Dark Land (Incomplete)

Chapter 1 - In The Beginning

Dark Land. The Black Abyss. Hell. Our town has many names. They all perfectly describe it. I can't remember what it was like before. Before our town fell into another dimension. A dark dimension where humans didn't belong. This dimension was theirs. The Dark Kind. Somehow, a truce was created. And two decades have passed since the Great Night battle took place. I was two when the truce ended the war. Our population was 22,834. We've dwindled down to 3,852 in twenty years.

My mother died when we were sucked into the Dark Land. An infant without her mother, I was left in the care of my stepfather, Doug, a man who fit well in the deranged land. It was not a happy home. The abuse started when I was old enough to talk back. Doug has never been able to handle stress well, he's always had to find a way to cope. Usually with a backhand or two.

The creatures stalk our borders. Waiting for that unlucky human who decides to venture out. More venture out than you would imagine. The Dark Land plays tricks on your mind. The stars in the heavens are blood red and cast a horrible, crimson light. It's the only light we have. And when the stars fade for the day it becomes pitch black. You can't see one inch in front of your face. This is the time that really messes with your head. The darkness swallows you. Your breathing seems like it's being blared on a megaphone. And the creatures, those creatures torture us with their screams.

We all have duties. My stepfather has a garden that feeds the entire east side of town. My job is to help him tend to it. What would grow in this desolate land? Not food from our old land. In the beginning the elders of our town travelled looking for food. They found a forest not far from our town, but they didn't stay there long. The Forest is forbidden. The Dark Man lives there. When the truce was created the Dark Man gave us seed. Dark berry, crimson leaves, hardened blood figs are the most successful. Our water we catch from the red sky. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, but it keeps you alive.

Naturally none of us are in the best shape. We survive on fruits and vegetables grown in a wasteland. I think the Dark Man knew that when he offered a truce. He gave us food that would eventually just not be enough. We would wither, and the Dark Kind would finish us off. Knowing the end would eventually catch up with us gave me motivation to be hopeful and hardworking. There's no way back to the old world. We don't even know how we got here, to this hell. So, I feel a little pride and power knowing the food I help grow keeps us alive.

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Thank you to those who have read the 1st chapter of my 1st book. Other than poetry I've never shared my writings with anyone. I hope you enjoy this book and will try to update often. Please comment and let me know what you think. Also vote if you're enjoying my work.

always,

Dorothy (OZ)