1st of April by Panzareta

1st of April

by Panzareta

Rated: E

Fandom: KTG/Dustin Yarma

Archive: NickZone. Others please ask.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo(O)oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dustin woke up and looked carefully out the window. The usual LA smog had been replaced by a greenish luminescent mist that gently covered the back lawn. Instantly he regretted having a drink the night before. He thought there was a faint movement near the hedge, so he decided to investigate. The demon had probably failed to close the gate last night and there was no way of knowing what (or who) might have wandered in. Dustin pulled on a faded pair of jeans, opening the sliding door and slipped outside. He muttered slightly at the dampness, wishing he had remembered to put on a pair of shoes. Dustin just knew he heard something moving in the bushes now, and from the sounds of it, it was something large.

"Who's there? Answer me now." Dustin wished his voice didn't sound quite so shaky. He'd never be able to make them leave if he sounded wimpy. He walked a little closer, pushing the hedge back slightly.

He blinked in amazement at the sight before him, hoping desperately that the demon hadn't slipped him some new hallucinogenic. Before him stood a unicorn, quietly grazing. The creature looked up at him with a sharp, knowing gaze that was peculiarly human. Dustin held his breath as it walked slowly toward him. He hoped that it wasn't going to hurt him. The unicorn stopped mere inches from him, the sharp ivory horn poised at his heart. Dustin remained frozen to the spot, trying to fight his rising panic, raising his hands in desperate supplication. Quietly the unicorn lowered its head and breathed gently into his hands as though bestowing a benediction. Dustin breathed easily again. The unicorn raised its head suddenly, and Dustin could hear a sharp, harsh voice calling his name.

"Dustin? Dustin? Where are you?"

It paused for a moment go inside child. you will know when it is safe again. and Dustin watched sadly as the exquisite being moved away from him toward the deep shadowy cover on silent hooves. Dustin emerged from the hedge, slightly disheveled.

"What have you been doing?" The demon's hated voice cut through him like a knife and the brief peace he had found was instantly shattered.

"I thought I saw something in the hedge there."

A sharp look from the demon made him flinch in spite of himself.

"What was it? What did you see?"

"A horse."

"You're lying to me, Dustin. I don't like it when you lie to me. Now, what did you see?"

Dustin dropped his head slightly, face burning with shame. "A unicorn."

"Oh, hell." There was a sudden pause, one that made Dustin feel oddly hopeful. "I suppose it was that idiot that wants to remake Mr. Ed. You'd think they'd have better sense than to use... You'd better call Animal Control and help them find the damn thing."

"But, it was a unicorn..." Dustin felt as if he should at least try to tell the truth, since it was trying to escape the truth that had landed him in this nightmare in the first place.

"Dustin, it was a horse." The demon smiled mockingly at him. "Of course, I suppose that I could arrange for you to visit The Willows, if you persist in this delusion. I'm here to help you, Dustin and take care of you."

There was no answer Dustin could think of that wouldn't give the demon further excuse to torment him, so he remained silent. It began walking toward the house, and Dustin trailed behind as he walked toward his gilded cage. There was a sudden chill in the air, and he noticed a strange cloud passing overhead. The demon was oblivious to its surroundings, though.

Breakfast was a hurried business that involved Dustin listening to the demon giving orders that were to be carried out properly, or else. Dustin hated the demon, but he still felt that he needed to try and warn it about the danger outside.

"Uh, maybe you should stay inside today."

"Don't be stupid. I've got meetings all day. In fact, this horse nonsense is going to make me late. I swear when I see that idiot..." The demon rambled on, and Dustin made one last try to warn it.

"I don't think it's safe outside. Can't you...?"

"Well, duh-- this is LA. Of course it's not safe outside, moron-- goes with the territory. Now be sure you get everything done before I get back, Dustin."

"I will."

"Are you feeling ok? I know a very reliable doctor..."

"I'll be fine. Really." Dustin looked fearfully at the sky, "I think I'll stay inside for awhile."

"Whatever. Don't go thinking that you can fool me, even if it is April First. I'm smarter than you are Dustin. Don't forget it."

Dustin bit his lower lip nervously. "I won't."

"Good boy, Dustin. I'll be late tonight."

Dustin watched the demon walk out the door, whistling cheerfully. The shadow covered the sky once again but the demon paid it no mind. Dustin watched in terror as the shadow grew larger. The sound of wings filled the air and he heard an unearthly scream issue from the demon's throat. Then there was silence, silence that was only broken by the sound of wings disappearing skyward. Dustin peeked carefully from the patio, but there was nothing to see now. The shadow was gone. It was if the demon had never existed. Dustin sighed in relief. The demon had refused to listen to him about the unicorn, so why should it believe him about a dragon?

~~~~~~~oo(O)oo~~~~~~~

END

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