The Darkness Below

The Rest of The Story

I frowned as I walked home alone. Jake's parents had kept him home from school, but why? I knew they were acting weird, the last time I had visited they seemed overwhelmed. I'm Reed, by the way, and Jake is my best friend, but I'm worried, worried about his parents. It's suspicious, isn't it? Maybe I'm imagining things, but I have a bad feeling.

My thoughts were interrupted as I tumbled down a hole. Why was there just a hole in the middle of a Chicago sidewalk? I let out a girly squeal as I fell a couple feet. I was plunged into a pitch black tunnel, or at least that's what I thought it was. I couldn't see the end, if there was one. I couldn't even see where I came through.

"The heck..." I said out loud, thinking no one could hear me.

As I stood up and brushed my jeans off, I heard an echo, that sounded like a contorted scream. I took my cell phone out, and tried turning on the flashlight. I startledly dropped my phone as something grabbed me from behind. It was a dark shadowy figure, taller than my 5' 6".

"Do you know where you are kid?" He asked roughly.

"No," I said trembling, enforcing how kiddish I really am. I am 16, though for the record.

"This is the Underway, a hideout and black market for thieves and crooks. You can't be normal if you've fallen through a portal. You know anything, punk?" He stared threateningly.

"No," my voice managed to squeak out."Let me...show you around," He pointed down an end of the hallway, where the echoes had came from.

"Okay then, mister...?"

"Go. Don't make me repeat it."

"But I can't even see where you are pointing," I complained.

He look confused for a second, and then muttered under his breath. He dug around in one of his pockets, and pulled a candle out. "Take it, let's go,"

Even though candle light is supposed to be warm, this candle was menacing and smelled like...like blood? I gulped. With the light I could see the guy in front of me. He hadn't shaved in awhile, I noted.I could see light at the end of this...tunnel? "Here you go," I muttered back as I gave him his creepy candle. It matched his personality.He was right, it was a market of sorts, it was bigger than a convention center. There was many dark tunnels, leading from this room. It must have been a black market, some sort of underground illegal community. No wonder it's a home of thieves and criminals.And the people. If I thought my escort was creepy, then you ought to look at these other people. The majority were taller than me, and they looked nothing like human beings. Some at least looked half human, but their other half was animal. I shrunk behind my escort, trying to hide myself. I didn't belong.But some of the things people were selling caught my eye. There was jewels, potions, and things of dark magic. Don't ask me how I knew it. Things worth millions. Severed limbs, potions brimming with darkness, diamonds as big as apples. Knives and swords, made out of dark material."Who are you kid," someone growled from behind.Nothing came out of my mouth except for a squeak."He's with me," my captor growled back, assuming authority."Oh I'm sorry my lord, do you need any assistance?""No," he replied back coldly. The other "person" backed off slowly, looking terrified for their life."So you're a lord?" I asked, curious."Kid, you should be glad I was the one who found you. These people would kill you faster than you could interpret,"I gulped."Where are we going?" My voice was small, but I had at least gained the confidence to talk to him."To see someone...special."That seemed suspicious to me, so I decided to shut up. We passed more stalls; people's eyes followed us.Then I saw where we were headed to. The crowd had parted in this underground cavern, no one was coming in or out from one of the hallways, and we were making a beeline to it.He shoved me in there face first, while he walked behind calmly."Jerk," I muttered."I saved your life. You don't seem to happy about it,""Tell me your name so I can rightfully thank you for saving my pathetic life," I replied sarcastically."I am Lord Damon, of the Chicago Region. Chicago just so happens to be where our king resides also. I am one of his most trusted supervisors,""Can you explain to me what this place is?" I pleaded, with puppy dog eyes.He sighed, giving in. "You fell into one of the portals that connects the Middleway, where you humans live, to this, the Underway. This is just a stretch of the Underway, it connects with many other underground systems so that all cities are connected and everyone has a quick way to get to the king. That back there, was one of the numerous black markets. Normally you humans are incapable of coming down here, unless you deserve to be down here. You, on the other hand, are nothing like the typical human down here. You aren't dangerous." He looked at me skeptically."If you aren't human what are you? Who is the king? If I'm normal why did I fall down that portal?" I fired questions off quickly.He just smiled, being a jerk, and didn't answer any of them. He stayed close to me, his hands on my shoulders, warning me that if I made a wrong move, it wouldn't end well for me.After walking down that empty, narrow hallway, we were greeted by light, dark purplish pulsing light that wasn't at all welcoming."This...this is where our king resides. He will be glad to meet you," He said smiling wickedly, leaving me here as he disappeared back into the shadows. I had a feeling that I would meet him again. The light faded as I heard a voice start."Welcome, welcome. My Damon has brought you to me, has he not?"I couldn't see where the voice was coming from."Answer your king," It commanded."S-sorry my king, um yes Lord Damon brought me here,""He must have been very tolerant to not kill you right away," it said, "I would have. Except you are special, you are not meant to be here, not at all. Is that correct?"It sounded like a threat. I gulped. "Um yes my king, uh y-yes,""I don't usually see visitors, but when my Damon has brought me something, I can not resist at least seeing what it is. You might even get the honor of me killing you, better me than the guards. I make it last," He remarked, savoring the thought.I couldn't talk anymore, my throat had shut up. I felt his presence, getting closer and closer, bringing a chill over my body. I could feel him, examining me like I was his prey. Eh, I probably was."You do look precisely killable. It would be a joy, but I feel like I have seen you before, when I have ventured in the Middleway, so you can still be...used. Please, I invite you to stay and...dine with me,"Like it's polite to interrogate your dinner before eating it."Oh it would be a-an honor to dine with you my king,""Right answer, my...friend. Come along now, come along,""But sir, I can't see anything," I could feel his frown radiating through the air. I heard a distant snap, and the lights were raised. I still couldn't see him, the king, except for a shadow. It beckoned me, playfully, as if itching for me to disobey. I followed him cautiously, as we came out of what looked like a dungeon. It was eerily silent, this domain was for the king only."I always have my meetings in the dungeon, if something turns out...badly, it is easy to clean up,"Well thanks for that knowledge. It made me wonder how many people had been killed in that dungeon. Maybe thousands?He chuckled slightly, as if he heard my thoughts. The lights, still creepy, grew a bit brighter. I'm not surprised he likes the dark; he was only a shadow.The dining room was picturesque, perfect. "Sit," he mentioned to the place across from him. "We haven't even been formally introduced, I am King Zyler, of the Underway community. And you?""I-I am Reed Hearthrow, of the humans I guess," I could see him clearer now. His dark hair shadowed his face and matched his black, soulless eyes."Tell me about your life," he said as he brought a glass of dark, thick, red liquid up to his mouth."I go to school, I come home, I eat, I sleep, I don't do anything interesting,""But yet, you are so interesting. This is one of my favorite meals, I am very fond of Italian food, especially with blood added to it. Blood adds a certain flavor to it, don't you think?"I choked up the food I had eaten. No wonder it was so salty. I grabbed the glass, and expecting maybe wine or something like that, I spit it out as it was blood also."Of course," he said, "I don't need drink to blood, but it sure adds a nice flavor. My Maurus, need to drink blood though, as he is a vampire. He's in charge of security. I'm sure he would comment on how nicely you smell. AB negative, I assume?"He knows my blood type, how creepy is that?"I would be honored, to meet this Maurus.""You are such an ignorant human, but even you know who to respect the respected. I will invite you to stay in my castle, for tonight before we can return you to the Middleway. And tonight, don't become scared if something enters your room, it will just be a guard...checking up on you." His eyes lighted up evilly, bringing a dark gray light to them."I would be very honored my king,""Are you sure you do not want to eat more? You might need the energy,"It sounded like he was implying something."Is there any dessert?""Well yes, but nothing you would like. Come along now, follow me,"How would he know what I like? What about needing to eat more?I followed him. This place looked ancient, I wonder how long Mr. I am the Supreme has had it. He didn't look that old, but I have no idea what voodoo he could've had done to him. He could be like 10,000 years old. That seems like the age of his personality.How am I supposed to sleep here?The room he brought me to didn't look that gloomy. It even had a fireplace that wasn't purple and dark and unwelcoming. How lovely."Have a good night," he called back charmingly, as he stalked away..............................................................I couldn't sleep. I had been trying for hours. I kept hearing things, moving throughout the walls and down the halls. The fire had burned out hours ago, I was in pure darkness. I hadn't heard that heavy door open back up again, but who knows, there could be other ways to get in. There was only the ticking of an ancient clock, hidden somewhere in the walls. Muffled footsteps patted along rhythmically, and instead of lulling me to sleep, it kept me more awake. Someone could be staring at me, waiting to kill me in this giant trap. Maybe the King himself might.I heard a chuckle, and this time it wasn't that distant. Again I could feel the presence of someone, something, as I had with Zyler. Oh, and anyway, who would name their kid Zyler? It's not even that original. Something darker, darker than normal beings, was moving around. Of course I had no proof, but I felt it. It chilled my soul, along with my body. The room got darker as it creeped closer. "Hello Reed," he said, chilling me even further. "My name is Maurus, one of Zyler's most trusted advisors. I just came to visit."He knew. He knew I had been awake, he knew I had noticed him. He treaded through my fears, basking in them, enjoying it. "How...how long have you been here," I whispered back."Longer than you've realized,""Aren't you a vampire?" I mumbled."So my King told me about you? I am honored. Yes, I am a vampire," He sounded delighted.Well kudos to him for actually giving me a straight answer."So...um what are you doing?" I asked, afraid of what the answer might be."You seem very tense, and King Zyler wants his guests to feel...welcome. He sent me with something to help you sleep,""I am honored that the King would think of my needs-""And right, you should be. He did give me permission to punish you, if you are ever disrespectful, but you are a good obedient puppy. I will leave the bottle on the nightstand next to you, along with a candle. Goodnight Reed,"And in a swift moment, he was gone. The room suddenly warmed up, along with the candle lighting. The bottle had a dark liquid inside of it, too dark to really tell what it is. I think Maurus was hoping I'd screw up. Maybe he would have gotten to eat me.I quickly swallowed the whole bottle, and I tried not to choke it up when I realized what it was. Blood. Yet again. But it seemed to work, as I immediately felt drowsy. The bottle crashed to the ground noisily as I fell unconscious. ........................................................................................I awoke, feeling like I had a hangover. My head was clouded, my vision blurry. I couldn't even walk, I collapsed as soon as I tried to get out of bed. I couldn't pick myself up off of the ground, so I just laid there next to the broken glass. The glass was deep green, and the red stains accompanied it. I tried to fall back asleep, but I couldn't. My attempts were interrupted as Damon came in."The King is waiting for you," he said lazily."I can't get up," I moaned.He just walked over and picked me up like I was nothing, but I still couldn't support myself. My legs felt like gelatin. "I told Zyler he was giving you too much," he muttered, looked at me and the broken glass. "I'll just carry you and hope you can regain your strength."He just carried me out, going back down the slightly brighter hallways. I snuggled into Damon's shoulder, trying once again to go back to sleep. He then unceremoniously dropped me back to the ground in front of the king. Is there even a day and night in this place? I was spacing out, yawning. They looked at each other, and I could tell that somehow they were communicating, probably mentally."Damon, that is all I need of you. You are free to go now," Zyler commanded. He turned to me. "I am going to send you home. You are not to mention this to anyone, you can not trust anyone up there. Stay an ignorant human, and I will reward you. When I get control, you will live in paradise, I just need you to stay out of it. Don't get involved. Try not to fall down any more portals, but in case you do, I am giving you a mark, to show you are not to be touched and are to be brought to me. As long as you will follow these rules, you will be fine. Stay normal, Reed," he warned me. Just then my left hand blazed red, as a sort of tattoo formed, a simple Z. "It won't be noticeable in the Middleway, only down here," he reassured me."Thank you my lord, for everything. I am sad I have to leave," I said in a monotone voice."Goodbye, Reed," his voice faded as everything started spinning. Soon enough I was lying on the side of a Chicago street, in a dead end street. The tattoo was gone, all evidence of a world underneath gone. I wonder how long I'd been gone, was it no time at all or days? I still had no idea of how the Underway worked, and I didn't want to know. Well I guess it's time I make it home..............................................................................................................ZylerZyler frowned as he watched the boy get sucked back into his own world. Reed was familiar, maybe somehow he was connected to Jake, they attended the same school, lived nearby, but he recognized the young boy. He actually couldn't be called that young, he thought, as Reed was about the same age as himself. Reed was just so ignorant and innocent; he was like a young child. Reed was such an ignorant human, just like they all should be, but he had no common sense, no open mindness. Reed didn't even realize that Zyler could read his mind, without any effort, and had heard all those sarcastic comments. Stupid boy.Zyler wanted to kill the boy, he really did, he was in the mood for killing, but Damon had advised against unnecessary killings. Maurus had been all for it though, he had wanted to drain the blood out of that innocent's neck. But Zyler preferred listening to Damon, he had more sense.Zyler would say it was a more interesting part of his day though, it had been amusing to watch the scared boy try and cower away from him, and the look on his face when he realized he was drinking blood was priceless. And based on the knowledge Maurus had told him, Reed was absolutely petrified when he discovered Maurus in his room. Zyler smiled in amusement.But lightheartedness was not for these troubled times. Zyler had only been in this position of power for a while, but it was challenged daily. The elders did not believe in his plan, they thought of it only as petty selfish revenge. They did not understand, he had already had to kill so many because of treason, and sometimes killing isn't as joyful, especially when the victims know it is coming. There are no screams of terror, no hearts beating furiously, no trying to run away, it took the adrenaline out of it. They were more of a bore, but nonetheless he still got to kill, and he got at least a little satisfaction out of it.He just really hoped Reed would stay out of the way, he thought he should have taken his memory away, but again Damon had advised against it, and he trusted Damon. Maurus was just useful for killing, he had a lot of bloodlust as a vampire and was a perfect general to lead the upcoming wars, but he didn't trust Maurus like he did Damon. Damon had no want for any more power, Damon didn't even want what he had, but Zyler refused to let him give it up. Damon is one of the greatest lords to ever rule, he isn't selfish and power hungry. With the little bit of soul Zyler had, Zyler felt sorry for Damon. Damon didn't have a family anymore, he would be fine living alone for the rest of his life on the outskirts of the Underway, he would be content. But Damon was too good of a use here, and Zyler didn't feel a little bit selfish about keeping him here, Zyler made sure Damon would live richly for helping himself. Maurus, he couldn't really say much about him. Maurus was just a tool, basically.Zyler was lonely in the world, no family, but he was content.Zyler had no idea what the rest of the people said about petty revenge. Revenge is never petty, and have those fools any knowledge about the prophecy? He needed to kill the other half, the human half, so that he could become all powerful and rule the world without any problem. The Upperway has no idea about what was happening right now, they had long forgotten about the prophecy and the boy. At least Zyler hoped they had.Zyler's blood boiled just thinking about them. Melinda and John. How they abandoned him and were content with leaving him in limbo forever. But alas, they were too clever, and there was nothing left of value by the time Zyler's troops had gotten to their house. There was only oblivious parents with their oblivious son. The son made Zyler's blood boil even more, Zyler was so much more superior than the human child, he could crush him. But he had to kill the boy in a certain way, at a certain time, to harvest the most power. He even thought about kidnapping the boy earlier, just for some torturing beforehand. Zyler regretted not taking the offer to capture the boy earlier.But even Zyler did not know all. Not even he knew how he was born, what brought him into existence. Who his real parents were. Who set up the Overrulers to get screwed. Whoever made him, must have planned greatly, set it up the perfect way, blaming John and Melinda. Zyler admired whoever had done it, it must have been a great person, very powerful. And if it wasn't an actual person, he thought, he must have been born of straight darkness, which pleased him. No one was more powerful than the darkness, and a person born of it would be at the most potential. Zyler had other matters at hand though, like Damon for instance."Peasant!" Zyler commanded. "Bring Damon to me, I request his presence.""Yes sir!" The peasant squealed as he left.'Honestly Damon,' Zyler thought. 'Out of all the people...'"You requested me, my lord?" Damon interrupted."Yes, I did," Zyler shot back lazily, "really Damon? Out of all the people in the world, that boy?!""I'm-I'm sorry my lord," He looked down, ashamed."One day Damon, and you're already attached." Zyler sighed. What has happened to his loyal servant?"I'm sorry my lord, I won't let it get in my way of work,""I will strike a deal with you, Damon. If that boy stays out of the way and you do your part later, you can have the boy afterwards,""Thank you my Lord! I will do everything you want me to-,""Oh shut it. Get back to work Damon."Damon rushed off happily. Zyler liked to see him happy."Zyler!" a voice shouted, bringing him out of his thoughtsHe sat up straighter on his throne of darkness. "Yes, peasant?" he yawned for emphasis."Maurus says it is safe for the Plan, with a capital P, to advance," the squire managed to squeak out."Excellent," he muttered, his eyes full of black. He swiftly killed the squire, simply snapping his head off, leaving the body for Maurus. He pushed the button, and everything was thrown forward. Maurus would be in charge while he was gone, and he would be accompanied by Damon. His favorite.It was time.ReedI tried not to think about it. I had no idea that something was happening right now, right underneath my nose, but the thought would never even occur. I walked through the Chicago suburbs, not noticing how empty the streets were. I wanted to talk to Jake about it, but I was so scared that he would find out. Zyler would kill me in less than a heartbeat, he must have already thought about it. But I walked, not letting it bother me. This is all too much for a human to handle. A teenager should not be worrying about this.I was almost home when I felt it. My skin was burning, itching, right where that tattoo is supposed to be. I took that as a bad sign. I started running, I think I was imagining things, everything was blurring together when-I fell. On my face."Hey Reed!" I heard someone yell.They helped pick me up off of the ground, but my eyes and head were still spinning, and the sense was looming closer."Jake?" I looked up."Reed, where've you been? No one has seen you since school yesterday. Are you okay?" He fired off. He was seriously concerned with me. I hadn't realized I was in our neighborhood."Jake-I uh-I gotta go,""Bro, no I need your help. My parents just went missing!"My stomach sank, the feeling grew closer, I have to get out of here.Lightning struck the air, and it was aimed right towards Jake, and I didn't even have time to shoutout. Call me selfish, but what about me? Are they going to leave me alone? My mind was filled with panic from Zyler's warning.It was silently still, a standstill. What could I do, run away like a coward or risk my own life? Zyler wouldn't have a second thought about it, I would be dead if I don't move, pretend I know nothing, and forget all about it.I thought it was even more impossible, but my stomach sank more. Jake was my bestie, how could I leave him? I shouldn't even know what I know, why do I? Was it cruel fate?The ultimate struggle, between staying ignorant, being the hero, and giving in to greed. But I don't want to die?"Jake," I whispered, "I'll be back for you," and I ran away..............................................................................................I slammed my front door shut, out of breath. I was safe, in the safe zone, or so I hoped. The house was empty; it seemed like my family was gone. It around 5:30, and the winter darkness was taking over the sun.What do I do now? How am I supposed to rescue Jake? I needed more information, unfortunately. And when you need reasearch, I guess you have to go to the library.I stalked back out of my house carefully, with my library card and a pocket knife for defense. The street was eerily empty, no one was to be seen. Jake's house was one street over, it wouldn't do any harm to go over there, right? I moved silently out of my driveway, and walked to the Watson's house. Jake's house was on the other side, separated by some spare trees they call "woods". I climbed over the Watson's side fence, and fell to the ground, landing on my ankle."SHIT!" I yelled out, as my ankle throbbed in pain. The Watson's, hearing me yell, came out to their backyard to see me crumbled on their lawn."Reed dear, what are you doing? Are you okay sweetie?" Mrs. Watson asked, caring like the mother she was.I started blushing. I knew what this looked like now. "Um sorry Mr. and Mrs. Watson, i was just going to cut threw your backyard to get to my friend Jake's house, I meant no harm, really," I rambled on."Dearie, you could've just asked, we would've let you through, no need to cause all this pain,"She was too nice. "Oh no, it's fine, see I'm alive, I'll just be going," I mumbled, still blushing, as I pulled myself off the ground, awkwardly standing there, obviously in pain."If you need anything dear, just call!" She yelled, as I limped away to Jake's house. "Thank you Mrs. Watson!" I bellowed back, them already out of my sight.The sun had faded and night had taken over, usually you could see Jake's house by now, but the forest was black and thick, even without the leaves. My boots made crunching noises as I walked over dead leaves. And the wind had awoken, chilling everything even more. I limped on, the pain in my left ankle fluctuating. It seemed as if the forest had grown, I still couldn't see anything. I heard animals, very unusual anywhere near the city, but I heard them for the first time in forever. I stumbled around aimlessly until a bright flash caught my eye. As I moved closer it got smaller, shrinking from my view, making me utterly lost. "Hello?" I called out. I heard only a faint laugh in reply.The feeling of helplessness settled in, and my ankle finally gave away.I collapsed on the forest floor, lost, unable to get back up. I grabbed my cell out of pocket, the time reading 6:45. I would've expect it to be dead, with my luck. I called my parents, they didn't answer. I called Jake, not really expecting him to pick him up, but I was surprised when a heard a cold voice answer."Who is this?" It said."Can't you read caller ID idiot?" I replied snarkily."Who is this?" It repeated more coldly."Reed. Is this you, Jake? Remember we have that project to do for history and you said we'd meet up tonight. I'm at the library, where are you?" I lied."Jake is not available at this time," he said, cutting the call."Jerk," I muttered, still surrounded by all these trees. Oh how I love nature, let's just go plant some trees and be happy as Reed is lying here dying in them. At least the plants will get some nice fertilizer.Using my cellphone light, I looked around, scouting the area, completely silent. The forest was dark, I couldn't see any light at all, including the stars, except for my own light. The silence is my advantage, if someone sneaks up on me I'll be able to hear them. What am I supposed to do, sleep out here? My mind wandered..............."Hello Reed," the high pitched voices were saying. "Welcome to our kingdom. We will be taking you to our Queen now,""Leave me alone," I muttered back, blinded by darkness. I was no longer on the ground. The voices must be what's carrying me. I struggled against them, but I was still in their grasp. I must have fallen asleep, I realized, and someone must have found me. I still couldn't open my eyes, no matter how hard I tried. I smelled the deep woods, a scent I hadn't smelled since I went to Oregon. The smell of pine and rain and moisture."You can see when we get there, no outsiders are allowed knowing where the Queen resides." they said in their sparkly, high-pitched voices. How did they know my thoughts?"Queen of what?" I asked."Queen of the fairies," they replied back eagerly. At least they would talk to me, unlike someone else who had kidnapped me...Damn it, I just wanted to go to Jake's house."If you're wondering," they said, " we have fixed your ankle." Until they had said that, I'd not realized that the throbbing in my ankle had stopped."Thank you, I guess," I replied. Silence committed afterwards. I felt the tree branches scrape against me, leaving shallow cuts on my arms and legs. We were travelling downslope, I could feel the ground tilting beneath us. The wind seemed to have died down, the air was almost still now. Slowly I could tell that the woods were disappearing. The scent faded, as did the moisture in the air. It gradually warmed up, making it feel like a closed-in place.I shouted out in surprise. The new return of light blinded me. The assumingly little fairies had gone, there was just one human with wings looking down at me, like I was one of her fairies. I trembled under her authoritative look. The Queen of the Fairies."Who are you?" she commanded, with all the power of a queen."Reed,""Why do you have Zyler's mark?" She was straight to the point."I fell into the Underway, and Zyler let me go and marked me, to keep track of me. I'm innocent, I was just trying to get to Jake's house even though I know Zyler kidnapped him," I rambled on."I can tell you are telling the truth, young one. But this is not good, if Zyler has already abducted the boy," she muttered."Why am I here?", my voice raised an octave."My son, Puck, found you and commanded the fairies to bring you here. He saw Zyler's mark, and wasn't sure of what you were. We wouldn't expect Zyler to leave his slaves lying around, but we weren't sure. Even though you are not a threat, it was best to take you here and protect you from Zyler's minions. When it is morning, I will speak to you again." she said determinedly. I couldn't say another word before the fairies picked me up and dragged me out of her court. Able to see now, I marvelled at the castle. The walls were like the inside of a shell, creamy pink. It was every bit of warmly, and was decorated in the best fashion. Flowers adorned the walls, and fairies zoomed around, always busy. The ones that were carrying me let me down so I could walk the rest of the way. I supposed I was a bit heavy for them, plus I needed to stretch my legs. As I walked down the halls I looked at the portraits. I recognized the Queen multiple times, but most of the people I didn't know. There was a newer one, of a boy my age, with light brown hair and sparkling eyes. I ran my hand over the frame, feeling the grooves of the elegant designs. We eventually came to a wooden door that reminded me of a hobbit holeThe fairy guest room was much better than the room at Zyler's. The fireplace glowed, along with the candles that were scented like nature. There was a fairy-cooked meal waiting for me, with warm milk, midsummer tea, and these little fairy cakes like mini french pastries. There was a window, that was practically a wall, that overlooked the castle grounds, showing off the explicit gardens, fountains, and paths. I could spot all kinds of flowers, even with how high up I was. As my mother was a botanist, I knew flower types. I must have been at least 4 stories up, maybe even higher. The moon lit everything up, and I saw no signs of the sun. I wondered if it was still the same day, if so the night has gone awfully fast.I yawned as I finished my meal. Warm milk really does make you tired. I climbed into the king size bed, covered in hand-made blankets and pillows. I watched the fire go down as I fell asleep, dreaming.I was walking around one of the fairy gardens, trying to get out and go back to the castle. It was like a maze, I kept ending back where I started. The castle overlooked me threateningly. Then I saw him. He had been watching me, I could tell, his diamond eyes were full of curiosity. The boy from the portrait."Who are you?" I called, my voice echoing."I am Adam, the queen's nephew. I was oh so curious when I saw Puck and you being carried in, but Aunt Titiana wouldn't let me know anything. You have the mark of Zyler, but yet you are only a human. Titiana says you're special. We all know what's been happening in the Underway, about the boy Zyler is after. You're close to him, Jake, aren't you?" he questioned."Yeah I know Jake, I was trying to find him...." my voice trailed off, echoing.He chuckled at me. "Ya know, you're pretty cute. So is your friend. I'll talk to you in the morning, Reed."Cute? I watched as he faded away."Wait!" I yelled, "come back!" But it was too late. He was gone.I woke up dazed and confused. Adam...I remembered. How do fairies dream communicate? Can they read minds?A knock at the door startled me out of my thoughts. "Reed sir," a squeaky voice said, "the Queen requests to see you as soon as possible.""Okay, I'll get ready," I called back out.I pulled my old clothes back on, they were no longer covered in dirt and they smelled like flowers somehow. There was a bowl of fruit sitting on a desk by the chamber door, I grabbed a mini orange out and was eating it as I left the room. I love the smell of oranges, so fresh and rejuvenating, I inhaled the smell again. The person waiting for me was an elfish creature, he didn't have wings."Follow me please, sir!" he squeaked out."What is your name?" I asked."Welling, sir," he replied."Okay...." my voice trailed off.I followed Welling down the endless hallways and stairs. I hadn't paid much attention to how far away my room was from the throne room, but I had remembered the paintings. I passed other fairies, some the size of flowers, others human sized. There was elfs also, and pixies. The magic was very apparent, I could almost see it floating in the air, in a sparkly dust sense.I also eavesdropped on some conversations. I heard little fairies whisper about something, rumors about the queen and a decision she was making. I heard my name a couple of times. but there was never much said about me. I heard about Puck, the queen's son, and Adam was mentioned more than I would think. I was wondering when I would see this elusive Puck, when I heard the trumpets blare. Puck, I assumed, was dressed up too nicely, like a businessman with wings, and he was headed to the throne room also. Oh this can't be good news, I internally groaned. Our eyes met, and I knew he could see the fear in my eyes, as we waited for the queen.I was dropped off by the entrance, and I was too afraid to open the door. What if the queen was in the middle of something? I don't want to interrupt or something. Puck came up behind me, making me jump out of my skin."Let's go, Reed," he stated. He pushed me into the room with him."Puck, my son, and young Reed, come on in. Reed I have someone else for you to meet, seeing as you and Puck have met," the queen bellowed. "This is my nephew Adam,"I looked up and saw into his eyes, full of mischief. It was Adam, the Adam, from my dream, from the portrait."He will accompany you along with Puck to rescue your friend. Puck was going to be on a quest to kill Zyler anyway, and I think that Adam should get some firsthand experience for when he's older. I hope it is okay?" she questioned, knowing that I wouldn't dare to go against her."No mam, I am honored to and will gladly accept this,""Good. You will be sent off after breakfast." She dismissed us out of her throne room.I followed Puck and Adam like a lost puppy to the dining hall, starving. Fairy food was wonderful, the Midsummer Tea was perfect with the French-like pastries filled with sweet sugary cream. Just looking around you could see the bottles of unknown substances and magic, oh the magic was so prominent, glittering through the air. The tall, cathedral windows let in the sunlight of a last summer day, even though it was well into November and almost winter. I think it stays summer year round here.I was lost in thought when Puck tapped on my shoulder. "Time to leave, soldier," he smiled. Adam stood silently near by. I had a feeling that he had been staring at me. As we trailed behind Puck, he started a conversation."So Reed," he said, like he was savoring my name. "As you know, I'm the Queen's nephew. Tell me something about you," he commanded with his aunt's authority."I'm Reed. I'm normal. My parents are normal. I have no siblings. I'm almost 17.""Stop being so monotone," he joked, punching me in the arm playfully. "Well since I know SO much about you, what would you like to know about me?"If I didn't know better, I would say Puck was listening, but I chose to ignore the fact. "Who are you parents?" I asked, hoping I didn't break a line.He chuckled. "My father, Terrance, is the Queen's little brother. He's off settling treaties. My mother is dead-""What? Your mother is dead?"He sighed. "You interrupted me. All fairy woman, except for royalty, die after their first child, but most woman have twins or triplets, so the fairy population can grow. I was special, I'm an only child. My mother, Viola, was a lower class fairy who had no ties to royalty, but my father loved her so much, and all she wanted was a child, so he consented. That is why the throne goes to the women first, because if there was only a king, getting a heir would be hard," he explained."Does this mean you and Puck are cousins?""Yes, but he acts more like father figure, since he is like 10 years older than me. He is so freaking old, I know. The Queen practically adopted me, since my father, as Foreign Advisor, travels so much. The Queen was my motherly figure in my life. But I want to know more about you,""I have an aunt, but I've never met her and she lives secluded in Alaska. My family has even gone to Alaska without seeing her," I laughed."Is this the first time you've met or seen fairies before?" He asked."Yes it is. I had heard of fairies, but as humans we are taught that fairies aren't real. Is this your first time meeting a human?""I'd never talked to one before. I've seen top human advisors, like presidents before, as they negotiated with my Aunt Titania. But I always stood in the back and watched, I wasn't important enough to speak at those top priority meetings. Now, what do you do in your daily life?" He asked."I go to school and learn information they say is important, I hang out with Jake, I eat, I sleep, and that's about it,""Well that seems kind of dull," he frowned, "I attend meetings all day, I learn how to become a figure of the fairy kingdom, but I don't really do much. I read a lot though, the library in the castle is amazing. I finished my extensive schooling last year, most would have been finished 3 years earlier. But Aunt Titiana wanted me to learn and love knowledge, and I guess she succeeded." He laughed."Is there any secret passageways in the castle?" I asked.He smiled, "There's a ton, when we get back after this I can show you them all. The castle is bigger than you think,"We fell into a comfortable silence after that, we just continued after Puck. The forest got thicker and darker; it became more normal as we went along. I recognized the path, the feel of my feet on it. We finally emerged into the "real" world.Puck started talking, "We will go stop and talk to Zaire and get her advice before we move on. Zaire can see into the future a bit, and she is very trusted by the fairy community. She is in hiding as a human as she is wanted in the Underway for treason.""Did she used to live down there?" I asked him."All people like her originally come from the Underway. It used to be a lot more pleasant and friendly down there, things have changed since Zyler. Actually, things have been changed even before him. She still communicated with the fairies and other Fae after he took over, they called treason against her. She had to flee for her life." He told me."Adam," I started to ask, "have you ever been to the Underway?""Once. It was never the safest place, especially for us younger less experienced people, but my dad took me with him when he went there on a business trip 2 years ago. He went to make a treaty with the king at that time, King Harold IV. He was a nice person, as nice as them kings get, but he was old when he got on the throne, and he died months later. There's been no kings since then that have even wanted a treaty, the corruption had already started,"I decided to drop the subject, the Underway was too risky to talk about. We walked in silence, we hadn't even realized it when we had arrived at Zaire's house.There was a chuckle, and the serious Puck wouldn't chuckle, so it must have been Zaire. She looked a lot younger than I thought, she seemed in her twenties. Or maybe all those Underway people looked young, but are really 2,000 years old. Her eyes had a sparkle in them."Welcome fairies and company. I suppose this is the human Titania warned me about?" she laughed as she spoke. I blushed as I nodded in reply."I am seeing so much right now, oh y'all are in for some surprises," she laughed again, implying the news wasn't too bad. "Come in, come in!" she ushered us into her suburban house. She sat us on her flowered couch; there was a crystal ball on the table in front of us. Zaire sat across from us. "First, Reed, you are not human. Second, the young, very human Jake is going to die pretty soon and Zyler will take over the world if y'all don't stop him. And third, Reed...someone in the Underway has their eyes on you. Zyler has promised you as a reward for after the war. Seriously.""If we need to stop Zyler, how do we execute him? How do we find him?" Puck fired back."You can't kill Zyler. Not yet anyway. To disable him and recover the Underway, you will need to talk to Adaire, my sister. And just plop Reed into the Underway and Zyler's cronies will be all over him. You can just track him to Zyler's lair." She replied."That'd be endangering him," Puck defied."It's the only way. He's already endangered. Here's a tip, use invisibility potion." She said like it was a fact.Puck signed. "Well thanks Zaire, this was insightful. We best be going though, I have a feeling we are running out of time.""I understand, and you are running out of time. The ritual starts tomorrow, better hurry to Adaire's."Suddenly we were magicked out of Zaire's house and lying on the street.Puck seemed unsure of what to do. He sighed, and started talking, "We will go to Adaire's immediately and once we have what we need we'll sleep and tomorrow head to the Underway. I'll go start a portal," He went out in the middle of the street and started chanting.Adam came up like to me and started to speak, "This might take awhile," he sighed."What did Zaire mean that I was promised as a reward? That I'm endangered?" I asked."Someone in the Underway has a fancy for you and wants to make sure you aren't killed. So they usually do something for Zyler in return for say, you alive.""But I don't even know anyone in the Underway!" I spat out, frustrated."It doesn't matter. To most of the Underway people, humans are just toys to be played with and someone wants you as their toy. They're sick people Reed," Adam muttered.My face paled as I realized what he was saying. "You mean...um you mean-" I faltered."Hardly any human emerges alive after being claimed, Reed. You're much safer up here, you're safer even with Zyler." Adam's face darkened as he spoke. "At least Zyler doesn't do that, if he wanted you dead you'd be dead, he doesn't play people like that. And even he accepts that humans are actually beings, not objects or property,""Maybe Zyler was once a-""Sorry Reed, but even if he once was, there's hardly anything human left in him, he barely even has a soul,"Puck looked back just in time to see me and Adam conversing. I had a feeling that again, he had been listening to us. "Come on guys, it's time to go to Adaire's,".................................................................................................................We talked as Puck discussed plans with Adaire. We didn't talk about anything important, neither of us was ready for another serious, depressing discussion. After about 30 minutes of mindless chit chat, Puck returned.Puck said, "I have the supplies, we will be leaving first thing tomorrow,"We checked into a dingy hotel on the edge of town. Puck had his own room, while Adam and I shared a room together. It had two beds of course. We spent the whole night talking, of mindless things again. The seriousness of what we were to embark on made us restless, unable to fall asleep.We both dozed off around 4 in the morning, and Puck woke us up at 6 a.m. after only 2 hours of sleep. What was he even thinking?"What are you two doing?!" Puck roared, waking us up."What?" I said groggily."We have to leave, now, for the plan to work," He told us. "Get your lazy asses up,"After 20 minutes, Adam and I was ready to leave. We didn't have much time to talk, Puck had pulled the portal up as we were getting ready. Adam and Puck drank the invisibility potion, and put the almost undetectable tracking charm on me. And you're right, that's an almost.As the sense of dread grew, we fell down the rabbit hole.As we collapsed onto the Underway ground, I felt the sense of doom. I had a pretty good sense of what would be happening, and it was up to me to fix it. No one really likes responsibility, do they?Adam pulled me into his invisible arms, hugging me until Puck told him to let go."Goodbye," I whispered, feeling like that was the only thing I could do, directly my voice in no one direction as I was unsure of where Adam and Puck were. I started walking towards the faint purple light I could actually see now, knowing I was minutes away from Zyler.I only had my thoughts for company. My mind kept wandering.I turned into the labyrinth, making sure my hand and the Z was showing. Why did Zyler even need to put this stupid Z on me? The Z was actually glowing faint purple.I soon saw Maurus. I internally groaned, why couldn't someone else find me. Maurus would be more likely to eat me than take me to Zyler. But I guess he has no choice, if Zyler wants me and he kills me, he'll also be getting killed. I smiled at the thought. Would you say that's slightly sadistic?"Ah, the young Reed boy, back so soon. I assume you want to talk to King Zyler?" He grinned."Yes, yes I do sir," I said cowering."Well follow me," He cackled as he started off in a different direction. All the people immediately moved out of the way for Maurus, they knew how dangerous he was, I assumed. As I followed him, my thoughts kept going off topic, to Jake and Puck and Adam and how I was someone's reward. I think Maurus could tell."What're you thinking, young Reed?"I gulped. "Nothing sir.""I see you've found out about being claimed," He said casually."About what?" I asked, my voice squeaking, giving me away."Ah yes, someone fancies you quite dearly. He's been alone for so long, I'm honestly quite surprised it took him this long to claim someone for himself. He does have high moral standards though," Maurus sighed, "it's in stark contrast to myself. Of course, I haven't ever gotten a particular liking towards someone, so I've never really claimed someone myself. If I want someone, I'll just go and take them to be quite honest. Especially if they're human,"I just squeaked in reply. Maurus really was terrifying."I do suppose you'll be seeing him soon, as soon as you get done with Zyler."I do have to admit though, Maurus had struck curiosity in me to who my claimer was."Here you go, my young...friend," He cackled again.I walked into Zyler's throne room, and I could feel the fear that radiated around there. But of course, I couldn't even see Zyler."Back so soon, Reed?" He said ever so quiet, so calm."Yes I am sir," I tried to sound confident, but it didn't work. My voice almost failed."You do know I can tell. I know what Maurus told you. I know your curiosity. You can't hide anything from me!" His voice raised to a shout, getting angrier than I would have expected. Why would it bother him? Was it supposed to be a secret? Cause like even Zaire knew."Silly boy. I can hear your thoughts also. Why did you even come here? You have no 'love', no attraction, for Jake. You could go live on with your life right now, why would you dare risk it all?" Like he wouldn't? I'm not surprised if he doesn't even care about his own followers. Does he even have friends?"Jake is my friend," I offered as the simplest explanation."Friends," he scoffed, "are none existent. Love exists, but not the mediocre friendship. There is either an attraction between two 'friends' or there is nothing. Unless it is hate holding the 'friendship' together," Well isn't he a downer. What's happened in his past? Why does he even feel this way?"Love is so trivial, it does not matter. Sooner or later your love will be gone, no one lives forever, except for me of course. Hate is such a stronger, powerful emotion, even jealousy is better than love. The love as you humans think of it doesn't exist," he explained forcibly.I don't think he's ever been loved in life. "What about Damon, don't you care for him?" I shouted back."I will personally make sure Adam and Puck are killed, along with the rest of the fairy kingdom. I will kill your love as you watch, and you will never be relieved of the pain, you will sit in my dungeons for thousands of years, alone," he threatened.Is it me, or does he seemed paranoid?When I didn't say anything, he continued, "I will start with your 'friend' Jake,"Suddenly I was yanked up off of my feet, and in a flash was tied up to a pole in a room adjacent to the throne room. I could see Zyler's eyes, they were red, full of hate. I guess if he could feel hate, he could still feel."To bad I can't kill Jake now. I must wait until tonight, when the ritual starts,""Why must you kill him?" I ask, my lips quivering."I need his blood for the second ritual so I can become the supreme ruler of this petty universe," He said it like it was obvious. If the universe is so petty then why'd he want to rule it?"But why Jake?"He laughed. "You still don't know? He, he is my...brother. We are twins to be exact. Of course the fairies didn't tell you," He laughed again for emphasis."Tell me what?" I fired back sharply, glaring at his smirk."The prophecy. The prophecy that all the magic kingdoms know off. The prophecy of the greatest magic wielders' sons. One would rule darkness, and one the light. How the two sides would clash eventually, and one would come out on top. If I kill Jake now, I will gain total control and have no viable enemies. I will rule this world!!!" He screamed, it echoing in the hall.No. It can't be. Not Jake, he's normal, his parents are normal."It is time," he said calmly, a change from just a second ago.A clock struck midnight, somewhere within the castle, echoing off the walls. I think this castle has an echo problem.Suddenly, a bloody Puck and Adam burst through the door. Puck went straight for Zyler, Adam went for me.Adam quickly untied me, there was no time for words, we had to hurry before Puck was overcome. Adam went to help Puck, as I headed for Jake.Jake was unconscious, his head lying limply on his shoulder. I tried to get him untied, to no avail."Ha! They're magic, dear boy," Zyler laughed.I let out a gasp of surprise when I was able to tug them off. Jake might have collapsed on me, but at least I got him off of the wall."Jake!" I screamed, "wake the hell up!"I heard something laugh behind me. "You can't wake him up, pitiful human. Not even your fairy friends would be able to," he laughed maniacally.I turned around to see Zyler, very well alive, with Puck and Adam disposed of behind him. My heart felt like it was shattered. My friends......."How did you even manage to get him down?" he asked me lightly, as if in thought. He continued when I didn't answer, "You silly human, now get out of my way. I still have to deliver you to Damon afterwards," He added as an afterthought. Zyler started chanting words, and Jake started getting paler. Jake was dying, I realized."Stop!" I screamed, going hysterical. I felt like I was the one dying.He kept going.I was panicked; I didn't know what to do. I had lost my mind. Jake, my best friend was dying, Adam and Puck were dying, I was to be next. I felt like giving up.As Zyler was about to deliver the final blow, time slowed down."No!" I screamed, my voice breaking, my hand held out, reaching for Jake.And believe it or not, this is when it got weird. Light poured out of my hand, showering Jake, forming a shield around him, while another beam raced to shoot Zyler in the chest. Looking into Zyler's eyes, I saw that he understood far more than any of the rest of us did.In a flash and burst of light it was all over. Zyler was no where to be seen, hopefully smashed into millions of pieces. Jake was lying in front of me, barely breathing, but he was still breathing. I looked around and saw Adam and Puck alive, and I saw Damon looking shocked from one of the corridors. As soon as he saw me looking at him, he disappeared back into the shadows.I did it. I saved them. And now only time can tell what will happen next.