Amelia was standing in a white hallway. Pure white, which is spooky because nothing is ever this white. Looking ahead, the hall stretched on endlessly. It was hard to discern the difference between the walls, floor, and ceiling. Behind her the hallway still stretched on but this side was dark. Black, red, and purple veins seemed to run everywhere, slowly inching closer to where Amelia stood. Choosing option A, Amelia walked down the white hall, her steps echoing off the walls kept reminding her of just how empty and desolate this place is. The hallway started to curve and the sound of a person humming reverberated off the curve of the hall. Stopping to listen, the hums were from a woman. Sounds of metal clanking against glass followed by more humming.
Amelia slowly inched forward until she spotted a doorway. The humming was louder now, happy and cheerful. Rounding the doorway, Amelia saw a woman drinking from a cup of coffee, she was standing with her back to her in an overly white kitchen. She wore a gray shirt and black sweats. She has short curly black hair, that stood out like ink on paper.
The woman put the coffee cup down and turned around. Amelia was shocked to see she was staring at a mirror image of herself. Finally spotting Amelia, the woman flailed her arms in front of her while letting out a short scream.
"You scared the shit out of me!" She shrieked, placing a hand over her heart. "Why didn't you say anything? Actually, scratch that, how are you even here?"
"Um hold up," Amelia said putting her hands in front of her, "how about, who are you and where is here?" Silence filled the air around them for a few seconds before the mystery woman let out a long sigh.
"OK, so long story short, we're in your subconscious and I'm Luna." She pointed a double finger gun at Amelia, who didn't look amused.
"Yeah, can I get the long story. That didn't clear up much." Amelia then looked around the kitchen again. "And I'm pretty sure my subconscious wouldn't be this…white."
"Um…well, it's hard to explain but since you started taking medication, we've been able to keep this section shut off, that's why its all white, but since that weird thing was put inside us, it purged all other medication, opening this side of the brain." Luna tried to explain more but it wasn't helping.
"We've? Shut off? And that still don't explain how your conscious got stuck in my brain. Agh, I'm even more confused…" Amelia put her elbows on the counter and shoved her face in her hands. After a few seconds, she spoke back up. "So does this mean I'm still kidnapped? Does this mean we're a split personality?"
"Yes and no," Luna answered while walking to the other side of the counter, "The last we recall, we were being choked out by the Big guy but uh…" Luna started to trail off, her brows knitted together confused. "um…well shit, what were we talking about?"
"Hey, hello!" Amelia snapped her fingers in front of Lunas face, "You can't lose track like that, um what?"
"Oh yeah! Sorry, been a while since I've been free." Luna lit up but immediately she slumped her shoulders and grunted in frustration, "oh yeah…OK so I don't really know how to tell you this." Luna put her hands together making a double handed finger gun and rested the barrel on her lips, raising her eyebrows hoping that'll give some kind of answer.
"Please give me a straight answer."
"We are not a split personality." Luna said without moving from her dramatic pose.
"No?" Amelia stood, "What do you mean? That's the only explanation I have that could make sense of why there are two conscious people in one brain." Luna opened her mouth to respond but a loud ringing filled Amelia's ears. Grasping her head, she closed her eyes and yelled out in pain.
"Amelia!" Luna yelled but Amelia couldn't hear over thing ringing.
"Amelia!" She heard again but her body was being shook. As fast as the ringing started, it stopped.
"Amelia, please." Ashley let out a cry. Wait, Ashley! Amelia opened her eyes and quickly sat up. Her whole body was covered in sweat and she was breathing heavily.
"Oh, thank God." Ashley hugged Amelia and started crying. "I thought you were dead." Amelia continued to breathe heavily and looked down at her hands, her veins still pronounced against her pain skin. Her wrists were bound again but this time with real shackles that is chained to the wall. They were in a normal room, well normal as in it has four walls and a roof. It was old and decrepit, the beds they provided was moldy, and a wall had a hole all the way through. Only big enough fit an arm though. Ashley started to calm down and released Amelia, sitting next to her on the bed.
"Hey," Amelia placed a hand on Ashley's shoulder, "no way I'd leave you here alone to deal with this but," she paused briefly. A wave of realism came over her, she almost died. If she wasn't lucky enough to, to what? She was utterly useless, they literally tossed her around like a sack of potatoes. Tears plagued her eyes and she quickly closed them, causing a few to fall anyway. It all has to do with whatever they injected in her, or made her drink. Probably both. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "We're going to need to stay strong if we're going to get out of here, holy shit that sounded cringy as fuck."
Ashley giggled through her tears and was nodding her head in agreement. Both of us laugh cried for a few minutes trying to get our bearings together. Ashley whipped the last of her tears and looked at Amelia. She tilted her head to the side with a expression mixed of bewilderment and confusion.
"Were your eyes always purple? I was pretty sure they were blue." Amelia shot her hands up to her eyes.
"Oh, um…yeah, I was born with them but I wear colored contacts to hide them."
"But why would you hide them?" she grabbed Amelia's face and was staring deep into her eyes, inspecting every detail.
"Because stuff like this would happen." Amelia stated bluntly causing Ashley to retract her hands.
"I'm sorry," her face heated up, "they're just really pretty. What happened to you anyway?" she gestured to subject, quickly changing the subject.
"I'm not exactly sure, they injected something into my neck then forced me to drink some black water, then this happened." When Amelia mentioned her neck, Ashley touched hers.
"I think they injected me with something too but they haven't forced me to drink anything." Ashley spoke softly while recalling the last few hours.
"How long do you think it's been?" Amelia asked.
"Probably a full day. Do you think my dad has already sent someone?" Ashley whispered. Her question triggered a memory and Amelia reached for her watch, which she was elated that it was still there.
"I do, I was able to get half a message through so hopefully we'll be receiving backup soon. But more importantly, I need you to hide this watch on your person, under your bra was a really good spot for me." Amelia handed her watch over to Ashley who took it hesitantly.
"Why?" She asked while sliding it into the strap of her bra.
"It has a GPS in it so no matter what, you'll be found." Amelia whispered as low as she could.
"But what about you?" Ashley looked shocked, "You can't leave yourself lost. We're going home together." Ashely was whispering but you could hear the frustration in her tone.
"I'm afraid we're going to get separated again and I need to be able to find you. " Amelia half lied, she needed whoever her dad was sending to find Ashley over herself. One of them was going to make it out and Amelia had a feeling they didn't just want the Presidents daughter to have as a trophy.
"Besides, they kidnapped you for a reason and I doubt it's ransom money. I was just extra baggage until they realized I was useful." Amelia said trying to justify her reasoning about the watch. She could see Ashley having an argument in her head when she finally sighs in defeat.
"This really sucks," Ashley slumped her shoulders and as if the universe heard her, the door swung open and a couple men rushed in.
"Agarrarla." The one holding the door said while pointing at Ashley. Two others grabbed Ashley by her arms and started dragging her to the door.
"Let go of me!" She screamed out, fighting against their hold but to no avail.
"Ashley!" Amelia reached for Ashley but the chains holding her kept her just out of reach. "No!" She screamed, pulling on the chains. Looking back, they had already picked Ashley up and slammed the door, locking it.
"Don't worry Ashley, I'm coming for you!" Amelia yelled out. Turning her full attention to the shackles. She could hear Ashley screaming outside but they were gaining distance fast. Looking around the room, a dresser was at the end of her bed. Quickly rushing over, she started ripping drawers open. The first one had moldy socks and underwear, the next had books and miscellaneous items like old ink pens and a pocket watch box. Grabbing the box, she basically ripped it open and causing the small screw driver to fly out.
"Fuck." She breathed out. She needed to calm down. People who freak out are as good as dead. Grabbing the screw driver off the floor, she turned back to the dresser, spotting a bobby pin on top. Grabbing it as well, she rotated the shackle until the keyhole was in position on the underside of her wrists. Prying open the bobby pin with her mouth, she placed it in the hole and held it in place with her palm and fingers, as best as she could. This old lock couldn't be that difficult. Then, grabbing the tiny screw driver she put it in her mouth, then brought her wrists close to her mouth so she could put the screw driver in the hole. Feeling around inside the lock, she could feel some of the pens and decided the raking method should work. The first swipe, she could feel a few pens actuate but it didn't open. Second and third were no different.
"Come on!" She gritted through her teeth before trying again. One lucky swipe hit all the right pins, causing the shackles to open. Ashley's cries were long gone but they couldn't have gotten too far. Grabbing the old ink pin, Amelia headed for the door but as she reached for the knob, the lock clicked and the door started opening. Fight senses kicking in, Amelia kicked as hard as she could at the door, knocking it into a man. He let out a pained grunt and collapsed against the floor. Wasting no time, Amelia ran passed him.
"¡Se ha escapado, atrápenla!" He yelled but she was already out the door. It was night out, the moon was high in the sky and casting a blue hue on everything. Amelia could see just enough to spot the path that rounded the cabin and headed straight for it. She ran past collapsed houses and an old car but never stopped. She only ceased when she was standing at the mouth of a village. Crouching down, she hid behind a wall and scanned the area.
The glow of the moon illuminated the village enough to see the basic layout of the buildings. There were houses lined down both sides, a town hall, and a bell tower that's seen better days. The wall she hid behind was apart of a small path. Continuing down it, it opened up behind the buildings on the left. Sneaking forward, Amelia stuck close to the walls of the shed, keeping in mind to stay in the shaded areas. Nobody seemed to be out but she didn't let her guard down. Creeping forward to the next building, she crouch ran to get under the awning and went around the back.
She was now at a path that was adjacent to the bell tower. She never spotted Ashley but if she had to guess, Ashley had to be taken through the main building next to the bell tower. Tiptoeing over, she checked the door but it was locked. Figures. Turning back around, she silently started up the path. Passing by a few Sheds, she came upon a huge gate. Pushing her shoulder into it, the door slowly opened. Closing the door back, Amelia took a second to breathe but was immediately sucked back out when she could hear people speaking in the village.
"Not outta this yet." She mumbled to herself while continuing forward. Further up, she was at another standstill. Standing at the edge of a building, she peaked around and spotted a guy inside of the barn closest to her. Now I'm no farmer, but it feels a little late to tend to the animals. Well, actually, I don't know what time it is. He was moving hay around with his back to her. Amelia took the opportunity to sneak past as quietly as possible. Her heart was beating hard and fast making it hard to hear if she was making any noise. The only indicator was that the man continued to ignore her. Keeping her eyes on him, she made it past.
"¡Ahí está ella!" Amelia whipped her head around to find herself standing in front of an open barn door with another villager standing inside pointing at her. Shit. Hearing movement from the first barn, the other villager was already advancing, reaching for her. Instinct kicked in and Amelia jabbed the extending arm causing it to go limp. Nice to know that guy was just freakishly strong. She thought while sending a swift kick to his chest, knocking him over. The sound of a metal gate caught her attention. In front of her, the gate was being lowered, slow but not slow enough. Ignoring the other villager, Amelia broke out into a sprint.
"¡Detenerla!" He yelled. The gate was already half way closed.
"No!" Amelia yelled out, it was going to be just enough. Using the momentum from her run, slid under the gate just before it closed.
"Yes!" She jumped up in excitement, "Take that, bitches!" She swung her arm in triumph when the sound of the gate opening back up cut her celebration short. Turning and running across a bridge, she cursed to herself. "Yeah, take that bitches…" Running further down, she looked over her shoulder to see if she was being followed. Not seeing anyone, she started to slow but ran into someone full force knocking them to the ground.
"Ey ey ey," The man groaned. With adrenaline still rushing through her veins, Amelia wasted no time grappling him into a choke hold on the ground.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait!" He pleaded, grabbing at my arm in desperation. Noticing he spoke english, she loosened her hold.
"Are you like the villagers?" She asked quickly.
"No." Was all he said then we sat in silence for a moment before Amelia released him and rolled off the ground.
"I'm sorry, was kinda running for my life." She offered a hand to help him up. The man was young but older than herself, with shaggy black hair and a scruffy beard. His foggy gray eyes were locked on mine, looking to see if I pose a threat, or maybe how I could've posed as one when I head locked him.
"No Señorita," He grabbed my hand and smiled as I pulled him up, "you can run into me anytime." He then kissed the back of her hand. "My name is Luis Serra, and you are?"
"Um…do you always pick up chick's in cult infested woods cause you seem to be acting a little normal for being here," Amelia gestured to literally everything around her, including herself, "and it's really creepy." Luis noticed her arms, his brows scrunched together in concern.
"How long have you looked like this?" He asked holding my arm out.
"Yeah, I don't really know if I can trust you yet." Amelia said while pulling her arm out of his grasp. "Just because you aren't like the villagers doesn't mean you aren't working with them."
"¡Agarrarla!" Both of them looked behind Amelia and saw several villagers running at them.
"Better make it quick, cariño" Luis held out his hand and Amelia just grabbed it. He definitely seemed better than those other guys. Amelia let Luis drag her onward, he seemed to know the area, which added to her suspension but she knew the villagers were the bad guys. Right before they reached a tunnel, he veered off the path into the woods. Amelia's chest burned from running so hard but she ignored it, she had too. Putting all her concentration on not tripping and breathing, she put her trust in Luis for now and let him guide her.
"In here." Luis pulled both of them inside a small cave that was covered by some brush, where they crouched down and got as quiet as possible. Within seconds, the sound of leaves rustling made them crouch even lower in the cave and hold their breath.
"Encontrarlos." One of them men growled out. Luis gripped Amelia's wrist when he heard him. She doesn't know what he said but something told her that it was who said it that's making Luis look pissed. Could she trust Luis? He did just help her escape and is currently hiding from the same people, that told her enough to know that he really isn't on their side but that's not quite enough to go on.
"Lord Saddler quiere que la niña sea llevada ante Lord Salazar." The man barked out and Luis looked at Amelia, worried. That's not a good look. She could almost hear herself swallow if it wasn't for her heart beating in her ears. The seconds felt like hours as they waited for them to pass. The sound of the leaves were much further up and out of ear range now before Amelia let go of the breath she'd been holding and collapsed on the cave wall. Both of them sat in silence for a little longer, making sure they're in the clear.
"So do you know what's going on?" Amelia asked softly. In the cave, it was harder to see but it cast enough light to see Luis digging something out of his jacket.
"The villagers are under the control of a parasite called the Las Plaga. You also seem to be infected by it but for some odd reason, it hasn't taken control of you." Pulling a cigarette up to his mouth, he lit it and look a long drag. "I wonder why that is, hm?" He eyed Amelia curiously.
"I honestly couldn't tell you either." She said aloud while looking at her hands. "Is there anyway to get it out of me?"
"Fortunately, yes. I have a lab where I did research on how to kill it but unfortunately, we're not close to it. I'm surprised your mind is still conscious after how long it's been in your body. A week or so?" He asked while taking another puff and this time Amelia looked confused.
"It's only been a day and a half that I'm aware of. The change happened immediately after they forced me to drink this absolutely revolting black water." Luis didn't say anything, he just looked at her shocked.
"No wonder Saddler wants you to go to that freak." He shook his head.
"Who and who? Come on, explain, don't leave me hanging. It's already weird enough you know all thing shit about this plaga. Continue, so it will help me trust you." Amelia urged Luis on.
"Saddler believes the plaga is a gift from God and has bestowed himself the highest position over this "fine" cult. Salazar, the freak, resides in a castle not to far from the village. Under that castle is where the plaga was found. He's directly under Saddler in authority among the people infected by the plaga." While Luis was explaining, he pulled a small vile out of his back pocket, inside was a small amber ball. "I'm trying to get this to someone who said they could help stop all this, but it's been proven quite difficult." He finished with a grim look on his face.
"Would you have any idea why the plaga bonded so fast?" Amelia asked after a few moments.
"I'm not too sure, the only time I saw the plaga bond quickly was when one of the hosts died after the egg hatched, giving it the ability to take over the body faster than usual but it didn't survive."
"Wait, an egg? Was that what they injected into my neck? How did it hatch so fast?" Amelia asked.
"That's the thing, I'm don't know either." Luis shifted further into the cave, if you could even call it a cave. The mouth was about 5ft wide and it only went few feet back, then quickly sloped down causing the roof to be a few feet from the ground. He started digging at the ground and placed the amber in it.
"Amelia," She held out her hand and Luis turned, "that's my name." Smiling, he grabbed her hand but his smile quickly faded when she noticed him look behind her. Before she could turn around, someone grabbed her by the back of her shirt, dragging her out of the cave. Luis tried to hold her back but ended up being drug out with her.
"I've found you." A absolute giant of a man spoke, lifting Amelia off the ground. She had to grab the collar to keep her shirt from choking her. Pulling the quill pen from her pocket and rammed it into the giants shoulder. He looked between the pen and Amelia, completely unfazed.
"What the fuck are you guys made of?" She yelled out and tried to kick at his chest but he just tossed her at Luis who was trying to get a shot in without hitting her. They both grunted and fell to the ground. Before either of them could get up, the other villagers were on top of them.
"Ah, the Navarro boy." The large man stepped up to Luis. "It seems you removed God's gift."
"God's gift?" Luis scoffed, "More like a gift from hell. The plaga has done nothing but kill off the villagers and turn them into mindless slaves!"
"You must repent for your crimes against our God." He said before silently nodding to the villagers who immediately started to drag Luis away.
"I'm going to kill you Méndez!" Luis yelled while fighting against the other villagers , "I'll burn you to the ground just like you did my grandfather!" Méndez turned to Amelia and just threw her over his shoulder.
"Agh, again! What is with y'all?!" Her southern slang creeped out with her frustration while she flailed around. He was walking in the opposite direction of where they were talking Luis, who she couldn't hear anymore. You couldn't see the sun yet, but you could tell the sunrise was close. They were now headed through the village and going up another path that eventually led them to a house.
When through the door, Méndez deposited Amelia on the floor but before she could even move, two villagers who followed them were already holding her down and tying her wrists, again. The rope burned on her already raw skin and fighting would just make it worse, so Amelia bid her time and waited for them to leave her alone. Since they tired her wrists in front of her, she knew she'd be able to get out anyway.
"Ponla en el ático y asegúrate de que no pueda escapar esta vez." Méndez spoke to the villagers before walking away.
They drug her up some stairs and into a bedroom. Oh ok, a nice comfy bed? I mean, I won't complain about that. She thought but that idea completely went away when the door to an attic open up.
Slowly backing up, she bumped into something and looking back she realized it was Méndez again. He grabber her shoulder, making sure to put pressure on his fingertip, and walked her over to the attic door then hoisted her up like a baby, allowing the others to drag her the rest of the way up. Definitely not the comfy bed… Amelia inwardly pouted but was quickly replaced with dread when they had her hung from the rafters by her wrists and the door of the attic was closed.
"How in the hell am I going to get out of this one?" She said aloud as she swayed ever so slightly back and forth.