Chapter 34

Kat’s Dream

A comic. First panel: Kat holds a rope and says 'Stand back, everyone! Give me space!' Second panel: Kat ropes a monster in on a street. She says 'Whoaaaa! Easy, Big Fella!' Third panel: Kat climbs on top of the monster and says 'There! Tamed! Mr. Levi, call the zoo’s cryptid department. We’ve got a new tenant for them!' Levi says 'Sure thing!'

First panel: Several people clap for Kat. 'You saved us, Kat!' says Kat’s mom. Ms. Padilla says 'I’ve always believed in you!' Joey says 'Nice job, Bombard!' Kat asks her dad 'See, Dad? What do you think of me now?' Second panel: Kat’s dad says 'I’m sorry, Kat. Sorry for—' Kat says 'It’s okay, Dad. Let’s move on.' Third panel: Levi says 'The zoo team’s here. Congrats on another successful capture!' The monster is seen being towed away in a giant cage. Fourth panel: Kat says 'All in a day’s work for a professional monster hunter!' A child asks 'Miss Kat? Can I have your autograph?' Fifth panel: Kat says 'Sure, just let me find my pen' Sixth panel: Kat pulls a vial out of her pocket and says 'Wait. What’s this? Sleep dust?'

First panel: Kat’s hand turns bony and shriveled. She says 'W-what?! My hand!' Second panel: Kat says 'No! This is just a dream!' Rafer Frost’s shadow appears under her and he says 'Yes. But I can make it a reality.' Third panel: Kat asks 'Who...who said that? Who are you?' Rafer Frost says 'Let’s not talk about me. Let’s talk about you. You are different, Kat Bombard. You have...an edge.

Rafer Frost says 'Rafer Frost had it too. He was like you—a black sheep. Couldn’t fit in.' Kat asks 'Rafer Frost used to be a kid?' Rafer Frost says 'Years ago. He’s human, after all. My bogeys serve their purpose, but I prefer that actual human touch when working with children.' Kat says 'I’m nothing like Rafer Frost!' Rafer Frost says 'You don't have to be a bogeyman. That was his choice.

Rafer Frost says 'You can instead be Kat the Cryptid Hunter. They’ll respect you. Believe your stories. I’ll make it happen and in return: Once in a blue moon, you bring a sleeping child down into this cave. No one will miss the child, and the child will forever dream, and you’ll be everything you’ve always wanted.' Kat says 'I' Rafer Frost says 'Most of the children I take just sleep until their dreams run dry. I’m offering you a chance to be my new shepherd. A special deal for a special girl. So Kat Bombard, what say you? Be the hero. Prove them all wrong.'

Rafer Frost says 'I can make them think you’re a hero.' Kat says 'No. No I wouldn’t be a hero. But deep down, I’d know the truth. I wouldn’t be a hero. I’d be a monster.' Rafer Frost says 'Katherine, dear. You are a monster. Do you know why my magic doesn’t work on you?' Kat says 'Because of the Mushpits’ garden.' Rafer Frost says 'No. That’s what the Mushpits told you. In truth, my magic doesn’t work because you do not matter. You are not a part of the world above. You have no friends.' Kat says 'Shut up!' Rafer Frost says 'Your classmates and teachers and neighbors will never love you. Even Levi—if he had a spine, he would have told you off long ago.'

Rafer Frost says 'And of course your father. We know how he sees you. I’m the only one who will accept you for who you are. Becasue without me, there is no place for monsters. Well?' Kat starts laughing. Rafer Frost asks 'Why are you laughing?' Kat says 'Oh, just cause we’ve been so afraid of you. But it turns out you’re just a bully who likes stupid mind games. Like Joey Downey. Or my dad.'

Kat says 'It’s funny, really!' Rafer Frost says 'Really? Your dear Levi doesn’t seem to find me funny.' Kat sees Levi lying on the ground unconscious. She rushes over to him and says 'Levi?! Levi! C’mon, buddy! Wake up! Levi...'