Margana: To Seek The Truth

10. The Call of "It"

We didn't have enough time to even celebrate, we were struck by the same purple beam that we saw when "IT" appeared. The light just teleported us right in front of "IT". For some reason, Lino and I were quickly brought to our knees by an unknown force. Why is she just sitting there staring at us? Are we supposed to bow? Is "It" queen in this realm? She seemed like a tyrant under a cute mask, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. I wouldn't want to underestimate her, we know nothing of this world while "It" knows something, or even everything. Should I ask her for information? Would she give the same information as "She"?

"Shut— Anyways. All of your inner thoughts are driving me... Insane! Unfortunately, I can't answer your deepest questions... I supposed you've met 'She', dear Margana! You're lucky ahh... But wait! Before I can answer some inquiries, I'll give you both something fun to do!"

She seemed sadistic, that isn't good— She could read our minds, might as well shower her with compliments. How ironic, it turned against her. However, how does "It" know "She"? Is this girl of the same authority as the person I met in the beginning of this realm? I knew it! Somehow, it seems that everyone I've encountered so far, except Lino, knows something. Weird, am I the only outsider? He knows a thing or two about this place, and I don't even know a thing except just surviving this. How annoying, I'm pissed! Greeted by reality, I moved my foot and boy did it hurt like hell. Maybe this "It" or whatever could heal this, she probably designed the previous activity anyway. The girl in front of us just bursted out laughing, did I think of something funny?

"Margana, of course! I don't laugh for no reason you know! Alright, alright... I apologize for what happened to your foot. If you successfully complete my activity, you can get it healed by yours truly and an access to the next side of the dimension! Isn't that fun?! Let's be—"

Lino interrupted her quickly saying, "Hey... What game are you gonna put us through again? I know damn well that you made the previous activity before the one a while ago. You still couldn't let us move on to the next stage?"

"Oh...? How smart! I'm so glad to have such applicants like both of you, such brilliance! Yes, I made the previous activity. It really messed with your mind, didn't it? Don't worry, this one will be easier. Well, I don't know for you guys but yeah! With th—"

I had to give my questions, and fast! "What are the consequences for losing this activity? What counts as losing? Are there other games crafted by you after this one? Will you let us go if we win your activity?"

"STOP— Interrupting me. (Sigh) The screen above will answer at least half of your questions... Moving on!"

Loud mechanical noise came from the screen in front of us, it's like a billboard-like screen. It gave us 3 minutes to scan through the instructions. The game involved the puzzle pieces we collected, a 50 piece puzzle... Isn't that a bit big or complicated? 20 minutes to complete the entire thing, 50 pieces— Is this even possible? Ah, 10 hints can be used to guide us. I'm going to guess that it'll be basically down to 40. If this is just a regular puzzle, it shouldn't take too long. However, knowing this dimension, there's gonna be another mind-boggling twist. How annoying! If this is just a dream, please wake me up, my brain is starting to hurt just reading the rules. There came the most anticipated portion, the consequences. It was... Death. Wow, fun. The pressure was on, especially when the screen turned off.

"Alright! Those are the rules! Some are new, and some aren't but... Hope you guys have a lot of fun! Don't worry, the game won't disappoint you one bit. Oh and, tap the "Spawn" button to get the puzzle board and the "Spawn2" option to get each puzzle piece. That's all! 3... 2... 1, start!"

The timer started ticking, I quickly spawned the board and the first piece, and Limo did the same thing to get things done with speed. "What the heck? The puzzle pieces, they're... changing?!"

"Oh yeah... Forgot to mention! Gotta think fast, the puzzle pieces change every 5 seconds. But, once you settle that puzzle piece onto the board, it stays that way! Also, you can only change positions of each piece thrice. Once all have been used up, you get a nasty electric shock!"

Lino said, "Tell me about it. Totally my first time hearing that." He must've been through something during the previous stage. I'll ask later, not the time now! I'm bad at puzzles, I only got 3 pieces in and 2 minutes have passed by already! I've been studying the cycle of each part, it only goes into a single pattern, which helps us a lot. 5 colors, blue, red, white, black, and yellow. I'm supposed to form a picture of "It", good thing there was a guide in the corner. Bit by bit, I was able to form a subject that made sense to my eyes. The parts were slowly connecting together. I clicked the "Spawn2" option again, but I got a rainbow piece that cycles through different colors every 1.8 seconds, like an RGB. What am I supposed to do now? I'll bet my choice on red, it has to be it! It's the most prominent one anyway.

Lino's POV:

I've completed about 40% of this damn puzzle. I clenched my fist in frustration, how much more do I have to do?! I had to create a picture of Savannah, each pattern is different and it cycles once every 2 seconds with 10 whole different images. I almost got shocked, thrice. I suck at this! My picture is still unclear, the pieces aren't in-sync yet. This is sending me into a state of insanity... Can I even complete this? 17 puzzle pieces later, I started seeing a picture, it finally made sense. I've completed half of the puzzle. Well guess what, 10 minutes left on the clock. I've used 6 hints already, some give electric shocks and some make you want to fall asleep. It wears off eventually but it's a struggle when it's in effect.

Back to Margana's POV:

Just 8 more pieces, my choices are limited now, which is a good sign for me. Unfortunately, I did a slight glance towards Lino and... things aren't going too well. 8 minutes left, he's about 70% done with his own puzzle. I'm not willing to lose a companion, I didn't know if I could aid him with assistance after I've completed mine. I'm hoping that "It" is reading my mind right now, she doesn't look too merciless, is she though? Just two pieces left, I can't get this wrong. I placed the first one and.. the last one! My puzzle board glowed and the words "Success" flashed through it. For some reason, I was hearing the voice of "It" running through my head. She said the following, "Congrats girl! You're amazing, you did real well, much better actually! Sadly, your friend is only 80% with his puzzle with 5 minutes left on the clock. You have a choice to jump through the portal behind my throne, or help him and risk facing the same consequences if he doesn't complete it." I knew what I had to do, and I agreed. The barrier between Lino and I was lifted, I went straight over to him and swiftly tried to help him solve the puzzle. Down to 4 pieces left and a minute. Uhm.. Lino and I were both stumped, the pieces looked nothing like the picture! It couldn't fit anywhere.

Lino said, "What if this is messing with us again? I think we should just put it anywhere, we have 20 seconds left."

"What you said made sense but what if..."

"Hey, Margana, trust me on this one. It's our only chance of making this thing alive. Sometimes, logic is useless." Just like that, he placed the last 2 pieces with 2 seconds left on the clock.

"BRAVO! That was amazing! Such entertainment! I'd love to thank you and make you both stay but.., sadly, rules are rules. I'd be scolded for such actions and— I don't want that. With that, you're free to go! Oh, by the way, I've healed your ankle. I knew you both would pull it off, so I just healed it ahead of the timer. The next activity is only for a single traveler. You two have to separate for a bit. Since you'll be playing solo, it'll be a tiny bit harder."

We both thanked "It" for her generous amount of information. At least we know what to expect now. It'll be a struggle, but we'll just have to handle it ourselves. It's been awhile since I've gone solo in this dimension. Trying something "new" once again I guess.

"It" gave out a small smile and snapped her fingers, 2 portals appeared behind her throne. It looked like we both had to go through a different one. A wild journey ahead, but it'll be fine, hopefully.

Lino and I were heading towards our respective portals. Suddenly, the petite little girl looked straight down, and in a stern manner she said, "A word of wisdom for your entire journey, things aren't always as they seem. Please, for your safety, keep that in mind." She let out a small sigh and used her hands to signal us to move on.