Deptheless: Under the Library

by Tiffany Tay

  I moistened the parched bit on my tongue. “He came to us. Our Library just doesn’t ignore the desperate pleas for refuge. Unlike your Organization, we don’t place judgment upon our people.”

  “There you go!” He pounces with a wry grin. “You pointed it out yourself--- you don’t judge who you take in, so why not just accept my little Agent?” I pursed my lips. Receiving no response, he continues, “She is strong, with quick reflexes and I foresee that she will bring an end to all this catastrophe.”

  “What if your plan backfires? Have you even given it a thorough thought?” My brows furrow as weighed the scales, the pros with the cons. However, I can’t seem to find a balance. “You do know what this could bring upon both our sides, don’t you? There was a reason we called a truce in the first place. We needed balance. And now you plan to overthrow it? How do I know that you wouldn’t just turn the tables on us and take over the world?”

  "This is an emergency." He insists. "We have important things to protect. You should know. Our little Agent... she would do perfectly."

  I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "And... this Agent? Does she fully understand the risks?"

  He hesitates. "She has no clue. But I trust upon you to guide her well, do what it takes."

  I scowl. "She doesn't have a clue." I muse. "But still she wants to join? Registration is long closed. We do not accept latecomers. Not until next year. Why send her so early?"

  "You don't understand! If you don't accept her now, what you strive for is doomed! She needs you, and you have to take her in. There is no other way."

  A niggling voice in my head whispers that what he is saying is the horrible truth. We’d experienced countless disasters in the past, we’ve all tried our luck at putting a stop to this Curse, combined forces with the vile organization, of which the CO sits reclined at the opposite end of the table.

  “There is a reason this place is known for its infinite depth.” At last, I shared my views. Not on my will, but taping into his plan, plotting the procedure along with him. Two allies, once enemies, now working together to bring down a prominent link. “Once you are disconnected from us, we can’t form allies, which means no more bonds whatsoever would be permitted inside or out of this place---“

  My client chuckles dismissively. “That would be lovely.” He thought aloud. Then coughing into his fist, he shoots me a triumphant smile, the cold gaze never leaves his eyes. “The girl will be surrendered to you when the time comes. I myself won’t know when that will be, but believe me when I say she will be brought forth one day. By my successor, or even myself if I’m lucky.”

  I nodded, my smile tight on my face. “Wonderful.” The word rolled off my tongue like a sour orange. “So in return of disconnecting our alliance, even possibly resulting in both our demises… you would only send your, ah--- said salvation possibly decades later?”

  I couldn’t help it. There was something not quite right going on underneath all of this… something I couldn’t quite pin onto. It’s all causing me a massive headache. I could feel the little waves of doubt flooding my mind, urging me to decline this ridiculous offer, and yet…

  “You are right.” I admit. His offer had tempted its way into my mind. If what he had planned fails to run smoothly… Our whole population would crumble under the Curse that’s been hovering over our heads for so long. People would be led to believe a lie about their existence, and many will lose their loved ones to the shadowy curse that lingers about, never failing to pounce on its next victim and engulf them, draw them deeper away from the present.

  I had to come to a conclusion. A hasty one which I hated with all my strength, but which dutiful obligations had led me to take up.

  “Let’s hasten this process. I hope you bear in mind the consequences which will follow.”

  “Lovely plan!” If possible, his grin reflects the image of a devious man below his wrinkle-free face.

  “Before I leave forever though, I just want to let you know that the past few decades of working at your beck and call, ah--- sorry, working side by side, have been exhilarating. You have aged so little since I first met you…

  “It’s time Time left its mark on you. Take heart--- you’ll need it close to fight your upcoming battles… on your own.”

  “Remember your promise, OC, that’s all I ask of you. You have guaranteed us a deliverer. Your plan had better be effective.”

  Don't worry, new chapters will continue to be uploaded while the process of editing will take place in the background. When I'm done, I'll put in a notice so you could go back and read it, if you want, unless I state that there are no major changes.

  Thanks and keep on supporting! <3

  ~Tiffany:)

  Chapter Thirty-Four// Alex

  Alex’s POV

  All day, I wandered around like an undead zombie. Being pelted with visions from the past was unnerving enough for one night, but waking up to more chaotic events... Well, I seemed to have aged ten more years, which could, or couldn't have been possible.

  "A rescue team is going to be sent out in two hours' time." Jocelyn reported via holographic projection over my table. Restless, I prop one hand under my chin to prevent myself from dozing off once more. What has gotten into my head? My thoughts are mushy and unrealistic--- I could be saying anything at the moment, and no one would know that it's the sane Alex behind it all.

  Groaning, I cast my watch a nervous glance. "How exactly have the preparations be made?"

  In the shimmering image, Jocelyn runs a tiny hand through her long blonde curls, a worry line on her forehead. If I knew any better, I'd say Jocelyn had the power of age-control as well--- how else had she managed to stay calm for that many years?

  In a controlled voice, she informs me that an extremely elite squad had been prepared, which troubled me, because I can't recall having organized any squad. Unless...

  "Yes, your father had predicted the need for such a team, and had prepped up some of the loyal and strongest of our population---"

  "Wait, hold it." I shook my head in disbelief. "All of this, and he didn't bother to let me know earlier?" My voice rose to a higher level of agitation, as it did whenever someone brought up my father.

  Jocelyn shrugged her slim shoulders. "You didn't know, because it happened just before he... you know." Her voice trailed off, and she shifted her head nervously to right.

  My hands gripped the edge of the table a little harder. "You could've at least have the courtesy to tell me about that. Or you didn't think it was as important as your gala?" My voice came out as sarcastic, but I couldn't stop myself from frowning. I still can't get over how she had the nerve to call on the Gala while I was asleep. I hope she knows the consequences.

  Jocelyn stubbornly stuck out her chin. "Come on, you know we all need it!" She defends herself. I remain silent. "Alex, I've been through with you about this, there is nothing better that can lift everyone’s spirits than a gala! I just need to come up with a suitable theme..."

  "Depthless?" I threw out, rolling my eyes as she took it as a genuine suggestion. "Hmm... I suppose, what with this turn of events..."

  "Excuse me, Jocelyn, but we have more important matters to discuss right now. Especially the little excursion down the chasm? You really think it's a good idea to send more of them down there?"

  Jocelyn chews on her lower lip, signalling her hesitation. "Well... unless that's where the Exiled was sent to dwell... then it won't be a problem for us!"

  I fold my arms across my chest. "What if it was?" I asked imploringly. "What if they really were sent to live down... down there?" My mind began to wonder, frantically pulling threads and lose strings trying to grasp the right pieces to knit together the solution.

  I was never able to forget what I'd relived in my dreams each night. I was never given the chance to live and let go. Every waking minute of my life is spent plotting plans to alter the future. On the other hand, I'd never been able to let go of the past. Each night, I dreamt a life with my parents,
alive, together, safe without threat from the Curse. Each time, I awoke to the horrible truth. To the cold, emptiness in my step, to the doubt and hesitation in my decisions... even to question my existence.

  "Alex, Alex, please stay focused." Jocelyn yells through the hologram, while checking over her shoulder and making hand gestures to people I couldn't see.

  "Where are you?" I ask distractedly.

  "At... at the base." Was her tentative reply. "Do you want to come over to send them off?"

  "I'll be there." I steadied my breathing, trying to pry those living nightmares from haunting my mind, flooding my thoughts, drowning me deeper from reality.

  "Great." I didn't miss the lack of excitement in her voice, which troubled me further. Something must be amiss--- out preppy Managing Activities Director (and VP) is losing her usual cheery strength. "Listen, I need to assist them right now, just a little reminder before you enter the Base---"

  Her voice trailed off as she was interrupted by something in the background. Sighing, I stood up and ran my fingers over the table's screen, watching as it responds and emits three-dimensional projections, spreading throughout the table. Faintly, I could hear Jocelyn arguing with a familiar voice...

  Panic sunk in like a rock had been cast down under the waves, sinking into my heart. "Jocelyn!" I yell, temporarily abandoning my tasks at the table.

  When she snapped up, the desperate, wild look in her eyes was enough to confirm my fears. "Oh, god, no... Jocelyn! Why did you let Kale into the Base?" I shout, resisting the urge to punch through the projection.

  Jocelyn had the nerve to look guilty. "See--- he really wanted to help. I couldn't stop him from entering, after all, he was part of the squad..."

  "He was what, now?" I tried to maintain my voice in an even tone. "You don't mean to say my father actually chose him, believing he would be in precise shape for this..."

  A dark figure took over the screen, shoving Jocelyn out of view. "Alex, listen---"

  "Kale." I smothered the fury in my voice. Instead, I let it show through my eyes.

  Kale drew in a long breath, his dark eyes surprisingly steady. "I can't just sit around and let things happen. Because it will come down to this anyway--- I would find myself down there in... in due time."

  "Kale, what are you saying? You know, you must be delusional. Please, Jocelyn, get him out of there. Then you and I are going to discuss your absurd action..."

  I hear a muffled voice calling out something from the background.

  "She's busy attending the others. Alex, you have to know, I'm doing this on my own decision. Jocelyn had no say in this, it was all pre-decided.."

  "Your decision may not be the wisest." I cut him off with a glare. "As for your safety..."

  "But don't you see? My safety is already doomed. Even if I continue to live up here, I would one day be gone anyway. Staying here, moping around awaiting death... that's not doing anything to boost my morale. Just do me a favour... accept my death. Okay, Alex?"

  Closing my eyes, I draw out a tired breath. "So you think that speeding up your death is a better option?" He starts to argue, but I hold up my arms. "Enough said. You aren't going to be put up front, and that's my decision."

  I started to turn away, but his next sentence stopped me right in my tracks...

  "It was your father, Alex, who insisted upon my spot in this squad. He predicted this, and he too agreed that it's only noble, and right that I be---"

  I had enough. Scooting around so that he could see the rage in my expression, I bellow as loud as I dared:

  "Don't! Don't say it's noble! My father wouldn't! Don't say that after what had happened to him!" I was breathing heavily, my jumbled up emotions of the past threatening to blow over.

  In the background, Jocelyn starts to say something to Kale, but he pushes her away. HIs gaze is steely when he meets mine, but he doesn't break into a sweat as he said this: "It really was what he wanted, Alex. He personally trained me himself for this moment. He--- I have a feeling. We are on the right track of overthrowing this curse, and this is when I'm needed the most." He tells me, perplexed.

  "I'm giving you ten minutes from now to get out of there and into my office, where you'll explain exactly how you think this would help change things." I grit my teeth, a plan formulating itself in my head.

  "No can do, Alex. Sorry, but we have vital matters to sort through at the moment, and I just can't leave. We only have vaguely forty minutes before we take off."

  "And how are you going to get down there without breaking your neck?" I threw up my hands in disgust. "It just isn't done..."

  "Try me."

  Just the two words brought me surprising calmness. "I won't."

  "Then I suppose I won't be seeing you after this?" That guy was careful in his selection of words. He knew how to work his way through an argument.

  "This is your choice. The only one regretting it would be yourself." I hope he doesn't miss the edge of iciness in my voice.

  He cleared his throat, swinging a sack over his broad shoulders. "You needn't worry, I won't be around then for you to hear my complaints." He tried for a grin.

  I, however, wasn't in any sort of cheerful mood. "Good luck, Kale. Any last messages you want me to transfer?"

  Kale shook his head. "Nope, any important messages I'd already delivered. Don't want anyone else to be alarmed."

  "No one else knows about this? About your condition?" I implore. He shakes his head in response.

  "Look, it's time I start preparing. Goodbye, Alex, I apologize for all of the inconvenience I'd caused you."

  I decided it was wise to just walk off.

  *****

  It turns out that my dreams hadn't ended. It was far from it.

  Walking out of my office was a nightmare in itself. Various scenarios were floating through my mind, each one more morbid than what my mind could conjure up.

  Images of my mother, my father... they kept invading my head. Little whispers filled my thoughts, forcing me to succumb to them eventually.

  With a frustrated growl, I stomp my way through the dining hall, all the way to my private quarters. They once belonged to my parents, then the three of us lived there. After my mother died, well... my father wasn't quite himself, in a way I couldn't understand.

  ___________________

  "Alex, your mother is gone."

  Long after I was pulled to safety, my tearful father embraced me, in one of his rare moments of weakness, and delivered the gruesome news: they weren't even able to locate her body.

  Which was hopeless. I knew, back then, what had happened. However, I had chosen to keep that bit of information bottled up, even though I could not shine any light upon it.

  "I know." Was probably the hardest two words in my nine-year-old life.

  My father pulled back, grasping my shoulders in his hands. The longer he lived, the less he aged, the more Time threatened to leave its emotional mark upon him. "Listen, Alex. I--- I did something dangerous, really, really, dangerous, and it probably cost your mom's life..."

  I remember drawing in a sharp breath. I wanted more than anything to shift the blame onto him, shift the guilt off my frail shoulders, find an explanation to this crazy situation. In the end, I knew that it was no one's fault. I knew, first hand, that it all came down to my mother's final decision. It'd even mentioned it to my weary father, who smiled tightly and clutched me harder.

  "Alex, I just want you to know--- it could be my turn next."

  I remember pulling away from him, horror flooding over me, seizing me, taking hold of my senses, stunning me. "No!" I shouted. "You can't leave me too!"

  "Alex." My father smiled sadly. "This is unpreventable. Your mother gave her life for a noble cause, you witnessed that. You are still young, it's unfair to you, i understand. But remember that it's all for the cause of the nation. In the end, we always have to set aside our personal issues for the greater good, the bigger purpose that has to be resolved. What your mother did... it boug
ht us a little more time."

  "Don't say anymore, I don't want to know!" Driven with grief, I push away my father for the first time ever. My mother's death had took me on a roller coaster ride, and I wasn't ever returning back to normal.

  "My son... someday you'll understand. Our generation was bestowed upon with a special gift, but with it comes a curse. Not The Curse, but a side effect we all have to go through. You, my son, would have to face your ultimate decision someday, but I know you'll make the best choice."

  "When the time comes, always bear in mind that sacrifice always brings peace. And with that, temporary rest. Nothing is this world will be permanent, no cycle may end, for as long as you keep seeking the solution. For actions leave deeper impacts than ignorance."

  __________________

  I had dared to hope that allowing Kale to venture straight into the clutches of death was my difficult decision...

  A/n: Hey! Thanks to all who have been following my works, it really means the world to me! I hope you could continue to help me improve, I'm trying as hard as I can to make this story interesting for everyone, so please don't click away before dropping a comment to share your thoughts! Vote please!

  ~Tiffany :)

  Chapter Thirty-Five// Alex

  Alex's POV

  People are, more often than not, at one point of their lives, wrong. In fact, I could list the number of all my achievements in the past year, no problem. But when asked to state my failures... Some people could hang onto their mistakes like grasping onto roots right under the edge of a cliff, as one false tug could send you sprawling.

  Me? I'd rather let go of that root than to continue hanging onto the haunting mistakes of my life... at least, I could search for a better life, a new beginning. You'd say I'm a big risk taker.

  Which is why, I suppose, I decided to head on over to the base anyway, where I'd convince Kale to the moon and back, to alter his mind.

  I pass the endless scurrying of people as they hurried around, carrying out their various tasks. A man in a long, black coat nods to me as I pass, then absorbs himself once more in the voluminous leather-bound book he must've checked out of the library.