Knights Against the Night Part 42

The next day saw cloudy skies and a despondent Chester.

Bolt woke up beside the rabbit, Freddie gone for the day, curling up against his side. The chill seeped into Bolt, he was afraid.

Chester was so cold, his fur dark.

"Let go." Chester said, pulling away from the bear.

Bolt sighed and rolled away.

"What are you thinking?" He asked, watching the rabbit.

Chester glowered at him.

"I am fine." Chester growled. Dropping to the floor.

There was so much wrong here.

Bolt rubbed at the spot the dark had touched him last night. he was fine, now.

"Last night..." Bolt started, watching Chester meander across the floor. The rabbit seemed unsteady on his feet, and fell into the light.

It burned. Bolt gasped. The dark possessing Chester flared, flicking like flames, Chester didn't move, didn't make a sound.

Bolt jumped off the bed and ran over to Chester as the flames flickered and died away.

Chester was breathing heavily.

"Chester?" Bolt hovered uselessly, stepping into the warm square of light.

It was so warm, Bolt hadn't realised how cold he had grown in the night.

Chester rolled over onto his back, and more of the shadows flickered and died.

"Can I...?" Bolt asked, not sure what he could do or say to help.

"I know." Chester said, staring at the ceiling. "I know Bunny. That was too close."

"What is it like?" Bolt asked.

"No. Don't ask. It's not... you don't want to know."

Bolt sat down decide him.

"What is going to happen to us?" Bolt asked instead, and Chester sighed.

"I don't know. Freddie needs protecting. You can't do it on your own."

"A few days, you could take a few days, I'll be alright."

Chester's gaze flickered to him. "You don't know what you're asking."

"You need a break, you need to recharge, you almost..." Bolt couldn't say it.

"They almost took me." Chester said.