(I own everythi-...okay, fine, I own nothing... *sadface*)
Chapter Five
Trapped
After a short while, the Professor broke the silence by clearing his throat.
"Thank-you kindly for this, but we must press on in this mystery."
Luke seemed reluctant to leave, perhaps hoping that more food would be offered to him if he decided to stay, but joined the Professor and Flora as they pulled open the door to the Hall of Mirrors.
"Where do you plan on going?" Elsie asked thoughtfully, leaning against a mirror at the far end of the corridor.
"I think it would be wise to get the police involved." said the Professor after a moment of consideration, "Since missing people is their forté, it seems only fair they should be alerted at the very least."
Elsie raised her eyebrows and folded her arms.
"You think you can just walk out of here?"
"W-we can't?" Luke asked nervously.
"Why would I still be here, why would anyone still be here, if we could just come and go whenever we pleased?"
"I thought you just wanted to solve the mystery..." Flora piped up.
"Sure, that's how it starts. You're so wrapped up in the mystery you don't even consider leaving, but then you realize you can't leave, even if you wanted to. They only open the gates for the new arrivals, and once those gates are closed, you can't get out. Trust me. I've tried everything."
The Professor frowned.
"Why would they be so determined to keep us here?"
"That's exactly what I've been trying to find out." Elsie admitted with a shrug.
"Well, you aren't exactly trying very hard..." Luke pointed out quietly.
Elsie flinched.
"Luke, a gentleman never talks to a lady in that way."
"But Professor-"
"Luke." his tone was hard.
"Sorry." Luke stared at his shoes.
The Professor touched the front of his hat and walked out of the building, followed hastily by his eager apprentice and Flora.
As they approached the gates, Luke's eyes grew wide.
"Woah...she wasn't kidding!"
Where before there had been only a brightly coloured (though admittedly faded) archway, there were now a pair of wrought iron gates.
"This is potentially problematic..." murmured the Professor.
"Potentially problematic?" Luke repeated, "We're trapped!"
"Now, now, Luke. Every puzzle has an answer...and this whole situation rather reminds me of a puzzle-"
"Perhaps we should search the rest of the park!" Flora announced suddenly, cutting the Professor off abruptly.
"Yes...good plan."
The Professor looked slightly crushed as the trio started to explore once again.
(Sorry that this one is so short...thaaaaaaaank-you one and all for reviewing! I hope this chapter clears up what you were all asking me! Okay, so, I meant to incorporate the whole 'trapped' element earlier on in the story so you can blame me for that plothole...hehe...
Oh, and pwease read and review!)
