09-22-2023, 08:24 PM
Rejection manifested physically, this time, and Rafael retreated beyond the reach of Nox’s arm. Pain swirled within the man at his side almost as powerful as the fear that fed the Nightmares, and then that pain exploded from the man at the center of it all.
Fire rolled across the earth, devouring everything it touched yet no heat flushed Rafael’s pale cheeks. The ground trembled as though reacting to the inferno yet Rafael remained steady and calm.
What drew his pale eyes narrow with concern were the lines that marred Nox’s body. They grew in number and depth, and while Rafael was concerned for the harm being done, he offered no comfort. He was a being of love and acceptance and was coaxing the Dreamer to nestle safe in the arms of such protective emotions. It was clear, however, that deep within Nox, something was pushing back.
He remained impassive as Nox crashed to his knees, tormented and twisted. His defiance roaring, "I WILL NOT.”
Rafael crossed his arms over his chest, and an uncharacteristic twitch tugged his lips in approval. The Dreamer may have fought those Nightmares with love but anger was even better.
“That will work.” He said to himself.
Then the figure of Rafael shimmered, faded and morphed once more into the towering form of The Sandman.
“The Nightmares fear you now. They know you are no easy meal, and if they return, they will come in fewer numbers.” The force would be less destructive for the human and for the Dream. The Sandman’s work was done.
“If not, you may see me again. Have you any last words, Dreamer?”
Fire rolled across the earth, devouring everything it touched yet no heat flushed Rafael’s pale cheeks. The ground trembled as though reacting to the inferno yet Rafael remained steady and calm.
What drew his pale eyes narrow with concern were the lines that marred Nox’s body. They grew in number and depth, and while Rafael was concerned for the harm being done, he offered no comfort. He was a being of love and acceptance and was coaxing the Dreamer to nestle safe in the arms of such protective emotions. It was clear, however, that deep within Nox, something was pushing back.
He remained impassive as Nox crashed to his knees, tormented and twisted. His defiance roaring, "I WILL NOT.”
Rafael crossed his arms over his chest, and an uncharacteristic twitch tugged his lips in approval. The Dreamer may have fought those Nightmares with love but anger was even better.
“That will work.” He said to himself.
Then the figure of Rafael shimmered, faded and morphed once more into the towering form of The Sandman.
“The Nightmares fear you now. They know you are no easy meal, and if they return, they will come in fewer numbers.” The force would be less destructive for the human and for the Dream. The Sandman’s work was done.
“If not, you may see me again. Have you any last words, Dreamer?”