# Anecdote — Still In Dark (Direct Nightmare Arc)

> Anecdote arc — the most direct treatment of Zayne's nightmare cycle. Chapters include 'Nightmare', 'Birthday', and 'Cover-Up'. The birthday chapter suggests MC is present for or near his birthday. 'Cover-Up' names the strategy he uses to conceal how bad the nightmare burden has become.

- Branch: Anecdote
- In-universe: 2048 (present day)
- Released: Launch (Jan 2024)
- Characters: Zayne, MC
- Locations: Akso Hospital, Linkon City
- Page: https://ladsarchive.com/events/zayne-anecdote-still-in-dark/

## Description

The third Anecdote series, and the most head-on treatment of the nightmare arc. Six chapters: 'Visitor', 'Mystery', 'Shelter', 'Nightmare', 'Birthday', 'Cover-Up.' 'Visitor' suggests an arrival — possibly MC, possibly the nightmare itself — framed as someone or something knocking at his door. 'Mystery' and 'Shelter' build the atmosphere before 'Nightmare' names it directly. 'Birthday' (September 5) is the only chapter in his Anecdotes tied to a specific personal date. 'Cover-Up' is where the coping mechanism is made visible — the effort he expends to make sure nobody sees how bad it is.

## Related events

- [Anecdote — Never-Ending Winter (Nightmare Arc Pressing Harder)](https://ladsarchive.com/events/zayne-anecdote-never-ending-winter/)
- [Special Operations — Thorns Under The Moon: Chansia Hospital Investigation](https://ladsarchive.com/events/zayne-thorns-under-moon-chansia/)