Midnight.

A dark shape was prowling the halls of the Lair Legion.

Well, actually it was 3:00 am, but such a time lacks the dramatic punch for a story. The dramatic tension was further reduced when it became clear that the figure was Hallie, suffering from yet another bout of insomnia.

To make matters worse, at 3:00 in the morning, no sane or sensible person (apart from other insomniacs) should be awake, which rather cut down on the chances of a comforting presence to fall asleep with.

So it is very much to Hallie's credit that she managed not to shriek especially loudly when something brushed against her shoulder.

"Don't. Do. That." she eventually managed to say, once her clock chip stopped overclocking. Sorry - heart stopped racing.

I am sorry, apologised the Shoggoth, the only creature in the mansion likely to be stalking the corridors. I presume that you are once again unable to enter your biological maintenance cycle. I have hesitated to offer my aid on earlier occasions, but it appears that none of the others are in a position to help, being deep in their maintenance cycles.

Hallie considered the offer. "Well, I guess you can't make matters much worse than now." she admitted.

Hallie lay back in her bed and closed her eyes, trying to prepare herself for anything. As a result, she was completely unprepared when she heard Deeela's voice.

She sat bolt upright, looking around her room. There was nobody there except herself and the Shoggoth.

Is there a problem?

"Well...no, I guess. I just thought I heard Deela..."

You did, sort of.

Hallie laid back down, and the Shoggoth continued.

Listen well, you subjects of our Master, the Manga Shoggoth, under whose protection we thrive. Listen well whilst I tell you my tale.

Listen as I tell you of the treacheries of Clan of Nailliv, who sold the Jewels of Caph into slavery. Listen while I tell you of the Slavers of Frammistat Eight, who treated the fair flowers of Caph with scorn and despite.

Harken as I tell you of the heroes of your world, our rescuers: The Personification of Chaos, whose nimble antics confounded our persecutors; The Crusader of Hats, in whom Order allies with Chaos; The Arrogant Archer, whose skill with the bow was matched only by his opinion of his prowess; The Flying Courier, to whom strange dimensions are as nothing; Bry of the Golden Eyes, great in power but divided in Love; The Protector of the Parodyverse, of whose prowess all men know.

Marvel while I tell you of Master Visionary, whose hides his greatness as a treasure for those who seek it.

As the saga unfolded, Hallie slowly relaxed. She wasn't quite sure when the saga became the dream, but when she awoke, the room was empty.