Underground

Prologue

I had no idea what I was feeling. People said that it looked like a raging bull entering a battle. I guess I did. Hard to tell, to be honest. Everything was a blur.

It was scary, actually, if I look back at it. I made a mistake. Not one that I regret terribly, but one that I would prefer not to be on my conscience. It was a bad idea. I know that now.

My name is Maniae. It's pronounced Manny, and I only tell you this because so many before you have glanced at my name and wondered how on earth to go about saying it without making a complete idiot of yourself. I am 17, short for my age and have way too many freckles and the craziest flame orange, curly, waist-length hair you will ever see on a real-life human being.

If you can even call me that.

The thing most people comment on, however, are my eyes. I have unmatched eyes. One is green, whilst the other is a hazel colour, flecked with gold. I've been told it's my weirdest and best feature.

I have the two best friends anyone could ever ask for. Audrey, a feisty 16 year old that you won't be able to tell is a secret demonic hell beast until she opens her mouth. Because she certainly doesn't look the part: blouses, slacks, proper shoes and her head firmly planted in an obscure book. 

And Arthur. He is the nicest person you will ever meet. He is 17 like myself, is weirdly tall and has trimmed, neat brown hair. He is always joking around and usually is the only thing that will calm myself and Audrey down when we get into a heated debate (usually about which is better: the movie or the book). Arthur wears a uniform pants and solid colour shirt every day, paired with his ever changing coloured Volleys. Not only this, but he loves science and is nearly always trying out an experiment - usually on us. 

They don't sound like much, I know. I've told my relatives about them on the occasions that I am forced to attend family gatherings, and they always stick their nose up. Too bad. They're everything I have.

I'm sure by now, you are wondering what the hell is happening. But listen to me: if any of you are in the same unfortunate situation as me, I'll help you get through it. Just keep reading, ok? Stick with me. Because it is not just me who is keeping you sane. 

It's a two-way street.