the Wake #3: Nightmare

This is the third in the series of short stories. If you haven't read 1 and 2, I recommend you do so here 1 or here 2 before proceeding.











***

"Welcome to Nightmare Tournament!". The show presenter, looking down to the participants, in the stadium-like arena said with enthusiasm.
"You have been chosen for this contest. Please note that it is not personal. Participants were chosen at random".
"Yeah, right". Said the guy in the middle of the arena. He basically just fell asleep in his room moments ago.
"You are in a joint dream session. No time to explain all that. Just know that everyone here is real".
There was noise everywhere, people wondering what was going on.

"Do not attempt to wake up, or you will lose your mind. You must find the exit. You must find the red door. If you stand for too long, the ground gets you".
Blimey noticed the man talking was dressed in a white suit, and a hat. But he didn't think it was his friend from dreamworld.
"And where the hell is Smiles?".
"This will be the worst nightmare in your lifetime... But remember, this is just a dream". The 'presenter' said with a funny smile and a strange face.
The ground started to shake. Everyone was trying to get to the safest place possible, though not sure where that was.
Blimey started to run, making his way through the people and trying to make sense of it.
He bumped into a guy running in the opposite direction and immediately recognized him.
"Smiles! Where have you been?"
"Umm... Dreaming?"
"Yeah, I know. Do you now believe or you're still wondering if its true?"
"What?"
"You know what".
There was a short silence between them, as they realized something...
"Stand too lon...".
"I know, run". Blimey sharply interrupted Smiles.
Blimey's feet were almost sunk in the ground. He pulled them out and started running. He kept running as the ground seemingly tried to consume him. He then felt this emptiness behind him.
He stopped and turned back. Smiles wasn't running behind him.
"Smiles!". Blimey shouted.
"Smiles. Where are you? Answer me".
But Blimey didn't get a response. He felt the ground taking in his feet, so he moved. He kept pacing, calling out for his friend, but he didn't hear or see him.
The whole area around him was dark and empty. He could see stuff lying around, but there was no one.
"Smiles!". He called out to nothingness...
"I'm right here, bro".
Blimey turned around. He was terrified with what he saw. Smiles was halfway in the ground. His hands were stuck. Blimey rushed to help him out.
"What happened? I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have...".
"Will you shut the hell up and help me out of this?".
"Hmm". Blimey laughed. "Hold on".
He dragged Smiles' hands out of the ground one by one. He tried to pull him out of the ground, but it was too hard.
Blimey pulled desperately, not realizing that there were other forces at play.
He, too, was sinking.
"No, no... NO".
"Haven't you heard of save yourself?". Said Smiles.
"Gbenu so'un jo".
They both sank slowly into the earth, scared and screaming for help.
Blimey struggled to stay above ground as he watched the world above him disappear. He reached out, until there was nothing. Nothing but darkness...
***