Maze of Darkness

I FEAR NO ONE

I stood rooted to the spot, my heart racing as Arthur's words echoed through my mind like a broken record, leaving me questioning his sanity. The doubtful glances between Leon and me mirrored the disbelief that consumed us. We couldn't help but wonder if Arthur was serious.

''Are you kidding me right now? Is this some kind of sick joke?'' I exclaimed, my voice filled with incredulous, ''Why in the world did you pick that piece of junk?''

It sure had four wheels and could technically transport us to our destination. But seriously, surrounded by a sea of gleaming, stylish automobiles, why the hell were we staring at this clunker as if it were our only option?

"It's got that undeniable vintage charm!" Arthur defended his choice, a playful glimmer in his eyes.

"Vintage charm? More like vintage rust." I scoffed.

And almost certainly, I could hear the car whining in despair, begging us not to step inside.

''Man! This unreliable car seems to have a secret time-travelling built-in feature that would transport us back to the stone age.'' Leon chimed in, unable to control his laughter at the absurdity.

"So you both want me to summon a spaceship instead?" It's evident that this man is enjoying our reaction a bit more than usual. ''Something a bit more...reliable?''

''No, thank you! We're taking that black car," Leon and I asserted in unison, our voices filled with determination.

Arthur's eyes danced with mischief, "You know... that's Belle's car—'' a sly grin formed at the corner of his lips as he noticed the horrified expressions that crossed our faces.

''—Perhaps you two would like to ask her permission?''

Outrage filled our expressions as we shook our heads vigorously.

Ask that witch for permission. Absolutely not.

"No, no. It's settled! We'll go in this classic vintage." Leon declared, the atmosphere suddenly growing gloomy.

When I swung open the door, Leon rushed and plopped himself into the driver's seat, ''Ha! Beat you to it, old chap. Better luck next time!'' He taunted, wiggling his fingers at the empty backseat.

''Get the hell out, Leon! You can sit in the back seat comfortably, even lie down if you want to, but I'll be driving the car."

Leon, slightly miffed and unwilling to back down, responded, "Charlie, be courteous and slide into the back seat instead. Let me handle the steering wheel!"

''Handle the steering wheel? More like steering us straight into an early grave!'' I exclaimed, my eyes shooting daggers at Leon. My patience is wearing thin.

''Woah, easy there! I'm the king of the road, baby!'' He tapped the steering wheel like a skilled racecar driver, pretending to rev the engine. Frustration coursed through my veins as I yanked him out of his shirt.

"I sure as hell don't trust your reckless driving skills enough to let you take the wheel." My voice filled with determination.

Leon's face contorted into a wicked grin. "Well, if it isn't the righteous Prince Charming himself, always playing by the rules. How boring. Let me show you how to live life on the edge!" He mocked.

I shook my head, feeling a knot of frustration forming in my stomach. "I don't want to live life on the edge, Leon. I want to get to our destination in one piece. Is that too much to ask?"

I couldn't trust Leon. I couldn't trust his driving. And I definitely couldn't trust him with our lives.

''Can we please now get going? I'm tired of your constant bickering.'' Arthur interjected, his patience reaching its limit, sighing heavily. But we ignored his plea, continuing to argue about who would take control of the steering wheel.

Leon remained stubborn, gripping the car door tightly, "Charlie, kindly move aside. Do not dare to provoke my temper!"

Finally, Arthur could no longer contain his frustration. "Both of you sit at the back. I'll drive myself. And if anyone opposes, feel free to go on your own!"

"Alright, alright, calm down," Leon said, getting out of the driver's seat, realizing Arthur's patience had reached its limit.

''We're just joking around. Charlie, let's both sit in the back. It's not a big deal!''

And so, with a nod from Arthur, we reluctantly made our way to the backseat.

"Chauffeur, start the car and drive carefully." Arthur shifted into drive and peered at me through the rearview mirror, "Don't worry!"

With a sudden jolt, the car surged forward. We were off, with Arthur confidently at the wheel and the wind playfully tousling our hair.

Leon, gripping the armrest tightly, adopted a regal demeanour in the backseat. ''This is my kingdom, Charlie. I suggest you respect my personal space. So, back off!'' he fiercely planted his elbow in the centre as if this car belonged to him.

''Delusional as always–''

''Enough, you two! Start acting like responsible adults.'' Arthur cut us off sternly, and his eyes rolled so far back we half-expected them to get stuck there permanently.

Muttering under his breath, barely audible, he added. ''If I can make it through today without losing my sanity, it'll be a true miracle.''

A sense of awe washed over me when I watched Arthur navigate the car expertly. I felt like I was witnessing a master craftsman creating something beautiful from raw materials. It made me want to step up my game and refine myself to match Arthur's elegance.

The wind began to howl past us, causing our hair to dance in wild abandon.

''Leon! Close the dang window. I'm getting blasted by the wind here.''

Leon's eyes twinkled mischievously, but also a glimmer of curiosity hidden within. He is always up for a challenge.

In an act of defiance, he flung the window open wider. ''Feel the breeze, Charlie. Let it all hang loose, and embrace freedom. We're on an adventure, after all! Woohoo!'' He shouted, throwing his hands up in the air.

''We are not on an advent—"

''That's it!" Arthur's voice thundered through the car, frustration dripping from every word. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his knuckles going bone-white like he was one second away from losing his cool. His eyes were glued to the damn road ahead. Not a flicker of distraction allowed.

''Listen up, you two clowns,'' he growled, his tone sharp enough to cut through the tension. ''If you two don't cut the crap right now, I swear I'll pull over and leave your sorry butts stranded. Got it?'' His words hung heavy in the air, silencing our bickering instantly. Despite his anger, there was an undeniable charm in Arthur's presence. Maybe it was the way he carried himself with confidence.

We could feel the tension in the car, each of us trying our best to keep quiet and not provoke him further.

Leon and I kept our distance before eyeballing each other like wary cats. Our eyes gazed out the window, lost in our thoughts. The scenery transformed from bustling city streets to the dense embrace of nature's beauty. The anticipation grew as we made our way closer to the forest.

"Oh, it's getting real dark in here. We should've come in the morning. It would've been way better!" Arthur remarked, squinting his eyes and scanning the wild jungle like a possessed man.

I couldn't help but chuckle softly, observing his facade of bravery. "Feeling scared?" I knew he'd never admit it. He is always the one who puts up a brave front.

"Oh no, people like me never get scared," Arthur replied, his tone a bit shaky, almost like he was trying to convince himself more than anyone else. He brushed away some branches and confidently stepped forward, leading our path down the jungle.

"Hey Leon, you see what he– wait, what– the heck! Where- Where is that jerk?" My voice echoed through the stillness of the jungle. We both spun around, heartbeat racing, only to find Leon mysteriously gone.

Did he play a trick on us? Had he set up some trap here? My mind filled with questions, "Where could he have gone? He was right here with us!"

"How would I know?" Arthur huffed, a bit flustered. We scoured the area, calling out for Leon.

Suddenly, we caught sight of someone hiding behind a tree.

"Hey Arthur, go and check who's there," I said, giving him a gentle shove.

"Why should I go? You go check yourself," Arthur shot back, clearing his throat. His voice sounded all weird and wobbly. I chuckled.

''OK! Fine, let's check together.'' We cautiously made our way towards the tree.

"Leon!'' My eyebrows rocketed up in disbelief. Leon was sitting there, clinging to it like he was part of it. ''What in the world are you doing here?" I asked, utterly flabbergasted.

Leon was caught off guard, and gasped dramatically, his hand on his chest. "Ah, Goddamn! You two scared me half to death!" His usual bravado faltered, revealing his vulnerability.

''I fear no one! I'm invincible.'' I imitated his usual confident tone, earning myself a glare from Leon. He brushed off his clothes and stood up, visibly frustrated. "I thought you two–'' his voice trembling with relief and irritation, ''You two...had abandoned me here."

I couldn't help but break into laughter.

"Now, let's not waste any more time."

Arthur said as we pressed on, reaching the dreaded well- the very same well that had consumed me whole once before. Its presence alone sent shivers down my spine, eliciting memories of its darkness.

"Get the torch out! It's dark," Arthur addressed both of us, his voice carrying a little discomfort.

"Yes... We need a flashlight," I said, turning my head towards Leon.

Leon's face twisted into a mask of panic as he stuttered, ''Um, torch? Which torch– I don't have any torch!"

"Then dig your phone out and use its flashlight," Arthur suggested, trying to remain calm.

"My phone is in the car. I forgot to bring it. Charlie, you take yours out," Leon said.

Ah, the irony of the situation.

"I didn't bring my phone either," I confessed, a look of horror washed over Arthur's face.

"You guys are unbelievable! How could you forget something as simple as a phone?"Arthur's anxiety level reached its maximum, and all his emotions, anger, panic, disbelief— swirled together in a chaotic maelstrom. He paced back and forth like a wild storm, his voice escalating with frustration.

"Woah, there, tiger! Why so worked up?'' I questioned, a mixture of curiosity and amusement lacing my words, ''Just whip out that trusty phone of yours!"

Arthur's response sounded muffled due to his rush and panic as if he was trying to conceal his embarrassment. "Oh, I uh... I accidentally left it behind at home," he confessed, a ting of panic lingering in his voice.

''You what? You left your phone at home?'' Leon and I stared at him.

''Talk about a genius move, Arthur. What kind of creature are you?''

Leon joined in, unable to resist the opportunity to tease.

''Can't even remember a damn thing?"

I could tell his face turned red, partly from frustration and partly from the realization that we were poking fun at his absent-mindedness. We burst into laughter.

''Fine, forget it! Go get your phone from the car," Arthur replied, trying to calm himself down.

"Me? No way, man! It's too dark out there!" Leon's voice trembled with fear. This guy was always talking big, but when it came to facing his fears, he'd find an excuse to chicken out.

"Arthur, will you go and get it?" I suggested, my eyes narrowing playfully.

"Me? I can't do it either," Arthur's anxious gaze darted around, searching for a way out.

"Why can't you go? Scared or something?"

"It's not that. Just- It's just, oh yeah! I stubbed my toe earlier. It still hurts like hell!" Arthur overplayed the agony in his voice.

"Show us where it hurts then," Leon interrupted, peering at Arthur's foot.

I watched as Leon and Arthur bickered back and forth, their voices rising in pitch and volume. As the argument escalated, I couldn't help but feel the pinch from their childish behaviour.

"Enough already, guys! We need someone to go out there and get the damn thing before it gets any darker." My words cut through the bickering, sharp and decisive.

It was clear that neither of them were willing to take the risk. I sighed in frustration and looked out into the darkness. The wind was howling, and the trees were swaying ominously.

"Fine, I'll do it," I said, steady and adamant. Leon and Arthur looked at me in shock. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoing through the jungle caught our attention. We all froze in fear.

"Who's out there?" I cautiously called out as I moved forward. It was just a sneaky black cat slinking through the darkness.

In no time, Leon and Arthur caught up to me, their faces drained of all colour, resembling a couple of ghosts fresh out of a horror movie.

"We'll come with you," they said in unison, their voices cracking with fear.

"Wouldn't want you to have a heart attack from fear." I couldn't help but chuckle at their unintentional humour. Deep down, I knew they were scared out of their wits, but their pride wouldn't allow them to admit it.

As we approached the car, Arthur and Leon clung to each other, nervously mumbling jokes to calm themselves. It was a sight to behold – two grown men, unintentionally hilarious in their fear. I couldn't believe these guys were afraid of the dark. How could two grown men be so scared of darkness? It was almost comical. But then again, I didn't want to get the object on myself either, because the towering trees seemed to loom and taunt me, their branches reaching out like grasping hands. They are scaring the s**t out of me.

We hurriedly made our way back after grabbing Leon's phone, our veins coursing with adrenaline.

We came across the same white car as we headed towards the well.

A sense of intrigue and unease surged through me like an electric current, igniting tingling sensations that danced along my spine. The sight before me seemed almost surreal, with unanswered questions and unspoken secrets.

With hesitant steps, I moved closer. The weight of the unknown was heavy on my shoulders and every second that ticked by felt like an eternity.

"Come over here! That's-'' My heart- the vital organ of my life, started thumping against my chest heavily. The words escaped my lips with difficulty.

''That's David's car."