Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Clancy stared out the open window of his small room. It was a cloudless day in Dema, the sun just high enough in the sky to start peaking over the walls, yet it still felt cold and dreary to Clancy. The sun didn’t reflect off the gray concrete walls that surrounded Dema, annexing it from the rest of Trench, nor the nine towers of the bishops. If anything, they seemed to absorb it as if they were trying to deprive the citizens of the light. Clancy shrugged. He really didn’t mind it. The sun was bright and hurt his eyes if he looked at it. Clancy was just glad it wasn’t hot. That was the worst, but at least the long, gray clothes the bishops gave them were comfy in almost any weather.

Clancy joined the rest of the children in the common area. Most of them were chattering on and running around. They seemed more energetic and excited than usual. Clancy thought he overheard something about someone new, which briefly piqued his interest, but he decided he’d rather not deal with all of that. Too much this early in the day. So Clancy stayed at the outskirts of the room, trying his best not to get dragged into their chaos. It’s not that he disliked the other kids. Clancy just preferred to keep to himself, even though he’d been around most of them for as long as he could remember. None of them ever knew their parents. The bishops had them brought to one of the several conservatories around Dema immediately after they were born. There, they were cared for and taught how to read and write, how to do various tasks and skills, and the principles of Vialism until The Choosing during the year of their fourteenth birthday.

The Choosing always followed the Annual Assemblage of the Glorified. After the bishops saw those citizens into the Glorious Gone, they would select children to join their respective districts. From there, the children would become full-fledged citizens of Dema and be given a living quarters and job for the betterment of Dema. Clancy both dreaded and looked forward to this day. On the one hand, he liked the idea of having a place truly all his own away from everyone. On the other, he hated having everyone’s attention on him, much less that of all nine bishops. They scared Clancy a bit. They could be… Intimidating. Fortunately, Clancy was only eight, so he had several years until that happened.

Clancy noticed one of their caretakers was finishing setting up to serve breakfast. A small smile crossed his face as he realized it was Sally, his favorite of the caretakers. She was always kind to Clancy and never made him play with the others if he didn’t want to. And she never minded teaching Clancy on his own when he didn’t understand something. None of the other kids had noticed yet, so Clancy quickly and quietly made his way over to her for breakfast.

“Good morning, Clancy,” smiled Sally warmly. “Did you sleep well?”

“Uh huh,” replied Clancy. “I slept well, but I don’t think I can match everybody’s energy.”

“That’s OK. You don’t have to. But you might feel better after some breakfast.”

“Maybe… They all just seem really excited about something.”

“Well, do you wanna know a secret?” asked Sally slyly.

Clancy couldn’t resist now that Sally was dangling it in front of him.

“Yeah,” replied Clancy, shyly

Sally chuckled and said, “Well, you didn’t hear it from me, but we’re getting someone new today. A transfer from one of the other conservatories.”

“A transfer? That happens?”

“It does! But it’s very rare. One of the conservatories is unfortunately at capacity and it’s too long until the next Choosing. We have room to spare, so we’re taking him in.”

Clancy was unsure how he felt about this. He was admittedly curious, but that also meant another new person to deal with. And maybe, if he was being honest with himself, he was just a little bit excited. Before he could get too lost in thought, Sally quickly plated some eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit and handed it to Clancy.

“Quick now, before everyone else catches on,” said Sally with a wink. “Be careful unwrapping your silverware.”

“Will do! Thank you!” said Clancy as he scurried away to find a quiet place to eat breakfast.

As Clancy made his way quickly out of the room towards the small courtyard at the center of the conservatory, he noticed one of the caretakers walking in with another boy, someone he’d never seen before. Clancy only caught a glimpse of his fluffy, curly brown hair, but what really struck Clancy was the boy’s smile, a smile that could light up the whole room, maybe even all of Dema. 

But then the door closed, and Clancy was in the courtyard alone. It was quiet and peaceful. Clancy let out a small sigh of relief. The quiet was nice. He walked to one of the benches facing away from the door and sat down. As Clancy unwrapped his silverware, a small piece of chocolate fell out onto his plate. A huge smile spread across Clancy’s face. So that’s what Sally had meant. He’d have to thank her later. For now, he set it aside and started eating his breakfast, swinging his feet while he ate.

Clancy finished his breakfast and set his utensils down on his plate. He was ready for the secret chocolate Sally had given him. As Clancy went to open the chocolate, he heard a voice behind him.

“Oh, what’s that? It looks good!” said the voice, bright and warm.

Clancy nearly came out of his skin, launching the chocolate into the air in the process. He saw a blur of motion and suddenly the same boy he’d seen on his way into the courtyard. The boy had caught the chocolate in midair before it could hit the ground. He turned around to face Clancy with a huge smile on his face. The sun had risen just enough in the East to shine down behind the boy’s head, giving him a natural halo and making his brown hair glow.

“Oh, cool! Chocolate!” exclaimed the boy. “I didn’t get any with my breakfast tray. I’m jealous.”

Clancy blinked in stunned silence. He still hadn’t quite processed what had just happened. He’d been enjoying his breakfast peacefully alone in the courtyard and then this guy just appeared. And yet, he wasn’t upset about it, which admittedly surprised Clancy himself.

The boy, realizing the lingering awkward silence, said, “Ah, I’m sorry. I must have surprised you. I snuck out here to get away from everyone for a minute and then I saw you and well… I didn’t mean to scare you. Or take your chocolate!”

The boy quickly placed the chocolate back in Clancy’s hands that were still frozen in position from when he’d launched the chocolate in the air. The boy beamed at Clancy.

“I’m Josh!” said the boy, extending his hand. “I just got here this morning. The bishops said I needed to move, so here I am. Everyone sure was making a fuss over me in there. That’s why I slipped out. It’s peaceful out here. Anyway, what’s your name?”

“Umm… I’m Clancy,” Clancy answered shyly, reaching out to take Josh’s hand.

Josh grinned and gave Clancy’s hand an excited shake. “Nice to meet you, Clancy! Sorry again about scaring you. I guess I got a little excited. And I guess I’m a bit nervous about being somewhere new.”

“You’re nervous?” asked Clancy, genuinely surprised.

Josh gave a sheepish grin and scratched the back of his head with his hand. “Heh. Yeah, of course I am. I’m somewhere new with so many new people who already know each other. It’s a bit scary.”

“I never would have thought.”

“I guess I hide it well. But I also thought the best way to deal with it was just to jump in and meet people.”

“But you left everyone else and came out here.”

“True. But I think that was the best decision! After all, I met you and I have a feeling we’re gonna be great friends.”

Clancy raised his eyebrows a bit in surprise. Friends? Great friends? Clancy didn’t really have any “friends”. He didn’t dislike anyone at the conservatory, but he also wouldn’t say he’d call any of them friends. And, yet, this new kid who just showed up and just met Clancy while he was trying to have a quiet and peaceful breakfast in the courtyard thought they would be great friends. It seemed silly, but Clancy couldn’t help but feel like Josh was right. Even if he was so… energetic.

“You think so?” asked Clancy.

“Yup!” fired back Josh immediately. “I just have a good feeling. You seem different than everyone else. But in a good way!”

Clancy couldn’t stop the smile from creeping its way across his face. Josh instantly noticed and grinned broadly.

“There it is!” Josh exclaimed. “I knew you’d have a great smile.”

“Thanks,” said Clancy shyly. “I guess I’ve never really had someone be my friend. Or take interest in me.”

“I don’t get why,” said Josh, cocking his head to the side. “You seem like a pretty cool guy. But I guess if you keep to yourself a lot, they might not see that.”

“Yeah…” said Clancy quietly.

Before Clancy knew it, Josh was sitting on the bench next to him and had thrown his arm around his shoulder.

“Hey, none of that,” said Josh. “It’s totally fine you like your alone time. Why don’t you eat that chocolate and then you can show me around before everyone else starts running around? Or the adults start looking for us.”

Clancy smiled and nodded. “Sure! That’d be fun.”

Clancy finally opened the chocolate that Sally had given him and extended it to Josh.

“You want half?” asked Clancy.

“Definitely!” replied Josh excitedly, breaking off half the chocolate with a radiant smile on his face.

The boys enjoyed their chocolate and then got up. No one else had come into the courtyard yet, so they must still be finishing breakfast. Clancy pointed towards the door on the far side of the courtyard.

“Let’s go that way,” said Clancy. “That should take us away from where everyone else is right now.”

Josh nodded and grabbed Clancy’s hand, “Sounds good. Let’s go! I wanna see everything before we get caught!”

Clancy was caught off guard for a moment by Josh suddenly grabbing his hand, but he didn’t have long to think about it as Josh was already making his way towards the door and if Clancy didn’t start walking, Josh would be dragging him. Clancy hurried to follow him through the door.

The door lead to a hallway and stairwell. Josh stopped to look around, letting go of Clancy’s hand. Clancy gestured towards a set of double doors.

“The gym’s that way,” said Clancy. “Figured that’s a good place to start.”

Josh nodded in agreement. “Definitely. Let’s go!”

Clancy showed Josh around the gym where they played basketball and other games. They did most of their physical activity indoors. When they were done, they continued their tour of the conservatory. They talked the entire time, sharing stories with each other about their lives in their respective conservatories. Clancy was surprised at how effortlessly conversation flowed between them. Clancy showed him the classrooms, the art room, the dorms, and, lastly, the chapel where they received their instruction on Vialism and also came to worship.

“Huh,” said Josh, bemused. “It really is almost the same as where I came from.”

“Oh,” said Clancy, worried he may have just lost his new friend’s interest. “Sorry it’s not anything new or exciting.”

“Nah, it’s no big deal. I’m not really surprised. I know we haven’t seen much of Dema, but what we have seen all looks the same. All dull and gray. Like our clothes. But I do think the courtyard is better! The sun seems brighter in the mornings. We must be close to the East wall. My old teacher said the sun rises in the East!”

Josh turned to smile at Clancy and said, “Thanks for showing me around! This was fun! And I feel like I got to know you better!”

Clancy was about to respond when the doors of the chapel swung open. Sally came walking in quickly. She seemed relieved as soon as she saw them, but her face still kept a stern look.

“There you are!” she exclaimed, walking quickly to them. “We’ve been looking for you for a while. Where have you two been? We were worried about you.”

“I was just showing Josh around the conservatory,” answered Clancy, looking down at the ground. “Since he’s new here and all.”

Sally’s face immediately softened and she smiled. “I see. Well, I’m glad you’ve made a friend and Josh got a tour. But you should have told us before wandering off on your own. We’re supposed to be going on a field trip soon.”

“A field trip?” asked Josh. “Where to?”

“The gardens,” replied Sally. “It was already planned before we knew you’d be joining us.”

Josh looked over at Clancy who nodded, acknowledging this was true.

“Wow, and on my first day here!” said Josh excitedly. “I’ve never been to the gardens before.”

“Well, then I’m sure you’re in for a treat. But we must remember to maintain our solemness while out in the city. You’re not full fledged citizens yet, but those in the city and the gardens are. We must respect that. You’ll understand after The Choosing.”

Clancy and Josh both nodded silently. Sally gestured towards the door, beckoning them to make their way out. Clancy and Josh obliged and made their way out the door, Sally following close behind them. They joined the rest of the children in the common area who were already ready to go. After a final roll call, verifying that everyone was accounted for, the caretakers lead everyone out the doors and down the cold, gray streets of Dema. Clancy and Josh found their place towards the back of the group, walking side by side as they followed their teachers to the gardens.

Chapter Text

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the garden. Colorful flowers, greenery, and trees decorated the garden, carefully curated and cared for by the gardeners who were trimming, watering, and fertilizing the plants as the children made their way into the garden. It was a stark contrast to the rest of Dema with its listless, gray walls and buildings. Clancy and Josh watched the gardeners carry out their duties, trimming, watering, and fertilizing the plants, in stoic silence. As they passed some on the paths, they would politely nod in acknowledgement, but their expressions remained neutral.

“The adults are always like that outside of the conservatory, huh?” mused Josh.

“Yeah,” replied Clancy. “Some of our caretakers are like that all the time. But even Sally is like that whenever we’re in the chapel. It’s an important part of Vialism.”

“Yeah, that’s what my teachers always said, too,” sighed Josh. “It just seems kind of boring, y’know?”

“Maybe, but it’s safe and for our own good, too. That’s why the bishops teach that. To prepare us for the Glorious Gone and salvation.”

“What does that even mean though? But I guess the bishops wouldn’t lie or do anything that would hurt us.”

“Right! The teachers always say the bishops care about us and want what’s best for us. Especially after the Choosing.”

“Hmm. Guess we’ll have to wait til then, huh?”

Josh suddenly looked to his right. Something had caught his attention.

“What’s that?” asked Josh, pointing towards two large stone doors at the far end of the garden.

“That’s the necropolis,” answered Sally, walking up behind them, “It’s where those who have undergone the Glorious Gone are laid to rest. It is a solemn place of respect and honor.”

“Can we go in?” asked Josh, eyes wide in excited curiosity.

Sally shook her head with a solemn expression and said, “No. Only the bishops and the undertakers are allowed entry. It is their solemn duty to bare witness to those entering into the Glorious Gone and to attend to them afterwards. They ensure that the utmost of care and respect is given to them.”

“So we can even visit someone after they’ve undergone the Glorious Gone?” asked Josh.

“I’m afraid not. But have faith. Because they will be waiting for you when the day finally comes for you to undergo the Glorious Gone. And just think what a glorious day that will be.”

Sally smiled warmly at the boys. Josh’s mouth twisted, as if he wasn’t truly satisfied with that answer.

“We’re going to go explore the rest of the garden, if that’s OK,” said Josh.

Sally nodded and said, “Of course. Enjoy the garden, but remember what we talked about this morning. Remain solemn here, especially so close to the necropolis.”

Josh nodded quickly and grabbed Clancy’s hand. “We will. C’mon, Clancy!”

“O-OK!” replied Clancy, following Josh so he didn’t get dragged along instead.

After they had put some distance between them and Sally, Josh stopped. They happened to stop in front of a large patch of red carnations. Josh let out a small sigh.

“Are you OK?” asked Clancy.

“Yeah,” replied Josh, flashing Clancy a smile. “I just don’t like not understanding things and I hate when the adults give me vague answers. Plus I really wanted to see the necropolis. I think it’d be cool. Especially to see the neon gravestones.”

“Yeah, I think it’d be cool too,” nodded Clancy. “But I get why. It’s out of respect for them. That’s why the bishops visit them. To honor them. And the undertakers keep watch over them!”

“It makes sense. Doesn’t change that I wanna see it though.”

“That’s fair. But, hey, why don’t we just enjoy the garden for now? It’s pretty cool, too, right?”

“Yeah it definitely is. These red flowers are so cool. I love the red!”

“I think they’re called carnations! I saw some in a book in class once. They come in several colors apparently.”

“Oh that’s awesome! But I think these reds would still be my favorite.”

“Why’s that?”

“Red’s my favorite color! And I think it’d look good on me.”

“We can’t wear other colors though.”

“Yeah, but I can still imagine and pretend! Have some imagination, Clancy!”

Josh let out a small, cheerful laugh. Clancy couldn’t help but smile.

“I have an imagination!” said Clancy.

“Oh, I’m sure,” said Josh, mischievously. “I just gotta drag it out of you.”

The two of them laughed, but they were cut off by the sound of a bell tolling. It sounded like it had come from the entrance of the garden. Clancy and Josh felt the air seem to chill somewhat, as if the mood of everything around them had shifted. They turned to look at the garden entrance and noticed that everyone, including the gardeners, had stopped what they were doing. With the final toll of the bell lingering in the air, the doors to the garden swung open and a red robed figure walked through the door. A man in the same gray clothes of the citizens followed behind him silently. What stood out to Clancy about the man was that his hands were black, almost to his elbows.

“A bishop…,” said Clancy in awe. “And that must be one of the undertakers.”

“I guess they’re going to the necropolis,” said Josh. “I can’t tell which bishop it is from here though.”

The bishop and undertaker were heading straight towards them. Clancy hadn’t realized that they had ended up in the direct path to the necropolis entrance. He also noticed everyone giving a small, solemn bow as the bishop passed them by. Clancy moved to stand along the edge and gently urged Josh to do the same. Josh obliged.

Moments later, the bishop and undertaker walked by them. The bishop turned his head towards the two boys. He gave them a small nod and the boys could make out a faint, but warm smile through the veil. Clancy and Josh both felt the genuine warmth from the bishop. But then he was past them and the feeling faded. Moments later, they reached the necropolis doors and went through, disappearing from view.

“Keons…” said Josh silently, staring at the entrance to the necropolis.

“Keons?” asked Clancy. “You’re sure that’s which bishop it was? He moved so quickly, I couldn’t be sure.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure. He visited my old conservatory once before. He seemed kind. And I felt relaxed around him.”

“Ooooh ok. That makes sense. I did get a good feeling from him as he passed by. He definitely smiled at us. That’s rare. Usually the bishops are the most solemn of all.”

“Yeah, he’s different.”

“I think I’d like to be Chosen by him.”

“Same. I don’t think he’d be too bad.”

“Maybe he’ll choose us both!”

“Maybe so. We’re in the same year, so we might.”

“Well, let’s look around some more. I wanna see everything before we have to go!”

“Alright. I do, too, after all!”

Clancy and Josh explored the rest of the garden. They enjoyed looking at the rest of the plants and flowers. Josh was impressed with how many of the plants and flowers Clancy recognized from his books. As the sun got higher and having explored the rest of the garden, they took shelter in the shade of a larger tree. The two chatted for a bit, but it wasn’t long before the caretakers began calling for them. It was time to go already.

The boys sighed and got up to make their way back to the group. Just as everyone had finished gathering and the caretakers were doing their final roll call, the bell began to toll again. It rang more times than it did for Keons. Nine by Clancy’s count. And the air… It felt different than when Keons appeared.

At the end of the last toll of the bell, another red robed figured passed through the entrance of the garden. He strode alone down the path towards the necropolis, his robe billowing as he moved quickly. Everything was different about him compared to Keons. His mere presence was imposing. Clancy felt a wave of cold anxiety wash over him, almost suffocating, as the bishop walked past him. The bishop didn’t so much as acknowledge Clancy’s presence, nor that of anyone else, regardless of their bows. Clancy knew who that must be. He had never met him, but they had learned about the bishops in class and he had heard stories from others about this bishop. There was no mistaking him.

“Nico…,” said Clancy quietly as the bishop walked through the doors to the necropolis.

“The leader of the bishops?” whispered Josh. “With a presence like that?”

“Yeah, it has to be him. Based on everything I’ve learned and heard.”

“He’s so different from Keons.”

“Definitely.”

“Must be scary to be Chosen by him.”

“Uh huh.”

“Alright, everyone,” interrupted Sally. “It’s time to go.”

She and the rest of the caretakers moved to start corralling the children towards the garden entrance. They all quickly fell into an organized line, Clancy and Josh taking their place near the back again. They whispered quietly to each other most of the way back to the conservatory, somehow avoiding any of the caretakers noticing.

By the time they got back to the conservatory, it was already late in the afternoon, almost evening. The caretakers dismissed everyone to their rooms until dinner time. It was then Clancy realized that Josh probably hadn’t gotten to be shown to his room yet since they went on their tour together and then went right to the garden.

“Um, Josh, did they show you where your room is yet? Or tell you what room it is?” asked Clancy.

Josh smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. “Well, they were supposed to show me after breakfast, but we kinda went rogue.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“No! Don’t be! It’s fine! They said they’d bring my stuff to the room for me and gave me my key when I first arrived just in case they didn’t have time. Maybe you can help me find it!”

“Oh! Sure! I can do that.”

“I think it’s on the top floor. The first number is five.”

“Oh, that’s the same floor as me! We might be neighbors. That’d be cool.”

“So cool! Let’s go!”

Without waiting for Clancy, Josh took off running for and up the stairs. Clancy hurried to follow him. He was amazed at Josh’s speed and energy.

They quickly reached the top floor and started walking down the hall. Josh looked left to right, checking the room numbers. 

“Well, it’s an odd number, so it looks like it’ll face the East wall. Guess that means no sleeping in for me,” laughed Josh

“Oh, I’m in an odd number room too,” said Clancy. “What’s the room number?”

“Uhhh… 521.”

Clancy stopped and turned to look at Josh. “521? You’re sure?”

“Um, yeah, why?” asked Josh, cocking a quizzical eyebrow at Clancy.

“Well, that’s my room,” Clancy answered shyly.

“Really? That’s great!” exclaimed Josh, a huge smile spreading across his face as he threw his arm around Clancy’s shoulder. “That means we don’t get to be neighbors, but roommates! That’s even better!”

Clancy couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, you’re right! It’s definitely better. It’s been a while since I had a roommate though. Some space opened up a few years ago, so my old roommate got his own room, too.”

“Well, now you’ve got me! I hope that’s OK.”

“Definitely! I’m excited to have my new friend as my roommate.”

“Well, I’m excited to have my best friend as my roommate!”

Josh smiled broadly and earnestly as he said that. It took Clancy aback for a moment, but he really had to agree. He definitely didn’t have a friend like Josh. So that would make him his best friend.

“Yeah,” agreed Clancy. “Best friends!”

“Exactly,” grinned Josh. “Can’t wait to stay up late hanging out once the caretakers are in bed.”

“Definitely! We’ll have to be careful tho. They make rounds and some of them have ears like hawks!”

“Challenge accepted!”

“Well, let’s get you settled before they call us down for dinner.”

“Sounds good!”

The two boys entered their room to find Josh’s suitcase already next to his new bed. Josh wasted no time flopping straight on to it.

“Yeah, this is gonna be great,” said Josh, kicking his legs off the edge of the bed. “I’m glad they had me transfer. I’d never have gotten to meet someone so cool.”

“I’m glad you transferred, too,” said Clancy. “It’s nice to have a real friend.”

Josh sat up on his bed, looking at Clancy. “Hey, thanks for being so awesome by the way. And really taking me in. I know I can probably be a lot to deal with, but I mean well.”

“Not at all. You’re really cool, too. I like how you are.”

“Well, thanks! But I guess we should get me unpacked. It’d suck to have to unpack before ‘bedtime’.”

The two quickly unpacked Josh’s things, putting them away into proper drawers and closet. They finished just in time to hear the caretakers calling for dinner. They hurried down the stairs together for dinner. Both of them were excited for the coming years they’d have together as roommates.

Chapter Text

Four years went by surprisingly fast for Clancy and Josh. The end of the year was approaching and Clancy had just celebrated his twelfth birthday. Josh had already had his birthday in the middle of the year. Clancy wished his birthday was earlier in the year and not when it was cold and dreary outside. It made the gray cityscape of Dema all the more oppressive. The occasional snow was nice though.

Still, Clancy couldn’t be too down about it, not with Josh doing everything to make the day better and brighter. The little birthday celebration the caretakers put on for him like they did for everyone’s birthdays was nice. Josh sang happy birthday louder than anyone else. Clancy could hear his voice over everyone else’s easily. He got everyone to play Clancy’s favorite games, too. It ended up being a fun time.

But now it was night and they were supposed to be in bed. Instead, Clancy and Josh stayed up talking like they often did. Sometimes it was back and forth, others it was one listening to the other. Tonight, Clancy was happy to just listen to Josh who still somehow had so much energy. Not that Clancy was particularly tired.

Josh suddenly stopped mid-sentence and turned to look out the window, something catching his eye.

“Hey, look!” exclaimed Josh. “It’s starting to snow! You got snow for your birthday!”

Clancy looked out the window and, sure enough, snow had begun to gently fall. The brilliant white of the snow glistened in the rising moonlight, standing out against the gray darkness of the city.

“Wow, it’s so pretty,” remarked Clancy.

“Yeah! It is!,” nodded Josh. “Especially in the moonlight. Pretty cool birthday gift.”

“I guess so!”

A mischievous grin spread across Josh’s face as he turned to look at Clancy. Clancy cocked an eyebrow at him. He knew Josh was about to propose they do something that would probably get them in trouble… again. Yet, Clancy couldn’t help but go along with it every time. It was always fun even if they did get in trouble.

“Soooo,” started Josh. “What if we sneak out to the garden?”

“Are you insane?!” replied Clancy, dumbfounded. He truly hadn’t expected Josh to propose something that crazy. If they got caught by one of the guards or, worse, one of the undertakers or bishops… Well, Clancy didn’t really want to think about how much trouble they’d be in.

“C’mon, Clancy,” said Josh earnestly. “It’ll be fun. It’s your birthday and this is the first snowfall of the season! And it’s a totally clear night! The plants and the snow will look so cool in the moonlight!”

“And what if we get caught?”

“We’ll be fine. We’ve been caught before and it wasn’t that bad. We’re kids anyway.”

“We’re almost fourteen though. We’ll go through the Choosing soon. They might not be so forgiving now. Besides, this is different! We could be caught by someone besides the caretakers!”

“I guess that’s fair,” said Josh, looking as if he was deep in thought for a moment. “But I still think we should do it. The risk is worth the reward! It’ll be our secret.”

Josh hopped to his feet and reached his hand out to Clancy who was still sitting on his bed.

“So, come with me, my friend?” asked Josh with a grin on his face.

Clancy sighed. Josh knew what he was doing and that Clancy couldn’t say no to him like that. But Josh was right and it would be fun and a beautiful sight, figured Clancy. Clancy grabbed Josh’s hand and stood up from his bed.

“Of course,” said Clancy. “You know I’ll always go with you.”

“Then let’s get going!” exclaimed Josh excitedly.

“Yeah, but we have to be quiet!”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” said Josh much quieter now, waving his hand dismissively. “Gotta be quiet to sneak. Let’s go!”

Josh was already at the door to their room and making his way into the hallway. Clancy sighed and shook his head, but followed behind him quickly, carefully shutting the door behind him. The two of them crept silently as they could down the stairs to the first floor. It seemed that all the caretakers were asleep, a relief to them both. They quietly opened the front door of the conservatory and stepped out into the streets.

The streets were dark. There weren’t any streetlights because they weren’t needed. No one was allowed out past eight o’clock, not even the adults. That was the edict of the bishops. Fortunately, the sky was clear and the moon was high in the sky. The two could find their way with relative ease. Taking care to stick to the shadows and move as quietly as they could, the boys made their way to the garden.

The boys arrived at the garden quickly. It mercifully wasn’t far from the conservatory. They gently pushed open the gate and slipped through. Once they were in, they stopped in awe at what they saw.

The garden was gorgeous in the daylight, but in the full moonlight with a light dusting of snow on the plants as the snow continued to gently fall, it was radiant. The moonlight refracted in the snow, amplifying the colors of the flowers and making them seem to almost gently glow, spots of color against the dark. Clancy had to admit that Josh was right; this was an awesome birthday present. He was glad they came.

After checking to make sure no one was around, the boys began to explore the garden and take in its beauty and calmness, all to themselves.

“You were right,” said Clancy. “This is pretty awesome.”

“Right?!” smiled Josh. “And we have it all to ourselves. How cool is that?”

“It’s pretty cool,” laughed Clancy.

“I bet this snow will melt quickly in the daytime, too. So no way anyone else would get to see this except being out here tonight.”

“I think you’re right. I’m glad you convinced me to come.”

“Happy to hear it! I’m glad you came, too.”

Josh stopped walking suddenly and turned to look at a small seemingly bare spot along the side of the path. On further inspection, there was a long flower growing there. It was a color that the two had seen anywhere else in the garden, or in Dema at all. It was yellow.

“What’s that?”  asked Josh, squatting down to inspect the flower more closely. “I’ve never seen it before. Or this color.”

Clancy squatted down next to Josh to look at the flower. “I know from the books this is yellow. And I swear I’ve seen that flower before in a book. I just can’t remember.”

Clancy rubbed his chin with his fingers and he thought. It was bothering him that he couldn’t remember. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to recall the books and pictures he’d read. Then it came to him.

“Ah! It’s a Gerbera Daisy!” Clancy said excitedly. “I remember it from a book in the library when we went on a field trip. They can be in all kinds of colors, but yellow is unusual. Especially in Dema. Nothing’s yellow here.”

Josh grinned at Clancy and said, “You’re really good with this stuff. That’s so cool. But why is this one flower here by itself? And why yellow?”

“I dunno,” shrugged Clancy. “Maybe a stray seed fell off there and it took root?”

“Hmmm,” buzzed Josh, clearly unconvinced. “Maybe, but I feel like the gardeners would’ve noticed something like that. They’re so meticulous.”

“That’s true.”

“By the way, I’m just now thinking about it, but isn’t it weird that there’s no yellow in the city? Like at all?”

“I guess I hadn’t really thought about it. Dema is mostly just gray anyway.”

“Yeah, but we’ll see colors in the flowers, in art, in books, and all that. But never yellow.”

“Maybe the bishops don’t like yellow?”

“Yeah, I could see it being something like that. Still, weird.”

“Yeah, now that you have me thinking about it, I guess it really is. Especially in places where there’s pretty much every other color.”

“Right? So I-”

Josh was cut off by a deep, stern voice behind them.

“What are you doing here?” asked the voice.

Clancy and Josh both startled, spinning around and falling on their butts to face the source of the voice. A chill ran down both Clancy and Josh’s spines. The figure before them was draped in red, shining menacingly in the moonlight. It was a bishop. Clancy thought his heart might burst through his chest.

“No one is allowed outside this late, much less in the garden,” continued the voice. “Why are you outside at this hour?”

“We, uh…” stammered Clancy. 

“We snuck out to celebrate my friend’s birthday today,” Josh said quickly.

Clancy glanced over at Josh. He heard the faintest quiver in Josh’s voice, but was thankful Josh spoke up for them.

“I see,” said the bishop, his voice softening slightly as he reached his hands down to help the boys to their feet. They took his hands and got to their feet. Clancy was surprised that the bishop's hand was so warm.

“Still,” continued the bishop. “That is no excuse to be out this late. How old are you?”

“T-twelve, sir,” answered Clancy.

The bishop waved a hand dismissively as Clancy. “You may call me by my name, child. I am Keons.”

Clancy nodded and Josh quickly hid the surprise on his face. 

“This is an odd spot that you chose to stop at,” mused Keons. “It’s a rare bare patch in the garden. I’m sure the gardeners will remedy that soon.”

Clancy and Josh exchanged a confused look and glanced back at the yellow flower, still standing against the falling snow.

“But, Keons, isn’t there a flower right there?” asked Josh, pointing to the flower.

Keons looked where Josh pointed. “There is nothing there, child. Just the snow.”

“I… I see,” said Josh. “My bad.”

Keons nodded gently in acknowledgement. “Now, what are your names?”

“I’m Clancy and this is Josh,” answered Clancy, surprised at his own boldness to answer the question.

“Well, it is nice to meet you, Clancy and Josh. Since it is Clancy’s birthday and you meant no harm, I will let you go with nothing more than a warning. You must follow the rules and not do anything like this again. And now you must return to the conservatory before someone who is not as forgiving as myself finds you.”

As Keons said that, he glanced back at the nine towers. Clancy wondered what or who exactly Keons meant by that. A chill suddenly blew through the air causing Clancy to shiver and for a moment, he was reminded of Nico. Now Clancy really wanted to get home. Or at least out of here.

“We will,” nodded Clancy. “We’ll go straight back and we promise not to cause any more trouble.”

“Yeah, we promise,” nodded Josh.

“Very good,” said Keons. “Now, hurry along. I cannot accompany you back, but I look forward to your coming Choosing. I hope you do as well.”

“We do!” replied Clancy. “Thank you again, Keons!”

Keons nodded at them and gestured towards the garden doors. He watched the boys until they had made their way out of the gate. Clancy and Josh hurried back to the conservatory, their hearts still racing.

The boys slipped quietly back though the front door and up the stairs. It looked like none of the caretakers were awake. They were lucky again. They quickly and quietly ascended the stairs and slipped back into their room.

“Phew! We did it!” said Josh, a grin on his face.

“Somehow! We made it!” laughed Clancy. “That was scary when Keons showed up.”

“Yeah I definitely didn’t expect that. But he was really nice about it.”

“Yeah, we got lucky there.”

“But I was surprised he couldn’t see the flower,” said Josh, his mouth twisting a bit in thought. “I don’t get it.”

“Maybe he can’t see yellow?” offered Clancy. “Maybe none of the bishops can for some reason?”

“You’re a genius, Clancy! That must be it. The bishops can’t see yellow for some reason. That’s why there’s no yellow anywhere in the city.”

“That would make sense!”

“What a discovery we made. Right at the end of your birthday, too.”

“Yeah. It was a good one. Thanks for making it great.”

“Of course!” replied Josh, beaming at Clancy.

“We should get to bed,” yawned Clancy. “It’s pretty late and I’m tired.”

“Me, too,” said Josh, yawning back at Clancy. “But before we go to bed, we gotta do our handshake! We always do it after one of our schemes and on each other’s birthdays. We’ve got both of those today!”

Clancy laughed and said, “You’re right. We have to do it.”

The two boys stood in front of each other in the middle of their room. Then they began their intricate handshake, one that only they knew and only they could pull off. They’d practiced it so many times over the years that they could do it blindfolded. Their hands slapped each other, front and back, fistbumps, then they each grabbed the other’s right hand and did the most intricate part, almost like a dance, with their hands slapping just the right part of the other’s arm and a pinky promise before pulling each other in for a hug with their right hands still bound to each other.

The two stepped back after and smiled at each other with huge smiles on their faces. It was fun when they did the handshake and they both liked that it was something only they could do and that only they shared.

“Good night, Clancy,” said Josh.

“Good night, Josh,” replied Clancy.

With that, the boys climbed into their beds and finally laid down for bed. They were both asleep before their heads even hit their pillows.

Chapter Text

It was the last night of the year. Clancy and Josh sat on the edge of the roof of the conservatory, looking out over Dema on a calm, clear night. Ever since Josh found out how to get to the roof, it became a frequent hangout spot for the boys, especially at night. They could get out and as long as they didn’t get caught coming or going, there was no way they’d get caught. No one ever checked the roof apparently.

As midnight drew closer, Clancy couldn’t help but feel anxious. This next year was going to be different. Next year, they’d both be turning fourteen and that meant that they would take part in the Choosing this year. That meant a lot of changes. They’d have to leave the conservatory,  they’d have to take on jobs, they’d be placed directly under one of the bishops, and they’d have to part ways as they would each be given their own place. In many ways, it was exciting. But it was also terrifying to Clancy.

“So…” started Clancy. “We’ll be part of the Choosing this year.”

“Yup,” nodded Josh. “We’ll both be fourteen this year. Wild how the time flew, huh?”

“Y-yeah…” stammered Clancy. “Are you nervous?”

Josh looked at Clancy, picking up that something wasn’t quite right with his friend, tilting his head to the side. “About what?”

“I dunno. The Choosing? All the change that comes with that? Everything?” Clancy sighed. “Sorry, this is silly…”

Josh smiled and threw his arm around Clancy’s shoulder. “It’s not silly to be nervous. It’s a big event. And a lot of changes. Change can be scary, but that doesn’t mean it has to be bad.”

“I suppose so. But we won’t be roommates anymore. We’ll have our own places. And we may not even be in the same district if different bishops Choose us!”

“So? We can still see each other. We’ll have our jobs and duties, sure, but we also have free time, too. We can visit each other at our jobs or our new houses.”

Clancy hadn’t thought about that. That did make him feel better. They may not be roommates anymore, but it wasn’t like he’d never see Josh again. He still felt anxious about the Choosing and what came after, but less so now that he’d talked to Josh about it.

“That’s true,” said Clancy. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Yup,” said Josh. “Besides, I’ll be right by your side during the Choosing. So you’ll be OK for sure.”

Clancy smiled. “Yeah, you’re right. I will be. Thanks, Josh.”

“Hey, what’re best friends for? Now, it’s about to be midnight, so let’s toast to a great year for us both. And to new adventures!”

Clancy laughed and they raised the cans of soda they’d smuggled from the kitchen to toast each other. They each took a big swig of their drinks after. They talked for a while longer until they felt their eyelids growing heavy. The boys quietly snuck their way back to their room and went to sleep.

Before they knew it, the day had finally come. The Annual Assemblage of the Glorified had just concluded the day prior and now Clancy and Josh were getting ready for the Choosing. They quietly packed all of their things into their respective bags. Once they left the conservatory, they wouldn’t be coming back. They would be full-fledged citizens of Dema and would be shown to their own houses. Just as they finished packing, there was a knock at their door. Sally entered a moment later.

“Are you boys ready?” asked Sally, looking them over as well as the room. “It looks like you’re all packed up.”

“Yup, we’re ready,” answered Josh.

“Yup, all ready,” echoed Clancy.

“Very good!” smiled Sally. “Everyone else is already downstairs, so I came to find you two. You can leave your bags. We will ensure that they arrive at your new homes after the Choosing.”

“Thank you!” said Clancy.

“Of course,” said Sally. “Now, let’s be off. I’ll be escorting you and the others to the Choosing.”

Clancy smiled when he heard that. It made him feel at ease that Sally would be coming with them to the choosing. Even now, she had always been so great to Clancy and he was grateful for it. With her and Josh there, he knew he’d be okay. Clancy nodded at Josh who nodded back at him. They left their room to join the rest of the group, walking side by side.

It was a long walk to the center of the city where the Grand Cathedral was. It was located right outside of the bishops’ towers and is where all of the important Vialism rites, traditions, and celebrations occurred, lead by the bishops. As they reached the doors of the Grand Cathedral, Sally stopped.

“This is where I leave you,” said Sally. “You must walk the rest of the path on your own. But know that I am so proud of you and am so excited for you to take this next step towards salvation with the bishops and deepen your faith in Vialism.”

“You can’t come in with us?” asked Clancy, suddenly feeling anxious.

“I’m afraid not,” answered Sally. “But I know you’ll be OK, Clancy. Be strong. Be brave.”

Clancy felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Josh smiling at him.

“Hey, remember that I’m here with you,” said Josh. “Right by your side. And you’re by mine.”

Clancy smiled and nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Clancy turned to look at Sally again and said, “I’ll be OK. I promise.”

“Good,” nodded Sally. “Now get in there. It won’t do to keep the bishops waiting!”

Clancy nodded and turned to face the Grand Cathedral. Clancy and Josh boldly walked through the doors of the Grand Cathedral, side by side.

Clancy and Josh found their seats on an open stone pew in the Grand Cathedral. Clancy was never a fan of the pews, made of the same cold, gray concrete as the rest of Dema. They were hard, cold, and uncomfortable. He hoped they wouldn’t be sitting long.

After they had taken their seats, the boys looked around the Cathedral. There was a good number of teenagers in the Cathedral with them. They were largely solemn and silent, just like was expected of them. The bishops weren’t there yet, but something caught the boys’ eyes.

In the center of the Cathedral, on the altar, was a single vertical glass tube. It seemed transparent, but like there  was something in it. Clancy thought it looked familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it.

Before Clancy could think for long, the bell of the church began to toll. After the ninth toll, it fell silent and Clancy felt a shift in the air. The bishops appeared at the entrance of the Cathedral and began to walk down the aisle towards the altar in perfect formation. As they reached the altar, they encircled it, facing the glass tube in the middle. The bishops raised their hands with palms upward towards the glass tube. There was a crackle of white energy around the bishops that then connected with the glass tube.

The tube immediately began to glow a brilliant neon white. Now Clancy knew what he was looking at. It was the same neon lights used for the Neon Gravestones of the Glorious Gone in the Necropolis. Now the bishops lowered their hands and turned to face the crowd. One of the bishops stepped up the altar to stand next to the neon light. Clancy knew immediately it was Nico.

“Welcome, my children,” said Nico, his voice deep, powerful, and commanding. “Today you take your first true step towards salvation and the Glorious Gone as you fully embrace Vialism, join one of us bishops, and become a true citizen of our great city of Dema. This neon tube represents your first step on the road towards the Glorious Gone. Today is the true beginning of your life as you devote it to Vialism and the service of your bishop. It is a joyous day.”

Nico gestured towards the other bishops. “You will be Chosen today by one of the nine. Andre, Keons, Lisden, Reisdro, Sacarver, Nills, Vetomo, Listo, or, myself, Nico.”

Each bishop nodded as their name was called. Nico continued his speech.

“Once you have been Chosen, you will be assigned a living quarters and we will find a job that you are suited for. You will work with your fellow citizens alongside your bishop for the glory of Dema and Vialism. Together, you will grow in your faith until it is finally time for the Glorious Gone. What a glorious cycle it is.”

Nico stepped down from the altar to stand on the same level as the rest of the bishops. “We will call groups of you forward at a time so that we may examine you until one of us Chooses you. After you are Chosen, stand in the designated area for your bishop until the Choosing is complete.”

Nico waved his hand towards the area behind the altar. There was a crackle of white energy and suddenly nine circles with symbols and the names of their respective bishops on them appeared on the floor. There was ample space between the symbols.

“And so begins The Choosing,” said Nico as he gestured towards a group of teenagers in a nearby pew. “The first group may step forward.”

Clancy and Josh watched as the first group stood before the bishops. The bishops began to circle the teenagers like vultures. It was unnerving to Clancy and he felt his anxiety rising. But then he felt Josh grab his hand and give it a squeeze. Josh didn’t look at Clancy, but that gave him enough support and he felt his anxiety begin to dwindle. One by one, they Chose members of the group, taking their hand or arm.

Finally, it was Clancy and Josh’s turn. They stood with their group and approached the bishops at the altar. As with the other groups, the bishops began to circle them, observing and assessing them. Clancy felt his heart beat rising, especially every time Nico drew near. He silently prayed that Nico wouldn’t choose him or Josh and that he didn’t recognize them.

Slowly, the members of their group were Chosen and only a few remained besides Clancy and Josh. Nico began to approach them now. Clancy felt like Nico was approaching him specifically, like Nico wasn’t even looking at Josh. At the same time, Keons was approaching. Clancy saw Keons glance at them and, for a moment, he swore he saw a glint of recognition in Keons’ eyes as if he remembered them. He also noticed Keons’ gaze dart quickly towards Nico who was approaching them and then back at Clancy and Josh.

Before Nico could get any closer, Keon whirled around and quickly grabbed both boys by their wrists gently.

“I Choose both of you,” said Keons, looking straight into the boys’ eyes.

Clancy thought, for a moment, he caught the flicker of a smile on Keons’ face. But perhaps he just imagined it. Clancy looked behind Keons to see Nico had stopped in his tracks. It was hard to see Nico’s face under the hood and veil, but the light of the neon light provided some illumination and Clancy could have sworn Nico had a scowl on his face. Then again, Clancy wondered if that was just his typical expression based on everything he knew about Nico.

Keons released their wrists and gestured for them to join the others. Clancy and Josh obliged and joined the other at Keons’ symbol. Once they were there, Clancy let out a sigh of relief.

“I’m so glad Keons Chose us,” whispered Clancy to Josh.

Josh nodded and whispered back, “For sure. Especially since it looked like Nico was about to. We got lucky.”

“Super lucky. Not only did we get Chosen by Keons, but we both were chosen by the same bishop.”

“Heh, you’re right. Super lucky. And to think you were worried.”

Clancy smiled. Josh was right. Things had worked out well. Clancy felt the anxiety leaving his body. They watched the rest of the Choosing in silence.

Before long, it was over and everyone had been Chosen. The bishops walked over to their respective groups. One by one, the bishops lead their groups out of the Grand Cathedral and towards their district. Clancy and Josh eagerly followed Keons.

Eventually, they reached a building at the center of Keons’ district. Inside, there were numerous tables with multiple people staffing each one. Keons moved to address his new group of Chosen.

“My children,” began Keons. “This is where you will receive your job assignment. We have watched over you as you grew up in the conservatory and have determined the best job for you. You will meet with the district leader for those jobs and they will show you the ropes. Afterward, you will be shown to your new residences.”

Keons paused as a woman approached. He nodded in acknowledgement.

“This is Jirita,” said Keons. “She will be handing out your assignments. I trust that you will all strive to do your best and most efficient work for the glory of Dema.”

With that, Keons turned and walked briskly out of the building. Clancy found himself still staring in the direction Keons left even after he was out of sight. His attention was soon snapped back to Jirita as she began to speak.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” said Jirita. “Please take your assignments and find the corresponding table. Let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance.”

Jirita began distributing envelopes to everyone, calling their names. Clancy and Josh received theirs at the same time. They stepped off to the side to open them.

“Library/archive,” read Clancy.

“That’s perfect for you,” said Josh. “You always loved reading and studying.”

“For sure! Keons did say the job would be well suited to us! What about yours?”

“Hmm… Watcher/guardian. Guess I keep watch on the walls of Dema and help keep everyone safe.”

Clancy laughed. “Y’know, that’s both very fitting and also very ironic.”

“You think?” asked Josh, cocking an eyebrow at Clancy.

“Yeah. It’s fitting because you definitely want to help people and keep them safe I think. Like you want everyone to be happy and doing well. But it’s also ironic because you also always break the rules and get us into trouble.”

Josh grinned broadly and said, “Yeah, that sounds about right. I guess in the end it is a good fit for me.”

“Guess we have to split up now.”

“For now. We’ll meet up later for sure.”

“Yeah. Good luck, Josh.”

“Same to you.”

The two boys parted ways, heading to their respective tables. Clancy found the library’s table and waited for the others to arrive. He exchanged some pleasantries with the two who were staffing the table while he waited. In the end, there weren’t very many who ended up being assigned to the library and archives. Clancy was kind of thankful for that.

The two leaders of the table introduced themselves as Fredrik and Sarah. They welcomed everyone and then began the walk to the Grand Library.

Once they arrived, Fredrik and Sarah gave them a tour as the rest of the librarians carried on about their work in silence. They showed everyone the various levels of the library, including those that were restricted. Fredrik explained that with time, they, too, could gain access to the restricted sections if they worked diligently. They ended the tour with an explanation of duties and expectations of their new job and said that their schedules would come to them soon, but to report to the Library first thing in the morning after breakfast. After that, they dismissed everyone for dinner.

Clancy bolted, hopefully not too quickly, from the Library to the communal dining hall. He hoped Josh was already there. As he rounded the corner to the dining hall, Josh rounded the opposite corner. Josh smiled broadly when he saw Clancy and ran up to him.

“How was the library?” Josh asked excitedly.

“It was pretty cool!” replied Clancy, “I think I’m going to like working there. How about the guardians? Did you like it?”

“Dude, it was so cool! They took us to the top of the wall and we got to see over the edge! There’s just grass and trees as far the eye can see.”

“Wow! That’s amazing! What a sight to see.”

“It really was! And the watchers seem pretty cool. They’re mostly super stoic like all the adults, but they also do seem to want to help and protect people. So I think I’m gonna like it there.”

“Good, I’m glad. Looks like we both ended up with jobs we both like.”

“Yup! But let’s grab some dinner before we keep talking. I’m starving and I don’t want the line to get too long.”

“Good idea.”

The two boys hurried inside, just barely beating a huge influx of people to the dinner line. They got their food and found a table to sit at. They talked while they ate their dinner, catching each other up on the day and what they were most excited about with their work. Clancy was most excited to read new books and learn so much. Josh was thrilled to get to see over the wall nearly every day.

Not long after they had finished eating, Jirita entered the dining hall and called for everyone’s attention. She had the housing assignment for all the newly Chosen as well as their keys. She distributed the keys and explained the locations of the primary housing areas. Most of the newly Chosen were to be housed in the same area, including Clancy and Josh. They wouldn’t be roommates, but they would at least be fairly close to each other. They could live with that.

The boys told each other goodbye and went towards their new homes. Clancy unlocked his door and walked in. As promised, his belongings from the conservatory were all there. The house was small, but it was bigger than the conservatory. It even had its own couch, table, and chairs besides the bed. Clancy quickly unpacked and got ready for bed. It was already pretty late.

Clancy kept tossing and turning. Despite his best efforts and his own tiredness, he couldn’t get to sleep. Clancy let out a deep sigh.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock at his door. Clancy sat up immediately. He had no idea who that could be this late. Curfew was at least an hour ago. The knock came again. Clancy got up and opened the door.

Standing there in his doorway was Josh, blanket over his shoulder. Clancy was surprised, but not sad to see him.

“Sorry,” said Josh. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh! Me either actually,” said Clancy.

“Guess we’ve both had quite a day.”

“That’s for sure.”

“Do you mind if I sleep here tonight? I’ll take the couch.”

“Yeah, absolutely! That’s fine. Are you sure that’s fine?”

“It’ll be fine for a night,” laughed Josh. “Thanks, Clancy.”

“No problem,” smiled Clancy.

Clancy walked back to lay down on his bed and tossed his spare pillow to Josh on the couch. Then they both got settled for the night.

“Good night, Josh,” said Tyler sleepily, surprised how relaxed he felt now.

“Good night, Clancy,” responded Josh.

Clancy laid his head down on his pillow and closed his eyes. Josh turned on his side on the couch to look at Clancy, watching him until he was sure he had drifted off and was in a good sleep. Josh smiled softly as Clancy started to quietly snore. Something told Josh that Clancy was having a hard time sleeping tonight. He didn’t quite know how he knew that, but he knew that it was true. It turned out that he was right, but it seemed that his presence let Clancy relax enough to drift off. Josh didn’t mind. It was a rough day for him as well. What was one more sleepover before they started this big new chapter in their lives? Josh finally rolled over on the couch and drifted off to sleep himself, wrapped warmly in his blanket.

Chapter Text

Time passed surprisingly quickly for Clancy and Josh, both having made seventeen now. They both enjoyed their jobs and had truly settled into their roles. There had been much for them both to learn.

For Clancy, the sheer size of the Grand Library made learning everything difficult on top of the levels of access to certain areas; but he quickly grasped the organization system and it in turn helped him learn the entire Library. Now he knew it like the back of his hand and had already earned Level Three clearance. There was only one higher level of access. The head librarian told him that he was the youngest to be granted such access. Apparently, his superiors and Keons himself had been impressed with his dedication, diligence, and hard work. Clancy felt proud of himself and to have impressed his bishop.

Josh had to learn so many routes, schedules, rules, and protocols, not to mention the layout of the city. It was his duty to guard the wall, but also to make sure no one broke the rules, especially curfew. Josh was never a big fan of all the rules, but memorizing was easy. There was a lot of physical training, too, which Josh enjoyed. It was always one of his favorite things back at the conservatory. Josh quickly outstripped the rest of his class in the physical training and garnered the love of the people in the district for his kindness and willingness to help them, often guiding people on their way when they got lost.

Some of his superiors did not think highly of this, thinking that it diminished the solemnity of the guards and their appearance. Keons rebuffed this and had given Josh a commendation and right to choose the majority of his rotations. Josh often favored duty on the wall. He enjoyed getting to look out over Trench whenever he got the chance.

Clancy and Josh hung out as often as they could, which was more days than not. At the least, they usually could catch other at meals. They would catch each other up on what they’d seen or learned and how things were going for the other. Clancy loved hearing Josh’s stories of helping the citizens, but more than that, he was enthralled by Josh’s descriptions of what he saw beyond the wall. It was better than reading about it in a book.

Likewise, Josh enjoyed listening to Clancy ramble about what new books he’d read or what niche facts he’d discovered at the Library. It made him smile to see Clancy so engaged and happy. The stuff he learned was usually pretty cool, too. Josh was particularly interested when Clancy discussed things he’d learned about the early days of Vialism and the bishops as well as Trench itself. He didn’t realize the Library would have such information. Although, Clancy had only discovered that information after reaching his Level Three access.

“So, your birthday’s coming up soon, right?” asked Clancy as he and Josh were hanging out one day in his house while they were both off work.

“Yup, next week,” grinned Josh. “I got the OK to be off for it, too! So that’ll be nice.”

“That’s awesome! I should also be off for it. The head librarian said it was fine. Did you wanna do anything for it?”

“I didn’t really have anything planned,” shrugged Josh. “But since you’re off too, we should hang out for the day! Maybe explore the city or something. Maybe I could get us up on the wall?”

“You really think so?” asked Clancy, surprised, but excited.

“Probably, but we’d have to be careful like when we were kids! I doubt I could get formal approval to take you up there.”

Clancy laughed. “Yeah, that sounds more like what I expected. We’d be in so much trouble if we got caught.”

“Well, you could take me to the deeper parts of the Library,” Josh fired back, cocking a challenging eyebrow at Clancy. “I’d love to read some of the stuff you’ve told me about.”

“Definitely not. I’d lose all my access if we got caught and I’m so close to Level Four! I know you were really interested in the history of Vialism and the bishops, but it’s just not a good idea. Plus, the way they keep on eye on all that, it’d be way easier to get us on the wall.”

“So what you’re saying is we should go to the top of the wall,” said Josh, an all too familiar mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“That’s definitely not what I said.”

“C’mon, Clancy, you know you wanna see what it looks like! You love when I talk about it. Besides, it’s my birthday, right.”

Clancy sighed, then smiled. He knew Josh wasn’t going to take no for an answer and Josh wasn’t wrong. He really did want to see what Josh had described to him so many times.

“Alright, alright,” surrendered Clancy. “We’ll go to the wall. Do you have any idea when? Or, better yet, how?”

“I know all the patrol schedules,” answered Josh. “I’ll review the ones right before my birthday and we should be able to find a way to sneak in. It probably won’t be for long, but it’ll be enough.”

“I guess that could work.”

Josh smiled broadly at Clancy and said, “Glad you’re on board! I promise you’re gonna love it!”

“I’m sure I will,” smiled Clancy.

“And, hey, thanks for agreeing and coming with me. It means a lot.”

“Of course, dude. I’m always with you, right?”

“Yup! Always.”

The two continued talking for a while longer, but eventually Josh had to leave so that he could make it home before curfew. They hadn’t needed to have a sleepover in a long time these days now that they’d both adjusted. Josh said he’d let him know the plan for his birthday soon.

A few days later, the two were hanging out at Josh’s house after dinner. Josh had found the routes and schedule for the wall.

“So right before dawn, there’s a changing of the guard with report. So there will be about twenty to thirty minutes where there’s no one on the East wall,” said Josh. “It’s the closest wall to us and the perfect time. Sunrise over Trench is stunning.”

“That does sound pretty awesome,” nodded Clancy. “But how will you be sure they’ve moved? What if they’re still there while we go up?”

“Simple,” replied Josh, reaching into his backpack to grab something.

After fishing around for a moment, Josh pulled out a small hand radio, no bigger than his hand. He showed it to Clancy with a grin.

“We use this,” said Josh. “When we’re on duty, we’re supposed to wear this. It lets us communicate and call for help if needed. We are supposed to keep it off when we’re off duty though.”

“And how’s that going to help us?” asked Clancy.

“I can set it to the channel the east wall patrol will be using. They’ll call check-ins and when they’re ready for the change of guard. We’ll wait for them to call over the radio then sneak in through one of the side doors. There’s not many people overnight or in the early morning, so it should be pretty easy.”

“It sounds too easy. Are you sure about this?”

“Absolutely certain,” nodded Josh. “It’ll work.”

Clancy thought for a moment. Josh’s expression was earnest and sincere. He knew his best friend wasn’t lying to him, that he wouldn’t lie to him.

“OK,” said Clancy. “Let’s do it.”

“That’s the spirit!” exclaimed Josh. “This is gonna be great.”

In the early twilight of the morning of Josh’s birthday, Clancy met Josh at his home. The two quickly and quietly made their way towards the East wall. Josh led the way, knowing exactly where to find the entrance they needed to use. As they approached the way, Josh turned on his hand radio and set it to channel four.

“Relief team here. Ready for change of guard,” came a voice on the radio.

“Roger that, relief team. Finishing final sweep,” said another in reply.

Josh smiled and said, “See? It’s working. And we’re right on time!”

Clancy nodded and said, “Yeah! Should we go now?”

Josh shook his head. “No, not yet. We want to wait until they say they’re heading down. Then we’ll take this stairwell here to the top. No one should be using this one this early in the morning.”

“OK. Sounds good.”

The two waited, pressed against the wall. Josh had one hand on the doorknob to the stairwell and the other on the hand radio. It felt like hours, but it was not even five minutes before the voices came back on the radio.

“Final sweep complete. Heading down for change of guard.”

“Roger that. See you soon.”

Josh nodded at Clancy and said, “Alright, showtime!”

Josh opened the door and darted inside. Clancy quickly followed him. Josh quietly closed the door behind. The two boys took off up the stairs. It was a long way as the walls were quite tall, but they knew they were pressed for time, so they ran as much as they could. They slowed only briefly to catch their breath, but never stopped.

Finally, they reached the top of the wall. Josh reached forward and opened the door. The final moments of twilight danced on the horizon as Clancy and Josh stepped out onto the top of the wall. Seconds later, the sun began to rise on the Eastern horizon, illuminating the vast, wild, and open green expanse of Trench.

Clancy’s jaw dropped at the sight of it. He had never seen so much space or greenery. The plants seemed to glisten from the early morning dew as the sun rose higher. Clancy stepped to the far edge of the wall, leaning ever so slightly over it. He was in total awe. Josh smiled watching his best friend’s candid reaction. He was glad Clancy was enjoying it.

“I told you it was quite the view,” said Josh, walking to stand next to Clancy. “The sunrises are my favorite. I’m glad we got up here just in time.”

“Me too,” said Clancy, still almost as if in a trance, not looking away from the sunrise. “It’s beautiful. You described it to me so many times, but it didn’t do it justice.”

“Yeah, words really don’t do it justice. It’s so pretty. And so vast. It makes you wonder what’s out there.”

“It does,” nodded Clancy. “I wonder how far it goes and what’s out there. I don’t think the books in the Library would have anything.”

“Guess we’d have to go out there.”

“We can’t leave the city!”

“Yeah, but… What if we did?”

“What?” asked Clancy, looking at Josh completely dumbfounded.

“I mean, wouldn’t it be cool to see what’s out there?” asked Josh. “Think of all the things we could see. How free we could be.”

“But we’re free here. And safe.”

“Are we?” questioned Josh. “Are we really?”

Suddenly, a voice crackled over the hand radio.

“Change of the guard complete. Returning to post.”

Josh moved quickly towards the door. “We have to go. Now.”

“But we-” started Clancy.

“We have to go now or we’ll get caught. I promise we’ll talk more once we’re out.”

Clancy nodded and said, “OK. I’ll hold you to that.”

Josh nodded and opened the door to the stairwell. The two quickly entered, closing the door quietly behind them, and started running down the stairs. Mercifully, going down the stairs was  much easier and faster than going up the stairs. They reached the bottom of the wall quickly and without incident.

Josh carefully opened the exit door and looked to see if the coast was clear. Seeing that it was, he motioned for Clancy to follow. The two quickly made their way back into the main city area of Dema and back to Josh’s house. Once they were inside, the two promptly collapsed on Josh’s couch.

“So, what do you think?” asked Josh. “Worth it, right?”

“Yeah, it was,” agreed Clancy. “I’m glad you took me. And I realize I didn’t say it earlier, but happy birthday!”

Josh beamed at Clancy and said, “Thanks!”

“Now, what were you saying on the wall about not being free or safe here?”

Josh’s smile dwindled at Clancy’s question, taking on a somewhat more serious expression.

“I don’t know. There’s just a lot that I’ve been thinking about,” replied Josh. “Things just don’t seem or feel right here. There’s cracks. And the more I see Trench from the wall, the more convinced I am that we’re supposed to be out there and not in here.”

“That’s… blasphemous…” said Clancy quietly.

“I know,” said Josh gently. “But maybe that’s not a bad thing. Think about it, Clancy. Think about the stuff you’ve found in the Library. The stuff you’ve seen around Dema, even as kids. You have to admit that something seems off.”

Clancy looked down at the ground, closing his eyes. He deeply believed in the bishops, especially Keons, and everything he had been taught since birth. But Clancy also implicitly trusted Josh. He knew Josh would never lie to him and he also knew Josh wouldn’t say something without reason. And so, Clancy thought deeply about it, replaying everything he’d learned growing up and in the Library in his head.

“I just don’t know,” said Clancy, shaking his head. “I trust you, more than anything, but it’s hard for me to think like that.”

“I understand,” replied Josh softly. “I didn’t get here overnight. I was just like you. But I can’t look away now. There’s something about when the bishops came to power and how the Glorious Gone works. It’s supposed to save us, but we have to die to do it? And we have to live these dull, solemn lives? How is that being free or safe?”

Clancy thought for a moment. Once Josh pointed things out specifically, he wasn’t able to deny them. It didn’t make sense that the only way to salvation was through suicide when the bishops deemed it time. Their absolute control didn’t make sense either. Keons was definitely different than the others, but still. He, too, wielded absolute power and authority over the citizens. Josh was right. They weren’t free or safe here. Clancy struggled to believe it, but the more he thought about it, the more he couldn’t deny it.

“I.. I think you’re right,” struggled Clancy. “It’s… hard to accept, but the more I think about it, the more undeniable it becomes. It’s scary.”

Josh nodded and put his arm around Clancy’s shoulder comfortingly. “I know. I was there, too. But we have to face the truth. We have to get out of here. I know we can do it. We can do anything as long as we’re together.”

“You’re right,” said Clancy, looking over at Josh with a small smile on his face. “We’re in this together and we’ll get through it together.”

“But I don’t think we can do it alone.”

“What are you proposing?”

“That we find a group of people who agree. And we band together to escape the city.”

“That’s dangerous.”

“Maybe. But besides needing help, I want to help as many as I can. If we can save more people with us, we should do it. It’s the right thing to do.”

Clancy nodded. “No, you’re right. On both counts. But I’m not so great with people.”

Josh smiled. “Don’t worry. I am. And my job has put me in a position to really get to know a lot of people and let them know me. So I think I know where to start.”

Clancy rested his chin on his knuckles, thinking for a moment. He didn’t want Josh to have to do everything. So how could he help? Then it came to him.

“If you handle talking to people, I can get more information,” said Clancy. “I told you I’m close to getting Level Four clearance. Then I’ll have access to everything in the library. I think I can get it soon. Then I can see if I can find more of the truth or a way to help us escape.”

Josh smiled, nodding at Clancy, and said, “That sounds like a great plan. I recruit people and you get us the intel we need. We can do this.”

“We’ll have to be careful,” cautioned Clancy.

“And we will,” reassured Josh. ‘But with more people, my knowledge of the walls, city, and security, and your access to forbidden knowledge, I know we can figure out an escape plan to free us all.”

“Yeah, definitely. As long as we’ve got each other.”

“Always do. Always will.”

The two stood up and smiled at each other. Without hesitation from either of them, they jumped into their secret handshake. They didn’t do it as often as they did when they were kids, but the muscle memory never faded and they did it as smoothly as they always did, ending with a hug. With their plan forward in place, the two left for an early birthday lunch for Josh. Both were starving from having skipped breakfast and gone straight to the wall and back. Clancy was scared and anxious about what awaited, but he knew that it must be done and that Josh would be with him the whole way. So there was nothing to worry about.

Chapter Text

Unfortunately, getting Level Four clearance at the Library proved to be more difficult than Clancy had expected. Even with Keons’ favor and the approval of his superiors, including the head librarian himself, Clancy had not been granted the last level of clearance so that he could access everything. He knew it would be hard, after all, only a small handful of people were ever given that level of clearance, but he didn’t expect it to take this long.

It had already been over a year since Clancy and Josh first decided to escape. Clancy was frustrated at the delay, but Josh assured him that it was fine. The time allowed him to slowly and carefully bring people to their side. Now, they had a solid number of people fully on board with their cause. It was enough to pull off the escape. Josh wanted to convince more if he could, after all, he wanted to save everyone, but he had to be careful and could only save those who were ready and willing to save themselves.

In the meantime, both of them made sure to be the best they could be at their jobs. They wanted to earn trust and not draw attention to themselves. The last thing they needed was someone getting suspicious or word getting back to the bishops. For Clancy, this was especially vital as he hoped to obtain his Level Four clearance.

Then, after a year and a half of waiting, an opportunity appeared. Keons had a personal project and was requesting the Grand Library’s assistance. Keons wished to revamp and reorganize his personal library at The Towers and had asked specifically for Clancy’s help. Clancy’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. If he did well enough for Keons, maybe, just maybe, he could finally get his clearance. Clancy steeled himself, and departed for The Towers.

A chill ran up Clancy’s spine as he approached The Towers. They had always been unnerving to him, even more so now with what he knew and what he planned to do. Clancy took a deep breath and pressed onward to the entrance of Keons’ tower. As he approached the door, it opened on its own as if it was expecting him. Clancy entered, the door closing itself behind him, and began to ascend the stairs.

About halfway up the tower, Clancy arrived at his destination, Keon’s library. It was a large, ring shaped room that encompassed the entire floor it was on. There were stacks of books scattered throughout the room and many of the books on the shelves seemed out of place. Clancy was surprised at how dusty much of the library seemed. He didn’t have too long to think about that as Keons entered the library.

“Hello, Clancy,” greeted Keons. “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course,” replied Clancy, bowing his head to Keons. “It’s an honor to have been chosen to help you.”

“Your hard work and dedication at the Grand Library has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I need someone with that work ethic and skill to take on this project. As you can see, my library is in a sad state.”

“Respectfully, it definitely is. But I’m up to the task! I’ll get started right away. Is there any sort of preference you have for how things are organized or placed?”

Keons removed a piece of paper from his robes and handed it to Clancy.

“There are only a few things I am particular about,” said Keons.  “I’ve written them as notes here. The rest, I leave to your discretion. I trust your time at the Library has honed your ability to catalogue, sort, and organize books and collections. I would rather not hamper that.”

“Understood,” nodded Clancy, taking the paper and looking it over. “I’m certain that I will make your library spectacular!”

“I have every confidence that you will. You will have access to whatever supplies you may need. Simply ask.”

Clancy nodded and turned to start working, but Keons continued.

“One more thing,” said Keons. “This is a significant and important job. And it is a favor to me, your bishop. You will be rewarded at the end. As your work, consider what you would ask as your reward.”

Clancy’s heart raced with excitement at those words. This really was his chance. He could ask for Level Four clearance if he did well enough.

Clancy, barely containing himself, nodded and replied, “I will. Thank you, Keons.”

“I’ll leave you to it then,” said Keons as he turned and exited the library.

Clancy let out a sigh of relief after Keons left. Then a smile crept its way across his face. It was finally happening. All he had to do was finish this project for Keons and then he could find the information that they needed to escape. He couldn’t wait to tell Josh, but, for now, he set to work on the library, starting with cleaning.

Later that evening, Clancy and Josh were back at Josh’s house, catching up before curfew began.

“You’ll never guess what happened,” said Clancy.

“You managed to get Level Four clearance?” guessed Josh hopefully.

“Not quite. I was asked by Keons to fix and organize his personal library.”

“So you’re working directly under Keons?”

“Yup! And you know what that means?”

“Hopefully it means getting you closer to Level Four.”

“Exactly! Keons said if I do a good job, and trust me, I am, I can ask for any reward. So I’m going to ask for Level Four clearance.”

Josh straightened up in his seat, a hint of concern on his face. “Just directly ask him? You don’t think that’ll set off any alarm bells for him?”

“No, I don’t think so,” replied Clancy, shaking his head. “Keons knows and has acknowledged my devotion and hard work. If he asks, I’ll say I want to be able to do everything I possibly can at my job for the good of him and Dema.”

Josh gave Clancy a proud smile and said, “That’s actually not bad. It sounds plausible and Keons clearly favors you. I’m impressed. It might just work.”

“I really think it will. Then I can finally get the information we need. Maybe more than we need.”

“Yeah. We won’t know what’s there until you get there, but there has to be something. It’d be nice to know something about the bishops and how they came to power, but what we really need is something to help us find a way out.”

“Right. The big problem now is there seems to be no way past the actual wall.”

“There has to be, though. If not, we’ll just have to find a solution.”

“I’ll find something. I promise.”

“I know you will. We’ve got this.”

Curfew drew near and the two needed to keep up appearances of being good citizens. They did their secret handshake, ending with a hug as always, before parting ways for the night. There was work still to be done.

Over the next few months, Clancy poured himself into making Keons’ library perfect. He first made the library spotless. Then he inventoried and catalogued all of the books in Keons’ surprisingly vast collection. Clancy spent a great deal of time, and many scrapped pieces of paper, devising the perfect way to organize and layout Keons’ library. He was careful to incorporate all of Keons’ requests. They weren’t particularly demanding, but they still posed an extra layer of complexity to the problem.

Finally, Clancy designed what he believed to be the best solution and set to work shelving the numerous volumes that were now in various piles around the library. It was incredibly time consuming to do this entirely by himself, but Clancy pushed through it. When he shelved the final volume, Clancy took a moment to inspect and admire his work. He had done it. But he wanted it to be perfect, so he did a final clean to make sure it was immaculate. Once he was done, he sent word to Keons.

Keons did not make Clancy wait long. He quickly appeared in the library. Keons moved through the library silently and stoically, taking everything in, inspecting it. When he was done, he turned to Clancy, the faintest hint of a smile present underneath the bishop’s hood and veil.

“You’ve done well, Clancy, my child,” said Keons, a certain warmth in his voice. “My library, even its beginning days, was never so perfect. I could not be more pleased with your work.”

“Thank you, Keons,” said Clancy, bowing his head. “You honor me with your words.”

“You are most deserving of a reward for this work. Have you decided?” inquired Keons.

Clancy took a deep breath, gathering his courage as his heart pounded in his chest, and said, “I have. For my reward, I’d like to be granted Level Four clearance at the Great Library.”

The hint of a smile disappeared from Keons’ face. When he spoke again, the warmth was gone from his voice; however, it wasn’t cold exactly.

“That is a very big and bold request,” said Keons, looking directly into Clancy’s eyes. “The knowledge restricted by Level Four is important to keep, but it is dangerous knowledge. Few beyond the head librarian are ever granted access at any point in their life. I must ask, why?”

There was added weight behind that question. Or maybe it was just in Clancy’s head. It was taking everything Clancy had not to crack and give himself away. His heart was about to burst from his chest, but Clancy breathed and kept his poker face.

“I know. But I want to be able to do everything I possibly can at my job. To help the head librarian in his duties, to help you, and to help Dema,” replied Clancy, passionately. “It’s my duty as a librarian to look after all the knowledge of Dema. I want to be able to care for and protect it all.”

Silence lingered in the air as Clancy finished his plea. Clancy could hear his heartbeat in his ears. It was almost deafening in the lingering silence. Clancy prayed he hadn’t been wrong.

“Hmm,” said Keons finally. “Very well. I will grant your request in honor of your service to me. There is no denying you are the most devoted of the librarians, even more so than the head librarian. I trust that you will take this new access seriously and uphold your promise to me.”

Clancy nodded and said, “I will. Thank you, Keons. I won’t let you down.”

Keons nodded and then motioned towards the door.

“Thank you for your service, Clancy,” said Keons. “You will find your access has been changed when you return to the Grand Library tomorrow. Now, you may go.”

Clancy bowed to Keons before making his way out of the library, down the stairs, and out of the tower. Clancy let out a sigh of relief once he was safely outside the tower. He’d finally done it. He had his clearance. It was late, but there was still time until curfew. Clancy hurried to Josh’s house.

Clancy knocked on Josh’s door. When Josh opened the door, Clancy barged right in. Josh was slightly taken aback by Clancy’s behaviour.

“Are you OK?” asked Josh, genuinely concerned.

“More than OK,” replied Clancy, grinning now. “I did it. I actually did it! I got Level Four clearance! Effective tomorrow!”

Josh’s face lit up immediately.

“What?! That’s so awesome!” exclaimed Josh. “You’re finally in!”

The two did their secret handshake in celebration, both grinning like idiots by the end. They couldn’t believe they finally made it this far. Now all that remained was to uncover the information they needed.

“Now the real work begins,” said Josh. “I’m counting on you, Clancy.”

“I know,” nodded Clancy. “I’ll find what we need. We’ve waited long enough.”

“We have, but we’ve been careful. Work quickly, but don’t do anything to give us away. Not when we’re so close. If it takes time, it takes time.”

“You’re right. I can’t slip up so close to the end. I’ll be careful.”

“Good. Then we’re going to be just fine.”

“Yup. I’ll let you know what I find.”

“You should get going before curfew hits. Still gotta keep up appearances. Stay safe, Clancy.”

“You, too, Josh.”

The next day, Clancy reported to the Grand Library. The head librarian was very surprised to see Clancy’s Level Four clearance, but it was legitimate. Clancy received new duties as a result. He welcomed this as it would let him keep his cover while looking for the information he needed. Clancy headed down to the depths of the archives.

Clancy was surprised at how fast the archives were. He didn’t think that this much information would be restricted. It would take quite some time to sift through it all. Clancy also noticed many of the books and documents were incredibly old and far more fragile than anything Clancy had worked with before. He would have to be careful not to damage anything.

Clancy got to work. Weeks turned into a month and he still hadn’t uncovered anything useful. The speed at which he had to move was limiting as were his duties, but there also was so much here that wouldn’t help them escape. Clancy knew Josh said it was OK if it took time, but Clancy was starting to get frustrated. He wanted something to show for his work.

Finally, that something appeared. Clancy discovered an old map of Dema, complete with notes about the construction of the city and the walls. There were scribbles of notes everywhere as well as pages of detailed notes. Clancy gently blew the dust off the map and closely examined it, hoping to glean anything that might be helpful.

On his third pass over the map, Clancy caught an unusual note. It was faded, but mentioned an issue with the East wall, saying it was “weak”. Clancy scoured the detailed notes until he found one referencing the scribbled note. It was an issue with the construction of the East wall. When the concrete was poured, it didn’t set quite right and shifted. This resulted in a small section of the East wall being particularly weak. Clancy nearly jumped in excitement at his discovery.

When he did so, he accidentally knocked the map off the table. It drifted to the floor, landing face down. Clancy quickly bent down to pick it up, but stopped, noticing something odd on the back of the map. He picked it up to more closely inspect it.

On the back was what appeared to be a maze of catacombs and tunnels that ran beneath the city. Entry points into the city were clearly marked. Clancy quickly traced out all the paths with his finger. His face fell when he realized that none of the tunnels lead out of the city. Still, it may be useful some day. Clancy carefully put the map back where he found it and continued his search.

That night after dinner, Clancy was at Josh’s house again to give him an update on what he’d found.

“So the East wall has a weak point?" asked Josh.

“Yeah. It should be about here,” said Clancy, pointing to a modern map of Dema. “I think we could get out here.”

“But how? It’s still concrete. We can’t just pick through it without someone noticing. That’d take way too long.”

“That’s true…” said Clancy, feeling slightly crestfallen.

“Hey,” said Josh, placing his hand on Clancy’s shoulder. “Just because the most obvious way doesn’t work, doesn’t mean we can’t do it. We just need to get creative. Think. How else might we get through a wall like that?”

Clancy sat back on the couch and thought deeply for a moment. They couldn’t pick or drill through the concrete because it would take too long. They’d be found out. They’d need something quick. Something that could do it in one go. Then it clicked for Clancy.

“An explosion,” Clancy blurted out.

“Come again?” asked Josh, confused.

“An explosion,” repeated Clancy. “Remember from science class in the conservatory? Certain things can catch on fire and some literally blow up?”

“Sort of,” nodded Josh. “But I’ve never seen anything like that in Dema.”

“Neither have I. Only in books. But they never said how to make an explosion. Let alone one that could break the wall.”

“Think the archives may have something like that?”

“It might. But it’ll take more time.”

“That’s fine. If it gets us what we need, then that’s what matters.”

“OK. I’ll keep looking.”

“In the meantime, I’ll update our people. Let them know we may need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. I want them ready.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Good luck to us both.”

The next day, Clancy threw himself into the search. It was easier this time because he knew what he was looking for. That let him filter out a lot of material. As he was sifting though, he came across an unusual book. It was tattered and many pages were missing. Clancy stopped to carefully flip through it.

From what Clancy could tell, the book was from early Dema and told the history of the city long ago, although only fragments remained now. What caught Clancy’s eye was a bit towards the end. It talked about the bishops, by name, seeming to take control of Dema. It was unclear and the book stopped there. Clancy flipped through earlier pages. It seemed that Dema, at one point, existed without the bishops, and that people led very different lives than they do now. Clancy felt a lump in his throat. Josh had been right. He placed the book down and continued his search.

Eventually, Clancy came across an interesting book. It looked incredibly old as well, but seemed to describe explosions. Clancy carefully turned through the pages. There were entries about fireworks and tiny explosions, but those wouldn’t work. The entries at the back described explosives for buildings, but there was no way they’d be able to find what they needed to make something like that.

Just as Clancy was about to give up on the book and move on, he noticed a piece of paper stuck in the back with handwritten notes on it. Someone had devised a way to rig up an explosive from alternative materials that would be comparable to the demolition explosives. At the bottom was a note.

If you’re reading this, then you, too, have discovered the lies and desire to escape this concrete prison.

I know that I will never have the opportunity, but it is my hope that you will succeed where I have not.

You can make this bomb with materials in Dema. Use this and escape.

And always remember, East Is Up.

Clancy’s hands were shaking. This was it. This was exactly what they needed. And someone in the past had sent this to them. He pocketed the note and hurriedly left the archives. He had to tell Josh immediately.

Clancy hurried over to Josh’s house, knowing that he was off for the day. He darted inside the second Josh opened the door.

“I have it,” said Clancy. “I have the answer. Look!”

Clancy carefully removed the note from his pocket and showed it to Josh. Josh carefully read it, a smile coming to his face as he realized what it was.

“This is perfect!” exclaimed Josh. “And what’s this? ‘East Is Up’? Do you think he’s talking about the East wall weak point?”

“Has to be. Now we just need to find the things on this list. Thought that might take time.”

Josh shook his head and said, “No, actually. I think I can get all of this by tomorrow. The people I’ve assembled all have access to things. I think we can pull this together.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“So what now?”

“We continue as normal. Meet me here tomorrow night. If we have everything we need, we’ll make the bomb and plan to make our escape the following night. I’ll let everyone know.”

Clancy nodded. He couldn’t help but feel anxious. It was so close. It was hard to believe it was real.

“Don’t worry,” smiled Josh. “We’re gonna make it. I know it.”

“Yeah,” nodded Clancy, calming some at Josh’s encouragement. “We will.”

“Tomorrow then.”

“Yeah. See you then.”

Clancy reported to the Library like normal the following day. He threw himself into his duties, helping the time pass and keeping his mind off his anxiety. The day itself was a blur and Clancy couldn’t really make out or remember much of what happened. But then it was finally night time and he left to meet Josh.

“I got everything we need right here,” said Josh, pointing to the table. “Now we just have to follow the instructions.”

“Should be pretty straightforward,” nodded Clancy. “Their instructions were pretty clear.”

“Then let’s get to it.”

The two got to work, carefully following the instructions. It took a little time, but eventually they finished the bomb. It worked by fuse and they were sure to give it a decent length so that they had time to get clear. The two sat on the couch and admired their work.

“We did it,” said Clancy finally. “We actually did it.”

“Yup,” said Josh. “Now all that’s left is to use it.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“We make our break for it tomorrow night. Everyone is already ready and has been. I’ll let them know.”

“Are you sure we’re ready?”

“I am. We’ve waited long enough. You and I are ready. Our people are ready. It’s time to get free.”

“We’ll need light out in Trench. We won’t have any electricity or anything.”

“We’ll figure something out.”

Clancy frowned, not liking that answer. He looked around the room, seeing what was there. An idea came to him.

Clancy grabbed a rod that had previously held materials for the bomb. He grabbed remnants of the fabric that the supplies had been wrapped in and tied them around one end of the rod, forming a dense set of layers. Then he dipped it in the remnants of one of the ingredients for the bomb. He extended it to Josh.

“You’ll be at the front, leading everyone out, so this is for you,” said Clancy. “It’s a torch. You’ll need it to guide everyone out.”

Josh grinned and took the torch from Clancy. “You’re a genius, Clancy! This is perfect! Thanks!”

“It’s not much, just something I rigged up in the moment. But it should do the trick.”

“It definitely will.”

“So, tomorrow then?”

“Yup. We do this tomorrow night.”

Clancy nodded and Josh nodded back at him. Josh set his torch down and they did their handshake before parting ways. This time, they both held the hug at the end a little longer and a little tighter than usual.

Chapter Text

Clancy ended up with the next day off. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Now he didn’t have his duties and responsibilities to distract him. So he paced around the small confines of his home. Finally deciding he needed to get out of his home for a while, Clancy left for the garden.

Clancy entered the garden and immediately felt a little more at ease. The beautiful flowers and plants calmed him. There were very few people in the garden besides the gardeners and  himself. Clancy casually strolled through the rows of flowers, the gardeners paying him no mind, until he noticed Josh’s unmistakable figure ahead of him, his back to Clancy. Clancy walked to stand next to Josh on his left.

“Hey,” said Clancy. “What’re you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” smiled Josh, eyes still on the ground in front of him. “But I came to see this flower.”

Clancy looked down. It was the same yellow Gerbera Daisy they had seen years ago when they snuck out to the garden that night. It still stood, beautifully and defiantly, in the bare patch of the garden.

“Wow, it’s still here,” said Clancy in surprise. “I thought the gardeners would have gotten rid of it or it would have died.”

“Yeah, it is a little odd,” agreed Josh. “But I wonder if it’s the exact same one. Look, there’s some spots where it looks like other flowers grew or are starting to grow. I wonder if this came from one of the seeds.”

“Maybe,” shrugged Clancy. “Still, cool it’s here after all this time. Is that why you wanted to see it?”

“A bit. I wanted to clear my head and see if the flower was still here, but I also had a feeling I’d find you here, too. Looks like I was right about both.”

“I came to clear my head, too. Kinda wish I was working. It’d keep my mind busy.”

“I feel that. I’m anxious, too, and off work. Though I did manage to grab a copy of the wall patrol schedules. So we’re all ready for tonight.”

“That’s good. I wonder if there’s anything I should get from the Library.”

“Well, is there? And if there is, could you get it easily without raising suspicion?”

Clancy thought for a moment, then replied. “There was a detailed map of Dema, including its underground catacombs. It may be worth taking. It may help us get to the wall tonight without being seen. And you never know if we have to come back some day.”

Josh nodded and said, “Yeah it could be useful, both in the future and now. Do you think you could get it?”

“I think so. If I go now, there shouldn’t be many people there. I can probably get in and out quickly.”

“Good.”

Josh bent down and, to Clancy’s surprise, picked the yellow daisy. He turned to Clancy and put it in Clancy’s shirt pocket with a smile.

“Take it with you. It’ll always remind you of me, our friendship, and our cause,” said Josh. “Don’t worry. Others will grow back here.”

“Thanks,” smiled Clancy, looking down at the flower in his pocket. It did fill him with hope and good memories. “I should get going.”

“Be safe, Clancy,” nodded Josh. “Come back to my place when you’re done.”

Clancy nodded and turned to leave, making his way toward the Grand Library.

Clancy quietly slipped into the Grand Library. Just like he expected, the Library was nearly deserted. It was just past midday, so most people had left for lunch. Clancy quickly made his way down into the depths of the archives.

He let himself into the Level Four clearance section and quickly searched for the map. It didn’t take him long to find it as it was right where he’d left it. He carefully unrolled and inspected it. It was just as he remembered, a detailed map of the city and its hidden catacombs. As Clancy went to reroll the map, he noticed another map. This one appeared to be of the entire continent of Trench and its surrounding areas. Clancy grabbed it as well, carefully rerolled the maps, and slipped them inside his shirt. Once he was sure they were secure, he made his way out of the archive.

People were just starting to trickle back into the library as Clancy made his way back to the main floor. Clancy took care to keep to the edges of the Library as he made his way towards the exit. Mercifully, no one returning paid him any mind as they solemnly returned to their duties. Clancy sighed in relief once he was out of the Library. Maps secured, Clancy made his way to Josh’s house.

Clancy unfurled the maps on Josh’s table. He pointed to the maze of catacombs running under the city.

“I think we can use these,” suggested Clancy. “They’re not well known and are unguarded. It’d be the easiest way to move a group of people.”

“Definitely,” agreed Josh. “I’m glad you found this map of Trench, too. That’ll be helpful once we’re out. But for now, let’s see if we can find a path through the catacombs that leads towards the East wall.”

Clancy and Josh spent some time tracing the seemingly endless paths of the catacombs. Finally, they found one. There was an access point behind the Grand Library that would take them to a tunnel that opened by the East wall.

“This is it,” said Josh. “This is how we’ll get everyone to the wall.”

“It’s near the Grand Library though,” Clancy pointed out. “It could be dangerous if we gather there.”

“That’s why we’ll tell them to wait for the sign.”

“The sign?”

“The Torch. It’ll tell them it’s time and guide them to the entrance. We’ll light it at the entrance when we’re ready. I’ll tell everyone to stay hidden and wait for the torch.”

“That’s smart. We’ll need the light in the catacombs.”

“Then we have our whole plan. I’ll let everyone know. For now, go home and get some rest, Clancy. We’ve got a long night ahead of us. When it’s time, I’ll come get you.”

“I’ll be ready.”

“I know you will be.”

Clancy got home and paced around his room. He knew he should rest like Josh said, but he couldn’t calm himself. As he paced, he caught a glimmer of yellow in the mirror. He looked back and noticed the yellow daisy was still in his pocket. Clancy smiled and removed it from his pocket.

He sat on his bed for a moment, simply looking at the flower as he held it in his hand. Its bold yellow really did give him strength. It reminded him of Josh’s radiant smile, of their friendship, and the promise of freedom. Just as the bishops couldn’t see this flower, they, too, hoped to never be seen by the bishops.

Clancy opened the drawer of his desk and placed the flower inside. He gave it one last look before closing the drawer and returning to his bed. Clancy felt more at ease as he laid down. He drifted off so quickly it surprised even him.

Clancy awoke several hours later. It wouldn’t be much longer til Josh came to get him. Clancy got up and started to get ready for what awaited him. He donned his boots and heavier pants and jacket. They didn’t know what kind of weather they’d face in Trench, so it was better to be prepared. Just as Clancy finished, there was a knock at his door. He opened the door. It was Josh, torch in hand.

“It’s time,” said Josh. “Let’s go.”

Clancy nodded. He was ready. He stepped out to follow Josh. The two of them made their way silently towards the Grand Library.

The city was fairly dark after curfew was in effect, just like when they snuck out when they were kids. It made it a little harder to see, but the darkness made it safer for them to move. Quickly and quietly, Clancy and Josh found their way to the back of the Grand Library. They walked along the back until they found the hidden entrance, covered in brush. Clancy and Josh pushed aside the brush, fully uncovering the door. To their surprise, it opened with ease.

They two looked at each other and nodded. Josh took out his torch and lit it. He held the torch high, its light standing out in the darkness. Moments later, Clancy noticed movements in the shadows, approaching them. It was their people, their compatriots. Before long, the entire group had reached them. Clancy counted about thirty people. Josh had definitely been busy. He did say he wanted to save everyone. Clancy smiled and thought, if but for a moment, that maybe they really could save everyone some day.

Clancy didn’t have long to linger on that thought as the last of their people made it through the door and into the catacombs. Clancy and Josh quickly followed, shutting the door behind them. Josh took the lead with Clancy bringing up the rear, making sure no one was left behind. They moved quickly and quietly through the catacombs.

Before long, they arrived at the exit near the East wall. Josh opened the door and motioned for the others to stay. He and Clancy would place the bomb while the others waited in safety. Josh turned his hand radio on. A voice came through.

“East wall patrol complete. Nothing to report.”

“Acknowledged. Keep moving then. We’ll cycle back around.”

Josh nodded to Clancy. This was their chance. They’d timed it right and no one would be at the East wall. Clancy and Josh passed through the door and approached the East wall, looking carefully for the weak point. Josh had made a small mark on the location previously so they could easily find it in the dark. With the light of Josh’s torch, they quickly found the mark. Clancy placed the bomb against the wall, sticking it to Josh’s mark. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves. He felt Josh’s hand on his shoulder.

“It’ll be ok, Clancy,” said Josh. “We’re gonna make it.”

“You’re right,” nodded Clancy. “It’s just… Intense. And a lot.”

“It is, but we’re in this together. All of us. Now, let’s light this fuse and run like hell.”

Clancy nodded. Josh reached the torch down to light the fuse. Almost immediately, the fuse sparked and began to run down the string. Clancy and Josh turned and ran for the catacomb entrance as quickly as they could.

As soon as they’d closed the door behind them, they heard and felt the explosion. They could hear chunks of concrete from the wall crashing to the ground outside. The door shook violently as some hit it as well. Loud, confused chatter erupted from the hand radio loud. Soon, though, a loud and panicked voice broke through the chatter.

“Breach! There’s been a breach! An explosion at the East wall! All teams to the East wall! Notify the bishops immediately!”

More chaotic, loud chatter continued over the radio. Clancy and Josh knew the clock was ticking. It wouldn’t take long for them to organize now that someone had effectively sounded the alarm.

“We have to go. Now,” said Josh.

“Right,” nodded Clancy. “Let’s go, everyone!”

Josh opened the door and chaos awaited outside. The area was filled with smoke and fire, rubble littering the ground. Shouts and screams could be heard from all directions as well as alarms and sirens. Clancy struggled to focus, but Josh was already holding his torch high to rally everyone to him and guide the way. He placed his hand on Clancy’s shoulder.

“It’s going to be OK, Clancy,” said Josh. “We just have to go. Follow me.”

Clancy shook his head, snapping himself out of it. He nodded at Josh and followed him along with the others through the smoke and rubble.

They ran as quickly as they could without tripping over the rubble or stepping in the fires. The unfortunate side effect of their exit strategy was the amount of chaotic destruction it caused. Still, Josh quickly found his way to the hole in the East wall. Sure enough, the explosion had torn completely through the wall. Trench awaited them on the other side.

Clancy felt a sense of relief. They really were going to make it. Everyone was going to get out. They were so close. Trench was literally right there. Clancy quickened his pace to catch up to Josh.

A bird called out overhead. Clancy looked up. It was a vulture with glowing yellow eyes. Clancy remembered reading about the vultures and how they could see for the bishops. His heart started to sink. Then the all too familiar sensation of the air seeming to chill crept over the area, like an insidious shadow, and a wave of anxiety washed over Clancy. He knew that could only mean one thing. The bishops were here.

Clancy turned his head to look behind him. Swirling in the smoke, he could make out the shape of red robes rapidly approaching them. How could they have been here already? They had just reached the wall itself and started sending people through. Clancy ran up to Josh.

“The bishops are here,” said Clancy.

“Already? That was fast,” said Josh.

“What do we do?”

“We do our best to hurry.”

Clancy looked at the people who hadn’t made it through yet and the bishops who were now clearly visible. There was no way they’d all make it out of the city and into Trench before the bishops got to them. Clancy racked his brain, trying to think of anything that could work. What could they do to get everyone out? To minimize the loss? Then it hit him.

Clancy grabbed Josh’s shoulders. “Josh, listen to me, you have to go. You have to lead them out of here and into Trench.”

Josh looked at Clancy in confusion. “Yeah, that’s the idea. That’s why you gave me the torch. That's why we have to hurry. So come on!”

“No,” said Clancy, shaking his head. “You have to go. Now. Without me.”

“What?” asked Josh, completely dumbfounded.

“I’ll stay back,” explained Clancy, doing his best to smile bravely. “I’ll stop the bishops. I’ll distract them. I’ll buy you and everyone else time.”

“Clancy, no… I can’t-” started Josh, his voice cracking. It pained Clancy that he could see tears well up in Josh’s eyes as the gravity of what Clancy had proposed set in. “You can’t-”

“I have to, Josh,” said Clancy, trying not to tear up as he squeezed Josh’s shoulder harder. “It’s the only way.”

“But I-”

“You’re the one they trust, the one they follow. You have the maps. You have the torch. You were always the bold one, the leader. It has to be you. You have to go. Lead them to safety. To freedom.”

“Not without you.”

“Yes, without me. You’ll be OK. You know this is how it has to be. And you have to go now.”

Josh bit his lip so hard, it was a miracle that it didn’t bleed. But he couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in eyes and starting to find their way down his face.

“I don’t want to go alone,” breathed Josh.

“You’re not alone. And you never will be. I’ll find my way to you somehow, I promise. But, for now, you have to go.” said Clancy gently, letting go of Josh’s shoulders.

Josh nodded, slowly regaining some of his composure. He extended his hand out, the same way he did every time before they did their secret handshake. Clancy smiled and nodded, responding in turn. He reached out and slapped Josh’s hand, starting their secret handshake and taking it all the way to the end where they hugged. Except this time, they didn’t let each other go and squeezed the other tightly.

“I’ll come back for you,” said Josh, his voice cracking again as he fought back his tears. “I promise.”

“I know you will,” replied Clancy softly. “Now, go.”

Clancy released Josh and took a few steps backward, smiling at his best friend. Josh smiled back, not his usual bright smile, but a small, sad smile. Then Josh turned and ran through the hole in the wall. Clancy took a deep breath and turned around. The bishops were nearly on him. He boldly took a few steps towards them.

Clancy stood defiantly before the nine robed figures. They stopped in front of him, their eyes boring through him. Clancy felt like his heart was going to burst through his chest, but he kept his face defiant and determined. He met their gaze directly, their glowing eyes inspiring fear and anxiety. He was surprised they all stopped just for him, but he was glad it happened. He had to buy as much time as he could.

“If you want to stop them, you’ll have to go through me,” declared Clancy boldly, somehow managing not to stammer as he said it.

What happened next happened so fast Clancy didn’t have time to react or even process what had happened. Suddenly, one of the bishops was directly in front of him, hands around Clancy’s neck. Clancy let out a gasp in surprise. Clancy felt the hair on the back of his neck rise as fear and anxiety erupted inside him. The bishop’s gaze bored straight through Clancy’s soul with such malice and anger behind it.

“And you think you could stop us?” asked the bishop, his voice low, almost distorted, and with a cold rage behind it. “You are nothing and can do nothing.”

Clancy knew who this was. It was unmistakable. This was Nico. This was worse than Clancy had expected, but he had resolved to see this through. Steeling himself once more, Clancy stared right back at Nico, his eyes full of defiance.

“Yet you stopped for me,” rebutted Clancy. “Clearly I’m enough of a concern for you.”

Clancy winced slightly as Nico’s grasp around his neck tightened. It was much harder to breathe now.

“Yes, you were one of the leaders,” replied Nico. “You are a concern. We will smear you for this blasphemy. And you will be made an example of.”

Clancy’s eyes widened at the term smear. He had read about it in one of the old books in the Level Four area of the archives. The bishops would smear their black paint on your neck as a mark of your wrongdoing. But it didn’t start there. You’d start to forget everything. Something about the process broke you and slowly turned you back into a mindless follower. If that happened, Clancy wasn’t sure if he’d be able to escape later. The thought terrified him, but he took solace in the fact that at least Josh made it out safely. Josh and the others. This was a small price to pay.

Just as Clancy had resigned himself to his fate, another of the bishops stepped next to Nico. Clancy immediately recognized him as Keons. Clancy’s heart leapt for a moment. Was Keons going to help him? Even now?

“Wait a moment, Nico,” said Keons. “Perhaps there is a more suitable punishment.”

Nico turned his head to look at Keons, not releasing Clancy from his grasp. There was visible irritation in his face, even behind the veil and in the dark.

“And what would that be?” demanded Nico. Clancy was surprised to see such apparent discord between the bishops.

“We strip him of his privileges and role,” suggested Keons. “And we do not smear him. We let him keep his memories. He will remember all he lost and that we can take it from him at any time. Surely that is a worse punishment, is it not? To lose everything he worked for as well as remembering those whom he will never see again.”

On the surface, Keons’ punishment sounded severe. But Clancy had come to know Keons well, especially after working closely with him for months. There was something different in his voice, something faint and almost unnoticeable. Pity? Sympathy? Clancy couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he could tell that Keons intended his suggestion to spare Clancy, not to truly be a more severe punishment.

Nico was clearly mulling it over in his head. Clancy had no idea which way this would go. But he was thankful for Keons’ attempt to help him if nothing else. He still had no idea who Keons would still help him even when Clancy had betrayed his trust and done something so extreme.

“Tread carefully, Keons,” said Nico, finally releasing his grip on Clancy’s neck. “The leaders of this little rebellion both came from your district. And don’t think I haven’t noticed your favoritism over the years. You are far too gentle with your citizens. Nevertheless, I agree. The punishment you suggest is more severe and appropriate.”

Nico turned his gaze to Clancy and continued, “It will be as Keons says. You are stripped of your role, privileges, and freedoms. We will find an appropriate place for you to continue to contribute to the glory of Dema.”

Several guards suddenly appeared. Nico waved his hand toward Clancy. The guards grabbed him, one on each arm.

“Until that time, you will be confined to a cell below the Towers. I trust there will be no objection,” said Nico, seemingly glaring at Keons.

“I have no objections,” replied Keons calmly. “It will give me time to reassign him and will serve as additional punishment.”

“Very good,” said Nico, apparently pleased at Keons’ response, before returning his attention to Clancy. “I hope you understand that if you try anything again, especially something like this, we will smear you. Nothing Keons says will be able to save you after that.”

Clancy remained silent, doing his best to keep a stoic face, but nodded in understanding.

“Excellent. Take him away,” said Nico. “I’ll leave the rest to you, Keons. I’ll be watching though.”

With that, Nico began to walk away. Keons gave a small bow of his head to Nico in acknowledgement before he and the other bishops followed behind Nico. The guards lead Clancy to the Towers and down the stairs to the cells below them. Clancy didn’t resist.

The guards opened a cell and Clancy walked inside willingly. He turned around to face them as they closed and locked the cell door. They left immediately, leaving Clancy alone with nothing but his thoughts in the dark, cold stone cell. Clancy curled up next to the wall on a small bedding setup, wrapping the thin blanket around himself, and tried to get some sleep. Clancy hoped that the others had made it to safety and freedom in Trench, even as he was forced to slip back into this cycle. A few tears made their way down Clancy’s face as he drifted off into a restless sleep.

Chapter Text

Josh tore his gaze from Clancy and took off running for the hole in the East wall. Hot tears streamed down his face now that Clancy couldn’t see him anymore. He knew Clancy was right, but he hated it. They didn’t have time to find a different or better solution. It had to be done. They had to save as many as they could. But still…

More than anything, Josh hated himself. He hated that he wasn’t smart enough to find a better way or strong enough to create another way. The list went on in his head. But he had to put that aside for now. He couldn’t let Clancy’s sacrifice be in vain. He couldn’t let his best friend’s absolute faith and trust in him be misplaced. Josh trudged onward.

Josh saw the last of his people out of the hole and into the wilderness of Trench. He couldn’t help but feel like there were more people than he had met with over  the years. But there was no time to think about that. They had to hurry and get distance between themselves and the city.

“Everyone,” shouted Josh, raising the torch high. “This way! Follow the light of the torch! I’ll lead us to safety!”

The light of the torch, Clancy’s last gift to him, shined brightly, its light bright and reaching far. Josh didn’t waste another moment and took off into Trench. He hadn’t had time to memorize the map Clancy had found, but he had mapped out a possible path forward in his head. The priority was getting them away from the city safely.

The terrain of Trench was surprisingly varied. There was plenty of greenery and plants, but just as much rocky terrain. Josh made sure to carefully lead them through the rougher terrain. The last thing he wanted was for someone to get injured on the way. Josh did his best to light the way with his torch, but it was the only major source of light as the moon wasn’t even half full.

After what felt like hours of walking, they arrived at some cliffs rising above a canyon. This was what Josh was looking for. He thought he’d seen a path to this spot on the map and thought it would make for a good base. They just needed to get to the top of them.

“We’re nearly there!” shouted Josh. “We just need to get to the top of this canyon. There will be a safe place there. And I know the way. Follow me!”

Josh thrust his torch in the air and was surprised to be met with shouts and cheers. He was certain everyone would be tired or be starting to question him. Instead, they seemed unwavering in their faith and determination. Josh smiled. He wished Clancy could be there with him to see this. A small tear rolled down his cheek, but Josh quickly wiped it away and he put that thought away. Now was not the time.

Josh turned and started making his way up the nearby path towards the top of the canyon. The path was steep, uneven, and rocky, but it was still fairly easy to navigate. Before long, they reached a much flatter trail on an incline, leading them up to the top of the canyon.

The top of the canyon had a large open area that ran up to a seemingly endless forest. This would do nicely. They were far from the city, given natural coverage by the height of the canyon, and the forest would give them resources and cover them as well. Josh turned to face everyone.

“This is it,” said Josh. “We’ll make our camp here. We’ll be safe here.”

There were cheers from everyone. Josh didn’t quite know what to do with such an enthusiastic response. But he knew he couldn’t let these people down. Josh may have imagined it, but he could have sworn he heard a few people shout “torchbearer”. He shook his head and got to work helping everyone to set up a makeshift camp.

Everyone had brought some form of supplies with them. Simple bedding, small tools, food, fabric, and more. Together, they quickly made makeshift tents with fabric and wood from the forest.

While nearly everyone was working on tents, Josh noticed that some others had started making a fire at the center of the camp. He walked over to help them. Once they’d constructed a good fire, Josh used his torch to light the fire, bringing warmth and light to the whole camp. Everyone stopped what they were doing to cheer and admire the fire.

“That’s our Torchbearer!” shouted someone in the crowd.

“Thank you, Torchbearer!” shouted another.

“All hail, the Torchbearer!”

“The Torchbearer led us out of Dema!”

“The Torchbearer led us out of darkness and into the light! To freedom!”

Cheers and shouts calling Josh “Torchbearer” continued. After a little while, everyone settled down and got back to work to make camp. Josh was a little bewildered by it, but he couldn’t deny that the nickname fit. It sounded like a positive thing and everyone seemed to rally around it.

Torchbearer, huh? thought Josh to himself. It’s not wrong and it doesn’t sound bad. And if it helps them, I’ll gladly be The Torchbearer.

Josh saw Maria, one of the first people he brought to their side, standing alone. He walked up to her.

“So they’re calling you The Torchbearer now, huh?” asked Maria, cocking an eyebrow at Josh.

“I guess so,” replied Josh with a sheepish grin. “I don’t know why though.”

“Seriously? I thought it was pretty self-explanatory.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Josh laughed. “I just thought most of them would remember my name by now.”

“Well, there are more people here than you recruited.”

“What? You’re sure?”

“Yeah, you didn’t notice there was way more people?”

“I did think there were more than there should be, but I didn’t think much of it.”

“Looks like the people you recruited recruited more people. It’s not a bad thing, but I guess they don’t know your name.”

“They could just ask.”

Maria laughed. “Yeah. They’re not gonna do that. Besides, it’s a cool name.”

“I suppose it is,” said Josh.

“Gotta live up to it though. Guiding light and all that,” said Maria, starting to walk off as she waved her hand back at him. “See ya later… Torchbearer!”

Josh couldn’t help but smile at that. Maybe this new name would be a good thing, for him and the people. Maria was right though. He would have to be sure to live up to it, both for the people he’d saved and was now responsible for and for Clancy and his sacrifice. He was going to make Clancy proud and he was going to find a way to save him. But for now, his attention had to be on getting this band of escapees settled. They couldn’t help anyone if they didn’t have a safe place to live, a base of operations.

However, that was a job for tomorrow. The hour was late and they had traveled far on little sleep. For now, they needed rest and their makeshift shelters were enough. Tomorrow was a new day and they would rise and start anew. Now, they were free. Josh watched as everyone else at their little camp drifted off to sleep as the fire dwindled. Once he was sure everyone else was sound asleep, Josh laid down himself and quickly drifted off to sleep.

Josh opened his eyes. He wasn’t at the camp anymore. He had no idea where he was. It was dark, cold, and oppressive. Josh looked around, trying to make sense of where he was. Then he realized there was a torch in his hand, the same one Clancy had given him. He raised it to illuminate the room.

The small room was made of dark stone. The light of the torch reflected off the cold metal bars. Josh realized he must be in a cell, but he had no idea how he could have gotten here. He was just going to sleep at the camp. There was a small noise behind Josh. He spun around to see the source, but he wasn’t prepared for what he saw.

In the corner of the room, Clancy laid curled up in a ratty, thin blanket. He seemed to be having a restless sleep. Josh had heard him turning over on the bedding, if you could call it that. Josh ran to Clancy and knelt next to him. He grabbed Clancy’s shoulder and gently shaked him.

“Clancy!” exclaimed Josh. “Clancy, wake up! It’s me!”

Clancy began to stir. Then his eyes fluttered. He looked up at Josh, eyes bleary from sleep. A moment later, his eyes widened in surprise as he realized who he was looking at.

“Josh?” asked Clancy, his voice echoing, almost as if it was starting to fade, for some reason. “Is that you?”

As Josh opened his mouth to answer, Josh felt himself being pulled backwards by an unseen force. The scene before him swirled and began to dissolve into darkness. Josh tried to shout, to call out to Clancy, but no sound left his mouth. Josh closed his eyes as darkness enveloped him.

When Josh opened his eyes again, what felt like only a moment later, the sun was rising over the horizon. He was back in the camp, back with everyone. Josh rubbed his eyes and got up. Slowly and quietly, he walked around the camp. Everyone was still asleep, exhausted from the escape the night before. Despite their meager lodgings, they all seemed to be sleeping soundly and without a care. Josh smiled. He was glad to see that they were able to rest in spite of everything. 

Josh walked to the edge of the canyon, looking down into the deep ravine below. The bottom was mostly rocks of various sizes with small patches of greenery poking up in patches through the rocks. A small, shallow river, if you could call it that, ran through the middle of the canyon.

As he looked out on the canyon in peaceful silence, Josh thought back on his dream. Dream? Was that what it was? It felt so real to him though. He felt it when he grabbed Clancy’s shoulders. But what was that place? He’d never seen it before. Why would he dream of Clancy there?

Josh puzzled this in his head for a while. Then something clicked for him. The place he’d seen was a cell. What if he saw what happened to Clancy after he ran? What if he saw where the bishops were holding Clancy? Josh shuddered at the thought.

But then another thought occurred to him. If he saw Clancy and if Clancy saw him, did that mean that he could project to Clancy? If so, could he find a way to control it? Could he use it to help others? Could this be a way to help Clancy? A thousand thoughts raced through Josh’s head.

Josh’s thoughts were interrupted by a voice.

“Up already?” asked the familiar voice.

Josh turned his head to see Maria come to stand on his left. 

“It’s definitely early,” said another familiar voice.

Josh turned his head to the other side to see a young man, Joseph, who was also one of Josh’s first recruits, standing to his right.

“You sleep alright?” asked Maria. “I know it’s a bit rough right now.”

“Wanted to be sure you were OK,” said Joseph, a small smile on his face. “A lot happened yesterday, especially for you. I know you’re our leader and all, the Torchbearer, but it’s OK if you’re struggling, too.”

Josh smiled reassuringly at the two of them. “Thanks, but I’m OK. I promise. I just had a weird dream. That’s all.”

Maria cocked a questioning eyebrow at him and Josh hoped she didn’t see through him. But she didn’t press any further. Neither did Joseph.

“We should get back to the camp before everyone else wakes up,” suggested Joseph. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“You’re right,” agreed Josh. “You two go. I’ll be right behind you.”

Maria and Joseph exchanged a brief concerned glance, but turned to head back to camp. After they were a few paces away, Josh turned to look back out into the canyon. He scanned the ground and then something caught his eye. There was a small patch of yellow flowers growing at the bottom of the canyon, poking out from the rocks. It was hard to tell from this distance, but Josh swore they looked like the yellow daisy from the garden in Dema. Josh smiled. The flower reminded him of Clancy and their friendship. Somehow, he knew they’d find each other again. And this time, they’d both break free. With one final look, Josh turned and walked back to camp. It was time to start the work.

Josh gathered the group as everyone finally woke up. They distributed some food for breakfast while Josh discussed his plan with everyone. Josh divided everyone into various groups, each with a task. Some would forage for food and hunt, others would gather wood and supplies from the forest, and some would stay behind to work on fashioning more permanent tents and gear for the camp. Maria led the group for foraging and hunting, Josh led the group to gather wood and materials in the forest, and Joseph stayed behind to lead the group tasked with building the camp. With the groups decided, they set out from the camp.

Josh found the forest to be relaxing in its own way. There was something peaceful about the tranquil forest, focusing on gathering wood and other materials. The weather was also excellent. Despite being relatively high up and entering the cooler months of the year, the air was brisk, but comfortably so. No one was too hot or too cold, making the work easier. Josh was surprised at some of the plants they found. They could be used to make fabrics and ropes. Josh and his group grabbed as much as they could fit in their bags and carry before finally heading back to camp.

Josh’s team returned to the camp around mid-afternoon. Shortly after they arrived, Maria’s group returned, although Josh swore she had more people with her when she first left. Nevertheless, her team seemed to have done well as their bags seemed full.

“Your team did great!” said Josh. “But where’s the rest of them?”

“We found a lake, so some of them stayed behind to fish,” explained Maria. “They’re not far, but I told them to be back before the sun starts to set.”

“Sounds good.”

“Looks like your team was successful, too.”

“Yup. Now we start the hard part of processing them and turning them into what we need.”

“That’ll be easier now that we have food and more hands,” interjected Joseph, stepping forward. “We shouldn’t need to forage or gather supplies daily, so tomorrow, everyone can help build the camp.”

“Definitely,” agreed Josh. “That’ll be huge. But your team has done a lot today, too. The new tents are coming along.”

“They’ll be much better with all the new supplies,” said Joseph.

“Well, there’s still daylight, so let’s get to it then, yeah?” proposed Maria.

“Yeah, let’s get to it,” said Josh.

Josh helped to coordinate and reassign everyone to process the new materials and food while bolstering the workforce building the camp itself. Once he saw that the groups were running smoothly, he jumped in and started helping where he was needed. He helped show some of the younger ones how to process the plants and turn them into weavable fabric and ropes and leant a hand to help raise a large tent for gathering and eating. Wherever he went in the camp, he always seemed to brighten the mood and boost morale, although Josh felt like everyone was in good spirits already. Still, he couldn’t help but notice his effect on everyone.

Before they knew it, the sun was setting. Those who stayed out fishing had returned with a rather successful haul. Josh led a small group in preparing dinner for the camp, showing them how to prepare the fish and know when it was done cooking over the fire. When they were done, there was enough for everyone, along with some mushrooms the others had found in the forest. Once everyone had their fill, they all meandered back to their tents. Josh stayed outside by the fire, keeping watch over it and the camp. As the fire dwindled to mere embers, Josh found it harder and harder to keep his eyes open. Before he knew it, he drifted off to sleep, still sitting upright.

Josh opened his eyes to find himself back in the same dark stone cell as before. This time, he was at the very back of the cell. He quickly scanned the room, getting his bearings. Josh quickly noticed Clancy standing at the door to the cell. He was talking to one of the bishops. Josh recognized him as Keons. Josh boldly ran up to Clancy, grabbing his shoulder.

“Clancy!” exclaimed Josh.

Clancy turned to look at Josh, first with bewilderment, then confusion.

“Josh?” asked Clancy.

Josh noticed Keons’ eyebrows raise in confusion behind the veil of his hood. He looked at Josh, but seemed to stare right through him.

“There’s no one there, my child,” said Keons.

“But I-” protested Clancy, looking at Josh.

Josh didn’t hear anything further as he once again felt himself being pulled back. Everything dissolved into darkness. When he opened his eyes, he was back in the camp. It was still night and the fire was completely out. Josh felt a blanket draped over his shoulders.

“Oh, good, you’re awake,” said Maria, standing behind him. “We saw you sitting out here and brought you a blanket, but now we can get you to your bed.”

“We didn’t want you to catch a cold,” said Joseph, standing next to Maria. “Can’t have The Torchbearer getting sick right out the gate.”

Josh let out a small chuckle. It was nice to know he had people watching out for him, too, even if he was the leader. He appreciated them.

“Thanks,” said Josh. “I guess I dozed off while keeping watch.”

Maria raised an eyebrow at Josh. “You have another weird dream?”

“Yeah,” said Josh in surprise. “How’d you know?”

“I dunno. You just seemed a little off again. Wanna talk about it?”

“It’s OK if you don’t,” interjected Joseph. “But we’re here for you, too.”

“I really appreciate that, guys,” smiled Josh, finally standing. “Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d like to.”

The two nodded at him and set to work building a small fire atop the ashes of the old one. Joseph retrieved some small extra pieces of wood and kindling while Maria positioned them. They lit it with ease and then turned to Josh.

“So, what’s going on?” asked Joseph.

“It’s gonna sound crazy, but I don’t think I’ve been having dreams,” replied Josh.

“Come again?” asked Maria, eyebrows raised.

“I know how it sounds, but they felt way too real to be dreams,” continued Josh. “It felt like I was actually there.”

“And what happens?” asked Joseph. “What makes you think it’s not a dream?”

“When it happens, I find myself in a place I’ve never been or seen before,” explained Josh. “It looks like some kind of holding cell. And each time it’s happened, I’ve seen Clancy.”

“You saw Clancy?!” exclaimed Joseph. 

“Yeah,” nodded Josh. “And I was able to interact with him. I touched him. I could feel it when I grabbed his shoulder. And he responded to me, too. But both times were very short lived.”

“OK, that is a bit weird,” admitted Maria. “But it could still just be a vivid dream.”

“The second time was different,” added Josh. “This time, I saw Clancy talking to Keons at the gate of his cell. When I grabbed his shoulder and said his name, he looked at me and responded, but Keons looked like he couldn’t see me and told Clancy that there was no one there.”

“OK, definitely freaky,” said Maria.

“Yeah,” agreed Joseph. “And I think this is more than a coincidence or some vivid dream. I wonder if it’s something like astral projection.”

“What’s that?” asked Josh.

“It’s something I came across in the Library one day,” replied Joseph. “I forget what the book was about, but I remember it talked about the idea of astral projection. It’s where you project like your mind or spirit to somewhere else. The book talked about it being used to guide others.”

“That sounds like some spiritual nonsense,” retorted Maria skeptically.

“Maybe, but you have to admit it fits,” said Joseph. “And, I mean, The Torchbearer did guide us all. From the beginning of helping us see the truth to finally escaping into Trench. I dunno. It just seems right.”

Josh thought about it for a moment. It sounded insane, but he couldn’t deny how well it fit. Was that really it? Did he have the power to project and guide? If so, was it just to Clancy? Could he do it for others? More importantly, could he control it? So many questions and no answers.

“I think it’s possible,” said Josh finally. “I agree it sounds crazy, but it fits.”

“Hmm. I suppose so,” conceded Maria. “I mean, we know the bishops have strange powers. So why couldn’t someone else?”

“Right!” said Joseph excitedly. “But now we have to figure out how it works.”

“Maybe I could try working on projecting to one of you?” suggested Josh.

“That could work,” mused Maria. “But for now we should sleep. It’s late and we can’t do anything if we’re dead tired tomorrow.”

“Fair point,” said Josh. “Tomorrow then.”

The three headed back to their tents and settled in for the night. Josh was excited for what this all might mean.

The next morning, nearly everyone set to work on the camp. The goal was to get it as livable as possible today. A handful of people went out into the forest and surrounding areas to find more supplies and food. Joseph stayed to help coordinate the camp group while Maria went out into the field. Josh stayed in his tent after breakfast. He felt weird about not helping everyone right now, but he knew he needed to learn more about this power. It may be the key to saving Clancy. He took a deep breath and remembered the plan. He would try to project to Maria if he could as she would be away from the camp.

Josh took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He had no idea what he was doing since the other times he’d done this, he hadn’t done it consciously. He tried just what felt right and reached out, searching for Maria.

And nothing happened. Josh let out a small sigh, but he didn’t let that get him frustrated. He knew it wouldn’t be that easy. And so he tried again and again.

After several hours of no success, Josh took a small break to eat something. It was already early afternoon and still no success. Joseph had been kind enough to not bother him, but discreetly drop off food and water for him. He knew Josh needed some space this time. Once he was done, Josh sat back down, took a few deep breaths, and tried again.

This time, when he closed his eyes and reached out, Josh felt something. He opened his eyes and he was standing in the ravine of the cavern. Directly in front of him was Maria who looked up at him, a surprised look on her face.

“Hey,” said Josh, smiling at her.

“Huh,” replied Maria, seemingly surprised and impressed. She grabbed another girl who was working nearby and pointed at Josh. “Hey, do you see anything over there?

“No,” answered the girl, clearly confused. “Some flowers over there by the rocks, but nothing else. Why?”

“Nah, it’s nothing,” dismissed Maria. “Thought I may have seen something, but my eyes must have been playing tricks on me. Thanks!”

“Sure,” said the girl, returning to her work.

Maria turned to face Josh again and said, “Well I’ll be damned. It’s legit.”

“Seems so!” said Josh, unable to hide his excitement. “It took a lot of trying, but I finally did it on my own and I think I’m able to hold it.”

“Yeah, you’ve been here for a few minutes already and it doesn’t seem like you’re going anywhere.”

Maria scratched her chin and then walked over to Josh, reaching out to touch his shoulder. Her hand connected.

“Holy shit,” said Maria. “I really can feel you like you’re here. But no one else can even see you. That’s wild.”

“Right? It’s weird,” said Josh, touching her hand on his shoulder. He could feel it just as he could when he touched Clancy’s shoulder before.

Josh glanced over at the flowers that the other girl had referenced. Sure enough, they were the yellow Gerbera daisies he thought he saw in the ravine before. He smiled and looked back at Maria.

“Would you mind bringing some of these flowers back to camp?” asked Josh.

“Um, sure,” replied Maria, confused by the request. “Why?”

“They’re the same flower Clancy and I found in the garden in Dema. We don’t know how they got there, but they grew despite everything. And the bishops can’t see them because they’re yellow. I dunno, I just feel like they’re important. To me anyway. And they may be useful for the bishops.”

“So the bishops can’t see yellow, huh?” mused Maria. “Interesting. I can see they’re important to you, so I’ll definitely bring some back.”

“Thank you,” said Josh. “I really appreciate it. I should get back and let Joseph know I succeeded.”

“You should let him know by projecting to him,” suggested Maria. “It’d be good practice, too.”

“Good idea.”

“See you, Torchbearer,” Maria said with a two finger salute.

Josh laughed and willed himself to return. As he did, he felt that familiar sensation of being pulled backwards as the scene around him dissolved into darkness. He closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, he was back in his tent in the same sitting position. He really had done it. Now to do it again. Josh closed his eyes again and this time reached out for Joseph. He once again felt the sensation like when he successfully projected to Maria.

Josh opened his eyes and found himself standing in the middle of camp. Joseph was nearby, directing people on projects. He seemed like a natural. Josh smiled and approached him.

“Hey, Joseph,” said Josh.

Joseph spun around to face Josh and smiled. “Oh, hey, Josh! Taking a break?”

“Not exactly,” grinned Josh.

“What do you mean?”

“I did it.”

“Oh, that’s great! So you saw Maria?”

“Yup! And now I’m seeing you.”

Josh laughed as realization set in on Joseph’s face. It was priceless. But Joseph was clearly happy and excited, too.

“Oh, wow! So you’ve really learned how to control it!” exclaimed Joseph.

“It seems so! I think I’ll try to project to Clancy again tonight, after everyone’s asleep,” said Josh.

“I like that plan. I know you can reach him and help guide him like you did for us. You really are The Torchbearer.”

Josh smiled softly. “Yeah, I guess I am. Thanks, Joseph.”

“Of course.”

Josh willed himself to return again. The world dissolved around him again as he felt himself be pulled backwards once more. He closed his eyes and was back in the tent. He got up and walked out of the tent to join the others. There was still time in the day, so he might as well help out.

Before long, Maria’s group returned. They dropped their supplies. Maria gave Josh the yellow flowers he requested. Josh removed some of the seeds and asked her to bring them to the garden that they had started to build. Josh took the flowers back to his tent and placed them in water before returning to the group to help wrap up the day.

After dinner, when everyone was making their way to bed, Josh returned to his tent, leaving Maria and Joseph to handle the fire and ensuring that the camp was secure tonight. Josh grabbed his torch and lit it, placing it in a holster in the middle of his tent. Then he removed two of the yellow flowers from the vase and sat in front of the torch. He placed the flowers in front of him and took a deep breath. It was time. This time he’d reach Clancy of his own accord and he would help him, guide him. That was his duty, wasn’t it? To his best friend. Josh closed his eyes

When Josh opened his eyes, he didn’t find himself inside the unfamiliar cell, but, rather, in a very familiar place: Clancy’s home. Josh was surprised. He looked around and saw Clancy sitting at his desk with his hand on his head. Josh smiled and reached out to put his hand on Clancy’s shoulder with a gentle squeeze.

“Hello, Clancy,” said Josh.

Chapter Text

Clancy turned over in his restless sleep. The thin, ratty blanket was uncomfortable and provided barely any protection from the cold of the stone cell. Through the haze of his sleep, Clancy felt something grab his shoulder and shake him. And he heard a familiar voice. But it couldn’t be…

“Clancy,” exclaimed the voice. “Clancy, wake up! It’s me!”

Clancy’s eyes slowly opened, bleary with sleep. As his vision came into focus, he made out the unmistakable figure of his best friend. He was even holding the torch Clancy had made for him. Clancy’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest and his eyes widened in surprise. He couldn’t believe it.

“Josh?!” asked Clancy. “Is that you?!”

Clancy saw Josh smile and look like he was about to say something else, but then he suddenly dissolved away and disappeared. Clancy stared at the spot where he had just seen his best friend. Had he been dreaming? Did he hallucinate the whole thing? He swore he felt Josh’s hand on his shoulder and his voice was unmistakable.  Clancy had no idea what was going on. After staring at the spot for a while longer, Clancy eventually curled back up and tried to get back to sleep.

Clancy didn’t really sleep. He tossed and turned and got brief moments of sleep. Morning had come because a guard came to bring Clancy breakfast. The tray had bacon, eggs, and a pancake on it. It looked like the food they typically received at the dining hall. Clancy was relieved that he wouldn’t be receiving worse food while he was confined, but he didn’t have much of an appetite. He was too anxious about what was going to happen to him. He was alone and there was no escaping punishment for what he’d done, even if Keons had, for some reason, minimized it.

Time passed. How much, Clancy had no idea. The cell had no window. Eventually, another guard brought more food, so Clancy assumed it must be about midday and this was lunch. The guard didn’t speak to him at all, just like the one this morning. He simply retrieved the old tray and left the new one, leaving Clancy alone with his thoughts again.

Clancy had nothing but time, alone in his cell. He tried not to dwell on anything as those thoughts were… unpleasant. His mind drifted back to Josh and the others. He hoped they had made it out safely into Trench. He hadn’t heard anything to suggest they had been found, but he also doubted they would let him know if they had found them. Then there was the matter of Josh somehow being there last night. Clancy still didn’t know what to make of that or how it made sense. Maybe it really was just his stressed and sleep deprived brain imagining things and showing him what he wanted most to see.

Another guard came with dinner, but this one was different. She was a young woman and seemed softer than the other guards somehow. She opened Clancy’s cell and placed the tray in front of him. Clancy looked down at the tray and was surprised at what he saw. Lying on the tray next to the plate was a yellow daisy. Clancy looked back up at the woman with a look of surprise and confusion on his face.

“How did you-?” started Clancy.

“My name is Poppy,” said the guard, cutting him off. “Not all of us were ready to take the leap and follow Josh. But we are now. If another chance ever appears, we will go. For now, just know that you’re not alone here and that you have supporters. Your actions and those of the others have inspired those of us who weren’t brave enough to face the truth. We are with you.”

Clancy was stunned. He never expected something like this to happen. Not only to find out that there were others Josh had already started to convert and were now ready, but that they had infiltrated the guards on duty to watch him. Maybe there was still hope for him to escape and find Josh. If they could band together again… But Clancy was still hesitant to hope.

“I can’t stay or they’ll ask questions,” continued Poppy. “But before I go, I was also sent to deliver a message. Keons will see you tonight. They’ve decided your punishment and what to do with you apparently.”

“Ah,” managed Clancy. “That’s good I guess.”

Poppy crouched to be on eye level with Clancy. “It will be hard and they will be watching you, but don’t give up. We’ll find a way to come together and find a way out again. They’ve already done it. We just have to do it again.”

“You’re so confident.”

“No, just determined. I finally see the truth and regret not having the courage to go. This time I’ll see it through.”

“I guess we don’t really have a choice.”

“There’s always a choice. Now we’re choosing differently.”

Clancy smiled. “Y’know, that sounds like something Josh would say.”

Poppy smirked and said, “He definitely had a way of speaking. But I have to go. I’ve already stayed too long.”

Poppy reached down to retrieve the flower from the tray.

“I don’t want anyone to see this and get suspicious,” she explained. “Good luck with Keons.”

With that, Poppy turned and left quickly. Clancy could still barely believe what just happened. But it gave him hope. Maybe things may still work out alright. This time, Clancy ate his entire dinner tray and then sat down to wait for Keons.

Several hours later, Clancy heard footsteps heading for his way. He stood up just as Keons appeared in front of his cell. Clancy slowly approached the bars of his cell where Keons waited silently for him.

“Clancy, my child,” began Keons. “What you and the others have done is severe. You must understand this. I am surprised that Nico did not push for more. He will not be so lenient again.”

“I know,” replied Clancy, knowing he had to play along if he hoped to survive. “I promise I won’t do it again.”

Keons’ face shifted for a moment behind his veil. Clancy felt as if Keons could see through him.

“Perhaps,” continued Keons. “We would like to believe that. But it will take time to repair that trust. For now, we have stripped you of your former job, privileges, and rights. You have been reassigned to work as an undertaker in the necropolis. We will be keeping a very close eye on you going forward.”

Clancy was taken aback. He never expected them to reassign him to the necropolis, to work with the dead, the glorious gone. He would be kept from the sun most of the day. It was solemn work, and typically close to a bishop. Clancy realized that was why. They wanted to keep a close eye on him, so there was no better place to put him. Clancy’s fist clenched in anxiety. He didn’t like the idea at all, but knew he had no choice in the matter.

Clancy was about to respond when a familiar voice shouted behind him and he felt a tug on his shoulder.

“Clancy!” shouted the voice.

Clancy turned to once again see Josh standing there next to him, clear as day. And he wasn’t half asleep this time. He was wide awake. Clancy couldn’t believe it and his face showed it. It quickly changed to confusion as he still had no idea how Josh could be there.

“Josh?” asked Clancy, a small, hopeful quiver in his voice.

Clancy saw Josh’s eyes shift for a moment behind him and towards Keons. Then Clancy heard Keons’ voice.

“There is no one there, my child,” said Keons.

Clancy felt a pit in his stomach as he looked back at Keons. Keons couldn’t see Josh? But he was standing right there, touching him! He had to be there. Clancy wanted to believe it.

“But I-,” protested Clancy, looking back at Josh.

Clancy stopped in his tracks because as those words left his mouth, Josh dissolved away again. Just like that, he was gone and Clancy was left wondering if he was going crazy or hallucinating. He turned to look back at Keons who appeared concerned.

“Is something the matter, my child?” asked Keons.

“No, it’s nothing,” replied Clancy, shaking his head. “I… think I’m just ready to get out of this cell.”

Keons nodded. “Very well. You may return to your domicile tonight. Report to necropolis in the morning. You will be taught your new role. I pray that you take this second chance seriously and devote yourself to your work and the glory of Dema. This is for your sake.”

Clancy nodded, but said nothing. Keons placed a key in the door of Clancy’s cell and opened the door.

“You may go,” said Keons, gesturing for Clancy to exit.

Clancy stepped out of his cell cautiously, almost expecting something to happen. Nothing did. Keons silently escorted him out of the tower and back into the streets. From there, Clancy left for his old home alone. The streets were dark and empty. Clancy was glad he found his way back quickly.

Once he was inside, Clancy immediately jumped in his bed, face in his pillow. Now that he was finally back home in his bed and alone, he couldn’t hold back his emotions. Everything hit Clancy at once and tears came streaming down his face.

Despair, grief, rage, fear, doubt. They all flooded Clancy at once as the events of the past few days set in. He relived the moment he made his decision and faced the bishops. He relived the moment that he told Josh goodbye, not knowing for sure if he’d ever see him again, even if he promised Josh that he would. Over and over in his head on an endless loop, those memories played. Eventually, Clancy cried himself to sleep, finally exhausted.

Surprisingly, Clancy slept soundly that night, a completely dreamless sleep. He must have been that exhausted that he just completely shut down for a while. He begrudgingly got up and got ready for the day. He was not excited about reporting to the necropolis today.

After a quick breakfast, Clancy walked into the garden. He allowed himself to take in the colorful plants and flowers as he made his way towards the entrance of the necropolis. Something caught Clancy's eye on his way. One of the gardeners who walked in front of him had a yellow daisy in his pocket. Just before he reached the entrance, Clancy could have sworn he saw someone else walking through the garden with a yellow daisy in her pocket. Clancy blinked a few times. Did he really see that? He didn’t have long to ponder on it as the doors to the necropolis began to open, swinging outward. Clancy walked through them, into the apparent darkness.

As the doors swung shut slowly behind Clancy, his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room. The dark stone walls only made the room feel more oppressive. In the middle of the room were nine statues, one of each bishop. Clancy felt a chill just from looking at them. Along the wall behind the statues hung banners, each emblazoned with the symbol of one of the nine bishops. As Clancy drew closer to the statue, a middle aged man with a graying beard approached him. The man’s hands and forearms were black all the way to his elbows.

“You must be Clancy,” said the man. “I am Pierre, the head undertaker. Welcome to the necropolis.”

“Thank you,” said Clancy nervously.

“I understand that your circumstances are… unique,” continued Pierre. “But there’s nothing to worry about. Under the watchful eyes of the bishops, we aid in carrying out the highest glory in Dema. Come, I will show you.”

Pierre began to walk towards one of the many hallways, beckoning Clancy to follow with his hand. Clancy took the cue and followed after him. The first room they entered was hot. Clancy started sweating almost immediately. He quickly identified the source or, rather, sources.

Throughout the room were numerous furnaces, each manned by a pair of undertakers. They were working glass, forming tubes with it. Clancy knew what these were.

“Here we make the neon lights to form the neon gravestones,” explained Pierre. “This is an important job and we take great care in crafting them to honor the Glorious Gone in the manner they deserve. It will take time and practice, but you, too, will learn to make them.”

In spite of the heat, Clancy felt a chill run down his side seeing the neon tubes being crafted. When he was younger, he would have found this awe-inspiring. Now it made him uneasy. Pierre continued onward, blissfully unaware of Clancy’s feelings.

The next area that Pierre took him to was cold. Clancy shivered at the sudden shift. The room was largely empty, the walls lined with metal doors. Clancy noticed a few undertakers at the far side of the room opening some of the doors, checking inside, and closing them again.

“This is where the Glorious Gone wait until their neon gravestones are ready,” said Pierre. “We work quickly, but there are still delays. As such, we must take precautions. It is the duty of the undertakers to ensure they remain well preserved.”

Clancy managed to keep a straight face, but he was deeply unsettled at the idea of handling a body like that. To keep it fresh? That sounded wrong somehow. But he knew it was for the bishops. They wanted and needed perfect vessels. It sickened Clancy. Pierre continued ever onward. Clancy followed, thrilled to leave the room.

Clancy covered his eyes initially as they entered the next area. It was surprisingly bright. As his eyes adjusted, he saw why. Countless rows of neon gravestones stretched out as far as Clancy could see. He didn’t need an explanation to know what this place was, but Pierre was undeterred.

“And here is the true heart of the necropolis,” said Pierre with a proud smile. “The graveyard where the Glorious Gone go on to rest and be honored until the bishops grant the Glory of returning to this world.”

Clancy just nodded silently. He knew what the Glorious Gone actually meant. He knew there was nothing glorious about it. He also knew now was not the time. He needed to follow the rules, or at least appear to for now, so he remained silent and followed Pierre as he showed him the rest of the vast necropolis. 

After the tour was over, Pierre handed Clancy over to some other undertakers to oversee his instruction on how to be an undertaker and to carry out his duties. This took the majority of the day and it took everything Clancy had in him to hide his unease and, sometimes, disgust with his new job. When his instructor told him he could go for the day, Clancy wasted no time bolting from the room and out of the necropolis.

As Clancy made his way through the garden and towards the exit so he could get home, he noticed a familiar figure leaning against the exit gate, her brunette hair brushing her shoulders as a breeze swept through the garden. It was the guard from last night, Poppy.

“Hey,” said Poppy as Clancy approached. “Figured you’d be wrapping up here. Care to join us for dinner?”

“Us?” asked Clancy, raising an eyebrow at Poppy.

“Yeah. Me and some friends. I want to introduce you to them.”

“Is that a good idea?” asked Clancy cautiously.

“It’ll be fine,” dismissed Poppy. “They wanted a guard to eat with you for a while so that they could keep an eye on you, so I volunteered. It covers us and gives us an excuse to be around each other. They didn’t say I couldn’t bring friends.”

“Clever.”

“Thanks,” smirked Poppy. “Let’s go.”

Clancy and Poppy claimed a table with several seats after grabbing their dinner from the food line. Shortly after, others began to join them, filling in the seats. Clancy counted four new people. Three of them seemed to be about his age, but one of them was definitely still a teenager. They couldn’t be more than a few years beyond their Choosing.

“This is Bel, Red, Ness, and Finn,” said Poppy, introducing each of her friends in turn. “Bel and I have been best friends since our conservatory days. Josh found us at the same time. We met Red, Ness, and Finn through Josh. Finn was just starting to find their way when Josh said it was time, so they stayed like us.”

“Yeah. I just wish I’d been braver,” said Finn sheepishly.

“It’s fine, Finn,” chimed in Bel. “We’ve all decided we’re going to make it out. We’ll get a chance.”

“And now we have someone who helped make the first escape happen,” added Red.

“They’re right,” agreed Ness. “We’ll have our chance.”

“You all seem so sure,” observed Clancy. “Why is that?”

“None of us thought it could be done,” answered Poppy. “But you and Josh proved it can be done. We just have to be brave and try.”

“That’s not to say we intend to rush recklessly into this,” said Red. “We know we’ll have to be careful and plan.”

“It took us years of planning,” said Clancy. “And I still think we got lucky.”

“Maybe,” said Ness. “But now that the wall has been breached, there’s opportunity.”

“There’s a plan amongst us rebel engineers,” said Red. “As we rebuild the East wall, we plan to leave a permanent way out. We’ll have to be careful and keep it well hidden, but it’ll be there.”

“You have enough people to pull off something like that?” asked Clancy in surprise. “I thought there was only a handful of you.”

“Recruited fully by Josh, yes,” replied Poppy. “But you two and your escape inspired people. Things have shifted here. The bishops can tell and they don’t like it. That’s why they want a close eye on you. You in particular are of interest to the citizens of Dema.”

“Me? Why?”

“Simple. They know what you did. That you helped make the escape happen and then sacrificed your freedom so that everyone else could escape.”

“People are talking,” added Bel. “And every day they align more with you and your cause.”

“I inspire people? Me? I was never the leader type. That was Josh,” rebutted Clancy.

“Yes, but what you did speaks volumes about your character,” explained Ness. “And that is something people can rally behind.”

Clancy was blown away at this revelation. He never expected to become known throughout Dema, to be an inspiration to others. That always seemed like Josh’s role. But Josh wasn’t here now. It was all on him and if he wanted to see Josh again, he’d have to try. Like Poppy said, they had proven that you just had to be brave and try.

“So what do we do?” asked Clancy.

“Well, first, we need the bishops to stop worrying about keeping such a tight eye and leash on you,” said Poppy. “Then the easiest thing to do would be to wait until Red and the engineers finish their exit.”

“If all goes well, we’ll have it done before the repairs itself are truly complete,” said Red. “It would cover our escape better and create confusion.”

“How many are we looking at trying to get out this time?” asked Clancy.

“Hmm,” mused Poppy, thinking for a moment. “Including us six, there’s at least fifteen or twenty of us who would be ready to go. If the exit goes unnoticed, we could get people out in slower waves if needed.”

“How long will fixing the wall and exit take?” continued Clancy.

“Well, the bishops are having us focus all our time, effort, and resources on it,” said Red. “They want the problem solved fast and are tired of diverting the majority of the guards there while the wall is open.”

“I bet if you act really good for a month, the bishops will start to loosen their leash,” said Poppy. “Especially Keons. He seems to be particularly fond of you for some reason.”

“Nico implied the same thing,” added Clancy.

“Did he now?” said Poppy, amused. “There really must be something special about you. And Josh, too.”

“I dunno. I think we’re both just two guys,” shrugged Clancy.

“And sometimes fate calls ‘just two normal guys’ to action and they make history,” smiled Bel.

“Spoken like a true librarian,” laughed Poppy before turning her attention back to Clancy. “So, do you think you can keep up this charade for a month? We’ll be here to support you, too, in the meantime.”

“Yeah, I think I can,” nodded Clancy. “I want us all to get out of here. We should be free of this place and Vialism.”

“Well said!” cheered Ness. “In the meantime, the rest of us will prepare while they keep their eyes on you.”

“It’ll definitely make it easier,” said Finn. “I guess we’re really doing this.”

“We definitely are,” said Poppy. “And we’ll do it together.”

“And always remember…” began Clancy.

“East is up!” they all said in unison.

Clancy smiled. He had hope again. He could tell these were good people. They could actually do it. He truly believed that. He wished that he could have Josh with him for this, but at least he knew he wasn’t alone. When they finished eating, the six parted ways for the night.

Clancy quietly let himself inside his home and sighed heavily once he closed the door. What a day he’d had. He took a seat at his desk and opened the drawer. Clancy smiled when he saw the yellow daisy, right where he’d left it. Josh was right. It reminded him of their friendship and of their cause. He gently placed the flower on his desk in front of him, staring at it as he rested his head on his hand.

Suddenly, Clancy felt a warm hand squeeze his shoulder

“Hello, Clancy,” came a warm, familiar voice.

Clancy turned to see who could possibly be in his house. Once again, standing before him was Josh. Clancy quickly grabbed Josh’s hand on his shoulder. He felt it. It was warm. It was real. Tears welled up in Clancy’s eyes. This was the third time this had happened and he didn’t think he could take it if Josh disappeared again.

“Is it really you?” asked Clancy, his voice cracking slightly.

“It’s me,” smiled Josh as he placed his other hand on his best friend’s back. “I’m here.”

“But how?”

“It’s… complicated.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m both here and not here.”

Clancy shifted himself to fully face Josh, recovering his composure. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“Yeah, that’s fair. Basically, I found out I can sort of project myself. To help guide someone.”

“Y’know, that somehow seems fitting.”

“Does it?” asked Josh, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

“Definitely. You guided me and then everyone else out.”

“You’re taking this really well.”

“I did come across astral projection while working in the library, you know.”

“Ah, so that explains it.”

“But why’d you disappear all the other times? You kept leaving me.”

“I didn’t want to,” apologized Josh, visibly saddened. “It upset me greatly that kept happening. But I didn’t know what was going on or how to control it. Now I do.”

Josh put his hands on Clancy’s shoulders and looked at him straight in the eyes. “And I hope you now know I’ve never left you. Not really. I never would and I never will. Even if there’s physical space between us, I will always find you.”

Clancy smiled at Josh and placed his hand over Josh’s, their fingers touching. “I know. And I’ll always find my way back home and back to you. In fact, I’ve already started a plan.”

“Have you now? Well, let’s hear it.”

Clancy explained the plan that he had devised with Poppy and the others and caught him up on what had happened to him since he faced the bishops. In turn, Josh told him how he and the others were doing and that things were coming along well. Josh was impressed at the plan and the boldness of it.

“It’s bold, but it could work,” said Josh. “A month isn’t that long. And it would give me time to prepare as well.”

“Prepare?” asked Clancy. “For what?”

“To help you of course! You didn’t think I’d let you do this alone, did you? We can coordinate and me and some of the others can come to help you find your way through Trench.”

“That’d be amazing actually.”

“Now we just have to wait. And you have to keep up the act. I believe in you, Clancy.”

“Thanks. It won’t be easy, but I know we can make it happen.”

“I’ll make sure of it.”

“We’ll keep in touch and keep each other apprised. The bishops will never know or suspect me helping.”

“Our ace in the hole.”

“Exactly.”

The two extended their hand towards the other at the same time and laughed for a moment before jumping into their secret handshake. They both felt an immense sense of relief from it. When they got to the end, the hug turned into a full hug that they both held for a moment before finally letting go.

“I’ll see you soon,” said Josh, giving Clancy a two-fingered salute from his eyebrow. “Good luck and stay safe.”

“Same to you,” said Clancy.

Josh smiled and began to dissolve away once more. A moment later, he was completely gone. Clancy smiled. Josh was safe. They had a way to communicate. He wasn’t alone. He had friends. He had help. He had support. He had a plan. He was going to do this. He would break free of this place, of this vicious cycle. He could wait a month. Clancy placed the flower gently back inside his desk drawer and closed it before climbing into his bed and falling fast asleep.

Chapter Text

Josh opened his eyes. He was back in his tent. The torch still burned brightly, the light of the flames dancing on the petals of the yellow daisies in front of him. He could still feel the lingering touch of Clancy’s hug, even if it had been just from a projection of himself. A wave of sadness swept over him as he realized how far they were from each other now, but it passed quickly as he reminded himself that they had a plan and that he still had a way to see Clancy. He smiled sadly as he got up, picking up the daisies and returning them to the vase. He snuffed out his torch and slipped into bed. Tomorrow, they would begin their preparations. They must not fail. This time, everyone would get out, including Clancy.

The next morning while everyone was working on the camp, Josh met with Maria and Joseph and told them of his success with reaching Clancy. He brought them up to speed on what had happened so far and Clancy’s plan for escaping once more.

“So we have a month to get ready,” said Maria. “That should give us enough time, especially if the bishops aren’t coming after us. For now at least.”

“I like it,” added Joseph. “Having a secure way in and out will be good for us and for them. Plus they can get out quickly and quietly instead of with a bang like we did.”

“Exactly,” nodded Josh. “So it should hopefully be easier to sneak out undetected. If we can get them back to the camp, they should be safe.”

“Is there anything we can do to help cover them?” asked Maria. “Or cover us? While we’ve been safe so far, there’s no denying we’re vulnerable.”

“Hmm. What about masks?” suggested Joseph. “Or like some kind of face covering.”

“That could work,” mused Josh as an idea occurred to him. “We could use yellow bandanas! They’d cover our faces and we should be able to make them from material we have or can find. Plus the bishops can’t see yellow, so it should give us literal cover.”

“That’s a great idea actually,” agreed Maria. “I can get a group started on them. I have some ideas for how to make yellow dye.”

“Do you think strips of yellow would have a similar effect?” asked Joseph.

“I don’t see why not,” answered Josh. “If it has yellow on it, it should hide us from the eyes of the bishops.”

“I think we could make duct tape to stick to our clothes,” suggested Joseph. “It would stick and be durable, but we could easily remove it without damaging them.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” agreed Maria.

“We’ll also need to get a small group together to go help them when it’s time,” said Josh.

“Well obviously the three of us at least,” said Maria.

“For sure,” nodded Josh. “I think a group of nine should be more than enough. It sounds like they have a decent number of people, so we want to make sure we have enough to help them, but not so many that we make it hard to get away and travel.”

“Sounds good,” said Joseph. “I can talk to some people while we work on duct tape.”

“And I’ll talk to some others while we work on bandanas,” said Maria.

“In the meantime, I’ll help teach the others new skills and about the yellow,” said Josh. “How to stay safe and how to be free. And I’ll help out wherever I’m needed.”

“Sounds like we have a plan then,” grinned Maria.

“And only a month to prepare,” added Joseph.

“Let’s get to it then,” smiled Josh. “We’re going to get everyone out this time. We must.”

Maria and Joseph nodded at Josh in agreement before parting ways, each with their own task to help get ready for the escape.

Clancy awoke the next morning and found himself feeling surprisingly hopeful. He still hated the idea of having to go to the necropolis, but he also knew that there was an end in sight. He could do that for a month, playing the part of a good and loyal citizen of Dema. More importantly, he knew he wasn’t alone as he had feared. He had friends and support. To top it all off, he knew that Josh and the others were safe and that made everything he did worth it. In spite of it all, Clancy couldn’t help but feel like things were going to work out.

Clancy spent most of his day following several undertakers. They planned to introduce him to all facets of the necropolis before having him learn to master each one. Clancy hated the morgue the most. It made him uneasy and anxious. He’d rather watch over and maintain the graves of the Glorious Gone. Although, Clancy found a certain peace in the work of forging the neon gravestones. It was hot and slow work, but he could lose himself in it. His preceptors commented on his excellent focus, but to Clancy, it was just an escape to pass the time.

Finally, the day ended for Clancy. He left the necropolis as quickly as he could. Poppy was waiting for him by the garden gate again. Poppy smiled when she noticed him and Clancy smiled back.

“First day done then?” asked Poppy.

“Yeah,” replied Clancy. “I’m glad it’s over, but it’ll survive. Let’s go, though. I have a lot to tell everyone.”

“Oh?” said Poppy, raising a curious eyebrow. “Can’t wait to hear this then.”

Clancy and Poppy hurried to the dining hall.

After getting their food, Clancy and Poppy grabbed a large table. It wasn’t long before Bel, Red, Ness, and Finn joined them. Once they were all there, Clancy brought them up to speed on having seen Josh and how he would be helping them escape.

“That’s great!” exclaimed Red. “It’d be a huge help if we had someone to guide us.”

“Definitely,” agreed Poppy.

“Especially since I don’t have the maps of Trench anymore,” added Clancy. “It’d be hard to know where we’re going.”

“They’ll also have torches,” Finn chimed in. “It’d be hard to find our way in the dark.”

“Josh said they call him ‘The Torchbearer’ now,” smiled Clancy.

“That’s almost too on the nose,” laughed Poppy. “But no denying it fits.”

“So we keep going, gathering supplies, and buying time then,” said Bel.

“Yup,” said Ness. “All we can do is wait and prepare. We’ll have to be careful who comes with us. Gotta be sneaky.”

“For sure,” nodded Poppy. “I think you can leave a lot of that to me. I’ll find out who we can count on and safely take with us.”

“Me, too,” said Red. “The engineers working with me on this should all be trustworthy and safe. And I’ll make sure it doesn’t leak to the others.”

“I should be able to keep gathering supplies,” said Finn. “Working at the distribution center gets me access to all kinds of stuff.”

“Now we just keep up the act until we’re ready,” said Clancy. “We’ve got this. We’re counting on you and the other engineers, Red.”

“I know,” nodded Red. “We won’t fail. We’re a clever bunch.”

“Good. I’ll let you know if there’s anything new from Josh,” said Clancy.

“We appreciate it,” acknowledged Poppy. “It’s reassuring to know he’s with us as well.”

“I agree,” smiled Clancy. “Makes me think we can really do this.”

“We will do this,” corrected Poppy.

“Heh, you’re right,” laughed Clancy.

The group chatted a little while longer before parting ways for the night.

Things were progressing well at the camp. The tents and other structures had started to come together nicely and they had managed to plant a small garden as well. Josh had been busy overseeing the main camp while Maria and Joseph handled their jobs. The rest of the group seemed to enjoy his help and guidance.

At lunch, while everyone was taking a break, Josh took the opportunity to bring everyone up to speed. He explained that the bishops couldn’t see yellow and that would give them some cover should the bishops ever come looking for them. After learning this, everyone seemed especially eager to work on the bandanas, tape, and dye, but Josh had them settled as there was more to explain.

“I’ve also made contact with Clancy,” began Josh. “I’ve found that I have the ability to project and guide.”

Josh paused for a moment to allow for the surprised, but awe-filled whispers and chatter to die down. He was glad everyone took easily to that.

“What’s more important, though, is that I found out he has a plan to lead another group out,” continued Josh. “They’re working on a plan to make a permanent, but secret, passage through the East wall while they’re repairing it. So they can sneak out quickly and quietly unlike when we had to escape.”

“What can we do to help?” asked someone from the crowd.

“Yeah, we want to help them escape, too, especially Clancy,” said another.

“We’ll be making a small team to go assist them the night of their escape,” answered Josh, waving his hands for everyone to quiet down. “But we also need to make enough of the yellow bandanas and duct tape for us and for them. And we also have to make sure the camp is ready to accommodate them. We’ve made a lot of progress, but we’ll have to expand.”

“We can do that,” declared someone in the crowd.

There were rumblings of unanimous agreement around the crowd. Josh smiled. It was reassuring that everyone seemed on board with this plan.

“We have about a month to get ready,” added Josh. “So let’s do all we can before then.”

The group let out cheers and shouts of agreement, excited to get to work. Josh knew he’d need everyone’s help to pull this off.

Clancy toiled away in the heat of the furnaces, forging the new neon gravestones. He’d taken well to it and his superiors seemed content to let him do most of his work in that area. Keons also approved. A part of Clancy suspected that maybe this made him look especially devoted and like he was a model citizen of Dema and follower of Vialism.

Even though Clancy felt like he could lose himself in the work and make time pass quickly, there was no denying the toll it took on him. He noticed that sometimes he felt cold and numb when he was alone when taking a break or back home. It was especially bad when he couldn’t scrub the black from his hands. The soot from the furnaces and glass coated them and sometimes stained them. One night, Clancy’s hands bled from scrubbing so hard, but he still couldn’t fully get the black off. He’d have to try again tomorrow.

The small joy he got in his day was his nightly dinner with Poppy and her friends. They tried to be discreet and not always talk about their plans. After all, they still had to be wary and careful. Nevertheless, Clancy found his time with them to be comforting. It gave him something to look forward to after each hellish day in the necropolis. The bishops had certainly picked his punishment well.

Three weeks had passed and Red reported that things were progressing well with the engineers’ plan. They should be done on time in about a week if nothing else happened. They’d been careful but efficient. Clancy was relieved. Knowing that there was an end in sight helped him a lot. Shortly after Clancy got back to his home, Josh appeared in front of him. Clancy smiled.

“It’s good to see you,” said Clancy.

“Same to you,” echoed Josh, a huge grin spreading across his face. “How’ve you been?”

Clancy sighed and took a seat. “It’s been… rough. Working in the necropolis is hard on me. But having friends here helps. Seeing you again helps.”

Josh’s expression saddened at Clancy’s words. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to help more.”

“No, it’s OK. You’re doing what you can and so are we. I knew this would be hard, but I’m managing. And Red said the engineers are on track. They should finish within a week.”

“That’s good. We should be ready on our end soon, too. We’ve been working on making the camp ready for all of you as well as something special to give us cover against the bishops.”

“Cover? What do you mean?”

Josh reached into the neck of his jacket and pulled up a yellow bandana, covering the bottom half of his face with it.

“These bandanas in particular,” answered Josh. “But we’re also working on duct tape to cover our clothes. It’ll hide our identities and the bishops won’t be able to see us so easily.”

“You look like some kind of bandit with that on,” laughed Clancy heartily, his mood immensely lightening.

“I suppose I do,” smiled Josh, glad to see his best friend relaxing. “I guess we are kind of a bunch of bandits if you think about it.”

“Hmm, more like banditos really,” mused Clancy. “You’re outlaws, but you’re not really robbing people.”

“Bandito does sound cooler,” said Josh, rubbing his chin through the bandana. “I like it. I think that’s what we’ll be called. We need a name for our group after all.”

“Makes sense, especially if everyone’s going to be wearing those bandanas!”

“Well, we won’t have them pulled up all the time, but yeah. It’s for protection after all. None of us want to be recaptured after finally making it out.”

“I get that.”

“I know you do. More than most.”

“I really think we can do it this time, Josh,” said Clancy, suddenly serious again. “With us being able to sneak and with your help, I really think we can. There’s none of the danger like when we first escaped.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling confident,” replied Josh. “I agree with you though. And we’ll have bandanas and duct tape for you and the others as well. We’ll be there to help guide and cover you, but we also want you to have the same protection.”

“Thanks,” nodded Clancy. “That’ll be a huge help and comfort. I know the others will appreciate it, too.”

“I’m sure they will. Everyone’s almost ready. We’ll succeed for sure this time.”

“Mhm,” agreed Clancy, seeming to be thinking about something else. “I was thinking, we should probably have a code, a way to call out for help, the only people in our group would know.”

“Oh?” said Josh raising an impressed eyebrow. “That’s not a bad idea. Have anything in mind?”

“Well, I’ve had this weird phrase rolling around in my head. I feel like I heard it echoing in my dreams at night. I don’t think it has any real meaning by itself, but something about it sounds right. And, oddly, comforting.”

“So, what is it?”

“Sahlo folina.”

“Sahlo folina?”

“Yup, that’s it.”

“Sahlo folina,” said Josh, rolling the words around with his tongue. “Sahlo folina… Huh, you’re right. Something about it seems right and comforting. You’re sure it doesn’t have any meaning?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” replied Clancy, shaking his head. “I don’t recall coming across it in any books in the Library, not even in other languages. So I don’t know where it came from.”

“Then that means it’s up to us to give it meaning! We need a way to communicate a need for help and to call out for it. So that’s the meaning we’ll assign to it. It’s our phrase now, sahlo folina.”

“It’ll be what we call out when we’re in need, whether here in Dema or in Trench. And those who are with us will come to our aid.”

“And a reminder to ourselves that we don’t have to do it all on our own. Because in Trench, we’re not alone. No one is.”

“Exactly.”

“I’ll teach it to the rest of the camp. The Banditos.”

“And I’ll tell Poppy and the others. I can’t wait til we can join you as Banditos as well.”

“Me, too. It won’t be long now.”

“Just another week.”

“Until then. I’ll touch base again soon. Stay strong, Clancy.”

“You, too, Josh.”

Clancy and Josh did their handshake. Once they were done, Josh flashed Clancy a huge smile before dissolving away. Clancy was sad he was gone already, but he overall felt better after seeing and talking to his best friend. It was amazing how much his mood always improved after that. Soon, he’d be out of Dema and reunited with Josh and the Banditos. He couldn’t wait for that day. Clancy settled into bed for the night.

Only a week more to go , Clancy thought to himself as he drifted off to sleep.

With less than a week to go, Josh was busy making sure everything was in order. Maria and Joseph were a huge help and they had helped find the others who would fill out their team for the rescue mission. With all of the yellow bandanas finished, Josh explained their group’s new name, The Banditos. They were outlaws by the authority of Dema, but they only sought freedom and to help others, covering themselves with the yellow bandanas to hide from the bishops. Everyone seemed to love the idea, fully embracing their new identity, and cheering The Torchbearer as the leader of the new Banditos. Josh couldn’t help but smile at that. He couldn’t believe that he had united this many people. He hoped he could live up to their expectations and continue to protect and guide them. He had, however, noticed fewer and fewer people called him Josh in the camp these days. But Josh didn’t mind it. Not if it helped everyone else.

One night, around the bonfire after dinner, Josh introduced the Banditos to the phrase “sahlo folina”. It would be their own unique words and phrase that only they would know the meaning of. If they felt alone or in need of help, they should call out those words. And if they ever heard them, they should lend their aid to whomever was calling out.

“Remember, in Trench, we’re not alone,” reminded Josh . “So when we sing ‘sahlo folina’, it’s in full faith and belief in that fact. That we are not alone and help will come to us. It’s up to us to uphold that.”

Josh was met with enthusiastic support and cheers. People began shouting the phrase, practicing it in their mouths. They all swore to uphold that value and trust.

After the crowd began to disperse, Josh called for Maria, Joseph, and the other members of the team who would be going with him to Dema to help rescue Clancy and the others.

“It’s nearly time,” explained Josh. “In the next few days, I should receive word from Clancy. Once they’re ready, we must go immediately to assist them. I don’t want to delay any longer than absolutely necessary.”

“We’ll be ready,” said Maria. “I’m sure of it. This time, we’ll get him out. Along with everyone else.”

“She’s right,” agreed Joseph. “We have all the bandanas and duct tape ready. All we need to do is prepare some packs and torches and then we’ll be all set. We can easily knock that out tomorrow.”

“And all of you feel ready?” asked Josh, looking at the other six Banditos that Maria and Joseph had gathered. “You know what we have to do?”

They all nodded and Josh smiled. He noticed they already had strips of yellow duct tape on their shoulders and wrapped around their legs and their bandanas hung comfortably just below their chins. Yes, they were ready.

“Alright then,” continued Josh. “Then all that’s left is to prepare our packs for the trip and wait for word from Clancy. I suggest everyone get a good night’s sleep for now.”

Everyone nodded in agreement and parted ways for the night. Josh was nervous, but excited. Any day now, he’d finally be reunited with his best friend. And this time he’d make sure he stayed safe and away from the hands of the bishops. He wouldn’t repeat his past mistakes.

A few days later, Clancy was at dinner with Poppy. The others had already joined them except for Red. No one had seen her that day. Anxiety began to claw at the back of Clancy’s mind. Had something happened to her? Had the bishops caught on? His mind ran through a thousand different scenarios.

Red suddenly appeared at the table, surprising everyone including Clancy. She was clearly excited about something. Clancy was just relieved to see her safe.

“We did it!” exclaimed Red, trying not to let her voice get too loud. “We’re done!”

“Wait for real?!” asked Poppy. “You finished early?”

“Yes!” replied Red. “We got ahead and a few of us stayed late to make sure, but the way is secure! We can go anytime. And the guard patrols have decreased, right?”

“That’s true,” acknowledged Poppy. “They only do a routine patrol now since the wall is nearly patched. They’re not so worried now.”

“That’s perfect then!” said Bel excitedly. “We can go soon!”

“I think I’ve gathered a good bit of supplies now, too,” added Finn. “Should be enough for everyone coming and to help add to supplies when we get to camp.”

“That’s great, Finn,” said Clancy. “That’ll be a huge help to the Banditos.”

“Banditos?” asked Ness.

“Ah, yeah, that’s what they’ve decided to call themselves,” responded Clancy. “Partly because of the yellow bandanas.”

“Ah, you did mention those,” nodded Ness. “The same time you told us about ‘sahlo folina’. Makes sense I suppose.”

“They’ll have some for us, too,” continued Clancy. “To help give us cover as well.”

“So, the big question is when do we do this?” asked Poppy.

“If I can reach Josh, I’d say tomorrow,” said Clancy.

“That soon, huh?” asked Finn nervously.

“It’ll be alright, Finn,” said Bel, putting her hand comfortingly on Finn’s shoulder. “We’re ready. We just have to be brave.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” smiled Finn, feeling better.

“I’ll let the others who will be coming with us know to be ready to go at a moment’s notice,” said Poppy. “Just let us know when Josh and the Banditos can meet us.”

“Will do,” nodded Clancy.

Clancy sat on his bed staring at the wall. He was hoping Josh would make contact with him tonight. As far as he knew, this connection didn’t work both ways unfortunately. But it didn’t look like that was going to happen. Clancy wasn’t terribly surprised. After all, they were a few days ahead of schedule. Clancy thought for a moment and an idea came to him.

Clancy thought about Josh, about his words reaching him, and he called out, “Sahlo folina!”

Moments later, Josh appeared in front of him, smile on his face like always. Clancy was surprised for a moment, but glad the next. He got up and approached Josh.

“I heard you,” grinned Josh. “Or, well, I felt you calling. Like you needed help.”

“I did,” replied Clancy. “I needed to talk to you.”

“What’s up?”

“We’re ready. The escape route is finished and secure. We can make our move anytime.”

“Oh, wow! You finished ahead of time.”

“Is that a problem?”

“Not at all! We’re ready on our end. When did you want to do this?”

“Tomorrow night if possible.”

“I like it! Not wasting any time. We can do that. We’re ready and we will be there.”

“Red said the door is right where we blew the hole in the East wall. She said they marked it with a sideways E.”

“East is Up, huh?” chuckled Josh. “I like it.”

“She’s clever,” agreed Clancy. “They all are.”

“Of course they are. I recruited them. I’m glad you inspired them to action though.”

“Not just me. You, too.”

“Yeah, but you’re the one there moving things along with them.”

“Fair enough.”

“So, tomorrow night then?”

“Yup. It’s time.”

“I agree. I’ll see you tomorrow. For real this time.”

Josh gave Clancy a huge smile before dissolving away. Clancy breathed a sigh of relief. They were ready. All the pieces were in place. They’d been so careful. They’d planned everything. And now they had the support of the Banditos. This was it. This was their moment. This was where everything changed. Clancy’s heart raced. He was full of excitement and anticipation, but he couldn’t help but be slightly anxious about it all. He quickly buried that anxiety and went to bed. Tomorrow would be a long and interesting day.

Chapter Text

The next morning, while everyone was eating breakfast, Josh pulled the members of the rescue team aside. He took them to sit around the fire outside while they ate breakfast.

“So, I heard from Clancy last night,” began Josh.

“Heard from him?” asked Maria, a confused look on her face. “I didn’t realize he could project, too.”

“No, no,” laughed Josh. “I mean I talked to him. But he did call out to me.”

“How’d the work?” asked Joseph.

“Apparently he just called out ‘sahlo folina’,” answered Josh. “I didn’t exactly hear those words, but I felt him calling out, so I answered. Turns out I was right.”

“That’s pretty cool,” said Joseph. “Guess that new phrase really does work more as more than just words.”

“I guess so,” agreed Josh. “I wonder if it’s because of how close we are? Or maybe it works for anyone I’m trying to help guide?”

“Could be either,” said Maria, taking a big bite of her pancake. “Still, Joseph is right and it’s cool. And possibly useful. Might save one of us some day.”

“Definitely,” nodded Josh.

“So, what did Clancy have to say?” asked Maria.

“Right,” continued Josh. “He said they finished the escape route early and that they’re ready to make their move tonight. I told him we’re ready, too, and would be there to support them.”

“That’s great!” exclaimed Joseph. “We’re definitely ready on our end.”

“I agree,” Maria chimed in. “We can definitely make that happen tonight.”

“Everyone else in agreement?” asked Josh, addressing the other members of the team.

They all nodded and flashed excited smiles. Josh could tell they were ready and eager to help Clancy and the others escape. Josh couldn’t help but smile. It filled him with hope.

“Alright then,” said Josh. “We do this tonight. We’ll meet at the fire at the center of camp as the sun starts to set. Bring your backpacks, gear, and torches. We’ll light them at the fire and make our way towards Dema. We should reach the city wall before they make their move. We move quickly and quietly. We get in, we get them out, and we get back to camp. We need to be fast, but we also have to be careful. We can’t make any mistakes here.”

“Don’t worry,” smirked Maria. “We’re going to pull this off.”

“She’s right,” added Joseph. “We won’t let them down. And we won’t let you down.”

“Thank you,” smiled Josh. “Really and truly. It means a lot to me. But you’re right. We’re ready and we’re going to do this.”

“Tonight it is then,” said Maria.

“Let’s bring them home,” said Josh.

The group clinked their glasses together and finished their drinks before going their separate ways to prepare for the task ahead.

Clancy awoke the next morning full of both hope and dread. On the one hand, he had to go back to the necropolis yet again. On the other, today would be the last time he ever had to go back there. After today, he’d be free. On top of that, he would get to share the good news with his friends once they met for dinner like they always did. That thought gave Clancy the motivation he needed to get out of bed. He only had to do this one more time. So, he got ready for the day and headed to the dining hall for a quick breakfast before reporting to the necropolis.

Clancy toiled away in the furnaces, forging new neon gravestones. The bishops had been pressing them to make more in preparation for the Annual Assemblage of the Glorified that was in the near future. Clancy hated the work, knowing what it was for and what it meant, but he was able to lose himself in it. The time passed quickly as the sweat ran down his forehead, dripping off the tip of his nose. By the end of the day, his arms were blackened all the way to his elbows. His superiors commented on how impressed they were by how many he had been able to make. The bishops would be pleased. Clancy smiled and pretended to accept their praise while knowing internally that what he had done disgusted him and he couldn’t care less what the bishops thought of him and his work. Clancy was relieved when he could finally leave for the day and wasted no time hurrying to the dining hall.

Clancy smiled when he saw his friends sitting at a table waiting for him. They enthusiastically waved at him as soon as they noticed him. Clancy quickly made his way toward their table with his food and took his seat.

“Any news?” asked Red excitedly.

“Yeah, have you heard from him?” asked Finn.

“Actually, I have!” grinned Clancy. “I’ve been looking forward to telling you all day!”

“Wait, really?!” gasped Bel in surprise. “What’d he say?!”

“Good news I hope,” added Poppy.

“It is!” replied Clancy. “I told him we’re ready and the tunnel is complete. He said they’ll meet us tonight.”

“Tonight?!” exclaimed Finn. “That’s so soon.”

“It’s probably for the best,” said Ness. “The sooner we move the better.”

“I definitely agree,” said Poppy. “If he can meet us that soon, then we go tonight.”

“The path is ready and clear,” said Red. “We double checked it before we got off shift. We can go whenever.”

“I hope there’s enough time to tell everyone,” said Bel thoughtfully.

“Well, we knew we couldn’t take everyone in one go,” said Poppy. “We’re not ready for a mass exodus. That’s why we wanted a route we can use again and again.”

“That’s true,” nodded Red. “We did design it with that in mind.”

“But we can still take a good group, right?” asked Finn.

“Oh, absolutely,” replied Poppy. “I should be able to get the word to most of them.”

“And I can let my corps of trusted engineers know,” added Red. “They were already excited that we finished early. They’re going to be ecstatic to hear that it’s happening tonight.”

“Good,” nodded Clancy. “Then let’s plan to meet at the back of the Grand Library late tonight. There’s an entrance to the catacombs there and I know the way through them to the East wall from there. That way we can move through the city safely and without raising the alarm. But we’ll need to wait until it’s good and dark and any patrols have died down.”

“That sounds great,” said Poppy. “I’ll tell everyone to meet there. And to stick to the shadows.”

“As will I,” said Red.

“I can’t believe it’s finally time,” said Bel. “We’re really going to do it.”

“Yup,” Finn chimed in. “We’ve decided to see it through this time.”

“And we will,” smiled Ness.

“I’ll see you all tonight then,” smiled Clancy. “Let’s finish this.”

The sun was beginning to set over the camp, its lowest point quickly approaching the horizon. Josh, Maria, Joseph, and the others stood in front of the bonfire at the center of camp, backpacks on and torches in hand. They had each taped their own design of yellow duct tape over their clothes. Josh had decided on an off centered X shape with the center over his heart and a large ring around his left knee. Josh pulled the hood of his green hoodie up and raised his yellow bandana to cover the bottom half of his face. They were ready.

As the other Banditos gathered behind them, Josh and the others lit their torches with the flames of the bonfire. Josh hoisted his torch high in the air. The Banditos erupted in cheers and shouts, encouraging Josh and the team and wishing them good luck. Josh smiled behind his bandana. He looked over at Maria and Joseph, both with their bandanas up as well. They were ready. It was time to go. Without wasting any more time, Josh turned and led his team out of the camp and back into the wilderness of Trench, back towards Dema.

Josh and his team moved quickly through Trench as night began to fall. A cold breeze blew across the valley as they traveled, making the flames of their torches dance in the darkness of the moonless night. Josh couldn’t help but think it was fitting that a new moon had risen on the night they were freeing more people from Dema. It felt symbolic, but also like the moon was covering them. They pressed onward.

After several hours of traveling, the walls of Dema were finally in sight. Josh felt a burst of anxiety well up inside of him seeing the walls again, but he quickly shoved it back down. Now was not the time. The hour was late and everyone except for the few guards on the wall should be asleep. This was the perfect time. They made their way quickly to the East wall.

Once they were there, Josh began to scan the wall for the mark Clancy had told him about. It didn’t take him long. His fingers found it before his eyes, feeling the sideways E stand out against the smooth stone of the wall.

East is Up, thought Josh, smiling to himself.

It only took him a moment to find the groove of the door and open it. Josh and the others quickly hurried inside, closing the door behind them. They made their way down the passage until they reached another door.

“This must be it,” observed Maria. “But how do we know when they’re here?”

“I’ll reach out to Clancy,” explained Josh. “But I have a feeling they’re almost ready.”

“Sounds good,” nodded Maria. “We’ll leave it to you then.”

Josh nodded and closed his eyes. He reached out, searching for Clancy. He felt the familiar sensation of connection, like he was moving. Josh opened his eyes to find himself behind a familiar building, The Grand Library.

Clancy paced back and forth in his room. He was already fully dressed with his backpack on and ready to go even though there was plenty of time until they were supposed to meet up. Clancy couldn’t help but feel anxious. He was confident, but he had been confident the last time and look what happened.

But things were different this time. They could sneak out quietly and without drawing attention to themselves. That was the big difference between this time and last time. Clancy reminded himself that he also wasn’t alone in this. He had his new friends here, Poppy and the others, as well as Josh and the Banditos. Clancy took a deep breath and sat down at his desk. He opened his drawer and took out the yellow daisy, rotating it gently by the stem in his hand. Clancy smiled. The flower reminded him of Josh and it gave him hope. He felt his anxiety retreating as he held it in his hand. They were going to do this. They were all going to get out this time. Clancy was sure of it. Only a few more hours to go.

When it was finally time to go, Clancy carefully placed the yellow daisy back into the drawer of his desk and closed it. He stood up, adjusted his backpack, and silently slipped out the door to his house for the last time. He made his way towards the Grand Library.

The streets were dark and empty this late at night, just like they were before and just as Clancy had expected. He reached the Grand Library quickly, making his way through the shadows to the back of it where the entrance to the catacombs was. Clancy was pleasantly surprised to find Poppy, Bel, Red, Finn, and Ness already there waiting for him.

“Am I late?” asked Clancy, half jokingly.

“No, we’re just early,” replied Poppy.

“We were excited to get here, so we just came,” said Bel.

“We were careful though!” added Finn “We stuck to the shadows and moved quietly.”

“That’s good,” smiled Clancy. “I was anxious, too. But we’re almost there.”

“I think everyone else is here, too,” said Red, looking out into the shadows.

Suddenly, there was movement and people began to emerge from the shadows. Clancy counted at least twenty people. They gathered around Clancy, looking at him expectantly.

“Is it time?” asked a man in the crowd. “We’re ready.”

“Soon,” said Clancy. “First, we need to get into the catacombs through this door. I’ll show us the way to the East wall and from there, Josh and the Banditos will be waiting.”

The man nodded at Clancy in acknowledgement. Clancy grabbed the handle of the door and opened it, motioning for everyone to follow inside. Poppy went through first to help the others through and to make sure no one ran off. As the last person passed through the door, Clancy went to follow them, but stopped at the sound of a familiar voice.

“Guess we’re right on time,” said Josh from behind Clancy.

Clancy spun around and smiled as soon as he saw Josh.

“I’d say so!” said Clancy. “We’re about to make our move to the East wall through the catacombs.”

“Perfect!” said Josh. “We’re already waiting for you in the escape passage Red and the others built.”

“We’ll be there soon.”

“Lead them to freedom, Clancy. You’ve got this.”

Josh flashed Clancy a quick smile before disappearing again.

“You OK?” asked Poppy, sticking her head back out the door. “You’ve been standing out there for a minute.”

“Yeah, I’m good,” answered Clancy, turning back to face Poppy and the door. “Josh just checked in. They’re waiting for us in the escape route.”

“Let’s not keep them waiting then,” grinned Poppy.

“Right,” nodded Clancy. “Let’s go!”

Clancy quickly ducked into the door to the catacombs, closing the door behind him. He made his way to the ground  of the group and led them through the catacombs to the East wall. Once they reached the door to the East wall, Clancy paused for a moment. The memories of the night they first tried to escape came rushing back to him all at once. He shook his head, clearing it, and opened the door carefully.

Clancy peaked his head out of the door, quickly scanning the surroundings. They were all clear. He motioned for everyone to follow him out of the door. Ness, bringing up the rear, closed the door behind her.

Clancy quickly closed the distance to the East wall itself, searching for the door to the escape route by running his fingers along the stone as he looked. He stopped as his fingers felt something different from the smooth stone. He looked and saw the sideways E. Red was right behind him and showed him where they had hidden the handle. Together, they opened the door.

On the other side, they saw nine torches, each held by someone with their face covered by a yellow bandana and yellow strips of duct tape on their clothes. One of them tossed his torch to another and approached Clancy. The figure pulled down his bandana to reveal his face. Clancy smiled in relief as he immediately recognized Josh smiling at him. Josh extended his right hand towards Clancy. Without missing a beat, Clancy responded, slapping Josh’s hand as they started their secret handshake. At the end, they held the hug, squeezing each other tightly.

“It’s so good to see you again,” said Josh, feeling tears welling up in his eyes.

“You, too,” echoed Clancy as he felt tears well up in his eyes as well. “For real this time.”

“Yeah, for real. I’m really here.”

The two finally released their embrace and wiped the tears from their eyes. Josh pulled his bandana back up and one of the other Banditos stepped forward with a bag. Josh reached into the bag and pulled out yellow bandanas and yellow duct tape.

“We should have enough for everyone,” explained Josh. “Take one bandana to hide your face and then put some of the duct tape on your clothes. The bishops can’t see yellow, so this will hide you from them and make our escape easier.”

Everyone hurried into the escape route and Clancy closed the door behind them. Josh and the other banditos distributed the bandanas to everyone and helped them place duct tape on their clothes. Once everyone was covered in yellow, Josh took his torch and led everyone through the escape route and out into Trench. Clancy walked by his side the entire way.

The group followed Josh and the light of his torch for hours until they finally reached the Banditos’ camp. It was still incredibly late and everyone was tired from the day and the journey. Josh and the others helped find temporary bedding in tents for the night. They’d help them find more permanent homes in the morning.

After everyone else was settled, Josh found Clancy standing by the cliff at the edge of the camp, looking off into the distance. He walked up to Clancy.

“You OK?” asked Josh softly.

Clancy let out the faintest of laughs as a small smile spread across his face. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m OK. I just… I can’t believe I actually did it. That we did it. We’re finally out here. And we’re finally free.”

“It’s pretty amazing, huh?” said Josh as he threw his arm around Clancy’s shoulders. “I can’t wait for you to see it in the daytime. It’s stunning.”

“I’m sure it is. I still remember what it looked like when you brought me to the top of the wall. I’ll never forget that.”

“It’s kinda what started all of this, huh?”

“Yeah, you’re right. That was the turning point.”

“And look how far we’ve come.”

“Yeah. Thanks for never giving up on me.”

“Of course I never gave up on you! You’re my best friend! I couldn’t just leave you there, especially not after you stayed behind so we could escape.”

“Yeah, well, still. Thanks.”

Clancy turned his head to look at Josh and continued, “Most of all, I’m just really glad to be back here with you. I missed you.”

“And I’m glad to have you back here with me,” said Josh, beaming at Clancy. “I missed you, too. It’s been a long time. Too long.”

“Definitely,” agreed Clancy.

Clancy couldn’t help it; he suddenly let out a huge yawn. Josh laughed.

“Someone’s tired,” said Josh.

“It’s been a very long day,” said Clancy.

“I think it’s time to get to bed then.”

“Yeah, everyone else is already asleep. I dunno where I’m supposed to sleep tonight though.”

“Simple. With me in my tent, obviously. There’s extra room and it’ll be like old times.”

Clancy smiled broadly and said, “Yeah, that’d be great. Thanks!”

“C’mon! Let’s go then!” said Josh turning to head back to camp, practically dragging Clancy along with him by his wrist.

Clancy laughed and followed Josh back to his tent. Josh made up a quick bedroll for Clancy and set it next to his. Once he was done, they both laid down for the night.

“Really is just like old times,” mused Clancy.

“Yup,” agreed Josh as he let out a yawn. “But I think it’s time to sleep. I’m gonna sleep like a rock.”

“Me, too,” laughed Clancy.

Josh blew out his torch, bringing darkness to the tent.

“Good night, Clancy,” said Josh.

“Good night, Josh,” replied Clancy.

They both turned over, pulling their blankets over themselves, and fell fast asleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Josh and Clancy woke up before everyone else. The first light of the sun was shining over the horizon, but the sun itself hadn’t risen yet. At Josh’s behest, Clancy followed him back to the edge of the cliff, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

As they reached the edge of the cliff overlooking the canyon, the top of the sun breached the horizon as sunrise began, shining a beautiful, warm light across the area. Clancy stared in awe at the beauty of the dew glistening on the grass and plants that stretched uninterrupted as far as he could see. It felt so open and free. He marveled at the changing colors of the sun as it rose higher over the horizon until it was fully in the sky. Clancy took a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air as the warmth of the new sunlight washed over him. He smiled.

“Told ya it was stunning,” said Josh, smiling as bright as the newly risen sun.

“It really is,” agreed Clancy. “It’s even more beautiful than what you showed me over the wall. Everything is so open and colorful. And free.”

“Yup, just like us now.”

“Still doesn’t feel real.”

“Yeah, I get that. It was the same for me when I first got here. But it’s real.”

“Yeah, it is. And now we have to build and protect our little group.”

“Our Banditos.”

Clancy laughed, “Yeah, our Banditos!”

Both of them started laughing, but were quickly interrupted by another voice.

“Hey, you two! It’s time for breakfast,” shouted Maria, waving at them as she walked over to them. “You can admire nature later!”

“Alright, alright! We’re coming,” replied Josh.

Clancy and Josh made their way back to camp, meeting Maria halfway. The camp had come to life while they were away. Banditos were moving around everywhere. Several were trying to get to know the new escapees and show them around while others worked on making breakfast for the day. Clancy was impressed that they welcomed the newcomers so quickly, but he was glad to see it.

Josh guided Clancy around the camp, weaving through the chaos of people as he showed Clancy where everything was. Nearly everyone they passed greeted Josh, wishing him good morning and calling him “Torchbearer”. Clancy was slightly surprised, mostly by everyone calling Josh “Torchbearer”, but figured everyone just liked the nickname and also reminded himself that Josh was the leader of this group, so of course everyone knew him.

Eventually, Josh guided Clancy to a storage area. There was fabric, wood, and rope there; all the things needed to make a tent.

“We’re gonna get your tent set up before they finish breakfast,” explained Josh. “But we have to hurry or Maria will yell at us again.”

Josh laughed after saying that, but Clancy knew he wasn’t entirely joking. She’d definitely yell at them. Clancy quickly grabbed some supplies with Josh’s help and they made their way back to the sleeping tents. To Clancy’s surprise, Josh led him back to his tent. Josh smiled and gestured to an open area next to his tent.

“Figured you could set up your tent next to mine,” said Josh. “There’s enough room next to it for another tent. It won’t be the same as being roommates, but this way we each get our own spaces and we still get to be neighbors.”

“You’re sure that’s OK?” asked Clancy.

“Yeah! No one else has taken it yet and it’ll be awesome to have my best friend next door. Besides, I may have been keeping this space free for when we got you back,” grinned Josh.

Clancy smiled and said, “You’re the best. And you’re right! It’s gonna be awesome to be next door neighbors.”

The two of them started building Clancy’s tent. Josh showed Clancy how to best tie the knots to secure his tent’s posts and the outer fabric. Together, they moved quickly and finished building the tent in good time. They took a moment to admire their handiwork before hurrying to the dining tent. They hoped Maria hadn’t noticed that they had snuck off again.

“And where have you two been?” asked Maria with her hands on her hips as Clancy and Josh entered the dining tent. “Half of the camp is already done eating and you’re just now getting here!”

Clancy and Josh both smiled sheepishly, rubbing the backs of their heads with one hand.

“I was trying to show Clancy around the camp,” explained Josh.

“Yeah! And he helped me get my tent set up,” added Clancy.

“All of which could be done after you’ve had breakfast like everyone else!” rebutted Maria.

Maria sighed and shook her head as a soft smile spread across her face.

“I know you’re just excited to have your best friend back,” continued Maria. “But you need a good meal before you start running around for the day. Plus we have to find room for everyone, not just Clancy.”

“Yeah, I know,” replied Josh.

“Sorry,” said Clancy.

“It’s alright,” said Maria. “Now, hurry up and eat so we can get started for the day. I think your friends are waiting for you.”

Maria pointed to a table at the far side of the tent. Clancy looked over and saw Poppy, Bel, Red, Finn, and Ness all sitting at a table. They seemed to be eating slowly. When Poppy noticed Clancy, she waved at him to join them.

“Better get going,” encouraged Maria, turning to leave. “Don’t wanna keep them waiting or miss out on food!”

Clancy and Josh hurried to the food line. Maria wasn’t wrong. The food was nearly gone. They each grabbed a plate and joined Poppy and the others at the table.

“It’s good to see you, Clancy!” said Poppy.

“It’s good to see you, too, Poppy,” replied Clancy. “And the rest of you! Did you settle in OK?”

“We did,” answered Bel. “It’s hard to believe we’re really here and out of Dema.”

“For real,” added Finn. “I can’t believe I actually did it.”

“You guys did great!” smiled Josh. “I’m proud of everything you did to help Clancy and the others escape. And for making the decision to leave. I know it was scary and that it wasn’t easy to do.”

“It definitely wasn’t,” agreed Finn.

“I’m just glad I got so many of my fellow engineers on board,” said Red. “Without their help, we’d never have finished the tunnel as quickly as we did.”

“We definitely owe a lot to them,” acknowledged Clancy. “And you, too, for leading that front. We’d never have made it out otherwise.”

“Thanks,” smiled Red.

“I hope everyone’s settling in well,” said Josh, smiling warmly. “I’m sure everyone’s made you feel welcome.”

“They really have!” said Finn.

“Yes, several people helped show us around camp,” added Ness. “It was really nice of them.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear that!” said Josh. “Everyone belongs here and I want everyone to feel welcome.”

“We appreciate that,” said Poppy. “Truly.”

Clancy noticed they were among the last people left in the dining tent.

“We should probably hurry,” suggested Clancy. “I’m sure Maria has plans for us.”

“Oh she definitely does,” agreed Josh with a laugh. “There’s lots to do with all the new people.”

Clancy and Josh quickly finished their breakfast while the rest of the group waited with them, already having finished eating. When they were done, they all hurried outside.

Outside, everyone was gathered around the bonfire at the center of the camp. Maria and Joseph stood at the front, facing everyone. Josh put his hand on Clancy’s shoulder and flashed him a quick smile before he walked up to join Maria and Joseph. Josh welcomed the new escapees to the Banditos. He congratulated them on their hard work and their escape.

“I know many of you were inspired by not only myself, but Clancy,” said Josh. “I may have been the leader, the Torchbearer, but if it hadn’t been for Clancy’s brave sacrifice, none of us would have made it out that night. And that truly is inspirational and should be celebrated.”

The escapees and the Banditos erupted in shouts, cheers, and applause. Some shouted Clancy’s name. Josh smiled as he started to clap, looking at Clancy. Clancy smiled, but it was intense to have everyone’s attention on him like that. Clancy didn’t realize what he did would resonate so strongly with everyone. Eventually everyone quieted down.

“You’re safe and you’re free here,”  continued Josh.  “Everybody helps everybody and we work together. Anyone here will gladly show you the ropes and help you. Just ask. Now, I’ll turn you over to Maria for duties for today. We have a lot to do to get our camp ready for all of you.”

Josh nodded at Maria who stepped up. She wasted no time running through the list of things that needed to happen today, primarily setting up tents for all the new Banditos. As soon as she finished, she started assigning people to jobs and teams. It seemed like she was having all the new Banditos work on building their tents with some of the original Banditos helping. Clancy started to walk in that direction.

“Oh, no,” said Maria approaching Clancy, blocking his path. “You and Josh took the liberty of building your tent this morning, so the both of you can go help process more materials to help make these tents.”

“Yeah, that’s fair,” laughed Josh, walking up to stand next to Clancy. “We did jump the gun a bit.”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” apologized Clancy.

“No, this works out fine,” said Maria, waving her hand at Clancy. “We need more people to help make materials for us to build with and Josh can also oversee that group while he’s helping out.”

“Sounds good to me,” said Josh.

“I’ll leave you to it then,” said Maria, already walking away.

“Come on, let’s go,” said Josh, nudging Clancy. “Don’t wanna disappoint her.”

“Definitely not,” laughed Clancy.

Clancy followed Josh to near where they had retrieved the materials for his tent. There was a small group of banditos already gathered there. They all stood up as soon as they noticed Josh.

“You’ll be working with us today, Torchbearer?” asked one of the young men in the group.

“Yup,” smiled Josh. “Maria thought it would be best if I help out here since I know how to make everything. And Clancy’s going to help us since we already secured his tent.”

The young man smiled and nodded. “We’re happy to have you with us today. Both of you. Where should we start?”

Josh quickly looked over the supplies that were saying around, identifying the greatest needs.

“We definitely need more rope and fabric,” said Josh. “We’ve got more than enough prepared wood for now and the other supplies seem OK for now as well. So, let’s focus on those two. We’ll split into two groups. Clancy, you’ll be with me. I’ll show you how we make the ropes.”

Clancy and the others nodded. Clancy was impressed at how quickly the Banditos divided into teams and jumped straight into working and making materials. All with just a little gentle guidance from Clancy. Clancy smiled. He was happy that his best friend had really come into his own as a leader. Clancy always knew he was, even if Josh didn’t.

Josh showed Clancy how to make the rope. He showed him how to select the best fibers and twist them together into bands and then tie those bands together to form a full rope. Clancy took to it easily. He’d gotten good at working with his hands during his time in the necropolis. He had to be nimble and careful when making the neon gravestones. It translated surprisingly well here. Josh smiled broadly at how quickly Clancy got the hang of it.

Eventually, they began to run out of prepared fiber, but Josh thought they should have enough rope for now. However, Josh took the chance to show Clancy how they processed plant materials. He quickly showed him the way they broke and stripped down certain plants and then  spun their pulp out for processing. There was nothing to be done while they waited for the drying fibers to be ready, so they joined the rest of the group to help with the fabric for the tents.

The group needed all the help they could get. Weaving and preparing the fabric was time consuming, but more hands made for quicker work. Josh showed Clancy the proper technique and explained as he did. Clancy also picked up what to do quickly. Clancy found that he could lose himself in this work just like he did back at the necropolis. Except, this time it was relaxing and soothing instead of an escape to help him pass time. This was enjoyable and he knew that it was to help others. Clancy liked that.

Before they knew it, night was starting to fall. It was late, but they’d done it. They had made enough supplies so that they never ran out. All of the new Banditos were able to build tents and they did it all before dinner. Clancy and Josh made their way to the dining tent where everyone was gathering.

Inside, things were loud and bustling. A lively cacophony of chatter and discussion resounded throughout the tent. Everyone seemed excited and in good spirits, both old and new Banditos. Clancy also noticed that the new and old Banditos seemed to be mingling without issue. Clancy figured there wouldn't be any issues, but he was still relieved to see it was true.

Clancy’s eye was drawn by Poppy and the others waving at them from across the tent. They had a table with a few open spots left. Clancy and Josh grabbed their dinner and joined them.

“Everyone’s first day go alright?” asked Josh.

“It did!” said Finn who seemed in especially high spirits. “Everyone in the camp is so nice and welcoming. They really help us.”

“Yeah, it’s thanks to all of them that we all got tents ready today,” agreed Red.

“Most of us had no idea what we were doing,” added Poppy. “Zero idea how to make a tent, especially not from makeshift materials.”

“That was really impressive, too,” chimed in Bel. “The Banditos made a lot of materials and they’re well made.”

“Josh has taught these guys well,” said Clancy, patting Josh on the back. “He showed me the ropes today and how they make all that material.”

“Hey, it wasn’t just me!” said Josh, a slight blush in his face. “Maria and Joseph were also super knowledgeable and helped teach everyone. It was a group effort.”

“Regardless, it’s still impressive!” said Bel.

“Agreed,” said Poppy. “It’s hard to believe it’s only been about a month and things run this smoothly.”

“We’ve got some great people,” smiled Josh. “Everyone helps everyone.”

“It’s so different from Dema,” observed Finn. “And I love it.”

“It’s how things should be,” said Josh. “And now it can be.”

“I do think about everyone that was left behind some though,” sighed Poppy.

“Same here,” nodded Red.

“It’s hard not to,” agreed Bel.

“I know, but one day, we’ll liberate them all,” said Josh. “That much I promise. We’ll get everyone out of Dema and away from the bishops.”

“Well, if anyone can do it, I know you can,” said Clancy with a smile.

Josh grinned and they carried on for a while longer, conversation flowing freely and easily. Eventually, it got late and they were the last one left in the tent. They went their separate ways for the night.

A week came and went before they knew it. Everyone had settled into the Banditos camp well, easily assimilating into the group and finding their place and role. Clancy had become more comfortable around people and had even started to adopt a partial leadership role, with Josh’s gentle encouragement. He helped with the new recruits who all held a great deal of respect for him. Clancy surprised himself at how well he took to that role.

One night, it was late and Clancy and Josh were the last two up at the camp. They were sitting by the bonfire at the center of camp. It still burned brightly and warmly.

“I think I’m finally starting to accept this is real,” said Clancy. “Like I… We have really escaped Dema. We’re free from the bishops. They don’t control us. Not anymore.”

“It took you long enough!” smiled Josh, throwing his arm around Clancy’s shoulder. “I’m kidding. I know exactly what you mean. I’m glad you’re finally starting to see it’s real. We really did it. Together.”

“Yeah. Together. And so successfully, too.”

“Yeah, I don’t know where we’d be without Maria and Joseph.”

Clancy laughed. “Don’t be too humble. All of this, or at least most of this, is on you.”

“Nah, come on!” protested Josh.

“It’s true! You started all of this. You changed people’s minds at the start and led them all to safety. I’ve watched you over this past week. You’re a true leader. They look to you for guidance, Torchbearer.”

Josh smiled. “It still sounds weird when you say it for some reason. Not bad, but weird. Still, I guess you’re right. I just don’t think I’m doing anything special.”

“Some would say that’s what makes you an ideal leader. Those that don’t want power are least likely to abuse it.”

“I just want to help everyone and have everyone be free.”

“Proving my point. And you’re doing great. Truly.”

“Thanks, Clancy. I think I was always doubting myself about my leadership ability. It can be hard to assess yourself, y’know? And it sounds so lame asking someone about it. So, really, thank you for that. It helped a lot. And means a lot.”

“Of course! I’ll always be here to support you, Josh.”

“Right back at you, Clancy!”

Their conversation carried on for a while longer until Josh let out an enormous yawn.

“It’s late. We should probably sleep,” said Josh.

“Yeah, but I’m oddly not quite tired yet,” said Clancy. “Besides, someone should watch the fire til it’s out.”

“That’s fair, but if it gets too much later, douse it, OK? Won’t do any of us any good if you’re running on no sleep.”

“I promise.”

“Alright. Good night, Clancy. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Josh. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Josh turned and walked towards his Tent. Clancy turned to face the fire. He stared into the dancing flames. The crackling of the fire and wood hypnotized Clancy, relaxing him. Clancy felt his mind clear and relax as he watched the flames dance. He  felt much more at peace and at ease, his anxieties drifting away. Sleepiness suddenly found Clancy and he felt his eyelids grow heavy. Before Clancy knew it, he had drifted off to sleep, sitting upright in front of the dwindling fire.

Clancy was in a deep, dreamless sleep. Suddenly, he felt a sensation like ice creeping up his back. He recognized this. Anxiety. His heart raced. Then, Clancy felt something around his neck. It was cold and tight. Clancy opened his eyes.

Clancy was standing, or rather, he was being held up by his neck. Clancy wasn’t prepared for what awaited him in the fading light of the fire as he opened his eyes. A cold wave of despair washed over Clancy. Before him stood an unmistakable figure, cloaked in red with his face obscured behind a veil and pale white fingers with black fingertips gripping Clancy’s neck. It was Nico.

“Hello, Clancy,” said Nico, squeezing Clancy’s neck tighter.

Clancy tried to say something, to scream, but he couldn’t make a sound.

“You can’t make a sound and you can’t escape me,” continued Nico. “I told you before: you are nothing and you can do nothing. You were given one chance, but now that is gone. You inspire those with a spark of rebellion in their hearts in Dema. I will make an example of you and snuff out that spark. Not even Keons can save you.”

Clancy tried to move, but he couldn’t. He wasn’t sure if it was his own fear or if it was Nico. A pale white horse walked up to them. Nico regarded the horse and then squeezed Clancy’s neck tighter. Clancy felt dizzy. He fought to stay awake, but he quickly lost consciousness.

Clancy awoke in a haze to find himself laid across the back of the horse. His wrists and ankles were bound and he was tied to the back of the horse. Clancy tried to say something, but found that he had been gagged as well. Clancy looked behind them to see the Banditos’ camp getting smaller and smaller in the distance. He tried to move, but was bound and still weak. Tears began to flow from Clancy’s eyes as he finally lost sight of the Banditos' camp and realized that there was nothing he could do. After all he had been through, he was going back to Dema.

When they returned to Dema, it was daybreak. Clancy looked up and saw people looking through their windows as Nico rode through the streets on his horse with Clancy. Clancy realized that this is what Nico wanted. He wanted everyone to watch.

Nico took them to the center of Dema, near the Grand Cathedral and the Towers. Once they arrived, Nico dismounted and removed Clancy from the horse. The other eight bishops were already waiting for them. Clancy noticed Keons and shot him a pleading look, but Keons looked away. Clancy’s heart fell. Nico was right. Not even Keons could save him now.

Clancy became acutely aware that people were watching him. He couldn’t easily see them, but he could feel the eyes of the citizens of Dema on him. Nico stood before him and removed his gag.

“Clancy, you have violated the Vialist code of conduct multiple times in numerous ways,” said Nico. “You were mercifully given a second chance to correct yourself, but you threw that away. So now, we nine bishops will render judgement upon you.”

Two other bishops, Lisden and Sacarver, stood on either side of Clancy, holding him securely. Clancy tried to struggle, but he was still bound and the bishops had a surprisingly strong grip. Nico dipped his hands into a basin that one of the other bishops, Listo, was holding. His hands were now covered in a thick, black paint. Nico approached Clancy and gently placed his hands on Clancy’s neck. Clancy’s heart felt like it was going to explode out of his chest.

“And now, we will smear you,” said Nico. “You will forget and become a loyal citizen of Dema and a devoted Vialist once more.”

Josh woke up early that morning and stepped outside of his tent. He ducked into Clancy’s check and was surprised that he wasn’t there. His bed looked freshly made. Josh shrugged and figured he must have gotten up and gone for a walk.

Josh walked around camp, looking for Clancy. He was surprised as he didn’t see anyone out yet. He looked over by the cliffs and didn’t see anyone either. Thinking he may have fallen asleep by the fire, Josh made his way there.

Josh was surprised to find the fire completely dwindled, but no sign of Clancy. Clancy hadn’t doused the fire, so he must have stayed up, but where was he? Josh couldn’t help but start to worry.

“Hey, everything OK?” asked Maria, walking up. “I thought I heard some noise out here, but was surprised to find you.”

“I can’t find Clancy,” explained Josh, thinly hiding his concern. “He’s not in his tent or anywhere in the camp. I left him by the fire last night.”

“That’s odd. It’s not like him to wander off.”

“That’s why I’m worried.”

“Hey, you two,” said Joseph walking up. “Did you notice the hoofprints on the ground? I guess we had an animal visitor overnight.”

“Hoofprints?” asked Josh. “What do you mean?”

“Yeah, there’s a trail of them leading in and out of camp,” explained Joseph. “And, hey, look! There’s some around the fire as well!”

Josh looked at where Joseph was looking. Sure enough, there were hoofprints. Josh looked closely at the ground around the fire. There was a rough and uneven indent in the ground about where he left Clancy, but the uneven space made it seem like Clancy had been moved. Josh also noticed another set of footprints standing next to where Clancy should have been. Josh’s heart sank and a deep sense of fear set in.

“I… I think they came for him,” Josh managed to stammer out.

“What? Who?” asked Joseph.

Maria’s face twisted as she realized who Josh meant. “No, you can’t mean.”

Josh nodded, unable to hide the fear on his face. “The bishops. They came for him. Possibly Nico.”

“No…” said Maria quietly.

“What can we do?” asked Joseph.

“I… I… I have to project to him,” said Josh. “I have to find him. I have to help him. I can’t lose him. Not again.”

“Go,” said Maria. “We’ll keep watch.”

“Find him,” nodded Joseph.

“I will,” said Josh. “Thank you.”

Josh sat down in front of the cold firepit and closed his eyes. He reached out, searching for Clancy, and felt the familiar sensation of moving. He had to find and help him. Josh opened his eyes.

When Josh opened his eyes, he found himself in the center of Dema. He saw Clancy being held by two bishops while Nico had his hands around Clancy’s neck. He knew what Nico was about to do. Nico was going to smear Clancy.

Clancy noticed Josh and looked at him, his eyes pleading and full of fear. Josh tried to get closer to him.

“Don’t let me be gone,” choked out Clancy as tears began to fall down his face. “Don’t let me be gone!”

Josh was almost next to Clancy.

“Clancy, hold on!” shouted Josh.

“You will be one of the Glorious Gone in time,” responded Nico, not knowing Clancy was addressing Josh. “But first you must forget.”

“No!” exclaimed Josh.

Nico slid his fingers around Clancy’s neck, smearing the thick, black paint around Clancy’s neck. It was too late. The effect was immediate. Clancy’s face went near expressionless. Lisden and Sacarver released Clancy’s restraints and his arms from their grasp. Clancy immediately fell to his knees, staring at Josh as tears silently streamed down his face.

Clancy felt all of his memories being ripped away, each one being shattered against his will. But  there was nothing he could do to fight it or stop it. He stared hopelessly at Josh as the memories of their friendship ran through his head. Clancy fought to hold on to those memories as hard as he could, for as long as he could, sacrificing others until all he had left were his memories of Josh and their friendship. But despite his best efforts, Clancy felt those memories being ripped away as well.

Josh watched helplessly as his best friend suffered and forgot everything in front of him. He wanted to help, but knew there was nothing for him to do.

“Clancy…” said Josh quietly, tears welling up in his eyes.

Clancy locked eyes with Josh, the light in his eyes dimming.

“Sah… lo… fo… li… na…” Clancy managed to stammer out.

Josh's heart shattered. He couldn’t help it. He broke down and started to cry. His best friend was calling out for help using the phrase they made to call for help. The call they swore would never go unanswered. And yet, Josh couldn’t do anything except watch helplessly as Clancy suffered and forgot everything, including him. Josh had never felt more useless or more empty.

And then, the last of the light in Clancy’s eyes went out as the last of his memories, the last of his memories of Josh, disappeared. His eyes were empty and stared off into the distance. The bishops moved to pick up Clancy.

“Clancy!” shouted Josh at the top of his lungs as he reached out for Clancy.

At the same time, the entire world around Josh seemed to shatter and Josh felt a forceful jerk backwards, slamming him back into his body.

Josh opened his eyes again to find himself lying on the ground, staring at the sky. Josh couldn’t feel his connection to Clancy anymore. There was nothing. Josh felt as if a part of him had died just now. For all intents and purposes, it had. His best friend was gone.

“Are you OK?!” asked Maria, entering Josh’s field of vision.

“You suddenly fell backwards and you were crying!” said Joseph, also entering Josh’s field of vision.

Josh didn’t even realize he had been crying. He wiped his tears away as he sat up.

“He’s gone,” said Josh quietly.

“Gone? What do you mean gone?” asked Maria.

“They smeared him,” explained Josh, looking at the ground. “They made him forget everything. Even me. Our connection is… broken.”

“Oh, Josh…” started Maria, clutching her own chest. “I’m so sorry.”

“Josh…” began Joseph.

“No,” interrupted Josh, looking both of them in the eye. “I’m not Josh. Not anymore. Josh died back there with Clancy. Josh let the bishops take his best friend back and couldn’t save him. That Josh is dead. I am The Torchbearer. And that’s all.”

“Josh, I-” tried Maria.

“Don’t use that name anymore,” Torchbearer said firmly. “Like I said, he died with Clancy. I will be The Torchbearer. I will be what The Banditos need. And, in time, we will return to that city. Not just to liberate the people from Dema, but to take down the bishops. I realize now that they must be stopped. That’s the only way we’ll be truly safe. But until that day, I will protect, lead, and guide The Banditos. That I promise you.”

The Torchbearer paused for a moment before continuing. “And maybe, just maybe, if we do that, we can save Clancy. And maybe Josh as well.”

Maria smiled sadly to see The Torchbearer go through this, but was glad it didn’t seem like he had given up hope.

“We’ll be here to support you, like always,” said Maria. “Torchbearer.”

“Thank you,” replied Torchbearer

“Of course,” said Joseph. “We’re here for you, Torchbearer, as are all the Banditos. Just as you’re here for us.”

“Right,” nodded Torchbearer. “Then we do this together. For Clancy… For everyone’s sake.”

Maria and Joseph nodded at The Torchbearer. The three of them walked towards the dining tent where everyone else was starting to gather for the day. On the way, they passed the Torchbearer’s tent as well as Clancy’s tent. The Torchbearer glanced woefully at Clancy’s tent for a moment and a single tear rolled down his face before he turned away and continued dutifully towards the dining tent. The Torchbearer had a role and a job to fulfill and he would see it done this time. He would not fail again.

Chapter Text

Clancy awoke in his bed, back in his home. His head was fuzzy and when he sat up, the room felt like it was spinning. Clancy rested his head on his hand. He couldn’t remember what happened. His whole mind felt blank. He knew who he was and where he was, but none of the details were there. He had vague memories of the conservatory and his Choosing, but it was more like he was aware of having been there than anything. He couldn’t recall any specifics.

Clancy shook his head. Why couldn’t he remember?  Only vague concepts and knowledge. He rubbed his neck and felt something wet. Clancy looked down to see black paint on his hand. He got up and walked to his bathroom mirror and saw streaks of black paint on his neck.

Was I smeared? thought Clancy to himself. If so, what did I do?

Clancy mused on this for a moment, trying to remember, but nothing came to him. He sighed, mildly frustrated. He didn’t know what he’d done or why he’d done it, but he knew that the bishops wouldn’t have done something without good reason and they wouldn’t do anything to hurt him.

Clancy checked the clock. It was already after five in the afternoon. How long had he been asleep? He had no idea, but found that his head was starting to clear some. There was a knock at the door.

Clancy got up to answer it. He opened the door to find the hooded figure of a bishop standing in his doorway. It was Keons.

“Clancy, my child, how are you?” asked Keons.

“I’m OK,” answered Clancy, rubbing his head. “My head’s a little fuzzy and so is my memory.”

“Yes, that is to be expected,” nodded Keons. “You were smeared this morning. We were allowing you to rest and recover before proceeding.”

“Why was I smeared?” asked Clancy.

“It does not matter,” said Keons, raising his hand dismissively. “The smearing was done out of love and concern for you, not as punishment. It is meant to give you another chance at Salvation.”

“I strayed from the path?”

“Yes, my child. Sadly, you did.”

“So all this was for my sake? So I could have another chance.”

“Exactly, Clancy. We want what’s best for you and want you to achieve salvation as well. To that end, it is best that you don’t remember. Consider this a true fresh start. A clean slate.”

“You’re right,” nodded Clancy in agreement. “It doesn’t matter what happened. What matters is that you and the other bishops are giving me another chance. That’s so kind.”

“I’m glad you agree,” responded Keons. “Now, there is another important matter. To help make sure you stay on the path and remain a devoted Vialist, Nico, our head bishop, will meet with you occasionally at his discretion. He has taken a great interest in you and wishes to personally see you through. It is an honor.”

Clancy felt a cold wave of anxiety wash over him, but he didn’t know why he felt that way. He knew Nico was the head bishop, the leader of the bishops and all of Dema. He should feel honored by this, but Clancy couldn’t shake this feeling. He subtly cracked his knuckles and shook his head, hoping to help push the feeling aside.

“I see,” said Clancy finally. “That’s very kind of him to spend his time on me. But I’ll still be in  your district, right? You’ll still be my bishop?”

“Yes, my child,” nodded Keons. “You will remain a part of my district. Nico will just be keeping a close eye on you and helping you through this time. He wants you to become one of the best citizens of Dema.”

“I’ll try to make him proud. And you as well.”

“I know you will. Report to Nico’s tower after breakfast tomorrow. He wishes to speak with you and give you your new assignment.”

“New assignment? I won’t be in the necropolis anymore?”

“No, I think Nico has something else in mind for you. Remember, anything we do is with your best interests at heart. If Nico believes there is a better job for you, then it will only benefit you.”

“Of course.”

“Now, get some rest. You have a busy day tomorrow, I’m sure. Nico will be waiting for you at the top of his tower.”

Clancy nodded as Keons turned to leave. Clancy closed the door behind him. His head had finally cleared after his conversation with Keons. He still couldn’t remember anything, but that was OK. He was going to become the best citizen and Vialist that he could be with the help of Nico and Keons.

Clancy sat down at his desk. It was surprisingly cluttered. He tidied it up quickly. When he was done, he slid his hand across the newly cleared surface. His hand stopped just above the drawer on the side of the desk. Clancy felt an inexplicable urge to open the drawer, like a voice in the back of his head. He shook his head and got up and into his bed. Keons was right. He needed his rest after what happened today. Nico would be expecting him in the morning and he needed to be well rested. Clancy drifted off to sleep with surprising ease.

The day was a blur to Torchbearer. He felt like he wasn’t really present, just drifting through the day. He smiled, sure, and performed the tasks and actions expected of him, but it was hollow, like he wasn’t really there. Maria and Joseph noticed and did their best to help hide it from the rest of the Banditos. They were especially careful to make sure that none of Clancy’s friends, including Poppy and the others, found their way to Torchbearer. Today was not the time for them to learn what had happened. That would have to wait.

That night, after everyone else had gone to sleep, Maria and Joseph remained by the fire at the center of camp with Torchbearer. He was trying to persuade them to let him keep watch for the night.

“Absolutely not,” rebuked Maria.

“I have to agree with Maria,” concurred Joseph. “There’s no way you’re staying up to keep watch. Not tonight.”

“Come on,” protested Torchbearer. “It’s just watching a fire and I could use the time out here.”

“No, what you need is some solid sleep in your own bed,” insisted Maria.

“She’s right,” added Joseph. “You haven’t been yourself today. It’s like you’ve been in a haze. It’s understandable after what you went through this morning, but-”

“Stop,” interrupted Torchbearer flatly.

“Look, all we’re trying to say is you’ve been through a hell of a lot today and instead of taking care of yourself, you tried to jump right in to taking care of everyone else,” sighed Maria. “We’re worried about you. You need to take care of yourself.”

“And if we have to be the ones to remind you of that, we will,” nodded Joseph. “You need some time to yourself.”

Torchbearer sighed. They clearly weren’t going to let this go and he was being completely honest with himself, they were right. He felt exhausted emotionally, mentally, and physically. There was no denying he was out of sorts.

“Alright, you win,” conceded Torchbearer. “You two keep watch over the fire and I’ll get some sleep.”

Torchbearer got up to head towards his tent, but stopped. He looked back at Maria and Joseph, his expression softening.

“Thanks,” said Torchbearer softly, the slightest hint of a smile crossing his face. “I really do appreciate it.”

“Of course,” said Joseph.

“What are friends for?” added Maria. “You’re here for everyone else. Someone’s gotta be there for you, too.”

“Right,” nodded Torchbearer, turning away from them. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Without waiting for a reply, Torchbearer headed to his tent.

Once he was inside, Torchbearer sat down in the middle of his tent, sliding his torch into the holster. He took a few deep breaths, steeling himself for what he was about to try. When he was ready, he closed his eyes and reached out, desperately trying to find Clancy. Even the smallest connection would be enough for him to make it through.

But there was nothing. No matter how hard Torchbearer tried, there was only silence, emptiness. Briefly, once, he felt as if there was something, but it slipped through his fingers so quickly, he may have just imagined it.

Torchbearer let out a defeated sigh as he dropped his head into his hands. He felt a wetness on his palms. It wasn’t until that moment that he realized he was silently crying. But once he realized that he was crying, Torchbearer let out a sob and started crying harder. He couldn’t help it. He’d watched his best friend be torn away from him and now their connection, one that he thought would always be there, had been severed. Torchbearer had never felt more alone.

As he cried, the memory of what happened that morning replayed in his mind on an endless loop. He relived showing up just in time to watch as Clancy was smeared and had his memories torn from him while Torchbearer wasn’t able to do anything again and again. It was difficult for him to bear.

Eventually, Torchbearer stood up and made his way to his bed. As he did so, he passed by the vase on his desk with the yellow daisies inside it. For a brief moment, it calmed the storm inside the Torchbearer’s mind and he smiled softly. The flowers reminded him of Clancy, their friendship, and all they stood for. The flowers had been plucked, but they were still alive and vibrant in the vase. They gave Torchbearer hope. He plucked one from the vase and carried it with him to bed.

Once there, he laid down, holding the flower close to his chest. Somehow, he had a feeling things weren’t over just yet. The tears had finally stopped and the full weight of his exhaustion finally began to hit him. Before he knew it, Torchbearer slipped off into a deep, dreamless sleep, never letting go of the flower.

Clancy woke up early the next morning. He quickly got out of bed and dressed for the day. He knew he had to see Nico this morning and he didn’t want to be late. Clancy hurried out the door to the dining hall.

Clancy grabbed a quick breakfast from the dining hall, mercifully beating any crowds. He ate some of it there and finished the rest on his way to Nico’s tower. As Clancy neared the tower, he felt anxiety claw its way up his back. He shuddered as he stood before the doors of the looming tower. Clancy somehow felt unsettled, but he had no idea why he felt that way. Nico was their leader and he was going to help Clancy. Clancy shook his head, hoping to shake the feelings, and walked through the doors.

Inside the tower was a large spiral staircase in the middle of a cold, stone room. Clancy felt like he had been here before, or somewhere similar at least. It felt familiar. Maybe he’d been to Keons’ tower before? Clancy couldn’t remember. He shrugged and began to ascend the stairs. Eventually, he reached the top of the tower.

At the top of the staircase was a single wooden door with a rounded top. A single iron ring hung in the middle of the door serving as a doorknob. Clancy reached for the ring, but jumped when the door suddenly flew open on its own. A single red robed figure stood in the middle of the circular room.

The figure turned to face Clancy as the familiar chill of anxiety ran down Clancy’s spine. It was Nico. Clancy stepped forward into the room.

“Hello, Clancy,” said Nico, his voice so deep it almost sounded distorted.

“Keons told me to see you this morning,” said Clancy, bowing to Nico. “And he said you would be checking on me from time to time.”

“That’s correct. I want to be sure you devote yourself to Vialism and to the glory of Dema. You have great potential, Clancy. You just need guidance.”

“I appreciate your guidance. I’m aware this is my chance to start fresh.”

“Indeed it is. Come,” said Nico, beckoning Clancy to join him as he walked towards the large window at the far end of the room.

Clancy obeyed, walking to the window. He looked out the window as he stood next to Nico. He could see the entire city from there and over the walls. He could see the endless stretches of greenery that laid beyond them, Trench. Clancy felt a surge of excitement and longing as well as fear and anxiety at the sight. Something about seeing Trench felt familiar.

“From here, I keep watch over everything,” began Nico. “I am reminded of the city I must guide and protect, of the citizens who depend on me. More than that, I see what lies beyond and remember what I must protect my children from.”

Nico turned his head to look at Clancy and asked, “Do you understand?”

“I think so,” replied Clancy. “It’s… overwhelming to see it all. Dema and Trench… We’re so safe here in the walls, but what lies out there?”

“Chaos,” replied Nico matter-of-factly. “Chaos and danger. It seems tempting to many, but once they are out there, they realize the horrors that await them. That is why we built these walls. That is what we, the bishops, protect you from. Until it is time for you to go into the Glorious Gone.”

“That’s a lot of responsibility.”

“It is, but we shoulder the burden nevertheless. We Nine will always do what is best for our children, the citizens of Dema.”

“How lucky we are.”

“Indeed. Now, we must discuss the matter of your new assignment.”

Clancy looked up at Nico and said, “Keons did say you wanted to move me. Where will I go now?”

“We have decided to move you to the gardens,” replied Nico. “Your work in the necropolis was great, but we think a change is needed for you. It was Keons who informed us of your knowledge of flowers and plants. Were we misinformed?”

Clancy thought for a moment. Sure enough, tons of facts about flowers immediately came to mind, but he had no memory of how or when he learned them. And he couldn’t deny that he felt a certain love for plants and the idea of being a gardener.

“No, I do know a lot about plants!” said Clancy. “I’m sure I have a lot to learn though.”

“The gardeners will teach you,” assured Nico. “See to it that you learn and devote yourself to your new role. For the glory of Dema.”

“I will!” nodded Clancy.

“Now, be on your way,” urged Nico.

Clancy bowed his head and took his leave, making his way down the winding stairs and out of the tower. Clancy headed directly to the gardens of the necropolis and introduced himself to the head gardener who was already expecting him. He placed Clancy with someone to show him around and how to do things, but they were all surprised and impressed by Clancy’s knowledge. In the end, what they really taught him was where everything was and the general schedule of care for all of the plant life in the gardens.

Clancy went about the day caring for the plants of the garden. It came naturally to him and following the schedule was easy. As he worked, he noticed visitors, and some of the other gardeners, looking at him and whispering amongst themselves. It was brief and largely subtle, but it kept happening, so there was no way Clancy could deny it. He wondered what he could have done to garner such attention. Maybe it had to do with his smearing? If so, then it didn’t matter. That was behind him. Clancy was a loyal and devout citizen and Vialist. Clancy continued to work diligently.

Near the end of the day, Clancy came across a small patch of yellow daisies. His head felt fuzzy for a minute, almost as if a memory was at the tip of his fingers, but slipped through his hands. Clancy blinked his eyes a few times and the feeling passed. Still, he was intrigued by the flowers. They seemed to be growing there on their own, as if someone had intentionally planted them there. They didn’t exactly seem out of place, but they didn’t seem to belong either. Clancy couldn’t explain it.

Clancy asked the other gardeners about the yellow daisies, but no one could give him a clear answer. Everyone said that they’d always been there and that the bishops didn’t seem to mind them. No one could remember who planted them or when they first appeared. Nevertheless, they were taken care of. Although some said that even when they were neglected, the yellow daisies still seemed to thrive. Clancy mused over this in his head as he cared for them

Before Clancy knew it, the day was over and it was time to leave for dinner. He enjoyed the work in the gardens and silently thanked Nico, Keons, and the other bishops for reassigning him to this role. He knew that he would make them proud here and glorify Dema and the Glorious Gone through the garden that he would help maintain. Clancy hurried to the dining hall to have a quick dinner before bed. Tomorrow would be another day in the gardens and Clancy looked forward to that.

Torchbearer awoke the next morning still holding the yellow daisy tightly to his chest. He smiled sadly at the flower. After allowing himself a moment, Torchbearer got out of bed and returned the flower to the vase. His feelings were important, but he had to be strong for the rest of the Banditos. And if he gave up and caved in now, there would be no chance of ever rescuing Clancy. He’d have to work through these feelings, but for now, he needed to compartmentalize them and keep pushing forward. Torchbearer pulled his hoodie over his head and stepped out of his tent, heading for the dining tent.

Maria and Joseph were waiting at the dining tent for him. They smiled when they saw him and Torchbearer returned their smiles.

“You seem in better spirits this morning,” observed Maria.

“A little, yeah,” agreed Torchbearer. “I’m… dealing.”

“That’s better than whatever it was you were doing yesterday,” quipped Maria.

Torchbearer let out a small laugh. “Yeah, that’s fair.”

“It’s good to see you laugh. And smile,” said Joseph. “We know this isn’t easy, but we’re here for you. You don’t have to go it alone.”

“I know,” nodded Torchbearer. “But I still have to be the leader.”

“True, but that still doesn’t mean you have to do it alone,” countered Maria. “Even the mighty Torchbearer can ask for help.”

“I’ll try to remember that,” smiled Torchbearer.

The three of them finally stepped into the tent and enjoyed breakfast together. After breakfast, they helped break the Banditos into groups to accomplish all the work for the day, namely hunting and foraging for food. Throughout the day, Torchbearer overheard whispers between the Banditos and caught them looking at him on multiple occasions. He knew they had noticed his shift and they surely had noticed Clancy’s absence. He would have to address it eventually, but he wasn’t ready to yet.

A few days had passed and Torchbearer could feel the mounting tension in the air. He knew everyone was on edge because he hadn’t addressed the elephant in the room. Torchbearer sighed. He’d have to tonight at dinner.

Or so he planned. But at midday, as he was standing in front of the fire at the center of camp, Torchbearer saw Poppy quickly approaching him with Bel, Red, Finn, and Ness following her. They seemed to be trying to stop her. Torchbearer braced himself because he knew why she was approaching him.

“Torchbearer, I mean no disrespect," started Poppy, boldly standing directly in front of Torchbearer.

“Poppy, come one,” protested Bel. “You don’t need to bother him about this right now.”

“Please listen to Bel,” pleaded Red.

“You guys act like you don’t even care!” exclaimed Poppy.

“It’s not that…” said Finn quietly.

“We do care, Poppy, but-” began Ness.

“It’s alright,” interrupted Torchbearer, raising his hand to silence them. “Let her speak. I have a feeling I know what she wants to ask.”

Everyone seemed to immediately relax. The others ceased trying to stop Poppy. Poppy took a deep breath before continuing.

“What happened to Clancy?” asked Poppy. “We haven’t seen him in days. He just disappeared without a word and without a trace. And to top it off, you’ve been… different. Distant. Something happened and I want to know what. I think that’s fair.”

“You’re right,” agreed Torchbearer. “It’s only fair that you know. It’s my fault for letting this sit for so long. It was wrong of me to.”

“So something did happen…” whispered Finn.

“Yes,” nodded Torchbearer. “A few nights ago, Clancy was taken by the bishops back to Dema.”

The concern was immediately present on all of their faces.

“What?!” shouted Poppy. “We have to get him!”

“She’s right,” agreed Bel. “Why haven’t we gone already?”

Torchbearer bit his lip and said, “Because it’s too late.”

“Too late?!” asked Poppy incredulously. “How can it be too late?!”

“What do you mean?” asked Red, concerned. “Surely we can’t just leave him.”

“Don’t you care?” asked Poppy.

Tears welled up in Torchbearer’s eyes at Poppy’s words, but he held them back. Still, he could tell they had noticed. He took a deep breath to steady his voice before he spoke again.

“Of course I care,” Torchbearer said finally. “Clancy is my best friend and we started all of this together. He’s the most important person in the world to me and I can’t imagine my life without him in it.”

“Then… Why?” asked Poppy quietly.

“Because he was smeared once they got back to the city,” answered Torchbearer as a single tear finally escaped his eye, rolling down his cheek. “He was made an example of in front of everyone in Dema. I watched helplessly as my best friend lost all of his memories and forgot everything. As he forgot me. I wasn’t able to do anything to stop it. And now I can’t even reach him with my powers. He’s gone.”

They all stared at Torchbearer in stunned silence. They had no idea what to say. Finally, Poppy spoke up.

“I… I'm so sorry,” said Poppy softly. “That’s terrible.”

“I don’t know what to say…” said Bel.

“I know. That’s why I haven’t,” said Torchbearer. “I didn’t know what to say and have been dealing with this myself. It’s been hard.”

“I can only imagine,” said Finn.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed,” said Poppy apologetically.

“No, it’s fine, really,” assured Torchbearer, regaining his composure as a gentle smile crossed his face. “I was already planning to tell everyone tonight. You just beat me to the punch.”

“So what now?” asked Ness.

“Well, for now, the priority has to be securing and protecting the camp and the Banditos,” answered Torchbearer. “Which will take time. But I do have a plan. One that will hopefully get Clancy back to us as well. I’ll explain it later tonight when everyone is listening.”

“Until tonight then,” nodded Poppy.

Torchbearer nodded back at Poppy and the others. Without another word, they turned and left. Torchbearer took a deep breath and let it out.

“You handled that well,” said Maria, walking up on Torchbearer’s left side.

“Definitely,” agreed Joseph, walking up on Torchbearer’s right side. “Ready to tell everyone tonight?”

“Yeah,” nodded Torchbearer. “It’s time. They deserve to know and they need to know the path forward.”

That night, after dinner, Torchbearer gathered all of the Banditos outside by the fire at the center of the camp. He told them what happened to Clancy, that he had been dragged back to Dema and smeared. There were audible gasps throughout the crowd as he told them this. He continued to explain his plan for what they should do next. The priority would be securing the camp and ensuring the safety of all of the Banditos in Trench. That was paramount and would take time. Once they were ready, they would begin to make plans to return to Dema and help others escape. They would also rescue Clancy and hopefully find a way to restore his memory.

The Banditos cheered and applauded the plan thus far. When they had quieted again, Torchbearer spoke once more, revealing his final goal.

“Ultimately, our end goal will be not just the liberation of the citizens of Dema, but the total defeat of the bishops and the dismantling of Vialism,” declared Torchbearer. “What happened to Clancy has proven that we will never be truly safe and free until the bishops are gone. To that end, we must defeat them.”

The Banditos erupted into cheers and shouts. Torchbearer had expected their support, but not so enthusiastically. He noticed that Poppy and her friends seemed to be especially loud and on board with the plan. That gave Torchbearer hope and he smiled.

“This plan will take time,” continued Torchbearer. “Probably longer than any of us would like. But it must be done. I ask that you believe in me and trust in my plan as I guide us forward. We will hide here in Trench, covered by the yellow, as we gather our strength and build our defenses. Only when we are ready and the time is right will we make our true move. Together, we can do this. Together, we can save everyone and defeat the bishops. They don’t control us! Not anymore!”

Somehow, the Banditos got even louder, erupting into total cacophony. A chant eventually broke out.

“Torchbearer! Torchbearer! Torchbearer!” cheered the Banditos as they declared their unwavering support.

Torchbearer smiled. They really still believed in him, even with all that had happened. He couldn’t let them down. He wouldn’t fail them again. Suddenly, Torchbearer felt a hand on each of his shoulders. He looked and found Maria standing to his left and Joseph to his right.

“You did good,” complimented Maria.

“She’s right,” agreed Joseph. “You gave them some scary and terrible news, but you also gave them hope.”

“They believe in you,” added Maria. “As do we.”

“Always and forever,” nodded Joseph in agreement.

“Thanks, guys,” smiled Torchbearer. “That means a lot. It really does. We’ve got a long road ahead.”

“Maybe, but we’ll walk it together,” said Maria.

“Yeah, together,” echoed Torchbearer. “That’s the only way through this.”

It wasn’t much longer before the crowd of Banditos began to wind down and find their ways to bed. Torchbearer decided he should follow suit. After all, tomorrow would be the first true due of putting his plan in motion. He had promises to keep and miles and miles to go before he could fulfill them. For now, he would sleep. He smiled as he passed the yellow daisies on his desk on his way to bed. He snuffed out his torch, darkening his tent, and drifted off to sleep.

And so time passed.

Chapter Text

A few years had passed and the Banditos were more than secure at their camp. They had grown and developed their encampment to have a perimeter and sturdier tents. They kept watch at all times with a rotating schedule. Everyone did their part and everyone was kept safe. There had been no incidents since Clancy’s capture. The Torchbearer finally felt secure in the camp for the first time since that night. But he knew no matter how well fortified and prepared they were, they would never truly be safe until the bishops were defeated. But, for now, this was enough.

Torchbearer knew that now that the camp was secure, and he was confident that it was, the time had come to start the next phase of their plan.

Reports had come in from scouts that Torchbearer had sent out saying that there had been other escapees. They seemed to have been inspired by Clancy and Torchbearer. But every report ended the same. Before the Banditos could render aid, a bishop arrived to drag them back to Dema. And now, those reports had stopped. An escapee hadn’t been seen in a while now and none of the previous reports described the same individual twice. Torchbearer could only assume they had been smeared upon returning to Dema, just like Clancy.

Torchbearer thought deeply about how to proceed from here. They would need additional packs and supplies, ready to grab and go, for missions and to help support any new escapees. But what they really needed was information. With his connection to Clancy severed, Torchbearer no longer had a way to gain insight into the goings on in Dema. They were blind and that wasn’t good. He had to send people in to gather information and maybe plant the seeds of rebellion in others in Dema, but that would mean putting people in danger. His people. Torchbearer didn’t like it, but it had to be done.

At dinner, Torchbearer told Maria and Joseph about his plan.

“I don’t like it,” admitted Joseph.

“Same, but it’s still the best plan,” said Maria. “He’s right. We don’t know anything about Dema right now or if anyone there still longs for freedom.”

“That’s true,” mused Joseph. “I get that it’s probably our best and only option, but I still don’t like it.”

“I understand,” Torchbearer said softly. “I don’t like it either, especially since I know I can’t go myself. I’d be recognized immediately. I don’t like asking others to put themselves at risk while not being able to do the same.”

“I get that, but you’re doing it because you literally can’t. Not because you don’t want to,” rebutted Maria. “There’s a difference.”

“The real question is who would we send,” said Joseph.

“We’d have to ask for volunteers,” said Torchbearer. “I don’t want to force anyone to take this kind of risk if they don’t want to.”

“That’s fair,” nodded Joseph.

“But we’d also need to make sure they’re someone we trust to be up to the task,” added Maria.

“Of course,” agreed Torchbearer. “And there’s some people who may not be a good option even if they’re willing. Those that may be recognized or might react badly once they’re back there.”

“Good point,” said Joseph. “All stuff to keep in mind. So, tomorrow we tell them the plan and see who volunteers.”

“Yup,” replied Torchbearer. “And hope they believe in me and the plan.”

“They will,” assured Maria. “Don’t worry.”

That evening, after dinner, Torchbearer announced that they would be moving to the next phase of their plan. He explained that the next step was to get information, by returning to Dema and surveilling everything, maybe even bringing people to their side if possible.There were murmurs amongst the group of Banditos. Torchbearer felt nervousness creeping in. He hadn’t even asked for volunteers yet. What if no one volunteered? He’d have to think of something, but what? Only one way to find out.

“I can’t go on this mission because the bishops and the people will know me and my face,” explained Torchbearer. “I won’t be able to gather information and would give us away. For that same reason, some of you won’t be able to go either. Since this is a dangerous and difficult thing that I’m asking you to do, especially when I can’t take the risk myself, I’m only going to consider volunteers for this mission. I won’t force anyone to take this kind of risk against their will. But this is critical to accomplishing our goal of liberating the citizens of Dema and defeating the bishops. Without information, we’re blind and anything we try will be much more difficult to pull off. So, with that being said, who is willing to volunteer?”

Torchbearer’s words hung in the air as silence settled over the room. Torchbearer could feel his anxiety rising. It had only been moments, but it felt like hours to him. Suddenly, Maria stepped forward from where she had been standing at Torchbearer’s left side.

“I’ll be the first to volunteer,” said Maria matter-of-factly. “I’ll act as the group leader for this mission and help coordinate our activities in Dema. Like the Torchbearer said, he can’t go, so I’ll go as a leader in his place.”

“Maria…” started Torchbearer.

“Shh,” interrupted Maria, turning to face Torchbearer. “I always planned to go. One of us needs to and I had a very low profile before the escape.”

Maria turned to face the Banditos again and asked, “So, who’s with me?”

To Torchbearer’s surprise, people began to step forward. At first it was just one, then another, then even more. Eventually, people stopped stepping forward, but not before a good number had. Torchbearer noticed that Poppy, Bel, Red, Ness, and Finn were all among the volunteers as well. He let out a small sigh of relief. They had more than enough volunteers.

“Right, then,” said Maria. “All of you, come with me. We’ll take down your names and let you know if we’ll have you join the mission.”

Maria motioned for them to follow her out of the tent. All of the volunteers followed her outside, leaving Torchbearer and Joseph standing in front of the rest of the Banditos.

“Thank you all for even considering doing this,” smiled Torchbearer. “We have more volunteers than we need and there’s still plenty of work to be done here.”

“The Torchbearer is right,” said Joseph. “We’ll need to prepare packs for the mission team and make preparations for when we can make a move to rescue more people from Dema.”

“For now, get some rest,” continued Torchbearer. “The work continues tomorrow.”

The Banditos were quiet, but Torchbearer could see the silent determination in their eyes. His words had gotten through to them. They may not have been ready to take on the danger of returning to Dema as a spy, but they saw that they were still important. He could tell they were still dedicated to the cause. They still believed in him and his plan. Torchbearer smiled.

A moment later, Torchbearer and Joseph went outside to join Maria with the others. Maria showed Torchbearer a list of names.

“I got the names of everyone who volunteered,” explained Maria. “We have more than we need for sure, but I also don’t think all of them are viable choices.”

“I understand,” said Torchbearer. “Let’s discuss them and see where we land.”

Torchbearer, Maria, and Joseph retreated back into the dining tent, leaving the volunteers waiting by the fire. They poured over the names on the list and discussed their concerns with any of them as well as any positives. In the end, they were able to quickly assemble the list. There was one group of volunteers that Torchbearer knew would require a personal and perhaps gentle touch when he explained their decision.

“I’ll handle talking to Poppy and her friends,” said Torchbearer.

“Are you sure?” asked Maria.

“I am,” nodded Torchbearer. “They deserve to hear our reasoning from me. You two can handle the rest.”

“Sure,” replied Joseph. “It won’t take long.”

“I appreciate it,” smiled Torchbearer.

Maria and Joseph nodded at him and left to talk to the other volunteers. Torchbearer took a deep breath and walked over to where Poppy, Bel, Red, Ness, and Finn were standing.

“We’ve made our decisions,” said Torchbearer.

“And?” said Poppy expectantly. “What did you decide? Don’t keep us in suspense.”

“Not all of you will be part of this mission,” answered Torchbearer. “We’ve selected Bel, Ness, and Finn to go.”

All of them looked surprised, to differing degrees. Poppy was the first to speak up.

“Ok, but why not me?” asked Poppy.

“Or me?” added Red.

“Poppy, you were among the higher ranked guards and were in charge of Clancy. The bishops and other guards will absolutely recognize you,” explained Torchbearer. “And Red, you were one of the head engineers tasked with repairing the East wall. They’ll also recognize you. Bel was a librarian who largely kept to herself, Finn was a quiet but efficient worker in distribution, and Ness always kept a low profile in the gardens. We need people who can slip back into Dema unnoticed.”

Poppy and Red both looked crestfallen. That saddened Torchbearer, but he knew it had to be done and he could tell they did too.

“I guess that makes sense,” mumbled Poppy. “I just wanted to help.”

“Me, too,” said Red quietly.

“I know,” replied Torchbearer softly. “And you will. Just not on this part. But there will come a time when I’ll call on you to help. I know it.”

“Yeah, well, you better,” said Poppy.

“We’ll do what we can to help here for now,” added Red.

“Good,” nodded Torchbearer. “Because we’re going to need everyone’s help to pull this off. Everyone has a job and role to do and they’re all important. I’m counting on all of you, too.”

“Right!” they all said in unison.

Torchbearer smiled and bid them good night before making his way back to his tent. Tomorrow, they would set things in motion.

Years had passed as Clancy diligently tended to the garden of the necropolis. He was a natural at it and the garden flourished to new heights with his help. The other gardeners were impressed and even learned from him. Clancy was happy and felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment in helping both his colleagues and the plants thrive.

His meetings with Nico over the years had been helpful. Clancy still didn’t understand why Nico was so interested in him and his progress, but it was nice to know that the head bishop was looking out for him. Still, even after all this time, Clancy couldn’t shake the anxiety that came when he was near Nico. After all, Nico was imposing and intimidating. His mere presence felt oppressive. Still, Clancy was sure Nico would only do what was best for him, just like Keons would.

But as the years went by, Clancy found himself beginning to doubt things. He found himself looking at the tops of the walls of Dema and wondering what lay beyond and why the bishops wouldn’t want them to see it. He’d had strange dreams at night lately of stretches of greenery for as far as the eye could see. And there was a canyon with cliffs stretching up high. The dream always ended there, as he’d try to look at the top of the cliffs. It felt like he would see something there, but the dream always ended before he could find out. It started to eat at Clancy and he started to question everything. Was Dema really his home? Where he belonged? Did the bishops really want what was best for them?

At first, these thoughts scared Clancy. He felt like he shouldn’t be having them. He was betraying the bishops’ love and trust. But the more he thought about it, the more they took hold. Once that happened, Clancy found himself becoming disillusioned with what he once thought to be amazing and glorious.

The gray stone walls and streets of Dema and the dull, lifeless glow of the neon lights felt more like a prison than a place he called home. Even the garden, the one place in Dema where life and color thrived, seemed so dull now. This wasn’t a home. It was a prison.

One day on his way home from the garden, Clancy was stopped by Keons. He had something to give him. A journal.

“Sometimes it is helpful to write things down,” explained Keons as he handed the journal to Clancy. “It can help you explore the thoughts and feelings of your own mind and help you sort them. It can help you find your way through to peace.”

“That sounds too good to be true,” replied Clancy, taking the journal skeptically.

“I understand your doubt, Clancy, my child,” said Keons gently. “But trust that I would not give you something that wouldn’t help you. Give it a try. Write things down and get them off your mind. If it doesn’t help, you can always stop. But if it does, then you’ll have found an excellent outlet.”

Clancy couldn’t help but smile. Despite his doubt, he still had faith in Keons. There was something different about him and he always seemed to be genuinely trying to help Clancy. He didn’t get the same sense of dread and anxiety like he did from Nico.

“That’s true,” admitted Clancy. “You’ve only ever helped me and never steered my wrong before. It’s worth a try. So, thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Clancy,” nodded Keons, turning to leave. “I hope you find the peace you so desperately crave.”

Clancy looked down at the journal as he sat at his desk back home. He thought about what Keons had said. Perhaps he was right and writing really would help Clancy to clear his head. He grabbed a pen, opened the journal and began to write.

To refer to Dema as my home has never felt accurate. Dema, to me, has simply been the place that I’ve existed…

Clancy was surprised at how fast and easily the words flowed as his hand flew across the page. Bit by bit, he got his thoughts out and onto the paper. When he finally got everything out for the moment, he signed it, “ - Clancy ”. Like you would when signing a letter. Something about that felt right. It felt like he was writing a letter to someone. To whom, Clancy had no idea. Nevertheless, Keons was right. He did feel better. He smiled and got into bed. He would write more tomorrow.

A few days passed and Clancy continued to write in his journal. He did find it therapeutic, just as Keons had said. However, he still couldn’t shake the doubt that had insidiously crept its way in. If anything, the journaling had made it worse, but it had also made him more at peace with his doubts. For some reason, Clancy felt OK with that. He wouldn’t call it “peace” exactly, but it was much better.

Something else in the city had caught Clancy’s attention. He’d overhead people, especially in the garden where they thought no one was listening, talking about what was beyond the walls and about escaping. The first time Clancy heard it, he was tending to the yellow daisies. He felt his heart race, but was sure he had misheard them. But they continued to talk about it in hushed voices. He heard another small group later that afternoon discussing the same things. Now he knew it wasn’t just a coincidence. He felt excited and nervous at the same time. Did others feel the same way as him? Could they be allies? Allies? Against who? The bishops? The thought both terrified and excited Clancy.

The next day, he saw a young woman talking quietly in the garden to a few others. Something about her seemed familiar, but Clancy was certain he had never seen her before. They were gathered near the red carnations that he was supposed to be tending to. Clancy quietly walked over to the flowers and began his routine to care for them. He eavesdropped on them as he worked, careful not to look away from the red carnations.

The young woman was bringing up a lot of points that Clancy had thought about. What was outside these walls? Why did the bishops insist on total obedience? Why was Vialism instituted as mandate and not to be questioned? Then came the big question: what if they escaped?

Clancy felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as she proposed the idea. The people she was talking to fell silent for a moment, but then seemed to entertain the idea. The entire time, Clancy felt as if someone was watching him. He was essentially finished, so he stood up and turned to face the group as he did. The young woman was looking straight at him. They made eye contact for the briefest of moments, but she quickly looked away. Clancy felt so certain that he’d seen her face somewhere before, but he just couldn’t place her. A moment later, the young woman and the rest of the people she was with walked away. As they were walking off, Clancy heard one of them call her “Ness”. Again, the name sounded so familiar to Clancy, but he couldn’t place it.

All of this intrigued Clancy. Just as he was having doubts, others were beginning to doubt as well and even talk of escaping. What’s more, someone seemed to be organizing and helping. Clancy silently hoped he could get in with the group. He would try tomorrow. For now, he hurried home to write in his journal again. It was his one solace in this desolate city, but now he had a glimmer of hope, too.

The next day, Clancy was off duty from the gardens. He ventured out into the city, looking for the people he had seen yesterday or, with any luck, this “Ness” woman who seemed to be trying to lead them. Around midday, he saw the same group again. Ness seemed to be unhappy with whatever the group had just told her. The look of disapproval and concern on her face was apparent.

Clancy wondered for a moment if he should approach them. He hesitated a moment, but then approached them. As he did, Ness turned and left quickly. Clacny doubted that it was because of him, after all he didn’t think she had noticed him, but he couldn’t shake the feeling. Nevertheless, he approached the group, his heart racing.

“Um, hi,” said Clancy, trying his best not to sound awkward.

The group all turned to look at him and Clancy had to fight the urge to run as fast as he could. They didn’t seem unfriendly, but they also stared silently at him. He noticed a yellow daisy in the shirt pockets of two of them.

“So, I overheard what you were talking about in the garden yesterday and-” continued Clancy.

“Shh!” interrupted one of the men in the group, putting his finger to his lips. “I don’t know what you think you heard, but-”

“No! I want to join you!” interjected Clancy. “I’m sorry about being so forward, but I didn’t think anyone else thought like me!”

The members of the group looked at each other, silently exchanging glances. A few moments later, a different man stepped forward with a yellow daisy in his shirt pocket.

“Meet us at dinner,” said the man. “We’ll tell you more there. But you must keep quiet. This can’t get back to the bishops.”

“Of course,” nodded Clancy. “Thank you.”

The man nodded and the group dispersed, leaving Clancy alone. Clancy took a deep breath and smiled. He did it. He’d made the connection he needed and taken his first step forward. Hopefully, he’d discover their plan and they could all escape together. He couldn’t help but wonder if there were others, too. It would make sense, but he shook his head and continued on his way. He’d find out more tonight.

That evening, Clancy made his way to the dining hall. He grabbed his dinner and looked for the people he met earlier. His eyes fell on them, sitting at a table at the far end of the dining hall. He hurried to the table and took a seat. Clancy noticed that he made nine people sitting at the table.

“So, you say you want to join us?” asked the man with the yellow. “Are you sure? And can we trust you?”

“I’m absolutely certain,” replied Clancy immediately and without hesitation. “And you can definitely trust me.”

“Hmm, we’ll see about that,” mused the man. “My name is Mark. I’m sort of a leader of this little group.”

“I’m Clancy. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. So, you’re really ready to join us even without knowing what we’re doing?”

“You’re the first I’ve really heard talk about escaping. I want that more than anything. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time now.”

“Hmm, alright. Well, what would you say if we were planning to escape in the coming days?”

Clancy was stunned and his face certainly showed it because Mark smirked at him.

“How? And so soon?” asked Clancy.

“We were inspired by Ness,” explained Mark. “She told us how we can get out.”

“Who is she? And why did she seem so upset earlier?”

“She’s an escapee, part of a group called the Banditos who live outside this city.”

Clancy blinked. For the briefest of moments, his head felt fuzzy and the word “bandito” seemed familiar. But it passed, like smoke slipping through his hands. Clancy shook his head.

“Escapee?” asked Clancy. “Like she’s escaped before? Then why is she here?”

“She said she came back to help others find their way out and to see what was going on inside Dema,” answered Mark.

“Why’d she look unhappy earlier?”

Mark frowned and let out a sigh before continuing. “My friends and I told her our plan to escape and asked for the help of the Banditos, but she wasn’t thrilled.”

“Why not? I thought she wanted to help people escape.”

“She says they’re not ready yet and that it’s too soon.”

Clancy rubbed his chin, thinking for a moment. “Is she right? Is it too soon?”

“Maybe,” shrugged Mark. “But we know the way out. She didn’t hide it from us. She just discouraged us from doing it right now.”

“Why not wait then?”

“We’re ready to go and the best chance is tomorrow night. The Annual Assemblage of The Glorified. The bishops and the city will be distracted with the event, giving us the perfect chance to escape.”

“What about the watchers on the wall?”

“It looks like they’re not leaving any gaps in the patrols. It’s been that way for a long time now apparently.”

“So what do we do?”

“We make for the escape route and do our best to make a break for it before we’re noticed by the watchers. And, with any luck, the Banditos will be ready to help us.”

“And if they’re not?”

“We do our best and find our way to them. So, you still wanna join us?”

“It’s not much of a plan.”

“True, but it’s the best we have. We want to leave as soon as possible and don’t want to run the risk of being Glorified.”

“That’s fair I suppose.”

“So, final answer. You in or out?”

Clancy thought for a moment. This was a big decision, but he was ready to be free of Dema. That would be risky no matter what he did. He made his decision.

“I’m in,” said Clancy confidently.

“Good,” smiled Mark. “Then let’s go by my place and catch you up on the plan.

They left the dining hall and went to Mark’s home. There were papers everywhere and Mark briefly searched through them to find what he needed. He showed the watchers’ patrol schedules to Clancy and told him about the escape route in the East wall. Then explained their whole plan, but mentioned that he’d had no contact from Ness since Clancy saw them together.

Once Clancy felt fully briefed on the plan, he returned home. He slipped into the chair at his desk and opened his journal. He had a lot to write about tonight.

… We’ve studied the watchers and know that there’s no chance that we can step through unnoticed. So, instead of trying to hide ourselves, we’ll make sure that all of us are noticed. …

… They’ve never seen anything quite like this, and by morning, everything will be different. I’m terrified and excited, all at the same time. They don’t control us.

- Clancy

Clancy smiled and closed his journal. He could hardly believe that time was almost here. He curled up in his bed and went to sleep.

It had been weeks and still no new word or report back from the away team. Torchbearer was growing increasingly anxious. He knew that they would be away for a long time hiding out in the catacombs of Dema while they carried out their mission, but he still didn’t like it. He couldn’t help feeling on edge.

Joseph had noticed and suggested that he try and find an outlet for his anxiety and pent up energy. He didn’t exactly give Torchbearer more direction beyond that, but he knew Joseph was right. He thought hard about it. An outlet for his energy that might help distract him… Torchbearer’s mind drifted back to his childhood days at the conservatory with Clancy.

It was a weekend and no one else was around. Josh and Clancy found themselves alone in the music room. Josh excitedly examined all the instruments while Clancy looked around more cautiously. Josh’s eyes landed on a drum set and he sprinted to sit behind it. He grabbed two sticks and wasted no time banging out notes. Clancy covered his ears with his hands.

“What’re you doing?!” shouted Clancy over the drums.

“Learning to play the drums!” grinned Josh. “It’s great!”

Josh slammed his stick down on a cymbal, the crash reverberating throughout the room.

“I think you have a long way to go,” said Clancy.

“Gotta start somewhere right?” replied Josh. “Besides, I was just messing around. I think I can figure it out. It’s all rhythm.”

Josh started playing the drums again. This time, it carried a rhythm to it. It was very unrefined, but it wasn’t terrible for someone new to drums, much less someone who literally just started playing. Clancy was impressed.

“You should try something,” suggested Josh. “I bet you’d be good at it and then we could play together!”

“That does sound fun, but I dunno,” said Clancy hesitantly.

Josh got up and walked around the room, looking at the instruments. He grabbed a guitar and walked over to Clancy.

“How about this?” asked Josh with a huge grin on his face.

“I dunno,” replied Clancy. “It’s a little big.”

“Like I said, gotta start somewhere! But if that’s too big… Then maybe this?”

Josh picked up a ukulele and handed it to Clancy.

“Well, it’s definitely much smaller,” admitted Clancy.

“Give it a try!” encouraged Josh. “You’ve got this!”

Clancy nervously strummed a few strings. It sounded terrible. Then he noticed a poster on the wall with some musical scales and finger positions on it. Clancy looked it over, quickly absorbing the information. He took a deep breath and tried again.

This time the notes sounded much clearer. Still not great, but they were at least notes.

“There you go!” cheered Josh. “Figures you just needed to read about it!”

“Yeah, I guess so!” said Clancy, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

“I bet you could sing, too. Let’s try playing it all together!”

The two ended up having a very loud and off key jam session, particularly Clancy’s singing. It got better as they played more, but eventually the noise drew the attention of the caregivers and they had to stop.

But from then on, whenever they had a chance, they would sneak back to the music room and play more music together. In time, Clancy found his voice, even finding he had proclivity for rapping, and got to be pretty decent with a ukulele and even a guitar. Josh refined his drumming and no longer sounded like an awkward novice hitting the drums. They had fun like that together for many years until they finally left the conservatory after the Choosing.

Torchbearer smiled fondly at the memory. It was such a fun and peaceful time back then with his best friend. But Josh realized the answer he was looking for lay in that memory: drums. They would be a perfect outlet. He ran through the supply storage and quickly threw together some drums, sticks, and a seat. He even found some spare metal he could use for cymbals. He’d make better ones later.

He made his way out of camp by the cliff and set up his kit, facing the cliff and overlooking the ravine. Torchbearer took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. He crossed his drumsticks in front of his face in an X shape and started to bounce in his seat. He felt the rhythm coming to him. He let out his breath and hit his drums.

It was like riding a bicycle. Torchbearer hadn’t played in many years, but it all came back to him so easily. Moments later, he was flying across the drums. The beats were crisp and nearly perfect. Torchbearer could feel himself relaxing, his anxiety and stress leaving his body with each beat of the drums. He felt more like himself than he had in a long time. He felt alive.

Finally, Torchbearer stopped. Beaded sweat ran down his brow. He had no idea how long he’d been playing for, but he felt so refreshed and relieved. He heard a single slow clap from behind him that quickly turned into thunderous applause and cheers.

Torchbearer spun around to see Joseph and the rest of the Banditos standing behind him. Joseph was smiling and clapping while the rest of the Banditos clapped and cheered loudly.

“Looks like you found your outlet,” smiled Joseph.

“Yeah, I guess so,” replied Josh with a smile. “Just had to remember.”

“It’s good to see you smile again.”

“I guess it has been a while, huh?”

They were about to continue their conversation, but were interrupted by the sight of three people making their way into the camp. They were people from the mission to Dema. Torchbearer quickly got up and ran to meet them. Joseph was right behind him.

“You’re back!” said Torchbearer excitedly. “But why are there only three of you?”

“Maria sent me and two others back to deliver an update and news,” replied Ness. “She wanted to stay to continue the work.”

“Alright, then. Report.”

“Since we got to the catacombs, we’ve been working on expanding the tunnel by the east wall to run under the wall and into the wilderness of Trench. We’re hoping to make it a straight shot towards the camp. It’ll give us a second escape route and a much more discreet one that they won’t be able to see.”

“That’s a really great idea. Good on Maria. What about the situation in Dema?”

“Things seem largely the same in Dema. It’s like nothing has changed except for more frequent patrols on the walls. We were also surprised to find that a number of people still questioned Vialism and the bishops even after everything that happened with Clancy. We’ve been able to talk them up and convert others.”

“That’s great news.”

“It is, except a small group of them wants to escape tonight. I told them it's a bad idea and not to do it, but they seemed determined.”

“Tonight? There’s no way we can get there to help them. And the away team isn’t equipped to help them either.”

“Exactly. Which is what I tried to tell them, but I don’t think it changed their minds.”

“Best we can do is be ready to welcome them if they make it to us then.”

“There’s one more thing. I saw Clancy.”

Torchbearer’s heart skipped a beat and he felt his breath catch for a moment. But he relaxed. Of course she’d seen Clancy. He was in Dema after all.

“How was he?” asked Torchbearer quietly.

“He seemed fine,” answered Ness. “He was tending to the plants in the garden. It looks like they moved him again after he was smearer. He saw me and we locked eyes, but he definitely didn’t recognize me.”

Torchbearer’s heart sank a little bit. He wasn’t surprised, but a small part of him hoped that Clancy would have remembered her.

“I see,” said Torchbearer finally. “At least we know he’s safe. Now, you and your team should rest here tonight and resupply. You can return to the mission tomorrow.”

“Roger that,” affirmed Ness.

Ness and her team headed back to the center of camp. Torchbearer was lost in his thoughts for a moment, but quickly cleared his head. Things were progressing well and Maria and her team were doing excellent work. Now it was up to him to make sure things were ready at the camp. They had to be ready. They mustn’t fail again.

Clancy could hardly wait for night to come. He busied himself with his gardener duties during the day which made the time pass quickly, but he still kept thinking about it. Finally dinner came and went. He ate dinner with Mark and the others, but they didn’t discuss their plans much. They just confirmed that they were still doing this and to meet near the East wall. They would wait until the Annual Assemblage of the Glorified began.

Clancy returned to his home to prepare for the escape, tucking his journal into his inner jacket pocket. He knew that he wanted it with him in Trench, but he also wanted to be sure he didn’t lose it. He was nervous, but excited. He couldn’t wait to be free. When it was time and he knew the Annual Assemblage had begun, Clancy grabbed his bag and quietly made his way to their rendezvous point.

Mark and the others were already there when Clancy arrived. Mark smiled and greeted him.

“Looks like we’re all ready,” said Mark.

“Yeah,” nodded Clancy. “Let’s do this.”

“The escape route door shouldn’t be far from here. It’s marked by an E that’s turned on its side.”

They quickly made their way to the East wall. No one seemed to be around, so they followed down the wall, looking for the E. It didn’t take long to find it. The symbol was subtle, but easily felt even in the dark. They heard what sounded like people approaching, possibly on the wall, so they quickly opened the door and hurried inside the passage, closing the door behind them.

Mark quickly lit a small lamp that he had brought with him. It wasn’t incredibly bright, but it at least allowed them to see. The passage was empty. No one was waiting for them there. Clancy felt a small twinge of disappointment, but knew that this was the most likely outcome. They made their way to the other end of the passage.

Once they reached the exit door, they waited a moment. They wanted to give whoever they heard approaching time to move on, although there was no way for sure if it was safe. After what felt like an eternity to Clancy, they finally opened the door and stepped through to the other side and into Trench.

Things seemed quiet. There was no light save for the light of the moon, stars, and Mark’s lamp. The group started to make their way away from the city walls. Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the group and the surrounding area from above and there were shouts from behind them. Soon after, an alarm sounded. Clancy looked back to see the light was coming from the wall. They had been spotted. Clancy looked at Mark who was clearly panicked.

“Run!” shouted Mark to everyone.

Everyone took off running as fast as they could in different directions. Clancy had no idea where he was going and he could barely see without the light of Mark’s lamp. But he knew he had to run and he had to be fast. He knew that he couldn’t stop or look back. He wasn’t going back.

Somewhere along the way, he tripped and fell, losing his backpack in the process. He didn’t stop or turn back to grab it. He just kept running, his fear and adrenaline keeping him moving. Clancy ran until he couldn’t run anymore.

Clancy had no idea how long he’d been running or how far away from Dema he was. All he knew was that he could barely see Dema in the distance now. He seemed to be near some caverns, so he found a nearby cave and settled in for the night and tried to get some sleep.

The next morning, Clancy ventured back out of his cave. He didn’t see anyone or anything else. He still had no idea where he was going, but he picked a direction and kept walking. He found himself surrounded by green hills and cliffs. He was amazed at how varied the landscape was. He walked for what seemed like hours. As time went on, Clancy felt as if his head was getting fuzzy, but it would come and go. There were times that he thought he saw something, but there was nothing there. He figured he was just hungry or thirsty and stressed from the escape.

As the sun started to set, Clancy found a new cave to seek shelter. He was exhausted, but exhilarated at the same time. He was alone, but he had never felt more free. He pulled out his journal, the one belonging he had left, and started to write a long entry.

I’ve made it out.

I feel weightless. I know that place had always held me down, but for the first time, I can feel the levity that I had hoped for. …

Trench is quite precarious at times and it’s easy to grow weary. But it’s real and it’s true, and I’d much rather endure reality than mindlessly be obedient to a life that someone else created for me. … If I ever end up back there, I won’t be able to look at it the same way. …

I wonder who else is out here. Sometimes I’ll feel a presence, or think I see something in my periphery, only to look up and see nothing. I am afraid and excited. …

I am out here and I am very alive. I’m sometimes scared, but always discovering something new, and I will not stop. Cover me!

- Clancy

When he was done, Clancy tucked his journal safely back into his jacket pocket and settled in to sleep.

Clancy awoke suddenly. It was still dark outside, but he could see the beginnings of the sunlight on the horizon. He could have sworn he heard something outside. He quickly got up and peaked his head outside of the cave. He heard the sound again, the rustling of rocks and the sound of something or someone approaching quickly.

Clancy felt his heart begin to race as a wave of anxiety swept over him. He couldn’t see anything in the twilight, but he feared the worst. They had found him. He had to run.

Clancy sprinted out of the cave, running as fast as he could. He ran into what appeared to be a ravine with high cliffs on either side. The ground beneath him became rocks and he quickly found himself running through a shallow stream. Clancy looked behind him and, for a moment, he thought he saw a shadowy figure in the distance.

As Clancy turned his head to look forward again, he slipped on a slick rock in the stream. Clancy’s feet flew out from under him and he was airborne. Clancy felt panic flood his body as he came down hard on the ground. He felt the back of his head hit a rock and then everything went black.

It was morning as Torchbearer came out of his tent. It was quiet in the camp and people were just beginning to move around. They hadn’t seen or heard anything about the escapees that Ness had mentioned. Torchbearer hoped they had simply changed their minds instead of trying to escape and being captured. His thoughts were interrupted by someone sprinting into camp.

“Torchbearer! Torchbearer!” shouted the Bandito as he ran towards Torchbearer. “There’s someone in the ravine! An escapee!”

“What?!” asked Torchbearer in surprise. “Where?!”

“A little bit down from camp! He’s just collapsed in the middle of the ravine! I’m not sure what happened!”

“Let’s go,” said the Torchbearer, motioning to the gathering Banditos. “Let’s see if we can help him.”

The Banditos and Torchbearer followed the other Bandito out of the camp and towards the escapee. Torchbearer wondered if he was alright and who it could be.

Clancy’s eyes fluttered open. It was daylight now and his head hurt. He remembered slipping and falling, but since he was still here, he must have imagined whatever was chasing him. Trench seemed to play tricks on his mind. He got up and tried to get his bearings.

The ravine and the cliffs seemed familiar to Clancy somehow. At first he didn’t understand why. He’d never been outside of Dema before. Then he remembered the strange dreams that he had back in Dema. The vast valleys of green grass and these very same cliffs and ravine. Had he been here before? Was he trying to remember in his dreams? Clancy had no idea, but he felt safe for the moment. So he started to walk, making his way through the ravine. The walk helped to clear his head.

After walking for a short while, Clancy felt as if he was being watched again, as if there was an ominous presence. He looked up at the top of the cliffs and noticed that a large number of figures were standing atop the cliffs looking down on him. They all were gray-green jackets and hoodies with yellow duct tape adorning their pants and jackets in various ways. Their faces were hidden behind yellow bandanas. Clancy knew that these must be the Banditos that Mark had told him about.

Clancy noticed that they were no longer looking at him and were instead looking behind him. Then he heard it. The unmistakable sound of hoofbeats. There was a horse galloping across the rocks. Clancy turned around to see a red-robed rider on a white horse rapidly approaching him. A sense of cold anxiety washed over him and Clancy knew who it must be. It was Nico. He had found him.

Clancy froze as Nico pulled his horse to a stop a short distance in front of him, dismounted, and walked up to him. Without a word, Nico reached for Clancy’s neck. Clancy closed his eyes, his breath shaky, as Nico placed his fingers on Clancy’s neck and smeared him with the black paint on his fingers.

Clancy was filled with resignation. He didn’t want to fight or run anymore, but his memories seemed to stay.

“Come, Clancy, my child,” said Nico, mounting his horse once more. “It’s time to go home.”

Nico turned his horse around and began to trot back the way he came. Clancy obediently followed him. As they began their walk back to Dema, Clancy just felt empty. But then, something caught his eye. He looked down to his left and noticed a small bunch of yellow daisies growing out of the rocks. They were the same as the ones in the garden of the necropolis and they were in full bloom. Clancy looked back up at the Banditos silently watching him and he realized that their yellow matched the yellow of the daisies. He also realized that Nico didn’t seem to notice them or the flowers.

Torchbearer couldn’t believe it. Of all the people who could have escaped Dema, this was the last person he expected to see. Yet there he was. It was Clancy. They were so close, only separated by the height of the cliff.

But then he saw the rider in the distance, rapidly closing the distance between him and Clancy. He knew it was Nico. He watched Clancy turn to face him, resigning himself to his fate. Torchbearer knew there was no way he could get to him fast enough. Yet again, he was forced to watch as Clancy was smeared.

But he noticed that this time was different. Clancy didn’t seem to just fade away. The light didn’t vanish from his eyes. Not entirely. That gave Torchbearer some hope. He watched as they walked away, but noticed that Clancy stopped to stare at the yellow daisies growing out of the rocks. Torchbearer saw a glimmer of recognition in Clancy’s eyes as he looked back up at the Banditos.

An idea came to Torchbearer. There were yellow daisies growing all over the tops of the cliffs.

“Everyone, grab some flowers and throw the petals!” instructed Torchbearer. “I think he’s remembering. Maybe we can inspire him!”

Without wasting another second, Torchbearer reached down and grabbed a handful of daisies and plucked their petals. The other Banditos hurried to follow suit. Once they plucked them, Torchbearer and the Banditos started tossing the petals off the cliff where they slowly danced to rain down over Clancy and Nico. Torchbearer hoped it would be enough.

Clancy watched in awe as the Banditos began to shower him with the yellow petals. It was beautiful. Nico’s horse neighed and reared back, spooked by the petals. Nico seemed confused by what was happening, though he now seemed to notice the Banditos.

Fragments of memory flashed through Clancy’s mind. He saw the Banditos. He saw them escaping. He swore he was with them, but then the memories were gone again. In its place was a spirit of rebellion. Clancy’s expression hardened.

No. thought Clancy to himself. I won’t let it end here. I’m not giving up. I’m not going back. I’m not!

He looked up at the Banditos once more, his eyes full of determination.

“Cover me!” shouted Clancy as loudly as he could as he turned and ran at full sprint away from Nico.

Nico noticed that Clancy was running away and pulled the reins of his horse, finally regaining control. He then took off in a full gallop to chase after Clancy.

Clancy sprinted as fast as he could, praying he could outrun Nico and his horse. His mind raced, trying to think of a way to escape. If he could just find a small cavern or crevice, maybe he could hide away.

Suddenly, Clancy felt his foot catch in between some rocks. He felt himself falling forward. Despair filled him as the ground flew up to meet him. He knew it was over now. But at least he had tried. He reached out his hand as he fell, reaching for a yellow daisy he saw nearby. He felt it touch his hand as a quick jolt of pain hit him and then everything faded to black once more.

Torchbearer’s heart jumped as he watched Clancy turn and run. It worked! They had inspired him! But then his heart sank as he saw Clancy trip and fall. He knew it was over now.

He watched as Nico walked up to the now unconscious Clancy and pick him up. When Nico turned Clancy over onto his back, Torchbearer noticed a single yellow daisy clutched in his hand. Nico didn’t seem to notice the flower as he placed Clancy’s hands on his chest and dragged him back to his horse.

Once he got there, Nico stopped and looked up directly at Torchbearer. They locked eyes. Torchbearer glared at him and Nico glared right back. After several moments of this, Nico turned and loaded Clancy onto the back of his horse. Then he swiftly mounted it and rode back towards Dema, leaving the Banditos behind.

Torchbearer felt sad as he watched Nico ride off with Clancy, but he also felt hopeful. Clancy had started to remember. He had started to fight. He had tried to break out on his own again without the help of the Banditos. That was progress. To top it all off, when he was smeared this time, it didn’t seem to have the same effect on him. He didn’t seem to lose himself like he did before. Yes, things weren’t great and they were definitely far from ideal, but there was hope. Torchbearer was going to cling to that with every fiber of his being. He was resolved now more than ever in his mission. He turned around and led the Banditos back to the camp. There they would come together and formulate a plan to save Clancy. This time they would bring him home. It was only a matter of time.

Chapter Text

Clancy awoke lying on the ground. He felt the cool grass beneath him. His head was pounding and his mind was a haze. He remembered being in Trench. He watched someone else get captured by a bishop. Wait, was that right? Did he? Or was it him? Clancy couldn’t be sure. The one thing he did remember was the Banditos standing on the cliffs. Through the haze of his mind, they stood out clearly.

It was the only thing he truly remembered after he left the city. That and the danger, anxiety, hunger, and thirst that he experienced in Trench. Trench was so different from what he expected and seemed to mess with his head, too.

Clancy sat up and realized he wasn’t far from the city walls. How did he get here? He turned his head to see a red-robed figure standing next to him. Rather than anxiety, he felt peace and relief. It was Keons, his bishop, who was standing by his side.

“Clancy, child, let’s go home,” said Keons gently as he extended his hand towards Clancy.

Clancy took it without question and let Keons help him to his feet. Keons gently tried to lead Clancy towards Dema. Clancy went willingly, following Keons’ lead. Together, they walked through the city gates and back into Dema. The stone gates slid back into place, sealing Clancy in once more.

Keons led him back to Clancy’s home. He opened the door for Clancy, allowing them both inside.

“You may rest and recover today and tomorrow, but you must return to your duties in the garden,” said Keons. “The garden needs you and so does Dema.”

“I understand,” said Clancy quietly, looking at the floor.

“My child, this is not the first time you have strayed from the path. I implore you to devote yourself to your duties, to Dema, and to Vialism. We bishops only want what’s best for you. You must know that.”

“I do.”

“Very well. I will leave you to your thoughts and pray that you devote yourself anew.”

Keons left, closing the door behind him. Clancy was left alone with his thoughts, which were all over the place. His head was still fuzzy and he didn’t fully remember everything even now. But he remembered being free and he remembered the Banditos. Yet here he was, back in Dema once more. Clancy dropped his head into his hands and cried.

As the days turned into weeks, Clancy resumed his duties at the garden. He threw himself into his work, largely keeping to himself. Clancy found comfort and solace in the routines of the city and the work in the garden. He could lose himself in the work and not have to think too hard about anything or what he was feeling. No one asked him questions about what happened and he was thankful for that.

When he slept, Clancy’s dreams did not provide him a moment’s respite. Fragmented memories of his time in Trench and his days in Dema played on an endless loop. Clancy could hardly tell which was real and which was a dream. Or where he truly belonged. He felt stuck between two places.

When Clancy was finally home for the day, he sat at his desk. He looked at his unopened journal. He hadn’t touched it since returning to the city. He felt embarrassed and like he had failed, knowing what he had written while he was out there and before he escaped. And now he honestly didn’t know what to believe.

Clancy sighed. He knew that writing had helped him before. Keons had definitely been right about that. Maybe that was the only way to help him work through it. Clancy slowly reached for his journal and opened it to a new blank page.

I can’t face this page for long enough to write what I’m truly feeling. I am only wrought with more questions about what I assumed to be true, questions about what my own path is, and the question that has plagued me every night that I lie here, back in the city: Did I give up?

The memory of the bishop and his subject… The memory of that exchange has had time to fester and replay in my mind long enough that I’m questioning if I even remembered it correctly. Trench seems to play tricks on the mind and warp your perceptions.

…

Maybe the bishop brought him home.

Home?

Did I just call this place home?

After all of the endless beauty that I saw out there, am I now convincing myself that I’m actually better off within these confines?

I admit, it was more difficult than I expected. Nothing could have prepared me for how much the ‘unknown’ can consume me. Vast landscapes and endless possibilities, yet coupled with endless danger. I became anxious. I became tired. I became hungry. Every step I took became harder than the last, jumping from jagged rocky step to step, or pulling myself through thick forest - it all became debilitating, and I was sure that I couldn’t go on.

…

I’ve been here for a few weeks now, and while the routines of this world are comforting, and certainly easier than life out there, my mind keeps bouncing between the two places.

Which one is home? Are the bishops protecting us, and the torches upon the hilltops dangerous? Or is it the other way around? My dreams pull me from world to world, and I feel lost in between all of it.

..

- Clancy

When he was done writing, Clancy let out a deep sigh of relief. He was amazed at how much better he felt. It was cathartic. He didn’t feel like he was the best speaker, but he was great with words. Getting his thoughts out of his head helped, but it didn’t give him answers or a path forward. Clancy still had to figure that out on his own. What was the truth? What did he want? But, more importantly, what was best? Clancy had a lot to think about in the coming days and weeks. For now, he would stay alive and keep moving forward. He could figure out the rest later. Clancy closed his journal and went to bed.

That night, Clancy dreamed about the Banditos. He saw them looking down on him from above again. Then they threw the yellow petals. Through the petals, one of the Banditos seemed to stand out to Clancy among the others. He had a yellow X duct taped across his chest with the lines intersecting over his heart. He seemed somehow familiar to Clancy. The Bandito went to pull down the yellow bandana that was covering his face, but before he could, Clancy abruptly woke up.

Clancy rubbed his eyes as he sat up in bed. That same dream again, one of many he kept having. He always woke up before figuring anything out. Clancy shook his head to clear it and got out of bed. He didn’t have time to wonder about it now. He was expected at the gardens early this morning and he didn’t want to be late. There would be time to contemplate everything later.

Back at the camp, Torchbearer met privately with Joseph in his tent. He wanted to discuss his plan.

“I want to try and extract Clancy,” said Torchbearer. “I was surprised to see he escaped on his own or maybe with the help of the group Ness mentioned. But what really stuck out was that he seemed to be starting to remember. I think we have a chance.”

“You’re right,” agreed Joseph. “We weren’t expecting that and he did seem like he was remembering. The problem is doing it safely.”

“Isn’t it always?”

Joseph laughed. “You’re not wrong. But we have plans in place. The away team is working on the new and more secure escape tunnel and they’re winning more people to our cause.”

“That’s true. I just don’t like the idea of waiting. Not when he’s trying on his own.”

“I get that, but if we wait, we can better ensure that he actually makes it out of Dema and back to our camp. It doesn’t do us any good if they catch him or us before we even get away from the city.”

“True. So what do you suggest?”

“We wait for the away team to finish the new tunnel. Once they’re done, we can formulate a timeline. Ideally, we’d want a time when the city is distracted.”

“There’s only one time of the year where the whole city including the bishops are distracted.”

“Exactly. And that’s our most ideal chance to pull this off. Which means we’ve got a year.”

Torchbearer’s mouth twisted in disapproval. “I don’t like that timeline.”

“Hey, it’s not my preference either,” said Joseph, placing a hand gently on Torchbearer’s shoulder. “But we know nothing will happen to him before then and we know the away team should be done before then.”

“Fair enough. With any luck, he may try again on that day and we’ll find him. If not, I still remember where he lives.”

“Then we’re all set. Just have to wait.”

“Hmm. No, there’s something else.”

“What’s that?” asked Joseph, cocking a quizzical eyebrow at him.

“I know we’re going to extract Clancy,” explained Torchbearer. “But I want to leave a message, both to the bishops and the citizens of Dema. A calling card if you will.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Torchbearer grinned and Joseph couldn’t help the surprise that came to his face. After all, it’d been quite some time since he last saw Torchbearer grin like that.

“I think in order to escape safely, we’re also going to need a diversion. Something loud that will attract attention,” continued Torchbearer. “But like I said, I also want us to leave a calling card. I think there’s a way we can do both. We bring my drums to Dema. We’ll deck them out in yellow and with our symbols and leave them behind along with some yellow duct tape. It’ll be a distraction, a calling card, and a message.”

“That’d certainly be loud,” agreed Joseph. “And it would definitely be a calling card if we left them behind. You’d need a group to help you carry them all the way there. Not to mention help with Clancy.”

“I have a group in mind, don’t worry. I know they’ll be down to help.”

“Sounds like we have a plan then.”

“And now we play the waiting game.”

“Lots to do while we wait.”

“Then let’s get to it.”

The two of them left the tent to rejoin the Banditos and begin their preparations. They had less than a year. Torchbearer was more than optimistic that they could pull it off in that time frame. The only true variable was if the away team would finish their tunnel in time, but Torchbearer believed in them. He knew Maria and her team would make it happen.

As the months went by, approaching a year since his return to Dema, Clancy found himself becoming increasingly morose. There was a wonderful structure to the city, both in its routines and its design, which had put his mind at ease for much of the past several months. However, he still couldn’t get the experiences of Trench and freedom out of his head. His dreams seemed determined to make sure he never truly forgot those experiences. The more he thought about it, the more he questioned everything, especially the bishops.

Did they really want what was best for him and the other citizens of Dema? On the surface, that seemed to be true, particularly of Keons. Unlike Nico and some of the other bishops, Keons had always been kind and gentle to Clancy and his other subjects. Perhaps gentle wasn’t the best term, but he was different nevertheless, and always stoic. If Clancy was being honest, Keons was probably the only reason he had believed and cooperated for so long. He made his subjects feel proud to serve.

But now Clancy couldn’t clear the doubt from his mind. What was the truth? What did he want? That was the question that scared Clancy the most: what did he want? The idea of choosing for himself was both exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Did he want this safe life where everything was decided for him including his ultimate fate? Or did he want to take a risk and see what life could be like out in Trench with the Banditos?

Clancy shook his head and reached across his desk for his journal without looking, hoping that writing would help him clear his mind. As he reached across his desk, his hand bumped the handle of his desk drawer. Clancy stopped and looked at the drawer, his fingertips resting on the handle. Again, he felt oddly compelled to open the drawer, but he had no idea why. That drawer should be empty as he didn’t remember keeping anything inside. And yet, he couldn’t shake the urge to open it.

Clancy’s fingers tapped anxiously on the handle. Why did he have such trepidation about opening this drawer? It dawned on Clancy that this was very much how he felt about leaving Dema behind and joining the Banditos in Trench. In both cases, he had to make a decision: to be comfortable and go with what he’d always known or to take a risk and embrace the new and unknown. It was time to make a decision. Clancy took a deep breath, wrapped his fingers around the handle, and finally opened the drawer.

Inside the drawer was a single yellow daisy in full bloom. The dust in the drawer seemed to indicate that it had been there for some time, but the flower still seemed to be in great condition. Clancy picked up the flower, rotating it gently between his thumb and finger. Clancy recognized the flower and not just as the same flower he’d seen in the garden and with the Banditos in Trench. He recognized this specific flower. But why?

Suddenly, fragments of memory began to rapidly flash through Clancy’s mind, as vividly as if he was in the moments themselves. A boy with curly brown hair and a smile as bright as the sun. The same person, but now an adult, his smile as brilliant as before. He and Clancy were talking, but about what? The memories shifted as quickly as they appeared. There was a torch, being handed from one hand to another. They were running. From what? Explosions. Smoke. Fire. Others running. Voices yelling. Chaos. Cold anxiety. A flash of red. A bishop?

More fragments of memory flashed through Clancy’s mind. A camp with the Banditos. Cliffs and green hills. Happy faces. A fire. Peace. A flash of red again. Another bishop? Cold hands. Anxiety. Fear. He was back in Dema again, the man with brown hair looking sadly at him. Clancy felt searing pain and sadness as the memory shifted again. Despair.

Finally, things came to a stop as one last memory flashed into Clancy’s mind. This time, it lingered. Clancy was standing in the garden of the necropolis. The man with brown hair from his other memories was standing next to him. He bent down and plucked a yellow daisy from the garden, tucking it gently into Clancy’s shirt pocket.

“Take it with you. It’ll always remind you of me, our friendship, and our cause,” said the man with a smile.

With that, the final memory faded and Clancy was back in his room, still sitting at his desk with the drawer open and the flower in his hand. His head was pounding, but his mind felt clearer than it had in a long time. Clancy wondered what all of that was. Were those his memories? Was that what happened before he was smeared? What had he been through and what had he forgotten? More importantly, who was the man with brown hair? The one who called him friend. The one who gave him this very flower. Clancy knew he had to be important. But he couldn’t remember who he was. All he had were those brief flashes of fragments that came back to him.

Clancy stared at the flower for a while longer before putting it back in the drawer and closing it. He had a lot to think about, but he felt a surprising amount of hope. The hour was growing late and Clancy could feel his eyelids growing heavy. He slid himself into his bed, wrapping himself in his covers. He would try and sort through all this tomorrow.

Preparations over the past several months at the Banditos camp had progressed well. Everything was ready. With the help of some particularly crafty and skilled Banditos, Torchbearer had made a new drumset with yellow drumheads and a special symbol to represent the Banditos on the front of the bass drum: ||-//. All that remained was to wait to hear that the away team had finished their expansion of the East wall catacomb tunnel. Torchbearer was acutely aware that time was growing short as the Annual Assemblage of the Glorified grew near. He had faith that his team would finish in time, but he couldn’t help but feel anxious.

It was late in the afternoon when Torchbearer noticed a group of three people approaching the camp. He figured it must be a group from the away team with an update. He briskly walked towards them, Joseph joining him halfway there. They waited at the entrance to the camp as Ness, Bel, and Finn made their way into camp.

“Welcome back,” greeted Torchbearer warmly.

“Thanks!” said Bel. “It feels good to be back after so long away!”

“Same!” agreed Finn. “I’ve missed the camp. Dema and the catacombs are so…dreary. They remind me why I left.”

“That’s good in its own way though, don’t you think?” mused Torchbearer.

“That’s true,” nodded Finn. “It made me appreciate being out here even more.”

“Good,” smiled Torchbearer. “But I take it Maria didn’t send you all the way back here for no reason.”

“No, we have news!” replied Ness. “Great news actually!”

“Alright, then. Report,” said Torchbearer.

“We’ve finished the expansion of the catacomb tunnel!” said Ness excitedly. “Now it runs a good ways outside of Dema and opens into a valley in the direction of the camp!”

“That’s great news!” exclaimed Joseph.

“Absolutely!” agreed Torchbearer. “And just in time. It’s not much longer until the Annual Assemblage.”

“Ah, that’s right!” said Bel. “You did send a message that you had a plan for during the Annual Assemblage. That’s why we were focusing on ”

“I do,” nodded Torchbearer. “I know you’ve only just returned, so please take some time to rest and recover, but I need you to get word back to Maria as soon as possible.”

“What would you have us tell her?” asked Ness.

“Tell her that I’m recalling the entire away team,” said Torchbearer. “I want everyone out of Dema and back at the camp. Once everyone is back, we’ll assemble a small team to carry out our mission during the Annual Assemblage. We’re short on time, so we’ll have to hurry.”

“We’ll leave at first light then,” nodded Ness. “Anything else we should tell her?”

“Just to get back safely,” added Torchbearer. “And be ready for the mission.”

“Roger that,” said Ness.

Every night since Clancy discovered the yellow daisy in his desk drawer, he’d come home, open the drawer, and hold it gently in his hand. He hoped it might give him more insight like it did when he first discovered it; however, nothing new had come. Sometimes he’d get the same glimpses of the man with brown hair, but the only additional thing Clancy had gleaned from it was that the man was the one with the torch in hand.

Clancy sighed and returned the flower to the drawer, closing it. He hadn’t been able to remember anything new, but ever since he had started to remember, Clancy had become much more resolved in his path forward. He would escape the city again. This is not what he wanted. He wanted to be out there and he was certain that he didn’t belong here.

Clancy had thought long and hard about what to do next. He realized that his next best chance to escape was the same time that he did last year: the Annual Assemblage of the Glorified. Clancy would be lying if he said that the idea didn’t make him nervous. After all, they had been spotted immediately last year and all of them had been captured in the end. Still, there was no denying that it was still the best chance for him to escape and it was less than a week away.

Over the next few days, Clancy noticed that people he had been seeing around previously were no longer there. This confused Clancy until he realized that he also hadn’t seen Ness either. That’s when he pieced it together. The missing people were actually Banditos just like Ness. Since there wasn’t a big spectacle from the bishops, Clancy surmised that they had left on their own. He wondered why they would suddenly leave, but quickly put it out of his mind. He had to formulate his own escape plan.

Clancy poured over various plans and possibilities in his head. Soon, he realized that it would be better to keep it simple. He was going alone this time so that there was less chance of him getting noticed or spotted. After that, he just had to try and find his way back to the ravine where he saw the Banditos. If he could get that far on his own, like he did before, he’d be OK.

So that’s what he’d do. On the evening of the Annual Assemblage, he’d pack his new backpack and sneak out of the city under the cover of night on his own. It was risky and the idea scared Clancy, but he knew that he couldn’t stay here anymore. He had to go. He had to get out. Only two more days. He would be ready.

Two days after Ness, Bel, and Finn had returned to the away team, Torchbearer could see a group of people approaching the camp. It was the entire away team with Maria leading them forward. Torchbearer smiled as they walked back into the camp. He was glad they all made it back safely. Maria found him as everyone else dispersed into the camp.

“So, you have a plan then?” asked Maria. “I hope it’s a good one.”

“I do and it is,” said Torchbearer. “Trust me.”

“I do trust you. A lot actually. And so does everyone else. That’s why we worked so hard to get this done in time, without even knowing the plan.  Because we believe in you.”

Torchbearer couldn’t help but smile at those words. They warmed his heart and reassured him.

“Thank you,” said Torchbearer. “That means a lot to me. But I wanted to wait until we could discuss it in person. I’ll call for the people I want on the team for this mission and explain it there.”

“Sounds good,” nodded Maria. “I trust I’ll be on this team?”

“Of course.”

“Good.”

Maria smiled at Torchbearer before turning to take her leave. Torchbearer already knew who he needed for this mission to save Clancy. He would take a team of nine people: himself, Maria, Joseph, Poppy, Bel, Red, Ness, Finn, and Nora, another of the Banditos who had shown a lot of promise and desire to help. He quickly sent word to all of them to meet in his tent later that evening.

Once everyone had arrived at Torchbearer’s tent, he began briefing them on his plan.

“Now that we have a new escape route, one that takes you further from Dema and that the bishops don’t know about, it’s time to make our first move,” began Torchbearer. “The main purpose of our mission is an extraction. We’re going to get Clancy out of there.”

“What?!” blurted out Poppy excitedly, quickly covering her mouth with her hand as she realized what she’d done.

“Yes,” continued Torchbearer. “Our main objective is to get Clancy out of Dema. We saw that he already escaped once on his own, but, more importantly, we saw that he was starting to remember and that smearing isn’t affecting him the same way. So it’s time to get him out. I still remember where he lives in Dema, so we’ll go there and get him out.”

“There’s more, isn’t there?” asked Maria curiously. “I doubt that’s all we’re doing here.”

“You’re right,” nodded Torchbearer. “I also want to leave a message for both the bishops and the citizens of Dema. We’re leaving a calling card so that they know we’re out here. It’ll open the eyes of some of the citizens, give hope to more, and put the bishops on notice. We’ll also need a distraction to draw the attention of the bishops and the city. I think we can combine those two things.”

“How?” asked Red.

“We’ve crafted a special drum set to take to the city,” answered Torchbearer. “It had yellow drumheads and a symbol to represent us. We’ll bring them with us to Dema and I’ll play the drums loudly to draw attention. It’ll reverberate throughout the quiet concrete city. Then we’ll escape through the catacomb tunnel and leave the drums behind as a calling card.”

“That’s quite the bold plan,” said Maria, her face expressing some surprise.

“It is,” acknowledged Torchbearer. “But it fulfills everything we want to do. A distraction, a message, and a calling card.”

Torchbearer paused a moment before continuing. “I also hope that it might help jog Clancy’s memory. We played music together in the conservatory you see.”

Maria’s expression softened before she said, “I see. It’s a good plan then.”

“We should probably use the new tunnel to enter Dema instead of the East wall entrance,” suggested Nora.

“That should work great,” said Ness. “The tunnel is just open, but far enough from Dema that we should be able to enter unnoticed.”

“The team did a great job,” added Maria. “You would be proud, Red. The tunnel is well engineered.”

Red looked at Ness and Bel and smiled. “Good!”

“Perfect,” said Torchbearer. “The Annual Assemblage of the Glorified is in two days. We’ll leave in the later morning of that day. That should give us time to get there and prepare before we make our move at night.”

“Sounds like we have a plan then,” said Poppy.

“I’ll see to it that the drums are ready for the journey,” said Joseph.

“And we’ll need torches for sure,” added Finn. “I can make sure we have some ready.”

“Excellent,” nodded Torchbearer. “We know the plan and what we have to do. Let’s finish our preparations and see this mission through. This is the first real step we take towards freeing everyone and toppling the bishops. It all begins here.”

The night of the Annual Assemblage of the Glorified had finally arrived. Clancy paced the room of his home, waiting for time as time crawled by. It was early evening, but still far too early for him to attempt his escape. He had to be careful and time it right. He checked the clock on his desk again.

Clancy busied himself with packing and double checking his backpack. He had all the essentials in it. Some spare clothes, dry food, pens, a red beanie, and his journal. After checking it all for the fourth time, he finally slid his backpack on and checked the clock again. It was almost time to go.

Clancy opened his desk drawer and pulled out the yellow, rolling its stem between his thumb and pointer finger. Again, the face of the man with brown hair and brilliant smile came to him. He felt like there was some special connection there. He could almost feel it, but never quite grasp it. Clancy hoped that he was with the Banditos and that when he joined them, he might get some answers.

Clancy checked the clock for a third time. It was well into the evening now. It was time to go. Clancy placed the flower in the drawer once more and slid it shut. He adjusted his backpack on his shoulders, making sure it was good to go, and then slipped out into the quiet and empty streets of Dema.

Torchbearer and his team arrived at the entrance of the tunnel as the sun was beginning to set. They had timed their trip well. They hurried into the tunnel, lighting their torches to guide them in the dark. They continued until they arrived at the catacomb exit closest to the East wall. This would be their entry and exit point.

They set the drums in their bags down and took some time to rest. The journey had been long, especially with carrying the drums. Maria distributed snacks and water to everyone to help replenish everyone’s energy. They waited patiently in the catacombs for hours. Finally, when Torchbearer felt the time was right, he motioned for everyone to move.

Poppy, Red, Bel, Ness, Finn, and Nora all picked up the pieces of the drum kit and slid their bags on their backs. Everyone took a torch in hand to light the way. Once they were ready, Torchbearer slowly opened the door and they stepped out into Dema.

The streets were silent and empty. Their torches shone brightly in the absence of light in the city. Torchbearer led the group through the streets toward Clancy’s home. He looked up as motion caught his eye. He saw citizens looking at them through their windows. They quickly hid behind the curtains once Torchbearer noticed them. Torchbearer smiled at this. He had intended for this whole thing to be a message to the citizens. Soon they’d understand.

As they continued, they approached an open plaza with a statue in the middle. Torchbearer thought he heard something and then noticed movement ahead of them, approaching the plaza. He hadn’t anticipated this happening as everyone, including the bishops, should be occupied with the Annual Assemblage. Regardless, it was too late to hide. He motioned for half of the group to quickly circle around the other side of the plaza. Whoever it was, they’d encircle them.

Clancy made his way towards the East wall. It was the only escape route he knew, so he was going to take it again, even if it was risky. He knew he was getting close as he approached the plaza. As he made it halfway across the plaza, five figures bearing torches approached him, blocking his way. They were wearing gray-green clothes with yellow duct tape adorning them. Yellow bandanas masked their faces. Clancy recognized them as the Banditos, but he felt trapped.

Clancy spun around on his heel to walk back the way he came. He’d find another way around. He had taken only a few steps when four more Banditos carrying torches appeared walking towards him and blocking his path. Clancy knew the Banditos meant to help him, but he couldn’t help feeling nervous. He felt his heart pounding in his chest.

Clancy turned around again, facing the original five Banditos blocking his path. They had stopped walking. The one with yellow duct tape in an X shape across his chest handed his torch to another Bandito and approached Clancy. He pulled his bandana down revealing his entire face as he smiled softly at Clancy.

Clancy recognized him immediately. It was the man from his memories. He was the one who gave him the flower and called him friend. He was the leader of the Banditos. Clancy’s mind struggled to process this information, especially as it felt like more information was trying to bubble up from the depths of his mind. He could nearly remember.

The man extended his right hand out towards Clancy. Clancy didn’t know why, but his body immediately sprang into action as if by muscle memory. He reached out his right hand and slapped the man’s hand, starting their handshake. With each movement of the handshake, Clancy remembered more and more. He’d done this a thousand times before. They hugged and ended with a snap like always.

With the snap, everything came flooding back to Clancy. He remembered the man, his name, the time they spent together at the conservatory, their first escape, their entire friendship, and, finally, Clancy being smeared. It all came flooding back to him. Somehow, Clancy didn’t feel overwhelmed. He was so happy to finally remember. Tears welled up in his eyes as he smiled in true recognition and deep relief at the sight of his best friend.

“Josh…” said Clancy, finally able to get out a word.

Torchbearer’s smile broadened into a brilliant grin, though he couldn’t hide the tears welling up in his own eyes at seeing Clancy again and knowing that Clancy remembered him.

“Yeah, it’s me,” replied Torchbearer. “It’s been a long time, Clancy. It’s so good to see you again.”

“Where have you been?”

“We’ve been here the whole time. You’ve been asleep. Time to wake up.”

“It does feel like waking up finally. I remember everything again. You really did come for me.”

“Of course I did. And I always will. You called for help, remember? Sahlo folina.”

“And so you came. Thank you.”

“I hope you know now that I’d never leave you.”

“I do. So, how do we get out of here?”

Clancy suddenly became aware that the other Banditos had been moving around by the statue. He looked over and saw that they’d assembled an entire drum set. Clancy was surprised and became even more so when Torchbearer walked over to the drums and sat behind them, picking up a set of sticks.

“We’re gonna make a loud diversion and leave a message, our calling card, for the bishops and all the citizens of Dema,” answered Torchbearer. “What do you say? Think you can drop a verse like the good ol’ days?

Torchbearer grinned at Clancy as he started to bounce in his seat, a rhythm already coming to him. Clancy, despite himself, felt inspired. He remembered all the times they played music together growing up at the conservatory. Poppy approached Clancy with a jacket with yellow duct tape over the shoulders. He removed his backpack, tossing it to Nora, as Poppy slid the jacket over Clancy’s shoulder.

Torchbearer started banging out a beat, starting softly with his high hat and snare. As he did, words started to just flow to Clancy, almost as if they had been there for ages yearning to be set free. As Torchbearer continued and intensified the beat, Clancy began to rap and sing:

“What I say when I want to be enough.

What a beautiful day for making a break for it.

We'll find a way to pay for it.

Maybe from all the money we made, razor blade stores.

Rent a race horse, and force a sponsor.

And start a concert, a complete diversion.

Start a mob, and you can be quite certain.

We'll win but not everyone will get out.

No, no.

We'll win but not everyone will get out.

No, no.

We'll win but not everyone will get out.

East is up! I'm fearless when I hear this on the low.

East is up! I'm careless when I wear my rebel clothes.

East is up! When Bishops come together they will know that

Dema don't control us, Dema don't control

East it up!”

Clancy felt a huge sense of cathartic release as he finished his verses. Torchbearer continued his drumming. The sound of the drums and Clancy’s voice reverberated throughout the city, echoing along the concrete walls of the city. After a few more moments, Torchbearer stopped. They could hear the sounds of people moving. The distraction had definitely attracted attention.

“I think it’s time we made our exit,” said Torchbearer, grinning at Clancy.

“I’d say so!” agreed Clancy.

“Come on, we’ve got a new way out. It’s safer and we’re less likely to get caught. Let’s hurry!”

“Don’t have to tell me twice!”

As they all started to leave, Poppy dropped an extra jacket adorned with yellow duct tape by the drum kit. Clancy realized it was meant to be part of their calling card along with the drum set. He didn’t have long to think about it as Torchbearer and the others were already running towards the East wall.

“I thought you said there was a different exit,” said Clancy as they ran. “This is towards the East wall.”

“Exactly,” explained Torchbearer. “We’ve been busy and expanded the East wall catacombs tunnel to extend out past the wall. We’re literally going to go under the wall and out of the city to safety.”

“Oh wow. You have been busy. That’s awesome though.”

“You’ll have to thank Maria and her team later. But here we are!”

Clancy recognized the hidden door to the catacombs. He followed the Banditos through the door, closing the door behind him. Torchbearer led the way through the tunnel. It was a long walk. When they finally reached the end of the tunnel, the first lights of dawn were creeping over the horizon. The light refracted off the dew of the grass valley before them.

Clancy and the Banditos fully stepped out of the tunnel. Clancy looked back and noticed that Dema was a good distance away. They should definitely be safe from here. Torchbearer motioned for everyone to follow him and they began their journey back to the Banditos camp. Clancy and Torchbearer walked side by side talking and catching up the entire way back to the camp.

In the gray twilight of the morning, two children from the nearby conservatory scurried into the plaza. They had heard the drums and snuck out to see what all the noise was. They were surprised to see an entire abandoned drum set and fascinated by the yellow and the symbol on the drums. The girl noticed the jacket with yellow duct tape next to the drums. She looked at it with deep curiosity as did the young boy who was with her.

They looked up as they felt the air chill and heard approaching footsteps. They noticed other citizens peaking out through their windows and around corners. Then they saw all nine of the bishops approaching them with Nico in the front. Even from a distance and through his veil they could tell that Nico was infuriated. They stood frozen in place for a moment before dropping the jacket and running as fast as they could back to the conservatory.