(A/N Well, 'ello! Bet last week's update weirded ya out a bit, huh? Oh, that Larx. Anyway, if you want to figure out just what the heck's goin' on, read on!)
Disclaimer: I don't own Neopets. If you're expecting some clever comment here, well, there isn't one. Yeah.
Defenders of Neopia 2: Brotherhood chapter 7: The demon within.
Jeffory burst into his dorm, pushing the door open so hard that it hit the wall. Hunter and Jack almost wet themselves. Jack, who had been eating a cold piece of pizza, began choking on it, while Hunter had dropped his large book on his foot. "What the heck happened to you?" asked Hunter, as Jack continued hacking in the background.
Jeffory closed the door behind him, but not before checking the hallway for any followers one last time. Once that was done he moved to sit on his bed. "So, I was giving him my report." as he said this, Jack, still coughing, rolled off of his bed with a thump.
Once he was done, Jack had recovered and was sitting indian-style on his bed, listening intently. Jack's face lit up and he exclaimed, "Larx went nuts! Awesome!" Jeffory and Hunter gave him a blank look. Clearly, his obvious logic wasn't making sense to them, so he decided to spell it out. "If our Commander is crazy, we'll get a replacement!" he told them happily.
Jeffory and Hunter stared at him for one long moment, wondering how he was so off-the-mark. Then, Hunter spoke. "Jack, the point is this: Larx threw away a valuable piece of information. This 'Project D.W.' could have something to do with Jeffory's, er, condition," he explained, shooting a hesitant look at Jeffory who shrugged in response.
"We're stealing it back," said Jeffory simply. Hunter chuckled. "That's funny, Jeff."
Silence.
"No! No! No way are we breaking school rules again!" Hunter said to them, shaking his head so hard, Jeffory wondered if he would get whiplash.
"C'mon! It's not like it belongs to him!" Jeffory pressed, well aware he sounded like a whiny teenager. Hey, we was allowed.
"Didn't you hear him on the Academy's radio station?"
Jack blinked. "We have a radio station?"
"Yes, smart one. He said, and I quote: 'Any items confiscated from students belongs to me from there on. No questions asked.'"
"Sorry," Jeffory said. "I stopped listening to BS 102." Hunter glared at him. "We already broke school rules, big time. We're lucky Mr. Demente covered for us!"
Mr. Demente, the science teacher, had helped them get into the Station the previous year. When they had all returned, he had told everyone that he had hand-picked them to help him with a big project in Southern Neopia. Considering Demente was, well, nuts, nobody exactly envied the "hand-picked" students.
"Last time was justified! We were, I dunno, saving the world!" Jack responded, defiant to the end. Hunter opened his mouth to respond, but Jeffory said, "We'll have to sneak into his office once Larx is away. Hunter, any ideas?"
Hunter didn't look at all pleased with the situation but nodded. "In a couple of days, Larx is going to that Commander's Conference in Shenkuu. He'll be gone for awhile, and if he hasn't done away with that tag completely, we should be able to get it back," Hunter explained. He sounded like he was in pain with every word.
Jeffory nodded, satisfied. "Alright, sounds like a plan. Thanks, Hunt." Hunter responded with a grumble.
The trio had gone to bed, exhausted by the day's events.
While Hunter and Jack had drfited off into peacefull sleep, Jeffory tossed and turned, tormented by nightmares revolving around Kass and, of course, Project D.W.
Compared to the dream he had that night, the nightmares about Kass seemed mild.
Jeffory let out an exasperated sigh. He stood in the Void once again. He was growing tired of these dreams. Sooner or later, he was going to be attacked by the monster, so he readied himself.
For a few agonizingly long moments, nothing happened.
As soon as Jeffory began to believe he wasn't going to be attacked tonight, he was slammed into from behind. Rolling across the ground, Jeffory ended up laying on his back, the monster pinning him. "Ugh!" he groaned, trying in vain to shake the thing off. He could have sworn the monster was laughing at him as he struggled. It seemed like ages that he writhed around with the monster's cold, foul-smelling breath on his face. After amusing itself some more, the monster reared back its arm. Jeffory squeezed his eyes shut as the blow connected with his face, causing him to bang his head on the ground, knocking the wind out of him.
The creature climbed off of him, picking him up around the throat with its muscular arm. Jeffory wheezed as his breath was caught in his throat, causing him to grow dizzy, his eyes losing focus. It continued the squeeze him until he was on his last breath. When this happened, the monster's lips curled upwards to reveal a sinister, toothy grin before he threw Jeffory across the Void. Jeffory almost felt like he was flying.
Until he slammed into an invisible wall.
He crumpled to the ground, moaning. After a few moments, Jeffory opened his eyes to see the his assailant advancing on him. Desperate, he scrambled to his feet. Closing in fast, the monster dropped to all fours, gaining even more speed.
Jeffory didn't know how he was going to get out of this one. Normally, the dreams ended by now, and he would wake up, gasping for breath. But this one felt different. And that made Jeffory very nervous.
As the creature leapt, claws extended, Jeffory's instincts took over.
Jeffory did a backflip, bringing his feet to the monster's face right before it sunk its claws into him. It howled and sailed backwards, its neck making a sickening crunch. It landed in an heap, unmoving. But Jeffory knew it wouldn't be so easy.
It was never easy.
Its legs twitched. After a moment, it used only its legs to stand up, its torso still hanging limply behind it. After righting itself, Jeffory almost threw up. Its head was turned around completely.
The monsters shoulders began to shake. It was laughing. It was enjoying this. With a low growl, it turned its head completely around to face Jeffory, its fangs seemed blinding in such a dark place. Jeffory stepped backwards.
He felt like he was a horror movie.
The Nightmare let out a roar that shook Jeffory to his core and charged.
Jeffory sidestepped it as it charged past him, and jumped onto its back. It was like riding a mechanical Kau; the Nightmare reered onto its back legs, spun in wild circles and even bucked in a desperate bid to shake off its attacker. Jeffory couldn't help but grin: He was getting the hang of this. As if sensing his thoughts, the Nightmare tried a new tactic. It threw itself onto its back, crushing its attacker under its weight.
"Oww..." Jeffory moaned. He saw stars and his vision was blurry. Once his sight returned, he was staring into the cold, black eyes of the monster. It had pinned him yet again. However, the wicked smile was gone, replaced by a look of pure contempt for the its prey.
It was done playing.
It reached for Jeffory's throat, eager to end its prey's miserable life. But Jeffory had other ideas. Jeffory aimed a punch at the Nightmare's jaw, but it used one arm to catch his fist, squeezing it. Jeffory winced, but caught the Nightmare's wrist as it used its free hand to attempt to strangle the kyrii. The monster proved to be much stronger than Jeffory, however. While Jeffory's resistance managed to slow it down, its hand was almost at his throat.
As The Nightmare's black claws grazed his neck, a faint light appeared in-between the two. The Nightmare hissed, loosening its grip slightly on Jeffory's aching fist.
He heard a voice-a familar one-in the back of his mind. "...ry!" it said.
What? Jeffory asked in his mind. The voice spoke again, this time it was more clear. "That's right, Jeffory. Fight back!"
It was so familiar, and just hearing it made Jeffory feel stronger-not so alone. "Be strong, my boy! Do not let this foul creature overpower you!" the voice encouraged. As it said this, the light grew brighter, causing Jeffory to wince. The Nightmare roared, letting go of Jeffory entirely and covering its face. It was... fading?
Shaking of his stupor, Jeffory reared back his fist and rammed it into the Nightmare's throat. It roared, tumbling off of Jeffory. Jeffory crawled backwards, putting as much space between himself and the thing. As he got to its feet, so did the Nightmare. But it didn't charge him. Instead, it covered its face, the light only growing brighter. Black smoke began to rise from its body, and Jeffory could almost swore he heard whispering coming from it.
The Nightmare writhed, clutching its fading form. With one last howl of rage, it threw its head back and faded completely. As this happened, the light filled the entire room. It was so bright, that like the Nightmare, Jeffory had to cover his eyes.
"Luneth!"
Jeffory opened his eyes and found himself in a very familiar space. Star charts were scattered on the floor, different books about on astronomy were in odd places, and there seemed to one too many telescopes about.
He realized he was sitting on a soft bed, and couldn't help but smile.
"Luneth, where are you?" he asked, not exactly in a hurry to get up. The little floating... thing flew into the room, looking quite pleased. "Ahh, Jeffory!" he chimed, clapping his little hands, the half-moon on the top of his hat bobbing back and forth. "I am very proud, dear boy!" he congratulated, grabbing one of Jeffory's hands in his own much smaller ones and shaking it happily. "You fought off your inner demons! Something many cannot do!"
"Uhh..." was all Jeffory could say. Having a floating thing congratulate you on facing demons would do that to you, too.
"Now, now, I know you're probabaly a little unsettled by your recent experience, but you must listen to what I have to say," Luneth said to him, letting go of the kyrii's hand and putting on a serious face. "Wait, aren't you going to bring Jack, Hunter and Kendra, like last time?" asked Jeffory, holding up his hand to stop Luneth's explanation. Luneth shook his head, causing the half-moon to bobble once again. "No," he said. "This is information for your ears only." He paused. "For now, at least."
"Okay... What can you tell me about that thing?" Jeffory asked, steeling himself for whatever he was about to learn.
Luneth sighed, stroking his starry robe. "What you are experiencing is possesion. The creature inside of you is a result of your negative emotions. See, the creature formed because you came into contact with a dark magic-evil magic."
Jeffory stared at him. "When did I ever..." he trailed off when Luneth gave him a meaningful look. "Back when I fought Kass for the time." He remembered it all too well. When that dark energy surged through him, blocking out everything. Luneth nodded, looking grave.
"The monster is born as simply a seed within you. However, the darkness within you-a darkness that is within every being- causes it to grow. It feeds off of anger, hate, fear... When it finally grows strong enough to combat its "vessel" it will do so tirelessly, by attacking them within a place called 'The Void'. You are quite familiar with this place, hmm?"
Jeffory's stomach dropped.
"If said vessel is killed within the void, their real body is taken over by the monster, never again will the vessel be seen," Luneth said somberly, causing Jeffory to gulp. "But hope is not lost. You defeated the demon with your will to stay in control-your will to protect what is dear to you; your compassion for others. The demon loathes compassion, it is its worst enemy. Compassion is the the positive to the demon's negative!" Luneth explained, that proud tone had returned again.
"So, are you saying it's gone...?" asked Jeffory hopefully. To his dismay, Luneth shook his round head. "No, but it is weakened. Your positive emotions right now are keeping it at bay. It will be back, mark my words. Eventually, there should be a way to stop it completely."
Jeffory stayed silent for a moment. "How did you help me?"
"You see, I have been there in the back of your mind since our last meeting, I've been trying to get in contact with you, but until now, it has been impossible. Too much on that young mind of yours, dear boy," he said with a little chuckle. Before Jeffory could respond, Luneth's form flickered.
"I'm afraid I do not have much time left, Jeffory. I am quite tired..." Luneth sighed, his eyelids drooping. "Wait! Is there any way to get rid of the demon for good? Exorcism or something?!" he asked, desperately. "No, the demon isn't a supernatural entity exactly, like those in movies or stories, but a part of you..." Luneth told him, with yet another sigh. "It is you. Well, more like the embodiment of your negativity. I do not mean to be insulting, but you can be quite the pessimist, hmm?" Luneth said in a slightly scathing tone, causing Jeffory to send him a glare.
"Excuse me for not being an optimist..." Jeffory grumbled.
"Hah hah hah! Perhaps I am too blunt. It's been quite awhile since I last spoke to anyone." As Luneth said this, his form flickered once again, and so did the room. "I'm afraid I don't have much time to answer all of your questions, but I have time for one more. As you mortals say, 'shoot!'" Luneth said.
Unsure of exactly he should ask, he went with one that had been on his mind for a long, long time.
"How did Kendra awake from the Magician's Coma? It's not something easy to wake up from, right?" asked Jeffory quickly, glancing at his hand; he was beginning to fade as well. "Ah, that!" Luneth said in a "ah-ha!" tone. "Yes, that was my doing. I was able to transfer some of my mana to her, repairing her damaged mana and purifying it. That sort of coma is related to lack of mana, you see. Unfortunately, transferring my mana has taken quite a toll on me, which is why I am not able to keep a connection for very -ng."
Luneth's form had become fuzzy. "-es! I'm afraid our -versation must be cut short!" he exclaimed, shaking his little head. "Jeffory! I fear I will not be able to speak with you for quite awhile! Take good care of yourself, and don't give into the monster within!" he shouted as he too began to fade away.
As the room flickered out of existence, Luneth was able to shout one last encouragement. "I have faith in you, my boy!"
And with that, Jeffory was, for once, able to sleep in peace.
(A/N That's right! It's Luneth! Bet you thought I did away with him. Well, nope! Alrighty, thanks for reading, and leave me a review! See you all next week!)
LaDude out.