+Don't Make Me Regret This++Karl Heisenberg+

1

The sun tried to peek from behind the clouds, wanting to drench the passing trees in light, but the clouds didn't seem to want the same thing. Irregular rays of light that came and went turned the dark pines to a silvery green as the bus rolled past.

Valera was calm as she looked out the windows, the bus travelling along. The gentle pinprick noise of rocks hitting the metal vehicle adding some much needed noise to the silence. Her head had been leaned back against the fabric seat, her eyes grazing the tops of trees as they passed.

An abnormal shape appeared from behind the trees. It was taller than anything else and in the shape of a cone. She connected the dots and sat up as the castle spires came completely into view.

She'd seen the small Romanian village in an ad while at a coffee shop in a nearby town. Something drew her in, and she couldn't quite tell if it was the grand castle or the looming factory that sat deep in the background. She'd initially thought the place was abandoned, but upon her arrival, it seemed the complete opposite.

The place was bustling with people carrying things, leading animals, everything you could imagine in a town that looked stuck in the Victorian era. They all looked perfectly happy and content, living their lives in the tiny village.

Valera was more than excited to toss her bag over her shoulder and hurry towards the front of the bus. She wanted to actually experience this place, not just be here for a few days then leave. After a quick thank you to the tired looking bus driver, her feet landed on the cobblestone streets. She was immediately greeted warmly, welcoming faces and words surrounding her.

Valera greeted them back, of course and made her way towards the castle, wondering if that was abandoned or not. A friendly face stopped her though, as they bumped into her.

"Oh, I'm so sorry about that!" the woman said. She was blonde with dark eyes and a small face, looking a bit similar to a mouse. Valera just smiled.

"That's alright, don't worry." she said. The woman stopped her hurrying and looked Valera over, confusing her a little.

"I haven't seen you around... did you just come in?" she asked. Valera nodded.

"Where are you from?" the woman asked. Valera gulped for a second before responding.

"I'm from England." she said. The woman narrowed her eyes and crossed her eyes.

"I know you're lying, but I won't push it. A lot of people like you come here looking for escape and that's alright. Would you like to come in for some coffee or tea?" the woman asked. Valera let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and shrugged.

"Sure, I don't see why not." Valera said. The woman smiled and led Valera towards a small house that sat perfectly on the corner. While following the woman, Valera took notice of the path that led towards the factory, as well as a path that led towards the castle.

"So, what brings you here, miss..." the woman trailed off as she realized that they had never exchanged names. She turned to look at Valera, who smiled.

"Valera. Valera Scott." she said. The woman smiled warmly and turned towards the little kitchen area, beginning to make what looked to be coffee.

"Valera... I like that name. My name's Avery." the woman said. Valera smiled.

"I had a friend named Avery..." she said, trailing off as it wasn't important to the conversation. Avery laughed a little.

"Back to the question, what brings you here?" Avery asked. Valera thought about her answer before she responded.

"Escape. From memories and people. I thought the castle was pretty, I wanted to see it. I've been on the run for a long time and I'm honestly getting tired of it." Valera murmured. Avery hummed.

"Most people come to see Castle Dimitrescu. It's nice, but I think I've just grown used to it. It was pretty at first and now it's just become normal. Boring." Avery said, looking out the window to the finely made structure. Valera hummed.

"I understand. There were a lot of things like that in my hometown. Everyone would talk about how pretty it was, but I just thought it was boring." Valera said. Avery set a cup down in front of her and sat across from Valera. Valera gladly took the little cup and began to drink from it.

"Does anything else bring you here? The town, the people?" Avery asked. Valera's eyes went from the castle to the factory that sat alone in the distance. She narrowed her eyes and frowned a little.

"The factory back there. Something about it just... drew me in. It looks like a good opportunity for scavenging and exploring." Valera said. Avery's face grew pale. She looked towards the factory and then back at Valera.

"Honestly, Valera, I'd stay away from that place. A lot of people have gone in but didn't come back. Lord Heisenberg owns it and... to put it simply, he doesn't like visitors." Avery said. Valera's frown deepened and she looked Avery in the eyes. Valera's mind quickly ran to the question of how did a German last name end up in rural Romania.

"I don't understand-"

"Valera, I know the factory looks interesting, but stay away from it. Lady Dimitrescu doesn't mind sightseers, but Lord Heisenberg does. If you even step a foot on that bridge over there, he'll demand you leave." Avery said, leaning forwards. Valera looked her in the eye as she continued to ramble about different reasons as to why she shouldn't go inside. The only thing was, this rambling only made Valera's interest increase.

"Just be careful, okay? You can look, but don't go on the bridge. You are far too nice to be killed by someone as revolting as Lord Heisenberg." Avery murmured. She'd reached across and grabbed Valera's hand, staring deep into her eyes. Avery finally let go after a moment and sat back in her chair.

"Thank you for the coffee, Avery. But it's getting a little late and I don't have anywhere to stay." Valera said. Avery quickly shot up and began to lead her out the door again and to a small house that looked like it held literally only a bed.

"This is where most visitors stay. Remember what I said, Valera. My doors are always open if you want to visit." Avery said softly. Valera nodded and gave her a warm smile.

"Thank you, Avery." she said. Avery just smiled and nodded before turning and walking off. Valera turned to look at the factory again and smiled a bit more. There was no doubt in her mind, she was going to the factory tonight. Her sense of adventure was far too strong to obey the words of a girl she just met. 

(Rewritten)