Many people could be asked to interpret and describe a nightmare world; all would be different. A nightmare can be something simple like failing an exam; others could be filled with pain and darkness. This is mine……

The landscape would be flat and almost barren, with few dead trees and dark rocks littering the floor. Each rock would look as if to have a face that seems to laugh and mock you as you go by, as if they knew your fate. Small pools of black water and acid hide away and seem to almost merge and blend with the ground as the soil is so dark and lifeless.

Huge mountains can be seen in the distance surrounding the vast landscapes, towering over as you walk. Small caves are cut from the sides; none looking inviting or protecting, each inhabited by dark and dangerous creatures. The skies overhead are filled with heavy black clouds that look like dark oceans waiting to sweep you away. No stars can be seen, they are too comforting. Instead sometimes you can catch glimpses of the bright blood red moon that which shone upon the ground, blood looks to be spilt.

It does sometimes rain here, but when it does it is harsh and cruel; the wind pick up and act like a giant hand trying to swat you away. Thunder and lightening are common in the dead of night-really the only thing to give you an idea of what time it is-the great bolts, blue and green, crashing to the ground like a whip on the bare back of a tortured soul.

As I have said before, dark creatures glide along the plains and hide in the caves. One of the most common to live alongside the giant bats are their more deadly cousins. Each standing at 6" with the wingspan of 10", covered in dark red skin that looks like leather; claws for feet with sharp nails to easily rip the skin from the bones of a defenceless, wandering human. The body is thin and skeleton like, with more ribs than that of a man to, instead if hold two lungs; hold four to drink up the ark air and poisonous gas around them.

Their arms look more like bones held with string that could be snapped like thin twigs; but, are really strong-as steel-with a grip that could break any bone or skull. One the end of the 'twig arms' are, again, claws, though not as large as the ones on their feet; as these ones are only used to tear the soft flesh. Only their feet are for killing.

Their faces are almost empty with a small pg like snout, able to catch scents stronger than a hunters' so they will never loose their prey. Their lips are black and thin, pulled back to reveal sharp teeth that are yellow with black ends. Their eyes are black and hollow as they don't see like a human, but hear with the large pointed ears on the side of their heads.

Lastly the wings are strong and look like black steel with ripped mesh on top. Though they look broken and useless, that would not be the thought as they fly above and chase you down.

Though these creatures are terrible and frightening they are nothing compared to the shadows. They are everywhere along the plain and they love to play games. Their favourite is hide and seek; though of course there is nowhere to hide. I will not say what they do when they find you; it is too horrific for some ears. Just know your worst fears can not always kill you quick.

In each nightmare, of course, you have hope. Between the two red mountains at the north of the valley is the passage back into the realm of humans; where you feel safe and content. That is what many believe anyway. It is what keeps us strong, knowing that good will come. However the chance of you reaching the passage is like living from a night in the cave.

This is my nightmare.