Episode 2: Memory

Reference Picture (Got it from Google) (P.S not making money out of this.)

A Continuation of Day 1

The clock struck 8 pm, marking the continuation of Jay and Shane's extraordinary day. Having completed their meal, Shane assumed the task of cleaning up the dining area. It was at this moment that Jay's father called, and the conversation was anything but ordinary. His father, speaking with a tone of sincerity and longing, conveyed his love for Jay and Jay's mother, reassuring them that he had not given up on the family. However, Jay, perhaps overwhelmed by the recent events, was not in the mood for such a heartfelt exchange, leading to an abrupt end to the call.

With their meal behind them, Jay and Shane engaged in a conversation about the unusual occurrences that had transpired. After discussing their experiences, they refocused their energies on preparing for their upcoming trip. They offered their farewells to Mr. Sekano, the dorm advisor, before embarking on their journey to EverWood Forest.

As they drove through the city, Jay couldn't help but notice the conspicuous presence of police cars in the area. The streets seemed to be patrolled more heavily than usual. Their drive was interrupted when a police car pulled them over, and they were met by Officer Bruce Glover. Intrigued by the late-night presence of civilian cars, Glover inquired about their late-night excursion.

Jay offered a pretext, explaining that they were heading to the observatory to enjoy some fresh air, using its well-known reputation as a convenient excuse for their late-night outing. Satisfied with their explanation, Officer Glover allowed them to proceed, but Jay wasn't done with his questions. He queried the officer about the multitude of police cars patrolling the area, and in response, Glover cited it as a routine measure mandated by the ECPD Chief to patrol the city at this time.

During their conversation, they also touched on personal matters, including the officer's son, Harold Glover. For reasons known only to Jay, he claimed a false name, identifying himself as Carl Jeffery. Once their conversation concluded, they continued their journey to EverWood Forest.

Upon their arrival at the forest, their car came to a sudden halt. Jay investigated, but there was no visible damage to the vehicle. He attempted to restart the engine, but to his bewilderment, it refused to respond. It was then that an eerie, thick fog began to encircle the car. What was more disconcerting was the overpowering compulsion both Jay and Shane felt, compelling them to seek shelter within a nearby building.

Shane succumbed to the compulsion and bolted into the fog, leaving Jay behind in the car. Jay's attempts to follow were thwarted by the fog, which distorted his senses and hindered his progress. Eventually, he managed to break free from the fog's grasp and found himself inside the observatory.

From there, he observed a city enveloped in thick fog that extended to the heavens. The skies were concealed by heavy clouds, as if hiding some forbidden secret. Tremors shook the city, and Jay noticed that the buildings were in motion, gliding along rail-like structures. He scrutinized the scene through a telescope and spotted his father within a building he identified as Inner Change. However, Inner Change remained stationary as the other buildings shifted positions.

Then, Inner Change vanished, and the fog and clouds lifted. Left in stunned silence, Jay wished he had recorded the incredible sight. A check of his map app revealed that the city had transformed entirely, including Inner Change. Furthermore, his father's contact number was conspicuously missing from his phone.

Jay reached out to Chitose to ensure her safety during the tremor, and their conversation assured him that she was unharmed. After their brief call, Jay pondered the bewildering turn of events and decided to call Shane, urging him to join him at the observatory.

Shane arrived, but Jay was furious about his abrupt departure. Shane apologized, explaining that he hadn't felt the tremor. Their conversation unveiled Jaylen's new real name – Jaylen Griffith. The revelation deepened the mystery, and Jay was left in silent contemplation. After a period of reflection, Shane decided to return to the car while Jay remained behind in thought. It was then that Jay noticed his mother's contact number in his phone and dialed it on impulse. However, the voice on the other end belonged not to his mother but to his Auntie May.

Jay began asking questions regarding his family's history and discovered that he had been an adopted child. His mother's name was Sylvie Griffith, and she had passed away from cancer years ago. This revelation was nothing short of a revelation, as Jay grappled with the understanding that everything in his life had been transformed, and his father no longer existed.

With this new perspective, Jay decided to return to the car, and the two friends headed home. Upon their arrival at the dorms, they verified the changes they had experienced with the dorm advisor. From there, they headed to their respective rooms, but sleep was elusive for Jay. He opted to start vlogging, recounting the events of the day, and eventually, exhaustion led him to slumber.

Day 1 Ends and Day 2 Begins.

The morning sun cast a soft glow over the city as Jay woke up to a text from Chitose inquiring about their phone call the previous night. He dismissed it, attributing the tremor to mere imagination. Meanwhile, Shane delved into research, investigating the changes Jay had mentioned but found no substantial leads. However, he arranged to meet a certain Carl Jeffery at school at noon to discuss the haunted mansion that was called the EverWood Manor.

After their morning routines, Jay and Shane decided to have breakfast at the cafe in the Moist Apartment. But before heading there, Jay wanted to revisit the spot where Inner Change had once stood. Arriving at the location, he found an empty field of grass. In the midst of it sat a homeless man named Joel Ashley. Jay questioned him about the missing building and the recent changes in the city, but Joel responded with cryptic questions of his own. Upon noticing Jay's pendant, Joel remarked on the depth of his mother's love and warned him not to seek knowledge of the unfolding events. Their conversation ended, and Jay rejoined Shane in the car, sharing his encounter.

Shane revealed that Joel was known as the city's only homeless inhabitant. Later, at the Moist Apartment's cafe, Jay asked George Kathly, the owner, about Joel Ashley but received no concrete answers.

Inside the cafe, Jay and Shane were unexpectedly joined by Chitose and Sayuri. Jay managed to deftly handle Sayuri's inquiries about their presence. The group chatted briefly before Shane abruptly excused himself, citing a system intrusion that needed urgent attention. Jay followed him out, and Shane explained the situation, having accidentally hacked into a system. They then left for school to meet Carl.

At the Research Organization's office, they were greeted by Melvin Allen, the organization's president, who guided them to Carl. In a discussion, Carl disclosed that Chief Strait Hardin had purchased the manor property. Carl proposed a joint investigation, and they agreed. Shane left to prepare recording equipment while Jay and Carl talked.

However, an explosion echoed from another room, drawing their attention. They found Mark Kenny, a first-year student notorious for his explosive pursuits, standing amidst the wreckage. Dale Jackson, the president, admonished him. Carl explained Mark's background as an explosives enthusiast. Security guard Abel Hansen and guidance counselor Alicia Hess intervened, revealing Mark's military connections and preventing further reprimand.

Returning to their conversation, Carl and Jay discussed Mark Kenny briefly. Jay received a call from Shane, who was waiting in the car. They left for EverWood Forest, where they encountered a commotion involving the police and a disruptive individual near the haunted house. Carl displayed his permit, allowing them entry.

Inside, Jay and Shane attempted to record but found their devices malfunctioning. Carl noticed a strong breeze near the stairs, leading them to discover a trapdoor hidden beneath a board. They opened it, revealing a stairwell leading to a maze. At the maze's end, they found an altar with pedestals and a scroll. Attempting to solve the puzzle, they pushed the pedestals onto specific circles, revealing a hidden entrance.

Inside, they encountered three distinct rooms and an altar with yellow crystals and a scroll. Despite their efforts, they couldn't decipher the purpose of the crystals. Another room featured a circle with a star, covering the entire space. Unable to progress further, they left the maze and the manor. Relieved, they returned Carl to the university for analysis.

End of Episode 2: Memory at 2 pm