Hide and Seek

Is this more than a game?-Ch9

The words began stirring thoughts in Linda's mind. She was in that moment unable to comprehend what she had just heard. She stood motionless, as the others tried their best to mask their shock. The figure stood before them smirking in mirth, at the realisation on their faces. "C-come to think of it...She's the one who suggested this place"-Jae. "She did! When we were planning where to go, she mentioned an amazing mansion that she used to...Live in"-Mario. "Omg it makes sense!! You two are related right?"-Jae. "We're not related by blood no. She's like me, an orphan. We grew up like siblings...at one point we grew forbidden feelings for one another. She betrayed me... she sided with those vile humans who took mine and another girl's life"

Linda feels momentarily stunned at what she's hearing. Her thoughts being erased and replaced with fear, at the fact that her sister could be the cause to all of this. Mario and Jae collapse to the floor, letting their minds wander adrift and sinking into an unknown abyss. Sheer anger is replaced on their faces by the time they recover from their shock. They regain their composure and nod to each other, knowing what they're going to do next.

"Where are you guys going?"-Linda

"Going to ask that bitch for answers... she's probably not even being mind controlled. It's an act...and its time to make her admit everything! Why did she bring us here?! Why are we pawns in her game?"-Jae

"Jae...We can't just accept something so easily... we need to hear her side of the story"-Linda

"Damien feeding more lies are you? That was always your speciality"-Yasmin

"Y-you're awake??? How???"-Linda

"How convenient that you show up...right when we hear everything from him"-Jae

"There's a lot you don't know Jae, so before you go accusing me and cursing me behind my back...why don't you get your facts straight?"-Yasmin

"Ladies...please there is no need to be at each other's necks. We need to know everything Yas...Please tell us what happened here"-Mario

"So you knew it was me all along didn't you? Yet you pretended to not know me at all...I'm hurt. We were supposed to be married."-Damien

"Yeah before I was pulled into their fucked up game. You knew when we were living there, there were no possible means of escape for us"-Yasmin

"I'm so confused...what is happening?"-Linda

"I'm sorry sis...mum and dad kept my past a secret from you for many reasons. You may have looked at me differently. You wouldn't have accepted me"-Yasmin

"What's so horrible that you mum and dad kept your adoption a secret from me?"-Linda

"I'll tell you the reason I brought you here... anything else I'll save for later. We have to find Aya and Xiaojun before someone else goes missing"-Yasmin

"Are we playing hide and seek...?"-Jae

"It's true I'm adopted. Mum and dad took me in after what took place here... I brought you here not only for summer vacation. There was something I needed to find. The piece of evidence that can prove...their deaths were no mere accident"-Yasmin

"Yas who is Damien and this other girl?"-Linda

"Damien was my best friend....Lily was my other best friend. The 3 of us were always together no matter what. We were adopted by a bunch of psychopaths... we were made to do things against our will... they broke us. We were just lab rats to them...I still never know why they took such a huge interest in me...I came here to find out what it is about me, that made them favour me the most. I planned to let you guys have a summer break whilst I dug into my past... Then things took a dark turn, when I noticed Damien the first time... He was there, trapped in this house... bounded with no means of escape. Lily is here too... blinded by rage. They're the ones pulling us into their game... it's only to hurt me. I watched them...no it's okay...The main point is... Play their game or be killed"-Yasmin

"I planned to make you feel more than pain my love... You let us die. So now I have no choice but to take your loved ones from you...It's only fair to end things this way right?"-Damien

He lightly brushes his ghost pale like fingers across her cheek. She shivers at the touch, the same warmth she used to feel from him on the nights they spent together no longer there. She could feel from his glacial caress, there was no ounce of love left for her. He steps away from her sighing, before clicking his fingers. The door opens and they all run outside. Damien stops Yasmin from leaving, as the others watch on ahead for what is about to happen. "You were always beautiful. Even more so now...That boyfriend of yours. Does he know your past?"-Damien. "Please don't drag him into this..."-Yasmin. "Oh but sweetheart...you love him dont you? He should know this... how it would break his heart knowing he's in love with a murderer"-Damien. "I didn't kill you"-Yasmin. "You watched it happen"-Damien. "Damien... you don't know the full story... I'm still working to uncover the truth please believe me...I had to betray you in order to get into their good books...I regret it everyday...being so powerless in that situation you have to believe me"-Yasmin.

She no longer feels his presence as the cold air disappears around her. She gets up and follows the others out of the basement. Mia is sat at the sofa, shaking as she worries for her boyfriend's safety. "We need to find them now!!!"-Mia. The others meet up with Eunwoo, Jackson and Raima. Eunwoo's eyes glide to Yasmin's but she looks down, avoiding eye contact with him. Linda realises what is happening and decides that everyone needs to recover their energy. She gathers everyone around and they each take a helping of food, feeling their energy being replenished in seconds. Yasmin plays with her food but slowly takes a small handful of food into her mouth. She begins eating more at once and soon the colour returns to her face, as well as her appetite. "I'm going to correct everything...I need your help guys...A-are you with me?"-Yasmin.