Element
Of Dark
Chapter Seven
Dream sat on the floor of the dirty bus, peacefully watching the scenery
as it flew past. She had never seen a place with so many colors. The sky was a
pale blue and large, white clouds drifted about. They swirled and danced merrily
as the wind swept them over hills and trees. The noise of Nick’s breathing
filled her ears and she tore herself away from the sight that so delighted her.
She watched his chest rise and fall rhythmically. His lungs rattled from blood
that slowly filled them. His skin was a ghastly white and bluish gray bags were
forming under his eyes. His cheeks were round and swollen and fluid filled sacks
were scattered all over his body. Drool mixed with blood escaped from his lips
and she quickly wiped it away. His bangs clung to his forehead and his neck
throbbed from the gradual incline of his pulse. Dream shook her head sadly.
"Why must this happen? He’s only a child," she ran her
fingers over his cheek fondly. A voice spoke up from the doorway.
"He’s twenty one. That hardly counts as a child." Dream
raised her head to find Leighanne leaning against the wall with her arms
crossed. Dream smiled gently.
"To me he is." Leighanne studied the petite girl and approached
her cautiously.
"Tell me something Dream." She paused. "Just, just how old
are you?"
"You couldn’t even begin to count," Dream laughed, a dainty
tinkling laugh, like that of chimes. She patted to the spot next to her on the
floor. "Here. If you’d like, I’ll tell you everything." Leighanne
hesitated and Dream grinned. "Come on. I may not be human but that
doesn’t mean I bite." Leighanne’s eyes widened at that but the
girl’s friendly outgoing behavior erased all fear from her mind. She eased
herself next to Dream and prepared herself for the knowledge that lay ahead.
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"The Darkness feeds on the fear of those who fear it most and
that’s why I’m here to protect Nicky," Dream explained softly.
"But I don’t understand. What does The Darkness want with
Nick?"
"Because...because he is afraid." Dream’s voice seemed to
come form far away and held an ominous note to it. "It has already begun to
consume him and is slowly tearing away at his heart." Leighanne gasped.
"But..but why?"
"Lust for the human soul." Dream’s face was pasted with a
look of pure and utter disgust.
"Not to be rude but how can you help?"
"I am the The Being Of Light. While I cannot undo what The Darkness
has done I can fight it off. But," she continued, "it is not an easy
task, which is where your husband Brian comes in."
"Brian? But...why?"
"Brian is the strongest contact I can find within Nick’s mind. He
almost seems to be linked by a force unknown to myself as it is. He may be
Nick’s only chance." Leighanne had doubt but the look of solemness on
Dream’s face proved her to be no liar. Nick stirred restlessly in his slumber
and moaned uncomfortably. A greenish tint had crept up his neck and goose bumps
along his arms. He let out a small yet gut-wrenching burp. A trickle of vomit
dribbled off his chin. Leighanne pulled back in distaste. Dream, however wiped
it off gently with a nearby rag.
"How can you....well....do that?" Leighanne was truly shocked.
"What? Oh, clean up after him?" She smiled a small smile.
"Leighanne, he’s sick. He can’t help it. He needs someone to
take care of him." She laughed. "He certainly can’t do it by
himself." Leighanne still protested.
"But how can you look at it?" This time Dream laughed
whole-heartedly.
"You forget. I’ve been doing this ever since the first star was
born and let me tell you," she added slyly, "that’s a long time.
Mind you, I don’t like it any more than you do but if I can help to ease his
discomfort, it’s worth it. See?" She pointed to Nick who had sunk back
into the mattress, no longer moving about. "Now he can sleep."
Leighanne didn’t know what to say but she studied Nick and eventually realized
that.....Dream was right.