Memories (Of Dreams and Demons)

A Forced Hand

It does not work.

No matter what path we take to Naoko's school, we run into trouble. From impassable rubble blocking a street to a raging river of shadow threatening to drown us; there's always something that turns us away towards the library.

It's as if destiny conspires against us, herds us towards the library, leads Moloch to the last place we want him to find, prevents us from escaping a nightmarish punishment.

So we flee, often turning back and taking turns we'd rather not, trying to keep at bay a growing sense of dread. Naoko's mood has darkened, from one of a free-spirited adventurer to a lost girl dreading death.

Our options shrink with every passing moment. I feel trapped, with only one place left to go for safe haven. The promise of a dark ending fast approaching gnaws at my thoughts. It looks like the painful price of returning to the library is one we will have to pay.

The world around us is a mess: a scene reminiscent of a war zone. From every side my sanity is assaulted by enemies. A treble of bullies mocking, a raging beast hating, and the world behind destroyed.

The storm turns a once-tranquil town into rubble; shadows follow in our footsteps, scouring the destruction behind away.

And there is something more: a power unseen, searching for us. I can feel it deep within the dark, whispering phrases in my mind I can't quite understand. The man of shadow.

Ahead, a whirlwind of shadows spins down the street, the ground behind shaking as if by earthquake. The street crumbles away, leaving a gaping chasm: another path blocked. To make things worse, a thick sludge of shadow rises, hissing and spitting our names. It's like oil, bubbling up to the surface, drowning away the world around us.

To our right the sudden bang of thunder booms across the horizon; flashes of lightning strike the ground. The thunder gives away the position of Snotty and his lapdogs, who shout and holler in shock at the sudden outburst.

I hear them run off down a path to our left, making a mess as they kick over trashcans and throw stones at windows. Another tree crashes in the distance, torn down by the beast as it searches for our whereabouts. I pause, certain now we will never reach Naoko's school or my home.

"How are we going to get back safely?" Naoko asks as if reading my thoughts, her eyes bright.

"We don't have a choice.." I say.

Naoko's eyes meet my own, and for a long moment I take solace again in the sparkles that mirrors her soul within.

"Remember to be happy," she says softly.

It's decided then. I steel myself, remembering our secret code and the promises made, forgetting the chaos that rages about.

Thinking of the Realm fills me with a sense of purpose; once again we are brave warriors on a mission. There will be no children lost to darkness on this day; there will be no pain or loss. Naoko and I are together, and we will remain so forever.

"Come with me," I say, and this time it is my turn to take Naoko's hand tight.

With new-found strength we shoot off towards the library. Shadows burst out from corners and windows around us, reaching out with sharp claws, trying to grab us.

But together, we are too fast, ducking and weaving down a maze of streets. Our steps are flawless and fast, our path made perfect with purpose. Nothing can trip us, nothing will catch us. We are free, and in short time leave the shadows behind to seep into the footsteps we leave in the mud.

"They will never catch us," Naoko laughs to the wind.

The library grows in size as we run towards it; we're no longer trying to lay low or hide from the coming storm. Instead I hold my head high, enjoying the smell of spring on a storm's edge wind, a smile beaming from ear to ear.