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.