Deptheless: Under the Library

by Tiffany Tay

  Gosh, do I dislike cramped areas.

  A five-second glance around was enough to turn my insides into pretzel twist.

  Lurking around in huddles were the dishevelled forms of the pack of *ah, sorry* cave-dwellers, mooching about and holding hushed conversations. I caught a couple of enraged glares thrown my way, followed by an angry raising of voices. I sigh, perplexed. When will I improve on my first impressions? Barely an hour, and I had to become the object of burning hatred for the entire population?

  This reminds me--- where is Loky? Or Isaac, for that matter? I press my fist into my chest, trying to numb the dull ache where my heart is. I'd never given much thought to Isaac, or Loky, but suddenly, after spending a few lonely and disorienting days down here, even a death stare from Loky could brighten me up. Possibly.

  I really want to return to my old life. I'm just not hardwired for adventure after all, it seems.

  A cool hand brushed the back of my shoulder, the contact startling me. I turn my head, and there stands a young boy, probably of twelve years of age, with golden blonde hair lying flat against his head in a curtain. He has the expression of a startled deer, with clear, see-through green irises and lifted eyebrows.

  "Excuse me, but mama asks if you need any dinner?" He mumbles timidly, shifting his weight from one foot to another, all the while hardly daring to stare at me for more than two seconds. I tried to hide my discomfort as well, but I guess sooner or later it I would become encased in a broken shell.

  "Who's your mother?" I ask, feeling my guard rise up to the level of my chin.

  The young boy turns his blonde head from side to side, his apparent unease growing. "Over there." He points towards where a small, hunched woman in a rugged black garment sits, a pot of something at her feet.

  "She says you must be starving after going without food for so long, and my brother asked me to watch over you while you slept, so..." He trailed off as I hold up my hands.

  "Hang on, why this sudden kindness? Doesn't everyone and his brother hate me? Who is your brother anyway?" I shoot, confusion sweeping me off my feet.

  The boy smiled, a sudden flash of emotion flicked over his face as he took my elbow. I rose, uncertainly, but my instincts told me that this boy is of no threat, nor I figured that small woman would harm me, or decide that food poisoning was the best way to be rid of this sudden nuisance.

  The boy led me across the cave. It spanned to about the length of two soccer fields, with the usual sand and glowing stalactites. Unlike the blue crystalline cave, I could not pinpoint any obvious feature that distinguishes this cave from all the rest that I'd so hastily explored earlier on.

  We dodged around angry groups of grown men and women, stooped under overhanging stalactites and scooted around sleeping bodies to reach the corner of the cave where the woman I saw now stood, a smile on her face as we approached.

  "Mama!" The boy left my side and ran eagerly up to the woman, a beamed on his dirt-strewn face, chattering illegible words. The woman chatted back, in a language I don't know. They continued for a few more minutes, before the woman finally turned towards me.

  "Ah yes, Skyler. You must be famished!" She spoke with precise pronunciation. Smiling a gap-toothed smile at me, she proceeded to stir something from the clay pot on the ground, humming a cheerful song in what probably is her native language.

  "Um... thank you." I graciously accept the clay bowl.

  "Drink this, and you'll feel much more like yourself." She instructed.

  I hesitated for a split-second. The contents of the bowl did not look at all appetizing--- a mixture of scents and herbal leaves mashed up and floating around in a slushy brown soup. I glanced up uncertainly at the woman, who gave me an encouraging nod, her grin never wavering.

  Inwardly, I prepare myself for the ghastly taste, then, tilting the bowl at an awkward angle, I slurp down the contents in two quick gulps.

  "Wow that was surprisingly good!" My eyes widen in surprise. The mixture cleared the buzzing in my head. Suddenly, I could see with clearer vision, and well... I did feel more like myself--- the kind of drop-out, quirky, hyperactive teenager I once was.

  "Mama's right, isn't she? That stuff's really strong! Everyone knows mama has healing powers!" The boy clapped his hands excitedly.

  Chuckling, the woman pinched his cheeks, an adoring smile on her dark face.

  "Thanks... uh, what should I call you?" I hesitated. "And you?" I turn to the boy.

  "Call me mama, thank you. Everyone here does." Mama accepts the empty bowl from my hands.

  "I'm Dax." He formally offered me a small hand to shake, and I grasp it with some amusement.

  "Sure... so you aren't really his mother?" I question 'mama'.

  In a millisecond, a tiny fraction of her smile wavered. Was it my imagination... or did I say something that landed a punch to her frail face?

  "No... I'm not his mother." She said in a tight voice, which I think was quite odd for her. At first glance anyone would think this woman lived a happy-go-lucky life. But everyone has sore spots that could flare up when plodded to hard. I decided it would be wise to change the topic before I hurt this kindly woman and her... well, Dax--- who's not her son.

  "So, what are we doing her now? I mean, I'm sorry, that's an awkward question, since I was the one who started all of this..." I rambled off.

  "Oh, this isn't your fault, dear." Mama insisted, her comforting smile back on her face. "It's being well taken care of by our leader. He's doing a great job working out a schedule right now, so don't you worry! We'll be out of this fix in no time, this hasn't been the first."

  "Yup! My brother is the best!" Young Dax raises his hands and punches the air. "He is the best leader!"

  I smiled. It's hard not to when Dax is nearby, a little ball of pent-up energy. It's a pity he's wasting his life rotting about down here... I turn my face, trying not to think about my future is like avoiding a pie that's being thrown straight into your face. It'll hit you, no matter what, and it'll cause you a heck lot of discomfort.

  "Oh? That's great." In the inside, I felt mortified that I was giving this important leader so much headache over my doing, despite the high praise and reassurance from Mama and Dax. "Do you know what will happen next? Do we stay here per... for now?"

  A knot formed in my stomach. The thought of having to live inside this musty cave for the rest of my life wasn't exactly paradise for me. In my head, I experienced ironic short films of my future being played off a tape... all those happy and tough times that I had yet to face under the Library’s refuge... All those I could not hope for any longer.

  And Niko... I almost broke down into sobs. I wish I could forget him altogether... but that is cruel to him. It's not his fault I have to be so terribly wrong for him...and yet so awfully right. I click my tongue in exasperation. How does this work, anyway? I wanted to scream.

  "I--- I'm sorry, but that's not a question I can answer. Only the leader can..." Mama stuttered, scanning the cave. Suddenly, she straightened and her smile brightened. "Oh, here he comes! You can ask him himself!"

  I turn around, and to my mortification, there is the guy I really didn't want to be around anymore than I had already. He glanced up, and his eyes met mine for about a second or two before I look away, my cheeks burning furiously. How is it? I scream in my head. How is it that I always manage to embarrass myself and everyone I'm with?

  Before I could stop her, Mama waves her hands in the air. "Isaac! She called. "Come here, won't you?"

  My eyes trail the ground. Oh, where is the infamous massive hole that would open up and swallow up people embarrassed to the death?

  I could feel his struggle, hear his hesitation in his steps as he slowly approached the enthusiastic but ignorant Mama--- bless her soul, thought, she seems to be the kind who always looks out for others around her.

  "Isaac!" Dax ran up to him, his arms extended, engulfing the older boy in a hug. Isaac's face immediately morphed into a grin I never saw before. Obviou
sly, those two loved adored each other. Hmm... Dax claimed he is Isaac's brother, but my eyes seem to judge otherwise. Fair skinned and blonde, Dax is the complete opposite of Isaac. I'd never come to the conclusion that they were brothers.

  Sensing my confusion, Mama moved in to me and whispered in my ear. "Those two aren't siblings by blood, but they care for each other just as if they were." Pulling back, she gently brushed a strand of my short brown hair away from my face. "Don't worry about your past. You will find comfort here with us... comfort and also a new family, stronger than any other."

  Her words and actions only seemed to make me feel worse about myself. I flushed a dark shade of mauve, hardly daring to meet her eyes for fear that she would look through my soul into the part of me that's screaming to leave, begging, breaking down... burning. Yes, burning to break free of the invisible bonds strapping me down into this depthless situation.

  "You called, Meia?" Issac lifts Dax back down. Mama nods. "Yes, dear. Skyler is awake, well, as you can see. She's going to need... explanations."

  I nodded, my mind in a daze. Explanations... that sounds just like the remedial potion I need right now.

  "Um... you all can just call me Skye. Please do." I feel like impaling my forehead into an overhead stalactite. Since when do you get all flustered and light headed, Skye? You don't usually say um in casual conversations.

  Isaac surveyed me through emotionless blue eyes. I've a feeling he doesn't quite know what to make of me. After my horrible revelation... Oh god, why do I say things in a rush when I'm delusional? The worst part is that I actually remember what had happened, and it never fails to haunt me. I seriously don't need any more drama in my twisted life.

  "I did as you said, Isaac! She was peaceful and undisturbed in her sleep!" Dax proudly bounces up and down. I swear, in that moment, the tables turned on Isaac. His bronze face heated up, and he muttered something unintelligible to Dax, who giggled and ran off, possibly to hide from Isaac's wrath.

  Oh.. kay... that didn't help relieve the situation. I sighed, walking off. I was right... Isaac trailed behind, lost in thought.

  I kept on walking, past the cold stares and fiery accusations, though at one point or other, Isaac stopped to shout at them to keep to their selves, and get on with their jobs. I didn't stop until we'd reach the furthest end of the cave, and possibly the coldest region.

  Drawing out a long, exaggerated sigh, I growl, "Great. Now I suppose we have things to talk about. Before that though, I have one condition." The moment I hear his footsteps halt, I turn and laid down the ground rules.

  Startled, Isaac furrowed his brows. "What is it?" I could feel the aura of tension between us. After what had happened... I'm pretty sure he'd do anything in his power to distance himself from me. And I... how could I be that delusional to imagine him as Niko? Ouch, that must've been disturbing to him.

  "That you'd forget what had happened... unless I bring it up." I didn't let my guard down before, and now that my darkest secret had been spilled like the beans people are accusing, I would do anything to keep it hidden. I didn't like the idea of trusting anyone other than myself, and now I was placing my whole life--- the lie it is, into the hands of this man. The young leader, whom everyone so looked up to. "Understand?" Not getting a response was unnerving. I began to feel a tad bit more agitated.

  "Fine."

  "You'd better mean it."

  He rolled his eyes and sighed. "Your secret is safe with me, princessa." He says.

  "Do NOT mock me, mister. If what I remember telling you is correct, you should be the one to run screaming."

  "Who? Me? Princess, compared to me, your secret is ankle deep." He snorted. I clench my jaw. Who is he to give himself such opinions? "Why do I even bother reasoning with you about this?" I growl. "You do realize that I could probably kill you in your sleep, don't you? Assuming you prove to be worth my effort."

  "Oh, please. You couldn't sound more menacing than a yapping poodle." Isaac waves his arm dismissively.

  "What's it with you? Why are you so against me?" I cry, now thoroughly annoyed. "Why is every other teenager I meet down here against me? First Loky, now you!" I didn't think straight, I gave him a push in the chest. "You didn't even care... didn’t care when I was attacked. You just stood there in the side-lines watching me get beat up. Why? Because you think I deserved it?"

  Ouch, just talking about it is splitting my brain in half. The back of my head throbs in pain from when I was thrown to the ground.

  Isaac clenched his fists, a defiant look in his eyes. His whole body heaves as his breathing rate increases. I too have to remind myself to calm my mind--- before I do or say anything hurtful. However, I seem to have done more than enough damage already.

  Oh, Skye, you just have to find a bone to pick with everywhere you go, don't you?

  "Skye, I---" He spoke, but by now I'm too blinded by blazing tears to care.

  "Save it." I snap. "I need to hear your explanations, and you better make this business-like." I sniffed, hating myself for crying in front of him again. What must he think of me now? I hate being pitied, and just thinking what must be wondering around in his mind right now is offsetting my nerves.

  Pressing his lips tightly together, he set his jaw, his stare frigid. "Then let's get on with it. What do you want to know?"

  A/N: Hmm... that question is probably directed to you all as well! What do you all think of the story? It'd be great to hear some feedback from you all at this point, because this book is expanding so much so fast it's amazing! To all of those who are reading this, thank you, you've been a great help to me so far and I really appreciate each and every vote and comment I receive from you! Thanks to you, this story has gotten 10K readers!

  Please share your thoughts and click vote! Let me know if you're reading this story for the first time, and if you like how it is progressing. It'll be my pleasure to dedicate a chapter of my story to you amazing readers!

  Have a great week, updates will be fluent, once a week at least and around this time of the week. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you!

  ~Tiffany :)

  New Prologue!!

  Attention Readers! I've decided to go back and edit every single chapter of this book, starting from the start. I've realized that many situations needed to be altered to fit into my current plot, while others... well, they needed a complete makeover.

  As for the prologue, I'll be uploading it into the initial chapter, so you could view it there, but I've decided to place it up here for a month or so until all my current readers have read it, then I will take it down as to not confuse future readers. So... without further ado, I present to you, the new and completely re-written prologue!

  Major changes: The one running the Organization that Stella worked in is not called 'Alpha' anymore. I changed it to CO--- Commanding Officer. Please take note of that, I will try to change it in as many chapters as I can find.

  *Please note that it's written in a mysterious person's point of view, so you have to be guessing as you read it, so... oh, well. Try to guess who the character is! Hint: It's someone you haven't read in first person point of view before.

  ___________________________________

  Mysterious Person's POV

  “She holds the key. Understand--- yours, and our problems won’t be resolved unless you accept my offer.”

  “Of the girl?” I click my tongue in disgust. “Sorry--- but we can’t take anymore.” I say, emphasizing my will with a firm shake of my head.

  “There have been too many incidents of late… too many unpreventable deaths. I’m sure you are familiar with the poor refugees that none of us--- all of our effort combined, even--- could locate. You don’t want your family in further danger, do you?” My client reclines in the leather chair at my table, a grim look on his slightly distinguished face.

  “And I’m sure you are equally familiar with how the patterns occur, the trends. The cycle can’t possibly be prevented… especially not by what you have
suggested. It’s too late, we can’t afford to take her in.” I rose, a sigh escaping my lips.

  The cold stone walls loom darkly all around. Another factor increasing to my impending urge to rise up from the depths and seek the sunlight… For the moment, I’m buried deep in these tunnels of oppression. Yet, ironically, to the majority of the population, this is their saving grace, their shadow of refuge.

  Shaking my head, I wave my hand, dismissing my client. He frowns, and doesn’t make a move for the door. A shadow crosses his face as he tilts his head to stare at me. There was a glint of steeliness in his expression that made me second guess this man’s objectives. Suddenly, I became all too aware of the impending risks in our given situation.

  “I see you are hesitating my offer. Very well. Let me offer you a better deal. The girl has to be given a space--- I insist upon that. In return, you will cut off all our connections our ancestors had made in the past. I’ve planted enough suggestions in your head. And you, I’m sure, are already fed up with having to deal with our problems. The best way is---“

  “A Disconnection?” I was thrown off track. How could he even have thought of that? I was too stunned to think about anything else. “After all those links we build up? How are you suggesting we do that?”

  “Oh, the process is quite simple, actually, though I’ve never tried, of course.” He says, not looking in the least disgruntled. “Only thing is… there Curse will always find a way to backfire on us.”

  “Which is why it’s never been done before.” I answered dryly. “And I won’t do it this time.”

  “Oh, nonsense.” He chastised. “We can’t keep up this link any longer. I already feared for the worst. There is nothing more to be said about this matter. Keep the girl and let us move on. You are, after all, indebted to us. Don’t tell me that you don’t know who we are talking about. Our whole Organization knows you took in that boy.”