Locked Away

Chapter 16

Delirious's POV
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 I'm not even sure what's going on with me anymore. One moment, I had a feeling of passion and fearlessness, like I was unstoppable, the next I'm back in the main room without my mask, which from what I've heard got broken, and I guess I was a little depressed and scared for my life? I wasn't sure: it felt like an endless spiral of emotions, made worse by a lightheaded feeling (Anthony told me it was because of how much blood I lost). What made things also a lot worse was the fact that my efforts were in vain, and Cory was still taken by the cat. Sure, there's the chance that Cory was still alive, but the odds of that happening are next to impossible. Thanks to these bandages, my face paint was completely smeared, I could only see darkness from one eye, and barely anything out of the other. I don't think that was helping my situation much. I mean, I wasn't going to die from blood loss, but the feeling of helplessness caused by the inability to see clearly is...well, scary. If the cat were to come here right now, I would probably be left behind, mainly because I'd only slow everyone down, and by leaving me behind, they buy themselves time to get away, while I suffer even more as a consequence.

No one was really in the mood to talk. I can't blame them, though: we failed our objective. Not only that, but we lost four people in the process. I thought losing two was bad enough, but four...How were we so stupid? Once Keemstar found that map, did we get cocky or something? Where did we go wrong in this "game"? I had so many questions, but no way to answer them. It's not like I can ask-oh, wait, I thought. Isn't Dar a ghost? I probably could ask him. But how would I be able to ask him anything when you can't find him, and how can I find him if I can't see? I guess that option's out, I thought. But then, a door opened. I heard people chattering in confusion, but I couldn't see what was getting to everyone. I could only make out a shadowy figure that stood upright, but that was it.

"Um, Why are you guys looking at me like I pulled a Jesus or something?" The figure asked. I was shocked to hear who it was. I almost couldn't believe my ears. I wasn't sure how it was possible that he was alive.

It was Cory.

For the most part, he sounded okay. But I couldn't see how he looked, so I wasn't sure. Anthony stuttered in shock, unable to form words.

"How-How did you-? I saw you! You were as good as dead! How are you-?" Anthony managed, "And-what happened to you?"

"I don't know. I may never know. But I'm grateful for that miracle," Cory said, walking over to the table and slamming something on it, "Because it gave me the chance to figure out what the ghost meant by his vague words."

"Um, what did you find out?" I asked. He turned to face me, his face expressing some concern, probably for my condition.

"Dar never wanted us to split up: he wanted us to stay as one group. And the map I got was his making, and is the most accurate one you'll find here," Cory said, sounding like an actual leader, "Tomorrow, we are getting out of here. And this time, we are getting out as one unit, not as small groups." Some people were cheering and clapping, but most of us weren't so convinced. I was interested by what Cory said, but he hadn't quite convinced me yet. Cory turned to the crowd and resumed his speech, hoping to fill everyone with hope and passion.

"Today we rest: a lot has happened, and it's a good idea to 'take a step back and let it sink in.'  And we need time to draw up a battle plan for how we get out. We will not let the cat, or any of its helpers, have it their way.  We will fight, and we will win. We may not be strong, but we are smart. We will not forget those that have fallen in our quest for freedom.  But we will not let death hold us back! We'll show that cat who's boss!" He shouted, arousing everyone. They went to their dorms, And I began to make my way to mine when Cory tapped me on the shoulder.

"Dude, can I talk to you for a sec?" He asked. I turned to him and nodded. He sighed, and began.

"Delirious, I-I thank you for your bravery. It may not have done much in the short-term. I mean, look at yourself. But, that passion, that fearlessness...I think it inspired me. Thank you." He said. I grip his shoulder, wanting to tell him something in return.

"Cory, I didn't inspire you: you inspired you," I said, "Now, I have no idea which godd**n leader came down from the heavens and spoke with you, but by god, may he or she continue to give you strength. I thank you, Cory, for staying alive, and for giving us a reason to feel passion again." I let go of his shoulder, and went to my dorm. Once I got inside, I found the mirror, and undid all the bandages on my face, and looked again. The scratches were big, but not too big. One got me over the eye, but that didn't matter at the moment; I would learn to adapt with due time. Sure, they were still bleeding, but not as much as they were. These scratches no longer felt like scars worth hiding, but ones worth showing and boasting about. Sure, if I told someone I was scratched by a cat, they'd look at me funny. But, then they wouldn't understand the size of the cat unless they saw it for themselves. I put on a fresh set of bandages, but only put on enough to block the bleeding rather than hide their existence. My sight improved because of it.  I wondered if I should get a new mask when we got out. I probably would: the mask was my symbol, and I wasn't about to get rid of it.

I sat at the bed for a while, thinking about what happened. Cory was right: a lot has happened, almost too much for my head to wrap around. The more I tried to think about it, the worse my head hurt. I got up and paced around the room a bit, trying to sort out my thoughts and ease my aching head. But, midway through a pace, my head felt extremely light all of a sudden, and I collapsed. I tried to get up, but my efforts proved in vain. And I was slipping into the unknown. I hung on the best I could, but eventually, the world around me slipped into darkness.

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A/N: A few things. One, about the contest. Due to a lack of entries, there are no winners, unfortunately. Two, if you haven't noticed yet, Locked Away is coming to a close. I adore all the attention it's getting, but all good things must come to an end at some point, and Locked Away is a good example. I will hold a Q&A session when the book ends, hopefully to connect with you guys. Third, I may start a new book after Locked Away, but I won't reveal anything on it now. And lastly, thank you and have a good night ;)