The Mansion of Trials and Trials

The Predators' Maze

Sometime, somewhere in a city, horns beeped loud, cars and buses lined up under the scorching sun. A car got dented severely. The ambulance just left. Sweating, two men pulled away the black and yellow stripes.

"It's tragic, isn't it, detective?" A man looked back, "That's already the sixth case this month."

"I know," the detective sighed, "I'm sick of running around all day. My legs hurt."

"I don't get it! Why are there so many people involved in incidents? We got twenty-nine cases in the past few months! All of these incidents are just UNEXPLAINABLE!"

"I know. Before I became a police officer, I once thought this city was safer than any other. Yet, I was too native. Sometimes, being a police officer makes you fear more. Have you heard of that police officer, Tim Parker, who went missing?"

"Oh, that guy? Maybe he ran away? I didn't like him. Well, if he got kidnapped, that would be the thirtieth case in these few months. This city is getting really weird. There are even rumors saying there is a criminal mastermind organization behind it! Oh, dear me, I'm starting to think it's true!"

"Don't be silly. How can that be possible?" The detective rolled his eyes.

"Then maybe it's caused by demons or ghosts?! Only ghosts and evil spirits can do such a thing."

"Come on, stop dreaming! They are all just coincidences. Why do people love to make up stories every time something odd happens? Let's go. We have work to do."

∞∞∞

Back in the Mansion, Levi reached his hand out for me. Generous and kind. As I gazed at the obol on my hands, I doubted I was dreaming. I didn't think I'd met him before. I didn't even know his name. Yet, there he was, giving me his own metal coin.

".......err! Thanks. I promise I'll give one back to you," I said.

"Oh, that's not necessary. I'm the one who gave it to you anyway."

".........but!"

"Ahem!" Puppet cleared up her throat. I stopped talking. "I'm sorry but I'm afraid we need to continue. Eater, do you have anyone you want to eat?"

"Arrrr........I'm getting very......very hungry. I want it ALL." The chest lowered his tongue, more water spilled out from his mouth. Looks like this 'picking' section is finally over.

"Alright, then. May the rest of you line up and feed Eater with your obol. Don't throw it though, put it on his tongue." Puppet commanded, she looked around and clapped her hands, "So does anyone like to come first?"

Everyone stared at each other. No one replied. Looking at the dead bodies, they hesitated.

"Emm.....then let's start with Wanderer No......."

After a short while, Eater swallowed the last obol. Puppet clapped her hands.

"Alright, that's the last one. There are twenty-six Wanderers who can continue to the next trial. All Wanderers, please follow me outside."

"Outside? We can get out from this Mansion?!" Inga exclaimed loudly.

"Hehehe......when I said 'outside', I meant the private garden outside the entrance doors. It is still inside the Mansion area. If you want to escape, be my guest, you may find yourself in the graveyard," Puppet laughed as if she was playing him in words. It is impossible for the Residents to let us go so easily. She pushed the doors. The grand doors opened. I walked out. My shoulder shook.

Tracing back my memories, the day I saw the scenery outside the grand doors was just a day ago. I couldn't have forgotten the place where I woke. It was as memorable as ever.