Author's note: The previous chapter was bizarre, I will admit.
But I might use some parts of it later. Foresight is always amusing...


Chapter Twenty-six: Nightmare?


(Chris? You up yet?)

Chris moaned, and slowly nodded.

(Good. Now wake up. I want to know what the hell that was about.)

He sighed, and slowly got up. "Yes Kani, dear." He was still groggy, so he didn't know what he was saying.


Kani blushed (well, as much as an Espeon could). Luckily, Mathrara was outside, and Anekiro was still asleep. She got enough teasing about being Chris's 'little sister' as it was.


(Well? )

"Sorry Kani, but I dunno. Sure was creepy. Usually when I die in a dream, I wake up."

(I took a look at that. It was so vivid…)

"Like it was a past life or something. I know. Problem is, I don't know WHY it keeps on coming back."

(You've had this dream before? )

Chris nodded, his eyes misting over. "Several times. It's always the same. The school I go to might be different, or it might be someone other than Shelly who warns me, but otherwise…"

(Creepy.)

Mathrara peeked his head in, annoyed about something. (Kani, what are you two talking about? It's just a stupid…) both of them threw something at Mathrara. He ran off yelping, even though both missed.

Both doubted it was 'just' a nightmare.


"Well, that ruined the moment. How does he always do that?"

(I don't know.)

Chris shook his head, a bitter look on his face. "Does a church like that exist? I thought that we'd advanced beyond public burnings."

(Actually… I think there is one. A group of fanatics, who hunt down…)

Chris's heart plummeted. He knew already. "Gifted ones."

(Yes. They say gifted ones are witches, and the markings on the gifted ones prove they are witches.)

Chris sighed. "Great. Circular logic. Was that just a dream?"

(I have no clue, but I don't think so. Probably a warning about the church.)

He shrugged "Well, that's no good. We'd best get moving on. Is Anekiro better?"

She paused for a moment, then nodded, her gem sparkling in the light. Anekiro began to stir, then yawned. Chris returned Kani's nod, and began to pack up.

"And why did she have your name?"

(I… don't know. But I have a feeling we'll find out.)