The Raven's Nightmare

CHAPTER TWENTY

Seven years later
Raven's age: 18

Time flew by quickly in DreamTale, as Raven grew older with each passing season. As did her love for Nightmare blossomed even more; but the bond between the two brothers continued to strain. Still unknowing to the Guardian of Negativity, the mage still kept her deal with her tormentors despite being aware of the condition of her SOUL. She has also noticed that the more that her SOUL is being consumed by the ominous color, the more trouble she has casting healing magic. Which is more troublesome since Raven has to figure out how to hide her injuries from Nightmare now...

It also doesn't help that Terrence and his gang became more ruthless than before; the two monsters using there magic attacks and Charles using a small dagger. Even though Raven has tried dodging the ATTACKS, she has kept it to a minimum to show the bastards that she isn't some push over. She could easily fight back...

But she won't.

They aren't worth it.

Because if she did, they wouldn't be coming out of that alley way alive.

Winter was on its way and the eighteen year old was a bit panicked due to the fact that she wanted to give Nightmare something, besides a box of cookies like she did every year, for Gyftmas; the same was happening to the said skeleton but his was more complicated since he was going to use his gift to confess to her. Thus, the Guardian of Negativity asked for advice and blessing from Raven's father, Batair.

Letting out a jolly laugh, the eccentric hunter gave Nightmare a huge hug and swinging him in circles while cheering "Its 'bout time ya two love birds got tagether!"

"Don't get you're hopes up yet, old man... Raven still has to accept!"

Putting the the poor Guardian down as he ruffled the skeleton's skull, which caused Nightmare's crown to tilt sideways, while teasingly scolding "'Old man'? Don't ya be actin' like Raven now!" This only caused a chuckle as Batair continued, "Now, I suggest a gift tha' jewelry related! But, nothin' brought! Somethin' hand made! Tha' what I did 'or Salem."

Nightmare thought deeply for a few minutes until an idea hit him. Giving the veteran hunter a cheeky smile, he exclaimed "I got the perfect idea! But, I'm going to need your help to get it."

Before the two even knew it, the season of Gyftmas had arrived! Raven and Nightmare stood before the Tree of Feelings with their gifts behind their backs as they stood in awkward silence; slightly shy on presenting them.

"Raven-"

"Nightmare-"

Letting out a chuckle, the skeleton spoke "You first."

Giving him a shy smile, the nervous girl brought out a hand carved raven pendant with an minty blue oval gem attached in the middle and placed it around Nightmare's neck.

"Since, raven's symbolized guidance... let's just say, when I'm not physically with you... that this pendant will protect and guide you in my place since I imbedded some of my magic in the jewel. Which I found a long time ago and became my most precious treasure, until I found something better. It took me a few tries and a few pricked fingers to get the wood to perfect shape. But I finally did it!"

Feeling a bit discouraged and touched, Nightmare hesitated to ask "And what was the better treasure?"

"You."

Purple dusted the Guardian's cheeks as he felt his SOUL soar before giving a sly smirk, "Since, we're on the topic... before I give you my gift, there is a certain condition you'll have to do."

Playing along with his game, Raven mused out "Oh, what would that be Oh Great Guardian?"

Quickly becoming flustered, Nightmare whined out "Aw! C'mon Raven! I'm trying to be serious!"

Raven giggled, "Okay! Okay! I'll start being serious."

Taking a calming breath, the anxious skeleton started "Raven, we've known each other for fourteen years but you've known me longer than that. You've known my pain and suffering; been by my side despite knowing the risk of befriending a being made up entirely of negative energy. You've shown me that I am more than an unwanted abomination; that I am something!

You've been my best friend through thick and thin. You are kind, funny, smart, beautiful, and so much more! You mean more to me than you know; you are my world, my everything, my starlight to my night sky! Without you, Raven, my life will have no purpose. What I'm trying to say is, " he brought out a crystal necklace in the shape of a star, " I love you. Would you do me the honors of being my girlfriend?"

Raven let out a shocked gasp as tears of joy fell down her cheeks before letting out a "Yes!" as she flung herself at an elated Guardian while wrapping her arms around his neck. The couple landed in the freshly fallen snow as they locked gazes that showed their unrivaled love for each other; unconsciously drawing close until Nightmare took the initiative and gently placed his teeth to Raven's lips as they passionately kissed.

Hands placed firmly on her hips, Nightmare sensually gave them a soft squeeze that caused Raven to let out a gasp; giving the Guardian the opportunity to place his tongue into her mouth to explore her cavern as their tongues danced in sync. This lasted for a few minutes until the two lovers parted for breath; giving Nightmare a bright smile, Raven whispered "All this time, you felt the same way about me..."

"I'd be stupid not too."

Standing up, Nightmare held the necklace out while mock bowing, "May I?"

Curtsying with her furred cloak, Raven gave a cheeky grin "You may.."

She turned around and held her hair back so the skeleton can clip the necklace on without difficulty. When he finally did, she turned around so he can see the fruits of his labor. Giving a satisfied nod, he praised "It looks amazing on you."

"It's beautiful. Where'd you get the crystal from? It looks familiar..."

Letting out a nervous chuckle, Nightmare explained "It's from Crystal Lake. You're, uh, dad had to help me fetch them.."

"What was his reaction like?"

"He was quiet for once."

Hearing that her hyperactive father was actually quiet for once made Raven laugh, "I wish I was there to witness that!"

A comfortable silence wafted between them before the mage wrapped her arms around the Guardian's neck as she leaned in and pecked him on the teeth while whispering, "I love you." Nightmare pressed his forehead against her's, "Say that again.."

"I love you, Nightmare."

    "I love you too, Raven."