Living Nightmare--the Trilogy (special content!)

Chapter 1

If Kane was being honest with himself, and he usually was, he found Lance insufferably annoying. Lance was rude, full of himself, and, frankly, a smartass.

Also, Kane detested frogs.

Ciara, however, seemed to enjoy Lance's company, saying he was interesting and amusing. For some reason this caused Kane to hate Lance even more.

"Why am I always the one carrying you everywhere?" Kane grumbled as they made their way up the stony path.

"Because you're the one dumb enough to lug a massive pack around," came the smug reply. "That I can conveniently ride on."

"Do you like to eat? Sleep in a tent? Someone has to bring supplies. Someone has to cook," Kane paused, a nasty smile crawling onto his face. "Speaking of cooking, maybe I should toss you in a pot and boil the water. I've always wanted to try frog legs."

"Oh, you are so funny."

"Hey, Kane!" Ciara glanced over her shoulder, slowing down to speak. "I hear you. Stop being mean to Lance."

Kane didn't reply, waiting until she was out of earshot before muttering, "I really hate that she's on your side."

The frog's voice was full of amusement. "Probably because I'm witty, charming, and intriguing?"

"Whatever you want to believe, Lance," Kane rolled his eyes. "I see you more as an annoying, full-of-yourself killer."

"That last part was a little exaggerated," Kane felt his pack shift as Lance moved. "Awful rude, I think."

"I think you're awful rude."

Lance sighed. "And I think I'm going to ride with someone else because your behavior is completely uncalled for, and I will not tolerate it."

"Good riddance." Kane muttered as Lance lept down and hopped ahead. Then Kane found himself sighing, wishing that Lance's mind wasn't so important. If he didn't have all the End Crystal information, Kane would've gladly boiled him in a pot by now.

<>

Kane was quiet when they stopped to set up camp that night. While Ciara, Lance, and Stella chattered away, Rain and Kane silently set up tents. Then Kane silently made dinner. Collected water from a nearby pond. Didn't talk while eating either.

Later, while Stella and Rain were in their respective tents to prepare for sleep, Ciara approached Kane as he silently kept watch. "Hey," she sat next to him. "You good?"

Kane startled slightly. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine."

Ciara raised an eyebrow. "Bull."

Kane sighed, annoyed. "If you already know, why would you ask? Why are you even talking to me? Lance go to sleep?"

"Oh...Kane..."

"No! It's fine!" Kane exclaimed, looking away and wondering why on Notch's name he said that. "If you'd rather talk to him, you can. I can't stop you."

"If I wanted to talk to him, I wouldn't be standing here right now. You know you can tell me things, right? I'm your best friend."

Kane looked at his gun. "I think I'm making things up in my head, Ciara. Don't worry about it."

She shook her head. "If you say so. But listen, Kane," she stood up. "Lance can't replace you."

She walked off, leaving Kane staring after he, even as Rain emerged from the tent and approached him. "Stop staring, dream boy."

"Oh, shut up!" Kane snapped.

Rain smirked. "You're so in love with her."

"Listen here, I don't poke my nose into whatever is brewing with you and Stella, so stay out of my private life." Kane growled.

Rain just laughed. "Okay, no need to get all defensive. Good to see you talking again."

Kane shook his head, looking away from Rain. "Shouldn't you be sleeping? You have the next shift.

Rain shrugged. "I guess. Goodni–"

Stella burst out of her tent. "Guys? Lance is saying weird things in his sleep and I have no idea what to do!"

Kane and Rain exchanged glances. After a moment, they both jogged towards the tent.

"Could you gather anything from what he was saying, Stella?" Rain asked, pushing the tent flap aside.

"Not really," She twisted her hands nervously. "Something about the End, I think."

Another glance was exchanged and Ciara poked her head in. "What's going on?"