Flux (NaNoWriMo 2014)

Chapter One: Danger

Lucas

Danger tends to stalk the people who least want it. A person’s perception of it is very dependent on a set of established red flags. Flag number one; you don’t recall going to sleep at any point. Flag number two; you can’t recognize where the hell you are. Finally, flag number three is reserved for the most unfortunate of situations, which may vary from getting shit-faced at a bad time, a very bad narcoleptic attack, or possible abduction. That flag is reserved for the times you’re in such deep crap that whatever follows can only be considered the worst possible scenario: forgetting who you are.

The most important thing to do at a time like that is remain as calm as possible, which granted, is easier said than done. Let’s just say that I was not the best when it came to remaining calm. The void felt because of my missing memories took priority over the fact that:

A) I didn’t remember falling asleep at any point.

B) It was too dark for me to even begin to recognize anything around me.

C) Blood was rushing towards my head. 

To explain that last point, it would probably be a good thing to know that I felt a rope wrapping around my right ankle and my body being upside down. I took this to mean that I was most likely hanging from somewhere. Of course, my great observation skills also told me that the ground seemed to be a long and deadly drop away from me. So for that moment, the rope holding me up in the air was also my best friend.

After trying my best to scan the nearby area by squinting my eyes as accurately as possible, I was able to make out a branch not too far from my hanging spot. The next few minutes of my time were spent trying to flail my arms and legs until I was able to build enough momentum to swing myself onto that near branch.

Before I able to make an honest attempt at grabbing the branch, a light blinded my eyes.

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure whether that was a good sign or foreshadowing for the gruesome death I could experience if whomever was holding the light wasn’t interested in making a new, confused friend. I really hoped it wasn’t the latter.

“What the hell are you trying to do?” The stranger asked in a more feminine voice that I expected, also her tone of voice seemed more annoyed than startled by my presence.

“Hang out.” I retorted aggressively, I wasn’t in the mood for someone questioning my motives.

“I thought that you would’ve come up with a better strategy than flailing your arms like an idiot.”

“Excuse me?” My tone harshened.

“I’m saying that seeing you trying to flail yourself to safety has been the most boring thing I have ever done.” Her voice had this annoying inflection that made her pretentious nature extremely obvious.

“And it never occurred to you that I might’ve needed help getting up?

My face flushed, I wasn’t sure if it was because the remaining blood in my body had finally made its way to my brain or because the stupid girl was getting on my last nerve.

“Oh, you need help?” The change in her tone was eerie enough it made the hairs one my arms shoot up like metals attracted to a magnet.

My gut told me that provoking her was not my smartest decision. Thanks Captain Obvious.

“Here’s your help.” The statement sounded like it had been delivered with a smile, which made me feel a bit safer than before. Then, the bitch cut the rope.

I plummeted to what I assumed was surely my death, the wind around me screamed out as if it was warning me that the chances of my surviving the drop were slim. Maybe it was the shock or something, but my brain didn’t seem to be processing the experience correctly. I just felt the pleasure that was being weightless for a few seconds, a rush of adrenaline that made my bones chill with excitement at the prospect of flying.