Tale Of Souls (Cathartic Nightmare)

I lied about you, you lied about me.

"Justin, wake up... you're having a nightmare again."

"Who?... who is that?" I groggily tried to open my eyes, and noticed someone standing over me, but not with an angry face.

"It's me..."

"Sai...tou?"

This is the guy that wasn't sure if I was worth his time, and if I was at fault for his cousin's insanity and downfall. My stomach was in knots, but not in pain – am I feeling something other than pain for once?

"Yea, it's me .. .Sai."

"What's... going on?"

"Dude, you keep having narcoleptic fits and the hospitals won't contain you anymore."

"I thought.."

"You did die, twice... in two different timelines each time. It's already 2012, you're a lot older now honey... You're the only one who can survive in your natural timeline, and fast forward another five years you're here." Sai's face was warm, and caring for once. I don't know if it was that he had that brotherly aura about him or what.

"Why am I here?"

"Because I had a chance to realize you're just a puppy, and you fucked up. Everyone's still here. We have a lot to get through, and when you're feeling better I'll fill you in.."

I don't understand again... why I'm not dead. Why is this blonde guy staring at me like I've done nothing wrong? I'm at fault for everything aren't i?

"What about... Terrin?"

"No, he sort of ...defected."

"But, him and Tensei's..."

"Tensei's spirit is long gone, Terrin's been using that as an excuse to further his deviations from everything. He seems to believe that he's not doing anyone any harm leaving us in the lurch. It's either self-pity, or he's found himself a new way of life and decided to rub it in our faces."

"Why did he call me Ryan?" I blinked, and noticed my eyes were black and red again but the mark of the trinity was gone from my arms. The envisioned tattoo was nothing more than a distant memory.

"Shh, you're exhausted ... we got time to sort through this all. I promise you, I'm here now." Sai's voice was breathy, generally flamboyant but calming.

"I hope you don't mind, but you can become my pet..." he grinned at me and caressed my forehead carefully...

"Pet?"

"Puppy, go get some rest... we have to travel to see Kaji and his renegade friends tomorrow."

Sleep? That sounds good right now... can you sing me that song now? I don't know if I can sleep without that nightlight, and I don't know if I can sleep without someone watching over me. I'll be your loyal guard dog as soon as I can be steady on my feet and I can bark louder than I ever did before.

"Sai?"

"Yes, Justin?"

"Thank you."

"It's quite alright puppy, you deserve a better chance." Saitou smiled, "I know you won't feel the same...but can I tell you something?"

"Yea?" I was so tired I didn't even understand what was going on...

"Aishiteru, Inu-kun."

The lights went out, the nightlight went on – and a voice in the back of my mind started singing a calming lullaby. I closed my eyes, and watched the world fall asleep between the sheets. I felt like I was about ready to get the best night's sleep since this all started..

My story isn't done yet.

Tomorrow's another day isn't it?

Yea, I guess so.

THE END.

I love you puppy.