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No one saw Rayman for ages. Ever since he stopped going to the Snoring Tree, his friends worried about him. They searched for him all over the Glade of Dreams, only to come up short. He hadn't been himself in quite some time. He spent less and less time with them and became short and irritated with everyone. The last several years weren't kind to him. He'd seen his friends from other realms have success, while he waited and waited for a new adventure. And the longer he did so, the more he fell into despair. At first, he blamed the Rabbids for taking everything away from him. Those annoying pests got more attention than him, making everyone forget about him. Even after they left the Glade, Rayman couldn't reclaim his former glory. He had a brief bout of success, but it didn't last long. He got left behind once again, leaving him to spiral into despair.Abandoned and forgotten, he realized that his next adventure would never come. Once a happy-go-lucky hero, now a bitter and callous wretch. His hair was a rat's nest, his eyes dull and sunken. His trademark attire became tattered rags. Rayman spent his days lying in dreamless sleep. There was nothing left for him to dream. The jealousy and misery that consumed him crushed him again and again. He hid in the darkness, far from the home he used to know. He didn't want his friends to find him like this. The legendary hero of the Glade of Dreams was a shell of his former self. He shuddered at the thought of them recoiling at his current state. There was no way he could go back. He never wanted to go back. The Glade was better off without him. Polokus hadn't had a nightmare in so long that he was fine, right? Then again, perhaps it was Rayman that had become a nightmare.He laid on his back, staring into the nothingness above him. There wasn't much left for him to do, anyway. He couldn't remember the last time he saw light. Even if he did, it would blind him. He had felt nothing in so long that he forgot how. Sometimes he thought about his old life, wondering if it was all worth it in the end. Protecting Polokus and the Glade for so long, only to end up like this. He let out a joyless laugh.Maybe this is what I deserve, he thought. There's nothing left for me to protect. I'm the one that everyone should protect themselves from. Rayman turned over on his side. He didn't know how long he'd been in this dark place, and he didn't know if he would ever leave. He became comfortable with it, the very thing he used to be against. The nightmares he used to destroy to protect the Glade of Dreams. Now he was one of them. He thought about his friends, wondering what they were doing without him. They must've been happier now that he was gone. The last time he saw them wasn't a joyous occasion. He snapped at Globox and Barbara, even though they were only trying to help. He saw their faces, betrayed by their best friend acting so cold towards them.Rayman let out a shaky sigh and sat up. His body was sore from lying for so long. He couldn't remember the last time he ate anything, either. Time escaped him in this place. He wanted to go back to sleep, but he couldn't. His mind raced with memories. Memories that became bittersweet with time. His first adventure was so far away it didn't even feel real anymore. Nothing more than a fleeting projection in his mind. He forgot what it was like to feel the exhilaration of a new journey. Now there was nothing left for him to look forward to.
There's no point in it anymore. I might as well just stay here and wait for Polokus to stop dreaming about me.
In the Glade of Dreams, a dream ending meant death. And for Polokus to keep dreaming about Rayman was suffering.Nobody in the Glade of Dreams was safe from becoming a nightmare. Letting negative emotions linger long enough could fell even the strongest hero. Rayman, being high and mighty, thought he was above all that. Rayman became agitated with boredom when the nightmares ended. He sought more adventures until there was nothing left to find. And so he laid there, completely spent by years of disappointment, jealousy, and false hope.Rayman laid on his back again, limbless arms outstretched and ready for sleep to claim him.Globox and Barbara never gave up their search for Rayman. They searched every corner of the Glade of Dreams, hoping they'd see their friend again. The Glade needed him now more than ever. The presence of nightmares threatened it once again. After many years of peace, things went sour. Polokus entrusted Globox with Rayman's previous duties, but he didn't feel right. Globox accepted it with a heavy heart, but he knew he had to. Someone had to make sure the nightmares didn't overtake their home.Globox and Barbara stumbled upon a veil of darkness that warped the plant life around it. Once green flora and fauna turned black, none of the wildlife would go near it. Barbara steadied her axe and charged at it, only to knock her to her knees by its power. Globox rushed to her side, helping her up."What the hell was that?!" It was hard for Barbara to speak after getting the wind knocked out of her."I don't know," Globox said, "but it looks bad. We have to find whoever… Whatever did this."They looked around the darkened forest to find the source of the dark energy. They knew they found what they were looking for when a cave they walked past made their stomachs retch in agony. Of all the times they'd fought nightmare creatures, none of them made them feel this way. There was something vile hidden in that cave that neither of them wanted to see."Well, somebody has to go in there," Barbara said. "We can't just sit here and wait for it to come to get us!"Globox swallowed. Whenever he was scared, Rayman was always there to make him feel more secure. But without him there, he was ready to shatter."Maybe we should head back," he said, "there's no way we can—"Barbara grabbed Globox's shoulders. "Are you kidding me?! We've come too far! The Glade needs us!If we don't do this, we'll lose everything!"Globox thought of Uglette, his wife, and his children waiting for him at home. They were his motivation to keep going. He sighed, shaky and hollow. He held back his tears the best he could. Everything had been so hard for him since Rayman disappeared. The home he loved had entered turmoil once he was gone, and the weight of everything crushed him. He was fortunate to have his family and Barbara supporting him, but it was still all too much.Barbara didn't fare any better. The headstrong and vivacious woman was weighed down with grief by Rayman's departure, too. She blamed herself for him leaving after the last encounter they had. She called him a jerk for the way he spoke to her and Globox. After exchanging heated words, he was gone. Now left with regret, Barbara longed for the day that she could reconcile with her lost friend."You're right, Barb. Everyone's counting on us." Globox said it to himself like a mantra. "I can't be scared now. Not when the Glade is like this."Barbara smiled and patted his shoulder. "That's what I like to hear!" She grabbed her axe again with newfound determination. "Let's tear up that nightmare!"Globox knew she was scared too, judging by the way her hands shook when she held her weapon. Neither of them knew what they were going to find in there, but they had to face it, no matter what it was. He watched Barbara reach for her bag to find something to illuminate the dark cave. She pulled out a lantern and tested it out. The flame inside was weak, but enough to get them through.Barbara took a deep breath, her axe on her back and the lantern in her hand. "Let's do this." She led the way with the lantern into the cave. The foul energy threatened to overtake them the deeper they went inside. The sickening feeling was overwhelming for them, but they had to push through. If Rayman were here, what would he do? They both thought. Would he be as scared as they were going into this dark abyss? It was humbling as they realized how much they depended on him.Neither of them said anything for a long time. They worried they would attract attention from whatever was lurking. Barbara's hand shook as she held the lantern, her other hand never leaving her axe. Globox stayed close to her, looking for any sign of the nightmare that dwelled in the cave. They wandered in the darkness for what felt like hours. The flame in Barbara's lantern was fading, and she'd left the fuel back at their campsite. They didn't know how they were going to get out."Where is that damn thing?" Barbara muttered to herself. "You are a nasty one, huh… Hiding in the shadows like this. You've probably been watching us this whole time. Well, you're gonna get what's comin' to ya."Globox didn't say a word. He couldn't remember the last time he was so terrified. He wanted to keep it together for Barbara, but deep down, he wanted to turn back and go home. But he knew it couldn't. Rayman was still out there, somewhere. He had to hang on longer, if only to find him again. He looked over at Barbara, clutching the lantern, her hand shaking. This was a nightmare unlike any other they'd ever encountered. How could something so foul exist in the Glade of Dreams?Barbara gathered some resolve and brought out her axe with her free hand. "Come out and get us, you piece of shit! You've made us suffer for long enough! Give us our home back! Give us Rayman back!" She screamed into the void, startling Globox."Barb," Globox said, trying to calm his friend down, "I don't think— ""Shut up!" Barbara had both hands on her axe. The lantern fell to the ground. Globox had never seen her like this. The toil this place was taking on them was too much."Barb, listen to me," Globox said. "We have to stay calm. We can't let whatever this thing is control us!"Barbara was about to shout something back at him but was cut off by an awful guttural sound. She steadied her axe once more, looking for the source. "Where the hell are you?! Show yourself!"Globox picked up the lantern and held it in front of him. He tried to keep it steady, but he was beyond terrified at this point. The nightmare was getting closer, and he didn't know if he was ready to face it.When she reached it, Barbara crouched down to see what it was, holding her lantern to it. Her blood ran cold when she realized what she was seeing. There, in a miserable heap on the ground, laid Rayman. Curled in a ball, with his hood over his head. Small and frail, nothing like she remembered him at all.She didn't want to believe what she was seeing. The nightmare was playing tricks on her, right? She turned to Globox and said, "Come here Glob. I need to make sure I'm not just seeing things."Globox stepped closer, afraid of what she was going to show him. He gasped when he saw Rayman on the ground. "You're not seeing things, Barb… That's him…! Oh…!" He couldn't help his tears."Rayman, it's okay, buddy, we're here." He reached for his friend. "Don't worry, we're gonna—""Don't touch me!" Rayman cried, thin and shrill.Globox pulled his hand back, but he didn't move. He would not leave his best friend like this. "Who did this to you?"No response. Rayman's body curled in his hands over his head. He muttered something inaudible."I swear I'll kill the son of a bitch that did this to you!" Barbara said.Rayman flinched at the sound of her voice, trying to pull his hood up more. Everything was too loud, too bright. How dare they intrude in his sacred space?Globox shot Barbara a look. "We need to deal with this delicately," he whispered. He turned back to Rayman, still trying to calm him down. "Buddy, listen to me… Barb and I are here to take you home. We've been looking for you for ages. Everyone's been worried sick about you!" He tried to keep his voice calm, trying not to further agitate Rayman."No," Rayman said curtly, "nobody cares about me anymore.""What're you talking about?" It shocked Globox to hear his friend say such a thing. "Polokus and the nymphs sent us to find you! The Glade's a mess right now. We need you to come home, Ray. Things haven't been the same since you left.""The nightmares are worse than ever," Barbara said. "We can't fight 'em off without ya. My axe can only do so much alone."Silence. Rayman dropped his hands from his head, but he didn't remove his hood. He remained on his side, facing away from his friends. The old Rayman would've gotten up at the chance to protect his home. But now…"It's hopeless," Rayman said. "Everybody gave up on me a long time ago."Barbara clenched her hands into a fist. "What are you on about?! You don't believe that, do you?!" She shoved Globox out of the way and tried to pick him up. "We've gotta get you outta here before this nightmare— ""Stop!" Rayman's voice shook Globox and Barbara to the core. "Just go! I'm not going back to the Glade!""We're not leaving!" Barbara shouted back. "Now tell us what the hell is going on?! Who brought you here and did this to you?!"Rayman said nothing, his eyes hollow as he looked at his friends. Tears ran down Globox's face, and Barbara desperately tried to hold back hers."Do you want to know?" Rayman said, his voice full of rancor. "I don't know if you're prepared to hear it.""Please," Globox said, "we have to know. We have to know how to destroy this nightmare!"Rayman looked at Globox and shook his head. He sat in front of him and put his hands on his lap. "I'll tell you why I can't go back… I'm a nightmare now. This cave is the reason Polokus is having nightmares again… It's because of me." He laughed bitterly. "It's funny really… It all started with those Rabbids. When they invaded the Glade, that was the beginning of the end for me."He thought back to the Rabbids who ran amok in his home, trying his best to keep them at bay. Back to when they enslaved him for their entertainment. Somehow, the Rabbids garnered the attention of those from the outside realms. It led them to favor the Rabbids over Rayman."Why did they like them more than me? Who knows? After all I did, they just tossed me aside like garbage."Globox wanted to reach out and touch Rayman's shoulder for comfort but held back. "Ray, how was anybody supposed to know all that? Besides, we made a comeback after that, remember?""Only to toss us to the side again," Rayman added, "even after the Rabbids left, I still couldn't shake it. Like I had no purpose left. After our last adventure, there were no nightmares left. I had nothing left to do. Nobody needed me anymore." He fell silent and hung his head."Ray," Globox said, "you are needed. I'll say it till I'm even bluer in the face if I have to."Rayman said nothing. The despair in his eyes was clear, and it was going to be difficult for his friends to pull him out of this. He was in pain for a long time and neither of them knew, and that's what hurt the most. And lead to him becoming a nightmare."Glob's right," Barbara said, "we need you. Come home. The Snoring Tree isn't the same without you. Ever since you left, everybody stopped going there."Rayman thought back to the days when he went to the Snoring Tree every day. He ate the fruit all day and napped with his friends. Globox is always being his faithful pillow. It was the first time he'd thought about it in a while, and his heart warmed up ever so slightly."And the kids ask about you all the time," Globox said.A swarm of baby Globoxes swarmed into Rayman's mind. They would dogpile him every time he would visit, saying how happy they were to see their Uncle Rayman. He looked at Globox, who had tears in his eyes. Despite these memories, he still wasn't willing to leave the cave."I can't go home!" Rayman shouted. "Don't you guys get it?! I brought myself here to wither away! I was the one that caused Polokus to have nightmares again! Every day I lie here hoping that he will stop dreaming about me. I'm not the same anymore! Years of hoping and wishing for something new, only to have it taken away! All these thoughts, they corrupted me. They caused Polokus to see me as a nightmare. But why does he still dream about me?! Why?!""Stop it!" Barbara screamed; her dam of tears finally broken. "Don't you hear yourself?! Polokus would never stop dreaming about you, dammit! You're the reason we all keep going!"Globox broke down into tears, unable to say anything. Hearing Rayman say those things broke him. His best friend of many years, his rock. Saying all those things about himself hurt him.The weight of the silence between them after was suffocating. Nobody could speak after Rayman's horrifying outburst. Globox and Barbara didn't know what to do to help their friend. The only thing they had were their memories of him."Go," Rayman said. He lay back on the ground, putting his hood back up."We're not leaving without you," Barbara said. "We can't! We promised everyone we'd find you and bring you home!"Globox put his hand on Rayman's shoulder, feeling him flinch. His voice still wavered with tears as he tried to speak but willed himself to be strong. "Rayman… Remember what you told me a long time ago? When the Robo-Pirates came? I was so scared back then, and you said…"He paused for a moment, trying to hold back his tears. "You said it was okay to be scared. I never forgot that."Rayman stayed silent as he listened to Globox's reminiscing."And when I swallowed Andy, you got me to the doctors." He laughed softly at the memory of Andre the black lum. "I wonder how he's doing now. I still miss him."Rayman thought back to everything Globox told him. It awakened memories he hadn't thought about in years."Anyway, that's beside the point," Globox said. He reached for his friend's hand and held it. Rayman didn't move this time, letting Globox take it. "You helped me all those years ago, and now it's time for me to help you. It's okay to be scared."Globox's voice sent Rayman through a sea of memories that he'd shoved away. Every adventure he'd ever been on came flooding back. The good times and the bad, remembering how much his friends loved and appreciated him. He thought back to reading the fan letters he'd gotten, telling him how much he meant to them and how much they missed him. He went back to his first adventure when he was a little thingamajig. How hopeful and full of energy he was back then. Playing musical instruments and painting during his free time.Barbara wiped away tears as she watched their exchange. She always thought their closeness was adorable. If anyone would bring Rayman back from the brink, it had to be Globox."It's okay to be scared," Globox repeated, tears pouring from his eyes again.Rayman's memories arrived at the time he first met Globox. They were in the forest, unsure of each other. They became fast friends after getting to know each other with a playful skirmish. Things were so much simpler back then. The freedom of two best friends exploring the world and having fun.Globox and Barbara had never seen Rayman wail the way he did that day. Tears poured from his eyes, dripping onto the ground. He'd sat up and clung to Globox, missing the hugs he used to give him. He released all the pain he held inside. Rayman couldn't remember the last time he cried like this. He wasn't the type to be emotional in front of his friends, but he couldn't help it this time.The nightmare that had hold of Rayman loosened its grip. As the ugly energy dissipated, the cave went back to its original state. The cave was still dark, save for Barbara's lantern, which still had the faintest light. The song of lums resonated through the cave, sensing it was safe to enter again.Globox didn't dare let Rayman go as he cried with him. Barbara joined in too, hoping this hug-fest would destroy the nightmare. In this world, positivity and hope were the best ways to keep nightmares at bay. It was Rayman's purpose. He was the light of hope for the Glade of Dreams. And when he succumbed to the negativity, it was more difficult to destroy."I'm scared. I wanna go home." Rayman held onto Globox like a frightened child."It's gonna be okay, buddy," Globox said as he stood up. He cradled Rayman in his arms.Barbara picked up the lantern, but she found no use for it anymore as the lums illuminated the cave.Grateful for this, she blew it out. She walked next to Globox out of the cave, talking to Rayman all the way. They didn't know how long they'd been in there, but it was sunrise when they exited the cave. It was the most welcoming sight in the world to hear the lums singing when they walked back to the campsite. Barbara fell to her knees, relieved that they made it out in one piece.The Grand Minimus, the nymphs, and the other Grand Teensies came together at the Fairy Council. They came together to discuss Globox and Barbara's search for Rayman. When the Glade became infested with nightmares, they knew they were the only ones that were up for the task. Even if it took forever, they had faith that they'd find the Guardian of the Glade again. To ease the tension in the room, they had a spread of tea and biscuits at the table."It's been days since Globox and Barbara have reported anything," the Grand Minimus said. "I hope something hasn't happened to them.""It is quite troubling," the Grand Magus said. "Should we send someone to find them?""There's no need for that!" The Grand Canticus said, "it's too dangerous for anyone else to leave the Fairy Wood!"The Grand Scripticus poured himself more tea. "You all worry too much.""We must remain calm," Betilla said. "I'm sure Globox and Barbara are doing their best to find Rayman. I have faith that they will return with him someday."Everyone fell in silence, wondering when they'll see their hero again. Ever since he left, the lums' song changed to a lament for what had become of their home."I hope you're right," Holly Luya said. "I long for the lums to sing their sweet songs again."Edith Up looked at her plate of biscuits and sighed. Her recipes weren't the same since the Glade fell into despair."Betilla's right," Annetta Fish said, "we have to hold on to hope that Rayman will come home."Everyone at the table murmured in agreement."Barbara and Globox are the strongest heroes we have," Helena Handbasket said. "We have to trust them."The lums' song continued to resonate outside the windows of the Fairy Council. They all hoped that things would get better soon. Polokus suffered from this nightmare for far too long. Murfy had been the messenger between them and the heroes, and they longed for him to bring some good news. He'd been gone for days, and they didn't know when he'd return. Polokus stayed in his room with the Teensy doctors, trying their best to stabilize him. They didn't know what kind of nightmare had a hold on him, but they hoped it would be over soon.The door opened, and one of the Teensy doctors entered. Everyone turned their heads, anxious about what he would say. Betilla stood up and said, "how is the Bubble Dreamer?"A smile crept upon his face. "Polokus's nightmare is lessening. He's sleeping better now."Sighs of relief rang out in the room, and everyone murmured to each other about the news."Does this mean the nightmare is ending?" The Grand Minimus said."I am not sure," the doctor said, "but I feel that the worst is over."Betilla followed the doctor out of the room. "I must go to him.""As you wish, Lady Betilla," the doctor said as she followed him out of the room."For Pete's sake, where are those guys?! I feel like I've been flying for weeks!" Murfy soared through the forest looking for Globox and Barbara. He hadn't seen them anywhere, and he knew everyone back at the Fairy Council worried about him. He spent much of his time relaying information back and forth to everyone, and it wore him out. Still, everyone counted on him to make sure they would get Rayman back. Murfy looked around everywhere he could but to no avail."Come on, come on! There's gotta be some sign of them somewhere!" As he continued to fly, he smelled smoke. "Ugh, what the heck! Who's starting a forest fire… Wait a minute!"He flew higher past the trees to find the source of the smoke. "A-hah!" He flew towards the smoke signal, looking down at the trees. When he saw a campsite, he flew down to it, hoping it was who he was looking for.When he landed, he saw Globox and Barbara sitting around a campfire. Murfy's heart jumped out of his chest when he saw them and immediately flew to them, calling out their names. They turned their heads and gave him a look of surprise when they saw him."Murfy!" Globox said, hugging his friend. "I'm so glad to see you!""You won't believe the day we had," Barbara said as she joined in."I'd love to hear all about it," Murfy said, "but just let me rest my wings for a minute. I feel like they're gonna fall off." He sat on the ground in front of the fire. "You got some grub? I'm starving!"Globox handed him one of the grilled meat skewers Barbara made earlier. Murfy ate it like it was the first meal he had in ages."So," Murfy said, "where the heck were you guys? I hope you have good news for me to bring back home."Barbara held her skewer as she spoke. "Well, it's kind of a long story.""It's not like I have anything better to do," Murfy said.So, Barbara and Globox recounted the events that led them to find Rayman. Murfy listened to the story, stunned. The wisecracking greenbottle sat in silence, not knowing what to say. Globox led him to the tent where Rayman lie sleeping in a bedroll. Murfy's eyes widened when he saw how exhausted he looked. Fragile compared to how he was used to seeing him. His lips quivered when he realized what he was seeing was real. Rayman was back, and he was coming home. He wiped his eyes and flew back to the campfire. He wanted to make a quip about having something in his eye, but he knew he couldn't hide his tears. Not after what they'd all been through."He's been asleep for hours," Globox said, "the nightmare took a toll on him."The atmosphere of the forest felt a lot lighter since they defeated the nightmare. Lums sang their lullaby as night fell. They brought sweet dreams to the slumbering inhabitants. It was a signal that all was right in the world."I'm just glad he's okay," Barbara said. "It's all thanks to you, Glob."Globox smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. "You know I couldn't have done it without you, Barb."Everyone looked up at the night sky, feeling the tranquility of the night."I'd love to stay and chat further," Murfy said. He fluttered into the air once again. "But I gotta tell everybody Rayman's back.""Take care, Murfy," Globox said, hugging him again. "Hopefully we'll be back before sunset tomorrow.""Yeah," Barbara said, "we'll be as fast as we can.""Sure thing, compadres." Flying into the night, Murfy hurried back to the Fairy Council.Late into the night, the Grand Teensies stayed in the Fairy Council to wait for Murfy's return. With every passing hour, they grew more anxious. They wondered what happened to their messenger. Despite being such a piece of work Murfy was always punctual. Then again, these were unusual times. The lands outside their home were more dangerous than before. Even though Polokus's nightmares grew weaker, one still had to be careful when traveling.The Grand Teensies tried to keep themselves awake by drinking tea. They passed the time by telling each other stories of Rayman's past adventures. How much he had done for them. How kindhearted he was, stopping to help anyone who needed it. He was a hero among heroes.The Grand Magus adjusted his pointy hat as he caught himself falling asleep. "I wish Murfy would hurry. We'll all be zombies by morning.""Truly," the Grand Scripticus said. "Are you sure you didn't give us the bedtime blend by mistake, Grand Minimus?""Surely not. This is my most potent blend." The Grand Minimus said."Shall I sing?" The Grand Canitcus asked. "I have a ballad I've been working on about-""Not." The Grand Minimus held his tiny hand up to his comrade. "We mustn't wake up the entire Wood with your screeching."The Grand Canticus folded his arms. "I shall save it for Rayman's return."The Grand Scripticus poured more tea. "Yes, that may fare better."The lums outside sang a tune, much different from before. It was a gentle and lilting song that the Grand Teensies hadn't heard in a long time. They all fell asleep at the table to the song."Hey, fellas! I got news!" Murfy burst through the doors without warning, jolting them all awake.After collecting themselves, the Grand Minimus was the first to speak. "What have you found, Murfy?""He's back," Murfy said, "Rayman's back! They did it!"The Grand Teensies stood up and chattered amongst themselves."By Polokus's beard," the Grand Magus said, "is it true?"Murfy laughed. "You don't think I flew all this way just to tell you the weather?"He told them the story that Globox and Barbara relayed to him. About how Rayman had left home in despair, thinking he was no longer needed. Then he became entangled in a nightmare caused byRayman's negative thoughts. The Grand Teensies couldn't help but gasp when Murfy revealed this.They were glad that Globox and Barbara were there to help pull him out of it."How dreadful," the Grand Minimus said, "I wish I would've known how much pain he was in. Maybe I could've prevented this.""It was no wonder why he hadn't been himself before he left," the Grand Canticus said. "Once a nightmare has hold of you, it's difficult to break it.""And for the Guardian of the Glade himself to have fallen victim." The Grand Magus shook his head."I too wish that I had paid attention more."They fell into silence with the clanking of teacups and plates among them."When he comes back," Murfy said, "We gotta let him know how much we care. It sounded like he was down on himself. I'd hate to think that I caused it too."The Grand Minimus stirred his tea. "I agree, Murfy. We need to give him the grandest hero's welcome he's ever seen!""Absolutely," the Grand Scripticus said, "but first, you must tell everyone else the news! We can't have all this without everyone else knowing, right?"Murfy nodded and prepared to fly through the doors again. "Right. Now if you'll excuse me…"The road back to the Fairy Wood was a long and arduous one. Globox and Barbara longed to return to their home after being away for so long. And with Rayman back with them, it made the trip all the much sweeter. He had lost some of his strength, and it made it difficult for him to walk for long periods. Globox offered to carry him on the journey, but Rayman declined. He didn't want to be any more of a burden than he already was.Rayman didn't feel completely like himself, but he was getting better. The more time he spent with his friends again, the more his spirit lifted. Being out of that dark cave made his eyes sensitive to the light, but he knew it would get better with time. He missed being out in the open wilderness, taking in the fresh air and sunshine. This was where he was, not wallowing in misery like he was before. Rayman regretted the things he said back in the cave, and he wished he could take them back. He figured they didn't take it too hard, as he wasn't himself. Still, it wasn't like him to say such things.Rayman sat on a stump in the wood. Globox noticed him stop and turned around. "Need a break, buddy?""Yeah, for a minute," Rayman said. His voice was still tired from everything that had happened.Globox sat next to him, with Barbara on the other side."We still have some food left over from the camp," Barbara said as she offered one of her provisions.Rayman turned it down and Barbara ate it herself.Rayman sighed and looked at the ground, his hands in his lap. He had a lot on his mind, but he didn't know how to say it."What's the matter, Ray?" Globox asked. "You know you can tell us anything.""Yeah," Barbara said as she ate her leftovers.Rayman looked up at Globox. "I'm sorry for everything I did. Things should never have gotten so bad.I shouldn't have said the things I did before I left. I should've never left at all." His eyes shined with tears.Globox put his arm around his friend. "Don't beat yourself up over it. We're the ones who should apologize. We should've been more supportive of what you were going through."Barbara reached over and hugged Rayman, too. "Don't keep everything inside! You gotta tell us when stuff is bothering you!"Rayman wiped his eyes and smiled. "Yeah, you're right. It can be hard sometimes, but I'll try."They stood up and continued the journey home. Rayman couldn't wait to see his home again. He was angry at himself for wanting to give it up.The Fairy Wood awaited the return of their heroes. Everyone stood at the entrance, waiting for them to come over the hill. The lums continued to sing as the sunshine from the trees made everything shimmer with life. The Glade of Dreams was at peace once again. Polokus stood with everyone else, which was the first time he had done so in quite some time. It wasn't unusual for the god of their world to stand among his creations."Look! I see them!" One of the Teensies said, pointing in the hill's direction in front of the wood.Everyone turned to see the heroes walk toward them. The Teensies jumped up and down as they finally passed through the entrance to the wood. Betilla flew to Rayman, immediately scooping him up in her arms."Rayman," she cried, holding her son tight, "I'm so glad you're safe! You had me worried sick... You had us all worried sick!""I'm sorry," Rayman said. He couldn't help but weep.Betilla reassured him as she ran her fingers through his hair. She couldn't remember the last time she held him like this. The others in the group watched on, not wanting to disturb the moment.Rayman let go after some time, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He turned to the rest of his friends and gave them a tired smile. The Teensies danced in a circle around him, chanting the song the Grand Canticus wrote. Everyone took turns hugging him, showing him the most love and appreciation they had given him in a long time.He did not know how much he missed his home when he returned. Seeing everyone again made him realize how good he had it. To have those around him that cared for him and worried for him when he was missing. Seeing the Snoring Tree again and tasting the fruit for the first time in ages.The celebrations were fun and all, but he was the most content being back at the Snoring Tree with his friends. It was going to take some time before he was himself again, but at least he was back in the place he loved.