Everyone had barely poked at their breakfasts, apart from Neko Zombie, who ate everything gratefully. He was licking his paw and washing the syrup from his face, purring all the while. No one else seemed that satisfied; they were utterly silent, casting nervous glances at each other and poking at their food, but never putting any in their mouths.
The fact that almost no one ate really seemed to irk Hell's Chef. He kept his mouth shut about it, though. Sarah wondered if, despite his fearless attitude and intimidating stature, he was just as scared as everyone else was. By the end of breakfast, she noticed that Hell's Chef didn't even take a single bite of what he made.
Oh, yeah... Sarah almost chuckled at the absurdity of the situation. He's horrified.
Sarah could see Hell's Chef shaking when people disposed of their uneaten food, but she had a feeling it wasn't from fear...
Will he commit the first murder? Sarah thought, biting her lip as she walked past his chair on her way out of the dining room. Wait... thinking this way is exactly what Monoputa wants! There won't be any murders! We're all gonna be fine. We're all gonna find a way out of here together!
"What are you grinning about?" a high pitched voice asked.
Sarah stopped dead in her tracks and turned to see Neko Zombie, his paws in his pockets and a snarl on his stitched up face.
"Oh, I was just trying to cheer myself up..." Sarah couldn't make eye contact with his face so accusing... he might just be a big kitty, but those eyes of his were scary!
"Heh," Neko Zombie shook his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'm kind of jealous... I know I'm completely falling for Monoputa's tricks."
"What do you mean by that?" Sarah asked, finally making eye contact with Neko Zombie.
"I... I think I've said too much. I don't want to ruin your blind optimism." Before Sarah could stop him, Neko Zombie left the dining room.
Shrugging, Sarah decided to look around and see how everyone was dealing with the enormous bomb Monoputa had dropped on them.
Upon exiting the dining room, Sarah found Gregory, Roulette Boy, and James in the lounge. The former was reading a book and the latter two were running around like the children they were.
How can they be so carefree? Sarah bit her lip, but she figured it couldn't hurt to ask.
"Hey, kids!" Sarah greeted James and Roulette Boy, bending a bit so she could make better eye contact with them. "How are you feeling? I know what's going on is a lot to take in..."
Roulette Boy stopped his running and James nearly crashed into him.
"Oh, it's AWESOME!" James giggled. "We're actually really excited about this!"
"What," Sarah said flatly, straightening up.
"Yeah, we're kids!" Roulette Boy grinned up at Sarah, putting his arms behind his back and bobbling around. "Who in their right mind would hurt kids? We're just gonna watch and see what happens!"
Sarah looked at Gregory in disbelief. "Are you hearing this?"
Chuckling, Gregory lowered his book and Sarah noticed he was wearing tiny spectacles. "Sarah, they're young. Don't burst their bubble. I never would have taken you for someone who would enjoy striking fear into the hearts of children..."
"Yeah, lady!" James tugged on Sarah's denim skirt so hard he would have dropped it down if Sarah didn't grab onto it in time. "You're scaring us!"
"How dare you!" Roulette Boy tittered, his expression downright sinister. Sarah couldn't believe what she was hearing... how could kids be so malicious?
"Forget her, Roulette Boy, let's go play somewhere else," James held his nose. "This room smells like old man and gross girl anyway."
"Eeee, yay!" Roulette Boy squealed, bouncing joyfully. "I know a reallllly fun game! Don't worry, it won't kill you or nothin'!"
Sarah shook her head in disbelief as the boys fled excitedly out of the room. Even though they were kids, it was hard to understand how they could take such a situation so lightly. At the sound of a deep sigh, Sarah turned to see Mummy Papa standing a little way off in the distance and holding his head in one hand. His eyes were drooping and tired and his face was blank.
"Mummy Papa? Are you holding up okay?" Sarah edged a little closer and tilted her head.
"Hmm? Oh yes. I'm fine," he assured Sarah. Then he slid his hand across a little so it was lying flat across his forehead. "I just have a headache still. I think it might be a side effect of a temperature..."
"Shouldn't you see Catherine?" Sarah prompted.
"Oh. Yeah," Mummy Papa commented slowly. "That might be good."
"Don't worry, I heard every word!" Catherine exclaimed happily as she approached. "And should be able to fix up something for you in no time." A distant look crept into her eyes and she lowered her voice. "If only I could do a blood test. I need some needles!" She caught Sarah's eye and smiled sweetly. "He'll be fine. Just leave him in my capable hands."
"That's very kind of you, nurse Catherine," Mummy Papa smiled lethargically as he was led away. "I hope you can fix my headache. I've tried everything!"
"Oh, I'd try anything to help you," Catherine purred as she wrapped her arm around his waist.
Sarah watched them leave and couldn't help dwelling on the thought of her need for needles.
I'm glad there aren't any around... Sarah shuddered. I bet someone could use them to inject something nasty into someone else...
Ugh, bad thoughts again. Sarah wished they would go away. Maybe if she distracted herself...
Out of the corner of her eye, Sarah noticed someone with their forehead against the wall, quietly weeping.
Oh God, what's his name again? Sarah bit her lip as she tentatively approached him. She figured it couldn't hurt to ask.
"Hey, uhm, what was your name again?" At the sound of Sarah's voice, the figure turned around around slowly, tears still spilling from his eyes.
"P-Poor Conductor," he sobbed. He straightened up a little. "I apologize for my behavior... The situation is getting to me a little. Although I'm sure it affects you more."
"I am a little afraid, but I won't let that stop me. We can't let Monoputa control us like a puppet master," Sarah nodded determinedly. "Just be strong and we can all pull through without a single death."
Poor Conductor blinked and smiled a little. "Words so inspiring... I feel..." The room dimmed and a bright spotlight shone its beam of light over him. "I feel the need for a song!"
"Oh please," Gregory Mama snorted as she strolled by. "No one would listen to your screeching if it were the last shred of culture in existence."
The spotlight went off and the room went back to its original brightness. Poor Conductor seemed devastated at the lost opportunity to perform and gasped dramatically, a hand on his chest.
"How dare you! I expected someone of your sophistication to know what beauty my music truly is! It is uncomparable to any modern work."
Sarah was instantly confused. I think he was trying to compliment himself but it just made his work sound old and painful. Those clothes certainly seem to tell that story.
Gregory Mama was absolutely fuming. "I know exactly what beauty is, you ridiculous fop! Me!" She swung around unexpectedly. "Right, Gregory?!"
Gregory, who was still reading his book, shrieked and threw it into the air. "Y-yes, Mama! Of course, Mama! You truly are beautiful!"
Gregory Mama's frown deepened. "You're just saying that, aren't you?! I should have raised you better! Lying to your mother!"
"No Mama! I swear I wasn't! Please, please Mama!" Gregory moved further and further back into the couch, his hands outstretched defensively as she neared him, raising her staff.
Gregory looked absolutely petrified and Sarah had a feeling that he had every reason to be. I think someone like her would have no qualms with murdering someone... And with a motive like the one Monoputa gave us... I wouldn't be surprised if she played into his hands! Despite the fearful situation, Poor Conductor sniggered.
"You..." Gregory Mama spun to face Poor Conductor who instantly yelped. "You think my insolent son lying to me is funny?"
She changed course and instantly started thwacking him repeatedly over the head with her staff. Sarah decided the best course of action was to walk away before Gregory Mama decided she needed a beating too. Poor Conductor should have known better than to laugh like that around her. Even I knew that, and I just met her! Sarah tsk-tsk'd to herself as she walked away from the pathetic Poor Conductor. In a house full of weirdos, he was definitely among the strangest.
Sarah walked down the hallway with everyone's rooms and found Steve and Cactus Girl chatting.
"No, I think he's trying to trick all of us..." Steve said gently. "He's trying to make us all go crazy so someone will actually kill someone else. My secret wasn't a big deal, though, and I'm sure yours wasn't either..."
Cactus Girl suddenly turned bright red and turned her attention to one of her braids, squeezing it between two fingers. "W-well, it was really humiliating... but I wouldn't kill over it! It's my brother I'm worried about. He's holed up in his room and won't even open the door for me!"
"Oh, God..." Steve covered his mouth. Sarah could see sweat beading on his forehead. Charming. "D-do you think he'll-?!"
"Not on my watch," Cactus Girl smirked at Steve. Cactus Girl whipped towards Sarah, her green braids swirling with the motion. "You! Go talk some sense into my big brother!"
"Me? Why me?" Sarah touched a hand to her chest.
Sighing, Cactus Girl folded her arms. "He's much more likely to listen to a lovely senorita than his own little seester. Punch him in the face if you have to. Just please make sure he's back to his old self?"
Cactus Girl was trying to look miffed, but her eyes were pleading. Sarah felt something tug on her heart; she could tell that Cactus Girl really cared about her older brother.
"Okay, I will," Sarah nodded, a smile spreading across her face.
"Great!" Cactus Girl smiled back. "Now go kick his ass into next week!" She pounded her fist into an open palm.
God, she's so cute... Sarah felt her cheeks burn as she headed towards Gunman's room. You'd need to have a heart of stone to say no to someone like her...
She reached Gunman's room and knocked on his door firmly.
"Seester, leave me!" Sarah heard Gunman's voice shout from inside. "I already told you, I'm fine! No need to pester me!"
"It's not your sister," Sarah answered.
"Ah, mi flor?!" Gunman squeaked as he ran over to the door. He opened it up and beamed at Sarah. "What brings you here?"
"What's this about your floor?" Sarah tilted her head at Gunman and nearly gave him a heart attack.
"Oh, it's not important." Gunman stepped into the hallway and closed his door behind him. "What brings you here?"
"Checking up on you again," Sarah tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. When Gunman grinned at her, she shook her head rapidly. "Don't get the wrong idea, buddy, your sister sent me."
Gunman hunched over in disappointment. "Ah... should have known. Cactus Girl is very dear to me, but she always was quite nosy. I just don't want her to know that her big brother is scared!" Cactus Gunman averted his gaze from Sarah. He couldn't believe he just admitted his fear...
"You have a gun, Cactus Gunman," Sarah glanced at his holster. "No one's going to go after you."
"B-but what if someone does?" Cactus Gunman sounded genuinely distressed. "I'd have to defend myself... and then the other person would die! I'm not a murderer, but... the secrets... they're more than enough to make people kill! Mine is just horrible!"
"Really?" Sarah took a step back, eyeing Gunman's gun warily. "You aren't going to-"
"Not for anything in the world!" Gunman shook his head rapidly, gripping onto the brim of his sombrero. "But I don't want anyone to die...maybe it won't be so bad to have my secret revealed..." Gunman folded his arms over his poncho and tried to put on a brave face. Sarah thought he just looked like he was going to sneeze.
"Mine's not so bad..." Sarah admitted. "Just that I stalked a boy when I was thirteen."
"Oh, really? You revealed it to me?" Gunman's eyes gleamed. "That's so flattering of you, senorita! Look at that face of yours... you're not even blushing! You're so brave!"
Cactus Gunman's barrage of compliments actually did make Sarah blush, which made Gunman do a little mental dance of victory.
"Neko Zombie was right when he said these were petty...but after seeing how people like Gold reacted to them, I think some are worse than others..." Sarah nervously chewed on a thumbnail for a few seconds before a glint came into her eyes. "Hey, Gunman..." She leaned forward with a smile that contained a hint of mischievous curiosity. "Since I told you my secret, you should totally tell me yours. Fair trade."
All the color drained from Gunman's face and he turned a gross greenish-white.
"Is it that bad?" Sarah straightened up, furrowing her brow with concern.
"I'm sorry, senorita, but I cannot reveal it no matter what!" Cactus Gunman shook his head rapidly. "I... I have to go!"
With that, Cactus Gunman disappeared back into his bedroom, quick as a flash of lightning.
What could it be?! Sarah mentally kicked herself for being so nosy, but to elicit such a strong reaction from him... it must be something interesting!
No use dwelling on it, Sarah... she told herself as she walked in the other direction through the hallway. Maybe I should go check on Judgement Boy... is he in his room?
Sarah rounded the corner to approach Judgement Boy's room. However, he was in the hallway, standing outside his neighbour's door which was slightly ajar. As Sarah got closer, she realised the door belonged to Gold.
"G-Gold? You want to talk about it?" Judgement Boy called out, his face so close to the gap in the door he was nearly pressing his face on it. "You've been in there for a while now. It feels weird not practicing for this long. Are you sure you're okay?"
All Judgement Boy got in response was "LEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAVE!"
"He's still in there?" Sarah asked Judgement Boy. When he turned to face her, deep concern was written all over his face.
"Yeah. It's not like him to neglect training me so much. Or to get all mopey like this." Judgement Boy frowned. "Something must be seriously wrong. Was his secret so bad?"
"I guess so. He must have done something terrible..." Sarah's face lit up as an idea came to her. "Hey, I bet if you practice your scales, when Gold comes out, he'll be over the moon on how good you are! He did say to practice on me."
Judgement Boy's face returned to its usual happy expression. "Sarah, you're a genius!" Judgement Boy twisted his head and called out to his mentor. "Just you wait, Gold. You'll be extra-proud of me when you come out!" He hopped a little on the spot in excitement and grinned the biggest grin Sarah had ever seen at her. Is he overcompensating because Gold is so down? "I want to make my voice a surprise, so let's go to my room!"
Judgement Boy zoomed over to his door and swung it open. He held it out for Sarah so she could go in first.
"Thanks, but won't Gold hear us practicing?" She asked as she strode inside.
Judgement Boy shook his head as he entered after her and shut the door. "Monoputa went to an extra effort to soundproof my room and Gold's room. We can practice without disturbing the neighbors! He said so himself before I started my judgements yesterday." He narrowed his eyes, trying to remember. "I don't think you were there for that..." His face perked up as quickly as it had fallen. "At least you know now!"
Sarah felt a flicker of sympathy for him. It seemed he was now doing his best not to recollect his thoughts about what else happened during and after his judgements.
Judgement Boy cleared his throat. "I hope you have as good an ear for pitch as Gold hopes!"
And then, he began to sing. Gold must have been extra motivation for him, or maybe Sarah was just biased, but the singing was definitely Judgement Boy's best. The sounds rolled off his tongue flawlessly and smoothly like honey. Sarah wished she had some way to record this.
Sarah gave her opinion on each set of scales after they were finished. As they were nearing the end, Judgement Boy's voice began to lose some of its strength. Sarah, who had been closing her eyes when listening to the delightful melody, snapped them open and studied Judgement Boy's face. It was nowhere near as cheerful as it had been when she last looked and she reached out and grabbed his arm. At her touch, Judgement Boy stopped singing.
"Judgement Boy, what's wrong?" Sarah locked eyes with him. "Is something upsetting you?"
Judgement Boy sighed and turned away, nearly clocking Sarah with his arm. "It's just everything that happened is getting to me... When I sing, it let's me slow down and think; but that's the problem. With Gold like this and being trapped here... I don't know if he'll snap or not! I know he's strong, but with such a shove from Monoputa, can he take it? And what about me? Will I ever see my brothers again? I know I hogged Gold's attention a lot, and I feel terrible knowing that I might never get to say I'm sorry. And with people like the ones we have here..." Judgement Boy looked at Sarah with tear filled eyes that made her heart shatter. "Someone's going to die! I know it! I don't know how I'll be able to cope if it's Gold..."
Tears were starting to come to Sarah's own eyes. She couldn't believe that Monoputa's actions had reduced the once cheerful and enthusiastic Judgement Boy to this state. Sarah knew she'd never give Monoputa the satisfaction of witnessing her kill someone, but after witnessing Gregory Mama and Poor Conductor in the lounge, she couldn't exactly vouch for the others.
Sarah opened her arms. "Do you want a hug?"
Judgement Boy's lower lip quivered and he rushed into her open arms, picking Sarah up off the ground. In their embrace, Sarah felt herself being slightly crushed by Judgement Boy's ferocity. Man, this poor guy is really strong for a singer. Judgement Boy shook a little and Sarah knew he was sobbing into her shoulder.
"It's okay, Judgement Boy. Everything's going to be fine," Sarah soothed. "The best thing you can do is be there for Gold so he doesn't snap. We'll just have to have faith that no one else tries anything. You have to be brave at times like this. And maybe if no one kills each other, Monoputa will get bored and let us go. Then you'll get to say you're sorry. Until then, we have to try and keep the peace between everyone, starting with Gold."
Judgement Boy lifted his head. Thick tear tracks stretched down his distraught face. "Y-you really that could happen? That we can leave?"
Sarah nodded determinedly, though she really had no idea. She hoped with all her heart that it was true for it was something for Judgement Boy to put hope in, and Sarah couldn't bear the thought of seeing him upset day in and day out. "We can do this, Judgement Boy. We can survive."
"You're right..." Judgement Boy said bewilderedly as he straightened up, the light returning to his eyes. "We can do this! And I'm going to start right now by helping Gold and showing him my scales!" Judgement Boy went over to the door and swung it open. "Hey, you can help out someone who is down too! I know you'd lift their spirits; you're great at it."
Sarah grinned as she followed him out the door, delighted to see the Judgement Boy she knew and cared for back. That's not a bad idea. If I keep everyone happy and make them have faith in Monoputa setting us free, no one will die!
"Thanks, Judgement Boy. But do you think Gold will let you in?" Sarah noted that his door was still shut.
Judgement Boy shrugged happily. "Well he can't just sit in there forever. He's got to eat some time! And if he's going to let anyone in, it'll be me." Judgement Boy winked at Sarah. "I just have to wait until he's ready. If he won't let me in, I could always perform judgements pass the time and lift up everyone's attitudes through my songs! Gold would be proud I'm spending my time so constructively too. 'You can't get better if you don't showcase your talent!'"
Sarah nodded happily. "Just be careful when you choose who to sing to. Gregory Mama would love to hear you sing, I'm sure."
Judgement Boy snickered. "Yeah, I'll be careful."
"Well, I'll follow your suggestion and lift some spirits. Good luck with Gold, Judgement Boy!" Sarah turned on the spot and began to make her way down the hall.
"You too! Oh, and Sarah?" Sarah turned expectantly towards Judgement Boy. He rushed forward and picked her up into one last hug, much softer this time. "Thanks for being there."
Sarah felt her skin go hot and squeezed him back. "Anytime."
Judgement Boy broke away and shot her a grin before knocking on Gold's door again. Sarah walked down the hallway again and recalled something. I didn't see much of Angel Dog today... maybe I should go find her. She always gives good advice; maybe she can help calm me down...
Sarah wandered aimlessly through the hallway. When Angel Dog didn't answer Sarah knocking on her door, Sarah decided to check the lounge and the kitchen.
Oh, I hope Gregory Mama left... Sarah went into the lounge to find that it was empty, except for Clock Master dead asleep on the couch. Sarah noticed a large set of doors that she didn't go through yet and tiptoed past the sleeping Clock Master, carefully opening the doors so she didn't disturb him.
On the other side of the doors, Sarah found a room that was mostly empty, apart from the dark hallway it stretched into on the left and a large set of stairs...which were covered by a large, impassable steel gate that stretched all the way around it and was so tall it touched the ceiling.
In front of the gate was Angel Dog and Hell's Chef, the latter tugging on the gate with all his might. After a few moments, he growled under his breath and shrugged at Angel Dog.
"Oh, dang it!" Angel Dog aggressively shook her wand. "If only I still remembered how to use this thing... or if it's even magical at all!"
"What's up with the gate?" Sarah asked as she approached the odd couple. "It's huge..."
"Huge is an understatement!" Angel Dog let out a frustrated sigh. "Hell's Chef found this when he was walking around."
"I thought upstairs would have..." Hell's Chef looked up at the dark, closed-off staircase. "...something that could help."
Sarah squinted at Hell's Chef. Was it her imagination, or did his freakish glowing eyes look a little sad?
"Chef's upset because everyone thinks he's going to kill someone right off the bat!" Angel Dog patted Chef on one of his broad shoulders and he visibly bristled. "James was calling him a psychopath! That's a heck of a thing to call someone you barely know! Children can be so cruel..."
"Don't spread that around!" Chef swatted Angel Dog away as if she were an annoying fly.
"Uh-uh-uh!" Angel Dog barely dodged his hand and he bit a growl in two. "Remember what I told you! Take deep breaths when you get angry! You don't have to be violent right away!"
Hell's Chef grumbled a bit, but he ultimately surrendered and he took a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself down.
"Why would they close off the... why are you looking at me like that?" Sarah raised an eyebrow at Angel Dog, whose eyes were so wide they were practically taking up her entire face.
"Between your legs..." Angel Dog flew backwards and hit the grate over the stairs, shakily pointing her wand at Sarah's thighs.
"My legs...?" Sarah leaned forward and screeched when she saw what Angel Dog was pointing at.
"Red lace, huh?" Monoputa was happily looking right up Sarah's denim skirt, grinning like a fool. "I never would have pegged you for that type of girl!"
"Nnnngh..." Hell's Chef covered his ears and audibly began to grind his teeth.
Sarah jumped backwards, closing her skirt at the bottom. "What do you want?!"
"Just came here to answer some questions, share a little info..." Monoputa gave Sarah puppy eyes and rocked back and forth on his feet. "Why are you treating me like I'm a gross spider?"
"You looked up her skirt!" Angel Dog raised her wand threateningly.
"Don't you even think of hitting me with that~" Monoputa waggled a finger at her. "Unless you're prepared for the consequences!"
Angel Dog hid her wand behind her back. She didn't want to put her own life on the line just because she was angry...
"Just tell us what you came here for..." Hell's Chef voice was simmering. "You make me sick."
"Your cooking makes me sick!" Monoputa dramatically pointed at Hell's Chef, sniggering. "I ate some earlier. Super gross. Try harder."
Hell's Chef let out a roar and darted forward, but Sarah and Angel Dog lunged at him and managed to stop him.
"LET ME GO!" Hell's Chef thrashed and nearly threw the girls off of him, but they held fast.
"Deep breaths, Chef! Deep breaths!" Angel Dog had to practically scream to be heard over Hell's Chef's roaring. "Don't hurt him! He's more than capable of killing you!"
The K-word stopped Hell's Chef in his tracks. He went limp and contented himself with glaring at Monoputa.
"Hehehe, I love having this power over people!" Monoputa giggled fiendishly. "Just be a good little boy and maybe I won't have to kill you directly, eh?" He batted his eyelashes at Hell's Chef and Chef clenched his hands into tight fists, but made no move to attack Monoputa. "But if you want to take out your frustration on someone else, I certainly won't stop you! I've got a nice little execution planned out, after all~"
Hell's Chef folded his arms and looked directly into Monoputa's eyes, glowering with everything he had. "Stop avoiding the subject."
"Yeah, what's going on with this gate?" Sarah tugged at it. "Why aren't you letting us go upstairs?"
"You gotta earn it~!" Monoputa sang, bobbling around again. "I'm not telling you how, exactly, but it might involve a bit of murder. Just a little bit."
Angel Dog and Sarah covered their mouths and Hell's Chef grunted and shook his head in disapproval.
"So... we're never getting to go upstairs, then?" Sarah folded her arms and stuck out a hip. "I can't believe you're closing off areas of this place to us!"
"Oh, I wouldn't say that so soon..." Monoputa giggled his horrible little giggle again. "You guys are all nuts! Plus, the baths are up there. You guys are gonna get awful smelly if no murders are committed!"
"Sinks!" Angel Dog barked. "We'll use the kitchen sinks! It'll take a long time, but no one will have to die...!"
"You are not using my kitchen sinks to clean your filthy bodies." Hell's Chef sneered.
"The bathroom sinks, then!" Angel Dog nodded.
"Just keep telling yourselves that..." Monoputa sighed, flicking his veil. "Oh, and one more thing. Down that hallway there's a library and a lounge with a TV. Enjoy them. You're going to need some entertainment to take your minds off things, I'm certain." Monoputa pointed to the hallway and all the candles along the wall lit up. "Go ahead and tell everyone else! You can kill some time together. Off with you!"
"How'd you do that...?" Sarah's jaw dropped at Monoputa's magical candle-lighting feat.
"Talent," Monoputa whirled around and ran off into the shadows, disappearing completely.
"Books, huh?" Sarah couldn't help smiling at the door marked Library. "I always liked reading. Really helps me forget all about my worries and it keeps me sane... I could use a good book at a time like this. There were a couple on the bookshelf in my room, but they seemed boring."
"Anything to get our minds off killing..." Angel Dog hugged her wand, her usually radiant face solemn. "Let's go tell the others. I'm sure they'll be grateful to hear about this."
Angel Dog and Sarah headed out into the lobby, but Hell's Chef remained at the staircase, staring up into the grate-covered darkness.
What is that disgusting thing hiding from us? He thought, bunching up his apron in tightly clenched fists. Uuugh, I wish I could force it out of him!
GHS
Mostly everyone headed for the lounge or didn't bother to check out the hallway at all. A smaller group headed to the library and were happily looking through the books, forgetting their troubles if only for a while.
"Grandpa! Omigosh, they have COMICS!" James held up an armful of colorfully printed comic books, his eyes glimmering. "I thought this library would be lame, but it's not!"
"Can I read one?" Drool seeped out of Roulette Boy's smiling mouth as he reached for one of the books, but James snatched them away before he could grab any.
"No, I'm first!" James ran to a corner, stacked up the comics, and sat on them, reading one he grabbed at random from the pile.
"James, you should share!" Gregory scolded his grandson, barely looking up from the book he was reading.
"No way! He can read them later!" James peeked up from his comic to smirk at Roulette Boy. "I got first dibs."
"Hmph, I don't wanna read them if they had his butt on them..." Roulette Boy grumbled to no one in particular. "I don't care anymore."
Roulette Boy went to sulk at one of the tables when he felt something bump against his roulette wheel. He looked up to see the very first Wimp Brigade comic book right in front of him. He craned his neck and saw that Judgement Boy was holding it by its corner between his two round hands.
"James missed one," Judgement Boy whispered to Roulette Boy. "Grabbed it before he noticed. It's all yours."
Judgement Boy dropped it and Roulette Boy caught it, gasping with delight. Roulette Boy looked up at Judgement Boy, his eyes glimmering and drool sliding off his chin and dribbling onto his shirt.
"Thanks, creepy guy!" With a spring in his step, Roulette Boy tottered over to a table, sat down, and opened the comic, kicking his little legs with excitement.
"That was noble of you," Sarah said, poking her head out from around a shelf.
Judgement Boy snickered. "I'm not usually one to judge, but-"
Sarah narrowed her eyes at him, smirking. "Yeah you are."
"Yes I am. But that James... he doesn't seem like a very good friend..." Judgement Boy tried to lower his voice, but it was to no avail.
"I heard that!" James threw his comic down and snarled at Judgement Boy. "I'm a great friend! I'm gonna let Roulette Boy read these eventually, so buzz off! My life is none of your business!" After blowing a raspberry at Judgement Boy, James turned his attention back to his comic book.
Judgement Boy ignored James, yet again, and turned his attention to the shelves. "Sarah, can you help me find something for Gold? He likes mysteries."
"Sure thing," Sarah's eyes began to scan the shelves. "So have you had any luck with him?"
"Well, no," he admitted, smiling and rubbing the back of his head. "But books should help him come around. Reading calms your mind and help you relax. If I get one, he'll feel better." He looked over at her, a little uncertain. "Right?"
"Right," Sarah nodded reassuringly and a smile returned to Judgement Boy's face. "But you might want a book that will calm his mind too. No murder mysteries."
"Boooring!" James called out from over on his throne of books.
"James, leave them be," Gregory scolded without looking up.
Sarah frowned at James who pulled a face. Roulette Boy didn't even pay attention to them and was fully engrossed in the comic Judgement Boy gave him. Sarah went back to studying the shelf. She pressed her finger against a particular book and slowly pulled it out. It's title read Judgement Day.
Monoputa suddenly sprung out of nowhere and yanked it from her grasp.
"Hey! Give that back!" Sarah swiped for the book but Monoputa leapt out of her reach.
"Tsk tsk tsk. Do you really want to challenge me? Remember what Angel Dog said to Hell's Chef!" He raised his voice so it became mockingly sweet. "Deep breaths! Deep breaths!" He leaned back and let out an uproarious laugh.
Sarah frowned at him and pulled her hand back. "Fine. But why do you want the book?"
Monoputa looked nervous for a second and a trickle of sweat rolled down his face. "I, er, left it there by accident." He leaned forward menacingly and raised his voice. "BUT THIS BOOK IS BY NO MEANS FOR YOU! DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT LOOKING FOR IT!"
"Okay, okay," Sarah said quickly, her arms slightly extended defensively.
"Don't worry, I'm sure there's other books here," Judgement Boy said happily. He picked a book off the shelf and examined its cover. His face instantly changed to one of confusion. "This book... Has you on it, Gregory."
"Wh-what?" The old rat jumped and gave Judgement Boy his full attention.
Monoputa yelped and snatched the book from Judgement Boy. "Nope! Not this book either!" He turned slightly away from everyone else and began to mutter to himself. Sarah strained her ears to listen. "If they've already seen these, how many more did I leave behind?" He turned back to the others, his face stern. "Alright, listen up! I want everyone outta here right now!"
"AWW!" A huge collective moan came from Roulette Boy and James.
"No fair! I was just getting to the good part!" James complained.
Gregory, who seemed slightly distant ever since Judgement Boy mentioned the book, stood up and made his way over to the door. "Now now, James. We don't want to upset Monoputa. I think it's best to leave whatever's in this library behind."
"Yeah, let's get out of here," Roulette Boy agreed, putting down his comic. "I don't want to be here when Monoputa goes straight over to the dirty romance books."
"Hey! Do I really strike you as that kind of Prompter?!" Monoputa yelled
"Considering you looked up my skirt today, yeah," Sarah pitched in.
Roulette Boy started giggling obnoxiously loudly.
Monoputa's flustered expression quickly changed to one of fury. "EVERYONE OUT, NOW!"
Monoputa got behind Judgement Boy and started steering him in the direction of the door. He pushed him into Sarah and they both got swept up in the tide of strength Monoputa possessed.
"Whoa, whoa, slow down! We can go by ourselves!" Judgement Boy insisted, blushing a little.
Monoputa stopped pushing and changed his target to James. Gregory held open the door.
"After you, my friends," he chuckled darkly.
Sarah raised an eyebrow as she walked out with Judgement Boy in tow. "Uh, thanks?"
"James, come out here right now!" Gregory insisted to his stubborn grandson.
James was still sitting on his pile of comics. "I don't want to leave! I want to at least take my comic with me!"
Monoputa snatched it out of his hands. He was quite good at that. "GET OUT!"
James pulled a face at him and took off out of the room, Roulette Boy following him. Gregory shut the door behind them and turned to face Judgement Boy.
"My friend, if you do not mind me asking, what was that book?" He looked at Judgment Boy curiously.
"It was called Gregory Exposed #3," he reported with a puzzled expression.
"Three?!" Gregory exclaimed. "Oh dear. And you're sure it was me?" Judgement Boy nodded with an uncomfortable smile. "That is troubling." Gregory looked to the library door.
"I'm BORED!" James announced loudly. "C'mon Roulette Boy! Let's look for something to do!"
"Yeah!" Roulette Boy cheered.
The two children sped off down the hall and Gregory sighed. "Forgive me, my friends, but I have to watch over them. Heaven knows what Mama would do if I left them alone..."
Gregory trudged after them unenthusiastically. He knew running after them was pointless and one way or another their whereabouts would be revealed.
"I was really hoping to get a good book for Gold," Judgement Boy sighed. "But now I'd be happy with any old book..."
Sarah looked at him sympathetically. "I guess you'll have to find some other way to cheer him up. Why don't you go check up on him? The library will be open later, I hope."
Judgement Boy nodded. "I could always grab a book then." He smiled happily. "For now, I'll do my best to work with what I have! See you around, Sarah!"
Judgement Boy went down the hall singing away to himself. Sarah had a feeling he was still a little more upset than he let on but she admired how he kept a brave face for his mentor. It's getting late, but I don't feel that tired. Might as well try to sleep... it won't do me any good if I have no energy.
GHS
Sarah had been lying awake in bed for what seemed like hours, not even the slightest hint of tiredness there to drag her into dreamland. She had way too much on her mind...
What was going on with Monoputa in the library? What is he hiding from us? What's upstairs? Is Gold going crazy? Is Hell's Chef going crazy? Is everyone going crazy? Will a body turn up tomorrow morning?
Sarah figured getting up and walking around the room would help her get at least a little tired. She climbed out of bed, smoothed her nightgown, and began to wander around aimlessly.
After pacing for a little while, she heard a loud cry from next door.
"MEOOOOOOOOW!"
Neko Zombie can't sleep either? Sarah blinked, resting her ear against the wall. Sure enough, she could hear Neko Zombie's footfalls as he paced around his own room, mumbling to himself.
I should check on him... Sarah bit her lip and headed towards her own door before she could change her mind. Maybe I can stop him from doing something he'd regret...
Sarah tiptoed to Neko Zombie's door, which was metal and cell-like, a sharp contrast to everyone else's more friendly-looking doors. Sarah raised her fist to knock, but before she could, she heard Neko Zombie sigh. "Hello, Sarah."
"H-how'd you know it was me?" Sarah replied, her voice low. She didn't want to wake anyone else up...
"You have a very distinctive smell," Neko Zombie said. Sarah wasn't sure whether that was a compliment or an insult... "You can come in. The door's not locked or anything."
Sarah headed into Neko Zombie's room to find that it was pretty much barren, apart from a cot that Neko Zombie was currently sitting on.
"Why is your room so..." Sarah struggled to find the right word as she shut the door behind her.
"I have no idea," Neko Zombie shrugged. "Monoputa must hate cats..."
That's another reason to hate Monoputa... Sarah ground her teeth a bit as she headed over to Neko Zombie. "Do you mind if I sit down too?"
"Go nuts," Neko Zombie patted the spot next to him and Sarah perched on the edge of his bed.
Sarah smiled sheepishly at Neko Zombie and he turned to look at her. God, those stitches are horrifying!
"You don't have to answer this, but..." Sarah bit her lip, averting her eyes from Neko Zombie's stitched up face. "Who stitched you up?"
"Oh..." Neko Zombie ran a claw over the stitches over his mouth. "I... I don't remember. I don't remember a lot of things. It's been eating away at me."
"You're not the only one..." Sarah bounced one of her legs nervously. "I only remember little bits of my reality... Monoputa must have really messed with our heads."
"And he still is..." Neko Zombie sighed and scooted back on the bed so he could rest his back against the wall. "I can tell just by looking at everyone. They all want out of here. Some more than others, but I can see it in the face of every last person here. Since we have Monoputa throwing... motives at us, I have no doubt in my mind that someone's blood will be spilled. Maybe not soon, but eventually. Monoputa's not going to give up until someone dies."
"You shouldn't think like that!" Sarah slammed a fist into Neko Zombie's mattress. "I know it's silly to put stock in people you barely know, but I'm sure if we all work together, we can get out of here! I just... have a feeling."
"And there's the optimism I'm jealous of..." Neko Zombie snickered, drawing his knees up to his chest and hugging his legs. He flicked his tail a few times before he coiled it around himself. "I never understood how people could think like that."
"It's just focusing on the good instead of the bad," Sarah shrugged. "I'm not completely free of bad thoughts; they're the reason I couldn't sleep. No matter how positive my words are, there's always a little nagging voice in the back of my head telling me that I'm wrong."
"What if you are wrong?" Neko Zombie stared straight into Sarah's eyes. "Are you prepared to deal with the sadness and disappointment? What if someone you're close to dies? You can't let your grief take over you. You need to work hard and help everyone weed out the murderer."
"You're right..." Sarah sighed and slumped over, her hair covering her face. "Can... can we talk about things that aren't murder, though? I'd like to take my mind off of everything..."
"That sounds like a good idea," Neko Zombie nodded the slightest bit.
The two of them talked for who knows how long about things they heard other people say, the incident at the library, and what they thought was upstairs, among many other things. Neko Zombie was a very good listener and he even cracked a smile on occasion while he was talking to Sarah.
Good, Sarah thought with satisfaction. I hope I'm cheering him up, even if it's only a little bit.
"...that's why I'm glad we have people like Angel Dog, not everyone is... hey, are you okay?" Sarah's brow furrowed with concern as she looked at Neko Zombie's expression.
Neko Zombie was staring straight ahead, his eyes wide and his jaw as slack as it would go.
"Neko Zombie!" Sarah jostled his shoulder, which snapped him out of it.
"Sarah... don't panic, but..." Neko Zombie turned to face her and Sarah noticed sweat was beading on his forehead. "I smell blood."
"BLOOD?!" Sarah covered her mouth to keep from shouting again. "H-how can you be sure?"
"It's definitely blood. I'd know that smell anywhere..." Neko Zombie jumped to his feet and raised his chin, sniffing the air. "I'd suggest that we investigate ourselves, but if we get discovered by anyone and there is a body, they might think we did it. I'm going to wake everyone up. Cover your ears."
Sarah, too worried to argue, cupped her hands over her ears and squeezed her eyes shut.
Neko Zombie stepped out into the hallway and let out the loudest yowl in the history of the universe.
Almost instantaneously, Gregory Mama came running out of her room, glaring daggers at Neko Zombie. She was soon joined by Gregory, Clock Master, and Catherine, followed by Cactus Girl and her brother.
Strangely, no one else seemed to want to bother with seeing what Neko Zombie was yowling about.
"I think this is enough people..." Neko Zombie nodded to Sarah, who nodded back, nervously wringing her hands.
"Enough people for what?" Catherine asked, swallowing a yawn.
"Yeah, why did you wake all of us up?" Cactus Girl demanded, her fists on her hips.
"I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't important," Neko Zombie looked at Gregory Mama intensely. "Please stop glaring. This is serious."
"What could be serious enough to interrupt my beauty sleep?" Gregory Mama stomped a foot, her angry expression intensifying.
"I smell blood. That's what's so serious," Neko Zombie's comment shut everyone up and they looked at each other nervously.
"B-b-BLOOD?!" Cactus Gunman clung to his sister, who gave him a reassuring pat on the arm.
"Where... where's the smell coming from?" Clock Master whispered, as if the murderer would somehow be able to hear him.
Neko Zombie lifted his head again and sniffed the air. "This way. Come on," Neko Zombie gestured for the group to follow him.
When Neko Zombie opened the door to the lounge, he stopped dead in his tracks and gasped, his paw covering his mouth.
"What is..." Sarah stood on her toes to look over Neko Zombie's shoulder and nearly fainted when she saw what he was looking at.
It was James, his eyes wide open, lying on his back...
...with his head soaked in a pool of his own blood.