Neo laid under the blankets, his eyes closed. He couldn't quite remember what they were talking about, but... he was holding something. Or perhaps it was someone? He looked down, seeing himself hugging a warm figure, the white linen covers completely over their heads like a fallen blanket fort. Seeing the dark purple braids, he instantly knew.
ㅤㅤSmiling, he pulled her closer. It was strange. He didn't know why they were there, and couldn't remember what was happening or how they got in this position, but he wasn't fighting the urge to hold her. She looked up, head gently digging into his chest and her fingers running alone the nape of his neck to his shoulders, light as feather. He didn't flinch away, either.
ㅤㅤ"Stop moving so much," She whispered. "Or else we're going to have to get up."
ㅤㅤHe chuckled, her voice echoing in his head. "I can't help it," He said, the words coming out with no hesitation. "You're too cute."
ㅤㅤHe nuzzled into her hair, taking in her scent. Like lavender. It smelled so real, he didn't want to think there was any reason this moment couldn't be. He kissed her forehead lightly, no worry for his powers hurting her, or his ability twisting out of his control. She giggled under his touch, pulling away for a moment as she looked at him, hand on his cheek.
ㅤㅤ"Someone's in a good mood this morning," She mused. "You're lucky you're so handsome. I could have sworn I picked you out in a dream somewhere."
ㅤㅤ"A dream?" He repeated, as if the word meant something, but he brushed it away as he held her hand at his cheek. No gloves. "I could say the same about you."
ㅤㅤ"You know it was better when I said it," She chuckled, her smile turning sly and playful.
ㅤㅤShe leaned forward and closed her eyes, seeming to know the perfect way to gently press her lips against his. All while pulling into his touch, as if there was nothing to be afraid of. He accepted it, pressing into her, kissing her so deeply that the moment seemed to last forever. The soft brush of her light lips against his, her warmth streaming into his heart.
ㅤㅤThough, over time it seemed like she was digging her nails into his back and neck. No, it seemed more like she had... grown talons, dragging across his skin. He winced for a moment as they pierced him, and he tried to pull away, but the grip held strong. When he finally opened his eyes, he didn't see Quilliene's beautiful face - no, he saw a flash of red, and felt a sharp pain across his cheek.
ㅤㅤHe pulled away at last with a cry of surprise, losing her in the blankets. Then he threw off the covers, only to find the bed gone and see himself in a black, inky darkness. The floor was like water, but he was sitting on it, making his hands and bare feet sort of wet. The blanket disappeared when he blinked, and he scrambled to his feet. What had happened? Where was he?
ㅤㅤWithin the darkness he could hear a cackle, as if the funniest joke had just been played. "Enjoying ourselves, are we, Nathan?" A sing song voice purred. "Hopelessly in love, aren't you?"
ㅤㅤClaws snaked around his shoulders, and he found himself immobile. Not digging in but dragging along his body in a tease - or more of a threat - of pain. As if toying with him, the voice bounced around him within the darkness. When the talons disappeared, he stumbled back, catching himself before he fell. He turned in circles, frantic, trying to find the source of the endless laugh.
ㅤㅤ"Who's there?" He demanded, trying to summon his powers - but nothing came. "Who... Who are you?!" He felt this helplessness rise in his chest as he backed away into nothing.
ㅤㅤThe voice finally took a breath, a cruel pitiful sigh erupting. "A dream come true, aren't I?" She hummed. "Just right out of your reach, and yet... Well, you could if you wanted to. Absolutely ravage and watch that delicate little body of hers disintegrate as you drain the life right out of her! Ha! Deep down, you know you want it, too..."
ㅤㅤ"What?" Neo whispered, stepping back but continuing to turn around, so he was just walking backwards in a circle. "What do you mean?" He said softly, before calling out, "That's not what I want!" The voice laughed, and he covered his ears at the piercing sound. "Shut up!"
ㅤㅤ"Ohhh, I touched a nerve!" The female squealed in malicious delight. "Admit it. Every time you kill someone you get this high. You feel the same way about her. You're not in love, silly boy. She is prey - weak and defenceless and ripe for the kill! You could easily strip her of life and watch it leave those lovely eyes. Go on, admit it!"
ㅤㅤSomething large swept under his feet, and he fell, landing in the splashing water that was solid like concrete. "Admit it, Nathan!" She screamed.
ㅤㅤHe sat up, panic in his chest, shaking his head. "No, she's not... She's... It isn't true!" He screamed. "You're just a dream! Shut up!"
ㅤㅤClaws dug through the darkness in front of him, red fingers and black nails grabbing his chin and forcing him to look up at the black void beyond. "Oh, I am no dream, foolish boy. I am Xylless... and you can't hide from me."
ㅤㅤHe tried to struggle, but once again he was immobile, shaking as he tried to remember to breathe. "You can't hide who you are," She seethed. "Let's be honest with ourselves. Admit it." A devilish smile appeared, her grin showing dangerous canines. "You are mine, and she is simply a toy for you. You can pretend you love her, but you know the truth. You can't even touch her on your own!"
ㅤㅤ"Get away from me!" Neo finally shouted.
ㅤㅤHe found the strength to scramble back as the hand retreated, and he stumbled to his feet. Turning, he bolted, running through the endless darkness as he tried to escape whatever the hells was at his heels. The laughter echoed in his mind, repeating like a broken record. Her voice echoed in a snarl, as if finding his rejection to be hurtful before continuing to cackle.
ㅤㅤ"You can't run from me, Nathan! you can't even run from yourself!"
ㅤㅤHer voice rang on, laughing all around him. He felt fear like he was dying all over again, and somewhere within the darkness, he could hear something else. A small voice calling his name - Neo. A quiet, ever so tiny light peered through the darkness and beckoning him closer, and he was growing desperate.
ㅤㅤNeo turned to glance behind him, trying to see where exactly she was, then back at the light in front of him. He ran for it, hoping it was a way out of this nightmare, praying for an escape. As he approached, the tiny light grew to be the size of his fist, gleaming off the the watery floor and barely a centimetre from the ground.
ㅤㅤHe dove for it, hand closing around the light, just as a claw raked his back in a dangerous scream of rage. The light exploded, and he saw a form over his shoulders - tall, red, and familiar. The same devil he had seen chase after him and Quilliene back when he was first on his duties, and she did the same thing she did then. She cleaned the blood off her fingers with her tongue, and she smiled, just as everything went black again.