Author's note: I'm very busy at the moment, hence why I can't write as much as I would like to. But all good things come little by little. A tribute to Alex Hirsch and to all of us fans, who are still waiting for a third season or a prequel (I wouldn't mind the second). Elements borrowed from Journal 3, Kubo, WOY and Samurai 47 among others. Let's go!

1. The Sleeping Giant

How did it come to this? He wasn't sure. Not anymore. It all had started in the basement of the now-distant Oregon and had unraveled into the biggest mess of all. Details had become blurry over the past days, his people were now goals instead of souls around him, and nothing seemed to matter anymore. His current predicament had become his world, a universe ruled by his worst enemy and inhabited by the worst creatures of all. He had a chance to make things right, a wonderful and only-time attack that could have ended all worries. He had been so close and it was now all gone. Luck had the cruel hand and used it. His enemy had gotten away, empty-handed but not unscathed. The man wanted to feel relief in that small fact but he couldn't. Not with the last twist of fate.

The blizzard outside drew him back as he gathered his thoughts. The maze, the opening gateway, the shouts, Bill, his nightmares, the light… and the child coming through the portal straight into his arms like a fiery shooting star as they crossed towards a new opening. It almost burnt his hands and clothes, but most importantly his heart. Whoever it was, it was a powerful soul. Bill seemed to quiver a little when he saw it glowing across the Nightmare Realm like an arrow, despite his sarcastic retorts. This child had made the demons shake and that gave the man a small hint of hope. Still, their predicament was dire. The portal to their home was now closed but their enemies would soon lay their eyes on them.

How was he going to survive now? He had kept himself alive for thirty years and always barely. Adding a new passenger was not going to make it any easier, and yet he felt in debt with the child. They were together in that quandary and somehow, they were going to make it right again. Yes, even if it was their last stance against Bill, it would also be the last of the one-eyed demon. But for now, they both needed some rest and planning ahead.

Leaving it for you to start wondering.

More to come!