"I saw a... clock with arms and legs?"
The moment Stelle finished speaking, Clockie replied, "Could it be... you really can see me?"
"Tick-tock! Wonderful! Wonderful! Misha can be saved!"
"Oh, sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet!"
Firefly was brimming with curiosity too. "Can you tell me what he's saying to you? Why can't I see him?"
As soon as she finished, Clockie chimed in, "My name is Clockie, and I'm the biggest star in Dreamtown, Penacony! My friends and I protect the peace of this town-"
"They're the Hanu Brothers, Mr. Soda, Origami Bird, Hamster Ball Knight..."
"And Misha! Misha's in danger-tick-tock! Help! Help!"
Faced with this bizarre sight, Stelle opened her mouth, her gaze darting between Firefly and Clockie.
...Right, I was already in the Dreamscape. Nothing I saw should surprise me anymore.
Then she crouched down and asked softly, "Clockie, is there anything I can help you with?"
"...Clockie?" Firefly's eyes widened.
"Are you saying you saw a cartoon character who doesn't even exist in reality?"
"You can't see him?" Though a little bewildered, Stelle still nodded.
"Uh... where?" Firefly looked all around, even checking the sky, but couldn't spot him anywhere.
"I can't see him..."
"Tick-tock! I guess only honest, innocent children with a childlike heart can see me-like this gray-haired friend!"
"He says you're not honest, innocent, or childlike enough."
At that explanation, Firefly puffed out her cheeks and gave a soft, seemingly disgruntled huff:
"...How am I not honest, innocent, or childlike enough...!"
"Tick-tock! Tick-tock! Gray-haired friend! Since you can see me, you must be able to help me!"
Clockie urgently struck a series of exaggerated poses on the spot. "My good friend Misha is in trouble! Please, save him! Otherwise, someone could die!"
Misha...
Stelle felt certain she'd heard that name somewhere. Thinking