Chapter 4: Suspecions Arise

Bobby slept like a rock. When he awoke, he looked up at the swirl shaped clock on the wall and saw it was five to nine. His first thought was "Where's Layra?" Was she still snoozing away or was she the same sort of sleeper he was, the sort who prefers sleeping in and at that moment, Bobby was in no mood in leaving bed. The sheets were warm, the pillows soft, it was all so perfect. If not for the horrid games and deadly results, he’d say this were his dream home. But then again, it wasn’t exactly his home. This splendid, luxurious castle belonged to Veego and LaBerge. Not him. They were the game masters. They were in charge of the Quillan Games and as long as they were running the show, the castle was under their names...and their names only.

He sighed and sunk his back on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling. He couldn’t help wondering when these upcoming games were going to take place, and where. He expected another classic Tato match at that towering, high off the ground arena called the Garden. That may have been among the more frightening games, when you’re high up off the ground on a tilting, unsteady arena. Not overly fun compared to a safe, death-free game of tag. Not even close.

He rolled over, ready for another snooze when he heard a voice close to his ear.

“Bobby?”

He sat up, took a look around and saw…no one. What the heck? He was sure he’d heard someone, but the room was empty, except for him of course and those animal plush toys perched up on the shelves. His mind went to the next crazy, yet possible explanation. Were they talking animals? Bobby shook that thought quickly out of his head to avoid his going insane. He always believed LaBerge’s clown dolls to be the talking sort, but not these dolls. It was ridiculous...or was it?

“Hello?” came the voice. Then he recognized it for who it was. It was Layra.

“Uhh,” was all he could get out.

“Sorry for waking you,” she said softly. “Just thought I’d let you know I’m going to take a morning stroll, you know, to get used to the place. I’ve already gotten lost three times. If it weren’t for the dados to show me around, well...I’d be hopeless.”

“Wait, hold on,” said Bobby, rubbing his eyes. “How the heck’s this possible? How are you even talking to me? This is just...bizarre.”

“Don’t worry,” she chuckled lightly. “I’ll explain all of that later. I’d love to tell you now but, I dunno, it just doesn’t feel like the right time. Anyway, just thought I’d let you know I’ll be around.”

“Where?” asked Bobby.

There was a brief pause.

“Around,” Layra repeated. “So what are your plans for the day?”

“Not much,” said Bobby tiredly. “I think I’m gonna head down for a bite to eat. How ‘bout you?”

“I’ve eaten already.”

“Oh,” said Bobby. “Early riser, huh?”

“Something like that,” Layra chuckled. “Well, I better be off. I’ll see ya later, okay?”

“Wait, how ‘bout we meet somewhere, so we don’t get lost? I’m not gonna go searching the castle for hours. Odds are we’ll both get lost.”

“Good idea,” said Layra. “Hmm, how ‘bout we meet near the pools outside? I heard they’re huge! Maybe we can even go for a swim?”

“Okay,” said Bobby. “What time?”

“Eight thirty sound good?” asked Layra.

“Yeah, that’s good,” said Bobby. “See ya then.”

“And don’t worry!” she added. “I’ll explain everything later, I promise”

And with that, her voice vanished.

“What the-” thought Bobby. He was now officially lost. What did Layra mean when she said she was going to take a stroll around the castle? She was now a Challenger and instead of preparing and training for these upcoming games, she was going to walk about the castle like it was no big deal! What was up with that? When he’d first been told he’d be participating in such games, he definitely didn’t go strolling freely about the castle. Her life as at stake and she felt like going for a walk! It just didn’t make any sense.

Right then and there, he made up his mind that the only way he was going to get to the bottom of this and find out who this gal and what her story was would be to go after her. He knew spying was wrong, but he couldn’t stand knowing she was free strolling down the halls while his head was throbbing with numerous questions. He was tired of sitting around dazed. He needed some answers.

He crawled out of bed, opened the door and walked out. He stretched yawned, and saw Fourteen coming his way. He waved to the little robot. He didn’t wave back. Bobby had the idea robots weren’t sure what waves even meant.

“Hey,” said Bobby casually.

“Good morning, Pendragon,” said Fourteen formally. “How was your sleep?”

“Pretty good,” said Bobby. “Have you seen or heard anything weird about Layra at all, yesterday or today or anything?”

“Not that I am aware of,” Fourteen answered. “Why?”

“She said she was going to take a stroll around the castle!” Bobby blurt out. “I bet all the other Challengers are getting ready, and here she is acting as thought it’s nothing. Geez, I should be getting ready! What’s she thinking?”

“Hmm,” said Fourteen, in that deep robotic voice. “I must agree, that’s strange. Perhaps miss Layra is starting her training later on?”

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” said Bobby after a careful thought. “I’m goin’ after her.”

“What do you expect to find?” asked Fourteen.

“I dunno,” said Bobby. “But I need some answers. Now.”

“Would you like me to make the bed?” asked Fourteen. “It is our job to look after the rooms of the Challengers.”

“Thanks,” said Bobby, starting down the hall. “And keep an eye on Layra for me, will ya? If you see her, let me know, or come and find me.”

“I will,” said Fourteen. “Goodbye, Challenger Red.”

Bobby stopped and called back a quick, “Thanks!”

Bobby had no idea where he ought to search first. The castle was massive, huge...monstrous! He’d gotten lost enough times before and he was bound to get lost that many times more. He decided he would start on the first floor and work his way up. That seemed the easiest plan. At least that way, he’d be going floor to floor and not be running all over the place, looking desperate.

He took the elevator down, walked on out and stared around. He caught sight of two Challengers, who looked slightly older than himself, strolling down the hall. He watched them and saw they were heading for the front door, which meant they were on their way outside. Were they on their way for a game, a Tato match possibly? If that were the case, the event would soon be up and all across the city of Rune on those huge TV screens. He wasn’t so sure he wanted to witness another one of those deadly games but if he himself was going to have to play, again, he’d need all the experience he could get.

“Good morning, Challenger,” came a voice from behind.

Bobby quickly turned around and saw a dado servant standing next to him with a platter of toast. “Have you eaten?”

“Uh, yeah, thanks,” said Bobby.

“Very good,” said the dado, who walked away. Dados weren't much for conversation.

“Wait!” called Bobby suddenly. The dado looked back, no expression of surprise and asked plainly, “Yes?”

“Have you seen Layra anywhere?”

“If you mean Challenger Black,” said the dado. “Then, no.”

Challenger Black. That must have been the name given to Layra.

“Veego?” asked Bobby.

“She’ll be out of the castle for the day,” said the dado. “She’ll be in charge of hosting the upcoming Tato match.”

So there was going to be a Tato match. That answered that question.

“Okay,” said Bobby, thinking fast. “How ‘bout LaBerge?”

“Oh, him,” said the servant. “Yes, I just saw him pass by. He’ll be looking over the castle for today.”

That right there got him thinking. Veego and LaBerge were the game hosts. They were partners and whenever there’d be a game, you’d either see the both of them, or neither. Why out of the blue, was Veego to go hosting a match without LaBerge? Odd.

“What’s up with that?” he asked. “I thought the two hosted the games together?”

No response.

“Like I said,” the dado repeated. “Veego has left to host the upcoming Tato match while LaBerge will be staying here. That is all I know."

“Where!” demanded Bobby.

“He’s on his way to the third floor. You just missed him.”

Bobby raced off, yelling a "thanks!" over his shoulder.

Perfect! He may not have known where Layra was but finding LaBerge was certainly a start. Hopefully if he found the clown first, he’d find Layra and then he’d finally get some answers without having to run about the entire castle till his legs cramped. He hurried over to the elevator, jumped inside and pressed the large round button that read three. He was all out of breath.

Bobby saw another boy about his own age standing next to him, staring at him blankly. The guy had black, curly hair and hazel colored eyes. He also wore an orange shirt with diagonal black stripes. That meant one thing. Challenger Orange.

“In a hurry?” he chuckled.

“Yeah,” said Bobby casually. “Stuff to do. Ya know...Challenger stuff."

“Same,” said Challenger Orange. “Got training to do, you know, for the games.”

“Good luck,” said Bobby. He sure felt dumb for saying that, but that was the only decent thing he could think of saying. It wasn't like he was gonna say, "Come back alive!" or "Don't die out there!" That wouldn't have been cool.

The boy smiled and said, “Thanks. You too.”

He stepped out and said, “See ya around.”

The elevator had now come to a stop. Challenger Orange turned and ran to the right while Bobby hurried out, looked left, right and saw no one. For a second, he panicked, wondering if he’d landed on the wrong floor but he was soon mistaken. He was in fact on the right floor. Far off to the right, strolling freely with his hands behind his back was none other than LaBerge. So far so good.

Bobby hid behind the corner and peeked out to get a closer look. He was wearing his famous red and black bathrobe over a pair of purple and yellow striped pyjamas and when Bobby stared even harder, he almost burst out laughing. The guy was wearing slippers! But what soon got to Bobby’s head was the slippers were shaped like clown faces. He shivered. Their little faces had big smiles and bright, beady eyes and polka dots and swirls and...he stopped right there. Not a good idea to start speculating, especially on clowns.

“Oh, crap!” thought Bobby, backing away quickly. He was so busy staring at the clown slippers he hadn’t seen LaBerge approaching him. He was doomed. If that goof caught onto him sneaking around the castle, he'd be onto something, especially because he was going around spying! But he sure as heck wasn’t going to tell LaBerge that. Yeah, right.

LaBerge turned the corner, looked down and spotted Bobby, standing there looking as dumb as possible. Bobby forced a smile and chuckled lightly. So much for staying hidden.

“Good morning!” said LaBerge cheerfully with a smile. “Good sleep, I hope?”

“Yeah, uh...real good,” said Bobby, playing along. “So, what’s up with today’s plan?”

“Oh, not much,” said LaBerge casually. “I’ll be in charge of the castle today while Veego’s off hosting the games and-”

“Where’s Layra?” asked Bobby quickly. He was in no mood for chit chat. He wanted answers.

LaBerge stared at him wide eyed and asked quietly, as if were in shock, “Pardon me?”

“You heard me!” said Bobby angrily. “I saw you two last night, all giggly and he-he-he! Don’t play all innocent with me. You’re up to something. I can tell. I bet that’s why Veego left, so you could play her over again! Well, you're not fooling me! I always knew you and her were up to no good. Leave Layra alone!”

LaBerge frowned and shook his head sorrowfully.

“Challenger Red,” he said softly, sounding hurt.“If you mean to say I’m up to something, I can assure you you’re mistaken. I treat my guests properly and kindly. What would lead you to think I’m up to something? The needs of my guests are most important to me. If they’re unhappy, I’m unhappy. I always do what I can to assure my guest's stay here at the castle is nothing less than perfect!”

Bobby groaned.

“Whatever, just stay away from Layra. She doesn’t like you, ya know.Yeah... it was all a joke. She hates you. She told me herself, just last night. It was all an act."

LaBerge said nothing for a moment.

He then smiled and said thoughtfully, almost dreamily “Layra's the only guest who’s treated me, well...like a real friend. I’m terribly sorry if you’re suspicious of me. Please, let’s forget everything and shake hands, alright? How ‘bout we start off fresh, hmm?"

“No!” shouted Bobby, backing away. “You’re too...clowny. Being friends with you's just...I dunno...way too weird. Not gonna happen."

LaBerge sighed and said, “Very well. Good day Challenger Red.”

He turned and walked away.

Bobby pretended to head the other way and then, snuck back and quietly and sneakily, crept a good distance behind the tall clown loving goof. With each step, he felt sure LaBerge would hear him and turn around and suspect something, but he never did. Bobby watched him carefully, observing his every move till he found himself entering a large, round shaped room. He stopped at the entryway and kept his eyes glued on LaBerge, who was casually strolling toward a line of high arched chairs seated around what looked like some sort of bar. If they had bars on Quillan, that is. But he soon realized it wasn’t a bar. The place sold all sorts of foods and drinks like tribbun, pop, snacks, and desserts. It looked like a café.

He stared harder and saw all the seats were empty except for one in the very middle. It was Layra and she was quietly and contently eating away at what looked like her breakfast or what was left of it. There was a little bit of pancake left with a yummy goo of warm syrup. Suddenly, Bobby was dying for a big plate of pancakes and wished he would have eaten before going about the castle on an empty stomach. He was getting hungry, but tried to ignore that.

He watched closely as LaBerge strolled on over, took a seat next to her and reached into his robe pocket. Bobby crept a tad bit closer, keeping his eyes fixed on LaBerge. What was the guy doing? Bobby soon saw him pulling out a fresh, beautiful, deep red colored flower.

“A rose? A freakin...ROSE!” he thought to himself.

It couldn't be true. LaBerge...with flowers! It couldn’t be true.

“What the hell!” he thought, his mouth dropping with shock. “What’s that freak’s deal?”

LaBerge handed her the rose with a big, friendly smile. Layra took it, blushed, and looked to the ground.

Bobby quietly moved his way behind a tall arched couch, peeked out and listened.

“Thank you,” she said, her cheeks cheery red.

“You’re most welcome,” said LaBerge sincerely, shuffling his feet.“I hope your stay at the castle’s going well.”

“Oh, it’s been amazing,” she said with a sigh. “Everything’s just lovely. And I’m,” she paused for a moment, her face still red with blush. “And I’m glad you’re my host. You've been wonderful, LaBerge...really."

LaBerge giggled lightly and said, “And I’m glad to have you as my guest. You’re the only one who’s treated me so kindly, Layra. Everyone else just...leaves. But you’re a sweet gal, you are. You're...you're really something."

Layra smiled back and said, “I think this is going to work out fine. How ‘bout we take a walk outside?”

“Lovely!” said LaBerge, jumping excitedly out of his seat. “Wait till you see the pools and the gardens! They're fantastic! Oh you’re going to love them!”

Bobby watched till both were out of sight and whispered to himself, “What the heck did she mean when she said this will work out just fine? Man, that guy's a creep! I always knew he was a creep, but, playing with someone like that's just...wrong. What's he up to? What's he got to hide?"

There was only one way of finding out. He was going to have to follow them...again.