Depthless: Under The Library

Prologue *Rewritten*

Mysterious Person's POV

"She holds the key, understand? Our problems won't be resolved unless you accept my offer."

"Of the girl?" I click my tongue in disgust. "Sorry--- but we can't take anymore," I say, emphasizing my statement with a firm shake of my head.

"There have been too many incidents of late... too many unpreventable deaths. I'm sure you are familiar with the poor refugees that none of us, not even all our efforts combined, even--- could locate. You don't want to place your family in further danger, do you?" My client reclines in the leather chair at my table, a grim look on his slightly distinguished face.

"And I'm sure you are equally familiar with how the patterns occur, the trends. The cycle can't possibly be prevented... especially not by what you have suggested. It's too late, we can't afford to take her in." I rose, a sigh escaping my lips.

The cold stone walls loom darkly all around. Another factor increasing to my impending urge to rise up from the depths and seek the sunlight... For the moment, I'm buried deep in these tunnels of oppression. Yet, ironically, to the majority of the population, this is their saving grace, their shadow of refuge.

Shaking my head, I wave my hand, dismissing my client. He frowns and doesn't make a move for the door. A shadow crosses his face as he tilts his head to stare at me. There was a glint of steeliness in his expression that made me second guess this man's objectives. Suddenly, I became all too aware of the impending risks in our given situation.

"I see you are hesitating my offer. Very well. Let me offer you a better deal. The girl has to be given a place--- I insist upon that. In return, you will cut off all connections our ancestors had made in the past. I've provided you with enough suggestions.I'm sure you're are tired of having to deal with our problems. The best way is---"

"A Disconnection?" I was thrown off track. How could he even have thought of that? I was too stunned to think of anything else. "After all those links we've built up? Why are you suggesting we do that?"

"Oh, the process is quite simple, actually, though I've never tried, of course." He says, not looking in the least disgruntled. "Only thing is... the Curse will always find a way to backfire on us."

"Which is why it's never been done before." I answered dryly. "And I won't do it this time."

"Oh, nonsense." He chastised. "We can't keep up this link any longer. I already fear the worst. There is nothing more to be said about this matter. Keep the girl and let us move on. You are, after all, indebted to us. Don't tell me that you don't know who we are talking about. Our whole Organization knows you took in that boy."

I moistened the parched bit on my tongue. "He came to us. Our Library just doesn't ignore the desperate pleas for refuge. Unlike your Organization, we don't place judgment upon our people."

"There you go!" He pounces with a wry grin. "You pointed it out yourself--- you don't judge who you take in, so why not just accept my little Agent?" I pursed my lips. Receiving no response, he continues, "She is strong, with quick reflexes and I foresee that she will bring an end to all this catastrophe."

"What if your plan backfires? Have you even given it a sufficient thought?" My brows furrow as I weigh the scales, measuring the pros and cons. However, I can't seem to find a balance. "You do know what this could bring destruction upon both our sides, don't you? There was a reason we called a truce in the first place. We needed balance. And now you plan to overthrow it? How do I know that you wouldn't just turn the tables on us and take over the world?"

"This is an emergency." He insists. "We have important things to protect. You should know. Our little Agent... she would do perfectly."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "And... this Agent? Does she fully understand the risks?"

He hesitates. "She has no clue. But I trust you to guide her well, do what it takes."

I scowl. "She doesn't have a clue." I muse. "But still she wants to join? Registration is long closed. We do not accept latecomers. Not until next year. Why send her so early?"

"You don't understand! If you don't accept her now, what you strive for is doomed! She needs you, and you have to take her in. There is no other way."

A niggling voice in my head whispers that what he is saying is the horrible truth. We'd experienced countless disasters in the past, we've all tried our luck at putting a stop to this Curse, combined forces with the vile organization, of which the advisor sits reclined at the opposite end of the table.

"There is a reason this place is known for its infinite depth." At last, I shared my views. Not on my will, but taping into his plan, plotting the procedure along with him. Two allies, once enemies, now working together to bring down a prominent link. "Once you are disconnected from us, we can no longer be allies, which means no more bonds whatsoever would be permitted inside or out of this place---"

My client chuckles dismissively. "That would be lovely." He thought aloud. Then coughing into his fist, he shoots me a triumphant smile, the cold gaze never leaving his gaze. "The girl will be surrendered to you when the time comes. I myself won't know when that will be, but believe me when I say she will be brought forth one day by my successor, or even myself if I'm lucky."

I nodded, my smile tight on my face. "Wonderful." The word rolled off my tongue like a sour orange. "So in return for disconnecting our alliance, even possibly resulting in both our demises... you would only send your, ah--- said salvation possibly decades later?"

I couldn't help it. There was something not quite right going on underneath all of this... something I couldn't quite pin onto. It's causing me a massive headache. I could feel the little waves of doubt flooding my mind, urging me to decline this ridiculous offer, and yet...

"You are right." I admit. His offer had tempted its way into my mind. If what he had planned fails to run smoothly... Our whole population would crumble under the Curse that's been hovering over our heads for so long. People would be led to believe a lie about their existence, and many will lose their loved ones to the shadowy curse that lingers about, never failing to pounce on its next victim and engulf them, draw them deeper away from the present.

I had to come to a conclusion. A hasty one which I hated with all my strength, but which dutiful obligations had led me to take up.

"Let's hasten this process. I hope you bear in mind the consequences which will follow."

"Lovely plan!" If possible, his grin reflects the image of a devious man below his wrinkle-free face.

"Before I leave forever though, I just want to let you know that the past few decades of working at your beck and call, ah--- sorry, working side by side, have been exhilarating. You have aged so little since I first met you...

"It's time Time left its mark on you. Take heart--- you'll need it close to fight your upcoming battles... on your own."

"Remember your promise, that's all I ask of you. You have guaranteed us a deliverer. Your plan had better be effective."