What Was Missing

Thirteen: -Max-

Minor Note: In some cultures, Thirteen is considered an unlucky number. Looking over this section, we think it fits rather well. Nothing seems to go right for Maximilian, and we can only hope that his experiences improve.

I'm not even going to bother with explaining the blackness.

I'm not going to describe the pure... well, despair emanating from the faraway walls, the pitch-black boundaries that appeared when I opened my eyes. I'm not going to describe the throng of emotions erupting in my head as I stand here, paralyzed on the top of a tower of darkness, waiting to fall yet fearing the end. I'm not even going to try to explain how it feels to wobble on this pinnacle of nothing, above a waving sea of black, unable to control my body, unable to escape this place. Oh, and did I mention my fear of drowning? Yeah, it sucks.

And most of all, I'm not going to attempt to talk about the slow, wriggling tentacle inching its way up the side of the building. Coming closer, while I can't even let out a breath. Almost here, almost at my helpless body. About to-

Suddenly, it shoots into me, pushing me over the edge and into the sea of black. I try to struggle against it, fight against its force, even more forcefully as I'm plunged deeper into the murky water. I'm screaming, shrieking, unable to take a breath, unable to inhale, unable to pull in precious air, and as my mouth flings open wide, everything goes white.

With an outward gasp, I fling to the surface of the tub, choking out water and coughing out more. My adjusting eyes blur with liquid and pain, and as I roll out and onto the floor, I heavily inhale wheezing, nourishing air. After a moment, I rise to my feet and stumble over to the sink and mirror.

My eyes are red, and I'm still coughing, but otherwise, I'm fine. Despite the fact that I'm wearing a ripped swim shirt and gym pants. Despite the fact that I don't even recognize them. Despite the fact that I woke up in a bathroom.

Pushing away from the white marble counter, I ease over to the solitary toilet and collapse onto the seat. How did I get here? Jacob...

My eyes narrow, and I go rigid. Jacob betrayed me, or something of the sort, and now we're all in this mess. Madeline. Lily. Maddy's mom. Jacob's guardian? I haul myself to my feet, and turn on the faucet. Gulping down some cool water to ease my burning throat, I look myself up and down in the mirror and consider my situation.

I was pierced by a needle while wearing a headset, and I wake up drowning in a beige-white tub. I'm wearing soaked gym pants, with an odd design that leaves the bottom completely open, a swim shirt with two rips in the back, and I'm filled with more water than I could have ever wanted. Good morning to me.

I shut off the tap, wipe my mouth with the back of my arm, and fling open the wooden door. That was my first mistake. Waltzing into the hallway like the smart guy I am, I immediately freeze and go quiet as a mouse. Second mistake.

A dragon-like creature, but much smaller in size, stands on its hind legs with hands on hips. Yes, it's small for a dragon, but it still towers above me. It, or she, I'm pretty sure, cocks her head to the right and looks a bit puzzled.

"Well," she begins, "What do we have here?"

Mouth wide open, I do the one thing that seems intelligent to me. I run.

Pushing her aside with more force than I intended, and feeling kind of bad about it as I hear a loud thump behind me, I dash through the hallway and shove open the closest door. Slamming it behind me, I plant my back against it, and hold with all my might. I hear a few footsteps, and soon enough the reptile's voice reverberates through the wall.

"Hey," it begins, "That was pretty mean." I hear her struggling with the knob, and an audible sigh after a moment. "Come on, why can't you let me in? I wanna know what you are!"

I don't respond, sweat dripping on my brow. What to do, what to do... I'm in a one-bed room, with shaded windows and assorted furniture. There's only one option... The thing keeps talking, and my train of thought is interrupted.

"I'm gonna unlock this..."

She thinks it's locked! I smile in relief, thinking of a plan. It might work, but I'll have to hurry. Running over to the window and swatting away the blinds, I push up the glass and ease one leg over. Glancing out, I view only one tree. I'm going to have to jump... Immediately, I'm shot with a memory of the night before I ran away, seeming so long ago.

The fifth floor, again. I have to do this. It's the only option, I can't go back...

I shudder, and let the breeze cool my overheated skin. Only one option...

I hear a click as the door opens, and with that, I muster my courage and leap. For an odd yet beautiful moment, time slows down. The sun shines warmly on my face, my heart pumps a slow, hard beat, my brain screams at me that I've done something wrong, and a leaf brushes cooly on my arm. And then, I fall.

Descending through the whistling air, I realize I'm not going to make it. Time speeds back up, and fear shoots through me like adrenaline has in the past. I've pushed my luck too far. I've passed the limit. The ground rushes towards me, I hear the reptile scream out, and I stare as a hole opens up in the dew-covered grass. A black void, like the darkness of the sea. My mouth drops open, and for a fleeting moment, I realize that I've been mistaken all along.

All the time in my barn, I was preparing for the Iss. I was working and preparing to save my mum.

I should've been preparing my grave.

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-DraconisSolutus