Chapter Eight

In my defense, what occurred yesterday doesn't count! Sometimes, a few obstacles come in front of you! They stop you the first time but it won't happen again I promise.

"You got a blowjob... from Sam? Good god Zach, where was your head at?" Touching the back of Sam's throat. "Damn, I am out of the apple pies." Percy said, wiping away the crumbs off his mouth. Standing up from his position he walked closer to the bars leaning against them. "Something is on your mind... what is it?" He asked staring at me waiting for a response.

"Recently, since I have been here I have gotten a bit rough housed by both Jacan and Sam. I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy both."

He scoffed, "I don't have to be out to tell you that those two are definitely not suited for you. Jacan's a known... well you know! And Sam? A narcissist are you kidding me? Unless you are secretly one yourself those never work out. All you are going to hear about is him he'll never give you a chance to speak. Don't let yourself end up with someone like that. How about someone more nice, smarter then both those knuckleheads combined, someone who's more...flawless."

A perfect boy? Pretty sure those are only in movies. Everyone has flaws, even the ones who seem like they don't, there is something that makes them human at the end of the day.

"Enlighten me on this perfect boy. Who could that be?" Before Percy could even make a response the isolation door had opened. Both of us looked in a unison to see who it may have been. After a few seconds out of the darkness came out a face I haven't seen in a very long time.

He brushed the dreadlocks out of the way of his eyes, "It's you." He said plainly walking towards me. "Getting sucked off is not a way of getting ideas you know? Percy has a lot of faith in you yet here you are wasting it away." He said a total of twenty-seven words to me not even giving the satisfaction of a full thirty that disrespectful bastard.

This was the guy I had a run in with after my confrontation with Jacan. He was rude as hell when we first met but my hunch was right this whole time. He knows something otherwise he wouldn't be here with us right now. I finally caught him in where he has no choice to but to answer my questions! Does he even have a name? What human being does not have a name?

"Kyzarian, relax." Bingo! "He's got a lot on his plate right now everything will come with time." I just love when people conversate like the person they are talking about is not standing ten feet away from them. Kyzarian walked past me to stop in front of Percy grabbing his hands from within in the bars. "I know you can't stand seeing me in this place but Zach has been taking care of me when you aren't around. So, maybe you two can band together and come to a mutual understanding. You need to stop being so introverted it isn't exactly healthy."

Percy reached through the bars combing through Kyzarian's dreadlocks with his fingers. With a simple sigh Kyzarian had turned to look at me once more. "Fine, I'll help but only because Percy seems to think you will be our ticket out of this place."

Releasing his hands and giving a quick peck on the lips goodbye. He walked past me doing a slight head movement to tell me to follow him. Percy and I also exchanged goodbyes also telling me to grab some apple pies whenever I had gotten the chance. Now outside the isolation room I followed Kyzarian down the quiet hallway. "So, update me on the intel you been hiding from me." I told him.

"Ten seconds out and you already starting to annoy me." Wow! "Anyway, follow me we some things we need to be taken care of."

At the springs I and Kyzarian sat on the shoreline staring at calm blue water. He had just finished telling me everything him and Percy have concluded this far during their time together. "Tell me something Kyzarian." He rose his head up to look at me. "Why do you have so much resentment towards me? What have I done to you that makes you hate me?"

He sighed blowing the dreadlocks a few inches forward. "I don't hate you, Zach Birds. It's more like... I wasn't expecting for you to be the candidate we chose."

"When me and Percy got together we tried assembling multiple candidates. Two great minds wouldn't be enough to get anything done... we needed more if it was going to improve our chances of getting out. Multiple high caliber minds added different scenarios and different outcomes. Unfortunately, people loved this place too much to even attempt to get out. Then, me and Percy made a pact that the next prisoner who entered was going to be our ticket out of here."

It seemed or was obvious that both Kyzarian and Percy had put a lot of thought into this escape. He was right, the more brainpower in a scenario the greater the outcome would be. So why was it that he rejected me? I like to think of myself as a very intelligent individual.

"I know, why have I not been following said pact you ask? Well, it's the simple fact that you attract too much attention. We weren't expecting someone such as yourself. With everyone constantly surrounding you with these next Queen shenanigans you haven't really attempted to get the key from the warden to free Percy."

He had a point, I had tried to get answers but I never pushed to free Percy which was an important step. "You do have a valid point. Sorry about that, I promise we can come up with a way to free him. It's just, If it's in the warden's office how the hell will we even be able to get in there without him knowing."

"Every night around midnight I assume, is when the warden leaves his office. It is why we can have this conversation we are having now. So, you are probably thinking now then why don't we just go in there while he's gone. Well, here is the thing there are several layers of security the warden possesses in his arsenal. One step in there and all those alarms go off."

If that's the case then how did the prisoners manage to make a complaint about Percy then? If the warden sees all he most likely had heard about it? Or, "only people that can get in there is his top underlings." Ah, the second hypothesis I was about to come up with. That makes a lot more sense given the warden's personality he wouldn't give a shit Kirk did tell me how long it took for him to finally take action.

Speaking of him, I know that he's the only one who will be able to get that key for us but something in my gut tells me he won't do it. I already know that none of the others are not going to even bother. Sam is too obsessed with himself, Charley hates me, and I haven't even met Alex but I can tell he's a jerk if he hangs around that spoiled brat that goes by the name Charley. "Hmmm... as easy as that sounds the four of them won't take such a daunting task."

Kyzarian had nodded his head telling me that he had already concluded that. If the only easy way in is a no go. Then there is a way that would take a few weeks which would be digging a route towards the his office. Of course, blueprints would be a must and the two of us together would make the process slow and exhausting. Unless...

"I've got an idea."

Kyzarian and I both decided that blueprints would be essential however digging would take forever. But why dig when you have a seven foot tall brute who may have the strength that surpasses thirty of me put together. "So let me get this straight, you two want me to use my strength to dig until we find the warden's office right?" Jacan asked looking down at the both of us in which we both nodded. "It shows that you guys haven't been here that long. There's always something that I want in return. So, what are you offering Zach and umm.... random guy I have never seen before. I don't recall anyone new coming here."

Great, I don't have anything to offer. Jacan may want something physical like a date! Or worse! I can't even imagine it. "How about some prime steak?" Kyzarian offered casually. Why would Jacan take such a simple offer! He obviously wants something far more then that.

"Medium rare."

NANI!?!?!

Jacan grabbed the pickaxe, "Whatever this is, I want in on it." He said pulling the pickaxe back and with one swing easily demolished the tiled floor. I am willing to bet not even the strongest man could destroy layers of a floor with ease just how strong was Jacan? His body was extremely hard but did also receive absurd strength like Kirk? Was he even stronger then him? "Any particular reason why you guys want to go to the warden's office? Come on, I'll keep your plan a secret."

Could we trust Jacan with a such a secret? Having him as an ally would be beneficial for us at the same time I don't know if he was good at keeping something like this to himself. If he were to tell anyone and I mean anyone it would eventually spread towards the warden. Then again, we ARE going to the warden's office after all. Would Kyzarian be comfortable with me telling him? All he's doing is showing Jacan the directions on the blueprints. He also did not stop me from going to Jacan's cell either...

"We want to free Percy." I simply told him. Jacan's massive frame turned towards me. "We're trying to get out of here. Like out of the prison for good."

When hearing this Jacan stood there taking the time to look at both of us each for five seconds. After a few moments of silence he began to laugh and it wasn't a hearty laugh it was more of an doubtful one. "Zach, I hate to be the one to break it to you but there is no way out of this prison. Many have tried and all those who did try ended up losing their lives by jumping into the void. What I don't understand is why do you want out so bad? This place has everything you could possibly want."

"THIS isn't living Jacan. You have been here for over century simply for your sexual orientation. I know deep down somewhere inside, you questioned this yourself a few times. You have been in a huge box for this long do you still think this is a paradise?" I waited for a response from him however all he could do was stand there and stare at me. "Exactly, you know I am right. And let me ask you this, have you ever thought about what would happen if this place eventually reached max capacity?"

I remember when Percy told me about max capacity upon first meeting him. He was right, this prison would be maxed eventually and when that happens the warden may just kill us all in the most horrendous way possible. Unfortunately, I don't think that would be it after that it would just be a never ending cycle. Being the person I am there was no way that I was going to let some wannabe god kill me for a choice that wasn't even mine. Who was he to judge my fate?

Jacan still pondered about my question that was asked earlier and judging from how long it took him to respond. He knew one of two things; either death or he couldn't even come up with a reasonable answer. "Th-that never crossed my mind." He stated looking down at the hole in the floor he created. "Zach, I just want to let you know that there is no turning back at this point. If he founds out I can't imagine what he would do to us."

I was well aware, Jacan.

Hopping down into the hole Jacan started to going towards the wall of rock mixed with dirt starting to use the pickaxe again to effortlessly dig through. Kyzarian and I jumped into to the hole to follow him. Kyzarian placed the blueprints against my chest walking a bit forward. "Jacan, stop." He ordered making him stop. "Someone is coming."

How did he hear anything with all that noise going on? What did he even hear cause I can't hear anything. Moments later footsteps were heard against the tiled floor. Gah! Too much noise drew in unwanted attention. It wasn't like we could just hide this ginormous gaping hole here or anything! What can we do right here right now? I looked over to Kyzarian who seemed more relaxed then annoyed about the situation.

The footsteps came to a stop right before the entrance of gaping hole. My heart slammed against my sternum as I tried preparing myself for the worst. Our whole operation could end if even one person sees us. Particles of tile pieces fell from the ledge and I could hear the person getting on their knees causing more pieces of tile to fall into the hole. The anticipation of this is killing me! If your going to show yourself just do it already!

This person must have heard my wish because they had just fallen in, causing a cloud of dust to shield him. "Not exactly a smart one." Jacan commented.

Who was this person!

When the dust cleared I saw a person positioned awkwardly on his neck, legs curled over his head, and arms slightly twitching. "YOU IDIOT!"

It was none other than Dakota who was suppose to be dead asleep! When I left the room he was under the cover face down! "Hi guys!" He had an awkward smile plastered on his face with a thumbs up.

Great, now that he's here we will have no choice but allow him to tag along. "Dakota... go back to your room!" Unless Jacan can somehow scare him away?

"No! I wanna be in on this too! Come on! I'm bored and I have nothing else better to do!" You wouldn't be having this issue if you just stayed asleep! "Zachie please! I'll be on my best behavior!"

My attention turned over to Kyzarian who seemed to have no issues with it. He and Percy did clarify that they wanted more subordinates. Sure, these two wouldn't be my first choices out of a box. But every human being has there uses in some category! Jacan with his abnormal strength and Dakota has yet to shown his usefulness however we shall see soon enough.

"The more the better I say. You keep pushing forward Jacan, Zach with me, and Dakota every so often your gonna run down at the entrance and take a peek to see if anyone is coming this way. Sounds easy enough for you?"

"Yay!" Dakota then tilted his head at Kyzarian, "hey are you new? I have never seen you here before." Poor Kyzarian, people just aren't aware of his existence.

Ignoring Dakota's question Kyzarian pointed down at the entrance for him to go and scope out any people. It wouldn't take long for him to run down there and climb back out. "Dakota might be dumb but he's definitely useful." Kyzarian told me turning back to Jacan who was continuously pushing forward with the pickaxe. "At this rate, we'll be at the office in twenty."

Dakota had returned back to us jumping on my back who nearly had me fall over. "Coast is clear guys! So, what's next?"

"How about lowering your voice to start things off? The coast won't stay clear if you keep over exerting every time you speak." Ouch Kyzarian, don't be so harsh with Dakota! Leave him be.

"I'm too tired and old for this." I heard Jacan say too himself.

Speaking of him, he was awfully quiet. More quiet then I originally expected. When we first went to his cell he had already been up just sitting on the end of his bed. A few words were exchanged with smiles going around so I don't think he hated me. Jacan seemed misunderstood and to be honest probably didn't know how to approach someone properly. What happened in my cell along with what took place in the showers that night clearly indicated that he needed some help.

A gentle giant he was. But with all those harsh rumors going around no one ever took the time to really know him. Even I admit to not really knowing him. Besides well the obvious titanium body and an age well over human life expectancies.

"What the hell?" I heard Jacan question pulling away from my thoughts. In front of us was an already dugout pathway. Meaning, that someone had already thought of the same idea we had. Only difference was, there were small lanterns every few feet away from one another.

"How long did it take these guys to do this?" Dakota asked.

"It wasn't multiple it was one." Kyzarian pointed at the dirt indicating just one set of boot prints. "Whoever did this, was here a few days ago. Come on, follow me." Kyzarian was the first to go following the lanterns on the right. Everyone followed suit besides Jacan since he was far too big to squeeze in.

Leaving him to stand guard. The three of us continued to follow the path of lanterns. Who could have done this? Could I tell by the footprints? No, these boot prints are only slightly bigger then mine. There's thousands of prisoners with the same exact size. The boots also had the matching patterns on the bottom so that's thrown out as well. Perhaps, other clues? Oh, who am I kidding it's not like I could scan fingerprints on the lanterns with my eyes.

That would be really cool honestly.

As we walked down the silent mine system a faint light could be seen. It was reasonably far away from where we were currently at but at least we knew this could have only lead to one place and that was none other than the warden's office.

We reached the light in a matter of moments being clumped in a tight space with body heat beating against my own isn't exactly comforting. It was a large clunk of wall perfectly place despite being shattered. This person has been in the warden's office and leaves before he comes back. According to Kyzarian, the warden wouldn't be back for another thirty minutes meaning there was more than enough time to find the keys for Percy's cell.

We slowly pushed open the wall which opened exactly like a door and the first thing revealed to my eyes was something completely unexpected. His office, it looked like a typical office however the furniture inside was ginormous. Even if Jacan, someone well over seven feet tall would look small if he were to sit in the warden's chair. Just how big was this bastard?

Wait, that answers yet another question I asked myself when first arriving here. The doors were well over ten feet tall. So, the warden has to at the very least be around thirteen to seventeen feet high. God, he's huge! And Percy had the cour- no balls of steel to rip his ear off.

"Woah... check that out." Dakota whispered walking past us. "It's so bright." There was some type of large and very imposing portal of light. It was exactly like the ones I used to see in films. And because portals are pathways to another dimension or place, I wondered what was on the other side.

"The countdown has begun." After hearing this my eyes widened with intrigue and concern. Eventually I realized who I was hearing speak. It only made sense that the deepest toned voice would be the most powerful being in the region. The warden. But just how deep his voice was, sent chills down my entire body. It was not natural and very unsettling. "I only need three more able bodied male prisoners with an attraction to the same sex before we will have met your expectations of reaching full capacity, master."

"You have exceeded the standards I had assumed you would be capable of. Have the four of you chosen which ones you want to have for rewards?" Another deep voice asked the group

Reward? I dont know what the fuck that is supposed to mean, but I don't like it one bit.

"Yes. All of us have already claimed two captives of our own. The following are the ones we have hand picked out of many viable candidates. From Hyptant's holding facility we have chosen Zach Birds and Kirk Lakeland. From Nem's holding facility we decided on the twins Heaven and Nevaeh. Dfas has have yet to make his selections. And I chose Iris and Tobias from my holding facility. The six we have chosen demonstrated the highest levels of intellect which was factored based on the scrutiny we had undertaken of their cognitive processes. Because each of them are also full of virility and youth, they will be a scrumptious helping indeed. The remaining shall be fed to the rest of our kind."

Oh my God. This cant be happening. They are planning to eat us like we are some dinner entree?! I immediately felt sick to my stomach and started inching away from the light. Dakota, was still in shock. His hand covered his mouth as tears started to well up in his eyes.

I was right all along. I should have listened to my instincts. Now we are about to be someone elses food. I wish I didnt listen to Kirk or anyone else who told me this was a paradise. How could I have been such a simpleton that I was willing to take their word over my own gut? What was a feeling of disgust has transformed into fury and also a feeling of despair. All of this time. Every day that I slaved in the kitchen feeding these people who I resented solely because I had to cook for each of them. And the whole time we were all in danger. And every single time i gave myself to the lustful whims of another man, i could have been getting to the bottom of it all. Instead of getting sexually confused by jacan and others, i could have found out what was really going on. But i cant change any of this. I must now deal with this impending situation and figure out what I can do to stop it. All of those prisoners. They don't even know that they are sitting there while their oppressors plan their feast. And then they'll just do it again and again. What do I do? I may not fully understand Kirk or why he is so strange. But I would be damned if he meets a fate such as this, let alone me for that matter. I have to do something.

"Wait what are you doing?!" The urgency and fear in the shoutings of an unidentified person broke me away from the thunderstorm of thoughts swirling around my head. I immediately glanced at Dakota without having the ability to question if he was the person yelling. Dakota was sobbing so silently it was hardly a whisper. His body trembled as tears slowly fell off his cheek bones. All he could do was shake his head from side to side. I understood it to be a nonverbal way of telling me that it was not him. "Why are you doing this?!" My blood ran cold. "Just let me go." The voice pleaded with desperation. It was at this time that I recognized the voice and I couldn't believe it.

It was gavin. The person I had met while I was at the springs a while ago. But why him?! "Somebody! Anybody! If you can hear me, I need help now. I dont have much time!" It was no use. Despite channeling every single fiber of my being, I was in a state of shock and petrification. Rendered immovable. Powerless. No matter how much effort I gave I was forced to be a bystander. As the inescapable sound of him literally begging for his life drowned my ears, I too began to be inconsolable.

The echoes of footsteps followed the frantic pleadings of my friend. The impact of their feet against the tiled floors grew more deafening with each step. He was trying to make a run for it! You have to give him credit. Here I was standing still like a helpless tree about to get cut down and here was gavin actually experiencing this and still fighting for his life. He is so close! Just a little bit farther and I'll be able to get him out of there in one piece. "C" was all I could manage to utter, when what I intended to say was, 'come on gavin! You are going to make it. Just keep running and donty look back!'

CRACK!

What sounded like children stepping on a stick while running through the woods playing tag reverberated around the room. My heart sank into my feet. I knew things were about to get even worse.

The only thing that could be heard was the agonizing shriek emitted from poor gavin as his body was slammed against the ground only steps away from where I stood on the other side of the portal. "I can't feel my back!" The sound of spinal fluid flooding his lungs as he cried in unimaginable pain made me lose grip with reality for a split second. I cant even begin to explain what I was experiencing as this was happening in front of my eyes.

CRACK!

Another snapping noise. The screaming stopped abruptly after the rest of his spine was pulverized. I knew that he was gone. The spine is the only thing that can keep the brain alive. The screams became the sounds of a weakening gavin. Desperately trying to plead for help in between gurgles and faint sobs. Until there was silence. "His life will not be for naught. As he was a worthy opponent and fought valiantly. Something I will remember as I savor the flavor of his lifeless carcass."

"The fact that he fought so hard, made this feast even more worth it. The satisfaction that comes along with taking down a strong prey almost makes the way they taste even better." The way they talked about their cold blooded murder was sickening and made me disoriented.

Before I could even react to their heartless banter, my heart stopped beating at the sound of ligaments being torn away from their joints like a chicken being prepared. I couldn't bare to listen to these monsters as they gnawed on the flesh of my friend. They groaned with approval of their catch. "We have definitely outdone ourselves this time." Each humming in agreement. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Kyzarian grab Dakota from behind as he tried to fight against Kyzarian grasp. "They have to pay! I'm not leaving until they do! Let go of me!" Dakota shouted while crying with the intensity of an injured whale. As Kyzarian dragged Dakota away he made a hand gesture to someone behind me. I was then grabbed by a set of cold hands and at first I thought I was going to be these twisted things dessert. I kicked and managed to hit his crotch with my heel. He let out a yelp and then dragged me away as the murderers of my friend continued to eat and admire their hard work. Then I grew faint as I could still here bones being gnawed that was when the wall door closed not having to see that portal anymore.

We were back in the mine with the lanterns. "What the hell happened in there! I finally managed to squeeze through and all I heard was screams!" It was Jacan that had pulled me away from that place and also the person I kicked in the crotch by unintentionally.

Without even trying too both I and Dakota had vomited on the ground. "Shit!" Jacan exclaimed, "Jesus you guys! Who was that screaming?!"

My body felt weakened from me releasing food I had eaten a while back forcing me to lean against the dirt wall. "It was Gavin. Th-they were eating him." Tears strolled down my face as did Dakota who was silently sobbing. "Now you see Jacan! You see why we need to get out of here!"

"Now is not the time to be yelling at one another! You forget we're still by the warden's office. IF HE COMES OUT HE'LL BE EATING ALL OF US. LET'S GO BEFORE THAT HAPPENS!" Kyzarian yelled.

Back at Percy's cell, Kyzarian had unlocked the door. While Dakota and I had been distracted with the warden's Kyzarian, the only leveled headed person managed to get the keys.

Percy walked out of the cell that was responsible for keeping him away from society. First thing he did was jump in his lover's arms then he looked up and locked lips with him.

As much as I wanted to let them enjoy this moment. We just witnessed Gavin get eaten and we didn't do anything! And we're next if no moves were made soon. "Percy..." I called out to him making him turn around.

I told him everything that happened while being in the warden's office. The end results were not good. Even though Percy had no relation to Gavin he was still very much pissed that he died. We all know that Gavin did not deserve such a brutal death.

"That old prick! There was no way that Gavin willingly followed him. This, this is what happens when nobody listens to me. People you like two, Dakota and Jacan. Too busy chasing after boys that don't even give a damn about you. Now will you two open your eyes?!"

Both Jacan and Dakota shared glances with one another before turning back to Percy nodding their heads in a unison.

"You better. Zach, I want you to find Kirk as soon as possible. No matter what you have to do get his skinny ass over to us. Drag him if you have too we need him in on this plan. Dakota, under any circumstances you tell anyone about what you witnessed. We need no one knowing about this other the warden will be on our backs and throw us all in here. Jacan, provide Zach additional support in case Kirk proves troublesome but also I need you to occasionally make sure no one discover that hole you made."

It was official, the plan to get out of this alive and intact had begun.

Gavin, oh Gavin do I hope you Rest In Peace.

Today was the day. Today was the day that I tell my parents that I was gay. At first, I thought that it may have been a phase. That it was normal to find a boy cute every once and a while. First, minor fast glimpses at a boy's cutest features, then long stares at a boy, and finally sneaking a peak at chiseled abs when a very cute boy's shirt happened to peel up from a stretching.

Thomas, an open friendly gay jock I had recently met really confirmed my sexuality when me and him shared an intimate moment in the locker room after school hours. It was nothing serious, as he was only doing a friendly favor that I asked of him. Thomas had his eyes set on someone else that I wasn't even aware of.

Anthony, my best friend had sat in front of me placing his tray on the table. "I swear, school lunch never improves. No matter how many times we complain they don't try to improve. I think one of those lunch ladies spat in a student's food." Even though he was serious about the situation I still had found humor behind it. Knowing that Madison, a girl who is known for being an asshole has had numerous confrontations with the lunch staff was most likely the unfortunate soul who was served contaminated food.

"OH MY GOD!" I and Anthony turned our head's toward the lunch line to see that Madison had dropped her plate on the floor and sure enough she was complaining about the spit she found. Both of us had laughed silently to one another watching Madison throw a tantrum for the whole lunch room to see.

Suddenly, I forced myself to stop laughing when there was more important matters to tend too. If there was anyone I wanted to tell first, it had to be Anthony. My school is not the most accepting when it comes to this topic. However, knowing the type of person he is, he would still be my friend plus starting to tell people would make me more comfortable with myself.

"Anthony, I need to tell you something important." I told him stopping him mid bite on a pizza slice. "Anthony, I am...." I slurred on stopping at the last word I had wanted to say. In response I had a eyebrow risen from him. "I am..." Why couldn't I say that last crucial word that needed to be known?

"Your what? Spit it out man!" He playfully exclaimed, "must be pretty big if you keep stopping yourself from telling me. Don't worry Zach, whatever it is I am always gonna be your friend."

When Anthony told me this I felt a small tear was going down my cheek. "Anthony, I am gay..." I finally said looking down at the table quickly to avoid his gaze.

Eventually, I found myself slowly looking back up to see biting his pizza casually as if nothing even happened. What the? He doesn't even have an change of expression! How dare he blow me off so easily?! "I was expecting something a little more important then that. Coming out the closet is so outdated. The fact that you were struggling to tell me something like this was baffling. Basically, what I am trying to say is just because you like boys won't change the way I look at you. With that being said are you going to eat that? Food can't be wasted you know."

Looking down at my pizza that was becoming colder by the minute I smiled and slid my tray towards him which he happily took. "Thanks, for telling me this secret it means you trust me. I appreciate that Zach."