Keep your doors closed and run
Matthew wandered around the room, taking every step with skepticism, devouring him, leaving what he had left to the ravenous society. He tried to have a moment of flashbacks of what happened, but reminiscing about the tragedy was all he could do. Every happy moment that he faces vanishes away from him, never to be mentioned or remembered by Matthew or anyone again. But despite everything, the ambience of the room felt very familiar and amicable. It was as if Matthew was destined to run away from the amicable feeling the entire time. Something about the things he had faced so far didn’t seem real yet they felt so familiar. Something about him doesn’t feel right. Before his thoughts dragged him away, he noticed a letter addressed to him on a mediocre table. He felt his own shadow running away as he picked up the letter and opened it.
Dear Matthew,
Whatever you do, please do not do the following as every action of yours will lead you one step closer to the purgatory that you’ve spent your whole life running away from.
DO NOT open the door
DO NOT invite Jack into your home
DO NOT take the drink from him
DO NOT wake up
DO NOT meet the King and Queen
DO NOT enter a bedroom that has your name on it
DO NOT go back.
I do hope it's not too late.
Yours truly,
Matthew
He felt his heart going cold. He doesn’t remember writing a letter to himself. And he has done everything he told himself not todo. Is this a trap? Or is it a warning? If he didn’t write that letter, then who did? From what Matthew gained after diving into a crevasse of valued and sequestered memories, Jack gave him a drink and somehow he ended up here, in this palace and in this room. All alone. He then remembered what Jack had said before he left; “you are not to leave this room.”
Matthew also remembered the agony yet roguish in Jack’s eyes before he left. With curiosity taking behold of him, he took one risky step forward towards the door. Knowing that it wouldn’t make a difference even if his soul perished away from the world. Knowing that he would regret it.
He opened the door.
But it wasn’t the same expensive corridor he walked in with Jack before. It seemed to be a room full of light but the vacant darkness could still be seen by those who lived in it. Despite the scintillating walls being hopeless and colorless, the truth lies hidden in the shadows of the light. Matthew scrutinized his surroundings and felt the ambience of luxury vanish away. He turned around and realized the door he had just opened had disappeared. That’s when it hit Matthew that he was trapped in a void.
Agitation seemed to choke Matthew as he looked around the tortuous place for a way out. Nothing. His footsteps seemed to be more vociferous than his own thoughts. He continued walking, desperate for answers. Desperate to live a life where he doesn’t have to keep running. Desperate to breathe for the first time. Matthew noticed something from far. As he took a few steps closer, his eyes teemed with sympathy. It was a guy in a medical bed labeled patient no. 397. It seemed as if he couldn’t hear or see Matthew, so he took another step closer. Matthew noticed that the guy was dying right in front of him. Gasping for air, begging for another chance. Another life. The Holter monitor beside the guy started beeping frantically, indicating that his very own heart was betraying him. Matthew cried for help, but his voice just echoed, running away and further into the abyss he was currently in. To have a voice is to change another's future.
After analyzing every detail ever so carefully, for the first time Matthew felt lost and terrified. That person in the medical bed is him. That person who’s heart failed is him. That guy is him.
Tears flooded his vulnerable eyes. He screamed, he yelled, but his voice was silenced. Is this Matthews’ past or his future? Is this real? Is Matthew real?
‘DO NOT enter a room that has your name on it’, said the letter.
Now, Matthew knows why.
Reunion, Introductions, And A Request
Hugh smiled at everyone gathered in the beach hub area of the Training World. He was dressed in swimming trunks, a straw hat, and an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt. On one side of him stood Dirk and Doug in their swimming trunks. On the other side of Hugh was a young couple, the gentleman wearing swimming trunks, and the young lady holding the gentleman's hand sporting a bikini.
"Babe! I can't believe you guys are here!" Cerissa cried out in delight, running to Doug and greeting him with an embrace and a kiss. Dirk smiled and walked over to Mitch to shake his hand.
"Good to see you again bud!" Mitch said enthusiastically. "I take it things have been looking up for you in your new life?"
"They are!" Dirk said excitedly. "My brother and I recently were on a mission at a hockey game with that power couple over there, and our teamwork helped us overcome two powerful villains (those battles can be read in these two short stories: https://theprose.com/post/526302/mvp and https://theprose.com/post/534324/true-mvp). Hey you two, come on over and meet the Pirate and his crew!"
The couple accepted the invitation and walked over to the group, Hugh following closely behind.
"It is an honor to meet you all. I'm Kirk, and this is my girlfriend Serenity."
"Dirk and Doug have been amazing to work with." Serenity said sweetly. "Dirk especially helped us through a bind with the enemies we squared off against."
"Hey, all of us working together is what helped us overcome MVP and Puck." Dirk replied humbly.
"I'm so proud of you bro!" Doug chimed in.
"I definitely will never complain about seeing you guys, especially you Doug." Cerissa said before giving him another kiss. "But out of curiosity, what brings all of you here, along with Hugh?"
"I would like Dirk and Doug to train with Kirk and Serenity in order to continue to grow their teamwork." Hugh smiled. "After all Mitch, you and I did build a fine place here for doing so."
"Indeed we did." Mitch grinned. "Did you stop by to see the product of our collaborative efforts?"
"Partially." Hugh replied. "I also come with a request for Janet's assistance, along with a job for the Pirate and his crew."
To be continued....
*****
Training World Arc
Prior stories/chapters from this plotline:
- Team Janet vs Team Sic - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic
- A New Adventure Begins! A 20 Word Teaser! (Chapter 109) - https://theprose.com/post/469384/a-new-adventure-begins-a-20-word-teaser
- Coffee And Dreams (Chapter 110) - https://theprose.com/post/469464/coffee-and-dreams
- Infected City Arc Closure (Chapter 111) - https://theprose.com/post/470462/infected-city-arc-closure
- A New Dimension - The Training World (Chapter 112) - https://theprose.com/post/472712/a-new-dimension-the-training-world
- Training, Or Vacation? (Chapter 113) - https://theprose.com/post/476376/training-or-vacation
- The Hub (Chapter 114) - https://theprose.com/post/478137/the-hub
- Janet vs Leftover: Rematch? (Chapter 115) - https://theprose.com/post/481194/janet-vs-leftover-rematch
- Follow Up (Chapter 116) - https://theprose.com/post/484088/follow-up
- Catching Up (Chapter 117) - https://theprose.com/post/484441/catching-up
- Portal To The Next Fight (Chapter 118) - https://theprose.com/post/491899/portal-to-the-next-fight
- Clash of the Mages (Chapter 119) - https://theprose.com/post/499792/clash-of-the-mages
- Team Essie (Chapter 120) - https://theprose.com/post/502330/team-essie
- A New Trick (Chapter 121) - https://theprose.com/post/504534/a-new-trick
- Darn Mosquito (Chapter 122) - https://theprose.com/post/510059/darn-mosquito
- Playing Offense: Rick and Janet (Chapter 123) - https://theprose.com/post/533308/playing-offense-rick-and-janet
- Injured Musings (Chapter 124) - https://theprose.com/post/534943/injured-musings
- The Ultimate Strategy of Team Essie (Chapter 125) - https://theprose.com/post/537929/the-ultimate-strategy-of-team-essie
- Victory? (Chapter 126) - https://theprose.com/post/538229/victory
- Final Preparations (Chapter 127) - https://theprose.com/post/541330/final-preparations
- Power Play (Chapter 128) - https://theprose.com/post/553141/power-play
- Conclusion: The Battle Simulation Ends! (Chapter 129) - https://theprose.com/post/554469/conclusion-the-battle-simulation-ends
- Refreshment & Reflection (Chapter 130) - https://theprose.com/post/557283/refreshment-reflection
- Cheers! (Chapter 131) - https://theprose.com/post/563619/cheers
Cheers!
"The next time we battle a powerful opponent in the real world, whether we win or lose, our team has to do all we can to avoid casualties amongst ourselves."
"You are absolutely right Mitch, cheers!" Tate beamed, as he and Mitch clinked their glasses of beer. Rick joined in the toast with a glass of root beer. The trio were lounging in their swimming trunks on beach chairs, enjoying their drinks and reflecting on their recently completed battle simulation.
"Also, I need to step it up as a leader to my crew." Mitch added. "I need to be more of a protector to these youngsters. If it wasn't for Essie's spell, which Cerissa, Rick and Janet paved the way for, you would have bested me Tate."
"I also want to be more of a protector Mitch." Rick added. "I sacrificed myself to give Essie the opening for that attack, but I wasn't there to watch her back as a result."
"Being a protector is great, but there is nothing wrong with relying on your allies for help." Tate commented. "There will be times when you are the stronger one that can lift your team up, and there will be times when you will need a lift from your teammates. Both are essential if your crew is to survive."
"I'll drink to that!" Rick grinned as he finished his root beer. "Thanks Tate, you're absolutely right. I'll be back later gentlemen, I am going to join the girls for a swim."
Rick happily darted into the water to Essie, Cerissa, Janet and Wasila, while Tate and Mitch continued to drink and chat.
"Merry Christmas by the way." Tate said. "You didn't forget with all the work you are all putting in, did you?"
"Definitely not." Mitch smiled. "I have a tree with gifts set up for my crew back home. There's a little something for you and Wasila in the clubhouse here too."
"You truly are remarkable." Tate grinned. "Everyone is fortunate to have you in their lives, including us AI's."
*****
Everyone gathered together for a barbecue picnic on the beach. Tate and Mitch grilled chicken, steak, cheeseburgers and hot dogs. After everyone had eaten their fill, Rick jumped to his feet and addressed the group.
"Everyone, here's the deal. We never got to finish our volleyball game the last time we were on a beach. So.... who's in?"
"I'm game, but let's chat first." A familar voice stated.
The crew turned to the direction of the voice, and observed a party of five approaching.
To be continued....
*****
Training World Arc
Prior stories/chapters from this plotline:
- Team Janet vs Team Sic - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic
- A New Adventure Begins! A 20 Word Teaser! (Chapter 109) - https://theprose.com/post/469384/a-new-adventure-begins-a-20-word-teaser
- Coffee And Dreams (Chapter 110) - https://theprose.com/post/469464/coffee-and-dreams
- Infected City Arc Closure (Chapter 111) - https://theprose.com/post/470462/infected-city-arc-closure
- A New Dimension - The Training World (Chapter 112) - https://theprose.com/post/472712/a-new-dimension-the-training-world
- Training, Or Vacation? (Chapter 113) - https://theprose.com/post/476376/training-or-vacation
- The Hub (Chapter 114) - https://theprose.com/post/478137/the-hub
- Janet vs Leftover: Rematch? (Chapter 115) - https://theprose.com/post/481194/janet-vs-leftover-rematch
- Follow Up (Chapter 116) - https://theprose.com/post/484088/follow-up
- Catching Up (Chapter 117) - https://theprose.com/post/484441/catching-up
- Portal To The Next Fight (Chapter 118) - https://theprose.com/post/491899/portal-to-the-next-fight
- Clash of the Mages (Chapter 119) - https://theprose.com/post/499792/clash-of-the-mages
- Team Essie (Chapter 120) - https://theprose.com/post/502330/team-essie
- A New Trick (Chapter 121) - https://theprose.com/post/504534/a-new-trick
- Darn Mosquito (Chapter 122) - https://theprose.com/post/510059/darn-mosquito
- Playing Offense: Rick and Janet (Chapter 123) - https://theprose.com/post/533308/playing-offense-rick-and-janet
- Injured Musings (Chapter 124) - https://theprose.com/post/534943/injured-musings
- The Ultimate Strategy of Team Essie (Chapter 125) - https://theprose.com/post/537929/the-ultimate-strategy-of-team-essie
- Victory? (Chapter 126) - https://theprose.com/post/538229/victory
- Final Preparations (Chapter 127) - https://theprose.com/post/541330/final-preparations
- Power Play (Chapter 128) - https://theprose.com/post/553141/power-play
- Conclusion: The Battle Simulation Ends! (Chapter 129) - https://theprose.com/post/554469/conclusion-the-battle-simulation-ends
- Refreshment & Reflection (Chapter 130) - https://theprose.com/post/557283/refreshment-reflection
Refreshment & Reflection
Janet, Essie, and Cerissa stood side by side, looking at the ocean water with wonder. It really felt like they were at the beach, rather than the training hub they were residing in. Even the simulated beachgoers seemed like real people. The warm rays of the sun felt amazing on the skin that wasn't covered by their bikinis, and the scent of salt water and barbecue took them to a soothing place that was a far cry from the intense battle simulation that occurred not so long ago.
"Things may not have gone the way we hoped for in our fights, but this comforting place is quite the silver lining." Janet marveled. "Before we reflect on what we need to work on, let's enjoy a quick swim girls!"
The trio ran into the ocean with gleeful laughter. The water felt as refreshing and perfect as the beach air. Before long, a familar figure waded in beside them.
"Hello you three!" Wasila said in a friendly tone with a big smile. "I apologize for being so rough on all of you during our skirmish. No hard feelings I hope?"
"Not at all!" Cerissa replied with a smile of her own. "You and Tate provided exactly what we needed. A fight against incredible opponents that pulled no punches. I only wished I could have survived longer."
"Yes, but you saved me as a result." Essie said gratefully. "And thanks to Janet and Rick's sacrifices, I was able to power up my fire spell and save the Pirate from Tate. But.... if I had paid better attention to your abilities Wasila, I may have fared better against you."
"You were all very brave and selfless in the simulation." Wasila praised. "You all may have died, but Tate and I were also bested. Since it was not a true life or death face off, we are all thankfully here to still talk about it. I think there is some feedback I can give that we can all agree on though, isn't there?"
"Indeed there is." Janet chimed in, offering a grin of her own. "The next time we battle a powerful opponent in the real world, whether we win or lose, our team has to do all we can to avoid casualties amongst ourselves."
To be continued....
*****
Training World Arc
Prior stories/chapters from this plotline:
- Team Janet vs Team Sic - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic
- A New Adventure Begins! A 20 Word Teaser! (Chapter 109) - https://theprose.com/post/469384/a-new-adventure-begins-a-20-word-teaser
- Coffee And Dreams (Chapter 110) - https://theprose.com/post/469464/coffee-and-dreams
- Infected City Arc Closure (Chapter 111) - https://theprose.com/post/470462/infected-city-arc-closure
- A New Dimension - The Training World (Chapter 112) - https://theprose.com/post/472712/a-new-dimension-the-training-world
- Training, Or Vacation? (Chapter 113) - https://theprose.com/post/476376/training-or-vacation
- The Hub (Chapter 114) - https://theprose.com/post/478137/the-hub
- Janet vs Leftover: Rematch? (Chapter 115) - https://theprose.com/post/481194/janet-vs-leftover-rematch
- Follow Up (Chapter 116) - https://theprose.com/post/484088/follow-up
- Catching Up (Chapter 117) - https://theprose.com/post/484441/catching-up
- Portal To The Next Fight (Chapter 118) - https://theprose.com/post/491899/portal-to-the-next-fight
- Clash of the Mages (Chapter 119) - https://theprose.com/post/499792/clash-of-the-mages
- Team Essie (Chapter 120) - https://theprose.com/post/502330/team-essie
- A New Trick (Chapter 121) - https://theprose.com/post/504534/a-new-trick
- Darn Mosquito (Chapter 122) - https://theprose.com/post/510059/darn-mosquito
- Playing Offense: Rick and Janet (Chapter 123) - https://theprose.com/post/533308/playing-offense-rick-and-janet
- Injured Musings (Chapter 124) - https://theprose.com/post/534943/injured-musings
The Ultimate Strategy of Team Essie (Chapter 125) - https://theprose.com/post/537929/the-ultimate-strategy-of-team-essie
- Victory? (Chapter 126) - https://theprose.com/post/538229/victory
- Final Preparations (Chapter 127) - https://theprose.com/post/541330/final-preparations
- Power Play (Chapter 128) - https://theprose.com/post/553141/power-play
Conclusion: The Battle Simulation Ends! (Chapter 129) - https://theprose.com/post/554469/conclusion-the-battle-simulation-ends
Unfulfilled Customer
Dear Yellow Cab,
I feel the need to bring it to your attention that my recent experience with drive P. Rose was unsatisfactory.
Not only was the driver rude and discourteous, forgetting entirely that I was their paying customer, not listening to my request for information after seemingly driving me on a misguided route, but ultimately did not complete our agreed upon pre-paid trip.
I was instead taken to a destination of their choosing, sprayed with an unknown possibly life-threatening substance and then, to the best of my recollection, raped and pummelled me all the while mouthing some insane chant about loving me to death.
As you can well imagine, I have been left in a state of suspended reality ever since as I have yet to regain my footing. My doctors feel this trauma may have lasting life altering effects.
Please refund my money.
Thank you,
Unfulfilled Customer