Chapter 25: Ch 25: Socius
"...!!"
In a corner of the locker room within the theme park’s creepypasta, a small
plush doll moved its limbs and spoke.
At first glance, it would be a life-threatening situation.
Except that I created this situation.
– Friend?
The plush doll convulsed atop the now-vanished hexagram.
"Ah—"
It was then that I realized.
That I had succeeded in inviting the ’Good Friend’ into the doll!
The problem was that the one invited was someone I knew, no, a known
monster.
’Mr. Host...!’
The monster with a TV head who was conducting the <Tuesday Quiz
Show> in the creepypasta.
– I hope you join the crew of my new talk show as well, Mr. Roe Deer!
I swallowed hard, recalling the last scene of escaping from that crazy
creepypasta.
"...Nice to meet you, Mr. Host. Have you been well?"
– Haha, nice to meet you too! I remember you shining in the quiz show, Mr.
Roe Deer. Have you been well? I...
– I.
Silence.
– Well... I don’t really remember. Mm... right. I’ve been well. I’ve been
conducting the talk show, yes.
The voice coming from the plush doll faded somewhat, then regained
strength and friendliness.
– The important thing is that we have met again!
"...Yes."
It felt as though the overwhelming supernatural pressure and fear were
being pressed down softly before erupting.
’...Because it’s a good friend?’
It seems that the plush doll and the ritual are playing some sort of
controlling role.
Still, I have to be careful.
"Um, Mr. Host. I have a question."
– Feel free to speak, friend. Oh, by the way, that kind of title between
friends is a bit awkward!
– Just call me Braun, Mr. Roe Deer! Let’s drop the stiff formalities!
"...Right. Yes. Braun."
Yeah. Even a TV-headed monster living in a creepypasta has a name...
Anyway, the main point was urgent now. I spoke as politely as possible.
"Actually, I’m trying to leave the theme park now, but I can’t find the way
out."
– Goodness! Theme parks are famous for their complicated structures and
confusing paths. Don’t worry. I’m very good at finding my way!
"...I’m not lost, but the mascots are blocking the exit gate."
The plush doll was silent for a moment, as if speechless.
– Huh, hmm. It’s a unique situation, isn’t it?
A pretty human-like reaction.
I briefly summarized the structure of this theme park and what had
happened.
Including the teams and zones divided by color, and the out-of-control
mascots.
The plush doll lying on the floor folded its arms.
– Hmm. These mascots are really diva-like! Such conspicuously
rambunctious beings exist in the broadcasting industry too.
– But one that hasn’t appeared is bothering me.
A mascot that hasn’t appeared?
I reflexively thought.
"...Are you talking about the yellow mascot?"
The last mascot, only mentioned in attractions, with no trace.
– Exactly! The yellow flower, isn’t it? Do you know where he is?
"...!"
Right.
’Since I found the blue mascot’s zone, the yellow mascot’s zone must be
somewhere...!’
If I find that place and go to that gate...
– He must already be dead, though.
...
"Pardon?"
The yellow mascot?
"Isn’t there a space like a botanical garden or greenhouse garden? Because
it’s a flower..."
– Oh, Mr. Roe Deer, you probably already know.
The kind voice whispered,
– Didn’t you say it clearly yourself? You said the yellow team also woke up
on the outskirts of the blue zone.
"...!"
– If there was a yellow zone, the yellow team would have woken up there.
Wasn’t that the promise?
"...That’s right."
The rule is that you wake up in the zone of the color you get. But the yellow
team didn’t.
Because... maybe there really is no yellow zone?
I mulled it over.
And after a moment, I opened my mouth.
"...I realized what I need to do."
I need to check.
– Oh, what is it? Together...
The plush doll struggled as if trying to get up, but couldn’t balance and fell
flat.
– Ahem, Mr. Roe Deer, could you help me get up?
I cautiously approached and gently lifted the ’Good Friend’ keychain with
one hand.
It felt a warmth like body heat.
– It’s hard to maintain your balance. It might take a little time to adjust...
but don’t worry. I’m a very capable being!
How dignified.
After pondering, I put the plush doll into the front pocket of my suit.
The plush doll exaggeratedly raised one hand.
– Alright, let’s go! ...But, where are we going?
It’s a place that can guide the way.
A place that’s definitely in a large public facility, one of those essential
spots.
"It’s the information booth."
* * *
Of course, there were exploration records noting that the ’Cheerful Theme
Park’ also had information booths. Most typical amusement parks are fully
equipped with them.
’The problem is that they weren’t functioning properly...’
They did inform us of the locations of some nearby attractions.
But when the requests were a bit complicated or required physical items,
this happened.
The information mascot raised a ’Members Only’ sign.
’It means that having just an admission ticket isn’t enough.’
Although they treated us as customers, it was meant to create a spooky
atmosphere by implying that this place wasn’t originally meant for us...
’Fortunately, I have a membership band on my wrist.’
In fact, as soon as the admission ticket was changed to a membership, I
recalled several exploration records related to ’Members Only’.
Special souvenir shops, restaurants, and separate attraction entrances that
allow entry without waiting in line.
But there was a clear reason why I tried to avoid them as much as possible.
’Because I have to interact with the mascots.’
Because if I interacted with the crazy mascot who closed the gate without
any information, I could trigger some horrific outcome...
’Just thinking about it makes me dizzy.’
But now that I had a monster friend who would act as a crisis alarm, I
decided to give it a try.
"Braun. If the person I’m talking to seems upset or might harm me, could
you let me know?"
– Of course. It’s not a difficult task!
The plush doll cheerfully replied, then quickly came up with a few hand
signals we could use. It was indeed a quick response befitting someone in
mass media.
And after a short while.
– Over there. Oh, it looks pretty convincing...
I approached the information booth, hearing the ’Good Friend’ talking. The
booth was made of opaque blue glass and a white screen.
As I got closer, the screen opened, revealing the face of a blue mascot.
It was the blue dragon in uniform.
"Hello. I’d like to see a map of this place."
The blue mascot, waving its hand as if pleased, quickly moved its hand and
handed me a high-quality catalog.
It was a convenient map showing various attractions, restaurants, and
facilities of ’Blue Dream Waterpark’.
At the top of the catalog, it was marked ’Members Only.’
I looked up at the blue mascot.
"Thank you."
There was a somewhat proud expression.
"By the way, is there one that shows the entire area as well?"
Clunk.
The movement of the blue mascot stopped.
D-Don’t be scared.
"I’m sure you know, but I came over here from the red zone without any
procedures. I want to avoid going closer there again to prevent any
mistakes..."
I asked in the calmest and most polite voice possible.
"What exactly is the boundary between the red zone and this area?"
A short silence.
The mascot reached out its hand.
From here
to here
Riiiiiip. The catalog map I was holding was torn by the blue mascot’s claw.
Along the eastern end, it tore down.
’As expected, the eastern part of the blue zone and the western part of the
red zone were directly connected...’
But... it’s so scary.
My hands holding the torn catalog were shaking as if vibrating...!
’Please save me.’
Isn’t it going to split me in half with its claws and kill me?
At the moment the mascot lifted its claws off the map, I hurriedly nodded
and expressed my gratitude.
Then, onto the next topic!
"Thank you. If that’s the case..."
Thud thud.
"...!"
– Shh.
From the front pocket, the plush doll tapped its chest twice softly.
...This is what it means.
’It seems the other party is not in a good mood.’
...So, this is it!
I immediately shifted my demeanor and only greeted politely.
"Yes. I won’t go near the red zone."
The blue dragon stayed still for a moment, then nodded its head.
Then, rummaging through its chest, it took out another polite ’Blue Soda
Churros’ bag and handed it to me.
"Thank you."
G o o d c h i l d
The blue dragon tapped my wristband gently and then let go of its arm.
Drip.
Eventually, the screen of the information booth closed smoothly.
"..."
’Huu.’
It was done.
I bowed my head, clutching my pounding heart.
I felt like I was going to die of fear...
– You’re smiling, my friend! Are you feeling good? Did you find what you
wanted?
I figured it out.
"Yes."
I lifted my head and started running.
"Now, I just need to move."
If I had asked the mascot more questions, I might have saved some time,
but safety comes first, so from now on, I would use the most reliable means.
My own feet.
’Let’s hurry.’
There were only a few hours left.
I looked up at the sky of the theme park, which was starting to darken.
* * *
A few hours later.
The sun had set.
"Huuuff."
I kept running.
My legs were trembling from sprinting thoroughly around the gigantic
water theme park, covering half a lap.
– Mr. Roe Deer, you seem terribly exhausted?
"I’m fine."
The plush doll asked with a pitiful tone.
– It seems like the time has come to ask this question. Exactly where are
you trying to go?
I wiped the sweat dripping from my chin and replied.
"The yellow zone."
– Hooh!
– We both seemed to agree with the statement ’there is no yellow zone’, but
why did you change your judgment?
"It’s not that I changed my mind. I still believe there is no yellow zone."
But...
"There must have been one in the past."
I lowered the map and looked ahead.
First of all.
"At that time, it probably wasn’t directly adjacent to the red zone."
To the east was a forest, to the north was the entrance, to the south was a
cliff, and to the west was the blue zone.
’The terrain fits perfectly without any gaps.’
Then...
"It must have been connected to some part of the blue zone. There must
have been a connecting passage."
Excluding the north, which was also an entrance, and the east, which was
adjacent to the red zone.
What remains is...
– So you’re thoroughly searching the west and south? Haha!
That’s correct.
Unlike the red zone, there were no mascots chasing me to kill me here, so I
could use this laborious method.
And finally, I found it in a corner of the northwest, behind the restroom’s
flower bed.
A rough dirt path leading up the mountain, like a closed hiking trail.
– Hmm. It must have been opened as a passage before.
The problem is, crossing this almost certainly violates the theme park’s
rules.
[No Entry Except for Staff]
After checking that sign, I slightly stepped out from behind the restroom
and looked around.
I made eye contact with a mascot standing in front of a children’s attraction
far away.
– Hmm, are you bothered by that mascot?
"Yes. If I cross into the no-entry zone, I’m sure they’ll notice..."
– Then just don’t get caught!
"..."
But that’s not as easy as it sounds...
– Oh, cheer up. It’s not difficult!
– Isn’t it me? Your friend.
The voice of the ’Good Friend’ became somewhat crafty.
Its unique confidence, slyness, and friendliness came to the forefront.
– I will help you. First... it would be good to take me out of your front
pocket for a moment!
I did as it said.
Then, the plush doll sitting on my palm raised its hand and pointed at me.
I flinched instantly, remembering how it burned people during the Tuesday
Quiz Show.
But this time was different.
Ta-dak!
A small thudding sound echoed as the doll without fingers snapped its hand.
At that moment.
A strange shadow-like thing heavily covered me.
"...!"
I was now faint and sinking...
– Now... they won’t be able to notice you. Come on, let’s go.
The voice of Braun, the ’Good Friend’, sounded slightly weary and faint.
"This is..."
– I turned off your lighting, Mr. Roe Deer.
– We promised not to worry about people who aren’t illuminated during the
show, didn’t we?
Apparently, ’incineration’ wasn’t the only ability of the host.
’Was he managing the entire filming location by himself...?’
I felt an eerie chill and looked down at the plush doll, but soon realized that
wasn’t my priority.
First, escape!
"Then, I’ll move."
– Very good!
I turned back to the restroom and stood in front of the closed narrow path.
Then, I crossed the no-entry sign.
"..."
Nothing happened.
"Thank..."
– Let’s set aside the praise and move first!
I was almost moved to tears by how grateful I was.
I sprinted up the steep hiking trail at my maximum speed, almost sprinting
away.
Fragments of broken plastic and decorative items flashed beneath my hands
and feet amidst the dirt.
– It seems like the place where something was is definitely here.
I pushed my speed even more.
Upward, further upward...
And finally, the end of the path appeared.
Tak.
I stepped forward and stood.
From the top of the hill, I looked down below.
It’s...
– It’s a resort.
A large-scale resort building was spread out next to the dark seaside.
...Did all famous franchise theme parks also operate such massive lodging
facilities?
It was so large it was overwhelming just to look at it...
[Flower Golden Resort]
It was already a completely abandoned facility.
The golden-lit resort must have looked like quite a dream place once. But
now it was old, paint peeling, and desolate.
I looked at the sign with a yellow flower brightly smiling, which had a
crack.
And below that, even the familiar but older machinery.
– There’s a gate at the entrance to the resort too!
"Yes."
That was expected. The way back to the resort from the theme park was
also a kind of exit.
’Found it...!’
I ran again, forgetting my exhaustion. The shadow that had been covering
my body snapped away, and my steps quickened.
– Hmm. But the gate here is off too, can I use it?
"Of course."
I looked around the old gate mechanism and opened the emergency control
panel.
Just like I did at the attraction.
And I activated the emergency power.
Ziiing.
Creaking, sporadic lights came on in the gate machine.
’Because the mascot had its eyes wide open, I couldn’t do it earlier.’
This level of operation was manageable on my own.
I stood in front of the gate where the lights were coming on most
completely.
I took a deep breath.
Until the final confirmation.
"Braun. If I enter that resort with my membership, do you think I have to
use those facilities?"
– Haha! Those rundown places? Their business seems to have ended long
ago, and it’s already an ownerless property. It’s not a theme park, just land!
Thank you for the sharp and accurate assessment, friend.
I immediately brought my membership to the gate.
Click.
The old gate machine read my membership.
Ding.
The device’s lights flickered.
[◎ Goodbye ◎]
Done.
Feeling a shiver, as I moved my feet...
– Goodness, they followed.
I turned around.
Far away, I saw a blue figure crawling up the narrow path.
’...Mascot!’
It was the blue dragon!
The mascot in uniform that I saw at the gate was approaching at a terrifying
speed... then stopped.
It’s... it’s...
Staggering.
"..."
– Tsk tsk. That mascot thinks it’s the protagonist of a drama. Let’s get out
quickly!
I felt uneasy.
’This is completely a foreshadowing of revenge.’
There’s nothing good about being hated by a being from a creepypasta,
right?
I thought and rummaged through my pocket, finding something that was
still left.
[Alice’s Picnic Set – Cookie]
It was this flat cookie item that I had never used before.
I lightly threw the paper-wrapped cookie at the mascot.
...
– Mr. Roe Deer, you are excessively kind...
No.
’Anyway, I gave it to you, Dragon.’
As I confirmed that the mascot received the cookie in its hand, I crossed the
gate.
G o o d c h i l d
I escaped from the creepypasta.
Amidst the world swirling around, I heard the faint voice of the ’Good
Friend’.
– Hmm, now I’m getting strength! I feel like I can move...
* * *
I opened my eyes.
I realized I was sitting in the conference room of Research Team 1 on the
17th floor, empty and dark, right in the middle of Seoul.
’...I survived.’
I succeeded in escaping!
"Ha!!"
Feeling an overwhelming sense of liberation stretching to the tips of my
hair, I immediately stood up from my seat.
’Is no one here?’
A few hours had passed, so it seemed everyone had moved from the
conference room. I thought of calling to let them know I had escaped...
Huh?
I looked at my wrist.
[◎ (Cheerful) Fantasyland Membership ◎ ]
The band was still there.
"What is this—"
And then it began to burn.
"...!"
In an instant, the form of the admission ticket disappeared.
But something remained.
Exactly where the admission ticket had been, there was a black inscription
engraved on my wrist.
: Socius :
What the heck.