I didn't notice when I fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, I found myself back near that weird village, when I tried to see Aether. I didn't see anything immediately. Then I heard noises behind me. I turned my head and in the sky and in the distance, I saw war. Dragons clashing with shades. As far as I could see conflict and war was all around. Flashes of light and powers all around. The sounds like metal scraping as the cries of shades and dragons filled my head, till suddenly it all went quiet.

“Is this the life you seek?” A voice very much like mine spoke.

From the left side of my vision I watched the abyssal version of my face come into view. It was the abyss, but it had never appeared in a walk like this. I was stunned and tried turning my head, but suddenly I could feel its claws around my head, as it put a claw to its lips like it wanted me to be quiet. Tried as hard as I could but I couldn't speak, not a single word.

I looked at the abyssal version of me. I couldn't see it on my right side, but only on my left. When I figured this out, its smile got wider. Its eyes were glowing brightly. It seemed to relish that panic grew within me.

“You know, just lend me a wing, and you won't have to worry about fighting anyone. I could take the seat and let you rest some more.” It said with a gentle smile, but I knew there was much more behind that smile.

“Shame I can't let you see the one you swore to protect. You know they were here?” The abyssal form said with a large grin on her face.

It knew why I was here. I had been coming here now and then in my sleep to just check on it but nothing ever seemed to change. Now this all appeared, but I couldn't see the one I came here to protect. I felt a growl grow in my throat, but it seemed to fuel the abyss, making it more solid. I tried to yell at it but I still couldn't speak, but I realized something.

I thought really hard, “You better go away.”

“Ohhhh threatening are we? Well you see that won't work. You try to hurt me, you will just only hurt yourself. We are inseparable now. I am you as much as you are me. Well, besides the obvious differences of course. I am not solid like you. Unless you loan me your body, just for a little bit. I want to sink my claws and teeth into something.” It finished, with a large wicked grin much too big for its own face.

I shuttered at seeing such a thing could be inside of me. It's dark and evil. That's not me, I can prove it. I will show it wrong.

“Oh try to prove me wrong all you want. I will be watching, the entire time. I am always here. When everyone is gone you will still have me. Who else is best to have around, but yourself?” With another smile it vanished and I regained control over myself.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

I took a big breath, only now realizing I was holding my breath. Though it doesn't seem to be something I need to do. Seems when I am doing this walking thing in my sleep, I don't need to breathe. An interesting realization that was helpful at least.

“Just so you know, if you keep pushing me away, I think your friends might just have a little accident.” The abyss chuckled in my ear.

“You try anything, against those I care about, and you will not live to regret it.” I snapped back.

Looking up, I spotted a lightning mana using dragoness start to fight a shade. Their battle was fierce, and as much as I wanted to stay and watch, I knew I must be going. I could feel thing changing around me.

The scene around me changed. I found myself outside of a castle, where humans were fighting each other. I could see one leading the fight. It was Hickory. He was leading humans into an occupied castle, and setting fire to the flags as he did. With this, I knew he chose to help her.

“Even those who you protected and cared for, abandon you.” The Abyss chuckles.

“Shut up. You don't have the slightest clue.” I responded.

I waited for an argument to start, but not another word was said. I accepted this, and then everything faded to darkness. I was long last drifted into restful sleep. The night passed, maybe a few.

I woke, still laying in the grass, but I noticed that around me the grass had frozen solid. I noted that I need to be careful where I sleep if I am not able to control freezing things where I sleep. That adds another thing I need to watch out for. I looked to the sky, and wondered how much longer I will have to be alone.

I got up from where I stood, and started walking to the lake. I wanted to take a quick dip in the water, and refresh myself. Walking to the shore, I waded out into the lake. Floating on the water, I then dove down into the icy water. Rolling over and looking at the sun through the water, it feels like another world. It made me wonder just what it is like out there. My memories of home are getting old and hard to remember. Just trying to recall mom’s warm smile is hard now.

A part of me wanted to blame the abyss, but even I knew it had nothing to do with how long I have been alone here in this world. I would just have to hope that someone could come along and save me. I reached my hand up out of the water, hoping somehow someone would grab it. Then for just a moment, I thought I saw a golden dragon.