Toby Robinson is a fifteen year old with low cut black hair and light brown skin. He's a confident but nerdy kid who loves video games, comic books, a good novel and great movies. Who doesn't?
On this particular day, the teenager is at the kitchen with his mother, explaining a weird dream he had during the night. It has been bothering him since he woke up, and he just needs someone to talk to about it.
Toby Robinson: So I had this dream, right? It starts with me running through this strange place, and some weird people were chasing after me. They all wore black robes, and I couldn't see their faces. But I knew they were trouble... I ran as fast as I could, but they all caught up to me, and I was surrounded... I don't understand what they were planning to do with me, but before anything could happen, bright lights begin to shoot out of my body, and then, Boom! I explode into a million pieces! And that's when I receive a message saying. Congratulations, you have inherited the dream system... Do you have any idea what that means, Mum? (The teenager asks his mother, still puzzled by the dream)
Sarah Robinson: Uhh... (Chuckles softly) I honestly have no idea. (Sarah admits with a warm smile)... Your dad used to have some weird dreams too. He always talked to Pastor Timothy about them though. You could try that, if you think it would help. (Sarah advises him, not really having much else to say)
Toby Robinson: You know I don't like it when you talk about Dad... but you're right. Maybe talking to Pastor Timothy could help me figure this out. He might even tell me what it means. (Toby tells her, very optimistic about this plan of action)
Sarah Robinson: Whatever makes you happy. (Sarah replies with a warm smile)
Suddenly, a young boy rushes down the stairs and runs into the kitchen, where Sarah is doing the dishes and Toby is waiting for the school bus.
Billy Robinson: Mom! I can't find my bear. (The five year old complains to his mother, pulling on her shirt)
Toby Robinson: You really shouldn't be taking that thing to school you know? (Toby tells his younger brother)
Billy Robinson: You leave me alone! (Billy yelled, his anger evident as he pointed his index finger at his older brother)
Sarah Robinson: Alright, Billy. Let's look for your bear together. I'm sure we'll find it. (Sarah says as she takes his hand, helping him search for his teddy bear)
Toby flinches as the sound of the bus reaches his ears, meaning its time for him to get going.
Toby Robinson: Bus is here, I'm off! (Toby yells, grabbing his bag from the kitchen counter and heading for the door)
Sarah Robinson: Have a nice day, sweetheart! (Sarah calls from Billy's room, still helping him look for his teddy)
Toby Robinson: I will! (Toby calls back, shutting the door behind him and rushing toward the yellow school bus)
Now on the bus, Toby couldn't stop thinking about his dream. He told his mother he experienced that dream from his point of view, but in truth it felt like he was experiencing someone else's trauma, which was too complicated to explain.
Toby Robinson: What does this mean? This makes no sense at all... Am I losing my mind? (Toby muttered to himself, pondering this question but finding no answer)... (Sighs) It might be just a trick of the light, or maybe something I ate. Those nachos I bought yesterday must have been bad, do I have food poisoning now or something? Yeah, that's probably it, that's the reason I'm seeing things. (Toby smiles in satisfaction, happy with the thought process he's going with)
After deciding not to think about this matter any further, a holographic screen suddenly pops into view, with a clear message reading.
[System Integration Pending]
[Progress: 66%]
Toby Robinson: This thing again? Now I'm sure I'm going crazy. (Toby thought as he swiped at the screen, desperately trying to make it go away)
"Uhhh... are you okay?" (The boy sitting next to him asked, looking at Toby like he was losing his mind)
Toby Robinson: Yeah, I'm fine. Just saw a fly buzzing around, but Its gone now. So, nothing to worry about. (Toby lied nervously, trying way too hard to sound convincing)
"Okay." (The boy tells him before turning away, directing his focus outside the bus window)
Toby Robinson: (Sighs) I really need to talk to someone about this. (Toby thought in defeat, slouching in his seat as the screen lingered)
This screen has been showing up ever since he woke up from that dream, and the progress has been pending throughout.
Having no idea what's going on, and having no way to make it stop, Toby just chooses to ignore it. The screen will sometimes go away, but always returns with a new update, and there's nothing he can do about it.
The bus eventually pulls up at its destination, which is Pride High School, a decent enough school in that area. After stepping out of the bus, Toby takes in a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for another day of school.
"Hey Toby!" (A voice yells as a car pulls up behind him)
A boy the same age as Toby steps out of the vehicle and shuts the door behind him. He's a good looking kid with short brown hair, fair skin, and a noble gaze.
Toby Robinson: What's up, Todd? (Toby asks as he rushes to meet his best friend)
Todd Forager: Nothing much, stranger. (Todd replied, the two happily bumping fists)
Timothy Forager: How's it going, Toby? (The man in the car asked)
Toby Robinson: Everything's fine, Pastor Timothy.
Timothy Forager: That's good, make sure you two have a good day at school now. I'll see you at home son. (Timothy tells them before driving away in his suv)
Toby Robinson: Crap! I totally forgot I wanted to ask your dad something! And he's already gone. (Toby says as he watches the car drive away from view)
Todd Forager: What did you want to ask him? (Todd asks curiously)
Toby Robinson: Just wanted to ask about a weird dream I had. But never mind, it's not that important. (Toby tells him, heading towards the school building)
Todd Forager: Come on, don't do me like that. Tell me more about this weird dream. You never know, I might be able to help. (Todd says as he follows him into the school)
Toby Robinson: (Sighs) Okay! If you really must know, the dream went something like this... (Toby begins to tell Todd about his dream, but obviously leaves out the stuff about the screen and its progression)
By the time Toby finishes telling his dream to Todd, they were already sitting opposite each other in class. The teacher seems to be running late, so they just keep talking.
Todd Forager: Wow, that's some dream. But if anyone would be able to tell you what it means, it would be my dad. He interprets dreams all the time, he's the best at it. (Todd said confidently)
Toby Robinson: That's why I was going to ask him about it, but I'll probably just ask him later... Hey how was bible camp by the way? (Toby asks him, wanting to change the subject)
Todd Forager: (Sighs) It was fine, I guess. But all the while I was there I was just itching to play some games, camping just isn't my style. (Todd admitted)
Toby Robinson: There's a new arcade that just opened recently, it's big and fancy and very popular. After school let's check it out together! (Toby suggested with a smile)
Todd Forager: That'd be awesome. (Todd smiles as the two bump fists once again, the gesture now almost second nature)
Todd and Toby had been close since they were little kids. One afternoon, Toby's dad mysteriously vanished without a trace. The church they were attending at the time stepped in, helping Sarah cope with the sudden and painful disappearance of her husband.
The church provided them with food, financial support, and whatever else they needed to get by. Over time, Sarah was able to save enough money to provide a stable home for her son, who at that time was still an only child.
The pastor of this church was Timothy Forager, and he had a son named Todd. For some reason, the two kids formed a strong bond almost instantly, becoming very close friends, and they've stayed that way ever since.
With no authority figure present to maintain order, the classroom slowly descends into chaos. The class just does whatever they please, having loud arguments, tossing crumbled paper, even chatting with their significant others on the phone. It is pure anarchy.
Thankfully, before things spiral completely out of control, the door swings open and the teacher finally walks into the classroom. He's a handsome young man with long blonde hair sticking to his sweaty face, wearing casual yet damp clothing, and he also seems to be out of breath.
This isn't the first time he's been late to class. It happens so often that no one is even surprised anymore. He most likely had trouble biking to school again this morning.
Fred Clover: Sorry I'm late everyone, saving the planet is not an easy task. (Fred tells the class, wiping his face clean with a handkerchief)
Stacy Long: You know you could just take the bus, right? Isn't that still eco-friendly? (The teenage girl asks him)
Fred Clover: True, true. But I still think my way is better, and much healthier too. Biking everywhere I go is also how I keep myself in such great shape, and I'm very proud of myself for that. (Fred tells them confidently, a genuine smile on his face)... Now, without further ado, let's tackle today's topic, shall we? (Fred tells them cheerfully, turning to the whiteboard and uncapping his red marker)
While Toby is looking at the board however, that annoying screen pops up once again, but this time with a different message.
[Progress: 100%]
[System Successfully Integrated]
[Entering Dream State]
Toby Robinson: Wait, what? (Toby couldn't even finish the thought, losing his vision to total darkness and immediately falling unconscious)
Toby's head slams against his desk with a loud thud, his body collapsing to the floor moments later. It all happens too fast for anyone to react or stop it. The entire class is left dumbfounded and confused, staring at Toby's unconscious form with genuine fear in their eyes.
Todd Forager: Toby!!! (Todd calls out to his friend, rushing over to help him)
Fred Clover: Toby are you okay?! Please answer me! (The teacher asks as he checks for signs of life, desperately hoping this isn't as bad as it seems)
Todd Forager: What's wrong with him? (Todd asks, very worried for his friend)
Fred Clover: I don't know, that's why I'm taking him to the nurse's office. Everyone please stay here! (Fred instructs the class, quickly carrying the unconscious body of Toby in his arms)
Todd Forager: There's no way I'm staying put! I'm definitely coming with you! (Todd tells his teacher defiantly)
Fred Clover: Fine! But the rest of you stay here! (Fred yells before rushing out of the classroom, with Todd quickly following behind him)
With all of this happening, the class obviously begins to speculate and wonder. Trying to figure out what could be happening to their classmate
In a strange yet beautiful new world, filled with skies of vibrant and mesmerizing colors. Toby Robinson lays on a bed of green grass, drifting in and out of consciousness.
He eventually opens his eyes, staring at the sky above him with a shocked and awestruck expression. Only one question comes to mind.
"Where the heck am I?" (Toby asks in a daze, having no idea where he is or how he even got here)
Next: Toby The Dreamer.