Chapter 27

- This story is part of a collaborative project with additional talented writers. The previous chapters can be found here: https://theprose.com/post/438830/tag-list-and-schedule

Olban raced to the cave, the deafening screams within reminding him and his companions that they had to act fast.

Are we too late? Did we not reach my Dad on time?

"Do you not recognize your father Gareth? It's him, probably losing his mind after going from one dark place to another. It will take some work, but we will save him."

This is good news Gareth.... your mum is an ally now, and soon your dad will be too!

Yeah, you're right. Just never heard him like this, and I'm scared to see what kind of toll everything he has been through has taken on him.

"You do remember we're in my world now, right? We have magic that is more potent then the top medical advances of your world. But in the meantime, let's light up the surroundings of Brian Wilks!"

Olban's magic lit up the cave, revealing a naked Brian covered in scars, bruises, and deep cuts. His eyes were bloodshot and his screams continued. His mouth foamed as he picked up a nearby rock and lunged at Olban. Olban quickly dove out of the way before getting his skull bashed in.

Dad, stop! It's me, your son! We are here to save you!

"Gareth, would you please not scream in my head? You know Eloise and I are the only ones that can hear you."

Sorry.... it's just, seeing my dad like this.... it is even worse than just hearing him....

We'll rescue him Gareth. We are in Olban's world, and they have magic on their side. And we do too. If we use the binding spell from the armband, we can protect ourselves from Brian, and protect him from himself too.

Ok.... good thinking Eloise, and thanks. I am ready anytime Olban.

"Now we're talking." Olban grinned, despite Brian racing at him again with even more murderous intent. "Now or never, say the chant!"

"Initosh kaglabah regafla!"

Initosh kaglabah regafla!

Initosh kaglabah regafla!

The welcome glow of the familar golden laser emitted from the wristband, binding Brian and dropping him to the ground. Brian struggled and continued screaming, but was firmly held in the laser's grip.

"That secures good old dad. Now we need to get him back to Master Stell, and restore his mind. Even bound like this though, we might need some back up to bring him there."

A mist then quickly rose from the floor of the cavern, silencing Brian's screams. Olban then slumped to the floor, his vision that he and his comrades shared rapidly fading.

"Oh yeah, that spell.... maybe should have started with that.... instead of a light...."

*****

Olban came to with a familar face standing over him.

"Master Stell.... the mist...."

"Indeed, that was my handiwork. Rushing headlong into the unknown was an impeccably dangerous approach. Your counterpart's father is now dressed in one of our finest tunics and trousers, and I have healed all of his injuries."

"Thanks Master. Will he be ready to talk upon awakening?"

"Heh heh, I would be doing my apprentice a grave disservice if I did all the work! How to fix what's going on in that man's head, that one is up to you son."

"Master, wait!" Olban called out as Master Stell walked away, humming in amusement.

I could probably talk my Dad down.... or then again, maybe I couldn't. He never believed this part of my life existed to begin with.

Sorry Olban, we can't do much here. Although we could offer up helpful things to say to Gareth's dad.

"If I can't accomplish this, I have no right to be Master's apprentice. Besides, I've been in your head too Gareth. I am familar enough with your dad to know how to handle him."

Olban approached Brian and sat by him until he stirred. He hoped that his next words would prevent another aggressive episode.

"Mr. Wilks, I can't imagine what you just went through, but I promise that you are safe now. I am human, not one of those monsters that hurt you in the darkness."

"Heh heh, yeah sure. Not the first time I've heard that. You bastards take on so many forms before showing your real side. You comforted me in the image of my wife, then strung me up and sliced me with your claws, all while smirking while wearing Sarah's face. Then one of your pals would pose as my son and slice him up in front of me, both of you laughing as I screamed. I've been had before, I'm not buying it, you devil."

Dad sounds coherent at least, but he is rightfully suspicious. I don't think I would believe us either.

"You can doubt me all you want, but do you have anything to lose at this point Mr. Wilks? Maybe if I don't shape shift, you'll believe me?"

"Your kind have said that before too. Then you escorted me out of the darkness, into a beautiful, peaceful forest. Or a beach. Even my neighborhood. Then it all started again. The darkness returned, followed by glee from your deceit, then physical and mental agony. Then I would be restored, assured that I was rescued. Then it would happen again."

Could you say something to him from Gareth that only his dad would know? That might convince him.

No, these arseholes can read minds. Sounds like they used what they learned to raise my dad's hopes, before crushing them in their grubby paws.

"I suppose I wouldn't believe me either. I'm a random stranger that helped knock you out in a cave, you don't know anything about me. Not even my name."

"I do admit that you are taking on a different form from the others. Your kind always appeared as someone close to me. But I have never seen your face before. Who are you pretending to be now, if anyone?"

"I am the other side of Gareth, the one whom you chalked up to being a mental illness. My name is Olban, and you are in a world that you originally claimed to be the symptom of Dissociative Identity Disorder. I, and this place, are very real."

"This is certainly a new swindle, possibly the wildest one yet. But no, I don't believe you beast. I know how this will end, and the anticipation of the torment to come is unbearable. Do what you intend to do, and get it over with so I can return to the madness that numbs me somewhat."

"Very well then, I will escort you from here to the next place of your misery. When you see what I really have in store, maybe then you'll be ready to listen. I suppose you can walk, human garbage?"

Bloody hell Olban, I am frustrated too, but egging my father on won't help! What are you thinking?

It might be the only way Gareth. He is convinced Olban is another minion. But if he can get him out of this cave and someplace that isn't a torture den, maybe he will start to realize we aren't the evil ones.

"No devil of the dark, I can't walk on my own, thanks to your brethren! I tire of this cave though. Guide me out, and get a move on with whatever you are scheming."

"That's a good worthless sack of flesh." Olban jeered, realizing he would have to play the part of villain for now. "Cooperate like a good little play toy, and maybe we'll go easy on you this time."

"Every session has been worse then the last." Brian said, attempting to sound bold in order to hide his hopelessness. "But the more you creatures hurt me, the more I will learn to give you less satisfaction, no matter how many times it takes."