I awoke with a scream; my body shaking and my heart beating wildly. I looked around the Sanctuary; discovering that everything was fine, normal. My rigid breath was stabilizing, and I shuddered as a cold bead of sweat ran down my spine. I swallowed and got out of the bed; still shaking slightly. I wobbled over to a wash basin, taking the clear liquid and washing the sweat and dirt off my pale face. I took a cloth from the side of the basin and dried my face. Taking a deep breath as my shaking hands tore away from my face. I felt strange; not myself. I felt a dark aura around me; it was frightening. I turned around to see if anyone was behind me, only to find dark, empty space. No one was around me, yet I felt an odd; dangerous presence.
"The mirror…" a voice growled from the washbasin. I was overcome with fear and turned back to the washbasin, looking deep into the water; nothing there. What in oblivion was that? I felt a cold air sweep pass me; causing me to shudder. I suddenly felt an urge to listen to the voice's words: the mirror. I slowly lifted my head to look into the reflective glass. Once my eyes met the glass, I was appalled and felt the shock of horror when my reflection wasn't what I thought it was. There was me, barring a sadistic smile; filled with sharp teeth, my eyes glowed with a crimson red. The image frightened me, it was my reflection, but it wasn't me in the mirror! What is this madness? I took a step back and my reflection giggled in dark delight, its smile growing wider, its eyes narrowing; focusing on its prey. I felt panic sweep over me, but I found myself frozen in place; unable to move. The demonic giggling grew louder and my eyes were drawn to the demon in the mirror. It looked me deep in the eyes and smiled evilly; it seemed to lean in closer and its giggling rang luridly in my ears.
"Hello, Rezzzzaaaa~" it said crazily; its voice similar to my own, yet layered with demonic intent. My vision blurred and I began to scream only to find myself awake in my bed. My breathing was rapid and I was having difficulty getting oxygen to my lungs. I suddenly heard footsteps approach my location. I looked up to see Cicero, out of breath, and his ebony dagger ready for a kill.
"What's wrong? Cicero heard the sister screaming and came as fast as his legs could fly!" Cicero explained as he looked rapidly around the room; getting in front of me. "There's no intruder trying to attack the dear sister is there? If there is, Cicero shall protect the kind sister! Stabbing the attacker until his soul meets the Void!" I wasn't thinking clearly and was too frightened to even care. I grabbed the jester and tucked myself against his body; my frame shaking in fear; trying to find comfort in the jester's embrace. Cicero hesitated for a moment, surprised by my sudden action, when he realized I was trembling he put down his dagger gently, wrapping his arms around me. Even though I barely knew Cicero, I felt like I was the closest to him than anyone in the Sanctuary. I heard him hum a comforting tune and my breathing slowly returned to normal. I stopped shaking and was feeling sleepy in his arms; the warmth that came from his body comforted me as he continued to hum. We heard footsteps come rapidly toward us and I saw Nazir, Festus, and Babette come in the room, ready for action.
"What's going on, we thought we heard a…." Nazir began, only to lower his sword and give an awkward cough. Babette started to snigger and Festus 'hmphed' and stalked away. I looked to them and began to blush as I realized what they thought they were seeing, I quickly tore away from Cicero and tumble out of the bed.
"I-i-it's not what it looks like!" I stammered, completely embarrassed by what they all just saw. Babette was still trying to stifle a roaring laughter and Nazir rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Look sister, we don't really mind what you do in your free time, but next time…keep it down…" Nazir warned uncomfortably, returning to his resting area. Babette only winked and walked gracefully out of the room. My face was probably florid in color and I didn't look at Cicero for a few moments. I shuffled awkwardly in place; unsure of what to say.
"Thanks, I guess…" I said, still not looking at Cicero. He smiled and only looked at me, happily.
"Oh, the pleasure is Cicero's; the kind sister helped Cicero once, it was honor to repay the kind sister!" He stated jubilantly, but he frowned at looked at me in confusion. "But why was the sister screaming? Surely, the sister wasn't screaming at nothing." I looked to him, still embarrassed; I took a deep breath, and remembered why I was so scared. I ran to the mirror and looked at my reflection. I sighed in relief, finding only me inside the mirror. Cicero got up and walked over to me; looking at me through the mirror, his amber eyes filled with worry and concern. "Tell Cicero what is wrong, dear sister. You can trust Cicero." I sighed and turned to face him, his closeness was unnerving, yet not uncomfortable.
"I had a nightmare." I said, scratching my hair. "I was so scared, I had looked in the mirror and found my reflection; only it wasn't me, it was something else…a monster…" I said silently. It wasn't until Cicero wiped away a tear with his finger that I realized I was crying. He looked at me sadly and understood my fear.
"Cicero can assure the sister that she is not a monster." He said with a smile. I nodded and he guided me to my bed where he tucked me in; pulling the blankets over me and tucking them under me. He smiled at me and his amber eyes looked straight into mine; instantly calming me. For a moment, all was silent, and it was just the two of us. Cicero nodded and went to leave, yet something strange came over me and I grabbed the back of his jester's motley; preventing him from leaving. He turned back to me, and I felt my face get warm. I was still afraid, and I didn't want to be alone.
"Please…" I said quietly, "Please don't leave me…" Cicero understood and took a couple of furs from the nightstand's drawer; sprawling it on the floor and laying on it. Once he was comfortable, he took hold of my hand. I blushed at his touch, but I didn't let go; it comforted me and soon, I fell asleep; Cicero never letting go of my hand.