De Megos Chronicle

Aliks sat on his victorian chair, drinking red wine. It was 1 p.m. but the curtains of his study blocked the sun from shining into the room. His office was dim, and Aliks had a newly lit cigar between his fingers. Ashes fell onto the carpet as he rested his arm on the chair’s armrest, without any regard. A soft familiar knock on the massive door of his study alerted the black haired man and he quickly put away his cigar. The door knob turned and a small head popped in. It was his younger brother, Alexei in his school uniform. His blazer buttoned and hair black as his own, only thinner and silkier was combed neatly to the side.

                “What?” Aliks asked, still slumped on his chair, and a glass of wine in his hand.

                “Can I ask you something?” Alexei asked, as he closed the creaking door behind him. Aliks sighed, his head pounding from heavy drinking last night.

                “Ask your other brother. He answers well than I do,” Aliks said, almost like a whisper. Alexei shook his head, but remained silent. He shifted his weight to his left leg, staring at the floor.

                “Out with it,” Aliks implored, sounding impatient.

                “Alex always tells me that you should be good to others. Be nice to people and they will be nice to you. That it is better to do kindness, or…do more than to do less. That’s how you get friends,” Alexei explained, without looking up. Aliks snickered at the advice and sipped his wine.

                “So?” Aliks asked.

                “But why don’t I have friends? The ones who will help me through thick or thin? Why am I always alone? I’ve done everything; from doing their homework…I gave money. I’m still alone,” Alexei burst; tears fell slowly down his cheek. Aliks could hear the sobs from where he sat, though Alexei had his head down.

                “Come here,” Aliks commanded, gesturing for his brother to move to his side as he turned his chair to face the young boy.  Alexei walked to Aliks’ side, to face the patriarch of the family with a hint of fear.

                SMACK!

                Aliks slapped the boy enough to snap him out of crying, but not enough to hurt the young boy.

                “A De Megos never cries….well, at least not in front of others,”Aliks said, and put his hand on his brothers head.

                “You take his words to literal,” Aliks finally said, and now aware of his brother’s trousers, scrapped at the knee. He also realized the thread from his right sleeve, torn as if pulled harshly. Aliks now knew what was going on. Aliks sat back, and studied the frail young boy in front of him.

                “Sometimes, you’ve got to learn when to ignore, or to not care. Sometimes there are battles you’ve got to fight on your own. Sometimes, being nice isn’t a good answer. Well, I prefer you to be mean but I guess the best you could be is to have a little of Alex and me in you. You’d be perfect….but I prefer more of me,” Aliks said, smiling. Alexei smiled; a rarity that the patriarch showed a genuine smile.

                “Tomorrow, I’ll hire a martial artist to teach you a few moves. You’ll be fine,” Aliks continued, and drank the remaining wine in his glass. Alexei nodded and hugged his elder brother. Though taken by surprise, Aliks lets his little brother be, and gave a pat on the boy’s back. A knock on the door ended the exchange. Bob peered in the study, revealing only his shiny shaven head, and his sunglasses.

                “scuse me Boss. Master Alex says lunch is ready,” Bob informed his other two masters. The two went out of the study and down to the kitchen to find Alex in a flowery apron, happily smiling at his brothers while preparing dinner.

                “New apron?” Alexei asked, jumping onto a seat by the marble counter.

                “Why thank you for noticing!” Alex answered cheerfully.

                “Aliks gonna hire a martial artist to teach me tomorrow!” Alexei exclaimed.

                “That’s very nice of Aliks,” Alex said, smiling. His hair was shorter than Aliks’, messy and unkempt. He was the very opposite of Aliks.

                “yes. At least it is not going to waste this time….,” Aliks commented, looking at his twin brother who was still smiling, “and where did you get that apron?”

                “I made it myself. And I made one for Bob too!” Alex said, gesturing towards Bob who was in a similar apron. Bob nodded, putting his hands across his chest. Aliks rolled his eyes, wondering why his twin was just so weird. 

Chapter 23

Nurul’s eyes were open, and Wawa, with her hands delicately closed them. Amara was pacing as Menn was humming the nursery rhyme “Ring-O-Ring a roses”, sharpening his already sharpened knife.

“Just kill me! Just kill me!” Amara suddenly yelled, kicking the iron bars. Wawa was trying to calm Amara down was not able to match with Amara’s violent fit.

Menn laughed and laughed and laughed. The chamber echoed his laughter.

“Amazing what adrenaline could do to a human. They called one man a demi god once, or on your land, adrenaline was attributed to a genie’s vomit. Funny really, because the man was as you modern people call it, a schizophrenic. Interesting enough, the tree he uprooted was actually a dead tree,” Menn continued, explaining is a cheery tone as he waved his hands about.

A knock on the door caught their attention.

“Who is it?” asked Menn, mocking a cheerful tone and proceeded to open the door. Nik’s head pop and he carried with him a bloodied bag.

“Is it done?” Menn asked.

“Tis’ done,” Nik said, and smiled. He licked his lips, and gleams of his fangs were seen. They were not humans. They were something supernatural.

“Well then. There are many things to do on my part. I shall leave you alone. Sarah, watch the kids yes?” Menn gave instructions, mimicking as any parents would. He smiled and left the chamber with his partner. The chamber fell silent again.

“Oh God Amara, what should we do?” Wawa asked.

“Sarah, that paperclip from the book on the floor, can you reach it?” Amara asked. Sarah nodded and tried to pull the book with her feet as her hands were chained to the wall. Her wrist was painful, but she pulled nevertheless.

“I got it! I got it!” Sarah said and quickly, though clumsy, managed to get the paper clip in her hands. “Now what?” Sarah asked.

“Try to free yourself with it,” Amara said.

“I…I don’t know how,” Sarah said, almost crying. Amara sighed.

“Wait. I can do it!” Wawa said. All the years staying in a dorm during high school had taught Wawa several tricks, including opening a lock with a pin. It took Wawa a while as she was pretty rusty with it, but soon, the chain clicked and Sarah was freed of it.

“Now, throw those chairs over!” Amara said, and Sarah complied.

Wawa and Amara stacked the chairs and climbed from the cage. They were free. “Look, we’ll slowly creep down the tunnel. Trust no one. No one you understand?!” Amara said and the three remaining girls nodded. Amara led the four girls. Wawa, Wendy and Sarah followed. 

Chapter 17

The Lounge

“Why aren’t they back yet? If feels like they’ve gone forever” Aine asked to Ka Phin, who sat next to her.

“They just left five minutes ago,” Steve answered, trying to ease the terribly anxious girl.

“Let’s have a look...just to make sure they’re alright,” Zainal suggested, hoping to at least have someone to follow him so he could do the deed. He tried to appear calm rather than being suspiciously nervous.

“Cry....Crystal... Why don’t you follow me?” Zainal asked.

“I rather stay here... We’ll check on them in another 10 minutes...We should just sit tight for now,” Crystal declined the offer much to Zainal’s disappointment. The chance has not yet arisen and he is growing impatient to leave the island.

They waited and waited till all agreed that it had taken them too long to venture the basement.

“Let’s have a look...just to make sure they are okay..,” finally Crystal suggested herself. Zainal tried to move calmly, leading Crystal to the kitchen. They peek at the side of the kitchen entrance, to see if there is anyone in the kitchen, but it was silent. The kitchen was without a soul, things unmoved.

“How did they get into the basement? Crystal asked, examining the place for obvious doors that could lead the other party to the basement, but none were seen. The refrigerator Nik had moved was back in its place, unaware by both Zainal and Crystal that it was the entrance they were looking for, but Zainal was not paying attention to any of Crystal’s utterance. He was looking for a way to kill Crystal instantly.

Crystal tried every door available, but to no avail. Frustrated she turned quickly behind to ask Zainal what they should do, only to find him holding a screwdriver with both his hands and shaking, unmoved.

“Are..are you the killer?” Crystal asked, backing away.

“I...I....No...I...,” Zainal stuttered his speech, trying to fight his hesitance.

Crystal’s sudden move to run snapped Zainal from his frozen state, knowing she would mislead the others that he was the killer. His reflexes prompt him to grab Crystal, to make her stop, and to explain, that he did not mean to kill her. But the sudden jerk made Crystal slipped, and her neck banged on the edge of the marble kitchen counter. She lay motionless on the tiled floor as Zainal was shocked on the accident. However, another realization made him weak at the knees. Steve was at the entrance, and had witness the entire scene. Quickly he ran to the others in the lounge and Zainal followed behind, trying to justify, clarify everything that had happened.

“Zainal killed Crystal!!” Steve yelled.

“No..I didn’t. It was an accident!!” Zainal defended himself.

“You pushed her!” Steve yelled again, afraid of his own friend.

“No I didn’t! I was trying to explain! I..didn’t!” Zainal defended again.

Ah Sze, Ka Phin, Julian and Aine were taken aback by the sudden exchange could not do anything but take arms. They took the iron rod from the fireplace nevertheless, though confused.

“What do you mean? Jenal? You killed Crystal??” Julian asked. Zainal backed onto the stairs as his friends, now sceptics of his innocence, had close in to him. He ascended the stairs till he was at the corridor.

“I had to!” Zainal said.

“What do you mean you had to?! Did you kill the others as well? Were you the killer??” Ka Phin asked, threatening him. She was fierce than anyone had ever seen in their six years together.

“Look! Look! I got this paper!” Zainal took the brown paper the killer gave him. Zainal’s mention of the paper struck familiarity to Steve. He too had the paper the killer gave him, and now he knows, he is not the only one. Steve wanted to do the same thing and took out his to vouch for Zainal’s claims. Although he saw Zainal causing Crystal to fall, he now knows why. Zainal is not the killer. He was sure.

“The killer gave it to me. It says...” Zainal was about to reveal the contents of the paper but saw the horrified faces of Julian and Ka Phin who were still at the foot of the stairs. They were looking intently to something other than him. Quickly he turned behind to a hooded figure. He was close enough to see the face though the corridor was without light, which was impossible for others downstairs. Zainal was speechless, his eyes widen and everything, all unexplainable events, made sense now. Before he could say anything, the hooded figure pushed him with unbelievable strength from the corridor. His landing to the floor head first caused a cracked sound. He laid motionless, eyes open, and brain matter oozing out of his skull.

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Ps: I wonder if you guys can guess the killer. Lol. I hope my story will turn out "logical" in the end... Having major low self esteem issues at the moment...due to unemployment and the uncertainty of our future..... I need a therapist. :D Then again, i will persevere!! THIS IS SPARTAAA!! *kick my cat off the bed*

Chapter 16

The Basement

They descended down the eerie stairs, slowly and cautiously. The walls of the stairs permit only a single soul to pass through, so Nik went first, followed by the others. The walls looked old, preserved, and unrepaired. It was wet, covered with mold. The air was stuffier as they took steps down.

“There’s a grill,” Nik alerted the party. After a steep descent, they encountered a rusty but sturdy iron grill door blocking their path. Nik jerked the grill door but it would not budge.

“It’s locked. Let’s go back,” Sarah commented and had turn around, ready to leave.

“Kick it,” Wendy suggested and Nik complied. It slammed wide open and the party proceed with caution. Finally, they reached the bottom, lighting the basement with candles and their torch. The basement was dark with no source of light other than their own and from the kitchen from whence they came. The ceiling was high, not surprising as the stairs down was steep and long. It reminded Amara of a dungeon, one the movies always portray. It was dark, humid, dirty, mouldy, stuffy and hot.

The descent to the basement was slippery that Wawa, being the last among her friends slipped down and landed on her bum. Her ankles were sprained and she reached down to massage her ankle. The fall startled the already anxious group.

“Are you okay?” Sarah asked trying to help her friend.

“Yea, I’m fine” Wawa said, gesturing to her friends to continue exploring the basement and Wawa massaged her own ankle but her fingers felt foreign object in the side of her socks she had not noticed earlier. Wawa pulled to find a brown paper, written in red. Angered at the prospect of committing such a blasphemous act, she crushed the paper and threw it into a puddle of water of the humid basement floor. Quickly she got up with a little groan and joins the others, limping as the sting of the previous fall was still lingering. Something about the handwriting made her think, as if she had often seen it before....

It looks like....nah..impossible – Wawa thought. She turned to the now wet paper to salvage it and examine it further, but on second thought, she decided to let it be. The paper was like a taboo, picking it up was out of the question.

“I will not take another’s life even if my life depended on it,” she said despite the fear of losing hers. Resolute in her decided action.

“Look! Here’s the symbols Susan mentioned,” Nurul pointed to a series of symbols written all over the walls.

“What does that mean?” Sarah asked.

“I know the symbol of life. The ankh. That’s the pentagram again..And what is that? A bow?,” Amara pointed (can anyone give me a synonym for point? :D) out, examining the symbols closer.

“Those looks like one of those Russians writing right? And that’s Egyptian I’m sure, and that....that looks like an animal.... A dog maybe? No...a hippo? With the head of a bird?” Wendy asked, referring to the other symbols and drawings.

“The drawings seem old,” Ambun ran his fingers against the markings.

“Okay, this means what Susan said was true. The basement doesn’t seem like there was any recent “visitors”,” Nurul deduced and looked around.

“Guys! I found the altar,” Wawa called, after recovering from the discovery of the mysterious note. Wawa light the crooked table, missing a leg as it was eaten away by termites. It was tilted to the side, so the contents that were on it had fell to the floor.

“Shards of a bowl....a carcass of an orange cat maybe?” Nurul used her foot, not wanting to touch the tainted objects with her fingers.

“That seems like a remnants of the dolls,” Wendy pointed to a rotten straw doll, that would have been unrecognizable if Wendy hadn’t pointed it out. Memories of the dolls which documented their fallen friend’s demise ran shivers up their spine. They were reminded again of how close the killer was to them. The rotten doll also suggests the mass murder had something to do with what the original owner of the mansion wanted.

“The cat was a sacrifice, to conjure something. The ankh, that means life. So the owner would have wanted to bring something to life. Nad told me about the ankh once...,” Amara said, remembering all the talks she had on Egypt and on ancient Greek that was once Nad’s passion.

“If we could decipher what those other 4 symbols are, we would know what the murderer’s were after. They might be delusional, but knowing what they want can give us some advantages to manipulate,” Nurul said and the others were silent, but agreed in the idea.

A sudden creak followed by a slam alerted the party...dum dum dum...

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When i wrote this, i did a little research...So one fine day, i asked Wawa a question. I wanted a quick response and without bias, so i just open the chat box, clicked Wawa, and threw a question. Her response was....

Lol... sorry Wawa...I couldn't resist print screen

Psst: Initially, the story about the basement people and the lounge people were supposed to fit in chapter 16...but it was too long to add both.. This story will take longer than expected.

Chapter 15

They were gathered again at the lounge after storing their fallen friends in the same room freezer that once hold the others. There were no choices but to do so. Now, each of them thinking of possible explanation for the missing bodies and all had come to the same conclusion. There were no one but the killers had motives and opportunity to move the bodies, but what would be the reason is a mystery yet to be solved.

Zainal’s mind hovered to the thought of killing one of his classmates to save himself. He weighed the possibility of committing the act, while rationalizing his innocence. I kill to save myself. It’s done in self-defence – Zainal assured himself, but to actually kill is not easy as it seems. To take another’s life takes more courage than one thinks.

“I have to,” Zainal tried to convince himself, chanting the mantra as if it could give him the will and the leeway from sin. He held in his hands a small screwdriver he had picked up at the kitchen, which he managed to hide underneath his jacket. His hands were sweating, and shaking. “Who should I...?” he asked himself, gazing into the faces of his terrified classmates.

Steve’s eyes met Zainal as he scanned through the lounge. Both were startled at the act, as if sharing a common thought.

“I’m going to the basement now. Who is with me?” Amara asked. Nik raised his hands, and Wendy, Ambun soon followed.

“I think know where the basement is. I’ll lead you there,” Nik offered. Nurul followed as well, citing that doing nothing is killing her, literally. Wawa and Sarah agreed and decided to follow as well. There were now seven of those who wished to venture into the basement, and another seven remained.

The seven companions moved to the kitchen, following Nik’s lead. When they finally reach the kitchen, Nik scanned the area, he then pointed a door hinge that was almost hidden by a huge refrigerator and moved it away from the walls with the help of his friends. This act revealed a worn out door, nailed shut by planks of wood as if keeping away zombies from entering the mansion. (I play too much Counter Strike Zombie)

“How did you know it was here?” Amara asked.

“I saw the hinge the last time we were here. I figured that must be the basement entrance. Susan said it was under the lounge, so the only possible explanation was that the entrance is in the kitchen, and plus, my guts tell me so,” Nik explained to his sceptic friend. They pried the planks open to see darkness below. The stairs leading down was made of wood, covered by mould and fungi, and tiny dust flew about as they light the entrance with their torch.

“Well, here goes nothing,” Nik said, and walked down the stairs followed by Amara and the rest.

The Lounge

While seven made their way to the basement, the remaining seven stayed, sitting at the sofa at the side of the room, avoiding the blood smears on the wooden floor which by now had dried up.

Steve folded his hands as he leaned in the corner, observing everyone. Aine was sobbing still, but quietly as Ka Phin put her hand over Aine’s shoulder, as a little effort to ease her friend’s fear. Zainal sat while his feet got into a fit of restlessness, tapping onto the wooden floor like a river dancer. He seemed anxious to everyone but such behaviour was acceptable considering the situation they were in.

Steve started pacing about in the room, eyeing everyone. “Damn damn damn,” he muttered, unbeknown to others as his voice was only to himself, and the sound of the occasional thunder did drain most of the noise in the house.

Steve peered in his hands, a similar note Zainal had previously. Steve’s note was crushed, as he constantly thought of throwing the stupid brown paper into the fire. The idea that the killer had snuck it into his jacket was eerie and scary enough, that the idea to kill in order to be alive was absurd.

“Fuc*,” Steve muttered again trying to stop planning a murder in his head. For all he knows, the killer might not keep his words after all.

Zainal rubbed his chin, noticing his beard had grown. He was looking at everyone, trying to figure out what to do, though his mind had already made up a decision. I will do it in self defence. The others are gone, there won’t be an opportunity like this – Zainal thought, but the question of who to kill needs to be done carefully. It should be an easy kill, and done quickly to get it over with.  

“Aine, no...She’s too loud. Ah Sze?  Too tough... Julian is out of the question, Steve...? I can’t manage him. Ka Phin would never leave Aine’s side, Crystal....yes...I can finish her off, yes...but how? Lure her somewhere? Then I’ll be off this island for good..yes....I’ll be alive” Zainal whispered for his ears only, and he rubbed his fingers against the hidden screw driver. Zainal looked up, setting his gaze towards Crystal, waiting for the right moment to do the deed.

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The story written is mostly to amuse myself and readers. The characters share only names and physical features, and some exaggerated version of our classmates so i don't mean literally and I'm not saying such and such person is wicked, evil, coward, crazy. It serves nothing more than entertainment, and just a way for my imagination to run crazy. I hope no one takes offense in my writing...*because I plan to add more wicked stuff in*, and if anyone notice, it has turned into a Supernatural-themed story. But, if there are those who wish to be off my story...please tell me and I won't include you in. Hehe..a bit too late for that don't you think Nad? Better late than sorry. *troll face*

This chapter is perhaps the hardest to write, literally banged my head on the desk for ideas....why? Because i have no idea how to conclude the story yet, and i cant prepare a proper scaffolding for the next chapter. Lol....sorry if it sucks...coz i think it sucks.. =.=" I need employment soon.

Chapter 14

“A pentagon?” Amara asked.

“Not a pentagon. A pentagram,” Wendy clarified “Look, Susan mentioned symbols and animal bones. She might be afraid to say it, its f**king obvious we’re dealing with demon worship, or whatever it is,” Wendy said, and stepped down from the chair.

“We are in a middle of a ritual, for demon worshipping. We’re sacrifices?” Amara asked.

“Oh my god!” Zainal exclaimed, he was sweating and shivering. “I’ve got to wash my face,” He said and entered the toilet at the lounge area. Carefully, he checked the small washroom, and when it was safe, he went to the sink and turned the water tap. It wasn’t much as there was no electricity to pump more water but enough to get him a handful to wash his face. Zainal, felt tears forming, but convinced himself to man up. He cleared his throat and reached for his handkerchief he had in his pocket. However, a brown paper was what his fingers pulled out. He had not seen the folded paper before, curious, he open it to find writings in red....possibly blood.

The note:

"We have decided to bestow upon you a gift. Take another's life and you are free to walk with yours. Shh...tell no one or we will take yours with pleasure"

He could feel his own blood drain from his head but he read those words nevertheless. There was something familiar about the handwriting, as if he had seen it before. It did not matter; he has other worries to think about. Would he kill, to save his own life? Another thought then occurred to him - who else has the same note? Surely, he is not the only one. Then, should he kill first, before he is killed himself, by his own classmates. And the plural form “WE”, suggest that their speculation was right, that the killers were more than one.

Zainal was sweating even more, and his knees were shaking. He had to support himself, with his hand, he held onto the sink.

“Zainal? You okay?” Nik came bursting in.

“Oh God!” Zainal exclaimed, nervously hiding the note he had.

“Don’t take too long. They’re scared,” Nik said and Zainal nodded. Nik left Zainal and he followed soon after.

***

Zainal joined the others, and stood next to Nik, hiding his hands in his pockets. He scanned the faces of his classmates, hoping to find something that could show him clues whether there were others who receive the notes as well. Ka Phin’s voice startled him after the long silence that was within the lounge.

“I think we need to keep the bodies in the freezer,” Ka Phin said.

“We don’t have time for that,” Wendy argued.

“But...Nad, Sze Ern... We can’t leave them like that. It’s not right. We’re humans, not animals,” Ka Phin said.

“She’s right,” Ambun acknowledged, ”but you have to remember, Nad’s body isn’t...it’s all chopped off...the limbs..”

“I’ll do it..I will,” Ka Phin tried to assured others, but mostly herself. They decided to divide themselves into half, with one of the party to remain in the lounge, and the other to retrieve the bodies from upstairs.

Slowly, Ka Phin and her companions crept up the stairs, armed with only the iron rods of the fire place just in case they encountered anything. They passed through the stair fence that once held Susan’s body and before them was the layers of thick plastics Ambun had to go through when he discovered Sze-Ern’s body.

Meanwhile, Nik and the rest downstairs gently moved the bodies of their fallen friends into the kitchen, to lay them to rest temporarily in the freezer room. Their task was cut short with the sound of a yell.

“They are not here!!! Nad and Sze-Ern, they are missing!!!” Ka Phin yelled as she moved towards the stairs. Zainal heard and quickly open the freezer room. Harry, Visha and Edmond were gone as well. 

Chapter 13

Amara woke up with a bad headache, and glanced at the guys who were supposed to stand guard. The guys were sleeping, slouching on the chairs with their eyes closed. The rain had finally stopped and Amara rubbed her eyes and stood up. She felt nauseated, perhaps due to lack of food. They had not eaten anything for days, and Amara noticed weakness in her muscles and body. Tip toing through blankets and bodies, Amara peered the window, just to have a look. The day was still solemn and dark, and Amara realized it was drizzling lightly. The hope of a sunny day was totally out of the question.

Amara stretched and turn behind her to find a hanging body. It was Susan, hanging from the second floor. A rope was tied at the stair fence, as the noose squeezed Susan’s neck. Amara gave a loud shout and awoke those who were asleep.

Disoriented and half awake, they turned to the source of the sound. Amara pointed to the cause of her distress and they saw to their horror, the body of Susan, lifelessly hanging herself.

They yelled and stood up. Ambun, no longer dazed, quickly ran up the stairs to cut down the rope. Susan’s cold corpse was caught by Nik and others. They loosen the noose and checked for a pulse, just in case. Nik shook his head, indicating Susan is dead.

“Oh god..oh god,” Nurul muttered and shook Leen to wake the still sleeping figure next to her.

“Leen...Leen!” Nurul yelled and shook her friends harder only to reveal what the blankets had covered. Leen’s throat was slashed. Nurul yelled from the top of her lungs and jumped away from the sleeping area. Others checked on the sleeping ones, only to be found that their throats have been slashed as well. All those who were alive got out of the sleeping area, vomited, crying and two passed out.

Frantically, Amara  took out her phone and checked to see if there was any signal, but as expected, it was in vain. She threw her phone and smashed the device as it hit against the reception table. All attention was on the reception table, and all saw the 5 of the dolls bled through their necks, and one with a noose made of white string hung loosely around its neck as it held the string it its own hand.

***

The bodies were cover with the blankets. Nurul was kneeling beside her best friend, as some of them were. Ah Sze next to Olivia with Wawa, Sarah and Crystal. Aine, sat in the corner, unmoved staring at the dolls wondering which one would be next. Ambun was pacing up and down rubbing his head. Julian was sitting on a chair, having a fit of restless legs.

“Okay, we have more that a killer, that’s that’s obvious from the beginning! But why? WHY? Why kill us?? And...and...I...I’m sure we were drugged. You all feel sick, and disoriented,” Amara said, as she bite her nails unaware now that it is bleeding.

“Sam gave us the drinks. That was the only explanation how we got drugged. That’s the only thing we had in common,” Ka Phin said. She was standing in another corner, away from the bodies.

"Is Sam one of the killers? Is he onto this as well?"someone murmured, but it did not matter now. He is dead.

Wendy suddenly took a chair and stood on it.

“Guys. Move away!” Wendy said, gesturing those who were near the body to move.

“What? What is it?” Amara asked.

“Why those five? Don’t you see the order of the bodies? Do you see what I see?” Wendy asked. She gestured with her fingers the position of the heads. Amara gasped in revelation. 

Chapter 12

Previously on the vampire diaries....(chey)

“There is more to the story,” Susan finally spoke. The shaky and timid voice broke the silence.

“What do you mean?” Amara asked the petite receptionist. All eyes were on the frail, tied up figure.

“The previous owner... This was what...*Susan choked*...this was what Harry told me. A lot have said that he was a mad man. That he has lost it, his plantation was ruined and he was getting broke. Some say he was furious of his unfaithful wife. But we know a bit of the truth,” Susan explained.

Zainal came forward, trying to undo the binds Susan was tied into.

“What the hell are you..?” Saiful yelled, but Amara came to help as well.

“Clearly she is not the killer,” Amara justified Zainal’s actions.

“Thanks,” Susan muttered and rubbed her aching wrist. The remaining cohort 4 knew Susan would hold some vengeance, that they had killed Harry but tried to shift the guilt away.

“The reason this place was called Pulau Momok, was because of this owner’s history. It was and is beautiful. When my family bought this place, we had renovations. The locals at the main land village did not approve of our venture, they told us all the stories that I just told you. Nevertheless, we bought it,” Susan said solemnly. Everyone was paying attention, and even Nazim stopped his chanting.

“Go on,” Nik said.

“When we had to renovate this place, we found disturbing things. There were burnt marks in the left wing, and had weakened the structure. We assume the burnt wife part was true,” Susan said.

They knew the story, but what can be “more to the story” than they already knew. Susan realized and went straight to the point.

“The basement, below this lounge had symbols painted at the walls and the floor. We tried to clean them but it did not work, so we just closed the basement for good. But the symbols looked creepy, and frightening. There were candles and animal bones, and bowls, and also....straw made dolls scattered on a table,” Susan explained and glanced at the dolls. Amara felt goosebumps and a terrified look was on her face.

 “What? What?” Saiful asked. Leen and Nurul let out a faint “Oh my God”.

“It’s an altar. For worshipping,” Nik said and sighed.

“Worship what?” Ah Sze asked. Everyone knew the answer but dared not to speak of it.

“Let’s just say the dark forces. We had no incidents whatsoever for years, before you came,” Susan said again, almost indirectly blaming the party as the cause of the whole incident. “But the local said the island was haunted, hence the name Pulau Momok. Some say the owner wanted to make a deal with....you know”. Susan did not finish her sentence but many had by now caught the train of thought Susan was trying to imply.

After a brief moment of silence, Amara started pacing around the lounge.

“Whatever that has been done, can be done by humans. If we’re dealing with supernatural forces, we should have been dead by now. Why the pauses? Why not just finish us off,” Amara asked the clueless party.

“Perhaps....it’s a ritual,” Ah Sze asked, suggesting another theory.

“Well, whatever it is, we have to investigate the basement. It’s too much of coincidences to ignore the similarities. First light tomorrow, we’ll take a look and hopefully solve this and get the hell out,” Nik said.

“What about Menn?” Nurul asked. Menn was forgotten for a brief moment. They knew what had become of Shafiq and Hua Chien, they had seen it with their eyes. However, Menn’s disappearance still begged the question whether he is still alive, or dead. Should they look for him, or should they just assume that he is dead.

Despite the fear, Nik suggested that they get some rest, and told the rest to get some sleep and that he with a few guys will stay awake to stand guard. They had not slept for a few nights and as Amara pointed out can cause paranoia and disorientation. If they wanted to survive, they had to be in at least a good shape. Sam distributed bottled water to all to keep them hydrated and they slept in circles.  

Tomorrow, hopefully the mysteries could be unveiled. (i.e: when the author have any clue to what to write)

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PS: Sorry no artwork for this one. :D

Chapter 11

Lightning struck and the lounge was bright for a moment, long enough for Wawa to see the dolls were nicely arranged on the reception table like it was before.  She screamed her lungs out, and triggered a hysteric cries from all. Everyone’s nightmare did not end. They scrambled to the door to run away from the mansion but another lightning struck in front of them, too near to be true. It was as if a force prevented them from leaving the mansion. All of them backed away, into the lounge but far away, they could see a staggering figure coming slowly their way.

“Its the killer!” Saiful yelled and ran behind his collegues.

“No...no...wait,” Julian said and gestured for everyone to stay calm, “He looks familiar,” Julian said and squinted his eyes.

“Shafiq?” Saiful asked.

“Shafiq!!! Run!! Run to us!!!” Ka Phi yelled, as previously they had seen the dolls arranged itselves. The killer is still here somewhere.

Despite the cries to rush, Shafiq did not move any faster. Perhaps, by estimation, he was about 100 metres from the mansion, slowly moving.

“Is...is he okay?” Wendy asked what everyone was thinking.

However, their worries were yet again increased when there is another figure in poncho behind holding what appears to be an axe. 

Shafiq’s head was decapitated in a blink of an eye, and it rolled down. The girls hysterically screamed and ran to huddle one another, and the men in the mansion turned as white as snow.

The killer, now visible to them, no longer a myth or ghostly; stood solid and in his hands were the axe dripping of blood. They had not noticed early, but he was holding a head in his left hand, and now moving to pick up Shafiq’s by the hair. Slowly, leaving the twitching body, the killer moved back into the woods.

After regaining control of their legs, all of them shut the doors and sat quiet in the lounge. They remained silent, as words were not able to describe what they had just witness.

“Another head,” Saiful said in between his sob.

“What do you mean?” Ah Sze asked, perhaps the calmest of all the hysterical girls.

“Besides Shafiq’s, there was another head. It's Hua Chien's,” Julian completed the statement.

They sat, unmoved for hours. Hours passed and eventually the cries and sobbing wears down.

“We have to figure this out. Who this killer is, and why,” Amara said, and stood up. “I will not let myself be sitting bloody ducks, waiting to be killed”.

“How are gonna you figure this?” Julian asked, willing to try anything.

“Look, remember the story Visha told us. The one with the man, killing his wife and all that. Do any of you guys see it?”

“See what?” Saiful asked.

“Okay, from what I remember, Visha said the owner drowned his wife, burnt his daughters, dismembered people, killed himself right?” Amara jogged everyone’s memory.

“Yes, Nad told us the story in the room,” Wendy said.

“Look, Visha died in the pool, Edmond was burnt by fire, and Nad....,” Amara said but stopped. Everyone was reminded of their fallen friends and the lounge was in stillness.

“There is more to the story,” Susan finally spoke. The shaky and timid voice broke the silence.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Previously on.....

“I can barely see anything!” Shafiq yelled to two of his companions as they walked along the road. They couldn’t reply as they were busy trying to walk under the heavy fire of water. Shafiq was leading, and the walks toward the jetty seemed like it took ages to complete. The road was almost similar to the ones used to climb up Genting Highlands, roads built around the hill. The destination was not that that far, but the only way down was to follow the road. 

Finally, as they stood at the cliff (as the mansion was on a hill), they could see the beach, and the jetty was surely nearby. Although far away, Shafiq knew they will reach their destination soon. Hopefully, there will be a ship passing through, or perhaps, a lookout booth equip with satellite telephones they could use. Those wishful thinking were harmless, Shafiq thought. At least there was hope of survival now that Harry was dead.  

Shafiq turned to his back to share his rejoice with his companions, but he saw no one. He was taken aback, wondering what had happened to Hua Chien and Menn. True, he was walking faster as compared to them, but surely not that fast that others were left behind.

Shafiq traced his steps, and he rely only his eyes to have a sense of his vague surroundings. The sound of droplets of water hitting against his plastic poncho and the occasional thunder made his hearing unreliable. As he walked further, he saw a figure lying on the ground, and traced red fluid from the body stream down by the rain water at his feet. He ran, knowing that it was one of his friends.

Shafiq knelt beside the fallen figure and pulled the plastic poncho that covered the face. Shafiq’s heart felt like it had stopped (urgh, I’m running out of phrases to describe the feeling of surprise =.=”) when he saw Hua Chien bleeding from the head. Closer inspection revealed that his left side of his head was hacked by something sharp. He could see brain matter on the road.

“It’s gonna be okay. I promise,” Shafiq tried to comfort his friend. He wasn’t sure what to do but he took out his bandana from his pocket and tried to stop the bleeding.

“MENN!” Shafiq yelled, again and again, but there was no answer. He was afraid, his instinct tells him to run, but he could never think of leaving Hua Chien.

“Hang in there. We’ll get help soon,” Shafiq lied. He could feel his chest contract and his pounding heart.

His dying friend tried to speak, but Shafiq could not make out any of the words Hua Chien was trying to say. Finally, Hua Chien was motionless. He was no longer mumbling and breathing. He was dead. (Lol)

 Shafiq was now unsure what had just happened, or even what to do. What had caused Hua Chien’s injury was mysterious. He scanned for sharp objects that may have perhaps been blown by the strong wind.

A fragment of a zink rooftops maybe – he thought. There were cases of zink rooftops blown and hitting a person. Shafiq was afraid to admit that the murderer is still at large and that they had murdered the wrong person, but the possibility is likely now that Menn is missing as well. Shivers ran down his spine as he realized that that was the only logical explanation. He ran into the forest, knowing that the road would make him a sitting duck. He ran towards the mansion, the only safe place where his friends were. He ran and ran and ran, looking back once in a while to make sure no one is following him. Running makes a lot of noise, but in this condition, the murderer couldn’t hear him.

Shafiq continued running and when he was looking back again, he bumped into something and fell to the ground. Quickly he stood up and saw a face he recognized. He would have rejoiced but a knife was sticking out of his at the side of his abdomen. His adrenaline initially masked the pain but finally it sink in as he tried to stand up.

Shafiq pulled the knife out and dropped it onto the grass. It was a small kitchen knife, but sharp nevertheless. Shafiq backed away but the person he bumped into came closer and drive another knife into Shafiq, slitting his stomach and pushed him down. The cut was not deep enough for a quick death.

Shafiq was horrified and knew the assailant would deliver the final blow. He closed his eyes and accepted his fate and uttered holy chants that could at least sooth him of his fear. When it took too long, Shafiq opened his eyes and saw the assailant was moving away from him, walking deeper into the forest, away from the road.

It was confusing, but now was the chance to leave. He was bleeding and Shafiq held his wound with his hand. He will walk back to the mansion, even if it will take him some time. He was already feeling weak in his knees. 

Slowly, he walked up the hill, hoping that he would make it in time to tell his friends of the revelation. He knew who the murderer was. He must warn his friends. Shafiq knows that his life will end on the island, as he could feel his intestines in his hands. Blood flowed endlessly. 

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Okay, 7am da. Time for bed. :D Sorry for the late post, I wasn't in the writing mood, and didn't have any ideas. I was just making the story up as I go along. Lol. 

Chapter 9

The lounge was lit by candles as electricity never returned. It was cold, and they lit the fire place for warmth and light. The wind could be heard, violently trashing the branches and trees against the door. The winds sounded like a giant whistling every now and then, sometimes making a shrill. The drops of rain also deafened their ears.

“Where are they?” Ka Phin asked, referring to the 3 boys who went into the storm.

“Maybe they got caught up. It’s difficult to see,” Julian explained and he took a peek at the window. All the assumptions, trying to rationalize everything has made all anxious and annoyed at the same time.

The clock chimed again and a crashing sound came after it stunned all. It was Wendy, throwing one of the logs onto the huge clock.

“I can’t stand the sound of it,” Wendy explained, and returned to her place.

For a moment, Julian had taken his eyes off the tower and return to look at it after. What he discovered was the light was travelling slowly to each floor, as if someone is walking down the stairs with candle fire.

“GUYS!” Julian yelled.

“What? Are they here?” asked the rest and came next to Julian who pointed at the water tower.

Those who saw had shivers ran down their spine.

“Someone is here!” Saiful cried and started to panic.

“May...maybe its them,” Julian explained.

“It can’t be, they would have come here. Why would they go to the tower?” people started questioning.

Lightning struck and the lounge was bright for a moment, long enough for Wawa to see the dolls were nicely arranged on the reception table like it was before.  She screamed her lungs out, and triggered a hysteric cries from all. Everyone’s nightmare did not end. They scrambled to the door to run away from the mansion but another lightning struck in front of them, too near to be true. It was as if a force prevented them from leaving the mansion. All of them backed away, into the lounge but far away, they could see a staggering figure coming slowly their way.

“Its the killer!” Saiful yelled and ran behind his collegues.

“No...no...wait,” Julian said and gestured for everyone to stay calm, “He looks familiar,” Julian said and squinted his eyes. 

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Dawn came upon them hours ago, but the skies were dark and the sun was hidden behind the heavy clouds which bears rain. The storm did not subside since yesterday, and they were anxious for the delivery boy to come and bring them to civilization.

“Can he come in this weather?” Wendy asked as she walked towards Hua Chien and Steve. Both boys were staring at the outside compound while resting their shoulders at the hinge of the main door. A lightning struck followed by monstrous thunder urge the three to close the door and join the others. They were sitting in circles, hugging and whispering among each other.

“Can we leave now?” Saiful asked, irritated and impatient to leave the mansion.

“Why don’t all of us just go to the jetty?” Wendy suggested and continued her reasoning, “it’s better than just staying here.”

“In this weather?” Sam asked.

“Well yeah, or would you rather stay here?!” Wendy clearly agitated by the situation started to snarl at those around her. It was an understandable response, many were like her.

After much discussion, they decided to leave the mansion. Hua Chien volunteered to start the engine while others got their things ready without checking the remains of the fallen friends. No one had dared to even take a peek. But their plan did not took place. Hua Chien came in with a horrified face, to which many were curious of.

“What?” Nik asked.

“The tires....it was slashed. We’re stuck here,” Hua Chien reported. “Harry must have done it last night!” Hua Chien kicked the flower pot and it broke into pieces. Everyone was dead silenced.

“Why don’t some of us walk to the jetty, for help? We promise you, we will bring help. Harry is dead. You guys are safe, so just sit tight,” Shafiq suggested and asked for volunteers to follow him through the storm. Hopefully a ship may come and call for help. It probably isn’t the best idea in the world, but they were desperate.

Shafiq, Hua Chien and Menn got ready to move through the storm. There were only 3 poncos available.

“If you guys can’t find anything, please come back before night fall. Walking distance could take hours and you don’t want to get stuck in the dark. We can’t afford to lose more,” Ka Phin said and the three men nodded in agreement.

Off they went into the rain and most that remained in the house watched till they disappeared from sight. Sighing, and praying, the group sat in circle whilst Susan tied and seated against the reception table. The clock chimed every now and then but when the sun seemed to retire, they were worried. Their friends did not return.

“Where are they?” Saiful asked.

“Maybe they're are lost or something,” Sam responded.