Nugomi

The dance II

Withing a golden gate, where millions of sparkles danced on its jeweled frame and the moonlight crowned its silhouette, a castle was caged in its bosom. As high as the eye could see and as wide as the horizon, the castle gracefully stood guarded. I stood amazed at the gates while holding the crafted ticket in my hands. After I had left the kid behind, I had pulled a few favors and managed to recreate a perfect replica— if do I say so myself— of the invitation the kid had shown me, except the name "John Smith associate to the house of the seven stars" was written on its surface. Of course, I wouldn't be giving my real name to these monsters. I thought it was perfect. However, in Infront of the gate, with two menacing behemoths, it didn't seem as perfect as I thought. The men, dressed in white, were mounted to the sides of the gates like hounds preventing entrance to whomever they deemed unworthy. Unfortunately, I am one of those.

"You don't look like someone the house of the seven stars would associate themselves to, and," said one of the giants as he gave a passing glance to the invitation. " Each guest had an official hand-crafted mask provided to them, in order to show respect to the house they serve to," said the other giant. "We don't see you wearing one " Both giants hounded in unison.

"Apologies my sirs for the terrible inconvenience. However, as I have recently become an associate, the first from the island of Duermos if I may boast, there was no time to prepare a mask, you see." I lied

An incredulous look swept over the faces of the giants, highlighting and deepening every crevice and expression line in their square-shaped mugs."I didn't hear anything about a new associate joining. Especially from this hunk of junk. So until you can prove your identity and affiliation we will not let you in." Said the giant on the left.

As I stood before these monoliths, I spot, in-between the railings of the gates, A congregation of masked people surrounding a long white car with seven stars embedded on each of the doors. The door swings open as a blonde masked boy steps out of the car. He stands on the side of the door with his hand closely held to his chest and slightly inclining his head. Two couples, dressed from head to toe in white and adorned with sown red stars, descend from the car. Everyone surrounding the car slowly and respectfully bows to the couple as they move deeper into the estate, with the boy gracefully following behind. As they clear out of the site, the rest of the group methodically make their way inside.

So it seems the kid I had previously met holds an important position in whatever hierarchical structure they seem to follow. If so, why was such an important figure doing rummaging around Dispairia? Is this connected to the increasing nugomi attack? If so, what connection do they have with these "infect-

"Listen, If you do not clear from the premises, we will use force," Said the giants in tandem

"Well that's tragic, I guess I will have to inform Mr. Krunishna that I won't be making it due to some complications involving some guards. What are your names by the way "

"Is that a threat?" The men step closer.

"Not at all, my good sirs. It is just that as an associate, it is my moral and contractual duty to excuse my lack of presence at the party, which in turn would prevent me from serving young Master Alexandre. My main duty, you see." I lied

As expected, The men flinch for a moment at the name of the boy and look at each other for a moment." You? A direct associate with the heir of the house of the seven stars? Hard to believe. Now, tell us where did you hear that name and that card "

That was surprising, that little i***t is a big shot, and from the looks of it, it seems these people—creatures— hold some respect to this house and him. Might be useful if I play it right.

"Yes sirs, I was assigned as a direct associate to young Master Alexandre as a guide around the island of Duermos. I have been living here for as long as I can remember—know the place like the back of my hand. I am supposed to aid him in the investigation of the infected. In fact, it was master Alexandre that gave me the invitation. Weird, did they not inform you about this? Sure seems they left you in the dark, then"

"That can not be right, we surely would have been notified of it. We have protected the sanctity of this reunion for decades; never have we let an unauthorized person enter and we are not starting now. "

"I think that should be expected as I was only just incorporated into the family, you may have not heard the news yet. Tell me this then, how is it possible that a stranger, as you proclaim me To be, would come to know about the specifics of the invitation and even the name of the heir to the Krunishna family" I calmly explained.

"Something isn't right here, I'll talk to the boss and see what's with this loon's deal," said the giant on the left.

With surprising agility and swiftness, the giant went through the gates. It only took a couple of seconds before the giant came back, completely white-faced and jaw gaping.

"He's clear. The boss said he had been expecting a new addition to the family. We are to let him through" said the surprised giant.

Expecting someone? Maybe the stars have finally aligned themselves in my favor and some poor sap couldn't make it, giving me the perfect opportunity to enter. But still, I can’t shake the feeling that something is off.

Reluctantly, both guard dogs stepped aside, finally revealing the gate in its full splendor. Carved on the sides of the gates are animals— at least I think so— bowing down to a multi-headed beast in the center of the gate. The horrendous creature is holding a glowing jewel that glows with every type of color. The gates slowly open as the giants say "Welcome to Zagnor manor esteemed guest, we hope you enjoy your stay."

.................................

While walking on ceramic tiles that had flowers, jewelry, and caricatured creatures ingrained on its surface, the fragrance of pine and grass that emerged from the surrounding foliage gave birth to memories that I never had. The days of scavenging through corpses for food were painted over with memories of playing around in-between the trees; laughing as someone—I don’t know who— falling over a slippery undergrowth; drinking orange juice under the shadow of a tree beside someone— I don’t know who—. That someone—I can't remember who— felt some important, someone precious, even though I’ve been alone for most of my life. It felt like after years of searching, vagabonding through the empty streets of long-forgotten towns, I had finally found what I wanted the most: Home. While the phantom memories dissipated I finally arrived in front of the manor. I wipe a small tear that had collected on the corners of my eyes. The white decor of the castle highly contrasted with the deep, dark blue of the sky. In the middle of its surface stood a brown wooden door. With a shaking hand placed over the carved wooden door, I push it open.

A bright light pierced my eyes as the doors slowly opened, revealing the most beautiful scene I had ever seen. Enormous windows placed all over the hall, where tapestries of different colors depicted an array of events, hung over it. Wolves, intertwining in circles; Mystical horses reaching for the sun; Stars of all the different colors; Astral bodies swirling around a deep crimson statute; They were innumerable. As I walked through the halls, astonished over the craftmanship of the cloths and the dazzling drawing on the ceiling, which depicted a man holding a glowing orb on his hand, The sound of music slowly began to resound along the walls. Soft saxophones and piano were harmonizing with the mumbling sound of voices. The symphonic sound guided me to the end of the hall where once more a door stood. Presented with another door and guard, I was getting ready for another confrontation, however, the man dressed in white simply bowed and said

"Dear esteemed guest, it appears that you are missing your mask," said the man cooly

"It is embarrassing to admit, but in a fit of excitement, I seem to have misplaced my mask. Would it be possible to acquire another one?" I inquire

"Oh Dear, that is indeed a predicament. Unfortunately, the issued masks were specifically made for each of the guests, so giving another is in the realm of impossibility" Said the man. His white hair covers his face completely as he gives another deep bow. "However, a case such as yours isn't completely strange nor out of the ordinary. The house of Faustus prides itself in its efficacy and foresight, so we always make sure to make a special mask for those who have forgotten their path ." The man produces a mask from behind. A pale white plastics shining from the light that hung over the hall ."Might I ask to whom you belong? It is of utmost importance that you report to the head of your house about this little incident, As a precaution."

"As a precaution?"

"As you may know, this reunion is the gathering of all the leaders of the houses under the vassalage of the house of Zagnor. An unsolicited visitor might bring... unfortunate consequences, so to speak."

"I'm a direct associate to the house of the seven stars under the command of young master Alexandre Krunishna"

"I see, you're the guest the boss has been expecting. When you enter through this door, head straight to Mr. Krunishna and explain the situation. To find them, you need only look for their banner and there they will sit" With those last words, the white-haired man handed me the white plain mask. A white expressionless mask with holes where the eyes and mouth would be.

With graceful steps, the guard pushes open the door the brown door. A soon as the door inches open, the sound of the symphony fills the silent hall, which at the same time the sound of laughter; the clinking of glasses; mystique singing interwove itself with the music. When I enter through the door I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people and elegancy that radiated from the room. Standing on top of a staircase, I could only gasp at the sight. An assortment of chandeliers hung off the ceiling, with warm lights streaming down to a massive gathering of tables and chairs. Organized into 10 groups, each with at least 100 people, the mass was segregated into large squares divided by long banners. At the far end of the grand room, a chair, almost as tall as the ceiling, was erected in the middle.

I slowly began to descend the staircase, each footstep dampened by the atmosphere of the room, my heart raising over the joyous atmosphere. The banners stood and waved proudly beside their corresponding group. I quickly spot the house of the seven stars, hell it's hard not to spot it when its size makes up almost a quarter of the room. Dressed in bright white, accented by the bright yellow hair, they stood out from the rest of the bannered groups. In the sea of hundreds of yellowed haired people, sat a man in his late 70's with long grey hair with slight streaks of yellow in the front of the group. To his side, sat a young beautiful mistress with fiery red hair calmly drinking from a teacup. Sitting close by was young Alexandre, jittering on the edge of his sit; full red face with anticipation. I quickly avoided the group and adopted one of the corners of the room, where the least amount of people was concentrated.

While observing the room, I was surprised by the great diversity of people that were present in the room. Red hair; green hair; white skin; black skin and all the shades in between; tall; short; thin; Round; All the groups of nugomi were distinct to each other to the point that some even look like they were pulled from the streets of Duermos. On top of their respective desk sat a golden chalice, each of them designed to look like their banners. Great care was put into the creation of the chalices as each one differed greatly in size, shape, and color; some were designed as grey wolfs; some as phoenixes; some as stars revolving around a celestial body. However, they had one thing in common: a red liquid swishing and swashing around in its container.

Are all these nugomi? If that is so, why do they all look so different?

While I looked over the distinctive groups, the chatter and music suddenly stop. A sound of silence suddenly descends into the room, utterly canceling the past atmosphere. Even little Alexandre Stopped jittering in his chair and was intently looking over to the center of the chair.

Tip - tap, Tip - tap, echoed through the somber chamber. A familiar feeling of oppression began to grasp my heart as the tip-tap grew louder and louder until a nostalgic speck of white stands at the center of the chair at the far end of the room. The atmosphere of the room was heavy. The speck of white raised his hand, and, like puppets on strings, the whole room stood with one hand on their chests and chanted:

"The great and powerful Mr. World, son of the great progenitor and savior of the world, we pledge our undying loyalty and life to serve you until the end of the time." Everyone yelled from the top of their lungs. It was especially a sight when Alexandre grew even redder as he yelled proudly, even though his voice was completely drowned out by the neighborhood yelling.

Mr. World Puts his hand down and directs himself to the crowd" My fellow companions of the great progenitor, I welcome you all to the annual reunion of pledge and revitalization. For some, this is a routine gathering that they have been attending throughout the decades. However, as every year, new blood enter our community fabric, and It seems that this year we have a special addition" As Mr. World pronounces those world he—

He. looks. Straight. At. Me

A shill ran down my spine and the oppressive feeling gripping my heart has rendered me immobile. I can't breathe. Every breath I take is laborious and difficult. There's no way he's noticed me from this distance or that I am even here. I tried to reason to myself.

"So for that reason, I believe an introduction is in order. Ahem, since the great progenitor descended from the celestial Heaven and brought with it its miracle gift, our family has grown in size. I remember the time when the world, not ready for its blessing, fell into a state of chaos and destruction, utterly severing the social fabric that we had for centuries built. Saddened by the state of our world, We, the house of Zagnor, have made it our mission to gather the children of the progenitor from their state of disarray and give them purpose; order; form. Today marks the 6th decade since the house of Zagnor rose into power and, gave you all a place to call home. For that very reason, every year, we brothers and sisters from all over the world gather to revitalize the gift and repledge our alliance."

These people are insane, they are worse than the Omli sect. Do these monsters plan to overtake the island in the name of some radical ideology? This is absolutely bad.

"So before we commence the annual ritual, I would like to make a few announcements that require some special attention. I would like to welcome Alexandre Krunishna from the house seven stars to his first reunion and his coming-of-age. Philipis Adover from the house of adonis to his first reunion and his coming-of-age..." as the announcement went on, the grip of my heart lessens, giving me a moment to breathe. With the feeling of adrenaline still coursing through my veins, I only had one thought:

I gotta get out of here. This reeks of bad news. Why did I even come here? To hell with this god-forsaken island, if these lunatics want it; they can have it.

Leaving the corner that I had taken, I stumble my way to the staircase; Legs shaking. When I put one step on the stair, I was blinded by a bright light.

"For the final special announcement, I would like to introduce a little mouse, someone that has readily decided to join us in our little get-together."

My heart sank; legs melting into place; The strangling feeling on my heart completely cuts off my respiration. My back tingles with a thousand pricks, completely numbing my back.

I'm scared, I'm Scared, I'm Scared. The words continually bounced around my head.

"Turn around," Said the dominating voice

Against my every human sense of running towards the exit door, My body turned around. My eyes were met with -hundreds- no thousands-no millions- of scarlet eyes from every possible direction, each of them burning my entire existence to soot.

"Come over here," Said the voice calmly.

My body moves against my will as if each limb had completely lost its loyalty to me; They were loyal to the voice. Step, step, my body went towards the end of the room with blazing eyes following my every step. I'm scared. Step, step, The faces that had once been painted with joy were now adorned with anger, disgust, and... Hunger. I'm Scared. Step, step, Even little Alexandre Krunishna is glaring at me with the same eyes. I'm scared. Step, step, I'm at the bottom of the stair that leads up to the speck of light.

"Come up"

Tip-tap went my body up the stairs until I'm once again in front of the oppressive being. Mixed color eyes stared me down. Three fingers grab my chin and shift my face from side to side. His fingers were strong and rough; impossible to resist. His colorful his gazing intently into the hole of my mask, straight into my eyes, and piercing my soul. I'm really scared

"What a peculiar little mouse we have here, it seems we have somewhere before, yes?. It seems our little encounter had left you wanting more. Running around claiming to be part of the family " He laughs as he spun me around in place, facing me in the direction of the scarlet ocean of eyes.

"Comrades no need for the hostility. Do we not pride ourselves on our honor, our strong will, and our love for life? This little mouse is no stranger to our community, for this man, this filth," He said as he ripped the mask from my face."From henceforth, Marcus Jones shall be the family's pet. From Important jobs to the most trivial task, I authorize everyone to use him as they see fit. However, no one shall harm a hair on his body, lest you degrade yourselves to the level of the infected. Now with all the pleasantries out of the way, Let the dance and the ritual begin!" With those words, the music began and the serious atmosphere lifted. Everyone drank from their chalice and began to congregate in the center of the room where an enormous space had been prepared. Hand in hand, everyone began to dance.

Mr. World walked away from the center of the stage, stopping only for brief a moment to say "Enjoy your new life" leaving me Alone on top of the stairs in a room full of God knows what kind of creatures with unknown intentions. As I look down to the merry scene of dancing, drinking, and laughter, a feeling of dread crawled up my throat. Because no matter how happy they danced or how much they laughed. They never took their eyes off of me.

I messed up.