Simon Says

When Rickter heard the explosion, he rushed to reach the other side of the mansion where it came from. He had spent the day in the library, studying the ecology of the Verdantia forest, when he heard it.

He ran, then stopped, for he noticed a strange sound. A ticking sound, like a clock.

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

Bzzz Simon Says … jump!

Rickter stared dumbly to the hallway where he heard the sound.

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

Five seconds remain.

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

He blinked. Is this a trap? A game? Should I jump? Should I not? He gritted his teeth and jumped.

Both players succeeded.

Both? Rickter gasped. There was someone else there – he could see the shadowy figure emerge from the hall and into the library.

The game will continue in ten seconds.

‘You catch on quick, boy.’ The shadow stepped into the light. It was a woman with a gaunt face and dark blue hair. Pale makeup lined her skin, and dark mascara touched at her eyes. She looked quite athletic, considering her emaciated physiqu