The Lost Souls

7

Tyler insisted on spending every possible second with me. Everyone stayed hidden from the sight of the tunnel, just in case. I didn't want to leave. Tyler didn't want to let me go.
"It feels wrong," Tyler said, "letting you go again."
"But I'm coming back," I said, "and it's not for very long."
"Still."
"I know," I said.
"Time," Josh said.
"Bye," Tyler said, hugging me.
"Bye," I said, not wanting to leave his embrace and let go of his hand.
I began to walk to the walls. The tunnel was dark, but there was a white light at the end, blinding but not bright. My head hurt at the sight of the neon lights. Keons was waiting for me in the tunnel. He was wearing normal clothes; there was something draped over his arm.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" he asked, the darkness was creeping back, trying to consume me again.
"There was nothing," I said, "Only jagad, untamed, ruined nothingness."
"There is much to be done," he said, "Come."

...

One year and three months. That's how long it would take before I would be ready, before the plan would be set into motion. I was able to write every day; I sneaked out of bed every night to visit a little with various friends from outside the walls. I mostly saw Josh, but Tyler insisted on coming once a week, even with the risk of being caught and smeared.
"How are you?" Tyler asked, sitting on the edge of the large pipe that formed the tunnel.
"I'm okay," I said, "only a few days left."
"Really? It's that soon?"
"There will be a big ceremony in three days."
"The one where everyone is outside, right? The Annual Assemblage of Glorified."
"Yes. It's going to be bigger this year."
"Because of your graduation," Tyler said, "and I'll be there."
"Yes," I sighed, "Every day has grown darker. The darkness tries to consume me every day. It wants to pull me back," I pulled out the lighter and flicked it on.
"You've used it a lot. The flame's low," Tyler said.
"Sometimes," I began, "it just makes the sound with no flame. It's gotten me through this past year though. It has helped me remember what it's like, outside," I was both excited and nervous to see Tyler this close to the city, "you better head back. I imagine he wouldn't be happy to see you close. It might raise suspicion."
"You're right," Tyler said, taking my hand, "It's almost over."
"I'll see you soon," I said, standing.
He gave me a big hug, "We'll win, I promise."