Despite the lengthy explanation, the entire conversation could be summarized in 4 main points:
Number 1: The world consists of supernatural beings and they are classified by most organizations into 3 categories.
An Extraordinary. Being that obtained superpower throughout their life. Things such as special objects, gods, secret arts are all means to become an extraordinary and almost everyone can use this method.
A Natural. Being with supernatural ability since birth. They are often referred as higher races with much better control over their powers compared to extraordinary. However, a natural can't learn or obtain any ability beside the one they are born with.
An anomaly. Things that are too chaotic for human to understand. They are often the most dangerous, destructive and unpredictable. Most organization are created to help ensure no anomaly suddenly destroy everything.
Number 2: The occult group created by Waynes has an unknown attraction for mysterious beings. Due to that, some organizations have sent people to monitor the situation. Jack, Mercy, Star and Seeker are such people. The others accidentally joined the group because of said attraction.
Number 3: We are currently in something called an illusion space, created by Waynes. It's a space that doesn't exist in the real world hence the name. Also most of our possessions were gone either confiscated by Waynes or just disappeared temporarily in this space. To escape said space we need to go through the entire place to find discrepancies and widen the 'hole' which will open a path to the real world.
Number 4: Humans need such as hunger isn't a problem but dying is still very much possible. The plan is to divide into 3 groups. Each group will go in one door to solve the discrepancies and find the missing members. Jack gave each group a timer he created so everyone can regroup back in this room when the timer hit 3 hours.
So, back to the present. I'm currently walking through a corridor with Sal. Why a corridor? Because it's the only place we can go. The door lead us through this corridor and so far it hasn't lead us anywhere yet. The corridor is only 2 person wide making it a suffocating walk. A long boring corridor with annoyingly little space.
"Hey, what does he mean by you'll find it when you find it? I kinda get what he means but can't he at least demonstrated it. Hmph..." [Sal]
I get what she means. Although Jack was very cooperatives with helping us understand this new world, he refused helping us actually see what's a discrepancy is, saying we have no time. Isn't it better to understand what you are looking for first though? I got to see Sal looking pouty though so I'll forgive him this time.
"This long corridor doesn't help either! When is anything going to show up!" [Sal]
According to the timer, almost 15 minutes have passed. A 15 minutes long walk with nothing in sight is pretty boring isn't it?
"Dummy say something!" [Sal]
"Huh? Well... I got nothing."
"..."
"..." [Sal]
"Seriously? C'mon we just got introduced to this crazy world and there's π―π°π΅π©πͺπ―π¨ to say? There's superpowers, mysterious beings and so on! Surely you're interested in something right?" [Sal]
If she talks about it that way then I guess. My mind is still preoccupied by certain problems though.
"You certainly seem excited."
Sal look at me like I'm an idiot.
"Of course I'm excited. It's an exciting new world out there I never even got a glimpse of and now I get to see it. Imagine how fun that would be!" [Sal]
"Fun huh. I doubt it would be that fun if your first encounter with the supernatural is being kidnap and possibly dying. Perhaps I'm being pessimistic here but aren't you taking the situation too lightly?"
"Oh c'mon. Think about the potential. Magical adventure, exploring the unknown, having superpowers amidst the ordinary. Doesn't it sound exciting enough to take some risks?" [Sal]
"It's certainly is exciting right now walking in this corridor."
"Man you're no fun." [Sal]
Sal gave me an annoyed look which I simply shrugged off. Pouting harder, she stormed up ahead.
Cute.
I picked up my pace and chased after her.
* * * * * * * *
10 minutes later.
It's still the same corridor. Something is definitely very wrong. Sal glances at the timer in my hand and look gravely at me.
"Something is wrong." [Sal]
"I can see that. Any ideas."
Sal took off her shoes in response, putting them neatly into next to the wall.
"Let's continue on ahead for another 10 minutes." [Sal]
* * * * * * * *
8 minutes later.
A pair of shoes came into our vision.
The same pair, the same position...
Both of us thought of the same possibility albeit not a very nice one.
"Let's go back." [Sal]
I gave my agreement hoping for the best.
* * * * * * * *
9 minutes later.
Same place, same scene, same shoes. We couldn't progress nor return.
"... it's a loop?"
"... most likely. Perhaps that's the reason we never went anywhere..." [Sal]
"Since when do you think this has happened?"
"Who knows... maybe since the beginning." [Sal]
Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl. Maybe it's my illusion here but Sal seemed excited?
"Well. You've got any solution?"
She frowned at me, folding her arms deep in thoughts.
"Perhaps we try breaking the wall?" [Sal]
I gave the wall a glance and immediately give up on the idea. The walls look VERY sturdy. There's no gap on it and tapping on it hurts my finger. Sal too gave up the idea.
"How about climbing up? It's just wide enough if we reach against the wall." [Sal]
As much as I hate to say it, it does sound plausible. There's no roof and we don't have any other bright idea. I'm not a very athletic person though...
"Ok sure. But you climb up first, I'll wait down here. If there's anything shout and let me know."
"Shouldn't men go first?" [Sal]
"Yeah yeah very funny. We both know you're more capable than me."
"Then call me captain!" [Sal]
"No."
After being teased for a whole minute, I was left alone when Sal decided it was time to climb.
Since I don't have much to do, I just stare at the timer. Out of the corner of my eyes, I caught sight of something small.
Something that I would recognize anytime.
The plushie.
I look around as hard as I could but fail to spot anything resembling it. It's there, inside the reflection and only there.
"Dummy~miss me?" [Plushie]
"..."
I thought I have gotten rid of it, how naive I am. Truth is I always know it's going to come back.
"See, you get it. Didn't listen to me and now you get yourself in a pickle. And no I'm not just talking about this hallway." [Plushie]
"Fine, I'm wrong for trying to get rid of you. Can you help now?"
Why am I asking it for help? If it isn't obvious by now, from the information Jack gave us to the things it have been able to do it's safe to say the plushie is pretty powerful. Beside it's not the first time I have asked for help...
The sound of million giggles vibrated inside my head.
"You know I'm still angry at you keep trying to get rid of me. If you get back my body, I'll help. Sounds fun?" [Plushie]
Nope sounds like trouble. But what choices do I really have.
"Deal."
With an exaggerated vanishing sound the reflection disappeared. Right after another voice enter my ears, this one from further away.
"Dummy I found someone. Climb up quick!" [Sal]