"I can conclude that my memories are getting clearer"
We have been investigating every corner of this castle for some time. Third and Firstwen, our leaders have discussed and agreed that they will be our permanent leaders because they have been running smoothly for two days. We've only been here two days, but I feel like it's been a week. I still have a lot of questions in mind—questions not all answered by Author. It mentioned that we will look for the answers to our questions. This castle is an example of it. It never even told us how we could live here without food, clothing, and the necessities of a person aside from shelter.
I forgot to ask Author what would be the condition of the earth if our mind and body were here on this planet? How about our friends and family? Will they forget us like we lose our memories or are they looking for us?
"Hey—I mean Second, are you hungry?" Aeith poked me on my shoulder. I nodded. "Me too. We've only eaten forest fruits last night. Not even a proper breakfast for today."
"Yes, and we haven't taken a bath yet, hehe." Fourth agreed.
"Yeah, right? Why didn't I feel that? No baths for two days but I'm still feeling fresh," Aeith commented.
I sniffed myself. She's right. I don't feel gross because of sweat or dirt on my body. But when I think about it that I haven't taken a bath for two days, I'm disgusted with myself. We are currently here on the ground floor of the castle. We are divided like this:
Girls: 02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12 – ground floor
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 - 2nd floor
Boys: 01, 03, 05, 07 - 3rd floor
09, 15, 17, - 4th floor
19, 21, 23 - 5th floor
I thought this castle has 8 floors. The ceiling height is too high, but it only consists of 5 floors. A few hours later, the leaders gathered us in the living area on the ground floor to report everything we saw.
"Now that everyone is here, all the first numbers ordered on each floor will report," Firstwen instructed.
And since I'm 02 and my number is first on the girl's list, I'm the first one to speak.
"The six of us scanned the ground floor and we discovered the place we're gathering right now is an ordinary living area. There are sofas and a coffee table sitting at the center." I pointed my left hand's index finger. "On the left side is another type of lounge area with different types of chairs." This time, I pointed out my right hand's index finger. "While on our right side is a kitchen and dining area. Spacious, and clean. The kitchen has four stoves, 2 large refrigerators that work well. There is a clean kitchen sink, furnished kitchen cabinets, and fully-equipped cooking tools and utensils. There are also supplies of meat, vegetables, fruits, and potable water." We all walked towards the dining area. "The dining area has a long rectangular table and 24 wooden chairs. We checked the stove, and it is an electric one. Apart from no plug, there are also no outlets so there is no electricity around here. "
Everyone thought for a moment and reported what followed.
"Forzen, reporting. We were assigned to the 2nd floor. There were only rooms, 12 of it. Those rooms had numbers on the door. We tried entering the rooms one by one, but we found out that only the owner of the room can enter their respective room according to their ordinal number names. There is a bed, a clothing cabinet and drawer, a lampshade, and a small table next to the bed. Each room also has a comfort room. We checked the cabinets and found two women's uniforms, five women's underwear, a pair of pink nightgowns, and a pair of slippers. "
Why a uniform? Suppose we will wear our uniforms for the rest of our stay here. Well, at least there's sleepwear to be worn at night. So far, the reporting is good as we scan more of the castle. A bizarre place but I hope that we can all live well here.
Next, my classmate reported or shall I say, First. "We investigated the 3rd floor and just like what she said, it was fully occupied with 12 rooms with numbers written on the doors. The owner must be the one to enter his/her own room. Each room has a comfort room, one single-size bed, a table beside it with a lampshade, and one drawer cabinet. Inside the cabinets are: 2 male uniforms, a pair of blue nightwear, 5 male personal wear, and a pair of slippers."
The 3rd floor consists of the same as the 2nd floor but with boys' stuff. So, the girls' room is on the 2nd floor and the boys are on the 3rd.
"Ninth here. On the 4th floor, there is a room full of books, apparently, it might be a library. There is another room with mirrors like a dance studio, with piano, drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and microphones. One room has art supplies, a paintbrush, canvas, pencil, pastel, paint, and more. Next to it is like a gym which is fully-equipped."
Why are there such things here? Wow. I'm amazed not only how big this castle is but also how much space this castle can accommodate! The outside of it screams terror but is magical on the inside.
And there is the last one to report. "Yo! Ninezen or you can call me Nineteenth!" He adjusted his voice and spoke. "Ahem! Okay, on the 5th floor, we didn't see much worth mentioning stuff there. It's kinda boring. Just an empty space like underground parking. And yup, no rooftop for escape."
All done with reporting. I was confused with other areas. Why is the equipment being complete yet lacks electricity? And how does the equipment work well without it?
Third had already spoken while adjusting his eyeglasses. " To Second, as she said earlier," he turned slightly as he is referring to me. "We also checked the whole castle but there is no single outlet or any source of energy. There is also no plug that should have powered the appliances that use electricity. But how can that chandelier lit?"
We looked up at the chandelier as Third pointed it out as it illuminates the living area.
"We also inspected the windows, but they weren't windows. We intended to drill holes in each room of the rectangle that was supposed to be a window but what is surprising is why it was covered with something thick and durable plastic material." Added by the leader, Firstwen.
I wonder what those rectangles are for. How can we survive if the castle is entirely enclosed, without proper air circulation and natural lighting? It was also surprising that we did not feel the heat but cool fresh air inside even though there are no windows, and the door was closed as if we were completely trapped.
***
I think it's late afternoon and our stomachs are not in good condition, so we need to act and find a way to eat something. The girls were assigned whoever knew how to cook and went to the kitchen. Others are talking and waiting in the living room. I am with Fourth, Aeith, Tenth, Forzen, and Ninezen.
"Hey, dude. Why are you here?" Aeith scolded Seventh as if she was irritated that Seventh is here with us
"Eh, why? Can't you handle someone who's good looking as me?" he replied to Aeith and smirked.
Aeith scoffed. "Tch! You don't even know how to cook so quit messing around here!"
"Nah, no biggie. I'll just watch over you."
"Are we really the ones you're watching over or the food?"
Seventh, the blondie with messy hair scratched his forehead. The noise continued in the kitchen as the two continued arguing.
"Do you know how to cook, Second?" Fourth asked me while she was holding a ladle.
"Um, I'm not so sure but I'll do what I can." I don't seem to completely remember what skills I have and if I even have one.
"Do you want me to teach you?" Fourth leaned closer to me with sparkling eyes. I guess, she's like this when she gets excited. Maybe she really loves to cook.
Wait, how are we going to cook? What about electricity? I turned around and immediately went to the stoves. We can't be satisfied with just pure fruits and raw vegetables. I just thought of playing with the stove switches and button just in case a miracle happens.
*tsig*
And I was not embarrassed.
"Hey! It's working. We can cook now. Yahoo!" Aeith shouted.
"Yehey!" Fourth was also overjoyed. Still, I can't get over how it worked but it's better than it wasn't.
We did not hesitate to prepare all the necessary ingredients and tools found in the kitchen cabinets and food pantry. While preparing, I noticed that Tenth and Forzen were talking.
Forzen reported earlier about the 2nd floor. She has short shiny light pink hair. Her uniform is long white sleeves, a maroon necktie, a maroon skirt, and black leather shoes. Tenth, on the other hand, looks kind too. She has a brown hair bun. She wears a white blouse, golden ribbon and skirt, and brown leather shoes.
After about an hour, everything is cooked. We all ate in the dining area.
***
After eating, everyone was relieved. We had a great chat while everyone ate up to our heart's content after a day of work and exhaustion. It was fun to eat with them at this table. Eleventh and Thirzen's seats were vacant because there are only remaining 22 of us. Subtle sentiments came on me that it would be better if all of us were here enjoying a sumptuous dinner.
The boys are now washing the dishes. I also became close with Tenth and Forzen because Fourth, Aeith, and I approached them.
"Are you from a private school, Forzen?" I asked her and she nodded.
"Why?" Forzen asked me.
"Oh, nothing," I thought for a moment after she answered. I didn't notice her uniform immediately, so I probably didn't know she attends a private school.
Everyone discussed that the 2nd floor was where the girl's rooms are and on the 3rd floor were the boy's rooms. And since I'm 02 and I'm the first number among the girls, my bedroom is at the corner. I took the stairs and went up to the 2nd floor. In front of me is the door to my bedroom with numbers 0 and 2 engraved on it—indicating that this is my personal space. I rotated the knob and the door opened as if it was unlocked. The bedroom is nicely and fully furnished. I changed slippers and put away my black shoes. I got up from sitting on the bed and opened the drawer. I decided to take a bath first to get my mind refreshed. After taking a bath, I sat on my bed.
I noticed the pattern of our numbers. First mentioned to me that the school we attend appears to be a public school and Forzen goes to a private one, so I realized the pattern of our number names. Those from public schools are numbered from 01-12 and those from private schools are 13-24. As I recall, boys are represented by odd numbers and girls are even numbers. And because by pair, there are 12 different schools in total.
After just a few minutes of re-analyzing our situation, my eyes felt heavy, so I went to sleep.
Someone pulled my hand. We were stuck in the war. He hugged me and said words that I don't know what they mean... What is this again? I can hear mixed voices.
I woke up in no time. I'm aware that I was dreaming but I suddenly got agitated and woke up to stop it. What am I dreaming of? I sighed then I sat on my bed. The room is cozy and spacious compared to my bedroom. I stared at my slippers below my feet. I hinted at a subtle smile. It's just that the slippers are blue, my favorite color. Seconds later, another question was formed. How did I know that my favorite color is blue and that my current bedroom is bigger than my previous one even though I barely remember anything about myself? With this, I can conclude that my memories are getting clearer.
***
I estimate that we have been together and living in this castle for five days. Still, nothing bad is happening but we should not be complacent. It is difficult to know the time because there are nine wall analog clocks here, but their times are different. Unlike the usual analog clock with 12 hours or numbers on it, some clocks here take up to 15-25 hours or numbers. The design of the clocks is unusual. It is circular in shape and looks like the nine planets in the solar system. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. We also observed that foods are automatically stockpiled without knowing how and why. When waking up in the morning, there is another stock of products, so we don't run out. Raw meats do not spoil— It only spoils when it is cooked. Fruits and vegetables also do not rot until we eat them.
The trash can where we throw leftover food seems to be bottomless because it doesn't fill up.
Spoons, forks, and other utensils as well as pots, are greaseproof because only water is needed to wash them, no residual grease that still shines in cleanliness. As for the electricity not being present that some appliances are supposed to use electricity but works, we still don't know the answer to this mystery. Our laundry isn't dirty and doesn't stink once you've worn it even for three days. If you wash it, you don't need soap, only water. I just hang it in my room and even if the sun doesn't reach the room, it dries quickly. Every time we take a bath, we don't use soap, just water but we feel refreshed. There's no drainage in comfort rooms and sink. It seems to absorb water on its own, so it does not flood. There is also no dust anywhere inside the castle. You just flick the air or snap your fingers and the lights will turn on or off automatically, making the switch an option to use. The door on every bedroom opens automatically when the owner of that room holds the knob. It's like it scans the whole print of someone's hand and only responds to the room owner. Our blankets and bedsheets are like magic that automatically changes the temperature. If we feel cold, it heats up automatically. If we feel hot, it will automatically cool down. These are the things we observed in five days. In fact, it is very comfortable to live here because almost everything we need is already here.
I am now in my bedroom and writing in my journal notebook. This is the notebook and ballpen I took from the art room. Here, I write what happens each day which serves as my diary. I write all the things going on inside the castle, our activities, how many days we've been here, and who I am. This might be helpful for future references.
It's afternoon. Others fell asleep after eating. I left my bedroom wearing my extra uniform.
I went up to the 4th floor. This floor accommodates the hobbies that we have. I often hang out in the art room to paint or sketch whenever I have spare time. Upon approaching the art room, I heard a sound... a sound of someone playing the piano. It comes from the music room so it's audible from where I'm standing right now because you should pass first the music room and gym before the art room and at the very end is the library.
I stopped walking and stood briefly in front of the door that was slightly open. I hid on its side and secretly listened to the soft melody. I've not much idea when it comes to music, but I can feel the emotions of the one who plays. I want to know who he/she is, but I might just interrupt. After a few minutes, I smiled because the mysterious man behind the door had finished ringing. I was passing the music room art room when I heard a voice.
"Second," he called to me. I'm surprised. "I know you've been there. Why don't you accompany me?" From his deep yet gentle voice, I already know who he is.
I pushed open the door and saw the lone man in the middle of the vast music room sitting. His hands rest on a black grand piano. I was just left standing still near the door.
"C'mere," he said and smiled.
I entered and closed the door as I approach him. "What are you doing?" I asked even if I'm aware that he was the one playing the piano a while ago. I just don't know how to start the conversation.
"Playing piano... perhaps," he replied slightly amused, so did I.
"You're good at it" He really does, and he deserves such appreciation.
"I waited for everyone to sleep before going here. But someone discovered it." he chuckled.
So, I did interrupt him. Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know that he knows how to play the piano. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop." I felt bad because of that.
"You're really funny." He tapped his seat. "Sit with me." he moved back to the left to give me space.
"Oh, I'll just sit here." I made hand gestures that I refused to and was about to take a chair when he extended his right hand.
"It's okay, I like the way like this."
As he insists, I sat down next to him, and we were very close.
He gazed at me. "What song do you like?"
"I can't remember… yet."
"You're right." He nodded gently in agreement. "Then I think, this classical music would work." He then pressed a key on the piano and played.
I didn't know much about music especially classical, so I listened attentively to what he is going to play. I admire how he remembers every note he plays. I asked him how he could do that, but he didn't know either. The music he wanted to play seemed to flow naturally through his fingers. I closed my eyes as I savor every note that he presses. It creates a harmony that even non-musicians can relate to. How I wish I could listen to more of this.
A few minutes passed and I applauded him. "Wow, what a show!"
He gave me a shy smile. "Pleasure. Want me to teach you?"
I felt embarrassed. "No-"
"Whaaa!" We were both startled by the shout we heard.