I pursed my lips. Whistling a tune that was taught to me as a child, long forgotten by the newer generation. I paid attention to the little song as the explosions, yelling, and teenage drama fell behind me. Sweeping the floor, I enter an empty hall. Blue tiles with even bluer walls being cleaned by the best janitor in this school. Me. Me, me, me. Approaching the janitors closet I place my broom on the wall. I wipe my forehead a smile blooming on my face, my chest heaving. I open the door, to reveal not just the cleaning supplies, but another goddamn reckless teenager. I lean on the doorframe. Narrowing my eyes at the girl, unsure if she was a villain or one of those delinquents. “The hell ya doing kid?” It took a wheeze. Then a cough. Then an award look around the closet for her to come up with the awkwardest reply in history, “Wonderful water in the pipes today am I right?” I huff. That’s a new response, I gotta write that down once I get the girly out. But for now I have to get her out. I got better things to do. “Look kid get outta here. I deal with enough of you wannabe villains, I don’t need another one of your sore asses. Just take whatever you brought and leave.” I say, flinging my hand at the box she placed on the shelf. She pouts, crossing her arms in defiance. “Look hag. I’ll leave but I’m leaving this,” she smacks the box, “right here. And it’s not moving anywhere.” I cross my arms too. Cocking a brow in silent question. “it’s a glitter bomb.” She answers, with a grim face. “Bullcrap.” I say right back with the same dead face. “I’m being for real! Have you ever SEEN a glitter bomb?!” “I’m not talking about if it’s real or not I’m talking about you putting a glitter bomb into a hero school!” “It’s a logical ruse.” “I’m going to have to say bullcrap again.” “Can you just please let it stay?!” I facepalm. A glitter bomb. A goddamn glitter bomb. “You know what? Whatever. I give up. I’m going to lose my sanity to this school. What else ya want me to do, pull the alarm?” She pauses. “That’d actually be nice.” No. No way. That girl did not just say that with a straight face. I’m already letting her keep her stupid glitter bomb here and now she wants me to pull the alarm for her? Well I mean I did offer, but she can’t be that stupid not to understand sarcasm. Yet the longer I stare at her the more it sinks in that she’s being for real. I jut a thumb behind me, “Just leave.” She nods and with quick strides she jogs past me, “Got it.” I Inhale and exhale long and hard. I grab my walkie talkie, pressing the button I wait for the static to come on. “This is janitor Bob. There’s a suspicious gadget in the janitors closet in corridor C. I repeat there’s a suspicious gadget in corridor C.” I block out the frantic response from the radio and toss my broom in the closet. I hate kids. I fucken hate them.

Leopards never change their spots. They never change them to fit in the crowds. They never change them to impress another. They don’t change them to spite an ex lover. Nor do they change them out of peer pressure. So why do you keep insisting on changing yours?

“Ow ow ow ow ow,” I muttered under my under my breath. I probably had a gazillion splinters in my hands. Yet somehow through the excruciating pain they climbed. I slowly inched upwards. Sweat dripped down my body, my hair sticking to my forehead.

I wiped my forehead with my sleeve. Glimpsing at myself through the reflection of my watch I scowled. Goddamn I looked like a drowned rat.

My once voluminous, wonderful hair was plastered down by sweat. Droplets of the sticky liquid smothered my face. And don’t even get me started on the effect the humidity has on my beard. It looked like a porcupine for gods sake!

“Your gonna fall!” I let out a bellowing groan. Not only did I look terrible but I was stuck with this devil. I look downwards at the little demon. Leaves slapping my face, I narrow at my eyes at the speck of a girl. I could barely make out her brown curls and blue dress. “I’m not gonna fall!” I yell back.

I grunt, my arm reaching out for another branch. Pulling myself up slowly I’m met with a stare. Six wonderfully terrifying eyes watching me.

I looked at the small thing. It was similar to a tarantula. It was this creature that only appears in the cavern realm. I used to have one back at home. I stuck a finger out at it, patting the spiky hair.

“Hey little fel-“ another pair of eyes. Another six pair of eyes stalked behind the little creature.

I clenched my eyes shut. I already knew how this was going to go. I couldn’t run from my new fate.

I tuck my face in my arms as the splintering screech split my eardrums into pieces. I clutched onto the branch as the acid like spit stabbed me. But one. Just one little dropped. Landed on my poor splintered filled hand. Ending it all.

My eyes fly open. My hands scratch at the bark. My legs kicking back and forth, letting pieces of bark fall behind me. My eyes glanced from branch to branch. Anything to catch me. Luck however...was actually on my side for once in my goddamn life.

I grimaced, something slimy stuck to my fingers, but I was able to grab a hole that was in the tree. I sigh. It was a gross feeling with the slime thing but it was better than falling.

“I TOLD YOU YOU WERE GOING TO FALL!”

I take that back. I wish I fell to my death.

“It’s not gonna happen again. If it does it gonna be because of your bloody mouth!”

I swear, even though I was so far away from her I could hear her evil laugh. Chills ran down my body as I continued.

I think I’m gonna have a heart attack. I take another deep breath in, clutching my chest. Holy shit. I sat on a branch that stuck out of the tree. Away from it’s mess of leaves and critters. Once my breath normalized I took the time to admire the view before me. I regret it. The sight only made me have to learn how to breathe properly again.

I knew the cavern realm was beautiful. The tales I’ve been told by mother was always about it’s beauty more than the actual plot itself. But up person? Well I’ll be damned.

Mountains caved the forest in. Trees with every color on the color wheel was there. Fields with Gorgeous landscapes held onto the animals that ran across it.

I took a deep breath and reached into my pocket. I felt a warm ball of fluff move into my hand. A small chirp following it. I held it out to the world before us. The little birdie hopped around my hand as if it owned the damn place.

“You ready little guy?”

“Don’t fall!” I growled. Although the voice was much more faint it painfully ringed in my ears. I huffed. Looking at the bird i asked again, “are you ready?”

It opened its wings and jumped out of my hand into the air. It dropped. An inhuman noise dropped out of my mouth with it. I threw my hand, desperately reaching for the bird that continue dripping to its death.

‘Don’t fall,’ Tracy said. And fall I did.

The water rippled as I waded in it. The mud squishing under my feet. Once again I smack my face. The pesky insects that acted as if they were guardians of the hidden river seemed to grow. I could hear them chirping in the trees. The constant buzzing that surrounded me.

I rubbed my arm subconsciously.

Although the bugs around the place freaked me out..it was a sign. I was getting closer to what I was looking for. I was almost there.

Cold water sways against my legs. One step at a time. One more squish from the mud. One more buzz from an insect. I spot a bird snatching a fish in its beak. The water ripples. And I see it.

Just one more step. Then I’m finally there.

The hidden cavern.

My fingertips lick the freezing handle. I snatch it away as equally freezing wind sends ashes to skitter across the ground. I reach for the handle again. Only to pull it away.

Ehhhhh, I really shouldn’t do this. I was considering entering a creepy house that probably belonged to hell for all I knew. Why in the world was I considering this in the first place? Usually any logical person would be like ‘fuck this shit I’m out,’ but then there’s me. Only me. The non-logical person looking for a non-logical adventure. I knew I should’ve—

The door swings on its hinges and I’m instantly sucked in. Heat sending chills down my neck to my toes. A slam rattling my insides as I clung to the ground. Ever so slowly I stand up to narrow my eyes at the door. If I’ve watched enough movies, it’s obvious that doors gonna be locked. So should I try opening it? Nahhhh.

I glance at the flickering lamps and look at the corridor of open doors. To bad my social life isn’t in one of them. I let my gaze follow the rug (probably haunted) to the end of the room. A huge Minecraft looking block sitting in its place. A simple button hovering over it with shiny red words that was made in ketchup,

“When one door closes, opens another.”

“Oh the irony in that sentence.”

I whistle, strutting towards the button. In my opinion, it’d be a waste of time to look in the other rooms. It’d waste my energy for what’s to come once I press that button. Or maybe I’m just lazy. I shake my head. No no no no. Let’s stick with what I was first saying.

I breath out furiously, slamming the button. Tapping my feet to a random tune. Clicks that match my tune play from the box. Soon the whole hall is filled with it. Yet the lively sound drops into silence. And so do I.

Wind whips around me as I watch the hallway shrink. Freezing liquid soon takes its place as my back cracks against it. Yet I crawl onto a surface. Shivering. hopelessly trying to rub away the goosebumps. Which becomes impossible upon reading the words, that once again, are written in ketchup.

“Hope you’ve grabbed your materials from the doors. We’re about to have fun.”

“Oh. The irony.”

I can lay my head on my fist. Or on the table. Hell I can even pull up my knees and rest my head there. SO WHY CANT I GET COMFORTABLE! I sulk into my arms; my neck throbs from uncomfortableness. Is that a word? I don’t know, nor do I care. So I dismiss the thought and throw my head back and flop to the side. Maybe I’ll just fall off the chair and go to the floor. It’s comfier anyway. Instead I lean on someone’s shoulder. The soft silk soothing my cheek as i brush said cheek against it. “What are you? A cat?” “I did not do that.” The owner of the arm I now own snorts. A small rumble that stops my heart. Her warmth spreading to my chest making it squeeze. A hand slowly digs into my hair. Weaving through the knots. Once my hair tie releases my hair the hand, that I’m going to claim as mine too, leaves. I hiss. “keep petting me or I’ll rip your arm off.” The body I’ve now captured goes still. They slowly entangle their hand into my hair again. I close my eyes as a sense of safety runs through me. Warmth and comfort settling into my bones.

I slide the bag across the table to the man. He wasn’t much of a person for a crime profession, he had simple clothing. Some black skinny jeans and a hoodie to cover his face; while I on the other hand,wore a shiny suit with gold trim that simply brought out my eyes. Dress to impress. The man slowly unhooked the straps on the ‘many-strap bag’. The tension building. I’m shocked that his nose hasn’t started bleeding from the pressure. The top of the bag fell away. My grin was so wide that it could seriously split my face in two. His face fell, jaw dropping to the floor as his skin went white. A string of curses escaped his mouth while I felt giddy and amused by such a reaction. I had to bite my lip to keep the smirk down (it didn’t work) when the man turned to me his face of shock turned to a menacing glare. “What the hell is this!?” He yelled. He dug out a card and simply held it out. I shrug, snatching it away and presenting it with an anime pose. “This my friend, is a Pokémon card.” “Bullshit! You lied to me, I want my money back!” He growled, taking out a gun hidden by his hoodie. I’ll admit that did hurt a bit, but I continued. “The Pokémon is arceus. One of the strongest. Surely you don’t want it?” “It’s just a card how is that suppose to be a weapon! I want my money.” I sigh. How troublesome. “Alright then trainer, lets battle.” I slammed the Card on the table, watching it disperse into glowing pieces. As if on cue I felt the sudden presence of regigas, Giratina, and lunala. With the new addition of arceus as well. The old man let out a squeak, as glowing numbers, hp stats, and elemental abilities shined; making my half of the table flashier. I felt a spurge of pride for my Pokémon team as I purred, “Arceus,” I chuckled, “use earth power.”

She had a rolling red carpet of mystery that I desperately wanted to join her on. Hold her hand and strut down the carpet. Laugh with her all the way down, as if my only purpose was to make her feel special . And she was. She was so amazing she deserved the actual red carpet. Her talents were beyond imagination and sensation.

But the farther we walked on the red carpet the farther the color faded. Her grip on my hand loosened to the point I was the only one hanging on. Her eyes became distant when talking with me, and the conversation felt forced. A strong feeling welled up in my gut.

“Hey Jess?” I murmured. “Hmm?” “Who do you like?” “Tell me more about your crush then I’ll tell you.” “Well she’s an amazing, beautiful person!” “I thought you said it was a he.” I remained silent, shocked. “This is why I don’t tell you who I like. You always lie to me, and you’re judgmental.”

My hand loosened on hers. Smiles came to a close. And hurt won the place of happiness. Our carpet became tattered and stained. All hope of this relationship tore. I took a shuddering breath.

I let go of her hand

I watched her walk down the halls everyday. She held her head high. Speeding past the numerous kids that blocked her way in life. I didn’t stare at her in creepy stalker way. No, no, no, no. It was more of an..admiration. Like when you see her with her friends. She laughs and her smile is beautiful. She lights up a room with such childish yet enthusiastic personality. You couldn’t ever second guess it. Or when she gives you every bit of her attention to you. The feeling her soft gaze holds make you feel loved. You can’t even question if it’s true. Or that boldness she holds when she plays a prank on the teachers. Or casually sneaks in the teachers lounge to steal the test answers. Yet you can’t help but love it. However, what if you took a closer look into her. What if you were to second quests it? Or question the amount of her love? You’ll see the wreckage beneath her skin when she turns away from her friends. Or if you focused on how many holes were in her love, because she didn’t how it was to be loved. The bags under her eyes because it’s so exhausting to must up all the fragments of self-confidence. I dazed at her as she walked down the sidewalk. Admiring every strut down the path. She turned around. Her eyes hooked onto mine like fish bait. She smiles. Was it fake? I hope not, because when she turns around her face turns pained and cold. Except for a slight blush in her cheeks. I admired that bravery. The bravery she hauls to the surface when she wakes up everyday to the same demons. I love that bravery.

She is truly beautiful.
Long black hair that bounced dutiful on her shoulders. Eyes that were spiteful, with a deep menacing blue. Reminding me of a lagoon with Duden secrets. It was quite wasteful, however. Every time she walked into the small cafe men got a mouthful of her appearance. Her body was striking. If only she would wear something more revealing. Instead her body was covered with hoodies and a long pair of baggy pants. Yet, she was intriguing. Intriguing she was as she hid in the corner of the cafe. A gloom of mystery leaning on her shoulder. You could almost watch the thoughts crashing like waves through her eyes. I wanted to talk to her and take a glimpse under the thick gloom. To hear her voice instead of just watching from afar. Was the sound joyful or peaceful? I sighed, knowing I’ll never know. Nonetheless I’ll go home, the thought still lingering in my mind even if it wasn’t meaningful. “You crazy bitch!” I looked around at the quiet street. Eyes narrowing at the nearest alleyway in front of me. I run to the place, skidding to a spot in complete mesmerization. A young male was hanging on the wall. Long, rotting claws gripping the boys throat. Pointed fangs (slightly tainted with blood) poked out of the captors mouth; and they had a hurricane crashing through their eyes. The lady dropped the boy at my appearance. Her shoes sloshed with the blood one the ground. Each step she took the quicker the current of my blood became. She stopped in front of me. My heart skipped a beat She placed a tentative hand on my shoulder, “Men get so full off women these days-“ she growls. Her face turning into an ugly scowl, “,but they don’t realize that we’re getting hungry too.” She is truly beautiful.