The Demon Within - Skephalo

Chapter 4

Bad rummaged through his wardrobe, picking out some clothes to take with him on his journey. He had already packed some food and water and was just about ready to go. It was the middle of the night, the perfect chance for him to sneak out without anyone noticing. Or at least, that's what he was hoping for.

All I need now is that book...

Going onto his hands and knees, he reached under his bed, feeling the book brush against his fingers as he went to grab it.

Bad stood up, carefully placing the book into the bag beside him.

That's everything... Looks like I'm all set.

He quickly checked through all his belongings, double checking to see if he had everything he needed. Nothing seemed to be missing which meant he could finally set off.

Standing up, he pulled the hood over his head as he reached for the door, slowly turning the handle and opening it. He had decided to escape through the castle gardens as that part of the castle was usually the quietest during the night.

His heart was pounding inside his chest, threatening to break out of his ribcage at any moment. He was desperately begging for this to go as smoothly as possible. This couldn't go wrong, not now.

Barely audible thuds sounded on the cold, netherrack floor beneath him as he headed towards the very back of the castle where the gardens were located.

His head kept turning from left to right, scared someone would pop out at any moment and catch him and everything would go terribly wrong.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Bad peaked around the corner. The entrance to the gardens was just ahead of him, calling for him to come over. His fingers gripped onto the wall, his heart still pounding and ringing in his ears.

He darted forwards, swiftly but silently edging towards the door. His hand wrapped around the handle and he pulled it open, sighing in relief as he stepped out into the castle gardens.

This was it. It was almost time to say goodbye to this place... Once and for all.

Before Bad could take another step forwards, he heard a small gasp come from his right, causing him to freeze in place, his head whipping around to the source of the noise.

There, just a few feet to his right, sat a girl. She stood up and timidly walked over to him, her eyes blinking in confusion.

"P-Prince... Bad...?"

She whispered nervously, her eyes widening in shock. She looked him up and down, her gaze eventually landing on the bag slung over his shoulder.

Bad stepped back, panicking as he gripped onto the strap on his bag. There was nothing he could do. It was all over.

"Prince Bad, a-are you..."

She took a step closer, her eyes glued onto him.

"... Running away?"

Her question was no more than a whisper. Bad turned to face her, suddenly recognising the maid who bumped into him the day before. He gulped, turning away again.

"You are, aren't you...?"

He sighed, shrugging his shoulders nervously.

"I just..."

He trailed off, frowning sadly as his eyes lowered to look down at the ground.

"I hate it here... I don't belong here. I... I want to live a different life, far away from here."

He mentally slapped himself, realising there was no point in telling this maid. She wouldn't understand.

"I get what you mean actually, and I... I-I want to help you escape."

Her response startled him and he gave his head a quick shake, making sure he wasn't hearing things.

"I-I'm sorry?"

Bad questioned, confusion evident within his voice.

"I want to help you escape."

She repeated, her tone serious.

She wasn't joking.

"You're not going to stop me? Aren't you going to tell my parents?"

She shook her head firmly.

"No, I won't. I understand why you're doing this. I have wanted to run away too but I know I won't survive out there..."

He hesitantly placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to flinch in surprise as she spun her head to face him.

"You can come with me."

Shaking her head again, she replied, "I don't have powers unlike you and my home is here... No matter how much I hate it here, its better and safer for me to be here than out there."

Sighing, she paused for a moment before continuing, "That's why I want to help you escape instead. It's the least I can do."

Nodding slowly, he decided to give in.

"Very well... And thank you."

The maid tilted her head over towards the gate in front them, gesturing for them to get going.

"Quick, let's get you out of here before anyone notices."

She tugged gently on his arm and he immediately followed. They made their way to the gate, standing in front of it. The maid pulled out a set of keys from her pocket, placing it into the lock. It clicked, the gate swinging open.

"Thank you... So much."

Bad was at a loss for words, so instead of saying anything more, he stepped towards her and embraced her.

It was his way of saying thank you.

The maid was slightly taken aback by the action but slowly hugged back.

"O-Of course."

She stepped back, giving him a smile.

"Take care, Prince Bad. I hope you have a safe journey ahead of you."

They said their goodbyes before he finally departed, waving his hand and quietly shouting another thank you before disappearing into the crimson trees.

Here comes the start of my adventure.