Minataro

Chapter 3: Arrival

Jonny, Herbert, and I all clambered out of the smelly car. I was especially thankful for the fresh air. I hadn't a good breath of oxygen in nearly 2 hours.

I look to my right and there was a small concrete building. It had a sign on it, with printing so little you'd have to squint to read it, even up close.

The Mina-Guard came out of the car, still smoking a cigar. He popped the trunk open, and motioned for us to get our luggage.

"Once you boys get your bags, go inside the little building over there. If you meet anybody who stops your path, just simply tell them you're apart of the contest, and they should let you in no problem.", the Mina-Guard said, a ring of smoke curling around his head.

We all nodded silently and walked over to the building. Just as we reached it, the Mina-Guard drove away again.

Jonny looked slightly less nervous than before, but not by much. "This looks like a slaughterhouse..."

"Prob'ly is!", squealed Herbert, not unlike a pig. "Our parents sent us all 'ere to die!"

His accusation was so ridiculous, I nearly burst out laughing. But my mother taught me to be more polite than that. "I'm sure you're both very wrong. I'm willing to bet that once we go inside, a Mina-Guard will be there awaiting us, and probably offer to take our luggage."

"Like a hotel?", Jonny squeaked.

"Yes, that's a good way to put it.", I said. "A hotel with no parents. A hotel with a whole bunch of friends."

Jonny and Herbert both seemed satisfied with my answer. So I hoisted my luggage up a little higher, and marched inside as if a soldier returning from war.

Jonny and Herbert followed meekly.

Inside the building was a small staircase. So small in width, that we all had to carry out suitcases above our heads just to squeeze in.

"Aah! Stop with the shovin', eh Jon?", Herbert growled.

"I can't help it!!", Jonny piped up, a little angrily.

I rolled my eyes and just walked faster, to give them breathing room. I could feel Herbert's hot breath on my neck, and it made me uncomfortable.

I almost didn't notice when we reached a little wooden door. It looked aged, and probably would squeak when opened. I reached out to open it, but Herbert ran into me head on, forcing my face to collide with the door.

"Ow! Watch it!", I yelled, my nose crushing against the wood.

"Don't blame me!", Herbert said. "Jon 'ere was practically pushin' me down them stairs!"

Jonny made a sound of disbelief. "Did not..."

I sighed and pried my face from off of the door and shot the two boys a glare. "Are you both done messing around? Because I, personally, would like to go inside and just get this stupid contest over with, and it's going to be awful hard to do with two toddlers slowing me down! Can you both mature enough to walk through the door, or do we need to take a break until you can pull your heads out of the clouds and act like gentleman?"

They both nodded nervously. Good. Maybe they finally figured out I meant business.

I sighed yet again, turned around, and opened the door.