Lost in the Fog

The Twisted Masquerade

A month passed by and survivors noticed their environment shift. There were party decorations around the campfire, banners of blue and gold. "It's telling everyone now. It must be close..."
"Henry said that it was a month away?"
"Izuku, time works differently here. Haven't you noticed that you haven't... well, grown at all?" Izuku thought about that. "I just thought it was because I was naturally short... and not much time has passed..." However, what was important was that the celebrations were now in full swing, and a new path opened through the trees to a mansion of some sort. Izuku's invitation glowed, responding to the change in the environment. Opening it, he found that it said at the bottom of the scroll: Now is the time! Come and celebrate the 6th birthday of our ruler!

"I guess it's already time. Although, that seems to just not work here."

Laurie grimaced slightly, before putting on a calm smile. "Go. Wear your mask, stick with those you know. That's how you'll stay safe."
He nodded, then put on the mask. It was tailored to fit his face perfectly. Even though it didn't have a strap to keep it on, it stayed. Even when he shook his head. "This is weird..."
Laurie laughed. "Well, at least you won't lose it. Just, stay as safe as you can. You'll have to tell us how it went."
He nodded, before walking up the path towards the new building.

It looked like a Victorian era mansion, but there were many details... off. For one, all of the gargoyles, or what would be gargoyles, appeared malformed past the point of what could be recognized. Some of them even had tentacles on their faces.

However, he did notice that there were more individuals arriving at the door as well. They were different... some were way too large, while others... not so much. Killers and survivors? I know I heard the Birthday celebrations were... neutral... no deaths... but I can't help but to be a little paranoid about this...

Most of them wore masks, but all of the killers were there. And many of the survivors... even though there were Dwights and the like, they weren't the same versions that were at his campfire. They were from alternate worlds, just like Henry had said. However, he was the only Izuku, so many of the survivors who were unfamiliar with him tried to talk with him. However, it was mainly about... his past. Not wanting to relive that, he went off by himself after claiming to need some space. They obliged. After all, they each had faced hardship, and didn't really want to impose on him.

As he wandered the labyrinthian maze that was this non-euclidian Victorian mansion... he kept an eye out. Not because he thought any survivor would bother him, but there were killers here. All of them. And that meant...

"Hey there, I-zu-ku."

He froze, then turned to see one who he hoped he wouldn't see for a while. "H-Hey... It was Jules... right...?"

"Good to see you remember me..." She added with a sadistic smug grin. It was then that he noticed he was surrounded on all sides. They weren't in their usual outfits, but something a little... fancier.

"I just wanted my... friends... to meet you! Especially after how... heroic..." She spat the last word at him, "You were at our last encounter. Taking the mori for the blonde bitch. It's just sad..."

He swallowed his nervousness, "I did what I could to help others."

The man next to Jules laughed. "Pathetic."

Meanwhile, Izuku could see no resolution to the current conundrum he was in. The hall only had the two paths, and they were both blocked. If he was right, the boy next to Jules was Frank Morrison, while the other two were Joey and Suzie. And he had no access to his perks here. No means to defend himself. However, a TV they hadn't noticed before switched on. It was static for a moment before it switched to a picture of a well in a birch forest. Izuku noticed, and him facing the direction indicated to the others to do the same... and Jules only spat out a "Tsk" as a girl climbed out from the well. The TV glitched as she started walking towards the screen, with the device then making a sound as Sadako exited the TV.

She got to her feet in a deliberate manner as she spoke in Japanese, "You know the rules of the Entity. No. Violence. Tonight. And no causing mayhem."

Suzie, to his surprise, translated for them.

"Whatever." Jules turned and left, followed by Frank. He didn't seem too bothered, which worried him more, considering that Izuku knew from Jeff that Frank was the leader. It was pure manipulation of the girl's emotions and desires here. Joey left as well, while Suzie lingered for a moment, before whispering "Sorry, they're usually not this bad..." as she passed. Izuku was surprised by the different personalities within the Legion, but turned to Sadako. "Thank you, Sadako." He bowed out of respect.

She spoke, walking in the direction the Legion went, "Do not worry. Let's go. We do not want to be late."

"Right!"