The mighty waterfall led deep into the depths of the earth, splitting into twisting rivers that travelled through a labyrinth of caverns. Far from where the waterfall met the bottom, Dream laid at the bank of one of these rivers.

The dozens of tortured creatures that lived in the caverns overstimulated the skeleton's sense of empathy, draining him of all his power. He couldn't move, couldn't breath. Every inch of him ached with sickness.

Dream managed to open a tired eye. In the darkness, a golden flame danced. It approached the skeleton, closer and closer, the terrible sickness in Dream becoming stronger with every foot of progress.

The flame revealed itself to act as a mane around the neck of a massive deer-like skeleton. It's bones were scorched, the lights in it's eye sockets burned with fury and pain.

A large blazing deer lowered it's head to Dream, attempting to sniff him curiously, though pausing when it realised it's nose had melted away a long time ago.

Dream's eyes began to water and a quiet whimper escaped his throat. "P-Pl...ease...don't...h...hu-urt...m-me..."

The deer raised it's head and backed away slightly. A voice came from it, raspy and scorched. "No hurt... friend." The deer turned to face the shadows. "Friends... help me, help new friend."

More flames appeared in the darkness. As the burning creatures approached the sickly skeleton, he slipped back into unconsciousness.

* * *

It is now morning, and everyone is beginning to wake up...