Chapter 1

(Tenebris' Point of View)

The moon was glowing bright that night, and I swore its light was even brighter than the sun. I had always tried to make it that way, as a sign that my moon was much stronger than the light of the pathetic day. I was doing my usual roam about the town, my hands tucked away in the pockets of my long black leather coat. During these little strolls, I would mostly think about my mother, Luna. It had been almost 17 years since she and father passed. I couldn't remember a time where I didn't miss them. I always thought about my mother's caring smile, her gentle nature, and I never forgot the lullaby she used to sing to me every night.

I hopped up and down in excitement, reaching my arms out toward my mother, gesturing for her to pick me up.

"Alright Tenebris, alright," she chuckled. "I'm here, my love." She cradled me in her soft and warm arms. I breathed calmly as she swayed me back and forth, being extremely careful not to drop me. "Would you like to hear the song?" I nodded sleepily.

"Yes mumma," I replied, "I wuv da song." She giggled as she kissed my cheek.

"Okay sweetheart," She said, and she cleared her throat. "When the stars are too cold, frozen over the glow, on the edge of the night, we can be their light." At the wave of her hand, tiny stars came twinkling around us, dancing to the melody. I smiled as I watched them twirl and shimmer around us, slowly dozing off. "So give me more than your touch, and give yourself to the rush." My mother intertwined her fingers with mine, nuzzling my nose with hers. "Just keep holding my hand," she continued to sing softly, "as we're taking off, I know where we'll land. We can escape, to a higher plane, in Nirvana stay, where the dreamers lay. I'll lay you down, lay you down. Safe, on a higher plane, in Nirvana stay, where the dreamers lay..." I could barely keep my eyes open at that point. My mother's voice was as beautiful as the sunset, and as clear as the ocean. She laid me into my small bed, her hands delicately tucking the sheets under me. As I fell asleep, I heard the last few lines of the song, and her usual goodnight message. "I'll lay you down, lay you down," She kissed my forehead, "Sweet dreams, Tenebris. I love you."

I sighed and looked down at my feet, whispering softly, "I love you too, mother." Suddenly, I heard the sound of shrieks and shouting. I looked up and saw two children running up ahead.

"Quick!" Said the older boy, "Mommy said we have to hurry home or Nightmare Night will get us!" I had almost forgotten about the townspeople's dreadful nickname for me, then again, it was hard to forget completely, what with the townspeople saying it all the time. Posters with my yellow eyes printed all over the walls warned "NIGHTMARE NIGHT IS COMING FOR YOU! STAY INDOORS, TURN OUT YOUR LIGHTS!" I chuckled at this. I had become some kind of boogeyman to them, a vicious monstrosity that hides under beds. How ridiculous. The two children gasped as I approached them.

"He's coming!" Cried the younger girl. "Stanley help me!" The older boy ran in front of his sister, blocking both her and my pathway home. I looked down at the boy, who seemed to be about 11 years old. He had brown hair that covered his left eye, with dark brown eyes to match. His sister, cowering in fear, had blonde hair and his same brown eyes. I raised my eyebrow at the young boy, who bravely, but stupidly, continued to block my path.

"I won't let you hurt my sister," he said, "She's only 4..." I ran my ringed fingers across the boy's right cheek, he flinched at my touch.

"We admire your bravery," I said, "We do not even know of any adults here that would be willing to do what you are doing now for your sister." The boy, with sweat dripping down the side of his head, cringed as I spoke to him, expecting me at any moment to strike him where he stood. Instead, impressed by his strength to protect his sister, I backed up a step. "We have decided to let you go," I said, going along with the townsfolk's villainous depiction of me, "for now. But next time, we suggest not getting in our way." I leaned in close, looking the boy directly in his brown eyes. "Understood?" The boy nodded quickly and stuttered,

"Y-Yes, we understand."

"Good," I responded, "Now be gone with you!" The children fled into their home as fast as they could. I shook my head and proceeded to mine. I had to be quick, for if I were to be out in the day, the townsfolk would invoke another wrath upon me...or at least they would try.