In Dreams: The Nightmare King

Bridge

There was no life here, that was immediately evident.  It was dark and empty, and I was certain this was no place on Earth that I knew about.  Somehow I still felt like I'd been here before.  Something snarled in the dead expanse around me.  I knew I needed to get out NOW.  The feeling of being watched became oppressive.

"Little one!  So you have returned.  I thought we had remedied that.  No matter, I have warned you too many times..."  The nightmare King's voice made me grip my head and fall to my knees.  "But what is this?  You smell of something else..."  The King began to materialize in front of me.  His expression was almost friendly at first, but was quickly turning to rage.

"Who is the other Lukoie you smell of, girl?"  The King suddenly snapped, rushing at me.  I jerked back, scrambling to my feet to run.

"Rue!"  I felt an arm on mine, jerking me away.  My head snapped back, and I was pulled from the dream.  I felt myself falling to the floor.

"F*ck, F*CK!  Stupid tranquilizer skin stupid i***t forgetting and touching it!  Ugh my head!"  I yelled, clutching my head again.  Brie popped her head in the room to see what was going on.

"I...didn't do that."  Kaden said, hands up, palms out like he was surrendering, looking from Brie to me.  Brie took a few steps into the room in concern.  "But, if you'll allow me..."  I flinched as he reached for me.

"You know why I though that right?  Because you said you were hungry and..."  I hesitated.

"Again, not a novice here Rue."  Kaden replied with exasperation.

"Ok fine, do it."  I answered, reaching out and slapping my hand in his solidly.  "Brie, slap him with a lamp or something if he misbehaves."  Brie grinned at me and Kaden chuckled, which made me grit my teeth.  Kaden released my hand abruptly.  My headache was gone again.

"What, that's it?"  I asked incredulously.

"Yes.  It helps if you're not actively fighting me."  Kaden grinned.  "Plus I've been in your head a few times now, so I'm learning the terrain."  That made me feel slightly uncomfortable.

"I'm afraid I have a bit of bad news though."  Kaden hesitated.

"Ugh, great, pile it on!  What is it, a brain tumor?"  I complained.

"Uh no, nothing that severe.  But I'm afraid that by meddling with the block my brother put into your head, I've sort of, well, created a link between us, a sort of bridge.  Or rather-YOU'RE the bridge."  Kaden grimaced.

"Perfect, thanks, everything just keeps getting better."  I grumbled.  "Now I have even MORE monsters in my head."  Kaden frowned.

"Why didn't your brother recognize you at the cave?"  Brie suddenly spoke up.  For a moment I had forgotten she was standing there, but her comment renewed my suspicions all over again.

"I'm not sure he didn't, but he has been banished for a very long time.  Since we were quite young, in fact.  I'm shocked he was able to get the foothold he did in this world, honestly.  But beyond all that, this..."  He swept a hand at his body "Is just a mirage in a way.  I don't really look like this."

"OH. MY. GOSH!  What do you really look like?  Can you show us your other form?  How does this work exactly?"  Brie was excitedly bouncing around Kaden.  "You feel solid enough, are you actually made of tissues, or are you tricking us into seeing it, like a hologram type situation, or some kind of virtual reality.  Since you can manipulate brainwaves, it shouldn't be too far from your capabilities.  Are you sure I can't get some samples?"  She asked wistfully, looking at him greedily.

"Brie!"  I threw a couch cushion at her, earning myself an "ow!" and a glare.

"Fine, I'll just satisfy myself with the tissue sample I got from that creeper."  Brie grumbled.

"Tissue?  Brie!  Tell me you didn't!"  I got up to chase her as she squealed and ran from the room.

"Rue, wait-where exactly were you just now?  After you touched me?  I couldn't follow and I just barely pulled you back.  I only found you because I heard his voice..."  Kaden trailed off.  I looked at him seriously.

"I don't know.  Everything was dead there.  I thought you had put me to sleep because I thought I recognized it, but I don't think I've ever really been there?  At least not awake.  It's just this dark, barren place."  I shivered.  Kaden suddenly looked relieved.  Brie had returned to the room upon hearing our conversation.

"The Banishment.  It's designed to keep us Lukoie unbalanced, with nothing to nourish us, nothing to stimulate us or entertain us.  It's designed to make us weaker and weaker, and to keep us from finding our way out.  If he's back there, that gives us a little extra time."  Kaden said with a small smile.

"So, how did he get out of there in the first place?"  I asked.

"That's something I am most interested in finding out."  Kaden said, eyeing me speculatively.