Darkness.
She was supposed to be asleep. But no, she was staring at the ceiling. Thinking about when she'll finally get out of this orphanage. Of this room she was imprisoned in.
Mom had started to lock her doors. No where to escape in the dark of night. Her late walking around the halls were no more. Nothing but her guitar and books kept her entertained. As she said, it was a sudden decision. And the obedient girl she is, she stay put. Not uttering a single complaint.
There was one time where she has gone out. Running through the hallway and opening the door. Where children slept peacefully in their bed. She was only tasked for getting something under Norman's bed. Some sort of long sheets she has seen. She was well aware of what will happen if she misbehaves.
She began to become weak too. With the lack of sunlight made her a bit weak. Vitamin D is important for the health, if you might ask.
She closed her eyes, trying to sleep away all her problems. "I just want to get adopted, get a nice family, and travel the world." She muttered in the silent night.
What a nice dream she had. All she wants is a warm, happy family. To be loved and cared for. She knows Mom only acted, everything was an act to nurture her. Develop her to the fullest and ship her out. A farm's product was what she was.
She established in her mind that she can't escape. Beyond the cement wall was a wide cliff. It crushed her hopes and brought her back to reality.
"Come down, (Y/N.)" A voice called out from below.
And even if she ever escaped, she'd be instantly dead outside in the world full of demons. There was just no other way than face her death once she gets adopted.
"There's nothing there to see now, is there? Let's go back to our home, (Y/N)."
There were no parents that was waiting.
No world she can travel. Mom was never kind or loving, it was all just an act. Everything she believed in crumbled before her seven years ago.
She was a curious child. Tempted to go follow Mom and the child who was going to be adopted. Reminiscing how the monstrous creature pierce the boy's heart with a simple-looking flower. She couldn't help but scream in terror. It was too much to handle for a four-year-old child. She was about to be picked up by the demon when suddenly Mom had stood in front of her.
"What will you do?" The tall demon spoke with a throaty voice.
She remembered how Mom embraced her tightly, instead of scolding her.
"Let me handle this if you please, sir." Mom bowed her head. The demon had let it slide and had left with the body of the child they were supposed to ship. Mom had rushed over her and hugged her, caressing her head to hush her crying.
"It's alright, shh.." Isabella softly whispered.
Since then she was locked up in her room. Then was explained about the harsh truth of her existence, their existence. Once she understood and processed all of the information, there was no use of crying. All she can do is accept her fate.
Before she was ever locked up. She had lived a life with the other children. Though none of them seem to pay attention to her as much as the elder ones. She mostly snuck in Isabella's office alone. Scribbling on one of her papers. She did live a pleasant life for two years, then everything just went downhill.
Isabella has also told her about the other farms and how she was supposed to be delivered to Grand Valley. Supposedly a neighboring farm of Gracefield. Due to some errors and mishap in the facility, she stayed for about a year in the headquarters. Babies before her prioritized more than her. Until Isabella took her in because of the open slot. And you know why there was one open? Because someone was shipped out.
And at some point back, Mom had mentioned about becoming a Mom just like her. Apparently it was a job where one take cares of the children and send them off once they are requested. Just the thought of it made her shiver in fear.
(Y/N) doesn't want to grow up and do a task where she leads children to their death. No, she doesn't want any of that. But unbeknownst all of her hard work like knitting, cooking, writing and everything Mom has taught her. It was Isabella's way for preparing her into the world full of Mother-in-trainings.
Despite of Mom's proposal, the idea of sleeping and not waking up was more riveting for her. She has been waiting for that day. But will that day ever come somehow?
"Hello, (Y/N)." She tensed up after she heard a voice. As she turned her head, she sighed as she saw it was just Isabella. "I have a delightsome news."
She sat on the side of her bed and smiled. "You're getting adopted."
The girl widened her eyes, stunned by the sudden statement. She was seriously surprised by the news. Though she doesn't know what to feel. It was either she'll live more nice in her next life or proceed her suffering and become a Mom. She has no choice, if either was picked she'll surrender nonetheless.
There was nothing she could do.
"And since it's happening in a month, I'll let you have your prize." Isabella said, which made the girl ecstatic.
"Now get dressed early tomorrow, alright?" Isabella kissed her forehead, before finally leaving the room.
Now she hardly sleep. It was happening! Tomorrow was going to be her day of freedom. She'll finally meet the children she ought to meet. Maybe even getting a close look of the elder children. She couldn't contain her excitement.
However her enthusiasm died down as she remembered Isabella's orders. Of course, her prize should always have an extra exchange. It was pretty easy for her if she thinks about it. Just keep the children in place and not let them escape.
Isabella had told her about the top three scorers who plans to escape as they now know what their true existence means. It was rather impressive for them to actually think about escaping for when in fact she couldn't even start planning about it.
Escaping was just another way of dying.
It was morning.
She woke up earlier than Isabella. Which made the woman surprised. She could see how the young girl was excited.
(Y/N) was all dressed up in a white flowing dress that reached just below her knees. She was standing composed and calm, but couldn't help but crack a smile on her face.
Isabella smiled at the young girl and urged her to sit on the chair. She neated her hair into a bun which made (Y/N)'s facial features more visible. Isabella couldn't help but think about how beautiful she was.
"Wait here alright? I'll come back in just a moment." She said making the girl nod in reply. Isabella left the room, leaving the girl alone.
Today was the day her plan will commence. Perhaps she was Mom's last resort. "I can't wait to meet everyone." She smiles to herself. The thought of it made her so giddy and happy. Though, she prioritized the plans first.
"You've got this, (Y/N)." She said to herself. "All you got to do is act."
Just like how Mom does. After years of observing how Mom moves and acts, she has learnt it somehow. Trick them all and well she has nothing to gain at all, if she's going to be honest. But then what would she do anyway? She has no choice, neither she would object.
She stood up as Mom knocked outside the door. Breathing steady and slowly, she went outside.
It's been a while since she has seen the sun. Walking down the halls with rays of sunshine filling the long distanced room made her calm. Mom held her hand as they navigate through the house.
They went down the stairs making her remember a certain day. Right, she was singing under the stairs. Ray had caught her in action but she got away. That was the only time their hands touched. It was a very nice interaction, for a few years of not talking to anybody other than Mom.
She hasn't spoken to Ray ever since.
He seems like a nice guy, Mom had told her about his betrayal to her. For the sake of his friends he betrayed her. It was just his plan all along. It was impressive to her that Ray had planned their escape for over six years. Steadily and patiently planning and then strikes when the time is right. Wonder when that will be?
Over all he seems to be a nice person. She would be even friends with him if she had never went to the gate- No, it was her fate to see and know about the truth. That was a stupid idea. She didn't even get a taste of a warm, loving family. Let alone having friends.
The dining room was just around the corner. Her heart was beating fast but she remained her composed figure. Isabella went up to a boy with dark hair, he seemed to be about four years of age. "Phil, would you kindly call for everyone to settle in the dining room?"
The boy cutely smiles and takes the bell from her. "Alright, Mama!" He runs straight upstairs of the house to find the others who may be still lurking around the house.
"Remember what I told you?" Isabella calmly said.
The girl nodded her head. "Yes, Mama. You know I'm a great actress myself." She jokingly said, grinning.
Isabella heartily laughed and bent down. Whispering words that made her tense up. "Don't screw this up, (Y/N)."
She doesn't know why she was so frightened by the way Mom had spoken to her. It was cold and strong. It was like she switched to her real self. Not the usual strict aura she gives whenever she's mad. This was something else, Mom wasn't joking. There was no time for failing anyway.
She accomplished anything she managed to do. "I won't." She replied firmly.
"Well then, everyone must be at the dining area." Isabella led the way and once they got there, they received numerous of gasps and surprised faces.
(Y/N)'s eyes scanned the room in hopes of finding her targets. There she saw a familiar figure sitting by the end of the table. His usual bedhead didn't change.
He was just the same when they first met. His staring bothered her a little, as if he was suspicious. He has the right to be suspicious though because she was here. Standing before every child of the orphanage.
"Everyone, meet (Y/N)." She felt Isabella put her hands on her shoulders. She put on a small smile on her face, nodding her head a bit.
Everyone started to talk and couldn't hear them properly. Some had gone up to her, mostly the little ones. Calling her names like a doll, a beautiful girl and others.
"She will be staying with us for a while." Isabella added on.
She couldn't contain her joy of encountering the children. They were so happy and innocent. It has been forever since she has been swarmed like this. A small little girl with strawberry-blonde hair dragged her to a chair. As she sat, she noticed that Ray was still staring at her. Glaring? Maybe she can pertain it like that.
"I'm Phil! I'm four years old! You look so pretty." He exclaimed. The child was so cute she could just pinch his cheeks in delight. She giggled and replied. "Thank you, Phil."
"Did you come from outside?" A blonde little girl asked beside her.
She seemed to be hesitant on answering the question. "Yes, I did." She lies.
"What is is like outside?" She asked more.
Probably dangerous in many ways, no one can survive out there. "It's nice, I guess?"
Then the girl with glasses spoke. She recognized her, the green-haired girl was named Gilda. Upon observing her behavior for the past years, she was strict yet kind. "Stop the questions and eat."
She felt elated watching them. Everyone around her were so cheerful and lively.
Everybody was lighthearted, chattering in delight.
At some time back then, she wished to be talking with them. Sit down and eat their meal, laugh and play under the sun. She was just so overflowed with joy.
It was such a nice feeling.
"Mama? What is this? Where are my paren-" There was no sound after that. Only the scream of the young child who witnessed everything.
The memory dawned over her. All these untroubled youngsters will have a flower onto their chest. On a plate in front of a hideous monster. Her heart quickened in pace as she visions the harsh reality. Everyone lying down on the ground with their eyes open wide. Not laughing, breathing or talking. The awful truth of their life. She accepted her future, but it was blood-curdling to think about their end. She admits that she is afraid of the outcome.
Will she lead them to their death as well? It's not really far different from being a Mom, right? She was preventing them to escape which means they will be killed.
No, she doesn't want to have conflicted feelings now. She's here, as Isabella's final card. Her life's purpose was.. What was her purpose anyway?
"(__)194." A voice called out her name. "Are you ready to become what you really are?"
"Yes, I am."
"You shall serve the higher-ups or face your demise. Which shall you choose?"
There was no point in backing out. She was given two options. It was a do or die situation. It sounded appealing to live until you were an adult but she doesn't really want to do what she doesn't want to. Dying, sounded nice right? Even if she wanted to lay in peace, she was scared of the fact that she won't ever get what she wants.
"I shall face my end."
Despite her choice, she was still trained to knit and cook. All she did was read books to be knowledgeable. Write long essays and draw. Everything there is to be a Mom. Every time she succeeded on one thing she was given something. She doesn't really get it, why did she question her in the first place?
By the way she stated her decision, she did sound a little hesitant. Was it because deep down she doesn't really want to die?
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───
The morning was full of chores and she very much enjoyed it. Helping out with the laundry, cleaning up the hallways, and fixing the bedsheets. She was genuinely glad but everytime she locked eyes with either the three of them, her smile falters. They were staring at her with every move she does.
It was time to face them and put up a show.
Children were playing outside. Afternoons were kind of a bit breezy. She walked out of the house, sighting the three eldest children just like her.
Her face was calm and composed. No hesitance shown. First, befriend them. Pretty simple right?
She walked towards them, putting up an innocent smile. She wasn't even saying a word but her presence caught their attention. "Hello, you must be Ray, Emma and Norman right?"
The girl with bright green eyes tried to stand up. "Yes! It's nice to meet you-ow!"
Emma winced in pain, totally forgetting she was injured.
"Oh don't bother." She bent down and shook her hand. "What happened to your leg?" She asked, curious.
"Just tripped." Emma nervously laughs. She was lying, (Y/N) could see right through her. Her body language and the way she gave off her laugh literally made it so obvious.
She stood up and faced the pale-looking boy. "It's nice to meet you, (Y/N)." He said, shaking her hand. He had this cold look on his eyes. Oh, so they must have noticed it now.
She then turned to the black-haired boy, who jolted in surprise upon greeting him. "Pleasure to meet you." She said, smiling at him.
"Same to you." He replied.
For a few moments, both of the boys nodded their head at each other and looked back at her. Emma seemed rather oblivious to what the two were up to.
Ray walked towards her, nearer and nearer. She stumbled a little as she walked backwards. "What are you planning?"
Of course, they knew it already. They weren't geniuses for nothing. How straightforward of them, they could've had played dumb along her. "Oh so you've figured it out." She mumbles.
"Tell us now." He demanded.
She decided to pretend more. "What are you talking about?"
"Stop playing dumb." He gritted his teeth, but composing himself from putting up a show in front of the kids.
So, there was no time for pretending now. They saw right through her innocent disguise. How shocking, as expected of them. She knew this would happen so she prepared.
And that's showing her true intentions.
"Me? Well my task is simple." She walked towards the front of them. "I'm not letting any of you escape."
"Especially you, Norman." She smirked.
That caught them by surprise. Emma's eyes were wide as she process what she just said.
"Why?" Emma asked in horror. "Why are you doing this?"
Why was she doing this?
"It's none of your business." She said, feeling a bit guilty for spatting at her like that.
Ray looked like he was about to burst in anger or maybe confusion. "Well it was nice talking to you, see you later." She smiled once again.
She dropped it. Her plan was to keep them busy about her, so their mind would be occupied of one thing. Though, they may try to pull a sudden escape whenever. But they surely can't do it at day. Either way that conversation will keep them busy.
She thought about the possibilities. Once certain thing that would most likely happen is how will they make her turn to their side. If that would ever happen, what an appealing offer right? Escaping from their dreaded home.
Oh and she knows about their whole hiding in the forest plan. Which will fail because there was nothing past that wall but a dark pit of doom. They couldn't possibly jump right over.
That's why she'll leave Norman alone for the meantime. He'll be shipped out anyway.
As the afternoon progresses, she saw no white-haired boy in sight. So their plan has started then. She waited around, playing with the little children. She could feel Ray's eyes on her.
She looked up at the big clock by the tower. It has been four hours since then. Time flies so fast she didn't even notice it.
Suddenly, Isabella spoke. "Where is Norman?"
Mom sure looked worried. And when she turned to the duo by the side, they were grinning as if they won. Mom smiled as she closed her pocket watch.
"Welcome back, Norman."
He had a dead look. His eyes were shallow, looking tired from either running. So he's seen the big, wide cliff. She calmly walked away, smiling because it will be her victory. Everything she has planned will go well. Now they know the reality they are in.
There is no freedom from this wretched world they live in.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───
A/N: Well that escalated quickly