Shadowbound

Shadows of the Unseen

It's been a long morning, and finally, the last class until lunch. I stared at my math sheet, feeling utterly lost as numbers and equations danced before my eyes. Math was never my strong suit, and the teacher's explanations only seemed to make it more confusing. Frustrated, I mustered the courage to ask for help a couple of times, only to be met with indifference. It was in this moment of despair that Michael's voice echoed in my thoughts.

"What's the question?" he asked quietly.

Desperation led me to reveal the math problem: "What's 38 x 49?" I mumbled, trying not to look suspicious.

"It's 1,862," came his swift response. I marveled at how effortlessly he solved it. I glanced at the teacher, who was none the wiser, and felt grateful for the unexpected assistance.

The bell rang, signaling lunchtime. Gathering my belongings, I headed to the school's basement to join my friends. One of them had an exciting announcement—she was pregnant. We celebrated her news, but a shadow lingered in my mind. Michael beckoned me for a private conversation.

"Something's come up," he said, his tone troubled. "I can't be with you while your friend is pregnant. It's safer for her and the baby."

Disappointment mixed with concern as I understood his point. Our worlds were complicated and interconnected in ways that required careful navigation. "So what should we do?" I asked, my heart heavy.

"I need to go back to your house and lay low for a while," he explained. "I'll wait for you there."

With a heavy sigh, I agreed, knowing it was the best decision for everyone's safety. He vanished, leaving me to face the rest of the day on my own.

As I navigated through the day's lessons, the monotony was disrupted by an unexpected announcement over the intercom: "Code red. Intruder in the school. Stay in your classrooms until further notice."

Fear rippled through the classroom, and tension hung heavy in the air. A loud bang reverberated against our door, prompting a collective gasp. The banging continued, accompanied by a chilling voice demanding my presence.

"Let me in! I only want one person!"

I recognized the voice—Markiplier's. But this was not the Markiplier I knew from YouTube. His voice was deeper, and his words carried an eerie echo. I exchanged bewildered glances with my classmates. Why did he want me?

The banging ceased, and then the door burst open. A figure emerged—Markiplier, yet not quite. His eyes were abyssal, and his skin was deathly pale. Claws protruded from his fingers, and the air seemed to grow colder in his presence. It wasn't Markiplier; it was Darkiplier, a twisted version of the internet personality.

He pointed directly at me. "You! You're coming with me."

Confusion mingled with fear. Why did he want me? I rose slowly from my seat, my heart pounding. "Why?" I managed to whisper, my voice trembling.

Darkiplier's grip on my neck tightened, and he dragged me out of the classroom. Panic surged through me as I struggled against his hold. Amid the struggle, I felt a sudden jolt, and my leg was pulled back. I looked down to see Michael gripping my leg, his determined expression unwavering.

"Michael!" I cried out, a mixture of relief and fear flooding my senses.

Darkiplier's attention shifted, and he released me momentarily. Michael lunged at him, and a brutal brawl ensued between the two. They tore at each other, leaving destruction in their wake. Terrified, I fled from the chaotic scene, seeking refuge in a corner. I closed my eyes tightly, willing it all to be over.

A hand touched my shoulder, and I flinched. Slowly, I opened my eyes to a world that seemed to be shifting between reality and nightmare. Voices reached my ears, distant at first, but gradually becoming clearer.

"Bethany! Wake up!"

The urgency in the voice was unmistakable. Confusion gripped me as I struggled to make sense of the situation. What was real? Where was I?

"Bethany! Please!"

The words penetrated the fog in my mind, and recognition dawned. It was my mother's voice. I forced my eyes open, greeted by the sight of her worried face. I was in a hospital bed, connected to machines with beeping sounds.

"Oh, thank God you're okay," she exclaimed, relief evident in her eyes.

"What... happened?" I croaked, my throat dry and scratchy.

"You were found in the woods with a broken neck," my mom explained, concern etched on her features. "How did you end up there?"

I blinked, struggling to recall the events leading up to my hospitalization. "I... I don't remember."

My mom's gentle kiss on my cheek felt comforting, grounding me in reality. "Rest, sweetie, and let the memories come back naturally."

As she left the room, I gazed at the clock—8:30. A mixture of relief and confusion washed over me. Was it all just a dream? A vivid nightmare? Michael, the monsters, the fights—it felt so real. I reached for my iPod, checking for messages or any signs of what had transpired. There was nothing. It was as if the events of the dream had never happened.

Turning on the TV, I hoped for answers, but the news only added to the confusion. Reports spoke of an attack involving a tall white man and a short man with a stab wound. It was real? Jeff, Darkiplier—they were part of this too?

Sighing, I sank back into my pillows. It seemed like I was alone again, but a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I looked expectantly, and there he was—Michael. A wave of relief washed over me as I waved back. He vanished, leaving a bittersweet sense of companionship.

I picked up my iPod, navigating to my DeviantArt page. As my fingers danced across the keyboard, I began to write the story—the story of my experience in the realm of shadows. It was a strange tale to tell, yet somehow cathartic, a way to process the unreal and surreal. I started with how it all began, setting the tone for the journey that unfolded within the realm of nightmares and shadows.