“Mom? Dad?” I called nervously, clinging to the old, battered teddy bear I refused to admit I still slept with. The landscape around me was dismally black and red. Black rocks, black leafless trees, and a blood-red sky made for a depressing image. My dreams had never been this scary before.

            “Come play with me, little girl~.” A high-pitched, genderless voice called to me. A shiver crawled up my spine.

            “No, thanks, creep.” I muttered, forcing my feet to move away from the voice, brushing streaks of red from my eyes.

            “Aw, come on~…Don’t you wanna have some fun~?” The voice continued in a cooing tone. The shadows to my left began to ripple, causing me to yelp.

            “No!”

            “Why not?” The voice asked, giving the impression that the thing was pouting. “I just want to play~…”

            “I’m not going to play with a creep like you!” I declared irritably. “Leave me alone.”

            “But…” The voice was hesitant, almost like a child on the verge of crying. For a moment, I felt compassion for the thing. Only for a moment, though. “I just wanted to…play.” The voice took on an evil, conniving tone, losing all sympathy and compassion for it from me. I shivered as goose bumps began to rise on my skin. 

            “Well, leave me the heck alone!” I scowled, hugging my torso loosely. “I’m 16; I don’t play anymore.”

            “That’s just too bad, isn’t it~?” A blurred figure appeared some distance away from me. “It’s too late to run, Adda Mae Jenkins.” Its features finally cleared, leaving me with a horrifying image.

            “What…?”

            “Ready to play?” My almost-twin sneered. Her red hair was styled exactly like mine, curled loosely, the tips just brushing her shoulders. Her eyes were the exact, glimmering shade of emerald as mine. Well, eye. Where her right eye should’ve been was a jagged hole, allowing swirling black-and-gold patterns to shine through.

            “Y-You monster!” I backed up, clutching my beloved bear close. “G-Go away!”

            “You and I are the same, Adda.” My reflection giggled, continuing her course towards me.

            “Be silent.” A low, masculine voice commanded sharply. Before either I or the thing could react, the blade of a sword slid between her ribs. An unearthly howl erupted for her lips, her body dissolving into dusty blue powder.

            “What the heck did you do?!” I screeched loudly, pressing my hands against my chest to calm my rapidly-beating heart, staggering backwards and almost falling.

            “Saved your life.” The man said, his voice heavily accented. “A thank-you would suffice.”

            “You…You…Ugh!” I threw my hands up wearily. “I don’t know you, but fine. Thanks.”

            “You’re welcome, Adda Mae Jenkins.” An almost-affectionate grin tugged at his lips. I scowled.

            “Does everyone here know my name?” I asked exasperatedly.

            “Only myself and that Nightshifter.”  He assured me.

            “How do you know my name?” I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. “And what’s a Nightshifter?”

            “A Nightshifter is a creature of thought that can change into any shape it desires.” He explained. I waited for him to answer my first question, but he seemed finished.

            “Answer my other question.” I snarled.

            “Why should I?” He feigned disinterest, sheathing his sword after gently cleaning it with a cloth.

            “Because I have a right to know how complete strangers like you both knows my name and how to get into my dreams!” A laugh bubbled from his throat.

            “You’re the same as ever, Adda Mae.”

            “What?!”

            “Does that answer your question?”

            “No!”

            “Fine.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll tell you my first three names only, then I will explain.”

            “Why not all?” Three names? Seriously?

            “Because then, you’ll know who I am at this point in time.” He smiled ruefully. “Rules need to be followed, ja?”

            “Hmph.” I crossed my arms. “Tell me.”

            “Otto Johannes Friedrich.” I burst into laughter. “What?” He looked disgruntled.

            “You’re such a dweeb!”

            “Says the woman who married me.” He muttered, peeved. I spluttered.

            “What?!”

            “Don’t shout.” He frowned. “You’ll attract more Shifters and other, more dangerous kinds of Night creatures.” My cheeks were a flamboyant red.

            “Otto, how old are you?”

            “Nineteen.” His features became lined with worry.

            “I get married in three years?!” I screeched.

            “Two, actually.” He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “At this time, I’m seventeen.”

            “What?!”

            “I give up with you.” Otto sighed. “You’re waking up, anyways.”

            “But--.” He lightly caressed my cheek, blue eyes glinting seriously.

            “Remember this, Adda Mae.” He said urgently. “The day you find me is the day you lose yourself. And, whatever you do, never let go of this bear.”

            “My bear…?” But it was too late. The dream world started to dissolve, Otto’s face the last to go.

            “Adda, wake up!”

            What had I dreamt about, again?