Chapter 2: Arrival at the Castle

"Layra?" thought Bobby.

Who the heck was Layra and how did she know about him and the other Travelers? The question was: how much did she know? Was Layra in fact a fellow traveler or worse, was she an accomplice of Saint Dane or worse, was she going to play him over and betray him and the rest of the travelers, exactly what Nevva Winter had done? Was she aware of the shape shifting, demon traveler named Saint Dane? He wasn't too sure on that one. She obviously knew about Travelers, but hadn't mentioned Saint Dane.

Did she know of Acolytes and above all, of Halla? A million thoughts flashed through his mind while he drew closer to the end of the flume. When finally the ride came to an end and the jumble of musical notes came to a stop and he was dropped off, he came face to face with a familiar destination. He’d been here before and he never hoped on coming back. But there he was.

Like his first drop off on Quillan, he’d landed in a storage like room that was simply filled with boxes. Hundreds and hundreds of boxes, all stacked on top of one another. They were of all sizes too, some small, some big, some not so small and some not so big. You get the idea.

Like last time, there were again, those plates with the logo Blok written along the bottom. He could only remember that dreaded company too well. Over time, the cooperation of Blok had eventually taken complete control over the territory and forced the citizens to participate and become involved in a harsh, cruel way of life; by being a part of a series of deadly games with deadly outcomes. It scared Bobby thinking he was actually back there and feared how worse things had become here on this game playing territory. Or had things not changed at all? Were things just as he'd left them? He was about to find out.

Luckily he didn’t have to worry out those creepy crawlers, the robotic, quig spiders. As long as Saint Dane was nowhere near this territory, he was safe from those freaky critters and from what he was seeing, he wasn't there. Surely by then, the quigs would have bounced into action but strangely enough, they were nowhere to be seen. What a relief.

He moved his way through the alley of boxes and in no time, found his way out through the tall, double wide door, climbed up a flight of stairs and found himself in that all too familiar game room. Or at least what he called a game room. He was once again, at the arcade.

The room stretched off for what seemed like forever with a variety of loud, hollering games from pinball to shooting games to races and even something quite similar to dance dance revolution. Sure, it would have been great to sit himself down at one of those babies and start playing, if he weren’t so terrified of losing and being snatched and taken away by a Dado. For him, the place was like any guy's dream, without the additional part of either-you-win-or-you're-dragged-off-by-a-couple-of-freaky-robot-thugs. As for the dados, those guys were flat out creepy and not because they were tall and intimidating, but because they were robots. They knew no emotions. They were just…emotionless. All they knew were commands and doing only what they were told.

He strolled by, observing each game and turn and saw a couple of people playing. No surprise there. He felt bad for them, wondering how close they were to failing and being dragged off by an army of giant robots. They said nothing to Bobby as he walked by. They were too focused and some didn't even give him a second glance. Their eyes were fixed on the screens. They were fixed on winning.

He wasn’t sure if it was because they were so hauntingly focused on winning or if it was simply because they weren’t aware of his presence. Probably both. He guessed it was a little of both. There were even, sadly, a few kids playing but they were so caught up in the excitement of the game, they hadn’t yet caught onto to what happened if you didn’t win. He wondered where their parents were and why they were allowing their young ones to play. Or maybe...they had no parents. Bobby shivered.

He quickly turned and hurried off, wanting to get outta that place before “they” arrived to pick up the losers. That was never a pretty sight and seeing it twice wouldn't make it any better. Heck, seeing it four thousand times wouldn't make it any better. It was simply gut wrenching.

At last he found himself stepping out of the now jam packed, echoing arcade and onto a busy sidewalk. Small, black vehicles drove by, people walked silently about with their heads down, some staring at the ground while others eyes darted left and right worriedly as if keeping an eye out for awaiting Dado’s. There was no mistaking he was back in the city of Rune. He knew the place too well. He gazed around at the tall, towering buildings, all gray and dull and boring as could be. Nope. Nothing had changed.

It was all "same old, same old," sadly. With Mr. Pop gone, Blok's power was unthreatened, the Revival had failed and their leader, Tylee Magna herself had been dragged into the games as the new Challenger Green. He wondered where she was now or if...she was even alive. He hated to think the worst on what could have happened to her.

Not much had changed in Rune since the last time Bobby had been there and he doubted if things were going to get any better. With Mr. Pop gone, it was pretty much impossible. He took a look up at the television screens and saw the colorful, geometric shapes. It looked like there was no current match being held because it wasn’t up on any of the screens, and neither were Veego and LaBerge. He was glad of that much because he really wasn’t in the mood to watch another of those overthrowing death games or hear the squeaky, annoying voice of none other than LaBerge. Not hearing from Veego was a pretty good bonus. But he knew well enough he was bound to run into them if he was supposed to meet this Layra person at their royal Castle, unfortunately. He wasn't looking forward to that.

“Great,” thought Bobby tiredly. “It’s fun all over again.”

"There!" called a voice.

As if in response, Bobby heard approaching footsteps. When he turned around to see who it was, it was exactly who he expected it to be. Dado’s. And they meant business. There was no fooling around with those fellas. They were about six feet tall with blank, emotional faces and unblinking eyes that focused directly on what they'd come for. Bobby. They held their long, steel rods that could zap someone into next week in the blink of an eye.

“You’ll be coming with us,” said one formally.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” said Bobby, trying to change the subject. “You don’t know anyone named Layra by any chance, do ya?” He knew it was useless but hey, it never hurt trying.

The two officers exchanged looks. Obviously not.

“No,” said one bluntly. “You'll be coming with us...now."

Bobby held back for a second.

“Yeah, right, uh, how bout-”

“Now,” said the other firmly. So much for that plan.

The two dados stood on either side of him, their rods at the ready.

There was no getting past these robots. Whether he liked it or not, he was on his way back to the castle of the game masters themselves, Veego and LaBerge. Were they expecting him? Most likely, he thought. If they were expecting this Layra person, odds are, they were expecting him as well. What troubled Bobby the most was what to expect with these two. Again.

He remembered his last stay with those two hosts all too well. I mean, sure, he had to admit their castle was beyond royal and if it weren’t for the dreaded games and outcomes along with the whole thing, heck, he’d love a reservation there! Who wouldn't? It was breath taking. The meals were delicious, there were waiters at your every command and there was always, whether it was a large meal or small, desert. They never forgot the sweets. Really good deserts too; sundaes, ice cream, pies, cakes, you name it. Most, as Bobby recalled, were even better than the goods back on Second Earth.

On top of all of that, there were game rooms and swimming pools, not to mention with slides and diving boards and all that fun stuff. Yup, it was a real place. Except for the fact that you were there to participate in games where if you lost, you died. Not so fun. Sure, they gave you whatever you wanted, but in return, you put your life on the line. Not exactly the best sorta bargain.

The drive there was a silent one. The dado up front, driving, never looked back at Bobby to ask how he was doing or anything. He kept his eyes steadily on the road, as if nothing else mattered. He was a robot, so really, he didn’t care much. The other dado, who sat next to him, was the exact same. Whenever Bobby would open up and try and start a light conversation or try and get some answers as to what to expect when arriving at the castle, they’d simply look one another in the eye, and shrug. The chances of getting answers from those guys was one to a million.

“You’re just being stubborn,” said Bobby, leaning up against the seat while staring out the window at the towering buildings of Rune. “You’ve gotta know something.”

The dado in the passenger seat turned around and said emotionlessly, “We’re taking you to the castle of Veego and LaBerge. There isn’t anything to say.”

“Uh, yes there is!” Bobby argued, frustrated. “You people never say anything. That’s the problem. Geez, lighten up, will ya?"

He didn't mind playing with them, seeing as they were only machines.

“We’re almost there,” said the driver flatly. “They’ll be expecting you.”

There was one answer questioned. He was being expected and of course, he knew who was expecting him. The cold, glaring eyes of Veego and her clown loving goof brother, LaBerge.

"Great," he thought sarcastically.

“Okay, okay,” said Bobby quickly. If they were approaching the castle, he may as well try and get some extra answers while he was at it. Trying was always better than nothing.

“Do you at least know if I’ve got anything to do with these Quillan games? You can’t tell me you haven’t heard about those?”

The two dado’s exchanged looks, but said nothing. So much for that.

“It is not our job to speak of what Veego and LaBerge have planned,” said one, in that low, robotic tone. “We are simply here to drive you off, and leave. Whatever questions you have, should be taken to them. They’ll answer all your questions.”

“Yeah, right,” thought Bobby.

It was enough to try and get some talk out of Veego, who looked like she’d burn your eyes out with a single stare, let alone try and get some answers out of her goof brother, LaBerge, who only laughed and clapped when he thought something funny. He’d just have to wait. And the wait wasn’t long.

The city behind him had long vanished out of sight and they were now traveling among the towering, sky scraping trees, amid the dull, gray buildings of Rune. It now came back to him that their great castle was located in a city, surrounded by acres and acres of trees. As weird as that was, Bobby had to admit that was pretty cool. A city in a forest. A forest in a city. It must have been nice having your own grand place in the midst of a grand forest.

“Here we are,” said the dado driver, pulling to a complete stop.

“Gee, thanks,” said Bobby. His skin crawled, knowing in seconds, he’d have to face the two people he really didn’t want to. Then again, he was also going to come face to face with this mysterious Layra. He was both curious and anxious to meet her. Perhaps she’d have all the answers to this whole wacko thing and explain to him the reason why he was back on Quillan and what she had to do with all of this. Clearly, if she wasn’t a traveler, there didn’t seem to be any reason for her being there, unless of course she was an acolyte. That could be a possibility. But Bobby knew his fellow travelers and their chosen acolytes and never had he heard of the name Layra before. Had she taken the place of a previous acolyte? Was she a replacement?

But wouldn’t the traveler had told Bobby? He needed to get some answers or he was going to be in for one hell of a stay if he had no idea what to expect and what was the deal for his sudden return to this game playing, funhouse. And the clowns, he thought.

“Not the clowns,” he thought gloomily. “Ughh.” Bobby always had the idea that there were two types of people in the world. People who loathe and hate clowns…and clowns. He hated them. Loathed them. He hated everything about them from their creepy little faces to their big, round, red noses and fake, villainous smiles and their haunting, menacing laughs. But then again, not everyone felt the same way about clowns. LaBerge, the clown lover was an exception. Bobby had yet to find out how on earth one could actually like clowns! But right then, that wasn't important.

While the driver sat staring ahead at the silent street, the other dado got out, opened the door and gestured for Bobby to step out. As much as he wanted to just sit back and demand to be taken home, back to Second Earth, he knew that wasn’t going to happen. He crawled out, gulped for a second and stood there casually, just waiting for “them” to come strolling down. He knew what to expect.

While he stood there, watching the small black vehicle speed away, he looked about for this Layra girl. At first, he had the idea that he’d been played over and was now trapped at this funhouse to play yet another set of terrifying games. She could have set him up. That would have sent him over the edge. After all those times Saint Dane had taken disguise and cleverly fooled him, he wasn’t in the mood to go through it. Again. Or could she perhaps be running late? Or was she already inside the castle, being given a grand tour of the place. Was she at supper?

He was seconds away from turning around and making a straight run for it back to the flume when he heard a girl’s voice saying, “You must be Bobby.”

Bobby turned around and saw a girl about his own size and age, strolling up to him. She was around five foot four, looked to be about sixteen, with shoulder length brown hair tied up in a ponytail, hazel colored eyes and a warm, friendly smile. She wore a dark blue turtleneck sweater with a casual pair of jeans and violet crocs. She looked casual enough. Heck, she could have passed for a gal back on Second Earth.

“Yeah,” said Bobby. “And you are?”

He felt for sure, he knew the answer.

“Layra,” she smiled. “Sorry for being late. This place is kinda strange, and I sorta lost my way around, till the dado’s caught up with me. I didn't expect the place to be so...huge. Real creepy, they are."

“Tell me about it,” said Bobby. “I’m glad you’re here though. I’ve got a ton of questions.”

“Same here,” said Layra. “I’m pretty puzzled too. All I know is, I’m here to participate in these, what are they called, Quillan Games? It sounds exciting and all, it really does, the only thing is, I’m not very good at games. And I’ve been told about what goes on here."

“Pretty scary huh?”

“Yeah,” she said quietly. “I can’t believe it’s all...real.”

“Well, I played these games,” Bobby told her, figuring he outta give it a shot. “And let me tell you, they’re scary as hell. I’m lucky I’m even alive, really. I was close to being killed back here. Sorry if I sound like I’m trying to scare you or anything, but I’ve gotta be honest, it’s a nightmare. It's better to know what you're in for."

“I can imagine!” Layra exclaimed, sounding shocked. “Geez, thank goodness we’re together, huh?"

Bobby nodded and asked her, “So you’ve never been here before.”

“Nope,” said Layra. "I just-"

“Shh,” said Bobby suddenly.

“What?” asked Layra, looking around.

“There,” said Bobby pointing, up to the castle entrance.

“Who’s that?” she asked curiously.

“That,” said Bobby with a sigh. “Is LaBerge, one of the game masters and hosts here on Quillan. The other, his sister, is Veego. Shh, he’s coming.”

The girl sent him a nervous glance, but he nodded with assurance. She pulled herself together and while the two stood waiting to be taken in, LaBerge was casually making his way down the staircase. Like usual, he was wearing what looked like a red and black bathrobe and his hair was no surprise, a wild blonde color that stuck out in every direction. Bobby always had the intention he’d stuck his finger in a toaster, for whatever reason and that’s why his hair was so, wacky and crazy. As to why anyone would stick there finger in a toaster, he had yet to find out. His eyes darted to and fro with excitement as he caught sight of them.

He strolled up to them, gave them each an inviting smile and exclaimed, “Welcome, my friends, welcome! So good to see you!"

“Yeah, you too clowny,” said Bobby sarcastically.

LaBerge stared at him for a second, then said, “Very nice to have you back Challenger Red. I hope you’re stay here at the castle will be enjoyable and perhaps, we can start off fresh, hmm?"

Bobby cringed at the very thought.

He gave a sarcastic laugh and said, flatly, “Not gonna happen."

LaBerge frowned and turned his attention to Layra, who hadn’t yet said a word. She stood staring at the tall man with a somewhat nervous, yet puzzled look as if she were scared to say anything at all. Bobby had the intention she was a little frightened of the hair...or maybe it was the colourful clown clothes. Or maybe it was his eyes. Or maybe...who knew?

“You must be Layra,” he smiled warmly, holding out his hand. “Delightful to meet you. LaBerge is my name. Please, let me shake your hand.”

Bobby shot her a look as if saying, “Uhh, don’t!” But Layra was quick to shake and smiled up at him.

“Nice to meet you too,” she said quietly, almost shyly.

“Now then!” said LaBerge giddily, turning back toward the castle. “If you two would just follow me up, I’ll get you all settled in. You’re going to love this! We’ve got the evening meal all ready and your rooms have been prepared and-and...oh, this is going to be splendid! Just splendid!"

“Great,” Bobby murmured, following behind. Layra caught up to him, whispering, “So what’s the castle like?”

“Oh, the castle’s awesome,” said Bobby quickly. “It’s the games I’m freaked about.”

“You know,” said Layra, somewhat hesitantly, as they walked on up. “L-LaBerge seems kind of...sweet.”

That caught him completely and utterly by surprise. Had he just heard right? LaBerge...sweet?

“Uhh, excuse me!” said Bobby, stopping dead in his tracks. He took a moment to catch his breath after hearing what Layra had just said.

He felt like she were playing with him.

“What!?” he shouted. "Are you insane? Are-"

“Look, look,” said Layra quickly, backing away.“I’m not saying that for sure, a-all I’m saying is he seems like a nice guy. That’s all. I didn’t mean it by anything, honest.”

“Yeah,” scoffed Bobby. “Wait till you see him later on. Then we’ll see how sweet he really is.”

“Everything all right?” called LaBerge from the doorstep.

“Yeah, we’re fine,” Layra smiled.

“Very good,” said LaBerge, bounding away. Bobby could hear his echoing voice crying with glee, “Veego! Veego, they’re here!”

It was only seconds later that the unmistakable image of Veego came into sight. She was just as Bobby had remembered. She was tallish, with slick brown hair that was so perfectly combed and pulled back, she looked as if she was bald. Her features were sharp and precise. She was wearing a deep purple colored turtleneck, with a matching pair of pants. She’d always been the professional type while her brother LaBerge was more of the casual, wear whatever you want sorta guy. Veego’s clothes always matched and were always in tip top shape while LaBerge couldn’t have cared less. One day he’d wear a striped blazer while the next day he’d wear a multicoloured robe with polka dots and swirls. Two very different people, yet they were siblings.

Bobby could hear her hissing back at LaBerge, “Shut up, ninny!”

She then turned her attention to Bobby and Layra, forced a smile and said, her face looking like it were about to crack, “Ahh, Challenger Red. So good to see you again.”

“Missed me?” he said.

Veego laughed and said coldly, “Not so much. And this must be Layra, I’m assuming?”

Layra nodded nervously. Bobby could already tell Layra was afraid of Veego. She wasn't exactly the warm, inviting type like LaBerge.

Veego stared her over before saying, “Now then, if you two could come inside, we’ll have your rooms sorted and your meals served.”

“Yes mam,” said Bobby mockingly.

Veego shot him a firm, cold look. That shut Bobby up. Clearly, she wasn’t in the mood for jokes. On the other hand, LaBerge was always in the mood for a joke, seeing as he was always the one making up the jokes.

"This way," she said, turning to follow her brother.