The Silver Knight (AKA, My Precious)

Alright people, I'm just in the most fantastic mood (it must be the Starbucks!... or the fact that it's my birthday...), so I'm going to give you the first chapter of my most treasured book. I highly doubt I will post more of this... maybe. It's hard to say. Anyway, PLEASE tell me what you think of it, because I will get this published (if its the last thing I do!). I just love my main character so much... I hope you love him too. He's just so... awesome.

Without further adieu, I am proud to present the first chapter of The Silver Knight. Enjoy!

Chapter 1: The Day I Started the End of the World

My mother, whenever her patience wore thin, had the habit of saying that I was too smart for my own good. Perhaps she was right- I never really put any thought into it until I almost killed my sister. That day changed everything, as you'd expect; and in my opinion, that day started the end of the world.

I was seventeen and cocky- quite brilliant, really- but with far too much free time on my hands. I'll admit that much. And that gave me quite the upper hand over my petty enemies, primarily Buknor Sluaksson, the local silversmith and outright pessimist.

I hated him more than anyone else had ever hated anything. I planned on killing him someday, or maybe getting him banished. But my plans needed more time- so I busied myself by humiliating him.

That's why I started that fateful day camped out in a tree, right next to the main road. The stillness of the morning ensured my success, though it made me a bit uncomfortable. The chill, for one, combined with the sharp wind, and also the fact that the sun had barely passed the horizon. Any sane person was still sleeping.

No one ever said I was sane- it was a running joke, in my opinion.

My bow was in my hand, warm and smooth and beautiful. No, I wasn't going to kill him- yet. It was just part of the set up, a gear in the machine of my plans. I just hoped I wouldn't be so stiff when the time came, that the numbness in my cheeks and feet wouldn't spread.

My worry was in vain.

My wandering mind crystallized at the first hint of my expected guest- guests, evidently. Buknor had a golden-haired beauty leaning on his arm- poor thing. I decided she had to be delusional to trust him. A basket hung over her arm, and he carried a pack with who-knows-what. I hoped all of it was expensive. That would mean more of a loss for him.

The beauty chatted away about this-or-that, not looking where they were going. Buknor was positively enchanted by her, and just as oblivious.

Until he stepped in my net.

He triggered the weight-sensitive trap, and before he could even scream, he was hanging upside down in the air by his ankle, the net wrapped around him like a cocoon. The beauty stood, stunned, beside him, both of their mouths in wide 'o's.

I unstrung my bow- no need for the weight at the end of the arrow. That was the backup, in case Buknor didn't set off the net. Dropping from my hiding place, I strode forward onto the road, smiling up at Buknor. The beauty didn't see me.

“You rascal! You lazy swine! You fool!” He bellowed, once his eyes locked with mine.

“I'd watch what I said, if I were you.” I replied, still smiling, still gleeful at his hapless state. “I find it ironic that you called me a fool, and yet you are up a tree.”

“Ithrean!” He roared, struggling with the rope. “You- you---! I'll get you one of these days!”

“Like you got my parents?” I snapped. “Good luck. Everyone knows I'm smarter than you are.”

The cocoon started swinging perilously.

I stepped towards the beauty, my arm extended. “You're in quite the dangerous spot, sweetheart.” I began sweetly, swelling with pride as Buknor dared me to move one step closer to her. “Our friend here doesn't exactly weigh anything close to light and if he falls... I would rather you were out of harm's way.”

“What if you're the danger?” She replied.

I laughed- how far had Buknor gotten in his traditional brainwashing? “Just look at him, blondie. What if, one day, you're on the receiving end of his anger? Do you think you'd escape without a scratch?”

I supressed my laughter as she turned and gave Buknor an odd stare, like the question honestly perplexed her. Of course she would get hurt- just like he had hurt me. His struggling had resulted in a piece of net being fixed in his mouth like a gag- he couldn't respond, though I could tell he wanted too.

“Now, dear, will you come?” I asked, offering my arm again.

This time, she took it without hesitation. I properly introduced myself as we pranced down the road together, and got her talking again. I know it was immature, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity- just before we turned around a bend and out of Buknor's sight, I gave him a triumphant smile. Not only had I bagged the worst criminal in the area, but I got his girl out of it too.

Not bad for a morning's work.

We followed the road up a rocky hill, lined on both sides with carefully planted trees. The pink and blue sky started driving away the coolness of night, and I couldn't help but glance up at the sky- if you were lucky, some days you could catch sight of a Dragon coasting on the wind currents, glinting in the sunlight like a diamonds that had been thrown to the sky. But the road, however, earned more attention.

The hilltop revealed a sight I would later miss, that I would later dream of. A valley unfolded beneath our feet like an unrolled map, revealing a wide, fertile plain dotted with houses. Both the brown, dirt road and a blue-and-white river cut through the green ocean, pointing to the center of the plain. A cluster of buildings squatted there, quaint and simple, welcoming us back. Grey smoke wafted to the sky from stone chimneys, the only dull color on the scene, and little people like toys meandered up and down the road. Others were already in the fields, dressing the land to fit their needs.

Home, sweet home.

Ravenden- that was my town's name. Population? About a hundred fifty, give or take a few. I could see my little house from this hilltop, a little apart from the others, a little dirtier. It didn't really matter though- no one could tell that from this distance. The most important shops lined the road, like the tavern, the butcher, and the blacksmith. I didn't realize I was hungry until I smelled the bread, wafting down the road from the bakery.

The Blond Beauty and I sauntered into town and parted ways, she to the seamstress, and I to the stables. That's my job- I ride wherever people need me to go. A messenger of sorts, if you'd prefer that terminology. And I'm the fastest on any horse around. Partly because I'm not fat, the horses like me, and I'm flexible. People like that.

Most of the time, at least.

I can't say I was a town favorite- people were getting fed up with my pranks on Buknor, and I couldn't blame them. All I wanted was a decent apology... and some blood. Maybe a match to the death, or something. But these people were like family, since I didn't have any others, and they tolerated me.

We all knew each other by name, knew each other's strengths and weaknesses, and just about everything about each other. Everyone knew where I was in life, I knew where they all were.

“Hello Ithrean.” Said a soft, cheerful voice. “You seem happy. You're walking awfully bouncy.”

“I am, Livie. It's been a wonderful day, and it's just starting!” I replied, putting as much energy into my voice as I could muster. “Do you want to go somewhere? Need help with something?”

“Oh, I don't know.” She replied, shrugging. “I haven't made up my mind yet. Do you want to play dolls with me?”

Here's the thing- Livie's blind. Has been since she was born, and as people said, always will be. A blind, five-year old girl doesn't exactly go unnoticed in a town like Ravenden. She was our pet, you could say. Everyone cared for her, everyone kept an eye out for her- in that sense, she had more eyes than the rest of us.

“Would you like to ride the ponies?” I countered. No, I did not want to play with her dollies.

“Oh, I don't know. Do you want too?”

Her heart-wrenching smile warmed me from top to toe as she looked in my general direction. Bouncy brown curls fell around her shoulders in ringlets like springs, and an array of freckles played across her apple cheeks. Her eyes, though- I had never adjusted to them. Long eyelashes blinked over murky eyes, both gray and white and clear simultaneously. You could see red and blue veins around the middle, but the further from there, the less color there was at all. Gran Blie- the local apothecary- said it was the wood nymphs who stole her vision. I said it wasn't fair.

“That's where I'm headed right now.” I replied.

“Sure, I'll go.” She replied, pronouncing sure like shore. “But I'll just listen, if you don't mind.”

Always polite, always careful.

She reached up and I set her on my shoulders- my little sister. Not by family, of course, but who couldn't love Livie? I carried her walking stick so she could focus on holding onto me- she clamped both hands underneath my chin, since my hair's length didn't suffice, and began chatting as we headed down the road.

But there was a slight problem at the stables.

A full-blown argument had exploded there- one man, in the middle of a crowd, shrieked his fury as several others yelled their opinion over his roar. It took me about two seconds to realize why he was so angry.

Buknor's brother, Soir.

“You!” He screamed, pointing an accusing finger at me. “You--”

“Watch your language, Soir. Livie's here.” Markus, my boss, interrupted. Soir swallowed back whatever curse he had planned on using to describe me.

“Where is he?” He asked, his face bright red and the veins bulging from this neck. “Where is he, Ithrean?”

“Down the road, past the first bend.” I replied, nodding in that general direction. “You'll want to bring a knife with you, if you want to get him out.”

“If he's hurt, Ithrean, I swear—!”

“Blah, blah, blah.” I shrugged, “You'll hurt me, whatever. I don't really care what you say.”

“Ithrean, don't antagonize him. Soir, get out of here.” Markus snapped, annoyed that all of his workers were distracted. “Livie, would you like to ride?”

“No thank you.” Her wispy soprano voice chimed. “I'll just sit and listen.”

“Alright then.” He answered, nodding. “Ithrean, get busy, before I send you to help Soir.”

That was enough motivation for me. I set Livie down on the front step of the building and set out to muck out the horses stalls- not the funnest job, but heck, it's money in my back pocket. Buknor would know not to come here, especially during the work day. Markus would kick him out and whip him all the way back down the road- but that's beside the point.

So, in a sense, my day was going perfectly well until lunch break.

Livie left, probably to Gran Blie's, and I had more time for more mischief. And, of course, I made total use of it. It only took fifteen minutes to set up the tripwire- a new record, considering that I had to navigate around the main road- and I parked myself in front of the tavern to watch the scene. The deserted smithy begged for Buknor to come home.

My nightmares chose that particular day to come to life.

I didn't hear Livie shuffle down the road, as I craned for the stomp of Buknor's boots; I didn't notice amid the murmur of the milling people the soft thump of her stick, guiding her down the road. I didn't see her tiny form amid the crowd.

But I did see the door open.

My legs moved of their own accord; my mouth screamed her name without my realizing it. Adrenaline drove me across the road, shoving away the crowd in my haste. Her name tore through my throat once more- this couldn't be happening. Not her. Everything else in Ravenden became blurry as my horrified eyes watched her chocolate mop begin turning, hearing her name-

Internally, I died, knowing I was far too late. Knowing that my prank was designed for a two-hundred pound man, rather than a forty pound girl. Knowing she could die- knowing that my plans were going to hurt her.

Livie. Anyone but Livie.

I screamed as the trap unfolded before my appalled eyes, as I saw Livie fly back, flailing, her tiny form struggling to use invisible wings. Her silent scream of terror, her mouth open in a wide 'o', made me yell all the harder.

And then the sickening thud of her hitting the ground rang in my ears like thunder, echoing in my mind long after the sound vanished in reality.

I reached her side just a moment later, her screams of agony harmonizing with mine. A drop of relief dropped in my system- screaming meant she was alive.

For now.

Her sobs shook her whole body as my trembling voice tried asking her what exactly hurt- where the bucket of stones crashed into her small form. Even now, the pail swayed in the doorway- the wire had pulled it off the shelf. It would've done little more than knock the wind from a man, perhaps leave a bruise; to a little girl, though... her gasps warned me she could have several broken ribs.

Or a broken back.

“Ithrean,” She sobbed through broken lips, “it hurts.”

“I know.” I cried, “I know. You'll be okay, it'll be okay.”

The words were half meant to console her; the other half was to comfort me. But the unquenchable horror tightened my chest, hurting me- the fear that she wouldn't be okay, that she would be permanently hurt for the rest of her long years.

And that it would be my fault.

The roar of the crowd reached my ears, crawling towards my mind. At first it was random babble; then words, specifics echoing in my mind. Voices I knew, people I loved- all yelling, a proverbial riot on my hands.

Gran Blie shoved her way through the crowd- strong, even for an old woman- and didn't give me a second glance as she knelt down by Livie, her gentle and skilled hands prodding and poking as Livie whimpered.

My nightmare completed its circuit when the old lady gave me a ferocious glare- if she made it to my neck first, I would definitely be dead.

And then someone pulled me away from my Livie, yanking me back as I screamed and kicked, my eyes never leaving Livie. I felt the first punch, through it never registered as pain in my mind, and a second later it was all black- I didn't hear anything, I didn't see anything-

It was even worse than being awake, because I dreamed Livie was dead. 

Well...? Do you like it? I, for one, adore my hooks. I'm very proud of them. What do you think of Ithrean so far? It's pronounced ITH-reen. Please tell me! 

Thank you!

Go Ahead And Whack Me

Okay, okay, I'm a bag of lazy bones. (How can bones even be lazy? It makes no sense!) I've started the next chapter of the Act, but it's coming along pretty slowly. As in, baby steps. Plus negative one. Or something like that. I know what's going to happen, but I- just- can't- get- it- on- paper! So I'm slightly frustrated right now.

It's been happening more and more often; I stumble across a scene I was looking forward too, and then poof! The words get stuck between my brain and my fingers, caught in traffic of my mind. I have a few theories about it- what causes it.

1) Reading too much.

I've been reading a lot lately. As in, more than I've read in a very long time. I had forgotten how nice it is, to never run out words to wallow in. I mean, technically, it should never happen since there are so many books out there, but... it happens anyway. But the more plot lines and characters I'm learning about, the slower my mind can work. Maybe. It's just a theory.

2) Writing too many opposite stories simultaneously.

It's my greatest weakness, the strongest disease, and the bliss and bane of my existence. When a story pops up in my head, I just- have- to- write it! So right now, I'm working on... five stories? Let's count, 'cause I'm not sure. 1) The Second Book (title unknown) (currently at 760 pages... and counting) (my most serious project) 2) The Silver Knight -the first book of the Chronicles of the Keepers, which I wrote out of order. Accidentally. I'm only about 2,000 words into it, but I'm working on the outline. 3) Sons of War, my Inheritance Cycle fanfic, at 45,000 words. I love it, and evidently, so do my reviewers. :D 4) My Pride, Their Pain- a little fanfic for the Hunger Games. Poetry. Easy to write, hard to get people to read. 5) Reunion, a Percy Jackson fanfic 6) Like We Once Were, another poetry fanfic, only for the Inheritance Cycle. 6) The Act, of course. 7) The Invincibles. 'Nuff said. 8) random Viking story that I will probably never show anyone, 9) random Hush Hush story I will only post under extreme circumstances, as in, I fall in love with it, and... 10) Descent Into Madness, another fanfic I've started, but haven't posted.

Wow. That's ten. Hmm.... I should probably cut some of that out, but that'd be like cutting a baby in half. It doesn't really work.

3) Stress.

Yeah... it definitely puts a dampner on the whole creativity process.

4) Homework.

No explanation necessary.

So! You all can whack me for not finishing up the next bit of the Act. I'll get it cranked out sooner or later... maybe... (sighs)

Poll Results, Lois Lowry, and What's Killing America

First things first: a big thank you to everyone who voted on the poll! As you can see, The Act and They rock tied at five votes, with The Invincibles at three votes and They suck at one.

To the person who voted 'They suck': Well, this is awkward. I respect your opinion and everything, but could you please tell me what you think I'm doing wrong? If you're too much of a coward to just tell me, make a fake google account or something. I just want to become a better writer, okay? Okay. Thanks.

Anyway, I will post the next chappie of the Act very soon- to be more precise, as soon as I write it. :)

Now, last night I went to the annual May Hill Arbuthnot lecture at the Saint Louis Library Headquarters with Anna the Dane. The author of the Giver, Lois Lowry, was the main speaker.

And you know what?

She's awesome. I mean, she's 74 and very much alive- she's hilarious and cheerful and clearly very wise. She spoke on the importance of reading at a young age and how books shape cultures- how true! I mean, look at To Kill a Mockingbird. To say that book has not changed the U.S. is like saying Uncle Tom's Cabin means nothing. Anyway, she point is so much more important, considering how many kids are spending their time on their iPods or Wii or x or y. Our culture has devalued the written word and turned to technology that requires less energy, less time.

I think it's going to kill America. Correction- I think it's killing America. As in now.

That probably sounds harsh, but does anyone else agree? How many people now a days actually know how to think for themselves, besides choosing this gadget over that one? How many people have actually read something worthwhile in the past month? Year? Decade? The numbers seem so bleak- heck, our government shows that. The fact that the people stand aside and watch the building burn rather than getting water to put out the flames shows how selfish and impatient our culture is.

I suppose I'm ranting- sorry. But does anyone else agree with me? For those of you who disagree, why do you think I'm wrong? I mean, listening to Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber isn't exactly going to get people anywhere in life, and that's how people spend their time. Watching Transformers isn't going to teach people how to make their own decisions. Spending hours shopping or glued in front of the computer isn't going to help people make the right decisions.

And there I go again. I don't feel inclined to apologize a second time, but I do think this is a major problem in American society. What do you think?

P.S.- I started this post not knowing what I was going to write. Ironic, right?

Last Day to Vote!

Just a friendly reminder that you're running out of time to vote! The poll closes on April 12 at midnight. The winner will be continued, and if 'Both rock!' wins (like it is right now), I will equally post on each story. You can vote multiple times.

I do plan on setting up more polls, but they will not last quite as long. If you have any suggestions on topics, leave a comment!

And to give you all a glance at my latest form of inspiration...

Yes. I am addicted to How To Train Your Dragon, and I'm proud of it too. :) No, I won't post anything I write about it.
Probably.

Happy voting!

The Giver

First things first: there are still a few days left to vote on the poll! Right now 'They rock!' is winning, and I'm pleasantly surprised. And very glad that no one thinks they suck. :)
If 'They rock!' ends up winning, I'll just keep writing in both. Obviously.

Anyway, onto the post! The last time I reviewed a book on paper (or with ink, if you prefer that terminology) was for a sixth grade book report. But... I'm going to give it another shot.

My wonderful friend Anna (I don't know how to tag people, but her blog is the Adventures of a Quadropus) told me to read the Giver by Lois Lowry, and I'm in love. As I told her: "I'm not reading that book. I'm inhaling it."

Without giving too much away, its basic premise is that Jonas, the twelve year old main character, is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory in his community. It is the most prestigious position, but also the hardest. (This is so much harder to explain than I thought it would be!) He has never lied, never thought of lying, never skipped school, never made a bad decision... you get the picture. His life so far has been perfect, because the ones who designed his community made it that way.

Jonas quickly learns that to reach 'perfection', everyone had to lose many things. The most obvious gap is that no one makes their own decisions- before he became the Receiver, he didn't even know he had that capability. The Elders chose his name, his parents, his everything. They even picked him to be the Receiver.

There is no color in his world. No music, no animals, no hills, no snow, no rain, no love, no pain.

To reach perfection, everyone had to lose the ability to chose wrong, which meant taking away any options. The Giver, Jonas' mentor and the previous Receiver, has held all memories of everything they lost.

The setting is stunning and original. Hands down.

The plot is engaging, because Jonas struggles with moral duties and the question of the welfare of his community.

The characters made me laugh and cry; each was obviously unique and developed individually.

I won't say anymore because I don't want to give to much away, but all in all, a great read. And it's relatively short too, so if you have a free afternoon, you can finish it in one sitting.

Not much of a book report, but who cares? You've heard my opinion- what's yours?

The Invincibles, Chp. 2

See that? That purple-ish bar to the left? Yeah, that. See the poll at the top? <------- You should do it. Now. 'Cause that would make my day- and I'll write more on whichever wins! But remember, you can vote multiple times, so if you're crazy about one and not so hot on another, make it clear. :)

Without further adieu, I present to you the second chapter of The Invincibles. Enjoy!

Chapter 2: Good Guys- Yeah Right

Waking was painful. My head throbbed, and my leg groaned, complaining about... something. What had even happened?

It crashed down on me in one overload, drowning my weak mind. I remembered the van, the thugs, the pain-

My dad was dead.

Dead.

Dead.

That pain made everything else seem like nothing. Knowing I would never hear his voice again, see his smile, have a decent conversation with him... and it made me furious.

I blinked back burning tears, and realized that my eyes had already been open- and I couldn't see anything. Rather than panicking and thinking I was blind, my mind immediately registered that I was simply in a black room.

And everything hurt.

My head throbbed right behind my eyes- migraine doesn't cut it. Every muscle in my body moaned when I rolled over and realized that my leg was strapped to something; my fingers told me it some sort of brace. Whoever had taken me had cut off my jeans below the knee. I remembered the gun and groaned. Thankfully I wasn't completely tied; my fingers wandered over my bruised form, finding all the minor cuts and wounds I carries. My arms, palms, and face all had been scraped by my insane jump out of the van, but were already scabbing. My arms also bore bruises- places where the men han help me- and dried blood ran over my knuckles. Maybe I packed a little to much in a punch- I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I hadn't fractured my hand.

I could take the physical pain without crying; it didn't compare to the time I had broken my arm and leg in a bike accident. But the emotional scars burned around the edges, and I had a sinking feeling that my keepers had picked last night- or whenever it had been- for a reason. They attacked when I was weakest.

Creepers, definitely. I could probably sue them with charges for kidnapping, stalking, and molest. I decided I would, as soon as I busted out, which would be soon. Very, very soon. The first thing I needed to do was find the walls, and the door.

You'd think that'd be easy.

It wasn't.

I found the walls lickedy split, but the door was the problem. It just wasn't there- I groped blindly, looking for anything, something, and found absolutely nothing. It was all uniform, as rough and hard as concrete, like I was a fish swimming in a glass bowl. But I couldn't look up to see the hole at the top of tank- it was all too dark.

And it sucked.

My mood rapidly deteriorated as the second, then minutes, ticked past me, uncountable. It was only made worse when my stomach rumbled, and then the bandages around my leg started leaking, the liquid- I thought it was blood- oozing down my leg and dripping into a puddle on the floor.

My worst day had become the worst days of my life.

I didn't expect the pain when the door eased open on silent hinges, someone stepping into the room, a remote in one hand, a tray in the other. The light from the hallway blinded me- white and brilliant and driving nails of pain through my scull. My guest tapped her remote and lights turned on in my cage, and I used my arms to cover my face, hissing in pain.

“Cut it out, would you?” I croaked- my tone didn't come out like I had wanted it too.

“I'm sorry, Hailey.” She apologized, her voice gentle. No one with a voice like a mother could be anything other than a snake with my situation- I wondered if she was married to the man with the gun, the one with the careful, chiding voice of a father. “But you caught us unprepared- we didn't think you'd wake up for another hour. That's why we didn't bring your food sooner- it wasn't ready.

“But here you go. A couple days ago when you were at a restaurant you ordered fried eggs and hash browns, so that's what you're getting today. Hope you like orange juice.”

The juice came first- I didn't want to sound like some pathetic, wheezing innocent.

“Where the heck am I?” I growled as she leaned against the far wall, remote still in hand.

“You're in a scientific laboratory. You fit the description of our needs, so you're the newest participant in one of our greatest tests.” She gushed- why did all of these creepers act like kindergarteners on Christmas?

Science wasn't my best subject, but that sounded really, really bad.

“Was kidnapping really necessary?” I spat, glancing at my leg. Yep, that was definitely blood puddling around my boot.

“I'm sorry for that too.” She apologized- I wasn't sure whether or not to believe her. “The men were told to not hurt you, but the camera explained it. You're quite the fighter.” Why was she so freaking happy? “It wasn't the preferable method of getting you here, but some excused it as being the final test- your reaction to threats. That's not my opinion, of course. You already fit the criteria- no need to test you further. It was simply that your foster parents probably wouldn't have let you come, though we're sure you would have. The benefits...!” That maniac grin spread across her face again. “You're going to become the best of the best.”

I had the feeling their definition of 'best' wasn't mine.

“I'm going to change your bandage now.” She continued, watching me, that happiness still in her eyes. Her expression, though, was careful and controlled. “If you hurt me or try to escape, we'll put you out again.”

“Whatever.” I grumbled. She took that as a yes, and crept forward. A click on her remote opened a drawer in the wall, and she pulled out several medical things I didn't recognize.

“What's your name?” I asked.

“Doctor Gerus.” She smiled, her hands busy with my leg. My fingers tingled, wanting to grab her plastic face and turn that smile upside down, because I couldn't take much more of it. “I'm the head of human resources here.”

Human resources- meaning me. But she said resources- plural- and the men in the van had mentioned others...? My muddled mind tried pulling up the memory, but the room started spinning.

“Tell me how you're feeling.” Doctor Gerus began, still working on my leg.
“I feel like I deserve an explanation.” And much more.

She rolled her eyes, but that maniac grin never left her face. “You're a silly girl. Physically, Hailey.”

Silly girl? Oh yeah? I wanted to shout. Look at yourself, see that grin plastered on your face, and tell if laughing gas isn't funny. I attacked the hash browns rather than her face- I was fairly sure she appreciated that.

“Well?”

“Why should I answer?” I snapped, my face full of potatoes.

A gentle, motherly smile came across her face- again. I shuddered; something was very wrong with this situation. “Because we want to help you, Hailey. Everything will go so much smoother if you simply participate- you're about to reach your best life! You should be so honored- so thrilled! Please, Hailey; just help us help you.”

“Fine.” I snapped. “I feel like someone clubbed me over the head with a brick and proceeded to beat the living tar out of me.”

“Interesting choice of words.” Doctor Gerus chuckled- I glared even fiercer.

“And I feel like killing every person in this lab, because this is wrong.”

Her smile faltered; the light in her cheerful expression dimmed. And then it returned, softer, more careful. “You don't know what we're going, Hailey. Don't assume we're evil- in the end, when this is all over, you'll realize we were the good guys. You'll realize that you wouldn't be alive if it weren't for us.”

That sounded, in a word, bad. The more Doctor Gerus talked, the more creepy the entire situation became.

That's when I decided it was high time I should leave.

I restrained myself until she finished with my leg and stood, smiling apologetically down at me. It was only a minute more- more than enough time for me to create a plan.

“Better?”

“Whatever.” I muttered.

“Just believe me, Hailey.” The Doc began. “It'll make things easier all around.”

“You know what?” I asked, staring her down; “Easy has never been a part of my life- why start now?”

I swung my legs around, whacking her stiletto heels. She toppled, medical supplies flying everywhere, and I lept to my feet, adrenaline fueling my attack.

I suppose I attacked her- she probably could've filed charges. To be more precise, I tackled her, wrestling her little remote from her perfectly manicured hands, and scrambling across the room to where the invisible door was.

“Hailey, you don't want to do this.” She coughed, propping herself up. “You don't know what will happen- you don't know what's in store for you-”

“I don't want to know.” I snapped, pointing the remote at her like it was a gun. I half-wished it was a gun.

“Hailey, the Director hand-picked you to be a part of this-”

“I don't care. Pick someone else, but do one thing- don't kidnap them. Ask them like civilized people.”

“Hailey, don't-”

But she was too late.

I pressed the button on the remote- the one that said 'door'- and it swung open. I was through before anyone could have told me to stop, not like I would have. Charging down the disturbingly white hallway, I struggled with the remote, trying to find something like a map app. Wonder of wonders, she had one of those too.

The place was huge- massive. I zoomed into the little red dot labeled 'You are here!' and decided on my course, straight to the little sign labeled 'Exit'.

These scientists were really stupid.

Where was the thunder of hurrying feet? The cries that I had escaped? The announcement over the sound system- there had to be one- that everyone was to be on the alert?

How stupid did they think I was?

Pretty darn stupid, obviously.

I made more noise than I wanted too, since I only had one shoe, and a rubber puddle boot at that. I tossed it off the first chance I had, though it burned to hop on my bad leg. More blood was seeping through the fresh bandages- I blamed it on the adrenaline. And I slipped on through the lab in my socks, sliding along the suspiciously clean floor.

And I was off again, blurring past windows showing scientists bent over their work, whatever that was. There were doors, too, labeled with random numbers in no particular order.

But the quiet told me that something was wrong.

You'd expect there to be sound in a scientific lab- people discussing various obscure ideas, chemical explosions, you know. But there was nothing. Sometimes I could hear the murmur of voices, but they faded as quickly as they came. Once I heard someone wearing heavy boots, but since we were headed opposite directions, it wasn't a problem.

They at least had the sense to lock the door labeled 'Exit'. I morbidly thought about how it gave me some respect, that they would at least try to keep me in the building.

I gave it a solid round-house kick, right to the doorknob.

All it did was send bolts up and down my leg- I hissed in pain. But that wouldn't stop me.

So I tried again.

And again.

And again.

After three minutes of doing very little damage besides getting more panicked and anxious (and flustered and angry and sending more blood trickling down my leg), I pulled out the remote and flipped through the apps. I'll admit- I was starting to freak out. But not a lot. Just enough to send more adrenaline through my system.

And lo and behold, what did I find?

Yep. I found an app to open that door too. I decided they were even stupider.

Since I didn't know how long I had been missing, I didn't really expect it to be night outside, but it was pitch black, darker than I'd ever seen before. I flashed the remote before me, using it like a flashlight. Where the heck was I? I took a few careful steps forward, blindly trying to go somewhere. Gravel crunched beneath my feet, and I felt a pleasant breeze toss my hair across my face.

And that's when things started going downhill.

The dark was blinding- so was light. A spotlight suddenly fell upon me, silent and paralyzing; I growled, throwing a hand over my eyes, and darted forward, trying to get away from it.

“Don't bother, Hailey.” Came a laughing voice. “I'm sorry that you want to leave, but you simply can't. I chose you to come here, to be one of the best. I'm the Director-by the way- and I must admit, I'm impressed. You're quite the escape artist, but you fell for the oldest trick in the book. You'll have to learn to do better.” He laughed as I glared up, not at the light, but somewhere by it. His voice echoed around me- where was I?

“Did you really think we'd give you the tool to get out of here? Please, Hailey, give us some credit. We knew you'd try to get out; we knew you wouldn't settle as a hostage. So we gave you the tools, so we could see how you'd do. And I'm sorry, Hailey, but you're not even outside. Turn on the lights, boys. Show her where she is.”

I stood in the middle of a square room, with black walls and a gravel floor. If I had gone fifty feet further, I would've run into the wall. Silent fans built into the room caused the win, and to be honest, I was impressed too.

And then I was angry.

I could hardly speak, my rage was so controlling. “You--!” I managed to stutter. “I swear, I'm going to kill you!”

“No you won't, Hailey. In the end, you'll love me, because I'm opening so many doors to you- I'm the best Benefactor anyone could ever dream of it. Think of everything you want- anything!- and I can give it to you. Just wait, Hailey. You'll understand soon enough.”

I pounded the remote, telling the door to open.

“Sorry.” The Director sighed. “I turned off your remote. It's time for you to go back now.”

“In your dreams.” I snarled.

“Right back at you.” He chuckled. “Give her the gas, boys. She won't go without a fight.”

I clamped my hand over my mouth and nose after taking a deep breath- I wasn't getting knocked out again. No way.

But I had no choice, and just like before, I slipped into blackness.

Well...? Do you like it? Why? What's your favorite (or least) part?