𝑫𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑵𝒀

Intro

Bells' ring sent a shiver down his spine, as he shot awake. He was frantic looking around for the possible source of the weird sound. "Mom?" He ran to his parents' bedroom, yet to his terror it was empty. His heart pounded heavily in his chest, a knot in his throat tightening with every breath he tried to take. "Mom? Dad?!" Tears dwelled up in his eyes. He screamed, but no one could hear him. He ran downstairs, only to find his home was in shambles. Broken glass on the floor, windows completely knocked out of frames, just like the doors. The wind hummed a melody against the roof and the walls, as rain was tapping a rhythm, getting inside. Steven's body trembled, terrified. What was happening? He asked himself, not wanting to know the answer. He made his way to the entrance, soon discovering a horrid sight. A puddle and a trail of this foul smelling, crimson liquid, which assaulted all of his senses. He would puke if not for the sudden commotion outside. He took a sword from the drawer. It was way too heavy for him, but his young mind didn't think logically at the moment. He ran out to see the source of everything. Shadowy figures slaughtering everything in their sight, devouring the flesh of their victims as if their screams meant nothing to them and it was probably the case. He dropped the sword and hid behind a brick fence near him. His hand was pressed against his lips, his fingertips whitening. His first instinct was to just- just keep going perhaps he could outrun whatever was out there. However, his body refused. Why he couldn't move? His body fell to its knees. Fear and confusion was overwhelming. Steve's heart almost skipped a beat when an unexpected sound appeared out of nowhere. Slow, but firm footsteps on the ground. He felt so watched. As if it knew his exact location. It approached him, menacingly. He didn't dare to look, not like he could. He tried to yell, for anyone, for help, but no sound escaped his throat except a muffled grumble. Was this the end of him?...

A neigh broke the state he was in. The noise was like it came from.....somewhere. Somewhere underwater. His vision became blurry, the scene around him becominh more abstract. He tried to move again, yet his body felt so unusually heavy. He struggled, but the sudden thud washed away whatever state he was in, as, he shot awake. He glanced at the bedsheets, processing this what had just happened.

"Ugh.....another nightmare? Seriously?" He put his hands around his head. Why does this keep on happening...? The same nightmare over and over again......... Why can't he sleep just one night peacefully? Why does this keep on happening? He just wanted to be free of this! Why-

A loud whine made him flinch. He got on his feet right away, opening the curtains, searching for the source. His face went from serious to concerned and confused within seconds. His horse, Katrin, stood right below his fucking window. "...What the hell? HOW DID YOU GET OUT." He forgot the dream he had in an instant. This situation was ridiculous, but he was grateful to her for breaking this trance. He jogged outside, inspecting the situation. Katrin looked very proud of herself, while Steve facepalmed. He didn't even want to ask, he was positive he's soon to figure out what had happened. He sighed and put his hand under her head. He'll need to lead her that way, since she had no halter or anything on in this fashion. Hopefully, Steve thought, she won't try to run off-

As they approached the barn, Steve stopped in his tracks and grasped his hair in disbelief. The front gate to his barn was knocked down completely. He turned towards Katrin, who put her ears up and looked at him innocently.

"You damned- You know what? Nevermind" Instead of leading her back into her stall, Steve left her standing there. He went back for a saddle and some bridle. He needs to go to city now to purchase things for this repair. He tacked her up and tied some light bags to the saddle.

"You little destruction machine, you'll find any way to ruin something or hurt yourself, won't you" He rolled his eyes and went back to the house to get dressed. He wore his classic gear, nothing special. Steve only grabbed an apple from the counter and bit into it, no need for a whole breakfast. He locked everything he could, then got on the saddle. He nudged her and she walked in her own tempo. Might use this trip as a chance for quality flatwork.