Nothing Is Normal

All the books had different runic symbols she had never seen before etched on their spines. She analyzed each shelf, spine by spine without touching anything, each row had 8 books neatly stacked and of the exact same size. She had reached the fourth of seven rows. Without a moment's hesitation or even any prior indication of her actions, she swiftly snatched a book similar to all the others that resonated with her faintly. In quick succession, she turned and dashed away on an unobstructed path to the incredulous librarian.

If she had stayed a second longer, she would have seen the wide gaping maw that developed where the book had been; rows upon rows of hauntingly gargantuan canines chomped on air instead of the anticipated human flesh. Clamorous gurgles were followed by a guttural roar from the disturbing creature. Its prey, its delectable morsel, was to be its reward for all its suffering, yet she had escaped; now it was angry.

Halfway to her destination, questions threatened to overwhelm her mind, but right now her aim was clear, reach the condescending librarian. In reality, that would prove no easy feat. The creature with terrifying ease disjoined itself from its restraints in the form of wooden floorboards. The shelf then proceeded to grow thin wooden legs. The creature had now become autonomous, mobile and all the more dangerous. It was now a shelf with legs. Deadly splinters. Threatened to pummel Alex before the beast did. She swerved her head sideways, allowing a particularly precarious flying wood piece to pass by her.

The unnatural being behind her willed it's newly developed lower appendages to scrape on the hardwood floor. Strangely, the books remained intact and perfectly still upon the twisting shelves. The creature flexed it's leg joints somewhat squatting; then with a sudden mighty strength, it leaped directly behind it's impertinent prey. Frighteningly, the books transformed into jagged canines which bulged out to make way for a tongue-like extension. The beast enunciated a satisfied gurgle as its tongue lunged forward to ensnare its prey. Victory was within its grasp. Right as its tongue reached the target, the morsel dematerialized before the beast's senses completely disappearing from its radar. Rather, everything had vanished from its radar, only a haunting darkness bereft of energy was left. It couldn't sense anything. The creature began to shake, a familiar memory evoked unwanted emotion. This time it was just like before, when it was brought to-

" Judgement: Failure, a pathetic failure," interrupting its thoughts was a voice uncannily similar to that which issued this trial. "Penalty: Death"

Instinctively, the mimic knew, everything was over. It had failed in its divine duty and would now receive divine punishment. It also knew, it didn't want to die, could it not be forgive-

At that moment, a blistering flame of undefiled purity emerging from a single point reached the mimic. It engulfed the beast whole then it's light dimmed leaving nothing behind.

For Alex, she had gambled today more than she had ever done in her entire life. The stakes? Life or death. She rested her head on the receptionist's desk, finally absorbing all that had occurred today. A second delay and she would have been eaten; it was painfully obvious that she was inadequate.

She couldn't think fast enough and was being pushed into circumstances she couldn't control. Laughable, really, but what could she do? It was up to her to use every crazy trial to her benefit.

The book she had collected was distinct to all the others, it called out to her, beckoned for her. To her, it felt like an old connection was reignited as she lay her hands on the book. The librarian, however, didn't give the book a second glance confirming that only she felt it was special.

This librarian had helped her a great deal in securing her victory. When he showed mockery and disdain at the start of the trial, it alerted her that her life would be in jeopardy as she did the trial. He even let out a micro-grin when he looked at the bookshelves though she couldn't ascertain which particular one since the expression didn't even last a second. This led her to believe that the danger lay with the bookshelves or books, directing her to be overly cautious and decisive. Her conclusion that the librarian's desk was a safe zone was simply because of the clear disgust and surprise on his face when she began to run towards him. The moment she jumped over the desk the beast burst into scintillating white particles.

She had just made my conclusions and affirmations when the voice resounded throughout the building.

" Trials Completed: 1/2. Congratulations! Moving unto Deciphering Delphic Tomes Trial (||). Mission objective: Completely comprehend the time of your own choosing, time limit will not reset. Don't disappoint me." It sounded high-pitched and excited as it neared the end of its speech. Anticipation was evident, anticipation akin to that of a child and their favourite TV show.