The Time of Dreaming

Fang:This will be more connected than a series of one-shots, but far less linear than a story. It Came with a Price will still be first priority, so updates shall be sporadic. I will be switching around as far as PoV, and just generally experimenting. The tone in general shall be dark... You have been warned. This is in no way connected to my other story(s), enjoy.


Jazz

It's late, but I can't seem to sleep. Where is Danny? The dim light from the lamp on my desk casts a soft golden glow around my room. I've never had problems with insomnia before, but the constant worry for my brother has taken it's toll. I constantly wonder if one of these days he won't come back.

Recently that hasn't been my only worry. Danny has always been sarcastic, but lately… I don't know. His sarcasm and humor has acquired this dry cynical edge, his wit used to cut and hurt rather than amuse. He knows it too, and doesn't seem to care. That's not the only thing that's changed however. After three years of fighting he somehow became graceful. Usually he tries to hide it, but recently he just stopped. He now walks with a menacing glide that whispers subtly… "I'm dangerous, stay away from me."

It's scaring everyone, except for mom and dad, who are still oblivious to just about everything except ghosts. His friends have come to me repeatedly, asking desperately what had happened. Unfortunately, I'm just as in the dark as they are. The people at school have noticed as well, if only subconsciously. Whenever Danny walks down the halls these days people get out of his way.

The subtle sound of the refrigerator door opening downstairs prompts me to get up, it's most likely Danny, back from whatever battle that came up tonight. The darkness out in the hallway forces me to pause and try to let my eyes adjust. When I was fairly certain that I wouldn't trip and fall in the darkness, I creep past mom and dad's room and down the staircase.

The kitchen is somewhat illuminated by the soft silver light of the full moon. Danny stands with his back to me, drinking a bottle of water. I pause and lean against the doorway. "Danny… we need to talk."

He pauses and turns around, an odd smile on his face… But what makes my mind sputter to a stop is the fact that he's covered in ectoplasm. "Wh… what happened?" The faintly luminescent green fluid is splattered all across his face and the front of his black leather jacket. Some of it even managed to get into his hair, drying it into even messier spikes than normal.

He lifts an eyebrow and his eyes glitter in amusement. "None of it's mine if that's what you're wondering." He grins, exposing teeth that seem slightly sharper than they should have been.

I just stand there for a moment… trying desperately to find something to say. "If it's not yours than who's is it?" I finally get something out, my heart is racing and my voice trembles… He couldn't possibly have… could he?

That amused predator's grin widens and he shakes his head, in resignation or amusement, I'm not sure which. "Nocturne's if you must know." He sets the water bottle down on the table and takes a step forward. "But it's nothing you need to worry about."

My uncertainty and confusion start to turn into anger and fear. I snap "What do you mean Danny? Why the heck wouldn't I worry about it?"

He raises his right hand, wreathed in dark violet mist. His eyes glow crimson as he whispers, "Because this is all a dream."

He smiles at me, almost tenderly as I sink to the floor. I try to struggle, to speak, to reason with him, but everything fades to black. I sank into the warm dark, into the embrace of dreams. Unlike the last few years, I was untroubled by nightmares.


My dear readers and lovely reveiwers, we have only just begun. I would love to hear what you have to say, and what you think happened. I would find your responses most... enlighening.