VIII
"Wolf."
Wisteria has entered the chatroom.
Ray has entered the chatroom.
Ray: Lila...!
Wisteria: Huh..? Oh, Ray, you're back. I was getting worried.
Ray: Yeah. I wanted to see you.
Ray: Actually... I'm not doing so well right now... This headache is just killing me and my meds don't seem to be working much either.
Wisteria: Does it hurt a lot? You have been taking care of yourself, haven't you? I already told you that I wanted you to get some actual rest.
Wisteria: I'm worried about you.
Ray: Yeah... this headache comes and goes once in a while.
Ray: My body has probably grown used to the painkiller. I've been taking it as much as my daily meal most days.
Wisteria: That's not so good to do. Too much of something can actually make things worse.
Ray: ...You think? It's never been bad to this extent in a long time.
Ray: Is this a side effect of thinking of thinking too much...?
Ray: Or... It is because my willpower isn't strong enough?
Ray: Lila, I hope you'll tell me if you're sick... I'd hate and rather die to see you going through the same pain I did.
Wisteria: I would, Ray. But I'm doing well lately, compared to the past.
Ray: That's good... I worry about your well-being.
Wisteria: A lot of people worry about me, but I fear not many fear about your sake.
Ray: Yes, I know better than anyone else what it's like to be sick... alone, even. It's unfortunate, but that's the way things work sometimes. I have one person who cares... but, to think that you worry about me as well makes that count go up to two.
Wisteria: Ray...
Ray: You've seen the log right? Looks like AI 707 found my trace, and he's apparently investigating like a madman.
Wisteria: Um, Yes. About that, Ray...
Wisteria: He made it sound like you're... a threat to the RFA, Ray.
Ray: Hahaha I'm the developer and controller of the game. Of course, they might think I'm a threat because I control the game.
Ray: Those AIs have no idea that they are running all in circles in the palm of my hand. So that's probably why they sound like that, Lila. They're complete idiots... But no need to mind them! This is all just a bug that arises because I made them too realistic. One day... I'm gonna fix all those bugs.
Ray: Oh, I noticed from your last log that V logged in a moment ago, didn't he? I see he's trying to gain your trust and use you to find out what he wants again... when he's still hiding loads of things from you, Isn't that how you feel?
Wisteria: He's going through a lot, as far as I can tell.
Wisteria: I don't think he's a bad person, Ray. He just seems unsure of his next step. That's not a bad thing, it's a problem a lot of people have.
Ray: I set him to speak in a kind manner... so that's probably why he seems kind to you. I programmed him like that on purpose. While I was making a variety of characters. So he's actually not a kind person.
Ray: So don't let him get to you, Lila...
Ray: I'm starting to get a little annoyed by it. My head is trying to kill me, and those AIs are also acting like idiots again.
Ray: Huh, I'm the developer of the game, but I'm annoyed by my own game... Perhaps you wouldn't like that!
Wisteria: It's not easy to like everyone... even your own characters. There are ones you might get along with and others you wouldn't, but they all serve a purpose in life and matter in some capacity, even if it's not to you.
Wisteria: But, I am curious.
Wisteria: ...Who you think is the most favorable, Ray?
Ray: I think Jumin is the least unfavorable one among the RFA AIs. Though it bothers me a little that he's friends with V. Jumin is running a gigantic company... so his analytic and calm way of thinking will be of great help to us in the future?
Wisteria: Us? What do you mean by that?
Ray: Oh.
Ray: I mean... he'll be useful in my research in analyzing the data. He's the type of the AI that's easy to draw out the patterns, so he'd be good for research for future projects.
Ray: Anyways, watch out for V, Lila. As I said, he's not one you should lean towards. He's untrustworthy.
Ray: It bothers me that he's trying to dig information out of you. If you trust him and do as he tells you... He'll eventually betray you and lead you to do a bad ending... I'd hate to see you sad with the game suddenly over in the middle...
Wisteria: There's always a restart... right? I mean, that's the whole point in a game. It has a start and an end that can be repeated.
Ray: But it'd be so sad if the data is all gone... you devoted all your time and heart to them... but they'll forget you... Since you started playing... you should have a happy ending.
Wisteria: That's a good point, I guess. But I'm sure there's plenty of other settings they'll be to test after this, right? So... I'll be here for a while.
Ray: I hope you'd continue staying here if possible. I'll be able to do that if you agree. Did you think about what I asked of you this morning? About that contract... that will let you stay here.
Wisteria: ...And the benefits that come from that are, what, exactly?
Ray: You're free to roam wherever you want in this place and you'll be able to take part in what we do to make someone happy. I really... really want to stay here with you. Forever on and on.
Ray: Could you give it a thought... by this evening...?
Wisteria: I'll think about it...
Ray: Good! Actually, there is an AI that's even worse than that guy V. We already talked about this, so perhaps you already realized who it is.
Wisteria: By my assumption and what I've heard from you, I would say 707.
Ray: That's right...! I knew you would feel the same. I'm so glad... 707 is the worse AI... 707 is a monster... He's incapable of feeling sorrow. He was programmed entirely different from me.
Wisteria: If you didn't like him so much, you could have just... removed him from the equation, he's just a character, remember?
Ray: ...I wish. I wish I could do that right now. When I think of all the trouble the AIs have made... But I'm going to wait. I'm going to wait until l I come up with a plan to get rid of him in the perfect possible way.
Ray: Though it's kind of sad... but then my headache will get better. Yes, that's right! I've got an idea. Lila, do you like surprises?
Ray: I'm the administrator of this game so I can control the situations for the AIs whenever I want. It's a kit for surprise events. I am the creator of that game so I can insert whatever information I want.
Wisteria: That means more work for you, Ray. You know I don't want you to push yourself.
Ray: It is, but I'd like to keep you entertained! But the details are secret!
Ray: You'll get to see a very surprising event related to the 707 AI ^^ I'll make sure you won't get bored... Not for the AIs but for this game I made... I hope you'll continue to stay by my side.
Wisteria: You know games like these are only great when you can hold good relationships with the AIs...?
Ray: Yeah... that's the irony.
Ray: You'll have to get close to them to find out what they're hiding... But... I hope you won't get too attached to them. Oh... I think I gotta go now, Lila. My painkiller sees to have arrived.
Ray: But I feel a little better... Maybe it's because I told my heart to you? You said that's what friends do for each other. We confide our feelings to one another to get closer - and to feel better.
Wisteria: Are you sure you're going to be alright? If you're already feeling unwell you should take a break and not think too hard. I'm worried.
Ray: Keep me in your thoughts. Please. I feel that I'll get better in no time thanks to your energy. I'll get going now. Don't forget - be careful of the bad ending, alright?
Wisteria: Don't worry too hard.
Wisteria: It's alright, Ray.
Ray: Bye, Lila.
Ray has left the chatroom.
There was a weight in my chest as I sat in this room.
I didn't have any shred of a chance to get out of here before this ceremony. I had a feeling what was waiting for me out there, but I couldn't sure that I would be able to get out of it without... There was no way out of Mint Eye, out of Magenta. I wasn't getting out of here alone tonight and there was no way that I was going to be able to leave with just Ray at this rate. It would be hard enough to find my way out of this place I just wished I was on the other side of my phone screen - back home, playing a game and finishing the painting that I had promised my sister I would finish and bring to her in person.
Speaking of that memory that just came to me: That canvas was sitting on the table of my apartment right now and it wouldn't be going anywhere. Was anybody back home even aware that I was gone? Would my Mother be knocking on the door, or walking inside and checking on me? Would she even bother to double check how long I had been gone?
Was Lucy even worried?
Did they know I was gone at all...?
Did it matter?
I lifted my phone from the table and tried to rattle off a text to Lucy. When I hit send, the phone told me that that number didn't exist. I tried once more, but it gave the same response. As I thought, there was no way to let them know where I was or what had happened. I was trapped indefinitely because of my choices. I spiraled downwards after that moment and just laid my head against the cool floor and tried to shut everything out for the longest time. Some time passed, and I wasn't how much passed until My phone vibrated and buzzed in my hand. Who would that be? Ray? My thoughts were broken as I picked my phone without checking the name.
Seven's voice came through the other line. "Hey, it's me. What are you doing? Oh, right. It's almost dinner time. Did you eat dinner?"
The fact that he had called me at all right now blew my mind. I still wasn't sure what Ray had sent him that had rattled him so hard. Maybe their shared and checkered past? There were many things that I thought could leave Seven in a frenzy and nothing would ever prove to be enough to make him frantic. The only thing that could upset him was his little brother.
I grimaced. The last time we had spoken to each other, he wasn't sure that he could trust me anymore. I braced myself for a conversation and drew in a very shaken breath of air into my lungs. I doubted that sounded put together, if he listened close enough he would know that I had been crying. "I had this and that. What about you, Seven?" I said.
It was a lie but I wasn't going to say otherwise.
Seven hummed. "Good to know you're eating. I didn't eat yet... I don't feel like eating if I'm honest.. and I have this craving for ice cream today. I've always liked ice creams. Take a bite, and your mouth is full of sweetness. You feel better once you eat it. Popsicle, ice cream on the cone... I ate all kinds of ice creams. And what kind of ice cream do you like? Popsicle? Cone?"
He had poor habits but I wasn't the person to be calling anyone out for what or how they ate. This conversation was enough to make us forgot about the pain, I guess. "To be honest... I just like to eat them straight from the half-gallon tub or pint-sized, especially if I'm upset. That's a little silly but hey," I mumbled. "But I figure everyone has a favorite."
"Oh, well, that says something about you. I prefer the straight soft serve. It melts away on your tongue as you're eating it. You know, I feel like I'm in a whole new world when I'm eating ice cream. Perhaps ice cream paralyzes this part in the brain that nums the senses since it's way too sweet. But I don't know the details... It's just a theory. When I was young, I used to laugh whenever I had ice cream, no matter how hard I cried before that. By the way, when I was young, I used to eat this cream that you split in half... The one you can share with your friend, you know? That was my favorite."
I hesitated for a moment then asked. "Well, who did you share it with?"
"A person most precious to me. A person I miss so much in the entire world... Who is that person...? It's a secret. Phew. My head is full of thoughts. You know, for some reason I talk about a bunch of things on my mind when I'm with you. I heard there was this class for being a good listener... You didn't take that class did you?" He sounded tired, so very tired, Seven would never be able to forget his past and his little brother and the pain he was going through. This entire time he just assumed that Saeran was okay... because V promised, but, the promise had been in some way broken since it had been forged and nothing was okay.
It stung because his brother was right here... and he couldn't know about it.
It was no different then how I felt about my own sister at that moment... she was so far away from me, and I knew nothing about how she was doing or if she was thinking about me. Something about Seven just made it easy to talk and easy to listen to. His persona was only half of the person that he really was - I knew he had a good heart and he just wanted to protect his precious people but knowing that this boy wasn't alright but I think he needed a real distraction from his pain and memories.
I desperately wanted to do the same.
But - my heart missed that someone.
Against my better judgment, I just blurted it out. "No... I didn't, I'm afraid. I have... had someone like that in my life too."
"You did...?" he asks, unsure.
"Yeah. My sister, she's a little older than me but not by much. But if you knew her you might think she was way older by the way she talks and acts. She's not a secret friend... but I've not mentioned her to everyone else in the RFA because... I miss her right now. We're..." I trailed. "We're kind of separated by this invisible wall, Seven."
Seven didn't say anything.
"We could talk about everything and anything... it didn't matter how bad things were. With all this dysfunction right now, I kind of wish I could talk to her but I can't. I wish I could reach out to her - but it's not easy, you know? Sometimes you just can't do stuff like that because there's something there stopping you from doing it. But, I still want to try..." I said, not thinking about how this might sound. "I haven't seen my sister in a while, I mean, we've talked on the phone but I had kind of... I mean, something happened a couple of months ago and I haven't seen her in person since that incident. I kind of messed up with her and even though she says it's okay - I don't know if it really is."
"And when I'm talking to you... I don't know, but you, you kind of remind me of her." I missed my sister so much right now. I had no way of talking to her anymore and we always talked at least once a day. I, too, was separated from someone that I loved and confided in with my pain. She wasn't in this universe... I was here by myself. In some ways, I understood the pain that Seven was feeling for his brother. It really did feel like the separation was beyond space and time. I couldn't imagine how he must have felt on the daily... he was upset in his route, for sure, but we only saw some extent of his pain. His outward persona had always reminded me of my sister, ever since I started playing the game back home.
"I'm sorry if that sounds weird, Seven. She's always happy and looking out for others even if it hurts her in the process." Goofy and a quick humor on the surface - pain, and grief underneath it that wouldn't be dealt with unless you fought the surface to get it out. "I just get that feeling from you, and I know you're kind."
"Lila..." He began to say.
"Even though I messed up earlier and I don't know what all the hacker is capable of or know what his intentions are... I know there's a line there that you have to tread to protect the RFA from danger. You're a kind person, Seven. They're lucky to have you in their family. Anybody would be," I whispered. "So, if you're feeling low right now about the situation - don't be. Everyone believes in you, everyone. Read between the lines and keep fighting on your end. This will all be okay in the end."
"Whatever you're worried about, keep fighting for it."
I didn't entirely believe what I was saying but I so badly wanted to believe that it might be okay. That - the end game of whatever path that I was walking would lead to the brothers being reunited without pain. Maybe it was more that I wanted to think that I could get out of this and help them somehow - some selfish hope that despite being walking the line between the fire and the water there was still hope somewhere.
Seven was quiet on the other line of the phone. He was breathing softly. "Ugh, this won't do... I think I'll end up saying something I shouldn't. I'm hanging up now. I'll see you after I cool down a bit."
V has entered the chatroom.
V: Wisteria...! Thank goodness. You're here.
Wisteria: You wanted to see me, V?
V: Yes. There was something that I wanted to ask you. Do you have any important appointment this evening?
Wisteria: Yes. How did you know that?
Wisteria: It's kind of important but I - I'm not sure I want to go through with it.
V: Important decision? I see. If it's important, you should be prudent... it's better to be on top things like this.
Wisteria: Yeah. It is... isn't it?
V: In a few more hours it'll be a week since you joined us... How's your preparation going?
Wisteria: I feel like I should be working harder, honestly, like I'm not doing enough that I could be.
V: I'll recommend you, potential guests. if I find any people you might be interested in. I'm sorry that I'm the least active participant in this.
V: Nothing has been settled regarding the party, including the date. I'm sure you were nervous since this is your first RFA party. I'm sorry. I'm checking the security and taking into consideration various circumstances so my announcement is being delayed. But that's because I value the RFA so much. I want to check twice and thrice.
V: Since I'm the head of the association. I can't stop thinking about the party and the members. You have no idea how precious the RFA is to me...
Wisteria: It's clear to me how much you value the RFA. They're a second family to you, right? The people you choose to keep around are usually the ones you value the most. I understand. Don't worry.
V: Thank you... Wisteria. Due to circumstances, I thought it would be hard for you to trust me. Thank you so much for saying that.
V: Something bad happened to Luciel today... He's trying to pretend that he's okay in the messenger... because he also has secrets to keep. But there's someone trying to hurt him using that secret. So my heart is breaking into pieces.
Wisteria: It hurts a lot to see him in pain like that.
Wisteria: He's normally so happy.
V: Thank you for understanding - it's also important to me that none of the members get hurt.
V: Luciel, the rest... and you too. I'm especially concerned for you, Wisteria. You literally found yourself thrown into a messenger with a bunch of strangers. I believe you'll be nervous. So that's why In case something bad happens to you I'll protect you.
Wisteria: Thank you, V.
Wisteria: I appreciate that more than you know.
V: If something bad happens, I trust in you, Wisteria. You're a good person... I've never met you for real and we didn't even get to talk a lot but I can tell that you've come to us with an innocent intention.
Wisteria: I want nothing but good for the RFA.
V: I knew you'd say that!
V: Because I can feel that from you as you write outside this chatroom... Actually... That's why I'm even more worried. I'm worried what happened to Luciel might happen to you too.
Wisteria: I promise I'll be cautious... This evening is making me a little nervous.
V: Yes...! That's what I wanted to tell you.
V: Do take a look around. If anything looks suspicious... call me. I'm worried someone bad would exploit your innocent heart.S o I'm worried even now that you might be under someone's exploitation. I hope my heart can reach you, Wisteria. I'm worried about you and I trust you. I hope the hearts of the other members could also reach you.
V: Oh, dear. Looks like I've spoken nothing but concerns. Actually, I have good news. The date for the party has been set.
Wisteria: When is it?
V: The party will be held next week. A week from today.
Wisteria: That's very soon-! Will I be able to manage the preparations that soon, I wonder?
V: Actually... I'm kind of counting the member's competence. But this party will be small. Although it'll be small I believe we'll be able to host a party good enough... if we work together for a week.
V: Oh... Hang on... I think I need to go.
Wisteria: It was nice to talk to you again.
V: Agreed. Let's work hard until the deadline. And... do let me know if you notice anything suspicious Wisteria I hope your heart heads towards the path same as our's... That's what my heart always wishes for. Excuse me.
V has left the chatroom.
Wisteria: Why do I feel like... No... This isn't the time.
Wisteria has left the chatroom.
Wisteria has entered the chatroom.
Ray has entered the chatroom.
Ray: Lila! I've been waiting for this moment.
Wisteria: Hi, Ray.
Ray: Good evening, Lila!
Ray: Thank for your patience. Now it's time to make the contract to become our official resident... Have you given a thought about it...?
Wisteria: ...I haven't made my decision yet.
Ray: I heard that taking a little walk is good for you if you have too many thoughts. I'm constantly haunted by my anxiety attacks whenever I curl up in silence... So I tend to move around a lot. I even force myself to move if I have to.
Ray: Make your contract, and we'll be able to walk every day! Listen, Lila. You know what? I heard that the thought that lasts just before you fall asleep determines how you feel the next day. I'm reminded of the person I hate the most before I fall asleep. And that thought tortures me even till the next morning... to the point, I don't want to open my eyes.
Wisteria: That must feel awful, Ray.
Wisteria: You shouldn't focus so hard like that if it makes you upset. You seem to have this problem a lot.
Ray: Yes, it is. It's so horrible that I wake up to find myself depressed and painful every time but I hope that's not the case for you.
Ray: I want to make you fall asleep every night with happy thoughts once you start living here.
Ray: Because... I've actually... I think I've... fallen for you.
Wisteria: This is very sudden, Ray - I don't
Wisteria: What?
Wisteria: I don't know what to say.
Wisteria: Do you even know what that feels like...?
Wisteria: You said you never even had a friend before, and suddenly you think you like me more than that?
Ray: Oh, I'm terribly sorry if I was rushing, princess. I'm just... nervous. I don't want you to go...
Ray: I'd really like you to make your contract tonight...! Lila...You're not gonna betray me, are you? I hope you won't trust those AIs more than me, for example... I hope such a sad thing won't happen...
Wisteria: I won't betray you. You always seem to jump to that same answer. Why would I do something like that to you, Ray? I promised I wouldn't hurt you. We're friends.
Ray: You have no idea how glad I am whenever you tell me that. Please keep our promise, Lila.
Ray: Throughout my life, all of the people who betrayed were unwelcome and uninvited guests... But you're not one of those people, Lila... You came here for chose to. So... now I can hope, right? I can hope that you're nothing like those who betrayed me... right?
Wisteria: I think you should trust in yourself more than be expecting me to trust you to boost your confidence, Ray. What I think shouldn't matter as much as what you think.
Ray: Trust me...?
Ray: I don't think I can... do that yet. I'm not sure if I'm good at anything other than computers... I've tried other things but I'm just not great like others... I'm just good at these few things. Though, I feel like I'm a fantastic person if I think that you like me! Do you know what I think every day? I want you to be by my side... I want you to give me all of your sadness and pain.
Ray: I want to stay here forever with you.
Ray: If you stay here... I want to protect you... from everything bad. From the morning when you wake up right until you fall asleep...I want to protect you. I really want to protect you... Do you understand how I feel?
Wisteria: Ray...
Ray: Oh.
Ray: I knew it. You can also see how pathetic I am on the inside. I didn't want you to see it. But I... I'll try to be a better person. I'll try to be a stronger person, Lila. I'll try much harder to become a braver person...! I wish you stay with me... I'll come for you now... Tell me your choice, Lila.
Wisteria: I'll think about it...
Ray: Okay... I'm coming for you...!
Ray has left the chatroom.
Wisteria has left the chatroom.
Here it comes. I thought with much trepidation.
Ray entered the room without hesitation. There was the briefest sound of a row of knocking at the door, but beyond that, he sauntered inside with much excitement abuzz. I was startled, despite that fact he alluded he would be here within a few moments. My phone wound up inside my pocket not a second later and I dusted off my skirt; Of the different options that I had from this boundless closet, I decided on an off the shoulder blue dress with a white skirt. There hadn't been much hope for my hair so I left it down. It was easier to hide behind the curls than to look someone in the eyes.
Especially tonight.
Ray was no different than usual. His eyes betrayed his bright and colorful way of dress. He looked like he hadn't been able to rest since they decided it was time to initiate me into this cult. He smiled despite it. "Hi, Lila. There seems to be a lot going on in your head... I'm already done with all preparations. You only need to choose, Lila. Will you please stay with me forever and on?"
Ray stared at me, expectantly. He wanted to hear the words that would allow him to whisk me away from this place.
"No," I began to say. "Look, Ray, I'm happy being your friend and doing some work for you but I don't think this is the kinda place for someone like me or someone like you for that matter. I would be better off back home, but..." I trailed, continuing to explain to him that this wasn't what I wanted and that I didn't want to join his group because - because I just couldn't. I wasn't sure if Ray was even listening to what I had to say; He only politely nodded his head here and there.
I looked away.
His face darkened. I knew it wasn't he wanted to hear but I wasn't going to go down with the ship without some kind of fight against it. Ray took a breath and said. "Ah... I see. If that's what you wish. But I worked so hard to make my preparations. So... could you at least take a look at what I have to offer for you? Please? There's something I want to show you - to you only. Could you please come over here for a moment?"
I hesitated for a moment. What could he be thinking? There was only a small space between the two of us but I breached it. "Well... alright. I don't see a problem with that. What is it? What are you trying to do?"
"My savior told me... that sometimes we must force salvation."
Ray grabbed my wrist, hard. I pulled against him but he refused to budge or release his tight hold; Staring at him with wide eyes, I opened my mouth to protest but found that no words would come out. He stared back at me, for a brief second, he looked that he was terrified by his own actions - but that went away and pulled me behind him into the hall and around the corner. This was a different route than the ones we'd have walked together those few times before - where was he taking me?
I didn't miss a beat. "Where are we going, Ray?!"
Ray tried his best to act like he was calm, rational. "It's where I'm always working. I've never shown it to you, have I? Maybe you'll have a better perspective on everything that I do if I show you my place. Don't be scared." he shushed me, gently. "I would never do anything that wasn't good for you, Lila. We're friends, after all."
I couldn't argue after that.
Before we knew it we entered his room, and he made sure that we were inside the room before he shut it and the automatic lock was initiated right behind us. Once he knew that we were trapped in that room together - that was when he let go of me, and walked across the room to gather somethings for his plans. When he was satisfied with what he had; he spun around to face me. "Welcome to my room!" He proclaimed.
The magnitude of this place couldn't have been compared to the images that I had on my mind. Nothing that I had seen in a game had prepared me for what this was. I was encapsulated by it. I couldn't find myself to watch what Ray was doing - instead, I looking around him and beyond him trying to understand that this was where he had been working this entire time against the RFA. It was where he was when he was speaking to me on the messenger. There was no wonder why he had such headaches. "There are a lot more computers then I expected..." I blurted out, uncouth. "I didn't even think you could hook up this many without a huge server."
And I thought my own set-up at home was a little irrational. I had two vintage monitor screens hooked up to my hard-drive that I cleaned up out of my Grandparents house so I would have more than enough space to work on my illustrations. I knew that a lot of people thought that was too much, but there at least a dozen here or more. How was he focusing so hard on all of these at once, simultaneously? Rika really was running him ragged in more ways than more and -
It wasn't right.
Even the face of something that I couldn't crawl out of - I was just outraged that he was being used no different than they were trying to use me. Never had I wanted to push against someone like I wanted to push against Rika at that very moment. I found the strength to look back at Ray, "I can't believe it. No wonder you have headaches, there's more blue light here then I know what to complain about. Ray, you know you need way longer then fifteen minutes if you're going to work like this."
"Yes... This is where I develop the game you're testing and collect information on it." Ray says, pushing the subject to the side. He's holding something behind his back. What is it? I braced myself. "There's no need for a signature for this contract. You only have to take a special elixir developed here at this place.. as a promise that you'll stay here."
I was sure that I looked no braver than a deer in headlights. "Ray?" I whisper, petrified.
He begins to walk a few steps closer as he speaks. "Yes... I worked hard to prepare it for today. Close your eyes, please."
I couldn't take my gaze away from him, and he refused to budge from his command. After a moment of silence, I swallowed my fear and did as I was told for now. The only sound was that of his footsteps against the cold floor; I felt his hands brush against my own, and then he rested something with weight inside of them. "On a count of three, open your eyes. One... two... Three! Here, look...!"
It was a glimmering bottle with unnatural liquid. It's shimmering blue-green tint looked of that of an energy drink, but it could have only gotten that sheen from careful planning. Whatever was inside of this was going to drive someone insane. It was no different than the prescription pills that my Father had become accustomed to swallowing near the end of his life. It wasn't meant for regular consumption. It shouldn't have been taken by anyone - it wasn't meant to help anyone. It was meant to warp someone from the pain.
I wasn't sure what exactly made this what it was -
But I damn well didn't want to find out firsthand.
"But this is the..." I whispered, looking at the object like it was going to kill me if I looked at it wrong.
He had his hands on top of mine, keeping this elixir tight in our grasps.
Ray began to explain what this was. But I already knew that what it was, what it was capable of doing to someone. "This place develops medicine as well. This elixir will make you happy. You prove you belong here by taking this elixir. Then you can officially become a resident of this place. That's all that it takes. You don't have to anything else to become a member, this is it. You just drink this, and then all of your problems go away." He leaned forward. "You can stay here with me forever, don't you want that?"
Had he truly been twisted so much that he believed that this thing was keeping him together?
I swallowed, dry. "Do you really believe in that, Ray?"
"There's no way I would make you sad Lila... all I wish for is your happiness. You can become happy and get a glimpse of what paradise is like... if you take this elixir." He echoes words he's heard spoken to him, I can only assume.
"You're not going to make me do this, are you?" I nearly beg him. "Ray?"
"The contract to stay here made complete only when you drink it. You don't want to do it? You put your faith into me and came all the way here. Can't you trust me one more time? I only wish to make you happy. Didn't you enjoy staying here with me? You played my game for me, and you talked and chatted with me... and you made happy memories for me. I think we were able to form such a connection... because we're similar in some ways. I thought I could see... all of the anxiety, sadness, and loneliness inside of you," Ray was soft, gentle even. He wanted me to believe what he was saying. It was so - sincere and joyful.
Nearly taken back by his words, I wanted to believe what he was saying to me. I want to stop talking about this; I want him to say he's only kidding about this. He doesn't stop there. "That's why I want to make you happier. I do not want you to feel any of the pains or woes I've suffered. You'll get to experience much more entertaining things than that game if you drink this. Drink this and open your eyes tomorrow morning, and your world will be filled with happiness. I'll be there for you if you're scared. You're not alone. So Lila... Don't let your anxiety and fear get to you, too. Not like they've gotten to me." Ray continued with a smile.
"I'm here with you. You said it yourself that we're friends."
"Friends don't make friends do things they don't know about. Why is this the first time you're telling me about this, Ray? I don't understand why you wouldn't tell me about this when we first met." I don't stop to breathe when I speak. "Is this why you're in pain when you tell me you're miserable? Because you've been taking this?"
Ray reaches out with his free hand and brushes his fingers through my hair. He tucks the loose strand behind my ear and continues talking at me, rather than with me. "You're afraid. It's okay to be afraid. I know how you feel. You're anxious and scared because you don't know what will happen to you... It's alright, I promise. No need to hesitate. I'll stay by your side. I've always been alone through my time here... but you're not alone. And I'll no longer be alone as well... once you drink this we'll have each other in paradise."
I look at the elixir and then I look back at him. What am I supposed to do now? The door behind me is locked tight; There are no windows to even crawl at the wall to get out of by scrambling. There are only Ray and me in this room, and he wasn't going to let me go free unless I downed this bottle. What would it do if I did? Would it burn? Would I lose control of my mind as Ray had? I would never be able to get out of this place, never able to get Ray to safety - and it would be all be sent back to blame me for the choice I made at this moment.
"Lila?" He whispers.
Suddenly, I remember how to breathe, and I rake in a sharp breath.
"Tell me why you think it's going to help me." I press back at him.
It won't stall him forever. I know.
He knows what I'm doing. He can see it in my face. Ray is humoring me at this point, he stares, unbothered. "I see the pain in your eyes... but I see how much better you could become here, and I want you to be happy. I had someone help me in my time of need and I've never felt more useful in my life. Don't you want to feel that?"
I bit my lip. "But are you happy?" I asked.
"What kind of question is that?" Ray asks. He doesn't seem to understand what I'm asking him. He's not even considered for a moment if this was truly making him happy at all. He just wanted to be useful to someone. I know what that felt like... but, he had never known anything but this pain. He didn't know anyone who could show him otherwise -
except for me.
But I wasn't cut out for fighting this ideology on my own.
"Now, drink it, Lila. I invite you to paradise."
The room grew quiet.
It was him and me, me and him, the two of us alone in this room with no windows and only one door. There was no choice about what was going to happen before the night was over. Either I would take it by choice, or he would - he might make me. I could see it in his eyes. Could I fight him if I had to do it? This boy that I wanted to believe was my friend in some capacity. My legs wouldn't budge against the ground, I was paralyzed by my own thoughts -
by my own fear of it.
"I..."
All of a sudden, there was knocking at the door and I was broken from my trance.
Ray was as well, but he wasn't relieved. "Who is it at this important moment? I thought I told everyone to stay away from this place, far away from this place. Wait, perhaps she's looking for me... Give me a moment, Lila." Ray grunted. His eyes hardened on the door across the room. His feet collided with the ground as he went to check out who it was. There in the doorway was a cloaked figure whose face wasn't visible. Ray tapped his foot expectantly against the ground as he waited for the man to open his mouth, "Well, what is it?" He demanded.
"We have a problem with the server room. This is an emergency." The figure said.
Ray stared at him. "What? Of all times... Hang on. I don't think I've ever seen you before." He noted. Ray looked this guy up and down, trying to size him up and see where he had seen this Believer before.
"The savior is also there. You must go now, Mr. Ray." He urged.
"Wait, this voice... I've heard this voice before." He whispered. "Why do I know this voice?"
Something about his voice stood out to me for some reason. Why was it familiar to me as well? I didn't know anyone at this place except for Ray and Rika - wait, a minute. I stopped my thoughts. I looked closer at him with a raised brow. That was when I saw it through the dimly lit room - the smallest wisp of mint hair in the darkness. I decided to cut in, taking my chances against fate. "Hey, this isn't the time to be suspicious, is it Ray? You should hurry up and go if it's that bad."
"Uh... I should but before that. Just who are you? Take off your hood."
"Very well. Just a moment, please." Instead of moving to remove his hood - the figure paused mid-motion to lifting his hand and giving a hardy shove to Ray out of nowhere. Ray staggered a few steps backward but didn't stumble onto the floor just lost his footing for a moment. It was startling for someone to openly attack him without warning; he didn't seem like he knew it was coming. I stared at the two of them with wide eyes - it wasn't connecting - who had mint hair?
"Wisteria! You shouldn't drink that thing!" he cried out, in my direction.
My eyes instantly locked with his.
V. I realized. That's V!
"You...!" Ray cried. He raced towards V to attack him, but he was shoved onto the ground this time.
This was it. This was my moment to get rid of this thing! I took my opportunity to drop the bottle of elixir from my hands -
It clattered against the hard floor and the bottle shattered to pieces, and the liquid spilled onto the floor into a growing puddle. It caught Ray's attention as he looked back in my direction, his wild eyes panicked. "N-no! The bottle broke...!"
The hood fell from his head in one false swoop it revealed to them both that it was indeed who he knew the voice to be. It was the current leader of the RFA underneath one of the cloaks of Mint Eye, Jihyun Kim. I couldn't believe my eyes. V was looked fearful like he wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do - I was sure that I didn't look much better off compared to him. I wasn't sure if I could trust myself in the midst of this chaos. The bottle was now broken, Ray wouldn't be able to get me to take the elixir for now and -
V was here for some reason -
What was he doing here?
How was he here?
Did he know about what Rika had done already?
I took a step closer to get a good look at him. "You're..." I trailed. It was really him... wasn't it?
He reached out his hand in my direction, desperate. "It's V, Jihyun! This way! We must get out of here now!"
I wavered in the moment. I knew that I should have listened to him - that we needed to get out of this place, but I couldn't get the thought out of my head that V shouldn't have been here of all places - knowing what I knew about this reality. But what did I really know about everyone? I didn't know anything at all when it came down to where I was now. I wanted the answers - why was I thinking about this now? "V, what are you doing here? How could you be here, at Mint Eye of all places this soon? What the hell is going on?!"
V did a double take and wiped the surprise from his face. "What are you saying? This isn't the time to discuss anything! Over here, fast!" V beckoned once more, but that was the moment that Ray regained the use of his body. I thought that I was going to able to do something - but when I thought I had the use of my legs again -
Ray shrieked at V with all that he had and it caught the both us off-guard. He had snapped out of his daze that he had been lost to the moment that bottle clattered against the ground. "...No! You can't take her away from me! Traitor! Why is that traitor in this building?" He was loud. He wasn't even sure how loud he had become. It was enough to draw attention from the others - one believer stood in the door frame after hearing the commotion in the room from down the hall.
"Mr. Ray? What is it!?"
Ray snapped his head in the direction of a voice that he didn't hate. Enough that he could voice the command to make all of this go away right now once and for all. "Traitor..." He began to say to the man, "It's the traitor! This is the man we've been looking for since the breach! Go get the others right now! We have a traitor here!"
That was all it took to cause a commotion.
"Intruder! We have an intruder!" The man called back into the hallway to whoever was in earshot of this side of the compound. Claps and stomps of footsteps were starting to come over this way - if anyone wanted to run there wasn't enough time. There just wasn't enough time and there were too many people here. No way out - No way out for anyone.
"We're getting out of here now. This way!" V urged, once again.
"Stop him! Don't let him take her away...! No. Not her. Don't take her away from me. No!" Ray hissed. His gaze was hardened on V like he could ignite hellfire upon him.
I looked between V and Ray - I wasn't sure which person that I could trust at that moment. Would it be safer to be close to V, when I didn't know everything here - when he could have been wrong for a moment - or was it safer to stay close to Ray, who I knew was suffering and needed more than anyone to get out of this place? Would I be able to get him out of here on my own, even with V? He wouldn't want to get Seven to help - or would he? I didn't know. I don't know what to do. Where am I -
Why.
I panicked at the last second.
Ray made the choice for me before I could make up my mind.
"Not her! Not a chance!" He grabbed my wrist and tugged me back into his embrace.
V cursed, he had lost his chance to get me out of this place. "Damn! Looks like we can't escape together... More people are coming. Don't let them trick you, Wisteria. I'll save you no matter what!" He promised, but would it be a promise that I could put hope into?
There were heavy footsteps coming down the hall and they were getting closer and closer to them.
Ray hissed at him. He shook his head, furiously to the left and right. "Don't give that rubbish to Lila! You're the one tricking her!"
V was ignoring him. His eyes were locked on mine, the anguish within them made my stomach sink. "I'll come back later. Until then, please be safe, Wisteria!" He said. "Don't ever take the drug they give you at this place... And don't take anything that looks suspicious. I'll come back for you. I'm sorry we can't escape together as of now."
"Never! You don't even think about that!" Ray furiously shook his head. He was shouting at him with everything that he had. I couldn't push against him. He was too inflamed by his anger - he couldn't be predicted at this rate. "There will not be another time! Don't you dare try to take Lila away from me... I won't let you even get close to her!"
V shoved past the others Believers before they could grab him and he escaped into the hallway.
"Protect Mr. Ray!" One said.
"Understood!" Another agreed.
"Don't worry about me, and get him! He's the traitor! The one our savior was looking for! You need to get him!" Ray told them as he loosened some of his grip on my arm - it was still firm.
"Mr. Ray! Should we go after him?"
"Yes! You must get him no matter what and we must take him to the savior! Then we can finally find peace... Then I can keep Lila safe." Ray nodded his head. His voice had stopped shaking at last from the fear and he wasn't shouting anymore; His body was, however, rocking from the pure adrenaline that he was feeling at that moment. V had really stirred up something inside of him.
"Understood!"
When the others had left and it was just the two of again, that was when Ray began to show that he wasn't okay. He choked back a kind of sob and began to breathe rapidly. He was the verge of losing himself to his fears. "I shouldn't have opened the door. Why now...? Of all times, why now...?" Ray whispered. "Why, why did he come here?"
He didn't let go of my hand - he just sank to the ground, breathing hard.
I bit my lip - eyes tore on the doorway, and then back at Ray. I wanted to make a break for it, it was possible that I could get out of here while all eyes on V but -
but I just couldn't leave Ray here like this.
Not like this.
I would never forgive myself for abandoning someone.
"...Ray? You're panicking," I spoke to him, softly. "You need to catch your breath."
When he heard the sound of my voice he looked up at me, surprised to see that I was still standing next to him. Had he thought that I had disappeared? He had his hold on me this entire time. He looked relieved. I squeezed his hand and he pressed back. "Lila, are you hurt? Ah... Thank heavens, you're okay. But... the bottle broke. It was for you... Everything's ruined... Why do things like happen when happiness is just within my grasp? I only wished to make you happy... I only wished to be happy with you."
My eyes soften.
"Ray, the RFA was real this whole time," I whispered. "I kind of knew they were but it was... shocking to see him here."
"What...?" he asks, taken back.
"It's a long story -" I began to explain something to him but I had to stop myself before I finished the thought. My voice came out uneven and sharp, it didn't sound like I was much better than he was. "The thing is, it has a lot to do with where I'm from. But, some of it has to do with how real the RFA is... nobody's capable of that kind of intelligence in games yet, but, I'm just confused right now about a lot of things... but, I can see that you're too worked up to answer some of those questions."
That was damn sure right. Ray was trembling like a terrified child. He looked like he was waiting for someone to reach out and smack him. I tried to pull him out of his daze, just speaking to him but he wouldn't answer. "You're shaking, Ray."
"Did he scare you that badly...?"
"What did he do to you...?"
"Please, at least tell me you're okay."
"Ray...?"
None of my words were reaching him.
Ray finally opened his mouth. His head sank and he refused to look in my direction. "The savior told me that this is what I should tell you to bring you here... They told me that I had to lie to you to make sure you came at all costs and..." There was a strangled sob from his throat. His excuses were piling up and out of nowhere. He wanted to say more - didn't he? His eyes flickered up and down for a moment as he looked for something but didn't find it. "I'm s - sorry, Lila. I didn't want to lie to you, please don't hate me for lying."
I looked at where our hands connected.
"Ray... we're friends, remember?" I started to remind him. "I'm not going to hate you. But I'm not... you almost made me do something I didn't want to do."
"...I want to protect you from the darkness," he whispers.
"There's got to be other ways to do that," I said.
"There... isn't..." he trailed.
I stop him before he can say anything else. "Ray, this isn't right."
"Would have really taken it if I asked you to do it?" He asks, honestly, out of nowhere. He thought that I was about to do it. That I would take the plunge despite my fears.
I couldn't answer him.
But we both knew what I would have done.
Ray didn't even look at me as his hand slipped from mine, and he staggered to his feet, uneven. He rubbed his sleeve against his face - trying to rid himself of the tears that stained his face. "So you're not going to trust me anymore? Now RFA is the good guys for you instead of me...? The savior told me that I had to do that to make everything go smooth... I'm sorry for lying to you. But please don't doubt what the Savior thinks does well for people like us. Please. Just... rest for the night. I should go report this to the savior."
"Who is your savior?" I demanded. "Why would she make all these demands of you?"
I stared at his back as he came up with some kind excuse "You'll soon get to see her in person. I don't want to leave you right now. I'm too anxious, and I'm so sad. But if I don't report to the savior, an even greater disaster might befall. Lila, can I trust you? No, No... I will trust you. I'll trust that you won't betray me. You'll be safe here."
My voice even surprised me. "You aren't making sense right now, Ray! I do trust you!"
What was wrong with me...?
Ray flinched at the words. But - he didn't turn around and look me.
He began to walk towards the doorway to go and repent his sins to his Savior as he prayed to not feel the sting of his punishment. "I'm sorry... I'm just too nervous, so even I don't know what I'm saying. Why can't I be better? I want to give you a definite answer so that I can make you feel safe... but it's so difficult. I must go to the savior. She'll be able to give me the right answer. Just give me a moment, I'll be right back Lila. Don't think of anything sad... while I'm gone. I'll get going. I'll get my answers from the savior. I gotta get that villain too... I must do something before he comes for again. No matter what...! I'll keep you safe. So stay here. Don't go anywhere. You must stay here... until I'm back, Lila."
The door shut behind him and no matter how much I pounded at it he wouldn't turn around.
AUTHOR'S NOTE.
A big thanks to all my new followers and as a reward for seeing anyone interested in my story - you get an update immediately!