Gwin was currently climbing into a sleeping pod deep underground under the sleeper compound of the academy. Around him were hundreds and hundreds of other pods with fellow sleepers either already lying in them in them already in the depths of the dream world from the previous winter solstices or other sleepers getting ready to enter their pods. The mood was heavy and somber as friends and lovers said their goodbyes to each other. It wasn't clear how many would make it back but the number would undoubtedly be small. Gwin felt a bit wistful for a moment as he had no one to say goodbye to. He had neglected to form any real connections with his fellow sleepers yet he hadn't really regretted his choice either. While others pursued romance and friendship he had been shaping himself the best he could for the dreamworld.
It was lonely but it wasn't like he hadn't made a single connection. He and Elena were on casual speaking terms now, granted most of the speaking they did was bickering and taunting, but it was a relation nonetheless.
He settled in the pod before going over all that had happened in the last month. Today was the Winter Solstice and all of the sleepers there were soon going to be pulled into the dream world. He was scared yet it wasn't the same fear and dread he had felt as a kid getting his arm torn off nor was it the same he felt escaping from the disciple of kesh. He was full of nervous anticipation and excitement, a feeling that frankly scared him. He had prepared the best he could and had been diligently studying up on nightmare creature weak points just earlier. He had failed to bash Elena's face in like he had hoped so he would just have to hope they both lived through this so he would get the chance.
He wasn't really worried for her though. He doubted even a fallen abomination could get rid of her easily. She was frankly hard to hit.
He had long since let go of his inferiority complex yet he couldn't get rid of the scathing desire to overcome her. If he was going to live he had to focus on himself and his own strength though so his rivalry would not survive the dream realm. He couldn't be blinded by the success and skill of others if he wanted to become anything himself.
He was going to make it, he had to.
After so long of preparing Gwin was feeling almost impatient. He was tired of feeling stuck when it came to his aspect. He was ready to awaken and upgrade his essence pool through soul shards so he could finally use his aspect properly. He wanted to finally face an abomination of a similar rank to him and slay it. Though with any luck he wouldn't have to spend much time in the dream realm. Gwin closed his eyes as the capsule shut over him and began filling with liquid.
'I'm not going to be helpless anymore!'