{Open} Another day, another nightmare

[The Nothing]

Across the blood-red fields it flew, wings pushing down with powerful muscles, feathers blown by the wind, eyes as red as the field below it. The Nothing had taken the form of a raven, and his keen eyes watched the beings below him. Nothing could escape his wrathful gaze, and as his eyes wandered from person to person, the being would shiver and look up fearfully. Where he went, people knew. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

Coming upon a forest, most of the trees with dead and rotting limbs, no leaves hanging from these dismal branches, he landed on one and let out a shrill caw, his eyes watching as his call was answered. A few of his followers came meekly forward, bowing low and not daring to look directly at him. He had no reason to call them forward, nothing for them to do, just simply because he could. For most of these creatures, they only feared one thing. Him. It felt good to be feared.

He jumped from the branch and swooped to the ground, his form changing to that of a demon, standing just over six feet, his blue hair blowing in the cold wind, as his feet gracefully landed on the dirt. He had been restless these past few days, no attacks from the Sandmen had made him rather bored. It was about time he made one on them, then. Perhaps then they would realize that it was hopeless. As long as there were dreams, there would be nightmares, and as long as there were nightmares, The Nothing would be. And he wasn't going to stop his pursuit of power simply because a few good guys told him he was being naughty.

Each moment he could feel the power pulsing through his veins, fear from all the children stuck in his twisted world bringing him closer to his goal, closer to the day that he would finally step into the real world; and it would be his. Just as in a nightmare, none could escape his grip, his snare, their terror was his power, and as the days passed he could feel, he could feel as he was growing stronger. Not too much longer now... Not too much longer at all.

[Angelline Devorez]

Alexis had been wandering in the forest bored with the lack of sandman activities, Morridon was at her side, the nightmare panther talking with her, bored like her. Sighing she had sat on a dead tree stump with moss growing on it. A light breeze brushed her wings, rustling the black feathers and looking at them she glared her silver eyes burning with intense hatred. If that hadn't of happened maybe then I wouldn't be a fallen angel, but the perfect angel I once was,[/i] she thought as she turned to face forward.

Morridon sensed her mood and sat down. He was a being made up from nightmares, he did not comfort, he only inflicted pain and fear on those who he was called upon to attack. Tail flicking from side to side, his deep ebony eyes surveyed the brooding figure of the one who had created him. Alexis was about to break the surrounding trees in her annoyance when she heard the call of her master...The Nothing.

Standing she unfurled her wings with an abrupt snap and took to the sky. Morridon thrilled to finally be moving jumped up and ran after her retreating figure. Alexis could feel the call in her bones as well as the gathering power that was spiraling into a point somewhere in the dead and rotting forest. Seeing the crowd along with a tall, powerful demon with blue hair she landed and bowed in respect. She feared him, but mixed in with the fear was deep respect. Morridon sat at the edge of the crowd watching, wondering what would happen now.

[The Nothing]

It seemed a few stronger beings were among the meek, worthless ones today. A fallen angel, and her companion. He watched them evenly as the angel bowed, before turning his gaze somewhere else. His left hand formed a fist as he thought of the Sandmen, and he released it as he began pacing. Yes, there had been a definite inactivity on their part lately, and it was almost unnerving. Perhaps they were planning something, or had they just simply given up? No, they wouldn't do that. They had been fighting against him for too long to just give up. They must be planning something. Well then, it was up to them to stop it. It was about time they made the first strike.

Underlings, it is time we organized an attack on the Sandmen.

He never spoke out loud, but instead he telepathed, spoke in their heads, and unlike most would think, his voice was not terrifying at all. It was powerful, to be sure, but it wasn't scratchy or deep throated, it didn't sound like some sort of monster, but it struck fear into the Nothing army all the same. Everything he did caused them fear. Well, mostly everything, but he wasn't going to stop making them fear him, because being feared was what made him strong.

It has been too long since they have last started a battle. They are planning something, and we must stop them.

By we, he meant them, of course. He rarely ever dirtied his hands with matters such as these, although he did so love watching them. He would always lead them into battle, inspiring motivation in his own army, and terror in both. He loved walking through the battlefield after, with the dead bodies soaking their blood into the thirsty ground, the faces of his foes empty and staring. Soon they would realize that it was a hopeless cause. There was no way to rid the world of The Nothing. For light there must be darkness, for bravery there must be fear, for dreams there must be nightmares. The world was in perfect balance, and without one there could not be the other. That was why he was planning, when he had taken over both worlds, to keep a few Sandmen as slaves. Just in case. He didn't want to jeopardize his world domination, now did he.

[Angelline Devorez]

Alexis smirked as her master talked about starting a battle. It had been so long since she had caused someone pain. She was a being that delighted in others pain, it stemmed from the fact that she could not control the pain she herself felt. As she controlled how much pain another felt it gave her a surge of satisfaction. Thus whenever she was out and about she would usually find a sandman to torture, but a low class member of the Nothing Army would do just fine, but she tended not to torture them, after all they needed as many members as could be to grow stronger.

She flapped her wings once in excitment at the thought of seeing their blood run. Rivers of sorrow and pain, flavored with the essence of broken dreams that could be twisted into nightmares of the strongest sort. Alexis could create a few nightmares, but when she did they weren't as strong as she wanted them to be. Morridon was a result of countless nightmares she had created over the time span of two years. But with the blood running freely she might be able to create a few painful nightmares that could be unleashed on someone.

Morridon. Are you prepared? she asked her companion. The panther came from the outskirts of the crowd snapping at a few who thought that they could take him on. Once he reached her side he lay down on all four paws. I am ready mistress.

Good. Closing her eyes she took stock of how much power she had at the moment. She didn't want to lose all her power, just enough that she could inflict pain.

[The Nothing]

A smirk tugged at his lips as more creatures appeared, hearing his call for battle. This was good. The crowd was now rather large, consisting of probably more than a hundred different sort of beings that supported The Nothing, but they would need more. They would need many more if they wanted to attack the Sandmen and their followers. Many of the nightmare creatures were weak, disposable, used mostly to attack in waves to tire out the enemy before sending in the real troops, and this was good. But he would need more if this was going to work.

Each wave consisted of nearly one hundred weaker beings, fighting together to become slightly stronger, although not as strong as they would need to be to defeat the Sandmen.Unusually about half of each wave was killed off, and he liked to send out atleast six or seven waves, so that by the time he sent out his real fighters, the enemy was too weak to take them on. this meant that he needed perhaps slightly more than fifty strong fighters, added in with the leftovers from the wave attacks, so that would be more than enough. But they would need time. Wars were not a spur of the moment sort of thing.

We must be prepared, mustn't rush into a battle too quickly. There must be more for the army before we can do anything else.

He turned to a rather large group of the weaker kind of underling.

You, find more to join the battle. Train yourselves. Be ready in a week's time. Do not disappoint me.

He spoke only to them, no one else could hear his command. Then he waved his hand slightly, and they dispersed, running off in all different directions, to gather more members of the army. He turned to everyone who was left, just a bit less than half the original group.

The battle will take place in a week's time. Until then, prepare yourselves in any way you deem necessary. Do not disappoint me.

He stood silently as he watched some of the group break off and leave, to go get ready for the battle. He knew that they would be too afraid of the consequences to not train themselves hard, but even if they were not their strongest by the week's end, they would still come of use to him. There could always be more disposables in a war.

[Angelline Devorez]

((lol nice post))

Alexis watched as most of the beings that had gathered dispersed. Wondering what that would mean she suddenly heard his voice in her head again. The battle will take place in a week's time. Until then, prepare yourselves in any way you deem necessary. Do not dissapoint me.

She smiled and nodded her head. Standing up she watched as some of the beings left dissapeared to train. Walking till she stopped in front of The Nothing she once more went to her knees. "Sire. Is there anything that I can do during this week of training? My power is at your service and those that I command," she said referring to Morridon and herself. Her other nightmares had already been unleashed into the real world, but in a weeks time she would be strong enough to send out more.

((sorry really short post ><))

[Izzy Trance]

Azazel approached the Nothing.... "Sir if i may interject. Instead of useless casualties why not send me instead. I've hidden among the sandmen before, why not now? Just for a little bit? if i cant figure out what they're planning I'll leave immediately... I promise sir..."

[Izzy Trance]

that was a short post...

[The Nothing]

The Nothing looked over at the fallen angel who walked over to him, kneeled, and spoke. Anything she could do? Well there were tons of things that needed to be done, but most of those included various forms of becoming stronger. She seemed like she would be of value anyways, and so she didn't need to train as much, like the weaker ones did. He thought for a moment. He knew there were always patrols at the border so they could never completely surprise the Sandmen, but if they didn't know about the attack until then, they would be far less prepared. When he spoke it was just to her, no one else would hear.

You can be a scout. Make sure no one on the other side knows what's going on. If someone finds out, I trust you know what to do.

He looked over at the other being, who had just come up and spoken to him as well. He knew this being; a loyal servant who was indeed a valuable asset to the army. He was as good a shape shifter as The Nothing himself, maybe even better (although he never would admit it) because this other being had a different aura, and was not as easily noticeable. Even under a shifted form, The Nothing was nearly always found out, simply because of the strong aura that radiated from him. Again when he spoke to this being, no one could hear it but him.

You may go to their land and find out what they are planning. If you have the opportunity, stop whatever it is before coming back. If you do so, the battle will be postponed and you will be rewarded justly. I know you won't disappoint me.

He then waved his hand dismissively and spoke to them both.

Now go, but remember. One week.

Then he turned on his heel and began walking through the forest, back to the castle.

[Angelline Devorez]

A feral grin spread over Alexis' features as she bowed her head low. She would accomplish this assignment with pride, and she would have fun toying with the Sandmen who got in her way. She had already encountered a few Sandmen and had the pleasure of causing them great damage, although she had been hurt as well she could take the physical pain much more, but could they?

Standing she lifted her head a fraction so that her eyes could be seen. They were a dark crimson color as her bloodlust took over. "I will not fail master," she whispered and looking over to the other being who had come she nodded. Both had obviously been given a mission and she cared not what, as long as it was carried out and fear and chaos could be spread. "I wish you luck in your mission whomever you are," she said. Spreading her wings she took flight. Alexis was off to the Border...but first.

Morridon. Scout. A faint reply came back from the panther and she smiled gaining speed. "The Nothing will prevail. All beings are not without fear, it is the dominant emotion in all."

[Izzy Trance]

"Thank you master you will not be dissapointed." Azazel knelt again. "My life for the nothing." He pledged and turned to the other being. "Hmm i need not luck. But you may. Good luck." He Turned around and changed shape into a raven and took off towards the border. He thought of what his cover would be... A new sandman? No they would notice him amongst their ranks. No... He must apply to the sandmen army as a new dreamer.... Yes indeed that would work....He chuckled but in raven form it came out as a sinister cawing sound.

[Paisley]

A dark figure sat perched in a tree through the brief meeting that had just passed. The girls name was Alares, a loyal member of The Nothing's army. She sat in the tree, watching the meeting and listening intently for the commands The Nothing gave directed to include her.
When The Nothing was finished, she waited for the crowd to disperse, able to see for a long range from her position.
When The Nothing began his trek through the forest, she followed, moving swiftly and quietly, though one so powerful as her master was could detect her coming.
She dropped to the ground, landing lightly.
She kneeled low on one knee, bowing her head in submission.
"Sire."
She spoke aloud in a deep, admiring voice; herself being a lesser being to that of The Nothing, not fit to have the pleasure of speaking directly to him in mind as he did to his followers.
She looked up with only her eyes, remaining in the same position till the time came, if he wished, to grant her permission to stand in his presence.

Alares had been a loyal follower of The Nothing for as long as she remembered, living for that purpose alone and gave her master the highest respect.
She herself, only bowed to him and no other.
Alares was of a higher status than many in the army, but still she observed him as a much higher being of whom she was unworthy of adressing as she would another in the army, more so than many of the weaklings who should be on all fours grauveling at The Nothings feet in thanks that he allowed them to live let alone be in his presence.

[The Nothing]

Moving swiftly and silently through the forest, his feet made no sound as they crushed the fallen leaves beneath him, his cloak made no noise as it dragged ever so slightly against the ground. Beneath his hood a long, almost elven ear twitched as he heard a sound. Whether it was out loud, or just a thought, he had heard something and could feel the presence of something nearing.

Just before she dropped to the ground in front of him, he stopped moving, and as she landed and knelt he looked down upon her evenly, his dark eyes watching her form as she spoke. Yes, she was a smart one. She was one of the few he tolerated, and she was a value to the Army. Although he did not take it upon himself to know, nor did he care to remember, anyone's name, but there were a few people who left somewhat of an impression on him. Alares was, for the most part, one of those people.

He waved his hand in a gesture that she may stand, just a small movement, but coming from The Nothing it meant much more. It was incredible enough that he hadn't just killed her for sneaking up on him, even though she would have known she would not surprise him. But it would not be in his best interest to remove her; she was a strong warrior, and had been one of his most loyal followers.

He inclined his head, a motion so small that it would go unnoticed by anyone but the most observative, before he began to walk again. An invitation for her to walk with him, but he would not waste his time in one place when he had things to do.

[Paisley]

A pleasureful gleam played in her eyes in seeing his motioning for her to stand and walk with him. Though it was merely a small movement, she knew this was not to be taken lightly. Being allowed this, to her, was a great privilege that she highly valued.

"Thank you sire, it is an honor... My deepest apologies for approaching you in such a manner."
Alares spoke as she rose from her crouching position to walk beside him. She spoke aloud though not loudly rather than telepathically as she was capable of doing and did with many others in the army; she herself, being a lower being to that of which The Nothing was found herself unworthy of speaking to him through mind alone.

"Though it was not without reason."

She walked quietly keeping up with his pace, though unable to achieve the soundless movement that he did so effortlessly.

[The Nothing]

An honour? Of course it was an honour, to be in his presence alone, let alone walk with him. Especially when he had so many things on his mind. He didn't waste his time, ever. He knew she must have a good reason for disturbing him. Or rather, she had better have a good reason, or someone (her) would end up getting hurt. The Nothing was not a patient, or merciful being. Ah, but then she spoke again, telling him she did indeed have a reason, but failing to enlighten him on what that reason actually was. Perhaps she was waiting for him to show interest, or some other such emotion that would imply that he was listening.

And what, exactly, was this reason?

He didn't even try to make it sound like he was interested. The simple fact that he had bothered to ask about it would show that he was. As was previously mentioned, he did not waste his time. He was quite a straight-forward being. If he was planning on killing someone, they would get killed. If he was planning on attacking the Sandmen, they would get attacked. He didn't do anything without a good reason. Or an evil reason. Depending on your point of view.

He walked in silence for a moment, awaiting her answer, and as he did so a thought came to him. It was not all that long until Hallow's Eve, the one day in the year the beings in the dream world could enter the real world. He smirked. He was not able to enter the real world because he was not connected to a dreamer. But his minions could. And once there, they would be able to attack the other dreamers. The Sandman ones. Ah, but the simple fact was they didn't know who each dreamer was. If they did, the Sandmen would have been wiped out far sooner, and The Nothing would not be trapped in this world of dreams. He was the only one who could never leave, always here in this pathetic excuse for a kingdom. After centuries of being trapped in one place, anyone would want to leave.