Author's Note: Welcome to the Halloween special of 2021! I have been working on this for most of October and here it is. I wasn't sure if I should connect all three of them at first. But then, I decided to link each section with the last line that will lead into the next one. I made it work out perfectly. This has to be one of the biggest Halloween specials I have written. Next year will probably be bigger. Oh, one more thing before I shut up. Edge of Wonderland is getting a little extra tomorrow. Look forward to that. For now, enjoy the Halloween special.
Key Nine, Match Nineteen, and Halo Thirteen: Jaundiced/Men of Darkness/ Dreamscape:
Jaundiced: adjective: 1. Exhibiting prejudice from envy or resentment. 2. Having jaundice: a disease that makes the skin, white of the eyes, etc., to be yellow, caused by an increase of bile pigments in the blood.
-Allen-
I have become incomplete. I see fractions when I see myself in the morning. I look so broken. Her fingers ran down my spine. She breathed on my ear. My own breath quickened. I want this, but I don't. She grabbed me by the hair and forced me to look into the mirror. He's smiling like a deranged lunatic like me.
But that isn't me.
Yes, it was.
"Who's a good boy?" she asked. "Who's a good boy?"
"Me!" I said. Why did I sound so excited to say that? This isn't me. This isn't me at all.
But it is.
My body trembled at her caress. A thick black cloth went over my eyes. I heard her knotting it up tight. I drew in a heavy breath. At least, I didn't have to see him in the mirror this time.
"Let's take this further," she said. Her hands pushed me down on a sea of silk. They felt so cool against my back. A small gasp escaped from my lips at the sensation. When did my skin get so sensitive? Even her slightest touch sends me on edge.
"Arms up," she commanded. I have no choice, but to obey. My arms went up above my head.
Click. Click.
Cold metal locked around my wrists. My heart pounded against my chest. Her knees came on either side of my waist. Her finger ran down my chest.
"You will be my pet, now and forever," she said in a low voice. "I will never let you go. You will stay with me until eternity. Promise yourself back to me." I opened my mouth, but she pressed her finger to my lips.
"I want to hear you say it," she said. I gulped. I don't want to do it, but something deep inside compels me. I drew in a deep breath.
"I am your pet, mistress! All of me is yours! My soul, my body, my mind, my heart. You are free to use me in any way that you desire. Please use me! I am yours!"
"And?"
And? What more should I say? I can feel my lower lip trembling. Somehow, I know what comes next.
"I need you. I can't live my life without you. I want you so much!"
"How much do you love me? Go on. Say it." Her tone is so sharp that it could stab me through my body.
"So much that I could die! Please, mistress!"
"Please what?"
"I love you, mistress! Please… Please don't tease me like this!" I hear her snickering at me. She's just inches from my face now.
"Much better. Now you're getting it. Now, let's take this further. I miss pressing your lips against mine." She leaned down and kissed me. My body started trembling. I started to rub my legs together. Sweat broke out all over my body. Each kiss seemed to kill something inside of me. This doesn't feel right. But I want more. My cock starts to stand up at full mast. My body screamed for more. More of her abuse. More of her love.
My stomach turned. This isn't who I am.
But it is.
She forced her tongue into my mouth. I could feel myself choking. She pulled back enough for me to breathe. I could hear her chuckling at me. She bit down on my lower lip. I yelped in pain and pleasure. A small amount of blood trickled into my mouth. The taste made me gag. My mind ended up in a confusing place.
I couldn't disappear into that place. I am just trapped focusing on her. Her tongue slipped down further into my mouth. Her nails dug into my skin. Her mouth moved down to my neck. I let out a loud moan. This isn't right. This is not me!
But it is.
"W-W-What do you plan to do with me?" I asked. The backside of her hand caught my face. I sucked in a mouthful of air.
"You do not get to ask any questions," she said. I could feel her hot breath on my ear.
"You just lie there and give yourself over to me."
"Yes, mistress." My voice came out trembling. She chuckled at me.
"Much better." Her mouth settled on my neck again. I moaned. Fuck. I'm going under. A trail of kisses went down to my chest. Oh. Oh!
"You like that, huh?"
"Yes!"
Her chuckling made my stomach turn. I can't escape back into my space. I am just… here. She really does have me.
She drew her nails down my chest. I could feel the blood escaping from the wounds. She's going to drain me just like he is doing. It's amazing that I am still alive. Angels can't really die after all. The only thing that I could hope for is to mentally break down within myself.
No!
I can't do that yet. There's still something that I need to do. I can't remember what it is. She won't let me.
"You are mine! You will never forget that!" She makes me remember it. She's going to make me remember that again.
Her blades cut into my skin like ribbons. She cuts me up like I am a piece of meat. The sounds of the blading slicing across my skin sent tingles down my body. It feels like it burns. I can hear the screams from each cut. I sucked in a mouthful of air.
"Oh! Mistress!" My body ached to hold onto anything. These damned handcuffs held me fast in place. I could already picture the red splashing over my skin. And you know what? I wanted more.
"Please cut me again!"
The blade was pulled away from my chest. I trembled as I started whimpering.
"W-W-Why did you stop?"
She clicked her tongue at me. "No, no. You don't get to give orders. You aren't the one in control. I am the one who makes all of the calls. Not you."
Not being touched was the worst part. Why would she do this to me? Tears formed in my eyes.
"I'm so sorry!"
"You're sorry, what?"
I gulped loud enough to make my ears pop. She was going to make me do this. She really was going to make me do this. I didn't want this, but I missed the blades dancing on my skin. Oh, I just wanted her to fuck me so badly! This isn't me. This isn't me!
Oh, but it is.
"I'm so sorry, mistress!"
"Sorry for what?"
"I'm sorry for talking out of line, mistress!"
"Do you want my blade?"
"Yes, mistress!"
"How bad do you want it?"
"I will do anything for it!" These aren't my words. This isn't me.
But this was me. No matter how much I tried to fight against it, it all came back to the same realization. A tear ran down my cheek.
"Anything?"
"Yes, mistress! Anything!" I moaned aloud. That damned giggle killed me inside. She knew what I had become.
"Well, okay. How could I say no to my little pet?"
Another deep slash ran down my chest. I screamed aloud. The hurt made my eyes water, but it felt so good. The sheets were probably so red now. Just the thought of that filled with a twisted sense of excitement. I want this! I need this!
Yes, this is me! This is what I have become! This is who I have become. This is me!
She cut so deep into my abdomen. Her tongue danced along the cut. My blood's become an addictive drug to her. I am more than happy to give. I arched my body and moaned. She laughed against my skin. She could've eaten my body if she wanted and I would be happy with that.
Her mouth surrounded my cock. By now, I had abandoned all reason. I found myself in a surreal place. It wasn't the usual happy place. All I could focus on was her. The sensation of her mouth made my body jump. It's amazing that I can still feel anything after the blood loss. I'm still conscious as well. Being an angel does have its perks, I guess. My body could be ripped in half and I would still be alive.
I moaned as her tongue glided across the sensitive skin. When the teeth come in, it's when I melt. I can't focus on anything else. I sucked in a mouthful of air as she bit down on the skin before returning to sucking. I think I might have bruised my wrists. I don't know how much longer I can take this!
But then, she stopped.
I could hear myself whimpering.
"W-W-Why-?" was all I managed to get out before she pressed a finger to my trembling lips.
"We're not done, my pet."
"Huh?"
Her thighs come on either side of me. She doesn't even try to take it slow. However, she isn't done yet either. Hard rubber is pushed into my mouth. Little trails of drool ran down the corner of my mouth. The straps fasten behind my head.
"Perfect."
I could picture it now. Her riding me in a sea of bloody sheets. I felt like we were in a twisted version of Heaven. My moans came through the rubber ball in my mouth. More cuts into my skin followed. They didn't hurt as bad. Something in my brain blocked out that part. I had to have more. I wanted more. I needed more. I had to have more!
"Are you enjoying this?"
I could only moan through the gag. Her giggling made my ears burn.
"Good." Another stab went deep into my abdomen. Hot tears welled up in my eyes. It hurts, but it feels so good. Fuck. Fuck!
I… I can't hold it!
My body jumped before reaching my climax. More trails of drool ran down the corners of my mouth as I screamed out. My body collapsed onto the bed when the last drops came out. She howled as she reached her own climax. She collapsed next to me, panting. Sweat mixed in with the blood. The reality will be slowly coming back. It doesn't matter. I think I'm smiling behind the gag. She lays next to my cut-up and bloody body.
"Good night."
The last thing I remember is slipping deeper into endless darkness.
I noticed two dark red chairs in the distance.
-Feliciano-
Two dark red chairs sat facing each other in the dark. Feliciano walked in and sat down in one of them. Luciano walked into the room and sat down in the other chair. Feliciano smirked at him.
"So here we are," he said.
"Yes," Luciano said.
"What do you want from me?"
"I want to live in your world."
"Why would you do that?"
"Why do you want to live in this world?"
"Because I want to."
"Well, I want to too." Luciano flipped open his blade. He ran his tongue along the flat side of the blade. Feliciano didn't look impressed.
"And where would that leave me?" he asked.
"You will still exist."
"But?"
Luciano raised his eyebrow. "But?"
"There has to be a catch. Come on. What is it? What's the catch?"
"Heh. Aren't you a sharp one? Well, there is one."
"And what would that be?"
"You will just be disappearing more into the background."
"And why would I want that?"
"Why do you want to live here?"
"I don't know."
Luciano gave him a peculiar look. "You don't know?"
Feliciano shrugged. "There isn't much here anymore."
"What about parties, pasta, wine, gambling, money, and women?"
"They don't really matter. They just feel the same after a while."
Luciano frowned. "Wow. You really are dead inside."
"Am I?"
"Well, yeah."
"Heh. I guess I am."
"So… can I live in your world?"
Feliciano shrugged. "Sure."
Luciano raised his eyebrow. "Are you serious?"
The other man leaned back in his chair. "Sure. I mean, why not? It would make things more interesting."
The darker man smirked. "And how can I be sure that this isn't a trick of some sort?"
"You don't."
"Heh. You're an odd one now."
"I get that a lot."
Luciano took out a cigarette and lit up. "You know something? I think we're going to like this new world."
Feliciano raised his eyebrow. "We're?"
"Yeah. Interested?"
"Sure. I don't have anything else to do."
"I like your style." Luciano stuck out his hand. "I think I am going to like living in this world with you."
"Right…" The men shook hands.
"Nice having this chat with you."
"Uh-huh."
The men walked out of the empty room with only two chairs. They made it out onto the empty morning streets of Rome. As they walked down to parts unknown, Feliciano looked up to see a group of women dressed in black walking in the opposite direction on the other side of the street.
-Arthur-
The season of the witch is here. More of them are coming out in Europe. It started out just in England. However, they know that the end is coming. Now is the time to reclaim what is theirs. Mam was there to lead the way.
Arthur looked around to see a sea of shadows walking around him. Everywhere he looked there were black robes. They never made eye contact with him. They never spoke to him. But yet, he felt at peace with them. This was the first time in a long time that he felt at ease. He closed his eyes and smiled to himself. The Englishman could hear a faint voice of a woman singing.
Allison led the way. This was her movement after all. She already had two of the archangels already awake. However, it is not complete. There is still Gabriel missing. Her daughters can't find it. Allison gritted her teeth.
"Is something wrong, mother?" one of her daughters asked next to her. Allison recomposed herself before turning her head.
"Nothing," she lied. "Nothing at all. Let's just enjoy tonight." Hecate smirked to herself. She already knows this plan is going to fail. Right now, she's bidding her time. Everything has to be just right before she can act on her own plans.
"Is something funny?" Allison asked. Her daughter smiled and shook her head.
"No," she lied. Her mother clicked her tongue before she regained her composure. No daughter of hers was going to ruin this big night.
Arthur followed behind the crowd of witches. He followed them. Where once they were his tormentors, they now became his savors. The singing filled his chest. A drunk catlike smile came onto his face.
Across the street, Oliver watched him. So good to see his counterpart awake again. Maybe they can finally meet and talk properly. Oliver was going to miss tonight. This was important to his plans after all. He couldn't help but smirk.
"That's my boy," he said to himself. Oliver took out his pipe and lit it up. He too followed along in the crowd.
Allison led her family down to Bunhill Fields. She held out her hands. Everyone stopped behind her. The nightcomer pulled out a red book of matches. She drew out a match and struck it. The little light ignited on the tip. Allison closed her eyes and started chanting. The fire jumped at the tip. She smiled over a large circle of white stones and mushrooms. Allison tossed down the match. She held her hands up in the air. Small sparks exploded at her feet. The daughters joined hands. Across the way, Oliver flicked out his cigarette.
"And now comes the interesting part," he said. The man slowly walked over to the crowd of nightcomers. By now, the sparks danced around and connected with each other. A cold smile spread across Allison's smile.
"My lord of darkness, come to us!" she commanded. "Come to us! We beseech you! Come to us! We await your blessing!" The daughters howled in the night. Thick black smoke formed on the ground. It started to swirl around faster. There was no heat, however. No, in fact, the air got colder. Allison reached towards the smoke. Small crystals appeared on her fingers. Hecate kept her eyes focused on the display. Her mother was really going to do this. The nightcomer chuckled to herself.
"Well, well, well," she said under her breath. "This should be an interesting gambit to get ahead. Mother must be desperate." This type of ritual couldn't be executed so recklessly. It would take a witch with great power in order to pull it off. Allison would have the skills to match. Whoever summoned the great beast of the night would control hell. That was only half of the ritual. The question was who was he going to choose.
The smoke started to turn fiery red and swirled to the sky. Allison threw back her head and laughed.
"Come to us!" she shouted. The smoke and fire bellowed out. She held out her arms as if she was going to be martyred. Allison closed her eyes and howled. A veil of darkness covered everyone.
Arthur felt chills all over his body. He looked up as the world fell away around him. However, he knew that he wasn't alone.
A heavy breath panted on the back of his neck. The Englishman slowly glanced behind him. Somehow, Arthur wasn't afraid. A little smile spread across his face. The Englishman turned around. And there he was.
A giant black wolf towered over him. The deep red eyes glowed in the dark. The scar on its right eye glowed like fire. He held a lantern of fire between his teeth. Arthur could hear the beast's heart pounding in his ears.
"Soul of England," the canine beast's voice growled in his head. "What do you truly desire?" Arthur didn't have to think about how to answer.
"I want the pain to stop. Please… Set me free," he pleaded. He moved his hand to his chest. The beast bowed his head.
"Very well," he said. "Place your hand on my head." Arthur reached out and turned the beast on the head. A deep chill ran through his body. The Englishman heavily breathed out. Swirls of darkness filled his eyes. He started to see all inches of time and space. Stars and fire flew by him. A mix of noises filled his ears. His body started to shake violently. Arthur's eyes rolled back into his head. He let out a loud gasp. He felt his body grow stiff.
"You and I have made our pact," the beast said. "I am at your service. You are free to use me as you see fit." He vanished into thin air. The Englishman fell into a sea of nothingness.
Arthur's body hit the grass back in real life.
"Arthur!" one of the daughters screamed. The other nightcomers crowded around him. Allison stood back, not surprised.
"So he has made his decision," she said. "I will accept." Hecate stood behind her and smirked.
"Heh," was all she said.
"Look! Up there!" one of the other nightcomers shouted. "In the sky!" All of the women looked up to see a figure with bloody red wings flying in the sky.
-Ivan-
Today was the day of the launch. Ivan didn't look interested. This was going to work. He already knew that it would. Still, this didn't interest the Russian man. None of this game interested him. His boss pushed him into this game. However, there was something that caught his attention as of late.
Alisa ran a brush through her deep blonde hair. She looked so thin under the dim bathroom light. Something about her seemed off. Why was she the only one who got to talk to Fyodor directly? What made her so special? The others hadn't questioned it so far. Only Adrik had his concerns. He seemed to know something about the mysterious leader that the others didn't. Ivan saw the way he looked at Alisa when he thought that no one was looking. What did he know exactly?
Ivan resolved to corner Adrik when the time was right to get him alone. There was something in the other man that was itching to get out.
Valya's debut would be six hours from now. To Alisa, everything had to be perfect. Vozrozhdeniye had to send Tandeki a clear message. If they were not going to share their beloved tadpoles, then the Russian group would show them that they weren't the only ones to create godlike beings in this game. They would come to fear their siren. If everything went well, Valya wouldn't be the only one. She would have brothers and sisters to follow. This world would not be of tadpoles, but of sirens and tadpoles together!
Alisa held out her arms under the dim, cloudy sky.
"Gentlemen, this is our dawn of a new era!" she said. The men stared at her in silence. They were saving the celebration for when the launch happens. Ivan looked down at the crowded streets below. There were more than people below. The demons keep multiplying. Ivan couldn't ignore them anymore. How would Valya fair against them?
Five more hours until the debut. There wasn't much to do around the city. The group would definitely stand out. If they were going to go out, they would have to do it in pairs. Ivan found that the perfect opportunity to talk to Adrik. He found him in the hotel café. He walked up to his table. Adrik looked up.
"Is something on your mind, Ivan?" he asked.
"Take a with me," was all the tall Russian man said. Adrik stared at him for a moment. His eyes shifted away from him. Ivan waited silently.
"Fine," he said. He finished his coffee and followed Ivan out of the café. Adrik paid on his way out.
Four more hours until the debut. Ivan and Adrik didn't speak at first. The smaller man waited with bated breath. He looked at Ivan.
"What did you want to ask me?" he asked. Ivan didn't make eye contact with him.
"It's her, isn't it?" he asked. Adrik kept his eyes forward.
"I don't know what you are talking about," he said in a low voice. The men blended in with the crowd but stood out. Adrik shoved his hands into his pockets.
"You aren't allowed to say anything, are you?" Ivan asked. The other man turned his head away. That response was all that Ivan needed to know.
"How long have you known?" he asked.
"I am not allowed to say," Adrik said in a low voice. He turned to Ivan with a desperate look in his eyes.
"Please don't say anything," he said. Ivan didn't speak. Adrik tried to calm down. He might not know all of the details. Just don't push the subject further than it needs to go. Keep quiet and everything should be fine. How long were they going to be walking like this? Oh boy…
Three more hours until the debut. The city doesn't notice them. They had their own demons to contend with. Quite literally. Ivan could see them everywhere they went. Adrik could see them too. The men came to a stoplight. A crowd stood around them. They weren't exactly human, however.
"You see them too?" Adrik whispered.
"Yeah," Ivan said. To the other man's right was a woman. Her long red coat stood out in the crowd. She kept her hat lowered. Adrik couldn't take his eyes off of her.
"Ivan," he whispered. The other Russian man didn't look up. Adrik turned back to the woman next to him. She held out her hand to the night sky. The scientist couldn't take his eyes off of her. She mumbled something under her breath. Adrik frowned.
"What did you say?" he asked. The woman suddenly turned her head. Her lips slowly moved up and down.
Everything grew silent around them. It felt like time had stopped. The woman didn't make a sound, but Adrik could hear her loud and clear. His heart sank into his stomach.
"No…"
A hand grabbed him by the shoulder. Adrik turned his head.
"Huh?" he asked. Ivan stared at him with a cold, empty look.
"It's time to go," he said. Adrik blinked at him for a moment.
"Oh… Right, right," he said. The light changed to walk and the men crossed the street. Adrik took one look behind him. The woman was gone. The scientist couldn't help but feel that something really dark coming for them.
Ivan had to drag him back to the hotel.
Two more hours until the debut. Alisa smirked to herself. She had been waiting for this for so long. She squealed as she kicked her legs up and down on the bed. Katerina sat across the room, frowning. She took a smoke.
"I don't understand your enthusiasm," the woman muttered. Alisa looked up at her.
"What do you mean?" she asked. Katerina flicked out her cigarette.
"This better be worth my money," she said.
"It will be," the scientist said. Katerina sneered as she took another smoke. Alisa frowned as she narrowed her eyes.
"What?" she asked.
"Oh nothing, just…" the other woman said. The scientist raised her eyebrow.
"What?" she asked. Katerina crossed her legs in the red plush armchair.
"How long do you plan to keep up this rouse?" she asked. Alisa pretended to look confused.
"Why Katerina, I have no idea what you are talking about," she said. The other woman snorted.
"Cut the bullshit," she said. "You and I both know the truth." Alisa sat back and folded her arms across her chest.
"And how long have you known?" she asked.
"Heh," Katerina said. She flicked out her cigarette.
"It wasn't hard to figure out," the rich woman said. "Why were you the only one who got to talk to Fyodor? How come we've never seen him in person? Have you even seen what he looks like?" She looked Alisa in the eye. The scientist has a frosty look on her face. What was running in her head? Maybe she was thinking about how to kill Katerina and hide the body? The rich woman would've loved to see her try. She snubbed out her cigarette in the ashtray.
"I don't care, really," Katerina said. "Keep your secrets. Just don't waste my money." Alisa had a tight-lipped smile on her face.
"Of course," she said. Karp sure married a dangerous woman.
One more hour until the debut. Adrik and Ivan were in the lobby of the hotel now. The former seemed to be lost in thought.
"Hey Ivan," he spoke up. The other man pushed the up button. He glanced over his shoulder. Adrik hesitated with his train of thought. This was ridiculous. He was a scientist. He wasn't supposed to believe in ghosts. There had to be a logical explanation. Adrik lifted his chin.
"Do you believe in omens?" he asked.
"No," Ivan said. The doors slid open. He stepped inside. Adrik kind of frowned. That was it? No further questions? No debates? Nothing. The scientist folded his arms across his chest.
"Well that was disappointing," he muttered to himself.
"You coming?" Ivan asked. Adrik looked up.
"Oh, no," he said. "I'm just going to hang out here for a little while. Go on without me."
"Alright," the other Russian man said. Ivan released the open button. The doors slid closed. Adrik gave him a little wave goodbye.
For some reason, he remembered a village back in his childhood. His father took him here during the winter. From what he could remember, they were somewhere in Siberia. The scientist couldn't place the reason why they were at this village in the first place. Just by coming up to the entry, young Adrik could sense something wrong. His father nudged him along.
"Go on," he said. Young Adrik walked through the snow. An eerie howling filled the winter air. The lights were on in the cabin, but the whole village felt empty. Young Adrik shivered as he walked. They shouldn't be here. This was a village for the dead. His father leaned down to his ear.
"Look up," he whispered. Young Adrik looked up at the dark winter sky. The color drained from his face. Blackened shadows floated in the sky. They all had long limbs and no faces. He could hear them howling in pain. Young Adrik's heart pounded against his chest.
"Don't look away," his father said. "Look at them. Look at them!" The young boy had to stare up at the sky at the shadows. They slowly rotated in place as they floated.
"W-W-What are they?" the boy asked. His father rested his hand on his shoulder.
"They are trapped here," he whispered. "They died and can't move on." His son looked up at him.
"Why can't they move on?" he asked.
"It's the village," his father said. "Once the people die here, they cannot escape. They linger here as a warning to everyone who has the misfortune to come here."
"Can't they be freed in any way?" Young Adrik asked.
"I'm afraid not," his father said. "You can only watch them hoover in the sky." Father and son watched the shadows linger in the sky.
Adrik shook his head. Why would he be thinking about that now?
Suddenly, his phone rang. He reached into his pocket and pulled it out.
"Hello?" the scientist asked.
"You see them too? Ivan asked on the other line. Adrik froze.
"How did you know?" he asked. The scientist turned around. He was the only one left in the lobby. His heart sank to his stomach.
"Oh…" he mumbled to himself. Adrik hurried to the stairs with his phone in his hand.
The moment was here. All Vozrozhdeniye was on the hotel roof at three in the morning. The cage sat in the middle with the members crowded around it. Katerina took a drag of her cigarette.
"Get this over with," she said. "I want to go to bed." Karp rested his hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down, dear," he whispered. His wife side-eyed him. Alisa wanted up to the covered cage. She grinned as she held out her arms.
"Comrades!" she shouted. "Our time has come! We shall show Tandeki that we are just as capable of making our own creatures for the new world! Behold! This is the dawn of a new era!" Alisa turned and pulled back to the sheet. She reached into her pocket and drew out the key. The scientist smirked to herself as she unlocked the door. Alisa slid open the door. Valya lifted her head. The scientist grinned.
"Welcome to the new world," she said. "Go!" The siren had a wicked grin on her face. She crouched down into position. Alisa counted down in her head.
Five… Four… Three… Two…
"One," Alisa said. Valya took flying like a rocket. She floated above the group of scientists. The edges of her long black dress waved around her ankles. Her wings were redder than blood. They and her dress took out against her pale skin. Even Ivan whistled at her. Alisa walked forward.
"You are so beautiful," she said. Valya bowed her head. Katerina kind of smiled as she took another drag of her cigarette.
"Now what?" she asked. Alisa held up her hand.
"Behold," she said. Valya spread out her wings and took off towards the sky. The scientists ran forward, watching. Alisa waved like a proud mother.
"Now what?" Katerina asked, flicking out the ashes of her cigarette. The female scientist turned to her with a grin on her face.
"Now we wait and see the results in the coming days," she said. "For now, we hang around Ikebukuro and observe everything around us." The men all applauded. Even Ivan looked impressed. Katerina took another drag of her cigarette.
"Whatever," she muttered to herself. No one paid attention because of their clapping.
Adrik happened to turn his head and look in the distance. He could've sworn he saw a young woman in white pajamas wandering around in an empty room. But such a thing would've been silly, right?
-Noriko-
It felt too bright. I slowly opened my eyes. Oh no. Not this again. There's nothing in this room. It looked like some sort of an office. Only three pillars seemed to hold up the ceiling. The outlets were spaced out on the walls. The lights in the ceiling made my eyes and head hurt. I couldn't feel the tiled floor at my feet. Speaking of which, I looked down at my body. Pajamas again. I had no shoes on. That door was wide open, waiting for me to go through it.
"I don't want to be here!"
Then why don't you get out of here?
I turned around. There was that voice again. I feel like… I know that voice. But I can't remember who it is.
"Who are you?"
I just want to help you.
"But why?"
Do you trust me?
I stood silent. I… I turned around when I heard a silent howling in the distance. Oh no. Something is coming for me. But where? There's nobody in here. But yet…
Just go out the door. It will be okay.
"But where will I go?"
It doesn't matter. You can't stay here. You have to go! Hurry before it catches you!
"What do you mean? What is going to catch me?" I heard that low growl again. This time, it had gotten closer. I noticed that it started to get darker behind me. An icy feeling formed in my chest.
You don't have much time! Run!
I don't have a choice. I tightly shut my eyes. I took off running towards the door. Cold prickles ran down my back. I didn't bother to look back. I never heard my feet make a sound.
I opened my eyes again. Silence. I couldn't hear anything at all.
I made the mistake of opening my eyes and looking around. This didn't feel right either. I found myself in the hall of what looked like a hotel lobby. I felt like I was in The Shining. The zig-zagged brown and tan carpet made my eyes hurt. The dim lights didn't help either. Three elevators stood before me. One to the left, one to the right, and one in front of me.
"Which way do I go?"
Go straight!
It felt like a trap. Maybe I should go back.
You can't go back.
I looked above me at the endless ceiling. "Are you watching me?"
Yes.
My blood ran cold. I looked around wildly. I am alone. There is no one here. But how am I hearing their voice?
"Who are you? How are you talking to me like this?" No answer.
"Hello? Are you still there? Hello?" I felt my heart pounding against my chest. I gulped. "Y-Y-You want me to go into the elevator up ahead?" No answer. There it was again. That low howling made my stomach turn. Slowly, the darkness was coming towards me.
You don't have time to ask questions! Go!
I didn't have to argue back. I took off running towards the elevator. I pressed the up button. There was no time to think. My heart pounded against my chest as the numbers counted down (or was it up?). I didn't need to turn around to know that it was coming closer. I shut my eyes, praying that the doors would open. The doors finally slid open. I darted in as fast as I could.
No, this wasn't it either.
This time, I was outside. I'm standing on grass, but I can't feel it. Actually, I did feel something at my feet. It felt more like astroturf that I was standing on. I couldn't tell if it was day or night. A dense fog lingered around me. I could see my own breath, but I didn't feel cold. They became the least of my worries when I looked forward. A giant fancy-looking mansion stood in the distance. The best way to describe this house is that it looked like something out of Western design seen in the 1800s. I trembled as I looked at this house. My heart pounded against my chest as I panted heavily. I already knew what that voice would want. I shook my head as I took a step back.
You have to go up to the door and go inside.
"I don't want to!"
You have to. You can't stay out here.
I heard that howling sound again. Only, it had gotten closer. I whipped my head around. I thought I was going to choke.
You have to calm down. You will only draw it closer to you if you panic. Listen to my voice. Close your eyes.
I slowly drew my eyes closed.
Now breathe slowly.
I took in a slow, deep breath.
And breathe out slowly.
I slowly breathed out.
Do it again.
I did this about three more times. Strangely, I started to feel better.
Now walk up to the house and go inside.
Somehow, arguing wouldn't work. I winced as I walked up to the house. I felt my heart pounding against my chest. I didn't want to do this, but I felt like an invisible hand was pushing me forward. I wanted to get out of here. But who was to say that I actually would? I could end up in another strange place. How many times had I done this before? It doesn't matter anymore. I want to go home.
I will get you home. Just trust me.
I walked up the steps to the front door. Sure, it looked normal. I knew better. What was waiting for me on the other side? My hand trembled as I reached for the knob.
Do it!
I took in a breath and opened the door. I couldn't see anything inside. Without another thought, I walked into that creepy house.
This didn't feel right either. I didn't want to open my eyes, but I felt compelled to do so. This time, I was in the middle of a grocery store. One that hadn't been stocked in years. I had never seen so many empty shelves in my life. It was then I noticed that my feet weren't touching the ground. I gasped aloud.
"What the-?!"
Stay calm. Stay calm.
I whipped my head around. Why would I do that? It's not like I could see them. I started to notice how cold I felt.
Calm down. Don't forget to breathe.
I took in a large gulp of breath. My heart pounded against my chest. Wait… what is that? I turned and looked behind me. Nothing to my left. Nothing to my right. A shock of static skipped through my ear. I gasped as I rubbed on my right ear. No sound came out of my mouth.
You can't stay here. Get out of here now!
"And go where?"
It doesn't matter right now. They already know you are here.
My eyes grew so wide. "What are you talking about? Who already knows I'm here?"
There isn't any time. Just run!
I didn't argue. I took off running through the aisles. The static buzzing in my ears made my head feel like it was underwater. My jaw tightened as I seemed to be running aimlessly. My eyes began to water. Where was I going? It didn't help that I couldn't run properly on air. Where did this cold air come from on my skin? I could barely see where I was going. The shelves and aisles started to look the same.
Keeping run! You're just about to the exit.
I didn't have to turn around to know that something was getting closer. I held my hands closer to my ears. The static sound grew louder as I tried not to fall down on my face. At one point, I could've sworn that someone was pushing me along. I tried to turn my head, but I was forced to look forward again.
Don't look back! We're almost there! Keep running!
"I can't! My feet keep slipping!"
Don't worry! You can't give up! I will carry you along if I have to. You just have to keep running!
Tears ran down my cheeks. My legs felt so sore. I just wanted to collapse onto the ground and cry. But this… Being wouldn't let me stop running. An invisible hand was pushing on my back as hard as it could now. This wasn't me moving my body. Something was moving it for me. Even if I were to fall to pieces, they still wouldn't let me stop. My tears felt so hot against my cheeks.
There! Look! We're at the checkout lines!
"Huh?"
Though it hurt, I managed to open my eyes for one glimpse. The voice was right! I was running towards the checkout lines. Just beyond them were the doors. I can make it. I'm just about there. I pushed myself to move despite the invisible hand pushing. I made it through the checkout lines and out the glass doors. I didn't even hear them slide open.
No, this isn't right either. I am not awake. I'm still dreaming. I can't wake up. I can't wake up. This time, I found myself in the hallway of the hospital. It looked like it was the graveyard shift. There was no one in sight. I started to step backward as an overwhelming feeling of sadness washed over me. Strange memories filled my head. I was in a hospital bed after a baby's funeral. I moved my hand to my chest. It didn't make any sense. I never had a child. I'm only eighteen and I'm still single.
Then… why do these tears keep falling?
Okay, listen to me. You can't stay here. You have to keep moving. We managed to get ahead of them for the time being. I don't know how long that will last. Pull yourself together and walk down the hall.
"But why am I crying like this?"
You're just starting to remember who you used to be.
"What does that mean?"
Don't worry about that. Keep walking.
"But…"
Keep going. I will tell you everything you want to know. You have to get out of here. You don't have much time.
I wiped the tears from my eyes. "Okay." I began walking down the hall. With each step, my heart felt so heavy. I held my son after the doctor's cut his cord. My son. When I first saw him, my heart felt whole. He smelt like sunflowers. The first time I ended up in the hospital, I learned that I was pregnant.
Where was all of this coming from? Was this part of this dream? Did I actually experience being a first-time mother? Did I really hold a baby who smelt like sunflowers?
You can't focus on that right now!
I wiped away my tears. "You're right. You're right." I started walking forward. I wasn't aware that I had about stopped walking.
"Why does it hurt so much?"
I will tell you everything when we meet. I promise. But you have to get out of here and get back to your world.
I wiped away my tears again. "I hate this."
I know. But you can't stop. This place will drain you. I don't want you to be stuck here forever. You have to keep moving.
"Okay." I started walking again. Wait… when did this hallway get so dark? I started rubbing on my right arm.
"I don't like this."
I know. This is why you have to keep moving.
"I know, I know." The hall got darker the further I walked. The vague notion of cold started to plague my body. Still, that voice won't let me stop. I looked up at the blackening ceiling over my head.
"I don't understand you." The tears wouldn't stop filling my eyes.
Understand what?
"Why are you helping me so much?" My lips trembled as I said that. My voice was probably trembling too.
It's because I care about you.
"But why? I don't even know you."
Never mind that. You have to keep going. The door is just up ahead.
I lifted my head. Sure enough, there was a door leading out. I tried to walk faster, but my legs felt so sluggish. Through my tears, I started to panic.
"W-What's happening to me?"
This corner is trying to trap you.
"What?! I can't move!"
Here, let me help you.
I felt my body being pushed along down the darkened hall. I didn't get time to react fast this invisible hand was pushing me along. I was already out the door.
No, this wasn't right either. Cramped. It's too cramped in here. I took a look around me. I was in some sort of a kitchen. This looked like a kitchen that would be part of a starter home. I don't think I've seen so much wooden before in my life. The kitchen looked normal. Too normal. The shiny counter looked like it had been cleaned too much. Was the faucet even working? Even the microwave in the wall seemed too normal. Something about this place felt familiar, but couldn't explain why…
I reached up and touched my right cheek. Hey, I'm not crying anymore. How about that? But then I froze. My eyes shifted left and right.
"Who's there?"
It's only me.
I slowly shook my head. "No… There's someone else here." I jerked my head around. This place was quiet. Too quiet.
Your heart's beating so fast.
"Huh?" I could feel my heart pounding hard enough to make my ears right. I hadn't noticed it until just now. My head started pounding. I leaned against the sink and rubbed my forehead.
"I think I'm going to be sick."
Don't forget to breathe. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly.
I closed my eyes and took a slow breath in.
Breathe out slowly.
I slowly breathed out.
Breathe in.
I took another breath. We did this exercise about two more times. I felt myself calming down.
"Okay, where do we go now?"
Take a look around you.
I looked up in front of me. There was another door behind me. It didn't look so far away this time. I should be used to this by now, but I'm not.
Don't worry. I'm here with you.
An invisible pair of hands grabbed my arms. I felt a doll being walked towards the door. I was just glad to be out of there. The strong static shot through my right ear. I winced in pain.
Something wrong?
"My ear hurts." I winced again in pain.
Don't focus on that now. We're almost to the door. Keeping breathing.
I quickly nodded. That door was right there, but yet it felt so far away. The breathing did help me calm down long enough to get there.
We're just about there.
"Okay." I was pushed up to the door. The hand moved my arm towards the handle. It took me a few more times before I touched the handle. I pushed down on it and opened the door. I was practically flung through the other side.
This isn't right either. I opened my eyes and looked around. What is it now? I couldn't see anything around me. That claustrophobic feeling started to weigh down on me. I thought I was going to choke. I reached out in the darkness. My hand touched a wall. I would have to say that it was inches away from my face. On instinct, I reached up to touch the other side. How narrow was this hallway?
I froze as a realization came over me. No… I started shaking my head. No… No. No. No! My heart pounded against my chest. I swallowed hard.
Get a hold of yourself!
A pair of hands grabbed onto my shoulders.
We can't stay here. We have to go now. Look ahead of you.
I looked down the long, dark hall. I could see a light in the distance. I narrowed my eyes for a better look.
"What is that?" Was that a… chair? The hands started to pull me forward.
We can't stay here. We have to go!
I quickly shook my head.
No?
I shook my head. "No! Don't make go down there! I won't do it!"
You don't have a choice. We have to go, now!
"I won't do it!" I folded my arms across my chest and sat down on the ground. "No! I'm not going!" I paused when I heard a low growling behind me. I didn't turn my head. I wasn't going to move from this spot. I tried to ignore the static in my ear.
So you're just going to stay here forever?
"I don't want to."
Then you have to get up and get out of here.
I shook my head and drew my knees to my chest.
What's the matter?
I lowered my head. "I'm scared."
Don't worry about that. You have me.
"But I don't even know you."
That doesn't matter! You have to get out of here! Come on. Hands tried to pull me up, but I refused to budge.
You're being a baby. Get up.
I was about to speak when I heard a low growling noise behind me.
"What was that?" I started to turn my head, but the hand forced it forward.
Don't look! You have to get going now.
"What do you mean? Why?"
We don't have time! Get up and let's go!
"I don't want to!"
If they catch you, you'll be trapped here forever! Is that what you want? I can't bear to lose you again!
I lifted my head. "What do you say?" Suddenly, I was violently pulled to my feet. I found myself dragged down the hall before I could say anything.
Please don't argue with me. I am not going to do this with you again. I will have to drag you along if I have to. I refuse to let them trap you again. Got it? They didn't give me a chance to answer. I got pulled further down the hall. The walls were closing in tighter around me as the light up ahead grew brighter.
Hm? What did you say?
"Church in the west."
What about it?
I shook my head. Why was I thinking about a Western church? I think… I think this might be my penitence of some sort. I don't know for what or for who?
You're starting to remember, aren't you?
"Remember what?"
There is so much that I want to tell you. But let's focus on getting you back to reality. I can't tell you anything right now. Please… don't ask any more questions until then.
The light at the end of the hall grew even brighter. I got a better look at what was up ahead. A chair? Suddenly, I was flung straight into this simple wooden chair. I looked up at the ceiling. The bright light made my eyes hurt.
"Now what?" I turned when I heard whispering around me. That static came back in my ear. I gasped as I rubbed my ears. I think I was screaming at one point, but my voice couldn't be heard over the silence. I thought my head was going to split open. I prayed that the pain would be taken away. Tears ran down my cheeks. I thought my head was going to split open.
"I don't want to die! I don't want to die!"
Then suddenly, it stopped.
When I opened my eyes, I wasn't in the room or that chair anymore. Still, this didn't feel right. Now, I stood in front of two doors. They weren't in front of me. I was more of in a corner. Could something like this be possible? Both of them could lead to a trap. I could hear the whispers from the other side. No, they sounded more like demonic chanting. I slowly backed away. This isn't right. This isn't right! But I already know that I don't have a choice. My heart pounded against my chest. I looked at both doors.
"Which way do I go?"
Just pick a door.
This time, a loud howling filled the air. I think my left ear started bleeding. My jaw began to ache. I reached forward to open the door. My vision began to swim. The Western church kept jumping around in my head. Why would I be thinking about something like that? What are the Eastern and Western churches? What do they mean to me? My head felt like it was swimming.
That's when I noticed it. When did it get so quiet? I slowly turned my head. It started to get darker behind me.
Not good! Pick a door! Quick!
"Which one do I choose?"
It doesn't matter! You have to hurry! They all already know you are here. You don't have much time. I will cover you, but you have to hurry!
"Okay!" I took in a breath. I started to reach for one of the doors. Wait… I think last time I went to the door on the left and it didn't go well. Remembering this brought another thought to mind.
Why are you hesitating? You will be trapped here if they catch you. Pick one or I'll have to do it.
I lowered my hand.
What are you doing?
"Tell me something."
What?
I asked the question that I had been buried deep in my mind ever since this dream started. There was a pause. I didn't expect an answer. But then that voice whispered one thing that convinced me what I needed to do next.
"I understand."
I chose the door on the right.
No, this wasn't right either. I was in the hallway of my school. At least, it looked like my school. I backed up to my door.
"I don't feel so good."
Don't worry. You have me. Do you see a door anywhere?
I looked to my left and then I looked to my right. There was another door down the hall. I remembered everything this voice told me. Could I trust them? I don't know. All I know is that I can't stay here anymore. Though sometimes I wondered if that would be a bad thing.
Stay focused. You can't get trapped here. We're almost out of there.
A spark of hope leaped in my chest. But it died instantly as I remembered how this maze went. Cautious optimism filled my being. The silence around me didn't help.
"We aren't alone, are we?"
No.
"Who's here with us?" The voice didn't answer.
"Who is here with us?"
My father. You don't have time. We have to move now.
I didn't need to ask. That static sound filled my ears. I thought my ears were going to bleed. My head hurt worse than it ever had.
"Help… me…"
Don't worry, I have you! The hand grabbed me by the arm and pulled me down the hall. I didn't fight back. The static in my ears made me feel drained. My limbs felt so limp. More memories came back to me. But are they really my memories? I don't know what to think anymore. I drew my eyes closed, resigned to my fate.
Stay with me! You're almost home! You can't give up on me now!
"What?" I ended up flung through the back doors.
No… Not this part again. When I opened my eyes, my fears were confirmed. I found myself standing in front of that damned pool. That darkened water looked so choppy. I started backing away.
"No… No! I don't want to do this!"
There came those voices again.
Dive in! Dive in! Dive in! Dive in! Dive in!
"No! Don't make me do this! I can't!"
Dive in! Dive in! Dive in! Dive in! Dive in!
"I can't. I can't." I sank down to my knees, crying. I didn't know why I was so scared of this damned pool. Something inside told me not to go in. It was almost like something dire could happen if I did. But I didn't want to be trapped in this endless dreamscape forever. I buried my head in my hands.
"What should I do?! I'm scared and I don't know what to do! Please… Help… Me…" I couldn't stop sobbing. The tears wouldn't stop flowing from my eyes. Suddenly, a hand rested on my back. I froze as that one voice whispered in my ear.
You can do this. I will be with you the whole way.
That was all I needed to hear for some reason. I rose to my feet as if in a trance. I crouched down into a runner's position. The voice counted down for me.
Three… Two… One!
I flew straight towards the edge. That nagging fear built up in my throat again, but I managed to push through. I shut my eyes and dove right in feet first.
I hit the water with a dull splash.
The water didn't feel cold. It didn't feel hot either. I couldn't feel anything on my skin and clothes. It didn't even feel like water around me. I seemed to have sunken into a jelly-like substance. My body was sinking down rapidly. The pressure started crushing down on me. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't scream. My body kept dropping faster than a rock. I know I have thought this many times before, but I thought that I was going to die. I started praying to myself. I didn't know why I did this. I couldn't even hear that voice who led me to my doom. The last thing I could remember before blacking up was seeing the blood from my ears floating upwards.
I woke up in my bed. At least I think it's my bed. I reached up and touched the sides of my ears. I moved my right foot under the sheets. I moved my left arm by my side. I looked down at my body. I'm back, somehow. I breathed out in relief. This is it. I'm back in reality.
But that relief is short-lived. Would I end up back in the dreamscape again? I didn't want to think about that. I got out of bed and walked over to the bathroom for the day.
Meanwhile, there was a new file uploaded in the Dollars chatroom.