"La Sanctum" Club (18+)

[DeAngelus]

Feel free to give your feedback on this .

What was initially miniature fragments of it created when I'm sleeping , now being pieced , tied and expanded for years , along with many other ideas and concepts in mind . I had no intention of writing until I get to the drawing aspect of it , but I feel like trying it out at least once , even if I have zero experience in it . So , here goes :

Summary
"Feeling hopeless and empty ? Had that feeling that all that stresses and strains you've been bearing all this time is too much of a burden ? Feeling absolutely misunderstood , neglected and displaced by anyone you're close with ? Struggling in turning a new leaf ? We're all here for you .

Welcome , dear valued restless and distressed souls ... to the sanctum . We offer services and treatment to those who wished for it from the deepest of their heart and soul with the blessing of the golden card . Our services and treatments varies based on our understanding with your inherent issues in life in general via observation , studies , research and a bit of wisdom on our part , all in order to assure the right and best kind of services and treatment for you . You need not fear of any possible harm or hostility that you may had upon making an appearance to this place for our services and treatments . Rest assured , it is against our nature and goodwill . Unique only to this place , you'll be rewarded with an irreplaceable sensation and feeling of rejuvenation , rebirth , renewal , self-revelation or motivation upon leaving this place . You'll begin discovering new means to pursue what you've previously couldn't impossibly do in life .

And so I wish you well and hope that you'll never need to visit us again !"

Genre : Fantasy , Mature , Comedy , Drama , Tragedy , Mystery (Could be more . I usually make stories without a solid genre in mind)

Character Bio (Certain physical bio , unless stated , are left undetermined to allow flexibility . Will have a fixed physical bio soon ... or , I could draw them out because I can and if so , wait for that) :

Name    : Ron E. Stuperd
Age   : 22
Gender   : Male

A worker for Hoff's Advertising Agency for almost six years , living a life that of a typical working class citizens . Hardworking and determined despite the jam-packed , round-the-clock , unforgiving working environment , as if he's driven by some explainable , inhuman force , despite having exhibiting signs of years of fatigue that has worn his feature to that of an old man . Despite having a mild and kind manner and personality , he prefers to keep things to himself whenever there's a gathering , meeting or conversation happening around , especially whenever someone is attempting to talk with him .

Resides in a low-rent , middle-class apartment that hasn't seen any proper care for years in downtown Preogina , about an hour's drive away from the metropolitan city of Dushlam .

Name   : Joshua Hazard
Age   : 27
Gender   : Male

Ron's chubby work buddy ever since his first day in the office . A jokester and loose screw , he has been the 'battery' for Ron , his close friend Alinna and other staffs in any gatherings , meetings or conversations he is in . Never liked his current job never complains about it for personal reasons . He was a photographer , photographing mainly females , legally , at conventions and at any public fashion shows before he took up the job as a clerk of the same company as Ron before Ron .

Where he hails from is still unknown but he is known to travel around regularly before he worked in the same company as Ron .

Name   : Alinna Zhu
Age   : 23
Gender   : Female

Ron's other work buddy and Joshua's closest friend in the office . A classic textbook workaholic , she's always serious and mature in the front with an almost bland , cold facial expression most of the time , a complete polar opposite personality of Joshua . Dislikes her current chief/boss more than the job itself and had plans on quitting whenever she had enough of her boss's constant abuse of power towards her and other staffs under his belt . How and why she worked there alongside Ron and Joshua is still unknown however it is known that she is a member of a family with big influence in the business world and that she is wealthy herself .

She resides in a small brick mansion situated on top of a small hill right at the edge of the bustling metropolitan city of Dushlam , where the company she is working in also resides .

[DeAngelus]

Chapter lists :

Chapter 1 : Emergence
Chapter 2 : Message
Chapter 3 : Mundane
Chapter 4 : Dreaming
Chapter 5 : Answers
Chapter 6 : Madness
Chapter 7 : Exposed
Chapter 8 : Breakdown
Chapter 9 : Nightmare
Chapter 10 : Roadblock
Chapter 11 : Discovery
Chapter 12 : Initiative
Chapter 13 : Breakthrough
Chapter 14 : Progress
Chapter 15 : Karma
Chapter 16 : Justice
Chapter 17 : Memories
Chapter 18 : Cursed
Chapter 19 : Emotions
Chapter 20 : Reborn
Chapter 21 : Reunion
Chapter 22 : Restart
Chapter 23 : Complications

[DeAngelus]

--- Reserved ---

[DeAngelus]

Updates .

17/10/2018
- Cleaned this thread up. Will open a discussion thread.
- Total overhaul of summary + chapters (both what's being posted here and what I've written already but not up) completed. Minor proofreading is still being done every now and then.

18/12/2018
- Updated chapter 3.
- First arc (if there were one) is done as of this update (21 chapters total). Will upload all soon.
- Discussion thread on hold for now.

21/01/2019
- Updated chapter 1, 3, 4 and 20.
- Chapter list updated.
- Discussion thread here

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 1 : Emergence

Spoiler

A series of shadow arts depicting a tale of the mysterious golden ticket that grants the bearer a wish humanity yearns for in life .

     "The golden ticket ... coated in what theoretically to be pure gold , a valuable metal to the society for its usage in currency and economics , carries more value and secrets than gold itself , hidden en plain sight to all but those who possesses them . No conclusive , logical answers was given as to how they had it in their possession in the first place , nor the heart and intention to rid of it . Whenever they fall into a deep slumber , they're struck with an ever growing dizzying , nauseating headache - forcing them to wake up ... only to find themselves in an unfamiliar environment . White like snow all around them stands a single large and heavily ornate , golden door right before them . Human curiosity entices them to open the door to know what's behind it . What welcomed them was a blast of sheer pleasure , happiness and tranquility - they're immediately drawn into it and the door behind them slowly closes . Whatever happens behind the door remains unexplained - no one had any recollection of it , not even a vague flashback , only the feeling of waking up to the real world , totally rejuvenated ... as if they've been reborn again . Such experiences are often dismissed by the public as hallucinations , fairy tales and preachings of an insane man spreading propaganda and chaos - they're ousted out of the society like plague and they're never heard of since ... along with the phenomenon .

     But all that changes ... when mankind began pursuing the wealth and value of knowledge . More intellectual and self-aware of the differences between reality and fantasy , their perception evolves overtime , forsaking most superstitious beliefs they've once embraced in their society , replaced with science and mathematics .

     In the nineteenth century , the rumor and legend of the fabled golden ticket began re-appearing again . No one would believe it at first but as more and more began experiencing it and began to speak out , it's difficult not to anymore - a spark in curiosity and interest was made . Personal experiences breeds rumors , rumors feeds on human curiosity and speculation - blooming like wildfire , eventually becoming international headlines , more and more experiencing the same thing start coming forth - conspiracy theory and paranoia ensues , a perfect recipe for pandemonium . But even before the inevitable were to begin , the phenomenon stopped - no one had experienced it anymore . It wasn't long before cracks begin developing within their credibility that only grows with the endless supply of false claims and ramblings of the "delirium" , slowly deteriorating in time . The final attempt at a hurrah amidst all of these madness came from a team of firm believers of the phenomenon - the Society of Truquility is born . Established in 1988 , almost a decade after the pandemonium , it dedicated itself in debunking myths and lies and exposing truths and facts behind this phenomenon , they've conducted countless research and surveys , going around the world looking for the 'First Generation' - a group of witnesses who sparked the whole thing to help shed light on this phenomenon once again . Consistent as it was , none had anything that would give them a step forward , all but one person , a retired historian with old documentations of this phenomenon . It became more intriguing to them that this phenomenon , that was once thought as a 'freak occurrence' , has happened before , on and off , for a long time . These old documents they had - accounts of experiences that happened to certain few philosophers who also had similar issues in life and encounter , speaks of :

A golden scroll resting on my table ;
Out of place and had no use for me , I tried to dispose of it ;
I ... can't , I just can't ;
Why do I had that need to keep it ?

In a out-of-world experience , I was in heaven ;
Majestic , glorious and well-decorated was the portal that stands before me , things of fairy tale ;
Curiosity made me pry the door open with all my strength ;
Temptation drew me closer to the embrace of 'Breath of the Goddesses' ;
Apparitions that had very pure presence stood alongside the deep red carpet by the doorway ;
Greeting me like royalty ;

Everything starts to fade to white the further I traverse into an unfamiliar territory ;
Only to be woken up , feeling anew , feeling ... young , again .

     Such breakthrough reinvigorates back a half-dead motivation ... but it was short-lived . A series of leads that lead to only dead-ends forced the abandonment for more answers , putting the myth to sleep for good once again . But one thing remains ... will the Golden Ticket make its reappearances among the society once again , like it had being doing ... all the while ?"

In a black background , voices echoes within alongside sound of feet being dragged on the ground ...

*Sound of something thick being closed*

Male voice : Hmm ... I wonder who might the golden ticket reach to next ...

In a rural village situated by a hillside , several hundreds of mud huts and wooden houses of an Oriental-architectural design are concentrated in groups in a sporadic manner , surrounded and divided by palisade walling and fencing . Few dozen nomads are seen outside doing daily chores - herding , farming and drying clothes , to name a few . On one particular hut , a woman was thrown outside to the ground of the hut by an angry guy .

Angry man (Furious) : What kind of wife are you !? What's these ? *throws a plate filled with food at her* Pile of dung !? I want it boiled , not FRIED !

He then proceed in delivering several successive big swings across her face that were so strong , her face starts to swell and bloods starts dripping out of her mouth , before finishing it with a stomp to her back . She tried to hold back her tears and screams of pain during his torments with all her will and might but couldn't hold it back completely at the very end of it .

Angry man's wife : For-*Cough* ... forgive me . I'll remember *cough* ... to serve it boiled for you ...

Angry man : Are you f***ing kidding me !? I've told you many times already AND YOU STILL DO THIS TO ME ! Are you deaf ? *Raises hand* Do you want me to-

Angry man's wife : *Crawls slowly to the angry man's feet* Please forgive me ! I beg of you , spare me ! Have mercy on me ! I promise I'll do exactly as you said !

Angry man : Tch ! What a waste of energy and now my hand's starting to hurt ! Get out of my way , useless trash ! I have to go somewhere else !

Strutting away to a meeting like a mad bull , leaving his battered and bloodied wife lying on the ground , cursing his way out of the scene . She staggers back on her feet and into her hut to tend to her wounds and get cleaned up before resuming her daily house chores . Sweeping the mess her husband had made and she felt responsible for , a few residents nearby watched her as they have near inaudible conversation among each other .

Village man 1 : Again with his antics ...

Village man 2 : Barbaric as ever , the village chief's son , huh ? I wonder if his father did anything to stop all of this ...

Village man 1 : He's no longer the chief , remember ? His son greedily and arrogantly took over the title from him after he stepped down due to old age . You think even if he's still a chief , he'll be able to talk senses to him ? I doubt it ...

Village woman : I feel very sorry for the lady there . The only daughter of a power-crazed , fame-hungry family who is a complete opposite of what we thought ...

Village man 2 : Yeah , I couldn't agree with you more . She helped me with catching several sheep that got away from me in the middle of the rain . I was surprised by her actions and I just couldn't thank her enough for that but what aches me the most is that right after that , her horrible husband came and dragged and kick her back into his hut . All I can hear in there are her screams of pain ...

Village woman : That's horrible ! Why wouldn't she just escape and come to us ? She could've done it now , you know !

Village man 1 : Think of her situation and the current position in all that mess . For a kind and caring person if it weren't for the abuse , you think she could ? You think we're capable of it ?

Village man 2 and village woman (Solemn) : ...

She took a look at them and smiled back at them . They returned it while making a hasty dispersion . She noticed the expression worn on their face , the same expression she had seen all the time , all too familiar to her ever since she was engaged to the man she is a victim to constant and violent domestic abuse ...

"Those sad and pitiful stares again ... do they pity me , or do they fear me  , I can't tell myself - I can't understand . No , I have to keep a tight mouth and a bounded legs and arms on myself just to avoid anymore trouble . No more trouble , not for my husband , not for my family ...

A series of past events from her perspective that starts from when she's at a coming-of-age to the current time .

I ... I fear uncertain outcomes for taking steps that are outside of what I've been told and advised on . I just couldn't oppose anything my parents had made me do , say and act , just the same way I just couldn't oppose anything my husband had done for me , be it for the right or for the wrong things ... right ? wrong ? I don't even know what's right or wrong . All I know is that whatever my parents do , say and act on , it's for "my sake" and if it is for me , they're doing the right thing - that's the right thing , right ?

I've been obedient to my parents , willing to offer my life and soul to them - a 'puppet' for them to control , it's all for my sake - the right things to do . They fed me , dressed me , cleansed me , mannered me the way a women would to the society , I am , according to my parents , the 'destined' one - a role model , appease their needs for life for it will bring "happiness" and "prosperity" to me just as much to my parents and to all . This is my fate and I'm being told to not go against it .

What if ... what if I'm right ... am I right that they're wrong ? Are they ? I can't tell , I can't see - everything's so blurry - my head hurts ! No , please don't hurt me ! I'm sorry for questioning you ! I'm sorry !

It's all my fault , ALL MINE !"

Flashbacks was interrupted by a loud sound of a breaking pottery in the background . In complete darkness , she was thrown out of the hut by her enraged husband wielding a piece of firewood . One hard swing had been made by the enraged husband , delivering an indirect blow to her back before glancing off , hitting the ground , snapping the wood .

Angry man's wife : GAAHHAAHH ~~~ *Wails a loud cry of pain*

Angry man : Such insolence ! You broke my prized vase ! Are you mocking my position now !?

Angry man's wife : N-no ! I ju-

Angry man : SILENCE ! I had enough of your excuses ! I don't want you on my bed from today onward ! Sleep outside , like who you are right now to me !

Angry man's wife : ... yes .

Angry man : *Slams door behind him* F*** , if it weren't for the fact that your parents are close friends to me and of good ranking and wealth , I would've kill you off for that !

Groveling in pain , she gathered whatever belongings he had threw out and struggled her way to a nearest barn in a bone-chilling night to avoid catching cold . Upon reaching in the interior of a barn and sat on a pile of hay , she noticed something golden close to the surface of the pile of hay she's on . She picked it up and stuffed it into her tattered shirt and endured the frost-biting winds and pain for the rest of the night . Still believing that she had crossed their trust and goodwill , regret starts sinking into her mind , slowly converting into fear , permeating into her physical pain , intensifying it . She couldn't hold back the trembles and her will to live on ...

Angry man's wife : S-so-sorry ... I'm s-s-sorry ... I'm ... s-so ... orr ...ry ...

Murmuring her final words , her visions became blurrier and darker - she falls into a deep sleep . A boundless darkness that seems to last for eternity , a feint sound can be heard from a distance . She drifted towards the sound , a glint of light , slowly expanding and becoming brighter can be seen - temporarily blinding her . Everything looks white initially , she starts seeing blurry apparition approaching her from a distance . She couldn't make out the apparition but noticed that it's directing her to a door , gesturing her to open it . Upon opening it , she was welcomed with a soothing wind , seemingly pleasant and comforting .

By a seaside , sparkling fine sand stretches to an infinite distance along the teal , crystal clear sea . Few palm trees are strewn along the beach with corals , starfishes and few coconut fruits littered on the soft sand .The lady stands in the middle of the scene , adorned in a white dress , looking around aimlessly while a light , soothing breeze blows right at her , fluttering her dress and hair in a pure , delicate manner . A guy from a distance with a vibrant scarlet hair dressed in a black formal suit with a velvet tie and gloves is seen walking towards her .

Angry man's wife : Where ... am I ? Where is this place ?

Scarlet-haired man : The place where souls seek temporary asylum from their current life .

Angry man's wife (Nervous): ... w-who are you ?

Scarlet-haired man : You don't need to fear me . I'm here to offer my services .

Angry man's wife : Services ?

Scarlet-haired man : *Sits next to standing angry man's wife* You seek closure to your doubts , hesitations and choices .

Angry man's wife : But ... how ...

Scarlet-haired man : *Gently picks up one of angry man's wife's hand , revealing scars made from the abuse inflicted onto her* Those wounds on your body is telling me that , wounds inflicted by people whom you couldn't go against - someone whom you still hold dear to your heart ... what's left of it .

The wound she had on her made her realized that she's wasn't feeling any pain like like she used to . Along with the fact that the scarlet-haired man knew of her abusive husband shook her in a state of silence and fear , unable to initially believe nor trust him . However , the divine , omnipotent presence emanating from him made her feel at ease and began trusting him enough to be open about her past .

Scarlet-haired man : Have a seat with me ... open up to me about your troubles as I ease your burdens , both physically and spiritually .

She sat on the soft sand and began opening up her bottled-up troubles in her life to him . As he caress her arms and back in a gentle manner , she could feel all of the weight from what she felt throughout her life being lifted away and a build-up of warmth slowly filling up the gaps , a sensation so overwhelming , she felt in a state of trance , feeling light and born anew .

Angry man's wife : I'm feeling so lost . I don't even know where to go ... what to do ... who to lean on to ... who , what and where's right and wrong ...

Scarlet-haired man : *Points towards a bright star at the horizon beyond the sea* Go towards that star . Make your way there and you'll find your answers .

Sinking to the bottom from the feet up slowly , she makes her way to the star as she increased her pacing at a steady pace . The drowning sensation slowly encased her vision in darkness where from within' , she could hear voices around her . Mustering her willpower to push through the darkness , she regained consciousness in an unfamiliar place .

In a large room , she lays in the middle of straw mat flooring , red wood-framed , white plaster-walled room . Next to her , a monk watches over her .

Angry man's wife : *Gets up* ... where am I ?

Monk : You're in a monastery located by a snowy hillside , in one of the public sleeping quarters .

Angry man's wife : A monastery ? How did I end up here ?

Monk : We brought you here . We found you in the plains at the base of the hillside not far from here . We were on a routine patrol around the area when we noticed you staggering towards the monastery all wounded , dirty and tattered before fainting . We have tended to your wounds , so you're fine now . May I know how you end up in such a remote area ?

Angry man's wife : ... I don't know myself . I only can recall an overwhelming determination and need to flee from the village I was from , away from all of it . All I can remember is repeating the phrase in my head "go towards the star" ...

The monk walks towards the quarter balcony and gazes towards the sky . She got up and walks towards the monk to see what he's looking at after he hinted her to come .

Angry man's wife : Yes , that's the star ... it's right above the monastery ...

Monk : My intuition was right after all ... it reached out for you ...

Angry man's wife : *Stares at the monk momentarily before realizing something* ... I ... I shouldn't be here . I have to go back or my husband would get mad at me if I leave his side again and my family ... my parents , they ... they loved me , all of them ...

Monk : ... alright . But before that , come with me .

Angry man's wife : O ... okay .

He leads her to a large mirror on the other end of the room . In a kind and modest tone , he asked her to stand in front of the mirror and to look at her reflection

Monk : I'm going to ask you this question , is the lady in front of you , all bruised , covered in bloodied bandages and malnourished , a lady who's being loved and cared for by your husband , let alone by your family ?

Angry man's wife : ... I ... I don't know .

Monk : I was in a similar situation like yours . I can't understand why I had so much determination to listen to my own mind to go for the star like you did , but I don't care at time ... I just ran and ran until I fainted right in front of the monastery's main gate .

Angry man's wife : Then , you ...

Monk : Yes , I had a troubled past as well . I'm ousted by my own parents and being left walking on the streets , all the way to the otherside of the world . Then , how it ends is the same way as you . Curious though , do you have a golden ticket with you before you made your way here ?

Angry man's wife : I ... had it , but it's no longer with me . Strange ...

Monk : Don't worry about it . I just needed to know for sure that you were guided by a same , unexplained outside force the way I was before . Just knowing that you had it at one point is more than enough to confirm that .

Angry man's wife : I ... don't understand ...

A series of scenes showcasing the life of the inhabitants of the monastery , mainly comprising of monks doing their daily chores and having some light entertainment and conversation with each other in a happy and content state of mind .

Monk : This monastery was built by a group of monks as an answer from the divine to establish a 'sanctuary for people who seeks a new life' . The residents who resides here all were guided by that same unknown force and all of them had troubled past as well , just like you and me . Now like me , we're all monks who had gained a new perspective of life and on a path of enlightenment . Thanks to the unknown force's initial guidance , we're able to start a new life , a life that is free from the past we sought to end it . When that unknown force guided you to this place , you're not wrong to follow it . Those who came here guided by the unknown force are often too lost spiritually and emotionally to fix it by themselves . You're here for a life-changing resolve and we're here to help you with that .

Angry man's wife (Hesitant) : Then , was I right to be ... here ? Do you have the answers to all of my doubts , hesitations and choices , if I was right or wrong about everything ?

Monk : You're right to heed the advice you've gotten to come here . *Picks up the angry man's wife's hand* These wounds are not an act of love . Even the toughest of love would not inflict wounds that will be harmful to your own life . So no , they're not loving you at all , as a doting wife and a daughter to your parents . Finally , you don't have to return back to where you belong anymore fearing that you will get into trouble , hoping that it'll get better sooner or later . Your life's invaluable , it cannot be bought back . If they love and care for you and values your life , care and loyalty , they wouldn't hurt you this much to begin with , right ?

Brought into tears after hearing it out , she can finally rest in peace knowing that she was doing the actual choices , decisions and actions that were genuinely right . She begins carving her path , a new path , the path where she had long believed that it's the right path for her .

Monk : By the way , I'm Donnie Zhu . Nice to meet you , miss ...

Angry man's wife : Mu Ying Na ... umm ... Mr. Zhu  , I know it's a bit too much to ask after all of this , but could you do me one more favor ?

Donnie Zhu : Sure . What would that be ?

Manga page count : 23
Online proofreading count : 1

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 2 : Message

Spoiler

Year 2120 , December . A worms-eye view of Feuller General Hospital focusing at a particular patient room with a drawn up curtain in the evening . A young looking girl with skin a pearl white , as if she had stopped aging nor experienced the outside world for a long time is seen peering out through a window of one of the room in Feuller General Hospital , gazing down the streets with a blank expression , occasionally tracking the droplets formed on the window by the rain , seated on her bed , as if she had her mind placed elsewhere , while having a paper with something written on it and a pen on her lap .

*Knocking on the room door*

Nurse : Miss Layla , it's time for your medication .

Layla : ...

Nurse : *Notices a written letter on her lap* You're done writing it ? Do you need it sent out ?

Layla : *Slowly turns and gazes at the paper on her lap* ... *Hands it over to the nurse* ... yes .

Nurse : (Same message again ...) ... okay . I'll make sure that this letter is delivered to him .

Layla : ...

Nurse : Be sure to take the medication .

Layla : ...

Perplexed by her odd behavior and silence , the nurse can't help but to shrug it off as she exits the room , making her way to the floor counter to deliver her letter while Layla is seen staring at the medications for a certain amount of time before resumes gazing blankly outside through the window . Upon arriving , she was questioned by the head nurse of the floor .

Head nurse : How's she ?

Nurse : *Shrugs and shakes head* ...

Head nurse : *Sigh* She really lost her spark . Just where is he ? He hasn't visited her for nearly two years already ...

Nurse : How was she like ?

Head nurse : Like any adolescent girl would - bubbly , cheery , talkative ... she's like a sunshine to the other patients in this floor she had once visited ... she must've been aching for his visit to the point she's like that .

Nurse : You think that she's still waiting for him ?

Head nurse : Looks like it ... I'll try to contact her doctor here to make whatever little time he has to have a talk with her in person .

While the nurses were having a conversation back the their counter , Layla remained unchanged back in her room , still gazing out of the window blankly as if she's her mind wandering off somewhere else , deep in thought ...

" ... are you alright , papa ?

... where are you right now ? Are you on your way back ?

... let's get back together ... just the two of us .

... I'll keep waiting ... like always ."

In her room in a hospital close to a year later , Layla is seen having several IVs attached to her while laying upright in bed . Stacks of letters is seen on top of the drawer next to her bed , almost in pristine condition as if it's only being unraveled and read once .

Nurse : Miss Layla ? We've got you a visitor .

Layla  : *Turns head towards the nurse* ... papa ?

Doctor : *Enters room* It's me . I've come to visit you .

Layla : ... *Averts gaze towards the scene outside the window*

Doctor : Oh ? Too shy to meet me ?

Nurse : *Whispers close to the doctor* I think she's still looking forward for her papa's reunion ... she's feeling down .

Doctor : *Whispers* Ooo ...

Layla : ...

Doctor : Awaiting papa's return ?

Layla : *Turns head towards the doctor , frowns* ... where is papa ?

Doctor : Rest assured , he'll come to visit you . Just give him some time-

Layla : What did you do to my papa ?

Doctor : What do you mean by that ? I did nothing at all .

Layla : ... lies .

Doctor (Startled) : But I'm no-

Layla : *Slams fist on the bed , glares at the doctor with an angered expression* ... I saw papa's face the last time he was here to see me ! I can tell he's hurt !

Doctor : But I did not-

Layla (Infuriated) : He wouldn't leave me alone whenever I'm sick - NEVER ! TELL ME WHAT YOU DID TO PAPA TO MAKE HIM FORGET ABOUT ME ?!

Doctor (Scared) : !!!

Nurse : Miss Layla ! Calm down , please ! Please be considerate with your doctor .

Layla (Angry) : Papa's hurting and no longer came back to me . He's a mean person for not admitting to it !

Nurse : Miss Layla !

Doctor : *Stops the nurse* ... it's okay . She deserves to know ... alright Layla ... I told him that you're suffering from an advance stage of leukemia and that there's no cure to it , only treatments to prolong your life but it's expensive in addition to accommodation , which I doubt he couldn't afford it unless he gets help from either his insurance agency or from any relatives . He accepted the life-prolonging treatment and willing to pay for it himself without even considering it and ran off before I could make him reconsider his decision ...

Layla (Mortified) : *Shudders* Why , papa , why ... you're getting farther away from me ...

Doctor : ... I'm sorry .

Layla (Gloomy) : ... I refuse the treatment .

Doctor : I can't do that without his consent .

Layla : *Starts hurling anything she can grab towards the doctor and nurse* I SAID I don't want IT ! It's the reason papa can't come and be by my side anymore ! I don't care about anything - I want PAPA !!!

Doctor : *Covers self* Code white ! Code white !

And the chaos continues on until help arrives to subdue Layla ...

A few months later in the very same room , Layla is seen lying in her bed staring at the ceiling in her usual blank stare . The side counter that was once empty now lies a stack of unopened letters and a mysterious silver card lying next to it .

Nurse : *Knocks on the door* Miss Layla , it's time for your medication .

Layla : ...

Nurse : Doctor's orders . It's for your own good . It'll help to keep it at bay for much longer . Also , your next chemotherapy is scheduled for next week .

Layla : ... I refuse .

Nurse : But , miss ...

Layla :  ...

Nurse : (I know you don't want to further burden him in working harder to pay for your treatment , but ...) Hmm ? *sees a silver card laying on the side counter* Miss , is that silver card yours ?

Layla : I found it .

Nurse : Should I dispose it for you ?

Layla : ... please leave *closes her eyes* ...

Nurse : ... don't forget to take your medication . *walks out of the room*

Layla : ...

By the floor counter a short while later ...

Head Nurse : Well ?

Nurse : *Shakes head , saddened* ... no letters were opened , hasn't written a return reply and she still refuses the treatment altogether .

Head Nurse : *Sigh* ... this guy ... what's up with him ...

Nurse : How about the request ? Has the company responded ?

Head Nurse : Who knows ... worse comes to worst , I personally request that you look for him in my stead .

Nurse : But I can't just go broadcasting his name in front of the company everyday , hoping that he answers to it . They may boot me out for being a lunatic !

Head Nurse : I get that ... *Writes down the administrative password and gave it to the nurse* it's not right to give you this , but make use of the database to look for him and nothing else . Got it ?

Nurse : But why ?

Head Nurse : *Types something out on the computer , a profile of a male patients appears on the monitor* This person ...

Nurse : One of patient here ?

Head Nurse : *Nods* Parentless , he has zero natural immunity and couldn't even live with his brothers and sisters in a rural settlement far from here . Just by being outside he runs into a risk of catching all sorts of ailments , so he is 'trapped' here , in a sterile , safe 'prison' for 20 or so years , until his passing due to unknown complications . He was hospitalized at the age of two and didn't mentally matured beyond the point of that of a 10 year old , despite all the effort in promoting mental maturity .

Nurse : Just like Layla ?

Head Nurse : Yes ... but the difference between this patient and Miss Layla is that he had moral , parent-like support , despite their busy life . As you can see , Miss Layla's only has him and no one else . No parents , no big or little brothers or sisters , no friends , no one ...

Nurse : No wonder she kept calling him papa all the time ... he's all she's got in her family for most of her life ...

Head Nurse : It's sad , right ? Now she's slowly dying internally with each passing day without him by her side . The doctor knows that too and he's beating himself ever since he told the truth to her ...

And thus the nurse ponders on the job she was given by her head nurse , knowing that it's not going to be easy to do so before the time runs out ...

Nurse : ... I understand . I'll do what I can to find him and get him reunited with his little sister again .

Head Nurse : ... thank you .

Back inside Layla's room , she is seen lying flat on her bed looking up towards the ceiling , having a dead expression ...

" ... Have you forgotten about me , papa ?

... please come back ... tell me that I'm wrong ... that you're alright ...

... please ..."

And she begs on to her sleep , shutting her eyes , allowing darkness to greet her once more ...

In a whitewashed room with wind chimes chiming softly . Layla is seen seated on a white bed in the middle of the room , seemingly absent-minded , surrounded by several dozens ornate , large , pictureless picture frame hung on all faces of the walls , with some lying flat on floor . A jet black-haired feminine figure , dressed in a Victorian-Gothic style dress is seen walking slowly towards her from behind .

Layla : ...

Jet black-haired lady : *Sits next to Layla* Something's troubling you , ma'am ?

Layla : ... who are you ?

Jet black-haired lady : I'm the person whom you're looking for for answers that would help you move on .

Layla : ... answers ... to what ?

Jet black-haired lady : *Points finger close to her heart* To your heart needs ... I'm here to offer that for you .

Layla : *slowly moves herself away from the jet black-haired lady* ...

Jet black-haired lady : You need not fear me . It benefits me none to cause you any form of harm ... *approaches and hugs Layla in a gentle manner* there now , feel free to open up to me ... let me help you . It's between just the two of us ...

"Her hug feels so ... comforting , it's as if I'm being hugged by papa all this time . I ... I want to open up to her ... maybe ... maybe she do hold answers I'm looking for . My whole , about my past life , about my condition and the grim reality of me dying without being able to see papa anymore , my ever-growing guilt towards him - she listens to all of me wholeheartedly , putting on a gentle , pure smile for me . I've never felt this much at ease in a long while . Please ... stay like this ..."

She laments in her mind as she had a long conversation with the jet black-haired lady while she closed her eyes , allowing her mind and body to fully drown in her comforting and soothing warm embrace ...

Layla : All of his responses were the same ... papa couldn't hear me anymore . He keeps talking the same thing ... kept infusing me with 'happiness' that felt very empty to me . He kept promising that he'll make time to visit me ... I don't know what's happening to papa anymore ... and if he's the papa I knew before ...

Jet black-haired lady : *Points at one of the large , blank picture frame* That will answer your current needs ...

A picture the jet black-haired lady pointed at began appearing and as soon as it became clear , it began animating itself as if they were watching him right where he is in real life . Several other blank picture frame starts displaying the same thing - of him working as hard and diligent as ever in the office , from day to night , his trip back home , wearing a drained expression all the way in the backseat of a taxi , him stumbling and staggering around the house trying to get a bearing of where he's going , ending with him dropping flat on his bed , instantly putting him to sleep . Throughout the time the animated pictures being played , he hasn't spoken a single word , only the ambient sounds of the surroundings where he was at and the occasional chatters of other people close to him ... until he himself began murmuring similar lines , "I will be by your side again , just wait for me ... stay alive" in his sleep that echoes throughout the room where Layla and the jet black-haired lady is .

Tears starts flowing down from her cheeks upon watching it , clenching her fist close to her chest as shudders uncontrollably as guilt starts flooding her mind , she can't help but to blame herself for her immature act she had made for almost three years in the hospital without knowing his sacrifices being made to ensure that she could live for another day .

Layla (Mortified) : It hurts so much ... so much . Why , papa ... why do you do have to get hurt for me ... why ? I'm sorry ... I'm ... sorry ...

Unable to contain her grievance and guilt , Layla drowns herself in tears of sadness and she is once again being embraced by the jet black-haired lady for minutes until she couldn't cry no more .

Layla : I- *sob* Please , miss *Hic* ... I ... I don't know what can I do to help ease his pain ... I can't bear to see him suffer anymore . I- *hic* I just want papa by my side again ... that's all I wanted ...

Jet black-haired lady : ... how about you offer him this feeling you're having right now ? Your newfound understanding and gratitude of papa's sacrifices , your feeling of his prolonged absence in your life , your resolve - your everything and importantly , your unwavering love and longing for him .

Layla : But ... but papa cannot hear me ...

Jet black-haired lady : Don't give up .

Layla : But ... why ?

Jet black-haired lady : No matter how far down you've fallen into the rabbit hole , as long as you don't give up in trying , you will eventually be out of it .

Layla (Confused) : ???

Jet black-haired lady : The light shine the brightest to those who never gives up and tries the hardest . Life's short , so it's always best to treat everyday as if it's your last . So write these feeling you had out as if it's the last one you'll ever make . Eventually , it will be received by him ... *gentle smile*

Layla (Hesitant) : ... one more try ...

Jet black-haired lady : *Graceful nodding* Here , a small parting gift from this place and from me ...

The jet black-haired lady gave her one last more intimate hug . The overwhelming comfort lulls Layla into sleep . She whispered into her ears inaudible phrases as the scene starts turning bright white before returning back at the hospital . She got up soon after and seats herself upright , recollecting herself to what happened in that flash . She then remembered something she was asked to do and began calling out for any available nurse.

Nurse : Did you call for us , Miss Layla ?

Layla : ... May I have a pen and several pieces of paper , please .

Nurse : Okay , I'll get them for you . *returns back a few minutes later* Here you go , miss ... you seem brighter than usual now , what happened ?

Layla : Nothing much . I just feel slightly refreshed after a short nap ...

Nurse : Okay then . I'll take my leave now .

Layla : *Nods head* ...

Morning , the next day ...

Nurse : *Knocks on the door* Miss Layla , it's time for your medication . Miss Layla ? *Shakes her* Oh no ... *runs out yelling* CODE BLUE ! CODE BLUE !

The sound of the emergency alarm rings throughout the floor as a squad of nurses and a doctor pushes an unconscious Layla lying in bed to the emergency room to resuscitate her . The scene immediately shuts off the moment one of the door they went through that leads toward the emergency room closes behind them .

A week later , in the same room that's currently being tidied up by the same nurse who was in charge of tending to Layla , who is no longer occupying the room . She wore a depressed expression , as if she'd had lost something dear to her .

Nurse : ... ? *Discovers something under the pillow* What's this ?

A letter was found snugged underneath the pillow . A note was attached to it and it was for the nurse :

"To the nurses who had taken care of me all these years ,

I know I've been not responding and reacting the way that is desirable to you all the while . I just wanted to let you know that I do appreciate everything you've done for me all this time . It's just that I felt very lost after hearing what the doctor had said and not aware of what papa had done for me all this time . So , forgive me for my ill-manners .

If you had stumble upon this note , then you must've seen a letter tagged along with it . Could you do me a favor and send this letter to papa who works in an advertising agency in the city of Dushlam ? I've included his name and the company name where he works at . I'd greatly appreciate it ...

- Layla"

Nurse : *Bittersweet smile* I will , Miss Layla ... I will ...

Manga page count : 24 - 25
Online proofreading count : 2

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 3 : Mundane

Spoiler

In a black background , voices echoes within alongside sound of feet being dragged on the ground ...

*Sound of something thick being closed*

Male voice : That concludes it ...

Female voice : *Giggles* I want to hear more of the story !

Male voice : Maybe later ...

Female voice : ... you leaving again ?

Male voice : ... it's just for a moment ... I'll be back soon .

Female voice : ... umm ... I'll wait ...

Male voice : ... you still got something else to say ?

Female voice : *Long pause* ... please come back .

Male voice : I will . Bye .

"... wait for me ..."

November , Year 2123 - In someone's grossly unkempt , dull and gloomy bedroom on a cloudy , early morning . A boy sleeps in the bed muttering incomprehensible lines , trembling and sweating as if he is having some sort of nightmare .

??? : *Mutters on until waking up* ... huh ... that dream again ...

A series of scenes depicting the view of the rest of his house , clearly in the same state as his bedroom is with dust collecting on surfaces of furniture , appliances and even small objects like newspapers and books , as if it hasn't being interacted with for years .

With heavy eye-lids , strained eyes and slumped body , Ron brought himself up to start his day , dragging his legs towards the bathroom . A scrunched up face reflected on to the mirror , a face that is not welcoming the dim bathroom light and the day in the brightest of mood , he squeezes the toothpaste onto his toothbrush and proceeds into brushing his teeth , washing his face and fixing up his disheveled hair . His arms slumps lifelessly once in a while during the process as if it hasn't woken up entirely , he lets out a heavy sigh with each occurrences , taking a breather before getting his arms back to work . His struggles and ordeals in getting his body to do even the simplest task without it giving up on him continued on - dressing up , making his way to the kitchen , covered in a layer of dust on the counter , dishes stacked on their racks , cooking stoves and appliances , as if it wasn't being interacted with for a long time , brewing himself a nice cup of hot coffee , everything felt like a lot of effort for him and is tiresome and tedious to get it done . All geared up in his office attire , complete with an obligatory briefcase placed close to him onto the floor , he seats himself on a counter stool and sips on his coffee in a sloppy and lazy manner , he gazes at the black TV screen for no apparent reason and does nothing else after that - motionless , expressionless and in silence ... until the sound of a horn being made outside is being heard , prompting him into exiting the house and towards the cab that made the honking sound .

In a cab , on its way to work , passing by and through forests of glass and steel skyscrapers towering the horizon with colorful poster billboards of many types , sizes and colors strewn sporadically around and on the building itself surrounded by trees and people of all walks of life . Ron stares at the horizon beyond the window of the cab with a blank and dull look on his face .

Cab Driver : Still feeling s***ty for work , Ronny boy ?

Ron : Like usual ...

Danny : Man , talked about endurance ! Hahahaha !

Ron : It's nothing special ...

Danny : Man , don't downplay it ! I mean , we cabbie drivers had it much better than you are , you know ? Take this as a compliment from a veteran , elder working-class citizen , boy .

Ron : U-umm ...

All the while during the conversation , Danny made a quick glimpse at Ron . He can only shake his head at his obliviousness , lack of self-appreciation and an unchanged , dull expression and reaction after his brief take at lightening up the mood inside the cab and resumes transporting him to his destination .

A bird's eye view of the bustling metropolis of Dushlam at noon , several dozen cars buzzing by left and right on roads , streets and highways . Hundreds and thousands of pedestrian of all walks of life , social status and wealth walk along the pedestrian lanes , littered with flashing ad boards and signboards either on the surface of a building facing the roads or on ground level , seemingly going on with their daily life . Slowly zooming into one of the office building - Hoff's Advertising Agency - and closer into one of the cubicle where Ron work in at , struggling to stay awake in the middle of work .

A loud slamming on the desk nearby startles him wide awake from his close brush into falling asleep , he looked around dazed and confused , trying to find the source of the sound before having his focus at a dispute happening by the desk of the section chief , his boss .

Ron's boss : No ! I will not hear any excuses from you ! Either you get this done on time or you don't and if you don't , I'll cut your wages .

Disgruntled male employee : Ugh ! You can't -

Ron's boss : What ? Not happy ? Okay then . You're fired ! Now , get out of my face ! I've got no time looking at your lazy face !

Disgruntled male employee : Tch ! FINE ! I WAS ABOUT TO !!!

The disgruntled employee then stomps his way to his work cubicle , packed up all of his belongings and made a hasty exit , fuming furious . Whispering among employees are heard right after his exit ...

Worker 1 : There goes another ...

Worker 2 : More to come though ... damn , It never fails to keep attracting new victims into it . I wonder if the higher-ups knew about this or not ...

Worker 3 : Our boss's a d*** , all right !

Worker 4 : A d*** that gets red hard the moment there's a pretty lady working here . But it doesn't take long for them to drop the towel and run away though . man ... I need a dose of hot office chicks in my workplace to stay motivated .

Worker 3 : Indeed , indeed ... but we have one here though .

Worker 4 : She won't last . Trust me ...

Worker 3 : Nooo ! Please don-

Ron's boss (Furious) : *Slams fists on desk and got up* Who was it dissing me right now ?!

Worker 1 - 4 : Eeep !

While the whispering commotion is ongoing at the front , another series of whispering began at the back end of the office close to where Ron is currently at , between a male and a female worker .

Male worker : *Sighs* Quite a show eh , Alinna ?

Alinna : I'm not entertained by anything happening in here , Joshua .

Joshua : *Sulks* ... boo , your seriousness is such a joy-killer .

Alinna : That's how I live my life .

Joshua : Yeah , yeah , yeah ...

After a momentary eavesdrop onto their conversation for a moment in silence , he gazes out the office's window at the sky , pondering about something in mind before resuming work . The sun soon dips completely below the horizon , signalling the end of the office hour as the staffs began leaving their office and out of the building , all but him and two others , Alinna and Joshua , as the three continued on working until the moon rises . They took a break in-between work with both Alinna and Joshua is seen having some light conversation between each other as Ron is on a far end of the office with a tray of several cups of hot drinks walking towards them .

Ron : Joshua and Alinna , your "energy drink" .

Joshua : Bah , another cup of this company's "special brew of hell" ! Well , I can forgive that since it does keeps me awake dealing with our boss's mess , eh ?

Alinna : Complaining about it any further and you'll definitely lose your job .

Joshua : Tch ! ... To be frank though ... Ron , to tolerate his witless actions at handling his workforce and projects without having a mental breakdown ... that's inhumane . What even !

Ron : It's nothing special ...

Joshua : "Nothing special" ? Seriously ? Most of those who worked here don't even last as long as you do . They'll either break or snap , just like that guy this afternoon . You on the other hand ... *measuring him top to bottom* ... calm , composed , still having energy of that your age ...

Ron : Aren't you two-

Alinna & Joshua : *Points at their eyes , clearly all puffed up and dark* Not even close .

Joshua : *Sigh* Man ... I'm jealous that my friend had been assigned to the Research and Resource department . I mean , everyday , he wears a happy face and is always shining so brightly . How envious ...

Alinna : Apparently , many other departments had it good too . It's only our department that is experiencing the complete opposite . The workers in our department hadn't had any day-off for many , many years that was made worse with back-to-back projects we've been getting . Yet , the higher ups hadn't notice it yet ...

Joshua : Yeah , I agree ! I mean , imagine if we actually do get our day-off or even week-off in-between projects ...

Alinna : *Frowns* I've got the gist on what you're going to do with that ...

Joshua : It's obvious - resume doing what I'd wish for before I applied for this job , of course ! As a photographer , I need to capture the beauty of my chosen subject before it begins to wane out ! *Strikes a passionate pose*

Alinna : Here we go again ...

Joshua : *Talks in a poetic manner* Oh , the mankind greatest inventions , that fair skin only heavenly beings would only have , those seductive eyes tempting anyone who dare to strike a gaze at them , those silky smooth hair that flutters with the wind in the most elegant manner , and those curves , those girths , they're ... GRRRAAAAAAHH *drowned in overflowing feeling of passion and happiness*

Ron : *Indifferent expression* Oh ...

Alinna : *Stares at Joshua , feeling creeped out* ...

Joshua : Say , A-

Alinna : No .

Joshua : *Cries* Ahhnggh ~~ Your ICE cold response , how mean ~~~

After letting out a few jokes and laughter here and there , they went back to their respective cubicles to resume work .

Ron : ... hmm ? A golden card ? Who does this belongs to ?

He checks out the card he found lying on his keyboard thoroughly , trying to look for information as to what it is and who it belongs to only to reveal that both sides of the cards are blank . Assuming that it had been misplaced by someone , he placed it on his boss's workdesk and resumed working .

Midnight , outside the office building

Joshua : Bye , guys ! See you guys back in Devil's Kitchen (Writer's note : Avoiding copyright violation) tomorrow !

Alinna : Goodbye . *waves*

Totally drained and sleepy , he staggers to a nearest taxi stand , calling for one and rides it back at his rather tiny compact home in a small town of Preogina , about a few kilometers away from his office . With his half-opened eyes , he watches on the life and environment of a late light city passing by outside the window which was not particularly spectacular as most of the high-rise building and billboard lights are off , leaving mainly the public streetlights to lit up the city like firebugs , accompanied by the night sky dotted with stars and moon . He made a routine stop by a convenience store mid-way to buy something as his cab driver waits for his return before he resumes his journey home .

Back in front of his house in Preogina , 30 or so minutes later ...

Ron : Howdy , homie ...

Like clockwork , he starts off his after work routines with a zombie-paced walk towards the bathroom to take a bath , which is then followed with the consumption of his dinner bought from a nearby convenience store on his way back . After having a fill , he dons in his pajamas . As he took off his trousers , he felt something in one of his pocket - a golden card he discovered back in his cubicle in his workplace .

Ron (Thought) : ... I thought I've discarded it away .

With one last look at it , trying to figure out whom it belongs to and how it ended up in his pocket , he succumbed to his fatigue and fell asleep , ending his mundane day . An out-of-this-world experience soon struck him in his sleep - the feeling weightlessness while being bombarded with circular waves of black and while with shades of gray in-between , as if he's being transported into a bottomless portal . An unknown jolt to his dream state woke him up only to find himself in a white room with an ornate , golden door right in front of him .

Ron (Dazed) : ... Where am I ? ... *pinches self on the cheek* ... not a dream ... hello ?

Hours gone by as he continuously attempt to call out for anybody nearby , he blindly dashes in all directions only to realize that he's not making any sort of visual distance and position from the door . A worthless effort , he sat down feeling exhausted from all of the running about while screaming his lungs out .

Ron : Just ... how big ... is this room ? *Looks behind him* And why can't I distance myself away from this door ? *stares intently at door* ...

A sense of cautiousness creeps into his mind the closer he crept towards the door . Upon opening the door , he is greeted with a blast of soothing and pleasuring wind , he never felt so relaxed before in his entire life . The bright white wash of the surroundings starts to diminish , slowly revealing what's beyond the door - A pristine white counter placed in the center of a series of light-toned doors tagged with numbers . Several potted shrubbery and trees placed in-between the doors with a couple of it on top of each corner of the counter table in an oddly symmetrical , uniform manner . Behind the counter table , a elegant-looking lady with glossy and wavy light blonde hair , dressed in a Gothic-Victorian-like outfit that is out of the fashion norm seen from his world he was from . She had a very fair , illuminating complexion , almost blending into the white walls surrounding and a vibrant red lips . Concluding that it's the only person in the area , he walked to the front of the counter , confronting her .

Ron : Um ... uh , hello ?

Mysterious lady : *Looks up and smiled elegantly* May I see your verification ID ?

Ron : I want t- ... what ?

Mysterious lady : Do you have this golden card with you *shows him a sample card in question* ?

Ron : *Pulls out the card in question and flashes it* Is this the one ?

Mysterious lady : Yes . May I have it ?

Strangers to each other , he kept an apprehensive watch over every actions she had made . He took a quick glimpse behind the counter when he handed over the card and realizing that there are no machinery needed to scan or even process and extract data from the card . Surprised by it , he looked at her only to be struck dumbfounded - she was just staring at the card for a second and -

Mysterious lady : Your identification has been approved . You may enter door one to receive the deserving 'treatment' you're looking for . *smiles elegantly*

Ron (Stupefied): ... o ... kay ?

Complying to her request without even questioning anything , he opened the door and gets a "bright" and "refreshing" welcome . As the bright light emitting out of the opened door began consuming him until he can't be seen , an out-of-place sound of something rumbling can be heard from within that slowly got louder as time passed by ...

Back in Ron's bedroom , Ron is seen standing by the window of his bedroom , dressed in his working attire . He watches a large dumpster truck rumbling by with rubbish collectors doing their regular routine , confused and dumbfounded as if having something inexplainable had happened with him .

Ron (Thought) : ... what was that ... what just happened ?

Manga Page Count : 24-26
Online Proofreading Count : 5

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 4 : Dreaming

Spoiler

In the bedroom of Ron's house , Ron , already all dressed and groomed up for work , is seen sitting stiff still on the bed , seemingly having something running in his mind .

Ron : I definitely woke up very early ... way too early ... the first time ... and ... and I don't feel tired at all . This is too real to be a dream ... or is it ? Enngh ... my head ... maybe I should watch TV  to kill off these extra time I had .

Without minding about it any further , he got up and makes his way to the kitchen and preps himself breakfast while holding onto his head once in a while as if he's having a headache . As he is in the middle of brewing coffee , he came to realize something ...

Ron (Thought) : No bread ? No butter spread as well ... strange . Did I forget to buy them ? And why is the toaster so dusty , no ... the whole house's covered in dust . I'm not this negligent at keeping my own home clean . I think I'll clean up this house and stock up on food supplies when I had the time .

And so Ron drop the need to make toast and just brews another cup of coffee and sat down with it by the kitchen counter overlooking the TV . Knowing that he still need means to kill time before his transport arrives , he decides to turn on the TV and watch something .

TV : "Right now on World News - Ulan Kush Police Force had launched a raid on a rural village of Zamblamid , some 110 miles north of the capital city of Ulan Kush around midnight last night over credible information being given to them of a village houses a terrorist that poses a threat to the country's safety . A lady , in her mid-20's , claiming to be the wife and a victim of continuous domestic abuse of the target states that after watching a TV crime show that listed the world's most wanted criminals , she notices that her husband and abuser is on that list and her male friend , who was with her at the police HQ , encouraged her to offer that information to the nearest police HQ . Her friend , Donnie Zhu , in his mid-30s , was worried for the witness's and the villagers safety back at the monastery where he resides and the village where she came from and encouraged her to get the help of the police to ensure that the wanted fugitive is caught and locked up for good ..."

As he is watching the news , he can't help but to recall what he had seen in his dream ...

Ron : *Sips coffee* ... plain , white rooms ... a very ornate , giant , golden door that seems to follow me regardless of where and how much and far I've ran ... an exotic-looking lady that's not from my era ... the perplexing surge of vitality I'm currently experiencing currently ... feeling clear-minded and ... and happy ? *Pulls out a golden card out of his pocket* This card ... does it have to do with-

It wasn't long before a honking of a cab is heard , signalling the time make his way to his workplace in Dushlam .

Cab driver : You're awfully glistening glimmer there , Ronny boy . Care to tell me how ? I want that feeling too .

Ron : If I knew how , I would've told you ...

Danny : Darn it ! ... say , did you get that from that lady ?

Ron : You kept mentioning 'her' every once in a while . Just who is 'she' exactly though ?

Danny : Beats me , I don't know of her myself , never seen her face-to-face too . I only heard of her from one of my chatter-mouth friend of mine . According to him , she had the looks and figure so smoldering hot and captivating beyond the beauty standards this world had !

Ron (Thought) : I would've described the lady I've seen in my dream roughly the same way . Pure coincidence ? ... or that if it's not a dream all this while . *Shakes head* Must be the former ...

Danny : He also says that it's like a dream to him . In addition to the lady mentioned , he also recall being in a white room so white , whiter than snow , that he couldn't even see the walls around him . He also mentioned being greeted by a gargantuan golden door the moment he woke up . He couldn't remember everything else after that though ...

Ron : How's that got to do with me though ?

Danny : Well , he and you had that similar thing going on - it's like you're both are newborn . Believe me , that friend of mine is already in his sixties and had the energy and libido that of a teenager ! I'm very sure he must've chugged down too many energy drinks but now you too are giving off that SHINE !!! You're soooo bright ! Hahahahaha !

Ron : ... maybe so .

A brief pause of silence came right after that ...

Danny : Say ... are you sure that you're all right there ?

Ron : Uh ... yea ... why ?

Danny : You sure ? I mean , you're so out of your character now . You're always looking out the window daydreaming with every morning trip ...

Ron : (Out of character ... ?) Maybe because I had too many energy drinks ? I'm fine , I can assure you .

Danny (Suspicious) : *A moment of silence , then shrugs it off* ... okay , if you say so . But if you need any help or a belly to lay your heavy head on , I'm your man . 100% guaranteed satisfactory relief , says not me !

Ron : *Light snicker* Riiight ...

Danny : Ahahahah !!!

In the same department of Hoff's Advertising Agency several hours later , in the very same cubicle , he is seen working at speed where most people would deem it as 'inhuman' as he wrote and type reports , compiling and organizing files and folders and whizzing all over the office . His 'otherworldly' and rather 'comedic' action was being watched by co-workers nearby , including two of his work buddies , Alinna and Joshua .

Ron (Thought) : I'm feeling so energized since that unusual morning , this physically and mentally impossible project felt like a cakewalk to get it done now ! uurrrrRREEAAAHHH !!! I'm burning !!!

Joshua and Alinna : ... *Looked at each other , dumbfounded*

Alinna : Did you-

Joshua : *Waves hand , gesturing denial* I did not !

Several hours later , he walks out to the front desk and drops a tall stack of completed paperwork and digital data in front of his boss , busy texting on his phone , startling him briefly .

Ron : *Declares it to the workers of his department impulsively* Here you go , boss ! All done and done ! Now we can celebrate the completion by-

Ron's boss : *Hands over a new project briefing file* Good , now we can start another . The deadline's set in 3 months , starting immediately .

Ron (Stunned) : ... what ?

Ron's boss : You heard me now . *Waves him off* Off you go .

He looks back towards the workers of the department . He witnesses no traces of excitement , nor disappointment from their boss's orders - the atmosphere's the same as usual , as if they're used to such treatment . During his state of disbelief , two people stood up and walked out from the cubicle and out of the department's main entrance door . One of them just so happens to be Alinna , who approached him and whispered a few lines among each other on the way when their boss isn't watching .

Ron : Have ... have I done something wrong here ?

Alinna : You did nothing wrong . They actually appreciated your effort but feels like it's for naught because they knew full well of his demeanor .

Ron : Wait . Where are you going ?

Alinna : I've vouched to quit this job if nothing's changed after this project's done . I'm just done with his heartless acts ... I wish you and Joshua the best of luck in this . Don't worry , I'll keep in touch with you every once in a while .

Ron (Unhappy) : ... (Wh ... what have I done ...)

And so he stumbled back into his cubicle , feeling an ever-building weight on his shoulder as time passes by , facing the prospect of going through 'hell' all over again ...

Male worker : This needs to be done by today . Can you help me out on this ?

Ron : Okay !

And again ...

Female worker : We need ten thousand copies of this 200+ page documentation by today . Can I lend your hand ?

Ron : Okay .

And again ...

Ron's boss : I'm sure you can get this done as quick as you did with the previous project , right ?

Ron : Okay ...

And again . The cycle continues , putting himself in the middle of more work , working his heart out tirelessly , all of that energy he had this morning eventually waned out ...

Joshua : Hey , Ron ! Can you-

Ron : *Sleeping* ZzzZzz ...

Joshua : *Whispers* ... Good grief ...

In a vast , white room with a large , golden , ornate door beyond the horizon . He stands in the middle of the room .

Ron (Thought) : Hurmph ... that door ... *realizing* I'm back here again ?

Unlike before , he makes his way through the same big , ornate golden door towards the counter without a moment to pause and ponder , while rummaging through all of his pockets for the golden card .

Ron : Could you please tell me where am I ?

Mysterious lady : *Looks up and smiled elegantly* May I see your verification ID ?

Ron : W-what ? ... fine . *Presents her with the card*

While not being watched by Ron , she paused momentarily realizing something's wrong with what she's 'reading' . Just before he shifts his focus on her , she immediately pretended that nothing's wrong and went on with the normal procedure .

Mysterious lady : Your identification has been approved . You may enter door one to receive the 'treatment' you're looking for . *smiles elegantly*

Ron : Wai- ... what abou- ... fine ! *Enters the door dissatisfied*

She watches his movements until he's out of her sight , slightly confused . She takes another look at the card to make sure that it's just a fluke , only to frown slightly , as if her suspicions had been confirmed  . She walks away from the counter and enters a non-existent door , knobless and without any physical signs that indicates an existence of a door , behind the counter .

In a dark room , dimly lit with candles on ornate candle stands and chandeliers . In-between two candle stands , a large Victorian-styled sofa .

Ron is seen pacing back and forth in front of it , seating on the sofa once in a while , waiting for another person that will offer him answers . A feminine figure is seen walking towards him , dressed in a black , heavily-patterned gown and having a deep-dark red , glossy , long hair that touches the ground .

Dark red-haired lady : Ah , you're that patro-

Ron : You ! Do you know where am I now ? All these bizarre things are starting to give me a headache ... *Holds head firmly*

Dark red-haired lady : You're in a place where lost souls find relief and an escape from their current life . We provide services for people like you , whatever form it may be , be it spiritually , mentally ... or physically .

Ron : Wha- ! I just wanted to kno- ... screw finding it out . I don't want your services . I want out of this place .

Dark red-haired lady : *Approaches Ron in a sensual manner* I can assure you ... after the service , you'll be sent back to where you belong ... all invigorated .

Ron (Fearful) : *Retreats backwards* I already sai- ... wh-why are you approaching me ? What are you up to ?

Dark red-haired lady : *Giggles* You're really all over the place . This calls for ... my service ...

Ron : *Back facing against the wall* Stay away ! I SAID STAY AWAY ! Stay away from me and my sister ... STOP BOTHERING US !

Dark red-haired lady : Kindly remain calm ... I won't hurt you ...

Being "coached" to lay flat on the couch by the lady , he tried to stop her questionable actions only to feel uncomfortably at ease with every stroke of her hand on him . A feint voice that slowly got louder can be heard by him as he struggles to comprehend the situation he's into , his mind starts turning blank and vision dark , slowly falling unconscious ...

Joshua : Ron ! Time to wake up , Ron !

Ron : Mmngh ... *Jolted up from slumber* No , don't touch ME !

Joshua : Touch you ? I wasn't even touching you at all .

Ron : *Sweating and flushed* Hah ! hah ... hah , Joshua ? Alinna ? I'm ... I'm back !

Joshua : Back from where ? You were here all along sleeping . Good thing you dozed off when most of them went home already .

Alinna : Are you really okay though ?

Ron : I ... I'm fine ...

Alinna : *Intimidating glare* Is completing a workload of fifty-odd people in just a few hour and murmuring the same line over and over again while you're sweating buckets and trembling off a bulk load of calories during your nap time fine to you ?

Ron (Fear) : Okay , okay , I'm not ! But I ... even I don't know myself . This ... dream I'm having ... it felt too real this time .

Joshua : A dream ?

Ron : I was in a vast white room , with a large , golden and ornate door . And when I enter through the door , there's a lady sitting behind a counter ...

Joshua : A lady ?! How does she look like ? *Gets gouged by Alinna* Owowowwow ~~~

Alinna : Let's end it there for now before someone here decides to let his fantasy run wild again . We'll resume where you left off when this "Fat Lute"'s out of the picture .

Joshua : *Rubs eye in pain* How ... cold ... of you ...

Ron : Okay ... but what are you doing here , Alinna ? I thought you've resigned already .

Alinna : I haven't submitted my resignation letter to him yet , or rather , I'd rather submit it to someone else other than him . I'll do that tomorrow .

Joshua : And we're done discussing something here . So , we had to wake you up ... or do you intend to sleep on and-

Ron : No , no , no ! Thank you lots for waking me up . I do !

Outside Hoff's Advertising Agency , late night . Alinna and Ron is seen standing under the taxi stand in front of the building . A taxi is seen slowly approaching them at distance .

Ron : *Holds head with both hands firmly while struggles to stay upright*

Alinna : *Watches Ron holding his head while struggling to stay upright* Here , take these . I don't need them anymore . *gives Ron her headache pills*

Ron : Just how-

Alinna : It's part of the job hazard working under that person . Let's just say that I got a forewarning to have them beforehand .

Ron : You sure you don't need it anymore ?

Alinna : *Shakes head* You can have it . I'll be off now . You take care now ! *Boards onto her personal transport*

Ron : U-umm . *Pops in a few tablets soon after*

Alinna (Thought) : ... "together forever" , huh ? Ron ...

Roughly half an hour later , in front of the front door of Ron's house .

Ron : Howdy , homie ... *opens door* what a wild day to ... day ...

Greeting him as he opens the door , a feminine figure seemingly familiar to Ron in the midst of ransacking the living room of his house ...

Manga page count : 20
Online proofreading count : 2

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 5 : Answers

Spoiler

In an unknown white room , series of mysterious orbs are seen floating mid-air surrounding a female figure , seated in a 'Seiza' manner meditating , dressed in a white-silver gradient one-piece gown with gold vine , leaf and flower design spiraling upwards the gown , wearing a heavily intricate designed Ayam-inspired hat (Writers note : It's hard to describe it's design without actually drawing it out) with it's veil that droops all the way to the ground on a pearl-white hair . In a foreground , a silhouette is seen walking towards the seated female figure

White-haired lady : You seek my attention ?

Mysterious lady : *Presents a golden card*

White-haired lady : *Takes the cards and examines it* Why is this still here ?

Mysterious lady : I don't know myself . I've identified this card and it's from the same owner who made his appearance to this place twice .

White-haired lady : ... interesting .

Mysterious lady : What should we do ?

Silence plays in the room for several minutes as the white-haired lady thinks . She frowned for a moment as if she's uneasy about something but soon she delivers her decision .

White-haired lady : I've decided . *Turns focus at the mysterious lady* Obtain the physical card . Look for him if needed .

Mysterious lady : Understood .

And the mysterious lady slowly closes her eye , slowly covering the scene in darkness . As she re-opens her eyes , she ends up on the street outside the mid-low wealth residential house that belonged to Ron . Having the presence and appearance that is a rarity to the public , passerby are often stopped in their track en sight , mesmerized . Oblivious to her surrounding , she stood there for a while staring at the location objective .

Mysterious lady : This must be the place ...

A flashback scene in a form of recollection of directions that was given to her by a hooded figure of the objective's location after consulting with the white-haired lady .

Mysterious lady : *Looks around* ... everything's new , different from before ...

She makes her way to the front door of the house , knocks on the door and waited , only to get no response for minutes . She had once considering asking the people around her for assistance , but realizing her current position , she had to think of other ways to obtain the card without the involvement and further exposure of her presence to the public .

Mysterious lady (Thought) : ... breaking in is the only thing I can do . The card in question ... I hope that it's in there .

And so she began fiddling and meddling with whatever she can physically interact with and get to like an inexperienced explorer/adventurer would , all while looking around for a possible opening she can get into . After several dozens of attempts , she manages to find a way in through an unlocked backdoor slider that leads to the living room .

Mysterious lady : This is his ... settlement ... *Shakes head lightly* the card ...

And so she began ransacking the living room and the kitchen of Ron's house for hours . Before she could proceed to the bedroom ...

Ron : Howdy , homie ... *opens door* what a wild day to ... day ...

Mysterious lady : ...

Eye contact is being made , as if it's fated ...

Ron : I guess it's really a wild day . I must've end up in a wrong house *closes door to check the house number plate* ... I'm definitely in the right house ... *opens door*

Mysterious lady : *Stares at him at distance* ...

Ron : ... *Closes door again , gives himself several wake-up slap and opens the door again* Howdy , hom-

Mysterious lady : *Stares at him at distance* ...

Ron (Thought): *Slams the door again* ... why is the lady in my dreams in my house ?! Am I not out of my dream yet ? *Shakes head in a violent manner* ... this ... is just a dream . Just . A . *opens door again* DREAM !

Mysterious lady : *Standing in front of the door* May I have your identification ID , please .

Ron (Shocked) : *Falls on the ground hard from the surprise close-up* YEEEAAAAGH !!! Wh-wh-wh- ! You're that lady in my dream !

Mysterious lady : You ... recognized me ...

Ron : Of course I do . You're that lady who looked past me like I'm a ghost ! What the hell you're doing in my house ? How can you be here to begin with ?!

Drowned by his loud-toned series of questions , she had no means of reasoning her motives . Knowing that it's futile and in possible trouble because he recognized her , she reached for a satchel stashed in her dress , poured and blew out a powdered substance from it at him , causing him to begin experiencing drowsiness .

Ron (Drowsy) : What ... did you do to ... me ... ?

Mysterious lady : I believe it's best to explain it back there . I'll look for your identification ID to help you get there .

Ron (Drowsy) : Wait ... st- ... *Passed out*

In a white room , a coffee table is seen located at the center of the room in-between two sofas , all decorated in a Victorian-Gothic style . Ron is seated on one of the sofa .

Ron : ... Not again ? Not again ... I need to register myself to the psychiatric ward . I think I'm going insane ...

??? : I've been told that you recognized her .

Ron : *Startled* Who is it ? Where are you !?

Without any notification or his awareness , the person making the mysterious voice appeared just right across him , seated on the sofa that was once unoccupied .

White-haired lady : It's a first time I've had a 'soul' who came here having able to remember one of us and made a visitation twice ... *shakes head* ... three times , counting in this one .

Ron (Shocked) : Yearrgh !!! Since when you were here ?!

White-haired lady : Kindly calm yourself down first .

Ron (Annoyed)  : Wha- ! How am I supposed to calm down here !? You magically appeared right under my nose !

White-haired lady : Alright . How about now ? *Places a burning incense on the coffee table*

Ron : *Inhales and exhales the smoke* ... a little bit (No , better ! My headaches gone completely !) ... but I still need to know what the f*** is going on ! I need clarification .

White-haired lady : Alright , let me first say that we're not here to mean you any harm . Our only goal of being in your presence is to have a conversation with you , if you don't mind ... *Claps hand twice*

Mysterious lady : *Appears behind Ron* Yes ?

Ron (Thought and Shocked) : Since when she was behind me !?

White-haired lady : Two soothing cup of tea , please .

Mysterious lady : Yes . *walks off*

Ron (Suspicious) : *Sees the mysterious lady's departure to no end* ...

White-haired lady : To show our deepest regret in doing anything that made you feel not at ease , you may inquire us about anything and we'll inform you the best we can . So , what would it be ?

Ron : You , that lady who was here and that one lady with super-long hair who kept touching me abrasively ... who are you people ?

White-haired lady : We're someone who just shouldn't exist anywhere beyond here .

Ron : (Wha ...) Not even having names ?

White-haired lady : Yes .

Ron : Then , how am I going to refer you as ?

White-haired lady : If you need one , it'll take a while to retrieve it . Someone here is looking for it right now .

Ron (Suspicious) : "Looking" ... (It just can't get anymore weirder than this ... can it ?)

White-haired lady : Before you lay down anymore inquiries , would you kindly accept our proposal first ?

Ron (Suspicious) : What proposal ?

White-haired lady : Since you're able to identify us and possibly know of this place and what we do here , I would like you to keep everything that you see , hear and know of in absolute secrecy .

Ron (Annoyed) : Just why would I-

White-haired lady : I wish that you'd not take this matter lightly . Can you do that for us at the very least ?

Noticing how serious she is about this matter and all the bizarre things that happened all this while , he can't help but feel like he's in a pinch . But no matter how hostile-like the position he is in and his initial perception about her and her 'family' and irritating and aggravating they are to him , as strange as it seems to him , he can't feel any true harming intention emanating from them . Because of that , he thought of it hard and for minutes ...

Ron (Hesitant) : ... alright .

White-haired lady : Thank you for your consideration . By the way , as for our names , it looks like I do not have a name , but you can call me 'Libra' .

Ron : Li ... bra ? After the star sign ?

Libra : It would make things much easier to explain my existence and to what I do here .

Ron : I still find it rather odd for it to be a name , but whatever . The other two I've mentioned ?

Libra : I don't know what you meant by the person with a "soup pearl-long" hair you're referring to , but the person who was here just now , her name is Atramille de Surquouis .

Ron (Thought) : Another bizarre name ...

Libra : Now that has been answered ... anything else ?

Ron : Souls . Care to explain that to me ? Am I ... dead ? Also , I've got a name - it's Ron .

Libra : *Bows* My apologies for our inconsiderate act . Souls come and go fairly quick , so their names do no matter . So to honor your request from this point on , Ron , you're not dead . When people like you come here , only your soul will get transported to this place . Your body will still be where it was . After you've gone through our service and treatment , your soul will be returned back to your body .

Ron : (*Let's out a big sigh of relief* Thank goodness ! ...) O ... kay . Now , where am I ?

Libra : You're where souls come and see-

Ron : I know of that . What I meant is ... is this some sort of night club ?

Libra : "Night club" ?

Ron : You know , a place where people would go to at night for happy times ...

Libra : ???

Ron (Shocked) : (How can they not know of such business ? It's literally everywhere !) Then , is this some sort of ... tavern or brothel ?

Libra : You could see it as such , as our services may be associated with such workings . However , this is not a tavern , nor a brothel .

Ron : Then what is this place then ? Does it have a name to begin with ?

Libra : It doesn't have a name , but some souls who came here before had kept mentioning and associating this place as being a sanctum . Perhaps it is such to you as well ?

Ron : A sanctum ... (Dubious ...)

Libra : Whatever you desire it to be to fill in those blanks , if it helps you in clearing anything that fogs your mind as of now , I'll gladly accept it ...

She got up , gives a slow and graceful bow in front of Ron and raised back up wearing a pure and bright smile , she offers her hand and welcomes him formally . He could only be mesmerized by her gestures and presence when she greeted her , silencing him at that moment ...

Libra : Welcome , Ron , to 'The Sanctum' ! We welcome you with open arms , ready to be at service .

Atramille : *Appears behind Libra* Tea is ready , mother .

Libra : Oh , come and sit with me , sister . I might need a bit of your side of the story on this later on .

Atramille : Yes , mother . *sits next to Libra*

Libra : Ron , do you need any more questions answered ?

Ron : *Snaps out of his daze* A-ah *Ahem* ... about the service . What service ... exactly ?

Libra : Certainly . We offer services that varies between individual souls we've specially invited . From consultations in new insight and directions up to easing you from pain and grievance in your current life , it can range from simple private confessions to direct administration of comfort , pleasure and happiness , either physically , mentally or emotionally . We only offer this services to souls we personally invited that are deemed in dire state of all forms of intoxicating struggles of life - strained , drained , depressed , defeated , lost , cornered , either physically , mentally and/or emotionally .

Ron : ... and all the 'raunchy' acts as well ?

Libra : I'm afraid I can't understand what you're trying to say . The purpose of the services we offer is to give people like you extra needed means to fight on with struggles in life .

Ron (Thought) : That didn't help explaining what I've gone through at work not long ago . It also doesn't explain the headaches that doesn't go away after taking in the pills . I just hope it was definitely their doing just so I can get them to fix this issue and all of th-

Libra : You seem ... confused ... strained . Perhaps you need consultation services to help ease your pain and suffering right now ?

Ron (Annoyed) : Pain ? Suffering ? How the hell do you know that I am ? I'm perfectly fine !

Libra : Our seeker doesn't lie . she chose you to come here .

Ron : Just ... how ... exactly ?

Libra : *Flashes out a golden card* With this .

Ron : That still don't explain how I end up in a place that can only exist in my dream ...

Libra : Allow me explain it the best I could . This card serves as a vessel that holds one's silenced will - a vow to find the silver lining in the cloud . The vessel itself is a seal that represents one's struggles of life , be it current or lifelong . Our duty here is to break that seal and release the silenced will within . The seeker will manifest it within the reach of the bearer but it is left to the bearer of this card's will to decide if it's time to come here or not . Once it is time , the card will serve as a connector between here and the world they lived in for souls .

Ron : But I don't want to . So why am I still here ... again ?

Libra : That's why you are here now . I hope that you'd have the answer we need to resolve this issue .

Ron : *Frowns* Sorry about that though . I thought YOU might be able to fix this . I just want this be done with just so I can get on with my life ...

Libra : I can understand your frustration and dissatisfation for our actions ... *bows* and we sincerely apologize for that . Unfortunately , this is the very first time this has happened and we're trying our best in solving this ourselves but we currently have little to nothing to go with .

Atramille : Ron , how do you know of me when I was in your home ?

Ron : Isn't that normal ? Don't tell me ... is that the secret you're talking about ?

Libra : Like us , this place too does not exist in your world . Just describing about its existence alone will be beyond anybody's comprehension capabilities - you will be more confused the more we explain it . However , I hope that you understand our reasoning for such secrecy just by getting to know our role and this place does for the people we've invited .

Ron (Annoyed) : Alright , alright ! I got it ! Secrets are secrets . Since I've got no answers for you , can you send me back now ?

Libra : *Points at the golden card on the table* Yes , we could , but I'm afraid that as long this card still exist , you may wake up in this place again .

Ron (Angry) : Wait , what ?! I'm going to keep coming to this f***ed up place against my own will ?! Can't you prevent that from happening ?

Atramille : That would be an impossible task to do .

Libra : I can understand your dissatisfaction but please , hear me out first .

Ron (Discontent) : *Sat down hard* ...

Libra : I'll inform the seeker to cease all invitation to this place and close the door until the issue's resolved . But if you do end up coming back to this place again , you are free to accept the service we offer or not to . This room will be yours to be in when you wish not to accept our service for whatever reason it may be . But in my opinion , the services we offer helps in getting you back to where you belong better than the unconventional way . I personally hope that you do consider accepting one instead .

Atramille : *Stares at Ron for a short time* Do you find our service questionable ?

Ron : N-not that . It's just that I'm not looking forward for one . (Did she just read my mind ?) I just want to go back home . Aren't we both done here ?

Libra : I believe we are . Lay down and close your eyes , please .

Ron : U-umm ... *lies down*

Complying to the request , he slowly lays down on the couch and closes his eyes . He felt the breeze coursing across his face , soothing and fragrant . He then felt something touching his cheeks in a gentle manner - he woke up shortly after .

Ron's bedroom .

Ron : *Wakes up* ... I'm finally back . I'd pray that no more bizz-

Atramille : Welcome back , Monsieur Ron .

Ron (Shocked) : *Froze momentarily* ... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!! *Shrieks in utter surprise , instinctively throwing himself to the bed board*

Atramille : Is there something wrong ?

Ron : Y-y-you're here ! How can you come out from my dream ?

Atramille : I can assure you that what you've experienced all the while wasn't a dream .

Ron : B-b-but you were in my head ! In a white room , you were seated next to ... to ... her ... her name ...

Atramille : They're all real , not a dream . So , please calm yourself down beforehand . *Brings out the same incense that was in the room before*

Ron : *Unintentionally took in a strong whiff of the scent* Wh-wh ... *relaxed* ...

Atramille : Now that's being dealt with , is there anything you would like to say to me ?

Ron : Just how you can be in two places ? Is there a two of you , or something ?

Atramille : I do not have a twin . This is not an act of illusion , nor a dream .

Ron : Alright , fine ! Then why are you here ?

Atramille : Libra sent me down here to keep watch over you , to make sure nothing bad were to happen to you . I'll be here until the issue is resolved .

Ron : You don't say ... *Eyes wide open in disbelief*

Atramille stood up gracefully and offers Ron a bow and curtsy , lifting the sides of her dress slightly with both of her hands , she greets him .

Atramille : Atramille de Surquouis , at your service . I'll be in charge of your well-being while I'm on duty mission as per Libra's request until further notice .

Ron (Thought) : Ah ... my life's as attained a new level of nonsense ... I can hardly tell what's real and fantasy anymore . What am I going to do now ?

*A familiar honking sound is heard right outside of his house*

Ron : ... IT'S ALREADY TIME FOR WORK ?! F*** , I'm late for work !!!

Atramille : ... ?

Ron : Where's my briefcase !? Where is it !?

Atramille : ... do you need my help in-

Ron : *Ignoring Atramille's offer of assistance* S*** , I forgot to take my suit out of the washing machine ! F*** it , I'm wearing my old suit *Dresses himself up in a frantic manner* !

Atramille : ...

The chaotic situation continues as he is seen dashing in all directions within his house , trying to get himself ready for work . Atramille stood in the middle of it confused while observing his frantic actions , wheezing by her throughout the whole time of chaos . She is seen occasionally following Ron wherever he goes .

Atramille : ... do you need me to do anything-

Ron : You stay here ! *Shuts the door behind him*

Atramille : ... yes .

Manga page count : 20-22
Online proofreading count : 0

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 6 : Madness

Spoiler

The sound of a vehicle on the move can be heard back inside the house as Atramille continues to give a blank stare at the front door , as if she had something going on in her mind .

In the same white room where Ron was and has left not long ago .

Libra : ... did you sense anything ?

Atramille : He's hiding something ...

Libra : I see ... how unusual ... do you think that he might be the reason for the issue at hand ?

Atramille : Inconclusive but highly possible .

Libra : *Frowns* ... part of me still doubt ... what if it really had to do with what we did that may have caused this ... ?

Atramille : How so ?

Libra : *Closes eyes , contemplates* I don't know ... I just ... don't know ...

A period of silence ensues as Libra considers Atramille suggestion heavily . The sound of an unusually large antique clock moving gears and pendulum can be clearly heard echoing throughout the room as Atramille stares at her , seemingly awaiting for something from her .

Atramille : If you're having doubts of our services , I can assure you that judging from the history and the patrons responses after the treatment , personally , unless it was because of something that was out of our realm of understanding , knowledge and experiences , I cannot point my finger on what we've being doing here as the probable cause . If that was the case , then the only possible cause to the persisting issue , Ron is the reason . However , as of currently , what I see made me drew that conclusion when being inquired on - he's hiding something ...

Libra : ... alright . I want you to persuade him into opening up ... whatever it takes as long you're not being intrusive , invasive and raises any form of negative suspicions of our presence and activities . *Presents a ornate bracer with a jewel that glows an odd dark hue* Wear this before venturing down into Ron's world . You may leave now ... good luck .

Atramille : As you wish ... *Nods and walks away*

Libra (Thought) : ... I hope that I've not made another wrong call ...

The scene fades to black , returning back to where she currently is .

Atramille : ... *turns head to look around the house in a slow manner* ... this place requires my attention as well .

A series of scenes of Atramille doing house chores throughout the whole house , from cleaning up the floor , dusting off dusts and reorganizing inventories and miscellaneous back to their respective places the best she could (Writer's note : She's not familiar to a lot of things she discovers . So , you get the picture) . She also did meticulous searching while doing the former , as if she's looking for something .

She makes her way into Ron's bedroom and proceeds into initiating house chores . She stumbled upon a picture frame that had fallen down from the side desk while she's in the middle of sweeping and noticed that there's a picture slotted in it - a picture of him and a girl on bed in a hospital , a facility she isn't familiar with . She stares at it for a moment , as if she trying to pick up something from it , "Strained expression ..." she mutters to self and then resumed her duties . She makes her way to his personal desk and discovers a piece of partially written letter and an envelope . Knowing her duties , she read the letter to see if it holds any clues that she needs .

"My bestest besty best buddy and sister I've ever had in the entire universe , the adorable Laylay ! Sorry that I couldn't visit you again today . Yeah , I know , I'm making lots of excuses . The work here is forever full and packed that I just couldn't make time at all . Even my off-days needs to be put on hold ! I'm sure that one day , I'm going to get that free time and I'm going to use all of that free time to pay a visit . Till then , wait for me ! Here's my written force of encouragement to you - even if I'm not there right now , I've plucked out my soul and shot it at your place . It's there alright , or else I'm not being miming here at work ... yeah , dumb joke . Anyways , all I can say is just as I am keeping my promise strong , so you stay strong , stay fit , stay lively !

Oh , I've got something to say ," (the letter ends here , incomplete)

She also notices several crumpled up papers underneath the desk . She picked them up and unravel them , realizing that they're letters as well , most probably rejected by Ron himself . As she read them , she noticed that despite being written differently , they all had ... "Same underlying messages for his sister ..." . Picking up the relationship between Ron and "Laylay" , her sister and how close they are , she made an attempt at looking for letters made by "Laylay" , despite her unfamiliarity with the new environment , but to no avail . Realizing that this is all that she could gather in information and clues , she collected all of it and kept it with her and resumes doing her chores and investigation elsewhere .

In the living room , Atramille is seen reorganizing a small pile of old magazines placed on top of the coffee table .

Atramille : *Spots and picks up a TV remote control tucked under a magazine* ... what could this be ? *presses a button colored in red with a 'turn on' symbol*

The TV turns itself on , blasting off sounds that startled Atramille into a jumping flinch . Panicked by the situation , she presses any random buttons in a frantic manner , making the TV change channels and lowering and raising it's volume before managing to turn the TV off .

Atramille (Panic) : *Deep exhale of air* ... I've finally got 'the beast' under control ... it seems like this 'black box' is used to control that beast . This require better understanding on handling it .

Atramille is seen seated on a couch facing the TV with the very remote in her hands , pressing each buttons as if she is studying and experimenting with it to be familiar and experienced with handling it 'the beast' .

Atramille : So this controls the type of 'faces' 'the beast' displays ... and this controls the intensity of its 'roar' . The 'faces' this 'beast' displays seems to be realistic . It is as if I'm witnessing a scene occurring somewhere else without being there in the first place ... interesting ... *Ponders for a while* ... I have much to learn .

And so she spends her remainder of the day watching TV and nothing else ...

Early afternoon , inside the PD Department of Hoff's Advertising Agency ...

Ron (Thought) : *Pops in a couple of the pills given to him by Alinna* ... "Atramille" ... no , it has to be a dream ! I'm definitely still dreaming ... but why ...

While Ron is in the middle of contemplation , he overheard some conversation going on right behind him ...

Male worker 1 : Did you just drank your brains out again ?! You know we got to memorize all of these steps in order to finish our part on time !

Male worker 2 : Man , I've got to get drunk just to forget all them sh**ty memories I had on that same day , you know ...

Male worker 1 : Oh , it helped though . It wiped out ALL of it , the ugly , bad AND the goods ...

Male worker 2 : Alright , alright ! I won't get drunk after work tonight !

Male worker 1 : Yeah right ...

Ron : *Whispers to self* ... getting drunk ... if disbelieving it won't end it , maybe forgetting about it will . I remember seeing a bar visible from where I am not far from here . *Resumes working* I should get there and do just that before returning back home ... I hope that it'll work ...

Night, a frontal view of a bar , with a flashy neon sign "Catnip" mounted on top of a rustic wooden paned double-door , with bare brick walls covering the rest of the front establishment . The camera zooms close , peering through the transparent pane of the door , revealing Ron , sitting on a stool facing the main counter , drunk with the bartender watching over him .

Ron (Drunk) : *Gulps down a mug of beer* ... murmurmurrgh ... I'm telleeng yuh ... she wuz in muh dweem and she wuz in muh huuse ... *Hic* at duh saem time ... uhh ... muh head hurtzzz ... evuh since all of thuh huppun ...

Bartender : Yes ...

Ron : dunh "yush" me ... juz ... give me murr beer ! I wunh too fuhgit eet ALL !

Bartender : I'm afraid I can't offer you anymore , sir . You're too intoxicated and you've got no one to send you back home . I'll call fo-

Ron : *Stood up and grabs hold onto the bartender's shoulder* No helph ! I dun needh helph ! I'm fine ... *Slowly slumps down onto his stool and laying lifelessly onto the counter , passing out* I'm ... fine ... wurr ... fine ... leaf us ... ugh ... zzz ...

Bartender : ...

*Sound of a wooden door opening*

Bartender : Welcome ! Ah , if it isn't Alinna ! I haven't seen you in days ! What happened ?

Alinna : Left my job . So , no point in making my ... *Spots Ron , passed out on the counter* ... trip here ... Ron ? What are you- ... wait , you're an alcoholic ?

Bartender : A friend of yours ? What's troubling him so much that he wanted to forget about ?

Alinna : *Sigh* You ask me , I don't know myself ... I'll get to the taxi I saw parked nearby the company and accompany him back to his house .

Bartender : Please do . He'll kill his liver if he drank more than he should've .

Ron : *Murmuring in his sleep* ... unghh ... just the two of us ... together forever ... wait for me ...

Alinna (Thought) : Those words ... he's muttering it again ...

While the bartender keeps an eye on Ron while Alinna went out to grab a cab , meanwhile less than an hour back , in Ron's house , Atramille is still fixated at the TV so intently , the room lights wasn't turned on at night , making the entire house a dark , unoccupied state and remained so until the sound of a vehicle engine can be heard approaching nearby . It was until the sound of the door being opened that broke her attention .

Alinna : The door's opened . Lay him down on his bed , please . It's to the right from the living room . *Turns on house light*

Danny : Yes , ma'am ! (Damn , he's light as h-) *Halted his progress* ...

Alinna : ??? What's wro- ...

Danny and Alinna stood there in silence as they're greeted by an unfamiliar face in the living room , seated in front of the TV , staring at them .

Atramille : *Got up and bowed* Welcome , dear guests , to Ron's house . What can I do to help yo- ... Ron ? Is he okay ?

Alinna (Suspicious) : ... Mr. Danny ... tend to Ron . I would like to have a talk with this person personally .

Danny : Right'o .

As soon as Danny brought Ron into his bedroom while being watch by both of them , Alinna immediately approaches Atramille with sudden movements in an attempt at questioning her .

Alinna (Suspicious) : Why are you in his house ? I know him enough to know that he lives alone ...

Atramille : I'm his personal maid . I was invited by Ron to tend to his needs .

Alinna (Perplexed) : ... personal maid ?

Atramille : Yes .

Alinna (Suspicious) : *Glares at Atramille* Really ?

Atramille (Stunned) : ... yes .

Alinna (Thought) : A personal maid ? Only people of wealth can afford maids and butlers and Ron is not a rich person to begin with . I know that he prefers being alone so having someone under the same roof is totally not him . And that outfit ... I've seen several cosplay designs , thanks to Joshua , but this ... it's very antique ... and very genuine . My own personal maids don't even dress themselves like that ...

An eerie atmosphere of silence presses down the living room as Alinna kept giving Atramille a leering stare , having more suspicion than before after Atramille's recent reasoning . Atramille who caught up the sense of trouble early on slowly show signs of nervousness as she fears that her cover may get blown , jeopardizing the secrecy of her and the 'Sanctum' activities by exposing them to people like Alinna . Just before Atramille could begin to talk , Danny came out of Ron's bedroom to see what's going on .

Danny : He's sound asleep in bed now ... and what's with the silence ?

Alinna : ... it's nothing .

Danny : Okay then ... anyways , it's late now . Time to take you back , Alinna .

Alinna : Yeah ...

Alinna walks out of Ron's house with Danny , giving off a last glare at Atramille . As soon as the door closes right in front of her eyes , she sat down and lets out a big sigh of relief .

Atramille (Thought) : ... crisis averted . Mankind ... a lot has changed since my last time here . Could this be the reason ... I need to check on Ron's condition and deliver my report to Libra . *Walks off into Ron's bedroom*

Back in the same white room with a Victorian-styled coffee table in-between two sofas , Ron is seen laying down on one of the sofa , slightly curled up,  sweating and asleep . A lady is seen kneeling next to him , clothed in jet black , body-fitting dress with white frills on each ends of the arm and neck and ruffled lower half that reaches all the way to her feet that covers all of her body , topping a jet black picture hat with white and red flowers all bundled on one side of it with a patterned veil covering her face with a decorated eye-patch in a semi-transparent manner , with her sky blue hair bleeding slightly below her shoulder line and outwardly . She is holding a handkerchief , used to wipe off Ron's sweating face with an incense burning not far from them . From a distance , Atramille is seen walking alongside Libra , engaging in a conversation .

Libra : What do you meant by "right and wrong at the same time" ?

Atramille : It's rather complicated to clarify on that .... but I can theoretically assume that Ron's invitation wasn't a mistake . There's something that may contribute to the abnormality issues at hand that led into the invitation , but I can't confirm it without further involvement with Ron and the world he's in . He's still unwilling to cooperate with us ... highly unusual ... so much questions but no answers .

Libra : I ... see ... (... gray , dark clouds ... I'm witnessing its growth right before my very own eyes ...) but right now , we may need to resolve another issue currently at hand ... *Approaches a seated lady with a sky blue-haired lady tending to Ron* how's his condition ?

Sky blue-haired lady : *Shakes head*

Libra (Solemn) : ... send him to my private quarter . Atramille , lend her a hand . I'll get myself ready first and be there shortly .

Ron : *Murmuring in agony as he's being taken away* ... wait for me ... I'll visit you ... happy ... together ...

The sight of Ron writhing in agony wiped away the serene and calm expression off Libra as she began to show signs of a worried mother . Her head began to lower slowly as she remained speechless at the situation , all while having a strained and blank expression as if she fears something .

Libra : ... Atramille ?

Atramille : Yes ?

Libra (Hesitant) : ... proceed on with the duty given .

Atramille : *Nods* As per your will ...

Transitioning scene begins with a camera zoning in to Ron's face before zooming out to a bird's eye view of his room with Atramille next to him on his bed at night . A single table light nearby slightly illuminates the bedroom .

Atramille stares at the writhing Ron as if he having bad dreams , wearing a serious expression as she sought for ways to help him in some way or another and at the same time , establishing a better relationship with him for quite some time .

Atramille : ... perhaps 'the beast' may hold answers needed ...

The scene where Atramille is seen focused in front of the TV turned pitch black . Ghastly mourns can be heard within soon after , accompanied by background sound of that of raindrops hitting something hollow and solid that sounded very warped , further adding the creepy factor , a male voice began echoing alongside it ...

"Why ..."

Young female : Papa ... ?

"... have I done something wrong ?"

*Distancing sounds of footsteps onto wet surface that got lesser overtime , along with the waning of the ghastly mourns*

"... I don't understand ..."

A warped , slightly higher pitched voice began whispering so close , it's as if it's whispering close to one's ear in a rather begrudging tone ...

" ... it's your fault . You should've never walked off the path ... but you did ."

"..."

"SERVES YOU RIGHT !!!"

The last line , its wail's so deafening and terrifying , it snaps the mind of this person's subconscious , instantly waking the person up , revealing what looks to be inside Ron's bedroom .[/font][/size]

Ron : *Wakes up abruptly , panting* Hah ! Hah ! Hah ... *sigh* just what is- ... that 'voice' ... *light shaking of head* ... don't think ... stop thinking about it ... focus on work , Ron . That's your goal ...

Wiping off his sweat , get gets himself ready for work . On his way out to work , he spots the motionless Atramille who is currently fixated at the TV that playing some unknown drama series .

Ron (Displeased) : (... I can still see her ...) ... I'm going out . Do not do anything funny .

Atramille : ...

Ron (Dumbfounded) : *Stares at Atramille for a shortwhile before exiting house , eyes squinting* ... I ... I don't ... *shakes head* ... as long she doesn't pull anymore funny shenanigans ... *Boards onto the taxi en route to his workplace*

Inside Hoff's Advertising Agency .

Ron : *Presses his head with both hand* ... ugh , this headache hurts more than before ... *pops a headache tablet*

Joshua (Whispers) : Pssst ! You don't look good at all ...

Ron : I'm fine ... just the usual splitting headache .

Joshua : (You smelling like an intoxicated bar guy says otherwise ...) *shrugs* ... okay then . Just don't overdo anything .

Ron  : U-umm ... (I want all of this to disappear ... but why won't it happen ?!)

And thus he wades through the pain to finish his work for the day and makes a stop by the bar , 'Catnip' , to get drunk enough just so he is unable to remember all of that had happened for the day before returning back home a drunken man ...

Back at Ron's house in the middle of the night .

As soon as makes his way to the living room , he is greeted with an unwelcomed 'eyesore' , Atramille , who didn't budge a muscle from where she were the last time he saw her this morning , still fixated at the TV . Still drowning from the effects of alcohol , he completely ignores her and stumbles his way straight to bed and sleep it off for the day ...

Ron : *Murmuring in his sleep* ... no matter what happens ... wait for me ... together ... once more ... forever ...

Manga page count : 25 - 26
Online proofreading count : 0

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 7 : Exposed

Spoiler

Days gone by as normal , much to Ron's relief with the exception of the constant encounter with Atramille , who still hasn't budge from her position where he last saw her , still having her whole attention on the TV everytime he's out and back from work . Can't be bothered about it and not wanting to know why , he now bluntly ignores her entirely and let her be as long she doesn't interrupt with his daily life for at least a couple of weeks .

Two weeks later , late morning , in the living room of Ron's house , Atramille is seen still fixated onto the TV , watching an unknown but "questionable" show .

TV : "Ever wonder why he doesn't look at you ? No interest ? Zero attraction and attention ? No sexual desires ? Have no fear ! I , the worlds most wanted gentleman all women would love to get their hands on - the "Ladies Man"  Francois , is here to help you out ! *Female cheers and screams being made* Okay there , calm down there . I'll serenade you all after offering all the "unfortunate" ladies out there these simple steps . Now , listen carefully ...

First things first , what do men in general look for in women first and foremost ? Simple , sex appeal ! I get it , I get it ... but hear me out first . *A female model "magically" appears next to him , dressed in plain t-shirt and trousers , posing for him and the viewers* Now , just look at her , she got that looks , that hot figure ... those ASSETS ! Yeowwie ~ . Oh , "I dressed like that and yet I can't get men to fall in love with me !" ... right ? Do you see the problem ? Take a shot at guessing ... . Figured it out already ? Yes , these outfit ! They're bland , boring and most importantly , ZERO SEX APPEAL ! Those assets you're born with , you need to SHOWCASE it - that's what men would jump for ! The more you flaunt it , the better !

*Ahem* I know those who came to me are the poor desperate "treasures" , looking for people to claim them for themselves . I totally understand that feeling ... I pity you *comical sobbing* ... no worries ! That's what I'm here for ! You know how porn stars dress themselves up in skits they were in ? Yeah , they weren't far from right in method when it comes to the ultimate baiting technique into getting men to *does the impression of a lunging dog* "drool all over you" . *A screen displaying series of raunchy , erotically dressed female models posing for the viewers , along with descriptions for its proper usage* Here you go , pick your "weapon" of choice that'll fit your current circumstances and criteria , all personally handpicked by me that will *winks at the viewers* ensure a success . Oh , before I forget ... *points at a model dressed only in a one-piece apron and nothing else* this outfit is the most popular and most trending of all . How can you not expect it to be so popular , right ? I'd bang you if I see you dressed like that when I come back home from work ! Just looking at it injects me full of ENERGY and I'd spill my all on you , for you ! Oh , don't forget to be in character while being dressed up in one of these outfit . That's a bonus ! This is it from me , Francois bid you magnifique ladies adieu !"

Atramille : ... that outfit ... *Grabs onto her pinafore* ... no , not this one ... *stood up and head straight to the kitchen , picked up an apron similar to what has been displayed on the TV hanging on the refrigerator door* ... this must be it . I need to prepare myself ...

Midnight ...

Ron : *Opens front door , immediately caught Atramille within his sight* ... !?

Otherwise sporting a kitchen apron , Atramille greets him in an unusually awkward , bubbly manner ... totally naked .

Atramille : Welcome back , master ! What can I do for you-

*Loud slamming of the door* *Thunderous distancing footsteps leading away from the house*

Late at night , a full view of a moonlit high wealth stone marble mansion with a fusion of a modern and Greek-inspired architectural design , one of the room on the second floor can be seen well lit . A shadow of a person is seen passing by the lit window .

*Creaking of chair*

Alinna : *Sigh* ... no leads . I should've gotten her name before I left . I'm done for today ...

*Ringing sound of doorbell being made below*

Alinna : ??? Who could be visiting me this late at night ...

Wary that she lives alone in a large mansion , she grabs a pistol from her drawer for she might be greeted by someone hostile . Cautious and quiet , makes her way down and towards the front door . The moment she opens the door , she was nearly thrown to the ground by a falling person , falling flat to the ground like a wooden plank . Having recovered from the close call , she checks out who it was .

Alinna : ... Ron ?!

The scene gradually turns a pitch black , closing up on the close-up view of the unconscious Ron . A series of familiar voices echoed within that is again accompanied by the sound of feet dragging on the ground . However , white footprints can be seen being made with each landing of a foot onto the ground but mysteriously whatever or whoever made them is nowhere to be seen ...

"What are you doing ..."

"... you're straying away from the path ."

*Sound of door being swung open with force*

Female voice : RonRon , You're here ! ... why am I here ? *Audibility gradually got clearer*

"RonRon" : Everything's going to be alright !

Female voice : RonRon ?

"RonRon" : I'm going to make everything better ! for both of us ... I have to ... I must ! Or- ... or ...

"Have you forgotten ... what had happened before ..."

Female voice : RonRon ... what are yo-

"RonRon" : Wait for me ! I'll be right back . Just wait for me !

Female voice : W-wait !

"You were warned ... never , ever stray away ..."

*Sound of distancing footsteps*

"... remember that ... or ..."

The pitch black scene soon turned into a blurry blob of colors that soon clarifies itself into a scene of a wooden , ornate tester with curtains on its side being drawn , allowing sunlight to shine within it .

Ron : ... where am I ?

Alinna : You're in my house , Ron .

Alinna greeted Ron from the couch , holding a book with bookmarks and photos pinned in-between pages on one hand while facing right at the bed where he is , all dressed in an extravagant sleeping gown with her hair free to flow with the breeze .

Ron : Alinna ? Wait , how did I-

Alinna : You were right at my front door in the middle of the night and you literally fell down flat right in front of me . I nearly shot you there for scaring the living s*** out of me . *Holds up the gun in question*

Ron (Scared) : *Trembling in fear from the sight of the gun* ...

Alinna : This gun is the least of your worries . Do you even realized how thin you were ?

Ron : *Checks self* ... I am ?

Alinna (Shocked) : Can't you tell that yourself ? I can feel your rib bones on my back as I carried you here . You seriously need to take care of your health more ! *Points at the end table opposite of her* Your meal's on the table over there . Eat it .

Ron : But I-

Alinna : *Puts up a serious tone and looks* Eat it .

Ron : *Sweating and trembling in fear again* Y-yes ! *Gobbles up the meal*

Alinna : *Sighs and shakes head* Good grief ...

And so Alinna resumes reading the book in hand while Ron gobbles up the meal being offered like a hungry animal . Halfway into the meal , he caught a glimpse of one of the picture pinned in-between the pages of the book she's reading , a picture of her when she was young and a guy , protruding out of it as if it was deliberate and meant to be shown .

Ron : Umm ... the picture ...

Alinna : ??? Oh , this ? *Took the picture out and showed it to Ron* That's me when I was still a small kid .

Ron : ... that guy ...

Alinna : That's my big brother . We haven't talked or met for more than ten years already .

Ron : What happened to him ?

Alinna : No clue . My parents told me that he had a big business that needs handling oversea , which is a blatant lie ...

Ron : They're lying ?

Alinna : This was his personal house that I regularly visit . All of his belongings I saw when I was here the last time are still here . *Got up and took something from one of the drawers* Also , if he was on a business trip , he would've brought this with him *Flashes his travel passport* . Luckily , I've managed to convince them to let me have this place before they put it up for sale . How devious of them , trying to dispose of evidences of his existence ...

Ron : Oh ...

Alinna : *Closes the book in hand with a loud thud* Now that I've spilled a bit of my personal life issues on you , it's time to spill yours out . Are you really okay there ?

Ron  : *Startled* E-eh ? What do you mean ? I'm fi-

Alinna : *Approaches Ron real close with a suspicious and intimidating look* You're NOT okay . What happened back at the workplace several weeks later , you're doing in it here again , right before me . you kept muttering the same lines over and over again , sweating a pool of sweat that we had to keep changing the bed sheet while you're still you're out like a rag-doll - that's not okay in my book . No more excuses , no more avoiding . It's time for you to spill it out . NOW .

Back at Ron's house .

The humming sound of a running refrigerator and clicking sound of an wall-mounted clock were the only sound that makes up the otherwise sheer silence of the house . Atramille can be seen sitting on the couch with her head slightly lowered as if something in her mind is weighing her down . Several knocking sound on the sliding window door is being made , prompting her to get up and make her way to the source of sound . Standing on the other side of the door , a hooded figure greets her

Atramille : ... have I done something wrong then ...

Hooded figure : *Presents her piece of scribbled paper* ...

Atramille : Much appreciated .

As quick as the meeting was held , the hooded figure disappears to the back of the building wall . Having obtained what seemed to be a crudely drawn map , Atramille studies it thoroughly for several minutes before she walks out of the house and makes her journey towards and into uncharted territory .

Back at Alinna's mansion .

The room was unusually silent when it's supposed to be a conversation between Ron and Alinna after she 'demanded' that he'd tell her what going on with his life that led him to such a state . Instead , Ron had his head turned away from Alinna's strained and concerned expression in hopes that she doesn't continue pressing on him to spill out what she asked for . She shook her head in disbelief as she was given a "wrong" kind of response  . An awkward , intense atmosphere starts enveloping the room as both of them hasn't spoken anything still ever since ...

Flashback scene of the interior of a night bar , 'Catnip' , currently filled with people drowning themselves in happiness , either by singing their lungs out at a nearby karaoke corner , chugging in mugs after mugs of beer uncontrollably or having a group chat among themselves all while having some laughter , being serious or anything in-between . The focus of the scene is then directed towards a table with six people , who wore work suits with the same company name tags attached on them , engaging in some sort of conversation .

Male staff 1 : And then he ends up behind bars . Serve him right for not acting modest towards people around him .

Male staff 2 : Wow , bud ! You don't even care if he's your brother .

Male staff 1 : Nah , it's just a few days only . Besides , I did warn him of his misdemeanor , only to get scolded back at . Well , justice have been served . That's life ...

Female staff : Still a big brother at heart , huh ... that's sweet of you still sharing this with us .

Male staff 2 : Hey , that's what friendship's for . I hope that your brother regrets it after that .

Male staff 1 : Thanks ! I hope so too . Say , Joshua and Alinna , is that the new 'sacrificial goat' you were talking about a few months ago ?

Joshua : Yep , we both became friends with him as soon as he worked alongside us all . We just had to ... he looked so 'fragile' when we met him face-to-face , despite his positive-like energy .

Alinna : Go ahead , Ron . Introduce yourself to them as well .

Ron (Nervous) : U-umm . A-ah ... I ... I ... Ron ... 17 ...

Joshua : 17 ? Nervous ? Totally understandable . Alright , we will start it off first ! I'm sure you know both of us by now - I'm Joshua , the self-proclaimed leader of this small circle of miserable lads who gather around to let out some steam and get some life advice from other members in this group , especially from me because I'm the Messiah of Wisdom !

All but Ron : We'd never wanted your impure wisdom , "Pervo Donna" !

Joshua : *Curls in the corner , depressed*

Male staff 1 : *Clears throat* Well ... I'm Zachiel , been working in the 'Hell's Cook Pit' that is the marketing department under that self-absorbed 'Satan' ...

All but Ron : *Nods in acknowledgement of the representation of the department and the section chief*

Alinna : Lets keep it concise and state the following ... Your name , accumulated work time , reason for remaining in the 'Hell's Cook Pit' and a life struggles you're willing to share .

All but Ron and Joshua : Yes , ma'am !

Zachiel : Six years , can't leave because I'm still looking for a job suited for me . As you've heard , Ron , I have a brother who has 'respect' issue and that he's entitled to be a d*** and spreading his idiocy wherever he goes . My parents are too preoccupied with their interest to even 'educate' him , leaving me to do all of it ... *sigh*

All but Ron : Amen ... bless you with better future .

Male staff 2 : Fallon's muh name . The most senior among the people at 10 years of clocked work-time .

Female staff : But still make lots of 'Doodoo' mistake ...

Fallon : Sez you ! ... *Clears throat* I couldn't leave due to lack of academic qualification to get a better job . My family's already poor to begin with and we had a lot of brothers and sisters to boot . So I made the sacrifice by not accepting any funding from my parents and worked my butt off in 'Hell's Cook Pit' , just so that the younger ones get it and have a slightly better life . Also , I want to further my studies ... I hate being called a 'Doodoo' ...

All but Ron : Amen ... bless you with better future .

Alinna : Need financial aid , Fallon ? I can still spare you some .

Fallon : Thanks , but I'm okay for now . I'll look for you when it's dire .

Female staff : Name's Kaleen . worked for 5 years . I'm a single mother of three beautiful daughters . Had a terrible husband , terrible accident and now with massive debt to pay off , thanks to lawyer fees and house mortgages . I'm halfway done on that ... now that I'm rid of that guy .

All but Ron : Amen ... bless you with better future .

Kaleen : By the way , I'm only 22 . 19 when I had my first child . Never had a choice at that time ...

Alinna : And your children ? Are they still fine ?

Kaleen : Still ravaging the interior of our house ... *sighs* .

Ron : U-umm . I got a question though , why did you all tell me about your personal life ?

Joshua : *Recovers from the beatdown* Oh , I forgot about that . *Clears throat* You see, these people are victims of indirect mistreatment of the sectional chief of the department we're all in , hence the alternate title we had for the department , 'Hell's Cooking Pit' .

Alinna : You can already tell the dire state they are currently in just from all of their backstories . This humble little circle exist to support each other out whichever way we could . There are other circles just like ours being made as well but held their meetings elsewhere .

Joshua : And you were awfully young to work in such job . What's your reason ?

Ron : It's ... I just needed more money and just so happen this job had it .

Alinna : Is that all ?

Ron : Uh ... yes ...

All but Ron : *Looks at Ron with a dubious expression* ...

Ron : *Slightly taken aback* W-w-why are you all staring at me like that ...

Joshua : *Shrugs* Wwwhatever then . Alright then , let's party on !

Fallon , Kaleen and Zachiel : Oh ~~~ !

Ron : O-oh ...

And so they drown themselves in booze to forget all their troubles . While they danced themselves to the karaoke corner , Alinna went back and sat next to Ron , who sat still at the same spot , feeling out of place , and puts a hand on his shoulder , comforting him .

Alinna : Just to let you know , as a friend , that we're here to support each other . If you really need one , feel free to look for us , okay ?

Ron : U-umm ... I'm fine . It's fine the way it is now ...

Alinna : ...

"And that never came at all . Seven years already ? You even lost that vibrancy you once had the first day we met you for such a long time . Just how long are you going to keep going on like this ..."

Flashback ends .

Alinna and Ron : ...

Alinna : *Deep sigh , feeling defeated* ... fine then . At the very least , tell me why you came here ?

Ron : Uh ... I don't know myself . I just ... have to run away ... far away from all the madness and distractions , from that place ... away from her .

Alinna : Let me guess ... that maid ?

Ron : Maid ? ... *The thought of Atramille dressed up almost like one by default came into mind* yes , away from her ... wait , you knew her ?

Alinna : You probably can't recall all of it regardless because I and your cabbie friend of yours , Mr.Danny brought you home from a night bar not far from your workplace ... Stone.Cold.Drunk , you were . I never knew you're a drinker .

Ron : Ugh ... I never knew I was ... since when ...

Alinna : Don't bother knowing and telling the details , all I want is her name .

Ron : *Digs into his memory* ... Atramille de Surquouis ... I believe .

Alinna : (What an unusual name ...) Thanks , that's all I need to know . So ... what are you going to do now ? Remain here ? I don't mind you settling in this room a little longer until you're good to leave or until she's gone .

Ron : Yeah , I think I'll ... wait ... how long have I been here ?

Alinna : Two days .

Ron : WORK ! I NEED TO GET BACK TO WORK !!! *Runs out of the room*

Alinna : She'll most probably be waiting for you back there .

Just the thought of having to face the same person whom he ran away from in the first place had forced all of his muscles and joints to lock itself stiff , freezing him motionless instantly just before he exits out of Alinna's line of sight .

Alinna : *Sigh* ... you can wear one of my brother's working suit . I'll make a call for a chauffeur to come and send you to work .

Ron : *Turns around slowly* ... thank you.

In front of Ron's boss's desk inside Hoff's Advertising Agency .

Ron's boss : You're fired .

*An out of place sound of a pen dropping onto the floor being made among the usual quiet office environment*

Ron : ... heh ?

Manga page count : 24 - 25
Online proofreading count : 7

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 8 : Breakdown

Spoiler

A slow zoom towards Ron's boss's desk from a distance before snapping into a single shot of Ron .

Ron (Disbelief) : W ... wait , I must've heard that wrongly ...

Ron's boss : Nah , I said that loud and clear .

Ron (Shocked) : ... wh ... wh ... wh ...

Ron's boss (Abrasive) : "Wh , wh , wh , wh ~" You want your why ? 2 days of absentee . UNACCEPTABLE !

Ron : B-but I have reasons for my absence ! *Presents him with a doctor's MC given by Alinna*

Ron's boss (Annoyed) : *Snatches it , tears it into tiny pieces and tosses it back at Ron's face* Inexcusable ! You want a "why" to that as well ?

Ron (Anguish) : *On the verge of tearing up* Pl-please , I promise I'll work harder than usual . I-I-I'll even take on other people's job t-

Ron's boss (Infuriated) : *Slams palm onto his desk , startling all of the people in the department* Are you f***ing deaf or what !? I'll tell you "WHO" is the boss here - ME ! And if I say you're fired ... YOU.ARE.FIRED !!! So , "WHEN" are you going to get out of my sight !?

Ron (Anguish) : *Kneels on both knees , begging* But , pl-

Ron's boss (Furious) : OUT ! NOW !!!

Ron (Stunned) : ...

Ron's boss : *Sat down and turned his back towards Ron , ignoring his presence* God damn bunch of rebellious underlings . If it weren't for the company's policy , I'd be better off purging the entire department to get fresh recruits and pray that I get the juicy kind ...

Having to swallow and digest something so vile , the now mentally devastated Ron stumbles his way while shaking his head in utter disbelief back to his cubicle to pack all of his belongings and leave the workplace ... indefinitely . His close work buddy in a cubicle nearby , Joshua , tried to confront and comfort him but stopped in his track the moment he witnessed just how far deep the 'wound' goes and how far broken his mind is . Joshua can only sit back down and watched him slowly walked away out of the department's main door , randomly letting out short chuckles along the way and can't help but to feel enraged by such acts .

Outside of the same building . A limousine is seen parked just outside the building , Alinna and a chauffeur is seen waiting by it .

Chauffeur : Pardon my rudeness but you seem ... irritated .

Alinna : Yes for several reasons ... just be prepared to lend me a hand .

Chauffeur : Yes , milady .

They didn't have wait for long to be greeted by Ron carrying his belongings in a box , clearly in severe anguish just from the expression and body language he is having on . He could only make a few steps before tripping over his own foot , causing him to make the remaining steps a painful series of rolls and bumps , spilling out the contents in his box everywhere , down to the bottom of the series of steps . Ending up flat on the concrete floor , he starts chuckling maniacally while repeating the phrase "You're right ... it's my fault ..." continuously , with the bleeding on his head bleeding off to the floor .

Alinna : Take him into the car while I pick up his belongings . We're leaving this place immediately .

Chauffeur : Right away . *Carries Ron up and places him on the back seat of the limousine*

After the last item has been collected , Alinna rushes back into the limousine with it's engine still running , but not before taking one more leering , enraged look back at the building .

Late evening , at the same location , Atramille is seen standing in front of the building . Her presence in front of the building at the time when office workers in general ended their work shift had made quite a commotion , attracting several dozens of employee's gazes and attention entirely , resulting in several mishaps along the way .

Atramille : ... this imposing wall of mirrors ... *Sees a sign on the surface of the building* ... "Hoff's Advertising Agency" ... this must be where Ron might possibly be at ... need confirmation .

Joshua : *Stretches his arms upwards* Huarrgh ! Man , what a horrendous day today . Just when I thought that bastard couldn't stoop any lower than he already is . ... *Clenches teeth* that a****** , I'll be sure to exact revenge for all of the victims , including Ron ... he took it real hard , I hope he's oka-

Atramille : *Bows slowly* Pardon my intrusion , monsieur . I've overheard you mentioning a person I'm in the search of , Ron . Is he perhaps still here ?

Joshua (Thought) : ... wow , what an exquisite masterpiece from the past . How did this eluded me all this time ? I ... I can't keep myself contained . I ... I think I'm going to-

Atramille : Monsieur ?

Joshua : *Snaps out and give a courteous bow with one hand crossing the lower abdomen* Why pardon my ... impoliteness , mademoiselle . I just got momentarily blinded by your beauty as is such a sight to behold .The breeze from the air-conditioner of this building had further accentuated the already goddess-like beauty by making your long hair dance to-

Atramille : ...

Joshua : (Oh snap ! Totally let that happen !) *AHEM* Yes , I know of Ron . I think he went back home ... I think ... . Wait here , I need to confirm something first !

Joshua makes his way back into the building towards the receptionist's counter to get some information . Atramille follows him soon after not far behind . Recalling and reminding what she had learnt the last incident with Alinna that nearly exposed her , she pauses for a moment midway and jumpstarts a different approach into better hiding her tracks , after realizing that nearly everything she has seen and heard would always be new to her and she can't buy her way out of with her current skill at counter-intelligence before resuming with her objective .

Atramille (Thought) : ... need to utilize the illusion of knowledge in order to blend in better ...

Joshua : Well , looks like Alinna was here and took Ron with her ... that's unexpected .

Atramille : Could you perhaps help me in establishing a contact with mademoiselle Alinna ?

Joshua : Ah , that'd be impossible though . My phone's dead and I don't know where she lives ...

Atramille : That is unfortunate ...

Scene transformed into something that of a heaven/paradise with cupids encircling Joshua , blowing their trumpets the sound of victory with a beam of light illuminating him as if he's being blessed with fortune .

Joshua : *Speaks in a flamboyant gentleman tone* Well , not really for me ... not when standing right before my very own eyes , a maiden of such beauty that outblooms even the most exquisite , exotic flower off its stem . I have fallen to such enchanting new breed of flower , I'm unable to leave you , not when such beauty is looking for someone to help in search for someone that made her worried ...

Atramille : ...

The ongoing ogling pesters of Joshua , who is so deep in his delusions with flowers and glitters of diamond dusts encircling him can be visually seen , blinding him from anything that's happening around him in reality plays on , much to Atramille's oblivious reception as she is busy herself , seemingly deep in thought , having something in mind . A cab came into picture soon after , slowing down close beside them , in an attempt at parking and be on standby for potential customers .

Danny : Hurrmm , it's been two days . Just where could he be at now ... *Spots Atramille on his right* ... why damn , if it isn't that pretty lad I've encountered back at Ronny's place . What brings you here ?

Atramille : Greetings , monsieur . I was in search of Ron's whereabouts as he was missing for several days . I've been informed by this person *points at Joshua* that mademoiselle Alinna took him somewhere . Do you perhaps have any leads as to where she might take him to ?

Danny : I see , I see ... I don't know where she might take him to though ... maybe to her super-luxurious mansion of hers ? That's where I last sent her to after our first encounter with you .

Atramille : Could you take me with you to the destination ?

Danny : *Thumbs up* Why , sure ! Hop on in . I'll waiver the fare , just for you ... *Pops the door open for Atramille* uh ...

Atramille : Atramille de Surquouis . I'm truly grateful towards your kindness . *Seats herself next to Danny in the passenger seat*

Danny : Wow , talk about gratefulness ! Never had customers who does that until now . Anyways , off we go !

And so along with Atramille , they make their journey towards where Alinna might possibly had taken Ron to , leaving the still-on-could-nine Joshua behind ...

Joshua : Ah , Atramille de Surquouis .... such elegance that heightens your beauty to beyond goddess's level ...*Snaps out of reality* but that name sounded familiar though ... *Looks around for Atramille* ... !!! *Internal wail of despair that screams "MY MASTERPIECE . NOOO ~~~ !!!"*

Inside Alinna's house , in one of the few dozens bedrooms that emanate beams of luxury , with large , draping red curtains partially covering the few very large , decorated castle-like windows that dots the two corners of the lavender white walls , with pillars of Greek-inspired designs partially embedded within the walls and the corners with set distances from each other . An ornate tester (Writer's note : Wiki it . It's part of a bed that debuted during the medieval/renaissance times) with equally ornate posts that makes up this four-poster bed made out of what seems to be exotic wood sits against the center of one of the wall , basked by the sunlight from the windows on two sides during daylight , nestled in-between two very large dressers and end tables with a working desk with it's corresponding chair is placed at the opposite , all of similar constructs and degree of decor . A hand-painted porcelain table lamplight sits on one of the end table with it's lights turned on , signifying dawn and soon darkness that is the night . Ron is seen seated upright but slumped , with his back lying on the headboard of the bed , lifeless with eyes blank and cold as if his soul has left his body completely , still muttering the same phrase at a near inaudible volume . Next to him , Alinna and one of house nurse she had commissioned to look after him . She wears a very pained expression as she looks at Ron's currently miserable condition that's slowly deteriorating before her .

Alinna (Solemn) : ... he must've wanted to keep the job so badly , but why exactly ... nurse , tend to him . I have meeting with someone that I have to attend to . Let me know if anything happens .

House nurse : Yes , ma'am .

Alinna makes her way out to do attend a meeting .

Outside the same house , a taxi is seen just parked in front of it not long after Alinna's departure .

Danny : Well , here we are . Tell that butler I sent you and he'll let you meet her .

Atramille : I will do as you say and thank you for your service . I am indebted . *Walks off to talk with the butler standing by the door*

Danny : Okies , time to kill some time ... *Goes to sleep*

Atramille : Pardon me , do you know of a man named Ron ? The information I've gotten so far suggests that he'd be here .

Butler : Ron ... yes , he is inside . May I know your business here , madame ?

Atramille : I am his personal maid . Danny , the person who brought me here and me are worried of his absence from his settlement . We want to know of his well being .

Butler : A personal maid of his ? *Inspects Atramille thoroughly* (What an unusual uniform ...) ... alright , you may enter then . I believe he may need every help he could . The nurse inside will lead you to him .*opens door behind him*

Atramille : Thank you for granting the permission . I humbly appreciate it .

She bows in gratitude and makes her way to where Ron is . Upon entering , she is greeted by a nurse who happened to be nearby , overhearing their conversation and immediately guided her to where Ron is inside a room on the second floor , all while taking a quick scan of the interior of the building . Upon opening the door , she finds only Ron inside the room , in bed , still having the same body posture , language and facial expression and makes her way to his side , cautious as ever as the door slowly closes behind her .

The scene instantly switches the moment the sound of the closing door is being made , to a full front view of a night bar , Catnip . Alinna is seen entering the bar and walked towards one of the enclosed table surrounded by walls on three sides with chair built right into them where Joshua is seen within , taking a gulp from his beer bottle .

Alinna : *Drops seated on chair and lets out a big sigh , wearing a very defeated expression* ... f***ing great ...

Joshua : Woah ... how unusual to find you expressing anything so visibly ...

Alinna : You got a problem with that ?

Joshua : I'm just being humorous ... sooo , what's the matter ?

Alinna (Gloomy) : ... if only I could turn back time , the first I should've done is stop him when I knew all full well that it's going to be just bad news ...

Joshua : Ah , so it's Ron ... well , damn I never thought that it would hit him that hard though *takes a few gulps of beer* ...

Alinna : *Scratches head , venting out frustration* ... why is he so phobic whenever we question anything pertaining to him and his troubled life ?

Joshua : So you've decided to be nosey again , aye ...

Alinna (Unhappy) : Don't you even think for a second that I'd enjoyed it , okay ?

Joshua : Whoa , chill there ! *orders a drink for her* ... look , I'm too uneducated and "wise" to have your foresight that made you invited Ron into our little group of miserables . It was you that you found new means to pursue what you had given up after that unexpected outcome , right ?

Alinna : *Sigh* ... sorry .

Joshua : Okay . I know you held this meeting with me because you wanted an update on that twat , right ?

Alinna : *Nods* Yes .

Joshua : Alright . *Ahem* The way he dismissed Ron is on a different level ... getting fired for 3 day sick leave ? Instead of making someone to leave on their own ? Weird ...

Alinna : *Takes the drink from the server and drank it* Hurmm ... aside from acting more desperate , nothing particularly unusual .

Joshua : Nothing unusual ? Well , so much for "groundbreaking" ... *Grumbles to self*

Alinna : You know what "signs" I'm looking for . Him acting like that was to be expected ... or maybe ...

Joshua : "Maybe" what ?

Alinna : *Shakes head* ... nah , forget about it . Regardless of what had came into mind , the result's still the same ...

Joshua : You don't say , I won't know ...

Alinna : Fine . He's probably trying hasten the purge just so he can get what he's looking for ... *takes a gulp of liquor* power , money ... maybe both . His true intent's still unknown until now .

Joshua : *Slightly elated* Still , don't that mean we got an opening we-

Alinna : *Points to self , gloomy expression* ...

Joshua (Defeated) : ... oh ...

And so both Alinna and Joshua took one big gulp beer of their tankard and let's out a big sigh before resuming their conversation . While in the middle of a drinking spree , Joshua abruptly stopped and ponders to self , as if something had come to mind .

Alinna : *Stares at Joshua , tipsy* ... what ... another joke in mind ?

Joshua : No , not that . It's just that ... hmm , maybe ... no , she's perfect ... no , WAY too perfect ...

*Background slowly transforms into a garden of roses , with petals falling behind him*

Alinna (Annoyed) : *Kicks Joshua's knee hard* Snap out of it and spill out what's on your mind .

Joshua : Owww ! That hurts ... Shortly after our work shift had ended , I met a girl outside . She had all the requirements you're looking for to pull it off again . That beauty ... *Slowly slips into dream mode*

Alinna : *Stand and warms up for the next beating , cracking the finger joints* ...

Joshua : *Terrified by the sound* Woah , woah ! I get it ! I mean , ain't that a good sign that I fall fantasizing about the beauty in question ?

Alinna : *Sits down and drinks again* ...

Joshua : *Clears throat again* This beauty in question , I stumbled ... no , more like she went up to me asking about Ron's whereabo-

Alinna : *Stood up in a flash , accidentally jolted stuffs placed on the table off its original position* Stop right there ! She asked for Ron's whereabouts ? What's her name ? Is she dressed up like a maid ?!

Joshua : *Startled by her sudden act* Uh , yeah ... uh , what's her name ... her name , ah ! Atramille de Surquouis ! That's her name . She'd probably be at your house by now-

Alinna's eyes starts displaying tell tale signs of horror as she kept hearing Joshua's ongoing talk about Atramille the moment he mentioned her name . In the middle of listening , she slammed her palm down onto the table with such impact , everything that was on the table starts taking a flight at all direction with one of the tankard on the table still containing some liquor in them flew and spilled all of the content onto both of them , causing him to stop talking about Atramille .

Alinna (Shocked and Angered) : You've got to be f***ing kidding me ! *Gets up , grabs her belongings and ran out of the night bar in a hurry*

Joshua (Confused) : ... uh , sorry ?

Alinna : *Stops just by front door of the night bar , turns head towards Joshua* Are you coming or not , Joshua ?!

Joshua (Confused) : Ah , coming ! Bartender , I'll be back to pay the bill ! *Runs out to Alinna and leaves with her*

Bartender : ... that's the 128th time this had happened this year . I think I should move my business elsewhere ... *Continues wiping the counter*

Manga page count : 19 - 20
Online proofreading count : 1

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 9 : Nightmare

Spoiler

Scene begins with a black background . Dragging footstep sound can be heard among total darkness that got louder .  The panel slowly revealed the source of the sound at a distance - a masked individual , barely resembled that of a male , seemingly washed and bleached of all color , walking forward aimlessly barefooted and somewhat naked , with no signs of a visual destination , landmark , nor even a single notable but insignificant environmental object in which he'd follow or go to . He had a plain white mask on , without any form of means of sight and had nothing that holds the mask in place , as if it's been glued or grown onto the face itself , had a molded expression resemblance that of Mona Lisa . He kept walking on until a series of selected 'voice' speeches starts echoing the scene with each replacing another as the previous slowly got muddled and quiet .

"Where we going ? Where's mama and papa ?"
"Yipee , our home is beautiful !"
"Let's sleep together , cuddle me , please ..."

Masked individual : ... yes ... just the two of us ...

"You can stay in our house . I'll take care of you two ..."
"She's our mama now ? Mama !"
"I'm so happy ! Let's stay happy forever and ever and ..."

Masked individual : ... umm ... let's stay like this , happy ...

*Sound of several people chanting prayers with deep-sounding bells being made in-between chants , accompanied by ambient sound of light rain and cries of a small crowd in the background*

"What's happening ? Where's mama ?"
"You're going somewhere ? Okay , I'll wait here !"
"Welcome back ! Is that a book ?"
"And then they lived together forever ... happily ever after"

Masked individual : ... but , I can make it better ... for the both of us ... but I have to go somewhere in order to do so ...

Radio static-like sound starts filling up the scene , although not to the point where it's deafening , it was enough to make some parts of the 'voice' speeches heard along the way garbled and unintelligible . However , the masked individual seemed unfazed by the sound as if this person doesn't notice it and kept walking on , as visual white crack-like static begins distorting the surroundings .

"Higher pay ? Well , this company offers you more cash , but *Static*"
"Okay , before you apply for this job , you need to know the ter- *Static* -ou're hired"
"Welcome to the research departmen- Static*"
"Psst , names Jo- *Static* -erson here is Ali- *Static* -nny , nice talkin- *Static*"
*Beeping sounds*
" Plea- *Static* -leav- *Static* -ly..."

Masked individual : ... wait for me ... I'll be by your side again ... I will ... *Repeats this phrase several times* ... wait for me ...

The same static sound eventually envelops the entire scene for the remainder of his 'pathless' journey . A glint of light can be seen at a distance , advancing towards the masked individual at blistering speed shortly after its appearance , instantly transforming the dark but heavily distorted scene a blinding bright white , in which shortly after , dims away , revealing a field of grass in front of him as he kept walking towards it and stopped cold in his track the moment he felt something different underneath his feet . The sensation of cool but prickly feeling of the grass startles the masked individual into taking a couple of quick steps backwards . Soon after , a series of more 'voice' speeches come rushing pass close by the masked individual like a speeding train .

"Kindly enter to receive your treatment , I hope that our service would help heal you of all of your problems" *Unknown crackling sound*
"Are you alright ?"
"Do you need help , we're here for you"
"If you need help , let me know"

Masked individual : ... help ? ... I'm fine ... we're fine the way it is ...

"Are you alright ?" *Repetition of phrase but with different voice tone*

The overwhelming pressure coming from the heavy rush of 'voice' speeches thundering pass and nearby the masked individual soon became unbearable as the masked individual crumbles down and curls up from it .

Masked individual : *Unknown cracking sound* We're fine ... why aren't you listening to me ... please ... leave us be .

"Are you alright ?" *Keeps on repeating but slowly sped up until it became unintelligible*
"Kindly enter to receive your treatment , I hope that our service would heal you of all of your problems and *Voice dips to an eerie low* never have to return here again" *Unknown cracking sound*
"Is our service not to your liking ?"
"... you wanted me to get started with the treatment then ..."
" Treatment ... *Echoes endlessly*
"Kindly remain calm . I won't hurt you ... *Spoken in a very distorted tone , ending with an eerie low and more unknown crackling sound*"

Masked individual : Leave.Us.ALONE !

The 'voices' that rushed pass by the masked individual's ears immediately ceased the moment he yelled out at 'it' ... but then , cracking sound can be heard being made unusually close to the masked individual . A beam of blinding light soon seeps through the slowly-expanding crack that gradually dimmed itself enough to get a visual of grass carpeted beneath him - he is able to see for the first time , the masked individual blinks for his very first time . Soon after the realization , an unknown piece fell onto his hand right before and within his field of vision . Confused and curious , he stares and ponders around it as more unknown pieces come falling onto his hand . After a short moment of wondering , the masked individual came to realize where it came from , he touched his face and felt cracks all over it - his 'face' starts crumbling away upon touch . Having a 'misled' thought that he is decaying off as if his life is slowly blowing its last wind , hysteria and fear began taking over his mind , as the masked individual desperately tries to hold it all together . However , whichever way he placed both of his hands on his crumbling 'face' only made it worse as it further speeds up the process . The masked individual's ongoing frantic and desperate attempts made him caught glimpses of his surrounding so unfamiliar beyond his already paranoid state of mind could comprehend , further exacerbates his insanity and fear . The 'voices' that the masked individual had once managed to repel gradually came back , darker and more morbid than ever , his fleeting instinct starts kicking as he tried his best to run away from all of that .

"*Hellish and sinister female voice* There's always the probability that you may wake up in this place again"
"None of the proposed solutions will keep you away from this place"
"So as long the card exist ..."
"You will rot here in hell FOREVER ! *echoing laughter*"
"No excuses , YOU'RE FIRED !"
"You're a trash to my eye ! I wish that you were never born !"
"Parasite ... !"
"IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT ! *echoes along with the laughter*"
"I don't raise children of a rotten cheater . Rot away from here !"

Masked individual : *Looked and ran around aimlessly* Why ... why I'm here ?! No ... NO ! Let me out , PLEASE ! I shouldn't be here , I don't want to be here ! *Repeats for several times* Let me out !

Like wailings of a banshee , the grossly warped , distorted and ghastly 'voices' continues to assault the masked individual's already broken mind , further instilling more fear and paranoia into his mind , making him tremble uncontrollably to the point of crippling his means to escape the inescapable - his legs had given up on him , rendering the masked individual immobile . Peering through his squinted eyes while enduring the screeches made by the 'voices' , he saw a mysterious figure at a distance , casting a shadow that shields him from the bright light in front of him partially , slowly walking towards him while the mysterious figure attempts at reaching out to him as it gets more clearer the closer it got . Its call somehow pierces through all the deafening sounds echoing throughout the scene , calling out a persons name ...

"Ron ..."

"Ron ... ?"

"Ron , can you hear me ? I came here looking for you . I'm here to help you with your current problems"

Masked individual : Problems ? ... who are you ?

And then the veil lifts off from mysterious figure , revealing the person before the masked individual the moment it squats down close in front of the masked individual , it answered his inquiry ...

"It's me , Ron ... Atramille de Surquouis ."

And then ... silence .

??? : ... ... ... huh ...

Scene blacked out the moment a swinging and shattering sound of something heavy and glass-like is heard , prompting a switch to a scene of a back view of the main entrance of Alinna's house where Alinna , Joshua , Danny and the butler stands by it , currently peering at a direction where the source of the sound of broken glass was made .

Alinna (Fear) : Oh no ... follow me , quick !

A few scenes depicting them making haste towards a room where Ron and Atramille is , opening the door with force . Inside and among shards of broken glass , ceramic and other light clutters strewn all over the room , Atramille lies on the floor in-between the bed and the door close to where Alinna and the rest are , struggling to get herself up , bleeding from her head . Ron , with bloodshot-widened eyes , clearly enraged and not in a clear state of mind is seen about to lift up one of the end table next to the bed .

Alinna : Subdue him quickly !

Danny , Joshua and Alinna's butler makes haste at goring down Ron away from the barely conscious Atramille , forcing Ron to drop the lethal object he had in his hand before it strikes Atramille , falling flat onto the floor . Joshua then assisted Danny in pinning him down while Alinna's butler came to pull Atramille away from him .

Ron : *Flails aggressively* IT'S ... HER ! SHE'S STILL IN MY HEAD ! L ...LET ME GO ! I WANT HER GONE ! I F***ING WANT HER GONE !

Danny : (Damn , what strength under such condition !) Calm down ! Ron !

Ron : SHE'S STILL HERE . F***ING EVERYWHERE ! I CAN'T UNSEE HER ... WHY CAN'T I ?!

Joshua : Wh- ... *grunts* what are you talking about ? She's not here anymore ! *Secretly gestures Alinna's butler to take Atramille out of the room* So ... settl-

His sheer rage and hysteria granted Ron a brief inhuman strength to force himself out of Danny's and Joshua's grasp and ran towards Atramille , only to have the door shut and locked before him by Alinna . She immediately slides away from his blind charge towards the door before impact , slamming his entire body with an explosive thud before recoiling off from it and being restrained and subdued again by Danny and Joshua .

Ron : MY LIFE ! GIVE ME BACK . GET ME BACK ! MY HAPPINESS . OUR HAPPINESS ! I CAN'T AFFORD TO LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN ! NEVER !

Joshua : When ... *Wheezes* is help ... going to arrive , Alinna ?! *Grunts* I can't ... hold him down much longer ...

Alinna : The doctors below needs time to prepare the sedatives to pu-

Ron : No , please ... not that ! I DON'T WANT TO SLEEP ! I DON'T WANT TO END UP BACK THERE AGAIN ! NNOOO ~ !!!

Danny : Woah ! *Falls over*

Once again , Ron broke free from their hold and ran for an opened window as an attempt to escape ... or attempting suicide . Before he had his body out of the window , Joshua barely made it in time and gored him away from the window and had Danny block it off . In the middle of recovering from the knockdown , he sees a room with a door opened nearby and makes a beeline towards it . Realizing where he is going to next , Alinna ran towards the room , closes and locks the room as soon as he is inside before he could come back out of it again . The door was so thick and sturdy , Ron's hysterical screaming can barely be heard and made out of as the bashing on the door continues .

Ron : *Barely audible* LET ME GO ! LET ME OUT ! I CAN'T LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN !

Danny : *Pants heavily from exhaustion* ... darn it . That was brutal ... his strength ...

Joshua :*Takes in several deep breaths* Are you sure it's fine for him to be in there ?

Alinna : *Slouches down , letting out a sigh of relief* The only way out is through the same door and it's empty inside . So , yes .

Ron : *Barely audible* I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK THERE , NOT THERE , HERE , THAT HELL ! LET ME OUT !

Joshua : "That place" ? "hell" ? Is he referring to that company ?

Alinna : I don't think so ... but maybe she does .

Danny : Who ? That maid lad Atramille ?

Alinna (Serious) : *Nods* ... he ran away from his own home from her and was very reluctant to go back . If anything , she is the prime suspect for his current state of mind ...

Joshua : *Observed Alinna's expression and tone for a moment* ... you know what ? I'll do the talking instead . I can tell that you're not in the right mood to stay cool . Relay any inquiries to me instead .

Alinna : Wha- ... fine .

Joshua : Okay then . We go now .

They make their way down to towards the guest room , where Atramille was sent to for treatment , in search for answers . Atramille , now stable and conscious enough to stay seated upright on one of the four large velvet , ornate camel-back couches encircling a table with a large , oriental-designed porcelain vase with a bouquet of flower placed in it in the middle of it , is seen staring at her blood-stained sleeve , seemingly deep in thought about something , having a large bandage on her forehead as Alinna's butler kept watch over her at a distance . As she kept staring at her bloodied sleeve , she began hearing haunting whispers that sounded like cries of the sufferings and anguished pleas for help and mercy , but was interrupted by the sound of a door being opened nearby , snapping her out of it . Upon entering , Alinna instructed her butler to keep watch over Ron , who is currently locked inside the closet room of the bedroom and leave Alinna and Joshua alone with Atramille for questioning . Danny however is seen roaming around the room , admiring the luxurious items being displayed just outside the room with a mobile phone in one of his hand placed next to his ear .

Joshua : *Ahem* ... Atramille de Surquouis .

Atramille : *Turns head towards Joshua , slightly surprised* ... how do you know of my name ? Is Ron alright ?

Joshua : How I know your name don't really matter now . Ron's not well ... well , "not well" is an understatement , judging from what I've witnessed and experienced first hand ...

Atramille : That means that I'm needed-

Joshua : *Halts Atramille* Sorry , mademoiselle , that's not gonna happen . Alinna's *points at her behind him* statement suggests that you're the reason behind all of this .

Atramille (Confused) : How can it be my fault ? I was just fulfilling my duties as his personal maid .

Joshua : Then why did he ran away from his house , away from you ? Both of us suspect that you must've done more than just "tend to his needs" and "keeping the house clean" . Care to dispel that suspicions , please ?

Atramille : Does my recent act of stripping myself down to my bare skin and only donning myself with an apron be the reason ?

Joshua : *Instantly aroused , face turned a bright red* G-give me a sec ! *Turns around , attempting in regaining composure and self-control*

Alinna : *Stares at Joshua with disgust* ...

Joshua : *Whispers* Wouldn't you reacted the same way upon hearing that from "Fabio" (Writer's note : Google it and visualize , girls !) ?!

Alinna : *Whispers* Alright , fine ! So quit fantasizing and focus on the objective !

Joshua : *Turns back around , calm and collected* That ... it may be a little bit too much to the male's gaze (F*** you Ron , you lucky bastard !) but that doesn't really answers his fleeting response and reluctancy to come back to his house , to you .

Atramille : But I had not done anything that were harmful .

Joshua : *Gets nudged in the back by Alinna* One moment *Listening to Alinna for a period of time , in silence* ... now that's questionable ... Alinna believes that you're not a regular housemaid to begin with ... I'd agree too .

Atramille : But I am indeed a maid and my master is Ron .

Joshua : Hurmm ... you see , *assumes an imposing pose* here's why Alinna's point makes more sense than yours . One , he doesn't have the money to hire let alone sustain one and two , even if you are his personal maid and you did it for free , he would've rejected it because he prefers being alone ... all the while - that's his lifestyle , says him . So , isn't it time for you to state your real reason for us ?

Atramille : *Feeling boxed in* ...

Alinna : Just spi-

Joshua (Serious) : *Hands up to stop Alinna* Alinna ... please .

Alinna : *Notices Joshua's shift in tone , character and expression* ... I'll go get some fresh air ... *Leaves the room*

Joshua (Serious) : Now , I want you to think about this really carefully and thoroughly . Whatever you're doing right now , even if your intention were indeed good , Ron isn't having any of it , period . Right now , he's above us , locked up in a small room , completely deranged and berserk , he can't tell friend from foe anymore . If it weren't for our intervention , he'd be bludgeoning you senselessly until you breathe your last breath . Do you still wish to continue on playing your game ? Because , we're not stopping him the second time this happens , that's for sure .

Atramille sat on the couch motionless as her mind wanders deep within the state of deliberation for minutes , making decisions that will affect everything that is associated with her - her 'family' up in the 'sanctum' , their purposes and goals , everything , while under the constant watchful eyes of Joshua .

Atramille : ... I yield .

Joshua : *Slightly relaxed* I'm glad *gesturing signs towards Atramille into divulging information* ... well ?

Atramille : It was my proposal along with the blessings of my mother to be by his side to gather whatever clues needed in resolving an ongoing issue we currently had .

Joshua : "We" ? "Mother" ?

Atramille : *Nods* ... when it comes to executive orders , she is the one .

Joshua : I would like to have a talk with that person then .

Atramille : I'm afraid that she might not be abl-

Joshua : No can do , mademoiselle . I'd prefer to have a face-to-face conversation with her , along with my lady friend out there , who would agree as well .

Atramille : But-

Joshua (Serious): No "but"s .

Atramille : ... alright . I'll relay this invitational request to her right away . I'd suggest that you'd not interfere with the process ... *Closes eyes and went into a sleep-like state*

Joshua (Perplexed): O ... kay ?

As Joshua stares at Atramille perplexed , the scene fades in a transition to Libra's private chamber , where she is seen seated in a 'seiza' posture , meditating .

Libra : ... welcome back . *Slowly turns around , revealing Atramille behind her approaching her* You're covered in blood !

Atramille (Gloomy) : Forgive me for I may have failed you ... *Bows a full 90 degree*

Libra : An apology can come later . Let us tend to-

Atramille : It's more urgent of a matter that I deliver this message from Ron's acquaintances in his world .

Libra : ... alright . I'm listening .

Atramille (Regretful) : *Nods* ... They'd wish to talk to you in person ... it seems like I may have caused us irreversible damage . I ... *shudders* I'm ...

Libra : ... I've suspected that this might happen . So don't blame yourself for what has happened . This is indefinitely my fault . I've might've made one too many wrong decisions due to the lack of understanding , knowledge and experience ... and secrets can no longer remain hidden forever , so it seems .

Atramille : ???

Libra : *Nods* I sort of ... foresaw it coming , along other host of things that may yet to come . It needs to be done ... before the inevitable happens .

Atramille : But how are you supposed to do that ? You've made it clear that you're unable to exist beyond this place .

Libra : *Grabs hold on to one of the floating orbs surrounding her meditating spot* Actually , I can ... short , but rather complex of a process and requirements that comes with risks ... but I believe the current situation now outweighs it . Return back to where they are now and deliver my answer . I'll be there with you shortly .

Atramille : *Bows* Yes , milady .

The scene transitions back inside Alinna's house on the other side of the door of the guest room , Danny is seen roaming around the area , passing by Alinna standing by the front door .

Danny : ... this silence is perturbing ...

Alinna (Uneasy) : ... I'm going back inside .

Danny : Okie dokie . I'm staying put here .

Shortly after Alinna's exit from the scene , the sound of a running engine is heard approaching the house . A voice of an elderly man is being made right after the engine is turned off , calling out for someone .

Mysterious voice : Danny ! You in there ?

Danny : *Goes outside to investigate who was it* Oh , it's you ! ... and who's that with you ?

Back in the guest room .

Alinna : I'm back , Joshua . Why is it quie-

Joshua : *Puts a finger close to his mouth and whispers* No interference ...

Alinna : *Whispers* What ? *Looks at Atramille , seemingly motionless* She asked you to ?

Joshua : *Nods and whispers* Let's go along with her request for now ...

Alinna (Perplexed) : *Sat down with Joshua , observing Atramille together* O ...kay ...

For minutes both Joshua and Alinna kept their focus on Atramille , absolutely motionless , as if she's a machine that has ceased it's operation . Without any forewarning whatsoever from Atramille , she suddenly opened her eyes and spoke her first words after minutes of silence .

Atramille : *Open eyes* Your invitation has been accepted . She'll be here shortly .

Alinna & Joshua : *Flinched in surprise* Eeek !

*Loud knocking of the door*

Alinna & Joshua : *Spooked off their chair* Wharrgh !!!

Danny : *Opens door* Uh ... bad timing ?

Joshua : *Sweating from the series of successive jumpscares* N-nono , you're not ...

Danny : Okies ... I brought someone with me . My work buddy , Skynn-

Skynn : Skynn here , reporting ! I brought a customer with me . She wanted to be transported here .

Just as they're done introducing themselves to Alinna , Joshua and Atramille , a girl with blue eyes , dressed in a brown jacket and a light pink one-piece dress with a straight , shoulder length , silver hair attempts to walk into the gap between Danny and Skynn , prompting them into making way for her .

Joshua (Shocked) : *Taken aback* W-w-w-wait a minute ! M-m-m-miss Myna ?! (Writer's note : A big shot celebrity among otakus in this story's world)

Alinna : Miss ... Myna ?

Joshua : Yes , her ! How are you still alive ? Weren't you being pronounced dead in an accident six years ago ?

Alinna , Danny and Skynn : ... WHAAAT ?!

And their endless cries of utter disbelief and shock trails off all the way into the space ...

Back at the 'Sanctum' , in the same room with a large , ornate golden door where Ron was a couple of times before , a jet black-haired feminine figure , dressed in a standard black-velvet-violet Victorian-Gothic style dress is seen standing by the door , seemingly waiting for someone or something .

Jet black-haired lady (Thought) : "I might be needed down on the human world" is it ... ? *Lifts up an orb similar to the ones in Libra's private chamber* If milady asked me to wait for the signal , then it must've been real urgent . *Clenches fist* I pray that everyone involved is alright ...

*A feint , prolonged sound of a small crowd screaming their lungs out*

Jet black-haired lady : ... have I heard something just now ?

To be continued ...

Manga page count : 24-25
Online proofreading count : 0

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 10 : Roadblock

Spoiler

Back in the guest room inside Alinna's house , everyone in the room except for Atramille is in a state of stone-shocked after discovering that the lady guest before them is that of a late idol - a ghost or a zombie , smiling a bright glimmer , not curious of their reactions .

Atramille : ... Mother ?

Myna a.k.a Libra : Yes , it is I . Went through without much complications . Now that I'm on Ron's world , I would like to start a conversation with the people who sent me that invitation . I might've missed points within this meeting that may prove vital . In that case , enlighten me first please .

Atramille : *Bows* As you wish ...

Several minutes later ...

Myna a.k.a Libra : ... alright , I'll take over from here on . Assist me when necessary ...

Atramille : *Bows* Understood .

Myna a.k.a Libra : *Seats herself in front of Joshua* I presume you were the one who requested my presence to be here with you but the invitation mentioned of two . May I know who might that other person be ?

Joshua : *Snaps out of state of shock* Ah , y-yeah . You're talking about Alinna ? She's rii ... *Looks around for Alinna , realizing that along with Danny and Skynn , she had left the scene , leaving him all by himself in the room* (She left me alone when I needed her the most !) *screams internally*

Myna a.k.a Libra : I presume that the lady who were behind you a while ago was the other person in question . I'm afraid that she had left this room in a hurry ... is it perhaps-

Joshua : That you're a ghost ? Or a zombie who had risen from the grave after years of slumber ? You're supposed to be dead , Miss Myna !

A shot taken outside of the room , showing Alinna crouched near the door , seemingly trembling in fear with both hands on the back of her head , pressing her head down closer to her knees while having her ear pressed against the door in an attempt at eavesdropping on their conversation .

Myna a.k.a Libra : I don't know who is this "Miss Myna" you speak of . But I can assure you that I'm not a ghost ... technically .

Joshua : "Technically" ?! Then who am I talking to right now if you're not that famous idol !

Myna a.k.a Libra : If you need a name just as much as Ron would too , I'll formally offer it to you through my introduction . I'm Libra , after one of the twelve star signs .

Joshua (Confused) : That's rather ...

Libra : You need not know ponder deeply into that matter for now . Don't you have a more pressing issue at hand that needs to be taken care of ?

Joshua : A-ah , right . *Points at Atramille* Why is it that just by the sight of your companion there is enough to make him go insane ? What is she doing in my friend's house in the first place ? Is this all your plan ? Just what are you up to exactly ?

Libra : I wanted to know myself as to what we did wrong . Throughout our time of activity , we've never encountered a case this severe . He didn't behave out of the ordinary when he was with us in our place nor did he told and showed us signs of one . Even her initial findings and further encounters and direct involvements suggests that Ron's behaving normally , aside from his constant refusal in accepting our services and ignoring her presence altogether . Since we do not have answers ourselves , perhaps you and your friend do ? We'd be glad to listen to whatever you had in mind .

Joshua (Thought) : It should be US asking you that ...

Upon hearing the last line , Alinna snapped in anger and stomped her way into the room , confronting her for giving such nonchalant response to a dire issue Joshua is trying to show in an enraged manner , only to be stopped in her track by Danny , Skynn . The scene swiftly turned chaotic , unintelligible mess as Alinna raged on at Libra , expressing her disgust at her responses she had overheard on the other side of the room while Joshua , being the most composed "human" person in the room currently , attempts to remain cool in front of Libra and Atramille , all flustered and panicky , letting out a big sigh and planted his face onto his palm as the scene is being played right before him . It didn't take long before the situation turned violent as Joshua notices Alinna attempts at lunging towards Libra , seemingly in an attempt at getting physical with her .

Joshua : *Stood up and screamed his lungs out* ENOUGH !!!

The roaring scream filled the entire room , rattling everyone out of the ensuing conflict , causing immediate silence among the conflicting parties .

Joshua : Alinna , didn't I tell you to let me do the talk ?!

Alinna : I know ! But-

Joshua : I know that ! But for a mature and intelligent person like you , I can't believe you lambasted like a little girl !

Alinna (Embarrassed) : Erk ...

Joshua : *Turns head towards Libra* And as for you dear guests , let me remind you that both of us invited you all into this discussion because we hoped that you all had the answers to this mess , not to question us . Clearly , it wasn't us who triggered Ron's mental breakdown , *points at Atramille* it's her . Got it ?

Libra (Pale) : *Shudders* ... I understand ...

Joshua : Excellent ! *Takes deep breath* Now please , can you all ladies kindly chill and get to the issue at hand now ?

A sound scolding from Joshua prompts everyone into a state of calm and composed as they seat themselves down except for Atramille who remained standing by Libra's side , having her sight fixated towards Skynn , standing by the door , seemingly analyzing him for a moment .

Atramille : *Raises hand* Monsieur Joshua , may I speak ?

Joshua : Yes ?

Atramille : I can understand your doubts and err for our questionable actions . For that , we'll take full responsibility for it . However , no matter what you may perceive it to be as , we still meant no harm and we're just as befuddled as you are by Ron's sudden change in state of mind . I'd like you to give us a chance to prove our innocence to you and mademoiselle Alinna .

Joshua : *Turns head towards Alinna for "assurance" before facing back towards Atramille and letting out a sigh* ... go ahead .

Atramille : *Bows and walked towards Skynn , currently pre-occupied with Danny , catching him by surprise* Monsieur Skynn .

Skynn (Startled) : Wh- ... y-y-yes ?

And Atramille stood in front of Skynn motionless as she kept staring at him face-to-face as if he wants him to react to her actions . He remains confused as to why she's acted that way so close to him for a moment before something came into mind .

Danny : Hoi ... something going on between you two that I don't know off ?

Skynn : ... How the hell would I know ... but I can't shake that feeling that I knew her somehow .

Atramille : *Puts up an elegant smile* Welcome , dear guest . May I see your verification ID , please ?

Skynn : Huh ? *Stares intently at Atramille* ... hurmm , that smile ... that line ... my dream ... you resemble that of the lady in my dream or at least one of them ...

Danny : "That lady" you kept bragging about to everyone during work ?

Libra : Was this person one of the many who came for our service ?

Atramille : *Nods* ... he was one of our patron , just like Ron .

Joshua : Wait , what are you guys getting at this time ?

Libra : Interesting ... . Those present in this room , before anything else happens , I hope that whatever we speak of should be kept a secret from anyone . This is the only favor I would like you all to uphold for us . I hope that you all could accept it just this once .

Skynn : U-umm ...

Danny & Joshua : O ... kay ?

Alinna (Dissatisfied) : Why would I ? Such a one-sided bargain ...

Joshua : *Whispers* Just do it , Alinna !

Alinna (Annoyed) : *Whispers* Tch ... fine .

Libra : Many thanks for agreeing to our request . *Looks at Skynn* Do you perhaps remember possessing a golden card before ?

Skynn : Wait ... what ? How did you know that I had it before ?

Libra : We were the one who offered that golden card to you , you were invited to our place to be cared and treated for the current issues in life . I know it's not right to ask you this but could you tell them your life before you received the golden card and recall anything up to the point when you woke up feeling ... different .

Skynn : Uhh ... alright .

20-30 minutes of storytelling later ...

Joshua : ... that was amazing that you're still breathing after all that , sir .

Danny : Right ? I still don't believe that he'd be able to get pass all that and still lives to tell the tale . Talk about hell , he still bore all those scars on his body right now ...

Joshua (Thought) : And I thought the people working in the same department of the company like me and Alinna had it hard ...

Skynn : But , I'm still confused as to how I became into who I am right now right after I woke up that one fine morning ...

Libra : That's the result of our service . We only offer those whose life is literally at wits' end and the kind our seeker would seek out .

Joshua : ... Seeker ?

Libra : She's the one responsible for materializing the card within' this person's presence , the same was done for Ron .

Joshua : Then , could you bring her down here and-

Libra : *Shakes head* I'm afraid that would be impossible to do . It's ... difficult to explain in your term .

Joshua (Disappointed and confused) : The hell ...

Libra : I had the gist that you might seek her audience in this discussion . That's why I've prepared a workaround to this ... *Closes eyes*

Alinna (Pale) : *Flinches* Don't tell me ...

Joshua : Don't wimp out on me again ...

After a short moment of stillness and silence , a jet black-haired feminine figure , dressed in a Victorian-Gothic style dress appeared next to Atramille , seemingly embracing her in a graceful manner . Her appearance was so sudden that it's as if she'd just appeared in the next frame of a film , catching all but Atramille and Libra by surprise .

Libra : *Opens eyes* Kindly introduce yourself to them .

Jet black-haired lady : *Curtsy and bows* Aundlexia Warwinn el Fortuna graciously greets you all .

Joshua (Thought and shocked) : ... had my eyes deceived me , or did that exquisite masterpiece literally popped out of thin air ?! *Looks at Alinna , looking all pale and stiff* ... there she goes ...

Skynn : *Sweating* I~ guess I'll take my leave now . Duty calls ...

Danny : *Sweating* WOW ! HOLY S*** ! You're right ! Would you look at that time , I've got to get my much needed naptime for tomorrow ! BYE !

Joshua : Wait , guys ! WA-

And the door shuts before Joshua could even finish his sentence as they've left the building in a hurry , leaving him and his currently out cold friend Alinna behind in the meeting ...

Libra : ... have I done something that made them to leave ?

Joshua : Well ... uhuh ... *lets out a few cough and flails his hand momentarily* nevermind that . So , she is ...

Libra : A mediator that will relay your message to the 'seeker' in my world and back .

Joshua : O ... kay . So , do I just ... talk ?

Aundlexia : Yes . It may take a short bit of time to get to the 'seeker' . She needs to relay speeches into a sub-conscious message before relaying it to the seeker and vice-versa .

Joshua : Alrighty *takes in one deep breath and lets out before initiating a conversation with Aundlexia* ... after hearing Skynn's past life and his involvement with you and your act that gave a fresh new life , why doesn't it work on Ron ?

Aundlexia : "... I'm not the only one still trying to figure out why ."

Libra : True . *Raises hand together with Atramille*

Joshua : Then can you at the very least offer us any lead , just any , like the problem Ron has currently or in the past that is affecting him right now ?

Aundlexia : "... impossible . I can't read minds of souls . Atramille might offer more clarity in this" .

Joshua : *Turns head towards Atramille* Huh ? You can read minds ... ?

Atramille : *Shakes head lightly* I can only see manifestations around or within a person and not everyone has such manifestation and it's often too ambiguous and vague to me to understand myself .

Joshua : Wuh ?

Libra : Let's just say she had senses that's beyond human comprehension and capabilities and leave it at that for now . Atramille , go ahead ... what do you see ?

Atramille : *Nods* ... layers of walls of dark crystals , seemingly erected in a crude manner resembling that of a fortress ... within it , a masked figure ... wandering aimlessly .

Joshua : *Deep in thought for a moment* ... one moment , please .

Libra : Sure .

Joshua then got up and makes his way towards Alinna . He whispers close to her ears in a rather questionable yet visibly fearful and cautious manner , seemingly in an attempt at snapping her out of her state of shock and possibly awakening a fearful beast that only he knows best .

Joshua : Alinna ~ , if you don't snap out of it , I'm gonna grop-

A blinding swing of Alinna's fist lands on the side of Joshua face with tremendous force , sending him corkscrewing into the wall with a bone-shattering impact before slumping down to the ground , startling Libra , Atramille (slightly) and Aundlexia . No longer out cold , Alinna lets off a deathly leer at Joshua , all bruised up and bloodied from that one blow .

Alinna : Could you repeat that ONCE more ?

Libra : Are ... are you alright there ?

Alinna (Terrified) : Wait a minute ... that voi- *Caught a sight of Aundlexia* Heeek !!! *Backs herself against the wall* It's ... it's ... *slowly turning pale and losing consciousness*

Joshua :*Got up and lunges towards Alinna* Imma grop-PhOublURGH !!! *Gets punched by Alinna , again*

And so the repeating cycle of Alinna on the verge of fainting from the sight of Aundlexia , Libra and Atramille and Joshua getting beaten up senselessly by her for his ... 'actions' plays for some time ...

Joshua : *Covered in bruises and bandages* There , better now ?

Alinna (Nervous): *Blindfolded* Y-you'd better make sure tha-that ... 'thing' doesn't come for me !

Joshua : Of course she wouldn't ! *Gives a snidey stare towards Libra , Aundlexia and Atramille* ... you wouldn't , would you ?

Alinna (Terrified) : Guh !!!

Libra : No , we wouldn't do-

Joshua : There , your answer . Happy now ?

Alinna : *Spastic nodding* ...

Joshua : Good ! *Seats himself back down* Now , Atramille , please repeat what you said before to her .

Atramille : *Nods* Layers of walls of dark crystals , seemingly erected in a crude manner resembling that of a fortress ... within it , a masked figure ... wandering aimlessly .

Joshua : Now , Alinna . Translate that into layman's interpretation , please .

Alinna (Thought) : *Recomposes herself* ... dark crystals ... layers ... a masked figure ... I think I get it ... roughly .

Joshua : Well ?

Alinna : Based on my limited understanding on human psychology , walls usually represent a mental block . Dark crystals ... probably a representation of cause or maybe the type of defense ... I'm not sure but most possibly he is hiding and guarding something within , which fits the purpose of a fortress . Masks had a common symbolic meaning and it had to do with facade . In other words and if it's true , the Ron we see now isn't the true Ron .

Joshua : Whoa , what a brain-killer trying to digest something this deep ... but it seems like the Ron we see ain't the Ron we knew the day we both first met ... or maybe he's wearing that mask way before that .

Atramille : Does that explain his refusal to any form of contact and help from us ?

Alinna : That's entirely unrelated . (... or maybe it does . Can't tell ...)

Joshua : So ... not an answer ? Not even a lead ?

Alinna : More like "I thought so" . I brought him into our group when he was still a freshmen because of what Atramille sees in him . It made more sense to me now than ever .

Joshua : You probed his mind ?

Alinna : What am I to you ...

Joshua : *Sweats* Kidding ... just kidding . So , what is it that made sense to you ?

Alinna (Frustrated) : *Pulls down blindfold and frowns* Did it not raise your eyebrow at all , Joshua ? He began working in the company at the age of sixteen ... sixteen ! A person like him at his age should still be at school but he applied for a job meant for adults like us both . The reason he gave when we asked for just don't make even more sense !

Joshua (Defeated) : Aaah , so that's why . Why not ask hi- ... oh ... *facepalm* bummer .

Alinna (Defeated) : Why are yo- ... owwh ... *droops head down* great ...

Libra : Uhmm ... pardon for the intrusion but I'm not understanding the situation unfolding before me ...

Joshua : *Points above , roughly in the direction of where Ron is* ...

Libra (Solemn) : *Looks up , realizing who is right above her* ... I see .

Silence accompanied by the ambient sound of night crickets fills the room the moment everyone inside the room soon found out that after all of their effort in trying to and manage to get a lead for the issue at hand , it lead them to another dead end . Donning the expression and posture that of a defeated person but none had it more pronounced than Alinna and Joshua , who is now more worried than ever for Ron's state of health , both mentally and physically , now felt more helpless than ever as he slowly slips closer towards death's door right before their own eyes . The usually well-composed Atramille herself can't help but to get more worried as well as she tried her best to figure out what to do to make things better for all ... until a light bulb triggered in her mind . She reached into her bloodied apron to pull out pieces of crumpled papers she had taken from Ron's house and placed it in from of them on the table .

Atramille : Perhaps these might help ?

Joshua : What are these ? Letters ?

Alinna : Let me read those letters for a while ...

A few minutes later ...

Joshua (Frustrated) : *Scratches head* Just how much secrets he hid from his friends ? I don't really blame him if he does so since we're not his family member , but ... damn it , none of us knew he had one to begin with until this letter came to be discovered . I can't shake this feeling that his whole existence is one big secret in itself ! ... Atramille , did you find anymore of these ? Or any return letters ?

Atramille : *Shakes head* Unfortunately no .

Joshua : *Further examines the letter with Alinna* ... weird . All of these letter were written not long apart from each other and they're all rather old letters , dating back to several months , even years . I get the feeling that her letters did not reach him somehow ... *faces towards Alinna* you're awfully quiet and totally fixated on the letters itself . Something's brewing in your mind right now ?

Alinna (Thought) : Same address for all letters ... that's a possible lead . His sister might still be there , I hope . She might have answers to Ron's problems ... *Stood up and puts up a serious and determined expression in front of everyone in the room*

Split full page of two scene with Alinna standing in the middle of the two scene , with the two scene is divided by a transitioning effect between scenes . The top scene is that of the room where they're currently are and the bottom is an outdoor scene of what seems to be a hospital , with an ambulance and a white building can be seen at a distance from where she stood .

Alinna : ... yes , I do . Hear me out ...

To be continued ...

Online page count : 22-24
Online proofreading count : 0

[DeAngelus]

Chapter 11 : Discovery

Spoiler

In a closet room of a bedroom , Ron is seen curled up in a corner , unkempt and sickly both physically and mentally with visibly bruised-eyed facial expression , muttering silently to himself as he slowly lowers his head onto his knees . The scene soon pans away from him to the other side of the door where Alinna is seen standing by it , staring at it with a concerned expression .

Alinna (Thought) : ... I hope that his silence is a good sign ... *turns around , revealing Aundlexia and Atramille behind her , watching* but I can't bring myself to leave you alone with these ... 'ghosts' , as much as I wanted to get the hell out of here and away from them . I don't like them and what they've been pulling ...

An hour ago , in front of the main staircase in main hall not far from the guest room . Atramille , Aundlexia and Libra is seen at the bottom of the staircase seemingly having a discussion among themselves . Shortly after , Alinna made her appearance as she is on her way down to discover them having a discussion , stopping in her tracks while they're still not aware of her and began eavesdropping in their talks .

Atramille : Are you leaving , milady ?

Libra : Yes , I can't remain here for long , I can sense the discord appearing with this body ...

Aundlexia : I'm sorry to ask this but , what are we to do with her ?

Atramille : I'm in an agreement with her concern as well . It seems like she doesn't trust us at all regardless of our efforts in reasoning .

Libra : It's understandable but there's not much else we could do if she's still harboring much distrust for our actions .

Atramille : *Bows ninety degrees* My deepest apologies ... I have pushed my duties to the point of-

Libra : No apologies needed . I was somewhat expecting this to happen since upon agreeing to your request as we're first and foremost strangers to begin with . But I'll still be in the dark in this issue if I don't take risks in search for answers ...

Aundlexia : What do propose us to do before you leave and without your presence here , mother ?

Libra : *Steps around in close proximity deep in thought for quite some time* ... do as Joshua asked you to .

Back in the room where Alinna , Aundlexia and Atramille is ...

Alinna (Thought) : *Clenches fist and grits her teeth while having an enraged expression* Asking them to watch over Ron ?! You know full well that you're the reason Ron became like that , Joshua ! This is UNACCEPTABLE !

Aundlexia : *Whispers to Atramille* Is she ...

Atramille : *Nods* ... she requires much needed room to calm down for now . But ... *approaches Alinna* pardon my interruption but allow us to watch over Ron in your stead . Judging from your body language and facial outlooks , I highly recommend that you take much needed rest or you might risk hampering the plans you had tomorrow .

Alinna : *Leers at Atramille in utter distrust but lacking in energy* ...

Atramille : I understand your distrust for us after all of the incident we have caused that leads to such outcome and we are here to make things right again with the help of both you and monsieur Joshua's guidance .

Alinna : *Turns leering gaze towards Aundlexia* ... and her ?

Atramille : She serves as the seeker's and Libra's eye and mouthpiece , mademoiselle Alinna . The seeker is currently observing Ron's current condition on our behalf .

Aundlexia : Sir Joshua's orders , Madamme Alinna .

Alinna (Aggravated) : Tch ! Fine ! I'll go to bed then ! *Stomps out of the room*

Atramille : ...

The scene zooms out of Alinna's house and towards the view of the night sky that slowly turns into a sunny noon that gradually lowers down , slowly revealing a rather large , white building with several bands lavender white stripes that stretches around the overhanging walls that separates floors , with a large red cross mounted right at the center front of it . An unlit red sign of the hospital name , "Feuller General Hospital" is seen mounted in the front overhang , with a large parking lot right in front of the building , some of the lots of which are occupied . Several small trees dots throughout the parking lot symmetrically , with hedges serving as a 'wall' , filling the void in-between the trees , all planted for aesthetic purpose . Alinna is seen entering the building along with several random civilians and patients going in and out of the same entrance and makes her way towards the receptionist's counter .

The interior of the hospital , the lobby is a glistening brown and white marble , with potted plants dots around and next to marble pillars with a chandelier hanging in the middle of it , lighting up the room . a handful of commoners are seen scattered throughout the area , some seated on the couches all situated on a corner of the lobby while the rest wanders around , in and out of the area .

Alinna : Excuse me .

Receptionist : How may I help you , miss ?

Alinna : I've heard that one of my friend's sister is currently hospitalized here . May I know which ward my friend's sister is currently placed in ?

Receptionist : Okay . May I know your friend's sister's name ?

Alinna : Layla . Only Layla .

Receptionist : Alright , give me a moment while I search for her whereabouts .

Alinna (Thought) : Joshua ... I hope nothing goes wrong while I'm away ... Ron ...

Last night , back in the guest room of Alinna's house , Alinna is seen standing in front of where Joshua once sat on , with Joshua , Atramille , Libra and Aundlexia having their attention towards her , seemingly awaiting her to speak up ...

Joshua : "Further investigation into Ron's closely hidden secret , without his consent" huh ? So not like you , so not liking this ...

Alinna : Like we've got any other choice . He's like a ticking time bomb close to ignition .

Joshua : Yeah , I get it . Tell us your plan then .

Alinna : This plan's a three part . First and the top priority is to pay his sister a visit at the hospital and get her to uncover Ron's past . Upturning Ron's house to dig out for more clues would be the next thing to do . Until help arrives , I'll watch over Ron here in my house with the help of my servants .

Joshua : You're going to do all of that ?

Alinna : Yes .

Joshua : ... neat . But I have a better solution to all of that .

Alinna : What would that be ?

Joshua : Instead of you handling all of them , why not distribute the tasks at hand among these ladies present here ? Saves time , you know .

Alinna : *Startled* Wha- ! Them ? NEVER !

Joshua : *Deep sigh* Here we go again . Alright listen . Weren't they the ones who helped creating a breakthrough in solving this case ? I get it , they're responsible for what had happen to Ron and it's rightfully so to not trust people who commit such heinous act to our close buddy . But don't you think you're being unfair right now after all they've been doing for us , for Ron ? They've relinquished all their findings , brought their superior down to consult with us , exposing their "shady" activities and proving their innocence to us , don't you think that's rather sufficient enough to at least be optimistic about them ?

Alinna (Hesitant) : But ...

Joshua : *Sigh* Have some optimism , will you ? Gee , always uptight about everything , just like the struggles of the buttons holding your suit- Eurrgh !!! *Gets jab on the throat by Alinna*

Back in front of the receptionist counter in the lobby of the hospital ...

Alinna (Thought) : *Check on herself , aggravated* Damn you , 'Pervo-donna' . No tact whatsoever ...

Receptionist : *Waves for Alinna* Ma'am !

Alinna : *Walked towards the counter* So , is she here ?

Receptionist : According to the database , Miss Layla was warded here on the 6th ward of the intensive care unit , Room 3045 .

Alinna : "Was" ? What happened to her ? Did she move elsewhere ? Was she discharged already ?

Receptionist : *Turned her monitor towards Alinna* Well , I'm a bit surprised myself but ...

Meanwhile roughly around the same time by the front door of Ron's house , recently abandoned by its owner , Danny and Atramille are seen standing by it .

Atramille : *Observes Danny intently* ...

Danny : *Opens door into Ron's house* Uh ... is there anything on my face , pretty lady ?

Atramille : ... it's nothing .

Danny : Heh ?

Atramille : *Walks into Ron's house* I'm having thoughts of rectifying on last night's incident that made you flee the scene in fear . I can now conclude that you're alright .

Danny : Oh ... (Thanks for reminding me of that moment that got me sleepless night ... but I'm not over it yet .)

Atramille : Monsieur Danny ?

Danny : Ah , yes ! *Rushes in*

Atramille and Danny analyzes the interior of Ron's house , accessing the environment as they walked around for a moment before they begin ransacking Ron's house once again in search for more clues but unlike before , every inch of the house is not left untouched . Everything gets either upturned , unraveled , opened and emptied out , slowly turning the house into a chaotic mess that gets worse with each passing hour ...

Danny : Say ... are you really his personal maid ?

Atramille : Yes and no . The service is offered at my own free will and served as a cover-up for my primary objective as well .

Danny : Still , even if you really are a maid by job , your outfit's rather ... unusual .

Atramille : *Looks at her own outfit* ... it was ?

Danny : Well yeah . Haven't you notice how the maids in Alinna's house are dressed up like ? It is as if you're a maid from another era or dimension ... are you real-

Atramille : I have an assumption that the sole reason you fled the scene the moment Libra invited her was for the same reason mademoiselle Alinna had feared what we might be . If it's true , don't you think that it'll be nigh impossible to manifest at times like this ?

Danny : Ah , right'o ... good point there . But how does she appear in the room without first getting through the front door we were standing next to in the first place ? The room we're all in had no place for her to hide at all ...

Atramille : ... it's magic .

Danny : O ... kie , how about-

Atramille : A doppelganger . *Resumes searching*

Danny : ... but how do you-

Atramille : Mental deductions .

Danny :*Taken aback* ... are you ... analytically genius or reading my mind ?

And the mix of light conversation and search plays on until the golden dusk illuminates the interior of the house . It was then Danny stumbles upon a picture frame on his desk once discovered by Atramille . Inside it rests a picture , worn , creased and washed out in color as if it was taken a long time ago , of two kids , a girl and a boy , all covered in grime and superficial scrape marks all over their exposed bodies , smiling in front with an unknown elderly lady standing right behind and between them wearing a warm smile , taken in front of a rather large single-storey bungalow with a large garage next to it encompassed by blooming flower shrubbery of various colors and lush green carpet grass .

Atramille : *Spots Danny looking at the picture* ... I've already inspected that . There's nothing out of the ordinary about it .

Danny : *Sigh* ... ma'am , you don't know the importance and value of pictures like this .

Atramille : Have I ? *Takes another look at the picture , perplexed* ... I don't understand .

Danny : Hohohoh , then allow a "self-proclaimed expert" to educate you then . *Clears throat , wisen up* Pictures like this photograph are like time capsules . It captures that moment in time that last for eternity . There's a saying born from the birth of art , "A single picture paints a thousand words of meanings" - this picture is art . Those who're simple and shallow-minded will not see the meaning behind this single , "boooring-looking" picture ... *Tch* youngsters these days with their obsession of taking pictures of food and their shameless selfies ...

Atramille (Piqued) : ("Selfies" ? "Photograph" ?) Interesting ... If that's true , what value does this picture has to Ron ?

Danny : Hurmm ... judging from its wear and aging effects yet how well it's been cared for by being place in this picture frame of such quality and value ... it must've hold high importance and value to him . Well , this is just a "mental deduction" of mine . Heheh ! You should ask someone who is an expert at this 'cause I sure ain't one .

Atramille : I see ...

Danny : *Inspects and analyzes the picture again thoroughly for a moment* Hmm ... this little boy here , that's definitely Ronny boy ... and this little girl ... judging by how intimate she is with Ronny boy tells me that she might be closely related to her , probably his sister . But just who is this elderly lady behind them ?

Atramille : I believe you've given much value to this to see that it serves as a possible lead in this case that's worth further finding out more .

Danny : Heh , glad to be useful at the very least for a complete clueless nobody in your circle . You hold on to it for now ! *hands over the picture frame to Atramille*

Atramille (Thought) : *Nods* "A single picture paints a thousand words of meanings" ... was I not aware of it ... ? I have so much yet to learn ...

And the search for leads goes on as night starts creeping into the background . As the scene slowly pans out of the interior and outside of the house , allowing the view of the soon-to-be night sky from the worms eye view , an unknown figure's feet appeared , partially blocking the view as it makes its way to the front door of the house where Atramille and Danny is in .

*Sound of the ringing door bell being rung*

Danny : Hmm ? Who could that be ?

Atramille : I'll attend to the guest by the door .

Greeting Atramille by the front door as soon as she opens it , a tidy-looking , black-haired lady in her 30's , dressed in a pleated blouse and jeans , currently pre-occupied at looking at her phone seemingly looking for something .

Lady : Hrumm ... the navigator seems to point me to this location , that's for sure . So this must be ... *Looked up to see Atramille standing by the door* uh ... you're not Ron .

Atramille : *Bows* Evening , mademoiselle . I'm his personal maid of this household that belonged to Monsieur Ron .

Lady : His maidservant ? Huh ? (A maid of his ?  Judging from the gross amount of back payments he had accumulated , there's no way he could've affo-)

Atramille : I can assure you that the owner of this house is that of Ron . I volunteered to be his personal maid at my own free will .

Lady (Flustered) : (Wai- , how did she ... ?) *Clears throat and lets out a sigh of relief* W-well finally I've came to the right place . Took me months to get a lead that should've been easy ...

Atramille : Pardon ?

Lady : Ah , I am a Feuller General Hospital staff nurse and a caretaker of Miss Layla . I'm entrusted to an errand given by my head nurse and now , the hospital administrative to deliver a package along with news that are crucial . Is he at home now ?

Danny (Thought) : *Eavesdrops and overhears the conversation* "Feuller General Hospital" ? That's where Alinna is currently at right now to look for Ronny's sister , Layla ...

Atramille : My apologies but the person you're looking for is not available . However , I will personally deliver your package and news to Ron should he ever return . What will the news you wanted him to know of ?

Lady : Okay . *Offers her a letter* You see ...

The scene splits into three . The first one is a solo shot of Atramille by the door with the nurse , the second is Danny who is peeking out of the corridor towards Atramille and the nurse and the last one is Alinna in front of the counter , reading what has being displayed on the monitor shown by the receptionist . Aside from Atramille , Danny and Alinna had a grossly disbelieving expression worn on their face .

"Miss Layla , Ron E. Stuperd's biological sister , has succumbed to Leukemia several months ago and the hospital officials are still awaiting his biological brother to actually claim and offer a proper respect and burial."

Manga page count : 21 - 22
Online proofreading count : 0