The Beast called Nightmare

 Night's Angel

 Chapter 21

Everything seemed still. From the son soundlessly crying over the lose of his father, the blind mother holding her lifeless child, and the sobs of the rooster trying to save his friend, to the war raging between Alex and Pinaco. As the soft voice of a young witch sang into the night. “Promise saved and promise kept.” she sang holding the golden apple close to her chest.

“These words I give to you be held till day becomes night.” She dropped to her knees. “My promise saved my promise kept.” A low hum could be felt as the air began to cool. “Dear sweet children I give to you my dreams tonight.” The apple's glow grew with each verse. “My promise saved my promise kept.”

the streetlights darken as the stars shown brighter. “Fear no darkness sweet children for my nightmare will guide you.” The demon's bodies began melting into the same silver color gel that cut the rock they lay upon. “My promise saved my promise kept.” The hum grew louder. “Build your love sweet children with my day dream to support you.”

Sheba found it hard to continue as the short time with the beast replayed in her mind. “My promise saved my promise kept.” The apple pulsed in time with her heart beat. “Share your hope sweet children as my wish teaches you.” the tears for the fallen glowed with a soft blue light. “Promise saved and promise kept.”

Sheba heard voices joining her as she sang. “Come sweet children and lay to rest and dream of starlit angels.” she heard her mother's voice right next to her and see could see every witch in their line and the person that made the bond of love use to summon the great beast. “Promise saved is a promise kept.”

The apple pulled free of her hands as the last of the demons melted away. “Upon thy keep this oath I do say.” Pinaco and Alex both saw the apple pull away and fly to the middle ring. “Promise saved and promise kept.” They raced to it from ether side. “My dreams will aid the world but will never force their will.”

The light became blinding, as the streetlights started blowing out. The air pulled to the heart of the light as the gel pulled from the ground drew itself to the light. “This promise saved this promise kept.” in the blink of an eye the light was gone. “All before day becomes night.”

The air pulsed out sending all in its wake projected backward. Alex and Pinaco both were launched into the air. Sheba was push back and rolled back over to Jessica and Meg who caught her. Alex crashed into a dun of loose dirt and sand a few yards away. Pinaco was thrown back smashing through twisted spikes of steel and rock.

The stillness in the air was broken by the hum a soft breathing. Silver armor dress with the same black apron the beast wore was overlaid by a soft gray robe under a night black cloak. The hood was drawn fully over the figure's head but the gold and silver glow of two eyes shown through the blacken pitch.

The weapon beasts wheeled by the three fallen demons raced to the figure. The golden snake took its place around the figure's neck. The silver bird landed on the figure's shoulder. As the black drake took to the other shoulder. The figure sighed heavily as he looked to where the fallen lay and to the places the once great demons fell.

“This is a bad time for a joke” the figure said his voice weighted. Everyone felt something heavy and thick in the air, it was hard to breathe. “Well, we don't need this anymore now do we” he said kneeling down and laying and open hand onto the stone. The pale skin of his hand shown through thin hairs about it as the ruins cut across the platform slipped away drawing into his hand.

Alex pulled free of the dun watching the figure draw in the power of the keep. The figure stood up turning to face the young witch. He made almost no sound as he walked over to the little witch. Alex recalled seeing this same figure in his dream. He helped Sheba to her feet and back on to the platform, and standing behind her.

Sheba stood scared once again facing a something far more powerful then she could imagine. “Well, young knight, you show me great honor” the figure said when he was just a few feet away. “Just keeping my word, Caretaker” Alex answered. “Chartun” the figure said “Chartun Daliavoid .” Alex was taken for a moment before recalling and answered “Alexander Hunter Greenvolt, and this is Sheba Katrina Bloodgold.”

The hood turned down to the young witch, the open wound upon her face caught his eye. “I failed to protect her” Alex answered. The hood turned to look passed them to Jessica and Meg. “No, this is result of a protector” the figure answered “she risk harm for another thous you have not fail.”

Sheba looked up at the figure, rage and pain in her eye. “You know damn well I can't bring them back,” he said “because they were always part of me.” Her gaze never broke. “Yes it is my doing they fell with so little of a fight” he answered “The keep was meant to draw in power from where ever it could, that's why it never broke from any other force.”

The figure lifted his hand to his hood and withdrew it from his head. He flicked his long hair free of the hood and cloak to let it hang free. His thin and flat face showed both youth and age, with the same thin hairs dressing his face and neck. From his soft brown eyes roll tears for his dreams, his sons. Sheba looked into his eyes seeing the same loneliness and longing that her faithful Nightmare had.

“There is enough power left from the keep,” he said hold up his hand with a ball of pure light “for you to use as you wish.” Sheba turned to the others who each had lost someone in this fight. “Is there anything that can be done for them,” she asked “they never should have been part of this.” “If there is it may be too much for you to do alone” he answered.

“If you can help them I will take on any coast you have” she said. He with drew the power and patted the young woman on the head. “like I said kiddo, it's your energy” he said turning and walking off. As he walked away bright gold wings opened from his back as he past each of the fallen. The angel stopped in front of the mute wolf and his father.

“Well all I can do for you, Louis Wilds” the angel said “is give you a chance to say good bye.” the young wolf turned and looked up at the being. “I see, don't worry about that” he said “I'll take care of it.” the angel bent down and touch the old wolf's neck. “Good bye Peter, take care of yourself, tell your mother I love her when you go to see her in heaven” the old wolf's voice broke.

The angel released the old wolf and caught the younger one off guard grabbing his neck. “His last wish will find him seeing your mother sooner then you will” the angel said releasing the the young wolf. The wolf started coughing as his own voice broke. He eyes grew wide with understanding. “Dad” he yelled fresh tears filling his eyes.

The angel stood up, with a sad smile. “His last wish was to give his son a voice of his own” he said as he turned away. His soundless steps skipped him over to the blind mother and her still child with the son and brother quietly crying. “A mother should never have to watch her child die,” he said “that being said, may I?” The minx turned her head to face the voice speaking so softly to her.

It took her a moment to turn her child's body over to this being. The angel took the child carefully and held her close. He whispered in her ear then hugged and kissed her on her forehead. He handed her back to her mother. Within seconds she took a sharp breath and opened her eyes. “Mommy” she said smiling.

“Yes baby, Mommy's here” the minx answered her eyes watering with joy. She turned to the angel to thank him. Before she could speak she met with his soft kiss. She closed her blind eyes only to feel him pull away. “You can repay me by using this gift to be the good mother that you are” he said as he stood up and walked away.

The small child giggled drawing her mother's attention away from the angel. The minx opened her eyes and blinked as for the first time in her life she could see her daughter's face. “A good mother watches as her children grow into their own” the angel said as he walked away. He came to a stop over the rooster still trying to save his friend.

The rooster looked up at the angel before falling kneeling and bowing. The angel rolled his eyes and picked up one of the pieces the rooster had. “I'm not a god,” the angel said flicking the piece to the side “but I work for him.” the piece stopped midair as the rest float up to join it. In seconds the clockwork crocodile was rebuild.

“Try not to break him this time” the angel said. The demon stood still like new. The rooster jumped to his feet leaped onto the angel kissing him as hard as he could. When he finished the rooster stepped in shock of his own actions. “Your going to make your boyfriend jealous” he said as he turned away.

He tapped the demon on the shoulder as he walked away saying “take care big guy, and look out for them for me will you.” As he walked away the demon's body rumbled. The rooster stood in horror as his friend's metal skin broke apart. Under the bits of broke metal thick dark green scales could be seen. Soon chunks of metal broke away leaving the crocodile's new body naked to the world.

“A life given to protect is not so easily taken” the angel said lightly skipping away. He returned to the young witch, her knight and their family. “There is still one last thing I should” he said raising his hand to Sheba's face. She grabbed his arm before he could touch the gash around her eye. “No, you have done enough for us” she said.

“It's going to leave a really bad scar” he said. “Maybe but it will remind me that I don't have to be scared anymore” she answered. “Well aren't you a keeper” he said smiling “but do you think you have the power to stop me from doing what I want?” she looked up at him. He had the same sad smile Nightmare had.

“No but stories about you say you never do anything for free” she answered. “Then you misheard them,” he said taking her hand with the same hand she was holding “yes there many things I won't do with out a price, but when I choose to do something then I have my reasons.” She shook her head.

“How about this,” he asked “let me heal that for you, I'll leave a scar like you want but I want you to give me something in return.” “I have not...” she said as he cut her off with a little kiss. “And done” he said and turned to where Pinaco was last seen. He started walking. Sheba checked her face and felt a small thin scar across her eye along with all the blood she lost gone. She open her eye seeing everything like nothing happen.

Alex stepped up calling the angel back. The angel stopped and turned around. “Lad, this is over your head” the angel said. “Ranger” Alex called his black and burning wolf to his side. The wolf came and shifted to her ax form with her blade edge burning red. “No, this is my fight,” he said “I made him a promise.”

the angel walked back stopping just past the young rat. From where Jessica stood she was looking up to see the two the same as from her dream years ago. “Greenvolt” the angel said “you do this you will be doing so alone.” “No, I understand now” he answered “Nightmare said he is happiest when he is weak because it means there is no hate or fear to fed off of. I'm only alone when I give into the darkness.”

the angel smiled and said “then let's shed some light on the matter. The angel tapped his foot causing the platform to glow. The soft glow broke the dark air about them. On the far side of the platform stood a shadow with glowing red eyes. “This is going to be fun” Alex said. “Wait” Sheba said removing her rain drop pendent. Jessica did the same and ripped part of her shirt.

She climbed up next to Sheba giving him the metals and tied the rag about his neck. “A knight shouldn't go into battle without his lady's blessing” she said and kissed him. “Hey” Meg said throwing her pump-action shotgun to the rat. “Right everyone ready” the angel spoke “good ladies step back, lad let's go.”

“I thought you said I was doing this alone” Alex said. “You are” the angel said “but I like to be fair.” the rat and the angel walked to the middle of the platform. “HEY TINY” the angel called. “What are you doing” Alex asked. “Killing time so this story doesn't end too quickly” he answered. “What” Alex asked. “Never mind that,” the angel said “making it a fair fight, or just sweetening the deal.”

Alex shot the angel a glance. “What, I'm an omni-dimensional being, I don't have a rule book” the angel answered. “Really, how anticlimactic would it be if I did all the work, and didn't give you a risk of failure?” “No really guys what do you think?” “Who are you talking to” the rat asked cutting in. “Who knows,” the angel answered “anyway, enough chitchat let's get this show on the road.”

The angel stopped Alex on the edge of the middle ring. “Wait here” he said still walking. He turned back to Alex. “Stay, good boy.” The angel went to speak with the demon Pinaco. Pinaco swung his arm crashing it into the angel who didn't even react to it. “Really bro” he asked “you people keep calling me a god, and you think you have have enough power to take me down?”

Pinaco pulled back. “Thought so” he said “here's the deal, you two fight winner take all. If you win, I'll give you a shot at the belt. You lose, then the kid decides your fate. Got it?” “You talk too much worm” Pinaco answered. “I am Chartun Daliavoid, the Ninth Night, born the ninth child to Orviaus Don Daliavoid, ruler of the void. I am the Caretaker to the Great Library of Deeds, master of the nova forge and keeper of its flame” he said “I have lived ages beyond this world or its star. And I am also a stellarphilim of chaos. Don't call me a worm, but next to you they have more class.”

The angel turned and headed back to the rat. Pinaco raised his arm again. “Lad, you even think about it I will put you down” the angel walking away. The wood demon back off once more. The angel walked right passed Alex who heard everything. “Lad, I set the stage, it's up to you to finish the show.” “That was a bit long winded” Alex laughed.

“That didn't even touch on a drop of the things I've done” he said “I'm not a god just a god moder.” The young golemor minx rushed onto the platform trying to pass the angel. “Lively ones out tonight” he said lifting the young minx into the air without even touching him. “I can fight I can help” he said swing and kicking the air.

“I just finish telling every one who I am” the angel said “were you even listening?” the minx became still. “That's better” the angel said floating the young male back to his mother and sister “don't break your mother's heart like that, or your girlfriend's.” The angel jump off the platform next to Sheba as a clear dome seal the dragon rat and wood wolf inside. “You're an asshole” Jessica said to the angel moving Sheba away from him.

“Can't say you're wrong,” he answered “but all the same he has a reason for this fight, he made a promise to the real Pinaco.” “The real Pinaco” the vixen asked. “You'll see” he said. Too much the same as his sons, the angel didn't really look at anyone. “Looks like the final boss battle in a video game” he said.

Alex stood ready as the shadow of the demon drew closer. Alex looked up to meet the glowing red eyes of Pinaco. The shadows broke away revealing the damage he had taken. Half of one of his arms was replace by broken concrete and spikes of rebar. He stomach was gone and replace with a cage of twisted steel over pounds of rocks and stones. His tail was replaced with the scooping arm from one of the heavy dossers.

He dragged with him the long flag pole that was never used. “I'm done playing games with you stupid STREET RAT” he roared swinging the flag pole. Alex barely had time to dodge the strike. The young rat recalled his training under Nightmare and laughed to himself. “Then stop trying to hit me and hit me” he said sidestepping another swing.

Chapter 22

Pinaco swung the pillar he had used to replace his arm, but the vermin was quick to runaway. “Give up vermin, you will never win” he growled swinging his weapon again. The rat fired two shots from the shotgun into the wolf's leg. “You're going to have to better then that,” he growled “little piece of shit.”

“Breaker” Alex commanded as his hand lit up meeting Pinaco's pillar fist head on. The pillar smashed apart as black thread latched onto the rumble pulling back together into a loose fitting hand. Pinaco spun around whipping the rat away with his makeshift tail. Alex was knocked back and rolled across the ground to a stop. “Damn, he hits like a truck” Alex said to himself getting back to his feet.

“Ranger, meet me over there” he said to his ax dropping her. The wolf paused before following his orders keeping herself safe. Alex rush the demon head on. Pinaco swung his pole after the rat. Alex dodged it by rolling under it and sliding between the demon's legs. He fired one shot for the demon's face.

Alex then dropped the gun and grabbed the demon's tail and half swung himself into the air. Once airborne the rat turned and dove for the demon's head. “Breaker, repel” he yelled throwing a heavy punch. Pinaco turned his head just in time to catch the attack with half of his face. The wolf was thrown off balance and staggered.

The rat hit the ground and rolled back to his feet. Pinaco wasted no time and grabbed the rat in his stone fist. Alex was caught under his arms leaving his rib cage unprotected to the demon's crushing force. “I'm going to enjoy squeezing the life out of you” the demon growled and began crushing the rat into his fist.

“Well,” Alex said grabbing at the rocky fingers “I'm not going to die tonight.” Alex began pulling Pinaco's hand open. Before Alex could free himself, Pinaco slammed into the ground. Pinaco lifted the pole up and turned it to crush the rat's head. But something crashed into the demon causing him to miss the rat's head by just a few inches.

Alex couldn't see what was going from the way he was pinned down. But he could hear a fire going and the demon above him grunting in pain. Pinaco was dealing with whatever it was that hit him forgetting the rat he was holding with his stone fist. Alex looked around for any means of escape. Before he could move Alex felt very cold, like someone just dropped him into a pool of ice.

He took a chance and pushed up against the demon's stone hand. The sounds of ice breaking followed as the rock gave way. He pushed himself free before find the demon's hand had been frozen solid. A bit dazed he rolled away. Before he could get back to his feet he saw the flag pole coming down again. He threw up his hands to catch it but didn't think he had time to.

He felt something in his hands the second before the pole could crush him. Alex push against what looked like a long golden spear with markings like a snake. He turned the spear and moved himself out from under the broken pole and got back to his feet. Looking around he spotted Ranger trying to bit at Pinaco's leg.

And right next to her at his full size was the winged snake dragon. He quickly recalled the gold spear in his hand. Pinaco swung his weapon to remove the two weapon beasts from his side. But a small silver bird flew into the pole's path shifting into a free floating shield and stopping the counter cold. Buying Alex time to recover the flame color canine with her seven blazing tails leaped onto the demon's face, biting at his eyes.

Sheba looked around after seeing her own item beast on the battle field. “Like I said, I like to keep things far” the angel answered when the young folf look up at him. She just noticed his items were gone as well. “And no, I didn't make them help him,” he said “the children if you will, that are born from the fires of my forge, have a will of their own. And if they choose to give their aid they will do so.”

Alex turned the spear in his hand ready to strike but before he could move he felt a sharp pain in his back and running through his gut. He looked down at himself seeing a blood covered blade protruding from his stomach. “Did you really think, you stood a chance against me, street rat” the demon's voice rang in Alex's ears.

The shock overthrew Alex. Pinaco's new body kick the rat off his blade laughing with pride. Hitting the ground all Alex could thinking was “I can't let it end like this.” From the side lines Sheba and Jessica were ready to rush to Alex's side. The Angel held out his arm saying “You too have already gave him aid, just watch.”

it was hard to breathe, the armor felt too heavy. Alex open his armor the best he could. Pinaco stood watching him, toying with the rat over what little time he had left. “Did you really think this was going to be easy,” the demon laughed “that when this was over you'd go home and screw your little sluts.”

Pain and rage kept Alex down holding his gut. The white fur his hand was untouched by all the blood he lost, half of his forearm had turned white. “To face a nightmare head on, one must be faithful” Alex said fighting his way to his feet “to have a wish for a better world, one must have hope,” he was coughing up blood “to have a true dream, one … must … have … love.”

“Bullshit” the demon answered stepping closer to run the rat through the head to shut him up. The three metals about his neck glowed brightly knocking the demon back. Alex's heart raced as he wiped the blood from his face. His right arm glowed turning his whole right arm pure white. A blue light shined from the closing gap in his stomach. As his eyes glow solid gold.

The spins along his back span out their full length. “With enough will power and a touch of Genesis power” the angel said to the little witch and the vixen “a part dragon like Alex can boost his own power to match a pure dragon.” Alex pulled back his fist and punched Pinaco right in the face. The demon flew back hitting the ground.

The weapons and items held off the lager body. “No, I knew this wasn't going to be easy,” Alex picking up the demon and punching him in the gut “And when this is over, I'm going to build a new home with my family.” Alex didn't let up, with blow after blow the demon's body cracked and broke. Each time Alex pulled the demon back up to his feet.

Alex punched through the demon's chest catching something small and round in his fist. “When this is over I will save the real Pinaco and sent you back to the hell you came from” he said ripping his hand free of the demon. The wood body matching Alex's size fell over and into pieces. Thin black threads burned away into his hand.

Alex looked at what he was holding. It was a small cork wood bobbin. He remembered seeing one just like it hanging around the small puppet's neck. “If I'm right,” the angel said “Pinaco was born using soul thread.” Sheba looked up at the angel. “The thread is made by infusing a life force into the thread. With it Pinaco can do a great deal of things with it. From replacing body parts to taking control over another living being” the angel said “it is both his strength and his weakness.”

“How is it his weakness” she asked. “Because every use burns away his life force,” he answered “if he can't replace it he will return to being a lifeless toy.” Sheba thought about how much her Nightmare was the same. “Yes they were the same,” the angel added “my sons were made to act in my stead, but had the free will to do as they saw fit.”

Alex threw the bobbin aside looking back at the demon before him. “I get it now” he said his golden eyes fixed on the demon. The young dragon rat rushed the demon with all his might driving his shoulder into the demon's stone gut. The cracking of stone and the wine of metal bending was followed by a bellow of pain from the demon.

The demon's wooden hand grabbed Alex lifting him off the ground. “WHY WON'T YOU JUST DIE” the demon bellowed. “I have a damn good reason to live” Alex answered twisting and breaking the fingers apart. The demon howled in pain as the black threads burned away. The beasts backed away ready to fight on if need be.

The demon shook the stump of his arm as bits of broken stone steel and wood rebuilt his hand. The broken blade his lesser copy had was now fixed to the back of his hand. “You can't kill me boy” the demon laughed. Alex flexed his white arm and smiled. “I'm not trying to kill you” he answered “Dreamcatcher, Divine Dragon.”

Alex's body glowed jade all but his right arm which glowed bright white. In a flash of light Alex was gone and in his place was as massive jade green wingless forest dragon with a pearl white limb. And at it's core was a mass about the same size as the young rat. The demon was now more in raged and lashed out driving his blade towards the dragon's heart.

“What is that thing” Meg asked. “That my dear, is Alex's soul,” the angel answered “well maybe not his soul per say but it's the manifestation of his soul gifted by his great grandmother.” The otter turned her head to the angel. “What, you asked” he answered raising his brow and hands. “Is that his Dreamcatcher doing” Sheba asked. “Yes and no” he answered “the spell my son gave him is just a channel, or focus point the rest is Alex's doing.”

The dragon reared up backing away from the attack raising it's claws to grab the demon's arm. Once caught the demon fought to free himself. The bellow of a woman's voice rang out from the dragon's maw “You will harm this child of mine no more, beast of the last realm.” “Not even you have the power to stop me, Volts” the demon answered.

The dragon's white arm slashed upward through the demon's arm ripping it clean off. The demon withdrew several steps. The dragon moved swiftly around the demon claws ripping limbs free and casting them out of his reach. Smoke followed the hiss of the burning threads as the demon howled in pain.

The demon broke apart forced to rebuilt him smaller once more. Bloody meat, broken bones, twisted steel, and what wood and stone remained stood as monstrous as the horror found in most nightmares. The dragoness raised her claw one last time to end the demon once and for all. Her head shook as her hand was held back.

Alex's voice spoke over her's “NO, he is still in there.” “You have given me all the power I need” the demon laughed black threads poring out in mass. “PINACO” Alex yelled breaking himself free of the dragoness' form. The dragoness faded quickly leaving Alex diving right for the demon. The threads shot up at him encasing him in a black mass.

“Well that was more drawn out then I thought it would be” the angel said breaking the seal. “What” all three said at once. “What what, I've got work to do,” he said “and thank you I don't have all day so let's go.” The three look between themselves and the angel. The angel stopped turned around looking at the three. “I've got a lot of work to catch up on, he's going to need help here in a minute, and I'm getting bored standing around doing nothing.”

The angel turned around again and began walking towards the demon. The demon laughed “that's right ...” “Shut up, you lost” the angel said collecting his beasts and checking their well being. Sheba, Jessica and Meg joined him seconds later. The demon had pulled the black mass of threads into himself. “How did he lose” the angel asked question they were all thinking.

A crackling sound bubbled up from inside the offset mass in the demon's chest and stomach. “I'd say,” the angel said taking a step back as did the others “it was someone you ate.” blinding white light broke free of the demon's gut as bits burned away. It was no time flat before the young rat pushed himself free crashing to the ground.

The demon fell back soundless and lifeless. Alex rolled over to his back with something small hold close to his side. “That took longer then I thought it would” Alex said easing himself up. “Well did you keep your promise” the angel asked. Alex lifted up a toddler size wood puppet shaped like a wolf and painted black with white and red markings around the eyes and face, dressed in old style clothes. “Thank you” it said in a light and friendly voice as a thin light blue thread finished burning away.

Jessica looked down at the small toy. “How can something so small cause so much hell” she asked. “If I really have to answer that then,” the angel said messing with Sheba's hair “you over looked a great deal of matters. Your hair is a knotted mess kiddo.” Jessica looked at the angel then to the young folf standing next to him.

“Size doesn't equal power,” he added “maybe if you cut it then let it grow back, but then again you could pull it off.” The angel messed with her hair a bit more before giving up on it. Meg tapped the angel on the shoulder. The otter was pissed and with good reason but when the angel turned and looked her in the eye all she could think to say was “what are you?”

“I think I answered that one” he said. The otter shook her head her eyes never moving from his. “are some kind of ape or something” she asked nodding to his thin fur and pale skin. “Oh, ok,” he said “what species is my form, human, it's not something found on this world, but one much like it. On that note anyone else hungry?”

Alex's stomach answered. “Dragons, they never change” the angel said helping the young rat to his feet. The angel tapped the side of his head with his finger taking a few steps around. “You know, I know I'm forgetting something, well more like someone” he said. The angel turned around sharply as the others watched when a long thin piece of metal jetted out his back.

The metal was the damaged blade of a sword and was cleanly sticking out of the angel's back. In front of him stood the feline dragoness, fully uncovered and soaking wet. “Well aren't you cute” he said gripping her wrist. He looked her over adding “and a nice build to go with it, tell me Hun, did you really think that was going to do anything to me.”

The feline locked eyes with the angel and tried to pull away. “Nope, your going to pay for that, so stick around” he said bopped her on the head. The feline's legs gave out before she fell to the ground. “And out like a light” the angel said withdrawing something from his robes. He covered the feline with a blanket of some kind and in a flash she was gone.

“No matter, she's fine” he said “I won't feel right her leaving out here like that.” “You're not going to kill her are you?” Sheba asked. “No, just going to repay her for jamming something long and hard into me” he answered taking the hold of the blade's handle and pulling out of his gut. He dropped the broken weapon and turned around.

“You know I think I should get going” he said. “Why leave when you only just got here” Sheba asked watching the angel. “Well for one, I think I cause enough trouble for one life time, and two,” he said patting her on the head “I've been here the whole time, I knew the Bregold sisters just like I know you. I have seen kingdoms rise and fall. I have see the wonders of this world and I can see now. That what one would call an old god is no longer needed.”

“We both know that's not true” Alex said resting the lifeless puppet in his arm “You're still needed, even if to the rest of the world thinks your just an old story, you're the Caretaker, you've watched over this world much like any other.” He paused looking to the others. “You're what can make dreams come true” he finished.

“Hey now, I never said I wouldn't be back” the angel said “after all, who's going to stop me?” They all loosely nodded. The angel shrugged and trotted off to the middle of the platform. “But,” he said turning to them “there is one last thing I need to do. To honor those who have fallen because of me.” they all slowly backed away as the air became thick hard to breathe.

With just a flick of his wrist the ground and the platform moved and quaked. In seconds the platform began reshaping. First, part of it sunk into the ground as the parts around curled into a low wall. More of the platform pulled under itself raising under the angel. The shape of a round base with a low bowl to it as small pillars rose with shapes growing on each.

Soon the forms of Nightmare, Wishmaker and Daydream took hold. The spot where the angel stool rose higher reaching several feet into the air. Water began filling the newly formed pool and flow freely from the base of each statue and from under the angel's feet. Without wasting time the fountain was working fully, with the angel still standing at its peek.

“Hay lad,” the angel called. “Yeah,” Alex answered. “You still have that coin Daydream gave you” the angel asked. “Yeah” he answered. “Good hang on to it,” the angel said “might come in handy.” “I will,” he answered “will we even see you again?” “Maybe, maybe not,” he said “let's see what happens.” the angel held out his arm. “Good luck” he said and turned his over so his palm face the sky and in the blink of an eye the angel was gone leaving one last statue in his place.

Chapter 23

several months had past since that night. Jessica and Alex stood together before the Caretaker's fountain, matching rings on their fingers. Jessica rubbed her growing belly cuddling up to her new husband. “I think we should name him Hunter, after your father” she said. “What if he is a she, I think that be the case,” he said “we should name her.” “After your mother” Jessica finished “I want our baby to have the thing we never did.”

“We'll do the best we can” Alex said holding his wife close. “Wow, and here I thought you had always babied me” Sheba giggled at the two. The young folf and her minx boyfriend had joined them after school. They held hands as they watched the water flowing from under the feet of the Caretaker and his dreams.

“How was school” Jessica asked. “It's ok I guess” Sheba answered rubbing the lower half of her scar with her blue furred hand. The scar added a bit of charm to her smile. Her short hair fit her girly tomboy look. And her golemor minx had loose baggy clothes that didn't seem baggy on him. “Ever think about what he's up to” Sheba asked looking up at the angel.

“No, I don't think my mind could handle it” Alex answered. “It would be nice to see him again” Sheba added. “Yeah, we had even save him a seat when we got married” Jessica said “then people started asking why we had a puppet sitting at our table.” “The gardens look great, Alex” Sheba said changing topics.

“Yeah, seems forest dragons, are better at growing things then destroying them” he said rubbing the back of his head. “Doctor Panbrook said since that night more and more magic users have been popping up” Henry said “he also said there are these creatures calling themselves dream beasts have also started showing up.”

Alex laughed. “when one dream ends another begins” he said when the other all looked at him “maybe it's just his way to remind us he's still watching over us.” looking up Alex saw something small and dark in the bright blue sky. He could almost swear it had looked back at him before taking off and breaking the sound barrier.

So the days went by in a melancholy way. Weeks and months passing into years. And eight years later Sheba stood alone in front of the fountain. “With all the good things that have happen over the years,” she said more to herself “I only have one last wish.” She pulled a coin from her pocket. “I'm getting married tomorrow, and I was hoping to find a way to ask you to come by if you had the time” she said looking up at the angel statute.

“Aim for his hand” a voice said walking up behind her. She turned to see who was talking. What she saw was a canine who looked to be just a few years older then her. “Yeah,” he said “they say he'll answer any wish if they can land a coin in his hand.” “Yeah I guess that makes scents, you can't get anything for free,” she said looking at the coin “you've got to earn it.”

“Or just have faith things work out” he said “after all, it's the little things that matter.” before Sheba could answer the canine left. She thought it over and looked up at the angel. She ran her fingers across the faded scar around her eye. “It's the little things that matter,” she said to herself “because it's the little things that change the world.”

she smiled and closed her eyes then gripped the coin in her hand. “my only wish is to ask you to come to my wedding tomorrow” she thought willing her hope into the coin before throwing it as high as she could. She didn't look to see where it landed but she did hear the chime it made when it landed. “Hope it see you soon,” she said beginning to turn away “maybe we could share a dance like I had with Nightmare, but we'll be saving you a seat anyway.”

when she had gotten home and picked up her mail she filed through it as she always does. Before setting it down on the desk next to the folders of school papers that she had started working at this year. Her soon to be husband and her brother worked for the order along with Jessica. Life had changed after that night. But the good they did was changing the world.

Pictures lined the walls a time laps of her life over the past nine years. From her younger days when she was small and scared. To the day she became a fully licensed witch. She had spent months hunting down any picture she could find of the witches in her line. As well as spending days renewing the family spell book adding her story in hopes that its next owner can use and grow from her hardships.

She was smiling as she changed and showered before going back out for the party Jessica and Meg were throwing for her. She wasn't sure what they had in mind but hopefully it wouldn't get too out of hand. When she met up with the otter and the vixen and her son Hunter, who look just like his father Sheba new how the night would go.

The serves was held by the order and many of them were dress in suits of armor or robes. The small church was filled with friends and loved ones. Someone had made hunter a suit of armor just like Alex's that he wore as the ring barer. Alex stood in the back as he waited to give his sister away. “Excuse me sir” a voice asked with a loose but friendly tone.

Alex turned to answer. When he turned he was met by two men. One had a dark cloak on with the hood fully drawn the was a reddish-brown wolf dress for the day. “Yes, how can I help you,” he asked looking the two over. “Mr. Greenvolt,” the hooded male said “this is Eric Bloodgold, Sheba's father.”

Alex held out his hand to the wolf. “It's an honor” he said. The wolf took his hand and shook it and said “no the honor is mine, thank you so much for taking care of my little girl, I wish I could have been there for her.” the wolf looked like he was about to cry. Alex looked to the hooded male. “You missed my wedding” he said to the hooded one.

“That depends on how you look at it” the male answered “I could have been there and you just didn't see me, after all someone had to set things up.” “I'll have to find a way to pay you back Mr. Daliavoid” Alex said and shook the male's hand. “Yes, there is a way,” he said “going fill your roll as best man and let a father give his daughter away.” Alex nodded. “Oh, and one more thing, the name's Chartun,” the male said “don't misuse it.”

“Alex what's going on the pastor is waiting” Jessica said rushing over to him. “Last minute change in plans” the angel said before giving the vixen a hug “you're looking good.” “Thank you, I guess,” she said oddly pushing him away “who are you?” “I'm an asshole” he said “and I'll take care of the pastor.”

“Jess, it's Chartun, the Caretaker” Alex said keeping his voice low. Jessica look the angel over and spotted his item beasts around his neck and shoulders. She raised her hand to chide him when he cut her off. “Yell at me later,” he said and looking around “I need to see the bride.” “What I'm right here” Sheba said vial lowered over her face.

She paused tilting her head as she looked at the hooded male. “Chartun” she asked lifting her vial. He nodded and withdrew the hood from his head. His face was still the same even after so many years. He still held the same sad smile. “Hello Sheba,” he said “I'm sorry I've been gone for so long.” Sheba dropped everything to hug the angel. “That doesn't matter, I'm just glad you came” she said squeezing him.

The angel hugged her in return. “I have a gift for you” he said easing her back. He turned the young folf to the wolf standing close by. Sheba looked him over for a minute before pull him into a hug “Daddy.” The wolf smile and held his little girl. “Look at how much to have grown,” he said “you look just like your mother.”

The angel walked off without a word taking Alex with him. “let's get this show on the road” he said leading the way. As the angel walked down the aisle the crowd dropped to their knees knowing the rank he held. He looked sad by the unneeded sign of respect he was shown. He stopped at the base of the altar and dropped to his knee.

This act confused many of the people watching. As he rose he greeted the pastor and spoke with him for a moment. The two agreed and the angel stepped to the side. He folded his hands in prayer. The wedding continued as planed. The fox gave his daughter away and the values were given. After the kiss, the angel stepped forward. The pastor spoke up “Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the Caretaker, as he wishes to speak.”

“Thank you,” the angel said standing before them. “I have come to pay my respects to the newly weds and to preform a deal that I have not done in a long time” he said taking the drake from his shoulder as the drake shifted into his weapon state. “Alexander Hunter Greenvolt, Henry David Woodcut, and Eric Bloodgold, stand and be recognized.”

The three stood before the angel. The Angel drew his blade to a salute and open his massive golden wings. The three crossed an arm over their hearts and bowed their heads. The angel spoke an oath that the three repeated. “Kneel” the angel spoke, as the three took to a knee. “Eric Bloodgold” he said “by the rite of god, the name of the crown's holder and myself. I knight thee.”

The angel set the tip of his sword to the fox's head and shoulders. Then repeated the action for the other two. The return to his starting point and bring his sword back to a salute. “Raise and be recognized as Knights of the World Crown.” The three stood and bowed before turning to face the crowd. The mass of people stood and applauded. The service finished and the crowd moved to the reception area.

The idle chatter broke when Alex tapped his glass getting everyone's attention. “Thank you all,” he said “everyone knows I don't give speeches so I'll keep it short. Sheba, Henry, I've known you two a long time, and I only wish the best for the both of you.” Jessica bopped his elbow and pointed the angel sitting at the end of the table. “Right, where's my head today,” he added leaning over a bit “maybe we could ask the Caretaker to share a few words, and maybe give a better toast then I can.”

“Yeah sure,” the angel answered before standing up. He took a deep breathe and sighed. “to the newly weds, may your good days be long and bad one be short.” the crowd joined with “CHEERS”. The Angel sighed again. “I would like to say one more thing if I may” he asked. Henry nodded as Sheba spoke up “of course.” He nodded and continued “To friends lost and to friends found, may we all keep them in our hearts.” It was quiet and sobering thought that all agreed with.

The angel sat down letting others have there turn to speak. Once all the speeches were given the band started up and people began to dance. Sheba took to the dance floor and had her husband, brother and father dance with her. After her last dance she looked around spotting the angel still at his seat alone, he glass untouched. The look on his face remind her of just how old he truly was, and how lonely he must have been.

And without skipping a beat she walked right up to him. “Chartun” she said standing over him “why don't you join us?” “It's ok,” he answered “go enjoy yourself and leave an old man to his drink.” “I would,” she retorted “but you haven't even touched it.” she held out her hand to him. “Please, I know I'm asking a lot from you,” she said “but you are as much a part of my family as anyone else here.”

He looked up at her. “Don't me that look,” she added “I don't care how powerful you are, you're coming over and joining the rest of us and have a good time.” “Fine, but we need to do this the right way” he said standing up. His robes and armor shifted giving him a fine pressed suit. “would you care to share a dance with me, my dear” he asked and held out his arm.

She smiled and took his arm. “I would love too” she answered. With silent steps the angel lead the folf to the dance floor. He turned a waved to the band for a slow tune. He turned back to the folf taking her hand and her hip. The music began as the two moved in time. Sheba didn't see the angel's alien face nor felt his skin in her hand.

All she could see was her Nightmare sharing this dance with her. “It's hard to believe,” she said “that there was a time, that you were nothing more that a bed time story.” The angel chuckled. “But now it's hard to believe that I'm holding you,” she continued “my dreams, my nightmares, all of my wishes, all in one place.”

“Sheba,” the angel spoke softly “I'm not a dream, nor am I the dreamer, I am what is needed of me.” “Why do you always look so sad” she asked. “That is a question I can not answer” he said. As the music came to a close and the pair parted the angel added “you know if this story was ever made into a movie, this is a good place to throw in a musical number.”

Time passes once again. Homes and families grow, time still as kind or curl as it wishes. Sheba Bloodgold lived a happy life, and was there to see her own granddaughter get married. She died weeks later,time taking it's toll on her. She passed peacefully in her sleep. Alex Greenvolt continued to live, seeing his son married off.

He out lived his wife and sister. But as fate is kind it was also curl. And took the lives of his own son and his wife. Leaving him to care for his granddaughter. Caring for her was hard and stressful for the both of them. He did the best he could for her, always fearful it wasn't enough. But he never failed her. Even to his own bitter end.

Blinding light. “GRANDPA” she screamed as her world turned white. “Sheba, would you believe me if I told you I met the Caretaker” the old brown rat said holding a little hybrid in his arms. The two stood before a fountain with great monstrous beasts cut from stone. The largest being the black form of the demon Nightmare, the pearl white form of Daydream and the gray form of Wishmaker. And high above the three stood the angel known only as the Caretaker. “But Grandpa, Daddy said that was over a hundred years ago” the little six year-old answered.

“A hundred and thirty-two to be honest” the old rat corrected. “Grandpa is it true what they said about the Caretaker” the child asked. “Is it what true, Hun” he asked. “That if you make a wish and throw a coin into his hand it will come true” the child spoke pointing up to the angel who's hand was held out palm up.

“Sweety, it's not just true it's a fact” he answered “tell you what, we'll come by here any time you want and we'll try to getting your wish granted.” “Grandpa, when's Mommy and Daddy coming home” she asked. He sighed not wanting to hurt her but he also didn't want to lie to her. “As soon as they can” he answered.

The flash of blinding light over came the scene as her voice broke.