Chapter 3: Rose Red Racer

  June 22nd, 1398. Mason is leaning back in his seat at his desk, staring at the ceiling. Dante walks in at 7 AM.

  Dante: What're you doing here so early?

  Mason: You know, in my previous life I was waiting for death. I was happy when they told me I had cancer. And now, I find myself praying for Thanatos to take my soul away again.

  Dante: Should I worry about you? 'Cause you're starting to worry me.

  Mason: I'm fine. You?

  Dante: Peachy. Anyway, there's a package for you in the lobby.

  Mason: Package? (Who could've sent it?) Let's check it out.

  Mason gets up and they walk to the lobby. There's a one square foot box on the counter-top. Mason inspects the box all over.

  Mason: (Pretty heavy. No address or name. All it says is “To Mason Dreemurr”) There's a number on the bottom. You try calling it?

  Mark: Yes, but nobody answered.

  Mason: Who dropped it here?

  Mark: They left it outside. I didn't see their face.

  Mason takes out his phone and calls the number.

  Mason: Who is this?...

  Keanu: Am I speaking with Mason?

  Mason: That's me.

  Keanu: Good. I have a job for you.

  Mason: What kind of job?

  Keanu: Protection. The Summer Olympics are starting in two days in Jotunheim. The main event this year is a three lap car race. One of the three racers is named Aria Night. You must do whatever you can to keep her safe. For fulfilling this task, I have given you one million dollars.

  Mason: One Million?! So, if I cut this open, there'll be tons of cash?

  Keanu: If you refuse this task, I'll find a way to take the money back.

  Mason: I'll do it, but who are you?

  Keanu: You can call me “Keanu.” I will call you again, Mason.

  Keanu hangs up on Mason and he puts his phone away.

  Dante: That's quite the sum of cash you got there.

  Mason: I'll give you half if you go with.

  Dante: Count me in!

  Mark: Wait. Where are you going?

  Mason: We need to protect an Olympian. Could you keep that box safe?

  Mark: Yes, and I'll go ahead and use some vacation days in the system for you two.

  Mason: Thanks. Now, let's go catch a train.

  Mason and Dante jog to the train station at the edge of town. There are two sets of stair-steps on both sides of a porch that's shaped like a top hat. There's a round table in the middle of the porch with four chairs around it and two benches at its sides. The two sets of stairs lead to two sets of double doors. They walk through the doors on the left and are met with a room full of fancy, metal, cushioned benches. There's a ticket booth in the right corner of the room with a door on its right side. There's a big opening at the back of the room that leads onto the boarding platform. The two walk up to the ticket booth.

  Wayne: What can I do for you?

  Mason: Two tickets to Jotunheim.

  Wayne: You going to the Olympics?

  Mason: Yeah.

  The ticket master takes out two tickets to Jotun City.

  Wayne: That'll be 500 dollars.

  Mason gives Wayne the money and Wayne gives Mason the tickets.

  Wayne: Next train to Jotunheim will come in about five minutes, maybe sooner.

  Mason: Thanks.

  Mason and Dante walk onto the boarding platform and he gives Dante one of the tickets.

  Dante: Ever been to Jotunheim?

  Mason: I've only been to Hjarta Steinn.

  Dante: Well, this nation is the land of the giants. Some people there are a whole nine feet tall, so I hear.

  Mason: Doesn't sound all that giant.

  Dante: Really? Imagine standing next to that. Anyway, Jotun City is in the North-West corner of the continent, and all that land is surrounded by mountains. That's all I know about it.

  Mason: How long should this ride take?

  Dante: Probably about 24 hours. Maybe we should've taken that box of money with us.

  Mason: I've got my debit card. I can pay for anything we need.

  Dante: Thanks, man.

  After two minutes of waiting, a train with ten cars shows up and stops at the station. A man with a monocle and a fancy suit walks off of the train.

  Geoff: I'll be your butler on this trip! You may now board, as long as you have your tickets!

  Dante: Ladies first.

  Mason and Dante give the butler their tickets as they board the train. The car they enter is lined with cushioned booths on both sides. The floor is made of oak wood and the ceiling is made of metal. Mason sits in a booth on the right side and Dante sits on the left across from him. After five minutes, the butler steps back aboard and he signals for the conductor to start the train and it starts moving along the tracks. The butler then walks up to Mason and Dante.

  Geoff: It's going to be a long trip. If there's a beverage, or a snack, on the menu underneath your seats that you would like, give me your order and I shall retrieve them for you. You may also walk to our dining car in the center of the train. If you'd like a nap, we have a sleep pod car towards the back of the train. We will arrive in Jotunheim at this time tomorrow. Enjoy your trip!

  The butler walks to the end of the car and takes a seat.

  Mason: Sleep pod?

  Dante: Yeah. It's like a hole in a wall with a bed in it. Saves space in sleeping areas... Hey. You really wanna die?

  Mason: Sometimes I feel like it.

  Dante: I get the feeling... Is that why you took this security job?

  Mason: No. I just wanna do more.

  Dante: Yeah. Sometimes, I wish there was a murder so we could have something to do.

  Mason: Yeah... (He wouldn't get it)

  The 24 hours on the train pass by quickly for Dante and his many naps, but it's much slower for Mason. On the last minute of the ride, they're sitting in the seats they were in at the start as the butler walks down the aisle.

  Geoff: It's about time to step off. I hope you've had a fine trip. Enjoy your stay in Jotun City!

  Dante: Finally! We can get to work.

  Mason: I've never been to the Olympics. I hope it isn't as boring as it is on TV.

  Dante: Don't get your hopes too high.

  The train stops at a station that's exactly like the one in Hjarta Steinn. The butler steps off of the train, followed by Mason and Dante. They leave the train station and are met with a view of Jotun city in the near distance. The Olympic stadium stands tall over many structures while some of the small skyscrapers are able to stand above it.

  Mason: It's been a while since I've seen a city this big. The tall structures have always been a little daunting to me. Always made me feel small.

  Dante: Really? I'd love to live in one of those big cities on Manus. The skyscrapers remind me of all the possibilities that are there for me. Anyway, let's find this girl.

  Mason and Dante walk to the front entrance of the Olympic stadium and are met with a welcome desk made of spruce wood and granite. There's a middle-aged receptionist behind the desk with a name tag on her left shoulder.

  Mandy: Can I help you, sir?

  Mason: Yes, uh, Mandy. I'm a detective on a case and I need to ask one of the Olympians some questions.

  Mandy: Who might that be?

  Mason: The racer Aria Night.

  Mandy looks through some papers on her clipboard.

  Mandy: She hasn't come in yet, but she's been given temporary housing at Olympus Apartments just across the street.

  Mason: Thanks.

  Mason and Dante walk across the stone brick road and into the very fancy lobby of Olympus Apartments. The floor and walls of the lobby are made of marble and granite. There's a hallway on the right side of the room with a red, carpeted staircase next to it. There's an elevator on the left side of the room, next to the check-in desk in the center. The desk is made of spruce and oak wood.

  Mason: Think you can take this one?

  Dante: Can I? You just sit back and watch.

  Dante jumps on the desk and rings a bell. A well-dressed employee walks out of a back room and looks at Mason.

  Barry: Did you ring, sir?

  Dante: That'd be me, uh, Barry. We've got this case, ya see, and we'll need to know where a certain woman is.

  Barry: I see that you are detectives. I will help as I can.

  Dante: Good. Now, this lady is named “Aria Night.” Know where she is?

  Barry takes out a ledger and searches through it.

  Barry: Let me see... Ah, yes. Miss Night is staying in apartment number 207.

  Dante: Thanks. You're a big help.

  Barry: Anytime, sirs.

  Mason and Dante ride the elevator to the second floor. The walls are gray and the carpet is red. The two start walking through the long hallway.

  Dante: Did pretty good, didn't I?

  Mason: It was okay.

  Dante: What's that supposed to mean?

  Mason: It was a good first attempt, but you clearly need more practice.

  Dante: Well, maybe my style's just a bit rougher than yours, but I still got the same result.

  Mason: Hmm... “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Therefore, you should make it a habit to improve yourself, even if only in small ways.

  Dante: Yeah, yeah.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  They find a door with “207” carved into its metal and Mason knocks on it. After a few moments, the door opens just a crack with a blue eye in its shadow.

  Aria: W-What is it?

  Mason: We've been sent here to protect you. May we come in?

  Aria: Wh-Who sent you?

  Mason: He said his name was “Keanu.”

  While hiding behind the door, Aria lets the boys into her apartment. Once they're inside, she closes and locks the door. On the left side of this large room, there's a kitchenette next to a washer and dryer. A TV rests on the center wall, with a crescent moon couch in front of it. The window to the right slides open to the balcony. On the right side of the room, there's a large dinner table with thirteen seats around it and some bread is set in the middle. There's also an open door on the center wall leading to a room with one bed in it.

  Mason: This is a nice place.

  Aria: The company's giving it to me for a while.

  Mason turns to Aria. She's a young, white woman with short, bright, red hair and blue eyes and she's just as tall as Mason. Her skin is smoother than a marble and her face is simply angelic-looking.

  Mason: I... M-My name is Mason Dreemurr.

  Mason extends his right arm to her as Dante's jaw drops. Aria puts her left hand on her upper-right arm and shyly looks down.

  Aria: I-I'm Aria Night.

  She walks over to the couch and sits with her legs embraced by her arms. Mason and Dante sit on the opposite side of the couch.

  Aria: Wh-Who would want to hurt me?

  Mason: That's what I was about to ask you. Can you think of anyone who hates you?

  Aria: I've been trying to since yesterday.

  Mason: I see... What about the other racers? Have they been acting strangely?

  Aria: Vanessa's pretty boastful, but Vinny is a little ominous.

  Dante: Could be either of them. Guess we'll have to find them, too.

  Aria: You talk?

  Dante: Real weird, ain't it?

  Aria: Uh, well, in about half an hour, we're going to have a practice race.

  Mason: A good chance to meet the other racers.

  Dante: Their coaches, too.

  Aria: I'll go get dressed.

  Aria stands up.

  Mason: Wait! One more thing. How's this “Keanu” guy connected to you?

  Aria: I don't know. I've never seen him before. What about you?

  Mason: Hmm. I haven't either. Anyway, you go ahead.

  Aria walks into the bedroom and closes the door.

  Dante: What was that crap?

  Mason: Huh?

  Dante: You never shake hands with people! I thought your disease was real!

  Mason: It's a mental condition, and... I don't know why I did that.

  Dante: Well, if you're not lying, I think I know. You got a little crush.

  Mason: Don't I need to know a little about a girl to have a crush on her?

  Dante: Where'd you get that backwards idea? All you need to know is she's hot.

  Mason: Well, there Is that.

  Aria leaves the bedroom in a white and red racing outfit. The outfit sags by a few inches in the legs and arms and the word “Jotunheim” appears in several places on it. Mason and Dante stand up.

  Mason: Ready?

  Aria: Y-Yes.

  The three walk to the welcome desk at the entrance of the Olympic stadium.

  Mandy: Welcome, miss Night.

  Aria: I, uh... I have guests.

  Mandy: They should be fine as long as they don't cause any trouble.

  Dante: Don't worry. Trouble and us are very distant cousins.

  The three walk past the welcome desk and up the concrete steps of the stadium. They're met with an unending hallway on both sides. There are two sets of stairs in front of them, one leading down into the arena and one leading up into the stands. They walk down into the arena, which has an oval-shaped racetrack around it. There's a road that leads to a set of garages in the center of the arena. The three walk to the garages, each of which has many car parts and tires in them. Aria's car is blue with black stripes. A seven foot tall, tanned woman in a cloak approaches them.

  Elise: The other coaches still aren't here. They likely won't show up in time for the race. Also, your car is ready.

  Aria: Thank you.

  Elise: Still worried?

  Aria: Yes.

  Elise: I wouldn't be. You have us to protect you.

  Mason: And, you are?

  Elise: I am Elise Solace.

  Mason: I'm-

  Elise: I know who you are, Mason.

  Mason: Keanu spoke to you too?

  Elise: He's the reason I'm here.

  Mason: Who is he?

  Elise: A pained man with many worries. A lot like you.

  Mason: Heh. You don't know me.

  Elise: We'll see.

  The other cars rev their engines.

  Elise: You should get to it.

  Aria climbs into her car as the others step to the right side of the garage. The cars move to the starting line and begin their race. The practice race ends with Aria in the lead. The cars then return to their garages and Aria gets out of her car. Shortly, an angry man with green eyes and a green “V” in his hair walks up to her.

  Vinny: Your skills on the track are quite high. You'll surely live on to win many races. But, me... I'm more suitable for a more dangerous lifestyle.

  Vinny reveals a gun in his left pocket and Mason reaches for his revolver at his right side, but Elise holds him back.

  Vinny: I've got just one shot at this medal. Let's not mess it up.

  Vinny calmly walks away as Vanessa walks up to Aria. She has purple hair and blue-hazel eyes.

  Van: Hey, Girl! Sweet skills out there today, but tomorrow I'll bust out my real drifting talent. I can taste the gold already. Later!

  Vanessa walks away.

  Dante: Looks like Vinny's our guy.

  Mason: If she wins.

  Dante: Of course she will. You saw her out there, right?

  Mason: Yeah. But, Aria, maybe you could just drive a little slower and-

  Aria: No! I'll do the best that I can to win. Whatever happens happens.

  Mason: What are you talking about?

  Aria: You already got paid, right? Just let me do the rest.

  Mason, Aria, and Dante spend the rest of the day in the apartment. Mason finds himself leaning against the balcony, looking out upon the late evening sun, which rests above the endless ocean that's beyond the edge of the city.

  Mason: (What's that girl thinking? Does she want to die?... Is she like me?)

  Aria steps out onto the balcony and stands next to Mason.

  Aria: Pretty, right?

  Mason: Huh? Oh, yeah.

  Aria: This is my favorite time of day. It just doesn't last long enough...

  Mason: Hey, is there something wrong?

  Aria: I'm fine.

  Mason: Well, if you Do want to talk about it, just know that you are not alone. I've had my fair share of trials. Dante too... Anyway, I'm gonna take a shower. Could you put my clothes in the washer? I didn't bring more.

  Aria: Sure. Just leave them outside the bathroom.

  Mason goes to the bathroom on the right side of the bedroom and takes a shower, making sure to leave his belongings in a pile on the other side of the door. Once he's done, he enters the bedroom in a gray robe. Aria is lying down in the bed with a warm blanket over her and the sun has gone down.

  Aria: Your clothes should be done in ten minutes.

  Mason: Thanks.

  Aria: I also cleaned your revolver.

  Mason: That one's a-

  Aria: A Tornado-7 with thirteen rounds, right? My dad has the same one.

  Mason sits on the end of the bed.

  Mason: What's he like?

  Aria: An alcoholic who's having an affair.

  Mason: And, your mother?

  Aria: Mom yells at dad all the time and spends all his money. Our money too.

  Mason: Our?

  Aria: Mine and my sisters'.

  Mason: What are they like?

  Aria: They torture me all the time in loud, painful, and shameful ways...

  Mason: That's why you got out your dad's gun?

  Aria: I've thought about killing myself countless times. I just can't go through with it.

  Mason: Me too...

  Aria: What keeps you going?

  Mason: There's people who need me to solve their cases... And, you?

  Aria: I guess I keep hoping for a way out.

  Mason: Just, run away. Use the money you'll get from the Olympics and get away.

  Aria: My mom would take it before I could use it. She owns my bank account.

  Mason: I see... I have an extra room at my place. You can stay there until you're on your own feet.

  She turns to him.

  Aria: R-Really? Why?

  Mason: It's my job to protect you. From All threats.

  Aria: Thank you.

  Mason: Just, live long enough to get there.

  Aria: ...

  He leaves the room. The next day, the three racers are in their purple, green, and blue cars at the starting line of the racetrack. A countless amount of people fill the stands up above as Dante, Mason, and Elise watch on from the garage. An announcer comes on the intercom.

  Jared: Alright, Ladies And Gentlemen! I'll be your announcer today, Jared Johnson! In case you forgot, we held the opening ceremonies last week and were introduced to today's racers, Vanessa Jung, Vinny Valentine, and Aria Night! If you missed it, well we can't help you. Once the countdown reaches zero, the three round race will Begin!

  The racers start their engines.

  Jared: With that, Let's Start The Show! Three! Two! One! ZERO!

  The racers start going around the track and Aria is already ahead.

  Dante: This job sure is easy. What'll you do with your half?

  Mason: Maybe I'll get a house. Maybe a horse. What about you?

  Dante: When I make detective, I'm moving to Manus. Some big city with more crime to solve.

  The racers enter the second lap with Vinny in the lead.

  Elise: You truly gave him half your earnings? Why so?

  Mason: He's my emotional support animal.

  Dante: Yeah. I keep this guy from offing himself.

  As Vinny leaves his drift around the corner, he crashes into a tire wall, allowing Aria and Vanessa to pass him as they enter the third lap. He then calmly gets out of his car, takes out his gun, and aims down the track. Mason reaches for his T-7 and steps forward, but Elise holds him back.

  Mason: Let me go!

  Elise: You'll get a good shot soon.

  Mason: How do you know that?!

  Elise: I can sense where they all are. I won't let her die. Do you trust me?

  Mason: ...

  The announcer whispers;

  Jared: Um. Should someone call the Guard Post?

  As Aria leaves her final drift, Vinny shoots out her right-front tire, causing her car to tumble past the finish line with a subtle, blue light around it. Vanessa drives by Aria and then stops and gets out of her car. She stares in shock at the wreck as Aria crawls out of her car and stands up. Aria then waves at the crowds as they scream in horror.

  Jared: Looks like we have a winner, Folks! Now, if only someone would Stop That Madman!

  Aria collapses to the ground as Vinny makes his way towards her.

  Vinny: I warned you! It's time to get what's coming to you!

  Vinny aims his gun at Aria as Vanessa runs away.

  Elise: Now!

  Mason takes two steps forward, takes out his T-7, and aims it. As Vinny steps closer to Aria, Mason shoots through both of his legs with a single shot, causing him to fall on his face and drop his gun.

  Mason: Jackpot!

  Mason puts away his revolver, runs to Vinny, and kicks away his gun.

  Mason: Looks like you'll have to get taxis from now on.

  Vinny: You Idiot! My dad's the biggest mafia boss in the Solar System! Our men will have her head before you Leave This City!

  Elise: Mason! Get Her Over Here!

  Mason runs to Aria, picks her up, and runs to Elise.

  Elise: It isn't safe here anymore.

  Mason: You're telling me? We gotta get her outta here. Now!

  Elise: Just wait one second.

  Elise raises her hands and tattoos on her hands start glowing as a portal to Mason's apartment door appears before his eyes in the back of the garage. The portal is lined with blue light around its edges.

  Mason: What?! How's This Possible?!

  Elise: Just Go!

  Mason and Dante walk through the portal and it closes behind them.

  Dante: Well, this is officially the weirdest day of my life! You know where we are?

  Mason: Yeah. My apartment. How on Earth is this possible?

  Dante: Earth?

  Mason: A-Anyway, let's get her in a bed. Could you unlock it? The key's in my left pocket.

  Dante takes out the key and unlocks the door. They then walk to the bedroom on the right side of the apartment and Mason lays Aria down.

  Dante: I think that's the most you've touched anyone since you popped out of your mother's womb. Also, I could've had this room for free this whole time?!

  Mason: Could you just not talk for a minute?

  Dante: Right. Sorry. It's just... A lot just happened. I'm trying to process it.

  Mason: Me too..... Okay. So, magic exists too now.

  Dante: Yeah? You never heard of the mages on Monsoon? Apparently, they were studying magic as of fifty years ago, then they just vanished. Looks like some of them are still around.

  Mason: What's next? Dragons?

  Dante: Why? You seen one?... Kidding.

  Elise walks into the room.

  Elise: You should lock your door.

  Mason: So, you're a mage?

  Elise checks on Aria.

  Elise: Yes, and Monsoon is still very lively. Just, don't let Torius, or others, find out.

  Mason: Torius? Why him?

  Elise: I can't tell you. Just, don't say anything to anyone, alright?

  Mason: *Sighs* Alright.

  Elise: And, Dante?

  Dante: Can't talk about something I don't know about.

  Elise: Good... Aria will be fine, but the mafia will be looking for her. It would be best to keep her here a while. At least, until Keanu gives the all clear.

  Mason: I'll let her know when she gets up.

  Dante: Poor girl. A young thing like that doesn't deserve all that trouble.

  Elise: If you don't mind, I have business elsewhere. I'll be back next month.

  Elise opens a portal to an old, Japanese-style mansion.

  Mason: That'll take some getting used to. Good luck out there.

  Elise: Same to you.

  Elise walks through the portal as it closes behind her. Mason and Dante leave the room and Mason gently shuts the door.

  Dante: I guess I'll head home, then. Gotta get a shower.

  Mason: See you tomorrow.

  Dante: We'll take care of her.

  Mason: Yeah. We will.

  Dante: Anyway, later.

  Dante leaves the apartment, making sure to close the door behind him. Mason gets in his room, closes the door, and rests against it. He then slides down into a sitting position and starts breathing heavily. He closes his eyes. The world goes dark for a moment before Mason appears in a field of flowers with a tree behind him. A version of himself in army gear and holding two revolvers appears before him. He opens his eyes and points his hand, in the shape of a pistol, at his other self.

  Mason: I don't need to be you.