The sheets were like manacles wrapped tightly around his waist at arms. All the tossing and turning that Vicente had done in bed had effectively trapped him in a web. And there was no better metaphor for his current situation. While flailing around, struggling with the images and dreams that invaded his sleep, Vicente did feel like little more than a bug; a bug that was trapped with absolutely no way out. No matter how he squirmed, how he maneuvered, there was no escaping the bombardment that his mind went through.

Needless to say, it was not appreciated.

Slowly, though, he began to calm, his forehead dotted with sweat and his muscles achy from the excursion, but there was still no sign of him waking up, sadly. As much as he struggled, he just couldn’t find the will to wake up. What made it worse was that the dreams persisted. They haunted him to no end.

Eventually Vicente would wake up, but only when the dream wanted to release him. For the time being, he was caught, peering through the darkness, shying away at images that he didn’t understand or didn’t want to understand. In any case, it was a painful experience. But what made it worse was the fact that none of it made any sense. Was he supposed to know these images? Were they clues to a damaged mind that could no longer remember a past?

He didn’t know. He didn’t even comprehend such a thought. Instead, all he could do was lie there, succumbing to the dreams that tore at the back of his eyes. He didn’t want to see them anymore, but in the end, he knew he had no choice…

>> "...Vicente...? What would have happened to Gregory.. after he died, according to your religion... ?"[/color]

>> “He fell in battle…according to my religion, a fallen warrior has earned the right to follow the path of the sun, to help illuminate the rest of the world…At death, his soul, his…essence…would be shaped into that of a hummingbird. And with other fallen warriors, he would then follow the path to the sun and finally live amongst the stars in the upper plane. He earned that.”[/color]

Who is that? Who are these voices?!

>> “The sun goes through a cycle of rebirth, every day…Some of those souls are granted the same. Maybe your…Gregory…will eventually find his way back.”[/color]

A loud gasp fell from Vicente’s lips as he finally felt the smallest spark of movement in his legs and arms. Seizing control of his own body, Vicente forced himself awake, sitting up violently and nearly knocking down everything that was on his nightstand. Tangled in sheets, the young chimera breathed heavily as he darted his gaze around the room, feeling the cold sweat sweep down his brow, and his struggling for each and every breath.

Here was a man at a loss for words. He had no idea where those words came from but they had to be about him, right? They mentioned his name!

Was he actually beginning to remember something? After all this time?

Groaning as he adjusted his position a little, Vicente sat up and started to pull aside sheets that were so wrapped up around his body that it had to be the work of some malevolent entity. But as the seconds passed, the more awake he grew, the calmer he actually felt. A bad dream. It was just a bad dream…

At least that is what he thought until he lifted his head. Looking up from his sitting position around him, Vicente quickly realized that he didn’t recognize anything in the room. And not only that, when he looked down at the floor that was supposed to be carpeted, all he found was mass of dirt and sand that made up the ground. That certainly wasn’t right. Looking up, he quickly realized that he was no longer in his room and his bed was little more than a hard rock jutting out from the very ground. Around him, his room too had disappeared and was replaced by walls of hard rock.

It was a cave. It was then he realized that he didn’t wake up from a dream…he was still having it.

Shaking his head, Vicente gulped as he ran his free hand over his scalp, trying to get his bearings on exactly what was happening. It was not helping that was having one of those dreams within a dream, and neither did it help that he was shaken up by voices that sounded familiar and yet alien.

This was completely not his night. His evening had gone well with some exercise, a good meal, even a laugh or two with a couple of the other students. But this was completely casting a bad shadow over his evening. To be honest, since he came to the mansion, he didn’t really even remember dreaming all that much.

So then why now?

Got to be kidding me, he mumbled as he slipped off the rock that was serving as his bed.

Feet touching the ground, Vicente grimaced a little at the sensation of the sand and pebbles roughly pressing up against his skin. For a dream, this definitely felt way too real. As a matter of fact, he would have accused himself to actually being in a cave when he looked up to see a sudden, brilliant flash of light. A doorway had opened and, stretched across the ground, was an elongated shadow that crawled and stretched towards him.

Great. Now what?

Click-Clack-Click-Clack-Click-Clack-Click-Clack!

Vicente actually found himself backing away from the strange sound. He didn’t know who or even what it was but it definitely didn’t sound like anything he had ever heard before. Whatever it was, it must have been monstrous because he could only assume that whatever those sounds were, it had to be some type of spindly footsteps. God, and the shadow! The shadow was so elongated and terrifying that it instantly made his own blood want to freeze up.

Vicente was not liking this dream. Not in the least.

But he was done just lying back and taking whatever this dream wanted to throw at him. Maneuvering back onto his feet, Vicente glanced down and found the biggest rock that was loose on the ground. Snatching it up, he held it threateningly as he backed further away from the creeping shadow. He didn’t know what he was facing but he was going to make sure that he didn’t go down without a fight.

Click-Clack-Click-Clack-Click-Clack-Click-Clack!!

Further he backed away until he felt himself stop at a wall. Unfortunately the cave didn’t go back as far as he would like.

Click-Clack-Click-Clack-Click-Clack-Click-Clack!!!

It was speeding up. Damn it. What is it!?

Click-Clack-Click-Clack-Click-Clack-Click-Clack!!!!

AARRRGH!! he saw the smallest movement in front of him and he hurled the rock with all his might.

THWOMP!!

OW!! Sonnava--!!

Vincente winced. Did he actually just hurt whatever it was that was hunting him? It seemed so. As a matter of fact he would have taken the opportunity to dash past his attacker but he noticed something odd; the voice was familiar. Not only was it a voice he recognized but it was the same one that he recognized and was so alien to him. One of those voices that was talking moments ago when he first thought he woke up from the dream.

What the hell was going on?

He slowly moved forward, moving just slightly away from the light at the entrance of the cave. Once his eyes adjusted, he looked down to see that the monstrous creature that seemed ready to attack him…was nothing more than a small, blue-eyed spider?

He arched a brow as he peered closely at the creature, unsure of what to make of it. It was standing there, two of its legs reaching up to rub the top of his head. That was apparently where he had hit it with the rock. But if so, why wasn’t it squished into nothing? It was a freakin’ spider hit with a rock!

I’m your spirit guide, dumbass, the little spider grumbled, as if answering his question. That is why I’m not dead.

Vicente instantly went slack-jawed. What the--?

The odd spider sighed, brushed a mop of black hair out of its spidery face and sighed before looking up at him. It was small in comparison to him, but probably bigger than most real spiders. What, maybe the size of a small kitten, it was? It seemed about right. Silently, though, it brushed its appendages down it’s abdomen, as if smoothing the cloth of a dress before turning its attention back to him. It sneered.

What…you just going to stand there and stare all day? Come on, we have things to do, Vicente.

She knew his name! Not only that but she actually addressed him as the owner of that name! Maybe that really was what he was called and it wasn’t just some name that he assigned to himself because it was the only thing that he could remember.

Phew.

Sure this was taking place in a dream but it was still good to be addressed by a real and true name. For too long he was suspicious that maybe that wasn’t his name. And, even if this was a dream, it felt good.

But none of that changed the fact that a fat little spider was talking to him.

In silence he continued to stare at the creature as it moved anxiously from side-to-side, giving him irritated looks and waiting to get them moving. He didn’t know why the spider was so irritable it definitely acted like it both knew him and needed him to follow.

Well, Nahual? it grumbled again. You done looking stupid?

Vicente blinked away his stunned state as he looked at the creature more closely. Finally he found his voice and responded. Who…what are you? he asked a bit surprised. What did you just call me--?

The spider sighed.

Don’t have time to waste. I’ll explain on the way but we need to keep moving. You’ll be awake soon and you need to remember all this.

Vicente was suspicious. Yes this was a dream and he was more than certain that his life wasn’t really in danger, but he did have a feeling that he was heading into something that he really didn’t want to head into. But what choice did he have? This was his dream. Would he even wake up if he didn’t follow the spider? Or worse yet, would he wake up and find absolutely no answers? That simply couldn’t be allowed. For months now he had been wracking his brain, trying to think of something, anything that could lead him to finding out who he is.

Even if this was just a dream, he couldn’t let the opportunity pass.

Quietly he watched the spider skitter away from him, maneuvering back towards the entrance of the cave, grumbling and mumbling under its breath. From the sound of its voice, Vicente got the female that the spider was female, but he didn’t know any girls that could at all be attributed to any type of spider.

Odd.

Yo! Vicente! Les go!!

Vicente jumped at the voice. God she was pushy! But, rolling his eyes, the young chimera finally conceded that he would indeed follow her. He could only hope that this was going to lead to somewhere useful.

Vicente dashed out of the cave and found himself in yet another strange world. He was definitely no longer at the mansion. Standing outside the cave, Vicente found himself overlooking a landscape of dirt, rocks, and shrubs; a desert maybe? He could scarcely understand what all this was supposed to mean since he really had no idea how any of this connected. But, a glance at the spider, and he hoped that there would be some answers.

Um…miss? he asked cautiously. W-What’s going on here? I really don’t get any of this.

The spider made a throaty sound. A snicker? She shook her head as she continued to crawl along the sandy ground.

That’s nothing new. You tend to be a bit thick headed.

Do we…know each other?

The spider grew quiet then. Silently she moved along, continuing the chatter quietly, as if she were scolding or speaking to children beneath her breath. Vicente couldn’t hear her but seeing as he didn’t want to overstep his boundary, he said nothing. Instead he continued to walk through the scorching desert until she decided to speak up again.

Stupid kid, she muttered. But then she snickered again as she looked up at him. Whatever. You’ll learn things soon enough. But…I guess I should at least tell you SOMETHING, she grumbled with a huff. I’m your spirit guide, Vicente. I’m here to help.

Vicente paused for a moment. Spirit guide? He actually had a spirit guide? Who would have thought? He remembered hearing thing about that in passing, or TV shows, but he didn’t think that it was something that was real. After all didn’t that take a bit of spiritual belief? He never really figured that he was much of a spiritual/religious person.

Unless that is the type of person he used to be.

Shaking his head he looked back down to the spider as she trotted along. He had to admit that there was a certain type of familiarity in her voice and mannerisms. But from where? Certainly she wasn’t ay person from the mansion; he would remember someone like her. No, this was different. She was someone he met outside of the school? But who?

Momentarily he set the thought aside as he looked ahead at the expansive landscape.

My…spirit guide? he asked cautiously. Why do I need a spirit guide?

Isn’t it obvious? she said with a smirk. You’re lost. You need to get on the path to finding yourself again, sweetie. Otherwise you’re going to be stuck knowing nothing. And trust me, in this world, everyone needs to know something about themselves.

Vicente arched his brow in thought. Maybe this was more than just a dream.

Well, if you know so much, why don’t you just tell me?

The spider smirked.

Life ain’t that easy, she chuckled. Besides, not my place. But don’t worry, I’m leading you to the person who can.

Onward they traveled. Vicente didn’t know why he trusted the little spider but he had a feeling that he could. She marched on, sure of their destination, while the only thing that Vicente could do was follow and ponder. He tried to think of who she reminded him of but all he was getting in return was nothing but static. His memories were just so foggy and gone that he was absolutely at a loss. It was probably best that he didn’t push himself but it was hard not to do so when he felt the answers scratching at the back of his brain.

Sighing a bit, he decided it was probably best to remain silent and just focus on the task at hand. Walking across the uneven, desert landscape, Vicente found himself taking in the scenery. The clear blue sky, the wafting of clouds, the blazing sun above, this was most definitely a desert. But there was something strange about it.

As he passed shrubs and rock piles, he had to admit that this place actually looked extremely…familiar. He wasn’t scared of it. It really was as if he were walking through his own backyard that he had memorized.

What was going on here? Was this another memory?

Yes. It is.

Vicente blinked and looked down when he realized that the spider had read his mind again. God he wanted her to stop that.

How do I know this place? New York doesn’t have any deserts nearby…

Who said you were from New York? she snickered and turned back to the road. When she finally came to a stop, Vicente nearly tripped over her. This resulted in a stream of obscenities from the little spider before she finally composed herself. A sigh and she pointed to a rather large outcropping of stones. There. He’ll take it from here.

Vicente eyed the spider curiously before he shifted his gaze up to the rock formation that he was being pointed towards. He had to admit that his curiosity was peaked. What could be there? He turned to question the arachnid when he noticed, quite suddenly, that she had disappeared. In a flash she was gone! Even though she was small, there was no way that she would have been able to hide behind anything in this barren landscape.

But this was a dream and anything was possible, right?

Sighing at the thought he turned back to the rocks and shook his head. He didn’t know why but he had a feeling that there was something important back there yet he was too scared to actually make his body move towards it. As much as he wanted to see where this dream was going to lead him, he was a bit scared that he was not going to find answers that he would have liked. But that would have to be a bridge he would cross when he finally came to it. In the mean time, he needed to follow the rules of this dream. And right now they told him to investigate.

So, steeling up his nerve, Vicente marched forward and began to climb. The rocks were hot against his skin as he gripped onto their surfaces and pulled himself upward. Thankfully, because of his physique, it was not too difficult a task, but the sweat that rolled down his skin stung his eyes and momentarily blocked his vision. But it was not enough to stop him.

Onward he climbed, moving over rocks and boulders that seemed endless, passing shrubs that he was sure he passed before, until finally he came to the stop. It was there that everything shifted again.

Day suddenly turned to night, the jagged rock turned into a smooth desert landscape again, and in front of him was a roaring fire. There, someone was sitting on one side, while on the side closest to Vicente sat another flat rock with a severed coyote head sitting upon it.

You have made it, a gruff, manly voice whispered. The gods have chosen you.

Vicente just wasn’t sure what to make of this. Standing there, watching the hunched figure hidden by flames, he glanced around. Why was his head hurting all of a sudden? It was as if the extreme familiarity of this place were shoving in at the back of his skull, making him close to screaming out in pain. God, he wanted nothing more than for the pain to stop but he couldn’t shake the feeling that this place was important. Why?

The figure moved and Vicente looked up. Suddenly he could see the figure just a little more clearly. It was a man, old and wisened with age, but with a ferocity about him that Vicente both feared and respected. But damn his face was far too familiar!! Who was this guy?

Sit, the old man said, motioning to the spot in front of the stone with the decapitated head.

Vicente eyed both the man and the spot that he pointed to. Gah, that just seemed so absolutely terrifying. Why would he even considering sitting there next to something so disgusting? He shook his head and was about to protest when the man suddenly moved to his feet.

SIT, NAHUAL! he growld. Don’t offend the gods!

Spurred by the booming voice, Vicente quickly sat down at the spot he was originally pointed to. Once he sat, he found himself looking between the bloodied head and the man who had reclaimed his seat as well. Once he was down in front of the fire, his face lit up and Vicente could see his features more closely. He was old, graying beard, but there was such strength in his features that it actually made Vicente quake a little. This guy obviously demanded respect.

Good, the man said in a much gentler voice. Now, eat the offering bestowed upon you. Do not argue.

Vicente as confused for a moment. What was the man referring too? But then his eyes fell to the coyote remains before him. Needless to say, his stomach turned at the prospect. What was this?

There was no way that Vicente was going to do this. Even in a dream, there was no way that he was going to eat the head of a coyote, raw! It was disgusting! What was this man thinking? Or rather, why the hell was Vicente even dreaming about this? Sure he liked some pretty interesting horror movies but he couldn’t remember seeing anything that at all could remind him of this mess. It just didn’t make any sense! Why would he dream about wanting to eat something raw like this?

He shook his head in protest. Or…at least that is what he wanted to do. Instead he felt his arms moving on their own accord, reaching forward. Some will was exerting itself over his limbs to a point that he had no control anymore! As much as the thought made him recoil, he felt his fingers brushing through the bloodstained fur before taking on a firm grip. Then, he lifted the beast’s head and Vicente was nearly overcome with the very smell of it. It was so gross and disgusting…but…appealing at the same time! What was going on? He was not like this!!

No….please… he muttered.

But his voice was soon muffled as he felt the meat brush his lips. In the back of his mind he wanted to gag, he wanted to recoil further, but his body pushed him on. The last he felt was his mouth opening, hungrily, as something took over his mind. An unsatisfied hungry that wanted nothing more than to devour what he held in front of him.

And he did.

Meanwhile, as Vicente did the unthinkable, across the fire the old man simply smiled and nodded his head. He was pleased. The gods were pleased…

>> “You know…one of the first things they tell you, is never look someone you are about to kill in the eyes…They haunt you forever…But…I love looking them in the eyes. I love seeing the light behind them fade away. I want to remember what they will look like for all time…”

>> “Trust me, you’re worse. I am a killer. Sure. But I just do it for money. You…You’re a killer just because you’re plan psycho.”

>> “Tehs-cah-tlee-poh'-cah…That’s how you pronounce the name…He was one of the omnipotent gods. Both he and his brother Quetzalcoatl joined forces to create the world. While Quetzalcoatl is the hero, Tezcatlipoca is his anti-thesis. God of the night, the dead, warriors, and main rival to his brother. He is not some…boogeyman…to startle children. Though…he is definitely not a deity you care to cross.”

>> “Come out, come out…Dying isn’t all that bad, little demon. Besides, the sooner you get it over with…the better…The longer you drag this out…the less patient I become…”

>> “I’m not running a hotel here, sweetheart, And you’ve caused me more than enough damage, money, and sanity then I’d like to mention. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t hack your goddamn hand off, Megan, and call it even for ruining my job on that bridge?”

The voice tore through his mind and Vicente was having a hard time keeping his focus. All he knew was that this voice…it scared him. It was familiar, it was cold, and it scared him down to the very core of his soul. He didn’t know what it was about it but all he knew was that he didn’t want to hear it again. He wanted to run as far away from that voice as he could, but he couldn’t. it was there, like an angry bee buzzing and bumping everything inside of his cranium. Only it was not looking for a way out. It was looking to stay in.

Crack! Shift!! Pop!!!

Vicente could feel everything. He felt his head changing shape, the bones reshaping like it usually did whenever he had used his abilities. But what made it worse this time were the images he was seeing behind his eyes. Besides the sounds of that terrible voice, he saw pictures of blood. Blood and death were everywhere around him. Hundreds of soulless bodies just laid there, on the ground, cut to ribbons or shot or various other forms of death.

It was too much. It was simply too much for him to take. They tried to bury in deeper into his mind but Vicente simply couldn’t allow it. He had to keep fighting, to keep pushing it all away, but a couple managed to make it deeper into his subconscious. Like grubs they gnawed at his insides and he felt each and every agonizing bite.

Stop it!! he cried out. Stop it now!!!

He flailed and retched and tore at everything around him. He would make this stop! He had to make this stop!! That terrible voice needed to stop talking!!!