...
...
...
?: Hey... Get up.
Zill's POV
Zill: H-huh?
?: Hellooooooo, Ziiiillllll? Time to get uuuuuup.
I heard a familiar voice... but it wasn't Jack's. I opened my eyes.
Zill: Damian?
What? I felt my face twist with confusion. His eyes looked tired and he wore a dirty hoodie instead of his usual torn shirt.I looked around and saw that we were in some sort of blue room with various hallways. The roof looked super high up.
Damian: Finally, I was actually getting worried there for a second.
He reached out to try and help me up. I was going to accept the gesture, but decided to help myself up.
Damian: worried about a joy buzzer, huh? Can't blame you.
I tried again to summon my fire and wings.
Damian: Yeah... don't bother. Magic can't be used here.
Damian hopped up and landed to emphasize his point. He always floated whenever he felt like it so it was strange to see him on two feet.
Zill: Where... even are we?
Damian: Beats me.
Damian shrugged before placing his hand in his pocket. I still can't believe I'm alive. I'm not even hurt.
?: THE FUCK IS GOING ON?! WHERE THE HELL IS THIS? WHO'S BRUNETTE MOTHER FUCKER PUSHED ME OFF BACK THERE?!
More people! I look to see the origin of the voice to see Rusty. Well his real name was Ruben but he hates being called that. He wore his usual worn down letterman's jacket, but his red collar was missing... replaced with a metal collar.
?: Calm down! You're practically spitting on me!
The next to talk was a silver wolf in a black and white fedora, a black belt and fingerless gloves. He looked about as freaked out as Rusty but was trying to keep his composure,
?: What's going on...? This could be trouble...
She was a dark purple cat wearing a red amulet with... some sort of metal staff? Something seemed off about her. Everyone seemed too distracted to notice me.
Damian: You want to join the conversation now?
I turn to see Damian leaning closer to me with a smile. It didn't seem at all mischievous... but geunine.
Zill: Let's go.
We walk over to the others. There seems to be a discussion happening around a single man. He dressed formally and had a slight german accent.
Formal Man: Please everyone! I say again. Please calm should try to collaborate all our stories, ja?
?: Where are we? Mom?
I recognized the girl as Mackenzie from drama class... She had extremely long red hair with a cat toy on it and wore a cat, turtleneck sweater... She was always a bit... quirky and distant.
?: Ahhaha. I just had a terrible experience earlier... I'm having a bit of trouble staying calm.
The boy had pretty bad posture. His voice was soft and timid. He wore a black and red clothing that covered his neck. He also wore a skirt and glow sticks along his waist. His hair was purple with a red strip... This guy had a weird fashion sense. Everyone here seemed confused. Huh? I saw Jack standing next to the cat girl from before... and he too was wearing a collar. I looked around at all the creatures in the room and it seemed... WIth a shiver, I touched my own neck. There was something... A collar?! I struggled with it for a second. I can't get it off. Everyone here has a collar on them. The discussion centered around the formal man continued. I want to get Jack's attention but neither of us can get a word in.
Rusty: Damn it! Who are these assholes who kidnapped us?! I don't got no money they can ransom me for!
?: Quit screaming in my ear!
I recognized that mostly human boy as Addison, one of Damian's old friends. He wore his usually green sweater and striped scarf. I never really had a conversation with him but he adn Damian were once very close. If what Jack said earlier was true, however. His fox tail flared with annoyance.
Dressed boy: H- hey now... fighting like this isn't any good.
I can feel the tension in the air. Even I can't keep my cool. I noticed another human in the corner... Sahara. She was also in my drama class. She was hugging herself and looked traumatized. She is usually a bit more talkative than this.
Sahara: Ugh...
What's wrong with her?
Silver Wolf: What's going on? I feel like we got caught up in something dangerous.
Purple Cat: It... definitely... seems like it.
Now that I look at her... she seems familiar. I kept finding myself looking at Sahara, the fear she has is not the normal kind of fear.
Their discussion was still going on. Finally, my head was starting to clear. There are 11 of us here, including myself. Everyone seems to have a collar... why hasn't Jack called to me ye-
Damian: Zill?
I turned toward Damian and saw a look of concern shone on his face.
Damian: Are you good? You kinda just stared off in space for a second.
Why is Damian acting so concerned? Earlier this year, he made me forget my anniversary with Kayla and tortured me over it. I decided to ignore him for now. He might be planning on pulling a trick on me. I decide to walk up to Jack.
Zill: Jack!
Jack looks toward me with a look of shock then relief on his face.
Jack: Zill!
Jack practically tackled me into a hug, knocking the wind out of me. My tail wrapped around him for a second with a smile.
Zill: Woah, glad to see you J-Man!
The cat girl from before calmly walked up to us.
Purple Cat: Jack, is this the "Zill" you were talking about before?
Jack: Oh yeah! Zill this is Jill. Jill, Zill.
Jack introduced us to each other. Jill?
Zill: Oh! Is this the Jill girl you haaaaaavvvvee... met in hell. You're friends right?
That was close... I almost told her about his crush on her. Jack looked like a wrecking ball was about to hit him.
Jack: Y-yeah!
My bad. Jill reached out her hand.
Jill: It's nice to finally meet one of Jack's friends on the surface!
Despite her initial serious demeanor, she was actually pretty cheerful now. I gladly took her hand and shook it. She had quite the firm grip.
Zill: Woah, you're pretty strong Jill.
Jill: Ah, tha-
Formal Man: EVERYONE PLEASE!
Everyone became silent and looked at the formally dressed man.
Formal Man: I understand that you are all confused and want to figure out what zis place is? Why were we brought here? And all we know is who you are.
Dressed boy: What are you getting at?
Formal Man: I'm saying we should give introductions. It should ease zis suspicion between us, Ja?
Mackenzie: Introductions?
Formal Man: Ja? It's a good idea, right?
He turned to Addison. Addison nodded.
Addison: I agree with you, 100 percent..
Formal Man: Then I'll start.
Discussion Begin
Formal Man: Let's keep it to name, occupation, and basic hobbies, Ja?
Everyone looked at each other's faces and seemed to be in agreement.
Formal Man: Hello everyone. My name is Gustav Hedda and I currently work as a teacher's assistant at Zoo Phoenix Academy.
Zill: Really? I don't see you around often...
Gustav: Yeah well, I assist with the Art and Drama classes.
I raised my eyebrow in confusion.
Zill: I actually take drama.
Gustav: Really now?! You don't seem the type...
Zill: I was the lead in a few of the plays.
This time Gustav raised his eyebrow.
Gustav: Are you lying to me?
Zill: Wha- I never lie.
Damian: Now that sounds like a lie.
Damian smirked. I turn to look at him with annoyance. He broke eye contact.
Damian: Ah, sorry.
Huh? Why is Damian acting like this? He was never a pushover.
Jill: How were you kidnapped?
Gustav: Well, you see. Addison and I were just coming back from our date before a van pulled up next to us. Ze many me inside managed to grab me and knock me out.
Addison: I tried to stop them but I was taken too.
Zill: Well, that sucks. Sorry you two.
Addison: Yeah, our first trial was terrifying. Waking up strapped to that bed! If it wasn't for Gustav's guidance, he could've died!
He sniffled a little bit. Gustav brought Addison closer to him.
Gustav: As long as you're safe, I don't care what happens to me.
Addison: I do!
Gustav kissed his forehead, causing Addison to blush profusely. Damian looked at them with a slight smile before looking away.
Zill: I'll introduce myself next. My full name is Zillion Martinez, but please call me Zill. As most of you may know, I also attend Zoo Phoenix Academy. You already know about me and drama class but I also used to be a bit of a crime fighter on the side.
Dressed Boy: Used to be?
Zill: Ah, well... since the crime rates fell to zero I didn't really have to do much.
Dressed boy: I thought Safe Haven was supposed to be... well safe?
Silver Wolf: Doesn't stop some criminals from getting inside if those rumors are to be believed... but still... Why the silence? Is it connected to this?
...
...
...
Dressed boy: I'm sorry Zill.
Huh?
Zill: For what?
Dressed boy: I just can't trust you.
That's random! I look at my tail for a second.
Zill: Why?
Dressed boy: Just look at you. Your tail is alive and... what even are you?
I cringed and felt my eye twitch for a second. That was kind of rude. Reminds me of another human I kn-
Jack: Do-don't talk to Zill that way!
Jack came to my defense but the dressed boy just smirked.
Dressed boy: Ah, so he does speak.
Jack: Wh-what?
Dressed boy: Sorry for being rude earlier, Zill. I just wanted to get your friend over there to speak. He wasn't really talking to anyone other than those two demons so...
That's kind of rude. Why didn't he just try asking?... That probably was the first thing he tried.
Zill: It's okay... but please don't ask that question.
He tilted his head in confusion.
Dressed boy: What question?
Zill: What am I? I don't really know myself and I hate thinking about it.
Dressed boy: You don't know what you are?
I sighed and looked him dead in the eye.
Dressed Boy: AH! Sorry! Ahhaha.
He chuckled awkwardly. He looked toward Jack.
Dressed boy: Sooooo...
Jack: Oh, My name is Jackson Wells. I'm also a high schooler at ZPA. I work part time at Safe Haven Observatory. I really love space... and oh I also cook.
Silver Wolf: Were you kidnapped on your way from work?
Jack: No, I was at home with ZIll.
Dressed boy: Do you two live together?
Zill: Oh no. You see, I had this... The stalker!
The dressed boy curiously scratched his chin.
Dressed boy: Stalker?
Jack: That's right, Zill had a stalker! They broke into my house and attacked my mom!
Damian: Wha?! Is she alright?
Jack: I... I don't know. I saw they attack Zill from behind and I tried to fight them but... I'm not much of a fighter... and since I'm here and don't remember much of the fight...
Rusty: Ha! What a wimp!
Addison: Aren't you trapped here too?
Dressed boy: Maybe they're the one who kidnapped us.
Jill:... Maybe...
Gustav: Hmm? Do you not think so... Ms?
Jill: Violet... Jillian Violet.
Addison squinted at her staff.
Addison: Um... what's that in your hand.
Jill: It was a spear... but the blade part is gone now. I think the kidnappers decided to destroy it.
Rusty: Why the hell did they let you keep the staff part?
Jill: Maybe to taunt me.
Gustav: Well if it's not too much trouble Ms. Violet, what is your occupation?
Jill grabbed the red amulet around her neck and adjusted it so that everyone got a better view. Damian's eyes widened with surprise.
Jill: I'm actually the Head Guardsmen of Hell's royalty.
Silver wolf: AND THEY MANAGED TO GET TO YOU?!
Jill:... yes... I was fighting someone I probably shouldn't have.
Gustav: Ze taunting theory makes sense now.
Jack: Um... Jill... Why were you on the surface anyways?
Jill looked over toward Damian and he looked away.
Jill: Classified.
Jack: Oh... okay.
...
Now that I look at Jill more closely.
Zill: Hey Jill... have we met before?
Jill: I mean we talked earlier.
Zill: Ah, I mean before here. Before this place.
Jill stared at me, looking me up and down.
Jill: I'm sure I would know if I've seen you before.
I looked at my tail and sighed.
Zill: I guess so.
Rusty: Alright! You guys can call me Rusty! I'm a high schooler and I play baseball as a second string pitcher.
The dressed boy looked at him curiously.
Dressed boy: Is that your real name?
Addison: His real name is actually Ruben Diskin.
Rusty turned toward Addison with fury and got in his face.
Rusty: DON'T CALL ME THAT DAMN NAME! IT MAKES ME SOUND OLD AND I'M VERY CLEARLY YOUNG!
Gustav stood between them and pushed Rusty away. He stared at Rusty with rage and malice.
Gustav: Don't do that again!
Rusty's eyebrow twitched.
Rusty: St-stay away from me you queer!... shit...
His stutter betrayed him.
Dressed boy: Back to introductions, Rusty you said you play baseball as a pitcher, right? Does that mean you're good at throwing the ball and hitting it with the bat.
Rusty turned toward the dressed boy.
Rusty: Dude, that's literally the basics of baseball. Maybe you should go outside and play a sport rather than stay inside all day to do your makeup drag queen!
Dressed boy: Ah, I'm actually sort of borrowing this outfit.
Damian :What do you mean sort of?
Dressed boy: Don't worry about it.
Jill: Back on topic, how were you kidnapped?
Rusty sighed sadly.
Rusty: I was on my way back to the orphanage. Those kids look up to me, y'know.
Damian: They should probably raise their standards.
Rusty squinted at Damian.
Rusty: Anyways, I was sad because our team didn't make the playoffs so I kind of stole some alcohol and drank my sorrows away.
Zill: How did you pass your first trial drunk?!
Rusty; All I had to do was carry this box right here?... Although I do have this painful ass headache now.
Huh? Does that mean not everyone came in pairs and everyone had a different first trail.
I scanned the room again and saw Sahara still in the corner, hugging herself. She stared off in the distance and sobbed to herself. I decided to check up on her.I noticed that Damian followed me.
Zill: Are you okay, Sahara?
She was trembling.
Zill: Don't be scared. You're safe right now.
I tried to place a hand on her shoulder, but Damian beat me to it.
Damian: Hey Sahara. It's me.
She looked at him with surprise.
Sahara: D-damian... Thank you.
She sniffled. Damian always did hang out more with Sahara than she did with me. She seemed to calm down a little, but not enough to talk with everyone yet.
Zill: I'll... leave her to you, Damian.
Damian: Alright.
Despite his tired eyes,he had a fire of determination in them. The kind I can trust... What happened to him? I joined in with the others.
Addison: Did I not introduce myself yet? Sorry, my name is Addison Woods. I go to ZPA and I really love art!
Jill: What kind of art do you specialize in?
Addison beamed.
Addison: I really love all forms of traditional art. I like visual kind, graphic, plastic, decorative, etc. I just really love making art.
Addison's eyes were shining like the night sky. Gustav got closer to him.
Gustav: You just look so cute when you talk about art.
Addison's face flushed red as he hid in his scarf.
Addison: S-stop! Not in front of strangers!
Gustav chuckled to himself as Rusty looked at them with a sorrow filled expression.
Dressed boy: Haha! Are you jealous Rusty?!
Rusty got in the dressed boy's face with a threatening aura.
Dressed boy: EEEK! Nevermind!
He cowered, comedically.
Silver Wolf: I guess it's my turn. For those of you who don't know. The name's Vincent Verace but my friends and family call me Vinny.
He adjusted his fedora and paused...
Vinny: Seriously? How many of you know me?
Damian and Addison raised their hands.
Vinny: I know you two know me! We were in the same friend group!
Rusty: Not as popular as you thought, huh?
Vinny: Can it Rusty! Zill you know me, right?
I blinked in confusion.
Zill: Uhhhhh...
Vinny looked utterly devastated.
Vinny: Dude, I filmed all our plays! I have a youtube channel, too!
Everyone stared at him in confusion.
Vinny: I mean... I only have like 100 subscribers but still!
Gustav: Right... Do you know how you got here?
Vinny: I was keeping an eye on my twin brother, Lenny, while he was on his date.
The dressed boy rubbed his chin.
Dressed boy: Were you like... his "wing man''?
Vinny: Hell no! I was trying to figure out how he got a babe like Jay Jay on a date with him!
Most of the people among us stared at him with disbelief.
Damian: Wait... Jay Jay as in, the hot party animal werewolf girl, Jay Jay?!
Vinny: That's the one.
Rusty: How in the hell did he score Jay Jay?
Mackenzie: How in the hell did he score any girl?
Vinny cringed.
Vinny: That's what I was trying to figure out! So I asked to watch him on his date. They had a fancy dinner and it looked like he was blowing it. Then she just started a party with Lenny and suddenly boom! They just... worked out, I guess?!
Vinny looks frustrated.
Addison: Did Lenny get kidnapped too?
Vinny: N-no... I don't think so. I went to the bathroom, heard someone follow me and then I was here.
Jill: That's unfortunate.
Vinny: I hope Lenny's okay. We're practically inseparable and I'm the brains of the two of us so...
Addison: Eh... I mean... You both aren't that smart.
Vinny: Oh give me a break! First it was getting kidnapped and having my camera be taken and now THIS?!
Damian: You lost the school camera.
Vinny: Wha- no my personal one!
Zill: Can't you just buy a new one?
He looked offended.
Vinny: THAT CAMERA IS SPECIAL! I CAN'T JUST REPLACE IT!
Zill: Chill out, dude.
Mackenzie:... I'll... I mean... I'm Mackenzie Payoray. I'm not really too good with socializing. I don't have a lot of practice.
Dressed boy: I take it that you're a high schooler too.
Mackenzie: Yeah... at ZPA like everyone else. I also take art class, sing and sort of dance.
She played with her turtleneck sweater.
Gustav: Probably not that well.
She hissed and got mad.
Mackenzie: YOU WOULDN'T KNOW! YOU DIDN'T GIVE ME A CHANCE TO PERFORM AT THE TALENT SHOW!
Gustav: You wore the most ridiculous clothing and then tripped.
She grew timid.
Mackenzie: I-it was an accident.
Addison: And then the next day, you tripped and spilled red paint on me. Plus you touched me.
She got tense again.
Mackenzie: AN ACCIDENT I TELL YOU!
Jack: ... Is that how we're all connected?
Everyone paused and read each others reactions. Are we all here because w-
Jill: Not likely.
Jack: Huh?
Dressed boy: Yeah, I mean. Jill isn't affiliated with Zoo Phoenix Academy like the rest of you.
Jill: Plus, if I was here because of my connection to Damian. I don't think you ever attended ZPA. Did you?
Dressed boy: Ahhaha, no. Just got here this year and I'm not a high school student anymore.
I decided to get us all back on topic.
Zill: So Mackenzie...how were you kidnapped?
Mackenzie: I was at home, watching a movie and eating with my cat... I don't have many friends...
Dressed boy:... Ahhaha, That's okay... I don't either.
Rusty: Hilarious as that is. Can we focus on the damn topic?
Mackenzie: I heard a knock on the door and thought it was my mom.
Jill: Why did you think that?
Mackenzie: I thought she forgot her key, so I opened it without a second thought... but it wasn't my mom!
Zill: Do you remember what they looked like?
Mackenzie:... Sorry no. It's all fuzzy after that...
Damn it! Who is this person? Are they my stalker or are they connected in some way?
Dressed boy: Well then... I guess I should introduce myself too? My name's Vagenza Brood. Er... well... I'm currently unemployed... eheh.
Mackenzie:... How are you able to wear such elaborate clothing?
Vagenza: My mother provides them. Eheh. I learned everything from her.
Rusty: So you were homeschooled?
Vagenza: I guess that's one word for it.
Zill: You were pretty talkative and seemed to hate how Jack kept to himself... Why did you wait until now to introduce yourself?
Vagenza: I guess I was pretty on guard like Jack... and it's embarrassing to say that I don't have a job and rely on your mother. I'm a hypocrite.
Mackenzie: You should get your act together and get a job!
Jack: Yeah! Your mom is a hard worker and she shouldn't have to do everything for you.
Vagenza looked like he was hit by a truck.
Vagenza: Oof! Ahhaha. So sassy...
He always has a smile on his face. Maybe he is just kind... or really timid? I stared directly at him.
Vagenza: Ahaha... C-Come on now... Don't look at me so pitifully Zill!... You know... you seem pretty strong and charismatic. I'm kind of jealous.
Zill:... Can I ask you something? What do you remember before you got here?
Vaganza: That's a pretty "first things first" question. I don't remember much. I was out getting myself a drink before I was dragged here.
Rusty: Out... As in?
Vaganza: I practice computer programming, although I know I don't look like the type.. I sometimes stay up all night so I needed to buy some coffee from a 24 hour cafe nearby. Sorry I can't be more specific.
Zill: It's fine. You weren't exactly planning on getting kidnapped.
He smiled wider.
Vagenza: Ehhe. Right.
Mackenzie: Once you get home, find a job!
His smile fell and he groaned.
Vagenza: Urgh... Job hunting... Steady work...
He looked like he's being crushed by the fear of an uncertain future. In this situation... I can't blame him.
Damian looked concerned for Sahara before joining our conversation.
Damian: For those of you who don't know, yes, I'm a demon like Jill. Please trust me when I say we're not.. That bad.
Jill: Don't you mean "we're not bad guys"?
Damian: Yeah... My name's Damian Beelzly. That's right. I'm no ordinary demon. I'm the Antichrist.
Vagenza: S-seriously?!
Damian: Yeah... but now I'm just an ordinary highschooler at ZPA.
Rusty: You're literally anything but fucking ordinary.
Damian: Thanks.
Rusty: YOU KNOW THAT WASN'T WHAT I MEANT!
Jack: Um... Damian... You weren't home. Where were you?
Damian sighed.
Damian: Were you worried? Sorry... I was feeling bad so I decided to visit the cemetery. I guess I fell asleep there.
HE WHAT?!... Well, he does look pretty tired.
Jack: Again?
What does he mean by again?!
Zill: He's done this more than once.
Jack: Yeah, he visits this unmarked grave but I don't know why.
...
...
...
Mackenzie: Wait, y-you're comfortable in a cemetery?
Vinny: YOU CAN SLEEP BY DEAD THINGS AT NIGHT?!
Gustav: Is that really so weird?
Everyone turned to Gustav.
Gustav: I'll take that as a yes.
Addison: Liking paleontology isn't anything to be ashamed of.
Damian: Well anyways, I guess I was brought here while I was asleep.
Vaganza: You and Addison earlier seemed to know that Vinny person... Are you two friends?
Damian looked toward Addison who looked away, disgruntled.
Damian: It's complicated.
Vagenza: What's your relation with Jack, Zill, and Jill?
Damian: Jack's my cousin, Jill works for my father and Zill is my... Jack's friend.
Does he NOT consider us friends?
Vagenza: What about Sahara?
Damian: Same as the first question... complicated.
Vinny: What happened to you man? You haven't talked to us in forever and now you're so timid.
Damian stared off into space. What happened to you, Damian? Vagenza turned toward Sahara.
Vagenza: You seem calmer now. What's your name?
She was still trembling.
Damian: Maybe we should give her more t-
Sahara: I'm fine... Thanks Damian...
She can talk now? She still held herself.
Sahara: I'm Sahara Gaboni. I'm a high school student too. I hang out with Addison, Vinny, Lenny, and... my brother...
Vagenza raised his eyebrow.
Vagenza: What about Damian.
Damian: I've been keeping my distance.
Addison cringed. That's right. Their friendship is on the rocks because of Damian.
Gustav: Can you tell us more Ms. Gaboni?
Sahara: My brother and I were practicing spells at school... We stayed too late and walked home. Like you and Addison, we were kidnaped by people in a black van.
Zill: Must've been terrifying!
Sahara: Yeah...
She said she was kidnapped with her brother, right... HE'S NOT-
Jack: Where's your brother now?
JACK NO! Sahara looked like a deer in headlights.
Sahara: M... my brot... her... I was with him... Quintin.
Her face twisted with horror and despair.
Sahara: Quintin... ... Ugh! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
She let out a blood curling cream. Her eyes swirling with darkness.
Sahara: HE'S DEAD! MY BROTHER! WHY?! WHY?! WHY!? IT'S ALL MY FAULT! QUINTIN AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Her legs gave out from under her as her eyes rolled back. I ran to Sahara's side.
Damian: Sahara!
She fainted. She was mumbling to herself. I took off my jacket.
Zill: Let her rest on this.
Damian: Okay.
Damian folded the jacket and rested it on her head.
Discussion End
We stayed silent for a few minutes. Letting her words sink in. Sahara's friend had joined her side, all with pained looks on their faces.
Gustav: How is she doing?
Addison: She's just passed out. Thank goodness.
Vinny: Dammit, this is some messed up shit! Quintin's DEAD...?
Rusty: The hell did he do, huh?! He was just some geek but he wasn't a bad person! Dothese kidnappers have a heart?
Vagenza: Guess... this isn't just some prank...
Jack: This is... this is just too awful... just the worst.
Damian remained silent, but his face was one of the most pained.
Jill: I know that this might be a tad insensitive... but... we can't lose our heads.
Zill: You have any ideas?
Jill: Rusty, you said you brought a box, right?
Rusty: Oh yeah.
He pointed to the box next to him.
Mackenzie: That's pretty big. I bet you can fit a whole watermelon in there.
Zill: Was carrying that really all your first trail was?
Rusty: Yep, that was it.
Jack: S-seriously?! Everyone had different trials.
Zill: Not exactly, Gustav and Addison seemed to have had the same as ours.
Addison: You had a bed trail too?!
Zill: Not how I would word it but yeah.
We all investigated the box closely,It felt pretty heavy. I then noticed three locks.
Zill: Hey Jack? Do you still have the key from our trial?
Jack rummaged through his pockets and pulled out the green key.
Jack: Looks like it.
Jack approached the box... and the key sled into one of the locks perfectly.
Jack: It's a perfect fit!
Addison: Does our work too then?
Addison pulled out a key from his pocket.
Gustav: Only one way to find out, ja?
Zill: Does anyone know if Sahara had one?
Mackenzie: I'll check.
Mackenzie searched Sahara's pockets and found a red key. I guess she was stuck on that part. I hope it doesn't need to be whittled down. Addison and Mackenzie placed the other two keys in the box... they also fit perfectly.
Jill: This could be dangerous... so I-
Gustav: I'll open it, ja?
Addison: Are you sure?
Gustav: I'm the oldest out of any of us and I'm a TA. I should do it.
Gustav approached the box and opened it. His face turned pale, and his eyes went serious.
Addison: Wh-what is it?
Gustav: D-don't!
Addison took the box from Gustav... and dropped it. A human's head fell from it.
Addison: WAAAAHHH!
Vinny: NO WAY!
Jack: I-is this real?!
Rusty approached the box and looked inside. A look of shock and confusion filled his face. Vagenza approached the head and investigated it.
Zill: What are yo-
Vagenza: Wait... isn't it just a doll's head?
Jack: Huh?
Jill looked closer.
Jill: You're definitely isn't a real head.
Rusty: I found a letter.
We all looked at the letter. " Find my body. Bring me back. For I don't have arms or legs."
Damian: Find my body...?
Jill: Where could the body be?
Mackenzie retreated into her sweater.
Mackenzie: Do... do we have to find it? This could be a trap...
Vagenza: You're right, I don't think there's any reason we should do what the letter says. However, we should search outside this room for an exit.
Addison: Isn't that kind of dangerous?
Rusty: I can't stay trapped here. I know I don't have the playoffs to look forward to but I still want to play baseball one more time.
Gustav: We should stay in groups.
Jack: So that everyone can keep an eye on each other?
Gustav: I was thinking more of protecting each other.
Jack: Ah, right...
Jack rubbed his arm uncomfortably. Addison looked at Sahara. Gustav took notice.
Gustav: You want to stay with her?
Addison cringed and remained silent.
Gustav: Don't worry. Take care of your friend. Vinny, stay with him.
Vinny: No problem man.
Damian looked like he wanted to say something but he didn't.
Zill: Hey Jac-
Jack: I want to go with Jill.
I was caught off guard but then when I saw his pleading eyes...
Zill: Alright, stay safe you too.
Damian: Can I go with you too? It would be pretty awkward to be with anyone else.
Jill: That's fine.
Jack stared at Damian with an "are you serious" look on his face. Then it hit Damian.
Damian: Um actual-
I got closer to his ear and whispered to him.
Zill: Too late. She'll catch on.
Damian: Y-yeah...
Rusty looked between the three of them and chuckled.
Rusty: I'll go with you guys too. I'll be the fourth wheel of your quad.
Jill raised her eyebrow in confusion. Jack, who was behind her, comically gestured at them to shut up. All that did, however, was making Rusty bellow with laughter and Damian giggle.
Gustav: Mackenzie, come with me.
Mackenzie: Huh? Why me?
Gustav: You are one of the only other people I know... just don't touch anything.
Mackenzie hissed.
Mackenzie: I know I'm clumsy bu-
Gustav: Aaaaaaannnnnd that's why I'm not letting you touch anything.
Mackenzie ground, and pouted like a child. They left down one of the other hallways.
Zill:Guess that just leaves us Vagenza.
Vagenza tensed up for a moment.
Zill: What's wrong?
He paused for a moment.
Vagenza: Sorry for earlier...
Does he still feel bad for that? I played it off.
Zill: It's fine. You didn't know.
Vagenza: S-sorry! If you don't like or trust me... that's fine.
He's just like Jack.
Zill: It's not that, jus-
Vagenza: Oh, I'm so glad! I trust you to! But I guess throwing around a word like "trust" just makes you look suspicious, huh...
Zill: No, no... I don't exactly distrust you, Vagenza.
Gustav: It appears we all have our groups. Let's split up and regroup if we find anything useful, ja?
Everyone began to wander off in different directions. Vaganza and I decided to stay for a second and check on Sahara. She was still unconscious but... atleast she's breathing.
Vinny: Zill, make sure you come runnin' if you find yourself in danger. Especially you, Vaganza.
Vagenza cringed.
Vagenza: Ah w-what a cutting remark... ahhaha.
Addison: Stay safe you two.
Zill: Stay safe too.
Vaganza and I walked off into one of the passageways.