The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen Page | 1

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen Page | 2

Part 1: Awakening Awakening from what seemed like an extended sleep, my eye lids were so heavy feeling as if glued together. Opening them just a tiny bit at first, then squinting before widening them. Trying to bring the surroundings into focus wasnt easy. Everything was so blurry. Nothing looked right. It was as if a whirlwind has come through leaving a clutter, a jumble of what was before. Finally as my eyes adjusted I tried to sit up, a task in itself. At that moment I was not even sure where I was or how I had gotten there. The past seemed like so long ago. How long had I been asleep? Time to get up and see what is going on and so the story begins. I found myself in an unfamiliar place, the surroundings unknown to me. Maybe it was just my eyes or maybe my perspective had changed. It seemed familiar and yet foreign at the same time. Slowly I came to my feet, almost stumbling in the process. Everything was so quiet, almost eerie. Where were all the familiar sounds that were the norm? All gone it seemed, only silence filled the air except a steady beating could be heard but its origin was unknown. As I walked around this strange building I saw glimpses that I almost recognized. Knowing they could not be true I dismissed those thoughts. I didnt know this place so how could I recognize anything. The photos on the wall of all the smiling faces showed a glimpse into good times of happy people. Thats one thing missing. Where were all those people? I went outside expecting to see the hustle and bustle of everyday life with people scurrying from here to there. What I saw was not what was expected. The streets seemed bare. There were some vehicles, some parked and others seemingly abandoned but no people. As I wandered down the road I looked around just taking it all in and wondering. Eventually I came upon a corner where a row of stores lined the streets ahead but still no people. Was this the end? Where had everyone gone, I begin to wonder. Had something happened while I was in my slumber? It reminded me of that old novel about the last person on Earth. I still did not even know where I was or where I was going but knew that I had to find at least one other person to find out what had happened and where everyone had gone.

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen Page | 3

Part 2: First sight As I wandered around searching I began again hearing that beating but still could not distinguish from which direction it came. Being in what should be the busy section of town I decided to go into some of the businesses to see what information could be found. The first door was locked and the next had been boarded up. Finally coming to a store that allowed entry, I opened the door and stepped inside. It was very dark and a strange odor was all around. The opened door did not allow for much light inside but a little light was better than total darkness. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of movement. At first it startled me so I quickly turned my head but nothing was there. Maybe I am a little jumpy given the circumstances, I thought. It was hard to see many things but what I could distinguish was that the place was void of people. Realizing that no answers were to be found here I stepped back outside and tried to figure out where to search next. Suddenly I heard screams off in the distance and also another strange sound, one that I could not explain. I rushed forward to investigate but slowed myself as I drew closer to where the sounds seemed to be emitting. Not knowing what was the cause I didnt want to place myself in danger but the screams did indicate that I wasnt totally alone. Suddenly the screams stopped and again there was only silence. I continued to walk toward the direction that I thought the screams had been but without the sound to follow was unsure if it was the right way. Around the next corner the streets seemed to be lined with shadows, massive darkened spots where there was no trace of light. The sun was bright overhead. I could not understand the shadows since there seemed to be nothing blocking the sun to cast the shadows other than the occasional street light, cables and vehicles. I slowly stepped back behind the corner and stuck my head out just enough to get a longer look without being out in the open. Just then as I looked down the street I saw something or was it someone. A door on one of the buildings along the shadowed street had opened and it appeared as if someone had emerged. It was difficult to know for certain with the area being so darkened. It was as if looking into night while standing in daylight, like a line had been drawn with one side being day and the other night. As the figure began walking down the street the shadows seemed to be moving, making patterns almost as if dancing. From the farthest corners the darkness started to become light as the shadows seemed to all be gathering around the figure that had emerged making its presence ever more powerful. Suddenly the figure turned and looked in my direction and started toward me. Unsure if I had been seen I slowly back away and then took off down the street. This was not a creature that I wanted to face, at least not at the moment. Going back the way I came I decided to deviate off this road and turn down a side street. Following it I came upon another main road that was yet again abandoned but it looked a little different than the last. The scene was much like one that was back in time. Everything seemed so old, worn, almost

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen

Page | 4 deteriorated. It was as if I was stepping into the past, perhaps into a silent movie. It was so eerie that I would have turned and gone another way but the shadows seemed to be closing in as if driving me in this direction and so into the past I stepped. Part 3: Darkness thinks Where are you going? Why do you run? You cant outrun me. Im all around. No matter where you go or try to hide, I will find you. Patience and time is something I possess and will follow along until you are ready. If I get tired of waiting I will just take you when the mood strikes me. Until then Ill just enjoy the chase. Together we are stronger. Together we are one.

Part 4: Into the past From the street everything was quiet and people were nowhere to be found. I decided to look into some of the buildings to see if it was the same. I first came upon a diner and opened the door. A bell hanging on the door rang and suddenly the room lit up. There were booths lined against the front window and a counter at which sat several people, all of which seemed to be from an earlier era. No one seemed to have noticed that I entered and just went about their chatter. I stood and watched in amazement about how different it was in here than outside. It somehow did not seem real or even possible that this place was so alive with activity. Could this be where everyone was hiding, inside different buildings as if nothing had changed? There was one stool at the end of the counter where I sat. Everyone seemed so chipper. The energy in this place was amazing and from it I drew some strength. As I was about to speak I thought I saw a flicker of something. Turning and walking to the door I looked outside and saw the shadows making their way down the street and stopping right at the edge of this area. When I turned back around to warn everyone the place darkened and was bare. It was as if no one had ever been there. Maybe I had stepped into a movie, a three dimensional movie, that was shut off at that moment. I had caught a glimpse but had not yet found people, real people, so the next move was to really find another person. Each building in this area of town seemed the same, as if set in another era. Some came alive upon entering but then faded. Others just remained dark and abandoned. Many times it seemed as if there was a movement from the corner of one eye or another but when looking there was never really anything there except flickers of light or shadows. Eventually I found my way out of that area of town and was back upon streets that seemed more familiar, more current and yet still abandoned. A newspaper stand drew my attention. Papers were scattered everywhere but there were some maps. The symbols were not any that I had seen before so I

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen

Page | 5 was not sure what to make of them. With my navigational skills I also knew the best course was to not look at the map or do go in the exact opposite direction I thought was correct. I discarded the idea of trying to figure out the map but stuck it in my pocket in case it may become useful in the future. Part 5: Darkness follows You cannot read a map. You cannot find the way. There is nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. You may find each section more terrifying than the last. Just wait. You will see. Ill be here. Part 6: Nowhere to run Thinking and trying to determine where people may go, I decided to head into the heart of the city. There were many large buildings and shelters where individuals may have gathered. At that point I wondered if it would be better to walk or to see if one of the abandoned vehicles maybe had keys and just drive. It was at that time when I saw a few people. They had just turned the corner and were heading in my direction. Finally there is a chance to find out what is going on. As they drew closer I noticed the group was small, numbering maybe five or six. They seemed to be somewhat hurried as if fleeing from something. I noticed that every few moments they were looking behind. I decided to remain where I was for the moment and watch the scene ahead. They seemed to notice me but were, for the most part, unalarmed. It was at that moment I saw it the swarm. A swarm of oversized mosquitoes rained down upon them and began attacking. I watched as one fell and then the next, each with what appeared to be dozens of mosquitoes about the size of a basketball upon them. Each person began to slowly look drained, as if their very life was being sucked out of them. I turned to retreat and noticed that the darkness, the shadows were following me, still at my rear. Unsure what to do next I ducked into the nearest building hoping to find a safe haven to protect myself from the swarm. That first step across the threshold brought me into what looked like a lobby. It had plants and flowers covering tables and seemed peaceful, at least for the moment. There were massive columns stretching up three stories with a huge staircase that winded around. It was upon the columns that I noticed something moving, or more like twisting. That was when I realized that the serpents were guarding this sanctuary. Snakes are one thing but these serpents were enormous, definitely big enough to devour an adult. My choices were limited: face the darkness, the shadows and creature; trying to make it through the swarm, the life drainers; or be eaten alive, slowly devoured by the serpents. Part 7: Darkness mocks

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen

Page | 6 Scared of snakes, are you? Lets see what happens next. This is interesting. Such a show to see. Have you figured it out yet? What happened? Where are you? Who are you? The fun is just beginning. Shadows get ready to do your dance. The magic is about to happen, maybe sooner than you think. We are growing stronger. Part 8: The swarm I thought only for a moment and decided the swarm was the least terrifying option. Turning and stepping outside I noticed the darkness, the shadows had moved even closer almost, but not yet, reaching the door. Looking to the left and still seeing the swarm among the downed individuals, I decided to start that way. It was scary walking into the face of danger. I could still hear the faint screams of those individuals who had only moments ago been walking down this very street. The screams turned to moans and then faded away. The mosquitoes didnt seem to notice me. I tried to stay close to the buildings and as far away from the people as I could. It was as if I wasnt really there. To make sure that this wasnt like before in that old part of town I went up to one of the people and touched them. This caused a bit of a stir in the swarm but ultimately they settled back down. That individual also did stir as if enchanted by a spark of life which quickly faded as did I into the background. Slowly backing away the swarm went back to their feeding as I continued past. I did look back to see the darkness approaching the swarm and individuals. The swarm took off in a frenzy and scooted past. Apparently it wasnt just people who were afraid of the darkness. As the darkness engulfed the people it was as if each one disappeared and the darkness grew. More shadows moved about with each new one first going to the one lone figure amongst the mass. I think it may be time to run. Taking off down the street as fast as I could, I ran down this street and the next, turning here and there. Finally I didnt see the darkness directly behind me but I knew it was there, waiting. The next corner I turned down that street I saw a group of about 100 individuals gathered around a fountain. All were looking toward the fountain and did not notice me. Maybe here I can find some answers. Part 9: More shadows Look at the new ones. Our numbers are growing. Our strength is growing. It wont be long until it is time. Still not convinced? Just keep looking and you will see. Part 10: The faceless ones

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen

Page | 7 As I approached the group I noticed that they were not moving but instead appeared to be all blankly staring ahead. I couldnt quite see any of their faces to know exactly at what they were staring. Easing my way forward I finally caught a glimpse of one. The face was blank, well not exactly blank but peculiar. There were two eyes, a nose and a mouth but it was as if in a drawing not three dimensional but flat. As I stared at this odd looking person the others began to notice me and turn around. Each one looked exactly like the last. Every single person looking the same as if cut from the same mold, a cookie cutter. They began walking toward me in unison. Their pace started to quicken as the first one reached out a hand. All of their hands rose as if the motion for one was for all. This is odd and something I have never seen before. What happened to everyone? Were these real people at one time or was this something else? I tried to speak just as the hand of the first individual touched my arm which left a strange sensation. Something else odd happened at that very moment. The being that had reached out a hand suddenly froze in place, not only in the state of stillness but literally frozen. Like a block of ice, a sculpture carved was the image of the being that had reached out a hand and touched my arm. As I stood there I gazed at the figure before me. It was beautiful like something an artist would create. Once a peculiar being now captured in a frozen tomb. That was sad in a way. Looking around I noticed that somehow the frozen state had expanded to every in the crowd. In fact I could see it still spreading reaching out toward the people the farthest away. How did that happen? Did that one interaction cause this? Baffled I turned to look behind me and once again the darkness, the shadows were encroaching. I took a few steps to where I was still in the crowd but not too near the shadows. Holding to this position I noticed that the shadows had started engulfing the frozen statues and were now transforming each one into more shadows. Some held their position longer than the last but in the end each one was taken. I kept edging my way back until out of the crowd so as not to be engulfed within the darkness. The creature within the darkness stood staring as if calling, summoning me to step into the shadows. It felt like I was in a trance but finally forced myself to break free and turn away, now going in no particular direction but just away from the darkness. Part 11: Darkness calls: I could see your thoughts and almost had you. You will get there. I will be waiting. The light doesnt shine forever. Darkness calls. We are here and will remain. Part 12: Beneath the surface There was a crack in the road ahead. It started off small but ahead I could see a great fissure. It almost looked like a path leading somewhere. Deciding that everything was strange I followed the path down. It

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen

Page | 8 led below the surface and with it a different kind of strange place. Eventually there was a large room found by going through an opening. I knew the road was still overhead and wondered how this room came to be. It was as if everything was reversed but not really. Like a labyrinth or maze the room contained many smaller rooms off the sides. Some appeared as if defying gravity with objects on the walls or ceiling. One room was completely circular and had chairs and tables at different angles. Walking around this strange place made me question that I was still anywhere that I had ever known. Nowhere I had heard of had such strange things. What could defy the laws of gravity? What could cause these strange beings? I happened upon a room with a small mirror sitting on a shelf. Not sure whether I should I decided to take a look. I picked it up and gazed into it. The mirror had no reflection but was like a black hole, rippling as if it had opened up just for this occasion. Unsure what to make of this I looked away. With the mirror still in hand I was then drawn to the photo of a waterfall hanging on a door. Not realizing it I reached down and turned the knob and the door opened. Stepping through I found myself again outside with the darkness near but light was still ahead and around so no need to worry. I was growing accustomed to the darkness lingering just out of reach. Part 13: A darkness clue I see that you have found a clue but you almost left it behind. You cannot figure out what to do. No need to even try. Im getting closer. Keep watch or I will take over and you will be gone. Part 14: Unvamped There was another group of people ahead. They seemed to be aimlessly wandering around as if not sure what to do. I thought this may be a good place to start finding out answers although wasnt hopeful because of past encounters. As I got closer it seemed as if the individuals were injured in some way, perhaps by a sickness. They were all moaning and slumped over but just barely moving. When one got close I felt a hand reach out and touch my shoulder. It was instantly turned to ice, frozen as were the faceless ones. I felt that same strange sensation. This time I turned and touched the ice. It was smooth as glass and it began to unthaw. Not letting go the individual sprang back to life but not as before. It was in fact normal, or as close as one can be. Before the others could grab hold of the individual I began quickly touching the arm of each. Every person soon was springing back to normal. All were confused and yet relieved. I noticed that the darkness was beginning to close in from behind and I hurriedly rushed everyone ahead of me this time keeping myself between those and the shadows. Part 15: Trick or treat

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen

Page | 9 I see you have learned a trick or two and found a temporary means. It wont last. Give up now while it is still in your power to do so. It will be much easier that way. Part 16: Heart of the city As we walked down the street, the next place we happened upon was a hub of sorts, a place where eight streets met or crossed. I think we had found the heart of the city. When we got to the where the roads adjoined I noticed there were seven others, each one coming from a different direction. There was a circular space between the roads where a pool of water stayed. Each of the seven other also had individuals much like those with me. The last person before the darkness was more like me, hard to describe but there was a connection. It seemed that the darkness was all around, coming in from all sides, encircling everything except the center where the light still remained. This is where the people gathered. There was so much more darkness than light; so many more shadows than not. When the eight of us finally got together then we understood that we were sent there on a mission. Each had our own darkness to face before it swallowed everyone. Together we were strong. We each stood our ground as the darkness grew and met, each different part. Then abruptly it stopped and just waited. As if knowing we each started walking toward the darkness with hand outreached capturing shadow after shadow and bringing it into the light. The light restored it to its original form from before all the madness. Our crowd of normals grew. The dark being controlling the shadows appeared to be growing agitated. Its world was becoming smaller. More shadows were taken and no more were gained. In one swift move I greeted my dark being by not reaching out touching it but instead brushing across it with the back of my hand. That same sensation was again felt. The darkness quickly lifted as the being froze. All shadows were released. I then touched the dark being to free it. As it melted away I could see what I couldnt see before. There was nothing to fear but instead something to tame. Looking around, the battles of the others were just ending as had mine. We had all slain the beasts, the darkness. Part 17: So now what We were still there and everyone there with us was confused. No one understood what had happened, where we were or really much of anything. What should we do next? How do we get back? At that moment as if answering the question I remembered the small mirror and pulled it out. Looking into the mirror this time I did not see that black hole but instead saw a different world, one that I knew. Part 18: Reflections

The Darkness Within

Pamela Hengen

Page | 10 I/we walked over to the fountain and I decided to try something. I took one step into the pool and began sinking. That had to be the way. Everyone was instructed to hold hands as we all went through the portal back into reality. Leading the way I was the first to step completely though and on the other side realized that this is where everyone had gone. Back to a world of normal, of the ways things should be. Looking around I noticed that I alone had come through. Everyone else had vanished. At that point I knew. I understood. I heard my name and turned. Someone I knew had walked up and stood beside me. Beautiful, she said. I scanned around to see and realized that I had been staring at a painting and apparently had drifted off. The painting had told a story of its own. I read the plague at the bottom of the painting. It was labeled The darkness within. Sometimes a picture says more than a thousand or more words. Looking around the gallery I wondered what story the next picture may tell. The end.