The Day of Thunder

[Doji Hikaru]

When Hikaru lay down to sleep, his evening rituals conducted, he expected it to take some time, as it had before. Instead, almost to his surprise, he found himself very quickly falling asleep.

Falling...

It began innocently enough. Hikaru found himself walking the familiar halls of Kyuden Doji. His footsteps seemed to echo with every step, the only sound that could be heard. Step, step, step, step. Hikaru could see himself, his expressive, neutral, passive. A feeling of dread began to rise, saturating every dream sense.

A figure in the corridor, walking the other way. Ah, of course. Hikaru gave Hadananzi a nod of greeting. The other man smiled as he walked past. Somehow, without looking, Hikaru could see his head turn all the way around, his eyes turn black, his grin grow impossibly wide.

Hikaru walked on.

He stepped through a doorway. Suddenly he was in the garden, the one Lady Doji cared for. A sound touched his ears. A woman crying, deep, heart-rending sobs. Hikaru gripped his sword, concern and fear both rising in him. "Hello?" He called, his voice strangely muted, like he was speaking into the void. Grimly, he walked forward, towards the source of that voice.

Only, even as he looked, weeds swelled in the garden, turning into vines. They blocked his way, thorns tearing at his flesh. The crying grew louder. Hikaru grit his teeth, trying to push through, desperation rising... who was it? He had to know... dread rose in his throat, choking him...

A moment of clarity.

"No." Hikaru whispered, closing his dream-eyes. Slowly, the dread faded. The fear faded. The crying faded...


D2 Nightmare roll, vp +1k1 | 4k4 ⇒ 22 (TN: 20)