The Holder of the Series

The Holder of the Beginning

 You will awaken. The darkness will hide all shapes and figures around you. The artifacts and collections that riddle your room will be disfigured in the shadow. They will appear to warp if you stare for too long. You will not. Rolling over onto your side, you will relax as the cold sheets press against your skin soothingly, like silk. You will reach for the light, perched on the beside table. The shock of the bulb with dull your senses for a moment. Reaching about with your eyes, you will find the many artifacts have ceased their dances, now illuminated and patiently waiting. You will rise out of bed. The clock next to the lamp will read a very late night hour. It will be late enough. She will be asleep. Approaching the cabinet housing your most prized stones and fossils. You will know which ones to take. From here on you are free. Your future is now truly yours. I have seen the many different paths you may follow, and I, in all my wisdom cannot predict which you will choose, but follow my steps, and all shall remain well.....

Take the round, purple marble and put in in your left pocket, as deep as it will go. If you choose to follow my lead, it may be required in the end. Now turn, and head for the door. Do not fear, very little light shall push it's way between the chocolate carpet and cream door. This buildings architecture is flawless. There is a reason why you chose it. Be as loud as you need when opening the door. No sound shall fall on her ears. Follow the polished wooden staircase down to the first story. If you dare look left into the kitchen, you will see her, as cold and still as the moment you took her away. Her eyes will gaze motionless at the ceiling, the only life around her being the light from the not open bedroom door, dancing off the puddle of blood she now rests in. Not the bruises around her neck, nor torn clothing, exposing what was to be eternally covered. Do not let this slow you. Continue to the front door. Take the frosted brass handle, and free yourself to the outside world. A cold, dense breeze will flow in, but again, do not let this slow you. Finding your way onto the street, continue onwards. It does not matter which direction you take, you will find yourself reaching the gates of an asylum. They will be open, waiting. Do not stop, for hesitating at this stage will be fatal. Rain will begin to pour down upon you. Each drop with weigh you down further. Press on. Your award awaits.

When you find yourself inside, approach the receptionist and ask to see someone who calls themselves “The Holder of the Beginning”. A small smile will spread over their mouth as if to say “You fool”. They will then lead you to a pair of oak wooden doors. They will take one door, you must take the other. To fail here will be to face one's death. Close them both together again, or the same result shall occur. You will then be taken down a long hallway, hundreds of metres long. An bizarre silence will linger over the pair of you. Your jacket will not rustle, your footsteps will be muffled, and an ever growing fear will rise within you with every step. When you reach the end of the hallway, do not expect it to have lead out of the building. It has not. Open the doors in the familiar manner, but let them close by themselves. The receptionist will not enter, and will have appeared to vanish should you turn around to ask for advice. Step forward, a woman will then become illuminated in the centre of the room. She will be holding her arms as if cradling something. All will remain silent until you as a single question. “Why were they separated?” The woman will then explain in excruciating detail every horrific event that has ever passed. Every theft. Every murder, Every rape. Every culling until she finally passes your personal act. Her eyes will meet yours and all shall fall silent again. The woman you will see. It will be her, the only you left behind. The one who's light you ended hours ago. Her unborn child still cradled in her arms. As she watched you, you will realise you are unable to move. There will be once chance. You must reach for your pocket and hand to her the purple marble. Only with this intention shall you be permitted to move. Otherwise you will be left to rot. Left to stand frozen until your own lights go out. If you choose to give her the stone, she will permit you to leave. Your mind will burn with the horror of what you have done. The horror of what has been done, by the many, many who acted before you. It will be up to you what you do with this information.
It will be up to you whether they should be joined... or not...