evilestguyever: So here's chapter two. Hope you guys like it. Or not. Just try to finish it and review, ok? Thanks. Oh, I don't own anything yet.
Chapter 2:
Down the Rabbit Hole
Cloud heard a soft click. There. Pulling his backpack off and slinging it over his left shoulder, he unzipped it as he reached in his locker to grab his notebooks and textbooks. He felt something rough, and it crinkled. What? Looking up, Cloud saw a package wrapped in brown paper. What the hell is that? And why the hell is it in my locker? Oh, I get it, very funny. Haha. I'm not stupid. I'm throwing it out. Wait. Better be careful. What if it's a stink bomb or something and it goes off? Who knows what kind of prank this is? Setting the package on the floor, he reached in his locker again to retrieve his things, before locking up and picking up the package again. Spotting the nearest trash can, he walked over and dropped it in, tense and ready to run if needed. Well, nothing happened this time, but what about next time? And how the hell did anyone get my locker combo? Are the school staff in on it too? I know most of the teachers don't like me, but really? I'm going to have to get my own lock now. Screw the school policy about using their locks! Argh, I can't wait for this school day to end!
Finally! Another day over! Dump these textbooks and all this other shit, then freedom! 0-0-0. Click. Cloud swung his locker door open, prepared to just chuck his textbooks and notebooks inside, but what he saw that was already inside surprised him. What the hell? What's that package doing here? I threw it out! Is this another one? Either way, it's not like I've gotten any dumber since the morning. Cloud reached in and took it out before chucking his stuff in and locking up, fully prepared to throw this package out too. Just before he threw it in, something on the package caught his eye. What's this? Writing? Huh. "Open this. You'll know what to do." Ok, yeah, like that is going to change my mind about throwing this thing out. Cloud made to toss it, but he hesitated for some reason. It's not like he suddenly decided not to throw it out; his hand was still hovering over the trash can. Then Cloud sighed. Shit. I know I'm probably going to regret this… but I really want to know what's inside now. "You'll know what to do?" What does that even mean? Cloud sighed again, putting the package in his backpack. I'm not opening this here. If it is a prank, I'm not going to give them the satisfaction of seeing the results. Cloud walked out the door, headphones in his ears and I-pod already on.
Good. There's nobody here. Now I can relax. It's so peaceful and quiet. Sometimes, it's actually like I'm the only person in the entire world. Cloud sat down on the ground, shrugging off his backpack, staring up at the sky. The sky… the clouds… it's so vast. And then there's space, which I'm looking at but can't even see. Maybe somewhere out there, there's someone else like me. Someone I can relate to. Maybe my first real friend. Ah, who am I kidding? Fate is a bitch, and I'm just her new toy. She isn't letting me off that easily. But still… looking up… seeing just how small I really am… I can't help but wonder if there's another world out there. One that I might belong in. Sighing, Cloud reached over for his backpack. I guess I might as well open it now. Unzipping and reaching in his backpack, Cloud pulled out the package. So, what's in it? I should open it now. Cloud slid his fingers under the edge of the wrapping paper. Well… curiosity killed the cat and all... On that happy note… Cloud tore the package open, ready to toss the thing off the building if need be. Yet once again, he was surprised and he stayed his hand. Whoa. What the hell? It's a book? And it's freaking ancient. There's still dust clinging to it! The leather is all worn and faded! "You'll know what to do"? What the hell am I supposed to do with this? Cloud scratched the back of his head with his left hand, turning the book over and over in his right. Huh. At least it's not a prank. At least, I don't think it is. I wonder what it's about. Cloud turned to page one. It's… blank! And so is the next page! And the page after that! What kind of book is this? There's nothing in here! Sighing, he started to close the book. What kind of junk is this? Who would keep a book this old is it is blank? Why give it to me? Maybe I missed something. Cloud opened the book again, turning the pages slowly. Hey! There's actually something here! Maybe it'll explain why this book is so empty. Cloud squinted at the tiny words, attention focused on the single paragraph scrawled at the top of the page.
A whole new world awaits those who dare to pass through the gate. A new story awaits them on the other side, filled with danger and adventure. Who dares to pass? Know you his name?
What the hell? Is this some kind of weird kiddie play acting journal? No, for some reason, I feel like it's something more. It feels…familiar, important. It's making me uneasy. But it's just a book, right? It doesn't have any magical powers or any of that bullshit. Cloud put the book down, but as he stared up at the vast sky, a sudden odd thought crossed his mind. Well… I guess it can't hurt to write my name. It's just for fun anyway. I don't need a journal. Reaching into his pocket, Cloud pulled out a pen, uncapping it. So where should I write my name? Next to the paragraph? Putting the pen to the page, he wrote, slowly, deliberately, clearly, almost expectantly, Cloud Strife. Nothing happened, and silence reigned until Cloud let out the breath he had unconsciously been holding. There, see Cloud? Now you feel silly, don't you? Nothing happened. It's just a boo – Whoa! Cloud dropped the book in surprise. What the hell? Wait – what? I'm falling!
evilestguyever: Yes, I know this chapter is pretty damn short too. But hey, I thought that it was a good place to end. Don't you? And hey, if you made it this far, why not just review huh? Make yourself feel better for helping somebody improve their writing. You'll get my eternal thanks!