Shadow Walkers

Another moon has passed, Looking around I see the same hole as always for the past year. It's literally just an underground dirt cell. There is no form to it, it looks like someone dug a hole big enough for a human to lay down in it. My hole is just big enough to lay down in with my legs bent, a crutch of being taller than average I guess. My straw mat is ninety-two days old, we usually get new ones every ninety days but with my track of infractions I doubt I'll see another anytime soon. A tiny ray of light pierces through my hatch, slowly warming my face and it's a reminder of the day to come.

Curled up to my stomach is Magenta, I'm not sure what she is. She reminds of an otter but clearly a rodent with cute little round ears and fine brownish golden hair with magenta around her eyes, hence, the name. She dug into my hole shortly after I got here. I guess I'm good company because she comes back every day. I Sometimes take an extra portion of bread whenever the guard isn't looking just so I'll know she will have something to eat.

I gently run my hand through her fur, it glides through her coat with no resistance. I don't want to expend any more unnecessary energy though. The day is filled with long and hard work. It's early but I can already feel the heat seeping through the dirt walls of my hole.

I can feel him coming, the rattle of my hatch startled Magenta and she scurried into her tunnel. I'm sure she knows what it means as much as I do, time to go. A big greenish brown hand reached down to unlock my hatch. I climbed out and lifted my head to the sight of Vero, and immediately my body went numb. I knew what he was here for. The fat grin plastered on his ugly orcish pig head spoke it all so he didn't have to. Time to be punished, I knew what for. My mind went a million miles per second trying to figure out how I got caught taking extra bread a few days ago. It didn't matter now. I'd be resigned to whatever fate anyways, it's not like I can escape.

I gulped down my saliva and asked "Which one this time?"

Vero's voice was deep and menacing. He let out a deep chuckle and said three words. "Rack and whip."

My heart sank into my stomach. I got on my knees and begged. "Please Vero, not that, please! I'll do anything!"

"Let's go Seven." He said, clearly thrilled as he brought his ugly wart covered face down to my level to show me his smirk.

Being twice my size, he dragged me by my arm with ease. The whole time I could only plead, and let the dread take over my emotions. "Please Vero- not again- I'll do whatever you want- it was just bread- god please- Vero please I beg you, no!"

I struggle as this giant beast pulls me along like he was leading a cow to slaughter, I kick up dust and start shouting. The other slaves stopped and listened to my cries, all turning their heads when I looked at them. I started Twisting and pulling on his hand trying anything to break free of his grasp. I bit his hand as well, I tried to stop his legs from moving, I dug my heels into the dirt. Nothing worked, finally having enough of my struggle, a sharp pain filled my abdomen. He punched me so hard all of my air left my lungs and left me gasping for air. I'm sure that some of my ribs are broken now. That's what happens when a sledgehammer hits a piece of porcelain.

Taking hold of my side with my free hand I wince in pain. Slowly, I start slipping out of conscience, watching a crystal clear sky go dark. I hear the sound of my feet dragging across the dirt, feeling my mind letting go, I fade to black.

The sound of water dripping against the ground woke me up. Still dazed from my encounter with that monstrosity I start to open my eyes. Looking at black and red torso I feel it. The pain is starting to surge through my body and it's spreading like wildfire. I could be still out of it but I swear that is a bone trying to force it's way out of my stomach. Instinctively I try to embrace my wound to dull the pain. I'm thinking it, but my hand is not moving-oh- of coarse- I'm already strapped into the rack. Relaxing my body is the only thing I can do now. It's time to accept the fact that I am going to die. And with this lovely piece of equipment of which I am positive was made by death itself. I have to accept my fate, I'm going to die, and it's going to be slow, and painful.

A not so familiar voice echoed down the hallway. "I see you have calmed down, Seven." The voice was giddy and cheerful.

Looking over I see a silhouette prancing towards me. Her skin was so light it looked like a ghost was coming to dance with me into the afterlife. She had long silver hair like a flowing waterfall of mercury, her ears are what stood out most, they were sharp and very big. Her deep green eyes almost looked as lively as she was. Some would say she is the embodiment of beauty. I knew who this silver ghost was. She was the one who summoned me. One year ago this woman brought me to this world by taking me from mine. I don't know how she did it, but the reality is that I came from another world. Most of what happened is still a blur it, all happened so fast. Whatever it was obviously failed, because I was turned into a slave.

With rage fueling my voice, I snarled her name, "Shavana!" The whole time staring fire into her soul.

As soon as her name left my mouth the back of her large hand struck me across the face. The sound echoed through the dark hallway. She took hold of my hair and clasped it in her hands. I could feel the hairs peel from my scalp as she pulled my head back to lock eyes with hers. Her cheerful and light tone turned dark and sinister. "Do not dare to speak my name again you filthy human. I'll gut you like the pig you are, right here and now."

Instant regret filled my mind as her elegant face started to distort and warp. She clearly meant what she said. I knew that if I even opened my mouth again I could lose my head. I bit down on my tongue to make sure my mouth stayed glued shut.

"Now then," Her pause apparent to change her voice back to a cheerful tone, like she was actually two people, the difference is night and day. "I came here to tell you that I will not be needing you anymore. Your amount of infractions has led to the others to think they can do anything they damn well please. I simply can not allow this type of behavior among the rest of the heathens. You have been reprimanded nineteen times, yet, you keep breaking the rules. Oh, and you can thank Two for this, that little weasel will report anything as long as it rewards him, typical human. Get him out of here Vero, I want all of them to see what happens if you don't follow the rules." Snapping her finger as if it was the cog that made the world move.

"Ma'am" was all he said, but you could hear the fear in his voice as even Vero the Vile becomes second fiddle to a master he could never dethrone.

If this was going to be my last day I knew I had to say it. Most of my memories from my original world are gone, but sometimes fragments breach through the darkness that shrouds them. Here we speak the same language, but I know there are some words that no one else does. They don't exist, yet.

"Hey Shavana, fuck you!" I said as with a smile that could carry you to the moon.

"What did you say to me you worm?" She screeched as Shavana version two started to resurface. If looks could kill, this rack would be the least of my worries.

I started laughing uncontrollably because this woman, who thinks she is the pinnacle of all races was dumbfounded by my words, a slave's words. My fit of laughter further cracked my ribs, the pain returned me from my state of bliss as my hysterical laugh reduced down to a light chuckle.

"Last words from a dead man, I'll let you have them. See, aren't I so charitable, giving a dead man final words." She said as if she was telling herself.

"Vero!" she screamed as she stomped her foot like a child would not having their way.

"Right away ma'am." Vero said as he quickly turned his attention to me instead of Shavana. He starts to roll the rack towards the exit with me firmly strapped to it.

My arms and legs are spread out in the shape of an x. As I look at the sky I notice the crystal clear sky is now filled with clouds looming over the horizon. I hope it rains, at least it will ruin everyone's day, working in the rain isn't fun, I'll take what little satisfaction I can get right now. I thought to myself.

Sometimes I envy the old me. I bet he wouldn't be in this situation. I bet his world was peaceful and kind. If I could remember my past life, maybe those memories could bring me some comfort. Nothing here brings me any comfort. My mind instantly drew towards a furry critter that has been with me for the longest. Magenta, I love that fur ball, she is the best part of this whole nightmare.

The creaking and clanking of the metal wheels stopped. Vero grabbed two large hooks and attached them to he top of my rack, and did the same to the bottom. I've heard stories of this from the others. This machine is meant to stretch my body until my limbs tear off leaving behind a stump of what used to be.

I hear metal grinding against metal like as Vero hoists my rack up the great tree resting in the middle of the courtyard, it was a nice old tree. I'm just barely suspended off the ground, I can't even see over the walls. I can see the entrance to the mine I worked in. Scattered all across the fields are the holes, there must be at least a hundred. I see all of the slaves, there is Two. Always the slithering snake. Sneaking around and spying on the rest of us. Waiting to find something to report so he could make his life a little bit easier than the rest of us. He doesn't even have the balls to look me in the eyes.

Thunder claps in the distance bringing my attention to Vero, who is now positioned between me and everyone else, puffing out his chest as he is about to put on a spectacle.

"Look at what will happen if you continue to break the rules. Shavana is generous, she gives you food, clothes, and shelter. All of this, for your labor in return." He said as if he was about to take us into battle rather than administering an execution. I couldn't help but notice how thin everyone is and the rags covering their waists.

"Seven has been given many chances to correct his ways, but he kept on. For doing this, his punishment has been decided. Forty lashes and then he will be stretched, until he is dead. All of you will watch, if you turn your head away you will receive ten lashes as punishment. Is that understood" he says as he scans the crowd of slaves looking for nods.

Vero reaches up and grabs a piece of the rack and takes it off exposing the back of my body. Simultaneously a gentle breeze of air enveloped my whole body. Even the thunder calms itself as if it's showing respect to my demise, everyone and everything is silent. It almost seemed never ending until I look up to see Shavana's hand raise. Clearly a sign for my death sentence to begin.

A loud crack rang out to break the silence. I was in so much pain I barely noticed. I could not see what was happening but I could feel it. No one made a sound until another crack echoed through the air. It was almost like a melody, uneven sounds coming together to craft a masterpiece of blood and bone. My legs are wet with blood draining from my wounds. Flowing like a stream until it reaches it's destination as it forms a small lake under my feet.

The pain is gone now, only numbness remains. The only reason I know I'm still being whipped is because the crack of the whip tell me it's just left another lash on my body. What number am I on I wonder. I lost count. Fifteen, maybe twenty, the cracks are still making their song.

Thunder was more active now, it was like a mighty lion's roar as it rallies it's pride. It felt like it was roaring for me, since I wasn't. A dance of water started to pelt my face. The rain started to fall fast and it felt so good. Their cold touch helped dull my senses. I looked down to a red lake turned into a sea. Is all of that mine? My thoughts started to come out in rapid succession, I hope Magenta escaped, I hope she isn't watching, wait, animals can't comprehend, what am I thinking? But if you can hear my thoughts, I am sorry I couldn't stay with you longer. I have not heard a crack in a while, I wonder if it's over.

"I told you forty would be to many you insolent buffoon. He is going to die before the best part. Get this over with or you are going to be next." Shavana barked, hitting the arm of her chair with her fist.

I couldn't help but smile at her, the look on her face was so satisfying. The look of disgust and angst. Even my death isn't going her way.

The sound I'm hearing now is very distinct. Metal banging against metal making an awful racket. I feel my hands and feet start to pull from my body. I'm back to reality now, this is pain. I scream out as every ligament and muscle start to pull against my own body, trying to hold on for dear life while being pulled by a monster. Tears streaming down my face I start wailing, I'm making sounds I never knew a person could. My bones are starting to grind against their sockets. My shoulders are the first to go, My eyes focus on Shavana. Her grin makes her face look alien. The smile just as wicked as the 'thing' behind it.

My legs followed shortly after, I can feel them disconnect from my hips. My skin is the only thing making me whole.

The apex has arrived. My skin starts to stretch to its limit. I could hear the first tear appear. Like when you rip apart a piece of bread. This is it, it's over. No more pain, no more life. Looking up one last time a sensation overcame me. I could see the rain clearly in front of me, but I can count them while they are moving slowly towards the ground. I can think clearly, why are they so slow? Why am I in no pain? What's going on? Not knowing if this is what it's like to head to the afterlife I howled at the top of my lungs, "Please, help me die! I just want to die!"

No sooner as I said those words my eyes were engulfed by a white sun emitting so much light everything around me disintegrated as the light ate it all. Then, in a flash, it was gone. Time went back to normal and a my newfound hope came and went as quick as that light did. Looking up to curse whatever that was I seen it. Everyone is looking up frozen in place, in awe of the enigma above them.

It danced gracefully through the sky jumping from cloud to cloud. Pure white light, taking the form of lightning. It stopped to form up above exactly where I was suspended. The thunder releases the mightiest roar anyone has ever heard. As soon as it finished the lightning makes it's decent. Everyone started to scatter like bugs when you toss a fire in their nest.

As I looked up I had the biggest smile on my face, thanking whatever created this to end my life.

I became engulfed in the light just like before, Everything was silent until the sound caught up to it. The crash was so powerful it blew away everything around me. There is no more pain, I can't see anymore blood. As soon as a thought crossed my mind the lightning vanished, leaving everything around me decimated. Most of the tree was gone except for the part directly around me.

I'm still hanging from this tree. Great, I thought. As I heard the branch above me begin to snap and crack.

I hit the ground and landed on my back, my mind starts to drift off. This is it I thought, I close my eyes and nothing is there, just darkness, ready to welcome my already tired body and soul.