Darkness…that's all he saw…black and cold…
How long had it been since he saw light? Or the sky…? The grass…? He couldn't remember; only cold loneliness and an empty feeling in his chest. Sliver hair flowed around his head, some strands brushing against his closed eyes; beckoning for them to open.
But they wouldn't…What would be the point? He'd only see the pitch blackness as usual.
His mind was filled with flashes of memories…but they weren't real. They were false, planted into his head to make him believe he was someone else. Same went for his thoughts, and feelings. They didn't belong to him; only fake.
Just like him.
Nothing about him was real. Only illusions to make people think he was. He was nothing more than a puppet; a toy.
Shadows closed in around him, tendrils ghosting over his limbs like fingers, leaving an icy feeling as they sucked out the remaining warmth of his body…
O~*~O
"Milady? Milady, where are you?!"
A maid rushed down the hallway of a temple, worry clearly etched on her face. There were other maids who carried out their duties, as the frantic woman tried to find Mistress's daughter. So far she had checked all the usual spots, but no luck. The girl wasn't in the kitchen chatting with the cooks, helping the gardeners, reading in the library, or in the temple's prayer hall.
"Where could she be?" The maid turned a corner and saw a messenger leaving the High Priestess's room. "Excuse me, young man? Have you seen the Priestess's daughter?"
"Not since this morning, miss." He replied, before heading off to deliver the rest of the messages.
The maid sighed heavily, and knocked on the door to the High Priestess's chambers. Nerves on edge.
"Enter," a voice came from within.
The room was simple but furnished with beautiful oak chairs, bed, desk, and wardrobe. A set of double doors lead out to the gardens, and hardwood flooring gleamed under the noon day sun. Pieces of crystal, and geodes covered one shelf near the desk. While incense burned, perfuming the air with the smell of jasmine, a woman sat in the middle of the room. Her temple robes spread around her as she worked on flower arranging. A headdress hid her hair and her lips were painted with dark rouge. Black liner made her brown eyes fuller.
"Yes, my child?" She asked, while not turning to the woman.
"P-Pardon me, Priestess. But I can't find the lady…I've looked everywhere." The maid stammered.
The High Priestess gave a small smile, "If that's so, then she must be outside the temple."
"B-But that's forbidden! As she is the next in line to your position, she mustn't-!"
A laugh escaped the priestess. "You clearly don't know my daughter…She's not one for sitting around or being a 'prefect' lady."
The maid wrung her hands. "True, Mistress…but she could get hurt. Or worse."
"You wouldn't cage a bird after the wing is healed, would you?"
"Of course I wouldn't," the maid replied.
A chuckle came from the High Priestess as she trimmed a Hydrangea's stem a bit. "My daughter is just the same…she needs to be free to fly; no matter how many people believe her to be…'delicate'." The last word sounded slightly bitter. "And that is something she is not. Why are you looking for her?"
"The lord mayor and his son have come for a visit. They wish to see her."
A snip of the shears was the High Priestess's only response. After a moment of silence, she replied. "Let them know she's being detained with her training…but I'll be right there."
"Yes, mistress."
It was only after the maid left, that the High Priestess stood and opened the door to the gardens. The heavy breeze blew her robes around, flower petals swirling about the room. A bird chirped as it flew by.
"You certainly can't stand to be caged, do you Thea?"
O~*~O
A figure moved through the trees, of the surrounding forest, being careful to not let anyone see as they shot down the hidden path to a small grassy knoll. The air smelled of earth, leaves and wild flowers. A scent the figure loved more than anything.
It stepped lightly into the light, a girl of sixteen with long auburn hair. Her dress was a simple magenta color that faded to a dark purple half-way down the skirt, embroidery done in copper thread gleaming around the skirt's hem. A mahogany belt was around her waist, held in place with a copper clasp in the shape of a celestial star. Boots, the same color as the belt, covered her feet. Beige lace rimmed the neckline while her sleeves ended at the elbow, yet had a loose look. A necklace of silver beads hung around her neck, while a small brooch with green jade was pinned to her top. And flower clips crafted from fake lavender and tiny lily of the valley were behind her ears.
She was Thea: daughter of the High Priestess of the temple in Pathos Village. As next in line of the Pathos temple, people expected her to be a docile, shy girl who did what she was told. But they were wrong to even consider that. The girl was many things…but not those. If anything she was like a bird or the river; always soaring and drifting to her own song, never letting anything stop her.
Thea raised her face to the sky, straight at the sun and smiled. She loved the feeling of it on her. Though she didn't squint, or shade her eyes from it. The reason was simple: Thea was blind.
Her whole life she could never, ever use her eyes to see. They were the color of pale green jade, but as they had no pupils…it freaked people out. Thus, it made her keep them closed.
However, that didn't stop her mind's eye. It was no secret that Thea had the ability to literally see things in her mind; a rare power that allowed her to read the memories of objects or people. Along with that, she could also 'Dream Walk'. At times, Thea would go into the dream world for herself: whether to seek advice or play with the colorful creatures that inhabited that realm known as Dream Eaters. These two powers…were the only things that enabled her to see.
And she wouldn't trade them for anything.
Thea stretched out her arms before flopping onto the grass like a child. She didn't have to worry about others telling her to be a lady or how to act out here. This was her sanctuary. Here she could be herself. The girl turned her head slightly when the sound of a bird reached her ears. "Hello to you, robin. Have you traveled far?"
The bird started to sing, as if answering her question. Thea grinned and hummed along. While she hated needle point, and wearing the cake batter-like makeup with those heavy traditional garbs of her mother's temple…Thea loved to sing and dance. She could do both very well, but the people of the village refused to accept that. To them…she was frail as glass and should be waited on hand and foot. To do things for her like dress her, brush her hair, even help her eat. It drove both her and her mother insane.
It seemed that only her mother knew how well Thea could take care of herself. In fact, it was her mother who had a friend of hers teach Thea self-defense plus using a quarter-staff. Through Thea hoped to never have to use those skills, they would still come in handy. Especially when some jerks thought she was weak or that she'd be easy prey.
Feeling the bird's song inspire her, Thea got up and danced with the grace of a swan. Dipping, spinning, and leaping as if she had wings of her own. She was so lost in the moment, that Thea didn't realize something was watching.
Small eyes took in the movements. Little paws softly clapped in glee before bounding out and hugging the girl's leg, causing her to stop and almost trip.
Thea felt soft fur under her hands, and a laugh escaped her. "Bonnie! What are you doing here?" She laughed before scooping the creature into her arms.
Bonnie was a Dream Eater that took the shape of a rabbit. The creature looked like a stuffed toy with yellow eyes, a blue furry body, and white cotton tail. The tips of the ears were like lace, lavender colored. The same color was also on the stomach, front paws, forehead, and around the mouth. The ears were so long that they were like hands, helping it walk or defend itself; one hit from those long ears would make anyone see stars.
This Dream Eater was one of the many that Thea befriended in her travels in the Dream World. It was also the only one that visited her in the real world; Bonnie, it seemed, didn't want to be apart from the girl. Thea patted the spirit's furry head, and sat in the grass before pulling Bonnie into her lap.
"You know you can't be out of the Dream World, Bonnie." She said, slightly scolding. "I miss you too, but even I can't stay there for long."
Bonnie let out a purr in response and cuddled up, clearly not listening, only wanting to be in the girl's arms.
Thea raised her head a bit before saying, "I know you're there, Mother."
A rustle of fabric was heard to only her ears, and the High Priestess came into the clearing. Of course, it wasn't really her, but merely a projection. A bemused smile was on her lips, as she came closer.
"Seems you've got a visitor from the Dream Time….again," the vision of her mother spoke.
"Bonnie's real attached to me. Doesn't like it when I'm away too long."
Her mother stood beside her now, looking at the tops of the trees. "The mayor and his son came today."
Thea sighed. "I'll never be his wife. You think a man with half his brain would get the point by now."
"His son is…persistent."
The girl shook her head, one hand scratching Bonnie behind the ear. "He's a few bricks shy of a finished chimney, admit it."
A soft laugh escaped the holy woman. "I may not make assumptions very often, but I find myself agreeing with you on that one." She calmed herself down and then said, "If you wish to stay out here longer, you may. But you must be back before nightfall."
Thea smiled, "Thank you, mother. Do you think…I would be able to see the world? Outside the village, I mean?"
"If that is what you wish, perhaps it will come true. When you're older…I'll help you find a way." Her mother then raised a finger, "But not before…alright?"
She sighed, but nodded. "Yes."
"Good. I'll see you this evening." Her image shimmered before vanishing, leaving Thea alone with Bonnie.
The Dream Eater looked up at Thea with curious eyes when a heavy sigh left her. Upon hearing Bonnie coo, Thea patted its head. "I'm alright, Bonnie….just tired of people forcing me to be what they want me to be. Mother's the only one who understands me. And I guess…I want to meet someone who'll see me as myself." She giggled when Bonnie gave a squeak, as if saying 'What about me?' "Of course you're one of them. I meant like a human friend…you know?"
Her next response was quiet, almost to herself. "Will I ever find that one person?"
Bonnie wrapped its large ears around her, giving the girl a hug. This caused Thea to give one in return. "Thanks, I needed that." She rocked her Dream Eater friend, like one would a baby, and started to sing a song that her mother used to sing to her.
"Dancing Bears, Painted Wings…things I almost, remember.
And a song I will sing, Once upon a December..."
She got up and started to dance with her little friend. Thea could see Bonnie's home in the Dream Realm: Open fields. Pastel colored buildings with stained glass. Treats that grew on trees. No doors. Clear skies dotted with countless stars. And so many kinds of Dream Eaters! She couldn't name them all…but they were all her friends.
The snap of a twig made her stop.
"Hello? Is someone there?"
Only birds answered her, as she put Bonnie down. The little Dream Eater sniffed the air with its tiny nose then let out a gurgle-like warble, which was a growl in Thea's opinion. Something was not right, but neither could tell what it was. Carefully, Thea moved towards the path…carefully so not to spook who or what was watching. Her ears picked up a slight rustle, one so quiet that normal people wouldn't hear.
But Thea wasn't like normal people.
Quick as a cat, she grabbed the wrist of the hand that was about to cover her mouth then threw the person it belonged to over her shoulder. A male yelp of pain met her ears and she spun on one foot, making the heel of her other one make contact with her opponents cheek. As that one went down, vibrations she felt in the ground told her there was another. Along with a swish-like noise saying this one had a knife.
"Careful!" The man she kicked groaned. "She's stronger than she looks."
"Ah, shut up ya fool!" Came the reply from his partner. The latter ran at Thea and kept swinging his blade, trying to cut her. She dodged, moving as if she was dancing, and clearly making her attacker annoyed. Just as he thought he'd hit his mark, a swift punch was driven into his stomach. "Ack! What-What the heck is this thing?!"
By 'thing' he meant Bonnie. The Dream Eater was hopping around with its ears posed like a martial artist. Before he could defend himself, the rabbit did a bunch of random strikes to the man's abdomen, making him drop the knife. A swift uppercut followed, and the man saw stars as he passed out face down.
Bonnie gave a few little happy hops as Thea turned to the other attacker who was trying to get away. But before he could get far, he ran straight into a tree, knocking himself out.
Thea went over to him and touched his forehead. Visions and memories flashed through her mind…but she brushed them away. There was only one memory she wanted to know: who these two men were, and why they tried to kidnap her. From what she gathered, these two were hired by someone of high status to bring her to his, or her, kingdom to use her power of 'Psychometry' for their own greed.
She sighed and turned to Bonnie. "I'm sure Mother will send out the guards to grab these two. And I should head back…no doubt to be caged, again." Thea felt Bonnie hug her leg and give a purr. "I love you too, sweetie. Head back to the Dream Realm, I'll see you soon."
Only when the Dream Eater had disappeared in and swirl of color, did Thea head back home. Upon returning, she was ushered into a bath and dressed in a gown that felt too stiff and tight. Her hair was pulled back into a bun and make-up was applied to her face. She hated the make-up…it felt like mud on her skin. Plus, the perfume they'd use smelled awful. Who calls a perfume 'Sandal Rose' when the scent was of old leaves? Clearly they lied.
Thea was then dragged to the Dining Room. She heard her mother talking with a visitor, though she didn't recognize the voice. But she could tell it was a man; not the mayor, or his snake of a son. And it seemed that the person was staying for dinner. "Just great…"
"Ah, Thea," The High Priestess said, taking her daughter's hand. "I was about to tell the maids to leave you be…but they got to you first. I'm sorry, dear."
"Its fine, Mother."
"We have a guest, my dear. This is Marco; a merchant. He and I were discussing the purchase of more incense."
There was a rustle of cloth, and her mother guided her hand to Marco's. She felt the elder kiss her hand, and her ability told her he was a trustworthy man. And a grandfather of three. "Pleased to meet you, sir."
"The pleasure is mine, dear lady." Marco replied, "You look as lovely as your Mother said."
After the three talked for a few moments, the High Priestess noticed how her daughter was trying to gasp for air and patted her arm. "You look exhausted, my child. Go to your room and rest. I'll send the meal up."
"Thank you Mother, I will." Thea then whispered in her mother's ear. "Two men tried to kidnap me earlier on…they're still passed out. Have the temple guards nab them quick."
After a nod from her mother, Thea was excused. She took a quicker way to her room where no one would see her; hardly anyone used this way, so it was easier. Once she got to her room, Thea shut the door and proceeded to rip the dress off. Of course, she prayed that it did rip. "Why do they have…to make these so…tight?!" Once she finally got the torture-dress, off of her, Thea tossed it into a corner. "When I get my hands on the dress maker, I'll sic Bonnie on him! Blasted thing almost suffocated me!"
Thea grabbed the pin holding her hair up, and removed it. Letting her auburn locks tumble down her back. She then went to her dresser and felt for the water pitcher, pouring some water into a basin. Thea scrubbed the make-up off her face, and the perfume from her neck. She had been scrubbing so hard, her skin was almost raw when she finished.
"I feel like myself again…at last…" A knock made her jump. "Who is it?"
"I brought you dinner, m'lady. Shall I bring it in?" A maid responded.
"No leave it by the door."
There was a sound of china, and footsteps retreating, before Thea pulled the tray into the room. After eating, she flopped on her bed with a sigh. "What a day…" She took some time to calm down before focusing her second ability. Her spirit entered the Dream Realm, wearing her usual clothes. Her nose smelled cinnamon and milk before her eyes opened, adjusting to let her see the things around her; a world of soft colors and wonder…a place only she could go.
A warble made her turn to see a Kooma had a bright yellow head, with an orange muzzle and a round black nose. Two yellow eyes had a black line running through them, and black eye-slots surrounding the eyes. On top of its head were round black ears with a bright blue center. The Dream Eater also had a large round yellow torso that blended into turquoise closer to the bottom, the Spirit Emblem all Dream Eaters sported located on its chest. Its blue arms and yellow hands blended into red, three large sharp bright turquoise claws which blend into yellow at the end protruding from them. Lastly, the Kooma Panda had stubby dark blue legs as well as flat stubby grey feet.
The panda picked her up and gave her a gentle hug, still warbling.
"Hello to you too, my friend." Thea said, happily, "Thank you for the hug! I needed it."
When she was put down, the Kooma Panda followed her to a large pond where a pavilion of lavender wood was. The top of it was made of Stained Glass, a few trees that had multiple treats ready to be picked. And so many kinds of treats: there were some like Snow Cones, others like cookies in the shape of shields, and many more!
Two more Dream Eaters, called Hebby Repp and Komory Bat, were picking some of the treats that were dubbed 'Confetti Candy': multi-colored small balls with soft spikes, like a chestnut. These were the ones which Thea's friends couldn't resist. The two spirits were putting them in baskets, along with another kind of treat called 'Block-It Chocolate' that resembled small little chocolates that were either red, blue or green with a yellow crescent moon or star emblem on the top.
Hebby Repp looked like a fusion between a snake and lizard. The head was yellow, with two pink spots as cheeks, and white, pointy teeth. Black, squared eyes with orange pupils were bisected with a black line. Purple spikes lined its head, and down along its spine. The Spirit emblem was located on its colorful underbelly that was of sky-blue, fading into pink, orange, and lastly green. Its back was colored a dark-blue. The body ended in a yellow coil with a dark blue-spiked tail that melted into a light purple, light blue, then finally green. Two thin, dark-blue legs were the only appendages and it wore dark-blue and yellow shoes to cover them.
Then there was the Komory Bat. This one had a pink body and purple feet. Its head was yellow with a pink diamond, while its ears were green fading into blue. Its black eyes had pupils that, depending on its disposition, could be any color. The large mouth had two small protruding pink fangs. The wings were pink, while star patterns on the wings were yellow and pink, outlined in blue.
While Hebby Repp was using its tail to pick the treats, Komory Bat was using its feet and claws to pick its share. Both stopped what they were doing when they spied Thea walking with Kooma Panda. The two gave a squeal of glee, quickly running over to the pavilion. Well, Hebby Repp ran as Komory Bat flew. Their squeal alerted a few other Dream Eaters who lived in the pond's water. Tatsu Steed: a sea horse like Dream Eater with purple fins that had yellow and orange spots on their length and trimming with blue, pink, and yellow colors at the ends. Two similar fins were attached to the head, the same shade of purple as the fins. The head had yellow eyes and a pair of purple horns with yellow tips. The main body primarily yellow-green, with some yellow, and orange spots like on the fins, and two sets of spikes with the same color scheme as the head's horns: one set on the tail, and another set on the stomach. The Spirit Emblem crest was on its chest.
Its counterpart, Tatsu Blaze; had a pallet swap of the first, and resembled a Leafy Sea Dragon. Its fins were longer as well as the horns and snout. They both blew bubbles from their snouts in greeting, a few of them being different colored.
Besides those two was an R&R Seal. This cute little sea lion Dream Eater had a predominately grey body with orange-yellow swirls leading to blue flippers. Its feet had pink/yellow 'sandals'. It looked like it was wearing a blue striped 'bathing suit', the other stripes fading from green to yellow, and ending as pink. A pink and green bow was around its neck. Eyes were black with yellow sparkles as the pupil and pink cheeks.
The R&R Seal gave a happy bark and 'belly slid' over to the young lady, landing right at her feet. Thea laughed and patted its head as Bonnie jumped onto her shoulder. "It's wonderful to be back too, everyone. Thank you for the greeting."
As she sat down, two feline Dream Eaters rubbed against her legs. They were Necho Cat and Frootz Cat. Both had long necks and six legs. Necho Cat had a musical theme, as evidenced by the bells on the tip of its pointy ears and collar, along the eighth note-shape of its tail. The colors of its coat were a combination of slate blue and light blue. Its knee stripes purple and yellow while its paws were purple. The cat's whiskers and collar had the same color scheme; a light blue that faded into a bright green, while its eyes and bells are gold. Finally, the lower part of its note-like tail was purple and transitioned into yellow. The latter, Frootz Cat, had a pink/red color scheme; the bells on the top of its ears had been replaced with strawberries, and the one around its neck with a peach. The note-tail was a cherry with a long stem and leaf. The whiskers a jade green and the collar was the shade of a green pear.
To Thea they were twins: Necho Cat was known as Bella, and the Frootz Cat was called Parfait.
Not all the Dream Eaters wanted their own names, but when some did, Thea was happy to find the perfect ones. These Dream Eaters were her second family, and she couldn't ask any better. After a few moments for cuddling and petting, Komory Bat and Hebby Repp brought over their baskets of treats. Once the treats were divided up among everyone present, they all sat to eat.
Thea had a nibble of the 'Confetti Candy' and let her mind wander, about what the 'special someone' could be like. "Hmm…he's got to be kind. And he has to be one who doesn't care about whether I can see or not. A nice voice would be good too…"
R&R Seal patted her leg with a flipper and gave a soft bark, concern on its face. Bonnie shared the same look as well.
"I'm ok. Just thinking about what my 'special someone' would be like." She answered, before sighing. "But with things how they are now; I don't think I'll ever meet him." Thea got up and walked over to the pond. "Everyone in the village doesn't want me to meet anyone…this world and the Knoll are my only places to escape."
A sad chorus of coo's and warbles came from the gathered Dream Eaters. They knew her feelings all too well, and it saddened them to see Thea so unhappy. Bonnie suddenly saw a few bubbles stick together, and an idea popped into its head. It gathered all the Dream Eaters around and softly squeaked out the plan. Parfait went over to the Tatsu Steed and Tatsu Blaze and whispered the plan. The two sea horse spirits blew clear bubbles at R&R Seal, making big ones for it to bounce on. Heppy Repp got stuck in one, but enjoyed it.
Kooma Panda tapped Thea's shoulder gently with a claw and pointed around her. The sight of R&R Seal and Bonnie bouncing on the bubble balloons made her smile while the twins trying to pounce on the one Heppy Repp was stuck in made her laugh. Komory Bat flew around the bubble-balloons while Tatsu Steed and Tatsu Blaze warbled in glee from the sight of their friends having fun.
Feeling better, Thea started to dance, weaving in and out of the clear orbs. When she spun, the current of movement sent a few of the bubble-balloons to spin around her. She started to hum a song that she had never heard before until just then. Was it a song of the Dream Realm? Either way, she kept dancing while the words to the song appeared in her head.
"I know you; I walked with you Once Upon a Dream.
I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam.
And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem.
But if I know you, I know what you'll do…
You'll love me at once, the way you did Once Upon a Dream."
Thea's movements became more fluid, and her friends couldn't help but dance along with her. She picked up Bonnie and hugged it while leaping, then took Kooma Panda's paws as it spun her around in a circle. R&R Seal clapped its flippers, Bella and Parfait purred, Komory Bat squeaked and the two Tatsu's bobbed their heads in unison to the song. Heppy Repp's bubble-balloon popped and it landed in an empty basket, unharmed if but a bit dazed. Thea turned her face to the heavens, pale green eyes glittering as she kept dancing with all her soul. "If you're out there, my 'special someone'…I pray this song reaches you." She put a hand over her heart, and repeated the last line of the song out loud.
"But if I know you, I know what you'll do…
You'll love me at once, the way you did Once Upon… a Dream."
O~*~O
He floated in the darkness…sleeping as if in a coma. The shadowy tendrils had taken on the form of a spider web, strands tight and firm in their grip, holding his wrists and ankles in place like chains. A few of them even began to slither around his neck. From the way it positioned him, one would think he'd be suspended over a pit or chained to a wall.
And even if you'd asked his opinion, he couldn't tell was too far gone in his own mind; dead to the world in a sense from the never ending silence. Who wouldn't be?
Then the shadows rippled, as if sensing something. Slowly…he too could hear a faint noise. It soon became one he recognized deep in the quiet psyche of his brain which formed words at a snail's pace.
"But if I know you, I know what you'll do…
You'll love me at once, the way you did Once Upon… a Dream."
A song. It was a song.
The notes seemed to make the shadows tremble. And ever so slightly, the stiff fingers of one hand twitched after being still for so long…