I wrote this flash piece a while ago, thinking I might flesh it out further, but each time I come back to it, I prefer the story as is. Enjoy!

The King of Nightmares

I never thought the shadows would come to life. That’s because I trusted Peter. I should not have trusted Peter.

They came from the night and snatched the boys away. The other boys. I’ve always been afraid of the dark, so I had a candle. They didn’t even see me.

Their screams tore at my ears, the other boys as they were carried away. Shadows can do that to you. The land where they live is pure nightmare.

I abandoned Peter. I did not trust him anymore. Don’t trust a boy who knows nothing but crying and laughter. He’ll forget me like he forgot the other boys. He’s quick like that.

The lost boys needed a hero. I needed to not be afraid of the dark. I needed to enter the land of nightmares, but I feared that if I blew out my candle, the shadows would steal me too. I wouldn’t do that until I was ready.

I closed my eyes and wandered the Neverlands, peeking on occasion to make sure the candle was still lit. When I could walk in darkness, then I swam in darkness, holding my candle above the water. I grew weary but I allowed no rest.

My mind grew darker, as I wanted. My thoughts grew wilder and twisted, and I turned ravenous. Like a beast, I grew strong feasting on pirates and mermaids.

When I was ready, I went to the Land of Shadows. I snatched away the weakest. I made it my servant. I snatched away another and made it my messenger.

“I’m coming for my throne,” is the message that I sent. “I’m coming for the lost boys.”

I snatched up more shadows. I ate them if I had to, made examples when I needed. Soon, only the king of shadows remained, and he fled in terror when he saw me.

I became the King of Nightmares. I put on my crown and went out for Peter when nighttime came again.