Chapter 15:
"A Vampire's Worst Fear/Nightmare"
Date and Place Unknown…
"What the?"
I found myself yet in another strange place, I swear these dreams are getting more and more strange every time. I looked around at my surroundings.
Mhm…big open hallway, grand staircase in the middle, big chandelier hanging above, giving off some light, two side entrances leading to who knows where, along with 2 wall lanterns lit up along the open side hallways.
This place is giving some weird vibes, familiar ones to be precise.
…
My eyes slightly widened.
"I, know what this place is!"
"Indeed you do"
I got startled by a voice in front of me. I looked to see where the voice came from,
A brown and white eagle owl with yellow eyes was sitting in the middle of the stairs.
"Hello Kristina, it's nice to finally meet you"
I raise an eye brow in confusion. I was slightly dumbstruck. I don't know what was weirder, that I've been having almost the same dreams involving a vampire hedgehog for a little bit now or the fact that I'm seeing a talking owl in front of me.
"Uh, how'd you-"
"I have been told many things"
'Wait Sonic did mention that he had helpers/guardians living here with him' "He's told you about me, hasn't he?"
"Yes, I assume he's told you about me?"
"Yeah, well he did tell me that he had helpers that helped him with my birthday present, which I assume it was from you and someone else, and I don't know how it was possible to help him considering your an owl, and that he has guardians that watch over him, which is you as well"
"You my dear are correct, and that I will tell you very shortly. It's nice to finally meet you. The name's Henry, and the other helper/guardian is my wife, Lucy, who is also an owl. Anyways, Sonic has told me so much about you."
I was flattered at the comment. But why the owls being guardians over a teenage prince?
"Heh, thanks"
"Your probably wondering why your here?"
"Well, I already assume that Sonic had something to do with this. Also I was kinda expecting him to be here."
"He did, and he is here, he's upstairs resting, he sent me this time."
!
"What for?"
"From what he told me, you have a difficult decision to make upon yourself."
My ears dropped down, as did my face.
I sighed. "I honestly don't know what to do Henry, this is very hard for me to decide on."
Henry closed his eyes and thought for a moment. "Mhm, well he did give you a deadline on when to give your final decision, correct?"
"Yes, he gave me until next Thursday to decide. But said I can come early to him too, if I made the choice more quicker."
...Henry thought for a moment before speaking again.
"Well, considering you don't have much time to think about it and also that your going to be leaving shortly to go back home soon…"
Suddenly, a hand-sized lantern appeared in front of me, all lit up inside while Henry flew up to my head, landing gently on top of it.
My eyes shot upwards.
"Oh, sorry about that. My perch is upstairs and forgot to bring it down with me. I guess your head will have to do for now. Hope you don't mind?"
"Of course not, just try not to poke my head too much"
"Will do. Alright then, I'll lead while you use the lantern to help guide you along the way. Its quite dark upstairs so be careful."
"I will"
I started making my way up the stairs. Once I got to the top, there were two separate hallways ways, leading to 2 different parts of the castle. The huge painting of Jules and his wife Aleena, was in same the spot I recognized from when I first walked in this place.
The hallway was dimly lit and quite dark. "Alright, from here it's pretty straight forward, go to your left and continue downward until you see a big dark wooden door with two golden handles."
"Gotcha"
I started making my way down along the blue and gold carpet on the left pathway.
"You're probably wondering why a little owl like me ended up in a place like this" Henry asked.
"Well, yeah I mean, it's not everyday someone meets and sees an owl that can actually talk like a normal being."
We were about half way, making our way past a couple big glass windows with blue curtains that have the moon's light coming from outside peeking through the windows. I can see my shadow on the ground following me.
He chuckled. "Hehe, well its long story, but I'll make it short as I can."
"Alright"
We continued walking down while he was telling me his backstory.
Henry's backstory was really interesting. He's actually from Sonic's time too. He was the village's local magician, or, wizard I should say. He's always loved magic and helping people, and so does his partner Lucy, who's the white snow owl he mentioned earlier. They knew Sonic well as he would always pass by in the village quite often either for a little stroll or to see his friends. They would perform on special occasions, like when the village would host a festival. They would put on a magic show for the townsfolk to come and watch, and also go on stage to be in the act. Many people went on to be in the acts, they enjoyed it a lot, and one of those being Sonic himself, had quite the time, one of them being the night of his 16th birthday, which made it even more special for him. He enjoyed it so much, that he said it was the best night of his life, he would never forget it. But when they heard about the incident, they were shocked and traumatized as they knew what would become of Sonic. And knowing they couldn't do anything about it, not even their own magic would help him turn back to normal. There was only one thing that they could do…
Shortly after Sonic had left, they both went to their royal majesties and told them of their request:
'That once they pass on, they would watch over Sonic'
The royals were slightly confused at this but Henry and Lucy told them how.
They used to own pet owls, Snowy and Hoot, who would appear in their performances but unfortunately died from sickness. The majesties remembered seeing them in their shows quite often, beautiful creatures. They wanted to honour them somehow, and that was once they'd both pass on, they would somehow use their magic together to fuse their spirits into their deceased little partners. The royals and them have agreed that once they'd pass on, their spirits would live on inside them and watch over Sonic for the upcoming years to come.
"Wow, that's quite the story, now I can see why." 'And understand too.'
"Indeed."
"So how did you end up here then afterwards?"
"It wasn't until exactly a week after the incident, we both came down with a terrible sickness and knew we didn't have much time left. We decided then it was best to do it then. We've been watching over him ever since that night and so forth."
"I'm sorry that happened to you and Lucy, but both of you did the right thing that night, and that was to watch over Sonic, I'm glad that he has companions like you two around."
"Yes, but it's not the same has having a physical being like you to talk too."
"I know, but that's why I'm having a hard time on making a decision. I want to stay but at the same time, I can't"
"Mhm, well, why don't you see Sonic for yourself and see where to go from there?"
"I, guess that could help"
"Speaking of which" He looked forward. "Looks like were here."
I looked and stopped to see a huge wooden door in front of me.
"This where Sonic's resting, go in and see him but try to stay quiet, or at least whisper"
I took a breath, grabbed onto one of the handles and slowly but quietly opened the door. Surprisingly it didn't squeak as much considering how old this place is.
I quietly entered the room and closed the door gently once I got in.
The room was quite huge as I remembered. Blue and gold almost everywhere. Even on the windows, the curtains that were slid open were blue. The moon coming from outside shone its light once again through them. A couple dressers to the left side plus a vanity at which I forgot was there. And also the fireplace on the right with a blue love seat sitting in front if it.
Mhm, come to think of it, seeing everything that's in this room, reminds me of that one room down the hall where the ball room was…where Sonic and I first encountered. But smaller than this one obviously. This was quite the room I've ever seen.
My eyes wandered around the place in awe when they suddenly laid upon the main thing that was in this very room. At the very back, in the centre was a four-post canopy king bed with huge candle stands all lit up with candle inside of them, and laying on it was none other than Sonic himself.
I stared in awe.
"Go on, he doesn't bite"
I looked up my eyes and raised an eyebrow at Henry's little joke.
He cleared his throat. "What? Don't think that he's already told me that you met and didn't nothing to harm you"
I sighed, while Henry took the lantern from my hand.
I walked up slowly to the edge of the bed…silence. I keep forgetting that he doesn't have living organs to breathe with anymore, but he looked so peaceful sleeping. I wanted to get a closer look. I climbed on top of the mattress and slowly made my way up quietly without waking him.
I sat down next to him and looked at him.
He looked so at peace but can't help put my finger on it that he looked somewhat troubled. And I couldn't but put another finger on this other one:
'It's night time and he's sleeping? I know for a fact that vampires don't ever sleep at night'
"I do find it weird myself"
Henry gently landed on the bed, as to not scratch it with his talons.
"That he sleeps at night too? Why is that?"
"Well, this going to sound weird but he sometimes has trouble falling asleep during day."
"Huh? I don't understand"
"Over the years and centuries, ever since that tragic day, he fell into a deep depression. He isolated him self from the world and its people. Because of what came of him, he felt hatred towards not just of his attacker, but himself…"
I looked towards at Sonic again for moment.
"He would cry for countless days. He didn't even want to eat some days…he felt there was nothing left for him to live for, he felt dead too many times and wanted to be…permanently…"
...
"Y-you mean…" A horrible thought came mind, two actually.
"Yes, he's tried to commit suicide before" Henry turned his head slightly away with his eyes closed.
'I don't think I could've continued to live in this world if I hadn't met you' Now I know what he meant by that.
Both thoughts I pictured him lifeless and still, but in two different ways:
A stake right through the chest, sticking out and the other, being burned alive by wildfire spread while being tied up to a post, witch-like style.
Just the thoughts of seeing him like that, it petrified me, almost making me nauseous too.
"This is why he needs a faithful and supportive companion by him, so he doesn't feel this way all the time."
I swallowed. "Is that why he wants me to stay so badly?"
"He knows how you feel about him, your the only one that knows about what he went through. I see when he's around you, he feels happy, like himself again…normal…"
I squeezed my hands tighter around my legs, shedding a few tears.
"Your the only one who understands what he's going through, the only one that knows how lonely and depressed he truly is."
"I…" I choked a little on my words.
"Well, whatever the choice, is yours to decide. Do what you think is right, what your heart tells you to do, and whatever you choose, we'll respect your choice, and so will Sonic…"
"Meow…"
I looked in front of me with slight blurry eyes to see Midnight sitting next to Henry.
(Me too) Midnight says with a small cry. Looking sad but trying to be proud as he can. I faintly smiled through tears still streaming down my face. I reached out to go scratch his cheek. Despite being sad on the inside, he still purred loudly as ever.
I stopped after a few seconds.
"Well, I guess I'll leave you to it then. It was a pleasure meeting you Kristina." Henry then started to take off. "Come Midnight, let's give her some privacy." He then flew off along with Midnight behind him.
And before I knew it, it was quiet again. I was alone, along with a sleeping Sonic lying next to me.
I wiped the remaining tears that were left on my face. I looked at Sonic again.
I sighed, and hugged my knees. I sadly smiled to myself. 'Whether I choose to stay here or not, I'll always remember you, your the most amazing guy I've ever met, and I don't think that you could've picked someone better than me. I am so grateful that you did, and I'm so glad that I met you."
I felt the tears wound up in my eyes again, but tried hard to fight them back. 'I'll never forget you Sonic…' I rubbed my eyes to wipe away the the almost coming tears. I was then making my off the bed when I felt something grab my lower arm.
!
I turned to see Sonic sitting up wide awake. 'Wow, even in his sleep he can hear my thoughts, that or just pretended to be sleeping and just waited for Henry and Midnight to leave the room'
"If you are going to leave, can I at least give you something to remember me by?"
I nodded. Something's telling me that I knew exactly what he was going to do.
He leaned in and once again kissed me but, more lightly this time. It didn't last long before he pulled back, that was when I noticed something, the scenery around me suddenly changed. "What the?"
This place was dimly lit with candles, there were rows of seats lining up row by row, and by squinting my eyes, making it out perfectly, was a stained glass window with a big white cross sitting front and centre, with of course candle stands lit with candles on each side.
'Am I in a church?' Well, judging by its distinctively lingering smell of burning incense, I'd say it is.
But why am I here?
Just then I heard someone coming from behind me, I turned to see who it was…
'Sonic?'
He walked by and didn't even notice me, but I'm sure it was for a reason, as to why I was brought here, guess I'm about to find out.
I did notice something dangling/wrapped in his hand, it looked like a platinum cross.
'How come he has that with him? Is, he going to confess?' Well, this a church after all, and these places are meant to be your time with God anyway.
I watched him walked towards the centre where the cross was sitting. Once he got there, he then got on his knees and brought the cross up to his chest.
I wasn't prepared for what was about to happen/come out of his mouth. I stayed back and listened.
"Why? J-just why? Why me? All I was trying to do was protect the one that I love. Yes, I saved her, but in the end, I was the who ended up getting hurt instead. I-I thought it was just someone who wanted to harm her for no reason. But no, that someone ended up turning out to be one of those fricken bloodsuckers who needed a fricken meal, and they just had to choose her, but I wouldn't allow it. Instead, not having any other choice, I did what I had to do, I did the dumbest/stupidest thing I could ever do, I took a huge sacrifice and jumped in front her, so that I would be eaten on instead of her. I didn't know that they actually existed until I saw it myself, right in front of me, practically sucking the life out of me. This was one of the biggest mistakes I've made, and I regret doing it! I wish I can just go and take it all back, like nothing ever happened, but sadly, I can't. I'm stuck being like this for the rest of my life, a monster, and there's no cure for it either. All I ever wanted was to have a normal, and happy life, spending it all with the one that I loved, but that's never going to happen now, is it? No, it's not. Because she's gone now, gone forever, and so is everyone else. It's like I have nothing to live for anymore...nothing. It's all gone and done for...all gone...I..."
It wasn't until shortly after that he'd figure out exactly and realize what the outcome of this would be. But those little words he said, that came out of his mouth, would hit him hard in the guts, haunt, and grieve him the rest of his life.
And I already knew that this too, would give me the same effect.
"...I'm alone...all alone."
At that moment, I honestly just wanted to go run to him, comfort him, and cry with him, tell him that everything will fall into place. But I already knew that wouldn't happen, no matter how much I would run, I would just keeping running…and running...and running, blocking me as to not get any closer to him, whatsoever. The only thing I could was just watch him from a distance, quietly hearing him cry to himself.
I covered my mouth in shock, looking and hearing what I just witnessed, and knowing I couldn't do anything...
I dropped to my knees, just sat there, crying heavily, choking on some tears, they just kept coming, and coming, and coming.
A burst of anger then came whirling inside of me, making me fist my hands in frustration.
No! I couldn't watch this anymore. This was becoming too unbearable.
I immediately got up and started running towards him. But as always, this was a dream, it wasn't real, and kept pushing me back, further away from him, not letting me get any closer to him.
I tried reaching and shouting out to him, but no luck. He started to phase out, getting smaller and smaller by the second.
"No! No! No! I'm begging you! Please!"
Everything around me was getting more and more small, distant, and soon enough, he'd be gone, once again. All alone again in that bleak, dark place.
I woke up panting heavily, my heart beating so fast. I sat up, feeling relieved, but also a bit traumatized. I could feel the dry sobs staining my face.
J…just why? How could this happen? I can't believe something like that would ever have happened. Especially to someone like him. He didn't deserve any of this! He was only doing the right thing, but ended up almost being killed by that son of a b**** instead. And now looking at him, being like that...
The tears started to come back out.
Now, I know why he brought me there, so I could finally see the pain, and sorrow that's been welled up in him for so long. All this time, he's been trapped in his little world of darkness, where he just isolates himself from the world, crying in a little corner to himself, thinking about how lonely he'll be, that he's never going to happy, accepting the fact that he and will always be a monster, and that nobody will love him for who he is.
Seeing that, just kills me.
H-How can I just leave him like this when he's in this state? Just how?
Frustrated, I put my hands to the side of my head.
I knew that was only a dream but...just the thought him be all alone and miserable like that for that long...
I shuddered at the thought, I couldn't even bear to think about it, I can't even imagine what it would be like for him the next who knows how long.
…
Not only did I just through a terrible nightmare, but I also just found out and realized what his biggest fear was...
Being alone. Forever.
...
I looked at the glass tube that was on my nightstand, I picked it up and looked at it before grasping it in my hand. It took me a good while to think about this, but I think know what choice to make now...
…I've made up my mind, now I know what I have to do. The
