Nightmare kind of Dream

Sizzling

I made it out unscathed and I owe my thanks to Tom and Marco.

Marco pulled me through the wall of flame, we tumbled, then I was pulled to my feet. Marco had his hands in the air to the up roar of cheers. I slowly and very shakily followed his lead, avoiding all eye contact with Bill.

Then I saw Norman lurking outside the lit arena with a smug grin on his face. He's dead. Plain and simple.

The lights went out and everyone went to change or find their demons. In the mass I dragged the asshole into the changing room and successfully found an empty corner with only a few odd glances.

"Can I help you Dipper?" Norman asked, that smug grin never leaving his face.

"You can drop dead." I suggested slamming him against the wall. "Or you can keep me out of your plans to piss off demons, entirely your choice."

The instructor pouted. "Well those aren't fun choices now are they?" That already annoying grin grew itself on his face again, my hand balled up into a fist. "Oh, please," Norman rolled his eyes at me. "Like you can't admit it was satisfying being at least involved with a small rebellious act."

Oh this idiot. I slugged him hard. I heard his head crack against the brick. "That ignited a challenge you moron!" I shouted at his slumped but still standing figure. "In front of everyone no less, and that means trouble for me." I slammed another punch in his gut. "You idiot!" I grabbed him and lifted him to stand back on his feet again. "Now listen to me," I glared into his shock and pain filled eyes. "That was no 'small rebellious act' here, that's open challenge and defiance. It won't be my fault when you lose your job here and you will carry the burden of causing me issues if you try that ever again." I pushed him back against the wall again. "Now don't involve me ever again. Do we understand each other?" I stared down at him like he was  that evil dorito beneath my foot.

"Crystal clear, Pines." he rasped out, one arm protectively holding his stomach with a grin still on his face. "Damn brutal, you're going to piss off some demons, fighting like that." Norman looked up at me, that stupid grin still in place, with an expectant waiting look in his eyes.

"Pampered much?" I responded before turning away from the crumbling mess that is my instructor with intent to leave. But when I rounded the corner, Bill stood leaning against the wall with an imposing bored look on his face when he looked up at me. I only lowered my gaze silently and stepped toward him.

Bill rested an arm around my shoulders and led the way out.