Chapter 12: Dew
~~~This is our last goodbye........I hate to feel the love between us die~~~
Pain.......so much pain filled every crack, every miniscule inch of Dib's body. He could feel himself being propelled downward, spiraling past all that belonged to the living world, what was once ~his~ world........
His eyes were blinded, a muted blackness swallowing him whole as his senses began to dampen, his fingers losing grip on all that he believed in, losing touch with his own consciousness.
Memories flashed by like blinking lights, momentary trajectories of luminosity flashing in his face, causing his eyes to flinch as he continued his descent; he strained his hands outward, trying to clench onto something, anything.......trying to delay his fall. But his fingers touched nothing as the lights flew by him, hurling past his face and then zipping up above him as he approached some indeterminable fate.
~~~But it's over........just hear this and then I'll go~~~
Searing pressure forced its way into Dib's head, ears muffled from the blazing speed of his plunge, and although all of this should have frightened him into submission, Dib's face remained composed, somber. The world that he was traversing through seemed to be eating him alive, tearing his soul apart as he tumbled further and further downward, the blinking lights now fading out of sight, the darkness returning once more. Dib labored to see in this onyx-colored realm of perpetual motion. At all moments he could feel the end drawing nearer, and he prepared himself for whatever that may be.......he feared and was yet ready for the worst.......
He could barely remember the confrontation with Zim; it was all a thing of the past now, a small facet of his life. Dib struggled to recollect what had happened before he had been thrust into this tunnel of memories, this world inside of a world.
How did he come to this place, this dimension filled with an unending anguish Dib fought to suppress; he would not be taken by his fright, not be a victim to trepidation. Closing his eyes, Dib searched into the back of his mind, to his last thoughts, last sights, last moments, only to find that his brain had been robbed of precisely those memories, only to find that someone had pilfered his most precious possessions. Panic seized him at this moment, and Dib felt himself becoming more and more astray, more out of place. His composure thrown away, he scrambled in place, hair whipping about his face, arms thrashing about like those of a wounded animal.
~~~You gave me more to live for.......more then you'll ever know~~~
Suddenly, quite surprisingly, Dib was bereft of all thought and feeling, the sensation of falling now gone. Paralyzed, either with fear or death, Dib forced his eyes to dart to and fro, but was still faced with eternal darkness; the pitch-black seemed to go on for miles all around him, with not a single light in the distance. The gloom and obscurity hurt his eyes, and he closed them in an effort to block out both the ache as well as the insecurity that was swelling inside of him.
After quite some time, perhaps five or ten minutes, the boy realized that he was no longer in the position a person takes while plummeting, but was now lying on his back, as if he was suspended in mid-air. It was like nothing he had ever experienced.
Was it safe to unclose his sore eyes, feel around his body......would he finally touch some solid anchor, or would he once again be met with nothingness, a sign that he had truly passed from the world he once knew? He was nervous, brain spinning from the fall, cheeks scorched by the zipping wind, but he did not sweat; perhaps he lacked the strength to perspire. He didn't dwell on that thought for long, but instead went about opening his eyes for the first time in what seemed a millennia. What would he see.......would there be flames, would there be light........
A pain began to surge through his body once more, but it was the same pain he had felt all his life, although he had ignored it for so long, a pain that is found in someone's heart. There was a wound there that no one, not even he, could see, that no one could possibly hope to heal. The pain seemed to now spew forth from his vessels, not so much an ache, but instead a terrible sense of dread, of apprehension. This impression had been born so long ago, that Dib had thought it was just a part of him that he was born with.......that there was nothing he could do besides linger and accept that he would never be whole.
But that leaking cavity now reminded him of how the pain was placed within him, how it found its way into his being, how it wound up nestled in his breast like some hidden cancer.
~~~This is our last embrace........must I dream and always see your face~~~
The death of that who had meant so much to him, even if her existence in his life had been so brief, so sweet........it was a persistent, enduring torture session, a never-ending slew of knifes spearing his body.
Why do people die when they do? Why do those that we love so much leave us all too quickly, and why does everything we hate seem to loiter in our lives?
Dib snapped to life, eyes flashing apart.
His actions, unfortunately, were too quick, for a blaring light pierced into his retinas, seared them in the same way a person cuts into a piece of meat. Blinded first by shadow and now again by this incredible radiance, Dib thought at first that he had been cast into some nefarious fire, that it wouldn't be long before the licking flames would render his flesh, cause his skin to contract and wrinkle, before his innards to be roasted alive. Wishing that this confusion would cease, Dib forced his eyes to remain un- shut as he allowed himself to become accustomed to the shattering illumination that was actually warming his skin, but not burning it off.
He was surprised.......he thought by now the flames would have consumed him.......
~~~Why can't we overcome this wall.......maybe it's because I didn't know you at all~~~
The ceaseless space about him started to become more lucid, like a gigantic puzzle being fit together piece by piece. He felt his head pound, a throbbing undulation that resounded within the extents of his skull, but he let it slide off of his weak shoulders, gave more attention to the world around him as it slowly came into focus.
There was a sky ahead, the most perfect, pristine sky he had ever gazed out into, with endless, wispy clouds forming an unspoiled contour of white. Behind the clouds lay a blanket of endless blue, more spotless and pure then the oceans and barrier reefs of the Earth, and Dib swore that he could see his own face, reflecting back at him from that serene, heavenly atmosphere. As his eyes continued to adjust to the scenery, Dib began to take in the increasingly gorgeous area that he had somehow "fallen" into. Grass that was as soft as a person's skin was laid all about him, their blades so perfect, each piece could have been a work of art. And the air was warm, comforting, and Dib found that all of his previous anxiety was disappearing as quickly as the darkness had, as if he was now in some kind of Utopia, where all was infallible.
~~~Kiss me, kiss me please........but kiss me out of desire, not consolation~~~
But Dib could not smile, in spite of himself, as he let his eyes wander further and further, the landscape venturing out into infinity. Was he the only person here? If he was truly dead, then where were all the other souls?
He twitched his fingers to test his bodily functions, and found that they responded quite well. Vigor returning, and feeling rather intrepid in these unfamiliar surroundings, Dib clamored up to his feet, brushing some loose blades of grass and dirt from his knees. Now that he had sufficient light to actually look upon himself, Dib suddenly noticed with much curiosity how all of his wounds had strangely vanished, as if he had never entered Zim's lair in the first place. His mouth, once straight as an arrow, started to contort into a frown.
The air, while sweet-smelling and delightful, had a twinge of insecurity to it, and as he let it sweep through his tangled hair, Dib found himself becoming less and less confident of his environment. As he gazed out at the milieu, Dib noticed how it seemed to reek with perfection, how although all was peaceful and unsullied, it was just too much.......there had to be something here that was wrong......something that didn't quite fit.......
~~~You know, it makes me so angry because I know that in time.......I'll only make you cry~~~
He held fast, legs refusing to obey him now, refusing to journey out into this perfect, and yet imperfect domain. Dib cursed silently.
What was the secret of this place? What mystery had led him here.......why was he here? If there was some purpose to his arrival, Dib was determined to find out. But although his mind was now set on this goal, his body seemed to think otherwise; his hands quivered with uneasiness, and he couldn't control the sensation of fear that was trailing up and down his slightly hunched spine. And still there was that pain in his chest, that dull ache that lurked from within him; he nervously clenched the front of his tee shirt, as if to comfort himself. It threatened to overtake him at any moment, but Dib silently swore that he would not be subdued so easily now......he had fought it all his life........he would not bow down before the pain now.
Biting his lower lip, Dib used all of his available mental strength to will himself into motion, the lower half of his body still resisting his brain's commands. Propelled forward at last, Dib pushed on foot in front of the other slothfully, feet clumsily maneuvering about the grassy knoll; he began to pick up speed, his body slowly coming under his control once again. Spotting a river in the near distance, Dib set a course for it, careful not to trip on the rocks that dotted the hillocks and mounds.
~~~This is our last goodbye~~~
The water in the ravine was cool and clear, bubbling along the polished stones that were laid about in a pleasing fashion. The noise it made was very calming, but Dib did not allow it to seduce him; he was still filled with tension and unease. A shudder rolled along his shoulders as he peered into the water's surface, for at first, there appeared to be no reflection, as if he was not there at all. But his face soon emerged, and Dib saw for the first time a face infused with terror, for the lines on his brow were etched with worry, his mouth twisted in hesitation. Even his nose seemed to be wrinkled more then ever, a sign that he was truly at unrest with his situation. Looking away from the water's edge, head shaking with puzzlement, Dib realized for the first time that perhaps he was truly alone.......
........wasn't he always alone?
His pulse quickened, and his skin began to crawl, the sound of thunder reverberating in his ears. Dib pulled himself away from the babbling river, looked out towards the horizon, only to find that, unexpectedly, everything was becoming a misty haze.
He squinted his eyes, looking out into the building miasma that seemed to leak from nowhere, but was undeniably filling the air like a noxious fume.
Didn't he want to be alone.......isn't that what he had wanted all along........
Suddenly his feet came alive, and Dib burst into a rapid sprint, as he was propelled across the ground by some unseen, inner force. Hands pumping, Dib searched about rapidly for any sign of life, scanning the area, eyes darting like that of a hunting falcon. But not even a field mouse could be found, not a single chirping bird or buzzing insect flew in the sky, which was now stained with an olive tint.
~~~Did you say, "no, this can't happen to me", and did you rush to the phone to call?~~~
Dib gasped out loud as one of his racing feet caught onto an errant rock the he somehow had neglected to spot, and he was sent violently tumbling down a hill, head bashing against the ground that was no longer soft, for all the grass was now dead and limp. The earth below him was cold and frozen, as is a cold snap had seized the valley in the midst of summer. He came to stop at the bottom of the hill, mouth gashed open; he had probably hit a jagged stone in the midst of his drop. Blood, the color of a crimson ruby, slowly trickled off of his lips and teeth, but he didn't bother to lick it away. Instead he quickly pounced back to his feet, running in no particular direction, trying to find some way out of this misguided paradise. His legs were beginning to cramp from running, the muscles of his weak upper thighs straining and complaining, but Dib continued to speed along, frenetically looking for an exit.
No longer was the sky blue, and no longer was the air refreshing; all seemed to become dead and stagnant, and even the pretty river behind him, no longer in Dib's field of vision, was running dry. The air that filled his lungs tasted of sewage, and he choked a little, causing him to give up his futile chase; he bent over, hands on his knees, his body screaming in protest, breaths ragged and aspirate. Feet pounding, head muddled, Dib looked up slowly, out into the vapor that lay ahead, stunting his gaze dramatically.
And that was when a ray appeared before him.
~~~Was there a voice unkind in the back of your mind saying "maybe.......you didn't know him at all?"~~~
It was minute, tiny at first, like the light that shines from a cheap flashlight, and at first Dib perceived it to be a mirage brought about by some manner of increasing insanity.
But the light was indeed there, for when Dib passed his hand through it, he felt and saw it being bathed in light. As his fingers touched the tulip yellow glow, his mind suddenly became less frantic, more at ease. Drawing upon whatever courage he still had, he thrust himself full into the path of the beam, and at once Dib could tell that there was something special about this light, something he had felt before, but never realized its importance.
Something he had perhaps taken for granted.
His lungs inflated with pure air once again, as if this column of light could shield him from the encroaching poison. He felt buoyant, almost flimsy as he wrapped his arms around himself, the faint beating of someone's heart echoing in his ears. It was not his own......his own pulse was racing as fast as lightning's course.......no, this pulse was steady, rhythmic, like that of a sleeping child. Dib listened to it carefully, intently; although he was ready to recoil the moment danger appeared.
His blanched skin suddenly became flushed as the light engulfed him, flooding his senses, filling his very being with energy, and he could feel his fingers and toes tingling with new found might. Even his hair seemed to be electric, his whole body charged with this strange, yet somehow satisfying, power.
~~~Well, the bells out in the church tower chime........burning clues into this heart of mine~~~
The overwhelming feeling of comfort rushed into Dib's heart, flooding it, inundating it, and Dib at first wanted to spring back like a gun's hammer, it was so startling. But the light would not lessen its grip on him.
His head began to swim with emotions he thought he had lost so long ago.......pity......compassion.......forgiveness.
Was there something returning this all to him? Was there someone in this light?
He opened his eyes wide, looking upwards; the glow was certainly bright, but not harsh like that of the sun, but icy like the majestic sheen of a full moon. Searching directly into the radiance, Dib opened his eyes further as they suddenly caught hold of a pair of hands, reaching out to him. The fingers were bleeding, torn, but they were still the most beautiful pair of hands he had ever seen. They clawed at the air, trying to strain downwards toward Dib, and it at first looked like the person from beyond the light was going to fail, for the hands soon pulled back. Mouth tight with resolve, Dib lunged with an incredible show of willpower, his tired fingers barely brushing those of the figure in the light.
~~~Thinking so hard on her soft eyes and memory~~~
Falling back towards the ground, Dib nearly screamed in frustration, eyes wild now with determination, his teeth bared, indomitable in his pursuit for freedom......for life itself. He leaped into the column of light as the pair of hands above began to slink further back into nothingness; his eyes suddenly burst open with tears of anxiety.
He thought he was going to lose, knew he was going to be alone forever.......
Skin suddenly slapped against skin. Dib caught his breath once more, and noticed how a figure, bathed in a golden shadow, was now hanging overhead, literally pouring out of the light like a celestial being. The sight by itself was more breathtaking then all the galaxies combined. Tears streaming down his blushed face, Dib thrust himself higher and higher into the shaft of radiance, seeking out this persona, lead on by his dogged tenacity. Within the pillar of light, Dib could barely make out the person's features, could barely see a face within the mass of glowing power, but he was not frightened any longer.
He felt a hand wrap around his own; the light seemed to build up with intensity as Dib felt himself being pulled through and past some immense gravity. He closed his eyes fiercely now, giving himself up to fate, hoping that there was some good in this world, some chance that he could survive this. Gripping the person's hand tightly, the boy, broken and bloody, could not help but faint as he was sucked from into a void, leaving behind the clandestine, corrupt Utopia.
~~~Of her sighs of "it's over.......it's over......."~~~
~~~~~~~
Author's Note: Just wanted to let you know that this chapter was inspired by the Jeff Buckley song "Last Goodbye".
~~~This is our last goodbye........I hate to feel the love between us die~~~
Pain.......so much pain filled every crack, every miniscule inch of Dib's body. He could feel himself being propelled downward, spiraling past all that belonged to the living world, what was once ~his~ world........
His eyes were blinded, a muted blackness swallowing him whole as his senses began to dampen, his fingers losing grip on all that he believed in, losing touch with his own consciousness.
Memories flashed by like blinking lights, momentary trajectories of luminosity flashing in his face, causing his eyes to flinch as he continued his descent; he strained his hands outward, trying to clench onto something, anything.......trying to delay his fall. But his fingers touched nothing as the lights flew by him, hurling past his face and then zipping up above him as he approached some indeterminable fate.
~~~But it's over........just hear this and then I'll go~~~
Searing pressure forced its way into Dib's head, ears muffled from the blazing speed of his plunge, and although all of this should have frightened him into submission, Dib's face remained composed, somber. The world that he was traversing through seemed to be eating him alive, tearing his soul apart as he tumbled further and further downward, the blinking lights now fading out of sight, the darkness returning once more. Dib labored to see in this onyx-colored realm of perpetual motion. At all moments he could feel the end drawing nearer, and he prepared himself for whatever that may be.......he feared and was yet ready for the worst.......
He could barely remember the confrontation with Zim; it was all a thing of the past now, a small facet of his life. Dib struggled to recollect what had happened before he had been thrust into this tunnel of memories, this world inside of a world.
How did he come to this place, this dimension filled with an unending anguish Dib fought to suppress; he would not be taken by his fright, not be a victim to trepidation. Closing his eyes, Dib searched into the back of his mind, to his last thoughts, last sights, last moments, only to find that his brain had been robbed of precisely those memories, only to find that someone had pilfered his most precious possessions. Panic seized him at this moment, and Dib felt himself becoming more and more astray, more out of place. His composure thrown away, he scrambled in place, hair whipping about his face, arms thrashing about like those of a wounded animal.
~~~You gave me more to live for.......more then you'll ever know~~~
Suddenly, quite surprisingly, Dib was bereft of all thought and feeling, the sensation of falling now gone. Paralyzed, either with fear or death, Dib forced his eyes to dart to and fro, but was still faced with eternal darkness; the pitch-black seemed to go on for miles all around him, with not a single light in the distance. The gloom and obscurity hurt his eyes, and he closed them in an effort to block out both the ache as well as the insecurity that was swelling inside of him.
After quite some time, perhaps five or ten minutes, the boy realized that he was no longer in the position a person takes while plummeting, but was now lying on his back, as if he was suspended in mid-air. It was like nothing he had ever experienced.
Was it safe to unclose his sore eyes, feel around his body......would he finally touch some solid anchor, or would he once again be met with nothingness, a sign that he had truly passed from the world he once knew? He was nervous, brain spinning from the fall, cheeks scorched by the zipping wind, but he did not sweat; perhaps he lacked the strength to perspire. He didn't dwell on that thought for long, but instead went about opening his eyes for the first time in what seemed a millennia. What would he see.......would there be flames, would there be light........
A pain began to surge through his body once more, but it was the same pain he had felt all his life, although he had ignored it for so long, a pain that is found in someone's heart. There was a wound there that no one, not even he, could see, that no one could possibly hope to heal. The pain seemed to now spew forth from his vessels, not so much an ache, but instead a terrible sense of dread, of apprehension. This impression had been born so long ago, that Dib had thought it was just a part of him that he was born with.......that there was nothing he could do besides linger and accept that he would never be whole.
But that leaking cavity now reminded him of how the pain was placed within him, how it found its way into his being, how it wound up nestled in his breast like some hidden cancer.
~~~This is our last embrace........must I dream and always see your face~~~
The death of that who had meant so much to him, even if her existence in his life had been so brief, so sweet........it was a persistent, enduring torture session, a never-ending slew of knifes spearing his body.
Why do people die when they do? Why do those that we love so much leave us all too quickly, and why does everything we hate seem to loiter in our lives?
Dib snapped to life, eyes flashing apart.
His actions, unfortunately, were too quick, for a blaring light pierced into his retinas, seared them in the same way a person cuts into a piece of meat. Blinded first by shadow and now again by this incredible radiance, Dib thought at first that he had been cast into some nefarious fire, that it wouldn't be long before the licking flames would render his flesh, cause his skin to contract and wrinkle, before his innards to be roasted alive. Wishing that this confusion would cease, Dib forced his eyes to remain un- shut as he allowed himself to become accustomed to the shattering illumination that was actually warming his skin, but not burning it off.
He was surprised.......he thought by now the flames would have consumed him.......
~~~Why can't we overcome this wall.......maybe it's because I didn't know you at all~~~
The ceaseless space about him started to become more lucid, like a gigantic puzzle being fit together piece by piece. He felt his head pound, a throbbing undulation that resounded within the extents of his skull, but he let it slide off of his weak shoulders, gave more attention to the world around him as it slowly came into focus.
There was a sky ahead, the most perfect, pristine sky he had ever gazed out into, with endless, wispy clouds forming an unspoiled contour of white. Behind the clouds lay a blanket of endless blue, more spotless and pure then the oceans and barrier reefs of the Earth, and Dib swore that he could see his own face, reflecting back at him from that serene, heavenly atmosphere. As his eyes continued to adjust to the scenery, Dib began to take in the increasingly gorgeous area that he had somehow "fallen" into. Grass that was as soft as a person's skin was laid all about him, their blades so perfect, each piece could have been a work of art. And the air was warm, comforting, and Dib found that all of his previous anxiety was disappearing as quickly as the darkness had, as if he was now in some kind of Utopia, where all was infallible.
~~~Kiss me, kiss me please........but kiss me out of desire, not consolation~~~
But Dib could not smile, in spite of himself, as he let his eyes wander further and further, the landscape venturing out into infinity. Was he the only person here? If he was truly dead, then where were all the other souls?
He twitched his fingers to test his bodily functions, and found that they responded quite well. Vigor returning, and feeling rather intrepid in these unfamiliar surroundings, Dib clamored up to his feet, brushing some loose blades of grass and dirt from his knees. Now that he had sufficient light to actually look upon himself, Dib suddenly noticed with much curiosity how all of his wounds had strangely vanished, as if he had never entered Zim's lair in the first place. His mouth, once straight as an arrow, started to contort into a frown.
The air, while sweet-smelling and delightful, had a twinge of insecurity to it, and as he let it sweep through his tangled hair, Dib found himself becoming less and less confident of his environment. As he gazed out at the milieu, Dib noticed how it seemed to reek with perfection, how although all was peaceful and unsullied, it was just too much.......there had to be something here that was wrong......something that didn't quite fit.......
~~~You know, it makes me so angry because I know that in time.......I'll only make you cry~~~
He held fast, legs refusing to obey him now, refusing to journey out into this perfect, and yet imperfect domain. Dib cursed silently.
What was the secret of this place? What mystery had led him here.......why was he here? If there was some purpose to his arrival, Dib was determined to find out. But although his mind was now set on this goal, his body seemed to think otherwise; his hands quivered with uneasiness, and he couldn't control the sensation of fear that was trailing up and down his slightly hunched spine. And still there was that pain in his chest, that dull ache that lurked from within him; he nervously clenched the front of his tee shirt, as if to comfort himself. It threatened to overtake him at any moment, but Dib silently swore that he would not be subdued so easily now......he had fought it all his life........he would not bow down before the pain now.
Biting his lower lip, Dib used all of his available mental strength to will himself into motion, the lower half of his body still resisting his brain's commands. Propelled forward at last, Dib pushed on foot in front of the other slothfully, feet clumsily maneuvering about the grassy knoll; he began to pick up speed, his body slowly coming under his control once again. Spotting a river in the near distance, Dib set a course for it, careful not to trip on the rocks that dotted the hillocks and mounds.
~~~This is our last goodbye~~~
The water in the ravine was cool and clear, bubbling along the polished stones that were laid about in a pleasing fashion. The noise it made was very calming, but Dib did not allow it to seduce him; he was still filled with tension and unease. A shudder rolled along his shoulders as he peered into the water's surface, for at first, there appeared to be no reflection, as if he was not there at all. But his face soon emerged, and Dib saw for the first time a face infused with terror, for the lines on his brow were etched with worry, his mouth twisted in hesitation. Even his nose seemed to be wrinkled more then ever, a sign that he was truly at unrest with his situation. Looking away from the water's edge, head shaking with puzzlement, Dib realized for the first time that perhaps he was truly alone.......
........wasn't he always alone?
His pulse quickened, and his skin began to crawl, the sound of thunder reverberating in his ears. Dib pulled himself away from the babbling river, looked out towards the horizon, only to find that, unexpectedly, everything was becoming a misty haze.
He squinted his eyes, looking out into the building miasma that seemed to leak from nowhere, but was undeniably filling the air like a noxious fume.
Didn't he want to be alone.......isn't that what he had wanted all along........
Suddenly his feet came alive, and Dib burst into a rapid sprint, as he was propelled across the ground by some unseen, inner force. Hands pumping, Dib searched about rapidly for any sign of life, scanning the area, eyes darting like that of a hunting falcon. But not even a field mouse could be found, not a single chirping bird or buzzing insect flew in the sky, which was now stained with an olive tint.
~~~Did you say, "no, this can't happen to me", and did you rush to the phone to call?~~~
Dib gasped out loud as one of his racing feet caught onto an errant rock the he somehow had neglected to spot, and he was sent violently tumbling down a hill, head bashing against the ground that was no longer soft, for all the grass was now dead and limp. The earth below him was cold and frozen, as is a cold snap had seized the valley in the midst of summer. He came to stop at the bottom of the hill, mouth gashed open; he had probably hit a jagged stone in the midst of his drop. Blood, the color of a crimson ruby, slowly trickled off of his lips and teeth, but he didn't bother to lick it away. Instead he quickly pounced back to his feet, running in no particular direction, trying to find some way out of this misguided paradise. His legs were beginning to cramp from running, the muscles of his weak upper thighs straining and complaining, but Dib continued to speed along, frenetically looking for an exit.
No longer was the sky blue, and no longer was the air refreshing; all seemed to become dead and stagnant, and even the pretty river behind him, no longer in Dib's field of vision, was running dry. The air that filled his lungs tasted of sewage, and he choked a little, causing him to give up his futile chase; he bent over, hands on his knees, his body screaming in protest, breaths ragged and aspirate. Feet pounding, head muddled, Dib looked up slowly, out into the vapor that lay ahead, stunting his gaze dramatically.
And that was when a ray appeared before him.
~~~Was there a voice unkind in the back of your mind saying "maybe.......you didn't know him at all?"~~~
It was minute, tiny at first, like the light that shines from a cheap flashlight, and at first Dib perceived it to be a mirage brought about by some manner of increasing insanity.
But the light was indeed there, for when Dib passed his hand through it, he felt and saw it being bathed in light. As his fingers touched the tulip yellow glow, his mind suddenly became less frantic, more at ease. Drawing upon whatever courage he still had, he thrust himself full into the path of the beam, and at once Dib could tell that there was something special about this light, something he had felt before, but never realized its importance.
Something he had perhaps taken for granted.
His lungs inflated with pure air once again, as if this column of light could shield him from the encroaching poison. He felt buoyant, almost flimsy as he wrapped his arms around himself, the faint beating of someone's heart echoing in his ears. It was not his own......his own pulse was racing as fast as lightning's course.......no, this pulse was steady, rhythmic, like that of a sleeping child. Dib listened to it carefully, intently; although he was ready to recoil the moment danger appeared.
His blanched skin suddenly became flushed as the light engulfed him, flooding his senses, filling his very being with energy, and he could feel his fingers and toes tingling with new found might. Even his hair seemed to be electric, his whole body charged with this strange, yet somehow satisfying, power.
~~~Well, the bells out in the church tower chime........burning clues into this heart of mine~~~
The overwhelming feeling of comfort rushed into Dib's heart, flooding it, inundating it, and Dib at first wanted to spring back like a gun's hammer, it was so startling. But the light would not lessen its grip on him.
His head began to swim with emotions he thought he had lost so long ago.......pity......compassion.......forgiveness.
Was there something returning this all to him? Was there someone in this light?
He opened his eyes wide, looking upwards; the glow was certainly bright, but not harsh like that of the sun, but icy like the majestic sheen of a full moon. Searching directly into the radiance, Dib opened his eyes further as they suddenly caught hold of a pair of hands, reaching out to him. The fingers were bleeding, torn, but they were still the most beautiful pair of hands he had ever seen. They clawed at the air, trying to strain downwards toward Dib, and it at first looked like the person from beyond the light was going to fail, for the hands soon pulled back. Mouth tight with resolve, Dib lunged with an incredible show of willpower, his tired fingers barely brushing those of the figure in the light.
~~~Thinking so hard on her soft eyes and memory~~~
Falling back towards the ground, Dib nearly screamed in frustration, eyes wild now with determination, his teeth bared, indomitable in his pursuit for freedom......for life itself. He leaped into the column of light as the pair of hands above began to slink further back into nothingness; his eyes suddenly burst open with tears of anxiety.
He thought he was going to lose, knew he was going to be alone forever.......
Skin suddenly slapped against skin. Dib caught his breath once more, and noticed how a figure, bathed in a golden shadow, was now hanging overhead, literally pouring out of the light like a celestial being. The sight by itself was more breathtaking then all the galaxies combined. Tears streaming down his blushed face, Dib thrust himself higher and higher into the shaft of radiance, seeking out this persona, lead on by his dogged tenacity. Within the pillar of light, Dib could barely make out the person's features, could barely see a face within the mass of glowing power, but he was not frightened any longer.
He felt a hand wrap around his own; the light seemed to build up with intensity as Dib felt himself being pulled through and past some immense gravity. He closed his eyes fiercely now, giving himself up to fate, hoping that there was some good in this world, some chance that he could survive this. Gripping the person's hand tightly, the boy, broken and bloody, could not help but faint as he was sucked from into a void, leaving behind the clandestine, corrupt Utopia.
~~~Of her sighs of "it's over.......it's over......."~~~
~~~~~~~
Author's Note: Just wanted to let you know that this chapter was inspired by the Jeff Buckley song "Last Goodbye".