Darwin's vision cleared up enough for him to make out the ceiling. He rest there for awhile, the fan mesmerizing him.
'I must've got hit in the face by a ball. It was probably Jason. He must be celebrating right now.'
A knock was heard on the door as the school nurse told him he was fit to go home. Only after warning him about being more careful of course.
Darwin made his way to his apartment. Daydreaming of the wonderful meal he'd come home too. With beef stew on his mind, he started to smell smoke.
'I guess she's grilling some meat. I can't wait.'
Darwin opened the door to the familiar apartment as he put his bag down and called out to his aunt.
"Aunt Drea? Are you making us some meat? It smells like you're smoking something." He called out as he tidied up the dining room table.
Hearing no response, he walked to the kitchen. Not seeing his guardian cooking over the counter, he paused. Curiosity got the better of him as he checked under the counter. What he saw would haunt him in his sleep forever.
The image of his aunt tied up and battered. Fear freezing her in place as her gagged mouth trembled with every breath.
"Aunt Drea! What happened! Are you hurt bad anywhere!?" Darwin bolted towards Aunt Drea as began untying the ropes. Then as if on cue, a loud banging noise was heard in Darwin's room. "Is there someone here?" He whispered as he furiously unhastened the knots.
Aunt Drea shook as her eyes' grew wide. She shook her head violently as she fumbled around.
Darwin stood up and grabbed his aunt's trusty ladle as he slowly approached the door. His toes ever so slightly creaking against the floorboards. He peeked through the opening and saw a shadow looming over his dresser.
'If I rush in, I can catch him by surprise. But calling the police would be wiser. Let's hope Aunt Drea is fit enough to do so. Now is my chance. C'mon Brooks, you got this. It's just like slaying Medusa, minus the snake hair and petrification. It's easier. I've got this.'
He did not have it. The shadow whipped around and pulled out an object from his waist. He pointed it at the door as Darwin's sight became blurred. As he fell to the ground, the shadow walked forward revealing itself to be a man clad in black. His dark skin reflecting the warm light the room gave off.
"I've got the target doctor. He should fit the bill. Very little connections." He spoke in a low baritone voice as his finger held an earpiece. He then nodded as if agreeing with an order.
"Just burn the place. No witnesses. We can't displease the Death God. Make it quick." A high-pitched creaking noise radiated from the earpiece. The dark man pulled out a lighter and sighed.
"Sorry kid. You're better off not seeing this." He wadded up Darwin's bed sheet as he lit it aflame. "Is that a soup ladle? You've got spunk kid. Now, get some rest. It'll be your best for awhile." He squat down while picking Darwin up and slung him over his shoulder.
'My vision's betraying me. I can't tell what's happening. My mind is going blank I...'
Twelve Hours Later...
The sound of water dripping from a stalactite awoke Darwin. His vision still blurry, he was resting on a damp cave floor. Rocks stoop up with their sharp edges pointing skywards. Drip drip, the water fell onto another rock with each passing second.
'Ow my head hurts. What's going on? Where am I?'
Darwin slowly stood up as he took in his surroundings. He was in a dark cave with steel bars covering the opening. The cave was rounded out and it prevented him from gripping the walls. It seemed like the stone was cut by man and the ground had been purposefully left out.
The rugged ground bore into Darwin's feet. Only then did he realize he wasn't wearing his school uniform. He was dressed in a grey loose fitting cotton shirt and matching pants. His shoes replaced with his cut-up bare feet.
'Where am I? I just want to go home. I hope Aunt Drea was recovered by the police.'
As Darwin was worrying over what would happen to him, footsteps rang throughout the cavern. They grew louder as they made their way towards Darwin's cell. A man wearing a labcoat and specs stopped after reaching Darwin's cell. He pushed his long gray hair to the side as he spoke up while reading from a clipboard.
"Test Subject Number Four, I have been ordered to briefly inform you about this experiment and the risks that come with it. You are about to partake in the Death God Experiment. A massive corporation has invested a large amount of funds for us to succeed. As an experimental subject, you will tested and trialed to determine if you are compatible. Any questions?"
Darwin was dumbfounded.
'Test Subject? Death God? Experiment? Just what is happening?'
Darwin swallowed hard as he began to stand up. He inhaled heavily before speaking to the man.
"Yes, I have a few things to say. Who are you? Where am I exactly? Just what is going to happen to me?"
The man laughed. He came to a realization.
'Looks like this kid didn't volunteer. Guess Sir ordered for him to be abducted. Maybe he's something special?'
The man squat down from his tall stature to be eye level with Darwin. He smiled lightly and pushed his glasses up as he opened his mouth.
"I assumed you volunteered for this project. This is an unexpected development. My name is Dr. Shepherd. You're what, fourteen?"
"No, I'm twelve. Mr-I mean Dr. Shephard, why am I here? I didn't sign up for this."
Dr. Shephard stood back up as he looked through the documents on the clipboard as he looked back to Darwin.
'He has an exceptional record. Great Grades. Although poor in Phys Ed. Overall a good candidate. Only known relatives, Drea Brooks. Wow, he does fit the bill. Well, not enough where people would miss him. I see why Sir took him.'
The Doctor looked into Darwin's amber eyes as he spoke in a sullen tone. Pity flowed through his words.
"Sorry kid. Sir needs subjects. If you want to get out of here and figure out what's going on, you'll have to survive first. Get ready, the first trials begin soon."