NARES - Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1 – Twenty One

[8:51 p.m. – Dining Room]

The awkward silence went for minutes – or perhaps it was a few weeks, or even a few years, for nobody dared to break it – and if somebody were to look at the scene, they might think that it was a still picture. At long last, someone’s voice broke the silence; it was B.B.

B.B.: W-Well, no use sitting here in silence. I’ll just...burn some calories. I thought I ate a bit too much sandwich tonight.

As B.B. left his seat, Edward also stood up suddenly. His usual outgoing demeanour was a little off, as if he forced it.

Edward: B.B.’s right! As for me, I think I’ll just look for something to...ki-pass time. [he almost let the ‘kill’ word slipped through and looked even more troubled] See you again, Nio.

Edward whistled at Nio and winked. Nio eagerly waved to him, her cheerfulness attracting the attention of a few pairs of eyes. As Edward and B.B. left the room, Jeffrey spoke out loud, and for a moment, everyone was looking at him.

Jeffrey: Ah, Chef [he looked at Kirby]. May I take a look around the kitchen? I’m going to start a ‘Pimp My Kitchen’ project next Spring, and with a mansion like this, I’m sure it has a pretty impressive kitchen.

Kirby looked as if he had a heart attack for a second, but in a flash, he returned to his usual self.

Kirby: Ah, of course, good sir! It is quite a kitchen indeed! I have only been working here since this morning along with Mr. Natwaf, Mr. Cody, and Mr. Bigwig, so I might not be really familiar with the kitchen yet, but it is the best kitchen I’ve ever seen in my life, sir! So may I show you the way?

Jeffrey: No. I mean no thank you.

Jeffrey’s unexpected rejection made Kirby’s silly grin disappear from his face. He grimaced but quickly reassumed a more professional tone.

Kirby: Well, if you’re sure, sir...the kitchen is that way. Please do pardon me if it’s a little dirty, I haven’t had the time to clean up you know.

Jeffrey: Oh, it’s okay.

Jeffrey was the third one to left his seat, and the person who sat next to him, Plum, followed suit. As they make their way towards the kitchen door, they talked to each other quietly. Nobody could hear their words, but everyone could see that they already trusted each other.

After the door to the kitchen slammed shut, Nio whispered to the seat next to her, Genesis’ seat.

Nio: Did you see it, Genny? When that guy asked the Chef about the kitchen, I swear I saw his hand suddenly put a vodka bottle onto the table, as if he was doing something with i…Genny?

Much to Nio’s surprise and self-embarrassment, Genesis’ seat was empty. Perhaps she left when everyone was looking at the conversation between the Chef and one of the guys from the bar just now or maybe even much earlier…Nio wasn’t sure whether or not Genesis was there when Edward whistled at her, Nio thought. Feeling embarrassed, Nio turned to her left instead and asked Milk.

Nio: Umm, so what are you going to do now, Milk? That Raka guy can’t be serious, right?

Milk: Regardless, I have a plan! We should go upstairs! Are you in, Nio, Orochimaru?

Orochimaru was seated on the opposite side of the table, directly in front of Milk. He had been covering his eyes with his hand, as if tired. When Milk proposed, he looked at him and nodded silently. Milk looked at Nio and to his relief, she nodded enthusiastically.

Nio: That sounds great; I have something I need to do upstairs anyway…

Milk: Ready? On my mark…3, 2, 1, GO!

Nio and Milk jumped from their seats and ran with all their might towards the stairs. In process, Milk knocked metalslugg’s tea cup, spilling green tea over metalslugg’s slap, but Milk was gone before metalslugg could slash him with his replica katana. Orochimaru was still sitting his mouth opened wide in confusion.

Orochimaru: …what.

Regardless, Orochimaru took his heavy-looking tramping pack and joined his party upstairs.

Although about half of the guests have left the room, the four staff members were still there. Cody, the bartender, had been looking at his fellow staff members with a meaningful look in his eyes. Bigwig and Kirby seemed to understand what he was trying to convey, as they got closer to Cody and began to talk.

Bigwig: I did not know that something like this would happen. It wasn’t in my contract.

Cody: Yeah, I have no idea either.

Kirby: Same here.

Cody: By the way, did you hear that scream? Or was it just my imagination?

Bigwig: I believe I didn’t hear any kind of scream.

Kirby: I didn’t either, but I know this very good psychologist if you begin hearing things –

Bigwig: Nevertheless, we should do something very soon, or otherwise...

Meanwhile, Natwaf the waiter went somewhere else in the mansion on his own...
====
[8:57 p.m. – Storage Room]

Alone in the messy room filled with old furniture, forgotten ornaments, and spare bedsheets was the contestant known as bbbtime. In the middle of the room, next to a large antique vanity, he was doing push-ups.

B.B.: 97.....98.....99....100!

B.B.: Phew, now I’m pumped up and ready to go.

As he wiped the sweat with the spare curtain he found lying on the floor, he noticed something reflecting the light from further inside the storage room. He carefully made his way to the deepeest part of the storage room...and very nearly stepped into a bear trap.

B.B. What the hell. I guess this must be one of the traps that guy set around.

He walked around the menacing trap and finally got a clear look at it: a thin, ornate sword decorated with gold, silver, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and pearls. It probably had been forged for decoration, but B.B. picked it up and tested it on the dusty bookshelf next to him. It easily cut through the thick wood, like a hot knife through butter. However, it was quite heavy.

B.B.:  Hmm...

====
[8:53 p.m. – Hallway]

Someone was silently tailing Raka – hiding behind the corners, potted plants, or armors – and to that person’s disappointment, Raka seemed to be pretty wary, as he looked back again and again.

???: (Perhaps he already learned that I’m following him? But it’s too late to turn back...)

Raka made a turn and entered a door with ‘Gents’ engraved on a golden plaque on it –  there was no mistaking it for anything other than the men’s bathroom – as his stalker watched. The stalker weighed the options of whether or not to follow him inside. Entering the bathroom would surely make Raka notice, but on the other hand, Raka wouldn’t have anywhere to run...although the stalker didn’t have any intention to hurt him...but perhaps Raka would say something about the nature of this little...’game’.

???: Well, here goes nothing...

The stalker was standing in front of the door and slowly touched the doorknob...
Electricity ran through the stalker’s body – not static electricity, but something much more stronger and sinister – and she let out a high-pitched scream. Thankfully, she didn’t fall unconscious. However, she did fall to the floor, and her body hurt all over.

Genesis: But...how...?

And to her surprise, the door opened. Raka was standing there, with a sad look on his face.

Raka: Miss Genesis, don’t you know that it’s unsightly for a woman to tail a man like this? I’m afraid I’m much too old for you.

Genesis: Tch, d-don’t make fun of me...

Raka: I’m sorry if you feel that way. But please don’t worry, I don’t intend to harm you. You are just being too careless – did you honestly think that I’m unprepared? I know every inch of this mansion like the back of my own hand. Choosing to follow me really was the wrong decision, but I applaud you for trying.

Genesis: I-If you’re done talking...are you going to kill me or what?

Raka looked surprised at the very idea and immediately shook his head.

Raka: No, no, no. I wouldn’t dream of hurting any of my guests – or my staff members either, for that matter. You should be fine in a while, it wasn’t lethal. Just one of the  nifty little tricks I set up – very convenient to make sure none of the guests go into the wrong bathroom, you see. Now, if you’ll excuse me...

Leaving the weakened GenesisSaga behind, Raka walked away without turning back. GenesisSaga still couldn’t stand up, but she crawled towards the women’s bathroom and leaned against the door while trying to regain her power.

Genesis: The only other woman is Nio...and she doesn’t seem like the person to hurt me...this should work...this <i>must</i> work...if anybody were to find me in this state...

===
[ 9:05 p.m. – Kitchen]

The kitchen was shiningly new – except for the dishes and utensils that were still left unwashed – and well-equipped with new technology, contrasting the rather old-timed and sophisticated style of the dining room. JeffreyRaze and masterplum could be seen there – the two of them had just been there for half a minute, when suddenly the door opened again. Another pair entered – they were XIII_rocks and ImTheMacheteGuy. Jeffrey and Plum was visibly startled, and Plum instantly closed the refrigerator’s door.

Machete: Ah, hello there guys. What are you doing, poisoning all our food?

Plum: What the hell, throwing suspicions already? Do you seriously believe what that old guy said? He’s just insane. I was just looking for snack – I’m still a bit hungry.

XIII: Even after that feast?

The three other people looked at XIII with a confused look. Did XIII just say something normal? None of them could believe their ears.

XIII: What? It’d be boring if I act the same all the time.

Plum: Regardless, I’d appreciate it if you don’t baselessly accuse us. I lived in Africa for quite a while and now I easily get hungry.

Jeffrey: That’s right. And I was just checking the interior design.

Machete: I wonder if that’s really the case…

Jeffrey: What about you? What are YOU doing?

XIII: St. Kitts and Nevis’ archaeological museums are having troubles raising fund to maintain their exhibits.

Jeffrey, Plum, Machete:  Wat.

Machete: Ahem, we went here to make sure you don’t do anything suspicious.

Plum: Look who’s talking!

The atmosphere in the kitchen became heavy as the opposing groups looked at the other with distrust and suspicion. Suddenly, the door opened once again, and the four people in the kitchen looked at the newcomer, Jdizzy.

Jdizzy: Uhh, hi guys. Am I interrupting something? I just want to borrow the big knife – you know, it looks so much like my little sister and I miss her really bad. You know how it feels, right?

XIII: Yeah, I totally know that feeling.

Jdizzy’s silly grin only made the silence that came afterward even more awkward.
===
[9:07 – Dining Room]

The dining room now had much less people in it – the only ones left were Kazbar, resistance, metalslugg, Pirateking, and catastrophy – after the staff members minus Natwaf excused themselves out (but not before Bigwig pointing out that he had readied the guest rooms and Kirby told that they had food supply in the kitchen and snacks on the living room) and Jdizzy entered the kitchen. Pirateking2000 looked at the remaining ones – the ones who drank him by the bar before were Kazbar and catastrophy – and decided that his plan was worth a shot.

Pirate: Ah, everyone, if you’d please look here.

Everyone did just so. Pirate continued, although his voice wasn’t as powerful as he’d liked.

Pirate: As you guys noticed, some of the others have formed groups and pairs. Well, considering the nature of this game, I think it’s worth a shot too. So, do you guys want to form a group with me?

Kazbar and catastrophy looked at each other. The guy in samurai armor, metalsluggg looked at Pirate with a judging stare as he backed away carefully.

Sluggg: Young man, thank you for your offer, but I shall not join this entourage of yours…at least for the meantime. I shall take my leave now.

Sluggg dashed away from the dining room and into the door where Raka left earlier. Pirate shrugged and looked at resistance.

Pirate: What about you, uhh…your name is resistance, right?

Resistance: Resistance appreciates your offer. But Resistance too has something he must do. Resistance will see you guys again…if we survive.

And with that, Pirate is left with Kazbar and catastrophy. Kazbar was currently speaking with himself, loud enough to be heard by catastrophy and Pirate.

Kazbar: Ah, my lovely eyepatch…How I love you so. My eyepatch is made from 100% leather, and I polish it every day and night…Shall we join Pirate?

Pirate: Umm…so…

Kazbar: Yes. Let’s team up together for now.

Catastrophy: I agree with Kazbar. It will be advantageous for us.

Pirate: Great! So let’s go together. That samurai guy, resistance, that huge guy that ate lots of sandwiches, and Edward went by themselves, although they might have met someone else by now.

Catastrophy: And that girl too – the not Asian one – she snuck out when you guys weren’t looking.

Pirate: Ah, that’s right, I saw her leaving too.

Catastrophy: You did? I’m impressed.
Kazbar: So…who will it be?

===
[9:05 – Second floor V.I.P. Room]

The three-man, or rather two-man and one woman, group of Niorapth, muddersmilk, and Orochimaru_Fan are inside the luxurious and air-conditioned room. Inside the room, muddersmilk had found a letter opener and wielded it like a dagger. Orochimaru_Fan was keeping watch on the outside corridor using the peephole. Niorapth was looking at the framed copy of the map that was hanged up in the room. She was muttering to herself.

Nio: So, I should go left and…Okay, I think I get it.

Nio went to the door.

Nio: Guys, I have something I must do, but after I’m done I’ll try to go back here, okay?

Milk: It’s dangerous out there! Who knows if some of them take Raka’s word seriously!

Nio: Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’ll bring this bug spray with me, just in case.

Orochimaru: But…you’re just a girl…some people might try to take advantage…

Nio: I can take care of myself, but thanks for the concern!

Nio spoke with such finality and confidence that Orochimaru hesitantly stepped aside. The girl looked back once again before leaving.

Nio: You guys be careful too, okay? See ya.

After the door closed, Milk sighed.

Milk: That girl…what could she possibly have in mind…

===
[8:58 – Game room]

The game room was a cozy room with a billiard table, an indoor basketball hoop, a soccer table, a dart board, stacks of board games, and many more forms of entertainment, although there was an obvious lack of more modern video games (there were, however, some retro arcade games – Pacman, Space Invaders, you name it). Complementing them was a fully filled mini-bar, a jukebox, and comfortable couches and pillows.
Edward was alone in the room. He had retrieved a billiard cue and put some darts into his pockets. But now he was feeling a little lonely. He approached the Space Invaders machine and took out a coin from his wallet. He reminisced of how his father used to teach him how to play Space Invaders in Summer…he wasn’t really good at it, but he really enjoyed those sessions.

He put the coin and without any warning, the machine burst open. About fifty of small robots made to look like the space invaders came out crawling from the machine and began to crawl on Edward.

Edwards: WHAT THE F***!

Their legs were made from thin, needle-like appendages, and being stabbed by one felt like being injected by a syringe. In panic, Edward stomped some of them and thankfully, they were brittle and easy to break. However, about a dozen of them have placed themselves on Edward’s body, the many stings hurt him like he never experienced before, and some of them were still climbing his body.

Edward dropped down on the floor and began to roll around. It would’ve been a funny sight, but blood began to come out from where the Space Invaders lodged their legs in. After about a minute of pain, all the Space Invaders were crushed.

Some parts of Edward’s body were covered in blood, but he was alive.

Edward: Dammit, I was being too careless. Huh…what’s that sound…?

The arcade machine’s screen flashed.

[LEVEL 1 CLEAR. PREPARE FOR NEXT WAVE]

Edward: F***!

Collecting his strength, Edward ran away from the game room. The billiard cue was forgotten as the next batch of the Space Invaders came from the machine…

===
[9:09 – In front of Raka’s room]

In front of the door leading to the mansion owner’s room, Nio was seen trying to open the door.

Nio: Aww, it’s locked. But I’m sure there are some shorts somewhere else.

As Nio went to look for another bedroom, she met Natwaf in the corridor.

Natwaf: I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam.

Nio: Yes, I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you'll do.

Both: You'll love me at once the way you did once upon a dream.

Natwaf: Hi, I didn’t mean to frighten you.

Nio: Oh, hello there Mr. Waiter. Where did that music come from? Anyway, I was just about to look for you.

Natwaf: Why?

Nio: Because you’re a shota, right? I want you to wear shorts~

Natwaf: Huh.

Nio: But I haven’t seen any shorts around here…

Natwaf: Maybe there’s one in that room? [Points to the door of another V.I.P. bedroom]

Nio: Perfect! Let’s go!

That V.I.P. room was different from the one Nio had entered – that one was classy, perfect for a lady with a high social status – this one, however, was clearly designed for a child. The room was painted blue, with golden stars on it. The bedsheet was that of a cartoon astronaut, with the words ‘Buzz Lightyear’ on it. Posters were hung on the wall, some of cowboys and some of astronauts. And although it was supposed to be a V.I.P. room, it felt more homey and welcoming – it was even somewhat messy, with cards and toys scattered on the floor.

Nio: Weird, I feel like I’ve seen this room somewhere. But oh well, I’m sure there’s some shorts around here…

Natwaf: Miss Nio, if you’d just let me look for it…Would you like some chocolate while I look for it?

Nio smiled but looked a little wary. After all, she hadn’t forgotten Orochimaru and Milk’s words.

Nio: Ah, thanks but I’m still kinda full.

Natwaf looked surprised.

Natwaf: Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned.

Natwaf took off a piece of chocolate from the bar and ate it.

Natwaf: See?

Nio: Well, I suppose it’s okay…

Natwaf gave the chocolate bar to Nio as he started to open the wardrobe. Nio sat down on the bed, took a piece of chocolate, and ate it.

Nio: Why does this taste a bit like…SWRAJODNSV

Nio instantly puked out the chocolate and her dinner. Her throat felt burned, her eyes watery, and she fell to the floor. She looked at Natwaf with a confused looked.

Natwaf wordlessly pushed Nio’s violently shaking body under the bed with his foot, carefully avoiding her vomit. He then left the room, humming to himself. Earlier, he had found a syringe inside one of the rooms he checked, along with a bottle of bleach in the men’s bathroom of the second floor.

Natwaf continued to eat the (thankfully, clean) chocolate he had retrieved from the bed as he walked down the hallway…
===
[9:09 – Second floor hallway]

Unknown to Nio, someone else had also meant to check Raka’s room, although he wasn’t looking for shorts – instead, he had hoped to look for useful information. Peeking from the corner, he saw Nio trying to open the door and Natwaf’s encounter (and little musical number) with Nio.
As he couldn’t possibly open Raka’s room yet, he decided to follow Nio and Natwaf instead. When they went into one of the room, he tried to eavesdrop, but he couldn’t hear anything. Instead, he hid behind a trophy case next to the door, waiting for them to come out.

After a short while, he could hear a bump from inside the room. Afterwards, the waiter came out alone, munching a chocolate. Thankfully, Natwaf walked the opposite way of where he was hiding. But still, Natwaf coming out alone of the bedroom was too suspicious…

Resistance: Resistance wonders…did that waiter really…?
===
Contestants’ condition:

GenesisSaga: Weak and numb from electrocution.
Edwardsdv: Bleeding from Space Invaders attack.
Niorapth: Poisoned.

Healthy
Everyone else (>_>)