"Hello contestants! This is Mr. Smith over at the school command center, and I cannot even convey how proud I am of all of you out there. With that drop in contestant eliminations during the last announcements, I was worried that we may not be getting a winner this season. Well, you proved me wrong, and for that you should be proud. We have a total of nine eliminations in the last six hours, and for those of you keeping track, that means that exactly half of your classmates are now dead. With this kind of action taking place, we may have a new record on our hands soon! In any case, I won't keep you all in suspense any longer. It's time to announce the dead. The first name on the list is Boy #24 – Mitchell. A word to the wise little warriors, if you have a gun you better use it or someone else will use it against you. The next name is Girl #3 – Taryn, the most spectacular death that we've seen thus far in this man's opinion. Kudos to whoever killed the girl and I'm hoping that we see more action from them. Next up we have Boy #18 – Justin, who died while giving the woman he loved time to escape. But as many of you just heard, the boy is DEAD. Maybe this example will demonstrate just how useless sacrifice is in this game, in fact it's just as pointless as suicide. Moving on we have Boy #17 – Salvador. You know, I was wondering when the weak looking gang leader was going to be taken out, and while I didn't expect it to be during the first day, I must say that I was very amused at watching how his gang seemed to fall apart all at once. Speaking of the gang, the next name on the list is also from the little group of delinquents, Boy #12 – TJ. The boy put up a very nice fight, but clearly it just wasn't enough, since he is now, in fact, dead. Following him we have the day dreaming bookworm Girl #20 – Bonnie, and I can honestly say that I was not the only one who found it amusing that she tried crying out magic spells from her books as she was dying. Moving on, we have the very promising Girl #21 – Genevive, who had spent most of her time trying to remove the collars. However, we in The Program have taken every precaution when it comes to the metal accessories you have around your necks, and the only way to get rid of them is to have them deactivated from your corpses. Genevive learned this lesson the hard way – hopefully the rest of you will not need to. The next contestant to bite the big one is Boy #8 – Ron, Genevive's self proclaimed protection from everyone else trying to kill her while she worked on the collars. I guess talking about his effectiveness at this point is unnecessary. And finally we have Boy #11 – Nick, who died from a dosage of cyanide – some of you out there enjoy getting creative, don't you? In any event, those are the contestants that are no longer in the running of surviving The Program. On to the danger zones. It appears that only three danger zones have inspired you all into more action, and so we will continue with this action. Starting at the end of this announcement, block 50 will become a danger zone, so steer clear of that block if you have any intention of surviving. In two hours from now, block 56 will be a danger zone. In an additional two hours at four this morning, block 32 is a danger zone. If you can't take the hint little warriors, it's best for you to avoid the boundaries – there's plenty of room in the middle of the playing field to kill each other. That's all for now – keep fighting little warriors."
Paul (Boy #21) sat somewhat amused on top of a tree branch. Already half the class was down, and that meant that there were half as many people standing in his way from walking away from this game. At the moment, Paul only had three kills of his own, not that it mattered to him. Paul knew that it wasn't the one with the most kills who mattered, but rather the one who was still alive. That's why he had run like he had when that small Asian boy had open fired on him with that shogun. Paul couldn't believe his amazing luck that he had been completely undamaged from all those shotgun rounds fired in his direction. Sure he had lost his crossbow, but that was better that than losing an arm. Now if only he could figure out what to do with all those arrows still nestled inside his duffel bag. He was sure he could find some use for them. In the meantime, he had rested enough. It was about time he headed back to that residential area and look for that boy he had chased as well as the small Asian one with the large weapon. That shotgun could sure come in handy…
Paul threw his legs over the side of the limb and allowed himself to fall. The air rushed past him as he smirked and landed in a crouch on the ground as it rose to meet him. He inhaled and then stood, turning slightly and catching sight of the monster that stood right next to him. Instantly Paul leapt back and in a flash whipped out the hunting knife smiling widely and menacingly. The large figure stood before him with a dagger and shield like the silent gladiator he was. He didn't lift his weapons in a fighting stance, but gripped them tighter in case Paul rushed him.
Paul stared up at Sid (Boy #14) and was barely able to make out the blood stains on the blade he held. Paul knew that in terms of strength, Sid was far superior. In a fair fight, Sid would have the upper hand, and with that upper hand, he'd end Paul's life. An inkling of fear inched its way into Paul's mind, but he pushed it away. Sid was stronger, but Paul was smarter than the simple-minded giant.
"I don't want to fight you." Paul stated. Sid nodded and spun away. Paul's mouth dropped a little and he realized that he wouldn't have guessed that it would have been that simple. But at the same something held him back. He was glad that he wouldn't have to face Sid in battle, but he would have to eventually, seeing as to how armed the monster was. Sid wouldn't fall so easily, unless there was some form of sabotage from the inside.
"Wait!" Paul called out and Sid stopped and turned his head slightly to listen to what Paul would say next. "Why don't we team up for a little bit?"
Sid turned completely around a confused look you'd expect to see on a five year old covered his face. He took a few steps back toward Paul but then stopped.
"I know we don't know each other very well," Paul said, "But there are a lot of armed kids out there. Alone, you and I are very vulnerable to people with guns."
Sid held up his shield examining it and then glanced back at Paul. He seemed to be wondering if the shield would stop a bullet, and Paul guessed it would, but there was no reason to let Sid know that.
"But if we work together, there's a better chance that we'll defeat them. You and I could win The Program!" Of course, Paul had no intention of letting Sid win. More than likely, once they came into the possession of a gun, a well placed bullet to the back of the giant's head and then the major threat would be gone. Sid appeared to be considering Paul's proposition, but something was holding him back. If Paul was going to follow through with his plan, he needed to figure out what that was.
"Is there…someone you're looking for?" Paul asked, "Someone out in the playing field that you wanna find?"
Sid slowly nodded, and Paul smirked putting his hunting knife away inside his pocket. He figured that that was the case. The majority of people in the playing field were either looking for someone else or already in their company. Someone who had been looking for Paul found him relatively early on in the game. His first kill. Paul touched the top of the hammer head as he remembered her falling into the receding waves, the blood flowing out into the ocean.
"Is it your girlfriend?"
Sid shook his head no and a hurt expression made its way across his face. Paul's smile disappeared as he wondered who Sid could be looking for. He knew that Sid had a girlfriend, he'd seen them walking around the school together along with the rest of their gang. It was at that point that Paul remembered that a good number of people from that group had been announced as dead. He wondered if Sid had taken them all out on his own. Paul decided that it didn't particularly matter and he returned to the matter at hand.
"Then who are you looking for?"
Luna (Girl #5) allowed the news to sink in. At first she wasn't sure if she had heard correctly, but after repeating the words over and over again in her head, she knew it was true. Salvador was dead. Luna felt the pang of sadness along with the glimmer of happiness mix together in some paradoxical whirlwind. She had had a connection with the boy, hell, she had given him her body countless times. So while she felt sorry that he was dead, a greater part of her was happy that he would not be looking for her, trying to kill her. If she had heard correctly, TJ was dead also, which meant that there was only one other person from their gang still alive – Sid. Luna figured that it must have been he that took them both out. And that meant he'd be gunning for her also. It scared Luna to realize that she had such a powerful enemy somewhere out there. She'd have felt a lot better if she still had that revolver.
She could still feel the horror she had experienced then, being attacked in the darkness, the bright beacon of light shining in her eyes, the cold metal of the bun barrel on her forehead. Luna was lucky to still be alive; this she knew for a fact. But things would have been a lot better if she had actually hit the boy with one of the bullets she fired. He'd be dead and she'd still have the protection of a gun, not to mention a flashlight. But Luna was still alive, and that was the important part.
The branch she was sitting on was rather gnarly, and so she shifted her weight so she'd be more comfortable. A tree wasn't the safest place to be since it was open and there was the possibility of someone spotting her. But she'd have the element of surprise if someone came wandering around. And with no compass or map, Luna couldn't risk wandering around the playing field with all the danger zones and other contestants. But then again, the people remaining could be useful. They all had food and water and maps and weapons. Luna could have all of those things once she ran into another person and took it from them.
That's when Luna became aware of her situation. Her friends were dead and she was alone in The Program. There was nothing holding her back now. She had seen terrible things - people dying, people killing. She'd been attacked. And now she was thinking about how she'd be able to take the things she lacked from another contestant, most likely after killing them. It was unmistakable – she was playing now.
The realization created a tight knot in her stomach. She knew it too – she wanted to live, and that meant that she'd need to kill. Sure, she recognized the other kids from school, but she wasn't particularly close to any of them. All she'd need to do is…end them.
But not now. Not yet.
She took her time breathing, listening to the air rush in and out of her body. And while the thought sickened her, she knew that she needed to make it so she was the only one left breathing on the island. She wrapped her arms around her body, hugging herself, trying to prepare herself for what lied next.
"She killed your girlfriend?" Paul asked skeptically. Unless he was thinking of someone else, he was pretty sure that the Luna from his class could not kill anyone, much less repeatedly stab them. But then again, who knew what she picked up after hanging around with that neighborhood gang all the time, besides an STD or two. Sid nodded solemnly and stared off into the dark distance.
"So you're out for revenge?" Again a nod from Sid, and Paul considered the circumstance in front of him. From the small amount of information he had obtained from the giant, the only thing keeping Sid going was the thought of killing Luna, but once she was dead, Sid would most likely playing to win. Paul couldn't have that scenario, since Sid was a major challenge to overcome – one that Paul wasn't confident he could defeat. As long as Luna was alive, Sid would only look to kill her. In the meantime, Paul would tag along, waiting for the ideal opportunity to strike. It was a gamble, but at least if he was with Sid, Paul always knew where the monster was.
"Then, I'll come with you. Hell, I'll help you take the bitch down." Paul smirked and stood before the large boy, "What do you say? Partners?"
Sid stared down at Paul, hesitating as he attempted to make up his mind. Paul's smile glinted with saliva and moonlight, and Sid was reminded of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. That feline had been crafty, and Sid figured that Paul was most likely the same way. But even a small amount of help was better than none at all. Sid nodded and tossed his dagger into his other hand so that he could extend the empty palm. Paul clutched it and then winced as his hand was engulfed and crushed inside the larger boy's grasp. The two boys walked off into the night, collectively more dangerous than they had been separated.
Bruce (Boy #23) collapsed to the ground in a deflated heap. Already tears were coursing down his face as he saw their faces in front of him. They were smiling, staring right back at him. And then he watched as they suddenly became afraid. They started screaming and their eyes rolled into their heads as blood tears dripped from their sockets. Bruce shook his head, wiping the tears from his face and trying to remove the faces of his friends from his mind.
Genevive and Justin were now dead too. Already half of his family was gone. The guilt sliced deep into him as he curled into a tiny ball on the ground. He closed his eyes and tried to remember all those times he'd spend with them, watching movies or talking or playing video games. Panic set in for a moment when he had trouble remembering a few of their faces, but soon they were all there, and he was there too.
They all chatted excitedly as the television played in the background, but no one was paying attention to it. Bruce couldn't make out what was being said, but it didn't matter. They were all together again, enjoying each other's presence. And then suddenly everything was dark. Bruce awoke with a start, opening his eyes and glancing around. He was still in his house, the TV showing only static in front of him. He was alone.
He noticed a crudely written note on the table in front of him. He picked it up and read it, recognizing Justin's handwriting immediately. He finished it and was slightly confused and so he reread it.
"Bruce, we decided that a game of hide and seek would be a lot of fun in the dark. We're all hidden inside the house. Come and find us!" Bruce put the note down.
Hide and seek? What are we, five years old?
Regardless of the absurdity, Bruce stood and he began searching throughout his house. He began in the kitchen and then moved into the dining room. He turned on the lights and searched beneath the large wooden table. Sighing, he stood up and wished that his friends would stop being so childish and come out of hiding. A scream ripped through the silence of the house and Bruce raced off, nearly running into a wall as he hurriedly made his way through the house. The couch on which Bruce had just awakened now had a new body on it and Bruce gasped as he stared into the blue dead face of Genevive. He tried to call out her name, but no sound came out. Instead, another cry was heard. Bruce ran into his hallway and up the stairs into the darkness above him. Something stood in front of him and he brushed it away, feeling something foreign.
Leaves?
He heard his footsteps as they suddenly changed from carpet to gravel. He slowed for a moment, and then remembering the urgency of the situation hurried again, bushing more leaves and branches from his face. He appeared in a clearing, and saw the two bodies lying face down on the dirt – Justin and Derek (Boy #2).
"No." Bruce murmured as he searched his surroundings for answers. All he could see were large ominous trees and waving shadows that beckoned him forward into death. He heard movement and he took off into that direction, racing through the oblivion for his friends still hidden. Another scream pierced the night and Bruce ran towards it, noticing that it was very nearby. He emerged into a small clearing and saw Kara (Girl #24) bleeding profusely on the ground, breathing heavily. Above stood her killer, wiping his scythe on a nearby bush. Jeff (Boy #22) glanced back and saw Bruce standing there completely dumbstruck. He whispered something as he raced forward and sliced the blade through Bruce's neck.
Bruce woke in a cold sweat, and he frantically peered around him. Kara was not there, and neither was Jeff. His house was gone, the scythe was gone, the bodies were gone. He was alone. He clutched his neck, and found no wound. Everything was gone. Except his sadness and guilt.
They'll keep dying if I don't find them.
He left his dream on the ground as he stood and brushed the dirt off his body. He fingered the kitchen knife in his back pocket, making sure it was still there, and then began striding off into the forest. There was no more time to feel useless, to feel culpable. Molly (Girl #9) and Kara were still out there, and they'd die once a hardcore player found them.
And Jeff…
Bruce didn't know what to think about Jeff. There was too much going on inside his head, too much that Bruce didn't know about. He wanted to believe that he could help Jeff, but there was a good chance that Bruce may have to protect Kara and Molly from him. But he couldn't even think about that at that moment. First, he'd have to find the two girls before they were lost to him as well.
But there was still one thing that Bruce wondered about as he made his way into the darkness. The announcements had said that Justin had died saving the woman he loved.
Who is that?
"I'm sorry." Nathan's (Boy #19) voice echoed off the bare walls. He shuffled the deck of cards absent mindedly. Minh cradled the shotgun in his hands. The boys sat in the empty room of one of the houses they had come across. Not wanting to risk running into Paul again, they had taken shelter in another random home, further away from their last encounter. They had decided on taking the second floor since the leverage was an upper hand in a fight, and it would also give them a little more time to escape if they felt they were losing the battle. Minh glanced up at the other boy.
"What for? Mitchell? Yeah, he was my friend, and I'm sorry he's dead. But it's nothing in comparison to the idea of your name had been announced." Minh replied, "I kept worrying that your name was going to be next. I…I thought I'd never see you again."
"I'm flattered." Nathan replied with a smile as he continued to stare out the window looking around for threats, "But the rest of this game is still going to be tough. We could have used other people to join us. The few friends I have aren't here – it's just you."
"The few friends I have aren't here anymore either. Shaina (Girl #12) was taken out earlier, and now Mitchell's dead too. From here out, it's only the two of us."
Nathan sighed softly but didn't remove his gaze from the window. And for a moment, his mind wandered and everything before him blurred. He saw the three boys standing before him, aiming the nail gun and pulling the trigger. He watched that girl bandage his wounded shoulder. He saw the smiling face and the flying arrows. He saw the crossbow explode. He took a deep breath.
"Nathan," Minh began quietly, "What are we going to do?"
Nathan finally tore his gaze away and stared into the Asian face a few feet away.
"Survive."
"Can you believe it?" Connor (Boy #4) murmured out loud to his ally, "Half of them are already gone."
"Are you surprised?" Leslie (Girl #25) responded apathetically.
"A little. I mean, I didn't expect so many to die so quickly."
Leslie shrugged and continued onward pushing some shrubbery out of her way. They suddenly emerged from the forest line and several houses sat before them.
"Good, now we can find a place to rest." Connor remarked as he appeared behind Leslie. Without another word they moved together, examining the homes for the perfect choice to take refuge in for a time. All the houses looked the same to Connor, but Leslie walked past many of them, clearly looking for one with certain qualities.
"This one." She pointed to one.
"Why this one?"
"Because it has a basement, first of all. That's where we'll be staying, not on the first floor where other contestants will look first and not on the second floor where we may have trouble escaping if we hurt ourselves after jumping out a window. Next, this basement has an easy exit right there in case we need to retreat. Third, basements have pipes and other things cemented into the floor, which may give us cover and hiding places in case we need them."
Connor stared at her in awe and shrugged before following her into the house. Once again Leslie had truly impressed him, but Connor had learned that Leslie disliked compliments almost as much as she disliked insults. In fact, Leslie just disliked it when Connor spoke. But he had noticed that she was being a lot less harsh with him as she had been.
"Hurry up!" Leslie snapped.
Or maybe it was just his imagination. Either way, he had stayed by her this far and he had no intention of leaving her now. And besides, she was a lot more protection than his designated weapon was – a big bottle of laundry detergent. So unless a giant grass stain came to claim their lives, Connor was pretty much a sitting duck. But a part of him was glad that he'd be all alone with Leslie in a dark basement. It reminded him of the furnished room that he had always wanted, a bachelor pad of sorts. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get that vision of Leslie from the beach out of his head. No matter how many times he reminded himself that Leslie pretty much hated him, that she would rip his testicles off if he made any sort of pass at her, he couldn't stop seeing the sun reflecting off her eyes and the soft wind blowing through her hair.
They entered the house and slowly made their way around the first floor, searching for the stair that lead down into the cellar. Connor found it first and he whispered to Leslie to follow him. He took two steps and tripped, tumbling down the stairs, hurting his pride more than anything else. Leslie made her way down slowly but then checked to make sure Connor was fine. Connor flushed in the darkness, but luckily Leslie didn't notice and she helped him to his feet. They made their over to one end of the basement, and after Leslie brushed away all the spider webs with her foot, they sat down and the longest silence between the two, since they had first met in The Program, began.
Jeff finished crossing off the names from the list on the back of his map. He paused after he finished, eyeing three names: Justin, Genevive, and Derek. He sighed as he stared deeper and deeper into the paper as the words blurred before his eyes.
They're dead.
They probably didn't feel the necessary amount of pain before they died.
I wonder if I would have been able to kill them, or if I would have run off like I did with Bruce.
Of course I would have killed them. Bruce was an exception, but now that's changed too. Everyone must suffer.
I…I miss them.
…
I don't want to hurt anymore.
And soon we won't. Soon we won't feel anything at all.
Jeff stood, not feeling the slightest bit of fatigue. He knew that everyone else left in the playing field was now running on empty. They'd be easier to find, easier to kill. Jeff trekked through the obsidian woods, keeping his eyes and ears open for new victims. He pushed thoughts of his friends away from him. They'd only prevent him from sharing his pain. From easing his pain.
Jeff glanced at his map and noticed that area that was marked as containing houses. Many contestants would look for shelter, and since the urban setting had so many danger zones, this very tiny suburban area in the middle of the wooded area would be the next best thing. He'd find more contestants there.
The second day had begun.
Current danger zones: 2, 4, 6, 10, 11, 15, 17, 21, 24, 25, 28, 31, 41, 48, 50, 61, 64
Pending danger zones: 32, 56
(25) Contestants remaining
