Nightmare Mythos

'What?'

Almost tripping himself after hearing that piece of news, Cesar was genuinely shocked and agitated. He might not have believed Erin in the first place if not for the fact that the corruption had already tainted some part of his neck.

There was a solid proof to show.

Even so, Cesar was feeling angry to Erin for not telling anyone about his condition. For sure, there were other ways to use to determine the right method to somehow treat it but nothing.

He kept it for himself.

"Why are you sad? It's not like we've known each other for… years. Yes, this is just… a forced situation where the choice one has is to have no choice but to do this,"

Cesar wanted to say something but his inner desire for surviving their ordeal took over. Yes, he was feeling guilty but it was Erin's actions that led to this and no one forced him to.

He felt bad and that's it.

'Tsk, it fucking sucks though...'

Slash–!

As the tingling sensation coursed through their bodies, only Quentin could see the full horror the Nightmare was inflicting. No matter how many times it happened already, grippled with fear, the only they could accomplish was to run.

Run while thinking the camouflage will hold on.

Swoosh–!

Cesar felt his face being filled with blood from Erin. Removing it with his hands from time to time, he was gritting his teeth while using every ounce of his strength left.

His other main problem now was his dwindling stamina. Carrying Erin only made it worse, as his legs grew weaker, threatening to give out from exhaustion at any moment. Even a brief stop could leave him momentarily unable to walk.

Whoosh!

The Nightmare's frustration with the group began to show as its force intensified and doubled. They could feel it on their skin, the tingling sensation growing heavier, deadlier, and more terrifying like a reminder.

Others who didn't know the situation and health of their teammate as they continued on their way could only wish to themselves that the camouflage would be able to hold on.

This might be a selfish request to have, but for them to not die, Erin must hold on.

Screech!

Hearing the piercing scream of the Nightmare, which didn't affect much of the group, the Nightmare started using more violence. Spreading its darkness while isolating the group within it, ethereal hands, feet, disoriented, and convoluted weapons manifested and attacked the camouflage simultaneously.

Rustle—!

On his side, Cesar couldn't help but shiver once one of Erin's hands had fallen on his shoulder, soaked in his own blood. Cesar wanted to see his situation but Erin forced him not to look.

"Eyes forward, rookie."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity and not knowing how much it took for them to cross that great distance in a matter of a dozen minutes, the cohort finally left the shade of the candelabra.

Staying within its shadows throughout their marathon while being in the relentless pursuit of the Nightmare brought inexplicable horror within them. Because being exposed to it gave them shivers.

"You can… release me. I'll continue controlling my power… while you guys escape," Erin chuckled before adding, "The Nightmare didn't seem to like the fact of its prey… escaping. It continued to attack us still…"

His words sounded like a ridiculous whisper that was mumbled in Cesar's ears but it was true.

The Nightmare, even though it was already a hundred meters away from its abode had continued to chase them, leaving its throne exposed even though nothing was being threatened by it.

Thinking that its 'obsession' with the candelabra would leave them aside, their plan was to escape it.

But it wasn't working.

"Why?! The Nightmare isn't leaving us alone!"

Quentin was the confirmation they needed to wake them up that this marathon would not end just by merely getting out from the candelabra.

If they have the strength to reach the end of the table, this will continue.

And the 'If' statement was the greatest and most laughable thing that will never happen this time.

"Rookie—"

"Sir, please shut the fuck up…"

Cesar tightened his clutches towards Erin's legs, afraid that he'd jump to himself no matter how many times he disagreed with his ridiculous idea.

Erin had already done enough for them. At the very least he could do was not give him an unnatural and disgusting death by baiting him to the monsters outside of his power.

But Erin spoke once more, his voice slightly different from before.

"Cesar Sparrow. This is an order,"

A hoarse voice demanded to be put down that only Cesar could do was shudder in fear and glance back.

His gaze froze.

The one he was carrying didn't look like Erin any longer. At his back was a hideous creature with a deformed mouth covered in ashen skin due to the black smoke that had spread throughout his face. His eyes were black, completely blinded by the darkness that corrupted his well-being.

Cesar drew a slight fearful gasp, afraid that the corruption might affect him. After all, there are some cases of corruption that are physically transmitted, while some cases that it isn't.

"Bring me down or you'll get it as well," Erin spoke amiably, no fear mixed in his voice.

As if he was ready to face whatever was coming his way, Erin seemed dead set of leaving himself at this table as the group made their way forward.

Cesar clicked his tongue, his shoulders surrendering at the fact of not being able to do anything before extending his hand at him, "Give me your tag, sir."

Erin stared at Cesar before letting out a chuckle, "How thoughtful of you,"

Erin grabbed the dog tag placed around his neck and snapped it right out before handing it over to Cesar. He also gave his artifact, Source of Light that might be useful for their continuous marathon.

"I can give you a minute or so to distance yourself from the Nightmare and its underlings. I'll distract it as much as possible so…" Erin paused, "So don't look back,"

Cesar clenched his fist while biting his lips tightly and it started to bleed before nodding once. Once he got the affirmation from Cesar, Erin nodded once before ordering him once again.

"Let go of me,"

With a twisted face, Cesar's hand was visibly shaking as he was hesitant about his actions, and guilt started taking over them.

"I said let go!"

But when a sudden, unfamiliar shout came from the corrupted Erin on his back, clearly different from the ones before, Cesar quickly let his arms go and dropped him to the ground.