The moonlight glimmered on the hall as the door to the room stated back at him. On top reading W1.

The tapping of his shoes ringing into the silence. Two guards already guarding the door. As he approached they bowed. Looking over to the one on the right, "I want you to get two Nightshades, have them guard my room." He looked over at the hallway and left. He then grabbed the knob and continued into the room.

The room was a large room with a large table smack in the middle. It stretched across the room, in the middle of the table was what looked like a round projector. Chairs alined the outside of the table. The first 2 chairs, both right and left, that were closet to the door were occupied.

Luna, Leo, Dusk, and Mars.

Nightmare took the seat at the far end. The Nightshades getting up and saluting. "At ease." He said with a sigh. "So, I sent you on an exclusive mission for almost 3 months. You should've brought me good news. Especially since you arrived so early. I didn't expect you to arrive for another month." They all looked at each other, contemplating who should go first.

Luna stood up and looked at the skeleton. "I'm happy to report that 117 colonies are in working order." her ear twitched slightly. "There is one request that we all ask, master." Nightmare leaned to the side, slowly bringing a box of Pocky sticks. He rested his legs on the arm rest and nodded. "We ask for a gathering of souls."Nightmare looked away from the box and made eye contact with her.

"Are there any pods available?"

Luna nodded her head. "A few, but we believe that will operate them for only a few years."

"Your request has been declined. We don't hunt for souls anymore." Luna opened her mouth to speak, only for Leo to get up and pound on the table.

"Master, if I may-" Luna looked over to him. Giving him this cold glare. 

"He's already spoken." Nightmare watched them. "We shouldn't question his authority." She finished taking a seat. Leo shut his mouth and took a seat.

Nightmare averted his eyes at Dusk. "Is that it?" 

"There is one small thing." his gentle voice radiating the room. He rose up and gently nodded his head. "Approximately 1,756 colonies have become almost useless, there are no longer abundant amounts of resources. The only resource there is the coal and astatine, those are the most abundant." He paused for a moment. "A few colonies that are not operating also have a few soulless, Nightclawers wandering about. We've contained most of them." He paused once more.

"What's their status." said Nightmare taking another pocky stick. 

"They're not aware, they're motionless. Simplest way to put it." Nightmare hummed. 

"Is that why you asked for a soul gathering?" Luna nodded softly. "Well it's still going to be declined." He looked up at Dusk. "You said a few have souls? Correct?" Dusk nodded. "Then..." Nightmare sat up and leaned on the table, still biting the pocky stick. Nightmare laughed lightly. "This is perfect timing." Snapping the stick he pointed it towards them. "I've been thinking, more like, hoping to get a new class."

"New class?" perked Leo. "Wouldn't that effect everything we've worked on so far?" 

"No, not precisely." He adjusted himself on the seat. "Use your brain, at least what ever you have! We have resources, the wasteland should do." 

"B-But Master, the amount of souls and time to make another colony for that." protested Leo.

"Yes, I understand that. That is why we're going to make another class, you mutts can't figure things out on your own." Leo looked off, embarrassed. "Here." He handed Dusk a folder of papers. "This is the information you'll need in order to start." Dusk looked at the folder, quickly flipping through, his eyes intensively staring at the papers.  Finally, skimming through the last page he set the folder down. "I trust you'll finish this project in a month." Dusk perked up.

"A month?"

"Yes, a month." Nightmare bit into the stick. "Is there a problem?" Dusk stayed silent and shook his head.

"I can ensure you I'll get it done." 

"Good." He then leaned back, relaxing. "Let me know if there's anything missing." He paused. "Now that, that's out of the way." He took another stick out. "I have decided...that each one of you are going to be 'taking a break'." The Nightshades gave a confused look. "I'll be assigning you each to one of the kids." 

"Master, you want us to no longer do our job?" Asked Mars. 

"Just temporarily." 

"Then what about me." 

Nightmare puffed. "Don't worry, you'll finish your assignment. You'll be assigned to Midnight, she'll be busy this month, that's why I assigned you." Dusk shuffled lightly. Not amused by the fact he was picked because he was the last option. 

"I see." But he let it slide, like always. He didn't mind, he wasn't supposed to. 

"Alright then, the three of you." He lightly tapped the table. "Leo you'll be with Comet, Mars with Phoenix and Luna with Jupiter."

Mars wagged his tail excitedly. Leo looked to the side. "Master if I may..." Luna stood. "I don't believe my services will be much use as a caretaker." 

"That's why I entrust you to care for Jupiter, she's a child, being the spunky one of the group I want you to take care of her, I trust you. And that is final, understood?" Luna nodded.

"I understand." With that said she sat down. Nightmare got up. 

"I'll give you more information in a few hours, Dusk I need you to see me before you leave as well." Dusk nodded, while the other three also stood up. Nightmare looked at all of them. "That is all." He smiled and teleported away.

It was silent for a moment. 

Leo growled. "I'm so excited!" barked Mars. 

Luna rolled her eyes, "Of course you are." Luna looked over to Dusk. "Do you need any help with any of the details?" Dusk shook his head.

"I'm quite sure I can handle this." Dusk looked a Leo. "Upset?"

Leo growled louder. "Shut the hell up, you bitch." Luna glared at him, she laughed. "What's so amusing!"

Luna shrugged and walked away. "You."

Hello everyone! Hopefully you're enjoying these troubling times of staying indoors. Cause I sure know I'm wasting my time doing nothing. Well not entirely I'm just doing school work and side projects to keep myself entertained. Everyone please stay safe and healthy! Best of luck from me to you!

~The Oreocookie

Word count: 1116