Project K-9

Chapter 24

Dream soon found himself seated on the couch in Illumina's apartment. It was a rather small abode, but it did have an extra room and presented more of a comfy than cramped feel.

"Well...we can pick up some stuff for you tomorrow... but I think we should chat first. So first question, how old are you?" The agent started.

Dream looked down and said nothing, making the agent sigh.

"Listen, kid... this partnership will not work unless we communicate. I know that you've been through a lot and I want to help you. But I can't do that if you won't talk to me..."

"12..." the boy's voice was rather strained from not being used, and it was barely above a whisper, yet it made Illumina smile.

"I'm 20, now I know that Chief asked you children to refer to us agents as master, but I would rather you call me Illumina, understood?"

The boy nodded.

"Okay next question, what is your name?"

The boy was about to answer when it all came rushing back. Every single time that someone had called him by his name or number, his parents, Jean, his siblings in project Underdogs, the other witches, and even the executives before he murdered them.

The rush of events made the blonde start shaking uncontrollably, and he was on the brink of a panic attack. Recognizing what was happening Illumina moved fast to calm the boy.

"Hey kid look at me.." he said gently, while lightly gripping the boy's shoulders.

"Focus on my breathing okay, try to match it..." and the boy did.

The boy calmed down after a few minutes, though he appeared quite shaken.

"Okay... so your name's a taboo subject, but since I have to call you something how about I come up with a nickname for you..." The agent then went into deep thought.

"How about Dream? Do you like it?" the agent asked. "I have always liked that word because it gives me a sense of hope for the future. Maybe it will help keep you going during tough times as well..."

Clay, who became One, and now Dream, looked at the agent with a smile slowly forming on his lips, before nodding agreement.

~0~0~0~

"Eat up boy! Let's get some meat on those bones." Illumina declared as he set down a plate of food in front of Dream.

The boy's eyes popped open at the amount on his plate.

"Can...I really eat all of this?" the boy asked in a soft voice.

"Of course Dream, now eat as much as you like!" Illumina replied cheerfully.

Dream slowly took his spoon, then glanced up at his new master who was already occupied with his own dinner. The boy scooped up a bit of food and brought it to his mouth.

The flavors dissolved on his tongue, and the boy felt the tears form as his face scrunched up at the taste.

"Hey what's wrong? Is my cooking that terrible?" Illumina asked in concern when he saw the boy's tearful state.

"I can actually taste something, I like it... but it makes my face crumple up... why does it do that?" the boy asked innocently.

"Uhhh... I guess it is a bit sour," Illumina answered.

"Sour..." Dream repeated, in the 7 years that the MOB has kept him prisoner his food has never tasted of anything, and his parents had much more important matters to deal with, than introducing the different flavors to him.

The tears finally left the boy's green eyes, and Illumina walked over to wrap him in a hug.

"Let it all out kid..." he encourages.

The concept that he was finally free, only now hit Dream. No more bland meals, no more cold hard beds, no more witches operating and injecting him with something.

"Wait until breakfast tomorrow kid, I'll make you a feast!" Illumina said ruffling the boy's hair affectionately.

After finishing their meals, Illumina set to work on washing dishes, while Dream watched TV. The agent would occasionally glance at the boy, who stared at the screen with wonder.

Probably his first time watching TV, Illumina concluded.

When he was done with his chore, the agent found the boy passed out on the couch. Illumina carried Dream in his arms, feeling both thankful and worried that he was incredibly light, and tucked the boy into bed.

Illumina then prepped for bed himself and had nearly fallen asleep when he heard screaming coming from Dream's room. He was out of his bed in a matter of seconds and quickly rushed to find out what was scaring the boy.

He found Dream thrashing around on his bed and screaming, though the boy's eyes were still closed.

"Dream! Dream! Wake up, kid!" Illumina said as he tried to shake the boy awake.

When Dream's eyes finally opened, the agent wrapped him in a tight hug. Illumina allowed the boy to sob in his arms and would say a few comforting words from time to time.

Soon the boy fell asleep again, and Illumina tucked him back into bed.