Hope

A full year has passed since Nightmare and I said goodbye to our parents. Things were hard at first, I needed some time to myself before coming back to my own body. Nightmare and I had long talks about moving forward with our existence with each other. In the end we came to an understanding.

One of the first things we did as leaders was reconstruct the main building where those of us who were brought here against our will were tortured to live for years and in my case days. As a group we decided to make a communal bath house that has a divider along with a gym next door.

Those of us who knew how to fight taught the others self defense. With the knowledge that we gained from the mercenaries before we sent them away Nightmare and I taught everyone how to fight. Everyone practiced daily while others practiced intensely, with the exception of two fighting almost daily.

Aside from that love has bloomed on the island. Emilia and Alexia have been dating for awhile now, Hannah finally noticed Ben's affections for her, Eric and Shelly are still going strong, and there have been some eyes coming mine and Nightmare's way. Ed actually confessed to me a few days ago. In response I asked for a few days to think. He's the first person to have ever confessed having a crush directed at me. While it did make me feel special in a way I've never really had the chance to feel this way ever. It scared me in a way thinking of getting close to someone in a romantic way. One of the reasons I worry is that about 6 months ago I had a bad dream that Dennis shared with me that night. We talked about it when the morning came, neither one of us knew or saw clear details, except we did feel a sense of dread coming our way in the near distant future.

The only solace I've found is doing yoga completely alone in the morning and depending on the day at night as well. Nightmare has learned to astral project to give me some private time, which I really appreciated. We've even experimented on using different powers that others have here, they and I don't think this is something we should be able to do.

Hearing the sound of footsteps coming my way I turned to see Hannah on her way to me, "Breakfast is ready." Taking a moment to ask, "Do you ever get tired of coming to tell me that?" She just shrugged before saying, "I don't mind, gotta burn the carbs some way." Tilting my head to gesture fair enough Hannah and I had a playful race to the main area. Beating her by a mile again Hannah yelled 'Augh!' as she got to my side.

Walking in to see everyone smiling and enjoying the new day brought a smile of my own. It feels like everything has finally come to a good place I thought. Nightmare saw me heading to our chair they pulled the chair out for me to sit as he seeped into our shadow. After everyone finished and began to clean up Nightmare and I decided to take a stroll throughout the island.

Finding a spot to sit down we could hear the sound of someone making their way to us. "Anything you want to talk about Mat?", I asked turning to see him. He came to sit in front of me to say, "I've come on behalf of Ed, he's been a little off for a few days." Looking down at my hands I remembered that night vividly.

Ed had asked to see me in private and officially alone for the first time since we became free. Ed and I sat at the beach, made some small talk trying to avoid any awkwardness. He ended up confessing his feelings for me while holding my hands in his. I told Ed I needed some time to think and tried to let him down easy. Ed said that he'd wait for a few days incase I come to a decision to try to see him in a romantic way. It's not that I didn't notice Ed's glances when he thought I wasn't looking or heard his very loud thoughts at times.

Looking back up at Mat I replied, "Ed did give me some time to think about having a romantic relationship with him. I was trying to let him down easy cause I care for Ed and all of you. I've just had this nagging feeling that something bad is coming our way." Mat touches my fingers gently as his eyes soften while he says, "Z from what you and I have talked about I know you've spent most of your life running and this is still new to you and the rest of us as well. Do you think you might be being paranoid as to not think about what to tell Ed?" Letting out a heavy sigh my shoulders slumped slightly, hearing Nightmare say I told you so. In frustration I hit my head with my palm hard enough to make him say Hey.

Mat must've seen my smirk to ask, "Nightmare giving you sass again?" After letting off a little chuckle I replied, "Did your sisters teach you how to be a good listener?" Mat replied with a chuckle, "Kind of, I've always been more of a listener than a talker." Taking a look into Mat's eyes, I noticed that there's been a sparkle there for awhile now. Since everyone has been truly free that's when I first noticed the spark.

"What's making you so happy now?", he asked. Blurting out the first thing that comes to mind, "I like your eyes. There's been this spark in them since the day we all finally became free. You seem really happy and it makes me feel good." Watching his whole face begin to turn red I looked away trying to fight the smirk forming on my face. As he was beginning to hide his embarrassment I changed the subject by asking, "Speaking of your sisters, how are they?" Mat follows my eye line to respond, "They're good, the youngest is already in college. Mom is so proud of her, they all send me emails. I'm overjoyed to have them all back in my life. You know I have you thank for that." Turning to him with a smile I said, "I have you to thank for all of this, non of this would've happened without you." A drop of sorrow touched his eyes as he said, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be talking about them to you." Reaching out to give his hand a gently squeeze I replied, "It's ok Mat, I really am happy that you are still able to talk and be with your family."

Hearing the sound of running feet coming our way I said, "Hannah's coming." She immediately stopped in front of us to say, "Lunch is ready." Hannah took a quick look at our hands and then gave me a look while she thought I always wondered. Mat caught that look to ask, "What just happened?" I explained what Hannah thought and saw as we walked to the main area. As we got closer Mat and I saw Ed waiting for us just outside the door. There was a look of relief when he saw that Mat and I weren't holding hands. Ed even held the door open for us. Finishing the meal I heard Ed send me a thought Can we talk tonight? I responded quickly Sure.

As the sun set I asked Nightmare to leave so Ed knows that it'll be a strictly private conversation. The second we felt Ed coming our way Nightmare left our body. Looking up at Ed he extended his hands for me to take. Ed held my hands tightly as he looked deeply into my eyes. Feeling his unease I said softly, "Ed I want to thank you for giving me some time to think." Being so nervous he replies with just a nod. Keeping hold of his hands I could feel his emotional turmoil. Looking into his kind eyes I saw all Ed's memories of me, especially the recent ones. It really did take a lot of courage for him to tell me everything a few nights ago.

With a deep breathe I was getting ready to respond when a skull crushing migraine hit me. Feeling my body seize up I could barely hear let alone feel Ed anymore. Everything turned black as if I was going into the void. Unknown images flooded my mind, most of them were in a lab setting, there was a name mentioned Dr. Spring, there were some beings that looked like me and a few others, then I saw some of them using abilities that matched our own, hearing Replacement at the end of the vision.

The premonition was gone as quickly as it came. The pain faded away slowly. Opening my eyes to see Emilia looking down at me I could hear her asking, "Z, Z, Z can you hear me." In a raspy voice I say, "Yeah, I can hear you." Nicolas was looking down at me carefully. Emilia began to check my pulse and breathing. Nicolas said, "Everything seems to be ok." Seeing Gabriel and Ed nearby I asked, "Is Dennis ok?" Ed let out an exhausted laugh before saying, "Only you would worry about someone else beside yourself."

Emilia had a sense that I was ok yet she asked, "It looked like you were having a seizure. Ed yelled for help then I came running, Nicolas and Gabriel followed me here." Taking a look at all of them I said, "Thanks for coming and worrying about me. I feel better now, how's Dennis? He's probably in more pain than I am."

Everyone watched me get up slowly to make sure I meant what I said. Feeling Nightmare analyze the images from the vision I left him alone for the time being. Officially on my feet I said, "Something bad is coming our way, I need to talk with everyone." Watching them as a group continue to monitor me I said with authority, "Emilia, Gabriel, and Nicolas go help Dennis and bring the others here now. Ed will stay here with me." He told through thought Z I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you in the hall, but I'm glad that I'm here now. Watching the others leave I looked at Ed out of the corner of my eye to say, "I know, thank you." I took his hand tightly.

It took only a few a moments to get everyone on the beach. Seeing Dennis lean against Gabriel with Emilia close by I knew he was in good hands. Taking a moment to look everyone in the eye, I mainly saw trust with a hint of worry. Collecting my thought on what to say Nightmare whispered to me You've got this. Taking in a deep breathe I said loudly, "Thank you all for gathering here so quickly. A few moments ago I had a premonition. While that is not my forte I saw very disturbing images." There was a quiet murmur. Ashe took the chance to ask, "What kind of images?" Taking a quick look into his eyes there was still worry along with strength.

Looking at no one for long I continued, "I saw labs, scientists working, a name being called out 'Dr. Spring', and then I saw beings what looked like a few of us. They had some of our powers to an extent. From what I saw they used shadows to mimic our power, although it wasn't as powerful. I even saw one that is the spitting image of myself."

A heavy silence fell. I could hear all their thoughts as loudly as I could hear Nightmare in my head. A tall man stepped forward to ask, "What's the plan?" Knowing the name of that deep voice I met Kevin's eyes to say, "As of right now I'm going to try to find out where that lab is located. To do so I'll need to be left alone, unless it is an emergency do not touch my body or call out my name. In the meantime all of you should get some sleep if you can, those of you who can't take shifts to make sure the island is safe. Take shifts to make sure non of you are compromised by insomnia. With that all of you are dismissed."

Everyone left except Ed and Kevin walked away. Continuing to hold Ed's hand I heard Kevin think I know you can hear me and if what you say is true we need to talk. Replying I need a moment.

Looking into Ed's worried eyes I asked, "Do you trust me?" He didn't skip a beat to reply, "With my life." Taking his other hand I said, "Close your eyes." As he did so I used our shadows to create a barrier. Giving his hands a little squeeze I said, "You can open your eyes now." Ed opened his eyes to see me and then look around at our surroundings. "Where are we?", he asked curiously. Responding, "Nightmare and I have been working on our powers. No one can hear or see us, all Kevin sees is a big black ball where we were standing at." Ed looked down at me again to ask, "Is Nightmare in the void right now?" "Yeah he is", I said while nodding.

"Is he hearing us now?"

"No, he's trying to track down the mercenaries and scientists as we speak."

"Ok, you scared me earlier", he gave my hands a squeeze while saying that.

"I know, hell it scared me, too", I returned the squeeze.

"Z, I'm still scared. Now more than ever."

"You and me both Ed."

"Z I know now isn't the best time, but we don't know when or if we'll have another chance to talk like this. What are your thoughts about you and I being together?"

"Ed I was going to say that we could give dating a try. That was before though. Right now is not the time for romance. I need to figure out what to do."

"I understand fully, it still hurts to be rejected-"

"No, no Ed I'm not trying to reject you. I'm trying to ask if you'll be patient with me. Like I said 'right now is not the time for romance' so if you're willing to wait for whatever is coming our way to die down then we could try going on a date."

"Oh, oh, sorry I've been preparing myself for a rejecting all this time."

"Huff, Ed you're one of the first guys I trusted when they brought me here. I care very deeply about you and the others. Although I will admit you and Mat have a special place in my heart."

"I'm really happy to hear that Z", Ed said with a sweet smile forming. Feeling one form on my own lips I asked, "This is going to sound stupid, yet due to the fact that we may not get another chance like this I have to ask; do you want to kiss me?" Seeing Ed blush as he replied, "Yes I would, as long as its what you want, too." Giving his hands a gentle tug I watched him get flushed and begin to lower his head as his eyes closed. Getting on my toes I began to close my eyes as our lips grew closer until they finally touched.

Thinking to myself What do I do? This is my first kiss. Ed let go of my hands to place one hand at the nape of my neck gently while the other wrapped around my waist. We kissed tenderly for an unknown amount of time I could hear Ed's thoughts Yyyyeeessss aw their lips are so soft. Feeling Ed smile caused me to do so as well even as I slowly pulled away.

With a little giggle I buried my head against his chest. "Was that your first kiss?", Ed had to ask. Pulling back slightly in his arms I replied, "Yes." With another smile he asked while cupping my cheek, "Was it everything you thought it'd be?" Taking his hand to kiss his palm I said, "That and more." As I let go of his hand he used it to tilt my chin up to kiss my forehead. With a heavy sigh I say, "I really don't want you to go." Ed pulled me into a tight hug to say, "I really wish we could stay here, too. I'll be close by just to keep you safe." I said against his chest, "Thanks, I really appreciate that."

Letting him go slowly I gave his hands one last squeeze as the barrier began to fall. Finding Kevin again this time closer than before he commented, "Took you long enough." Ed let out a deep growl from his throat, I could tell what shape he intends on taking. Looking up into Kevin's deep blue eyes I asked, "I'm guessing you have some insight to offer?"

"That I do", he said returning the gaze. Relaxing my body I said, "Do you plan on telling me anytime soon?" Kevin replies, "I know who Dr. Spring is." Feeling my eyes widen I ask, "How?" "With what you mentioned about the vision it could only be Dr. Elena Spring. She's a biomedical prodigy. I once took a lecture with her as a guest star. After that I read all her articles that were published before being attacked." With raised eyebrows I say, "That's a hell of a memory you have there." Kevin replied, "I've always had a photographic memory. If Dr. Spring is actually involved she'll have some very deep pockets and cutting edge tech." Taking a moment to think I heard Nightmare say I think I may have heard of her before. Responding with From where? Nightmare said with certainty Edgar, I remember him and the others trying to talk with her and other Drs. Feeling my eyes narrow I thought Check to see if that's the case and don't move until I'm there. Kevin asked, "Everything ok with Nightmare?"

Tilting my head I asked with another question, "You would know this how?" He took a step closer to say, "I make it a point to people watch, whenever you and Nightmare are having an inner dialog your eyes get the slightest bit cloudy." I asked, "Is there anything else you want talk about?" His only response is to shake his head. Taking a step back I said, "With that being the case I'll need a moment to find that lab. You can stay if you like, I'll just need you to be completely silent."

Taking a few side steps I sat down, closed my eyes, took some deep breathes, while finding Nightmare. Feeling my astral form leave my body I moved faster than anything ever should. I found Nightmare watching Edgar sleep. Once they felt my presence I told them Give me a moment I want to make him suffer. Nightmare replied Have fun, I'm going to check out the rest of the building. Keeping myself hidden I watched Edgar toss and turn in his sleep. Feeling his terror building, hearing his thoughts, just watching him wasn't enough.

A wicked grin stretched across my face making his body weight increase until his eye lids fluttered opened. His eyes found me immediately, slowly getting closer I used Mat's voice to say, "You aren't going to make a sound." Holding back a cackle as I watched him squirm under my gaze. Reaching his side I leaned over to whisper into his ear, "Seeing you like this makes that whole day being tortured by Nurse Ratchet worth it." Hearing him begin to whimper as tears started to flow I said, "Sleep." Edgars eyes closed as his body began to toss and turn again. Leaving him there to suffer I reached out to Nightmare Where are you? They replied I'm in the lab, you better get here.