The Infinidex - Part 6

*******

"Alright... It's now or never!"

And with two... no... three deep breaths, I gave the door a big heave, and began to run as quickly as I could towards the direction stated by the table (I couldn't believe I was taking instructions from an inanimate object!). At the same time, I was mentally counting down the time remaining before Locks would be alerted by my escape. 17 minutes, was it? Anyway, no matter what the time limit was, I had to rush and get to the waterfall.

It was still dark, and I had to sacrifice a couple of seconds to get my bearings right. But once I got it, I just made a dash for the forest clearing.

It seemed as though I had been running for miles... I haven't ran this much and this frantically since... well... the last time I tried to escape! But I couldn't let let that bother me now. I had to get to the waterfall!.

*******

"Hazel!!!"

In a heartbeat, Ben, with a bad feeling within him, jumped out of bed and rushed to the room where Hazel resided. And just as he feared... The door was opened... And she was gone! Not underneath the table, not anywhere in the room!

But... but... how did she? Ahhh! I knew I should've fixed that extra lock... The one he had somehow got tampered with and broke loose.

It was 12:17 am, and Ben was fearing for her safety, what with a young girl like her going out into the rugged streets at this hour. She could get hurt... Or worse...

He had no time to lose. So he headed for the main door, which was left ajar, and went out in an attempt to retrieve her once again. But which way did she run to? Could it be the field again? Fortunately, this period of unusually rainy weather had made the dirt path in the town pretty easy to leave footprints in. And footprints were what he saw, leading from the bar to a certain direction. But it wasn't towards the field...

"Why would she want to run to the... Oh look, Ben... It doesn't matter now! You're not gonna to lose her, are you?"

And with that thought in mind, he hurriedly set foot and followed the tracks.

*******

It wasn't too long before I heard the sound of water crashing down from a great height. I had made it at last!

And there it was... My ticket to freedom and out of this crazy reality! It looked rather magnificent too... And the water was as clear as crystal! The only beautiful thing and a sight for sore eyes somewhat in this eerie place. Its apparent beauty paralysed me for a couple of seconds, until I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to advance towards it, not stare in awe.

I recalled what the table had said. Something about fixing my sight on the waterfall and not looking down... I didn't know why, but I couldn't get too concerned over that now. I just had to follow that table's instruction and I should be home-free... I hope.

As I approached the water, it was almost too tempting not to look down into it. It was just so pure and clean. But the thought of freedom in my reach managed to wipe it off and so, I fixed my focus on the waterfall. I was actually afraid whether I could actually walk on the water. The water was really deep further out, and worse still, I can't swim.

With one deep breath, I closed my eyes, and took that difficult first step... After the first step, I took the second, then the third and so on...

"Hey... I really AM walking on water!", I thought to myself in amazement, since I've already taken a number steps out from the bank.

I opened my eyes, and there was the waterfall only about fifteen or so steps away. I grew more excited as I approached the falling waters, not only because I was walking on water, but more on the fact that I was almost able to escape this nightmare of mine, that is if it wasn't real. I was really hoping that once I walk through the door, I would wake up in the normal reality and be back at wherever I was... However, that thought was almost shattered when I heard the rustling of grass and heavy footsteps closing in, followed by a familiar voice...

"Missy!!!"..... It was Locks! He had found me! Should I turn to look at him, or do I just remain fixed on the waterfall and continue? But what if he did something that will make me lose consciousness again, and I'll never be able to leave this place again?

Spurred by the threat of eternal imprisonment, I continued walking.

"Missy! Where da ya think you're goin'?"
("Missy! Where do you think you're going?")

At that point, I thought I heard two voices! One of them was Locks's. But the other... Strangely familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it, neither could I afford to be bothered. I had to keep going... As I approached the waterfall, I took out the key to open the door... As well as the crystal ball, just in case I needed it.

"What? Where did ya get that key from? Und what are ya goin' ta do with that ball?"
("What? Where did you get that key from? And what are you doing with that ball?")

I ignored... But surprisingly, I didn't hear Locks coming after me, and I didn't think that he was going to do anything, but stand there and shout. As I got to within a couple of steps to the waterfall, suddenly, a beautiful golden door appeared in the waters. This must be a door that the key could open.

"No! Don't go through that door! Ya dun't know what's out there! If ya do, we'll all b'in danger!"
("No! Don't go through that door! You don't know what's in there! If you do, you could get hurt!")

We'll all be in danger? I had no idea what he meant, and the tone of his voice was one full of fear and desperate plea for me to stop. But, maybe being selfish at that time, I didn't care about that warning and inserted the key into the keyhole of the door.

The key was a perfect fit. With a turn, the door was unlocked. And I opened it in anticipation. What could be beyond this door, apart from freedom? What does freedom actually look like?

Suddenly, as I opened the door, a great intensity of light shone in my face from the other side. It was so glaring and strong, that I was completely blinded by it, and I almost lost consciousness. Because of the light, I also lost my balance, and began to fall forward through the door.

And then that was when I realised that... There was no flooring whatsoever on the other side of the door! I was going to fall! But for how long? How great was this chasm? I could not get back to my feet, and I knew my fall was imminent.

"No, Missy!"
("No, Hazel!")

"Hazel? Did I hear a Hazel? But... who's Ha...zell......", I thought to myself just as I lost all consciousness again, presumably falling......

Whatever happened immediately after that... I'll probably never know...

*******

"Hazelll!!!!"

*******

Uh-uuhh... Where am I? Did I escape?

Again, as expected, I woke up to complete darkness again... I could not see where I was, let alone my own hands and the rest of my body! Also, I felt like I was floating in mid-air. I felt a cold chill around me, and an air of uneasiness was everywhere in this abyss... I was scared... no... terrified... Is this what the table called... freedom? I felt like a bird in a cage of which I knew no dimensions of... Or was I dead?

Just as I was losing all hope, I heard a distinct noise coming from behind me. I turned around to have a look, wondering what else could possibly be existing in this place.

As I turned around, not too far a distance away, I saw some silhouettes. There were four of them, all of them seemingly sitting around a circular table of some sort. It looked like some conclave or something.

I could not make out neither their faces nor their dressings. Although judging from the silhouettes, I guessed that they were all wearing hooded robes.

Suddenly, they began to speak... Their voices powerful and frighteningly audible considering the distance from here to there...

Voice 1: I'd assume that you know why we are here for at this point of the millenia?

Voice 2: Yes indeed, my brother... We are aware of the situation.

Brother?

Voice 3: Heh... Give us the lowdown, boss...

Boss? Who are these... people?

Voice 1: As you might have heard, one of them has 'awoken' from slumber, causing a ripple in the space-reality continuum.

Voice 2: I am aware of it. And I've initially tried taking the appropriate measures in an attempt to control the situation. But I cannot comprehend how she could have done so by herself. And for what reason?

Did he lock me up with... er... Locks?

Voice 4: I concur... No way any one of them could have woken up... Unless, the cycle were to be broken.

Cycle? What exactly is this cycle? And are there more 'sleeping'?

Voice 1: I am aware of that. But unfortunately, that is exactly what had happened. There has been some tampering in the cycle.

Voice 3: Now that's a bummer...

Voice 2: What??? How could that have happened? Or... who could've done it?

Who? Are there more of these things?

Voice 1: And you all do realise that if the cycle were to be completely broken, the two worlds will merge and chaos will ensue. We cannot allow that to happen! The two realities cannot join together! If that happens, all of existence will be in jeopardy! We cannot allow such "primative" entities know of our being as well!

Chaos? What is going on arou.......

Voice 3: (mumbling) Really? Somehow, I get always the feeling that ONE of those worlds can already see what we're doing right now... Our words written on a...

Voice 1: What was that? Are you going on with your nonsense again?

Voice 3: Oh.... Nothing, nothing...

Huh???

Voice 2: So what do you have in mind to correct this, my brother? She has already escaped from him, and I'm astounded as to how she did it!

Voice 3: Well... Uh... About that...

Voice 2: I beg your pardon? You mean... You... You... But why did you...

Voice 1: Calm down, Valin... Maybe what he did would be of better help than to just keep her there. But even so, what she chooses to do now will ultimately determine the fate of all existence and reality as we know it! Therefore, we have to watch over her, make sure that she doesn't do anything that could deteriorate the situation. What's more, she has one of this reality's most powerful artifacts in her hands! One which she does not truly know how to wield, and one whose power is beyond her knowledge...

I do?

Voice 4: You mean...

Voice 1: Indeed... How did she get a hold on that, I do not know yet...

Voice 4: So, do we stop her at all costs? Do we have to resort to erasing her existence?

What? Am I going to be hunted down? What have I done?

Voice 1: No! We must not kill her. We cannot! Lest we worsen the situation. We need to make sure she follows the right path to fix this predicament. As Zardak has mentioned, she alone is the key to solve it. Speaking of which, she also has the key which can open most doors in both realities. I shall charge the three of you to try and stall her. But be careful of any ploys by whoever started this in the first place. I shall try and get to the bottom of this, and find out who is responsible for this cataclysm.

Valin: Understood, my brother...

Voice 1: As of now, this meeting that just took place shall not be told to anyone else outside of this counsel! I plead you to give me your oaths...

The other voices: Agreed!

Voice 1: The meeting shall adjourn here...

Wait! Wait! What were you talking about?

But they vanished into the darkness... And everything blanked out...

*******

The Infinidex - Part 5

*******

The grandfather clock struck eleven times. Switching on the lamp on his bedside table, Ben made himself comfortable on his bed. The light from the bedside lamp only managed to lit up the area of the room where the bed was. Beyond that, it was pitch dark. The darkness made him uneasy and so he waited till his eyes adjusted to it. Reaching to the book he placed by the lamp, he opened it to the next clean page.


May 13 Cloudy
Business was good today. A couple came to celebrate their one-year anniversary and got me to play them a song. I played 'Forever love', the song which I was playing when Hazel first appeared in my life.


She had told him it was her favorite song after she saw the way he played it on the piano. “Your fingers tell a story,” she said, with a genuine sincere smile. Her bright smile shone through his heart and melted it then. Ever since then, her jet black hair, her soft brown eyes continued to mesmerize him. They would meet everyday at the same jazz bar and then they would spend the day talking and laughing. He marveled at her vast knowledge and intelligence, even though she was only eighteen. With that she had replied, “Oh yes, they said I am gifted... but well, I have my flaws too...” She said it with a tinge of sadness in her eyes, of which he must have overlooked then, because he was more interested in how beautiful her eyes were. But now, he understood what she had meant.

Pushing away the locks that fell over his eyes, he thought to himself, “I really need a haircut.” But his schedule did not permit him to do so. In fact, he was as much a prisoner himself, being locked up in his world of responsibilities and love. But this was something he did not mind. After all, before he met her, he was pretty much alone. Raised an orphan, he was fortunate to have picked up the skill of tinkling the ivories. The piano provided him with an avenue to earn a living and also accompanied him through the harshest times.

"Whereas Hazel was born with a silver spoon in her mouth...” He thought to himself. The reason that Ben was able to open a cafe and to even have a piano within was because of Hazel. No, to be more specific, it was her parents. They shoved him the money. They also shoved him the girl. He was indignant about their deeds but he had neither status nor power to make his opinions known.

“So far, the cafe is doing not too bad... but it has only been a few months so we'll just have to wait and see... My main concern is not the shop... but Hazel.” He continued to let his thoughts wander in the darkness.


She tried to escape again the other day. I almost lost her for good. There was a thunderstorm and so after I collected Hazel's favourite lunch at the usual time of 1pm, I hurried back. I found the main door to the shop left ajar and immediately took off to look for her. Luckily I found her at the field just up ahead. Poor girl, she fell on the muddy ground and got so dirty. I almost yelled at her, angry at her for trying to escape when I am already trying so hard to cope for our sake. But that's when I saw the glass ball rolling out of her hand. Warmth overwhelmed me then and the tears that rolled down from my eyes were camouflaged by the rain that had already drenched us. That glass ball was my first gift to her. The fact that she still held on to it showed that I am still in her heart, despite everything else....


"My greatest desire is to have freedom and adventure!” Hazel had said to him once. But she was not able to, due to her condition. Her parents restricted her movement greatly for fear that she might affect their reputation. And eventually they despised her and shoved her away. The doctor said it was a rare condition, one in a million chances, or something like that. It was somewhat a mixture of amnesia, hallucination and paranoia. Perhaps her vast knowledge from her wide reading caused her to imagine the wildest things possible, from strange creatures to a talking table. She often thought of herself in a cottage near the woods. So to prevent her from escaping and getting into danger, he played along and told her that the 'woods' contained wild beasts. “Too many fantasy stories....” Ben shook his head sadly. Her paranoia caused her to distrust everyone and to think that everyone was out to get her. And her amnesia... well, it caused her to forget every memory of him, and nearly everything else. So almost everyday, she woke up at square one, attempting to escape over and again.

But at least, Ben looked forward to the times when she was perfectly normal, able to even help out at the cafe. The doctor said it was a cyclical thing. Once the time arrived, the sickness would take over and possess her for that period of time.

“Ha.” Ben snorted, “Werewolf-like behavior during the full moon night.” He managed to laugh at the thought, but immediately wondered if it was really funny. It was like she became a totally different person during those times. During such moments, it pained him when she rejected him and attempted to escape from him, yet it was something beyond his control. For this was the path he had chosen and faithfully would he stay on it.

The grandfather clock struck twelve midnight. Realizing that he had let his mind wandered far too long, Ben decided it was time to sleep. "The main door was locked...” He thought to himself, “It should be safe.” He couldn’t bear to lock her in inside the room she stayed, but at least before he made his way up the stairs from the cafeteria to his room, he had stopped by to check on her. She was sound asleep on the floor as usual, below the table...

His mind was drifting off into a deep sleep. While all these thoughts ran through his mind, he had not realized that he was twiddling with his hair all along. “Locks...” He whispered under his breath, remembering how he had introduced himself that day to “Missy”. “Hazel and Missy... Ben and Locks....” He managed a laugh that sounded reluctant, a little spooked at the idea that perhaps he was also having multiple personalities.

He reached out to switch off the lamp by his bedside and allowed himself to be hypnotized by the darkness of the moonless night.

*******

The Infinidex - Part 4

“Oi!” A gruff, impatient voice called out.

I gave a short snort, sniffled a little because my boogies were getting in the way, and resumed bawling like there was no tomorrow because I thought the voice was but a figment of my imagination.

“OI, YOU LITTLE NITWIT! QUIT SQUEALING LIKE A CRAZY BANSHEE AND GET YOUR RUMP OVER HERE TO HELP ME!” That same voice bellowed with such resonance that the foundations of the cottage shook. Several thick, leather-bound books fell from the shelves, and the window pane rattled dangerously above me. Jolted from my state of self-piteousness, I turned around cautiously. I half-expected a wizened, old man, with a big, perpetually grumpy voice, but all I got was that…that table. On a second look, it really resembled an overgrown dog with paws that could (and probably would) smash one’s skull to ash.

“Well, C’MON! Why are you standing there like a simpering idiot? Start moving and get that horrid candle off me!” The table vibrated agitatedly. That affirmed all my suspicions of a talking table. I had thought that I was losing my marbles to be imagining such ludicrousness. Still speechless about my newfound realisation, I proceeded in a trance-like manner towards the table, step by step.

Upon reaching the table, I saw that there were two eyes, the size of saucers, and a wide mouth with wrinkly lips embedded in its flat surface. The eyes belonged to one who had lived for a very, very long time, one who had seen it all. I felt a table leg prodding me roughly, and in a fluster, I grabbed the candle holder by its snake heads and hastily placed it on the ground. The candle wavered a little, and so did the flame, but everything regained equilibrium the next second.

The table heaved a sigh of relief, and I stood there in shock because I could not believe that it heaved a sigh of relief.

“What? Haven’t seen a table sigh before?” The four-legged object retorted, hitting the nail on the head. “Eh, lady, you might want to take note of how you placed the candle – fire’s rather useful in this dimension of ours”.

I must have had a very bewildered expression on my countenance then, for the table continued, “Alright, I’ll return you the favour, since you got that thing off me. That mentally-challenged, good-for-nothing brute never bothered to alleviate my suffering. I’ve had horrendous boils on my nose since what seemed like three eternities”.

I was still suffering from shock, and could only stare blankly at the table, mouth agape.

“For starters, has it ever crossed your mind to use the candle flame on those books?” The table asked. By this time, I had regained my mobility and shook my head in awe. Those huge eyes looked at me incredulously, as if I was the world’s biggest retard to have overlooked that. “Okaaay…so why don’t you get that red tome right at that corner and try using the flame on its pages now?”

I turned to my left to face the book shelves, and saw that there was truly just one book bound by red leather. I took it out of the shelves, and opened it, only to discover that it was empty. For the initial few seconds, I was astonished at the pages and pages of nothingness and that overwhelming sense of déjà vu, but then, it all came back to me. My memories rushed in like the sea, wave after wave, layer after layer. I remembered the Frontyard Ornament, the ebony piano in the setting of a jazz bar, the failure of my planned escape, the red glow of the glass ball before I blacked out.

“Well, go on. Try it.” The table said in a significantly gentler tone, as if it knew that I had just recovered from my bout of amnesia.

I took the candle holder by the snake head again, and cringed a little, because I could feel five pairs of beady blue eyes goring through my soul. With the book in the other hand, I passed the flame under some random page for about 20 seconds. To my utter amazement, a beautiful gold skeleton key emerged from the page, like a 3-dimensional pop-up. It was embossed with many intricate carvings, and a tiny, perfectly-shaped ruby was encrusted in the middle.

“Ah, I see that freedom and adventure are what your heart desires”. The table quipped and nodded sagely. I gave it a puzzled look, and it said in response, “That red tome is the most precious book of them all. It gives you the key to your dreams, and in this case, in the very literal sense. There is no doubt that you yearn to escape from here, and this key will be the pivotal tool in helping you to do so”.

“I…I’ve tried escaping before, but in vain. It’s impossible to run away from Locks. I’m stuck here…forever…till the day I die.” I mumbled dejectedly, running my finger over the carvings on the key.

The table’s eyebrows furrowed (Yes, surprise, surprise. It actually had eyebrows.), and it replied, “What nonsense are you spouting! All you need is a little luck, some wit, and all the courage you can muster. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you the secret to the way of escape – the candle flame”.

“Huh? The candle again?” I questioned with considerable interest.

“Yes, the candle. See those snakes on the candle holder? They are the spies and the eyes of Locks, and they scrutinise your each and every move. This explains why Locks was able to find you so quickly after you attempted to leave. And yes, you aren’t the only one who’s feeling the creeps from those beady things”. The table answered with a visible shiver. “The trick to this is that snakes do not have ears, so they cannot hear a word of what we’re saying right now. Plus, snakes have very horrible vision, and worse still when they’re in total darkness”.

I looked at the talking table blankly.

“Man, you don’t get what I’m implying? Are you thick or what? Extinguish the flame and the snakes practically become five blind mice. Blind the snakes and Locks loses his eyes!” said the table in exasperation.

It finally dawned on me, and once again, my mouth was agape in wonder.

“There’s a catch to it though. The flame will rekindle itself after exactly 17 minutes. Then, Locks will regain his eyesight and he will hunt you down like never before. During the buffer period, you must run for your life towards a forest clearing, north-east of this cottage. You will see a lake with waters as clear as glass, and a mesmerizing waterfall. Walk towards the waterfall - yes, walk on water, and never look down. Just keep your vision focused on the waterfall”. The table said, this time with a solemn look on its face.

I was still stunned at the level of difficulty of the tasks that I would have to accomplish, and said nary a word. The table ignored my expression of idiocy and continued, “As ridiculous as it may sound, a door will appear when you reach the bottom of the waterfall. Only the one with the key will be able to enter. Once you enter and close the door behind you, Locks will be locked out from your world forever. Remember, you must make sure that the door is closed.”

I nodded quietly, slipping the key into my front pocket. It made a clink with the glass ball. I took the ball out and asked with a tinge of curiosity, “How about this?”

“Hmm, how did you get your hands on that? It is a rather rare enchanted object with various magical capabilities. It gives a red glow as a warning when it senses that you’ll be in danger or when an enemy is near. If you ever feel that your life is in danger and there’s no other way out, hold the ball in your hands and say the word “Dragoneptra”, and aid will come. You can only make use of that power no more than three times. The ball is also capable of other magical abilities which I have no knowledge of, unfortunately. Perhaps you might have the luck to explore its powers, if you ever make it through. Just be brave, and you will be safe. Now, no more questions; there’s no time to waste. You only have one chance. Locks will never let you go if he finds you again. Put the doorknob back into place, blow the candle and go!” The table nudged me and pushed me toward the door with its leg.

There were still so many questions running in my head. Who is this Locks? What sort of business is he running and who actually comes to patronize? What was this “cycle” that he mentioned and what broke it? Most importantly, who am I? Where is my family? How did I end up here? Why does Locks want to keep me here? But I knew that the table would answer no more of my doubts. Its eyes and mouth have disappeared in a twinkling of an eye, and all that remained was the wood-grain of a normal table top. I tilted my head to peer out of the window in the ceiling, and saw that it was yet another moonless night. I took a deep breath, put the doorknob back into place, and blew the candle with all my might.

The Infinidex - Part 3

The silence rang in my ears. A spherical object went in and out of focus, as my eyes adjusted to the surrounding. The blurry images slowly sharpen and I see it is a ball, a transparent ball lying in the shadows that extended in front and to both sides of it.

I swept my eyes up and down and see four curved legs as of some mighty beast, their paws dug deep into the furry ground, ready to spring. I glanced sideways to the left and see wood-grain patterns extending in a square above the ball, causing the shadows.

What am I doing on the floor? I thought to myself when I realized I was lying on my side on the floor, just before a low table, underneath which was the ball.\

I laid there looking at the ball, waiting for an answer to pop into my head. After a while, I noticed something embedded in the ball, even though it was angled such that almost only the thing's razor-thin side-profile was visible─

Hey! An overwhelming sense of déjà vu overcame me. I have been in this room before! But how? Why? And when? I continued to stare at that glass ball, looking and waiting for an answer.

I don't think you'll get an answer just waiting here and not moving. I thought. I uncurled myself from the fetal position I was in and was pushing myself up when I dropped back to the floor, reached underneath the table and grabbed the ball. Then I lied back down again.

This is pure weirdness. I thought as I looked out into the empty sky above. Everything feels so familiar, too familiar to be unreal, yet it feels fake, just like a dream. I felt that I have not only woken up lying on the floor yesterday, but the day before and so one.

I knew (Could be a dream) I had been in this room before. But what was I doing on the floor? Did I fall asleep? For many times already? I don’t remember myself sleeping for the past few weeks. Ahhhhhhh! I don’t remember anything! I don’t know! Someone help me!!

I picked myself and my throbbing head up and slipped the glass ball into my pocket. As I steadied myself, I took a quick glance around the room; there was a grand looking black door with funny writings on it (Looks familiar), a shelves full of books (Looks familiar too), a pile of books beside it (Conjures up images of a mad man), a war painting (Nothing of interest), a large full mirror (seems pretty freaky), and a candle holder and a tab—

“GRRRRRR!”

“Ahhhhh!” I made a sissy scream. I immediately dashed for the black door and grasp the silver doorknob, turning it and yanking at it so hard until I lost my grip on it. I fell backwards and landed on my tailbone, injecting me with a cold and piercing sensation, it was as if someone had torn my tailbone out from my back.

Something landed beside me, it looked very familiar too. Something shiny and gray, something round, something which I THINK IS THE DOORKNOB!

“Grrrrrrr!”

Window, window! How, how?! Climb shelve, climb shelve! These words kept repeating in my mind as I frantically tried to look for a way to the only other exit.

But whatever idea it was, it was futile. The fall had paralyzed me.

Its no use… I thought, and started to whine. Boohoo! Its all over. Goodbye mom and dad, and my beloved Ben... I prayed, snuffling as tears flowed down the sides of my cheek to the ground.