Zill's POV
Vaganza and I found ourselves in a passageway filled with the smell of alcohol. We took notice of a nearby green vending machine.
Vagenza: Look at that vending machine. It looks like it sells different drinks
Zill: The prices are high though.
Vagenza then took notices of the prices.
Vagenza: 10 dollars for water?! What a rip off!
I then took notice of a room with a bar sign over it.
Vagenza: Do you want to go there next?
Zill: Yeah, let's go look.
Vagenza and I walked into the bar and found Gustav and Mackenzie investigating the bar. Mackenzie searched the lower shelves. She sniffed one of the bottles and hissed.
Mackenzie: I hate bars! They remind me of my drunkard dad!
Vagenza and I approached her.
Vagenza: Did your dad have a bad drinking habit?
Mackenzie: Yeah! Then he abandoned my mom and I when I was 12.
I looked at her with concern.
Zill: Sorry to hear about that.
Mackenzie sighed.
Mackenzie: It's not your fault.
Vagenza: When you drink, you mustn't let yourself get swallowed up. I'm of drinking age too... I have to be careful.
We left Mackenzie to do her thing before we approached Gustav. He was searching every inch of the sighed before taking notice of me.
Gustav: Ah Zillion, have you encountered any dangers?
Vagenza and I cringed for a second. I don't like getting called by my full name... and I guess Vagenza didn't appreciate getting ignored..
Zill: We haven't yet and please... call me Zill.
Gustav: Stay safe, okay? Please tell me if you need anything Zillio- I mean... Zill.
I took a look at the various alcoholic drinks on the shelves. None of them seemed to be anything of note. I then took notice of the black board and saw it had a bunch of names on it, familiar and unfamiliar.
Can Drink
Addison, Alexis, Cameron, Carrie, Gustav, Jillian, Simon, Vagenza, Zillion
Can't Drink
Autumn, Bozzwick, Damian, Jackson, Mackenzie, Quintin, Ruben, Sahara, Samuel, Vanexa, Vincent
Why are our names here?! And Vanexa, Ms. Cameron, and are here too? There are even a few people I don't know... Don't tell me they're-
Vagenza: Ngh!
I notice Vagenza trying to open a sliding door.
Vagenza: Almost! Gah! HUAGH!
He lost his grip and began panting.
Vagenza: Urgh... It won't budge...
I sighed. Let's not think about that right now.
Zill: Come on... let's check somewhere else...
Vagenza looked at the blackboard.
Vagenza: I wasn't aware you were of drinking age.
Zill: Safe Haven's age limit on alcohol is 18. I know I'm still a highschooler but I don't mind drinking sometimes.
Vagenza: Just be careful, okay?
Zill: Trust me, I learned my lesson from last time.
Vagenza's face contorted with confusion.
Vagenza: last time?
I tensed up for a moment.
Zill: N-nevermind. Let's go.
I couldn't get out of that bar fast enough. Vagenza and I eventually entered into another one of the passages. The first thing we saw was a red vending machine.
Vagenza: looks like this one sells cigarettes. There's a smoking area back there too. Don't smoke Zill, it's bad for your lungs and I can't let you go turning yourself into a delinquent.
Rusty doesn't even smoke... well... at least not cigarettes. He's lucky we don't have drug test for THAT here. We investigated the wedding machine more closely and noticed something in the dispensing slot. I pulled out a cigar from it. Vaganza put on a terrible british accent.
Vagenza: It's got a high-class feel huh?
I forced a laugh to make him feel better. We entered another room. We noticed a red and blue door as well as a dart board surrounded by a hole.
Vagenza: Is this some sort of game room? It looks pretty sad.
Zill: Do you think this place has some sort of puzzle for us?
Vagenza: Let's see.
First, we checked the hole in the floor... it was pitch black inside. I felt a cool breeze, but something felt off.
Zill: That looks pretty deep.
Vagenza: Yikes... I can feel the wind blowing.
Vagenza stepped away from the hole and looked at a ceiling vent.
Vagenza: I think the wind is coming from there.
That's why it felt off.
I look toward the dartboard.
Zill: That's definitely a dart board alright.
Vagenza: It would suck to play here on your own.
We walked toward the red door and tried to open it. It wouldn't budge.
Vagenza: How strange...
With no other choice, we walked into the blue door. The first thing I noticed was the human-shaped figures sitting in chairs. There were 5 figures and 9 chairs.
Vagenza: What are those?
Zill: Only one way to find out.
I noticed that Rusty, Jack, Jill, and Damian were in various parts of the room. We approached Rusty, who was in the furthest corner of the room, first.
Rusty: Damn idiots! Are they not scared of traps?
Vagenza: You're not gonna help them?
Rusty: I... am... keeping watch.
It sounds like he's making excuses... I can't really blame him though.
Rusty: I noticed that there aren't any security cameras.
Zill: Really?
Rusty nodded and I decided to talk to Jack. He was looking at a giant paint of a faceless woman in a dress and huge hat obscuring what would have been her face more.
Jack: Why did they hang this painting for?
Zill: It's strange isn't it.
Jack: Yeah... like why decorate this place. Do you think there's something up there?
Zill: Let's try taking it off the wall.
I tried jumping up but then remembered that I can't summon my wings.
Jack: Let's check the chairs first... pft... I don't think you can reach that high.
Jack looked at me with pity but he was clearly holding back a laugh.
Zill: I'm not that short! I'll have you know I grew 1 inch taller this year!
I maybe 5'3" but I'm 5'3" and proud! I latched on to Jack, my tail following my lead.
Jack: C-calm down! I'm just joking, man!
Zill: I'll pass you up one day.
I let Jack go.
Jack: Urgh...!
We looked at eachother and chuckled. Vagenza walked over to us.
Jack: Oh uh... Vagenza, was it?
Vagenza: Ahhaha, I'm happy you remembered me.
Jack: Please stay safe you two.
I then walked over to Damian who was searching the seats of the upper level of the room.
Damian: Hey, Zill. Can you hold out your hand for me?
Zill: Um...?
I was on guard. I hesitantly put my hand out and... he placed 3 red bullets in it.
Zill: Are these?!
Damian: Yep. They're not mine though... I found them while searching the seats.
Zill: Are these seriously real bullets?
Damian: Seems like it. Please keep them on you.
I looked at him curiously...
Zill: Why did you give these to me.
Damian: Jack would get antsy if I have them, Jack would freak out and I can't trust Jill and Rusty as far as I can throw them.
Zill: You don't trust Jill? Isn''t she basically your bodyguard?
Damian gave me a serious look.
Damian: Something's...off about her. I can't say.
I did notice that she had this weird aura about her too... but I can't place it.
Damian: I trust you Zill. You're the hero after all.
I looked at Damian for a moment...
Zill: Thanks for trusting me.
I decided to talk to Jill next. She was investigating one of the figures.
Jill: Looks like another doll.
Zill: Why do you think they placed them here?
Jill: Who knows?
Jill got her ear close to the head and shook it.
Jill: The head feels heavy and I hear this sloshing sound when I shake it.
Zill: They put liquid inside?
Jill smirked.
Jill: Maybe they want us to drink out of the doll's head when we're thirsty.
Zill: Um... the head seems pretty solid though.
Jill cringed.
Jill: I was trying to make a joke.
Zill: Right now?
Jill: I'm sorry.
Vagenza and I investigated a nearby doll.
Vagenza: Is this really a doll?
I tried to move the doll, but it was attached to something.
Vagenza: Did they really attach the dolls to the chair?
Zill: Okay, there's definitely a reason for this.
Vagenza: Well... at least we don't have to worry about them suddenly attacking us, ehehe.
I decided to check the dolls on the upper levels. I searched each and every one of them. Hm? What's this? I found something between one of the dolls and the chair... is this a revolver? I checked the cylinder and it was empty.
?: What are you going to do with that Zill?
I felt my tail wrap around me and a chill rode up my spine. That voice didn't sound familiar. I turn to see Vagenza. His voice was filled with malice and suspicion. His eyes seemed to have a glint of red in it. I looked around to make sure I heard him correctly. There was no one else there.
Zill: Um.
Vagenza blinked and seemed to return to his normal self.
Vagenza... Ah, sorry about that, Zill.
He scratched his neck awkwardly.
Vagenza: May I see that gun?
I handed it to him. He looked confused.
Vagenza: Ahhaha, aren't you scared? I mean... giving a weapon to a complete stranger.
I couldn't completely blame him for his stare earlier. This situation is all kinds of messed up. He checked the gun and breathed a sigh of relief.
Vagenza: Empty. You know Zill? You shouldn't give this gun up so easily.
Zill: I just wanted you to trust me...
Vagenza looked surprised.
Vagenza: I trust you ehehe. I'm glad to see you trust me too.
He walked toward the exit. I took a minute to catch my breath. My tail unwrapped myself and looked at me concerned. What was that? I followed him. Eventually we entered the last passage and found ourselves in some sort of cafeteria.
Vagenza: Is this... a cafeteria. I wonder if our kidnappers want us eating here.
I pondered that thought for a moment. That first trial, these collars, the bunch of dolls,... people dead, and now this... what do they want from us? I walked over to the kitchen door but it was locked. I look to my left to see Vagenza searching through the window.
Vagenza: It's no use. It's pitch black in there.
I looked around the room to see an elegant chandelier and something on a nearby table. I walk up to it, to find that it's a dart.
Vagenza: Seems pretty small, but it looks fancy.
I checked the tip to find it to look very sharp.
Zill: We should be careful with this.
I noticed something else on the table. A lighter.
Vagenza: That looks pretty expensive. I think it's a Zippo.
Zill: let's check over there next.
Walk over to the back of the cafeteria to find a dark hallway, the only thing lighting the way, a red light. A door stood beneath it.
Vagenza: Ahhaha, what an oppressive atmosphere. I don't think that red light is helping either.
With no other choice, I decided to walk to the door and see if it was unlocked. It opened easily. I opened it part way before Vagenza stopped me.
Vagenza: Ah um... should we go inside? Is that really a good idea?
I looked at him.
Zill: Run if anything dangerous happens, okay?
He nodded. I opened the door.
Vagenza: Here we go...
We entered the room to see that it was a blinding pink color. Vagenza rubbed his eyes.
Vagenza: How bright!
I had to blink a couple times to regain my vision. The first thing I noticed was... a clothed doll torso against the wall.
Vagenza: I-it's not gonna move... Is it?
I investigated it closer.
Zill: Do you think... that it's connected to that note?
Vagenza: "Find my body." That's right!
Zill: I wonder if the head and torso can be combined.
Vagenza: Do you think that will make something happen?
I felt my tail wrap around myself.
Zill: It might... which is a little scary.
I heard Vagenza's tense voice.
Vagenza: Ahhaha, right! Let's search around some more. Hehe.
I continued to look around the room. There were empty shelves, a heart-shaped vent, creepy stuffed animals... hm? I noticed something strange near them. I reached for them... and grabbed 6 blue bullets. They feel sort of lighter than the one's Damian gave me. I felt Vagenza peak over my shoulder.
Vagenza: Can I see those?
I let him observe the bullets.
Vagenza: They appear to be dummy bullets.
I raised my brow in confusion.
Zill: Dummy bullets?
Vagenza: They're like toy bullets. If you put them in a gun, they won't fire.
Zill: Let's show these to someone else... they might be able to confirm them.
Vagenza looked offended but sighed.
Vagenza: Good point. I'm not completely sure myself. Lead the way.
We left the pink room and returned to the game room. I was going to ask Damian but...
Zill: Hey, do you think something will happen if I get a bullseye at that dart board?
Vagenza: Maybe... what would be the point of it otherwise?
I pulled out the dart and prepared to throw it. Vagenza stopped me.
Vagenza: What about the breeze? Maybe we can combine it with something else.
Combine it? I pulled out the revolver and tried to place the doll inside... It fits perfectly.
Zill: Good catch!
Vagenza: Ah... thank you.
I took aim and fired. The sound of cheers suddenly played. A strange, cheerful voice rang out
?: Congratulations! Congratulations! A fantastic bullseye! For hitting the bullseye, you get a wonderful gift! Please look into the hole!
Zill: Wh- where did that voice come from?
Vagenza looked into the hole and reached out. He pulled a woman's left leg.
Zill: Woah! Is that a doll part?
Vagenza shook it for a moment. How does that help?
Vagenza: It feels like it. Urgh... this is the worst! I mean... It looks so real. I'll carry it for now.
We entered the "Blue Room" and approached Damian.
Damian: Oh hey Zill! You find anything.
Zill: Not really. I just have even more questions.
Damian getured me to say more.
Zill: Well. I want to understand why there is a gun and a few bullets in this room? Why give us a weapon?
Damian looked like he pondered the thought for a moment.
Damian:... Might what to cause chaos.
Zill: Really?
Damian: A weapon would put one of us at an advantage over the others. Who would want to hand that over?
A fight over the weapon... Is that why they removed our magic? That is a possibility.
Damian: Good thing you're here Zill. We won't fall for that trap.
Zill: Why are you being so nice to me?
Damian frowned and turned away from me.
Damian: I... treated you all badly.
Is he?!
Damian: I tortured my cousin, my caretakers, you and Kayla. I even nearly ruined Addison's relationship... I even...
He sighed.
Damian: I want to reconcile. I want to become... a better person.
I opened my mouth to respond.
Damian: I know it's ridiculous... The antichrist... becoming good...
Zill: For what it's worth, I forgive you. You seem to be trying really hard to be good.
Damian looked like a huge weight slid off his shoulders.
Damian: Thanks...
What happened next surprised me... he gave me a soft hug. I sighed and returned the gesture. When we let go, I showed him the dummy bullets.
Zill: Do these bullets look fake to you?
Damian picked up one of them and observed it closer.
Damian: They feel lighter from the others I gave you from earlier... but I'm not so sure. Maybe you should show it to someone else.
Zill: Okay, thanks.
Damian took the bullets over to Jill and Rusty as I took notice of Jack who was still trying to remove the painting.
Jack: Ugh... it's stuck on there tight.
I guess there's nothing else here for us, huh. Vagenza and I decided to search somewhere else.
Damian: Hey, Zill. Hold on a sec...
Zill: You find something.
I stopped to look at Damian.
Vagenza: Hm? Aren't you coming, Zill?
*CLANG*
I turn to see iron bars blocking the exit of the room, separating me and Vagenza.
Zill: WHAT THE?!
Rusty: WE'VE BEEN LOCKED IN?!
Vagenza too grip iof the bars, and pulled as hard as he can. His knuckles turned white. He slipped off the bars.
Vaganza: No good! I can't open it. I-I'll get some help!
He runs out of the game room.
Damian sighed.
Damian: Welp... this isn't good.
Jack: Zill?! Are you okay?!
Zill: I'm fine... but.
Rusty: Dammit! This whole room is a trap?! Who knows what will happen?
?: Hey now, don't be on guard.
A mysterious feminine voice rang out throughout the room.
Jack: Wha- Where did that voice come from?!
We all look around the room.
?: Ha ha ha. Don't sweat the details.
The mouth of the woman in the painting moved.
Jack: You're alive?!
?: Yeah, haha. It was funny seeing you and Zill trying to take me down.
We were all in shock! I mean, A TALKING PAINTING?!
Meisterin: Anyways, I'm the master of the room. You can call me Meisterin. Now, to get right to it, lemme explain the rules of the next game.
Jill: T-the rules?
Meisterin: Well, of course! You wanna stake your lives without even knowin' the rules?! You're real characters, ya know that!
Jack: S-stake our lives...
Meisterin: That's right. This one's simple! Right now, there's five living creatures in this room, right? Take a glance around the room...! There's four open seats. One of you will be the challenger, and the other four'll sit down and be targets.
Rusty: Targets...?! Targets or what?!
Meisterin: Well, I gave ya that cool weapon here in this room, didn't I?
Rusty: W-we're gonna be targets for a revolver?
Damian: What are the rules to this "game"? Surely you made a way for everyone here to survive.
Meisterin: HAHAHA! Of course! This is no regular death trap afterall. Now decide upon The Challenger for this game.
Rusty: You want us to decide who's gonna shoot at us before we know what the game is?! Who the hell would want to be a target?!
Jack looked serious for a moment.
Jack:... Will The Challenger be safe?
Meisterin: Of course! Only the targets will have their little brush with death.
Jack: I see... Zill, can you be The Challenger?
I was caught off guard.
ZIll:... I... wha?
Rusty: Don't mess with me bitch! You can't decide something like this all on your own!
Jill: I guess it wouldn't be proper of me to ask a highschooler to wield a gun.
Damian: Well I trust Zill with my life. He's a dependable person.
Did Damian just... I guess he really has changed huh.
Jack: What do you say Zill? Can you do this?
I paused for a moment. Jack... In the first trai;, I trusted him to save me and now he's trusting me. I won't let him get hurt! I felt my will burn throughout my body.
Zill: Please trust me. I won't let any of you die.
Rusty: Wha?! N-no way! I don't agree with that!
Damian: Do you not trust Zill?
Rusty: Don't...!
Rusty sighed.
Rusty: Don't think badly of me...
Jill:... Maybe we should put it to a vote. It's the best way we can settle this? Let's talk about who The Best Possible Challenger could be.
Damian: It might be the only way we'll get anywhere.
Jack: R-right!
Rusty:... I gotcha. Let's do this!
I looked at everyone's faces... I have to save everyone and survive... but the only way I can do that is to be The Challenger.
Zill: Alright, let's discuss this.