Scenarios

Tidbit #16

"This tidbit, in case there's any confusion, takes place after Joey goes unconscious after the witches were driven off in Promises Kept. As it is, I'll leave a spoiler warning, and advise you to read the story first before reading this." -Tiny

I open my eyes and I'm standing in a dark environment. For a moment I can't even remember who I am. Then it all comes back and I panic. The last thing I remember is falling unconscious. I just killed that huge beast. The beast... that killed dad. I almost break down right there, but I shake it off. No time to grieve right now. My arm! I look down at it, but it's still there. I could've sworn the beast took it off... I take in my surroundings. It looks like a foggy forest. Tall, bare trees. So tall I can't even see the top. The fog is thick, but my night vision isn't cutting through it like it normally does. This fog is unnatural. This whole forest is unnatural. Everything feels fluid, like the whole forest could change in an instant. I step forward carefully, worried I might break the world with a step. I suddenly feel like I'm not alone. I whirl around, and put up my hands in a defensive stance. It only takes one glance for me to realize I'm safe. "Joey." He says. "Welcome." Death. He looks just like you'd expect him to. He's a simple skeleton with a pitch black, hooded cloak covering all but his face and hands. In his left hand, he holds a scythe like a staff. I quickly drop my stance and bow. "Sir. I-it's an honor." I say. "Please, no need for such formality. I've gone by many names. In the beginning: A horseman of the apocalypse. Once upon a time: Jack Skelington. Foolishly: Satan. Nowadays: most just call me Death, or the Grim Reaper. Any of them will do." He says. I stay bowed. "Death, then. To what do I owe the pleasure?" I chance a glance up. His eyes are empty sockets, but I can somehow still sense the intelligence and consciousness in them. "Am.. am I dead?" I ask. He lets out a long, hearty laugh. "Rise, my friend. You're not dead yet. But nearly." He says. I get up warily. This is such a powerful being. He knows every single living creature at some point. Yet he talks to me like a friend. "Why am I here?" I ask. "My dad! Is he... is he with you?" "No. Not anymore. I've already escorted him to his next step. As for your first question: I brought you here. You are on the brink of death. This is my chance to warn you. These people, these cultists that you're dealing with. They're a true threat. What they're trying to do... it's never been done before. Not since Cthulhu was banished. Me, and many others, poured a lot of power into his bonds. But we've been forbidden from interfering until absolutely necessary, and there's nothing we can do but watch as these cultists get closer and closer to their goal. You're all that stands between them and their ultimate goal." He says. My knees suddenly feel weak. I look around, but don't trust any of the wavering trees to hold me, so I sit on the ground. My head falls into my hands. "I can't to this." I whisper. "We can't do this." He kneels in front of me and rests his bony hand on my shoulder. Despite his dead appearance, I can feel warmth and comfort flowing into me through his touch. "Yes, you can. You can do this, Joey. We all believe in you." I look up at him, and there is confidence in his eyes. He really believes I can do this. Death himself, of all people, believes in me. That's a confidence booster. The forest starts shifting around us, taking on the form of a hospital room. "What's happening?" I ask, standing up. He stands up with me. "You're waking up." He says. "You won't remember this. But your companions will. Jack and Tyrone. And it will be their choice whether to share this moment with you or not." He starts fading away. The forest is completely gone, and I can only see wisps of Death remaining before me. "You have good chances, child. Lady Luck is on your side. You're doing good things, my friend! Keep it up! You're many people's only hope." He fades away entirely, and the dream state ends before I even have a chance to comprehend it all.