#worst fears

Destined One x OC Jen

(Prompt - Nightmare)

(Warning - Character death)

            “You think you can defeat me, Destined One?”

            Monkey whirled around, trying to follow the voice as it carried on the wind. He wasn’t sure where he was or how he got there, only that it was dark with black mist coiling around his legs.

            Worse, he had no idea where his companions were. Even when they stayed a safe distance from his battles, Monkey could always sense Jen and Bajie. Now, there was nothing. Concern prickled under Monkey’s fur, urging him to finish the fight quickly and find his friends.

            “You’re in my domain, now!”

            Something slammed into Monkey’s back, throwing him off balance. He recovered with a roll and turned to attack, his staff striking empty air. The demon had slipped away without a trace. Try as he might, Monkey couldn’t sense where his opponent would appear next. His keen eyes couldn’t discern anything in the hazy void, the air smelled of mist, and a noise like distant thunder stifled his hearing. Only the demon’s voice could cut through the cacophony.

            “There is no escape and there is no victory for you. Your journey ends here and now.”

            The smallest shift of air was Monkey’s only warning. His staff blocked the blade aimed for his neck, shoving the demon back. When he spun to strike, his opponent vanished back into the shadows with a laugh.

            “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to send your companions with you to hell!”

            A spark of anger ignited in Monkey’s chest. While his discipline and training helped him keep a level head during combat, the demon’s taunts had coaxed out his long-suppressed temper. His fur bristled and his tail lashed, a low growl rumbling from throat as he scanned for his target.

            “Oh, did I strike a nerve? Tell me, is it the pig or the human’s death that enrages you so?”

            Snarling, Monkey jabbed his staff towards the noise. Empty mist swirled out of the way as dark chuckles echoed all around. It was muffled but loud, ringing in Monkey’s ears and sending his head into a dizzying spin.

            “That is interesting,” the disembodied voice pondered. “I’ve never found the appeal of humans; weak and useless creatures, better served as dinner. You seem to be quite invested in yours, though.”

            Monkey lashed out again, spinning and swinging wildly, trying to flush the demon from his foggy hiding place. Rage burned through his coiled body, override his judgement, spurring him to find, hurt, kill. Even when his staff stilled, Monkey’s claws itched to deliver a punishing blow.

            “Maybe I’ll keep your little human for a while, see what the appeal is. After all, she isn’t dead…” A quiet shift of wind, a subtle swirl of mist, the near silent movement at Monkey’s back as a single word was whispered in his ear. “Yet.”

            Fueled by a feral rage, Monkey spun on his heel and thrust his staff out, slamming it into the demon’s chest with the full force of his wrath.

            But it wasn’t the demon that was struck down. Monkey blinked, then blinked again. First in confusion, then horror as he watched Jen crumple to the ground instead. Staff clattering from his shaking hands, Monkey fell to his knees, gathering the woman into his arms. Everything else faded away, cold dread smothering his anger and leaving him numb.

            There were many things Monkey knew from his time was a warrior. He knew the resilience of demons. He knew the strength of his own weapon. And he knew the fragility of humans. Even as he listened for a heartbeat or felt for breathing, he already knew it was hopeless. There was no pulse in her chest, no breath on her lips, even her skin had started to grow cold.

            Jen was gone. Monkey had sworn to protect her but brought her demise by his own careless hand. Guilt and anguish wracked through him as he clung to her. Quiet, whimpering sobs tore from his throat, tears falling as he begged for forgiveness. He barely even noticed when the demon’s sword pressed against his throat.

            “What a shame,” the demon tutted in mock sympathy. “Seems the kindest thing would be to let you reunite in the afterlife.” He raised his blade then froze, eyes going wide as he let out an ear-piercing screech. The distant rumble grew to a roar, voices calling out too warped and muffled to understand. Wind and mist swirled in the darkness, whipping into a gale as the demon continued to scream, clawing at his chest before collapsing to the ground.

            As the noise grew to fever-pitch and the shadows closed in, Monkey never let go of his companion as darkness overtook him.

...

            “Monkey!”

            He jolted awake, sitting up in a panic. Instantly, his head started to spin, bright light jabbing his eyes while his other senses were overwhelmed. Sky, shouts, grass, blood, mist. Sight, sound, touch, taste, scent. Taking a deep breath, Monkey got a grasp on each one, grounding himself as he forced his eyes open.

            The first thing he saw was Uncle Bajie across the field, his rake whacking something on the ground. Every swing was accompanied by a string of colorful threats and profanities.

            “Hey, welcome back!” The voice in his ear was teasing and painfully familiar. Monkey snapped his head to the side to find Jen watching him with a soft smile. “That nightmare demon got a hit on you but Bajie took care of him. How are you feeling?”

            Monkey couldn’t believe it. He reached out a shaky hand, grasping Jen’s face while his eyes roamed over her, searching for injuries but finding none. A nightmare; just a trick of the mind conjured up by a conniving demon. Even so, it had felt real enough to shake Monkey to the core.

            Jen’s relief quickly shifted to concern when tears filled Monkey’s eyes. “It’s okay; you’re okay now!” she said, trying to comfort him. “Whatever you saw, it wasn’t real.”

             Instead of answering, Monkey grabbed Jen’s hand and pulled her into his lap. He hugged her close, tail looping around her legs and arms cradling her against his chest. Every breath as she spoke, every beat of her heart, every shifting movement was proof she was still alive. Monkey tucked his teary face against Jen’s neck, her scent and warmth a balm for his raw emotions. Slow and soothing, Jen ran her fingers through his fur until his tears ran dry and his worst fears were put to rest.

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Day 3 is worst fears

If you have a creature that induces nightmares on others, you gotta have at least one (1) Worst Fears episode

Worst Fears

Artist: Eric Deschamps Set: Journey Into Nyx

His worst fear is votes

Every time he has died it has been from voting

(Dc comics and Super Power Beat Down)

A sinister crimson peered back at verdant green.  One blink. Two. Every last movement—from the hitching of breath to the smallest involuntary shudder—reflected with perfect clarity.