I was sitting in my room, recalling my memories. It had already been a year since that incident but I had yet to be forgiven. Still, that girl was giving me a cold shoulder. I stared at myself in the mirror, disgusted. I hated myself for everything I had done even up until now. I could neither undo the past nor atone for my sin. I looked out the window. It was snowing just like that day - the day I ruined my life with my very own hand. I still remembered the day the nightmare began - 18th of December, one week before Christmas.
“Hey! Zack! Wait for me!” a voice came from behind. I looked back and saw a girl running towards me. She was not outstanding from the other girls; normal-looking, average in studies and fair in sports. Even though, I truly loved her. Her smiles never fail to cheer me up when I am sad. Well, she was my girlfriend and her name is Snow. She caught up with me, panting, and gave me a dry smile. I padded her head and kissed her gently on her forehead. Her face went as red as a Rudolf’s nose. I laughed lightly before taking her hand and walked her home.
On the way to her house, I asked if she wants to go and watch a movie. She turned me down, saying that it was already her curfew and she needs to be home. I accepted her reason and let her off with it. At that time, I had never thought that it would be the last time I had her by my side…
After sending her home, I went around the town looking for a suitable Christmas present for Snow. I spent long time looking for a present but to no avail. I saw down on a bench along a street, exhausted. I looked around me. The town was covered in white with snow. It reminded me of my ‘mission’. Despite my weary legs, I continued in search for the present for my ‘snowy’ girlfriend.
Finally, I chose a bouquet of roses made of crystal for Snow. Its barely-visible colour made it look like ice but when it was shined with light, the colours glowed as if it was being brought back to life after its long slumber. I grinned in satisfactory as I left the shop, guessing what would Snow’s reaction be when I gave this to her. Will she like it? I held the flower close to myself gingerly. Its charming beauty ensured me that Snow would love it without doubt.
On my way home while I was threading my way through the crowd, trying hard not to damage the present, I saw a teenager around my age, standing by a pole. He looked very familiar to me. I went to have a closer look of him and realized that he is Keyd, my forever best friend. We grew up together like brothers. Keyd is popular among girls but for some unknown reason, he is still single. He seemed to be waiting for someone. I assumed that he is secretly dating someone without telling me! How evil of him! I hid myself and observed him. After some time, a figure came running towards him. I recognized it at once. It was Snow.
Why is Snow here? She is supposed to be at home! Why did she have to lie to me to come and meet Keyd? Many questions came into my mind but I could only come up with an answer. Snow is being unfaithful to me.
I felt as if the whole world was falling apart. I dropped the crystal-roses which shattered into countless of unrecognizable pieces on the icy floor. Tears which I thought that they had dried up long time ago since I met snow were now flowing out uncontrollably. I closed my eyes and faced up, trying to prevent my tears from gushing out. So I am a fool who knew nothing all these times right? I burst into insane laughter. Only that it was not for joy, but for my pathetic fate. How could they do this to me? I looked as the snows descend from the sky.I watched Keyd and Snow in despair as they disappeared into the sea of faces.
The next day, I did not go to school. I was in my worst shape due to lacking of sleep and crying the whole night. My father used to teach me that a man should not shed tear not matter what happens. Still, it could not be helped. To think that I was betrayed by the two people I trusted the most; Keyd and Snow, the pain is just unbearable. The ringing of my hand phone broke the silence.
The caller ID showed ‘Snowy Honey’. I grimaced and threw my hand phone away without holding back. It hit the wall hard with a loud ‘bang’ and it went dead, breaking into several pieces. I cared little about it and dozed off out of exhaustion.
I was woken up some time later by the doorbell. I forced myself out of bed and dragged myself drowsily to the door. I was unaware of who the visitors were. Upon opening the door, the blood within me went wild with rage. I managed to remain composed and confronted my unwelcomed guests, Keyd and Snow.
Before I could say anything, Snow ran to me and held my hand.
“Are you alright, Zack? Why didn’t you come to school today?” Snow asked. “Did you receive calls from me today?” She looked at me with genuine concern.
I freed my hand from hers. “I’m perfectly fine. Just get out of my house right now and don’t ever step here again.” My voice was cold and grave. It was hurtful to say those cruel words to Snow though.
“B-but why?” her voice was shaking as if she would break down any moment. “Did I do something wrong?” Her eyes were turning red.
“You did nothing wrong, Snow,” I said sarcastically with a smile on my face. “Lying to me about the curfew and going out with Keyd isn’t wrong at all. It’s my fault that I have not realized it earlier.”
“She’s just asking me to help her choose a present for you!” Keyd protested. Don’t get her wrong, Zack!”
“Well, just cut those lies out. Just get out of my house will do,” I said. Nothing sounded plausible to me anymore at that time. I was overwhelmed by my emotions. I turned back and started walking back into the house.
“No! Please, Zack! Don’t do this to me!” Snow pleaded as she hugged me, crying out loud. Seeing my girlfriend in her most pathetic state was really excruciating. I grimaced and looked away before shoving her off, intending to free myself but I ended up pushing her too hard. She fell on the ground, her leg bleeding. She was scratched by the steps. Her blood was clearly visible on the white snow. I was taken aback for a second before I understand the situation.
“Snow!” I yelled. I rushed to her to see if she is alright. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you…” She stared at me incredulously in terror, shivering. I tried to help her up but she refused to take me hand. Keyd ran over and helped Snow up to her feet. He pushed me away and stared at me despise.
“If that’s what you want Zack, then farewell.” said Keyd with absolute coldness in his words. He carried Snow and left the house without looking back at me. Only then, then I realized what have I just done. I hurt my most precious person and my best friend. Since that day onwards, I never had a proper conversation with them.
I regretted for everything I have done on that day. I could not go back to the past. Because of my mistake, I had lost Keyd and Snow. If only I was not foolish enough to get carried away by jealousy and anger, I would have understood them and accept their reason and would not be blaming myself like this.
I smiled to myself as I looked at the photo we used to take together. Tears rolled down to my cheeks. I really missed my days with them. I sighed and kept it into a photo album. “Everything… is over.”
I flew across my so-called living room and landed on my sofa. I held up the pale-white envelope in my hand with my eyes wide opened. I ‘ripped’ off the cover and stared at the content inside. It was a simple letter with hell lots of words on it. I scanned the letter roughly and stopped at one paragraph which stood in the middle of the letter, distinguished from the others. It reads,
“Dear Ms. Lewis,
Thank you for your interest for a place in our company. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applicants, we have to inform you that your application was not successful.”
I shut my eyes and threw myself down at the sofa. How many times had this happened? Oh wow. It’s 13. What an encouraging number! I sighed with disappointment, “Oh god...”
Let me first introduce myself. My name is Kate. Katherine Lewis. It’s not like I’m bragging or anything but I came from a very wealthy family with all the money and fames. These things came along with an addition prize (of which I never wanted), a person who decides everything for you (forcefully) and she is what we called ‘Mother’. She kept brain-washing me with all the plans she have gotten for my life since the very first moment I opened my eyes to this world! Well, I only got two words for her. Hell no! I want to live my own life, as in choosing my own path and guess what? I ran away from home! Cool isn’t it? Laurel, my forever best friend since high school, offered me a place to stay for now. I’m currently living in one of the rooms in her condominium.
Okay, let’s get back to the story. After the long introduction to my tragic past, I only need one word to describe myself now, “Jobless!” I wondered how Mother would have reacted if she heard of her beloved daughter pathetic state.
Just then, the doorbell rang. I looked through the peephole and was relieved that it was Laurel. I opened the door and welcomed her in.
“How’s it going, Ms Katherine Lewis? I bet you got rejected like always yea?” she opened her entrance with such a wonderful statement with a mocking smile on her face.
“Yeah... I don’t understand why no one wanna take me in.” I sighed. It’s just ridiculous. I graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree alright!?
“It’s obvious that this is your mother’s doing!” It actually makes sense and is possible. “Why don’t you return home? It’s quite thoughtless of you to go against your devilish master.”
“Are you mad?! Finally I have gotten my freedom and you are asking me to throw it away? Dream on. I’d rather marry a stray dog than those morons she proposed me to!” I wailed. Doesn’t the word ‘pride’ exist in her dictionary!?
I went to my room and came back with my laptop. Laurel was behind me, scrutinizing me and my action. I ignored her and went to a forum where jobless people like me gathered. I browsed through the numerous posts before stopping at one of them. The subject was ‘Calling for Unemployed Fellows’. I went in and read the details.
“Huh? Isn’t this a seminal talk, Kate? Maybe you can try this...” Laurel suggested. I agreed with her. Perhaps, my ways of finding jobs aren’t effective enough.
“Let’s see...the location is at Mid-nightclub at 11p.m. today. The timing is perfect and it’s near. I guess I’ll go after all. Hey, Laurel wanna tag along?”
“Nah, I’ll pass. I’m no jobless people like you,” she giggled. “I am going to have a candlelight dinner with my lovely David tonight. Boyfriend first, friends come later.”
“Whatever,” I said as I shook my head, giving up on how fantastic my friend can be.
That night, I went to the allocated place by cab. I looked around, quite lost. I regretted acting tough in front of Laurel. Actually I did wanted some companion too. Being alone can be depressing at times. I sat at one corner and ordered just coke. I don’t wish to be drunk before the talk begins. The different lights in the club and that ear-splitting music that was made me feel sick. I buried my head with my arms on the table, trying to recall why am I here again...
“Hey, are you alright? You don’t look fine there.” a voice came from my side. I looked up and saw a guy in his thirties standing there. He has pitch black hair and azure blue eyes. His face is relatively sweet with some seriousness there. Overall, he’s a guy that girls would be running after. He wore a simple loose T-shirt with jeans.Yet still, he really stands out from the rest.
“I’m fine. Thanks.” I said politely with a nod.
“I’m Loki...Loki Hayes. What yours?” he said with a friendly genuine smile on his face.
“I’m Katherine Lewis. Just call me Kate is fine.”
“Can I sit here?” he asked as he sat opposite of me without waiting for my approval.
“Why would you bother asking if you aren’t going to wait for the answer?”
“Just to show some respect,” he grinned. “By the way, did you come here for the talk too?”
“That’s right. What about you? You aren’t jobless are you?”
“Well, you got me,” he admitted, laughing lightly. “I just happen to hear someone talking about it.”
“I see. When is it anyway?”
“It’s already starting don’t you know?” he asked as he pointed at the stage.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“My apologies. I thought that you already knew it.”
We joined the group and listened to the person who’s speaking. It surprised me that there were only a total number of 13 people including Loki and me. The guy on the stage went on an on speaking at the dullest monotonous tone that could force a polar bear to go into hibernation state in summer. As the talk go on, I smelled an addictive and alluring smell all around the room.
“This is...sleeping gas?” Loki murmured to himself.
My vision is fading. I do not know what is happening around me anymore. All I hear is loud thuds and sound of glasses breaking. I lost my balance and was about to fall, if it weren’t for Loki who came and catch me.
“Kate! Hey! Hang in there!” he shouted frantically and that’s the last thing I know before my mind slips off.
I woke up again but I was too weak to move. My vision was all blurry and my mind was blank. It took me a few minutes before I was able to see things properly. I looked around me. I was in somewhere unfamiliar. Brick walls, burning wooden torch, armor statues, stone pillars and metal gates like in ancient time or fantasy world are all around. It is as if I’m in a castle, inside the grand hall. I’m I dreaming? Just then, I saw Loki lying on the floor beside me and I had recalled what have happened before I was out.
“Loki! Are you alright? Answer me! Wake up!” I tried desperately to wake him up. He isn’t dead is he?
“Five more minutes please, mom...”
“Hey! Wake up, Loki!”
“Hmm...Kate?” He got up and looked around. “Where the hell are we?”
“Not a clue. Is this a dream?”
“More like a nightmare.” he muttered. Those who were at the ‘talk’ were here too and all of them have already woken up. Were we mass-kidnapped? I whipped off my phone from pocket, but there is no signal.
“Hey Loki, what is that mark on your neck?”
“Huh? You mean the same as the one on yours?” he questioned but before I could answer, the massive gate flung opened.
Clank! A bald man walked in, followed by many hooded guy. “Oh, welcome! All my dearest guests!” he, whom I assumed some sort of leader, echoed as he held out his hands into the air. He was wearing an elegant crimson-red robe, with a royal crown on his head. He resembled those zombies in Resident Evil. His eyes though, were shimmering gold in colour and that really creep me out. “Now, since all the players are already here, why don’t we get on starting now?” he continued with a sinister broad smile across his face.
“Allow me to explain this briefly. Please address me as Mr. Don if you need to. Firstly, you are all now in my castle on an island that is oblivious to the outside world. There is absolutely no signal here and it’s impossible for anyone to be passing by this island so please do not try to escape.” he announced. “All of you will be playing this little game which I called it ‘Survival Project’. The rules are simple. The castle’s body is considered ‘safe zone’ and outside of it is ‘danger zone’. You could stay at the danger zones for 30 minutes before my men will take you down so please be careful. The objective of this game is to survive until the end, finish off all the other 12 people. By doing so, you will be released from this island together with a huge amount of money that will be able to last you a luxurious life no matter how lavishly you spend it.”
“Is this some kind of joke!? Are you nuts? Why in the world must we follow what you say and play this damned...” someone yelled at that Don guy but before he could finish his sentence, a piercing sound of something cutting through the wind was heard. The arrow missed the guy who protests by just an inch. I’m more than sure that one more word from his mouth and that arrow would be on that guy’s head.
“No man shall interrupt me” Don said with absolute coldness in his voice, still smiling. The lucky guy who had almost got the chance to celebrate his own funeral could only swallow his own words.
“Let’s continue. After this, all of you will be ushered to you preparation room where all the things necessary for this game will be. There will only be those weapons used in ancient time in gladiatorial fight like axes, swords, daggers, maces, and etc. There will not be any firearms, only bows and arrows. There will be no armors or shields. You could choose anything you like. All of you will be given the number, 1 to 13, and that will act as your identification in this game. Are there any questions?”
There was a tensed atmosphere among us, the players. If a needle were to drop on the floor at this time, everyone would definitely be able to hear it. No one dares to speak out what they really think. Even so, I decided to break the deadly silence with the only question that is bothering me.
“Mr. Don, what exactly did you mean by ‘finishing off the other 12’? Do you mean that we need to really kill each other or did it mean something else?”
“You’ve got it right, my dear. To be the winner of this game, you will need to kill all the rest.” His explicit clarification sent us speechless even though we all knew the answer very well. “And by the way, when someone is eliminated, the number of the ‘killer’ and the ‘dead’ will be announced to all.
“What about food and water?” someone shouted.
“There will be plenty of supplies in every single room in this castle.”
“Are there any more questions? If not, we shall be getting ready soon. No.1, Hades Wisher, please step out. My men will escort you to your room. You have exactly 1 hour to get ready. We will be informing you when the game is about to begin”
Wow. What a unique name. I waited in anticipation for the first guy to step out but no one moved. “Hades Wisher” Mr. Don repeated again but this time, his voice graver than before.
“Aww” Loki groaned. “Hey Kate, sorry but see you later okay? Take care.” he whispered to me as he step out and followed a hooded guy and disappeared into one of the gates.
Huh? Loki is Hades Wisher? What the hell is this all about?
My chains of thoughts were broken when Mr. Don continued, “No.2, Katherine Lewis.”
I followed a hooded guy through another door. I figured out that those weird markings on our neck were actually our number. We walk passed through countless of stairs and corridors without any conversation and finally arrive at one door which was crafted with some seals on it. I should call it a ‘big thick-sheet of brick’ instead of a door actually. I quickly look through all the stuff in the room. There was only one ‘battle suit’ after all. I get changed quickly. It’s quite difficult as it’s my first time doing such thing. As for the weapons, I took a rapier, 3 hidden daggers, a bow and 2 quivers of arrows. I sat down on the bed, contemplating all the unbelievable things that had happened. Killing someone? That’s absurd I thought. I can’t do something like that. But if I don’t then what will become of me?
The awkward silence in the room was overwhelmed by the ringing of the bell that could be heard everywhere. “Okay. It’s about time we should start.” Mr. Don’s voice came through the speaker in the room. “And now, the Survival Project shall commence! Good luck and have fun!”
The room’s door flung open with some very powerful force and shattered into piece as it collides with the wall. This marks the opening of the game.
I crept out of the room, trying to make as less movement as possible. I gripped the rapier tightly in my hand. My heart was beating like a drum. I figured out that the castle was more or less, like a maze. After 10 minutes of an insecure atmosphere, the abrupt announcement startled me.
“No.9 has been killed by No.11.”
I froze in fear upon hearing it. My heart beats fast and my breathing gets heavier.
“ARGGGH!!!!” I heard a faint howl, not very far away from where I’m am.
“No.5 and No.12 have been killed by No.11”
Huh!? What is with this ‘No.11’ guy? He killed 3 people in just 15 minutes from the starting of the game? How could this be?!
Just then, I heard footsteps coming from a distance. Without thinking, I blindly ran up one of the stairs, just to find myself ended up in a dead end. I was terrified. Fear strikes my heart each time the footstep was heard and it chills me to the bone. Then finally, my ‘predator’ came into my sight. He was holding a blood-soaked katana in his hand with a wide murderous grin on his face. My mind went off a second. I got a grip of myself and silently aim my arrow at him...
“Come on. Be a good girl and put that down. You won’t dare to kill a person would you?” he mocked me. It really hit a nail on my head. I dare not kill him.
“Stop there! One more step and I’ll really kill you!” I yelled at him just to deny my own weakness even though deep inside, I’m already scared to death. He ignored my threat and continued to walk his way towards me. Shit! Is he mad?
He stopped in front of me and held his katana high up in the air, ready to put an end to my miserable life any moment. I shut my eyes tight, dare not to look at the death before me. Kill or get kill, that’s the rule for this game and yet, I couldn’t just do it. Every second seems like forever. Am I dead yet?
Then I felt warm liquid on my face. I slowly opened up my eyes. No.11 is still standing there with his vicious katana, but without a soul in him. The moment later, he was thrown off the stairs by a third person into the darkness below like a puppet whose strings snapped.
“Kate! Thank god! Are you hurt?” Loki asked me with real concern.
“No.11 has been killed by No.1 and No.2.”
Those words just seems like they did not get into my head. I was so frightened that tear flowed out of my eyes uncontrollably. I want to thank Loki but no word came out. I just sit there, crying my heart out.
“Man...what a pain.” Loki murmured, scratching his head. He sat down beside me and padded my head. “Everything is going to be alright okay? Come on, don’t cry! You are making me look like a bad guy here.”
For whatever reason, I feel secured. Whether it’s because I have survived or Loki is with me, I can’t really tell. I stopped crying and thanked him.
“Glad to be your service.” he said with his usual warm smile as he held out his hand. “Come on. Let’s don’t stay here for too long.”
An hour later, we were creeping through the corridors, trying to get to a higher ground so that we could see the whole castle and its terrain and hopefully, find a way to get out. Ten minutes earlier, No.4 and No.7 announced dead. They had stayed inside the danger zones for too long and were killed by the guard. Were they trying to escape or something?
After my near-death experience, I have become a bit tougher. I have started to understand what drives people into killing each other. It’s simply just for survival. I admitted that this is way too cruel to be accepted but when things around you don’t really make sense any more, you will understand how I feel.
“By the way, Loki, why did you lie to me about your name?” I asked him. It’s not like I’m angry or anything, just solely out of curiosity.
“Oh. It’s a secret.” he reply. “I guess I’ll tell you when we got back home okay?”
“So what do I call you now? Loki or Hades?
“I’d prefer Hades then, since you already know the truth.”
We came across a corridor where suddenly Hades casual expression changed completely. Without saying a word, he grabbed my arms and started sprinting towards the corner. We stopped after making a turn and stayed still. Just then, I understand his action. Footsteps are coming at us. So we were followed after all. Finally, our unwelcomed guest had come into our sight. He is a teenager with silver hair. Hades had placed his saber beside the boy’s neck before he could do anything.
“Please stop! Peace! I’m not here to fight!” he pleaded. “I wanted to join you all! I’m your ally!”
“We don’t need one. You only have two choices, kid. Either stop following us or...”
“Please, sir! I really want to join you two!” No.13 still persisted. His eyes showed no slightest fear to the saber at his neck at all.
Hades looked at me without lowering his saber. I nodded at him in acknowledgement. Well, I still would want to avoid as many unnecessary slaughtering as possible. Hades put his saber back into the sheath reluctantly.
“Make sure you don’t do anything funny. If not...” Hades left the last words unsaid and walked away. I could only smile dryly and then run to catch up with Hades.
Our new ‘member’ name is Vanberk Dirk. He carries a big scythe behind him and he was, well, quite a cheerful guy that constantly jumping around. Hades seemed uneasy with Vanberk around though.
We ran up countless of stairs trying to get to the top. I thought that this might take forever, but was proved wrong when we finally came upon a wooden gate. It opened up by itself, revealing something that we have never expected. Before us, was an open space, a garden it seems. We stepped out of the castle’s body onto a white balcony that stretches around the garden. The cold evening brushes against our faces. From here, we could see the night sky above us. A white grand fountain stood in the middle of this place, majestic and prominent to all. Just like inside the castle, this place is a maze with all the 8 feet-tall bushes. Despite its beauty and grace, this place filled my soul with an unfathomable melancholy and grief that no word could explain. It’s as though the time of this garden had stopped forever.
“Stick together.” Loki ordered. We stepped off the balcony and entered the maze. It was not that all completely dark. We cautiously crept through the place. Silence are dominant but was defied with the rustling leaves that chorused as that cruel wind blows. I felt as if I’m being watched and I grew the compulsion to turn back to see if anyone is there, only to find the emptiness that lies inside that incomprehensible darkness.
“How long are you planning to follow us?” Vanberk said nonchalantly all of a sudden. Both Loki and I looked at him, confused. Just then, we heard crackling of leaves behind the wall of foliage and caught a glimpse of a girl running away but then she was forced to stop. Vanberk pierced his scythe to the other side and secured its blade at the intruder’s neck.
“My name is Vanberk. May I ask what’s your name?” Vanberk said with friendly voice and a smile on his face. However, the girl did not respond. Vanberk sighed, “It’s regrettable to kill someone without knowing their name don’t you think so?” Upon finishing his sentence, he pulled back his scythe suddenly without any hesitation, killing the girl off. For the moment, I saw him smiling with satisfaction and I feared him for the first time. What a fearsome guy I thought. It’s fortunate for us to have him as our ally and not enemy.
“No.6 has been killed by No.13.”
Before we could speak a word, an arrow came from the side, straight towards Vanberk. He held up his scythe effortlessly and blocked it.
“That’s quite mean of you, don’t you think so?” said Vanberk.
Two middle-aged men and teenage girl holding the bow in her hand came into our sight.
“How can you kill someone just like that!? You murderer!!” the girl shouted at Vanberk who seemed as care-free as always.
“Weren’t you trying to kill me just now too?” Vanberk said with a grin on his face.
The girl could not deny Vanberk at all. She bit her own lips and clinched he fist tight in anger. She threw away her bow and flicker out a long dagger before charging at Vanberk. The other two had followed her behind too. Vanberk dodged her thrust with ease and grabbed her hand, snatching away the long dagger before slashing her by the throat with it. He held his scythe in the other hand as he swung it right at one of the guys’ torso. He screamed in pain as he dropped his dual axes onto the ground but Vanberk did not stop. He dashed up and stabbed him right into his heart, finishing him off. It’s as though he was dancing in the battlefield, invincible to all.
“No.5 and 8 have been killed by No.13.”
The last remaining enemy, No.10, appeared with his great sword behind Vanberk who is off-guard. Hades rushed and deflected the attack before elbowing the enemy straight into his face and finishing him off with a thrust.
“No.10 has been killed by No.1”
“Thanks a lot, Mr. Hades.”
“No problem.” Hades replied. “Is anyone injured?”
“Nope” both Vanberk and I answered in unison coincidentally. We looked at each other, surprised, and started laughing.
“So, what do we do now?” I asked.
“Let’s see...” Vanberk murmured.
He walked to me and locked me with one hand and held the dagger with the other hand at my throat. What is he trying to do?
“What the hell are you doing to Kate, Vanberk!? Let go of her!” Hades shouted.
“Calm down, Mr. Hades. I’m holding her as a hostage isn’t it obvious?” he paused a while before continuing, “Please do not move an inch if you still value her life.”
“No.1, 2, and 13, please be reminded that you have been staying inside the danger zone for 25 minutes.” Mr. Don has announced. So this is what Vanberk was aiming for. He was never our ally to begin with.
“And I trusted you, Vanberk...” I said, no louder than a whisper.
“You are naïve, Kate. Trust you said? Such thing does not exist in this kind of world.”
His words are like a knife that sinks right into my heart. Hades was in danger because of my own foolishness. I just hate myself.After we returned to the castle and after Hades is dead, Vanberk would kill me anyway. I have nothing else to lose already.
Unknown to Vanberk, I slid my hand into my pocket and take out a dagger I hid. Head or tail, I’ll gamble it with my life. I stabbed Vanberk’s hand as hard as if could with the dagger! He recoiled and I’m free from his control. I took out my rapier and pierced it right at his heart. He did not die immediately, struggling in the pool of blood, but eventually lost to his fate.
“No.13 has been killed by No.2.”
I sat down on the floor, felt as if my whole body is being shackled. I have just killed a person...
“Kate...” Hades whispered. He carried me back into the castle without saying a word. He put me down and padded my head.
“I’ll go get some food and water okay?” He started walking but I hugged him from behind. I did not know why I did that. I just need him to be with me. He turned back and looked at me, dumbfounded. I reach out my hand and touch his face. I let my heart and feeling take over and kissed him. It’s a strange feeling that I have longed for.
“Stay with me, will you?” I asked with my whole face reddened with embarrassment.
“Sure.” Hades replied with a smile. Even though we did not say it, we know that our feelings are connected together tonight. I fell asleep beside Hades who held my hand throughout the night.
I was woken up again by some noises. I rubbed my eyes and noticed that Hades is not with me. Then I heard footsteps coming from a distance, coming round the corner. Even though I knew very well that there is no more enemy around, I gripped my rapier tight in anxiety.
“Don’t move!” I ordered as I pointed my rapier at the approaching figure.
“Hey hey! Take it easy, Kate! It’s me! Hades!”
I was taken aback for a moment, before lowering my weapon. He walk passed me, out to the garden’s balcony. He turned back and smile at me.
“It’s quite unfortunate, but it can’t be help...” he said. His eyes were filled with sorrow and agony. “Good bye, Kate...”
All of the sudden, the door slammed shut, separating us.
“Hades! What is this all about!?” I cried as I desperately bang the door.
“Only one people can get out of here alive, Kate. It must be you...” his voice came from the other side of the door.
“No! We are getting out of here together! You promised me to stay with me didn’t you!?” Tear rolls down my cheek. Why did this happen? Why can’t I be with the person I love when I finally found him?
“I’m a big liar you know?” he laughed. His voice was shaking. “Do you know why I lied to you about my name? I’m actually a spy working under your mother. I’m sorry for not telling you.”
I’m too broken to speak a word. It doesn’t matter who he is or how many times he lied to me. He is my everything.
“First I just thought you were just like the other women, but then my feelings for you changed.” he continued. “The more I know you, the more I want you.”
“I know it’s a bit too late, but Kate, I’ll tell you properly.” he paused for a while before continuing. “I love you Kate.”
At that moment, I was so confused. Everything happened so fast, so many feelings rush in, happiness, disappointment, misery. I desperately wanted him back by my side, I did not care even at the cost of my life. I wish not, a life without him. I had left my home to find my own path, and now I had found it, a path that has him with me. I bang the door harder and faster. I felt tired and hurt, but I didn’t cared.
My throat was dried, all I could do is whisper to him, “Hades, please don’t do this... I don’t want to live without you. Please come back! We can find the way out of this together!”I tried to tell him I love him, but no sound came out.
Then I heard a sound that chills me to my soul. A sound of the saber, unsheathe from its scabbard. My heart was broken, I felt powerless, and the flood of tears on my face flow so much like what seems eternal. I still could hear Hades’ last word ringing through my mind, his fainted words.
“Thanks for everything, Kate. You must live on...” and his voice faded.
“No.1 has killed himself, and the winner of the Survival Project is No.2, Ms Katherine Lewis!” Mr. Don’s voice came through the speaker but it doesn’t matter to me anymore, for I’m alive but not my heart.
