nightmares come alive

starksteelstone:

It’s not terrifying for other people. I mean, I’m sure it’s not great, but it’s not something I think people would cower before.

I have to admit that's a little disappointing.

Dreadfully bored, if we're being honest. I'm positively aching to stir up some trouble. And yourself?

Let me guess — your mutation is superhuman common sense.

I'm afraid it's a bit more nightmarish than that, my dear. Forget about assistance then. 

Well, it’s great to meet you, Isabella. Is that what you go by? The whole thing? Or like, do your friends call you Bella? Or Izzy? You do not look like an Izzy. 

Isabella is my given name, and so Isabella will do. 

I don’t know that I think there is a point, but I do know that it doesn’t need to be tested because it’s already been tested and I don’t like being reprimanded for something I can’t keep control of.

Ah, so what's your gift then if it's so terrifying?

Thomas Skyye. What’s your name?

[She narrowed her eyes, suspicion still plain on her face.] Isabella.

Can you take ten thousand volts of electricity to the heart, then? [His eyes narrowed, but he frowned at her.] Fine, you have me there. It doesn’t really matter, though. No here, in this place.

I have this neat little defense mechanism where if someone, say, shoots ten thousand volts of electricity to my heart, I shoot them full of nightmares that will drive them insane. Even if it kills me, at least I'll have taken them with me in one form or another. [She clicked her tongue impatiently.] If you want it, go after it. I don't understand what's difficult about that.

You keep doing that sarcastic thing like I’m supposed to have some kind of response, but I really just cannot find it in my heart to give you a good fight. Sorry. 

...What's your name? 

…Please don’t. I don’t really… handle that well.

Isn't that the point of having these gifts? Pushing ourselves to the limit of what we can handle? 

Sad because you're a fully grown man making jokes that children wouldn't laugh at -- but I digress.

I see you don't have a phone then?

Must’ve gone over your head too quickly then. No matter. I’ll stick to plain English when I speak to you from now on.

...If that was your attempt at a joke, it was perhaps the saddest thing I've heard all day. 

Hey, I’m 19. Not a kid. But pain? Now you have my attention.

Now, I believe it's you who have captured my attention. What do you know of pain -- or pleasure for that matter?

That’s not really the point I’m trying to make here. I just wouldn’t want to shake your hand right now and electrocute you to death. That would kind of ruin both of our days. [He shrugged.] I’m not exactly how to rule the world, lady. I just want to go to college and travel. That is not so much to ask for, and doesn’t really require alliances.

Believe me, boy, I can take care of myself. [She rolled her eyes.] Everything requires alliances -- connections. To get into the best college, for example, it helps to know the individuals admitting students, or to travel exactly where you wish to with out having to fret about things such as money or permission. The world is run on connections.

Nah, I’m really bad at hurting other people. It never pans out well for me. Thanks, though. 

Be still my beating heart! How noble of you!