The Carnival

[Victoria]

She rolled over, staring at the wall. Lights flickered inside of the room, flashing brightly and then disappearing before flashing again. She rolled over again, and lazily touched her wrist to her brow. Colors danced upon the ceiling, and she watched them for the moment. “To end it, just like that?” She said into the darkness. She sat up in the bed, and slid her feet onto the floor.”At least show your face, you bastard. You hide because you know what we can do, don’t you?” She clutched the sheets in her fists. “You hide because you can’t fight against us, is that why?” She stood up and walked across the room towards the powder room. The long mirror within gave her an ample view of her body, and she took the time to make sure everything was as it should have been. The dress was gone, her hair was down, and she was not dead. Vicky grabbed the brush in front of her and began to comb through the silken strands.

She couldn’t place her mind in the right spot. Reality, or fantasy, the entire game was throwing her off. She tossed the brush back onto the counter and exited the room. She had walked straight from the chilly Titanic and into the warm and inviting room. It confused her as to why she had ended up here, but a little rest never hurt anyone. She stretched her limbs and made to exit the room, she had to get outside and find someone to pass the time with. The first person to come to mind was Alura, so she decided to seek out the reptilian for company.

Carnival sounds surrounded her as she exited the building, people milled about, going from one game to another, or one ride to another. She could see the large wheel that she and the other girl had been on before being taken into another game. She didn’t know if she would be there anymore, she could be anywhere. Vic began walking into the noise and lights.

She stopped with her mouth slightly ajar. Before her was a giant cone shaped building, and she couldn’t help but look at all the delicious flavours. “What is a Snow Cone?” She asked the woman at the booth. She was handing out various ice creams.

“You don’t know? It’s like ice cream, only not ice cream.”She replied, and shrugged. “You should try one, it’s free.” She disappeared from the window and Vicky looked up at the list of flavours.

“How can something be ice cream, and not ice cream, it doesn’t make sense?” She asked, and scratched the back of her head. “I’m sure it won’t kill me.” She decided and stepped closer to the window.

“Have you made up your mind?” The woman asked, leaning out once again.

“Yes, can I try one of those Snow Cone things? I’ll take a cherry flavoured one.” She looked up eagerly.

“Alright, hang on.” The girl disappeared again, and Victoria craned her neck to see what was going on. She could hear an assortment of noises coming from inside, but couldn’t see a thing. The worker returned and handed her a paper cone with red slush inside of it.

“This isn’t ice cream,” Vic stated, and stared at the cold item in her hand.

“I told you, it’s like ice cream, but it isn’t.” The girl gave Vic an impatient glare and made to shoo her. Customers were lining up, so Victoria stepped away and continued to scrutinize her treat.

She found a bench and sat down; she could search for her newfound friend once she had finished her analysis of the cone she held. She slowly stuck out her tongue and licked the cherry ice, the taste was just as she had imaged, but the texture was unique. She could not eat this as she did ice cream, she surmises. She took a bite of the cold ice, and began to savour the flavour. The ice melted in her mouth, and the few bits that remained were crunchy under her teeth. She swallowed, and began to eat the snow cone in this fashion, getting the red cherry flavouring around her lips. It was good, not as good as ice cream, but it was tasty to be sure.

She leaned back and watched the on goings around her, enjoying her snack, and trying to relax. Another event would whisk her away, and it could happen at any time, so for the moment she just wanted to relax.