Secret's secret

It was 7 AM on the 6th day since they had entered the mysterious building. Lexus and Milky Cow patrolled the 4th floor diligently, while Oriana was assigned to monitor the CCTV cameras for any signs of movement or threats. Oriana's voice crackled through the radio, breaking the silence. "No signs of movements or any threats in all footage. It's clear."

Lexus acknowledged her report, relieved that the 4th floor was secure. However, their progress came to a halt when Milky Cow discovered that the door leading to the 5th floor was locked. Lexus urgently called for Oriana over the radio. "Oriana, we need you to come here quickly!"

Hearing the urgency in Lexus's voice, Oriana wasted no time. She hurried to the locked door, where Lexus and Milky Cow stood waiting. Oriana used her skills to unlock the door, but to their surprise, it wouldn't open. Something was blocking it from the other side.

Concerned, Milky Cow stepped forward. "Step aside, Ori. We'll take it from here." Lexus and Milky Cow joined forces, attempting to force the door open. After three unsuccessful attempts, on the fourth try, the door finally gave way, revealing a startling sight.

Scattered on the staircase and stretching down the hallway of the 5th floor were numerous broken and decimated giant dolls. The team's eyes widened in disbelief as they took in the scene before them.

Lexus wasted no time issuing a command. "Raise your guards! Something is not right." He cautiously led the way, investigating the area for any signs of danger. Oriana's mind raced, remembering a passage from Dr. Lizardo's journal. "Free thy soul, thy soul will be whole. - Dr. L."

Suddenly, Lexus pull out Dr. Lizardo's Soul Core, unsure of what to do next. Oriana chimed in, her voice filled with determination. "Maybe we have to destroy it, smash it hard so it will break." She nodded at Lexus, signaling her agreement. "Do it, Lexus."

With resolve, Lexus raised the Soul Core and brought it crashing down onto the floor, shattering it into countless pieces. An ethereal light emanated from the broken fragments, floating through the hallway as if leading the way.

"Hurry, let's follow it!" Lexus exclaimed, urging his companions to keep up. They chased after the ethereal light, their curiosity piqued. The light led them to the last room on the 5th floor, a room filled with mechanical devices and electronics. At the door, a sign read "Kelly's Room."

The ethereal light found its way inside a mysterious device within the room. Lexus and Oriana exchanged glances, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Milky Cow, stationed outside the door, reassured them. "I'm watching the door from here. I've got your backs."

Inside the room, Lexus and Oriana found themselves in awe of what lay before them—the device labeled "ANIMA LIGAMEN MACHINA." Oriana couldn't contain her excitement. "Le-Lexus! This is the so—"

"Yeah! This is it," Lexus finished her sentence, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. With curiosity consuming them, they explored the room further and stumbled upon an old newspaper. Oriana's eyes widened in astonishment. "Lexus! That newspaper! I read that when I was in high school!"

Lexus and Oriana exchanged a look, their realization hitting them simultaneously. "It's the Wednesday 9-9-9!" they exclaimed in unison. Eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the old newspaper, they continued reading, knowing that it held the key to unraveling the mysteries that surrounded them.

The newspaper, dated "September 9, 2009," revealed a haunting headline: "7 Missing Kids!!!" Lexus and Oriana carefully scanned the article, their hearts heavy with anticipation. The words "Where are they now?" taunted them, fueling their determination to uncover the truth.

As they read through the names of the seven missing children—Rod Kid, Scotty Piper, Michael Johans, Luck Long, Tonny Coco, Steve Fur, and Antonio Bendeta—Lexus's mind began to piece together the fragments of the puzzle. He focused on Rod Kid and Michael Johans, the last seen at a children's party featuring Dino Mascot and Chicken Mascot.

A flash of insight struck Lexus as he recalled the distinguishing mark on the Chicken Mascot—a letter 'M.' It became clear to him that Michael Johans must have been the child represented by the chicken costume, while Rod Kid had been the one donning the Dino Mascot outfit.

Oriana, her eyes wide with amazement and a smile of complete admiration, couldn't help but be captivated by the unfolding revelation. "Wow!" she exclaimed, fully aware of the significance of their findings.

Lexus's voice carried a mix of shock and determination as he continued to connect the dots. He revealed to Oriana the grim fate that had befallen the other children, including Antonio Bendeta, who were abducted in the hours following the party. The weight of the truth pressed upon him, leaving him shaken.

A sense of anger and frustration coursed through Lexus as he unraveled the web of deceit and cover-ups. He shared his revelation with Oriana, his voice filled with disbelief and determination. "Don. Petri De Grace sold the Mansion to Don. Kisame Bendeta to cover up his crimes!"

The AL-Machina had been destroyed, and the dolls that once roamed the mansion stood frozen in their tracks. Lexus, Oriana, and Milky Cow returned to the CCTV room, feeling a sense of triumph and accomplishment. Milky Cow couldn't help but express her relief, "Finally, we destroyed the AL-Machina! No more scary dolls around."

Oriana chimed in, acknowledging their success, "Yeah, good job, Milky Cow, and especially to you, Lexus." Lexus took a seat in his chair, a mixture of relief and lingering questions clouding his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He wondered about the whereabouts of James and Melton. Could the dolls have harmed them? Worried about what he might have missed, Lexus's thoughts raced.

Sensing his unease, Oriana reached out and gently cupped Lexus's face, her caring eyes searching for answers. "What's wrong? Is there something that bothers you?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Lexus found solace in Oriana's presence and replied with a soft smile, "No, none at all." He didn't want to burden her with his worries, at least not at that moment.

An hour passed, and it was now 4 pm in the afternoon. Robin Padaplin, looking sleepless and exhausted, returned to the CCTV room. Lexus felt a wave of relief wash over him at Robin's safe return. Without wasting any time, Robin hurriedly dashed through the kitchen and began devouring food as if he hadn't eaten for days. Oriana and Milky Cow couldn't help but find his behavior amusing.

Lexus approached Robin, concern etched on his face. "Hey, Robin, how was Prince Gunner?" he inquired, eager to know about their injured comrade.

Robin, caught off guard, responded with confusion, "Gunner? Who? What is he, a prince?" He continued eating without paying much attention to the conversation.

Lexus couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Come on, don't joke around, Robin. Is he okay now?" he pressed, hoping for a more coherent response.

Robin paused, looking puzzled. "What? I just came back here! Since yesterday," he replied, still focused on his meal.

Lexus's concern grew. "Where were you since last night? What happened?" he demanded, searching for an explanation.

Robin's eyes widened, and he looked visibly traumatized. "I was on duty that night, and I used a smoke grenade to defend against a sniper intruder," he recounted, his voice filled with dread. "I've seen the dolls massacre our fellow guards. I ran for my life. They're devils!" His words spilled out in a rush, betraying his fear. "You can call me a coward now, Officer Lexus, but I'm telling you the truth. The dolls are devils! I've been hiding in the mansion's walls all along, sneaking through the darkness to survive against the roaming dolls."

Lexus felt a shockwave of realization sweep over him. It couldn't be true, could it? They had been deceived all along. "It can't be!" he muttered, struggling to come to terms with the disturbing revelation.

Robin, still in a state of distress, looked directly at Lexus. "So, Lexus, who are these people with you?" he asked, his voice filled with skepticism.

Oriana and Milky Cow exchanged confused glances, trying to process the unexpected turn of events. Oriana's voice quivered as she spoke, "Wait... if the real Robin is here with us, then who went with Gunner?"

Lexus furrowed his brow, his mind racing to make sense of the situation. "Sh***********8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

To be continued…