SleepWalker

Chapter 9

Darcy continued sobbing in silence, taking comfort in Morpheus' powerful arms. The temperature in the room was freezing now. Morpheus hugged her tighter but it did nothing to stop the cold.
Hello sweetie...
Darcy stood up abruptly, surprising Morpheus.
"What is it?" He asked her.
"He's here," she said, anger rising. "Show yourself!"
"Oh with pleasure," the Devil's voice was more substantial now. Darcy turned to see her parents' blood which had coalesced into a large glob on the floor. Slowly, the blood started levitating, defying gravity and forming a distinct shape.
"Oh no," Darcy said, panicking.
"As they die," The Devil said. "I am born." His body was now clearly visible, scales forming on the skin, horns elongating from the top of his head, hands curving into claws. He opened his eyes and the transformation was complete. The Devil was born on Earth.

"You," Darcy shrieked, her anger overcoming her fear. "You killed them! You ruined my life!"
"I'm the Devil, hon." He drawled. "What did you expect?"
"Enough, demon." Morpheus said. "Stop this madness. End your stupid Harvest before anyone else gets hurt."
"Ah yes, your new boyfriend." He grinned showing sharp white shark-like teeth. "Tell me Morpheus, are you more afraid for the safety of poor Darcy here, or your own?"
"Shut up, you monster." Darcy snapped at him. "He told me everything about the Harvest."
"Oh did he now," the Devil looked amused. "Well then I have just one thing left to say.
'By the blood spilled
As the restless sleep
My children grown
In darkness creep
As I have sown
So shall I reap.'"
For a moment the world was deathly calm. Then all hell broke loose. An earthquake shook the city to its foundations. Red lightning struck all around, the sounds of thunder filling the air. Darcy felt the world spin. She stumbled to the railing to steady herself and almost retched at the sight that was unfolding all over the city. The moon had turned red. Storm clouds had gathered over the city, drizzling blood. And far off in the distance, a mob of people were coming towards them, towards their master.
"Darcy," Morpheus said, snapping her out of her trance. "Darcy, get away. Run!"
"What? Why?" She asked in confusion.
"I thought you said he told you," the Devil said. "There shall be no dreams anymore, only nightmares. And as the dreamers change, so shall their king." He disappeared in an explosion of brimstone, his laughter still echoing in her head.
Morpheus twisted and bent over.
"Morph, what's happening?" Darcy asked, panic rising. He continued to twist around in pain but now the change was visible. His hair was growing longer and wilder, like a mane. His skin grew even paler until it was the colour of chalk. His hands started twisting into claws. But the most striking transformation was his eyes. His eyes turned red with black slit-like pupils. When he opened his mouth, needle-like fangs had replaced his teeth.
"Run!" He mouthed and this time, she listened. Darcy ran as fast as she could, her monstrous former friend chasing after her.

For the souls of those who died in the Nepal earthquake. Rest in Peace.