Night Fury's Wrath

Chapter 37: Madness

-There's something similar to psychological horror in this chapter, but not as intense as what you might find in dedicated scary stories or movies. It isn't made to be scary, per se, but to a few select people, it might be. 

That's just a small warning for you all. Enjoy!

-NFD

My head was foggy, preventing anything but the simplest of thoughts and the numerous whispers echoing within. Even worse, my body ached something fierce, hinting toward past pains that I couldn't remember. The only thing I remembered was being told I had to 'become one' with my master. I had been ready to sacrifice myself so that he could become stronger using me as his vessel, but something... changed... and now I felt unbearably lost and confused. 

My body was my own. The power that prepared me as his vessel had vanished, allowing me to see the creatures in front of me. All of the new enemies gave me a sense of familiarity that frustrated me to no end, but I was compelled to attack, so I attacked. 

Too bad my bindings stopped me...

My enemies uttered noises that made no sense amidst the comforting whispers filling my head. I wanted my enemies to stop interrupting the whispers, but they were always out of reach of my claws. Master said that I was special and strong enough to drive off my foes, but I didn't feel strong now. I felt cornered, trapped, and I wanted my enemies to just go away! 

They must be here to try to take my place! I wanted to be master's vessel! Not them! I volunteered to become his vessel! They couldn't possibly be worthy of him! They... They...

Woah...

My frustration blew away like dust in the wind, transfixed on one of my enemies... no, not an enemy? Of course it's an enemy! But... why did that feel... wrong? Something about this... maybe-enemy... felt different. Master would surely understand if I delayed a little, right?

The white creature hid my maybe-enemy from sight, bringing my anger back in the same instant. Why did it delight in frustrating me?! I was in the middle of figuring out something important! I lunged for it, forgetting about my bindings until they restrained me, which only made me angrier. It seemed my actions were enough to scare it, anyway, as it moved out of the way.

I stared at my maybe-enemy once more, seeing it staring back at me. It made a smooth, affectionate sound that stirred something in my chest, effectively piquing my interest. How did it do that? It sounded amazing...

My maybe-enemy moved closer with two other creatures that I ignored for the moment. The bright light from above suddenly disappeared, forcing me to blink rapidly to adjust my eyes to the abrupt darkness. When they did, I froze solid, belatedly realizing how close its face was to mine. What should I do?! Do I attack? Do I run? Do I stay put? Do I plead for mercy? Maybe I should ask Master for advice! Yes, he would know what to do!

"Aurora?"

Did my maybe-enemy just... speak? I had no idea what an 'aurora' was, but only the whispers ever spoke real words! Was it possible maybe-enemy was... an ally? It looked nothing like an ally—it looked a lot like an enemy—, but it could clearly speak. Before I could make a decision, it shifted closer and rubbed our heads together, much to my shock. What was this supposed to be?! 

Whatever it was, it felt good and... surprisingly familiar...

"I missed you," the confusing creature whispered into my ear, effortlessly drowning out the whispers in my head. I was strangely okay with that. "I love you. Please come back to me."