Between the Light and the Darkness - Chapter 1

What would you do if reality as you knew it ceased to exist? If you were suddenly plunged into a realm populated with strange beings? A realm where there was a struggle between good and evil; light and darkness? Can't happen, you say? Tim Mitchell would have to disagree with you.

The smell of frying ham and eggs filled Tim's small apartment, waking him from his bear-like slumber. His stomach growled fiercly, reminding him it had been hours since his last meal. Rising from his bed, he ambled towards the stairs, taking a few minutes to give his stocky Mastiff a rub on the tummy.

"Morning, Bones,". The big dog lay there, tongue lolling out of his mouth.

"Why don't you bring yourself back a girlfriend?" Gertie called from the kitchen. Bones cocked his head to the side, righted himself, and galloped down the stairs into the kitchen. Apparently, he thought he was going to get some scraps. Knowing Gertie, Bones would be making out like a bandit.

Tim peered over Gertie's shoulder. The sight of sizzling ham made his mouth water. "But Gertie, you know you're the only woman for me," Tim said with a wink.

"You don't go out enough. Young boy like you should be getting tons of dates. You spend too much time working and cooping yourself up in this tiny apartment."

"I go on plenty of dates. In fact I had one just last, uh, last..."

"Last year, Timothy."Tim groaned. He hated it when she used his full name.

"Okay, so maybe it's been awhile, but so many of the women I meet are so phoney. 'Oh, Tim, are my nails okay? Does my hair look alright? Does this dress make me look fat?' "

Gertie couldn't help but laugh. "Timmy, my boy, you are such a fool."

"I know, but you love me anyway, don't you?" He said, snatching a piece of ham right out of the skillet.

"You betcha," she said, slapping his hand away and setting the table. Tim didn't know what he would ever do without her. She was employed as his housekeeper, but she also acted as a best friend and mother to him.

"I would just like a girl with some depth. One with hopes and dreams and...a personality."

"It's slim pickin's out there, Timmy, maybe you shouldn't be so picky."

"Why Timothy Mitchell! You're going to tie your stomach in knots eating like that."

Tim stood, grabbing his car keys."Goodbye, Gertie. Don't spoil that dog too much."

"Oh, I won't. Would Bonesy Wonsey like some yummy steak scraps? Would he?" Bones barked excitedly and wagged his tail so fast it became a blur.

"Did someone mention steak?" Tim drooled at the thought.

"Yes, sir."

"Gertie, you're too good to me."

"Goodbye, Timmy. And don't forget to bring yourself home a girlfriend."

"You said that already."

"Some things bear repeating, dear."

Tim arrived home absolutely ravenous. Of course, working in construction and Gertie's home cooking always did that to him. He decided to take Bones out for a jog while Gertie put the finishing touches on dinner. He stepped off the corner of 12th and Main...

...into another world.

What the...