Ayamani's spectral assistance in the kitchen continued as Tassa and he worked together to prepare dinner. Meanwhile, upstairs, Nia'le found solace in the cascading water of his bath, a respite from the tumultuous events that had unfolded over the past three years. Leaning against the bathroom wall, he pondered the memories that haunted him, especially that of a girl who had once been by his side but had vanished without a trace. Frustration built within him, manifesting in a forceful punch against the unforgiving wall as he silently vowed to find her.
Downstairs, the echo of Nia'le's anger reached Tassa's ears. Concern etched her features, prompting her to question Ayamani about Nia'le's well-being. Unmoved, Ayamani responded callously, expressing indifference to whether Nia'le was alive or dead. The dissonance between the ethereal and the mortal lingered, creating an atmosphere of unresolved tension.
Tasked with reaching a distant cabbage on the top cabinet's third layer, Ayamani effortlessly assisted Tassa, handing her a knife and aiding in the preparation of the meal. As the scent of vegetables filled the air, a cold gaze from Tassa interrupted Ayamani's spectral routine. Puzzled, he inquired about the source of her disquiet, but instead of providing an answer, she abruptly left the kitchen.
Driven by concern, Tassa ascended the staircase, determined to check on Nia'le's well-being. However, Ayamani intercepted her, dismissing the need for worry. Tassa gently removed his hand from her wrist and declared, "I'm going to check on him, make sure he's okay. Meanwhile, you stay here and continue preparing our dinner."
"Your dinner. I will not cook for this stranger, whom I don't even like," Ayamani protested, his spectral frustration palpable.
Tassa, however, was unyielding. "Ayamani, what is wrong with you?"
"I'll tell you what's wrong. I can't cook. And will you stop acting like Maria Teresa, Quart!" Ayamani retorted, biting his lip. The mention of a name only Ixartxist and Suman had used seemed to catch Tassa off guard.
She descended the staircase, facing Ayamani with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "Quart? Did you just call me Quart, Ayamani? How did you—"
"He's alright," Ayamani interrupted, abruptly walking away and leaving Tassa standing there, bewildered. "I know I'm nosey, and you hate it. But Ayamani, what exactly are you, and how did you know that name?" she called after him.
"You know, I'm a Grim Reaper, Tassa. And I know you, I know everything," he declared, his words hanging heavy in the air.
Unbeknownst to Ayamani, Nia'le had finished his bath and made his way to the mezzanine. As he approached, he noticed Tassa engaged in conversation with an invisible entity. Though he couldn't see Ayamani, Nia'le could sense his presence, a peculiar sensation that sent a shiver down his spine.
Curiosity piqued, Nia'le interrupted their exchange, asking Tassa if she had finished her task. Looking up, Tassa admitted that she had only managed to wash and slice the cabbage. Nia'le smiled warmly at her, urging her to complete her duties before engaging further with the enigmatic presence. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he turned away, preparing to dress like an ordinary mortal.
"Don't take too long, ya hear me. If I call you when supper is ready and you're not here, you won't take a single bite," Tassa warned, placing her hand on her waist. Nia'le rolled his eyes in response, choosing not to dignify her threat with a reply.
Nia'le stepped out onto the balcony, his claim of needing to dress merely a ruse. As he gazed up at the sky, he was captivated by the beauty of the stars twinkling above the billowing clouds. The serene scene offered a momentary respite from the tumultuous events that had unfolded.
Lost in his thoughts, Nia'le couldn't help but ponder Tassa's behavior. "Why was she acting like my mother?" he murmured, his voice barely audible. Leaning against the balcony railing, he looked up at the vast expanse above, sighing deeply as he closed his eyes.
In his mind, fragments of memories resurfaced, like scattered puzzle pieces waiting to be assembled. "Ran left, and I'll go right," he recalled saying to the girl, a pang of longing tugging at his heart. "Where are you? Where?" Nia'le whispered, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and hope.
Turning away from the night sky, Nia'le's gaze fell upon the dark forest where he and Yellaine had once sought refuge. The memories of their escape were still vivid, etched deeply into his mind. Resting his head on the palm of his hand, he contemplated the nature of human existence.
"Living underground is safer than living with those foolish people," Nia'le mused, a touch of bitterness coloring his words. "They will only understand 8% of your story. 90% is for their doubt, and 2% is only for the part that they believe in you. How pitiful."
In the depths of his solitude, Nia'le grappled with the complexities of trust, the fragility of human connections, and the longing for understanding. The world around him seemed both familiar and foreign, a tapestry of emotions and experiences waiting to be woven together in the chapters of his life yet to be written.
The aroma of Tassa's culinary creation filled the air as she carefully set the table, placing two plates and a cup on each. With a sense of accomplishment, she turned to Ayamani, seeking approval for her efforts. His silent nod served as tacit approval, and she took it as a cue to proceed.
Eager to share the meal, Tassa enlisted Ayamani's help to call Nia'le upstairs. However, their attempts went unheard, prompting Tassa to venture towards Nia'le's room. Before she could take another step, Ayamani intervened, guiding her attention to the peculiar engravings on the door and stairs. A feeling of familiarity washed over Tassa, but she brushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Ignoring the strange sensations, she continued towards the balcony where Nia'le was lost in contemplation. Intrigued, Tassa questioned, "Daydreamin, reverie, what is it about?"
Nia'le turned to face her, his grip gentle as he took her arm to help her down the stairs. A fleeting glimpse of vulnerability crossed his features before he shook his head. "It's about—nevermind, let's go," he said, steering the conversation away from his thoughts. Tassa and Nia'le continued their walk, though Nia'le's guidance left Tassa feeling uneasy compared to Ayamani's assistance. Tentatively extending her hands to navigate, Tassa accidentally brushed against a vase in the corner, prompting her to halt. Concerned, Nia'le inquired about her well-being, and she assured him by placing the vase carefully on the table.
As she examined the vase, Tassa sought confirmation from Nia'le. "This vase is color pitch with three pink lines on it, right?" His silence spoke volumes, and she continued her observations. "Wait, don't tell me that there's also a vase on the next side. No, actually, there's a vase on every side of this mansion. And in a certain room, there's a magic tulip that never dies."
Her realization seemed to unravel a thread of emotions within her, and she clenched her hands, tears streaming down her face. "Tell me. The carvings on the door were stars, and so are the ones on the stairs. Three stars on each. Three constant stars, at least that's what he called it. Am I right?"
Nia'le acknowledged the accuracy of Tassa's observations, a silent confirmation passing between them. Despite his inner knowledge, he chose to respond, "There are vases in every corner. The carvings were stars, three stars. But I'm not sure about the magic tulips. But how did you know that?"
Tassa turned to face him, a smile playing on her lips even as tears continued to flow. "It's our old home, sweet sir. I used to live here, with my two friends." A sudden realization struck her, and she hesitated before adding, "So, the magic was to teleport us. I used to live in the United Kingdom, and this mansion is in the United Kingdom. But I had escaped in the hospital of New York in America. We had traveled in the UK, as we passed that magic boundary that was covering the whole place."
Nia'le, intrigued by the unfolding revelation, sought clarification. "So right now, we are in the UK?"
Tassa nodded in affirmation.
"But where in the UK?"
"Wale," she answered.
Meanwhile, Inside the bustling police office, a figure named Ixartxist, pretended to be a detective. He also assumed the role of the head police, concealing his true identity. Ixartxist, act that he'd received distressing news about the elusive fugitive, Nia'le Tobletone. The room filled with an air of tension as Ixartxist demanded answers from his subordinates.
"Sir, we couldn't find Nia'le Tobletone," one of the officers confessed, a tinge of defeat in their voice.
"How could you lose him?" Ixartxist's voice resonated with frustration, his disappointment palpable.
The officer, feeling the weight of their failure, explained, "Suddenly, at that event, all the officers had paused, and we didn't even know why or how it happened."
Ixartxist, struggling to contain his anger, crumpled the paper on his desk, dismissing the officer and requesting privacy. Alone in his office, he delved into Nia'le's file, uncovering a chilling history of violence. The confirmed count of 48 murders, including the killing of his own parents, sent shivers down Ixartxist's spine.
However, the true horror lay hidden beneath the rubble of Tobletone's mansion. The officer's report revealed a catastrophic event that resulted in the collapse of the grand estate, claiming the lives of over 300 people. Shockingly, only 48 bodies had been recovered, their identities known and acknowledged. The remaining victims, tragically forgotten, lay entombed beneath the weight of the mansion's ruins.
The abandoned estate, now a haunting symbol of the past, became known as Tobletone's Mansion and Grave. Its once opulent halls and sprawling grounds now stood as a somber reminder of the unspeakable acts committed within its walls.
As Grayson delved deeper into the investigation, he was plagued by unanswered questions. Why were these additional victims disregarded? Who were they, and what stories did their untold fates hold? Determined to uncover the truth, Grayson vowed to shed light on the enigma surrounding Tobletone's Mansion and Grave.
In the quaint surroundings of Tassa's old home in the UK, a tense alliance unfolded between the notorious criminal, Nia'le Tobletone, and his unexpected hostage, Tassa. As they shared a meal, the air was thick with an unspoken understanding that neither could escape the peculiar circumstances that bound them together.
Nia'le, silently observing Tassa's every move, couldn't help but acknowledge her remarkable skills in navigating her surroundings. Her ability to effortlessly locate essential items, from water to bread and cutlery, did not go unnoticed. Intrigued by her resourcefulness, Nia'le found himself in a contemplative silence.
Ayamani, a silent accomplice in their peculiar situation, sensed the tension and decided to play a mischievous role. Deliberately nudging a glass of water, Ayamani disrupted the quiet meal, causing it to spill onto Nia'le's pants. Tassa's cold gaze pierced through the room, expressing her disdain for Nia'le's apparent lack of manners.
In response to Tassa's reproach, Nia'le rolled his eyes, a rebellious gesture that hinted at his defiance. Swiftly picking up the fallen glass and placing it back on the table, he retorted, "It's not my fault—whatever." Unbeknownst to Tassa, Nia'le couldn't shake the realization that he had yet to learn her name.
An awkward silence lingered as Nia'le, now slightly embarrassed, tapped his fingers on the table.
"Hey you, insignificant girl. Mind if I know your real name?" Nia'le questioned, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
Tassa paused her meal, considering his request. "Well, if I tell you my name, will you stop calling me that?" she responded, hoping for a change in Nia'le's demeanor.
Nia'le, unyielding, replied, "Probably not."
With a hint of resignation, Tassa revealed her name, "Tassa."
Nia'le, seemingly unfazed, continued their conversation, delving into the mystery of Tassa's culinary skills despite her blindness. He questioned whether Ayamani, the enigmatic presence guiding them, played a role in her cooking abilities.
Tassa clarified, "Ayamani? No, he just guides me. You see, there are many painters who have overcome physical limitations to excel in their craft. Take Beethoven, for example."
Nia'le, seizing on the apparent mix-up, questioned Tassa's statement about Beethoven's change in career and loss of limbs. Tassa quickly corrected herself, explaining that Beethoven was a deaf pianist, not a painter.
Nia'le, armed with historical knowledge, interjected, "Ludwig Van Beethoven was not born deaf; he gradually lost his hearing over a period of twenty years, starting from 1798 when he was 27 years old."
Tassa, undeterred, added, "And he experienced complete deafness in his 40s."
Nia'le, invoking the "Maxim of relation," mumbled in acknowledgment. Tassa, feeling a sense of frustration, protested, "I know! But my point is that disability doesn't have to hinder one's ability to pursue their dreams."
Nia'le's demeanor shifted as he gazed at Tassa, responding to her idealistic view of the world with a stark dose of reality. "How can you imagine the world? A wonderful, colorful, and full of peace. Well, hate to break it to you, but it's not like that. The world you're living in right now is a place full of disaster," he declared, his tone heavy with cynicism.
Tassa, undeterred, bowed her head and countered, "I never imagined a world that I'm living in right now could be a wonderful place. I never believed that some people living in this world aren't cruel. They are all judgmental; one look, and they have a thousand points of view about you."
As Tassa raised her head, a sudden revelation struck her – the presence of another Grim Reaper behind Nia'le. A sense of unease crept over them, and Nia'le, too, sensed the heavy presence beside them. Tassa searched for Ayamani, the guiding force in her life, but he seemed to be absent. Calls for him went unanswered.
Unbeknownst to Tassa, Ayamani had been summoned by Ixartxist, who conveyed additional information about Nia'le. As Ixartxist revealed his intentions to Ayamani, the Grim Reaper listened attentively, aware of the weight of the task at hand. Ixartxist made it clear that he had sent someone else, someone more capable than Ayamani, to deal with Nia'le. Ayamani understood the reasoning behind this decision, acknowledging that Tassa's attachment to Nia'le would prevent him from taking any action against him.
Ixartxist's gaze turned baleful as he glanced at Ayamani from the corner of his eyes. He acknowledged Ayamani's loyalty to Tassa, recognizing that it outweighed his own. He instructed Ayamani to let this other entity handle the task, while he entrusted Ayamani with the responsibility of caring for his Quart for another two years.
Ayamani, accepting his role, replied simply, "I understood." The weight of his duty settled upon him as he prepared to fulfill his obligations, torn between his loyalty to Tassa and the demands placed upon him by Ixartxist.
In a moment of desperation, Tassa witnessed the Grim Reaper poised to claim Nia'le's soul. Reacting swiftly, she rushed towards them, forcefully pushing the Grim Reaper's hand away and grasping Nia'le's hand instead. However, the situation quickly escalated as the surroundings transformed, and eerie creatures emerged, intent on seizing Nia'le's soul.
Despite Tassa's efforts, she was unable to prevent the creatures from succeeding in their task, and they successfully took hold of Nia'le's soul. Determined not to let it escape, Tassa employed her magical abilities to ensnare the Grim Reaper and herself within a powerful spell. With another incantation, she sought to retrieve Nia'le's soul from the clutches of the Grim Reaper.
In the dark and eerie realm they found themselves in, Tassa sat on her feet, cradling Nia'le's head in her lap. Desperate to awaken him, she gently shook him, but his eyes remained closed. The surroundings were filled with darkness, illuminated only by the haunting glow of red lights, and populated by ghostly apparitions and menacing demons.
Tears streamed down Tassa's face as she pleaded with Nia'le to wake up. Though Nia'le could hear her cries, he was trapped in a state of immobility, unable to move or speak. Frustrated, he attempted to rouse himself, focusing on the one movement he could manage – his thumb. With great effort, he succeeded in moving it, recalling that in sleep paralysis, the first step to breaking free is to move the thumb. As his thumb responded, he felt a surge of hope, knowing that he could regain control over his body.
Nia'le's eyes fluttered open, and in that moment, he tightly grasped Tassa's hand. Without hesitation, they ran together, seeking an escape from the nightmarish realm they were trapped in.
Tassa's surprise caused her to stumble, almost falling to her knees as she ran alongside Nia'le. In her confusion, she questioned their destination, seeking answers from Nia'le. However, he remained silent, focused solely on their escape. The surroundings remained unchanged, with horrifying sights lurking in every corner, and Nia'le's eyes scanned the environment, unable to discern any sign of progress.
Tassa persisted in her questioning, but Nia'le offered no response. Frustrated, she released his hand and came to a halt. Nia'le, wearing a perplexed expression, attempted to speak, but Tassa interrupted him, standing her ground and explaining that running in this endless realm was futile. She referred to it as the "infinite night," a place without a beginning or an end.
As Tassa sank to her knees, Nia'le watched her, his confusion deepening. Seeking guidance, he asked how they could escape this place. Tassa looked up at him, her expression filled with determination. She advised him to awaken in the real world, emphasizing that it was the only way to break free from the clutches of the infinite night. Nia'le, still uncertain, questioned how they could achieve this. Tassa's words resonated with a sense of conviction as she urged Nia'le to claim his own existence and believe in his own life. She emphasized the importance of not doubting, even in the face of uncertainty. Nia'le, seeking reassurance, inquired about Tassa's well-being, to which she confidently replied that she would be fine.
With a radiant glow emanating from her hand, Tassa placed it upon Nia'le's chest. Though he flinched at her touch, Tassa reassured him with a smile, assuring him that it wouldn't cause any pain. Nia'le attempted to speak, but no words escaped his lips. Instead, he sighed and surrendered himself to Tassa's guidance, allowing her to take control of his soul.
As Tassa's hand glowed brighter, Nia'le's lower body vanished, leaving him suspended in the air like a lingering ghost in the ethereal realm. For a brief moment, he completely disappeared before Tassa's eyes, and she smiled as he departed. However, in that very instant, Tassa lost consciousness and collapsed onto Nia'le's.
In the waking world, Nia'le found himself in the familiar surroundings of their dining room. Observing Tassa lying on his chest, he realized they had fallen asleep on the floor. As he gently placed her on his lap, thoughts swirled in his mind about the surreal events that transpired before he woke up. The memories were hazy, difficult to grasp.
With a tender touch, Nia'le brushed Tassa's hair away from her face, contemplating her mysterious nature. He pondered whether she could be a guardian angel who had saved him from the enigmatic realm. The notion seemed implausible, yet he couldn't deny the sense of protection and connection she had provided.
In the midst of his reflections, Ayamani appeared, though Nia'le remained unaware of his presence. Ayamani shed light on Tassa's brave act, revealing that she had thwarted the Grim Reaper sent by Ixartxist to claim Nia'le's life. Despite Ayamani's initial skepticism toward humanity, he acknowledged Quart's love for them, comparing her to a paternal figure. Nia'le carefully carried Tassa upstairs with Ayamani silently opening the door for him. Grateful for the gesture, Nia'le expressed his thanks, though Ayamani remained unresponsive. Placing Tassa in bed, Nia'le took a moment to acknowledge Ayamani's unseen assistance before heading downstairs to fetch water for Tassa, considerate of her potential need upon waking.
As he descended, Nia'le's hand brushed against the handrail, revealing a layer of dust that sparked suspicion. The realization intensified as he discovered spiderwebs in the living room and a thick layer of dust covering the entire mansion, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Upon reaching the dining room, Nia'le was shocked to find rotting food on the table, raising questions about the mysterious state. Nia'le's confusion deepened as he checked the date on his phone, only to find that it was December 14, a stark contrast to the September 10 date he had seen on a newspaper and in a news report during their previous encounter. The possibility of having traveled three months into the future crossed his mind, adding to his bewilderment.
In the midst of his contemplation, Tassa emerged in the room, expressing concern for Nia'le's well-being. However, Ayamani seemed indifferent towards Nia'le and redirected his attention to Tassa, inquiring about her condition. Tassa, displeased with Ayamani's lack of care for Nia'le, pushed him aside and hurried downstairs to check on him. Ayamani, attempting to intervene, questioned Tassa's actions, suggesting that she may be going too far for a stranger.
Nia'le's confusion persisted as he confronted the discrepancy in dates. Tassa, concerned about his well-being, confronted Ayamani, who seemed indifferent. Ayamani redirected his attention to Tassa, questioning her actions in putting herself in danger for a stranger.
In a tense exchange, Ayamani expressed his concern for Tassa's safety, emphasizing that he couldn't always intervene in crucial moments. Tassa, frustrated by Ayamani's absence during those critical times, defended her actions, highlighting the importance of his presence.
Their conversation took an unexpected turn when Ayamani, despite being a Grim Reaper, admitted caring for Tassa's well-being. Tassa, instead of responding with anger, embraced Ayamani, thanking him for his care and defying the expectations of a Grim Reaper's emotional detachment.
In the hushed aftermath of inexplicable events, Nia'le found himself ascending the staircase, seeking answers from Tassa, who stood in an embrace with an unseen presence. A voice echoed through the quietude, "Tassa, what happened last night?"
Tassa turned towards Nia'le, her eyes carrying the weight of a profound revelation. "You died," she uttered, leaving Nia'le in stunned disbelief.
Descending to the living room, the trio settled on the couch, surrounded by the eerie stillness of a mansion frozen in time. The date on the calendar revealed a disconcerting truth — December 14, 9:30 am — a stark contrast to Nia'le's memories of September 10.
As Tassa began to unravel the enigma, Ayamani stood as a silent witness, his presence amplifying the gravity of the supernatural tale. Tassa recounted the night when a Grim Reaper threatened to claim Nia'le's soul. Her desperate intervention plunged them into the Infinite Night, a dimension devoid of light, a transitional realm before one's journey to the spirit world.
Nia'le, grappling with the surreal narrative, questioned the nature of this ethereal place. Tassa elucidated, "It's a place with no ending nor beginning. Walking in
it feels like walking endlessly. It's a dimension, after death." Nia'le's confusion deepened as he sought to understand Tassa's ability to perceive him in a world she claimed to be blind to. His question hung in the air, "How come you see me?"
Tassa, with an unwavering gaze, explained her peculiar condition. "I am blind in this world. My eyes are open only in a different dimension. I can see the departed, demons, ghosts, and other supernatural entities. This world, the Infinite Night, is the only reality I can perceive. I am trapped in a perpetual existence of suffering. I long to escape, but every time I close my eyes, all I see is this infinite night. Even when I am wide awake like you, this world persists. I can't escape, and he won't let me die. He wants to trap me here."
Nia'le, intrigued and concerned, pressed for details. "Who is this 'he' you speak of?"
Tassa, however, adopted a guarded stance, folding her arms and averting her gaze. A sense of distrust emanated from her, as she refused to disclose the identity of the mysterious figure. Nia'le, serious in his approach, sought answers, but Tassa's reluctance left him feeling frustrated and bored with the conversation. Nia'le place his hand on his knee, he leaned in, questioning, "So, Tassa, did we, you know, travel into the future?"
Tassa confirmed, "Yes, we skipped. Today is probably December 14."
Perplexed, Nia'le remarked, "But it only happened for, like, a couple of seconds."
Tassa clarified, "Only for you, Nia'le. For me, it took a minute battling that Reaper."
Attempting to make sense of the temporal distortion, Nia'le questioned further, "Don't tell me that a minute is equivalent to 3 months."
Tassa unfolded the peculiar time dynamics of their encounter with the Grim Reaper. "A minute to a Grim Reaper is an hour in our time. And an hour in our time is actually a month, and a minute is a week."
Nia'le, visibly confused, remained silent, struggling to grasp the intricacies of time manipulation in their supernatural ordeal.
In the ongoing investigation, Ixartxist confronted the grim details of Nia'le Tobletone's alleged crimes, reading aloud, "Nia'le Tobletone, age 19, birthday March 27, 1996. Committed crime: Murder. He killed 48 people, including his parents, and is sentenced to prison for 25 years."
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Ixartxist crumpled the paper, suggesting that a death sentence would be more appropriate. However, the judge disagreed, citing uncertainty in the case. She emphasized that the victims were anonymous, and the only survivors were Nia'le and his sister.
Ixartxist pressed further, questioning the credibility of the accusations. "How can you say he killed all those anonymous people?"
The judge, unyielding, replied, "Because the head chief said so."
In response to Ixartxist's persistent questioning about the chief responsible for the accusations against Nia'le, the judge remained silent and turned away. Ixartxist, not accepting her silence, pulled her back and whispered a scathing indictment of her character.
"Are you accusing him, or did he really commit this crime? The answer to my question doesn't really matter. Your opinion, especially yours, is insignificant to this world. You live only for money, praising your wealth and adoring yourself and your position. You are selfish and committing blasphemy, and I expostulated, questioning your judgment and condemning your atrocity," Ixartxist declared.
In a sudden display of power, Ixartxist directed his gaze towards the CCTV, causing it to explode. The security room met a similar fate as it too exploded, resulting in the death of the people inside. The explosive turn of events added a layer of chaos and uncertainty, mirroring the turmoil within the mansion and further intertwining the fates of those caught in the supernatural web.