User blog:Cartoonprincess/Somnium: Chapter 11 Vulnerare

 NOTE : '''The nameless villian now has a name! >:D'''



Chapter 11: Vulnerare



           Though normally one to sleep in long after everyone else had already risen, Isabel was oddly compelled to get out of bed early, the next morning. She shoved some French toast with cinnamon and whipped cream into her mouth and without a word she was out the door.

           Gently hiking up and down the lush, green hills was becoming routine for Isabel. Not only was it relaxing, but she was able to think more clearly when the soothing, tranquil breeze blew through her hair.

           All of a sudden, the wind became more dynamic and powerful as a chilling voice began moaning sinisterly. Feeling slightly unsettled, Isabel continued walking but at a slower pace. The moaning became louder and harder to ignore.

           “It’s me…” the familiar, blood-curdling voice said softly.

           “WHO ARE YOU!?” Isabel demanded.

           Suddenly, the voice manifested itself into a long, lean, female figure. Her body seemed translucent. It was the same spiritual being that had shown up at the beach party. A menacing smile gradually appeared on her face.

<span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Hello,” she muttered creepily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Leave me alone,” Isabel stated as she stood her ground and blinked disquietly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           The wicked woman snickered, “That’s the last thing I’m going to do,”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Isabel stood and stared in fear.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “I don’t believe I have formally introduced myself,” she continued. “I am Vulnerare.”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Isabel was beginning to get annoyed, “Um…listen, Vulnerare, in the past 10 days, all of my most treasured dreams have come true and all of my worst nightmares have been realized, and I am not about to let some…some evil spirit get in the way of that, okay!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           She then attempted to walk away but was stopped as soon as Vulnerare caught up to her and blocking her way.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Vulnerare smirked, “I’m afraid I can’t let you go…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “What do you want from me!?” Isabel asked in flustered desperation. 

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Vulnerare couldn’t help but snicker once more, “I don’t want anything from you; I am you.”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Isabel’s eyes widened, “Huh!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “I am the personification of all of your fears, insecurities, faults and vulnerabilities.” Vulnerare explained.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “…Wow, that’s the scariest, most amazing thing I have ever heard…” Isabel declared in petrified fascination.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Vulnerare chuckled under her breath, “You have no idea…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “…So, you basically represent all my weaknesses…? You’re an incarnate of all my deepest, darkest flaws and anxieties…?” Isabel clarified.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “That’s right,” Vulnerare confirmed. “Like, for example, you’re scared to grow up. So, you got what you wanted; you’re now stuck in your fantasy world forever, where you’ll never grow up…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Isabel fell silent.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Bet you wanted to come here to escape your insecurities instead of confront them, isn’t that right, my dear!?” Vulnerare tittered evilly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Get away from me!” Isabel said as she stomped off angrily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           This time, Vulnerare let her leave as she continued to laugh maniacally. Isabel ran all the way to the cottage nearly in tears.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Later that day, a user named Cc71 came walking down the meticulous stairs in the cottage to greet her friends. Surely enough, StraightACarlaay, Latersgee, Samlovesham and PurpleStripedFudgeParole239 were all there waiting for her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Hey, girl!” Laters hailed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Hey, guys!” Cc beamed. “What’s going on?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Not much,” Samlovesham replied. “We were just wondering what to do and then we found this old Monopoly game in the closet and decided to play…care to join us..?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “We also found this hula hoop!” Fudge added as she gracefully and effortlessly swung the hoop around her waist.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Yeah, there were tons of weird and quirky toys and trinkets in the closet,” Carlaay avowed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Cc raised her eyebrow in curiosity and interest and kneeled down with Carlaay and Samlovesham to play the game.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Within an hour, Slappy, Tash, Lucy and Candy came onto the scene.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Hello, everybody!” Slappy hollered out with a grin.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Slappy, what are you doing here…?” SLH asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Just setting up our poker game,” Slappy responded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “You guys play poker..?” Cc asked in intrigue.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Yeah, you should join us!” Tash said as he smiled at her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Well, we were kind of playing a Monopoly game and you guys are invading our space!” Laters irately pointed out.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Too bad!” Lucy sassed. “You guys have been playing for like an hour; it’s our turn, now!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Besides, Monopoly is lame; poker is where it’s at!” Candy added confidently.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Did I hear you say you’re playing poker!?” Yoshi asked as he popped up excitedly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Yes,” Lucy answered him as she raised a disapproving eyebrow.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Strip poker!?” Yoshi could barely contain himself.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “No…” Tash replied uncomfortably.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Oh, phooey,” Yoshi slinked away in disappointment.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Abruptly following his exit, Marc, Maryan and Rosalie entered the scene.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Guys, guess what!? There’s a library here! Who knew!?” Marc announced as he struggled to carry a large stack of books.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Oh, really…?” Slappy narrowed his eyes skeptically.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Yes, he’s telling the truth!” Maryan affirmed in pleasant surprise.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “I think it might be every book CP has ever read…” Rosalie inferred.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Ha-ha, I don’t care what the reasoning behind it is; all I know is that I’m going to have a major reading session, tonight!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           At that, Fudge discontinued hula-hooping as her eyes sparkled with an idea, “You guys, you know what we should do!? Throw an all-nighter!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           The occupied users glanced at one another in confusion.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Fudge giggled, “It will be fun! We can all play poker and Monopoly in unity and harmony! Meanwhile, we can also read all the books and I can finally break my hoop record! Cc, Carlaay, will you guys keep count…?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Sure!” they both said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “I can bake cookies!” SLH timidly suggested.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Awesome! Looks like we’ve got our night planned!” Fudge declared with a toothy smile. While the young, eager internet friends began buzzing with enthusiasm, things were considerably more serious on the other side of the cottage. Alica and Becky were both walking towards each other from opposite directions. Stares of guilt pierced and punctured into the other’s eyes. Finally, they both stopped right in front of each other.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           After a moment or two of awkward silence, Alica opened her mouth to say something.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “…I’m so sorry about everything; I’ve just been going nuts, lately. I swear it’s like I only have partial control over what I say these days…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Becky briefly pondered what she wanted to say in response, “…I feel that way too, actually…” her voice cracked slightly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “I’m just so sick of fighting over pointless stuff…” Alica continued. “I hate how different things are between us, now…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Becky blinked sympathetically, “I know, but…” she heaved a sad sigh. “Everything is different, now…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Quietly observing in the background was none other than Ar0n, who couldn’t help but feel a tad responsible for all the trouble. He wanted to say something, but his sweaty palms and trembling voice prevented him from approaching them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           In the intervening time, Jon, SFG and Churchpants were thoroughly enjoying themselves on the bounce house.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “99 monkeys jumping on the bed! One fell of and broke his head!” SFG chanted happily as she bounced.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           All of a sudden, Jon tripped and fell off the bounce house.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Ow! I broke my head!” Jon groaned.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Churchpants rolled her eyes, “Ugh, quit being dramatic Jon; you did not break your head!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Just then, PurpleJerk ran over to them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Jon, Spencie, Echoo! We’re throwing an all-nighter tonight and you’re all invited! Tell everyone you know!” She screamed and ran away.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           The three users were left glancing thoughtfully at each other.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Never was the nightfall more highly anticipated than that night. As soon as the sun went down, everyone began to partake in the many activities.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Dejectedly walking down the stairs after a long day of moping in her canopy bed was Isabel. Immediately noticing all the hustle and bustle as she came down, she walked through a sea of her acquaintances having fun.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           At last she made it to the kitchen where Samlovesham, TaraBridgette and Otherworldly Poptart were busy at work making cookies.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Um, hey guys…” Isabel greeted anxiously.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Samlovesham who was parading around the island counter throwing flour with her two friends trailing behind her, stopped hastily at the sight of Isabel.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Pop and Tara glimpsed awkwardly at one another.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “…What are you guys doing…?” Isabel asked hesitantly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “We’re baking cookies!” Pop answered cheerfully.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Do you want to help us…?” SLH timorously offered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “…Nah, you guys look like you’re already on a roll without me…” Isabel gloomily responded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           SLH blinked apologetically, “…Um, okay, suit yourself…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Isabel then walked away, attempting to hide her misery.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           As she walked out of the cottage, her mind began to fill with negative thoughts, which was nothing new for her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           ''All this time they were having fun without me. ''

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">''<span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           They didn’t even bother to come looking for me and when they did see me, they didn’t automatically ask me to join. ''

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">''<span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           They barely even acknowledged my existence. ''

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Eventually, she made it to the end of the boardwalk at the beach and slumped onto the fence.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Isabel sighed. Even in my own fantasy world, ''I can never be freaking happy… ''

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The full moon had risen and the stars were twinkling.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tears began to stream down her cheeks.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “You really are better off alone, aren’t you…?” Vulnerare’s voice overpowered the region.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Isabel looked around, trying to place her emotional embodiment.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “When you’re online, you expect everyone to bow down to you as if you were a real princess; you enjoy the feeling of having power over their every whim….but it’s different in real life, isn’t it? Now, everyone can see you for who you truly are…a loser!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           With that, Isabel broke into sobs. The truth always hurt the most.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           A few hours later, Isabel trudged back inside. Most of the energy had died down but a few were still awake and lurking around.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           It was dark, but as soon as she turned on the lights, she spotted Slappy sneaking pie from the fridge.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Ugh, really Slappy!?” Isabel scorned.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Then, without warning, Yoshi ran across the room naked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Isabel’s eyes widened as he looked at Slappy and absorbed what had just happened.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “He sleep-streaks,” Slappy enlightened her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           “Ah,” Isabel nodded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           On that note, she groaned and was back up to bed after a hard day.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Sitting quietly on the opposite side of the cottage was Alica. Staring intently into space, she didn’t notice Ar0n coming towards her. Once she looked up, her face softened.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">           Ar0n smiled bashfully and sat down with her. He took her hand and leaned on her shoulder.