Chapter Text
She awoke from her familiar dream into a frightening new reality.
This new reality began lying back down in a cold, pitch black darkness with stale, dusty air. Sounds of metal grinding against metal, twisting like gears. Harsh screeching of chains clanking together and her own heavy breathing as she gasps for breath from her sudden awakening. A heavy smell of burnt oil and musty dust invades her senses. Her throat tightens. A knot wells in the stomach. Coughing makes everything worse in a moisture-less air tight space. Throat ripped dry and eyes swelled with tears from her body's shock. The aching body revolting this new reality doesn't help her racing, spinning mind.
Huddling into a ball on the floor, the hair on her skin curls with her. An unsettling calm rushes. Swallowing what she can into a gnawing hallow stomach, slowly allows her mind to try and return. In a new panic, she tries to take in her surroundings frantically but her eyes haven't adjusted to the darkness of whatever room she lays in. Forgetting the physical pain, she sits half way up to try and look around. In the same instant, she is flung back to the sharp metal by a sudden jolt of the shaking floor. Her head slams into the metal floor and the swelling migraine only grows worse. Instinctively, she hurls back into a ball on her side in the middle of the floor; hands over her head and knees drawn tightly to her chest. Fear. Panic. Confusion. Pain. Yet nothing at all.
Huddling there she can feel the dirt and rust of the metal against her skin. The metal sheet beneath her was one that pricked and cut at every movement. The sand grains burn like lemon on a cut. These horrible ear ringing sounds echo and bounce off the walls all over the small enclosed space. This worsens the claustrophobic chest tightening sickness.
The room jolted again and jerked upwards like an old lift in a mine shaft. After a while of steady lifting, she realized that the room was safe enough to move. Like a rabbit peaking out of a bush, she lowers her hands and lets her head rise to look around the darkness. Her breathing fastened and body quaked in effort just to move, she shuffled backwards on her hands and feet until she hit a wall a couple feet behind her. Feeling something solid at her back was a relief. She wanted to cry but no tears came; she could only sit there, alone, waiting, thinking. Claustrophobic at first, then struck by hunger and thirst that took over the sensation. There is nothing to see except the darkness and her own dark gray cold breath. With a body and mind finally feeling normal she could speak. She crossed her arms to hold herself and clenched fists tight around her arms.
"Okay...Oh my god, oh my god," she whispered with slight anger repeatedly to herself. Her raspy and dry voice, enveloped by the dark which had no remark. It just repeated what she'd said to restate her loneliness. As her eyes adjusted she could make out the room better. A five foot around metal box with various scattered items inside. Things she hadn't even noticed in her wake. Carelessly stacked against the opposite wall were some wooden crates and odd shaped things on top. The boxes had letters poorly written on them. She wiped her eyes of the tears to try and read. "W.C.K.D." Okay ok ok think. Think damnit what's happening? She desperately thought. Basics, I'm in a box, how'd I get here? It feels like I'm moving...upwards, where? It smells so bad in here. What the hell? I-I can't, I can't remember anything-
"I-I can't remember anything," she suddenly said to the emptiness in a panic, "No no no no I don't know who I am! What's my name? Where am I from? What's my name? Holy shit who am I? That can't be right. Think of something...please!" She raised her hands to her head in frustration trying hard to remember anything while pushing back angry tears. Trying to think of something her mind was flooded with small details of memories and images flashing in her mind. She pictured snow on trees, running down a leaf-strewn road, taste of sweetness, the moon casting a pale glow on a grassy meadow, swimming in a lake, a busy city square with hundreds of people bustling about their business, herself running in a field and her long brown hair flying behind her.
Yet she couldn't recall who her parents were. Images of people flashed across her mind, but there was no recognition, their faces replaced with haunted smears of color. She couldn't think of one person she knew, or think of a single past conversation. After straining her mind to it's limits yearning to remember a life she once knew, she sank into a depression and slumbered over as she gave up.
The room continued its ascent, gently swaying; after a while she grew immune to the ceaseless rattling of the chains that pulled her upward. A long time passed. Minutes stretched into hours, although it was impossible to know for sure because every second seemed like an eternity in an empty box. No. It can't go on forever, it must end somewhere. She trusted her lonely thoughts that she'd been moving for roughly a hour.
Strangely enough, she felt her fear whisk away like a swarm of gnats caught in the wind, replaced by an intense curiosity fueled by a new anger. She wanted to know where she was and what was happening. A spark of sarcastic personality started to return. She thought: Of all the lousy places to wake up, this is where I wind up. Lovely. Couldn't be a box with windows at least no no. That'd be too easy. She's now huddled in the corner with her knees drawn up and arms wrapped around them with her head resting in the crease where the walls meet. Her goosebump stricken skin brushing against her face gives a sense of ease to know something familiar. Rough canvas material of the cargo pants ruins the comfort as do the rather heavy lace up combat boots. Yet the tank top is the comfiest, even if it's cold.
As if the room had grown tired, it groaned then cracked. Finally, the rising halted. A possible change in surroundings grew her curiosity but the fear returned. She scrambled to her feet anticipating danger. The room stop moving entirely but the motion aftereffect lingered. Everything went silent. A minute passed. Two.
She looked in every direction in a panic but still only darkness; she felt along each wall, searching for a way out. Perhaps a door opened. But there was nothing, only the cool metal and occasional boxes. She sighed deeply with depleting hope and the echo amplified through the air, like the haunted moan of death. It faded, and silence returned. Silence, she scoffs with a new found confidence. I'm tired of silence.
She screamed, called for help, not knowing what else to do. The scream just yelled back at her and it only grew her fear. A fear with underlying hatred. Hatred of whoever put her here, rage of wherever the lift leads to, hatred of this pain. To no reply in return she screamed but this time in frustration. She ran around the room again, tossing the boxes aside and throwing sacks of whatever into the opposing wall. When the hunger and thirst struck her with exhaustion from the justified rage she sat back down against the corner. Having not ate or drank in who knows how long she felt it hit her hard now. A different empty cold flooded. She folded her arms and shivered with the fear returning accompanied with tears. She felt a worrying shudder in her chest, as if her heart wanted to escape, to flee her body. No point to yell since nothing was around to hear her, and each word rips her throat raw.
Suddenly, a loud clank rang out above her and she sucked in a startled breath as she looked up with slight hope restored. Slight roll of the eyes as she thought: Of course, I never thought to try and get out above me. A straight line of light broke through the black which appeared across the ceiling of the room. That little light began to grow and the warm sunlight pierced her skin. A feeling her body longed for. A heavy grating sound revealed double sliding doors being forced open. After so long in darkness, the light stabbed her eyes; she looked away, shielding her face with both hands.
She heard noises above-voices. The tight fear squeezed her chest as she held her breath. Not a thought. Not even one of escape or hope, just waiting. The voices were odd, tinged with echoes; some of the words were completely foreign-others felt familiar and others drained out. Looking up the box ceiling came to the ground of whatever main floor was above.
She willed her eyes to adjust as she squinted toward the light and those speaking. At first she could see only shifting shadows. Soon they turned into the shapes of bodies-people bending over the hole in the ceiling, looking down at her, pointing, whispering. Their voices sounded flustered and confused.
Then, as if the lens of a camera had sharpened its focus, the faces cleared. They were boys, all of them-some young, some older. She didn't know what she'd expected, but it definitely wasn't this. They were just teenagers. Kids. Some of her fear melted away, but not enough to calm her racing heart. Kids, maybe my age. Wait wait, all boys? I'm a girl...Oh please no. She thought to herself as she examined them.
"It's a girl," one said distinctively. Everyone started talking at once like that was the cue that it was ok to speak; she only caught pieces here and there.
"A girl?"
"I got dibs!"
"What does that even mean ya klunk?"
"What's she look like?"
"How old do you think she is?"
Aww hell no no I ain't moving, I won't get out of this box I don't care if I die in here. Is there a down button in this thing? She thought as she crammed herself into the corner. Different emotions battled for dominance in her mind and heart. Flustered. Curiosity. Desperation. Overwhelmed. Trapped. But laced through it all was the dark feeling of utter hopelessness, how her life had been wiped from her memory and replaced with something awful. An alien on a different planet. She wanted to run and hide but to what above? Could be worse than down here.
Someone lowered a rope from above, the end of it tied into a big loop. She hesitated. The fear was paralyzing but the defiance was stronger. She weighed her options: This feels like a trap or something wrong. These boxes could be supplies, I don't mind staying down here. I am hungry and thirsty though...eh I don't care. She stood up to take the rope and when she rose the crowd hushed in collective awed silence. Yeah no. She then threw it back up with one swift toss. Some chuckles and light conversations broke out as a result but she didn't care to pay any attention to what was said. The rope lowered again and she threw it back up again. Now in the light she took the time to see what she was wearing. A black skin tight tank top, baggy dark green cargo pants, black leather lace up combat boots and wishing there was a jacket.
After several minutes of talking the rope lowered again but a person was on it this time. A rather tall and muscular boy jumped off the rope and into the box struggling to land the jump. Instinctively she backed up into the corner as far as she could go. The boy saw her cower of fear and slowly knelt down in his place, not moving any closer. He lifted his hands up in surrender to show he meant no harm. At a better look the boy had blonde shaggy hair that came down just below his ears in a comb over and a sharp angled jaw with bright blue sapphire eyes. A soft dirty face that shown warm and bright in the sun. Once he saw her a gentle smile crossed his face like he seemed to light up.
If all the boys look like this then I won't have a problem. I mean he's really cute. Whoa how can I be saying this? They could be...cannibals or something I don't know. But he even knelt once he saw I was scared. Hm. Interesting. Now what? She thought to herself as she examined the boy. He's wearing a tan T-shirt and brown cargo shorts covered in dirt. She took strong interest in the odd leather holster strapped across his waist that held a makeshift knife or machete.
"Um 'ello, no-no need to be afraid. This is normal...okay? You not knowin' a thing, that happens to us all. We won't hurt you, okay love?" The boy said in a light-hearted tone as he offered his hand out towards her. He has a distinct funny accent and seems genuinely kind and shy. Something she forgot existed. Oh my god did he just call me love? I don't know whether I'm upset or flattered about that, I think both, she thought. She hesitated then started to step towards him feeling a bit better. Some voices spoke from above as she entered into the light;
"Newt hurry up,"
"So she's hot?"
"I want to see the chick, man,"
"Ya know what? I think I'm good," she replied as she retreated back to the corner. Her voice surprised the boys and herself, sounds higher pitched and more hoarse than she expected.
"You pieces of klunks, ya ain't helping. She's quite scared down here ya know," he announced to the crowd with a stern look that I could only assume meant 'shut up'. Turning back towards her he continued with a delicate smile; "Don't mind them, it's really okay. Forgive those shanks-er idiots. Ain't seen a girl in a while after all," his accent was hard to follow but he tried his best to talk normally for her.
"Up here is a field and trees, food, water, you should be hungry from such a long ride," offered a deep raspy voice from above trying to help. Ok ok ok ok umm. I can't think with all those eyes on me. Yes alright I'm hungry. There's sun... trees, so it could be where they live, but where is up there? If they all experienced this, this box and memory-less awakening then maybe they have answers. I'd like some of those. I'd feel better if I knew I was safe, like a...weapon. Hmm... Hesitantly she stood up and walked towards the boy this time with more confidence and a plan. He smiled and froze in place once she fully entered the sunlight. It felt warm and nice to be out of the darkness. The sun radiated off her. Some murmurs erupted throughout the crowd but they intensely watched her every move. She hesitated once her eyes met this boys. He was unsure what to do now but didn't want to move and freak her out again. No need.
Swiftly and quickly she lunged toward boy's waist holster. He just stood there in shock and lifted his arms higher when she moved towards him. She grabbed the makeshift machete and shoved him back against the wall then aimed it up at him. He hit the wall hard and looked around in confusion then at her not knowing what just happened. The machete grip was weird and heavy. She tried to keep her arm straight and hide the shaking from fear. The boys above flinched and some bounced back even though they were safe above. The blonde boy stayed back against the wall with his hands half up half down not knowing what to do. I can't believe that worked. Ha. Shit now what? I didn't think this through very well. Just act cool be cool be cool.
Some boys chuckled and many conversations started and she stood there staring at him with the machete pointed at him. She has a fierce look on her face although she's terrified. Furrowed brows and wrinkled nose but watery eyes with trembling lips and body that only this boy can see. His expression shifted like he could see through her tough facade. They're laughing, say something oh my god say something. Be cool. Keeping an aim at the boy in the box with her, she looked around at the crowd above and ordered:
"Now, I'm going to stay in this box room...thing until I'm okay enough to come out. When I do I will not hesitate to cut anyone...or worse. Okay?" her voice now sounds crisp and stern opposed to the previous hoarseness of it. It echoed through the box making it sound more authoritative and confident. Her eyes locked back on the boy who now looked stunned. That felt stupid god that was stupid. Or was it cool? They reacted...in silence. Stunned silence? Or thinking that was embarrassing silence?
"Alright everyone to the Homestead now! I'm calling a meeting," She quickly looked to see who had spoke with that familiar low toned voice. A dark skinned older looking boy standing right on the edge of the box ordered confidently. He was wearing a white button down shirt with blue jeans and an odd shaped necklace around his neck with a strong jaw to match his strong figure. Once he said that, he turned and walked off and eventually the others followed. Not before giving her one last lingering look down. That must be the guy in charge around here. I guess, but how would a group of boys have a leader and order? Are there adults around? She thought to herself as the boys slowly filed away.
"Uh...guys! I'm still here. Can you lift me up?" Called the blonde boy from within the box looking up to the empty blue sky in a panic. She returned her attention to him keeping a steady aim.
"No, you to stay with her so she doesn't run off. Plus I don't know if she'd let you haha," another shorter boy replied laughing then ran off. Once the last figure left she felt okay enough to let her mind empty out. He seems trust worthy enough, plus I have him threatened to answer. In a quick pace she rambled,
"What is this place? Huh? Who are you and those guys? Where the hell are we and why can't I remember anything. You said you all did this? How you couldn't remember anything? Huh?" Her stern voice seemed to surprise the boy since he shuffled in his place but avoided eye contact. She took a breath and he tried to comfort her.
"Aight mate, w-what you're feeling now, yes that's normal. Sucks and it's weird, I mean I experienced it too when I first came up here. We've all felt it. We've all had that first day, come out of this dark box into a weird place. Things are bad, they are, and they'll get much worse for ya soon, that's the honest truth. But in a while you'll be fightin' true and good. I can tell you're not a bloody sissy like this lot. You seem to be taking it better than the rest of us did. But...it's not all that bad. It's pretty nice up there. Compared to here that is." he replied, shifting eyes from the machete to her.
"Me feeling terrified for my life and extremely tired and-and confused is normal?" She retorted. He shrugged and glanced around,
"Well...yeah. Look, we've been sent up here by someone, we don't know who. We still don't even know where we really are. But we call this place we've been plonked into the 'Glade'. All those guys you saw above have been sent up here in this same box, with the same feelings that you have. They actually acted more like a baby than you," he explained with a chuckle and started to lift his arms more innocently with a slight step forward.
"This box sends one new person up here every month like clock work. Along with fresh supplies, within those boxes," as he gestured towards the wooden boxes lined against the wall. Then he slowly went to start arranging them. She stepped back a bit out of his way but still armed. After several minutes of him fiddling with them he stepped back and gestured proudly with both hands at his creation of oddly stacked boxes.
"There, stairs. Now I know a good place where you can just sit for a bit, alone. To think. Just my mates need to get these boxes out, to kind of survive. If you get out I'll make sure you're safe and then we can get you food and water. Good that?" He asked, finally making eye contact with her. She lowered her hand a bit when they locked eyes and she audibly sighed a bit by it. Okay, the others left, this kid seems nice and if he knows a safer spot away from people then I can just sit there for a while and ask questions later. Plus I need to see what this 'Glade' is. Okay it's a plan-ish.
"You'll make sure the others stay away?" She double checked.
"Yes I pinky promise," he said as he held his pinky finger up and smiled. She thought about locking the promise but felt weird about it. She then started to climb the unstable stairs that lead up and out of the box. After accepting getting denied of the pinky promise he stood next to the boxes with his arms out ready to catch her if she fell. She knelt on the top step, looked around and saw no one. Deeming it safe, she got out and stood at the edge in shock. Taking in all the vast surroundings at once of the new reality she must accept.