Barbara having her axe lifted to chest height, soon she got an aswer but not to her question. 

— I'm not Dark Rayman! — The dark creature whined in a deep voice before rubbing off his snout black ash, revealing his true pale purple skin. This isn't Dark Rayman, this is-

— Raymesis? What do you want now? — Goth teensie asked while having his palms pointing towards Raymesis, ready to snap him with them if he dared to do a funny movement. 

— You bunch of idiots forgot something back there! — Raymesis growled at Goth's face, the teensies just echoed the "idiots" word in his head. 

— Something? — Rayman quickly asked raising a brow.

— Someone actually — Replied Raymesis, placing the bag he carried on the floor and, not letting them wait to see what was inside, he pulled the bag up revealing the tenth teensie, the smaller one who raised his hands once he saw his pals with a "Tada!" sound coming from his mouth. 

— TINY TEENSIE — the other teensies exclamed joyful, one of the teensies jumped him to hug him tight.

— Oh thank Polokus you're okay! — The red-headed teensie chanted relieved while cutting the air from the little one's lungs, the rest circled them reacting to the situation. 

On the other side, Raymesis was shaking the ash off of his hands, clothes and hair, it is then when the Hero called his name. 

— Raymesis? — The aforementioned lifted his head and focused his eyes on Rayman — Thank you for saving him — Rayman gratitude sound clearer than the "HE BLOW UP MY WALL" whines from the bubble dreamer — Y'know? — The hero continued in a soft tone — You can be a hero! — 

That caught off guard Raymesis, no, that caught off everyone present! All eyes fell on the nightmare creature, but he was more focused on the hero who was offering his hand to him, To Him, Was He Crazy? Raymesis was a nightmare! An irremediable creature whose only purpose is to being Rayman's doppelganger. 

— I... — began Raymesis, unsure of what to say or do, his hand lifting towards Rayman's one but doubting if taking it. 

He then slap it away and his brows frowned.

— You are crazy if you think I saved that flea to be a hero, I have no interest in being used by a selfish creature — his eyes quickly darted towards the God of the glade, Polokus also frowned and if it weren't because he still felt so weak, he would have dreamed for a anvil to fall on Raymesis head. 

Everyone actually were unpleasant by Raymesis response and their guards raised back up again, all but Rayman who saw with dismayed how Raymesis run towards the closest paint and used it to quit the place.

— He so rude, don't worry about creatures like him — Globox was the first to come close and comfort his friend, Rayman gave him a tight smile and nodded. 

Rayman wished for a break but he couldn't stop now being so close to save all teensies and kick the dark ones to oblivion. He would tho, and he would meet Raymesis to try his offer again. 

The leaves started to fall, leaving the top of the trees and landing on top of yellow grass, the autumn just arrived and with it the slight cool breeze, alerting the arrival of cooler times. 

Rayman was far from the snoring tree, back home at the Clearleaf Forest. Otto had asked him if he could help collect the leaves in piles infront of his sanatorium. Rayman agreed to help, he was always happy to help but now that he could see the woods with his own eyes... The place to clean was big and leaves lined the floor like a big rug. 

— I should've called a friend — Murmured under his breath while dragging leaves towards the base of the trees with a rake. 

But now that he thinks about it clearly, who would have come to help?; Globox said he would be busy going to the market to buy warm clothes and more stuff for his childen for the hibernation. Barbara is busy with her kindom, Elysia finally managed to tie her to a chair to talk about responsabilities and princess stuff (he had helped catch her early that day). Teensies are really small and bad for this task, same story with Murfy with the plus that he would whine and maybe flirt out of boredom. Clark is really big and a bit clumsy with tools. Betina and friends are presenting their own circus show by this our. Fairies have more important things to do and-

Huh, he really was alone in this banal task. 

No matter, he would finish this pronto and call it a day! Easy! 

It wasn't easy at all, the area to sweep felt bigger by the hour, his hands finally strained for grabbing tight the rake, feet hurting and the tip of his nose starting to freeze. Rayman sighed and let himself fall back, bad move because there were no leaves to soften his fall. 

He growled a bit in pain and let go a long whine while closing his eyes, he was tired, sooooo tired and bored that he wished for someone to help him or for an excuse to escape, maybe another nightmare invasion or Ales misbehaving somewhere to prove a dumb point. Anything! 

A shadow casted just above his face, he found this confusing and squinted open his eyes. He saw a figure similar to his but he was- 

— Back off! — Cried startled at the same time he jumped up his feet and lifted his fists in defense. But then he quickly relaxed his hand when he noticed who really was infront of him— For Polokus, Raymesis, I thought you were the dark me! — he pushed one of his hands against his own chest and let go a long relieved sigh. 

— Everyone in this glade thinks I'm that puppet — He rolled his eyes and draw one of his hands to his hip, the other holding a basked. 

— Looking a lot like me doesn't help either — Rayman looked at him half eyelid while pressing his fists on his hips and taping the soil with his shoe, he had a point. 

— Can't help it — Raymesis shrugged and gestured at the leaf piles — Don't tell me your new purpose is to be a gardener — he snickered.

— Of course not! I'm just helping Otto to clean a bit — Raymesis raised a brow, obviously oblivious about who this Otto was — He's the doctor of Clearleaf Forest — Raymesis nodded and contemplated the view, Rayman was far from finishing and this was easy to tell. The Hero cleared his voice, getting the nightmare's attention back to him — Are you busy? — Rayman scratched the hairs of the back of his head while asking a bit hesitant. 

— Not really, I was on my way to... Somewhere — Raymesis looked away before grining — What? Don't tell me you need help? — Rayman shrugged and nodded with a tight smile. Huh, this caught Raymesis off guard — Why don't ask your friends? — Raymesis frown perplexed. 

— They are really busy right now and I don't want to bother — Raymesis understood this, he hanged his basket on a tree branch and soon took another rake, he then began with the leaf collecting, Rayman smiled appreciating his help. 

By the sunset they had finished the work and were tired, Rayman obviously even more than before. Raymesis left the rake from where he got it and went to get his basquet back from the tree but tripped by a root hidden under the leaves, causing him to fall face first, the leaves deaden his fall but that didn't stopped the annoyance groan he let go. He then turned on his back to see Rayman trying to hold back a laugh, his effort in vain because he anyways burst out laughing. Raymesis rolled his eyes and didn't make any comment. After Rayman had calmed down to the point of only grining, he offered a hand to help him stand up but the nightmare creature waved away the offer and instead let himself relax arround the leaves, Rayman nodded and decided to join him by lying next to him. 

— Thank you for helping me... — softly Rayman said, then his eyes focused on the basket — What you're carrying? — Rayman could say betwen yawns. Raymesis hummed a bit while seeing the basket as well before answering.

— Food; some berries, pears and meat — He tapped his fingers in his chest when they fell silent again. After a few moments he continued — If you want I could give you some- — he turned to his side, finding the hero deep sleeping, predecible actually; Rayman is a guy that is able to stay awake by several days in a row but he would also easily fall asleep if giving the chance, and this was his chance. 

Raymesis sighed, tightening his lips. He finally decided to stand back up, careful of not waking Rayman up and took his basket. From it he took a pair of orange pears and left them next to Rayman, he would surely see them when waking up. 

And with that he left the place, resuming his trip. 

When Rayman opened his eyes again it was still dark, a crack of light just starting to apear at the horizon. He noticed a blanket keeping him warm and a bowl with few fruits next to him, the two pears Raymesis had left were there too. 

Rayman rubbed his eyes and yawned, he wasn't ready to start the day so soon so he just ate the fruits and curled up on the leaves to keep sleeping for a few more hours. 

— It's snowing! — Exclaimed Ly looking outside of the window at the Fairy Council, Rayman lifted his head from the book he was reading and also looked outside. 

The first snowflakes fell slowly from the sky, covering the outside in a thing coat of white. 

Ly was excited about this, she is always excited every winter, she loves the snow and would take any chance to travel though the Glade to catch the winter in every part of the globe whenever she feels like it, but seeing snow here where she lives is... Amazing. 

— Wanna go out? — She turned to see Rayman, her tail stood upright while blinking more often than normal — Please let's go out! — Her voice hit a higher note, she was so excited to go out, anyone could tell. 

— Sure! — Rayman left the book aside and stood up from a puffy bag, Ly gave him a cheeky smile. 

— Race to the outside! If I win you pay the hot cocoa! — Right after saying this she sprinted out of the room, going directly to the main entrance of the Council, Rayman followed her as fast as he could shouting "Hey!" and "Cheater!" between laughs.

They soon where runing under the snow catching flakes with their tounges. Ly's tail was leaving a trail of flakes that were following her, it wasn't much they could do without piles of snow. 

But when the snow on the ground was one inch thick is when the fun really began, the snowballs war began, Rayman was in disadvantage because Ly was an expert making snowballs; I'd so weird if she didn't knowing her love for snow days. 

Rayman hid behind a tree, he was carrying a bunch of snowballs by cupping his sweatshirt with one hand while the other hold one ready to shoot, he peaked a bit to try and point out where the fairy was, but as much as he searched he couldn't find her, did she chicken out? No, she NEVER chickens out, she must be planing a comeback and- 

— Hi — Rayman could hear above himself the sweet voice of Ly, except that that sweetness was hiding an evil undertone, when he looked up he saw Ly sat on one of the tree branches, an evil smirk painted on her face. She lifted her arm and fisted her hand, oh no, she wasn't going to...

— You will burry me in snow! — Rayman realized.

— That's the idea — Ly's smile grew showing her teeth. Rayman was expecting her to punch the tree and both be bathed in snow, but instead she lifted her legs and kicked the tree trunk with force, she used this to threw herself out of range and dodging a bunch of snow which  falled on Rayman to the point it covered him whole.

She landed infront of the pile of snow and dig a bit until freeing Rayman's red nose. She instantly began to laugh, almost unable to breath for how fun he looked. 

Rayman waited for her crackles to stop being so loud to ask — Are you having fun? — obviously in a annoyed way. 

Ly aswered between laughs — You bet I am — while cleaning tears from her eyes. 

Rayman, besides the fact that he was freezing in there, he loved to hear her laugh, counted are the times he had hear her laugh so hard that her stomach hurts. 

He then was attacked by an horrible cough. Ly, more worried now, dug the hero out, he was shaking like a scary puppy and his teeth clank like a xylophone, this was their signal to go and get the hot cocoa. 

They used one of the teensie portals to go to Aeropolis where the Snoutresters people lived, they went directly to a coffee shop like place and sat next to a chimney to warm themselves up. 

It took the barista couple of minutes to bring the hot cocoa; extra sweet for Rayman. He paid of couse.

— You're Rayman, aren't you? the Hero of the glade, and you Ly the fairy!— Asked the Barista, this one was new arround here, Rayman only knew Bonzo, a brown skined with beige stripes arround his nose Snoutrester.

— That's us — He smiled, he didn't mind people recognizing him these days, we could say Rayman's legend is almost as famous as Polokus' one. And Ly was more than used to the creatures attention, being a fairy with a lot of responsabilities here and there makes you well known all arround the world. 

— It's a-a pleasure to f-finally meet you two! My name is Uriel — The young pink snoutrester stuttered — Bonzo told me you usually come here when the weather is cold but I never believed him! — Rayman chucked.

Ly shook her head — Bonzo may lie by saying the Snoutrester Mayor loves his two floor waffles with his special whipped cream recipe — Ly took a sip of her cup and continued — But he is right about Rayman and me coming here often —

— We love the hot cocoa Uriel, and you know how to prepare it exactly like Bonzo — Rayman smiked and took a big gulp. The batista felt his heat melt for the kind words of the hero, no, his hero. 

After their little break, Ly had to go back and finish with her dutties at the Council, she apologized but Rayman asured it was ok, he would walk arround the city and then see her back at the woods of light at sunset. So it was set, they parted ways and Rayman walked on the sidewalk down town, the cold was bearable by the city's heat and there was barely any snown, all of it removed from the car ways by one of those big machines.

Suddenly Rayman felt these streets a bit too familiar; that corner, a sign with the words "No Parking" written in metalic bars, the ally and the park at the end of this... 

He remembers this place fondly and a bit nostalgic for the small adventure he had with the circus gang and the car incident. Good old times.

Rayman walked in the park, noticing the leafless tree he had leaned and took a break on it's roots with Betina. The wood still etched with his and her initials, enclosed in a heart that looked more like a peanut. 

Rayman smiled while traicing his fingers on the furrows, they had a beautiful relationship and when Betina decided that she wanted to give her life to the world of circus entertainment he understood and let her go. And now, he is proud of her and her success as the lider of the Liberté Circus. 

Rayman sighed and rounded the tree to keep walking when he noticed he wasn't alone, another tingamajig was with him but it was... Himself?! 

— What the-?! — Rayman yell, the other him was sitting and leaning against the same tree, he didn't looked good; he had bruises, scratches and... Are those burns? The injured Rayman looked up at the first Rayman, his face wasn't showing the unique glow Rayman always have, instead he looked tired and annoyed and sad and- 

Wait a minute.

— Raymesis? — The real Rayman guessed and guessed right, the disguise the fake one was using faltered showing he was, indeed, Raymesis — I almost forgot about this skill of yours — Rayman stood infront of him, seeing more clearly his wounds — What happened? What are you doing here? Why were you looking like me? —

— Too many questions — Raymesis growled at Rayman, but it actually came out a bit weakly. Rayman raised his hands and wrinkled his nose. 

— Oh well excuse me if I'm worried about you — Spat Rayman before crouching — You need help? — He carefully tried to reach Raymesis hand, which was on his stomach probably hiding something worse than a scratch. Raymesis tried to push himself away from Rayman to only whine in pain. Rayman understood and kept his hands for himself. 

They stood silent for a moment, Rayman waited for an answer. When his patience ran out he breathed deeply, hold his breathand closed his eyes concentrating. Raymesis looked at him puzzled and even more when the 'O' symbol on Rayman's sweater glowed. From it a bunch of red lums flew out of him and circled Raymesis. When the hero let go his breath the lums flew inside Raymesis body, healing some of the visible injuries but specially the one he didn't let Rayman see. 

— There you go, you're lucky I always carry red lums for emergencies — Said Rayman sitting infront of Raymesis. 

— I didn't know you could do that — Raymesis voice sounded a bit hoarse. 

— I myself am a magic bag, cool huh? — Rayman bragged and his companion rolled his eyes a bit amused — ... Are you gonna tell me what happened or is it too personal? — 

— It's... — Raymesis thought for a bit — Not. It so happens that I made Mr. Dark angry... Maybe angry isn't the right word, I made him furious and... well... I got punished — he shrugged and lowered his eyes — I managed to escape and used your image to get here but I didn't know you were actually here — 

— I don't mind you using my image as long as you're not trashing someone's food stand — Rayman joked, Raymesis did laugh but that was a wrong move, his chest started aching again for the effort — And... I can guess you're not welcome to his palace anymore? — 

— I don't want to even go back, I'm so tired of his and Ales bullshit- — 

— Language — Interrupted Rayman. 

— Whatever — The nightmare sighed — You know a warmer place where I can stay for the winter? — 

Rayman raised his brows, it was the first time in, well, forever that Raymesis actually asked for his help — I... Euh... You. Can. Stay at my place! I don't usually am there but it's warm and a bit hidden in the Clearleaf Forest — 

Now Raymesis was surprised, he was expecting anywhere else but his home... — You're pulling me by the hair. Just say you don't know —

Rayman shook his head and frowned — I'm being serious. Plus if you misbehave I can call the fairies — 

The nightmare smirked — You're calling your mommy and aunties? — 

— Oh forget it — Rayman looked at him annoyed and stood up — You can freeze out here then — Rayman was about to leave the place when Raymesis lifted a hand an yell-

— Wait! — Rayman tilted his head — Ok I- yeah sorry, I was just joking, I really have nowhere to go — confessed Raymesis, he then hardly stood up and leaned against the tree — If you don't mind to have me at your place until I completely heal? — His smile was now full of nervousness. 

Rayman genuinely smiled — Yeah you can stay as much as you want. The only problem I see is how we're gonna go with you looking like... Welp, you —

Raymesis chuckled and when Rayman blinked the one infront of him didn't looked at all as the doppelganger nightmare but like an old friend, the musician. 

— Like this maybe? — Raymesis even exactly mimicked Harold's voice. 

— That's amazing and terrifying, I thought you only could look like me! — Rayman was flabbergasted, he had never seen Raymesis take the form of any other thingamajig, wait, did that meant he could've have been talking with Raymesis instead of his friends without him knowing?. 

— I can only look like other thingamajigs, I can't turn into a fairy or snoutrester — the nightmare then walked, hobbling a bit but looking like he could stand by himself. 

— Happy to know, I wish I'd have known before actually — Rayman walked by his side to the exit of the park. 

— How do we get to your home? — 

— We just take the metro to Otto's and then a goaty — 

— Ugh those smelly animals? I prefer a bonton — 

— They're slow and can hardly carry someone, unless you want to walk —

— Oh no no, I pass. The goaty is better that nothing at all — 

— The ice is melting — Rayman thought out loud while walking through the Clearleaf Forest. The winter was coming to an end and it was leaving the stage for the upcoming spring.

He neded to take a walk, he always needs to take a walk to clear things out, and the main theme bugging his head at the moment was Raymesis. 

He was still living in his house, once in a while he would go out under the disguise of his own image or other thingamajigs. Rayman thought it'd be hard to get along with him but since he helped him that day at Aeropolis park things have gone... Better? With time he opened up about what Mr. Dark had done and said to him, spoiler, it was a nightmare. Rayman was not the best at these types of situations and made that very clear to Raymesis, but had also told him and he is there in any case he needed help, after all, Raymesis had helped him multiple times without expecting anything in exchange.

Right now he was helping Raymesis to acomodate his cave to feel more like a home than like a... Well, a cave. It was hard for them two to reshape the chambers without help, Rayman suggested Clark's help but Raymesis rejected the idea instantly. He didn't wanted anyone else to know he will live there and was understandable, but the project was taking so long to finish and it would take them more time without more help.

Oh well, at least this cleared the thing that Raymesis never really hated Rayman, he was just following orders, "stupid orders by a stupid pile of goo" in Raymesis words, that day Rayman laughed so hard his stomach hurt until the next day. 

What else? Raymesis was actually a nice guy hidden behind a bad boy attitude, it's actually impressive to see this type of behavior in a Nightmare, the last Nightmare who was genuinely kind to Rayman was Jano, but he though that was because the guardian was the first Nightmare, therefore, had more control over his evil impulses. 

No, something more was in the equation, something he couldn't see yet; Raymesis was helpful and kind and attentive and funny and... Oh gosh maybe he'll keep thinking about this another time, right now he wished to end his walk, go back home, prepare a big meal and a big nap after tal-

— Rayman? Rayman! — A loud and nasal voice cut his thoughts abruptly and he perfectly knew to who belonged it to. 

— Raynette! — Rayman said in fake surprise Raynette ran towards him and gave him a big squeeze-like hug — What are you doing here? I thought you were at dream forest, at the other side of the sea — he half mutter, oh he will have to endure this interaction? Right now?

— Oh I was on my way to pay you a visit — She pulled away and fixed a lock from her curly hair — It's been so long since the time we saw each other, I want to update you with all I had to live away from here! — gosh Raynette never stops talking, Rayman was so close to run and hide but he was sure she would follow him like a predator. 

— Actually, I was heading home to- — he didn't even had the chance to finish when- 

— Oh great idea, let's go so we can talk all day about everything — she started to walk towards his home, wait a minute!

— How you know where I live? — Rayman questioned, walking behind her. 

— Oh the pretty Nymph of the lake told me a friend of yours knew where you live. That giant was very gentle and told me exactly where you live in exchange to leave him alone hee hee~ — she laughed mischievously. 

— O-Oh I see- — Rayman couldn't belive it, his sworn brother had betrayed him! Dishonor shall fall upon Clark T. Giant!

And then Rayman remembered Raymesis was in his house, Raymesis, his house, where they were heading! 

— H-Hey Raynette! — he jumped infront of her, getting in the way — My house is a bit messy and so why don't we go somewhere else to talk? — 

Raynette arch a brow and snap her fingers at her side — Babe, I've seen your "messes" before, there's nothing that can surprise me — she tried to round him but he again blocked the way. 

— That was before! when we were dating! now I must have a degree of decency with visitors! — That let her thinking and seemed to have convinced her because she was making her thoughtful face; lips pulled toghether as for a kiss, eyes half lidded and brows bot arched up. 

— Alright, but I'm not leaving. Go tidy your house, I'll be wating right here — She walked towards a large and plain rock and sat on it — But hurry up cuz I ain't patient — She stated.

— I'll be right back, I promise — Rayman lifted his hands, waving them slightly up and down. He then sprinted towards his house and closed the door behind him — Mesis! — called the Nightmare out.

The aforementioned walked out of the kitchen room, he was holding a blackberry muffin on each hand — Sup? Want some? — He offered the one who hasn't been bitten yet. 

— No thanks — Rayman shook his hands and walked unease arround the living room — I need your help! My ex is outside and she wants to talk with me but I don't want to talk with her she's so annoying and I already know what she's gonna say! — The ranting lasted long enough that Raymesis had eaten one of the muffins and was on his way to eat the other one.

— What's what she's going to say? — Raymesis asked unbothered. 

— She IS going to say she had fun and that she met new places and so on but nothing compares to home and me and more blah blah until she abruptly changes the topic to the time we used to date and she's going to TRY and convince me to shave. SHAVE! I don't kno- — His second rant was cut short by the snorts and laughs of Raymesis. Rayman posed his hands at his hips and watched him half eyelided, completely annoyed — So it's funny? — 

Raymesis had to control his laugh to asnwer — It is! The image of you bald popped in my head and I couldn't resist — He rubbed the tears from his eyes and breathed in — She has a problem if she thinks you would look more handsome bald, you're looking catchy right now! — 

Catchy? Raymasis thinks he's handsome? That pushed a slight crimson color on Rayman's cheeks. Raymesis didn't even noticed what he said, he just ate the other muffin and clap his hands together. 

— I'll help you but you may not like my idea too much — The Nightmare grinned widely, oh no, what he had in mind?

When Rayman came back for Raynette she was checking her eyeliner and hair with a small circle shaped mirror

— It took you a while — she stood up and fixed her clothes. 

— Yeah sorry, I had a big mess — Rayman scratched the back of his head and walked her to his home — I must warn you that I already had a visitor — 

— Oh, and who is? — 

— Is well euh... — Rayman opened the door and inside was — Simohne — Raymesis had taken the form of Rayman's other ex to try and scare away Raynette; they thought with her mere presence would be enough for the task, or that's what Rayman believed.

— Oh hi! That was fast — Raymesis welcomed lifting his hand.

— Oh! It's you... Well I think we should get comfy — To the surprise of both guys she didn't seemed too bothered. Raynette walked in and gave Raymesis a good scan of his look — You look different — She waved her hand, gesturing his clothes, a provocative top accompanied with boho pants, both in an eye-catching crimson color.

— You look as same as always — Raymesis waved his hand, gesturing at her winter dress that look so similar to her spring red dress. 

— It's called consistency darling — Raynette half eyelided him. Raymesis grined and fixed his dreadlocks.

Rayman couldn't belive Raymesis could imitate on point Simohne's personality and gestures, he had talent.

— Anyways — Sighed Ranette, going to have a sit at Rayman's couch — Rayman, as I was saying... —

While Raynette started her ramblings, Raymesis took the seat between her and Rayman at the couch, Rayman gave him a glance of "what you're doing now?" and he responded with "just watch" eyes. 

So he began with comenting every little line of the lady with "I've done that" and "Oh I've been through worse" but was soon recieved with a comeback of "naturaly dear, your cousin is Tarayzan" by the lady. Wait, is it?

Raynette regained the conversation but looked more annoyed that a while ago, it was working, after that he began to be a bit touchy and close with Rayman; playing with his blonde locks and drawstrings. Oh Raynette did saw this, her face gained tones of anger. 

Rayman by the other hand was red, sooo red and so hot of embarrassment that an egg could be cooked on his snout. Why was he? He perfectly knew it was Raymesis and that it was doing it just to bother the visit, but his heart was pounding a mile per hour and his eyes were playing tricks on him by no longer seeing Simohne on his side but Raymesis' real look, he was just beging Raymesis didn't really pulled down the fooling. 

Rayman lifted a hand to take Raymesis' one off of his chest, he didn't wanted him to feel his drum-like heart but it wasn't necessary to do it because with the simple gesture Raymesis pulled his hand away and sided his head. Rayman noticed a light blush on his cheeks, was he nervous too? 

Raynette reached her limit and stood up; Raymesis won a slap and some mean and derogatory words that can't be wrote down in this text. Raymesis quickly stood up and returned the slap followed with some less strong words, he had standars.

Rayman had to step up between them, Raynette pouted, Raymesis made fun of her and the mean words were thrown again like in a tennis game. So he had to take Raynette out of the house and leave Raymesis behind just for a minute. Rayman had to look sorry for her.

— I apologize for her behavior. I'll deal with Simohne but you should go home now— Rayman gave a quick glance at the surrounding and noticed the beginning of the sunset — It's getting late Raynette, you wouldn't want the night to fall on your way back, Nightmares like to wander when night falls — 

She also looked arround — Dear Polokus if this day can't be any worse — 

— It'll be better tomorrow — He caressed her cheek, still red for the slap, and genuinely smiled. If it wasn't because she wanted to forever turn him bald he maybe wouldn't have break up with her.

She leaned to the touch and then took his hand away from her — I better get going, I booked a room at Aeropolis and I need to catch the train — 

— Yeah, it's a long trip and you must rest well, thanks for comming today and I'm sorry again — 

She smiled — Don't apologize for her — She kissed his nose and before leaving she said — Thanks for trying listening dear, I'd like to talk with only you another time! — 

— We will see that — Rayman's smile started to falter. She waved and left, Rayman came back inside and closed the door behind him. He then looked at Raymesis whose's disguise dissipated showing his real self. 

They exchanged looks before Rayman scolded him— That was too much! Raymesis, you said you would be discret! — he stayed a bit more than half meter away from him with his brows arched down.

Raymesis looked at him puzzled — What? It was you who wanted me to scare her, I scared her and she's gone! — 

— Yeah but you were so- close to me! She hit you and you hit her!—

— I played my paper so convincingly well that I'd have hit myself too! And the real Simohne would have slap her back. So you're welcome you nosed eggplant! — 

Rayman blow off mad while clenching his jaw and fists and seeing Raymesis directly at his eyes. He hold position a while until his gaze softened and hands relaxed. 

— Yes you're right, it was my mistake to ask for your help — That didn't meant Rayman wasn't angry anymore, he was but with himself and with the problems he probably put the real Simohne into — I don't know what I was thinking — He mutter under his breath while heading to his room, leaving Raymesis behind. 

Raymesis was left wordless, what was he supposed to say? Sorry, I got carried away? Sorry, but I did what I thought would be the best? Sorry, I don't like how you saw me with your puppy eyes when I was in Simohne skin? Sorry, I got jea- 

No... Wait... but how? He can't- He shouldn't- Those aren't his feelings, he just got deeply into the paper, it's just that.

Yeah just that.

The sun was warm and the breeze refreshing. Once again the hero walked unbothered arround the Menhir Hills. This time accompanied by Murfy the Greenbottle and Clark the Giant, who traveled just next to him. 

— So I'm telling you the manual is so weird! no enchanted book has that level of conscience and self awareness, I even confronted him but told me to go f- — 

— Language — Rayman interrupted and eyed Murfy. Clark let go a snort before covering his mouth with his hand. 

Murfy rolled his eyes and continued — Anyways, he told me it wasn't none of my business so I got mad that at the first chance I had I euh... I threw him on the grumpy's head — 

Rayman stoped and shook his head in disbelief — And so why are you carring that book? — he questioned, gesturing with his head at the book under Murfy's left arm. Clark saw this amused.

— I euh- got used to the extra weight — That didn't sounded convincing enough, Rayman lifted a brow expecting the real reason — Ok ok, I do miss him a bit, he can be a bit- no, a total snarky bastard but he is my friendo — 

Rayman chortle, the irony of this guy.

— Why don't you go and apologize? — Suggested Clark. 

— Because Molly has him and I'd have to apologize twice in a day — Murfy crossed his arms as best as he could with a book in the way — And one per day is my limit — 

Both Rayman and Clark cracked in laughs, making very clear they were laughing at Murfy and not with him. By the other side the greenbottle saw them half eyed and completely annoyed — Ya done? — He questioned. 

— Almost! — Could say Rayman between chuckles, they tried to calm themselves but at the small snort or wheeze they would burst out laughing again. On one point they hold their stomachs and whined a bit in pain. That's what they get for laughing so hard. 

— You're so prideful. Apologizing isn't something you must count with your fingers! — laughs might be gone but Rayman had a wide grin on his face. 

— Apologizing is something we normal Dream creatures do daily — seconded Clark, whose smile couldn't be as bigger and shinier as everyday. 

— Sadly — Muttered Murfy — Anyways, I need to go to the council tomorrow so I'll use the chance to get Manuel back — 

Rayman snorted, Murfy really grew fond of the manual that he even gave him a nickname... Nicknames, now that he recalls, Raymesis and him not so long ago also began to use them, it went so naturally that he didn't even noticed it until now.

Leaving the little incident with Raynette behind,  grew fond of the nightmare as well. It's just a shame that he now has a home to go to and that soon will leave him, alone, like before the winter...

But he could go visit him! Rayman has had the chance to learn the cave system and the exact location of his house, he could pay a visit whenever he wanted, oh he can't wait to surprise him with a welcoming basquet and maybe an invitation to play some kung-foot later in the night, maybe even-

— Rayman — Clark called the hero back to the Glade, Rayman shook his head and looked up to him. 

— Sorry, I was thinking. What were you saying? — 

— I was asking you if you wanted to come with me to accompany Murfy to the Council tomorrow — 

— Ah! Sure! I have nothing to do tomorrow anyways — Rayman shrugged. 

The next step Rayman did cracked something under his shoes, when he looked down he found what looks it used to be a fruit, he couldn't place which one because it was dry and in a dirt brown color. When Rayman took a cracked piece he could feel warm though his gloves, but- it wasn't burnt nor close to be. 

— Rayman? — Clark and Murfy were the first one's to noticed this same effect on grass and the few trees arround them. They were decaying, slowly but sure, like if the life in them were being kicked out and soon blue lums bursted out from the foliage. 

— Guys — Rayman saw this terrified, he knew who had the power to make life perish and decay — You will have to go to the council now... — He just didn't knew HE could do this much damage to the glade. 

Murfy was the first one to move, turning and going back to where they came from, but a hand landed on him and pushed him down, close to bushes that were nothing more than charcoal branches. Quickly that hand retracted leaving nothing but a black stain on the leather of the book that soon grew in size, wrapping it whole and soon turning it as weak as sand. 

— Manuel!! — Cried murfy seeing the book crumbling before his eyes — ... Oh wait, this isn't him- WOAH! — he realized before being pull away from where he laid, a second late and the same would have happened to him. 

From the aparent nothingness a dark as night creature made act of presence, it was the author of many of Rayman's nightmares, his not-so-friendly doppelganger.

— Dark Rayman — Murmured the hero. He pushed Murfy against Clark and stood between the nightmare and his friends — Wanna race? — Rayman teased while waving his hand in signal for Clark to get out of there with Murfy. 

Clark did obliged, he's not someone to run from danger, he is the dangerous one!... But in this case he had high chances to lose, so the best he could do right now is to warn the Fairies of Dark Rayman and a posible nightmare invasion. 

Dark tried to hunt the giant down the woods but Rayman stood again in the way and punched the doppelganger exactly on the snout. Dark screeched and whined like an animal while rubbing his nose, when the pain dissipated his yellow glowing eyes focused only on Rayman. He pushed his body foward, trying to slash Rayman with his nails that looked more like sharp claws. Rayman dodged his body out of the way and when Dark left an open Rayman punched again right on the glowing red 'X' of his chest. Dark growled and stood low ready to jump him. Rayman dodged and sprinted up the hill. 

— Catch me if you can! — Rayman teased again, looking back to see if his doppelganger was following him. 

— YOU REGRET THIS! — Roared Dark, he then began to follow Rayman. 

Rayman lead him to a grove close to a cliff. He used the trees as obstacles, maybe he could lose Dark if he finds a way to cross towards the hill at the other side. 

Dark followed, copying all of Rayman's movements, but at one point he began to slightly use other movements, then other paths and finally he was using the trees to his advantage, outrunning Rayman and jumping infront of him to slice his face with his claws. 

— Ack! — Rayman fell backwards and pressed a hand against the scratch, fortunately the decaying properties of Dark had no effect on him thanks to a Fairy's spell casted on him. That didn't meant that he couldn't feel like if his skin was on fire. 

— Me no kill you, father want you alive — Dark licked and finally showed the golden rows of razor-sharp teeth in a big gring — But me CAN hurt you — That grin widened. Dark began to rotate his hand, charging his fist to it's limit. 

Rayman drag himself back, since when Dark Rayman could have this degree of autonomy? The last time he checked Dark would never disobey Ales and Mr. Dark's orders nor come up with his own movements when following him or any of his friends. 

Something had happened since the moment Mr. Dark attacked Fairy's territory and the now, what's He planning now? 

Rayman jumped on his feet, he can't win on a fight against his dark version all alone this time, something deep in him yell him to run, and when he obeyed it was too late. 

Dark had let go of his fist and punched Rayman's side, the sound of something cracking echoed on the open land and Rayman fell flat on the ground, curling up in a ball and clenching his teeth while griping his clothes as the pain drowned him whole. 

He heard a nasal laugh just above him and when he thought he would receive another punch he heard another voice, a familiar one. 

— Rayman! — 

Followed by something hitting Dark multiple times. Rayman lifted his head seeing Raymesis just at the other side of the cliff throwing rocks the size of a hand to Dark Rayman. 

— Hurry and jump here! — Raymesis yell again. 

This was his only chance, oh but his body ugly ached when even trying to move it. He had to mentalize, ignore the pain and breath deep. He hold his breath and found the strength to get up, he locked his eyes on Raymesis, focusing only on him. Then he run-up and at the very edge jumped. 

But Rayman was still far from the other side.

Raymesis wouldn't let him fall, not in a million years! He charged his fist and shoot, he aimed to Rayman and when it was close he opened his fist and hold his hand tight. 

Rayman grip tight as well while hissing because of the pain. 

Raymesis pulled the hero up to safety. He had no time to check on him with Dark still close so he stood at the edge and charged his free hand, waiting for Dark to try and follow so he could knock him off of the cliff. 

Rayman let go of his breath and felt how his body tensed all together, his hand still holding Raymesis' one squeezed hard. He could barely lift his head to see Dark Rayman, who was growling annoyed.

Dark prepared to leap but stopped to reconsider. He even knew it was a bad idea with Raymesis at the other side. He then stood up straight and pointed a clawed finger at the other doppelganger. 

Rayman swore Dark said something, but he couldn't hear him nor read his lips, his eyes struggled to focus and when he blinked, Dark was gone. He could feel the wind Raymesis' fist was making stop immediately. 

— Ray — Raymesis called him. He sat next to him to check the wounds on his face — That bastard hit you hard — commented while moving his hand to Rayman's side.

— I've been hit worse — breath out Rayman. He then tried to move again but grimaced when the pain began once again — No, this is the worst yet — He tried to control his breath, inhaling and exhaling in slow pace. 

— I'll go collect red lums for you — Raymeis tried to stand up but was soon stopped half way for his hand being pulled down. 

— No! I-I... We don't know if Dark Rayman is still arround here — Rayman said a bit nervous, that was half true, the other truth is that he felt safe next to the nightmare. Raymesis hummed and looked at his surrondings.

— You're right, we better move then — Raymesis tried to scoop up Rayman a bit hesitant — You euh... better help me — Rayman nodded and with a bit of struggle Raymesis could set the hero on his back and carry him downhill, he would use the wooded zones to confuse anyone following them. Rayman got his head comfy on the Nightmare's hood and grip his free hand to the front part of it.

The whole trip Rayman refused to let go of Raymesis hand. Raymesis didn't complained.