(I originally wrote this as a short story for school, so if it sounds like that then that's why.)
Nova: He/they, 10 years old.
Anna: She/her, 11 years old
Nova Yawned. Where was he? Last he knew, he fell asleep in his new home, but now he's in a forest. Maybe he sleepwalked outside? He's done it before. Oh well. At least he was on a path, so he should be able to find someone to bring him home. Maybe his friend Xirius was out here! That playful forest spirit always knew what to do.
Nova stood up and stretched. "Xir?" he shouted. "Xir, are you out there?" Nova muttered quietly, "Of course not." Even a protective spirit needed their sleep. Nova glanced around, now noticing a lot more than he previously did. The forest was dark, almost pitch-black, like a cave with no fire. Not even the moonlight illuminated this darkness. It was quiet as well. Not in a peaceful, late-night walk kind of way, but an eerie way, causing the child the shiver. Nova glanced around the dark forest. At least nothing could hurt him. There was nothing there. Nova sighed and began walking along the path. He'll ask the first adult he sees to help. Nova felt the crunch of the leaves under his feet but noticed that, as he walked, it got quieter. Eventually, he couldn't hear anymore. Nova panicked, but he couldn't scream. He ran, praying it was just quiet, and that once he found safety, he could hear again. But the path stopped. He turned around, but the path was gone. So was the moon, and the stars. Just a silent forest and a pitch-black sky. Suddenly a gust of wind blew through the forest, laughing at him, taunting him. Nova wanted to cry but he just couldn't. The tears refused to fall. Ironic, isn't it? They never had trouble crying before. They were the crybaby of the group after all. He just ran and ran, looking for someone, anyone, to help him. Then he saw her. Anna, his best friend and adoptive sister. He ran up to her, but she didn't turn around. He yelled her name, but she didn't respond. She walked away, the forest turning black with each step she took. Nova wanted to cry, to scream, to beg her not to leave him in this state. Nova was only a child, he didn't want to be alone. Not again. The forest became nothing but a black hole, and chains like snakes surrounded his hooves. He panicked, trying everything to get them off, to call for help. But nobody came. Nova could hear voices in his head. Or were they outside? He couldn't tell. Everything hurt. Finally, his tears could fall, but he couldn't hear himself. Only the voices.
"Useless"
He felt it.
"She left you for a reason"
He knew.
"Monster"
He believed it.
"Freak"
He believed them.
"Crybaby"
He was crying right now.
"Idiot"
He's only a child. He could feel something shaking him, almost desperately.
"Nova wake up!" Another voice shouted. Only this one was gentle, albeit panicked. "Nova wake up, you're dreaming!"
Nova curled in on himself. It was loud, and then it was quiet. And suddenly, he woke up. Nova jolted awake in a cold sweat, tears streaming down his face as he hyperventilated. Practically crying a river. Why did it still hurt? He was awake. So why? Why is he crying?
"Deep breaths Nova..."Anna whispered. "It was only a dream..."
Nova blinked away his tears, still struggling to remain quiet as his sister held him. "I'm sorry..." Nova repeated over and over. The dream was still vivid in his brain.
"It's alright lil' bro... I've got you." Anna gently caressed her brother's back, looking at the shivering frame. She knew how to comfort him. She was always the more mature of the 2, despite only being a year older. "Do you wanna talk about it?..."
Nova shook his head frantically. He didn't wanna think about it, let alone speak about it. "No... Please no..."
"That's ok. I understand..." Anna gently caressed her brother's hair. "Do you wanna come to my room?"
Nova nodded. "Please? I'm sorry..."
"Don't be! I invited you, didn't I?" She giggled quietly. "Now come on buddy!" She stood up and gestured for him to follow. Nova immediately listened, standing by her side as she walked to the other side of the hall. Her room was small but perfect for a girl her age. She pulled out a beanbag and set it next to her bed. "You can sleep here. Do you have your plushie?" She asked
"Yes..." Nova gestured towards a small blue elephant toy in his arms.
"Good good. Now, wanna watch a movie? We don't have school tomorrow so there's no risk!"
"Sure..." Nova mumbled, sitting on the beanbag.
"Buddy, are you ok?" Anna looked at her little brother worriedly.
Nova shook his head slowly, shrinking into the beanbag.
"Uh, aha! I got a joke that'll cheer you right up!"
Nova looked up at her, tilting his head.
"So, why did the moon skip dessert?"
"...Why?"
"It was full!" Anna giggled at her joke and looked at Nova, happily awaiting his response.
"Heh...Hehe!" Nova chuckled. "That was funny Anna..."
"I know, I'm the best joke-star in town!" She laughed at her pun, Nova following behind. "Heh, now, let's put on that movie! What 'ya wanna watch bro?"
"Hm, can we watch Trolls? Troll 3."
"Eh, why not? That's a cute movie." She clicked on the movie and sat on her bed.
Not long had passed before Nova yawned, slowly falling asleep while trying to keep his eyes on the movie. Eventually, he let sleep take him, as he curled up on the beanbag. He felt his sister cover him with the blanket and turn off the TV and he smiled. No more nightmares.
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I actually can't believe you read this all the way. Thanks!
961 words
Sep 12, 2024, 12:59.
