A/N: Discontinued, read Anything But Ordinary by Owletty on AO3
The Dark One dismissed herself from the audience of the Zodiarchs contently. She then retreated to her private quarter. Things were all going as planned. She had eliminated all the Great Sages, mages, and sages-in-training. She held all their power at her fingertips. There were a few that managed to escape her clutches. Though they were not her worries, they are only the mere fleas that managed to escape. In time, the fleas will die. Those who were still alive were either cursed or worst. Some were too young to raise arms.
The private chamber contained numerous ivory statues. They all seemed lifeless, ever still, never changing. Some of which were posed in great terror. Some depicted courage and hope. While some, surrender. The statues were so surreal, so soulless that there was no evident way to tell that they once contained life. Though, if one were to look closely, they might manage to see life and feel real feelings in the figures. Those were the feelings of sorrow, despair, regret, loneliness, and hopelessness.
The Dark One had to be happy with her progress. She had her full collection of statues in a little less than eight years. With her power, she wasn't able to break a sweat. The world now begged for her mercy. Those types of things do make a girl feel spoiled and flattered. She felt merciful enough to let some children live. They were just stolen or cursed. These were not her only ivory statues. No, there were much more. The lesser important statues were in the graveyard of ivory. She made perfect use of the place. No one ever dared to set foot in that area, if they valued their own sanity.
She gazed at the extinguished candles that lay next to the statues. Her thoughts now went to the fleas that were so close to her reach. That, of course, were the ones who resided in the other world. She only knew that it was a matter of time before she had them in her grasp. The "protection spell" that the Pure-Hearted One cast upon this world. It prevented anyone currently living in it from leaving. It kept little Alice from her view. It kept people from this world from aging, including the caster. The latter made her job a bit harder. Though it was just a nuisance.
Magic has a price. Magic has its limits. Magic is only for the responsible. The Dark One thought those rules were rubbish. Lies made up by wizards of the old ages to prevent others from using it. If magic did have a price, what was Cassiopeia's when she trapped her? From what she knows, magic doesn't have limits. It's the one who wields it. Many wizards and witches refrain from using magic up to their potential. With the amount of power that she accumulated over the years, there were few limits. It is only the Pure-Hearted One that stands in her way. Even he ran away. Magic is for the responsible, as far as she was concerned no one is responsible enough to use magic. In her view, everyone just ends up as sentinels.
She gazed into the crystal ball yet again. Mirroring her stance from eight years ago. She found Alice. She was eating breakfast with the Pure-Hearted One. She looked Dark One and also spotted a glint of light from her collar. She looked again, it was gone.
"It seems that young Alice is turning thirteen," she hissed in her eerily human voice. Her two snakes hiss in unison. She fixed her gaze to the book of prophecies. Some of the knowledge that it contained was older than even herself. She turned to the page she needed. It stated that "Though coequal plans most wondrously laid are flawed... A rift shall ope' ov'r the age of thirteen..."
She directed her attention back to her thoughts. She had read the book many times over. Unlike other magic users, she knew knowledge is power. She wouldn't stop until she knew all the secrets. She was tired of secrets and lies. The past thirteen years were for revenge.
"The rift will grant Alice a moment of vulnerability. We need to make use of that," she paused and then directed the snakes. "You two!" the snakes perked up from the soot and ashes from the candles. "Once the rift opened on little Alice's birthday. I want the two of you to slither to the other world and give her my regards." The cobras hissed in agreement.
She flipped her jet black cape. She sat on her throne like a decadent queen. She peered into the crystal ball once more. Alice was finished with her breakfast now. Her dad was now sipping his cup of strong coffee and reading the newspaper casually. He smiled at Alice. "Don't forget the necklace I gave you, Allie!" he reminded lightheartedly. "I won't," came her reply. She swung the school satchel around her shoulder. "Bye, Dad!" she called, running out the door.
"Bye, Allie! Be sure to be good!" Oliver called. "I will." Unbeknownst to the Dark One, Oliver's thoughts drifted to another similar exchange of words. A conversation that occurred in the very spot he was in, around two decades ago. He sighed and hoped that Alice's instincts were enough to get her through the day without himself keeping an eye on her.
Alice may not be as wise as her good ole dad, but she sure did know one thing: If I ever wanted to go on a roller coaster I would just go on a school bus instead. She told herself that fact in a jaunty, singsong voice. It's true. The bus ride back was full of screaming children, brave parents [brave enough to chaperone], compact seats, heated [literally] conditions, and an emergency exit. The bus ride was basically a discount theme park roller coaster. She wondered how her dad would handle this. On second thought, this might not be a good time to think of her dad.
Shake! The bus shook. "Aaaahh!" came the reaction from the kids on the bus. Shake! The bus rattled again, over a speed hump. The passengers jostled around. Those who decided to "tough it up" and not wear a seat belt were pushed out of their seats and fell. Some fell into the aisle.
"Hey, Bella," Alice called to her friend who was aimlessly staring at the window, "is it just me, or is this bus driver trying to kill us?"
Jerk! The bus took a sharp turn again. It was followed by more screaming children. Jessabella clutched her stomach. She turned into a pale shade of green for a moment. "Yeah," she agreed.
Shake! Jerk! Bump! The bus kept on steering near misses of obstacles on the road. They zipped through streets and highways. Toss, turn, left, right. Up and down they go, how fast or how to stop, nobody knows. Alice peered around the bus. She could tell that Camie was getting a little sick. Seriously, she thought, does this dude know that there are kids on this bus? She focused her attention on the road. If even the bus driver wouldn't keep his eyes on the road, she might as well.
The trip to the museum was okay. It went much better than expected. For the most part, Ethan left her alone. That was most likely due to the fact that his mother was a chaperone. Alice was especially interested in the automobile part of the museum. In fact, she saw her Uncle Phil's name on one of the displays. As a matter of fact, she saw the new car that her dad and Uncle Phil were working on.
She didn't tell this to anyone. As far as she was concerned, what her dad and Uncle Phil do is not her business.
Ethan kept on being a jerk to other kids and knocking down things and pickpocketing other kid's lunch money. Alice tried to stop him but his dear Mum was present. Ms. Monique barely paid attention. She was chatting away to Ethan's mom. She kept on asking questions like, "How are Ethan's grades?" "Does he behave well in class?" Alice knew she was just trying to sweet talk her way into Ms. Monique's good graces. Alice knew that two could play that game. Almost everybody in the school listens to her dad. He could do the same thing. Though, Alice knew better than to use cheap tactics.
She glanced over at Ms. Monique now. She was asleep. "She'll never have enough coffee, will she," the question felt more like a declaration. It was a fact. Alice thought it looked comical. There was the usually well postured Ms. Monique with her head rolled over to the side and mouth gaping. At the back end of the bus, she noticed that Ethan and Duncan were sharing a Walkman. Karyn and Katelyn were laughing along. Well, at least they're not bothering anyone else.
Rattle! Quake! The bus threw the passengers around again. "Aaahhh!" Even Alice joined in with the screaming. Alice bet that if she closed her eyes, and concentrated, she would mistake the bus for a roller coaster cart. That wasn't a very reassuring thought. Hey, at least the window doubles as an emergency exit.
That measure would apparently be useless. The bus was now making its way on the highway. This particular highway was under construction. Alice prayed that they would go off at the nearest exit. At least streets had traffic lights. The highway was very narrow. No chance of escaping through the emergency exit. It curved around upwards alarmingly fast. It was only one way.
"Whoa," Jessabella said in a tone that suggests awe and fear. "We're pretty high up." She glanced back at Alice and gave her a signal to take a look. The girls switched seats. Alice figured out what Jessabella was talking about quickly. She glanced down. The narrow highway was suspended by wide concrete pillars. Some bits of the road didn't have side boundaries. They were the only ones traveling on the highway. They seemed to be the only class with a bus driver that drove upon the highway. Lucky us. Alice decided to look down. Once she did, she realized that it was a horrible idea and averted her gaze. From what she said, they were apparently a couple stories above ground. The bus was slowly turned on the curved and inclining road that didn't have boundaries.
Alice decided to look down. Once she did, she realized that it was a horrible idea and averted her gaze. From what she said, they were apparently a couple stories above ground. The bus was slowly turned on the curved and inclining road that didn't have boundaries.
"We're all going to die!" a random voice screamed. Alice knocked on wood three times. She had no interest in dying.
"AAHHh!" The bus then plunged downward at a hair-raising speed from the tall and windy road. Alice held in her screams. She was getting pretty scared by now. She started thinking about getting a refund. On second thought, that might make sense. Sure enough, if she demands a refund than the money goes towards the school for sports, new books (old ones were grody), and her dad's paycheck. But then again, the school just hired the bus company so it really doesn't matter. She decided that she'll ask her dad about it.
They proceeded down to a dimly lit tunnel. From the small slithers of light, Alice knew that it was a rather long tunnel. The students were no longer at the edge of their toes. The absence of light was an invitation for them to sit back, relax, and sleep. All of this while showing off their cassette players.
"This tunnel's really old, Allie. Some of the wooden scaffolding is showing. Not to mention there is some paint on the walls. It's all peeled off," Jessabella observed. She was always fascinated by architecture and history. Alice was too. They were both eager to see the new "Motorville Through the Years" exhibit in the museum. Well, more Bella than Alice.
"Yeah," Alice replied, gazing at the tunnel, "just the fact it even uses wood as scaffolding is a bit worrying." His voice trailed off. She decided to ignore her worries. She'd probably watched too much TV or heard too much of Dad's stories. She tried to drift off to sleep.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the bus, Ethan lost interest in showing off his Walkman and decided to pick on some of the low kids. He had some new material on him that was totally rad. "Pst, guys look who it is," Larry called. He was "low class" in his group but he could be useful if he wanted to. Ethan turned forward and found Alice. His eyes glinted with mischief. The guys happily got up and readied themselves to walk over. A number of boys in Ethan's group were about half of the class. There were only about two in his inner circle; Duncan and Marvin.
The inner circle and four others were getting ready to walk up to Alice. What really confused them is when Ethan suddenly stuck his hand between them and Alice. It was if for some reason... he was having second thoughts. But, why? Before he noticed it he blurted out, "Guys, on second thought, I think we should leave her alone." The heck did he just say!? His words were causing fast consequences. All the guys were looking at him like he'd grown a second head. He didn't know if that was the right way to put it but sure felt like he did.
"Wait... WHAT!?"
"Dude whaddya think you're do'in!?" Marvin scolded, confused and agitated.
"Why'd you cut us off like that!?" it was Duncan's turn to complain. Soon enough all the other boys were starting to turn on Ethan. Alice turned around from her sluggish state to see Ethan arguing with his troupe. That's new, she thought. She let it be, though. It's his problem, not her's. He kinda deserves it. She was also keen to stick with her rule of "no involvement in any school drama".
The argument still raged on. Ethan was still trying to keep it together so that no one would listen. Like most Middle School students, he did not want to lose his reputation. "Look, guys, look," his voice didn't have its usual confidence. It was edged with exasperation and pleading. He tried to keep it together. "I'm just saying that we should back off. Or do something long distance like... passing notes, spreading rumors, or paintball."
"Passing rumors, isn't that a girl thing?"
"Okay, what about sabotage?" Ethan suggested.
"Hey," Duncan said suspiciously, crossing his arms, "do you like her?"
"What?!" the question had caught him off guard, "NO!" Ethan's shrill screams filled the bus. It wasn't enough to wake the teacher. Heads turned then looked away. Marvin smiled, he knew where this was going. He just had to wind Ethan up a little bit more. "Then, why keep on defending her?"
"Fine! What kind of question is that?! If you want to see me pick on Daddy's Girl then I'll go!" he then stormed off.
Karyn, sensing that now was a good time to jump in said, "Come on, just ignore them, Ethan." She tugged his arm for him to leave.
"They want to see a fight, well they'll get one," Ethan told her bitterly. When she finally thought that he was paying attention continued to storm off to the front of the bus. It was a small aisle so he had navigated his way through cautiously. Ethan didn't have any idea of what was going to happen next, but he did know that no one makes a fool out of him.
At the near front of the bus, both Alice and Jessabella were sleeping. As a matter of fact, they slept through the whole back bus drama. Ignorant of the recent events they continued to sleep soundly. That is until over half a dozen boys and three girls cast a shadow over the meager light that was shining on them.
Alice blinked and opened her eyes. After waiting for some light to pass she realized that it was indeed, Ethan and his entourage in front of her. She stretched and said, sluggishly, "EEEthan...
Whadaya want?"
Ethan felt hesitant now. He knew that everyone in his group was watching him now. Waiting for his next move. He had a bad feeling about this. Then he looked down.
He saw a glint of light from the floor. Then, a ray of light passed through the bus from one of the slits in the tunnel. The light hit the thing and it started to sparkle. Casting rainbows everywhere. The light was as alluring as a diamond. Maybe it was a diamond. Course he couldn't tell. He picked it up and discovered it was a ring. It was a sight to behold. For a second, everyone stood, transfixed and allured by the ring. It was almost enough for Ethan to forget what he was doing, along with everyone else. He then snapped out of his trance, along with everyone else. He found his key. He had a plan now.
"So," Ethan continued with a mischievous smile, "I didn't know you wore jewelry, Allie." He was holding it up to Alice's view. Everyone stood again perplexed. They were both intrigued by the ring and to where the conversation will be going.
Alice was flushed with anger. Then confusion. Then anger again. She was completely enraged that
Ethan would try to take the only thing that she had left of her mother from her. Her anger woke her up from her sluggish state and lunged at Ethan "Give it back!"
Alice was apparently a lot more lightheaded than she thought. Just as she lunged for the ring Ethan simply pulled it up over his head. She then fell forward, in the center of the aisle. As she fell, the crowd parted to see her fall. She felt heavy. She clutched her stomach and tried to pull herself up.
Even with the dim light in the tunnel, she could tell that the crowd above her was laughing at her misery.
At the moment, Ethan felt zero mercy for ridiculing Alice. He looked at his friends laughing as Alice struggled to pull herself up. He decided to go on with the show. He then held out his free hand to Alice, mockingly.
Alice glanced back up to Ethan who was wearing a mocking smile on his face. He offered his hand jokingly. Alice knew better than to take it. She tried to pull herself up again. She heard the laughter of those around her. Misery and pain swelled through her like never before. She needed her necklace back. Without it, she wouldn't have the one thing that brings her close to her mother. Now that Ethan has it, she doesn't know what its fate will be.
Ethan scanned the bus. They seemed to be the only ones away and alert. Well, most of them. He then focused his attention on Alice. "Come on, Allie. We all know that you never use these types of wear. How did you ever afford this thing?" He looked around
Alice sneered. Her eyes were flowing with defiant anger. She felt like she couldn't talk, though. All she could do was glare.
"-Leave her alone!" a voice interjected. The crowd turned around and found Jessabella. A moment of pause and alarm flowed through the small crowd. They turned up to see Jessabella. Her expression suggested that she too was surprised by her words.
Jessabella stood for a moment in shock. In a shock of what was happening to her friend. Alice's wavy, red-blonde locks were flown all over her face. Through her eyes pleaded for Bella to not intervene. Jessabella was still in shock herself. She saw the daring and challenging looks of Ethan's crew. Fear crept back upon her again. Why, oh why, did she decide to open her mouth. She shook her thoughts away. She was going to stick up for Alice. Alice always tries the same to her.
"Jessabella," Ethan called, his voice breaking the silence, "I was just asking Alice why she has this ring. Right, Alice?"
Alice stared at Bella again. She shook her head weakly. Don't do it, Bella, her mind pleaded. She didn't know if Jessabella received the message.
Bella knew the evident lie. She might've woken up from her deep sleep seconds ago, but something in her knew something was up. She called upon the courage that caused her previous outburst.
"E-Ethan," Alice managed weakly, "it's none of y-your business." Her voice cracked halfway through. "Give i-it back!"
"No, Alice. Ethan was just asking you where did you get this lovely thing?" Duncan answered. "Your dad alone could never afford this." Things were heating up now and he wanted to see where things were going. Ethan was starting to hesitate his actions. His grip on the necklace loosened for a bit.
He then snapped back to attention. He had peer pressure now. He wasn't going to be let down.
To his convenience, Alice answered. "I-It's my m-mother's... Please, please... give it back." She shivered.
"Oh, Allie's mummy," Larry said in a pouty face.
"I said leave her alone, Larry." Jessabella bravely implored.
"Huh, what about you, Belly," Larry continued on his roll, "I haven't seen your parents around here lately, huh?"
Jessabella bit back her words. Control, control, control, she reminded herself.
"Hey, Larry," Duncan gossiped, finally acknowledging Larry. "I think these two should start an orphan's club." More harsh laughs. How could they be so cruel?
Jessabella tried to keep her cool. "I think that we should respect one another. And Larry, how would you feel if you were an orphan?"
Larry opened his mouth to retort but Jessabella cut him off, "I think you ask Mr. Oliver about it. He knows all about orphanhood." That was considered awfully sensitive. Everyone in their neighborhood knew about what happened to Mr. Oliver's mother. After that the whole community basically decided to foster him. Though some people disapproved of letting orphans out. Mr. Oliver would give tips to Bella on handling orphanhood whenever she came to visit.
"Ethan, would you just give Alice the necklace or ring back? Preferably in one piece." Bella asked in a whining voice. Though her voice suggested control. She looked around the bus. Everyone but them was asleep. How could they sleep at a time like this, Alice thought.
Ethan started to do as Jessabella ordered. But, just then, Marvin snatched the necklace out of his hand. Marvin then held it in his hands, letting the silk (which the ring was tied on) slip through his fingers. He then said, "Come on, Ethan. Let's check this thing out. I gotta admit, this is pretty snazzy. Say, Alice, mind if we take a look at it?" Alice just growled.
"I think you guys already had a look at it," Jessabella continued. In the corner, Karyn, Camie, and Katelyn were all staring at the necklace in wonder. They thought it looked pretty cute.
Marvin had other ideas. He walked over to the nearest window. While making sure that everyone was in viewing range, he hung the necklace slightly out of the half-opened window. The three Amigas gasped. Marvin was going to throw the pendant off the bus!
"Marvin! Stop!" Ethan was finally talking. Karyn sighed in relief. Maybe the necklace will be saved. Then she could give it to her Daddy. Then they might buy their fifth car.
Marvin and the rest of the boys turned around. They all read the same expression as they did from Ethan's previous outburst. Ethan decided to keep his I'm-in-control-here disposition. He snarled at the boys who challenged him. He needed them to remember that he's in charge. He walks up to Marvin with a feigned confidence. Ethan was such a good faker that no one dared to walk in his way. "Give it to me, Marvin," Ethan had all eyes on him.
Jessabella hoped that he'll give the necklace back. Alice didn't have the same hope reserved. She personally hoped that they'll both fall out of the bus. That might be a little too far, but with all they did to her they deserve it. Plus, the bus was moving 20 mph. They'll survive. She never knew that her curiosity would bring her to this.
Marvin was still staring at Ethan. Ethan gave him an expectant stare, opening his palm. "I have to do it. I'll throw it off. I started this mess. I'll end it." Marvin kept on staring. He wondered if he should trust his ally. Judging by his recent behavior, he won't help his reputation.
Though before he could make his decision the bus jolted and stopped. Then lights in the tunnel flicked off. The group was left in the still, eerie darkness.
"Huh?", "What's going on?!" panic spread through the crowd like a wildfire. "AAAAHHH!" a boy, Benjamin's screams filled the aisle. It sounded a bit girly. It woke everyone on the bus up. The bus then turned its small, feeble lights on for good measure.
"Benjamin, sit down!" a fully awake Ms. Monique ordered. Benjamin, who previously stood screaming, listened and slowly sunk his head into his seat comically. Then, without warning, the bus stopped. "Why are we stopping?!" the class kept on murmuring.
Ms. Monique then took control. The chaperones were now up and struggling to ease the panic of the class. It didn't help much because they were pretty panicked themselves. They didn't seem to see a frail Alice clutching herself on the ground.
Alice was struggling to get herself off from the ground. She needed to get her mother's necklace back. She wasn't sure, but something in the back of her mind told her it held answers. But answers to what? The same instinct told her that she'll have all the questions and answers soon. She just needed the necklace back. She started to crawl her way to Ethan. There's absolutely no way I'm going to reach it, she thought miserably.
Alice scooted herself forwards. With every inch, she felt like something was draining her strength. But how? She'd been perfectly healthy. She knew that going on a bus ride like this is definitely not healthy. Perhaps she ate too much. That didn't matter right now. She continued to crawl her way forward. No one noticed her. She made sure that her dress didn't get caught. She also made a mental note to never let Dad make her wear dresses on field trips again.
The murmuring continued. Chaos reigned. Alice thought that things could've gone any more worst.
Then suddenly, it all stopped. Everything stopped. Alice gazed at the scene before her. Everyone just... froze. It was as if time froze. The scene before her was ever still. The whole bus was frozen in time... except for her.
Curiosity overpowered Alice and she pulled herself up. She just forgot the small detail of her being in a vulnerable state and fell back. Shoot!
The bus was suddenly moving again. This must be a dream, Alice thought. This is all a dream and I'll wake up in my bed. She kept on reassuring herself. It was all just a crazy nightmare about the field trip. She pinched herself but found herself losing some more valuable energy. Shit–
It was gaining speed. It dashed, faster and faster and faster and faster. The bus flew through the never ending tunnel. Alice held on for dear to the nearest bus seat. She placed herself in a bracing position. Others on the bus were still frozen, unfazed by the bus speeding at about 200 mph. That's not even possible for a school bus.
Alice was still holding on. She wanted it to stop. She wanted it all to stop. Why wouldn't anyone stop the bus driver? Alice felt the wind whipped through the bus. She knew that letting go wasn't an option. The speed of the bus popped open the back emergency exit. If she lets go, she flies out of the bus. Holding on was getting harder with every passing second. The bus's acceleration also increased with every passing second.
Alice felt helpless. She couldn't do anything. All she could do was save herself, and she felt that she was even failing with that. She held herself closer. She held back her tears because something told her that her nightmare is very much true.
The bus continued to speed on. Alice closed her eyes and felt light dancing across the bus. The bus passed the light so all she could feel were the sudden pangs of warmth across her face. She heard a scream. She wondered if the bus driver lost control, or ditched them. Something has to be going on in the front. She decided to make a stupidly impossible plan.
She started on. She summoned all the strength she had stored. She decided that she would pull her way up the bus seat's legs to make it to the driver's seat. Once she got to the driver's seat she would control the bus herself. She knew how to drive. She could drive pretty well actually. She'll have to use all her strength to reach the driver's seat and to drive. She could do it. She was Alice, and Alice isn't afraid of anything.
As she lay on the floor, she pulled and made it. She was going to make this work. She glanced at the driver's cockpit. In this particular school bus, the driver's area was separated by a wall. That was just great. Alice then decided that this was not the time to be sarcastic and tried to pull herself up again. She pulled with all her might and made it. There were only two more seats to push up on before the door. She then pushed herself up. Miraculously, she made it to the next seat. Only one more to go.
She then readied herself to be pulled up. She dared not to look at the frozen scene before her. She just focused on the seats.
Alice made it again. She tried to take a break, even though it was impossible. She caught her breath and tried to lower her heart rate. She could barely breathe due to the speed of the bus. She kept hanging on. She summoned her strength again. A wave of light then flashed over the bus. "Aaah," she squealed. Zoom! Beep! A car passed them. Maybe they weren't so alone after all.
Alice still maintained her grip on the seat. She then reached for the wall that separated Alice from the driver. Alice could see that the window was obscured by some sort of dark purple mist. Must be a trick of the light. With all she's seen so far, she was starting to doubt that. Alice reached for a ledge. She was proud to know that she made it. She just had to pull the door handle and she was in. She could clearly see what was below her now. The class that seemed to be frozen in time disappeared. Alice just told her consciousness to go along with it. She saw the endless tunnel. She was not going to fall now.
Jerk! The bus suddenly halted to a stop. It plunged into... something. "Aaah!" Stunned by the sudden stop Alice lost her grip and was thrown out.
"Huh?" Alice was regaining consciousness after her fall. She surveyed the scene. She was off the bus. She tried to stand up. "Ow!"she felt sharp pain rush through her body. She found scrapes and scabs. She thought she might've twisted her ankle. Other than that, there was nothing critical. She survived. That was more than some people could say. She remembered the steps to survival that she learned from her camping catalog.
She remembered the steps to survival that she learned from her camping catalog. She was almost finished with Step #1: Survey the area. That was easy. Right now, she was in pain on the cold hard ground, stranded, with a deadly school bus, in a century-old never ending tunnel. She stopped her train of thought. Now was not the time to be sarcastic. Okay, Step #2: Check if you are in any immediate danger. Alice always thought that step was useless. Of course, she was in danger! She checked the area again, at least not in immediate danger. Unless, another deadly school bus comes barreling by.
Okay, she was alright so far. The little slits in the tunnel provided light. Alice lost track of the time on the bus but thanks to the lights, she concluded that it was still daytime. She saw the bus not too far away. Maybe it was about 25 yards from herself. It was plunged into a deep hole. If she could make it to the bus she could proceed to the next step: Gather materials. She could get what was left of her lunch on the bus. Then she would retrieve the first aid kit to patch her injuries. She wondered if the materials were still there, or if they disappeared like the rest of the passengers.
Alice started to crawl her way towards the bus. Then she felt a tug within her consciousness readying her to flee. Then, the mist from the front of the bus swirled in the air. It shrouded her and everything around, leaving her in complete darkness. Then, it exploded. Alice braced herself to what was next.
Two snakes materialized from the mist. Their blood, ruby eyes glared at Alice. They were both slithering up to her. Alice backed away quickly. She crawled her way back. Alice stared at both of them, directly in their eyes. She tried to hide her fear with a calm face. The mist surrounded her and forced her to stay put. Alice braced herself. Then, she thought she made out the silhouette glowing figure. It passed her in a split second. She thought she heard the figure's footsteps.
She edged farther away from the snakes. The mist was making it harder to see. The mist was also pulling her back. She moved her hand as she pushed herself back. The snakes were getting ready to strike. Alice then something felt something pass her hand. She then redrew her hand and looked at the object. It was the necklace!
Hiss! The snakes were in mid-flight. Alice gripped the necklace tightly in her fingers. She suddenly felt strength coursing through her veins. Then, the snakes disappeared, leaving the mist fading away. "W-what?" The scene faded. She was in the endless tunnel again. Light began to spill through. Even with Alice's newly gained strength, she was too tired. She saw her vision waver as her surroundings faded to black.
IMtemp_A/N (15.5.22): You'll never guess, also you have under 8 hrs.