GARDEN TWO: REVELRY

I blink a few times, trying to shake off the lingering dizziness. The room is quiet except for the steady hum of the fan. I glance around, noticing the grand walls and single doorway. Strange place for a car ride to end up.

My throat feels dry, and I rub my temples trying to ease my headache. The fan whirs steadily, its rhythmic sound echoing in this empty room. I try to stand but feel a bit wobbly. Something's not right — why am I here alone? And where are my friends?

Despite the silence, there is a strange tension in the air. Is this just a sleeping room, or is it the stage for our game? Thoughts race in my mind, and the mystery of what will happen next captures my attention. This game will not be easy.

Lying on the bed, my head spins. The clock on the bedside table reads 11:05 PM. So much time has passed, and I will only get more dizzy if I keep lying down.

I take a deep breath and push myself up from the bed, ignoring the dizziness. I walk to the door and reach out to turn the handle. It's locked. I try again, pulling and pushing, but it won't budge. I'm trapped.

"Hello?"

My voice echoes, but there's no response.

I pound on the door, "Hey! Is anyone there? Let me out!" still nothing. I listen carefully, but the only sound is the whirring of the fan. "Damn it."

I step back, feeling frustrated and uneasy. I scan the room again, searching for anything that could help me escape.

There's nothing but a chair, a table, and the annoying fan. I kick the table in frustration, causing the fan to wobble slightly.

Feeling a bit better, I decide to explore the room, examining the furniture and decorations, hoping to find something interesting or mysterious in this place.

"Nothing out of the ordinary..." 

Just as I'm about to give up, my eyes fall upon a small, unremarkable brown envelope tucked between two books on the table. I let out a frustrated sigh, cursing myself for missing it earlier. With trembling fingers, I carefully open the envelope and pull out a card.

A Silver Card? What's this for?

The card is elegant and expensive-looking, with a shimmering silver border and an intricate, ultraviolet-sensitive design.

Frustrated but intrigued, I sit up on the chair, examining the card more closely.

"Just 'Garden of Lair' and 'Bonus Card'?" I mutter, flipping the card over. The back appears blank, without any hint or clue. "Nothing?"

So, is it just a literal Silver Card? Who's going to believe that?

I chuckle at my thoughts. So while I'm still active, I look again for things that could be connected to the card.

After a thorough search of the room with no luck nor clue nor hints, I toss the card and flop my body back onto the bed with a sigh, staring at the ceiling. My mind races, trying to make sense of the cryptic message on the card's front.

The silver card lies beside me. I reach for it again, holding it up to the bedside lamp. "If you're meant to unlock something..."

As I lie there, my gaze drifts to the ceiling fan. Suddenly, I notice something peculiar...

A small, shimmering object is stuck between the fan blades, almost invisible in the light.

Curiosity took over. I jump out of bed, turn off the fan, and grab the nearest chair. Standing on it, I carefully untangle the object from the fan's blades, peeling away the tape. I set the box down on the table, staring at it uncertainly. Should I open it?

Taking a deep breath, I decide there's no choice but to find out what's inside. I carefully slide my fingers under the wrapping paper, lifting it to reveal a small, ornate wooden box. I shake it gently, but it doesn't make a sound. So I guess it isn't a bomb. I flip open the latch and peek inside.

It's a sleek, black pen. It's lightweight and smooth to the touch. I pick it up, turning it over in my hands. The pen appears ordinary at first glance, with a simple silver clip and a black plastic body. There's a switch on the side, indicating some mystery. At the end, there's a bulb, like a flashlight. Have I seen this kind of thing before?

A smile crosses my face as I think about it.

I turn off the main lights and shine the blacklight on the card.

At first, I illuminate the front, examining every corner, but nothing happens. Once I'm sure I didn't miss anything, I lit up the back. As I slowly shine the light over it, a faint glow begins to appear. Letters slowly emerge, written in an eerie, greenish-blue light.

Bullseye! My intuition is right! This pen is an ultraviolet marker!

"Greetings, player..."

As my eyes scan the hidden message one last time, the word "KILL" stands out among the glowing letters, sending shivers down my spine. I realize that this Garden of Lair is not just a game; it's a deadly competition where players are eliminated. 

My heart quickens as I read the chilling word again, the realization hitting me like a cold shower. This isn't some simple escape room or puzzle quest; it's survival of the fittest. The other players...they could be dangerous. Deadly even. "Oh god..."

The consequences of this game are certainly unexpected; it's different from what my friends and I have tried before. With every wrong move, there's a threat of death. Every decision matters, and every step could be the last.

As I processed the information I learned, a voice brought me back to reality.

"Good evening, players. Please gather at the reception hall. There will be people waiting to escort and guide you. Once again, good evening, and may you enjoy the game."

The voice is high-pitched and childlike, wanting nothing but fun and reminding us of the position and danger we'll face. After the announcement, I heard a knock.

I quickly grab the silver card and the pen, placing them in my zippered pocket.

When I open the door, a tall man waits for me. His presence is unsettling, different from those who picked us up in the parking lot.

He's dressed sharply in a fitted suit that screamed authority. Is this another expedition of men in black?

There's no expression on his face; It seems to be a mask of professionalism, deepening my suspicions. What awaits us on the other side of that door?

He walks ahead, and I follow. As we walk, I can't help but admire the luxurious design and structure of this place. It shows just how poor a person can be.

I bet many clueless people joined and died here. Just how rich is the person who created this game? It must have cost a fortune. Well, it's not my money, so it's not my problem. I shrug off my thoughts and look around again.

As I observed my surroundings, I didn't realize we had reach the hallway. I look at the man who's guiding me, he seems puzzled.

"Am I supposed to go there?" I ask, pointing to the group of people in the reception. He just looks me in the eye, showing no intention of answering my question. I stared at him, and after a minute, he left without a word.

"Wow, nice attitude." I whisper sarcastically.

I venture deeper into the hall, my eyes darting from face to face, desperately searching for my friends amidst the sea of strangers.

The air is thick with tension and whispered fears, each player a potential ally or enemy. "Come on, be here, please be here..."

Voices fill every corner of the hallway, overflowing with conversations and laughter. As I watched them, I noticed some shows confusion, while others seem indifferent, busy boasting about their lives as if this game were a competition of prestige.

While looking for my friends, I spot an empty space by the window and went over there to observe. I scan the crowd for familiar faces. Suddenly, I notice a tall figure with wavy brown hair that reminds me of a lost person. I can't help but laugh when I realize it's Benjamin, one of my friends.

Without hesitation, I push through the crowd, heart pounding. "Benjamin!" I call out, relief flooding through me. He turns around, his eyes meeting mine. 

Benjamin runs up to me, dramatically exclaiming, "Girl, where have you been?!" It's like he's performing in an opera.

Before I can respond, his expression changes, and he starts smiling like a madman. Then he whispers, almost ritualistically, "This is what I've been looking for." 

Huh?...

"OW! That hurt!" he dramatically rubs his head where I hit him. His crazy smile returns. "Come here, I'll hit you." his eye twitches slightly, a lingering madness in his expression.

"Go ahead and try; we'll find out here who is stronger, go ahead" I challenge.

While we argue, a silly announcer voice bursts through, making us pause.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready to rumble? Who's ready for a showdown? Which of these crazy people is gonna be the champion for tonight?"

Benjamin and I both whip our heads towards the sound, our argument instantly forgotten. The voice continues, "Will it be the hot-headed one with that swinging haymaker - or the violent one who's always ready for a comeback?" 

Benjamin elbows me playfully, whispering loudly. "I think the announcer is rooting for me!"

I shoot him a sideways glance, rolling my eyes. "Yeah, because your 'haymaker' is about as effective as a wet noodle." 

"What-"

Before Benjamin can respond, I jump up and run over to Brittany, wrapping my arm around her shoulder tightly. She taps my shoulder in surrender.

I look over at her side, my eyes widen in shock as I see Jeremiah standing there, holding back his laughter.

Jeremiah grins mischievously at my shocked expression, "You should've seen your face." he chuckles. Brittany whispers something in his ear, making him laugh even harder.

Hmm...suspicious.

Before I can even argue, Jeremiah suggests we find Sybiel since we're almost complete.

Benjamin moves closer, excited about his idea. "Let's make a bet on where we'll find her!" he says, eyes sparkling.

"I bet we'll find her at the food station." I quickly say while grinning.

As soon as the words leave my mouth, Brittany and Jeremiah burst into laughter. "You always bet she'll be at the food station!"

Brittany giggles, and Jeremiah adds with a grin, "She's too predictable."

I can't help but smile, knowing I've already won the bet before we even start looking. 

And I wasn't wrong; we find her at the food station, constantly eating and acting like she's in heaven.

Brittany and Jeremiah exchange glances, laughing at the mere sight of her stuffing her face with plenty of foods. "Looks like someone's happy to be surrounded by all this food." they say while grinning.

Jeremiah slowly approaches Sybiel and suddenly grabs her shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise. She looks behind her and sees us.

"Sy!" Brittany calls out, smiling and waving.

"Give me 500; I guessed right." I say to Ben, raising an eyebrow with a teasing smile.

"Tsk, after the game, I don't have money here." Benjamin replies irritably, glancing at me before turning to Sy, who is still busy eating chocolate-coated marshmallows. "Why are you here? You should be over there..." he points to the window, "...or there..." pointing at the corridor. "...I lost because of you." he complains.

"What bet did you two make this time?" Sy asks, laughing.

"If we see you by the food, I win, but if not, Ben wins." I say with a grin, still teasing him.

Suddenly, a tense atmosphere fills the air. A woman's frightened voice cuts through the noise, crying out, "Stop! Please! Can someone help me?"

The laughter from our group stops immediately, and everyone turns toward the commotion.

"How pitiful." I hear Sy whisper.

Pitiful?

A big guy looms over a young woman, who is clearly shaking with fear. She pleads for help, but it seems almost everyone in the crowd doesn't care, busy gossiping instead.

The big guy smirks. "No one would bother helping you here, so let me do that for you." he looks at the woman and tries to drag her away.

What the—

I can't just stand by and watch. I rush forward and kick him hard on his knees. He stumbles and falls to the ground, and I feel a mix of anger and determination rise within me.

The scene is chaotic, but I feel a sense of satisfaction.

The woman falls back, sitting on the floor, her eyes wide in disbelief at what just happened.

Without hesitation, Jeremiah strides forward, his expression hardening with determination. "Hey! Back off!" his commanding voice rings out as he stands protectively between the woman and her harasser. Benjamin and Brittany quickly follow suit, flanking Jeremiah to form a united front.

My face twists with anger as I wrap my arms around the big guy's midsection, pulling his legs up towards his chest in a painful camel clutch. He groans, his face reddening as he struggles to break free from my grip.

"Didn't you know the word 'let go'?" I say angrily, my voice firm. I can feel his body tense under my arms, but I hold on tight, refusing to let him go.

"Ew, your skin is rough..." Benjamin, who had been behind Jeremiah, now stands on the guy's face. "...Don't you know about skin care?" he says in a disgusted tone.

The big guy, now clearly furious, tries to push himself up, but I maintain my grip firmly.

"You little bitch! I'll make you regret this!" His angry outburst finally captures everyone's attention. The previously disinterested crowd starts to circle around us, whispers and opinions buzzing in the air.

I just laugh at their words. They sound tough, but they're not doing anything.

"You? Protect women? Don't make me laugh," I say sarcastically. "Those who fall for you…." I examine him again, "...they have no taste. Yuck," I add with a grin.

"YOU BITC—"

As he opens his mouth to shout another insult, Sybiel steps in, delivering a powerful kick to his jaw. He tries to speak again, but Sybiel's kick to the side of his face silences him, knocking him out cold.

The crowd gasps collectively, stunned by the swift and brutal takedown. A few people murmur in disbelief, while others seem to cheer, feeling a rush of adrenaline from the unfolding drama.

Sybiel stands over the big guy, looking down at him with a mix of triumph and disdain. Her expression is cool, almost bored, as if the man sprawled on the ground is nothing more than a nuisance — an insect to be crushed.

I glance at my friends, a mix of shock and admiration in their expressions. This situation just escalated, and it feels like we've crossed a line into something much bigger than just a game.

***