"If it isn't the useless fool," Dusk sneered, the distaste masking her face.
"Hey, I am not useless," Selph responded, in that silly accent of his.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, brother dear," she replied, mockingly.
You watched as the two continued to argue, making no effort to get up. You were still shaken from what had happened, both mentally and physically. You looked down as your hands shook, another cold chill running down your spine.
"Brother, unlike you, I actually do my job."
"Being Wizeman's personal servant is a job?!" Selph shouted.
"I am more than his servant."
"Dusk, you're not! You may think you're some almighty leader in Nightmare, but you're not! People laugh at you behind you're back. Fearful laughter but still laughter!"
"You are a terrible liar," her voice remained calm, even.
"It's not lies!"
Finally, you found the strength to stand up. Dusting the dirt off your pants, you cleared your throat loudly, gaining the attention of the two Nightmarens. Both turned to you, Dusk's once calm expression turned sour and Selph glaring at Dusk, eyes shooting daggers into the side of her head.
"Yes, Visitor?"
"She has a name!"
Dusk turned to Selph. "And do I care about said name?"
"No, probably not..." he muttered.
"Exactly."
"Why don't you go back to where you're wanted, Dusk?! Be Wizeman's good little puppy-- I mean 'right-hand Nightmaren'."
She scowled, turning on her heel. Without even a goodbye, she strode off, coat swishing around her in the breeze. You watched her go, a feeling of unease settling into the empty pit that was your stomach.
"Who exactly was that?" You asked softly.
Selph looked at her. "My sister, Dusk. Cold, cruel and incredibly good at acting and manipulating others. What she wants, she gets, even if it means getting her hands dirty. She's also Wizeman's most trusted creation, personal servant and assassin.
"Any dirty jobs he needs done, she does them. Generally without help from anyone else. If occasion does arise when someone else is needed, it's always Reala that accompanies her. Even if she thinks she can do it herself."
"So... She's the bad guy?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Most of us may be forced to do bad things but Dusk... She willingly and joyfully does them. Wizeman broke her, and she's become the loyal, mad servant he's always wanted."
"Wow..."
"Yeap. Watch out for her. But to get your Ideya of Purity back, you will have to encounter her. Since she's kinda the representative of it and all."
"Right..." you nodded.
You had hoped that would be the only time you would encounter her but as luck would have it, as usual, luck didn't turn in your favour. You looked at Selph, the British fool. You didn't know whether to trust him or not. He himself had said that she was his sister, you didn't know how though. The two were completely different. For a start, Selph was British. There was no sign of pom-ness in Dusk.
"Do you need a hand getting back to the Dream Gate?" He smiled.
You hesitated before replying. "Yes. That would be lovely, Selph."
Grabbing your arm, his smile turned to a grin. You knew it was a friendly grin, no malevolent intent hidden. Summoning a staff adorned with shards of crystal and mirrors, his grin widened. Opening a portal, he walked through, pulling you with him.
You looked around, in awe. Everywhere, there was mirrors and glowing vortexes of light. Psychedelic patterns swam in and out of view as they walked. It was almost too much to take in and at that moment, you were glad you didn't suffer from epilepsy.
"Pretty cool, huh?"
You jumped a little, forgetting Selph had been there. He chuckled, moving his hand from your arm to your own hand. He smiled reassuringly and squeezed your hand. You bit your lip, blushing slightly. You wanted to pull your hand away but, at the same time, you liked the way it felt.
You continued to walk until Selph dragged you through one of the mirrors. Surprised, you fell through, landing on the hard paving that made up the ground of the Dream Gate. You were getting tired of falling, but knew that it would not be the last time. Many more falls were to come, you were sure of that.
"Will I be seeing you around?"
You nodded, smiling at Selph. "Of course."
"I bid you goodday, milady."
And with that, he was gone. Once again disappearing into the Realm of Mirrors.
