"The Lich?" Marceline felt an icy chill run down her spine. The fact that this haunting figure had a name made it feel all the more sinister. Why was she even having nightmares about this so-called Lich?
"Indeed, little Marcy" Simon replied sternly. "The Lich appeared in my dreams too lately." He studied the page containing notes on what he knew about the Lich. There was a drawing containing the most immaculate details; right down to the bony features draped in that mysterious cloth, its empty eyes and rather distinctively large horns that curved and twisted around a thin rusting crown. He looked like a king, deceased many centuries ago.
"From what you and I have dreamt, I fear we saw a glimpse into the near future."
"The future? But how soon will that be?"
"Well, we don't know. It could be within days, or even weeks. One thing I know though is that I won't let anything happen to you."
"I'm still scared, Mr. Simon"
"I know you are, Marcy, but you have nothing to fear. I promise."
Simon flipped the pages of the book until he came to another page of notes. This one contained a small timeline of events that occurred in his dream. He took a broken pencil out of his pocket and added a small entry about what Marceline had seen. He replaced the pencil and read out a few of the notes he had taken.
"From what you and I have seen, the Lich is planning to destroy the universe. I don't know when or where this will take place, and I am still unsure of how to prevent it from happening. You will be safe though, Marcy."
"How do you know what it's called?"
"A voice in my dream told me of its plans and of its name. I feel like the voice is familiar to me."
"Why hasn't a voice appeared in my dreams though?"
"Perhaps it's because they knew I'd be by your side."
Marceline looked at Simon with a feeling of relief. It always feels better when you aren't the only person who is experiencing something devastating. Although it is still a terrible thing to see, knowing that someone else is around to share in the experience makes you feel safe, if a little concerned.
"Right now, the Lich is the least of our worries. We need to reach the city and find supplies. Maybe the dreams we are having are just figments of our imagination." But Simon didn't look so sure after he said this. He wanted Marcy to stay safe, and the last thing he would ever want to do is tell a small child that her life is in danger. Let's just reach the city, he thought to himself. We might even find the answers we are seeking. He packed away the blankets and pillows they slept in, and picked up Marceline ready to continue on, all the while he felt his fears growing ever stronger.
"I hope we are just imagining things, Mr. Simon. I really do"
They climbed out of the cellar and headed north of the wooden house, toward a large concrete bridge. The bridge was crumbling, but was strong enough to stand alone. It didn't seem to have taken much damage by the explosions; however the war tanks and vehicles resting upon the bridge damaged beyond repair, some even looked as though they were in transit but never made it to safety. This scene alone sent an eerie sensation to Simon and Marceline. Crossing the bridge was the safest way over the river toward the city, otherwise they would have to carefully climb down a steep muddy slope, across the river somehow and then another climb up the other side; not very practical when there is a small child travelling along. They started to make for the bridge.
The bridge was strong, but for how much longer would not be known. Every now and then part of the bridge would collapse, but since the bridge was wide enough to carry hundreds of vehicles, it didn't seem much of an issue provided they remained in the centre and moved as quickly as they could. Simon put Marceline down and let her stretch her legs. They could move faster if they both walked the distance after all.
It was a tense walk across the bridge. Neither Simon nor Marceline spoke for about half the journey across. They passed cars, but it didn't seem that anyone was inside; perhaps they had managed to escape? This left Marceline feeling relieved, but also felt a slight sense of paranoia. What if they were still here somewhere?
Eventually they came to a supply truck, which contained tins of soup. Simon made a beeline for the back of the truck and forced open the doors. He grabbed as much as he could carry, Marceline helping along him, beaming as she held a can of soup in each hand. They were just about the exit the truck, when they heard a rather unusual sound coming from the driver's seat. They packed away the tins of soup into the camping bag, and went to investigate the sound. There was someone here?
Simon turned to face Marcy and ushered her to a safe place while he went to tap on the window. Simon expected to see a person who had survived and was possibly in need of help; instead what he saw was far more horrifying.
There was a smash of the window, and a muddy brown arm appeared. The rest of its body followed soon after. Its eyes and mouth were luminous green goo that dripped out constantly all over the vehicle. Its body rounded and thin; it no longer resembled a human which Simon could only assume it once was. What on earth was that thing? Was this the result of the war? He grabbed Marceline and hid her in the back of the truck. I'm sorry, Marcy, he said to himself. I don't want you to see this. He unhooked the crown from the waist of his trousers and placed it on his head. Immediately he began to change in appearance. His hair and beard started to grow, and his skin turned a deeper shade of blue. From his hands appeared an icy mist, as if he was about to cast magic on the strange mutant that now stood before him.
"I will keep you safe, little Marcy" He said to himself, and began to fight for their safety.