Disclaimer: I do not own the character of Jigsaw or the plot of the Saw movies. I don't make any money from writing this.


The clock was ticking and the game had started. Staring at the screen in front of him he switched on the lights, allowing the subjects to see the room they were in. Screaming, of course, and a lot of confusion. He was used to the sight; it didn't faze him at all. It had taken him a long time to choose the participants, but he knew they were perfect for the task.

Now, having waited long enough, he flicked the switch that turned on the tape, his own voice filling his ears and the ears of the people on the screen.

"Hello Eric, Dawn, Jessica and Aaron. For too long have you ignored those around you and seen only your own happiness. For too long have you walked over those who you have deemed less worthy. Your talents have gone to your heads and you're treating both family and friends and fans like they should worship the ground you walk on and neglect their own lives. You're no longer thankful for what you have, and now it's time to change. On the wall in front of you are the tools to stay live. Use them well, and be willing to sacrifice what you must and you will make it out alive. But work fast, the timer above the door is counting down to when the contraptions you're wearing will close and effectively smother your pride forever. Make your choice, live or die."

As always there was panic, yelling, swearing, threatening. Never did anyone hear the instruction and get right to work, even when they should. These four people only had fifty minutes to find the keys to save their lives, and finding them wasn't without pain. He leaned back in his chair closing his eyes for a moment and allowing his mind to drift. Trying to decide on whether they needed his full attention the whole time or if he had enough time to walk away he rubbed tired eyes with the back of his hand.

His sleep was suffering because he found himself worrying too much. The girl in his possession was listening but not hearing. For two weeks he'd now been speaking with her each day, explaining his beliefs and his faith to her, hoping she'd understand and see what he saw. The frustration he felt however didn't win over the hope he had that soon she'd really appreciate the truth.

The conversation on the screen stopped his thoughts and he paid attention to it once more. It seemed they'd found the first key. It wasn't one that led to their freedom; it was just the key to open the door to the room they were in. Watching them fight and panic gave him no pleasure. He wasn't fascinated by the violence like Hoffman had been. He didn't enjoy seeing people suffer, he didn't enjoy seeing people bleeding or pleading for their lives.

Rising from his seat he walked over to the second desk in the room. There were old inventions and traps scattered across the surface, but he pushed them out of his way in search for what he wanted. Moving the reversed bear trap out of the way he got it; it was a first edition of the only book he'd ever really cared for. He made a rash decision and quickly turned around.

He glanced at the screen as he passed it, noting that they'd made very little progress and that time was still on his side. Ignoring them he walked over to the door which would lead him to her, to the one he needed so urgently to understand. For the first time since she'd arrived he knocked on the door, waiting for her to grant him entrance.

Three of them had already fallen victims to their own stubbornness, refusing to listen to the clues and hints he'd given. He felt no pity with those who broke the rules, they didn't deserve to win. The red numbers next to him revealed that the last survivor only had little over five minutes left. He almost felt surprised that he'd missed so much of the game. All he wanted to do was hand the girl the book and walk back out, but for some reason he had lingered behind.

On the screen he finally saw the last person standing grab the right key and jam it with a bleeding hand into the lock at the back of the device. Knowing she still had three minutes left her survival was granted. The second she was free he got up again, ready to call on Amanda who would have to be the one to release her.

Amanda had been a grateful victim; she had changed her ways after being tested. When she was free her drug problem was fought and won against, all thanks to him teaching her to appreciate life. That she would become his apprentice felt like the most natural thing. Unfortunately Amanda had lately been bending the rules and sometimes even walked on the wrong side of them. Knowing that there would soon be another test for her saddened him; he had hoped she would've learned from the first.

He found her by one of the desks in the biggest room of the warehouse.

"One survivor, please take her out," he said when she looked up at him. She simply nodded and hurried to do as he'd asked. He followed her.

If someone had the strength to survive it was important that they were taken care of. They'd won, they were free, and they wouldn't have to suffer for a minute longer than necessary.

Now that this game was over he could start planning for the next, which would be on a much, much grander scale. More importantly, his guest would get the opportunity to watch. Hopefully by then she'd be able to see.