PANOPTIA CITY
EPISODE 1: NEW CITY, NEW LIFE
The black van pulls to a halt at the city's entrance, and the four friends step out, their eyes widening in unison as they take in the grim sights and silence of the city.
Ifueko/FL
Well let's go. It's probably for the best
Osaze/ML
What are you talking about. This city looks great. I actually prefer the uneasy feeling
A mischievous glint sparkles in Osaze's voice
The four friends stepped into the city's haunting silence, their footsteps echoing off the buildings. With hopeful smiles, they offered warm greetings to the city's inhabitants, who replied with hesitant hellos, their eyes clouded by a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Nneka's eyes widened in terror as she gazed through the clothing store's window, revealing a macabre display of Gothic attire that seemed to shroud the very mannequins in darkness.
Nneka
Such terrible fashion
Ifueko/FL
I don't know but I kinda like it. What do you say bro?
Ifueko turns to her brother Osaze
Osaze/ML
I like the Gothic style
Chukwuabuka
Of course two of you you like it. These are the kind of things you like.
Ifueko/FL
Maybe we should stop by the clothes store when we're settled in. What do you say Osaze.
Osaze/ML
Sounds like a plan.
They then move onwards deeper into the city. After a day of exploring the city, the four friends secured apartments in the same building, eager to start anew. Ifueko and Osaze, siblings bound by blood and shared experiences, opted to share a cozy unit. Nneka and Chukwuabuka, meanwhile, chose separate apartments, seeking solitude and independence.
As they unpacked and settled in, they tried to focus on the promise of their fresh start, shaking off the shadows of their past. But as night descended, Nneka's attempts to escape her memories were shattered by a vivid nightmare.
EPISODE 2: ROOMS
Nneka's scream was trapped in her throat as she awoke to an abyss of darkness. The room was a cold, windowless cell, a part of the wall smeared with blood. A door, her only escape, seemed to mock her.
Nneka's stammering lips trembled as she forced herself upright. With hesitant steps, she approached the door, her shaking hand reaching for the handle. Fear etched her face, she slowly turned the handle and creaked the door open. Beyond the threshold, an even darker space yawned, revealing a hallway that split into ominous paths.
Nneka
Oh God. Relax it's just a nightmare. Just keep on moving.
Nneka thought to herself as she went into the dark and empty hall way.
As she delved deeper into the hallway, a disturbing scene unfolded: an empty room marred by bloodstains and a still body on the floor.
Nneka
That's a dead body! This is a terrifying nightmare! But then again, nightmares are supposed to be terrifying.
Nneka turned to leave the room when she froze, confronted by an unsettling sight before her.
Suddenly, the floor gave way beneath her, and she plummeted into a dark, seemingly bottomless pit. Millions of crimson hands reached out, grasping for her as she fell.
Just as one of the hands closed around her wrist, Nneka jolted awake, gasping, and found herself back in the safety of her bedroom. Her heart raced painfully in her chest, its relentless pounding threatening to suffocate her. As she gazed around the familiar room, relief washed over her, evident in the slow, steadying of her breath.
Nneka
I have to tell the others.
Nneka rested on her bed, refusing to sleep, her mind racing. But she couldn't shake the feeling that something had been pursuing her throughout the nightmare - something she was still fleeing from, even now, in the safety of her waking world and even before her she arrived in the city.
EPISODE 3: LEAVE THE PAST
The next day, Ifueko rose from bed and began her daily routine. After completing her morning tasks, she dressed in a sleek black crop top and matching joggers.
Osaze/ML
Ifueko, you ready?
Osaze and Ifueko packed their gym bags, exchanging a glance.
Osaze/ML
May the gym hunting begin (grinning)
As they stepped out of their apartment. They found Chukwuabuka waiting outside.
Ifueko/FL
Hey Abuka. Glad to see you're already waiting
Chukwuabuka
Hello, Ifueko (concern etched on his face)
Osaze/ML
You okay man? You look worried
Chukwuabuka
Nneka's acting strange
Ifueko/FL
(Ifueko raises an eyebrow) Strange how?
Chukwuabuka
She didn't sleep well and keeps talking about a nightmare that felt more real than a dream.
Ifueko and Osaze turned to see Nneka leaning against her apartment door, fear and confusion written across her face.
Nneka flinched as Ifueko approached, her eyes wide with fear.
Ifueko/FL
It's just me, Nneka
Nneka
(Nneka's tension eased slightly) I thought you were...one of them.
Ifueko/FL
(Ifueko's concern deepened) Nneka, you seem really shaken. And what happened to your face?
Nneka
(Nneka's hand instinctively touched her cheek) Oh, I...I didn't even notice.
Ifueko/FL
(Ifueko's gaze lingered, worried)
Hey, we're heading out to scout gym spots around the city, you mentioned looking for—
Nneka
—fashionable clothing stores that don't sell ugly Gothic clothes! (Nneka's demeanor transforms from anxious to radiant)
Ifueko's surprise gave way to a warm smile.
Ifueko/FL
Yeah, that's the one. It's great to see you smiling again, Nneka.
As they strolled out of the apartment building, lively chatter filled the air. Osaze gazed at Ifueko, who was laughing with Nneka.
Osaze/ML
You were right, Ifueko (Osaze thought to himself)
Osaze/ML
It's for the best. Leave the dark past behind.
Author
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