27, O.c.t.o.b.e.r 2005
Razors replaced the fingers of the man before me. His eyes - sockets - as dark as the hound beside him. His hat was an unusual thing compared to his red, burned features. "Speeeeeak in riddles. Speak in rhyyyyymes. Listen, heeeeeathen. Listen closelyyyyyy..."
The dog was barking. Louder and louder. I could not hear the man's words. His words...were the barks. The man and the beast became one. His face, so close...
If not for the Rain Man's illusions, I would be unprepared for this encounter. The Beastman's glare sunk into my mind. I Phased - to nowhere; to anywhere; to somewhere; to everywhere - and escaped, just barely.
This Phaser - it controls Space and Time. It can move anyone and anything. And so, with it I summoned fire. Since ancient times, only Man has been able to face fire with courage. The Beastman wailed, burning to a crisp. Then he disappeared - reappearing behind me. I bathed myself in flames. He could no longer get to me. He left, running and screaming!
For a moment, I smiled with joy. Was I becoming just like them - finding bliss in torment? The scythes reached beyond the fire, taking my face...
And I awoke.
Bless me, Raven Queen.
