The Chronicles of Zestra

Chapter 4: Dreams of Blood

A dream. This is all a dream. My mom and Dad are safe, right? Cynth is safe, right? Where is everyone?

My dream was very dark. The bits and pieces I remember were vague, but I could still see. The amalgamation appeared again, in the center of a red field, but not attacking or roaring, but lying there, dead. Many corpses and carcasses were strewn about the land around it, as far as the eye can see, and the amalgamation's body was spewing blood like a fountain. Everything was dark and crimson, but I couldn't do anything but watch. My eyes started to look down towards my feet and hands and I saw a lot of blood on my hands, and even more around my feet, with my family there by my feet, alongside others that I do not know.

I didn't know why they were there or why they're dead, but I didn't have time to process any of this, as I felt a presence around me, so my head started looking around, but nothing. Then I look at the amalgamation again and saw... myself, standing over the amalgamation's corpse. I looked like I was as old as my dad, with my silver brown hair stained with blood and a physique like dads, but a little more toned. I was holding the same sword that dad gave me, and the ring shining bright to light up even more of the area with the flames on the sword from the fire gem. I couldn't believe my eyes, but I couldn't move, and I hear the roar from the amalgamation again and it froze me even more than before. The doppelganger me started running at me, sword drawn ready to swipe and I screamed so loudly, that I jolted myself awake, returning to reality.

I look around, expecting more of the dream to appear, but all I see is grandma Cindy, and Cynth standing around me in what looks like the living room while grandpa Mario walks quickly to the kitchen, I notice that I'm on the couch, with a pillow, a blanket and a wet, cold towel on my head and my head is in pain from the fall. I ask Cynth and grandma in a strained voice, "W- What happened?"

"You passed out after mom left, Cain." Cynth spoke up first, then my grandma, "We were worried, and we called a doctor to come here as soon as possible. You were shaking and grunting like you were in pain earlier, then you yelled out and we all ran in here. The doctor should be here soon, but since its becoming night, I'm not sure if he will make it today."

"It was a nightmare. There was a blood red field full of bodies and-"

My grandpa came in and handed me a glass of water to drink, cutting off my frantic talk. He spoke up as well, "Drink up, son, and rest. You don't have to tell us anything for right now. You've all been through a lot, and your mom should be back soon enough."

I lay back down on the pillow after drinking the water and my eyes begin to fall once again, but I couldn't fall asleep again. I got back up and just looked out towards the window near the door, looking at the sunlight fading slowly as the darkness swallow the light for the night. My head feels like a brick smashed into it and I feel numb, but still couldn't fall asleep. I look around, trying to find something to distract me, but there I'd almost nothing in the living room, other than the small end table next to the couch with a glass of water, a fireplace and a grandfather clock ticking away right next to the fireplace. I listen to the clock's ticks, and I begin to fall back asleep.

I didn't stay asleep long, I couldn't. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the blood red field and myself charging at me before opening them quickly to get away from that field. I try repeatedly, and before I could fall into REM, I heard a loud knock at the door. I jolted up again and I looked towards the front door. My grandpa and Cynth also heard it, and I could hear rustling from the other room as they make their way to the living room. I get up as well and walk slowly to the door, with each step taken with extreme caution. I got to the door, and I hears Cynth and my grandpa walking behind me as I turn the cold, silver knob on the door. As I open the door, I could see 2 figures standing at the door, one on the others shoulder, and both illuminated by the dim light in the living room. My grandpa finds a candle, lights it, and points it towards the figures and asks "Who is it at this hour?"