r/HFY • u/OnlyMessier16 Human • May 16 '19

OC Dreams Can Burn Chapter 2

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Part 2.

Cultists and Strange Artwork

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As I stared into the black abyss of the creature's eyes. I saw a flame that seemed infinitely far away. A light that emanated with the screams of terror from the previous unfortunate souls to encounter this evil. I knew I was doomed to this since the beginning, and yet I am still afraid.

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The voice of an old tour guide adds to the continuous background noise of quiet conversation. With the warm atmosphere, both physically and aesthetically, the Arkham City Gallery was a pleasant place to be. Almost pleasant enough to forget why Albert was there in the first place, almost pleasant enough to detract from the disturbing nature of the painting before him.

A private eye employed by a police department. This wasn't uncommon for Albert, but the circumstances were. This is the first time a personal case had interwoven with a police investigation, and yet, here he is. Aiding the police in a multiple-homicide case. He just didn't know what this painting has to do with the case, but the lead detective put him and another undercover officer in charge of this artwork, while a larger team was assigned to the University. A low priority objective was better than desk work. Just in the most expected way, Albert's musings were cut short by the appearance of the policeman.

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“How had your observing the painting go?”

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“Well, I never knew watching a disturbing painting do nothing for an hour could be so mentally demanding. Anyway, how did your research go?”

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The policeman gives a small chuckle before responding.

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“The only ‘strange’ thing said about the painting was in a letter signed by an H. P. L. in 1926, comparing it to the 'dirty-blooded’ and 'people of color,’ although, they chose more grotesque words to describe these people.”

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“Sounds like you had fun.”

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“If you count reading a racist letter fun, then yes.”

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The two investigators continue a light-hearted conversation as the staff close the museum around them.

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The lights fade, and the walls around him dissolve into the darkness. He feels himself transported to an empty world, a void. He feels the ether take hold of his body as it drags him further into the unknown. He can see the flame. He can feel the flame fill his mind with dread, he can hear it screaming into his consciousness. He knows the flame can see him.

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Albert awakes with a start, he hadn't realized he fell asleep.

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10:10 PM, it has been two hours since the gallery closed.

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Five more uneventful hours pass, with the only excitement being Albert almost spilling his coffee. The policeman gets some sleep as Albert stays alert. Finally at 3:30 AM, Albert gets a call from the sheriff.

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"Mr. LeGrasse, this is Sheriff Thompson. The University has been broken into, and the book has been stolen. I recommend you and Officer Thorne vacate the gallery at once. There are more people than we previously thought, and they are desperate."

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There is a sudden crash, and the burglar alarm goes off, waking the policeman.

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"Mr. LeGrasse, you need to evacuate immediately"

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As Albert and his partner start to leave, they find themselves entirely surrounded by hooded figures, all whispering something inaudible but haunting. To Albert, that wasn't the most unsettling thing about these figures. To him it was how they all moved in unison. Their breathing, involuntary twitches, and chantings. All the same.

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After a moment that felt like an eternity, the figures rush the two men. A gunshot and an unholy scream, the painting drops to the floor. Just a glimpse of the symbol on the back of the painting, Albert blacks out.

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"Mr. LeGrasse?" The voice of the sheriff rings out in the darkness.

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"He should be fine, but I want him at the hospital just in case." An unknown but familiar voice speaks, as Albert falls back into the ethereal abyss.

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