Demons and Dreams

Read Chapter 1 below.

Please note this is a nightmare I actually had and it inspired the book, Demons and Dreams.

Chapter 1

Caleb

Friday, Early Morning

“Caleb, WAKE UP!”

Startled and confused, I struggled to open my eyes, but they refused to budge. I tried to raise my arm to clear them, but it remained frozen. I tried the other limb, and it too lay immobile. Don’t panic, Caleb. Confused by the paralysis, I focused on the fingers of my right hand. The joints cracked as I slowly flexed my fingers. It didn’t hurt, but they also didn’t want to move. The more I bent them, the looser they got. My elbow snapped as I lifted my forearm. My shoulder protested as I reached and rubbed my eyes.

A blood-curdling scream broke the silence. I froze as deep chuckles echoed around me.

With urgency, I pried open my eyes. Veins of light flickered like candles and danced across the domed ceiling high above. My neck resisted when I looked left and again, right. With every joint cracking, I strained to sit up. Once vertical, I studied my surroundings.

The dim light revealed row upon row of beds with humanoid lumps lying on them. Mysterious beings wove their way through the cots while others floated above. I shook my head and blinked before looking again. It was hard to tell. The half-light and distance made it difficult to see.

I looked toward the bed on my right. A pajama-clad woman lay there without a blanket to cover her. An aisle separated us. The bare mattress rested on a three-foot-high grubby white metal frame. It looked like something you slept on at camp. As I watched, she smiled, sighed, and rolled away from me.

I turned to see what was on the other side. I scrambled backward and fell on the floor. Every joint made a sound like twisting bubble wrap. I crept to my knees and peered over the top of the mattress. A man lay on his back, and his legs thrashed wildly. A creature perched on the man’s torso and held on as the man bucked. One of its arms dug into his head, and the other reached into his chest. The man’s legs stopped, and his back arched as silent screams erupted from his open mouth. Pain and anguish painted his face. I gasped, and the creature turned its head towards me. A toothy grin split the ghastly mask as flames of sadistic pleasure danced in its eyes. The scent of decay assailed my nose.

Its eyes narrowed; it growled, “Go back to sleep, huu-maan.”

I jumped up and fell flat on my face as my feet slipped on the glass-like floor. Blood gushed from my nose and left a trail down my shirt as I got up and ran. I dropped to the ground and rolled under several beds. When I found myself in another aisle, I crouched and tried to hide. I repeated this process a couple more times. Out of breath, I squatted between two beds and rested. Slowly, I lifted my head and looked for pursuit. I discovered none and returned to the floor.

What was that thing? It had bright red eyes, a human-like face with a pointy chin, and a mouth full of tiny sharp teeth. Sprigs of coarse hair sprouted from its head attached to its scrawny neck. Burnt red blotches mottled the crimson skin of its hairless body. Its muscular arms and legs looked too long for its build. The naked creature’s gender remained a mystery.

Using my sleeve, I wiped the dripping blood from my nose. What a mess! Blood all over my shirt. I rubbed my hands on my pants and left trails of burgundy on them. The stains annoyed and disgusted me, but I put those thoughts aside for now.

Like a periscope, I lifted my head high enough to look around. I crouched in the middle of a sea of beds. Dull light still rippled in fluctuating waves across the high domed ceiling, providing dim illumination. A distant scream, followed by baritone laughter, echoed off the cavernous walls. I studied the ceiling far above. It must be hundreds of feet high. I couldn’t see an end to this ocean of beds. Every bed I saw had a sleeper on it.

Off to my left, through the gloom, I saw a rectangular structure. To my right, I saw nothing but beds. Behind me, the aisle stretched into the twilight, and before me, a broad walkway crossed my path. Crawling on my hands and knees, I crept to the opening between the last two beds. I looked up and down the central aisle. Seeing no one else, I stooped low and ran toward the building. When I reached it, my burning legs forced me to rest. It was farther away than it looked. My heart pounded in my ears. With my back against the wall, I slowly slid down until I sat on the floor and waited to catch my breath.

Jumbled thoughts and a myriad of questions flooded my mind. I closed my eyes. Calm down and think, Caleb. My breath slowed; I opened my eyes and surveyed the surroundings once more. The half-light made it hard to see. Shadows continued weaving amongst and above the sleepers. Occasionally, a cry reached my ears, followed by a chorus of deep laughter. I didn’t know which disturbed me more, the terrified shrieks or the sadistic mirth.

As I clambered to my feet, I stepped away from the wall and turned to examine the structure. I faced the short side of the rectangular building, perhaps fifty feet wide, standing about ten feet tall. Why is this building here? There was no other structure as far as I could see.

Broken ceramic tiles peppered the wall’s surface, and many of them lay shattered on the floor. In the middle of the wall, an open doorway beckoned me. My foot kicked a piece of the broken tile, and it skittered across the ground. As I stepped through the opening, something materialized before me.

I fell backward and landed hard. I crab-scrambled away from the apparition. As I retreated, the monster faded from sight. What was that thing? It was similar to the other beast. Its crimson eyes bored into mine while the blood-red lips smacked as if I were a tasty morsel. The thing stank of death. Why didn’t it attack?

A seed of a thought germinated in my mind, and it grew into a scary realization. These creatures are demons. They only lacked the horns and a forked tail.

I’m dead, and this is Hell! I collapsed on the floor as my fear and emotions poured through my eyes. How can this be? I just fell asleep on the couch! A pool of tears collected beneath me, and my chest hurt.

Eventually, my brain re-engaged. This doesn’t feel like Hell. There are no flames or physical torment, comfortable temperature, and a bunch of beds with people sleeping on them.

Perplexed, I sat and drew my handkerchief from my pocket. I wiped my eyes and blew my nose. Dried blood and mucous stained the cloth. Would a dead person need to blow their nose?

With renewed hope, I stood. My legs wobbled a bit and steadied after a few seconds. I still didn’t know what to do next. Am I dreaming? I slapped myself hard. Ow! Ok, I’m awake. If I’m not dreaming and not dead, where am I? No answers came to my mind. While contemplating my next step, a compulsion to enter the room grew within me. It felt like someone stood behind me and pushed me toward the opening. I panicked.

A voice spoke, “Trust me.” My head whipped around, looking for the source of those words.

The force behind me strengthened. I planted my feet on the smooth floor, yet I steadily moved toward the demon doorway. I tried to turn around and run, but it was like a bulldozer pushed me. I leaned back against the force behind me, and my sneakers squeaked as I tried to brace myself on the smooth floor. With my arms straight out, I waited for the inevitable. With every inch I slid, my terror grew. My outstretched hands caught the door jamb as I locked my elbows to keep from entering the room. The constant push overpowered my strength and broke my grip. I stumbled over the threshold into the chamber.

The demon reappeared. It stood my height. Our eyes locked, and a toothy grin spread across its face. Saliva dribbled from the corner of its mouth as it chuckled and took a step towards me. Warm urine ran down my legs and pooled on the floor. It laughed even louder and took another step. “Are you scared, Huu-maan?” it asked. “You’re suppooosed to be asleeeep.” It smacked its lips, and another drop of saliva escaped its mouth. It took a third, slow step relishing my terror. “I don’t think they’ll miss you. They’ll just wonder why you died in your sleep.”

A new compulsion grabbed my vocal cords, and I shouted, “Jesus is my Savior! Jesus is my Savior!” I covered my head, closed my eyes, and waited for the attack.

When nothing happened, I cracked one eye open. The demon had retreated several steps and glowered at me. I opened the other eye as I straightened up. The beast just stood there. Why isn’t it attacking?

Pulse racing, I peered at the beast then glanced around the room. My eyes flicked back to the creature; then, I dared a second glance about me. To my left, about two feet away, stood a stainless-steel table piled with an assortment of parts and junk.

“Pick up the tube,” commanded the voice in my head. I didn’t question it this time.

On top of this heap rested a black plastic tube about two feet long. It could have been a vacuum cleaner attachment. As I reached for it, a glimmer of white light crawled along its surface. My right hand grasped the thick end of the tube, and I heard myself say, “The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

The plastic tube became a silver sword that hummed with a pulsing white aura. I stared at the blade. It shone brightly in this dark place. The sword was light in weight but solid. A tingling sensation flowed into my hand, spread up my arm to my neck, and scripture burst upon my consciousness. I felt like I could quote the whole Bible. No, I knew I could quote the entire Bible.

I staggered under the intense feelings and power. I lifted the sword closer to my face with renewed confidence, and I ran my left hand along the flat part of the blade. It felt warm and glass smooth. Stupidly, I ran my left thumb along the top edge. Sharper than a razor, the sword slid through the skin. I jerked my hand away and examined it. Instead of blood dripping from the wound, I found a severe, inch-long burn.

A low growl reminded me that I was not alone. I lifted the sword as I turned toward the sound, and the sword vibrated as if it looked forward to striking this monster. The demon took a wrestler’s position: knees bent, elbows up. Inch long claws tipped each finger. I mirrored its stance. Ribbons of light rippled up and down the blade. The demon scowled as a deep-throated growl replaced its mocking laughter. Its eyes darted back and forth between the weapon and me as I quaked under its gaze and tightened my grip on the hilt. The metal felt pliable like clay in my hand. We circled each other, and I wondered who would make the first move. The beast approached the doorway. Suddenly, it turned and dove, disappearing as it passed over the threshold. Stunned, I lowered the sword.

Puzzled, I stood there. What just happened? Why didn’t it attack? Relief replaced fear. I didn’t understand what happened. I thought I was dead. Holding the sword in front of me, I walked over and looked out the doorway to see if the demon was out amongst the beds. I didn’t see it so I turned and re-entered the building.

The same dingy, white tiles covered the interior walls. Now what? I peered into the gloom and felt compelled to go deeper into the room. I didn’t fight it this time. The sword’s aura provided illumination. A long row of steel tables faded into the darkness down the center of the room. The closest one held the different vacuum cleaner parts and other junk. The other tables I saw contained nothing. Beds lined the walls, and the closest ones appeared empty. The dim light made it impossible to see what lay at the far end. I cautiously moved down the aisle.

As I crept forward, I could see one bed with a human-shaped lump on it. I jumped. A high-pitched scream bounced off the walls, and the person on the bed convulsed. I inched closer, sword ready. A small demon sat on a women’s chest with both hands embedded in her skull. The creature screamed, sounding like a little girl, “Mmmooommmyyy.” It cackled. It hadn’t noticed me. I looked at the sword and then the little monster. I stepped forward. The light from the sword reached the demon causing it to turn its head in my direction. I swung. As the blade struck, surprise crossed its face just before it became vapor and dissipated. Alarmed, I spun around a couple of times, looking for the demon. Where’d it go? Did I kill it?

A low moan rose from behind me, and I turned my attention to the occupant of the bed. The woman no longer thrashed. For better light, I held the sword near her face. Tears pooled in her eyes and overflowed onto the mattress. A sob escaped her throat. I bent down and whispered in her ear, “Wake up. The demon’s dead.” She didn’t stir.

I put a hand on her shoulder and gently shook her as I whispered, “In the name of Jesus, awake.”

Her eyelids burst open, complete with panic. They darted about until they met mine. Even in the dim light, her green eyes sparkled. She struggled to sit. Her joints cracked as mine did. I tried to help her, but she turned away, causing a rapid popping sound. I stepped back to give her room. She placed her feet on the floor, and her knees buckled. She caught the bed frame and tried again. With more confidence, she let go of the bed and faced me.

“Go,” I pointed toward the exit. “See if you can find a way out. Remember, Jesus will save and protect you.” Why did I say that?

Wordlessly, she scanned my body from toe to head. Her eyes bore into mine as if she examined my soul. I pointed to the door again. She turned and left the way I came. I continued down the row of beds until I reached the end of the room.

I found neither people nor demons. I did pass about thirty tables and discovered a doorway. I stepped through it and found myself in the original cavern. I sighed. Now, what do I do?

Another bed sat by the door with a man lying on it. He looked the same as the other sleepers. No, not quite the same. The other sleepers had a faint glow about them. It was hard to notice until it was absent. He still breathed, but there was no inner spark. No spirit. Spiritually dead, but not physically dead. How odd and how sad, I thought.

I turned to continue my exploration and banged into a muscular wall of blood-red flesh. My eyes traveled upward. A demon towered over me; its foul breath and saliva rained down. I jumped back in terror. The sword clattered to the floor. Its clawed hand reached for me; evil red eyes filled my vision.

“Jesus is my Savior!”