"Emma.." "Emma.." Desperate voices called out to Emma in two different directions. "Emma help me please '' a voice coming from the left pleaded to her. Emma quickly dashed towards it and then she saw a familiar face.. A boy in a white uniform with messy black hair. "Ray?" Emma called out, getting closer to him. But that's when she realised something was off. Ray's skin was badly burnt and skin was black in some parts and bright red and covered in bumps in other parts. His eyebrows were also singed off. She remembered how he set himself on fire the day he was supposed to be "adopted" from Gracefield.
"Ray! Are you okay?!" Emma rushed to help her old friend. "EMMA GET AWAY!" Ray screamed, causing Emma to leap back in fear. "Ray… what is going on?" Emma nervously asked, her voice scared and shaky, tears falling from her face. "You have to leave Emma. You have to help me. You have to get out." Ray commanded. "What?..." Emma stated, confused. "GET OUT!" Ray screamed as he suddenly exploded into a ball of flames which flew Emma across the dark void.
Emma didn't take much time to compose herself because she heard another familiar voice. "Emma come find me…" this time the voice was coming from the right. "Norman!" Emma quickly dashed to the voice. Sure enough, the familiar sight of white hair and white uniform. Emma then saw the tattoo written on his neck "22194" which confirmed that it was her old friend Norman. Emma practically leaped into his arms. "Norman, are you okay? I missed you so much. Ray…" Before Emma could finish Norman began pleading with her. "Emma, you need to find us. Help us! Ray, me, Gracefield..everyone please."
Emma started to cry in frustration and confusion. "But how can I Norman? I'm stuck here. I have a bomb in my chest. I can't! I can't!" She bawled tears all over Norman's shoulder. Norman quietly shushed her and gently stroked her hair. "It's going to be okay Emma. You are kind, strong, and smart. Remember that. You will find a way through this. Survive until there is a way to escape then come find us. Just be patient and don't lose hope." He advised her. "But.." Before Emma could answer Norman was suddenly encapsulated and dragged away by a giant beastly hand. "NORMAN NO!" Emma screamed out as she went to chase after him but Norman just gave her a sympathetic smile from afar "It's going to be okay Emma. I love-"
BRRRR! The sound of the morning alarm forcibly Emma awakened from her horrific nightmare before it could conclude. Emma quickly covered her ears until the alarm stopped. She then wiped away the warm tears from her face before getting out of bed. She stretched, yawned and sighed as she reluctantly headed towards the bathroom.
Emma turned on the shower and waited for the hot water to come, before hopping in. Emma quickly washed herself from face to toe with soap and water before rinsing herself off. She had updated quite well to the strict shower regulations of the headquarters. She was smart with her five minute hot water usage. She would wash her body with the hot water one day then her hair the next day, instead of trying to do it all in five minutes which was basically impossible to do efficiently. Emma previously tried to shower with cold water a couple of times before but it was too difficult for her. The cold water hit her like a freight train, making her gasp and shiver all over as her body would turn pale. Emma could barely move or wash anything properly when she was in that state.
She dried herself off with a towel before grabbing her clothes from the cloth bag she left in the bathroom so she could get into new clothes quickly. Well "new" clothes as in the same dull uniform grey dress she wore everyday that was rewashed and handed back to her by the nurses every evening before bed fresh for tomorrow morning. She quickly got dressed and headed back to her room grabbing the hair brush on the way out. As Emma brushed her hair she stared out her barred window and saw her old home Gracefield taunting her by sitting so peacefully in the distance. It was still dark outside, Emma was thinking how her siblings would still be sound asleep in their cosy beds, oblivious to the cruel world that awaits them once they leave Gracefield. Emma thought about how one of them would soon be "adopted" out or might have already been. Not knowing they are walking towards their deaths.
Emma's eyes started forming with tears, while she began shaking her head. No! She mustn't think about that now, she can't..She can't help them. There is nothing she can do right for them right now. Not while she is trapped here. Emma decided that she would try to get a better knowledge of her surroundings if she were to make any attempt at escaping or getting info sent to Gracefield house. Emma had been basically kept prisoner in her room for the last two months and never left unless she was escorted by one of the nurses towards the clinic for a health checkup. The last time she went for a checkup was a few days ago. The doctor checked her weight, height, blood and her heart. She determined Emma to be well enough and in perfect condition to start attending trainee sister classes.
Emma noticed that the doctor used a round disk device that seemed to be connected to the tracker/bomb in her chest. Emma had an idea if she somehow got hold of that device maybe she could figure out more information on the tracker/bomb and maybe even be abled disarm it. But she had no available opening's to steal the device as the doctor's, nurses and even grandmother kept a close eye on Emma most of the time when she was with them. They also kept the device on themselves constantly. Even on the couple of times where she might have had an opportunity to steal the device she thought that there might be camera's watching her as she remembered seeing one when she first arrived here. Emma knew that if she was caught stealing her consequences would be dire…She needed to be smart and careful about this.
Emma remembers grandmother telling her that someone will be escorting her to her class on Monday at 5:25 am. She looked at the clock on the dull grey wall in her room. The time read 5:10am. Emma realised that she had exactly 15 minutes before someone was going to escort her to her classroom. Emma decided to study over the notes she made. She had kept a diary using the pen and notebook Gilda gifted her before she left Gracefield. Each diary entry was addressed to one of her former Gracefield family members, most often Norman. It was a coping mechanism for Emma to vent about her frustrations about being trapped at headquarters. She barely had any human interaction while being there except for when the nurses came to do their brief daily checkup on her. However, Nurse Rebecca would try to spend time and comfort Emma whenever she could. But Rebecca was often busy with her other headquarter patients assigned to her by Grandmother so she couldn't visit Emma as much as she wanted to.
Emma also used her diary to write notes on anything unusual or important she noticed during her time at headquarters. Like the strange symbols she saw on the elevator when she first arrived here. Or the device she had seen the doctor's were carrying around that seemed to be connected to the tracker in her heart. She made notes on each of the people and monsters she had come across since she left Gracefield. Even tried doing a basic layout sketch of what she saw so far from headquarters despite her knowledge being very limited so far, she hoped to get a better understanding of the place now that she would be allowed out of her room.
Any bit of information could help Emma find a way to stop the tracker bomb in her chest and escape this place. She went through all the possible notes before putting her diary away. During her stay in her room she found a hole on the floor caused by the pressure and weight of her bed. Emma used the hole as the perfect hiding spot for her diary. In case one of the staff decided to read it and were unhappy with all the sneaky notes Emma was making. The last thing Emma wanted was to get on the staff's bad side.
After putting her diary away Emma sat back in her desk chair. She stared at her wall that Rebecca helped her decorate with the gifts she received from her Gracefield siblings before she left. Looking at them was bittersweet; it made her long for her siblings but it also made her happy that she had a piece of them with her to remember them by. Emma ruefully smiled. She will try to find a way to stop her tracker and leave this place. If not to try and warn her family and give them a chance to escape if she can.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Emma quickly turned her head at the door then at the clock, then back at the door again. It was 5:18 am and the person came several minutes earlier than what was expected. Emma composed herself then opened the door. Outside waiting for her was a woman that looked to be of Indian descent. She had dark brown skin and eyes. Her jet black hair was tied into a neat braid that hung off her left shoulder. "Hello, I am Sister Meera. You are 63194 correct?`` She introduced herself formally. Emma nodded her head in response. Meera smiled in return. "I will be taking you to the first announcement hall. Follow me please." She instructed Emma as she held out her hand towards her.
Emma cautiously took the woman's hand as she led her out of her room like you would a small child. As they walked down the cold grey corridor Emma took comfort in the fact that Meera's hand was toasty warm, she looked up and down at Meera. The uniform she wore reminded her of her Mama's Isabella's. She wore a long black dress that reached to her feet. A white collar that covered her neck and a white apron that was wrapped around her waist. But the most noticeable thing about the woman was her protruding belly.
She's pregnant! Emma thought to herself in shock as Meera led her into an elevator and pressed a button causing the elevator to go up. She had been around a lot of children and babies. She was also reading a lot about childhood development and anatomy. But Emma had never seen a pregnant woman in person until now. She thought about what it must be like to have a baby developing inside you. Does it hurt? Does it feel strange? Maybe she could ask Meera..I wonder if she is having a boy or a girl, if she has picked out any names!
But then it dawned on Emma that Meera might not get to name the baby or even know what the baby's gender is. Even if she did, she would eventually have to give her child up to be raised for slaughter at one of the farms. It was inhumane! Tears began to form in Emma's eyes as she stared at protruding belly, which Meera noticed. "Don't worry." Meera said as she forced a smile. "Grandmother has informed me that the baby will be placed at a premium farm and will be raised with the most love and care possible." Meera said trying to comfort Emma but it sounded more like she was trying to comfort herself as Emma saw tears forming in the woman's eyes as well.
Now it was Emma's turn to comfort Meera as she leaned over to hug her. Meera froze at the sudden comforting touch of Emma's hug, but then soon returned the hug and began sobbing. Emma cried with her, allowing the woman to cry on her shoulder.
Ding…
The elevator had stopped as it reached its destination. Meera quickly let go of Emma and composed herself, wiping her face of all tears and sadness. Her expression turned into one of calmness and determination, it was as if she wasn't crying just moments ago. "Come on,let's go." Meera said almost demandingly as she practically dragged Emma out of the elevator doors. Emma noticed that the floor they were now on was floor number 9 and made sure to remember that for her notes later.
Emma recalled Nurse Rebecca's words about how people learn to turn off their emotions and empathy as a survival mechanism. Emma pitied Meera and wished she could take her and her baby out of this hell place but right now she couldn't. Emma was also grateful that she was lucky enough to share that vulnerable moment with Meera of them crying together in the elevator. She doubted that she would get a moment like that again anytime soon. Emma promised to herself that if she managed to escape this horrible place she would try to bring Rebecca, Meera and all the other girls and women trapped here with her.
Meera took Emma to a large room filled with rows of seats and a stage in front of them. The stage had a podium and speakers on it and a display board behind it. "Fresh meat sit at the front." Meera instructed Emma, which she quickly obeyed. "Good luck…" Meera whispered towards Emma before taking her seat at the very back row. Soon other women and girls arrived, some were wearing sister uniforms but most of them were wearing a grey smock like Emma's.
By the time it seemed like everyone arrived it became very clear to Emma that she was the youngest person in the room which made her feel very intimidated. She had also noticed the concerned and suspicious faces of everyone, even heard two whispers amongst each other that "Nothing good comes from Grandmother's 'speeches ' " which made Emma feel even more intimidated.
Soon enough, Grandmother walked on stage with a demon accompanying her. "Good morning girls." She greeted the crowd in a raspy voice. "Good morning Grandmother," the crowd greeted back unanimously, monotoned and rehearsed."I have some very exciting news for you all." she said in an almost sarcastic tone before smiling wickedly. Emma noticed that Grandmother suddenly had a set of pearly white teeth compared to her normal rotten toothless set. The pearly white teeth were obviously dentures but had made Grandmother look uncanny and somehow more wicked. It brought chills down Emma's spine every time she saw her smiling with them.
Suddenly, Grandmother made direct eye contact with Emma which made her almost want to leap from her seat. "We have a new girl joining us coming all the way from Plantation 3." Grandmother gestured towards her. Emma wanted to bury her face from all the faces now staring at her, some of which were hostile that there was now new competition and that she had from the top Plantation. "I trust you will all make her feel welcome." Grandmother remarked in an obviously mocking tone.
"Now bow before Lord Bayon the second, he has a very special announcement for you all so pay attention and show respect." Grandmother demanded and stepped down, letting Lord Bayon take the microphone. The audience quickly got up from their seats, including Emma, to bow. Emma was unsure how to correctly bow but quickly learned from watching the others that the 'correct' way to bow was more of a curtsy then the head and back down, arms to the side bow she had just done. But luckily for her no one took note or care.
The demon Lord Bayon gestured for the audience to sit back down as he began to speak into the microphone. "Thank you everyone. I am glad to be here." His voice was hypnotically deep and smooth like melted butter. If he wasn't a demon Emma would have found it soothing instead of creepy. The demon Lord Bayon the second had a face shaped like a goat. He had two long goat-like horns at each side of his head, four eyes, two vertical ones on his forehead and two normal horizontal ones. He was almost ten foot tall and his clothes and demeanour carried an aura of importance, he was very much royalty. But the most strange thing about him or should she say, normal thing about him was his long shiny black hair that almost reached the floor.
"As you know we have recently moved all the candidates and staff into one headquarters for better convenience and for another reason I am about to discuss. You see there is a problem amongst my community. As of lately there have been protests among the common demon folk about the lack of quality meat they are receiving. In response to this my fellow noble friends and I have decided to generously create two new premium plantations for the poor. This means we will be needing more new Sister and Mama candidates."
There were slight gasps heard from the crowd of girls and women. Emma looked around to see their faces which were a mix of surprise, determination but most of all hope . These responses were all positive which utterly baffled Emma. How are they so happy about more farms being made to raise children for demon consumption?! But then Emma thought about if they need more Mama's and Sister's to run the farms then that means that more girls and women would be spared from being eaten by demons and will be trained and picked to become Mama's and Sister's and used to bear more children, thus saving their lives. Emma couldn't blame them for being hopeful about having their chances of living increased. But it was still at the cost of more innocent children's lives.
Just how many farms/plantations were there? Emma thought to herself. Emma knew there were at least 3 since she was from plantation 3. The other was plantation 1, where Nurse Rebecca said she came from. Emma wondered about the second plantation and just how many plantations were there?
"GIRLS!" Grandmother roared through the microphone. Which quietened and startled the audience, including Emma interrupting her from her train of thought. "I know that this news is very promising but don't get cocky and start slacking off because there will be more Mama and Sister openings! You all will still need to pour your blood! Sweat! And tears! Into training and studying to become a candidate. If you don't, you will be sent away and served on a platter to the most esteemed among demons!"
Lord Bayon II gave a wicked smile, exposing his long pearly white sharp knife-like teeth. "Thank you Grandmother, I also want to let you all know that the next culling is in two weeks. Be prepared." He warned before gracefully exiting the stage. The expressions of the audience were now much different from what they were previously. From hope and determination to fear and horror. Grandmother then took charge of the microphone again. "You heard him ladies. Do your best and don't slack off. Now go and have breakfast. I recommend you try using the stairs instead of using the elevator all the time. It will make your leg muscles strong which some of you will need for the upcoming marathon. Good luck, you may take your leave now." Grandmother instructed, then she disappeared from the stage.
With that, the audience started to quietly shuffle from their seats and made their way to the exits. Emma followed behind them as she saw some of the younger girls going to use the stairs. Emma was going to join them when she suddenly felt a tug on her arm and was quickly dragged into the elevator. She looked up to see it was Meera who dragged her in with some of the other sisters. "Got a pet fresh meat Meera?" one the other sister's jeered mockingly and the others giggled, which Meera ignored. "Meera? Why did you bring me with you?" Emma asked, confused. "Shut up." Meera replied sharply, looking away from Emma and the other sisters.
Emma bit her lip in nervousness, she obediently didn't say another word the whole elevator ride. She watched as the other sister's gossiped amongst each other. "There are finally going to be new plantations, Scarlet! Maybe we will finally get to become Mamas!" A cheery woman with short bobbed platinum blonde hair exclaimed. "That would be the dream to finally be set free from this sister do you think is going to be eaten at the next culling?" A cold woman responded this time with bobbed black hair that she twirled with her finger.
"Definitely Sister Sienna. I mean she even missed this morning's announcement!" "No way! She is really fertile. Another one of her babies got sent to a platinum plantation not that long ago. They will probably still keep her around to make more cattle for the farms. I bet it's going to be Sister Krone. Her eccentric behaviour has been grating on everyone, including Grandmother." A calculating woman with long black hair tied neatly back in a ponytail suggested.
"Whoever it is. I don't think it will be one of you lot from Plantation 3. You all seem to have got Grandmother wrapped around your fingers. Probably because she herself was from Plantation 3." Another sister with curly brown hair fashioned in a pixie cut remarked bitterly.
Emma took a note of what they were saying and then watched the numbers go up till it stopped when it reached the 13th floor and the elevator's doors opened. Everyone inside exited the elevator. Meera had pulled Emma to one side. "You are a target because you are fresh meat. The other trainees like to haze and severely bully fresh meat. When I was a fresh meat, they stole my food, forcibly cut my hair, beat me up and one of the trainees almost pushed me down the stairs. But I was lucky someone had caught me." Emma's face turned to shock and horror as she saw the truthful sadness in Meera's eyes as she recalled the traumatic memories.
"Oh my goodness that's awful! I'm so sorry Meera!" Emma went to hug Meera again. Meera begrudgingly accepted it but was hesitant to return it. Emma quickly let go of her not wanting to make her uncomfortable. "Sorry.." she apologised awkwardly. "Did you tell anyone about the bullying?" Emma asked. Meera shook her head "No, unless you have someone particularly important on your side, you're on your own. The staff believe you should solve your own problems 'survival of the fittest.' "
"Oh…" Emma muttered sadly. "Is that why you brought me with you in the elevator?" she inquired. "No, I just came to give you this." Meera handed Emma a laminated rectangular piece of paper. "Your class timetable." Emma noticed Meera favoured her right hand when handing it to her. Which meant that it was likely her dominant hand. She also stared to the left. Emma remembered from the psychology book Rebecca read to her that it is a sign of lying. Meera most likely didn't want to admit she wanted to protect Emma from what she experienced when she was a fresh meat. "Never show weakness" is what Grandmother would say.
"Thank you" Emma said gratefully. "It's alright. Just be on guard okay kid?" Meera turned her back to walk to the cafeteria when Emma spoke again "My name is Emma" she introduced herself politely. Meera paused for a brief moment before she smiled ruefully to herself "Emma hmmm, such a nice name." then headed to the cafeteria line to wait for her food.
Emma had put her timetable in her smock's breast pocket then waited all the way at the back of the long line. She saw that the Sister candidates were served their food first. They ate their food in their own separate rooms. Their tables where they ate their food were fancy, carved with the nicest wood. Covered with the softest table cloths with the most intricate designs. There were always beautiful fresh flowers in a vase decorated in the middle of each table. The table seats were fit for a queen, fashionable red cushions as comfortable as a fluffy pillow.
Comparatively the trainee tables were cheap tables and chairs scattered around the cafeteria that looked nice but weren't as comfortable as the Sister's the trainees were much better off then the fresh meat who were made to eat off their trays on the floor. Emma shuddered at the thought of having to eat off the floor but she was glad it looked squeaky clean.
When it was finally Emma's turn to be served food she was the last in line. "Enjoy your food! last customer of the morninggg." An eerily boisterous dark skinned woman in a sister's uniform and her afro hair was tucked into a hair net. She twirled around happily before handing Emma her food tray. "Th-thank you." Emma replied nervously quickly, taking her food tray. She turned around and began to walk away when suddenly a voice called out to her "WAIT!" Which startled Emma almost making her drop her food tray.
Emma turned back around to see that the eerie woman that served her food was now leering at her as if she were studying Emma. "You're the new girl from Gracefield house, aren't you?" She implored. Emma was surprised by her question for a couple of reasons. First she referred to Emma as 'new girl' instead of fresh meat or her number tattoo. Second, she referred to Emma's old home as Gracefield house instead of Plantation 3 like everyone else had so far.
"Y-y-yes I am." Emma replied honestly. The woman then grinned widely "Hey me too!" she exclaimed and reached her hand out towards Emma which she reluctantly took. The woman shook Emma's hand vigorously to the point it almost hurt her wrist. "I am Sister Krooooneee. Nice to meetcha!" introduced herself in a singalong voice with her name "Krone'' being accentuated. Emma was taken aback by Krone's demeanour but politely smiled "It is nice to meet you too Sister Krone my name is Emma." Krone gave a mischievous smile. "Emma hmmm. You're supposed to know my name. But I am not supposed to know yours hahaha." she sneakily giggled. "But don't worry your secret's safe with me. Now off you go Emma I will see you around. Gooood luuuck!" She said roaringly then slammed the window to the cafeteria down before Emma could reply.
What a strange woman. But she seems nice. Maybe I can talk to her later? Emma thought. She then looked at the food tray she was holding. There was a bowl of rice porridge in the centre of the tray with two pieces of plain buttered toast on the side, along with a protein bar, banana and apple. Just when Emma had got a good look at her food she suddenly was shoved from behind and fell dropping her tray causing her porridge to spill and the rest of her food to fall everywhere.
"Ouch." Emma yelped in pain. "So you're the new fresh meat from Plantation 3 huh?" A malicious voice remarked from above. Emma looked up to see a young teenage girl in the same grey smock as she was wearing. The girl was of Asian descent and her ebony hair was in a straight well cut short bob with choppy bangs. Her skin was light, and eyes were obsidian which reflected in the light. Her beauty, baby face and short stature gave her an appearance of innocence in contrast to what she just did to Emma.
"You think you're so special? Taking the elevator with the sisters instead of taking the stairs like the rest of us, bitch?! Well let me tell you something.." She then stood on Emma's stomach. "Gaaahhh!" Emma cried out in pain. "YOU. ARE. NOTHING!" She screamed and spat in Emma's face. "You will be lucky to even survive the next culling in two weeks. If this place or us trainee's don't kill you first." She threatened before kicking her side and walking away.. Emma groaned and weeped. She lied on the floor for a while before slowly getting up, having been winded by that nasty girl.
"Pathetic baby." "Easy cattle" "Queen 3 flush" Some of the other trainees that sat with the nasty girl cruelly remarked and laughed at Emma. They high fived the nasty girl and shared Emma's food amongst each other that was still edible. While the other trainees were too afraid or indifferent to do anything and continued eating their food.
Emma ran out of the cafeteria and into the elevator. She tried to use the elevator buttons but they seemed to not be working no matter what she pressed. That was when she noticed something about the elevator. It had 18 floors, each had the strange symbols next to them she saw last time. She wished she had brought a piece of paper with her to jot down the symbols. So she tried to memorise the first few and write them down in her journal when she came back to her room. Then do the same thing the next time. She also noticed on the elevator's buttons they had holographic lights on each of them, some different colours others the same.
A sister then saw Emma. "Hey trainees are not allowed to use the elevator without a sister or a member of staff present!" The sister growled. Emma took a step back in fear, she was still crying from what happened to her in the cafeteria. "I am s-s-sorry" she stammered. "What are you doing here? Why are you crying?" The sister asked, concerned, approaching her.
Emma then recognized her as one of the sister's that was gossiping in the elevator, The one with long dark hair in a ponytail. Emma tried to wipe the tears from her face before she spoke again but to little avail. "I want to go back to my room. One of the girls pushed me in the cafeteria, making me drop my food. She stood on my stomach and kicked me. It really hurt. Please don't make me go back in there." She continued crying.
The sister gave Emma a look that she could not quite describe. A mixture of pity and contempt but at the same time a look of understanding and knowing. "I see…" she remarked while twirling a lock on the side of her hair. Shen got closer to Emma, eyeing her up. "Well even if I were to let you go by yourself. You can't. You see the buttons have a holographic code that is only accessible to people who have them. When I and other women became sister's we had the code embedded into our index fingerprint. But we still don't have access to all of the floors. Only grandmother does and those creatures…" The sister said bitterly thinking of her unsuccessful attempts to search the other floors. Emma knew by those creatures she meant the demons.
"Oh where are my manners? I am Sister Jessica." She curtisied toward Emma. Emma looked up at the sister. Her light blue eyes and gentle smile would look sweet to most children but Emma could see the cunning intent behind them. Emma refused to meet her gaze while she reluctantly introduced herself, having stopped crying. "Nice to meet you Sister Jessica. I'm Emma." Jessica's face suddenly went blank for a moment before it turned into a look of disgust.
"No you're not! You're still just a number on your neck. You haven't poured your blood sweat and tears, nor broken bones or lost your soul to earn your name back like I have! So don't you even dare imply we are equals!" She snapped. Causing Emma to take another step back "I-I-I am sorry. I didn't mean to. I…" Emma resumed her crying as she went into a fetal position. "I just want to go home!" she sobbed. Jessica gave Emma the same indescribable look she did before.
Jessica then crouched down to Emma's level and began condescendingly patting her on the head "Shhh there, there. Why don't we help each other? I can make sure you don't have to go back to the cafeteria today. In fact I'll make sure you never have to eat or be bullied again in the cafeteria if you like. In return you just have to do me a small favour." she whispered. Emma frowned looking up at Jessica. "What kind of favour?"
Jessica smiled impishly "I saw you talking to Sister Krone earlier, she seems to have taken quite the interest in you. I'll tell you what if you help me gain useful information on Krone, I'll help you." "You want me to spy on her?!" Emma yelled which caused Jessica to quickly hold a finger to her mouth. "Now, now I wouldn't say spy. I just want you to get to know her, her interests, her plans throughout the day and her relationships with Grandmother and Mama Isabella."
"But…why?" Emma asked, confused. "I'm sure you could tell, Sister Krone's behaviour is rather eccentric… But, despite this, she is still an 'elder sister' the most top ranking among sisters. The one that is next in line to get the Mama position if we lose any Mama candidates. This causes a problem for me. Since I am a lower ranking sister it is still a possibility I will be executed at future cullings. But if I were to get an elder sister position my life would be more secure and I could become a Mama in the future. I need you to get me information on Krone I can use and in return I'll help you." Jessica explained.
So, spying…. Emma thought uncomfortably. Sure, Krone seemed a little strange. But she had done nothing wrong that Emma knew off. Did she really deserve to be spied on? Sister Jessica frowned, sensing Emma's reluctance. She suddenly grabbed her arm. "Well if you feel uncomfortable doing that you can go back to the cafeteria." She remarked as she began dragging Emma out of the elevator.
"NO!" Emma pleaded. "Fine! I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll help you!" She cried. Jessica suddenly let go of her as she snatched back her arm. "Wonderful!" Jessica smiled as she reached her hand out towards Emma. "It's a deal! Let's shake on it." Emma shakedly took her hand Jessica gave it a quick but firm shake. Emma had instantly regretted her decision and felt guilty despite not even giving Jessica any information on Krone yet.
"Good and you better find useful information on Krone or else the deal is off and you wouldn't want rumours getting out to Grandmother that you have been trying to escape wouldn't you?" Jessica threatened with an evil smile. Emma shook her head in response. Even though Emma has made no escape attempts so far, one rumour of it especially from a sister would likely get her in serious trouble if not executed.
"I'll start by fulfilling my end of the bargain. Let me help you.:" Jessica pulled Emma out the way as she went to use the elevator buttons. She pressed the elevator button that was labelled 5 with her left index finger. Emma watched as the outer ring of the button lit up in a circular motion with a reddish pink colour before it filled the inside and the elevator began to go down.
"I thought I was going back to my room. My room floor is number 3, not number 5." Emma explained. "I know." Jessica replied and smiled ominously. This scared Emma "Where are we going? What room is room 5?" "Grandmother's room.." Jessica answered in a matter of fact tone. A chill ran down Emma's spine. "G-Grandmother? Why am I going to see grandmother?" "I said I was going to help you and that's what I am doing." "How is sending me to grandmother helping me?!" Emma surprisingly snapped. Which scared her surely she would get in trouble for speaking to a Sister in that tone. But Jessica didn't seem to care and replied dismissively "You'll see." Any attempts at Emma trying to ask Jessica for more information was also dismissed. Emma was scared and her hands began to shake involuntarily despite trying to suppress it. She managed to stop crying and cleared away her tears. She did not want to seem weak if she was to see Grandmother. It seemed like forever but when the elevator finally reached floor number 5 Jessica dragged Emma out as soon as the elevator doors opened.
It wasn't far till they reached a red victorian style door. "Ask Grandmother about Krone." Jessica whispered to Emma before she gave the door a firm couple of knocks. An annoyed sigh could be heard from behind the door, then the sound of a chair being pushed back before footsteps could be heard approaching the door. Slowly it opened a jar with Grandmother peering through. Her face lit up in recognition when she saw Sister Jessica and then fully exited her room. Her face then changed to one of annoyance as she crossed her arms. "Is there a good reason why you have decided to disturb me Jessica?"
Jessica smirked as she stepped aside revealing Emma "It seems like the trainees have been giving your newest fresh meat a hard time. Caught this one trying to use the elevator without a sister or member of staff present. She wanted to go back to her room after being threatened in the cafeteria." She explained. Grandmother perched an eyebrow "Is that so?" She then looked at Emma analysing her. Emma tried her best not to look afraid but the fear of Grandmother was evident on her face and body.
"Bring her in." Grandmother commanded. Jessica nodded then dragged Emma through the door. Emma did give her a bit of resistance but she was no match for Jessica who then plucked her from the ground and placed her in a seat in front of a large desk. Grandmother sat in her seat behind the desk. "You may leave now Jessica." Grandmother instructed. Jessica curtsied "Of course. Thank you Grandmother." She went to exit Grandmother's room but not before quickly glancing at Emma then closing the door behind her.
"I guess the trainees have given you quite the welcome." Grandmother remarked sarcastically. "A girl had pushed me over, making me drop my food. Then she stood on my stomach, threatened me and kicked me. Her friends laughed at me and took the rest of my food." Emma explained with tears in her eyes. "And what did you do about it?" Grandmother asked bluntly. Emma was unsure how to respond. She was a little taken back despite expecting such a response from Grandmother.
"I ran into the elevator trying to get away from them like Sister Jessica said. I wanted to go back to my room." Emma answered truthfully. Grandmother tsked in disapproval. "You shouldn't have done that. Now they think you are weak and an easy target that won't fight back and they will continue to bully you until you fight back." Emma frowned "Fight back? But how can I fight back against them?..." she asked in defeat.
Grandmother smirked, "I'll show you." she said. She then held down a button on her desk "Sienna can you please make two plates of the breakfast special as well as a pot of mint tea thank you." She instructed. "Right away Grandmother." A voice responded back.
"Follow me." Grandmother got up from her desk and walked to one of the doors on the side of her room with Emma quickly following behind her obediently. As grandmother opened the door, Emma took a quick glance around her current room. Grandmother's main "office room" was very old fashioned. A Victorian style writing desk with a pile of papers on it. There were reading glasses and a vase of strange white flowers next to the papers. Grandmother must have been studying them on her comfy dark red chair that looked more like a throne for a queen. In contrast there was a high tech computer and communication system at the back. The walls were covered in red and black gothic Victorian wallpaper.
There were pictures of demons on the walls. Including some of the demons she had met before like Gotzuzel, Misura and Lord Bayon II. Emma had always been good with remembering names. But a giant picture above the entrance to the main door stood out from the rest. The demon in the picture was different from other demons she had seen while it did have horns. It had only one giant blue eye that she could clearly make out instead of multiple eyes like the other demons had. This demon was tiny the size of a toddler. It had a small mouth too. It reminded Emma of a teddy bear because it looked adorable. This demon must be important because his picture was sealed in a golden frame.
Emma then felt Grandmother tug on her arm as she brought her into the next room. It was a dining room. There was a kitchen table and four chairs made to look like she could have multiple guests. But Emma seemed to be her only guest today. The kitchen table had a light white tablecloth and a vase of red roses in the centre on top of the table.
There was a kitchen in the back where a red headed Sister was making food. Emma figured that she was Sienna who grandmother was talking to just before.
Emma and Grandmother both sat down on opposite ends of the table. Emma looked at the kitchen's walls that had pure black wallpaper and had pictures on them. Then she saw a picture of something she instantly recognized as Gracefield House! At first she did not recognize any of the people in the picture. Until she got closer, she saw Grandmother! But she wasn't a Grandmother, she was a Mama and was young! She had short blonde hair, no wrinkles and a kind smile. The total opposite of who she was now.
She was also lovingly holding two babies in her arms. She was in the centre of the photo and surrounding her were other children all wearing the same white uniform Emma and her siblings wore at Gracefield. The children were smiling or making silly faces. They were all cheerful and happy like one big family. Emma was sad when she realised that all of those children are probably now long dead. They became some demon's meal and were eaten.
That's when she recognised one of the children. The familiar dark hair and violet eyes. Mama Isabella! Without thinking Emma got up from her chair and got closer to the photo. She saw Isabella was around her age or younger in the photo. She had her hair in a long braid over her shoulder instead of the tight bun that she wore as an adult. She had her arms wrapped around another child's shoulders. A boy around her age who had purple hair and blue eyes, His pale skin was dotted with freckles, he was holding a stringed instrument similar to a guitar. He looked a bit bashful around Isabella in the photo but they both looked so happy. Is this Leslie, who Mama told me about? Emma wondered.
Suddenly, Emma felt a cold rough hand on her shoulder. It was my grandmother but she didn't look mad at Emma she just looked nostalgically at the picture "Ahh my children they all did so well. It was so hard to decide which child to ship out next because their scores were so close. Which is why Gracef- Plantation 3 became the best premium farm and how I got the Grandmother position with no contest." She said boastfully. It disturbed Emma how Grandmother had more trouble deciding which to "ship" out children over their scores instead of them being innocent lives she was leading to be slaughtered. She even seemed proud of it!
"Don't you ever regret raising those children just to send them all to their deaths?" Emma asked. Grandmother only did a brief pause before she smiled "No. I gave them all a good life. Short but a life full of happiness and love."
"Until the moment when they were betrayed by their Mama and brutally killed by one of those demons." Emma piercingly responded. Grandmother did not react except for a slight smirk. "They were only ever meant to be food, no more than that."
"Yet you became a Grandmother and Isabella a Mama. Many other women from the plantations here become sisters or nurses. Aren't you all food too? What makes them or you different?"
This question finally broke through Grandmother's ice cold exterior. Her face fell and she took a while to answer before she sighed "We are given the chance to prolong the inevitable and fight with every inch within us to do so. We live in the demon's world and they decide if we live or die. Without us they would have no sustenance."
I had to cut this chapter into 2 parts because it was quite long! Please let me know if you like it.
EDIT: I edited this and the previous chapter. I didn't realize each farm had different Plantations. Gracefield has four Plantations. While other farms like Goodwill Ridge has their own. And all the farms have separate headquarters. I made it so Nurse Rebecca is still from Gracefield house but from Plantation 1 instead.
