| As Johnny lies drugged on an operating table, Nightmare reveals what he gains: the people scourged by Zarathos' soul-searing flame experience profound nightmares, which makes them suitable subjects for Nightmare's evil torments! Between them, they begin to torment the drugged Blaze, showing him terrible events from his past, and tortured victims of Zarathos. Slowly, showing him vision after vision, Nightmare breaks down his self-confidence and his will, finally freeing Zarathos to seize Johnny's body without Johnny to restrain him! He shatters the freaks, and advances upon the terrified Renaldo. Inside his mind, a vision of Mona Simpson tries to talk Johnny past the terrible guilt Nightmare left behind. This would free him from Nightmare's realm, and Nightmare isn't having any of that; he dispatches dream servants to block Johnny's escape! But Johnny perserveres, and wins free! Renaldo is spared, as Johnny retakes possession of his body! But how long will Johnny remain in control? |
