Now then. Section four. If I remember right, it was the hall of spikes. I turn the corner. Exactly as I remember it. That's both a reassurance and a cause to worry.

Back then, I relied on the flames. But now... I can't risk it. I won't risk it. Not while Hayley is still here.

If I can't get across with flames anymore, I'll just have to do this the Normal People way, capitals necessary. Darky must have designed a way for others without flames to get across. I just have to find it.

A search of the walls reveal nothing. There's no grooves, no footholds, no handholds, no secret switch or button (that I can find), so what? What am I missing? Whatever. I'm tired.

I lay down on the floor, staring at the ceiling. The last time I'd done this course was just before I left. A farewell, I guess it was. A way to show that my leaving had nothing to do with anything personal. It was simply my time to go.

I let out a sigh. This is getting boring, and as much as I used to love being down here, it just isn't the same. There's no joy here, only practiced movement. Well, it's an old course anyway. It's bound to be a little outdated.

I stand and walk over to the edge of the spikes. There has to be a trick here. I've checked the walls, so it can be in the ceiling, floor, or spikes themselves.

A quick glance up reminds me that the ceiling is too high for the average person, which worked great for me back then. Now, not so much. The trick probably isn't hidden up there.

A look down reveals nothing. Smooth floor, no grooves or anything else. Looks like it's the spikes after all.

Of course the spikes look the same as they did back then. Completely clean, wiped of everything that came into contact. Not even a fingerprint left. Nothing that gives away the presence of a way through.

Well. This is a predicament. I can only assume it's the spikes, because they're too clean otherwise. It must be to stop people from cheating by looking for a beaten path.

I reach out with my left hand, and wipe my index finger along the entire length of the blockade. Nothing. Figures.

Maybe it's not the spikes, but the area around them? I pull my hand down to the floor and push. A small section at the very base gives way and sends the spikes sinking down. Well. I guess it was the floor all along.

I walk across the hall and to the exit. Well, "exit" is a generous term. It's just a very long vertical climb. I'd measure it to see how long it is, but at this point I've given up.

I go through the hole in the wall and stare up. That single dot of light is what I'm aiming for. The light doesn't reach all the way down here, or even much past the first few feet, since the opening is on the side. For now, I'm stuck feeling my way up blindly.

I run my hand along the wall, searching for anything I can use to get up. This was so easy back then, but now... Well, that doesn't matter.

Most of the wall is smooth, unnaturally so. Typical. There's a small section, just barely enough for my hands and feet to stay on, and it winds it way up and around the tube. To make any progress, I have to constantly keep searching for the next rough patch. This is going to take a while.

Actually, how long have I been down here? It's so easy to lose track of time, and Darky's probably got the whole thing timed anyway. Not that I'd ever ask her directly, though.

The scratchy rock bites into my fingertips, on the verge of breaking the skin. Darky did this on purpose, I just know it. I'll compensate her for this later. The thought gives me the motivation I need to keep climbing.

The thought becomes something of a mantra, looped until it's all I can think of. I'm snapped out of it by light blinding me and the sharp sounds of clapping, as I throw myself away from the wall and into the room.

"Well done, very well done!" There's a pointed smile on Darky's face, like she knows something. She probably does, but she won't tell either way. "You've done well to make it back. I'd say your time was better than your last run, but, well..." She lets the words hang, knowing full well what she's doing.

"Nevermind all that. You must be tired! After all, you took two hours and sixteen minutes longer than last time, bringing the total to two hours and forty three minutes." I can't believe it. I was really down there that long? "My worst students can do better than that, but you're no student of mine, so I'll let it slide for old times sake." I'm being insulted here. It's not my fault. "Come now, I've just finished speaking with this Hayley of yours. You can have tea or whatever it is children these days like while I prepare." Cryptic as usual, I see.

She turns to lead the way back, like I even need her to. She quickens her pace for some unimaginable reason that has absolutely nothing to do with any glares I may or may not be sending her way.

The door opens silently as always, and we're back in the room we started in. Hayley is sitting on the couch in front of Darky's desk, looking shaken up. Must be Darky's doing.

I rush to Hayley's side, ignoring the look Darky sends my way, and pull her close. "What did she say?" I whisper into her ear. Hayley stiffens.

"She- She knows."

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Author's Note

How's it going. It's been awhile. Nearly three months. I've been meaning to update, but the words weren't working. So. Here's an update. Not my best work. I'm leaving it on a cliffhanger, per usual. Hopefully I'll be returning to this soon. Anyway. That's it. As always, questions, comments, and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. Until next time, whenever that may be.

Published October 5, 2018.