Elsewhere in the far reaches of the multiverse is a domain of horrors. The Nightmare Universe, where dread, fear and pain thrive.

Here, we have a subject that escaped the Nightmare World and found it's way into a neighboring universe.

A shadow. A sentient shadow. It would've stayed a shadow if it were not for a weak-willed witch. The shadow tricked the witch, promising her with forbidden knowledge and access to the Nightmare World. Once the shadow was given a way into the physical world, it latched onto the witch. The Assimilation begins

The first phase of Assimilation is the resistance phase. The host's body is only covered halfway, roughly 65% encased in shadow. The host has been captured and still retains all of their physical motor functions, attempting to rid themselves of the shadowy blight. It will be in vein, for the shadow has embedded itself deep into its host

The second phase is the shadow's total control of the host's body. The host will still retain their mental capacities, but not for long. The shadow has hijacked the host's nervous system and is using as a highway to the brain. Slowly, very slowly, the shadow eats away at the host's consciousness and memories, replacing the host's mind with it's own

The final phase is complete Assimilation, the host's mind and soul have been devoured by the shadow. The body is now a mere puppet to control and feast on from within. The shadow can either preserve the body and feast upon it very slowly from the inside out, or it can devour its host instantly.

The shadow must be careful though. It needs to retain its hold on organic matter to remain in the physical world. And so, every part of the body except the skeleton will be eaten. This unearthly horror and nightmarish form were given the appropriate title by those who witnessed it's attacks and survived: The Nightmare

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Art by  Arztin

Ayzix and Nightmare Ayzix belong to me