THE NIGHTMARE. (AU)
He had always believed they returned to the Dream once they died.
That it was a like the Mists...only different. That they got to be with their loved ones after they'd led a full life.
And he was just told by those he loved and respected that he was wrong.
Isendil stood in the Brisban graveyard, staring at the headstone of the two children he'd recently dug up. He had told himself it was to save them...to allow them to be with their loved ones. He shouldn't have done it. If he can't be with those he loves when he passes, why should they? Tears began spilling down his face as he clenched his fists and tensed his body.
Don't you dare cry...
He heard the sound of light footsteps behind him. Perhaps it was just the gravekeeper...until a sweet, familiar voice meekly asked him:
"D-Do you want a hug...?"
He didn't answer. He couldn't answer...because the truth was that no, he didn't. But he didn't want to crush her spirit. His silence was met with silence, as she wrapped her arms around him and prodded at his empathy with her own in an attempt to soothe him.
"I feel...hate, Ruiel. I feel the Nightmare."
"Y-You feel-...no. You can't hate forever. Not you, Isendil."
He stared at her for a long moment. What was the point in loving others? If they all disappeared and ceased to exist, not even capable of enjoying the memories they contribute to the Dream...why even try? Why continue to love this fragile flower before him?
What did Mother ever do for him...?
"You're wrong, Ruiel," he spat, "Hate is all there is. Mother is a liar...and the Dream makes promises it doesn't keep."
He grabbed her by the throat and threw her to the ground. Ruiel stifled a scream, staring up at him with wide, unbelieving eyes. He couldn't have just done that...not her Isendil. She scrambled to her feet to try and hug him again...but he was gone in the blink of an eye. Shadows gathered around her as she trembled in fear, and a voice whispered;
"Hate is all I know. So fuck the Dream. Fuck Mother."
"Fuck the Inflorescence. And fuck you."
The point of a dagger was suddenly protruding from her chest. She began to gasp for air. It disappeared just as quickly as it had come as she collapsed onto the ground.
His blade dripped with her sap as he stormed off down the hill of the graveyard, and as she reached out for him desperately, the world went dark...