The Keys: Part 3

The familiar sound of the balcony door sliding open alerted Collin as he looked to the horizon. “Still not sleeping?” Hannah asked looking at Collin.

“Not another test is it?” Collin asked. “All these intense dreams?” 

“Yes and no. You’d have to see for yourself to understand. You could always try more tea.” Hannah stated.

“You know, if this place is so great why does it have so many secrets?” Collin stated

Hannah put a hand to her heart. “I never thought I’d hear you, of all the people, complain so much about your home. What happened to the little Collin, huh? The one who kept Sypher in the arcade for hours, because the pipsqueak elf got lucky again.”

“Life isn’t all arcade games…” Collin stated.

“It was. Along with a bit of drinking, and a little partying.” Hannah recalled. “A board games night or two.”

“Was I supposed to stay content with only that?” Collin replied. “Never wonder what’s outside these walls

Hannah sighed. “I was kind of hoping for that, yes. But I figured it would come to an end sooner or later, never expected it to come so fast though.”

“Well, I guess you’re not the only one keeping things locked away.” Collin rebutted.

“I’m not in charge around here, no matter what everyone else says.” Hannah replied as she began walking back to bed. “But if you’re that annoyed by locked doors maybe try opening a window.” Yawning again as she closed the door behind her.

Collin left shortly after Hannah, stumbling his way through the light crowd before collapsing into his bed.

Darling, you must learn to steal what’s precious in this world. That is your only chance of survival. 
Collin jolted as a woman touched his shoulder. “Oh...umm… forgive me I…” Collin scanned the crowd around while trying to process talking with a voice not his own. 

“Honestly, Martin, enjoy yourself.” A man spoke up. “I mean what are you going to do after you conquered the globe?” A soft voice drowned out the roaring laughter.

“But couldn’t you… it’s just a dinner…” A young girl whispered. Collin felt anger swell into him as he glared at this girl. Watching her sniffle up as she escorts out crying. In a flash of lighting he lay down spiritless on his bed.

“Whatever is wrong mother?” The once warm flower that was his daughter spoke which a chill matched only by her icy stare. “You have to learn to steal what’s precious in this world.” Collin felt himself trying to reach out as his neglected daughter eagerly stepped towards her mother. “It will be your only chance to survive.” Collin lost all sense of time struggling to stay awake. His body becoming a little more lifeless with every blink. His daughter painfully looking over him as she eagerly turned his dreams into nightmares. 

Confusion had become a central state in this man’s life. Why should the duality of his daughter be any different? Was there only one daughter? There must have been 2. No, no he had not had the time for 2. His daughter often acted out when she was younger… A final thought of clarity passed through his mind. Or perhaps the clarity was simply the loving embrace of death, but either way he finally understood. Looking at his daughter with an angry pride as life at long last left him.

Collin bolted out of bed. Panting as he leaned against the wall. A soft voice echoing throughout several floors of the building.

Torture sooouulls, Young and old.

Once. they felt. eeeveeer bold.

Always they raise, and come to fall. 

“Madelyn?” Collin approached.

Here within these ancient walls- “hmm?” Madelyn looked up after the off tone note interrupted her playing. “Oh, Collin! I honestly forgot you might start listening for a change.”

“Did… did everyone here?” Collin looked around at the crowd.

“Oh come on, hun,  not everyone is hiding something from you.” Madelyn stated. “Though a few people here could’ve done without you waking Dreamscape up.” Collin notices a few flinches, and glares in his direction.

“She was only supposed to fight me…” Collin replied.

“Did she seem like the type to follow instruction?” Madelyn rebutted resting her sitar on her shoulders. “Besides, she doesn’t like Thor, and he’s just a big baby when it comes to nightmares.”

“Mostly due to her.” Thor grumbled. 

Madelyn glanced over at Thor. “...She made it worse fair enough..”

“Could we get to the matter at hand?” Collin rebutted.

“No.” She said turning back to Collin. “Sit down. Have a drink or two. I’m not in a fighting mood, even if you were in fighting condition.” Collin wanted to protest but sat down, and Madelyn began again.

Abandoned rot, best forgot.

Once. they felt. forever lost.

Buried deep in all they’re not.

Found when they refused the cost.

Madelyn sang through the night. Softening the rigid air. Words gracefully charging into the walls. Vibrating throughout the floors again. Softly bursting as they traveled. Collin had little choice looking around. The crowd had come for a show, and Madelyn was never one to disappoint.