What Lies In Me

Chapter 15

The circle is completed. The whole rim of the circle shines with brilliant light, the only light that has entered this darkness in millennia. My whole being shivers with pleasure as I reach for it. I can feel the excitement of those around me, permeating the air and filling me with energy.

A design is now being etched into the middle of the circle, letting more light in. I can still hear the faint scratching sound of the rift of light opening up. The design swirls and curves, twisting back on itself and filling the circle. As the design nears completion, we all begin to move. Of one accord, we move closer and closer to the light, feeling its warmth and seeing its beauty.

The inside of the circle falls away.

Light beyond my imagination enters the darkness. It blinds me, it pains me. I fall back, covering my eyes, and wail in pain. The others around me are affected similarly, and the light is met with the wailing of the damned. Slowly, the pain fades away, and I fall quiet. Allowing my eyes to see once again, I look to the light.

The most brilliant color fills my eyes. I am nearly brought to tears at the beautiful color, which my fading memory tells me is called 'blue'. A bright, beautiful, vibrant blue. It fills the circle, and illuminates my surroundings.

Can I touch it? Can I move into it? I inch forwards towards the light. To my left, one of us bolts for the light. A blur of motion, he streaks out into the blue, crying out in joy. I follow. Everyone follows.

The blinding light gives way to the world. I am surrounded by sights, smells, and noises. I can even taste the texture of the air. I can feel the warmth of the sun. The world... beautiful lands stretch as far as I can see. With glee, my fellow captives dissipate, flying off in every direction. I look back at the hole. A single man stands by it, visibly shaking, holding a piece of shale. I fly down to him.

He cowers in fear as I approach, so I stop a distance away. The man is shaking so badly, he falls to his knees.

"Thank you," I say to him. With that, I soar out of his sight. I am me. I am alive. For the first time in such a long time, I know who I am. I am free.

###

My eyes open. Shaking my head, I clear the dream from my mind, and come back to myself. Why am I having these strange dreams? Where am I?

As things come into focus, I realize that I am alone. My hands are bound together behind me, and I am sitting in a surprisingly comfortable chair. Even more strangely, I have been outfitted with gloves and a jacket, even though it isn't cold in this room. I struggle a bit at my bonds, but to no avail. As I finally give up, the door to my room opens.

"Ah, you are awake!" a man says, entering the room. He looks like a formal businessman, wearing a suit and tie. The only thing that really stands out about him is his incredibly messy hair. "I have been waiting to speak with you."

"Can't say the same," I spit out, irritated. "I've been asleep. While imprisoned, against my will."

"Ah, now, don't be so harsh," he replies. "After all, you did ask to speak with me, did you not?"

My eyes widen. "You're the demon that's controlling the media?"

"I only censor the media, but yes," he answers. "I am that demon. I have a little office and organization in here with the government, and it allows me to control things like that." He sits back in his chair. "I got all of your messages, by the way. Every single one of them."

"Well then, demon," I reply. "What are you planning on doing with me?"

"That depends on you."

"Huh?"