Chapter 14: Darkness Rising. The Fiction In Reality?

Logan stood in the dark pool of the liquid. Black inky liquid flowed around him in his dreams. The pale woman watched him as a black blade appeared in the young man's hand. Monsters rose from the liquid and roared at Logan. With swift movements, Logan swung the blade around cutting apart everything but the woman who gazed upon him. Logan took a deep breath and the blade vanished. As he turned to talk to the woman another monster jumped up at Logan. The woman screamed as it leapt up. Logan gripped its face and squeeze until its head popped and crashed to the ground. Logan felt his hands were trembling. These dreams weren't just coincidence. He was getting stronger outside of his dreams. It was unnatural and slightly maddening. Logan woke to darkness and the warm body of Maka next to him. These dreams somewhat scared him and Maka had been staying with him at night to comfort him when he awoke. This time she was soundly asleep and breathing in heavily. Logan pulled her close and kissed her deeply. He cried a little as he touched her lips with his. He was scared, and he felt he was losing his grip on reality. He was surprised when Maka started to move her lips with his. She sucked on his lower lip a bit and then asked,

"What's wrong Logan? Are you okay?"

"Yes my dear. I'm okay. I was just entranced on how beautiful you look while you sleep."

"I do? Thank you. You're such a charmer."

Maka giggled a bit then let out a big yawn. She crawled on top of him and rested her head on his chest. His heartbeat calmed her as he was blushing. She was listening to the heart he wanted to give her. It was funny how much he cared for her. He never expected to find someone he could feel deeply about. The feeling never crossed Logan besides all that time ago with Liz. But now this slender, warm tender girl was in his embrace. He was so happy with her even though his body was trembling. They both fell back to sleep in a peaceful comfort.

The morning brought chirping birds and a warm wet kiss from Maka. Logan woke from his now dreamless slumber to see Maka's beautiful face and her slightly messy bed head. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. With a yawn, Logan smiled and said,

"Hey there beautiful. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes I did. You are very comfortable to lay on. Your muscles are surprisingly soft."

She giggled then ran her finger down his bare chest. Maka left the tender embrace and grabbed a set of her school clothes. She smiled and said,

"I'm going to hop in the shower. Is that alright?"

"Of course, Maka. I hope you like the water. It gets pretty hot."

"Okay. I'll be back."

As she walked in she dropped her towel and she was completely unaware she did. Logan sat up and saw that the towel was crumpled up. He jumped up and picked it off the floor. He wasn't even thinking as he opened the door to his own bathroom. The open door revealed Maka with Her shirt removed and white laced bra out for him to see. She had her skirt down to her knees that also made Logan able to she her panties that matched her bra. Logan's mouth hung open as he stared at his girlfriend just standing there. Her face was beet red as Logan's nose started to bleed. He closed the door slowly and wiped his nose slightly. Logan waited until the water stopped. Maka stepped out and Logan spoke,

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to."

"Logan. It's okay. It's okay. I appreciate you bringing my my towel. But maybe knock next time?"

"Yes of course. It won't happen again. Sorry."

"Logan. Stop apologizing and kiss me."

He did as he was told and kissed her gently on the lips. She smiled as they parted and he gripped her hand as a flash from his dream entered his mind. The darkness, those monsters, it was all just slipping into his mind day by day.

The assignment at school was to track and destroy a Keshin egg that had been terrorizing the dark woods outside of Death City. Logan and Ethan had been paired with a shy looking boy named Crona. Maka had mentioned him before yet this was the first time they had met. Logan was the first to speak as they were traveling the streets of Death CIty,

"Glad to meet you Crona. I really look forward to working with you. If you want we can be friends."

"Really? Well, um, I never really thought about it. Aren't you Maka's boyfriend?"

"Yeah. She's pretty wonderful isn't she?"

"Well uh yeah. I guess she is."

Ethan followed grinning and staring up at the sky. Patty had spent nearly the whole day making origami and snuggling close to him. The fresh air felt even better than it usually did. Logan was already making another friend and it seemed that he would have to join into the conversation. He clicked on his device a message that he put in front of Crona. It read,

"Don't worry. We are both good people. I'd like to be your friend as well."

Logan saw movement in the trees as they went about five hundred feet into the woods. His voice was quiet yet Ethan heard him clearly,

"Ethan, revolver form please. The enemy is here."

His brother nodded and obeyed his brother. The bright silver gun landed in his hand and was shot across the branches of the trees. several pieces of wood were shattered as Crona had his blade out, waiting for a moment to strike. With a stronger more explosive shot, the enemy fell from the leave cloak he was hiding in. Crona jumped forward and swung his blade. Even with the surprise attack, the target flipped it's body out of the way landing a blow to Crona's chest. Logan caught the airborne target by the leg having his dreams flash through his mind. He could feel the evil inside the being his hand was holding. Logan screamed out smashing it through a tree and into another. His eyes filled with red that turned black as midnight, as he blew a hole threw its chest. He punched it several times before kicking it with enough force to crack the large tree it was against. Logan lost his grip on Ethan as he went into this flurry and continued to beat down the ugly Keshin Egg that he was hunting. A loud crunch was the sound of it's head caving in. Logan pulled the evil soul from it and placing it in his own mouth. Crona had a scarred face on as Ethan got up from the ground. His brother was cackling out as he turned to his teammates. Crona knew what was happening yet remained silent. He didn't want his new friend getting in trouble. Especially with what was in him now. Logan was trembling as his eyes returned to normal. He saw the horrible mess he had made. He thought it was all a dream. He was slipping between what was real and what was in his mind. He feared for those around him. Especially Maka and Ethan.

After their report of success Logan stayed to talk to Lord Death. His words were forced out as if he was holding himself hostage,

"Lord Death. What's wrong with me? I'm losing myself. What should I do?"

"I have been watching you closely. Your battles have become more and more fierce. The real question is; what do you think you should do, to protect the ones you love?"

Logan remained silent for quite a bit until he answered with a tear rolling down his cheek,

"I know what I need to do."

Logan had a pack on his back for his journey to nowhere. Fog had covered the streets of Death City, leaving the pathways empty and barren. Tears dripped onto the ground as he neared the gate. He expected no resistance, yet someone was waiting there ready to stop him along with his partner that had taken the form of a pistol. Logan muttered out to him,

"Step aside Ethan."

Ethan stood silent as he normally would. He locked eyes with his brother as he went into a battle stance,

"No."