Scarlet Guardian

Chapter 2

     I slip in and out of consciousness. My head feels stuffy, and I can't even lift it to take in my surroundings. In fact, I can't move at all. The realization that I'm on a shut down hits me, and I struggle to break out of my paralysis.

     But even my strongest efforts can't break the spell my observers have placed on me. The only clear thing I can register is a faint hum of electricity. Suddenly, a soothing, mechanized voice fills my ears. 

    "Initiating countdown to commence Scarlet Trial #1." 

     "Three."

     "Two."

     "One..." 

     Silence.

     I float through darkness, swept away in its comforting blanket of silence...

* * *

   Suddenly, a blinding flash of light shatters my vision - I find myself standing in a white room, completely void of color. The space resembles an insane asylum, complete with padded walls and flooring. I try to rub my palms again my pants out of nervous habit, but discover that they're bound together by knotted sleeves. A straitjacket? How diplomatic of them. 

     I spot a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye and turn towards the disturbance. So, I'm not completely alone after all. 

     "Ah, wonderful." I moan, recognizing the delicate face framed by copper curls. The girl smiles at me, tilting her head to the side in a perplexed manner. "What's wrong, Dear? You look like you've just seen a ghost." she whispers, taking a step towards me. "But there are none here, none except you and I." She's cackling now, as if the comment was some kind of inside joke between the two of us.

     I don't know why, but the way she said "ghost" really puts me on edge. I inch my way along the wall, desperate to put as much space between me and 'luney as possible.

     Before I can take another step, she latches onto my arm. I draw back, but the minor's grip remains steady. 

     "Eve." she whispers.

     I wriggle out of her iron grip and scowl. Seriously, this kiddo is giving me a solid 12 on a 1-10 range sketch factor. Now it's my turn to act confused. 

     "...Pardon?"

     She blinks in that robot-like way I've grown to hate. "You asked for my name previously, correct?" I nod, and she takes it as a gesture to continue. "I've already told you my name once before - in Prep Stim #2, I believe. Don't you remember?"

     "Don't expect me to remember every bloody detail you throw at me." I snap. "Besides, I was slightly preoccupied trying to prevent myself from being turned into a burnt crisp, so please excuse my pretentious lack of attention to small details such as your bloody name."

     Eve brushes my insult aside with a delicate swat of her hand and changes subjects, to my slight vexation. She takes my hand in her own, speaking in an eerily calm voice. "You have to liberate yourself from this endless cycle. All you have to do is rescue me by bypassing a series of obstacles, and you'll be set free.

     "However, if you don't reach me in time I'll be slain, whether by the hands of my captor or by natural circumstances. This will continue in an endless cycle until you manage to solve and overcome the presented trial. Once you've successfully completed the first three Trials, you will proceed to the fourth and final stimulation. The Trials become more difficult as they progress." Eve warns, taking a step back. 

     I rap my fingers against one-another, trying to process all the new information. Numerous questions buzz like cicadas in my skull, but only two find their ways to my lips. "Okay kiddo, I've got two questions. One: why am I being forced to do this? And two: what do I get in return for completing these trials?" She freezes, considering my questions for a moment.

     "I apologize, but once again, I am not yet permitted to answer these questions."  

     Before I can argue, a projectile of spindly black vines bursts through the ground, engulfing Eve in a spiny cocoon.

     "Where the hell are you going? Wait!" I scream, desperate for answers. But I'm too late. The sleek tentacles fully encase Eve, dragging her underground in one swift, plunging motion.

     "No!" I shriek, racing to the spot where she had just disappeared. All that remains is a gaping hole where Eve'd stood mere seconds ago. I curse, not bothering to hold it under my breath anymore.

     Suddenly, a menacing-looking door ameliorates on the wall across from me. On the well-polished mahogany is a silver label brandishing the number "1" - it must represent the trial I'm currently entering. The practice simulations have taught me to snub hesitation, so my next decision comes easily. Without a second thought, I throw it open and step into the daunting shadows.