'Two Broken Wings' is a story idea I have been developing for the past few months. It is an evolving story and world, so if any major changes are made to this chapter in the future I will list them here along with the date changed. 

Chapter 2 - Fire

 The path twisted and turned. Every so often, the path would split, but Davis seemed to know where he was going. They stopped only twice to rest, then continued on. Soon, Marie felt a small ( )eeze, and became aware that they had just entered a very, very large cavern. In the distance she saw a small flickering light.

 "Is that Civilization?" She asked.

"Yes, it is, the city in the center of the Pit." he replied. "The flame at the top of the tower was the first light ( )ought to this darkness, by a little girl named Mina. She's left now, but her light still shines the way for many people, and it has been used to light every other light in the city and the surrounding towns since."

As they got closer, she saw what he meant. There was one large tower rising up from the many tents and shacks built around it, and at the top, a large flame burned. She could also make out a few silhouettes of people standing guard around the flame, holding spears. 

"What do you feed the fire?" Marie wondered aloud.

"Well, wood, of course. The people Above send us some wood every day, as well as food. We are prisoners, not just left here to die. There are no monsters down here to keep us in, nor any enchantments or guards. We are actually safer than most people in the outside world down here. When our sentence is up, we can fly through the hole in the roof and resume our lives." At this, he pointed up to the small speck of white light coming from far above. If they were outside, Marie would have said it was a star. 

Soon they came up to the edge of the city. There were tents everywhere on the outskirts, but it wasn't overcrowded. There was plenty of room, and for every person who came in, another space could be created. Further in, she saw some shacks. Davis explained how sometimes families would spring up down here, and that the homes were reserved for them until they could fly out together, if that was their choice. If they had kids, the kids were allowed to stay or leave depending on the parent's wishes until they were of age and could make their own decisions.

Everything was so overwhelming. It was hard for Marie to believe such civilization could be built by criminals, and even harder to believe that she was now one, too, however accidental. Everywhere she turned, there were people talking and laughing and doing laundry, among other things. Every few blocks, there was a fire pit and chairs, and even a couple of stores. People were lounging around, warming up by the fire. There were mostly teenagers in this section. As they went further in, the age gaps seemed to close. Everywhere they turned, people would look at Davis, and then at Marie's one wing. A few of them even nodded hello.

"We are almost there. After you present yourself to the leaders, you will be assigned a section, tent, and job based on your skills. I am in the Entrance section, because my job is mostly as a messenger to other towns and to the entrance. I've only been here for about three months, but I've memorized the cave system on this wall of Civilization so well, I could walk it without a torch."

'I wonder what I'll end up with,' Marie thought. 

Eventually, they reached the base of the tower. The tower was in the center of a large circular common. On the edges of the common were shacks with symbols on the doors to represent the different main jobs, Davis explained. His symbol is a torch and a shovel crossed in an 'X.' Others included a pair of wings, a hoe and wheat, a crescent moon, and others that she didn't recognize. 

Davis pointed to a building with the symbol of what looked like a hill with a flame on top. "That's the leader's building. Its where they decide how to best keep the peace in Civilization. Since most of the people down here are criminals, keeping the peace is crucial. Law( )eaking is unacceptable. You must know that the whole purpose of the Pit was to see if criminals could coexist with each other peacefully. Well, it worked. I know many people whose time has been up for centuries, but still are here. You see, it's up to you if you even want to leave after your time is up. Most people do leave, but theres a permanent settlement not too far from here called Reborn. It's been here for about fifty years now, or so they say. If you want to live here, thats where you go. They've built permanent houses and grow their own food. They still answer to the Leaders, but its worth it if you really want to. Our Queen has been here since the beginning too, or so they say. She's been on the throne longer than anyone can remember. 

"Of course, the lifetime sentenced are sent to a different Pit, one with guards and such. Our Pits aren't even connected."

At this he turned to Marie and shook her hand. "It was nice meeting you, I hope we see each other again sometime. I have to go report my mission now, and you should go meet the leaders. I hope you enjoy your stay here."