The Slash Of Truth: The Whispers From Under The Bed

134#

12:37pm.

The Fruit Family Household.

Dear Diary.

It’s been a few hours since my awaking after the fight with the demon called Shasha. I was outplayed, beaten and almost killed for my stupidity. What was I doing running at him like a headless chicken? I owe my life to the detective, she saved my life when she could have easily run away. I owe her more than a drink or two when this is all over. It’s the least I can do.

I have learnt new things about Shasha thanks to the ghost from under my bed, giving me enough knowledge to see through the curse for what it actually is. A demon, ripping fear out of one's soul and devouring it to quench its hunger. It makes me sick what Shasha has done to Cherry, I can only hope she is okay as she is on the run.

I’m trying everything I can to find this secret passageway. I’ve looked everywhere in this library for some sort of blatant symbolism or sign in the right direction to this secret entrance that leads down to my daughter's location but, I’ve come out empty-handed again. Am I doing something wrong? Am I looking in the wrong place? No, the boy told me to search where I first met Shasha, this has to be the place. Am I overlooking something? I can’t be, unless, the ghost meant the time I hallucinated being stabbed by Shasha. No way, it was just a hallucination. Right?

There is no way the boy could have known. Yet again, the boy in the hallucination looked the exact same as the boy in the library, and the description of Shasha in the hallucination was perfect to a tee. Could it have been a hallucination? If not, what happened that night? Why am I still alive? Was it some sort of vision into the future? No, the ghost from under the bed told me to solve the riddles that I and Helly have already done. A nightmare? Is it possible for the ghost of the boy and Shasha to invade my dreams? No, that's not it either. The footage from the cameras I placed around the mansion was the same when I was dreaming/hallucinating as when I woke up in the morning.

Either way, it doesn’t matter how I’m still alive or what happened that night. I think it’s time to have a look around Cherry’s room for the last time.

The silence was deafening as the mild sound of water leaking and steam spraying from the many pipes that lead across the ceiling and walls of this never-ending tunnel. Where was she? How did she get here? How can she get out of here were a few of many mediocre questions that crossed her mind with every aimless turn she made, making a choice to pick a path when there is more than one.

She has seen many disturbing sights on her walk, feeling blood mixed with the smooth, gridded ground, hearing voices of children all around her and seeing the grime that once was a small, living being. This place was a graveyard for the unfortunate. How many kids and teens has this monster slaughtered, butchered, maimed? It’s like he has no soul.

She came across another familiar double door, doors that are frequent in this hell hole. She entered without hesitation, getting more and more confident with each turn or door she came across but, she regretted entering through this door. Hundreds of hooked chains hung from the ceiling, rotten flesh of many bodies impaled by the hook, dangling meat that once was a child. Skins were carved off, and many missing limbs were marked by the crimson ointment that covered the floor. That smell – that god-awful smell made Cherry gag, the smell of death too much for the little, lost girl.

The stainless steel tables lay waiting to the side and centre of the room, waiting to be used for the sick mind of a man, blood dried up and unmoving as it sits soundly. The instruments of the madman’s craft laid still, the shallow blood of their last sufferer fresh on the mind of each and every tool, chain and furniture in this suffocating room.

The flickering lights taunted Cherry as she stepped in, shuddering as she looked over every cadaver with pity. This could be her, a dangling ornament for the next boy or girl to see. Cherry paled from just the thought of it.

“What would have to happen to a man to make him do all this?” Cherry spoke to herself as fog left her mouth, the blistering silence intolerable to Cherry.

“Who you refer to is no man… But a demon~.” A cold, calculating voice said behind her, a voice that she wasn’t familiar with. She turned on the spot and she was surprised to see a new face. His skin was moulded tremendously, and his right eye was gone, only leaving his bloodshot red eye looking back at her. Scars painted his body, the ugly picture ending as the cut and burnt clothes covered up the rest of his deep scars.

“A-a demon?” Cherry shuddered, the appearance of this boy making the temperature of the room refrigerate. The boy nodded and slowly walked carefully over to Cherry.

“Yes… A demon… I don’t know much… I don’t remember everything about my past but... I’m trying to guide your father in the right direction… He’s been looking for you~.” The hollow boy said, standing in front of her and being a few inches short. Her dad… Arctic does he mean? She was mildly surprised to hear that her dad is looking for her from the lips of a ghost. Is this boy and Arctic working together? Does Dad know where she is? How to get to her?

“Is he close to finding me? How is he? How is Mum doing? Is she okay?” Cherry inquired, her face distorting as fresh tears hung at the side of her eyes, threatening to spill at any moment. As much as she hated to admit it to herself, she wished that her dad was here.

“They are fine… You just need to keep moving until your dad finds you~.” The boy said turning and looking over to the table that held the tools. His complexion had a frown dawn on his face for a moment until he shook himself with determination. Looking back with a flicker of fire in his eye, he pointed at the murderous tools. “I know what I’m going to say is going to sound crazy but… You must be prepared to fight... Once you are caught… There is nowhere you can run…”

“Fight… No, there is no way I can fight, I’m just a girl.” Cherry said in shock, looking over the madman’s toys.

“It’s rather you fight and die or… You just… Die… There is nothing more you can do~.” He said with pity, seeing her shivering form fall onto her knees with dread as she wrapped herself in her freezing arms. She wished she was back home in the Coalstone Village where life was simple and friends were all around her. She wished Mom was here, giving her all the warmth a hug could give. She wished her dad was here in her time of need, to tell her everything was okay, to get her out of this hell hole.

“I know it’s hard… I’ve been where you were... I've cried the same tears you have... I know this loneliness you are feeling… I know… So trust me when I say you’ll regret running… You’ll regret not fighting when you get the chance... Please… Trust me with this~.” The ghost pleaded, a flash of seeing his mom and sister hanging from a rope as the world around him was blazing, smouldered by the black cloud. He has seen it countless times, he remembers every kid’s face that the demon took down, playing at their soul, driving them into despair. He hated it, he doesn’t want it to happen again, not again. “You have to fight… No matter what~.”

Cherry watched as a little blood-stain tear rolled down the cheek, an act the boy hasn’t done in centuries. “You have to live… You have to survive… I don’t want to see another person die… Not again~.” He whimpered, his face down in shame as he rubbed away the blood spilling from his face.

Cherry was stunned to see a ghost cry in front of her, her heart breaking at the lost essence of a boy that has seen the ins and outs of this evil. She went to through herself at the weeping boy but, all she could feel is the freezing air around him as her arms fazed right through him. She felt terrible for this boy. How long has he been here as a hopeless soul? How long has he watched children his age die in front of his eye? How long has this been going on?

There is no time to be afraid… There is no time to be pathetic… to be a coward… to be a pushover… This is your last chance… Don’t fuck it up or you will end up like us~…

Slowly, she made her way to her feet, her mind clear, more clear than it has been for days. She understood what they meant, the regret of running, the regret of not facing him with courage despite the certainty of death. She is afraid without a doubt but, she mustn’t run, she knew what she had to do.

“Thanks… I understand what you mean.” Cherry said, walking over to the table of sharp tools, and moving the frozen bodies out of her way. “Fighting is all I have left, I can’t hide or run in this marathon, I'll simply lose. That’s why I have to stand my ground and fight.” Cherry saw a weapon that caught her eye, a simple hatchet that was as long as her forearm, she picked it up and inspected it. “But… I can’t do this alone. Will—will you help me?” She asked, turning to see the boy's wide eyes. She is so calm, so still as her features softened. She had this aura about her that the little fantom hasn’t seen in a very long time. How did she find this sudden confidence? Is she not scared? No, she is but, is this because she is backed into a corner? Even so, there is much more he could see within them eyes.

Arctic entered the dishevelled Cherry’s room, looking around at all the damage that was made. Nothing has moved, everything was at a standstill from the last time Arctic was in the room. He honestly didn’t know what he was looking for or what he was doing here. He was told to come here, to the place where he first met Shasha. He’s here now so… Now what? Arctic knew he was supposed to find some sort of clue but, this room was smaller than the rest of the rooms oddly enough. All it had was a bed, a desk, a bookshelf, a window and a door, a simple room. A quiet room. A room that is far away from the rest. That’s odd. Arctic never really thought about the location of the room.

What was this room before Arctic’s time anyway? A closet? A study area? A bedroom? No, it couldn’t be a bedroom… That wouldn’t make sense. The mansion should have 4 bedrooms originally, the master bedroom that he and Helly are staying in was originally Tangerines and Zorku’s, the bedroom Clutch and Dime sleep in was meant for Zoro, the bedroom Fenton was in was for Strawberry and the detectives were sleeping in Sunny’s bedroom. That’s all the bedrooms for the Fruit Family… So what’s this room? It’s so random, so out of place, it’s practically the elephant in this mansion. Why hadn’t he seen this before? How odd.

Arctic’s train of thought was interrupted as he heard running coming from outside the room, multiple by the many steps that creaked the floorboards. It sounded like everyone was in a hurry for whatever reason. Arctic popped his head outside, just in time to see Sweetpea run passed.

“Hey! What’s going on?” Arctic shouted, making Sweetpea stop in her tracks, looking over her shoulder.

“We know who took your daughter, it’s Fenton!” Sweetpea shouted back, making his eyes widen slightly. That’s right, they don’t know that Fenton is being controlled by Shasha. Arctic cursed, they have to know the truth. Without a word, Arctic waved Sweetpea over, heading back inside. Sweetpea knew she should stay focused on finding Fenton but… God damn it, he knows how to peak her curiosity. She walked over to the room Arctic was in and entered to see a shuffling Arctic, a diary, a folded note and a book in hand.

“Okay, what the hell is going on?” Sweetpea murmured, crossing her arms.

“Do you remember the time we were attacked by that man?” Arctic said, making Sweetpea deadpan.

“That was a day ago, it’s still fresh on my mind.” The detective rolled her eyes. “What about him?”

“It wasn’t Fenton.” He said bluntly, making her brows raise at the bold claim.

“And you know this how…?” Sweetpea said with scepticism but, interest in his answer to this. He was confident with his words.

“I mean… It was Fenton but, it isn’t his fault. He’s being manipulated by…” Arctic tutted in frustration. How can he explain to someone that a supernatural being has taken over the body of Fenton? The book… Placing the note on the desk, he flipped the book to the last page. “I know it’s going to sound crazy but… A demon has taken control of Fenton.” Arctic said, passing the book over to Sweetpea with urgency, standing silently as he waited for her reply. She didn’t answer at first, Arctic could see the detective’s eyes scan through the words, squinting as her eyes slowly elevated down the page. It was clear that she was doubting the claims of a demon taking control of Fenton but, her silence made it clear that she was open-minded about this suggestion. It wasn’t the weirdest thing she has heard after all.

“In the library, before we were attacked. Do you remember when I could see something that you couldn’t… Truth is, I saw a ghost. He gave me this book, he showed me where to look and what to do. I know what I’m saying is nuts but, it’s the truth.” Arctic said with desperation, hoping that she was understanding.

“Okay… Let’s just say your right. Fenton was taken over by a demon, how do we stop him? Are you and your ghost friends going to stop him? Are you going to cast a spell on the demon to cast it away? Play a little melody?” Sweetpea murmured. Arctic frowned, she wasn’t taking this seriously at all. That’s fine, all he needed was her help, he didn’t need her to understand anything. He could handle Shasha by himself.

“Forget it… it was a far-fetched theory and maybe I’m losing it a bit.” Arctic muttered, sounding like he was in pain as he sighed, rubbing his face.

“I understand, Arctic. Anxiety and stress can play with you mentally, making you believe stuff that sounds ridiculous to others but, making perfect sense to you at the time. It happens and it’s hard to realise at the time so, take it easy, would you.” Sweetpea said reassuringly, placing her hand on his shoulder. Arctic must admit the gesture was comforting but, what she said is false. It has to be the demon’s doing. After everything has gone through these past days, it couldn’t be all chalked down to my stress… Right? Right?

“Anyway, what are you doing in here? You do know this room is still a crime scene, right?” Sweetpea asked, making Arctic rub the back of his head.

“ah, well… I thought I would check out the room for myself, see if I can see something you and Detective Shepard can’t considering you and everyone else can’t see the door to the library. Maybe there is illusion magic somewhere.” Arctic suggested, looking around the room for any obvious illusions.

“Maybe… I guess it’s worth a shot but, make it quick. I’m supposed to be with Shepard.”

With that, Sweetpea and Arctic rummaged the room vicariously, trying to find that one thing that was off. Arctic did find something but, it was nothing special, just a 10-dollar bill with the corner ripped off underneath a loose floorboard. Even stranger, this bill was out of date. Wait a minute… This bill was out of date even before Tangerine’s time. Pawn shops would pay good money for this. Why is it underneath a floorboard? Knowing Tangerine, that probably means something, maybe a symbolism that he wasn’t getting.

“Hey, what you got there?” Sweetpea asked, looking over the shoulder of the crouched Arctic. When she saw the bill, her eyes widened. “Holy shit! Do you know what that is? That’s a John Bailey 10-dollar bill! Money before magic! People would kill to get stuff like that!” Sweetpea exclaimed, feeling her heart skip a beat from the beautiful sight. The urge to snatch it and run was great but, she quickly remembered that she was a detective of the law.

“I know but, why is it here? 10-dollars… 10-dollars… Wait a minute…” Arctic said, a stroke of genius crossing his mind. He picked up the note of riddles and scanned down to see the correct riddle.

$9.54…

$10.00…

Could they be related in a way? Wait… The corner of the bill, it’s ripped off. This is it, this 10-dollar bill is $9.54, the ripped-off corner just being a metaphor for taking away money. This is the place Arctic is meant to be.

Bookkeeper… Well, there is a bookshelf in the room.

Silence… This place must have been a study area for Tangerine maybe? Is that why this room is furthest away from the rest? So there would be very little sound? That would make sense.

O… Little bit shady but, it has to make sense in the future.

Education… Other than school, there is no better place to educate yourself than in a quiet room all to yourself.

Clock… Oh, look, a clock.

$9.54… He had just found that.

6… Not sure what that means just yet but, he was sure it will come to him.

“These pictures are something else, I’ll give the artist that.” Sweetpea whistled in admiration, looking at the framed art on the walls. Arctic raised a brow, what is so artistic about letters… Wait a minute…

“Detective, what art do you see?” Arctic asked warily, checking something before mindlessly assuming.

“Huh? You mean you can’t see the old presidents of Equestria?” Sweetpea asked, befuddled by that question. Arctic smiled at that answer. So it’s true, he’s the only one that can see through Tangerine’s illusion magic. Why though? The only thing that Arctic and Tangerine have in common is that they are both archaeologists and Arctic is in his bloodline. Bloodline… could that really be enough to see through his mastered magic? No… not magic. If it was magic, the illusions would have died along with Tangerine. Without a word, Arctic pulled down the framed picture and flipped it around and sure enough, Arctic saw what he was expecting. A magic circle was marked on the back, a fingerprint of blood in the middle.

Tangerine… You never cease to amaze me…

“It’s a magic circle based on illusion. I knew these couldn’t be just art.” Arctic said with a genuine chuckle.

“Wait, are you saying that this is also an illusion? If that’s the case, what do you see?” Sweetpea asked.

“Letters… Letters on all 9 of these pictures on the walls.” Arctic said, looking around at all the pictures with letters in them. “And two of them have 2 O’s… just like ‘O’ in the riddle.”

“What are the letters?” Sweetpea quickly said, pulling out her notebook and pen.

“O,K,E,O,S,B,F,H,L. It’s just a jumble of letters.” Arctic said, starting from left to right as he said each letter with awe, Sweetpea keeping pace as she jotted each letter down.

“Looks like we have to make a word out of it.” She said as she sighed. “I think I would rather go back to playing crosswords.”

Arctic didn’t respond to her whining. He stood there, in the middle of the room, his beady eye looking at all the pictures as his mouth moved slightly, wordlessly speaking to himself in thought. Arctic knew the word had to be relevant to something in this room, it wouldn't make sense otherwise. It’s an easy word to figure out only because he knew what to look for. The word had 2 O’s in the word, narrowing the word down significantly. Look? Hook? Book? That’s it, book, that has to be the first bit of the word. Now it’s just E, S, F, H, L. Thanks to the first part of the word being book, Arctic smiled as the answer was now clear as day.

“Bookshelf.” Arctic said with victory, turning his head towards the adjusted, large bookshelf.

“Huh?” Sweetpea said, raising a brow at the out-of-context word.

“That’s the answer – bookshelf, which means that there is something we are overlooking about this bookshelf. What is it?” As Arctic was analysing the rows among rows of books, Sweetpea snapped her head back down to her book with the written letters. Putting the letters together, she was astonished that he was right. How did he get that so quickly? Truthfully, she shouldn’t be surprised. Arctic is a genius in his own right, he doesn’t have to put effort into puzzles like this. His intelligence far surpasses her own in a way that made his knowledge limitless. With his daughter missing, she shouldn’t be doubting this guy at all, he knows what he’s doing. So, without question, she followed his lead and started to search.

“Look for the number 6, it has to be on this bookshelf somewhere.” Arctic muttered with frustration, the number driving him crazy. The number 6 was the last thing on the list of riddles, it has to be here.

“I found a 6.” Sweetpea said, looking at the spine of a book. Arctic instantly popped on over with interest, excitement more than anything appearing on his smile. When he looked over, sure enough, a book that was three layers over their heads had a dirty, golden 6 circled on the spine of the book. That was it, that last piece of the puzzle. What was going to happen now? Is he going to try and pull the book out just for a secret door to open up behind the bookshelf? No, there was nothing behind the bookshelf, he and Sweetpea made sure of that. Is there something inside the book that will lead him to Cherry? Possibly. There is only one way to find out.

Before Arctic did take the book in his hand, he cleared around the book, seeing if there was any type of contraption behind the book, looking for any magical circles marked on each side of the book. Once he was satisfied, he looked over to the detective as she wore an unsure look. Arctic was unsure himself. What will he find? The note says this will lead him to Tangerine’s dark secrets, and that dark secret must be Shasha. Without any time to waste, Arctic knew what he had to do as he took hold of the book and pulled it out.

Arctic’s heart dropped as the gravitation of the situation hit him in an instant. His body suddenly felt so light as the floor shifted from under his feet, Arctic didn’t react in time as gravity took hold of him as he fell into the secret entrance where Shasha lurks.