by C. S. Harte
Kayla rubbed her chin. “What are you saying? That all of this is an illusion?”
He smiled a mischievous grin. “I could very well be an illusion myself. Perhaps you’re talking to a sim as you initially thought.”
Kayla stared deeply into the gardener’s eyes, trying to perceive his truthfulness.
That’s not something a sim would say.
“No, I don’t think so. It’s just a gut feeling, but I sense life behind your eyes.” Kayla shrugged.
The gardener turned away from her, as if no longer interested in the conversation. He had given Kayla much to consider.
Kayla stared absently into her hands. “If Eden House is an illusion, how can the other people in this house share the same illusion?”
“Is that the right question to ask?”
He definitely isn’t a sim or a simple house worker. She considered her next question carefully. “How do I get out of this house?”
The gardener smiled. “You are not ready for that knowledge.”
“Please if you know how to get out of here, you have to tell me,” Kayla begged.
He gingerly pushed himself up from the bench.
Kayla grabbed his arm. “I can take you with me. We can leave together.”
“I do not doubt that when you are ready to leave, you will do so.”
“But —” A shadow from behind Kayla startled her. She quickly turned around.
Helen phased into her corporeal form.
Kayla jerked her head back at the abruptness of Helen’s arrival. How long has she been listening?
“Kayla, would you please walk with me. I have some matters I would like to discuss with you.”
Kayla nodded. She turned to say goodbye to the gardener, but he was nowhere to be found. There’s no tall trees or bushes. Where could he have gone?
Helen walked towards the house with Kayla in tow.
22
Kayla and Helen were back in the office where they had their first meeting. The Asian teenager in the portrait above the fireplace mantle was different in a subtle way. He’s smiling now but I’m sure his expression was flat before. His eyes have changed position. They look like they’re watching me. Kayla shivered at the thought.
“Mr. Williams, tea and crumpets if you could be so kind,” Helen said.
Mr. Williams flashed into the room holding a British snack kit tray of tea, crumpets, scones, teacakes, and puff pastries. He placed the tray on the table and poured two cups of tea. “Will that be all, Governess?”
“Yes, thank you.”
He blinked out.
Kayla jumped. “I haven’t gotten used to that.”
“He is a wonder, indeed.” She sipped her tea. “Our last conversation ended abruptly. I apologize for that. It was getting late after all.”
“I understand. It’s OK.” Kayla cautiously felt her teacup. It was too hot for her liking.
“Masa tells me that you've progressed far more rapidly than others he's tested.”
Kayla unknowingly puffed her chest. “He did? Really?”
“As you are aware, he is a man of few superlatives. It is my understanding that he seemed thoroughly impressed.”
“I honestly had no idea what I was doing. Most of the time I just didn’t want to make Masa mad at me.”
Helen laughed. “I suppose that was a good strategy, given the results.”
Kayla leaned forward in her chair. “I would like to continue our conversation on the Creatores. You said they created this house.”
Helen took a sip of tea before answering. “Indeed. Though it would be more accurate to say that a Creatore created this particular house.”
“Are you saying that there are more than one Creatore? Or more than one house?”
“If your questions were statements, then both would be true.”
Kayla rubbed her chin. “I guess my next question is, why? Why take gifted people and bring them to this house? Or should I say prison? That’s really what Eden House is, isn’t it?” Her speech came out rushed.
“That is certainly one way to view the situation. I would not go so far as to say Eden House is a prison. Have you been mistreated here? Have your talents not blossomed? Do you not feel safe?”
The conversation halted as Kayla considered Helen’s response. She absentmindedly touched her locket, staring at the portrait on the mantle, before returning to Helen. “I have not been mistreated. I am thankful for a lot of things here — the magic of the library and the people who have taught me like Jaime and Masa.” Kayla lowered her gaze. “But I also can’t leave when I want. It feels like forever since I talked to the people I left behind. I need to see that they are OK. That my friend Izzy isn’t dead.”
“All of which is rather unfortunate. I want you to consider that perhaps the world you were born in was not the world you were meant to live in.”
“The important difference is that I would like to have a choice in the world I live in.”
“Ah, yes. Free will. I would agree with you. However, the idea of choice, like everything else in this world, can be good or bad. It is simply a matter of perspective. If you choose to see Eden House as a prison, then you will not be happy here. If you see this as an opportunity, then perhaps you’ll find your paradise. Eden House has much more to offer than what you’ve uncovered so far.”
Kayla sighed. She decided she’d approach this battle another time. Other questions needed answers. “The gardener I talked to outside. Is he a sim? Or is he a real person?”
“Before I answer that, can you describe him to me?”
What an odd question. She’s the governess of this house. How does she not know what he looks like?
“Is there more than one gardener here?”
“Please indulge me.”
“Well, he was an older person. I guess at least 50. White. Possibly British. Balding. White hair. Oh and a white beard.”
Helen nodded as Kayla described. “I see.” She took another sip of tea. “To answer your question, the gardener is most certainly not a sim.”
Kayla did not look surprised. “What talents does he have then?”
“I’m afraid I do not know exactly. His time here precedes mine.”
DING DONG. The grandfather clock struck six.
Helen smiled. “Our conversations always seem to get cut short.”
“You have a meeting again?”
“Yes. It’s always a pleasure to have your company, Kayla. Will you be attending the nightly get together on Bonfire Beach?”
Kayla shrugged. “I don’t know. I might.”
“Well, perhaps we can continue our little talk later then.” Helen shimmered, disappearing before Kayla.
Too many people have the ability to vanish in this house.
“I guess I’ll see you later.” Kayla waved at the air.
Kayla placed herself on the threshold of Studio B, marveling at the magic that could create worlds on a whim. There was much beauty at Eden House. An uneasy feeling churned in her stomach. Too many mysteries clouded any thought of being happy here.
She entered the Studio to see a roaring bonfire. Maybe Jaime is here without Emily. Or Masa. Only a handful of people attended tonight's gathering. She spotted Jaime sitting with Emily on a log near the fire and groaned. I could use some time alone to clear my head anyway. She walked away from the fire towards the docks. Masa was standing near the end of the dock, wearing all black, blending in with the night.
A girl walked to him. She grabbed his arm and leaned her head into his shoulders. Haley?
Kayla’s teeth clenched. Why am I jealous? I don’t care about Masa that way. She changed course to a different part of the beach where she could be by herself. This was the most alone Kayla had felt since she arrived. Her thoughts drifted to Tommy and her dream from earlier today. Did he really see me? Hear me? It felt so real.
The ocean waves crashed into the rocks in a relentless cycle. Sea spray from each wave misted the air covering Kayla in a salty h
aze. Kayla sat watching the flow of nature, trying her best to quiet her mind. As if under a spell, she lost track of time. Dew covered her arms and legs. She used her shirt to dry herself. Most of the revelers had left. Jaime and Emily were gone. Haley was nowhere on the beach. Only Masa remained, unmoving, a permanent fixture on the docks, peering into the vast ocean.
Should I talk to him? If it were me, I wouldn’t mind. Maybe I can just stand next to him. Kayla made her way toward him, settling on a spot a couple feet away — close enough to let him know she was there, but not directly in his space.
They stared into the ocean together, watching the waves roll one after another.
She turned towards him wanting to break the silence.
He did the same.
“Thank —”
“I —”
They laughed simultaneously.
Masa gestured for her to go first.
“I just wanted to say thank you for being my teacher. And for showing me a bit about your life. I had fun at our lesson.” Kayla smiled.
Masa shook his head. “There is no need to thank me. It was a good way to pass the time. I should be thanking you.”
They both returned their gaze into the distance.
“What was her name? The girl on the bridge?”
“Kaguya. She was my betrothed. That day on the bridge was the day before our wedding. I was ready to give her my undying devotion. The next day I was brought here.” Masa’s voice was flat, his eyes distant as he spoke.
Kayla held his hand. “I’m so sorry.”
“When I was a kid, I used to live on an island. At night, I would stare into the ocean much like tonight. On a clear night, I would trick myself into thinking the night stars were the torches in the city of Kyoto.”
“That’s so cute. I bet you were a cute kid.”
Oh my god. Was that creepy? It wasn’t in my head when I thought of it.
Masa smiled.
Kayla laughed uneasily.
“We should get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day of training. I would like you to train with the group this time.”
“If you think I’m ready, I would like that.” Kayla bowed.
“That isn’t necessary. I’m not your master or senpai.”
Kayla’s face blossomed red. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to be weird.”
Masa waved his hand. “Do not apologize. It’s not bad to be weird.”
Haley came back to the studio with the intention of saying good night to Masa. She saw Kayla standing very close to Masa, laughing. A rage erupted in her. Subconsciously, a dagger formed in her right hand. She felt the urge to stab Kayla right then and there. She muttered under her breath. “First she goes after Jaime and now Masa. How can one person be so greedy?”
She placed her hand on a large rock. “Porta. Emily’s room.”
In a flash, she appeared in Emily's bedroom.
“Hey what’s up, sis? I thought you were going to bed?” Emily asked.
“Is Jaime still around?”
“No, he left 30 minutes ago.”
“I just saw Kayla and Masa together. I think she’s trying to steal Masa too.” Haley paced the room.
“Or keeping her options open to see which one she can get first.”
Haley growled. “I’m so angry I could kill someone. We have to do something.”
Emily grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ve been thinking about a plan.”
23
Helen motioned for everyone to sit at the conference table of Studio F. “Welcome to today’s training simulation. We have a special treat for you. It’s been awhile since we’ve done this particular simulation, but Masa insisted.”
Murmurs from the gifted filled the air. There was a buzz of excitement as they anticipated the training session from the few clues Helen gave.
“I see some of you have already figured out what I’m going to say next. But allow me to explain to the new person in the room.”
Everyone looked at Kayla.
She shrank her body into the chair.
“Today’s simulation is Ice Fortress, created by our very own Masa.”
Cheers erupted.
“We actually might have a chance with a Tele in the group,” Jaime shouted. He winked at Kayla.
Emily pretended to gag on her finger.
Helen waited for the room to quiet before continuing. “In the Ice Fortress Simulation, the goal is to take over the ice fortress by capturing the flag at the top of the castle guarded by Masa. Since the base element of this simulation is ice, Masa naturally has a distinct advantage. He can control the environment in any way he wishes. The course is divided into three parts. The first part is the ice tunnels. The second is the ice maze. The third, the namesake, is the ice fortress. Each part has their unique obstacles and challenges. Any questions thus far?”
Emily raised her hand. “Is it still a single winner? Or are we doing teams this time?”
Helen smiled. “Good question, Emily. There will be only one winner. You can, of course, work together to get past the first two phases, but there can only be one winner overall.”
Kayla raised her hand. “What do we get if we win the simulation?”
“Well, I would hope that besting a master tactician like Masa is a reward in and of itself. The winner also gets to design their own training simulation.”
A small woman sitting next to Kayla said, “If I win, I want to do a training session with puppies. That would be my dream.”
Kayla laughed. “That would be nice. I hope you win, then.”
Helen cleared her throat. “This is mainly for Kayla, but allow me to refresh everyone’s memory on the talents we have here.” Helen pointed at the person to her left and moved in a clockwise manner. We have with us today —”
Haley and Emily — Weaponsmiths.
Jaime — Pyromancer.
Kayla — Telekinetic.
Maria — Myokinetic.
Aida — Marksman.
Naveed — Geomancer.
Brendan — Mimic.
Victor — Streaker.
Kayla's heart started to race. This was a day of many firsts for her; the first time participating in a group training session and the first time witnessing many new types of talents.
Kayla whispered to Maria, “What’s a Myokinetic?”
“I’m very strong.” She smiled.
Kayla stared at Maria looking for large muscles and saw none.
“Now that the introductions are out of the way, one last set of rules before we proceed,” Helen said. “There are some ways to lose; if you are trapped and unable to move, if you fall into any pit or chasm, if any projectiles hit you, and finally, if any monster or sim mortally wounds you.”
Kayla began to sweat. “You mean we can die?”
“No, dear. The circuit suit will prevent any danger from happening to you. Should any negative events occur, the simulation will simply blink you back to this room.”
Maria leaned into Kayla. “Don’t worry. No one gets seriously hurt in these. It’s a lot of fun!”
Helen continued. “You can also quit the simulation by using ‘porta’ to leave anytime should you find things too difficult.”
Emily raised her hand. “Can we start already? I’m sure Kayla can figure out how things work by, you know, actually getting inside.”
“Yes, we’ll be starting soon. One last note. The simulation only ends in one of two ways; By one of you capturing the flag, or if you all fail in this endeavor.”
Helen pushed a button on the wall behind her which lifted it, showcasing another room. It was a changing room with circuit suits and winter jackets hanging on racks.
Those without circuit suits stripped to their underwear. Everyone grabbed a winter coat.
Victor and Naveed introduced themselves to Kayla. “Hey, I’m Victor. And this is Naveed.”
Naveed waved.
“I’m Kayla. I’m a Tele —“
“Yes, we know who you are. Everyone in the house
is aware of who you are.” Victor laughed.
Kayla smiled. “I’m glad. I think… So, what’s a Geomancer and a Streaker?”
“A Geomancer controls the Earth. I can move dirt, break rocks, make holes in the ground, cause earthquakes — I dunno, lots of things.” Naveed flexed his skinny arms. “Just kidding, I have no muscles. Good thing our talents are Chi-based.”
“As for me, Streakers can move very fast. Really, really fast,” Victor said.
“Streakers have a different meaning where I come from.” Kayla laughed.
“You know, that’s not the first time I’ve heard that joke.”
“Sorry.”
“No apologies needed.” Victor tapped Kayla’s shoulder. “We are all friends here.”
“Do you know much about those two over there?” Kayla pointed at the couple kissing in the corner of the room. “They seem overtly affectionate.”
“Brendan and Aida? They’ve been together for awhile now. Mostly keep to themselves. Brendan’s a Mimic, which allows him to create multiple copies of himself. I don’t really know how that works so you’re gonna have to ask him,” Naveed said.
“And Aida is a fantastic shot. I’ve seen her hit targets that are impossible for anyone else. Moving targets, far away targets, multiple targets. I think she was part of her country’s Olympic team before she came here,” Victor said.
“With guns or something else?” Kayla asked.
“I’ve only seen her use a bow and arrow. She uses her Chi to summon a bow, and she seems to have unlimited arrows which are also made from her Chi.”
“That’s kinda cool,” Kayla said. “I’m still feeling out my powers. So I might be holding people back.”
“Don’t worry about it too much. No one expects to beat Masa. It’s one of the reasons why we don’t run this simulation too often,” Naveed said.
“Everyone ready yet?” Emily asked. Without waiting for a response, she tapped the large green button by the metal double doors — the entrance to the simulation. “OK, good. Let’s go already.”