Will'O the Wisp

They were to watch; It was their purpose, their delight, their obsession.

Opposite them in silent vigil, was the subject of that obsession, creature of Shadow birthed of dark light. In this way, we, viewers of this voyeuristic duet, were another part of this performance of viewership, a trifecta complete.

It was my job at the facility to monitor this careful balance. After having discovered them we were acutely aware of the sheer power locked away and in bondage. It seemed to me that the shadow creature seemed poised to begin a dance, arms raised feet cocked; ready to dip into a flourish and twist away into The ether. Soon that was the only thought I could really have on the matter, the creature was clearly a dancer and a performance that would never begin.

It was when I began to dream about this at home that I began to worry. In my dreams it would begin its dancing flurry, but with the sheer force of its powerful beautiful movements it would set fire to the air itself. It would char and burn and push away the eyes that held it in its lock step the creature would dance faster and faster until in my own eyes I began to feel the burning.

The next day I reported my finding to my supervisors, and was immediately taken off of observation duty. Their solution to the problem, solution being more a matter of opinion, was to rotate out the guards, the viewers, in the hope that our dreams would slip aside.

It was hard to focus on my new work as in the lunchrooms, hallways, and water coolers I began to hear a growing continuity about the creature of Shadow. Some viewed it as a demon chained to the wall and pressed down by the steely gaze of its observers. Some viewed it as a regal jester, raising jokes to a captive audience.

Yet still in my dreams it danced, and it seemed the only true answer.

It wasn't long until observation of the creature was outright banned. And soon after that still, talk of the creature was banned as well. However, that felt worse, to have this secret, this truth burning deep within me. I knew in my heart that others did not share this truth and it chafed my aching soul.

I could see it in their eyes, the laughter, the fire. It was all a secret we shared; and yet it was a truth that no one else believed. Still, it was better to have someone trying to change your mind than someone who denied your very existence. We began to meet in secret, to whisper our truths to one another.

It wasn't long until we realized it had become a talent show of sorts. Some sang, some told jokes, one man even juggled. Me I danced of course.

It was wonderful and freeing, I never felt connected to more people in my life. Our little secret club grew and grew- even people who had never seen the creature itself had come and begun theorizing and performing for us as well.

When I looked into the eyes of my compatriots, my friends I could see the creature in Shadow staring back at us; and I realized it was too late.