Don't Starve

Charlie's Story

They are close. I can feel their movements drawing ever closer to their end. I stand behind the throne, unable to move. My body is shrouded in darkness, my mind tortured by it's prison. I glance at Maxwell, silenced by the claws of the darkness. He looks weak and tired. A frail and pitiful excuse for the king of this realm. Over the years, he allowed himself to be consumed by the evil of this world. Although I find no pity for the poor creature, my heart hangs heavy in my chest. I had, in another life, fell in love with him. I was mystified by him. I thought, naive as I was, that he was stronger then the powers which corrupted him. I do not know if I regret meeting him. Despite being trapped in this hell of endless torture and darkness, I find that I do not regret working for Maxy in the first place. Before the corruption and the darkness, he was bright and beautiful. If only he had not desired more.

***

It was mere hours before the big show. It was our last performance for the time being. Our only problem was that Max was nowhere to be seen. I was beginning to worry about him. It had been a very long time since anyone had seen him. Big night jitters the crew had said. I decided I needed to check on him, however. I hesitated at the door. It was probably for the best that I didn't interrupt his work. Instead, my body moved on instinct pulling open the door to an empty room. My heart sunk and rested in the pit of my stomach. My attention was dragged to the fireplace. Although my chest felt tight, I pulled on the first candlestick. A panel slid down in the back of the fireplace. Carefully, I slid in the gap. Beyond the door was a secret work space. Max's costume and stage props laid scattered around the small alcove. I stepped in, looking around cautious. The air felt heavier. I felt something dark filling the empty spaces and the silence. Reaching out, my hand felt the cold handle of a lantern. I picked it up, lifting it over my head. My heart seemed to stop beating as I glanced at the scrawls on the walls. They looked like the markings of a mad man. I felt my heart pick up in my chest before I noticed my feet moving under me. I ran. As tears fled from my eyes, I ran to find Maxy. Something felt like a heavy weight in my chest.

***

The first thing I felt was cold. A piercing cold I could never explain. My blood froze. My thoughts seemed like static. The next feeling was oddly warm. A warm that made my body feel like it was melting. Then everything seemed to stop and I was suspended in darkness. The silence made my ears breath. I couldn't move. I couldn't see. Yet, I felt someone standing over me. Multiple eyes tearing into my very soul. They were watching. They were always watching. My eyes burned. The only thought I could manage to hold onto was that of Maxy. I did not know where he was, but I held on to the idea of him. It kept me sane as I floated through the endless abyss of darkness.

When I finally had a chance to open my eyes, I saw we were in a new world. Maxwell sat on a throne, the perceived ruler of this new land. He seemed surprised to see me. I reached out to him, but found myself trapped. My movements were no longer my own. I was trapped within a shadow of my former self. A creation they used to please Max. To pacify him and grant him what he had asked.

***

Over the years, he had grow weak and weary. I watched as the powers which had given him strength, robbed him of all that he had. It wasn't long now. And he was going to make sure of that. These lost souls were his ticket to freedom; a freedom I hope is ready for.

They were here now. Our time was drawing to an end. Wilson stepped in first, followed closely by the rest of them. Wilson stood strong although he looked broken. Maxwell smiled lightly. The first time he had smiled in a very long time. He was tired. I know he will get all that he desired, but at what cost?

A/N:

I want to thank everyone for waiting for this update. I know it is short, but no worries. The next chapter will be the very last one. Thank you all for reading in advance. I love you all!!!