Chereads / Dreamspace / Chapter 2 - To the Floor of the Abyss

Chapter 2 - To the Floor of the Abyss

I opened my eyes only to find myself at the center of what looks like the reception area of any building. Similar to outside, everything was in ruins. From the outside, the building seemed fine other than its aged appearance, but on the inside it was in total ruins as if an earthquake struck it. I was a bit groggy, but I did my best to stand. I observed my surroundings more, checking and examining if it's safe. As I stood there I suddenly remembered the hand that pulled me in. I quickly looked around and shouted if there was anyone there but the only response I got was the stillness of the atmosphere. It doesn't make sense. With caution in mind, I started walking around hoping to find my way around the place. It's strange, I'm in this deserted building and yet I don't have the urge to leave or fear of possible danger.

After a certain time of wandering around, I found myself completely stuck on the floor I am in which I assume is the ground floor since that makes more sense. I stood at the center to think. I looked down and I saw a large square engraving on the marble floor. It was huge and it was not natural. It looks like it only happened because something of that size fell on that spot repetitively until it engraved itself there. I looked up and saw the ceiling, nothing unusual. There was no hole and not even a small crack. But that certain position makes it strange as all other parts of the ceiling were either cracked or broken. I stood at the center of the square engraving and I looked at the ceiling closer and I started to see some writings on it. It said something like "Raise your hand." It was odd, nevertheless I raised my hand. As I stretched my arm and raised my hand I started to hear something. It was faint at first, but the sound gradually increased in volume. It wasn't long until it dawned on me that it was the sound of something falling. Then I realized the engraving and it quickly hit me that whatever made the engraving is falling now. I could hear it and it was close, I heard the ceiling crack and I jumped out of its zone. Thankfully I was able to jump away safely. As the smoke cleared away, I saw an elevator. I stood and I walked around it. It was made of the usual metal that they use for elevators. There was nothing special to it apart from the fact that there was not a single wire attached to it. What's strange is the elevator was clean on the outside despite the appearance of everything else around it. As I walked in and stood in front of the door I heard the elevator ring. I was startled as the door started to open. I took a step back preparing myself for anything that might come out. It felt like the elevator was in slow-motion. The way the door opened felt forever and I could see the inside because it was lit. The door opens wide and exposes the inside of the elevator; fortunately, there was nothing there.

I stood there, staring at the elevator. I slowly walked closer and I peered inside it. I was hesitating whether I should go in or not. My cautious side was pulling me back but my adventurous side wanted me to go in and see what happens. I started stepping back again to further check the elevator when I felt someone push me in with force. I was pushed so strongly that I hit the wall of the elevator; I quickly recovered to look back and see who pushed me. The elevator door was closing but fast this time, before it completely shut I saw white sharp teeth smiling. It was just a glimpse of whatever was inside this building, but I was terrified. My legs started to tremble in fear and regret started to sink deep into me. I started to realize that I should have just tried to leave the place. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse… it did. I heard a thud and the elevator lights turned off and one single light was left open. It was like a spotlight at the center. The elevator buttons lit up and a deep croaky voice said, "Floor please?" The voice was so menacing and scary. In those two words I could feel anger, malice and blood lust. It felt like I was in a massacre movie and I was the only survivor left being toyed with. I just sat there staring at the buttons. I was in intense fear, my body wouldn't move. I was so scared. It was silent and everything was so still when I heard the voice again… "If you don't press a button, I will do something naughty." My eyes widen upon hearing that which caused me to press a floor button in panic. I didn't think which button to press; I just pressed whatever I could. I was already in tears, my breath was heavy and I felt like I could pass out; and then I heard the ring.

The elevator door opens and I sat there waiting if someone or something would come in. I looked up to check on what floor I pressed. There was no label on the button, it was blank but it was several floors below a button that says "G", which I'm assuming meant Ground Floor. At best I could be in the basement or parking lot if this building is really a building to begin with. I held onto the side railings and did my best to stand. I peeked out and saw a spotlight at the end. There was a long stretch of hallway to get there. I thought twice whether to go out but I knew I had no choice. I just had to get out of the elevator because I knew if I stayed there, I might hear that voice again. I slowly walked while feeling the wall and the ground; making sure of every step in hopes that I make it to the end alive. The hallway was so long and every step I took made it feel like it was expanding further. I was getting exhausted and my legs were starting to feel numb. It didn't take long until I fell on my knees unable to walk further. I took a look and I saw that I was close. I could see a black door standing under the spotlight. My legs already gave up on walking so I just crawled my way there. The distance that was between me and the door was short but crawling made it longer. It was easy; I was doing well until I heard a sound behind me.

Chills started crawling up my spine and I didn't even want to check what was behind me. I tried to stand and limp my way to the door. The sound was getting louder and it felt closer. The louder it got the more I panicked. My heart beat was so strong it felt like it was gonna pump its way out of my body. When the door was just a few inches away from me I just jumped until I got hold of the knob. As I did that the sound stopped. I tried to catch my breath to recover my strength. When I got myself together I tried turning the knob but it was locked. It was weird because it was just a door. There wasn't anything behind it other than the other side of itself. I just lay my back on the door trying to relax myself. I held my neck to relieve it from the tension when I felt some sort of thin chain. I grabbed it and realized I was wearing a necklace with a key attached to it. It had a skull as its base. Just by its obvious design it's definitely a skeleton key. I had my strength back so I stood up to open the door. I put the key in and turned the knob and heard it click. I slowly opened the door and when it was almost half open, something breezed out. It was fast but I was sure it was not just air. I opened the door completely and it was odd that I couldn't see the other side.

I took a deep sigh. I was getting ready to leave when I felt someone by my shoulder. I froze in fear. I could hear its breath and how it heaves behind me. It started chuckling and I started to succumb even more to fear. I didn't want to but I had to look. As I started to slowly turn my head around I felt a quick grab by my head and I heard a crack…