13.Thirteen

23. Twenty Three

Thirteen wandered the eery corridors of hell. He saw skeletons of kids hanging on the walls, like trophies. Thirteen never wanted to see Twelve or Alex again, he knew they were under Maximus's spell. He was determined not to be under its lust, he blocked out Maximus's always near voice and presence. Thirteen stumbled into one of the many laboratories present. This one was rare because it was dormant. There were claw marks in the walls, on the computer consoles. Rotting bodies lay on the floor, still in their lab coats and glasses. Thirteen touched one of the bodies, he was surprised when his fingers touched the flesh, they were warm. "This wasn't Maximus's work", Thirteen said, backing into a wall. He no longer felt alone, someone was with him.   "Hello Thirteen, long time no see", a deep, almost robotic voice said. Thirteen knew exactly who it was; it was Maximus's lord, Azrail.  "I've missed your devious escape plans for a long time", Azrail said. Thirteen suddenly felt cold. Azrail was dressed in a black robe, no part of him showing. "Me and Maximus have something very special planned for all of you, including the rejects at the Arena", Azrail said. Thirteen felt a presence on him, it was Maximus. "Lord, this wretch tried to kill me by locking me in a closet", Maximus said. Azrail slapped Maximus, "You fool!", Azrail shouted, "How dare you let yourself get outsmarted by a child". Maximus backed away from his master, who knocked Thirteen out. 

Alex felt numb, he felt like he was watching his body from a window. Unfortunately, this was the case. He was just a soul, and so was Twelve. "Maximus has taken our bodies", Alex shouted through the glass that was encasing him, but Twelve could not hear him. Alex had no hands, no legs, just a body and a head. He watched his body get abused, cut open, liquids put in it and finally go black. "I hate to say it but Thirteen was right", Alex said. He looked up and saw the glass slightly crack when he said this. Alex got it; If he wanted to get out his prison, he had to be honest. "I wish I hadn't sneaked out that night of Joey's party", Alex started, making another crack. "Hate to admit it but I'm glad I'm away from my family. I miss my sister, wonder if my brother is still a heroin addict". A few more honest things and it cracked. Twelve followed suit and soon she was free. "We're souls, we have to find a body before we die", Twelve said. "We better not waste time then", Alex said as the two floated away.