Selena--Nightmare's Sanctuary

Creatures stir as the sun’s rays fade from the sky. Its oppressive radiance has left the world; it can no longer patronize them, shed dastardly sunlight on their features, make them appear grotesque and malignant. The humans go to their place of dreams where nightmares can spring. Clawed beasts tear them apart and the haunting calls of the owl or raven echo. Nightmares don’t mean harm, they never try when making humans tremor in fear. The moon takes its rightful place as the sentry of the night, the poor soul who was assigned the graveyard shift for all eternity. With the moon’s presence, finally, they can roam free without persecution. Erupting from the dead of night, a devil takes to the sky. Horns characterize him as such, yet, fluffy feathers adorn his body, and eyes like the sun pierce the darkness. He alerts his brethren that their time has come. His hoots appear ominous to mortals, as if he calls to his witch master, but he has no master, no ulterior motive. He’s prosecuted for the crime of foretelling a king’s death, which he had no intention of committing. His sole wish is to live, and he flourishes in the soothing moonlight. A trickster pads through their forest with Mischief following close by. The canopies of looming trees shield them from any sight. Two black souls, heading to the place of meeting, confide in and protect each other. A sharp caw communicates their arrival and ebony Mischief perches atop her dark knight. The wolf strides through the forest at a brisk pace. Soon, two other tricksters slide up beside him in their run. His blue eyes clash with their vibrant. Regarding each other simply, he slows his pace for the shorter of the two. She has the colors of a crackling hearth, charring the fuel into obsidian. They pass through a small parting of the trees where the moon gives her a calmer fire while her legs disappear into shadow. The lighter companion shares a likeness to his blue eyed friend, but he prefers dryer climates. Their four pairs of eyes are drawn upward by the flock of damned souls. Not all feast on the essence of others, flying foxes for instance. A grumble deep within the wolf’s throat sends Mischief off to greet them. The vampiric critters disperse to scout the perimeter of their forest. Mischief flies overhead and informs the quadrupeds that those hypocrites found nothing irregular on their way. The true fox, beside Mischief’s wolf, yips to acknowledge and thank her winged friend. They all slow to a walk as mankind’s former Elder Brother grunts. He narrows his eyes at the top of the slope. Wolf nudges him slightly, telling him to calm down, We’re all in the same boat, brother. Coyote gripes, Your boat looks fine to me, while mine is still in torrid waters. Their petite sister comes between them as Coyote bares his fangs, Come off it, boys. You’re acting like pups, we all made the journey for a reason, let’s not get held up now. Wolf dips his head in agreement, he’s easily the taller and sturdier of the three, You’re right. The raven flaps her wings backing up Little Fox, Let’s go, most of them are already here. Wolf asks, Are they all here, Mischief? Mischief responds, No, not yet. I wish people would stop calling me that. Coyote darts ahead while adding, I wish people would stop referring to me as a trickster or seducer. Wolf shakes out his pelt before trotting. Little Fox takes up the rear. The wolf and his foxy companion reach the top of the hill in no time. The majesty of the place takes their breath away, but the effect is medicinal on their aching hearts. Spider’s webs fill in-between the trees from the tops to the bottom. Elegant patterns of web mark the entrance to their sacred haven. The moon’s light makes the webs glow and dazzle in the consuming darkness. The little artists patrol the lanes of their creation, maintaining the security they offer. Wimpy humans wouldn’t dare lay a hand on the substance, for fear of their creators’ tagging along. For the fearless human brutes, the light coming from within the haven silhouettes a demon cat. His gleaming green eyes greet the travelers. Welcome, he purrs. Coyote flashes a grin while Wolf asks, Is Nightmare coming? Panther answers, She’s on her way, we’ll probably start without her. We were just waiting on you all. Panther turns his head as a tiny furball tumbles into him from behind. His features soften. Why’d you come out? The small kitten squeaks, Hyena was laughing at me… because I’m short… Coyote snorts, but is silenced by Wolf’s deep growl. Little Fox noses the sable kitten, You’re not full grown yet, little one. Wolf grins, And when you are, height won’t matter, your tongue will be much sharper than his. The kitten cocks her head, and the adults decide to enter. They pause when the kitten remains stationary, waiting for them to pass her. Wolf questions, Won’t you come? The kitten kneads the ground nervously, I don’t want to cross your path. Coyote smirks, Why not? Kitten whispers, I’ll give you bad luck. Little Fox nudges the kitten forward, It’s impossible for living beings to cause bad luck. Humans are simple-minded. The group strolls into the spacious clearing. Wolf’s lips pull at the moon’s reflection in the pond at the end, the water seems to shine pure white light. Such untainted water. Wolf bows his head stalking toward it; the light from the pool and moon make him silver. He’s a reformed demon here, they all are. He gets to peer at his mirrored reflection. Little Fox joins him; he sees her watching him, Beautiful. All other animals join them when a shadow slips from the opposite side, the nightmare harbinger, herself. Nightmare neighs, as muscles across her hide ripple, Welcome to my sanctuary, fellow fiends, monsters…