Casmir

The dream state pulls me back under, and everything is moving at lightning speed.

I try to hold on to something, anything, to slow down, or at least make sure I don't disappear.

I knew this was going to happen; it'd been increasing since the days had been passing.

When I land, I'm in a different place that I'm use to meeting Casmir.

I'm not in the meadow; I'm not even sure I'm in earth anymore.

Casmir sits in a seat, his appearance different. His eyes glow gold, skin black like soot, two horns sticking out from his forehead. His silver hair is tied back, and when his eyes land on mine, there's no hostility.

I'm pulled forward, just three or four feet away from him, my legs locked in place.

"These meetings, I'm growing strangely fond of them." He rumbles, leaning back in his seat.

"At least one of us is." I replied, crossing my arms.

I felt so exposed, and weak. I couldn't really feel a grasp on my power. If Casmir were to attack me, I'd have no way to defend myself.

But in all honesty, I didn't think my power could compare to a destructive god.

"Why do you keep contacting me? Why the suspense?"

Casmir chuckled, before turning his gaze on me.

"My daughter has contacted me. Told me that one of the so-called agents combated her."

Our surroundings shifted then, looking like we were on planet Saturn, milky ways, and stars shifting.

It was a sight to see.

"From the description she gave me, I knew it had to be you."

"So what, you're trying to get back at me or something?"

A wistful look came over him.

"No; because I know deep down you don't really trust either side that was given to you. Rosie was just a lesser evil; David is someone to be concerned about. And Jabez, well, she just gave me her reasonsfor why she wants to stay here...for now anyway."

A orb of light formed in his hand, blinking softly.

"We both know they're not going to save the others from the chips David made. They only need a certain number of heroes; if they keep being made or born at this rate, well, that's going to be an unfair advantage to them."

The orb of light in his hand glimmered, and swirled, an image of my nightmares appearing.

"But you already know this, don't you, Laney?"

I went silent after that, my nails biting into the skin of my arms.

Everything I had doubts about he had said, and he could actually see the people for what they were.

"If I can't trust them, then who can I?" I asked.

Casmir let out a breath, smoke filling the space we were in.

Again, our surroundings changed, turning back into the meadow space I had come to love.

"You can always just trust yourself, Laney. Is there anyone really you know you can get help from?"

I went silent for a moment too long; Casmir nodded his head, and started to leave, his form shifting away.

WhenI wake, there are tears on my pillow, Silk's head rested underneath my chin, as she snores softly.

I kiss the tip of her nose, and settle back in.

Hazy memories of the dream move to the front of my mind, and I sigh.

One moment I knew what to do, the next something else entirely was set in motion.

I didn't trust David; and if I was being honest, I didn't trust Rosie at all. Not after what she tried to pull.

I mulled it over in my mind, realizing that the only person i could possibly trust was Jabez.

Jabez who was on the run.

I sighed again, running a hand through my hair. The tangles snagged at my fingertips, and it was more painful than it was necessary.

Silk moved away from me in her sleep, paws settled under the pillow. I pet her fur gently, wishing for something or someone to help me.

My mark pulsed in a reminder, and I traced the faint light with my fingertip.

Casmir had been right about one thing; I could count on myself. Where everyone had been showing the possibility of trust, they did something to show their true colors.

David and Rosie; two sides of the same coin.

I settled back in bed, wishing for a decent amount of rest.

It never did come.

I watched the sun rise from my window, the sky slowly changing from the inky purple to blues and pinks.

Silk had stayed in the bed, paws running in the air now and then. I wondered if she dreamt about opened meadows, or tall grass fields where she could run at.

When it was early enough to be awake, I threw the blanket off of me, stretching out my arms and legs. A shower was in order, and I wondered if this place had a communal shower, or private ones.

The thought of showering while someone else was in there getting cleaned made my skin crawl, and instead I wondered through my room.

A silver button caught my eye, and I pressed it, watching as the whole right side of the room slid, revealing a hidden bathroom.

I sighed in relief.

Stepping in, I began the process of getting ready for a new day of lies and deception.

An hour later, I had braided my damp hair, wearing a plain black t-shirt, and soft jeans.

My shoes looked worn through, and searching through the room, I was able to find purple slip on.

Silk had awoken by this time, and I put her leash on, petting her head. It was hard to believe that people thought she was scary.

I opened the door, surprised to see so many people up and about.

Bits and pieces of words I was able to gather; excitement was in the air because a new team of heroes was here to help out in the mission.

Walking down the hallway, I held the leash a bit more tightly. Twice, Silk bared her teeth at random passerby, a low growl forming in her throat.

I soothed her, my hand buried in her fur.

As we made it to the main office, I could see Rosie in different attire, a deep blue suit with a crest on the breast pocket, talking in front of the others. She pointed to the monitor as a group of teens popped up.

Something about them seemed familiar, but I couldn't place when I had seen them.

"...have a chance at this, if everyone just go along with the plan, okay? That's all for now, please go back to work." She replied, dismissing everyone.

They scattered in different directions, until it was just me standing there.

Rosie smiled down at me, freezing when she saw Silk.

"Good morning Laney. How did you rest?" She asked.

"So and so." I responded back.

"Was it Casmir?" She asked, taking a step close to me.

Too close.

Silk noticed my discomfort, and snarled, warning Rosie to keep her distance.

I pet Silk, murmuring words to calm her down.

"No, I just did a lot of thinking Rosie."

"Oh? About what Laney?"

I pursed my lips, debating for a moment.

"Just how I'm here to make a difference with you all."

The lie must have been convincing enough, because a smile broke her face.

"And we're happy to have you as part of the team."

"We?"

Rosie feigned surprised.

"Has no one informed you? We were able to make a group of our own to take down Jabez's."

I nodded, pursing my lips a bit. "Nice."

"The best part is, Laney, is that we want you to lead the team."

The surprise must've shown on my face, because she went on to say "You've shown great potential, Laney."

I didn't know what I did to invoke such trust in them.

Saying nothing, I simply nodded.

"Would you like to meet the others? They'll be arriving soon."

Plastering a smile on my face, I nodded.

"I'd love to meet the team."