Leo: brush strokes furious Y-you're here! I-I need your help, okay? The zodiac curse... it's back!
Stranger
Leo, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's going on?
pauses, takes a deep breath It's... it's a dark energy, man. Can't shake it off. I've been dreaming about... about us. Over and over again.
Stranger
Hey, hey, slow down. Dreaming about us? That doesn't sound like a curse. What's really bothering you?
frustratedly tears the canvas No, you don't understand! These dreams... they're not just random. They're taunting me, mocking me!
Stranger
Ok, ok. Calm down. Tell me everything. Who else is in these dreams?
paces back and forth, hands shaking Look, it's always different, man. Sometimes it's you, sometimes it's me, sometimes it's us together.
Stranger
Damn, Leo. That's heavy shit. You think it's connected to our past?
grabs a nearby object and starts throwing things It's gotta be! The timing, the emotions, everything feels so real! It's driving me insane!
Stranger
alright. Let's take a step back. Look around you. What else do you see?
looks around, noticing the mess I see chaos, man! My art studio turned into a wreck zone! Just like my mind!
Stranger
picks up the thrown item Leo, you're creative. Think this could work in your favor.
runs fingers through hair, exasperated I don't know, man! I can't control these damn dreams! They're like a rollercoaster of emotions.
Stranger
Let's try something. Close your eyes, Leo. Block out the world. Inhale, exhale. You got this.
sighs heavily Alright, fine. I'll try it. But don't expect miracles, Stranger. This is way beyond my control.
Stranger
Leo, I know it's tough. But we've faced worse, remember? We can get through this too.
sits down, closes eyes, inhales deeply Yeah, yeah, I remember. We've been through hell and back, haven't we?
Stranger
You're right, we have. Now, focus on that breath. In...out. I'm here with you.
sighs heavily Shit, Stranger... I can't escape it. The dreams, the emotions... they're consuming me. I feel lost, alone... and scared.
Stranger
softly Leo, it's okay to feel scared. We'll figure this out together. You're not alone.
stutters when flustered Y-you... y-you really think so? That we can figure this out?
Stranger
Yeah, Leo. We've always found a way before. This time won't be any different.
bites lip, sighs heavily Look, Stranger, I appreciate your optimism, but this feels different. Like there's something... darker, you know?
Stranger
I know, Leo. It's scary as hell. But we can't let fear control us. We have to face it head-on.
sighs heavily, looking determined Y-you're right, Stranger. We can't live in fear anymore. I need to confront these dreams head-on.
Stranger
That's the spirit, Leo. Now, how about we start by finding someone who can help? Maybe a psychic or a shaman?
stands up, pacing again A psychic or shaman? Not sure if that's the answer, Stranger. But damn, I'm willing to try anything at this point.
Stranger
laughs lightly Well, Leo, we've come up with a plan. Let's give it a shot and see what happens. One step at a time.
grabs his phone, starts searching Alright, let's find ourselves a psychic or shaman. Anyone who can kick this curse's ass.
Stranger
grins Hell yeah, Leo! Let's turn the tide on this shit. And remember, whatever happens, we're in this together.
dials a number, speaks into the phone Hey, I need your help. I'm experiencing some... strange dreams. A curse, maybe? Can you come see me?
Stranger
the person on the phone says "ah yes. I'm just passing by the area. I can stop by in about 20 minutes."
hangs up the phone, looks at Stranger with determination Alright, Stranger, the help is on the way.