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THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 52
The nauseating horror did not leave, even when the grip of the Man disappeared, and he himself seemed to have left. The body, leaning back against the screen without the ability to move, trembled. There was a string of images before his eyes, joined by the scene from his own memory when he grabbed her and dragged her to the weirdo.— Alice! quiet voice, almost a whisper. It even sounds human . Unusual. - Please look at me. Take it! And give me your left hand.Like a hunted animal, she nervously turned her head in his direction and looked at what the Man offered her in exchange for a hand. Mask. Not just another one of his creations, but a one-of-a-kind Mask of the Masked Man. Giving him his magic, turning him into a pale-faced Demon. Perhaps the most valuable of his treasures. More than worthy exchange.The fox lifted her head with an effort. Emerald eyes met barite eyes. It didn't feel like a trick. A new sophisticated game has not been announced. Everything seemed to be fair this ti
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 53
The director was silent. The continuation of the story caused conflicting feelings in him. Especially disgusting was the realization of his own bias. Own mistake.- The arsonist met me on his way ... I judged him without pity, almost without peering. The mask didn't fit. The weirdo constantly remembered himself, and tried to remove it. The thoughts in his head were mixed, his behavior was chaotic, and in the end he managed to cut off the mask. Along with my own face. Everyone felt the pain of his actions. He suffered after that for almost a day before he died. And later his relatives began to look for him. The true culprit of the arson was found. As it turned out, the Irishman was a good, but very suggestible person who was just very unlucky. Had I not met him on the way, his story would have ended much better.Lost in reminiscences, he summed up disappointingly:It was a senseless death! Nobody got anything from her. There is just one less good person in the world!"Human. Can. Regre
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 54
Choking with tears, Fox sat down directly on the grass. Hugging her knees, she gave vent to the tears that were waiting in the wings. When she is alone. When Charlie does not support her with warm hugs or a kind word. The darkest hour has come. Even They are not needed to make it painful."I could not! Didn't stop! I was there, but he still died alone! They took him away and I was there. I could have stopped everything. To correct. But she didn't!" — shuddered all thin body from tears of contempt for itself.Alice, what are you doing here? The Man's voice sounded like something otherworldly.“Let him go! I must say that I just breathe air!“I…” her voice trembled after a flood of tears, betraying her with her head. - Nothing! Don't worry."Devil! I must say that I just need to get some fresh air and send home!The director was in no hurry to return to the tent. On the contrary, he sat down on the grass next to Alice, almost touching her. The girl's shoulders tensed. The girl was in no
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 55
The last phrase was said almost angrily, causing the Fox to flinch involuntarily. The Headmaster's honesty was unaccustomed, cruel, but could not help but evoke a sense of belonging. Perhaps the reason for this was the shared memories between them.- One look. One full dive. And all the forgotten wounds began to bleed with renewed vigor. It was as if the Mask had not even existed for two hundred years! My personal nightmare is back! And neither the pale-faced Demon, nor the Mask, nor the new weirdo can make old wounds heal! There are very similar ulcers inside you and me, Alice! he finished, cradling the Fox's face in the cradle of his palms.The girl didn't look away. Sad eyes gazed at him. And in my mind there is only one question:Does my presence hurt?“ A still alive girl wanders around the dead Circus with the Dead at the head. The more life you have, the more I feel its absence in me. It's painful, but if you leave it will hurt a lot more! »“I can imagine what it cost you,” Li
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 56
The morning after the night of the discovery of the nursery rhyme, Alexa Lis met with a bouquet of conflicting feelings. Embarrassment and awkwardness became dominant among them. After the moment of mutual exposure of the most painful wounds to each other, the girl was shy to look in the direction of the Man. Waking up, contrary to tradition, not in an empty tent, she darted behind the screen on unbending legs and tried to wash her burning face with embarrassment.What seemed absolutely natural and correct in the arms of the night, in the pitiless light of the day looked like insanity. In the morning, the Man, in whose arms she shed the most bitter tears, again turned into the Great and Terrible Master of the Circus, and she into his subordinate.“Damn, why am I so worried, like we… But in all honesty, if we just slept together, I would worry a lot less. Attraction, nothing more!” - from her chaotic thoughts, the Man involuntarily smiled, admitting, however, that everything that happe
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 57
“The winner cannot demand revenge!” he retorted. “Dear Alice, it’s a sin for you to complain. Victory gives you freedom and the books you so desire. Fair play will force you into unpleasant training. Just swallow this lie and claim your prize.“My honor is not sold so cheaply!” the girl said indignantly."If you're selling your soul, never let the buyer cut the price!"So it's just a matter of price? - the eyes of a predator, sparkling like arctic ice, looked at the girl searchingly.“I demand fair play from you, Human!” The fox didn't flinch. Opposite the Director sat an angry Fury with flared nostrils and lightning flashing from her eyes. “Even if it means my every defeat.- May it be so! He bowed his head meekly.“ Won't you regret your defeats in the future, dear Alice? »Ten minutes of silence. The Black Kingdom suffered critical losses. Alice was already anxiously peering into the emerging party. Perhaps the Man was not an absolute master of chess, but many times he surpassed ev
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 58
"Oh yeah! Questions about the former! Lis smiled wickedly.- Neither one nor the other. I wanted her to take a seat beside me,” he answered curtly.How is Jossie?— No, like the Mistress of the Circus. Like my queen, - at the last word, he caught a barely noticeable surge of displeasure from the girl. Not enough to even form into a tangible thought, but palpable at the level of emotions. Almost jealous .— That's how! she chuckled. - Strongly, then, upset when she preferred anything to your generous offer ?"Are you planning on chastising me?" You yourself know exactly what I felt at that moment, ”he twitched impatiently, but the Fox butted his head again, this time with the back of the head. “She really was special.“Someone needs to enlighten you on what that girl, Human, felt!”“ For the first and last time! »- I must say right away that in her place, I would not only refuse, but look for something heavy or sharp. Frying pan or knife! What you did is unforgivable !“The Great and
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 59
- Let's sum up: in the Circus I don't see nightmares, I can sleep normally. I am not pursued by Them, and there is no need to drink poison from the Tea Witch. I am neither invisible nor ghost. I can do almost anything I want. And I have someone to play chess with, to talk like a human being, not to mention the rest... But all this will disappear in less than a week, when my imprisonment is over and I get my freedom.I lie on the grass in my dream, ignoring the enchanting skyscape as I speak to the silent Mask.“I don't think the Human would mind if I wanted to stay. But then I will play my part in his performance, not because I have to, but out of good will. And I don't know if it's good or bad. Punish bad people? What he does is terrible, but they deserve it differently? My ten months of nightmares show that some people deserve only execution! The Tea Witch...doing something bad to her will only make me happy! But there is more! Something important... I don't know, but I feel like th
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- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 131
Over the years, I have long understood that the provision of choice is only a play of his own composition. Man really likes the behavior of his toys in those moments when they think that they still have freedom, but in fact he has been pulling all the strings for a long time. Everything will be just the way he wants. And these "certain conditions" will be fulfilled by me regardless of what I say or do.- The very first thing - together forever, my dear! A blanket falls off my shoulders. His cloak flies to the floor.- Easy! I smile, straightening the buttons on my vest.- And the second, - his hand, bypassing pajamas, moves along the spine, causing pleasant goosebumps, - to the King and Queen ...- Oh no!" ...should..."- No, no, no!- ...to be husband and wife!- Somehow without me! - I try to get out, does not allow.Several years have passed since Kenny's opaque hint, and each time this intriguer, in any case, specified the nearest date of that very day. Over time, Man began to th
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 130
For a month, Lis loaded herself with work and new projects so that the breaks between activities were only for sleep. She even preferred to eat food on the go, which could not but worry her friends. But it was easier that way. She did not ignore the support of her brother and the company, and almost every November evening she called to her gatherings with or without an overnight stay. It was more difficult with the nightmares, which instantly returned without the Man. Bypassing the subsequent revival in Brantford, but just as disgustingly detailed. Nights without their King literally became torture.- Would you like to visit me today? - suggested the Fox, locking the doors, although the very idea that someone would break into her cafe in her City caused hysterical laughter.“Actually, we wanted to invite everyone to our place today, Kenny will again liberate modest Wendy,” Trisha smiled, “but if you yearn for the Man, then we can organize gatherings with you!”“I miss you madly,” the
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 129
"Month of the Unknown. What if another Four comes along and challenges him and destroys him? Or will the old one gather and, shaking her gray hair, avenge her ruined lives? Or will he find himself another young sweetheart? – the last thought harassed more than others.She had no doubts about the ability of her King to foresee all possible outcomes and become invulnerable for a month with full replenishment from the Circus. As well as how greedy for his mysterious image of girls of all possible ages. And if she could tolerate the townspeople, realizing that they were of little interest to the Man, and if they wished, they would simply go to dinner for the ghouls, then the events of Saintfor ...“All his women are from this Devil City, come to think of it. Even me! she thought displeasedly, looking through the audience from behind the scenes, in search of a potential weirdo with whom the Circus would go on tour completely full. - Devil! Am I like Persephone? Will I strangle any one for
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 128
The door bell chimed cheerfully, letting in strangers.– Welcome to Nightingale City! Lis smiled.The city whispered to the girl behind the counter that the customers weren't local. But no hint was needed. It was enough to see their faces. All new people have anxiety, loss and hopelessness in their eyes. Like all guests of the city, they are confused by how exactly they ended up at the doors of the themed cafe. But they couldn't get in. The one who can is not yet born. The trinity of young people is slightly older than Alice herself.– We are glad to welcome guests of the city in our cafe “Alice in the Land of Teas¹”!She politely invited those who entered to sit down at the bar counter, into which the counter passed.Let me offer you tea. For guests of the city, absolutely free! – warning their refusal, she added.“Thank you,” one of them said in a trembling voice, “Miss…- In our small state, you can call me Alice! she winked with a smile on duty as she prepared welcome tea for them
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 127
The man sincerely grinned, gently unhooked the pale girlish fingers, dragging Lis forward to hug her from behind. Feeling the familiar warmth in her shoulder blades, enveloping her with a mute promise of protection, she closed her eyes in bliss.- Unusual. Very nice variety!Today the townspeople have outdone themselves! In a good way! she chuckled. – I think this day has become a pleasant change for everyone!“And for you, my singing queen?”“You have hearing like a bat?” she wondered, adding, “Kenny and his brother decided to have a therapy session to get rid of their sad thoughts through public humiliation. By the way, effective, although I could do without it. Holidays are great medicine in and of themselves. And I prefer to sing only to a narrow circle of the elite." Chosen, you mean? - Alice's words thrown as an excuse for timidity were very flattering.Will life be much more boring now? the girl asked, smiling when a scarlet maple leaf fell on her face in a gust of night wind.
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 126
Before the eyes of Alice, who was rapidly blushing with embarrassment, everyone who heard Andy's loud announcement, as well as everyone who knew one of them, pulled up to the small stage. Friends with hyenas' hysterical laughter pushed the girl onto the stage, taking away her bag and broom. The band members, meanwhile, descended from the stage, took large lanterns and, for the effect of bright spotlights, began to illuminate the girl from large spotlights.“Brother,” Lis sang with a wide smile of shock, “I hate you!” I'll go down from the stage - I'll kill!“Relax, Kiki,” Kenny winked at her, “consider it part of therapy. We treat despondency with public disgrace!- That's not how it works! - hissed the girl, getting a guitar in her hands. Correcting the instrument, she timidly turned to the crowd, expecting either a song from her, or ... she didn’t even want to think about the second. - Okay, hello people! You know, in my memory - this is the best holiday in our city! I'm right?The
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 125
- Why is Robin Hood not included in the support group? Andy asked, looking to ensure that the preparations were going at the right pace, but a boot flying in his direction made the guys step back from the tent one more step.- Don't peek! - the girls printed their will in unison.All three voices were clearly heard in the angry trill.– Because he performs the most important mission – guarding the entrance to the territory of the Circus! Pirate Roberts grunted, brushing off the broomstick.- And if there are no jokes?- If no joke, then with all his inclinations towards your sister, multiplied by his pathological inability to keep his mouth closed and his hands to himself ... think for yourself! Kenny answered in the tone of a mentor explaining something obvious. - Here they will pull out his arms and legs and change places, and deservedly so, and I will also assist!Three girls emerged from the tent. Sarah in a classic ghost costume and Trisha in the image of Rose Cotton paired with
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 124
The Man in the Mask himself found himself in a spiral of difficult questions. Does the King need a Queen after a complete and unconditional victory in the last chess game? As it turns out, more is needed. Which for the pragmatic part of his essence seemed strange. When the enemies stopped brightening up the dullness of loneliness, Alice's halo of "usefulness" almost completely melted away. And now that the Mask had no plans left for her, the Man's attitude towards the fragile little witch became even more reverent. As soon as all plans to conquer the city and eliminate the last coven were completed, the temporarily suppressed desire for the constant closeness of the Foxes returned. The fistula called "loneliness" did not poison his existence only with the full presence of his beast in his life. Her presence nearby, when only the body is close, and the soul is hidden in darkness, forced him to make a decision that was unexpected for him.The sun began to move towards the horizon when a
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 123
The morning of the last day of October, almost until breakfast, Lis spent in tears. The whole "raw period" Man did not leave her a single step. As in the case of her exhaustion after the first merger with the City, he could not influence the girl. All that was left was to watch helplessly. In the end, poured into the girl by hook or by crook, a transparent liquid with a cloyingly sweet and sour taste managed to stop the endless stream of tears. However, this author's sedative lasted only a couple of hours.Upon awakening, she wanted only one thing - to fall into a dream and not wake up for at least a week. However, the dream waved its tail and left the Fox, gloatingly endowing her consciousness with crystal vigor, with which it became impossible even to doze off. It was comforting that the tears had ended, and clarity appeared in my thoughts, albeit a sad one. Under the soothing roar of the Human's heart, she opened her eyes. Feeling the weightless movements of his fingers on her shou
