Chapter Thirty Five: The Ignorance Of The Young
Hinomaru: Even though she warned us, I still think that was really weird.
Zane: We all act weird, from time to time
Hinomaru: Name one time when I was acting like THAT!
Zane: You, freaking out in my apartment in the morning. How about that?
Hinomaru: Wha- But... But I explained why I was acting like that!
Zane: It still was weird.
Hinomaru: No it wasn't!
Zane and Momiji: Yes it was.
Hinomaru: But- N- BUT!
"Me and Momiji began to stare at Hinomaru"
Fine! You win this time...
Zane: Sweet. High-five, Momiji!
"I hold my hand in the air while Momiji looks at me with confused look on her face"
Momiji: What are you doing?
Zane: Nevermind...
-I lower hand down-
Anyway, since you lost, you must now do as I say.
Sakuya: If you want to do it so bad, I can lead you to your room right away.
Satori: Waaaah!
"Satori turns all red"
Zane: What's the matter?
Satori: R-reading her mind was a very b-b-bad idea.
Sakuya: I find your "talent" quite astonishing but, please, do not read people's mind without their permission.
"I crouch down to Satori and place my hand on her shoulder."
Zane: I give you permission to read her mind anytime.
Sakuya: H-Hey!
Zane: Maybe that way I can figure out what's going on inside her head most of the time...
Sakuya: Absolutely not!
Satori: After what I've seen, I b-better not...
Sakuya: So are you telling me that my mind is not worth reading?
Zane: ... I will have to stop you right there before you kill each other...
Momiji: Good idea.
Zane: I don't want to alarm anyone but I am kinda starving...
Sakuya: Oh, that's right. I already ordered the staff to make dinner. It will be ready soon.
Zane: When did you have the time for that?
Sakuya: I don't work in SDM for nothing.
Hinomaru: Hey, maid lady! How old are you?
"This was the second worst thing Hinomaru could say, as I see Sakuya, slowly, turning her head in Hinomaru's direction.
Sakuya wasn't very old but she still hated that question."
Sakuya: I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said. Could you repeat the question?
Hinomaru: I asked how o-
Zane: "Interrupting Hinomaru" - She asked how odd it is that she finds this place so amusing.
"Sakuya's face expression immediately changed"
Sakuya: Oh. It is not odd at all.
Hinomaru: But that's not what I asked!
Zane: Can I speak with you for a moment?
Hinomaru: H-Hey!
"I take Hinomaru's hand and lead her a few steps away from everyone"
Zane: Do you have a death wish?
Hinomaru: What?!
Zane: You are a girl so you should know better than anyone that it is not only rude to ask a girl how old she is but, in our case, can be pretty dangerous.
Hinomaru: I don't care about stuff like that! I don't see why you're making such a big deal out of this.
Zane: How old are you?
Hinomaru: ... You don't have to know.
Zane: "sigh" –This is exactly what I'm talking about...
Hinomaru: It's different! Somehow...
Zane: Just keep this in mind next time you'll want to ask something, alright?
Hinomaru: I get it...
Zane: Good. Now let's go back to the others.
" We got back to the others. That was the time when I found out that I can't always count on Hinomaru."
Sakuya: Done? I don't want to seem rude but I have to go help in the kitchen soon.
Zane: They will do just fine even without you.
Sakuya: I will take that as a insult and a praise.
Hinomaru: Hey Momiji, I need to ask you something.
Momiji: What is it?
Hinomaru: How old are you?
Zane: Ignore everything I say, why don't you...
Momiji: Let's see... About 500 years old.
Hinomaru: Wha-
Zane: You're not serious right now, are you?
Momiji: Who knows?~
"Me and Hinomaru both began to stare at Satori"
Satori: W-why are you looking at me like that?
"We came closer to her"
Satori: I don't know anything!
"Satori puts her hands on her head and closed her eyes"
Hinomaru: Useless...
Zane: No need to be rude now. She's scared enough as it is.
"I pat Satori's head"
Hinomaru: But I really want to know!...
Zane: It's not worth it. "Whispers: We can torture the info out of Momiji later anyway"
"We both look at Momiji"
Momiji: Hmm?
Hinomaru: Really?
Zane: No. I am too hungry to think rationally...
Hinomaru: Awww... I knew it was too good to be true.
Zane: ... I'll pretend I didn't hear that...
Sakuya: You could at least pretend that you are listening to me...
Zane: Sorry Sakuya. Please, continue.
Sakuya: There is nothing left to say.
Zane: Oh...
Hinomaru: Whoops...
"Apparently, I missed a good chunk of Sakuya's explanation, which wasn't too bad because I already knew it, more or less, and I could always ask someone who was paying attention."
Sakuya: Anyway, these are your apartments. I will call you when the dinner will be ready.
Zane: Alright, tha-
"Sakuya claps her hands and a pack of maids appear out of nowhere"
nks...
Momiji: Is this a ambush?
Zane: Maybe.
Hinomaru: I hoped that you will joke this one off.
Zane: I am.
Sakuya: These young ladies will make sure that no one will intrude in your rooms, just like you asked.
Hinomaru: That's exactly what I need! Thanks.
Zane: Speaking of intruders, where's Letty?
Hinomaru: She's gone? She's gone! I will enjoy every moment of her disappearance!
Momiji: She ran off as soon as she smelled the food.
Zane: I'm starving and I don't- You told her!
Sakuya: What a keen observation. You are correct, she did run off as soon as your friend told her about the food. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to return to my duties.
"As soon as Sakuya leaves, Momiji's stomach starts to growl"
Zane: Whoa! Even Momiji's stomach is a beast.
"Momiji blushes and looks away"
Hinomaru: ... That was bad and you should feel bad...
Satori: I don't get it.
"Hinomaru bursts out laughing"
Hinomaru: Bwahahaha! Even if our little genius doesn't get it, you know you SUCK!
Zane: You know... Because Momiji is a wolf and even her stomach "roars".
Satori: Oh... OH! I see now. That wasn't too bad, actually.
"While I explained every thing to Satori, Hinomaru still kept on laughing"
Zane: Okay, you can stop now...
Hinomaru: ...hahaha! I'm sorry, I just- Oh man... That was pure gold.
Zane: And you say I have bad sense of humour... Well, since my bootleg entertainment failed, who wants to see our rooms?
"Everyone agreed and we began the exploration of our rooms"
Chapter Thirty Six: Classy.
Zane: So how are we going to decide who will stay in which room anyway?
Maid: It is already decided. Everyone except you and the one, who is currently in the kitchen, will be resting in the room to your right. You will be resting in the room to your left. Any questions?
Zane: Who is ,currently, staying here beside us?
Maid: Lady Nanashi is staying in the room right next to yours. She is lady Remilia's special guest, so I will have to ask of you to watch you manners.
Zane: Don't worry, I already met her and she seems to be fine with my "manners"
Maid: Good.
Zane: Anyone else I should know about?
Maid: We are currently having a few more guests but they asked to make sure they are not disturbed so I will not tell you who they are.
Zane: Rarely having guests my a$$...
Maid: Excuse me?
Zane: No, it's nothing. Now if you'll excuse me, I will go to my room now.
Maid: Of course. My co-workers are already showing your friends their apartments. Do you require escort?
"I looked around me and they were indeed gone. I haven't even noticed."
Zane: Escort? Why would I need that?
Maid: Some people have requested an escort. They say they "can't get the full feeling of an old castle if they are not escorted by one or more maids".
Zane: Is that so? I think I'll pass.
Maid: As you wish. If you'll need something, we will be right here. Enjoy your stay.
"Upon entering my room, I couldn't help but think if it won't be too bothersome for them to stand around all this time, but then I remembered Sakuya's "Special training".
I happened to witness them a few times. I think they don't make you work as hard even in the army special forces but I could be wrong on this one.
When I was about to enter my room, I heard "someone" being very loud again, which made me remember something important"
Zane: Oh, that's right. What is your name?
"I called out to the maid who I was just talking to"
Maid: My name is Aurya.
Zane: What a unusual name. Does it have any meanings?
Aurya: It may mean beautiful aurora, dawn or morning star.
Zane: Interesting. My name is Zane, by the way. Zane Kennedi. But please, just Zane.
Aurya: Did you need something, master Zane?
Zane: I would appreciate it if you could get me some antiseptic and a pack of bandages.
Aurya: May I ask why do you require them?
Zane: Sure you can.
"I show her my wounds"
Aurya: Oh my. I will be back in a second. Please, wait in your room while I'm gone.
Zane: Sounds good.
"The moment I entered my room, I got overwhelmed by the feeling that I went back in time. I found it a good thing, especially if the room looked as good as it did.
The room was rather large. It had both the old and the modern touch to it but, as far as I could tell, it was more oriented on the old style. The room had an old chandelier, that was hanging from the ceiling. It wasn't as big as the one back in the main hall but it was still impressive. As a light source there were candles in the said chandelier and modern lamps, which weren't invisible until they would get turned on. By day the room would be lit by the natural light, coming from the outside through the windows, made from beautiful red wood, which were covered by red curtains. I noticed a king-sized bed in the far end of the room, which made me wonder how Remi's room looked like.
What also was not too hard to notice was that most things in the room were red. That made me wonder if I purposely got this room, because I like color red, or every room was like this which made me wonder why, despite me visiting this place a few times, I never did explore the mansion properly.
The room also offered a nice reading place near the window, which consists from a comfy looking sofa, a lamp near it and a little night table, and a few cabinets and bureaus. Some of the things looked like they were stolen from a museum.
While I was waiting, I decided to relax on the sofa"
Chapter Thirty Seven: Paranormal Insanity
"A soft breeze ran across my face, as I found myself in a dark room. My vision was partially blocked by the fog, but I still realized that I was still in my room."
Zane: No one even cared to wake me up, huh?
"Feeling left out, I made my way outside, into the corridors"
Zane: Excuse me.
"The only thing that was in the corridors was my voice, echoing from the walls"
Zane: Strange... I thought they weren't supposed to leave. Oh well. I guess even they need a rest. Let's see... Maybe they're still in their room?
"I knocked on the door, but there was no reaction. I opened the door and looked inside. There was no one to be found. I did notice something familiar."
Zane: Hey there, little guy. Weren't you supposed to be with her right now?
"I found a bunny that Hinomaru got back in my apartment. She really liked him and would never leave him."
Zane: What the hell?... Sure hope this is not one of their pranks or someone's gonna get it...
"I made my way to the main hall"
Zane: Nobody here too? You gotta be kidding me... Well, if they are just hiding I know how to lure them out. HEY REMI! YOU'RE JUST A USELESS KID WHO CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT THE HELP OF HER PERVERTED, OLD MAID!
"I expected someone to jump me and make me regret what I just said, but no reaction followed."
Zane: There's no way they would ignore this one. Hm? What's this?
"I notice something on the table"
Zane: It's a note. "Meet me in the library"? "sigh" –So it is one of their little games. Fine... I'll play your game.
"While I was going to the library, I felt as if someone was watching me. I got this feeling as soon as I entered the main hall.
Finally, I made it to the library. It was a mess and a half. Most of the books were trashed on the ground, along with some of the book shelves. Nonsensial words and signs were written on the walls. If I didn't know better, I would think that Patchouli has gone insane."
Zane: Alright, now THIS is beginning to creep me out... I guess I'll... look around?
"I walked around the library in hopes to find someone or, at least, a new clue. While I was searching, I came across a book. Among all of them, this one caught my attention. The title reads: "These are not the answers you are looking for". I opened the book"
Zane: Seriously?... "Cooking for dummies". To the kitchen it is, then. However, I can't really remember where it was at...
"I heard a screech behind me"
Zane: Who's there?!
"I looked back to see what it was. It was just an old door."
Zane: Today's episode is brought to you by the convenient agency. Convenient agency – making your life more convenient all day, every day. Except for Sundays.
Alright, enough free advertisements for something that doesn't exist. I guess I will take the invitation.
" I came closer to the door. There was something about this door... It looked like a giant mouth just waiting for someone to get in."
Zane: Ugh... This whole situation would make a nice game rip-off. ... Don't eat me!
"I quickly ran through the door. To my big surprise, it led straight to the kitchen. As I went through, the door closed behind me. Right after that, I heard someone's voice"
?: ...And just a little bit of this. Hmm... No. How about this then?
Zane: Hey!
"I caught the mysterious figure by surprise. It froze from my yell"
Who are you?
"It slowly turned it's head my way"
Letty?
Letty: Oh, what a glorious day! You finally came! Come in, come in. Have a seat, dear customer.
Zane: What are you-
Letty: You finally came. I was waiting quite a while for you. Now, sit down and relax. The dinner is almost ready.
Zane: What is going on here? Where is everybody?!
Letty: Shhh! There is no need to get angry. They will join us shortly. Come on, take a seat.
"She wasn't listening to me so I did what she asked and even decided to play along"
Zane: Sorry for being late.
Letty: Oh, don't worry about it. To be honest, I wouldn't finish it in time anyway so it is a good thing that you are late.
Zane: Sooo... You're cooking all by yourself?
Letty: You know, it's really strange. When I came here, there was nobody here, so I decided why not to try?
Zane: It is strange. When I walked out of my room, I didn't find anyone either. Do you know where they could be?
Letty: I think I do.
Zane: Really?
Letty: Yep. But I won't tell you before you will try this.
"Letty brings a salver and leaves it on the table"
Come on. Open it! There is a surprise waiting for you.
Zane: Don't mind if I do.
"I opened the salver. What I saw inside made me feel something that is impossible to describe with words. I stood up and stepped away from the table"
Jesus! What the fuck is THIS?!
Letty: Isn't it a masterpiece?
Zane: Answer the damn question!
Letty: You asked where your friends are, didn't you?
"Inside the salver, on a silver dish was Remi's severed head. It looked at me with it's dead eyes as I was trying to figure out why Letty would do this. While I was trying to realize what was going on, Letty snuck up behind me"
Actually, it is pretty good but I can make it even better.
"Letty placed a knife on my throat"
Zane: Why are you doing this?
Letty: Why? I want everyone to know what I did! I want EVERYONE to witness this masterpiece!
Zane: You're insane.
Letty: And you are just another expendable material.
"I could feel the cold steel on my throat. There was no way I was getting out of this one. I tried to move but I couldn't. It was like I was paralyzed. There was no one to save and, even if there was, it was too late anyway. She sliced my throat. I felt agonizing pain going through me as I fell down on my knees, covered in my own blood. I was fading into darkness. For some reason I wanted to scream but I couldn't. That was it for me."
Zane: NO!
Aurya: Master Zane, are you alright?
Zane: What?
"I looked around me. I was in my room with Aurya, who was standing next to me with a concerned face expression"
It was just a dream...
Chapter Thirty Eight: Illusion
Aurya: Is everything alright?
Zane: Yes. I just had a nightmare. How long was I asleep?
Aurya: About 20 minutes. I am sorry for taking so long. I needed to do something and-
Zane: Please, don't apologize for something like this. It wasn't your fault.
Aurya: I got what you asked. Do you need help with this?
Zane: I wouldn't mind the help.
" Aurya sat next to me and began to change the bandages"
Zane: Sorry for being a bother.
Aurya: Don't apologize. It's not your fault, was it?
Zane: Alright, you got me this time. By the way, did you happen to pass through the kitchen while you were getting these? If so, is everything alright in there?
Aurya: Why yes, I did pass the kitchen and everything seemed as usual in there. Why do you ask?
Zane: I am just curious that um... That I will die from starvation sooner than the dinner will be ready.
"I tried to smile after saying that but it didn't quite work. I did, however, caught a faint smile on Aurya's face"
Aurya: You don't have to worry, it will be done soon enough.
"We remained in silence the rest of the time"
All done.
Zane: Ooooh~ you do it, possibly, even better than Momiji!
Aurya: I am just doing my job. Do you require anything else?
Zane: I think I'm good. Wouldn't want to bother you too much, anyway.
Aurya: Don't be afraid to call me or anyone else anytime. We are always glad to help.
Zane: Actually, there is something you can do.
Aurya: What is it?
Zane: "Whispers: You can catch whoever is peeking behind the door"
"Aurya, quickly, stands up and turns around"
Aurya: Who's there?!
"Before she could even finish her sentence, I saw a shadow of someone running away"
Zane: Whoever it was, they are fast.
"Aurya ran out in the hallway in hopes to see who it was but, unfortunately, they were already gone"
Aurya: Have you seen anyone running past just now?
Maid: No. There was nobody here but us. Is something wrong?
Aurya: No, it's nothing. Carry on.
"Aurya got back in the room"
Aurya: I apologize for asking something like this in a rude manner but are you sure you are not seeing things?
Zane: Last time I checked, I wasn't suffering from hallucinations... Maybe I still am sleepy so it is a possibility... Sorry for the false alarm.
Aurya: Don't worry about it.
Zane: I am just hoping that our yelling won't attract any "unnecessary attention".
"I hear a knock on the door"
Come in.
"One of the maids comes in"
Maid: My apologies for the intrusion but I came on behalf of lady Sakuya to tell you that dinner is ready.
Zane: Ah, thank you. I will-
"Before I can finish my sentence, I hear voice outside my room"
Maid: Please slow down! There is no need to hurry!
Hinomaru: I am not chasing her this time!
Satori: M-my apologies. She is always like that.
Zane: Well, they are full of energy, as always.
Maid: We will see you downstairs as soon as you are ready. Aurya, we have to go.
Aurya: Oh, that's right. I have to go now. Enjoy your stay.
Zane: Thanks. I will be with you shortly.
As long as people keep reading my story I'll update but try to review please.