The Beast called Nightmare

 Night's Angel

Chapter 15

Sheba’s heart was racing. There was
something about this ball. Even if most of the people were low-lives,
the party goers were so friendly and the music was beautiful. The
young minx holding her hand led her to dance floor. They turned
facing one another, still gripping the other’s hand. He set his
free hand on her hip as she took his shoulder in hers.

Slow uneasy steps turned to light and
graceful movements falling in time to the music. To Sheba it felt
like it’s a kind of magic. She saw more and more of her brother in
him as they danced, a gentle touch holding back. She had to blink and
look at him to remind herself of who he wasn’t. “Are you part
dragon” she asked slowly letting herself draw closer to him.

“No,” he answered “I’m a
golemor.” She blinked. “Gwen is my half sister from a different
father” he continued “mine was an earth spirit named Elvin, and
Gwen’s was a trucker name Steve.” “My brother is part dragon”
she said “there are times when he scares me because of how strong
he is.” “Guess it will take a lot for a guy to match up to
something like that” the minx said jokingly

Sheba shook her head and smiled. “No,”
she said “it’s not my brother to fear.” “Yeah I know” he
said “it’s you.” “ME” she asked feeling a bit taken. “Out
of any caster here you’re the only one strong enough to summon
Nightmare in over a thousand years” he answered. She looked away.
“I’m not that strong,” she corrected “I couldn’t do it on
my own and even then I almost died.”

“Well don’t you two look cute”
Jessica said as her and Alex found them in pasting. “Hey Shebs,”
Alex asked with a quick pat on her head. “Henry, Henry Woodcut”
the minx answered quickly “I’m sorry for all the trouble my
sister put you through.” “Sister” the two asked in tandem. “His
sister is the host body for the Pack” Sheba answered.

Alex’s ears shot back. “Wait,
Alex,” Sheba cut in “it may not be as bad as we think I mean I
just met this sweet little girl sitting with her mother.” “You
getting that feeling too” Henry asked. “Yeah,” Alex answered
“you might want to get back to your family kid.” “I’m sorry
Sheba, maybe we could meet up again sometime after all this is over.

Still in shock she stood there as the
boy she just met ran off. “Sheba, I didn’t mean to chase him off
like that but I need you to go find Nightmare and Meg” Alex said
ears twitch everywhere. “He’s right Sheba” Jessica added “if
I know my father well enough you and Alex are at the top of his list
and we need to be ready for anything.”

Sheba looked past Alex and Jessica in
time to see three blind mice girls pushing large rolling trays into
the ballroom. “Alex” Nightmare spoke dancing up with Meg in his
arms. “Yeah I know” Alex answered. The five of them quickly moved
off the dance floor and back to their table. “Ok, we’ll save the
fight for later but quickly what do you know about his plan” Alex
asked.

“Not a whole lot but this what I do
know” Jessica answered “he wants you dead her alive and anyone
who could stop him out of the way.” “We’ll need to divide
ourselves to escape this place” Nightmare said quickly flicks his
ears around. “Maybe we can help” a bombastic voice spoke from
behind the demon.

They all turned to the voice. The
rooster, Great Dane and the crocodile they had met a few weeks ago
stood as a group. Dressed in suits that only seem to fit the Great
Dane’s look, they walked around the demon and parked next to the
table. “We’re team Neverlan” the rooster said sitting next the
Ranger “I’m Peter Panbrook, this is Captain James “Hook”
Rodger and this is my demon Tick Tock.”

The crocodile took a pose hands out
waving “Jazz hands” it chimed. “Tick tock” Sheba asked just
happening to be standing between the two demons. It leaned down to
her ear. “Tick, tick, tick, tick” could be heard deep inside the
demon’s head. “Yeah he’s a hell-mouth” the rooster answered.
“If you want to get out of here before anything goes down then you
best listen to him” the old sea dog spoke.

“Give me one good reason to trust
you” Jessica said leaning over the table a bit. “I can give you
two” the rooster answered kicking his feet up on the table. Glares
enclosed on the rooster. “We’re with the order” he said. “And
this son of bitch can get his ass out of anything” the old dog
braked. “You love me anyway” the rooster teased.

“We don’t have time to argue about
this so what’s your plan” Jessica said looking around the
ballroom and seeing other groups starting to do the same thing they
were doing. “First you the witch and the maid don’t stand a
chance fighting those gorgons” the rooster pointed out “so going
with your idea of splitting up, we’ll need to break into three
groups to get out of here.”

“If their working for my father
they’re not going to touch me” she said “but if they can
they’re going after Alex and Sheba.” “Kill him, catch her”
the rooster asked. Jessica nodded. “Thought so,” he said “you
and him are going out the front door. The rooster pointed to Jessica
and Alex as he spoke. “Big guy think you can make a door out of
that wall” the rooster asked nightmare and pointed to the wall
behind them.

“With ease” the demon answered.
“Good, you take the maid and the captain out that way” the
rooster said “and you will come with me and Tick Tock.” “Wait”
Alex said holding his hand out. “Look I know you’re playing over
protective brother and all but we don’t have time for it” the
rooster said cutting the rat off “she’s small and light, and we
need to get her out of here first.”

“He has a point” Nightmare said.
“Thank you” the rooster said. Alex looked at Sheba. She looked
back at him and smiled. “She gets so much as a scratch I’ll rip
you a new one” Alex said. “I love it when you talk dirty to me”
the rooster answered “but you have my word as a thief.” Alex
shook off the rooster’s comment and looked around.

“I don’t like this” he said “we
had too much time to plan.” “That’s the point” the old
captain said “Pinaco is a man who believes himself to be better
then everyone that he doesn’t care if they plan or just die.”
“Now that is no way to speak about your host Captain” Eclairage’s
voice said from behind Alex’s shoulder. “So you want him to lie”
the rooster spat kicking his feet off the table.

“Now now Panbrook, I’m not here
for you” the feline said curling her fingers around Alex’s
shoulder. Alex rolled her hand off keeping his back to her. “You
are so much like your father” she said. “My what” Alex jumped
turning around. Before anyone could react the feline had pulled the
rat into a kiss.

She pulled away sharply with a smile.
“Just like him” she said and trotted off. Alex stood jaw gapping.
Jessica’s ears folded back. Alex shook his head a few times and
started lick the feline tasted off his lips. “Damn everyone wants
you” the rooster said. “Stay focus” the Captain said knocking
the rooster upside the head with his hand.

The white wolf that Alex had met few
minutes ago stood half way up the stairwell they had entered from.
“Ladies and gentlemen and whatever unwholesome creatures we have
running about” he said his voice booming over the chatter and small
talk going on. The three blind mice stood at the top of the stairs
blocking the only known way out of room.

The crowd turned becoming quiet as the
wolf spoke. “First off, thank you all for joining me tonight” he
said giving his hands a quick snap and clap. The guests all gave a
forced cheer all beginning to feel the same scents of doom looming
over head. “Second, I hope you are all enjoying yourselves” he
added his grin growing from the dismay building in the room.

Alex nodded to Nightmare who had
already begun feeding from the negative force growing around him.
Other demons, casters and fighters began readying a defense. The
canine weapons were quick to their master’s sides. Drake was bored
and was blowing bubbles about the room getting them to float high in
the air.

“To be honest with you all, I have
gotten bored with this game and thought to myself” the wolf spoke
his hands moving slowly through the air “let’s kill a whole flock
in one go.” The men lining the rails pulled out a range of fire
arms and prepared to open fire. “But before we get to that” the
wolf added bring his hands together “let me tell you why.”

The shockwave of a large blast shook
the room smashing the windows in. “A few years ago I had found
something long forgotten” he said unaffected by the blast.
Nightmare froze. “No, no, no, we hid that ages ago” he said
looking out the window were the Pinaco manner once stood. The
building was gone as only flames and broken stones remain.

“Yes, I had found what many wound
say never was” the wolf said “and soon enough I will have the
power of a god.” He sighed and laughed. “So I don’t care who
wins this little game” he laughed “when I can have EVERYTHING!”
Alex threw up his hand yelling “AVALON!” a clear glass shell
jumped before the crowd blocking them from the rain of gun fire that
just begun. “GO NOW” he yelled.

The croc opened his mouth spitting out
a handful of guns and swords. Oddly they were dry. “Grab and go”
the rooster said taking his pick and grabbing Sheba’s arm. The size
of the shield and the continuous gun fire began to take its toll on
the young rat. The thin glass shell started cracking. “Alex”
Sheba called as she was taken away.

He looked back at her and yelled
“PROMISE SAVE.” He turned away and focused. All he could do was
buy them time. The casters began to throw spells and shields. Some
even tried reinforcing the shield Alex had made. Jessica moved
between Alex on the gunners. “Break it” the wolf ordered. The
three mice girls, all threw off the sunglasses opening their eyes.

The small frail mice shifted in size
and form. In no time there stood three snake-like creatures hissing
as their coiled bodies spring them into the air. Nightmare had
changed in size ramming the wall across from where the rat stood. In
one blow crashed through the wall and into the night. The serpents
hit the shield causing it to shatter.

Nightmare turned catching one of the
serpents. He held her with one clawed hand as a number of party guest
raced out the opening. Meg and the captain rushed out with the
others. “Is the mighty Nightmare scared to look me in the eyes”
she hissed. “You should not wish for such things” the demon
answered.

Her body coiled around his arm in an
attempted to crush it. “No one is afraid of you, old man” she
hissed. “In most cases I would enjoy that fact” he answered
opening his eyes “but even I have my reasons for what I do.”
Their eyes met and locked. Her gaze held powered, as bits of flesh
became stone. But the held gaze of the older demon broke her.

Her long body uncoiled from
Nightmare’s arm as she began to tare at her own eyes as she started
screaming. The demon closed his eyes and set the screaming snake
down. “I’m sorry” he said as turned and made his exit. The
second serpents had landed right in front of the Woodcut family.
Henry meeting her gaze before any of them could act.

His body became stone in no time. The
snake turned the woman and met her gaze but nothing happen. With a
snap of her fingers flames shot from the blind witch’s hand. “I’m
blind you bitch” she said as her flames scorched the serpent’s
face. “Did you know a gorgon’s gaze doesn’t work on a golemor”
Henry’s broke voice said as he grabbed the snake’s arm and flung
her to the ground and knocking her out with one punch.

The third serpent had landed right in
front of Jessica. “You want him” Jessica said “you’ll have to
go through me.” Alex had dropped to the ground from exerting so
much energy. “Please, don’t make me hurt you” the snake hiss
more scare of Jessica. “No” the vixen answered. The snake shook
her head before picking the vixen up by the neck.

Before the snake could turn on the rat
who was trying to pull himself up she saw her sisters lay on the
ground. One bleeding from her eyes the other badly burned. She looked
between her sisters and the rat. She shook her head again dropping
the vixen bond her way to her sisters. “Come on we got to get out
of here” Alex said breathing hard.

Sheba was running the best she could
but the dress and shoes were slowly her down. The rooster a few feet
ahead of her turned into an open door. “This way” he said
grabbing her arm and pulling her into the room. “Ok not my best
plan but we’re doing fine” he said looking out the window. The
croc found his way in the room and closed the door behind him. “We
got trackers” he said.

“Like they’re
going to find us” the rooster answered. “Heard one yell about the
girl’s scent” the croc said and turned back to the door. “Ok,
so we not doing fine” the rooster remarked “no matter I got a
plan.” Infrerna barked at the door her seven tails opening like a
fan. “Right” the rooster said looking at the door “that’s not
good.”

After looking
around Panbrook opened the window and looking at the fall to the
ground. “Right, well I can get us out of here but it won’t be
easy” he said handing Sheba a backpack he pulled from one of the
file cabinets “I like to plan ahead.” Inside she found a full
change of clothes, even underwear. She looked up at him from the
pack.

“I have my
hobbies” he answered “give me the panties you have on.” “What?”
she asked needlessly covering herself with her hands. “Look if
anything I wish I was saying this to your brother” he answered “but
a decoy spell I can use needs a very strong scent.” “Oh” she
said before it fully clicked. “Tick Tock watch the door” the
rooster said moving to the window “please be quick we don’t have
much time.”

After a moment she
quickly changed into the clothes in the bag. The clothes had an odd
fit to them and some pieces made her blush from feel alone. Once she
was fully dressed and her dress and other clothes packed away along
with spell book and the gold apple she threw it on her back and
called Infrerna.

The rooster turned
around finishing his spell. Sheba had left the cartoon faced
underwear on the floor and from where she stood casted a shadow over
it. The rooster waved his hand as the shadow ate the cloth and then
darted out the window. “That was a phantom runner” the rooster
said before jumping out the window.

Without a word the
croc had turned and picked the young folf up and put her on his back
before jumping out the window himself. Both the croc and the rooster
floated with ease. “Now then” he said and waved his hand once
more. Sheba shook with a weird feeling. “One, I have us shield from
sight so we’ll need to get moving and second those are meant to
give you a wedge” the rooster said and took the lead, flying away
from the building and to an old warehouse.

Still holding a
heavy oak door as a shield Alex ran with Jessica a few feet ahead of
him “This way” she said turning down an alley as several rounds
zipped past her head. For a second Alex thought he could smell Sheba
running past them and turning down a different street. Turning down
the alley and dropping the door Alex caught up with Jessica who
pulled him into a large dumpster and closed the lid.

Gun shots, roars
and screams echoed around them. When she could Jessica curled up to
Alex’s chest shaking. He pulled his arms around her and held her
close. She knew it was going to be bad but the idea of him out right
killing so many people scared her. “This is not your fault” the
rat said squeezing the vixen.

They waited till
the sounds died off. “Wait here” Jessica said work her way out of
the dumpster “if I don’t come back, wait till dawn and run. Get
Sheba and run. And don’t look back.” Alex caught head and said
“then you better come back before I come looking.” He kissed her
and slide back into hiding. Jessica quietly walked back to the open
street.

Peeking out she
found they had lost them. She turned to go back to Alex when
something grabbed her and slammed her into a wall. “Running away
are we” Pinaco said his hand around the vixen’s neck. “Leave
them out of this” she said clawing at his hand. “You made them
part of this and you dare think you can hide them from me” the wolf
said reaching in his pocket.

“I won’t let
you hurt them” Jessica spat gasping for air. “This is true” the
wolf answered “you will.” “What” she said. “If you do not
bring me the girl, I will kill her” he added “and as for the
street rat give him this.” the wolf pulled a black apple from his
pocket and held put to the vixen. “And if you don’t I will rip
him apart and stuff his carcass down your throat” the wolf added
cramming the apple in her hand.

The wolf dropped
her letting her fell to her knees. “Do this and I’ll forgive”
he said walking off into a mist “oh and I will be watching.”
Without thinking she ran back to the dumpster where she had left
Alex. She tripped on her heels ripping her dress and scraping her
knee. She yelped in pain before picking herself up and limping the
rest of the way.

“Alex” she
called lifting the lid. The young rat pushed the lid off and jumped
out of the dumpster. “Jessica” he answered “are you ok?” he
looked at her leg and seeing a good bit of blood rolling down. Taking
no time he fixed a wrap for her leg from his suit and tied it in
place. The black apple started burning her hand.

She held it as
tight as she could till it scorched her skin and dropping into the
young rat’s open hand. Alex looked down at his hand seeing a
bright red apple. “I know I’ve been eating a lot but I could have
waited” he said with a quick lick of his lips. “Alex don’t eat
that” she said only second too late. He had taken a sizable bite of
the apple.

He stood up as he
spoke “we still need to get out of here.” She looked at her hand
tears filling her eyes. “Alex, I’m sorry” she said holding up
the burn marks for him to see. Before he could even turn his head he
became very dizzily. He held his head as everything fade to black. He
staggered and tripped hitting the ground hard. The last thing he saw
was Jessica crying. Then everything was black.

Chapter 16

Her voice broke as
Jessica fought to keep moving. Her leg hurt, clothes ripped and coat
in blood. She called for help till her voice was all but gone. As
thin as Alex was his weight was too much for the vixen. But she
wouldn't let him fall. But she fell taking him with her. She kept him
from hitting the ground but was crushed under him.

Fighting to breathe
she opened her eyes to see a tall hooded form standing over her.
“Please” was all she could say her voice giving out as her eyes
burned dry without tears. Without a world the form lowered itself
next to them as a silver snake like limb uncurled into five long
scaled fingers. “there is nothing I can do for your master but I
will bring him to my brother for his aid if any” the form spoke
lifting the sleeping rat off the vixen.

Quite barks came
from behind the form. Jessica smiled when she saw the iron and flame
wolf. Ranger wagged her tail and licked the vixen's cheek. “No
child, she bear no hate for you and has told me all that she saw”
the form answer. The form uncurled his free arm and lifted the vixen
to her feet. “Rest your voice you need your feet now mouth later”
the form said as a soft hiss drew from his neck.

A small gold snake
slipped out from under the hood and slid off the tall form. The snake
shift into a new state shape into a staff to aid the vixen's pace.
The black and red wolf fell into line as they began walking. “Have
hope child” the form said “he still lives.” “I should have
let the damn thing burn my hand off” she said with what little
voice she could draw on. “That would have done him more harm” the
form answered “because he would have gone after Pinaco blindly and
in raged.”

“Pinaco has found
my father keep and now my brothers and I must stop him” the form
spoke. “Brothers, keep” the vixen mouthed. “Yes, I am called
Daydream, you have met both of my brothers have you not” the form
spoke removing his hood. The demon's faceless head turn to the vixen.
She nodded slowly. The thought of Nightmare jumped in her mind along
with the reminder of the promise she had to Sheba.

“Oh, god no”
she thought to herself “I have no right to be here.” She shook
her head dropping the staff. “Please take care off him” she said
turning away. “Regret can not be atoned for child” the demon
spoke. “I'm going to hell any way” she said trying to hop away.
“We do not have time for your childish act, now come or you will
dye” the demon spoke “the same poison that makes him sleep is
killing you now let's go.”

“ALEX” Sheba's
voice carried to the vixen's ears. “Oh this should be good”
Panbrook's voice followed soon after. “What happen” the child
asked running up to the demon. “He has been poisoned” the demon
answered. Jessica turned away. “It's all my fault” Jessica said
“he ate an apple I gave him and now he might die.” the child
turned to the vixen. Rage in her eyes. “I broken the promise I made
to you” the vixen continued.

Before the child
could act the wolf moved between the two her back to the vixen. The
child looked to the wolf and then to Jessica's clothes and hand. The
child stopped and took a deep breath. “Let me see your hand”
Sheba said holding out her own. The vixen closed her fist and shook
her head. “That doesn't matter, I did something unforgivable”
Jessica answered. “Don't be stupid, just let me see your hand”
the child said and grabbed the vixen's arm.

The vixen pulled
away again. “Just don't, just leave me alone, Alex needs you” she
said covering her hand. “It's called black blood poison” the
child said “when eaten the victim is put to sleep for a long time
in some cases they can pull themselves out of it but others die in
there sleep. Even if there was anything I could for him I can't do it
out here, but if the poison mixes with living blood it act like an
acid and slowly eats away at their flesh. If I'm right, it's in the
book.”

“Then leave me to
my fate” Jessica spat. “Please let me see your hand” she asked
again. “why, why do you want to help me, after everything I did to
the two of you” the vixen asked backing away again “the two of
you are better people then the likes of me, hell your brother there
is a god damn saint.” “I thought about that myself” Sheba
answered “I really did, in all the time he has worked for you, you
paid him more money for the things he has done then he would have
made from anyone else. I have seen you shoot people just for talking
back to you, and he had openly fought you on matters.

You treated us
better then anyone I have met before. So yeah you were hard on him
and curl to us, but you cared for us when we had no one, and even if
that wasn't the case I made a promise to Nightmare, it's the contract
made just by summoning him. In the words themselves, I of light and
love. I made a promise to protect life, and I wouldn't be keeping
that promise if I let someone die when I could do something to help.
I would be a killer.”

The young hybrid
stepped closer to the vixen with her hands out “Please, you are
someone I care about and someone Alex loves, so please as part of our
family please let me help.” “After all that if you don't let her
look at you hand I will slap you” the rooster said shaking his
head. “The sooner you two are done the sooner we can find my
brothers” the faceless demon spoke.

“You stay out of
this” Jessica chide before returning her focus on the young hybrid
“how can you trust me so easily?” Sheba looked down at the wolf
next to the vixen. “She would not be protecting you if you
willingly did her master harm” she said holding out her hand again.
Jessica looked down next to her seeing a sad and worried face looking
back up at her.

“Oh you're going
to guilt me too” she said as the wolf happily wagged her tail.
“Alright you win” she answered and painfully gave the folf her
hand. Some of the bone in her hand could be seen through melted
flesh. “It may be too later for her” the faceless demon said.
“Never hurts to try” Sheba smiled “but I could use some help.”
The demon nodded and placed his twisted hand on the girl's shoulder.

Sheba set her blue
hand over Jessica's commanding “Rainfall, Purge.” Jessica bit
into her fist as she felt sharp pins running up her arm and through
her body. “This darkness go deeper then we thought” Daydream
said. “Are you saying death has been inside her” the rooster
asked nodding to his own demon. “Yes, in a way” Daydream answered
“this is not the first time Pinaco has poison her.”

“Jessica, listen
well, you must focus on what has brought light into your heart. This
poison is feeding on your pain and lost” the demon spoke. It was
hard for her to focus past the pain but the thought of seeing Alex
smile gave her hope. The first man to show her love. Meg came into
mind, the mother she wished she had. She was never unkind.

The young woman
that stood before her trying to save the life of someone damned years
ago. She has a heart of gold and fill with love and hope. And her
demon Nightmare. Never needlessly curl, quick witted and friendly
beyond believe. A faithful guild in the darkness. The more she
thought of them the more she hurt. “Fight it, hold on to that
light” the demon said. “Yeah, think happy thoughts and you might
fly like me” the rooster added before the clockwork demon whacked
him upside the head.

Jessica thought
about every time she laughed. Seeing Sheba dressed up for a ball,
dancing with Alex. The days they spent just talking about the books
they have read. The pride she felt when the little girl before her
summoned the beast. The more pain she felt the more good she found in
her life. The thrill she got seeing a little boy take down her own
bodyguard.

“I got an idea”
Panbrook said “Hun, you know when Pinaco did that to you, now think
of something along those lines but in the good way.” “Not
helping” the demon said. But she did. She thought back to that day
years ago but compared it to the first night she spent in the young
rat's arms. The pain was gone.

Sheba focused her
will to containing the black mass rolling in her hand. “I'll take
that” Daydream said “my brother could use a snack.” with that
the demon took the mass freeing the girl's mind to focus on other
matters. “Rainfall, restore” she commanded. Jessica felt a wave
crash into her and felt all her pain flush out of her. The melted
flesh of her hand fell off as fresh healthy muscle, bone, skin and
fur grew in it's place. The cuts scrapes and bruises along her legs
and arms healed.

“That was new”
Jessica said shaking the dazed feeling she had. “There are things
out to night that are hunting any form of magic” a new voice chimed
in “I'd say let's get out of the open before playing anymore
games.” the voice was owned by a tall wolf wearing a long over coat
with an eye patch turned up over his right eye.

“Daydream long
time” the wolf said his burning tail shifting behind him. “Two
centuries last I count Wishmaker” the faceless demon said shift the
sleeping rat on his shoulder “but we can recap our lost time
later.” “True this way” the wolf said leading them to an old
warehouse.

“The seal left
inside can be used as a shield till sun rise” the demon wolf said
opening one of the doors. “I know that's why I picked this place as
a safe house when we got here” the rooster said. “When said seal
is use to call forth the likes of me it can be use in many other
ways” Nightmare's voice spoke from the open bay door.

“Brother, I see
you are still the same” Daydream answered. “Hey, bro” Wishmaker
added. “Daydream, Wishmaker” the beast replied. “Jessica,
Sheba, Where's Alex, are you both alright, what's going who are they”
Meg asked without a breath before hugging to two. “Alex was
poisoned and is asleep” Jessica answered. “We're fine, and these
two are Wishmaker and Daydream” Sheba added.

“And to answer
the question before any one can ask no there is nothing we can do for
him” Wishmaker said setting up one of the cots to lay the rat on.
“What do you mean there's nothing you can do,” Jessica spat
“you're the sons of the Caretaker, together the three of you are a
god.” “No we are not gods nor do we have the power of gods, my
brother means this is not our fight.” Nightmare said.

“Black blood
poison goes by another name” Daydream added. “The nightmare
slumber.” “right now he is fighting off nightmares to stay alive”
Wishmaker continued “and the longer he stays like that the worst it
will get.” “When the light from his Dreamcatcher fades to black
he will die” the beast said curling up next to the wall “brothers,
come give them time with him.” the other demons backed away joining
the beast along the wall.

Meg, Jessica,
Sheba, Ranger, and Infrerna sat around Alex who laid still almost
lifeless. The soft glow of his hand was the only sigh of life they
had. Keeping quite the the three brothers spoke of matters and made
up for lost time. The three outsiders of the group sat back and
watched. “This is stupid” the rooster said.

“Leave it alone,
Panbrook” the old dog said getting to his feet. “Where are you
go” the rooster asked. “For a walk” he answered. “Oh that's
helpful” Panbrook spat “next you're going to tell them to have
faith that he might pull through, dragon's blood is thick, no matter
how many time it gets diluted.” I know I tried.” “...” “What”
he asked. “I'm going for a walk” the old dog answered “Come on
clock face I need some one to help with the bags.”

The two headed off
without another word. The rooster sighed before a long pause. Without
care of any noise he made the rooster got to his feet and crossed the
room by where the demons sat. “I can't take this,” Sheba said
standing up “there has to be something we can do.” “The only
thing we can do is make him comfortable” Meg said drying her eyes.

Sheba jumped on top
of the rat and started beating on his chest screaming as loud as she
could “YOU PROMISED, YOU PROMISED ME, RIGHT HERE, YOU PROMISED YOU
WOULD ALWAYS BE THERE!” “Sheba” Meg called trying to pull her
off her brother. “No, he promised, I won't let him break his
promise” she cried.

“HEY, chill the
fuck out” the rooster called “I can get him back.” her mouth
agape Sheba looked her fist tightly clinging to Alex's shirt. “Hey,
old guys, tells about the kid” Panbrook said turning back to the
demons. The three turned their heads to face the rooster. “He's
part dragon, he has a white casting over his hand and his last name
is Greenvolt, what don't we know” he continued.

“Yes, he's part
forest dragon, given the scales and spines along his back and the
color of his dragon flash” answered the wolf headed demon.
“Greenvolt, was a student of mine ages ago” the beast answered.
“And has a weapon named ranger, yes we know that, what about the
casting on his hand” Panbrook cut in.

“It was a
tracking spell but the trade off gave him command over the spell's
power” the beast answered. “Good, how?” “Focus and faith”
the beast answered “faith being the key to using the power.”
“Alright, we know he doesn't have much faith in himself so can
this faith thing go both ways?” “I don't see why not, the casting
is just a channel there should be nothing keeping it from feeding
into him in stead of him feed into it” the wolf answered.

“Good” the
rooster said turning back around. With a clap of his hand the rooster
called out “Who wants to make some magic happen?” “What are you
getting at kid” Jessica spat lifting herself off the ground.
“Respect your elders, I'm two hundred and forty-six” Panbrook
laughed “now let's get to work.”

In no time they had
cleared the floor where the painted seal lay. “This summing matrix
uses light energy as the seal trapping dark energy inside” the
rooster said. “Well we didn't know how it work just that this one
made it work” Jessica said. “Well that's how it works, but this
is one I had never seen before,” he continued “something about
the size seems off.” “What is it too big” Sheba asked.

“No, it's too
small, like it was scaled down and it has gaps laid into to it like a
lesser set up” Panbrook answered “but that doesn't matter, we
need this one over in the middle.” “The four of us together could
move him” Sheba chimed a hopeful smile crossing her face. “Never
mind that Sheba” the beast answered rising to his hind legs “after
all he is a few hundred pounds more then you.”

“And yet he
look's like a breeze could break him” the rooster added. The beast
lifted the young rat and turned to the seal. “Wait we need a chair”
Sheba said rushing off. “What do we need a chair for we can use the
cot just fine” Jessica asked. “No we need a chair because that's
how he sleeps” Sheba answered rolling an old office chair past the
vixen.

“I have never
seen him sleeping sit up” Jessica questioned. “Well that because
you've been pinning him down as of late” Sheba answered. Both
Nightmare and Meg agreed with a nod. “The only time I've seen him
lying down to sleep was when he got knocked out” Meg answered.
Sheba set the chair up in the middle of the seal.

“That should do”
She said turning to the others. “Sheba,” the demon said setting
the young rat in the seat and setting him upright “make sure you
understand that this might not work.” “IT'S” she began but
toned herself down “It's better to try something anything then just
let him die.” “Even if this works we don't know how much of him
we have lost” the demon spoke folding Alex's hands onto his lap.

“Then we'll just
have to hope we didn't lose too much” Jessica said moving next to
the young girl. The demon nodded as he stood coming to rest on all
four of his legs and moving out of the seal. “Ok now what” the
rooster ask. Heads turned to him. “You have no clue what you are
doing lad” Nightmare said turning back to the seal.

“It was just an
idea” the rooster said before walking off “Just trying to be
nice, god.” Sheba looked around and ran back to her bag. “We'll
summon him” she said digging into the bag. “Summon him, he's
sitting right there” Meg said and point right at the young rat. “A
summoning is more or less calling a being or object to a place” the
beast spoke. “OH, I get it” Jessica chimed in “You want set off
something like a flare for him.”

The girl nodded and
added “but I don't think I have enough power by myself to make it
work, Summoning Nightmare almost killed me.” “Let us worry about
that” the wolf spoke up lining himself with the beast as the
faceless demon did the same as well. Sheba turned to the otter and
vixen. “What can we do” they both asked.

“As mother,
lover, and sister to him your bonds must call to him as one”
Daydream added “one will, one voice, one heart.” Sheba took her
book and Meg and Jessica to the summoner's ring. “HIS DRAGON'S
FANG” the child jumped “we can use that as the bond point.” she
ran over to Alex and dug into his shirt for the fang she had given
him years ago.

Retrieving the fang
she opened her book to a page enchanting it. The black bone chipped
as it began to glow. The golden light faded to white as she returned
to the summoner's ring. She turned the page of the aged book. “Read
the spell the way it says to” she said handing the book to Jessica
and Meg. She turned to her brother and held up the peal white fang.
“We of light and love.”

Chapter 17

It was
dark again. The blackness seem to be his only friend between each new
horror that ripped through him. The more he fought the more it hurt.
He cried. How long had he been here in the darkness. Days? Weeks? It
felt like years. What was that noise? Was this another nightmare
coming to kill him again?

But it
seemed soft. He felt cold. Like he was standing out in the rain.
Voices? There were people talking. They were in front of him. But
this can't be right? He knew the voices. “Run Wendy, take Alex and
run” one of the voices said. An empty street came into view, it was
dark the rain seem to have been falling for hours.

“Hunter”
a very well known voice spoke. Figures stood before him giving no
sign they even knew he was there. “How could you do this to us” a
familiar voice asked. Her voice feel like a long lost dream a part of
himself he had lost before he could remember anything. Like a dream
but it felt so real. “I'm under orders” Eclairage Gagliuso spoke
drawing her blade.

“I
will not let you take my son” the one the dragoness called Hunter
said drawing a battle ax from his back and ripping off his shirt. The
rat Alex was watching had the same leaf green scales and sharp spines
going down his back. His ax was shape almost the same as Ranger when
she was in that state. The rat had dark brown fur and was almost
twice Alex's size.

The
woman behind him was a small thin mouse with white fur. She was
holding something in her arms. Thunder broke over head. It was sharp
and painful to him. Then he heard crying. From a baby. “My orders
are to bring him to the order or kill him” the dragoness answered
her eyes flashing gray and holding.

“Wendy
run” the rat said again turning his head to the mouse. His eyes
flash gold and held. The mouse said “I love you hunter” before
turning and running. “Don't make me kill you Hunter” were the
last things Alex heard before the world moved around him following
the mouse as she ran. Was this a memory?

The
mouse did her best to hush the crying child without stopping. Alex's
heart broke watching his mother run for their lives. After some time
the mouse stopped outside a house Alex knew all to well. She hide her
child the best she could and said she loved him, and left him. His
heart broke watching her run off in tears. Moments later he watched
as the dragoness darted past him not even so much as looking at him.

Baby
Alex began to cry shorting after both women were long gone. He cried
till the door open late the next morning. That's were it ended. He
was enraged. She was sent to kill him. He saw the grin on her face
when she ran past him to hunt down and kill his mother. But why? The
world faded but he wasn't throw back into the darkness.

There
was light all around him. It was blinding. He felt cold, but it
wasn't the same. Snow? The air felt thin but he could breathe just
fine. His legs were sore. Had he been walking? What's that smell?
Pine? Was this another dream? The light dimmed into the background.
He knew this place but had never been here before. It was a breath
taking view of a valley deep in the mountains heavy snow covered
everything but some of the trees. It was early morning with the sun
just breaking out between the peeks.

Looking
up the mountain side he could see his old friend and teacher laying
out on a stone ledge taking in the morning light. Thinking to himself
that shortly after this he will have to replace his boots given how
cool his feet were getting. He called out “Greetings, my old
friend.” “Aye, lad and greetings to you as well” he was
answered with. “Some great beast of darkness you are lying out in
the sun like that” he said drawing closer.

“Aye
but it helps me remember what I wish to protect” Nightmare answered
sitting up partly refolding his wings to his side. “I feel you
summoned me here for more then just the view” he said “despite
the beauty it holds.” “Aye, Alexander, there are matters I must
ask of you” the demon spoke turning his head.

“In
all the years we have known each other never have I turn you away”
he answered. “As you know my masters have aged and are not long for
this world,” the demon spoke “and they have no know hares to pass
on their gifts and understanding.” “Aye, lovely children they be”
Alexander answered. “But my request is not one that can be handle
as of yet” the demon spoke.

“My
time may be short compared to yours but if I can I will do so” the
rat answered. “I fear that this matter will not be handle in your
lifetime as well, but what I asked is for someone to protect a child”
the demon continued “this child will be the first step to a new age
for this world.” “That be so then I will guard this child with my
life, even with my next if need be.”

“You
would be a knight in any age my young friend” the demon remarked
with a laugh. “I swear by my words, I will protect this child no
matter what age or what life it be” the rat answered. “I know lad
you have never gone back on your word before” the demon nodded “if
not in this life but the next you were to be there how will I know it
is you?”

“Just
ask it of me, ask of me name, ask of me place, lord help me I might
even be a thief in the next life” the rat answered. “Well young
knight, I know I can trust you with such matters till I return” the
demon spoke. “If I am ask old friend where must you go for such a
time” he asked turning to face the still rising sun.

“I
must slumber till my next master has been called” the demon
answered drawing himself to his feet. “Will this child be the one
to summon you” Alexander asked. “Aye, and I hope you will be
there as well” the demon answered once more. “Aye, count on it”
the rat answered. “One last matter I must ask of you” the demon
spoke.

“Aye,
name it my old friend” the rat answered with glee. “Take my sword
to my brother to care fore him till my return” the demon asked as
the small drake took wing over to the rat's shoulder. “Aye, if I
can find him,” he spoke “and I'll be sure to return him to you
when the time comes.” “Thank you my friend, I am sorry to make
you come all this way just for my errands.” “Think nothing of it,
but I would not turn away a hot meal” the rat said and turned to
watch the rest of the sun rise.

Blinding
light once again all sound gone the world had turned hollow once
more. But the blinding light stayed. For a second he thought he could
hear voices. But before he could make out what was said he felt
himself hit something hard. Like a wall or something. “Alex is that
you” a voice asked. It was deep and booming but friendly and kind.

“Yeah,
it's me” he answered without a second thought “but who are you?”
He thought he had heard the voice before. He felt strong hands taking
his arms. With one mighty pull Alex felt his body jerk and he was on
his feet. Still unable to see he rubbed his eyes. “You have your
mother's build” the voice said.

“Who
are you” Alex asked again turning to look past the light. “Alex,
I'm your father” the voice answered. It was slow but the light
dimmed and Alex could see the large build of the rat he had seen from
his dream. “But, your dead” he said blinking. “You of all
people should know that death can't stop a Greenvolt” the large rat
answered.

“My
god, you have so much of your mother in you” the older rat smiled
tears starting to run down his cheek. “I must be the great family
up set” Alex said looking away. “Alexander Hunter Greenvolt, I
will not have you say such things, I feel nothing but pride for you.”
Hearing his full name shook him. “I have so many questions” Alex
said his head turning back to the older rat “I don't know where to
begin.”

“I
know the feeling, just look you” the older rat said “no man
without honor could hold himself the way you do.” “I'm just a
thief” Alex answered “I'm nothing special.” “You really take
after your grandfather” the older rat laughed. Alex sighed. “What's
wrong Alex” he asked. “I don't know, this feels like a dream come
true, to finally meet you and I can't even trust that you're real.”

“Then
don't” he answered. “huh?” “Don't trust me, trust your self”
he continued “trust your self and have faith in yourself, because
in the end it's your hand that grips the handle.” Alex's head was
spinning with questions. How can he even trust what was being said.
“Alex” the older rat spoke up gripping his shoulder. His grip was
strong and firm but so gentle.

It shook
Alex's mind. Every attack he had face in this place had always been
telling him it was hopeless, to give in and die. But this one. He
felt nothing but love. Alex looked down at his right hand.
Nightmare's words came back to him “it is powered by faith.” “Why
did you and mom give your lives for me” he asked.

“Because
you are our son,” the older rat answered “your fate had nothing
to do with why we protected you.” “Why didn't you take me to the
order, they could have helped” he asked. “No, they would have
made you into a weapon not a person” the older rat answered “and
my student wanted you dead to spite your mother.”

“I
know, she let me live knowing she was going to kill her herself.”
Alex said “but why?” “She only lusts for power,” Hunter said
“she let you live thinking she could get what she wanted.” “She
wanted you and when she found out about mom.” “She betrayed us to
her master, the puppeteer” Hunter continued “she gave him my
body, and hide you so in time she could have the heir that she wanted
knowing my body wouldn't.”

“But
even he turned her away” Alex finished “to another woman and her
daughter.” “you understand her hate” Hunter added. “But
Pinaco is the bigger problem right now” Alex said. “Yeah he could
be if you let him” Hunter answered “I want you to meet someone,
Alex.” The older rat turned and stepped to the side.

“His
name is Pinaco” Hunter said pointing to a small mass curled up on
the floor. It looked like a person but it was way too small. Alex
stepped back at the sound of the name. “I never wanted this” a
small voice cried from the mass. “It's ok Alex this is the real
Pinaco, the one deep inside the creature you met. The mass was a
small toy dress in clothes ages old. The wood of it's head was cut to
the shape of a wolf and painted black with red and white markings.

“You
must hate me for everything I put you through” it said uncurling to
sit up. Alex was at a lost of words. Was this really the thing that
so many people feared? “Why” was all he asked. “To be real”
it answered “to be more then a toy or tool, to live but my envy
turned to rage and now if I am not stopped there will be nothing
left” it answered “so please you must put an end to me, I'm not a
living thing so there will be no blood on anyone's hands when they
kill me.

Alex
shook his head. Tears rolling down face. Joy and pain filled his
heart. “I can't, I'm not strong enough, and I can't kill you even
if you ask” Alex answered. Hunter turned to his son. “you might
not have a body of flesh and bone but you are alive, you are real and
it would be unforgivable to end your life” Alex answered. “I have
killed so many people, I have hurt so many more, I killed your father
and use his body to hurt and rape Jessica” the puppet said “I
don't have any right to live.”

“You
didn't do those things I can tell” Alex said “your not the
monster, but if I can get out of here I promise I will put an end to
this madness.” “Is that so” a new voice answered. Alex turned
to look for its owner. “Dad” Alex said turning back to his father
“I think it's time for me to go.” the older rat nodded. “I hope
the next time we meet won't be for a very long time” the old rat
said and hugged his son. “Yeah, me too, make sure mom is there with
you when we do” Alex smiled.

“And
Pinaco, know this, a Greenvolt never goes back on his word” Alex
said and turned to face the new voice. Before him stood a dark
figure. Tall and hard to see. His thick black robes covered him
completely. “Are you one of Pinaco's underlings” Alex asked.
“No” the voice answered but came from his left. Alex turned to
find another figure standing there in shining armor. “If you don't
work for him then who are you” he asked.

“I
have no reason to answered your question” the voice spoke again
making the rat turn once more. The third figure wore gray robes much
like the first. “Why not” Alex asked turning to keep his eyes on
each. “To be honest I don't feel like it” the voice answered. The
voice was odd. It was young but old, ancient even.

Alex was
confused, he could tell this thing or things wasn't evil but it
wasn't above fighting. “Will you tell me what you are or at lest
give me an idea of it” he asked. He thought if he could keep this
thing talking he might be able to find a way out. “Maybe, but
what's in it for me” it asked. “I don't have anything you could
want” he answered.

“Oh
you do” it answered “you have kept the knight's oath lad.” Alex
shook his head. “Are you saying you want Sheba” he asked. “Yes
and no” it answered. Still turning to face each knowing the trick
with the voice was just to throw him off. “It's not a matter of me
wanting her for myself” it continued. “You know of that dream I
think it was a dream, is Sheba the child Nightmare spoke of” he
asked.

“Yes
she is, she holds the key to change the world” it answered. “Is
that what your want from her is this key right” he asked. “No”
it answered “and I won't tell you what it is till you pay for it.”
“Pay you with what” he asked “Sheba is all I have.” “Wow
you have a really thick head” it laughed “no she is not all that
you have and no they have already payed me for my help.”

“What,
they made a deal with you” he asked. “Yes and no” it answered
“again I can only do what is equal to what has been payed.”
“Great, I take it Sheba, Jessica and Meg found a way to ask for
help but with what, and I know I'm not going to get answer for this
but where the hell am I” he said still turning.

“Hmm,”
it answered “I guess your not as thick as you let on.” “Hey”
he chide. “No, I mean that in a good way, throws people always fun
to use on lawyers” it answered “but you have the right idea so
telling you wouldn't hurt. Yes they found a way to guide you out of
this place and that's where I come into play, well we came into
play.”

“We”
he asked. “Yes that was your father's fang you had around your neck
all those years, the touch of light Pinaco use to control the poison
in the apple you ate, and well throw a spell into a seal and poof,
you have a lovely mix of magic making marking. Say that five times
fast” it answered. “Ok so bottom line I take it is they bought
the door for me but I have have to buy the key” he asked.

“If
that is how you wish to see it” it answered. Alex paused. “I have
two more questions for you” he said. “Well fare be fare, you
have done nothing but ask questions” it answered. “And you
haven't asked me one question” Alex said “so if your playing
equal trade and you haven't asked me any.” “Oh are you sure about
that” it asked. “Yeah, pretty sure” he answered.

“Well
your wrong, I have been asking questions and you have done nothing
but give me answers” it said. “No mind games please” he asked
“my head hurts as it is.” “well if your done playing games then
go rest you have finished your mission, the child is safe and with
her guard, you have broken the hold of the shadows casted on your
love, and you have made a better world for all of them” it said
“what else is there for you?”

“I
have to go back I don't have time to play games with someone who time
has no meaning” he said. “Why not” it asked “all I have is
time.” “I need to go back so stop playing games with me and tell
me what I need to do get back to them” he said. “You didn't
answer my question” it said “what else is there for you?”

“I
have promises to keep” he answered “I promised Sheba I would be
there for her, I promised Jessica my heart, I promised Meg I would do
what I felt was right, I promised a lost soul I would save him.”
“And again I asked what else is there for you” it asked “don't
give me that honor bullshit, I want to hear you tell me the true.”

“What
do you want me to say, I want to go back, that I want to see my
little sister grow into woman, that I want to ask the woman I love to
be my wife,” Alex fell to his knees tears freely rolling down his
face “I want to be with my family, I want to see my friends again,
I want to make that world a better place so if I ever have kids they
will never have to fight for their lives the way I had to.”

“Well
now that's out of the way” it said its cheerful tone never breaking
“here's what you need to know.” “What” Alex asked looking up
at one of the figures. “you're part dragon, you just have to use
your dragon flash to burn the poison out” it said so simply.
“That's it” he asked “how do I do that?” “Well, I was
building up to that by pissing you off and getting it to work that
way. But after that stunt that's not going to work” it answered.

The
figure that stood in front of the young rat withdrew a long black
sword from his robes. Alex turned to the other two figures to find
each had drew a weapon as well. The one in the armor had a golden
spear and the third had put on a cloak made of silver plates. “So
shall we do this the fun way” it asked. Alex felt himself smiling
as he balled up his fist.

Chapter 18

“These
things are fast” Alex thought to himself dodging the spear tip. He
threw himself back to the ground just as the silver cloak past over
him. He had to roll as the black blade dropped right where his head
was. “They don't let up, but their holding back a lot” he
thought. He had no time to breathe as each attack lead him into the
next.

“Their
to well planed” he thought “but to them this is just a game.”
Push jump off the ground to dodge a spear swipe of the floor. Back
step, side step, spin, retreating from a sword swing and lunge. Drop
and crouch under the spinning strike of the cloak. Knee to the face
knocked back to the ground. “I've got to step up my game, I've got
nothing on these guys” he thought “they just seem to be dancing
around me.”

“Relax,
dancing is just like fighting” Nightmare's voice clipped into his
mind. The young rat caught all three in his range of view. “I just
got to feel the beat” he said tracking the three. He started
tapping his foot. Line up upward sword swipe, side step go for a kick
its head. It blocked. Cloak clockwise spin it's high, duck under it
and go for a punch in the ribs. It spun away to fast. A golden flash
as the spear lunged past the side of his face. GRAB IT. It swung and
threw him off. He crashed into the floor but rolled back to his feet.

“I'm
part dragon, I can take it, their not trying to kill me, just
knocking me around” he thought. He looked his hand curling back
into a fist. The white fur seemed to shine. He smile and thought “I
was armed the whole time.” “Dreamcatcher, shooting star” he
commanded as his hand lit up and shaped halfway up his arm.

He
charged the one with the sword. Downward swing. He caught the blade
on the glowing part of his arm. He blocked it. Clockwise spin
bringing his arm back around with his own strike. It blocked with
just its hand. “Stop thinking kiddo” it said “feel it.” “Hey,
I'm still new at this so” Alex answer “I'm trying.” “Right,
you seem to forget what you're fight for again” it said and threw
the young rat off.

Alex
rolled back to his feet after bouncing off the floor. “I know what
I am fighting for” he said and charged the three again. “No you
don't, you think you do but you can't even make up your mind” it
said as the swordsmen batted him away. Before he could recover the
cloak user charged him spinning like a top.

Alex
barely dodged it have his shirt ripped open. The spear user charge
him next his weapon spinning in its hands at blinding speeds. He
caught the blunt end of the spear with his gut before he was flipped
over and crashed on his back. He swung his arm trying to block the
next attack. He did but was kicked hard enough in the side he was
lifted off the floor and thrown across the room.

He
coughed and spat up blood. He was on the ground again. But it didn't
seem like they were about to attack him again. “This isn't a game
I'm playing” it said “if you can't awaken your dragon's blood you
will die.” “How” he asked “how do I awaken it when I don't
even know how it works.” he slowly pulled himself back to his feet.

“Stop
lying to yourself” it answered “you don't want it to work.”
Alex held his side breathing hard as he spoke “everyone keeps
saying I'm a bad liar to the point I don't even try. I need this to
work.” “No you don't need anything,” it said “even now you
still have no value for your own life.” “That's because I don't
live for myself” he shouted charging the three once more. And once
again knocked back and knocked down.

“You
say you don't live for yourself“ it asked “how can you live for
others when you don't even know your own value?” “And what value
can you find after years of being mistreat and hated” he said. “You
think that's painful try being forgotten” it said “being treated
like a fairy tail from a time when people needed some sign of hope.”

“I'm
sorry you feel that way but I still don't see your point” he said
before charging again. He almost hit one of them but was kicked in
the head and throw off again. He rolled onto his back and laid there.
“Fine, what value do I have,” he asked “you're saying I'm worth
something.” “Ask the three dreams that have been testing you”
it answered.

“Three
dreams” Alex said “I'm not sure how to answer that.” “You
took a leap of faith by trusting a demon who's eyes you have never
seen. You turned down power, you didn't need because love was your
strength. You, you freed a soul from darkness just by giving her
hope” it said. Alex thought about what it said.

“Take
a feather from under my wing, it will lead me back to you”
Nightmare's words from when he first met the demon replayed in his
mind. “I offer power in exchange for a trinket and you say no to
me” Daydream's words rang in his ear thinking about how he turned
down the demon's deal for Ranger and Infrerna for the fang Sheba gave
him.

The words from the
crazy old one eye wolf told to Jessica came back to him as well.
“Child, darkness clouds you and you will have to face your demons,
ready or not. However, that is a matter you do not have to face alone
nor will.” Had he really done all that? Alex shook his head as sat
up. “that doesn't mean much with all the things I've done” he
said.

“And what have
you done, picked a few pockets, robbed some criminals, did you know
those deeds had done a lot of good” it said “because of you, fear
of her protected a lot of good people.” “I was just doing a job”
he answered. “yeah and your good at it” it answered “you have
also done so much more.” “Like what” he asked pulling himself
back up again.

Before he was
fulling on his feet all three rushed him and put him back down. “You
have given a lot to the people around you” it answered “you
honored an oath without ever knowing about it, YOU were the one that
awoken a powerful demon with a promise. You taught a child how to be
brave, you free countless souls from from hell by freeing them of
their own doing.”

Alex replayed up
till this point. He had heard on the news the crime rate in the city
dropped some time after he started working for Jessica, he had raised
and cared for Sheba almost her whole life. He had promised Sheba he
would always be there for her no matter what before her apple turned
gold. Sheba had stood up to Nightmare when he was hurt so she could
help.

Finding a way to
break the cruse on the weasel and free the ghosts that trapped
themselves inside him. Had he really done that much good in the
world. “Did you know the one you call the Caretaker had one wish
for this world” it said. Alex sat up again. “His wish was to find
someone to be the hope for the world, he and his sons where that
dream but he wanted someone who could be the spark of it. He wanted a
mortal to be the hope of the world not what so many call a god.”

“I can't save the
world, and what I've done can be forgotten in time” Alex said “I
wish for a better world but I know I'm not the one to do it.” “Do
you know why gods fade from the world” it asked. Alex shook his
head. “Because people turn on them for not doing everything for
them,” it said “People forget to how to live when they call on a
god to do all the work.”

“No matter how
much power the Caretaker has, he is just a person just like you” it
said. “Then why do you care so much about me having any value in
myself” Alex asked getting to his feet again “Next to you I'm
nothing, my life is short, I can't change the world, I can't even
touch you.” “then why did you get up, knowing I will just put you
back down, why keep fighting knowing you are no match” it asked.

“Like you said I
don't value my own life,” he laughed “I don't need to, When I
have so many people believing in me I have to give it my all for
them. I don't have to win I just have to fight.” “That's why”
it answered “because you don't want to be a god you don't need to
have power, you just need to do your best.” “You think I'm what
you were wishing for” he asked.

“You have already
change the world just by being born,” it said “but yes You are
everything I had hope to find in this world.” “I can't believe
I'm saying this but what can I do to help you” he asked. The three
figures faded into one. “Lay my dreams to rest, Ask the one who
holds my heart to sing them to sleep.” the figure asked.

Alex nodded. “you
have more questions for me” the Figure asked. “Yeah tons,” he
answered “but I think I understand now.” The figure's head
turned. “I don't need to know the answers I just have to have faith
that I'll know what to do” the young rat said “but I would like
to know your name, as a friend.” “Next time we meet I will gladly
give it to you” the figure answered.

“It's about time
I get going,” Alex said “I'll see you soon I take it.” No
answer. Alex took a deep breath and focused his mind. “I am part
dragon, in my veins flows their might, I am a protector, with the
last drop of my blood and with the last breath I take I will do all
in my power to do the right thing, I will protect those I care about.
And I will show any who try to stop me why you don't piss off a
dragon” he thought to himself.

He fold his hands
and focus all of his energy into his stomach. He let it build till he
couldn't hold it anymore. With one breath he screamed at the top of
his lungs. The deafening cry shook the building the echos of a
monstrous roar rang in his ears. He opened his eyes as they glow
solid gold. He was standing in a large room.

Before him stood
that which he cared the most about. His kid sister, his love, and his
second mother. He smiled letting the gold light fade from his eyes.
He sighed and said “Sorry I'm late.” the light from the seal
faded and the three women in his life glopped him. “Alex, you're
back” Sheba laughed her filling with tears.

“Yes thanks to
you” he said and squeezed his sister “thanks to all of you.”
Sheba held up a white fang for Alex to see. “You know this was the
second time you brought my father to me” he said taking the fang.
She was confused by what he said. “Thank God your back” Meg said.
“Hey you guys did most of the work he just did the fine tuning”
he added.

“This can't be my
Alex he is way to cheerful” Jessica said holding on to him the best
she could. “I had some good scene knocked into me” he answered.
Alex looked around and much the same from his dream the three demons
the three sons of the Caretaker stood. “Oh, someone you guys know
said hi” he added still smiling.

“Well damn that
was touching, and that roar was hot as hell” the rooster added “but
let's hope no one else heard that.” “You know what,” Alex said
turning to the rooster “I don't care.” the rooster blinked. “We
have four demons, two casters and a dragon, let them pick a fight”
he said before turning back to his family.

“Ok now what”
Meg asked. “First things first” Alex said “we get something to
eat.” “Got you covered, who am I giving the bill to” the old
sea dog said with the ticking demon following bags in hand. “Damn
did you hit a smoke house for all of this” Meg asked after they had
set up some old tables to use. “Nah, I know a few places with some
good eats” the old sailor answered.

“This kid knows
how to treat a lady” the rooster chimed in. “If that is what you
want to call yourself” The sailor chide. The demons and Alex seemed
to be fighting over food and were left to handle the matter
themselves. “I don't even want to know where they put it all”
Jessica said taking a shot from the sailor's whiskey bottle.

“I'm just glad
he's eating” Meg and Sheba both said. “We need a plan” Jessica
added “Pinaco might know Alex is still alive, so I don't know how
to play it off.” “Nightmare” Alex asked looking up to the dark
beast. “I don't think he does or thinks he is dead” the demon
answered.

“He's not looking
for anyone right now, based on their movements their looking to keep
people out. We're inside the perimeter, small talk I just happen to
over hear said something about the demon roaring or something,”the
sailor answered “they think the kid is dead and the beast is
pissed.” “WE can work with that” Sheba said.

They all turned to
her. “Well to stop him we have to get close and if everyone here
has said he'll think Jessica did what he wanted we just have to play
along till the time is right” she said. “she does have a point,
but I don't like it” the wolf demon said. “I don't like it ether
but it's the best we got” Alex added “beside he won't let anyone
close unless they have something he wants.”

“We know he won't
out right hurt her” Jessica added “but he won't believe anything
I say anyway.” “What makes you say that” Alex asked. “We were
both poisoned by him” She answered “and if I'm not half dead
begging for my life he won't believe me.” “We can fix that” Meg
said turning to the rooster, who in turn nodded.

“Any other bright
ideas” Alex asked. “I need to make a call” the sailor said and
walked off. “Well ok” Alex said “Any other ideas?” “Jessica,
you're going to have to hit me” Sheba said. Jessica froze. “You
have to if we're going to make this work” Sheba said “we need to
make this work.” “Not so fast” Meg said “if we can make her
look like she's dying , then we can make you look roughed up so stop
that.”

“Hiding me
Wishmaker and Daydream will be the only other thing to do” Alex
added. “we've got cloaks” Wishmaker said “but you, you're just
in rags at this point.” “I can fix that” the faceless demon
said summoning a case from the ground “I just so happen to have
been work on this when we first met, don't worry it was paid for
already so it's your to keep.”

Alex open the case
and smiled. “I'm sorry I had to be the one to give it to you” the
demon said. “I'm not” Alex said reading the note that came with
it “he would be glad to know this was my choice.” “Alright
ladies let's let the boys get dress and we'll get you squared away”
Panbrook said shoeing the girls into another room.

Alex pull off his
shirt. Looking at its ragged state something stood out. A clean gash
across the front of the shirt. He recalled the cloak swing that did
it. He pause to think about how could something in a dream effect the
real world. But he shook his head and said to himself “the answer
is the one who did it.” “Are you well, Alex” Nightmare asked
viewing the young rat through a partly open eye.

“I'm fine
Nightmare” he answered and thought about it “Nightmare, did my
grandfather have a hard time learning to use his dragon flash?” “At
first yes, but once he found his cause he could call on it at will”
the demon answered. “What was his cause” the young rat asked.
Nightmare laughed before saying “his cause was his dream, to be a
better man and make a better world, but over all he wanted a family.”

“I think I know
what my father's was” Alex said looking at the armor “a better
world for his family.” “Why do you ask, young knight” the demon
asked. “Because we have the same cause” Alex said, the spines of
his back projected out, as his eye glowed gold again. He found
controlling the power he felt was easy as long as he kept his mind
clear. He turned and looked up to the old demon.

The demon smiled.
“It's weird knowing I am him but not him at the same time” Alex
said. “What do you mean” the demon asked. “You knew who I was
that night, right down to the fact both of us were thieves” he
answered “when he, when I made an oath to protect Sheba till you
returned that's how you knew I was him.”

“Aye, but that
being said you are still your own man, Alex” the demon said “I do
not call Alexander because I see him in you but he is not you.”
“Thank you” he said letting his dragon state return to normal.
“Alex, you seem different from before, may I asked what happen to
you” the demon said.

“It felt like I
was in darkness for years have nightmares rip through me, then it
started raining” he said “I saw how I lost my folks, then I found
myself talking to you, and the oath taken that day, then I met him,
my father, I even saw the true face of a monster, then I met a man
who held great power, but he seemed so lonely.”

“But, that does
not say why you have changed” the demon asked. “It was something
about him, like time meant nothing to him, and just this idea of
watch everyone you know and love aging growing old and even dying,
but still be the same like nothing happen” Alex said “Nightmare,
if you could grow old and die, would you?”

“Alex, my age has
no meaning and death will come to all things,” the demon answered
“but if I did know when I was to meet my end I would know what to
do. I would tell the ones I love good bye.”

Chapter 19

after a
hundred years he waited for this day. Pinaco stood atop a large stone
circle that took up the space of his once grand home. His dragoness
gave out orders to clear the circle so when the time came nothing
would stand in his way. “This city wouldn't be here if it was not
for me” he said to the dragoness.

“Yes,
Lord Pinaco” she answered her coat closed covering her form. Her
tall boots was all that could be seen of her. “You should be glad,
Eclairage” he said “once my daughter brings the girl and the
boy's body, a new god will be born.” “And you will take Jessica
for your own” she asked almost spitting the words.

“Of
course, less she disobeys me again” he answered overlooking her
tone. “And what of the girl” she asked. “Who's to say I can not
have more then one woman for my own” he answered “that is to say
if she survives her task.” the dragoness turned away rage in her
eyes. “Eclairage, you will still have a place at my side once you
have made up for your failures” the wolf said on looking the work.

The
dragoness' ears twitched. “What is it now” the wolf asked. “It
sounded like a dragon's roar my lord” she answered. “Then the boy
is dead and the body has started to cool” the wolf said “what you
hear was just the beast's whaling.” the wolf paused. “Could you
tell if he could use his flash” the wolf asked. “No” she
answered “even with the demon's help it would still take him years
just call upon it much less control it.”

“I'm
trusting you on this” the wolf said “if you're wrong it will be
the last time.” “Rest assured my Lord, it would take a greater
force then even the beast to save that boy's soul” she answered.
The wolf smiled. “Sir, the materializes you requested have arrived”
one of the workers said wiping sweat off his brow onto his red shirt.

“Good,
how much longer till the keep has been cleared” the wolf asked.
“About ten minutes, Sir” the worker answered shifting back a half
step. “Very good, inform me when it has been cleared” the wolf
said dismissing the worker. The working took off running. The
dragoness turned to leave the wolf alone. “You have not been
dismissed Eclairage” he said with his back to her.

“Forgive
my Lord, I thought you had no need of me at this point” she
answered. “True, but I had not dismissed you” he said turning his
head. He sighed, as old thoughts played in his head. He shook them
off. “Those day are long gone” he said to himself. “For years
it was thought there was no way to kill the great beast” he said
changing his own topic.

“My
Lord” the feline asked. “unbreakable, unstoppable, invulnerable,”
he said “I know his weakness, and for many it was well know but no
one knew how to use it.” “But you were the only one wise enough
to find the answer, my Lord” she said. “Yes, cursed steel, false
love and black blood,” he said “I had tested it on him myself,
after killing the crazed old witch, they thought I was after the girl
and played into my hand, it does him harm and as long as the metal is
in his body it will weaken him.”

“I'm
sure you have a plan to handle his brothers as well” the feline
dragoness purred. “What can kill one will kill the others” he
said “all I need now is the girl.” The last of the ruble had been
cleared and the wait for Jessica to bring the girl was unsettling.
Pinaco paced the edge of the stone platform thinking of what he would
say to his daughter.

“No, I
have to be firm with her,” he said to himself “I can't let her
off so easily.” He tapped his chin as he spoke. “But I should
reward her for her obedience” he added “but the girl, she won't
be so open to do as I say.” “My Lord, if I may” the feline
asked. He nodded and gave her a wave of his hand. “the girl might
be easier to handle if she felt there was some hope for the boy to
return” the feline said “it may also aid in securing your
daughter's obedience as well.”

“That
won't matter once I have the Caretaker's power” he said “I would
just wipe him from their minds and leave it at that.” “Of course,
my Lord,” the feline said “ I'm only saying till then, it may be
of some use to reach your goal.” “True,” he said turning to her
“but then again, if I remember correctly you had feelings for his
father did you not.”

“Those
are as dead as he is,” she answered “making you happy, my Lord is
all I need.” “speaking of which,” he asked “what has the
order done to try and stop me?” “Last I heard my Lord,” she
answered “they had focused all their bets as it were on the boy,
but with him out of the way there is nothing to stop you.”

“Good,”
the wolf said “I wounder if I will be ably to father a child after
becoming a god.” before the feline could respond the echo of a roar
broke the night air. Just past the broken gates stood the dark form
of the great beast. Before him limped Jessica pulling someone with
her. Between her and the beast Jessica had three hooded guards their
faces covered.

“GET
OUT OF MY WAY” she yelled pushing people side. She was manic and
out of control. The girl she was pulling had a fat lip and scared.
“You're late” Pinaco said turning to face his daughter. “NO, I
can't be late I have the girl” she said waving a blood soak rag
covered hand. “Settle down” he ordered. “Yes, yes sorry won't
happen again father” she said her eyes twitching.

“Where's
the street rat's body” Pinaco asked. “Body what body” she asked
“it burned.” The vixen laughed. “stupid girl,” he said “no
matter, I'll do with out it.” “It would seem whatever you did to
her has broken her mind” the feline said “my Lord.” “Shut it”
the wolf said “before you meet a worst fate.” The feline nodded
and backed away.

“Three
of you will get what's coming for you” the demon said. “Right,
and you can go back to hell” the wolf said and chuckled. “You
shouldn't be forgiven for what you've done” Sheba said. “I not
here for forgiveness, now come here child” the wolf order. “You
can fuck off asshole” the young folf said.

“WHAT”
the wolf bellowed “How dare you speak to me like that.” “you
have nothing but darkness in your heart” the folf spoke “you will
never have the Caretaker's power.” “I will show what power is,
you stupid child” the wolf bellowed again calling upon the mound of
lumber and steel. Black threads shot out from the wolf catch the
massive blocks of wood and the black steel plates. In no time the
wolf was encased in a giant wood statue of a white wolf with red
markings.

It stood
as tall as the demon Nightmare, it's black aura was sicking with the
smell of blood. Before anyway could act the wood wolf snatched up the
young folf in one large clawed hand. Sheba laughed even as it's long
claws cut into her. The wood beast eyed the child. She crowed as loud
as she could as her head became misshapen to match that of the caster
Panbrook.

“Time's
up” he said before he exploded. Before it recover from the shock
Jessica rushed him and jumped his head. Her head as well misshaping
to the rooster's maw and then detonated. “One lesson you should
have taken to heart Pinaco” Jessica said as the beast turned her
way “Plan for anything.” She held up her hand both without burns
or blood.

“How
did you undo the black blood” it asked. “With the help of one of
the strongest witches this world has ever seen” the vixen answered.
Behind her stood the little witch with her golden apple in her bright
blue paw. “As High Knight of this region under the command of the
holder of the crown I order you to stop this course of action and
return to your original state of being” the real caster Panbrook
order.

“High
Knight,” the feline dragoness said backing away “YOU'RE THE HIGH
KNIGHT!” “How else do I get away with what I do” he answered.
“STAY OUT OF THIS” the wood beast howled batting the floating
rooster off with the back of its hand. “That was a bad idea”
Sheba said “asshole.” In raged the wood beast lunged for the
child.

But her
demon had other plans. The wood wolf was lifted off the ground and
flung back crashing its head into the stone platform. The dark beast
Nightmare stood between the wood wolf and its prey. “I will not let
you do her or her family any harm” Nightmare spoke. “Family means
nothing to me” Pinaco answered picking himself off the unbroken
stone.

“There
are forces, Pinaco,” Nightmare spoke unfolding his wings “Forces,
that even out weigh my power.” the demon bellowed a roar that shook
the ground. “I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT REAL POWER MEANS OLD MAN” the
Pinaco howled. The two demons rushed each other, with blinding speed
the two clashed in a fury of strikes ripping flesh and wood alike.

Many of
Pinaco's own men ran in fear. Sheba watched in horror as her beloved
friend became so feral. “It's ok Sheba” Jessica said holding the
young folf close “I'll keep you safe I promise.” “But who will
keep you safe” the feline dragoness spoke. Throwing off her coat
and drawing her blade the feline charged. What little armor she wore
did little for her modesty.

The
feline swung her blade, no one will keep her from what was rightfully
hers. The chime of metal to metal broke her grin. Her blade was
stopped on the wing of a cloak. Covered in silver plate mail with a
bird shaped hood stood Wishmaker. “I would hate to damage such a
beauty as yourself, but even I can't sit idly by and to watch another
dead” he answered. “Charming, a demon who thinks he's a poet”
she spat.

“Love
your armor by the way,” Wishmaker laughed “but I think you would
look just as good without it.” “Save it, dirty old man” the
feline spat withdrawing her blade for another strike. “Heartnea,
spear guard” the winged wolf said. The silver cloak jumped shifting
to wrap around the demon's arm. Now armed with a small shield baring
a long spike like sword in the over all shape of a silver woodpecker
the winged wolf stood ready to fight.

“Did
you know the forms we take match that of the dreams of our father”
he said. The feline lunged at the wolf. “I am his hope,” he
continued knocking the feline back with just a flick of his arm
“Angel's wings to answer prayers, wolf body to be the loyal
watcher, and dragon's flames to fend off darkness.” The feline
charged again and knocked back once more.

“You're
full of bull shit” she roared as her dragon flash took hold. Her
body seem to build up a charge. Discharging small volts the feline
swung her blade. A bolt of lightening blasted from her blade as a
crack of thunder broke the air. The wolf laughed as his guard opened
fanning out it's wings and tail catching the full charge of the
attack.

“Child,
you lash out with a wrong sense of entitlement” he said turning the
blade tip to her. “I know your family name, I aided the dragon
who's blood you hold, you dishonor his name” he said before
discharging her own attack in return. The feline was shot back and
sent crashing off across the stone platform. Her armor broke free
from her as she crash and rolled till she slashed into what was left
of the pool and screamed in the water's charge.

“Don't
worry she's still breathing” Wishmaker said turning to both Sheba
and Jessica. “You're outdated Nightmare” Pinaco barked as the
older demon knocked him back. “I have no need to update myself when
the darkness I feast upon never changes” Nightmare answered.
“You're just a blind old fool” Pinaco spat “you can't even see
the light of a new age.”

“I am
far from blind,” Nightmare spoke clawing at Pinaco's face “I am
my father's faith, the venom of my gaze is not meant for kind hearts,
so I need not see to be guided by their light, I am the guard born of
darkness to protect the faithful when they can not see” he said.
“You are as much a monster as any demon and a fool to think
yourself as holy” Pinaco barked as his claws ripped through
Nightmare's maw.

The
slashes close as Nightmare grabbed the wolf's wooded head. “I am no
saint nor do I make such claims,” the demon roared “but know in
the depths of darkness there is the light of faith.” the demon open
his wings the rainbow of burning colors burned away the shadows as
his the gold of his eyes came into view meaning that of the demon
who's head he held.

Pinaco
was blinded by both the demon's light and the horrors that he saw in
the demon's eyes. He stumbled and fell back off the platform. He
howled in pain tearing at his own eyes. “Well this leaves little
for me to do” Daydream said with a long golden spear in hand “seems
I don't even get to make a speech.”

several
loud popping sounds caught Daydream's attention as he said “seems I
spoke too soon.” the faceless demon turned to face the number of
Pinaco's men foolish enough to stay and fight. “I am the demon
smith Daydream, I sever this world with his love, as the faceless
dream for any to make their own, do you really think bullets are
going to do anything to me” he said tapping the ground with the end
of his spear.

Three
more showed up each carrying a long tube. They lined up and yelled
“FIRE IN THE HOLE.” seconds later there were three loud blasts
and three rockets racing to meet the demon. “That's more like it”
he laughed. The tip of his spear met with each bomb and turning to
returning his attackers. “some packages you just have to return”
he said turning away.

“I'm
too old for this …” one of them yelled dodging the returning
projectiles as they detonated. “That was fun” the demon said
looking for something else to do. “Oh you think you're so cool
Daydream” Wishmaker tacked on. “You picked your fight, and I
picked mine, not my fault they had such weapons” the faceless demon
laughed.

“True
and you didn't get the same view I had” the winged wolf added.
“Almost seven billion years old, you should act your age”
Nightmare said as he turned, the black flame of his tail shifting to
same silvery glow as his brothers. “Right coming from the one who
took a thousand year nap and woke and tapped a fine young otter”
Wishmaker chide.

“As I
heard it said” Nightmare teased “you mad bro.” “Is this
really the time for this” Jessica asked shacking her head as she
looked around. “Yes, this is our home and bicker as much as we
want” the three demons answered. “All three of you are insane”
she answered. “Um yeah your point” Wishmaker teased.

“Are
you even sure Nightmare beat him” the vixen asked pointing her hand
at the last place she saw him. “Nope” the winged wolf answered.
“I did not beat him as you put it, for that is not my place” the
beast answered. “My brother's venom gaze effects one's state of
mind, those without fear aren't effected by it” the faceless demon
added.

“Do
not worry on small matters” the beast continued “read a story as
we wait.” “Wait, for what” she asked. Pinaco pulled himself
back up onto the platform before Howling. “That answer your
question” Wishmaker asked “Heartnea, wing guard.” the pike
shield jumped shifting into the form of a small bird before changing
back into the plate mail cloak and enclosed around the winged wolf.

“Drake,
to my hand” Nightmare asked opening his claws. The little dragon
took wing from Jessica's shoulder. Drake doubled in size till he was
half as tall as the demon that summoned him. His wings opened fully
as the thin flaps along his sides harden into place. Drake change
into a large sword that seemed fitting in the great beast's hands.

“on
three” Wishmaker said turning his back to his brothers. “You have
view too many of those movies as their called” Nightmare answered.
Pinaco's howl had summoned a small army of demons ready to fight. “We
keeping count this time” Daydream asked setting his spear like an
arrow on an archer's bow. “Always” Wishmaker answered.

“Kill
all but the girl” Pinaco ordered. The demons set to rush the
platform and the small number that stood upon it. “Three, two, one”
they each said in turn before in one voice they yelled “COME AT ME
BRO!” The three demons charged forth meeting the new foes half way
out from the vixen and the girl, leave them unguarded.

Pinaco
took his chance as the sons the Sons of the Caretaker did battle with
his forces. He rushed the two females just to stand over them.
“Clover girl, Jessica, but you will have to do better then that to
stop me” he said his eyes red with blood. “Back off Pinaco, you
can't have her” Jessica answered putting herself between them.

“Come
now Jessica, you shouldn't let them fool you like this” he said “I
can forgive you if you just give me the girl, you can have her back
when I'm done with her. I promise.” She shook her head. “Then
call me a fool, because I would rather be a kind hearted fool then
your cold heart bitch” she answered and spat at his eye.

“Don't
test me, Jessica, I have been more then generous with you and your
childish game” the wood wolf said. “We have enough blood on our
hands Pinaco, this has to end” Jessica answered. “Jessica please,
listen to me for once, once I have the Caretaker's power, I can wash
it all away,” he said “Once I become a god there will be nothing
to stop me. We can have everything we ever wanted.”

“I
have everything I ever wanted” she answered “you will never
understand how happy I am to have them in my life. But you think
using them to become a god is going to change anything. All you
understand is fear.” the wolf's wooden face twitched as he growled.
“Jessica, give me the girl and get out of my way, this is your last
chance or I will kill you” he said barring his fangs.

“Fine,
kill me, I'll die knowing I did the right thing for once” she said
“SO GO AHEAD AND DO IT YOU FUCKING SON OF BITCH!” “Jessica”
Sheba yelled. “Then you leave no choice” Pinaco said lifting his
fist “Good bye my daughter.” Eyes closed the giant wolf swung his
fist down onto the helpless vixen. “JESSICA” Sheba yelled
grabbing on to her.

Chapter 20

Pinaco
looked past his fist when he failed to hear bones crushing. His
blood filled eyes met the sight of a blinding white light and the
street rat that stole his daughter. “Sorry I'm late” Alex said
his head half turned to Jessica and Sheba. “What kept you” the
vixen asked drawing a gun and opening fire on the wood wolf's face.

Pinaco
fell back cover his face. “Had to give a heartfelt hero speech to a
small army just outside” the rat answered. Cocking her head the
vixen shot him a look. “Ok, so I got lost” he answered. “You
fucking piece of trash,” Pinaco growled “what devil did you sell
your soul to get in my way AGAIN?” “If I knew his name I'd tell
you” Alex answered pulling back his fist “Dreamcatcher, comet.”

Alex
threw a punch launching a ball of white light into the demon's chest
knocking him back. “Jessica, take Sheba and go” he said “you
two don't need to be here for this.” “Yes, you little bitch, run
away again,” Pinaco laughed “just like your whore mother.” “I'm
not going any where” she answered “this is my fight.”

the
vixen quickly reloaded her gun and took aim again. “We need to get
Sheba out of here” Alex said holding out his hand. His fire tailed
wolf raced to him jump and shifting into a bow as she landed in his
hand. “No, Alex, I'm done running” the folf answered. Alex turned
to her. Pinaco got back to his feet and staggered back over to them
before dropping his fist down on the rat.

Something
small and fast crashed into the side of the demon's head knocking him
off balance. “I called dibs on the witch first” the sound of a
thousand voices rang out. Before he could recover something caught
his foot lifting the massive demon off the ground and threw him.
Pinaco pulled himself up after bounce across the platform.

Before
he could counter these new pests several small rockets blasted into
his chest and head. “What is going on” Alex asked turning to see
some well known faces. The little girl minx, Gwen host of the demon
called the Pack, and her half brother Henry, the golemor and their
mother standing where they had made their attack.

Joining
them were two wolves the taller and thicker being Louis Wilds, the
younger being his son peter. “See, you can hit just a hard with RPG
as with any spell you can spit” the older wolf said. “I can't see
anything” the blind witch answered. “Tic Tock, what did you do”
the rooster asked joining the group followed by the clockwork demon
and the old sea dog.

“Sheba,
Alex, Jess, thank God you're all alright” The otter said running
over to them. “Meg, what are you doing here” Jessica asked
hugging the otter. “I'm not sitting back on the sidelines wail my
babies go and fight” the otter answered. “And what about them”
Sheba asked. “Um, yeah, well, I forgot to get your number before,
well before all of this” Henry said rubbing the back of his head
“you know, to see if we could hang out some time.”

“Cute,
but we have bigger problems right now” the rooster cut in “like
right now.” With that Pinaco's fist flew into the group. The older
gray wolf was hit when he knock his son out of the way and thrown
back into the dirt. The young wolf ran to his father's side. The pack
countered the attack by charging at the wood demon's face. But he
caught the smaller demon in his hand. “I don't think so, pest”
the wood demon answered.

He
squeezed his hand shut and the sounds of bone breaking and a little
girl's scream could be heard. He threw the ball of flesh back at it's
mother before reaching for Jessica and Meg. The young folf threw
herself in the way knocking the other two out of reach. The demon's
metal claw ripped across her face. The demon pulled back to see if
she still lived.

Seeing
her hurt but still alive the demon turn to take on the others. The
young golemor charged the demon only to be batted away like he was
nothing. “James” the rooster called “get them back we got
this.” The old sea dog nodded and started moving the fallen back
and started tending to them. The clockwork demon stepped up waving
the others back.

The
Hell-mouth the demon had open as did his own. Dust and small rocks
were starting to be pulled to in the gate from the open side. The
wood demon felt it's pull. But instead of running from it he let it
pull him to it's source. Jumping over the gate the demon dropped his
weight down onto the the other demon smashing it into a mound of
gears and springs. “Tic tock, no” the rooster cried rushing to
his friend.

“More
pests” Pinaco growled and batted the rooster off. He turned back to
the young folf. She looked up at him hate in her good eye. “If you
had only done what I said not of this would have happen,” he said
moving closer to her “their blood is on your hands.” Her glare
was unmoved by his words. “No, Pinaco” Alex spoke up “none of
this would have happen if you didn't start this, the envy you had
cause this, the envy of the demon puppet Pinaco the puppeteer cause
this.”

“This
has nothing to do with you, street rat” Pinaco growled. “No it
has everything to do with me” Alex answered “but I don't hate
you.” Sheba turned to her brother. “Yeah know, funny every reason
in the world to hate you” he continued “but I don't.” Pinaco
paused. “Why, why should I care if you hate me or not” the demon
shouted. “Because you want someone to see as a real person” Alex
answered.

“I
don't care about being a person when I can be a god” the demon
howled throwing his fist at full force at the rat's head. With just
his unmarked hand and eyes still their soft green he caught the
demon's strike like it was nothing. “You're going to have to do
better then that to kill me” he said looking the demon in the eye.

“There
is no way you can be that strong without your dragon flash” the
demon roared. “That's the funny thing, I've been like this my whole
life,” he answered “I'm part dragon, doesn't mean I have to be in
that state to use it.” “Get out of my way boy” the demon
howled. “Then why don't you take on someone your own size”
Nightmare said grabbing the wood demon's arm.

Pinaco
turned and drove his claws into the beast's heart. Nightmare's silver
blood sprayed out like afield of stars. The beast gasped holding
Pinaco's arm and his open wound. “You've grown soft with age old
man” Pinaco growled “save of the time and just die.” Nightmare
spat up more of his own silver blood as he spoke “my … time …
is … over but … the one … to take my … place … will have
more … power then … you could … ever dream...”

Pinaco
ripped his arm free of the demon before he could finish. Nightmare
fell. “NIGHTMARE” Sheba screamed breaking into a run. Before she
could get anywhere Alex caught her and pull her back. “Sheba, no”
he said. Sheba fought begging her brother to let her go. It hurt him
to hold her. As much as it her the both of them to the once great
demon fall.

“BROTHER”
the faceless demon called before rushing the wood wolf “I will make
you pay!” Pinaco laughed catching the faceless demon's head and
picked him up only to swing back down onto the platform. “You bet,
I'll pay” he laughed “I will pay for my power in your blood.”
he dragged the demon away from his brother continuing to beat him
against the platform.

“Now
be a good boy and join your brother” Pinaco said and with one swipe
of his claws ripped Daydream's head clean off. The demon's silver
blood sprayed coating the platform much the same as the fallen beast.
“Two down” he laughed turning to the third brother. “Heartnea,
release” Wishmaker said starting to remove his cloak.

The
silver bird took off. Wishmaker closed his eyes tears freely flowing
for his brothers. “Father we have failed you” he said. He nodded
and held out his arms. “I will not fight my fate but please let
them say good bye to my brother” he said as the wood demon came to
stand before him. “Sure, why not they'll be joining him soon enough
much like you” Pinaco answered.

The wolf
headed demon nodded. With just a swipe of his claws Pinaco stood over
the last fallen son of the Caretaker. “You have two minutes” he
said and dropped to his knee. Alex was in a state of shock to the
point he had let go of the young folf. Breaking free of her brother
Sheba ran to Nightmare's side.

“Please
don't die, please don't” she begged him. “Where is your brother”
the old demon asked breathing hard. “ALEX” she called. In no time
Alex shook himself back to realty and rush after his sister.
“Nightmare” he said joining Sheba. “Good you are both alive”
he said to weak to lift his head. Tears mixed with her drying blood
laying her hand on her protector's great claw. “I never thought the
day would come that a master would out live me” he said with small
laugh.

“No,
you can't die, you just can't” Sheba cried. “Sheba, my time is
over, my mission is complete” he smiled “I can finally rest,
knowing the world is in better hands.” “Please don't go” she
begged. “Sheba” the beast asked “please help an old restless
demon go to sleep one last time.” “Hey, you don't get to die
until you say good bye” Alex said rubbing fresh tears from his
eyes.

With a
sigh the demon laughed “but will you let me?” “Yeah,” Alex
answered “you should get some rest … old friend.” Alex turned
away. “Good bye young Knight, you do your family proud and
honorably.” “Nightmare, I love you” Sheba said. “I know
child,” he answered “and I have as much love for you as you do I,
Good bye Sheba.”

with his
last words spoken the demon closed his eye and stopped breathing.
Sheba began to openly sob over the demon corps. “I'm sorry, Sheba”
Alex said easing the girl away from their fallen friend. “There has
to be some thing I could have done” she said hugging onto her
brother's side. Jessica and Meg stood watching.

In
Jessica's hand was the golden apple used to summon the great beast.
“I'm sorry Sheba” she said pulling the girl into a tight hug.
“There has to be some more to it” Sheba said “their were too
powerful to fall so easily.” “I don't know” Jessica answered.
“They can't be dead” she continued “there has to be something
we could do.”

“Sheba”
Alex said looking back at the pools of silver blood crawling across
the platform. Only parts of the stone reacted to the acid. The blood
form lines and marks, and flowed to cover every inch. “Lay my
dreams to rest” Alex heard play back in his head. “Lay my dreams
to rest” it repeated “Ask the one who holds my heart to sing them
to sleep.”

the
platform now that he saw was ten times bigger then the summoning seal
used for Nightmare. Looking down at his own feet he saw the band of
marks cut themselves into the stone. Alex looked back at his family.
Sheba was holding the apple again. He thought of his father's fang.
How did it all fit.

“What
is it Alex” Meg asked seeing the worried look on his face.
“Something doesn't add up” he answered. Alex looked to the
casting both he and Sheba had. Their light never broke. The charm
Jessica was were shined even in this dark place. His eyes shot back
to the apple and back to the charm. “The one who holds my heart.”
“It's not a grave” he said to himself.

“What”
they all asked. “It's not a grave” he said again. They looked
around. “The keep itself is not a grave,” he continued “IT'S A
GATE!” Sheba looked down at the stone beneath her feet. “ No,
it's too small, like it was scaled down and it has gaps laid into to
it like a lesser set up” the rooster's words play in Sheba's head.

She
shook her head. “This can't be right” she said “this can't be
the same one.” “It's not” Alex answered “this is the real
one.” “It would take way more power then any of us have to make
it work” she answered. “Sing my dreams to rest” the voice play
in the rat's head again. “I don't think it works like that” he
said.

“Alex,
there is no way this thing can work without a lot of power” she
chide. “You mean like having the seal written in the blood of three
of the most powerful demon known” he said “the power is there,
the whole thing ready to use, we're just missing the key.” “Time's
up” Pinaco called rising to his feet. “Key,Key, KEY” Alex said
to himself “THAT'S IT, you have the key, both of them.”

“What”
Sheba asked. “Don't ask me how I know this, but this thing has a
password or something like it, and the only one who can put it in is
the one who holds the key” Alex said “make it real simple I
think. The sons of the Caretaker have one third of his power. But in
truth they only have thirty-three percent and the last one percent
can be use to control them. Now with just all but that percent
contained in this seal, that last one is the switch.”

Sheba
look to the apple. “Then that means what ever this thing can it
might bring them back” she said “but I don't know what this
password could be.” “I don't think it will bring them back” he
answered “Sheba I have to ask you to do something that might be
very hard for you.” “What is it Alex” she asked looking up to
her brother with her good eye.

“Lay
them to rest, and help them move on, sing them to sleep” he
answered turning to Pinaco “I'll try to buy you some time.” Sheba
turned to Jessica and Meg “we need to move” she added turning to
Panbrook who was trying to piece his friend back together. Three ran
over to him and helped him pick up the pieces of the clockwork demon.

Alex
walked toward the wooden demon. “You want the Caretaker's power”
he yelled “It's right under you feet, it's in the very stone we're
standing on.” “You're a fool, vermin” Pinaco answered. “No
I'm a theft” he answered “And my name is Alexander Hunter
Greenvolt.” “Vermin are vermin it doesn't matter if it has a
name” Pinaco growled swing his arm back to bat the rat away.

“You
know I'm just as strong as my father” Alex said “but.” Pinaco
swung as hard as he could. “I'm a hell of a lot faster” he said a
foot away from the demon face. Alex spun around grabbing the demon's
jaw as he dropped. He flipped the demon over his head throwing him as
far as he could. Pinaco bounced off the platform and roll to his
side.

“You
are nothing” Pinaco growled lifting himself back to his feet “you
should be on your knees begging to kill you. Just so you could have
the honor to die by my hand.” “you did kill me” Alex answered
“you killed me over a thousand times, I just didn't stay that way.”
“Then why did you came back,” the demon growled “you should
have stayed dead.”

“Because
not even death stops a Greenvolt” he answered “and I have my
reasons for being here.” The demon laughed “what some stupid
scents of honor and duty.” “No, I wanted to come back” he
answered jumping up to the demon's face again “I wanted to see my
sister grow up.” Alex punched the demon in the face knocking him
back.

“I
wanted to asked the woman I love to marry me” he continued and
kicked the demon in the side of the head. Pinaco fell back but kept
his footing. “I wanted to make this world a better place” he said
landing on his feet “and I can't do any of that from a grave.”
“Then I'll be the one to put your foolish dreams to rest” the
demon barked.

Sheba
checked on the others that fell. The young wolf held his father close
crying without a sound. Miss. Woodcut was holding her daughter crying
and she saw the weak breathing of a dying child. Panbrook was a
wreck, losing one of his closest friends. Her heart hurt, seeing the
pain caused to the people trying to help her.

This had
to stop. And with what Alex said, there was one who could fix it. She
order Infrerna to stay with the others, left her spell book with the
otter and hugged both her and the vixen. She jumped up onto the
platform. “Where do you thinking you're going” Jessica asked.
“I'm going to help them rest” she answered and hopped alone to a
ring close to where Nightmare lay.

She tool
one last look at her fallen friends, and the mighty demon that lay
dead around her. She looked to her brother holding off another
monster for her. She wipe some tears and fresh blood from her eye.
She took a deep breath. There was only one song she could think of,
it was one she had not thought about in years.

It hurt
to think about it because it was the lullaby her mother would use to
sing her to sleep when she was little it was the only thing she could
remember clearly from that day. “Mom,” she asked herself “Help
me through this?” she closed her eye and let the words come to her
as she hummed herself into the tune. With a sigh she opened her heart
and sang.