The Heir Of Rusthella

Strange People

I gained consciousness and felt an excruciating pain all over my body... I opened my eyes and noticed that the cab is upside down and there was blood all over... I was feeling weaker and weaker... It became clear to me that I was caught in a car crash. The last thing that I saw was the shadow figure... Snickering while watching me lose my life... Then I was once again unconscious.

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"She'll be okay now. After all, she's one of us."

I can here people talking...

"But she's not ready. It isn't the right time for her to know all about our world."

I feel like I'm dreaming...

"We have to send her back and erase her memories of the accident."

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I jumped out of bed and find myself in a hotel room.

Lucy: Where am I?

I looked around and found my luggage and other stuff lying on the floor.

Lucy: How did I get here?

I went to the vanity table and picked up the leaflet to read it.

Lucy: "Wilden Hotel".

Apparently I arrived at my reserved accommodation. But I really can't remember how I got here. The more I tried, the more I was getting a headache. It's like my head doesn't want me to remember. 

Lucy: How long was I asleep?

I checked the date and time on my phone and it's been just 8 hours since my arrival at the airport. It's 4am in the morning. I decided to go out and find out what's going on. 

When I got to the hotel lobby, I headed for the frontdesk. As I was approaching, I immediately noticed the receptionist's appearance. Purple hair, heavy eyeliner and piercing on the nose, lower lip and brows and she was chewing on something that might be a gum. I'm surprised that they let their employees work looking like that especially in the front desk.

Lucy: Hi. I was wondering if you could tell me what time I arrived and checked in this hotel?

She stares at me with disinterest.

Receptionist: Your name?

Lucy: Lucy Myers.

She just smirked and raised a brow like she knows something I don't. I looked at her nametag and it says Julie.

Julie: Hmmm...

She then shifts her attention in a record book infront of her and scanned the names with her index finger. She was sluggish and seemed to be doing it intentionally so I tried to help her look. But when I was about to do so, she slammed the record book shut which startled me.

Lucy: Jeez!

Julie: Oh *chuckles* So sorry.

I was a bit annoyed by the smug look on her face and how she's behaving towards me.

Lucy: You found it?

Julie: Yeah. *Yawn* You checked in exactly 10pm.

That information didn't really help me remember anything at all. I sighed and then asked;

Lucy: Did you happen to see if I was with anyone when I came here?

She leaned back, crossed her arms and stared at me like I was crazy.

Julie: Well... you came here alone. Did you hit your head or something? *chuckles*

She's acting completely rude! I answered her in an angry tone;

Lucy: Thanks!

I rolled my eyes as I turned my back on her. She just shook her head... still with that smug look on her face.

A guy stopped me on my tracks while I was heading for the exit.

Guy: Hi.

I looked up at him, confused.

Lucy: Hey...

Jared: I'm Jared by the way.

He offered his hand and I shook it while I stare at his face to appraise him. I noticed that he has a star tattoo just above his left brow and I thought to myself "What is up with the people here? Tattoos, piercings and all that."

Lucy: I'm Lucy.

Jared: I saw you having problems with the receptionist.

Lucy: Yeah, she's very rude. How was she even employed? I don't think I ever did anything to her to be treating me like that.

Jared: *chuckles* Sorry about that. Her name's Julie and that's just her default. But I promise you she's nice once you get to know her.

"Yeah right!" I didn't bother to object as I don't really know this guy either and I really don't care.

Lucy: I've gotta go.

He grabbed my arm when I was about to walk past him.

Jared: Wait!

I gave him a questioning look and waited for him to say something.

Jared: Where are you going?

Lucy: All due respect, it's really none of your business.

He was still holding my arms so I yanked it out of his grip. Then walked away and not looking back.

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I was jogging around to familiarize myself with the area. It is cold outside and quite dark because it's still 4:30am. There wasn't much around and stores are still closed. All you can see are lamp posts and benches and the high mountain of Wilden to the west side and a lake by the east. I remembered Gale's sudden disappearance... the thought of Gale not existing made me shiver. I sat down on one of the benches and checked my messenger only to find nothing. Then I remember, "of course we have tagged posts together and pictures!" I immediately checked my Spacebook account and to my disbelief, I couldn't find one photo of her and the ones that I remember taking with her. I feel like I'm gonna go crazy! That also reminded me about the shadow figure in my nightmare. Out of nowhere, I felt a cold hand land on my shoulder that made me jump and scream! I looked back and it was Jared.

Jared: You're so jumpy.

Lucy: What the heck?! You scared me to death! Why did you sneak up on me like that?!

Jared: Well, you were quite busy so...

Lucy: So you decided to scare me?

Jared: I'm sorry.

He just smiled at me like everything was okay. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

Lucy: Why are you even following me?

Jared: I just got worried about you. It's not safe around here you know.

Lucy: Thanks but I think I can take care of myself. I don't want strangers to be stalking me around!

But this guy was persistent.

Jared: Well you don't know anything about this place so I can't just let you go out alone in the dark.

Lucy: Fine then, I'm going back to the hotel!

This guy looked persistent and wasn't planning on leaving me alone so I decided to just go back. Even when I was jogging on my way there, he's still tailing me and that was so annoying.

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When I got to the hotel lobby, I can't find Julie anymore. Another woman was behind the front desk. I wondered if they'd already change shifts? Then someone spoke closely to my ear which startled me.

"You're back."

It was Julie. She's not in a uniform anymore. She's wearing a turtle neck maroon sweater with a black beanie on her head and tight jeans paired with white sneakers.

Lucy: Yo! What is your deal?

Julie: Why're you asking me? What IS your deal?

Lucy: Look, do you have a problem with me?

Julie: Not that I know of.

She crosses her arms and I did the same.

Lucy: Then what's with the attitude?

She smirked and shook her head and said;

Julie: If I wasn't told to look after you, I would've slapped that mouth of yours.

The nerve! This b***h is all up in my grill!

Lucy: Oh yeah? Who told you to look after me then?

Then Jared called out.

Jared: Julie!

Julie just rolled her eyes and said;

Julie: Whatever Jared!

And walked out of my site. He was about to talk to me but I stared him down to let him know that I was not in the mood. I then proceed to the elevator to go back to my room.

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When I opened the door, I saw something quickly jump out of my window. I found my shoulder bag opened and my important documents scattered on the floor. I hurriedly went in and checked my bag if something was missing. I thought to myself "It didn't look like a human at all, but it was going after my bag" I remember that monkeys do steal from people so I thought it must be a monkey. I checked my wallet and IDs but they are all intact. I sighed of relief. I don't remember opening my window so how did that thing get in? Then golden access ticket to Verdimon Manor came into mind. I panicked and checked my bag again.

Lucy: That was f*****g worth all my savings up to this point!

I wasn't surprised to not find it there, but it was so depressing to the point that I cried. That was the whole point of me coming to Riviet. Having a chance to enter the Secret Manor. I remember what the shadow told me "you are not invited to go there". I don't really believe in the supernatural, but lately things have been strange for me. I resigned to my fate and told myself "well I guess if that access ticket is not intended for you, then it's not." Someone's supposed to meet us this afternoon to take us to the foot of Wilden Mountain, but I missed my chance. I judt hugged myself as I lay on the floor crying then I drifted off.

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It was about 11am when I woke up. I was feeling so hungry so I decided to clean myself up and get changed then headed out.

When I got out of the elevator, I saw a group of women waiting by the lobby. I'm guessing they were all about my age. I overheard them talking;

Woman 1: I am so excited to see what's in there.

Woman2: Yeah but I am scared.

Woman3: Why?

Woman2: Well some people say that it is haunted and home for vicious monsters.

Woman4: Aren't you suspicious about why they only invite women to go there?

Come to think of it, I never knew that part. 

Woman4: We're even the same age group!

Woman1: Oh don't scare her! Every woman that ever had the chance to get in there came out just fine.

Woman4: Yeah some of them. Rumor has it, others were traumatized and were not themselves anymore!

Woman1: Well if you're too scared to go to the manor, then just don't go! What are you even doing here?

Woman number 4 walked away and was headed for the elevator. I took that as an opportunity.

Lucy: Excuse me miss!

She stopped and shift her attention to me.

Woman4: Yes?

Lucy: I'm sorry but I can't help but overhear your conversation. May I ask, Are you guys headed for Verdimon Manor?

Woman4: Yes, actually I changed my mind. I don't want to go anymore. Those ladies don't even listen to me!

Lucy: I don't mean to pry, but if you didn't really wanna go in the first place, then why are you here?

Woman4: *sigh* It was my parents. They both wanted me to go since this was a rare thing you know? They were very excited but I wasn't. I've heard so many bad things about that place.

Well we have opposite information about Verdimon Manor. I only knew wonderful things about it's structure, and some unconfirmed history of it. I suddenly got an idea.

Lucy: Well, that's a pity. If you really don't wanna go... Can I have your ticket instead?

She eyes me suspiciously while considering my suggestion.

After a while, she shrugged and decided, why not?

Woman4: Okay sure.

She took it out of her handbag and handed it to me.

Woman4: Here.

I can't believe it! I feel so happy! It seems like I'd be going after all!

Lucy: Thank you so much!

Woman4: Well no need to thank me. I don't really need that anyway. That damn thing wouldn't even let me take a picture of it. Just be careful out there. Wether the rumors are true or not, it's much better to be safe than sorry. Bye!

She walked away and got into the elevator.

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I quickly finished my brunch at the hotel's buffet and joined the group of women waiting by the lobby. Moments later, a tour bus parked in front of the hotel and I am guessing it is here to pick us up. Everyone went out and entered the vehicle. I found an empty slot and took a seat. A few minutes later, a tall and handsome guy wearing formal outfit entered the bus and sat beside me. He was quite a catch. He noticed me staring at him, so he smiled and offered his hand.

Vladimir: Hi. I am Vladimir.

I froze for a second. His voice sent shivers down my spine. It was deep and it kinda felt creepy. When I realized that I've been staring at him for quite a while, I snapped out of it and took his hand.

Lucy: I'm Lucy, nice to meet you.

Vladimir: Nice to meet you too.

Lucy: So um... are you also invited?

But he returned the question to me.

Vladimir: Are you?

He said that with a stern voice. His face looking at me with no expression. My heart was racing... I was getting anxious... I was about to answer him when he suddenly smiled and said;

Vladimir: Of course you are invited! Why else would you be here?

That somehow made me feel relieved.

Vladimir: Answering your question earlier, I am actually your guide to the manor.

Oh so that explains it. Why he's the only man inside the bus aside from the driver.

Lucy: I-I see. I'm looking forward to our tour.

Vladimir: Me too.

A few minutes later when everyone seemed ready for the trip, the engine started and we were on our way to the Manor.