Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

David was pacing around in the counselor cabin, grabbing at his auburn hair, tugging at the strands, as he nibbled on his bottom lip as he paced and murmured to himself. All of a sudden he flinched when the cabin's door slammed open, then came Cameron covered in food. Cleaning his face off with his arm as he groaned "I am NOT serving for lunch time again, those kids are animals!" he blinked when he saw David and quirked an eyebrow "What's up with you?" David's knees buckled as he desperately grabbed onto Cameron's vest. "M-Mr. Campbell! I-I-I messed up! I messed up big!" Cameron removed David's hands from his brown vest, gripping his arms as he helped him up. "There there Davey, just tell me what happened." David gripped his arms "T-the person I hired to p-pretend to...uhm...to prove that you can change...I didn't pay him and now...now...he came back and took everything, and the platypus ate all of our food, and now we're so deep in debt that we have to shut down the camp! And it's all my fault!" David fell to the ground as he rocked himself back and forth 

"IfailedIfailedIfailed....I'mafailure...I'mafailurefailurefailure...my fault my fault my-" David cut himself off with a sob as he began hyperventalting. 

Cameron gripped him by his arms and picked him up. Meanwhile, David clutched at his chest and closed his eyes tightly trying to will his heart to stop beating so fast, and his body temperature to quit rising. Cameron threw an arm around David's shoulder as he pulled him close, while David stomped his feet and bit his bottom lip so hard that Cameron could've sworn that he saw blood. "Davey! Don't worry! I have the perfect opportunity, it's a new business venture I've been cooking up on the side, if you win, the money you'll get will be more than enough to run the camp for as long as you'd like!" 

David took deep breaths, and once he got his breathing under control, he blinked his tears away. He looked up at Cameron with watery eyes and sniffled. 

"...Really...?" 

Cameron smirked 

Got him 

David tilted his head "How...how would you-" Cameron rubbed his chin "It's really...game show esc." David's head perked up and his pupils slightly dilated "Game show!? Those always look fun! Building bonds while also having to deal with friendly competition! It’s just such a shame that people in the shows tend to get all nasty though…" Cameron chuckled darkly "Don’t you worry about it, Davey! Nobody will get nasty here! And once you're in the game show, you'll play a lot of games like red light green light, tug of war..." David squealed, smile so bright it could light up the whole world "That sounds so much fun!" Cameron encouraged "It will be fun Davey! And the winner will get over 31 million dollars!" 

David started bouncing excitedly "Thank you so much for this Mr. Campbell! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Cameron stopped then put his hand on his chin “Wait...we can't do it now...we don't have enough people...I only have a handful of people around town that agreed to this...we need a lot more..." David's face fell "Oh..."  

Then Cameron snapped his fingers as if a lightbulb just appeared above his head "Wait! This camp has a lot of kids and Gladys! They can be inserted in the game as well! That's even better since everyone would want the camp to keep running, and if they are all there with the same goal, it has to happen!" 

David rubbed the back of his neck "I...I don't know...Gwen got really stressed out last time I included her in the camp’s money problems...I can’t put that stress on her again…and I shouldn’t place more responsibility on the poor campers…they’re too young to understand the commitment of signing up for a game show…I’m sorry Mr. Campbell…I truly appreciate the offer…it’s incredibly sweet of you…but if I have to get Gwen and the campers involved to take it…I just…can’t…maybe if I got a chance to talk to them about it first…but I don’t know-" 

Cameron slapped David's back, hard, causing David to squeak but not say anything. "Come on Davey! It will be fun! I'm sure everyone will have a blast! They’ll be eternally grateful that their amazing counselor signed them up for this!" David chewed the inside of his lower lip as he thought then Cameron shrugged "Well, then again, I won’t force you, the Wood Scouts and Flower Scouts agreed to this as well...so if you don’t want to, I guess I could get more people…” David blinked “Wait…if you could just get more then why did you…?” Cameron cut him off “To tell you the truth, Davey…I was scared…for you.” David scrunched up his face in confusion as he looked down at himself “Me…but…why?” Cameron leaned back at a wall “Well…the Wood Scouts and Flowers Scouts all have the same goal, and are at a numbers advantage, so there is a high chance they will win…I'm sure if the Wood Scouts won, they would use the money to take over camp...and the Flower Scouts would just shut it down...but I suppose that's a risk that you're willing to take..." 

David's head jerked up, as he shook his head "No! No! No! Please sir! This camp means everything to me!" Cameron looked at David "So...do you agree to have the campers enlisted as well? And Glenn?" David looked down, swallowed the lump in his throat, and nodded. 

It was all coming together

Cameron beamed and clapped his hands together “Lovely! I’ll go get the documents from my attic! I’ll be back before you can say ‘Campe Diem!’” Cameron went to grab the documents with a grin.

This is going great

Thank god that Davey was so easy to manipulate! This could’ve taken WEEKS!

Cameron went back with the sign up sheet, it was a simple paper, it had a few simple rules, then all it needed was the name and date, David read through the rules, and they seemed normal enough! You participate in the games, if you don’t you get eliminated, yadda, yadda, yadda. Typical game show stuff! 

Ooooh David was so excited! This was the perfect chance to not only save the camp, but bond with the campers while doing it! He just really hoped they have fun, but if THE Mr. Campbell says that they are, then that must be true! He was only the smartest man David knew! He was glad that Mr. Campbell talked him into this! He really HAS changed! David signed his name. Then Cameron grinned “Great! Now…all I need is for you to sign the campers’ names! Grace as well!” David rubbed his arm “I’m not sure about this Mr. Campbell…are you sure we can’t talk to them about this first? I’d hate for them to not like the game show but be forced to stay there because of me…” Cameron laughed and placed a hand on David’s shoulder. “Oh Davey, Davey, Davey, don’t worry about it! It’s fine! They’ll have fine, I promise ! That’s what you want for them? Isn’t it? To have fun ?” He tightened the hand on David’s shoulder lightly, but it was noticeable.

Boy was it noticeable.

David figeted the with the pen in his hand “Well…I do want them to have fun…” Cameron grinned “And this will be a great way for them to make friends with each other, and everyone else in town! And think of the bonding!”

David hesitated, but nodded with a smile. “You make a good point Mr. Campbell!”

Then with that, he signed the campers souls away without even realizing it.

Cameron asked “Did you sign all the campers names?” David nodded “You betcha!” Cameron smirked.

“Perfect.”

Then, Cameron took his syringe from his pocket and quickly gave David a jab in the neck. David jolted when he felt a pain in the back of his neck, it was quick, almost like a bee sting, but it was there. He clutched the back of his neck. "Ow! What was-" Suddenly David felt very lightheaded, his body swaying from side to side, his vision dimming and brightening. Constantly switching in and out of focus. "I...I feel..." Cameron shushed him "Go to sleep Davey..." David tried to speak, to ask what was going on, why the world felt like it was spinning under his feet, to ask why he would do this, what happened, but all that he could force out of his uncooperative mouth was "Mhgm..." as his eyelids fluttered close without his permission, he wanted to force them open, to try to analyze Cameron's expression, find some reasonable explanation, but his eyes were glued shut. Whenever he could flutter them open, they would just flutter back closed not even a second later. Then Cameron whispered, his breath hot in David's ear "I'll see you soon." Then everything went black before David's body hit the floor. Cameron got on his knees as he intensively stared at David's chest as it slowly went up and down. Oh thank god, Penelope did give him the correct dosage amount that he should use for one adult man, but Penelope also harshly rejected almost any idea Cameron pitched, so in his mind, she was about as smart as a bag of sand. But everything was fine! He swiftly placed David in a bag and firmly used a knot to shut it tight. 

Afterward, Cameron made his way to a white van with the brown cloth bag hauled over his shoulder. Nikki suddenly appeared in Cameron’s eyesight  "Heyyy! I know what that issss~!" Nikki sang, pointing to the bag. Cameron coughed "Uh- yes- uh- what uhmmm...do you think it is uhm...girl...Neil?" Cameron asked, a forced smile on his face. Nikki giggled "It's obviously Christmas gifts for all the good girls and boys! I knew you looked like Santa! But Neil told me that Santa wasn’t real and that I was being stupid! It’s a little early to be making gifts though..." Cameron sighed "Well...uh...making gifts for everyone takes time." Nikki laughed "I bet, I bet! Anyways! Come down to the mess hall! Max needs a target to practice his food-fighting skills on, and since David is in the counselor's cabin doing...whatever it is he does, we aren't exactly sure. He figured you'd be the next best thing!" Cameron smirked, great, he has an excuse to go to the mess hall. He was going to go there anyway, so having a reason to make it better. Cameron nodded "Sure...just don't tell anyone what you saw here...gotta keep my secret y'know." Nikki mimed zipping her lips and nodded "Got it... 'not Santa' " Nikki commented, punctuating the words "not" and "Santa" with a wink as she cartwheeled back to the mess hall. 

Or well, she tried but ended up failing to do the first cartwheel, falling on the top of her head and then back. But she just got up with a smile, shook herself off, and went back to the mess hall.

Cameron walked into the mess hall and saw Max, Nikki, and Neil all sitting together, Neil was going on about some scientific gesture, meanwhile, Max was fiddling with a spoon, resting his face on his free hand, seemingly zoning out, while Nikki was asleep, cheek on the table, snoring loudly, her drool making a small puddle on the table. Cameron walked over to them “Hey kids!” Nikki sleepily opened his eyes “Mmmm…hi…” Max rolled his eyes, shooing Cameron away “The mashed potatoes aren’t ready yet, and I don’t want to talk to you.” Cameron laughed heartily “Oh you little scamp!” He put his hand down and ruffled his hair, while Max squirmed uncomfortably, slapping Cameron’s hands away harshly, giving him a death glare. Cameron mumbled, “How does David put up with you kids?” Then he closed his eyes and calmed himself down. “Remember what Penny said…” Cameron inwardly reminded himself “You have to be nice to the kids for this to work…”

Cameron cleared his throat “Soooo…have any of you kids seen Grace?” Max stared at him angrily “You mean Gwen, idiot?” Cameron blinked “What did I say?” Nikki yawned, rubbing her one of her 

eyes with her fist “Mmm…she said something about going on break…needs to get some nose thing for David…she should be back soon.” Max sighed “Don’t TELL him that! Ugh, now he’ll just bother Gwen when she gets here…” Neil gave him a weird look “And you…care if he does?” Max looked away “If I lose the only other person here that hates this camp, I’m gonna snap. She already has one little shit to deal with.” Max commented, pointing at himself. “She doesn’t need another,” Cameron smirked so he won’t have to worry about Gwen inferring…

Perfect

Cameron thanked “Thanks kids! I’ll go see if Quartermaster needs help!” Cameron happily skipped off to the kitchen, and Max was glaring suspiciously at him. “Does he seem…weird to you?” Nikki shrugged and Neil was rubbing his chin “He did seem cheery…you think he found his treasury bonds?” Max blinked “That’s…probably it.” 

Cameron walked over to Quartermaster “Quartermaster! Mind if I help you with those?” Quartermaster shook his head “Can’t. This is an old family recipe. It would be unwise for people outside of the family and not well equipped in their ways to interfere with the process.” Cameron blinked “Oh uhm…could I add something in it afterwards?” Quartermaster shrugged his shoulders “I don’t see why not.” Cameron couldn’t stop the corners of his mouth from going up.

Everything is going according to plan.

Max was biting the inside of his lip, before he began talking “It’s just, he’s acting weird, right?!” Neil groaned “Max, one time you thought David was going to kill you because he was buying camping supplies.” Nikki nodded “Or when he thought David was some alien!” Nikki laughed, clutching her stomach. Max furrowed his brows “I’m telling you, he’s acting weird! And I was right about it not being David that time!” Neil raised a brow “Mmmm…were you though? I mean he wasn’t an alien, he was just that weird cult leader. You have a tendency to overthink things, Max.” Max stuffed his hands in his hoodie pockets. “Fine! I’ll prove i-”

SLAM

The kitchen door slammed open and Quartermaster warned “Food is ready. And if you waste my specialty again, not everyone will be around for the next serving.” Ignoring Quartermaster’s ominous warning, everyone went over to get their share of food. 

Nikki sat down and started scarfing it down. Neil blinked “Hey…does this food look any different to you…the coloring is more of a darker shade than usual…and the texture is clumpier…” Neil observed, picking some of the mashed potatoes up with his spoon, and then dropping it. Max sighed “And you’re saying I’m the one that overthinks? The potatoes were green one time, and you didn’t say anything.” Neil whined, “Because it was seasonal!” Max waved his hand “Yeah, yeah, whatever.” He shoved some in his mouth, coughing shortly afterward. “Ugh! You might actually be right! These potatoes are even shitter than usual!” Nikki chortled “Neil! You have to try this! It’s soooo gross!” Neil recoiled “I don’t want t- MMMM!” He was cut off by the spoon in his mouth. He swallowed some before wiping his tongue.”Ugh! What’s in those things…it tastes like…” Max gasped slightly “Medicine…” Just then, Nikki fell face down in her mashed potatoes. Neil threw his hands over his mouth “Nikki!” Max clenched his fists so hard that his knuckles turned white. “Fuck! I knew the Quartermaster’s mashed potatoes were shitty but I didn’t know they were THAT shitty! What the fuck did he do with them this time!? I’m going to talk to Quartermaster, make sure nobody else eats these mashed potatoes, they’re shitty anyway.”

Max got up from the table swiftly but clutched his head as he fell back, his feet seeming to be unable to go in a straight line, his vision slightly blurry because it resurfaced and got back to normal. Neil grabbed onto Max’s arms gently before he fell “Max…it’s not a smart idea, I-I could invent something to remove the mashed potatoes from our system!” Max shook his head “No! Cameron is a fucking piece of shit but he’s gone too far this time! I’ll get him!” Neil whined “You don’t even know if it’s Campbell for sure! You can’t go around pointing fingers! Let me just get these mashed potatoes out of our system and we’ll talk about it!” Max yanked his arm out of Neil’s grasp “NO! I’ll ask both of them if it makes you feel better, but I will NOT just puss out on this one!” 

Max walked to the kitchen and roughly pushed the doors open. Once he laid eyes on Quartermaster he screamed “Quartermaster what the fuck!? What the fuck did you add to the food!?” Quartermaster shook his head “I wouldn’t dare sully my family’s sacred recipe.” Max’s eyebrows furrowed intently. Quartermaster didn’t say anything, but pointed his hook hand at Cameron, he pointed at him. Cameron crossed his arms “Quartermaster! You tattletail!” Max grinded his teeth, eyes narrowing in anger “YOU! What are you playing at!?” Max’s heart skipped a beat in the worst possible way. Wait…no…NO! He can’t be…he can’t…last time someone at this godforsaken camp acted weirder than usual it was because…b-because…NO! It can’t-

Max bit the inside of his lip so hard that it bled, his heartbeat started feeling like it was going 1,000 beats a second, his fists were shaking “Are you Daniel!? Why don’t you fucking give up!?” He hoped that his heavy breathing looked like angry huffs and not the panicked hyperventilating that it was. His legs were wobbly, but he willed himself to stay standing up so he hopefully looked bigger than he felt. He felt a sweat form around him, clinging to him like a wet, cold blanket as he remembered Daniel holding onto him and nearly slitting his throat, he would’ve died if David hadn’t been there to tackle Daniel to the ground…he didn’t even hesitate…he just…why…why did David do that? He could’ve DIED! For him! Why would anyone-!?

Now…now David wasn’t here…Max’s breathing got heavier as he gripped his chest tightly, hothothot toohottoohottoohottoohottnonononononon Daniel wasn’t back…h-he couldn’t be…

Cameron hummed “Ah, Daniel, I think I saw his name on the signup sheet…somewhere…” Max shook his head in hopes that the rest of his body shaking would look more natural in doing so “W-what are you talking about?” Damn! He wasn’t supposed to be stuttering right now! He’s supposed to be strong! Why-

Max’s train of thought crashed when he heard his own voice, squeaky, pathetic “I-if you’re trying to trick me, it’s not going to work! You’re supposed to be in Antarctica right now!” Cameron chuckled “I’m not even allowed in Antarctica anymore, did you know that selling penguins is illegal? By the way…shouldn’t you be asleep by now?” Max’s eyes slowly became arrows “Wait…asleep…?” He moved back, his eyes slowly grew to the size of saucers, the world moving beneath his feet, but that might be less due to the shock, and more due to the drug taking control. His vision was unfocusing and focusing so fast that Max almost couldn’t process it.

“You…you drugged us with sedatives so you can take us somewhere! You sick fuck!” 

Max dashed out of the kitchen, Cameron following close behind “DON’T EAT THE-” Max’s words were interrupted when he felt a warm hand over his mouth. An arm was thrown around his neck. He clawed at the arm, leaving red, bloodied marks, feeling a surge of satisfaction when Cameron inhaled sharply, but he didn’t let Max go, if anything that just made him restrain Max even more. Max flailed around wildly, he tried to kick at the man’s leg, he squirmed, thrashed, screamed through the hand covering his mouth, his eyes shut tight, and then he hesitantly creaked them open, his heart felt as if it stopped as he took in the sight in front of him.

…

Everyone was asleep.

Cameron slowly retracted his hand from Max’s mouth and replaced them on Max’s wrists. “Go on Max…tell them.” Max’s heart rate quick, body hot, breathing swallower than ever.

No…

No…

Nononononononono…

That was all that was going on in his head for the first minute, but it felt like an hour.

He…he can still escape this!

He can bite Cameron’s arm yeah!

Then go to the police…or Gwen…or SOMEONE!

He placed his mouth to the arm thrown around his neck, and raised his jaw, but then…

As the grip on his wrist disappeared, it was quickly replaced by a quick prick at the back of his neck “Ow! What the fu-” His eyelids were closing against his will “N-no…what are you…?” He closed his eyes tightly as if he could will the drug out of his body. He tried to say no, but all that came out was “Nhgnnn…” His hands tugged at his hair in a desperate attempt to wake up, snap himself out of it, he moved his head down and tried to bite Cameron on the arm in a last-ditch effort, but every movement felt impossible, his teeth were about to make contact with Cameron’s arm! He was so close! Cameron released the arm that was holding Max in a chokehold, but Max’s mind couldn’t take that information in, then, without his brain’s permission, his jaw slowly relaxed and…

Thump

Cameron looked at the unconscious camper lying limply on the floor. A relieved exhale left his mouth. That kid knew how to put up a good fight, Cameron numbly thought as he looked down at the scratches on his arm. David was right about Max being, in his own words “A wee bit difficult sometimes!”

But the most difficult camper was now down.

This is good.

This is very good.

Penelope insisted that she’d do everyone else, as long as she didn’t have to step a foot in Camp Campbell. Which Cameron agreed to, he’d be offended if he actually cared about this place, but out of all of his scams, this was one of the least profitable ones, so he was fine to let it go.

This one was so much better.

He threw all of the kids in bags, keeping it tight, then he saw Quartermaster. “So uhm…I’m starting a thing…would you help me with these bags and be a guard in it?”

Quartermaster looked up for what felt like hours, then nodded. “I can sense that this will promise a lot of death and carnage. This will reform the bond that David broke. I’m in.” Cameron grinned and clapped his hands “Great! …You weirdo.”

Space Kid came into the mess hall “I’m back from the bathro….om?” He looked around, his mouth in a slight frown, his head tilted to the right. When Quartermaster walked by, Space Kid tugged on his jeans “Quartermaster…where did everyone go? Did they go to space without me!?” Quartermaster hooked the back of Space Kid’s suit, and walked to the van, throwing Space Kid in the back. Then he got in the car next to Cameron. “We almost forgot one.” Space Kid stayed in the car looking up. “Mmm? Where are we going?” Cameron beamed “A field trip of course! Everyone else got tired, so they are in bags until we get there.” Space Kid was unresponsive at first, blinking twice before he clapped his hands and giggled “Yayyyyy! A field trip!”

They pulled the bags in the car and began driving. Suddenly a buzz came from Max’s bag. “Ugh. I’ll check it. You drive Quartermaster.” Quartermaster got in the driver’s seat and Cameron picked up the phone, it was David’s, there was a text from Gwen.

“Hey. Got ur nasal spray. I’m cumming back.”

“I MEANT CUMMING!”

“CUMMING!”

“Fucking autocorrect.”

Cameron inhaled “We forgot Grace.” Quartermaster looked at him and then grunted “Oh. The girl.” Cameron started nibbling on his fingernails and tugged his hair in frustration “Ughh! We cant just LEAVE her! She’ll tattle on us!” The Quartermaster side-eyed him “Tell the girl to meet us somewhere. I’ll drive us over there” Cameron smirked “I like the way you think.” He texted back as David 

“Gooooodddd morning Gwen! I took the campers on a surprise field trip! We had to stop by a gas station, so you can meet us in the back of it! Campe Diem!”

Gwen texted back

“Srsly David? You cant just do shit like that without telling me! Ill meet u there but we gotta talk abt this.”

A devious grin spread on Cameron’s face.

Perfect

But Cameron forget one important thing…

He forgot that it was time for his parole interview, but Ered’s cool gay dads didn’t, and they followed the car and when Cameron and Quartermaster got there before Gwen, they were right behind him. They got out of their car and looked through Cameron.

“We have reason to believe that you haven’t been following your guidelines, as we saw you shoving bags in your car. If this is true, we’ll be taking you back to Super Guantanamo.”

Cameron laughed loudly “Ah! The Millers! No worries! I’m just taking the kids on an um…field trip of sorts! I guess the interview must’ve slipped my mind…” Just then Space Kid’s voice cut through the car “Are we there yetttt?I’m tirrreeeddd and those bags must be comfy! Everyone’s still asleep! Can I get one too!?” The Millers pulled out their guns, and Cameron dashed to fish Ered from her bag, then held a gun to her head, his finger on the trigger.

The Millers dropped their guns in shock. The blonde Miller gripped onto the bearded Miller’s arm. “Let our baby girl go!” Cameron laughed darkly “Oh gladly…if you help me with a game I’m working on…if you agree to be guards for it, I’ll let your precious widdle Ered live…for now…”

The bearded Miller furrowed his brows “And if we refuse?

‘Then…” Cameron’s finger tightened on the trigger.

A warning.

The silence stretched between them.

They look at their angel…she looked so peaceful…mouth slightly open, drool moistening the corners of her mouth, dribbling out, eyes closed softly, eyebrows relaxed

It was a stark contrast to the harsh reality they were faced with.

The blonde Miller vacillated, “W-we can’t…right…?”

“What other choice do we have…?” The bearded Miller replied.

The bearded Miller looked up and seemed to hesitate before he resoluted “Ok. We’ll join whatever sick thing you have planned. But let our baby go.”

Cameron smiled as he threw her back in the van. 

“Ok! Get in the car gentlemen!”

Both of their hands were shaking as they interlocked them.

And stepped into the car.

The Millers held onto their baby girl and stroked her hair.

She was so precious to them…

What the hell was she involved in?

The blonde Miller looked down “At least we’ll be able to keep her safe.”

The bearded partner looked at his lover “Of course we’ll keep her safe, no matter what.”

The blonde one looked up “...Promise?”

He gently took his partner’s hand and kissed the palm of it, then held it gently.

“I promise.”

Eventually, Gwen arrived and got out of the car. 

She saw the white van and her eyes scrunched up.

“What the…?” She mumbled.

That wasn’t the bus, she started to walk back. But then Cameron zoomed out of the van, and roughly grabbed Gwen by her wrists, forcing them behind her back, sure to leave marks. She screamed “OW! WHAT THE FUCK LET ME-” He slapped a hand over her mouth. “Shhh…shut up.” She wasted no time and roughly bit Campbell’s hand, drawing blood. He quickly retracted his hand. “OW! GRACE YOU BITCH!” Gwen kicked his leg, her breathing erratic as she moved restlessly “HELP! I’M GETTING KI-!” 

Campbell roughly kneed her in the back. Causing her to groan as a sharp pain shot through her. She’d never felt her heart beat this fast, what was she supposed to do? She was stuck, what was Cameron’s plan?! Why was she a part of it!? She just wanted a normal life! She just wanted to write her mediocre fics and masturbate! Was that too much to ask!? What could she have possibly done to deserve this!? Oh god…he had David’s phone! If he got David…Gwen’s stomach dropped.

It was the worst feeling in her life.

Meanwhile, Cameron was looking down at her wrists, weighing his options.

…Fuck.

Switching hands would be too much of a risk, but he can’t risk messing the syringe up by getting his blood on it. “QUARTERMASTER HOLD HER!” Quartermaster shook his head “The otherworldly ones are telling me not to get involved.” Cameron groaned “Fine…Millers! Hold her back or I’ll shoot your daughter!” The bearded one dashed out and hesitated but then Cameron gave him a look that could shatter glass.

“It’s either her or your daughter.”

He only hesitated for a second, before he grabbed onto Gwen’s wrists, not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough to where he couldn’t escape. Gwen trashed around violently “LET ME GO NOW!” His hand quivered as he whispered a soft “I’m sorry.” Cameron got in front of her and used his non-blooded hand to grab a syringe, Gwen kicked him where it hurts and he grasped his groin and groaned. Then he growled in an animalistic way and grabbed Gwen’s face so hard that there would be bruises on her face when she woke up. “You little BITCH!” He slapped her across the face, hard. The bearded Miller flinched “There’s no need to-” Cameron scowled at him “Do you really think that ANYTHING you could say is worth risking your daughter’s life!?” Miller understood the threat and kept his mouth shut. Gwen let out a cry when Cameron punched her roughly in the stomach. Then grabbed her neck with his bloody hand, and brought his syringe to the back of her neck “You sick son of a bitch! Let me-!” She was cut off when she felt a sharp jab on the back of her neck. 

Her eyelids fluttered, her vision blurry. “L-let me..mmm..I…no…I…can’t” Gwen tried to scream, but it came out as a weak whisper “Someone help…p-please…” Cameron sighed “This would’ve been so much easier if you never bit me! But no…you just HAD to fight it…well…I hope you’re happy, because of your decision, things were so much more difficult than they ever needed to be! Well…this is the end for you.”

He looked her right in the eyes as he chirped

“Nighty night…

Gwen”

Her eyelids fluttered close, and soon, light snoring was heard.

They hauled Gwen to the van, and when they were all in, the van drove off. 9 unconscious children, 2 unconscious adults, 1 clueless fully conscious kid, and 2 adults, painfully aware of what was going on.

The bearded Miller looked down “She begged…and I just held on…” He buried his face in his hands.

The blonde Miller patted his back “You had no choice…we…we need to do this…for Meredith.” The bearded Miller’s fists clenched as he stated, his voice resolute “For Meredith.”

The Millers' stomachs were heavy with guilt as they were surrounded by unconscious bodies, one of them they assisted in abducting. They kept their hands intertwined. Keeping a close eye on their daughter.

Gwen’s phone beeped and Cameron jolted then snapped his fingers “Wait! Before I forget! Take her phone! Throw it out so nobody can track it, I’ll do the same with Davey’s phone.” The bearded Miller hesitantly reached for her phone, before his lover grabbed onto his hand. “Don’t worry Honey…you dealt with…uhm…assisting him…I’ll do this…then you won’t be the only one that helped him…” The bearded Miller nodded, while his partner took Gwen’s phone and threw it out of the window.

After what felt like years, the van came to an abrupt halt with a screech, and the blonde Miller quickly grabbed his daughter before she rolled into the van’s door. Cameron sang “We’re hereee~” The blonde Miller clutched his stomach and his husband wrapped his arms around him. “It’s ok…” He laid his head against his lover's chest. And let out a shaky breath before he faltered. “We’ll just…w-we’ll just be guards for this…augh…I feel sick…” The bearded one kissed his forehead. “We can do this.” He nodded and Cameron booming voice commanded “C’mon! Help me with these bodies!” Cameron adopted a sing-songy tone that made the Millers want to throw up “You know what happens if you doooonnn’tttt~” The Millers reluctantly got up and helped carry the bodies, which felt as if they were 1000 pounds, despite them only weighing very little…

You know…

Considering that most of the bodies belong to children

The Quartermaster was behind them, also carrying bodies, one with his good arm, and the other by hooking the bags with his hookhand.

Meanwhile, Space Kid was cluelessly following them, like a lamb being led into a slaughterhouse, before he was ushered into a different room by Penelope. 

Once everyone was in and the bodies were placed in the rooms. Quartermaster and The Millers were given red tracksuits and masks with a triangle or a square on them. The blonde Miller’s and Quartermaster’s masks had a triangle. The bearded Miller had a square on his.

Cameron ordered

“Wear these.”

The Millers nodded while Quartermaster grunted in agreement. Then everyone went to change.

When they got out, Cameron had a proud smile.

“You guys look great ! Snazzy tracksuits, huh?”

The Millers kept their mouths shut.

Cameron crossed his arms and mumbled, “Well I thought they were cool…” 

Quartermaster shrugged.

“I think they look ok.”

Cameron sighed, shaking his head “None of you have any taste…” Then he cleared his throat “Anyway, make your way to the next room to make sure nobody gets out. Penny is tending to everyone else, so-”

The bearded Miller’s head perked up as he pulled out his gun, aiming it at Cameron’s head.

“So you no longer have any leverage against us at this moment. If I kill you right now, you’ll do nothing to the kids, OR my daughter!”

Cameron clutched his stomach, guffawing.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you…”

The bearded Miller furrowed his brows, although Cameron couldn’t see it through the mask.

“Why the hell not?”

Cameron pulled out a remote control from his pocket, waving it in the air.

“Probably because your suits have a bomb in them, the bombs are controlled by this handy little remote.” Cameron remarked, throwing the remote up and catching it “So, as soon as I press this button, both of your suits will explode. And I won’t hesitate to do so, as you are expendable since I have hundreds of other guards. And if both of you die, who will protect your precious daughter?”

The bearded Miller’s hands were shaky and his partner grasped his arm.

“Please…” 

He sighed as he retracted his gun, averting his eyes from Cameron’s cocky leer as he put the remote back in his pocket.

“That’s what I thought.”

Chapter Text

“Mmmm…” Max’s eyes fluttered open, ugh…his head was spinning…what the hell…? He looked around, surrounded by suspiciously human-sized, and human-shaped bags. Guards with red tracksuits and masks holding guns surrounded them.

Wait…

No…no…no

FUCK NO.

Memories flashed through his head against his will, he grasped his hair, feeling dizzy as the memories hit him one after the other, and he ground his teeth.

Nikki passing out.

Daniel disguised as Cameron asking him “Aren’t you supposed to be asleep?”

The warm hand against his mouth.

Him kicking and screaming.

The last thing he remembers hearing.

“Go on…tell them…”

Max pinched himself roughly, leaving a mark.

This couldn’t be real…

It couldn’t be…

It had to be some fucked up dream…a nightmare…

This…this couldn’t…everything was normal the day before!

He looked as he saw bags getting untied and unconscious bodies coming out of it.

David was released from his bag and woke up quickly after.

“Mgh…what…? Mr. Campbell…?”

Max dashed towards him.

“DAVID!”

David blinked 

“Max!? How-”

Max spoke so fast, that he could barely understand himself.

“Danielisback! He’s gonna kill us! We need to go now! Needtogonowneedtogonow! Nownownownow-!” 

David gently gripped Max’s arms “Max…breathe…what happened?”

Max took deep breaths “Daniel…he’s back!”

David flinched, his pupils shaking “No…no…that’s not possible…he’s in Antarctica isn’t he…?”

Max shook his head vigorously.

“No! He came back! I know it! Cameron was acting weird! Last time someone acted weird here it was-”

He was cut off by Nikki’s voice as she looked around and laughed. “This is soooo weird!” Max rushed over to her. “Nikki! I’m so glad you’re awake! We need to get out of here NOW !” Nikki tilted her head “We do? Why? This is cool!” Max groaned as he face palmed. “Nikki! You were drugged! Don’t you remember!?” Nikki blinked

“Drugged? What’s that?”

Max growled through his teeth, tears of frustration filling his vision as he grabbed at his hair.

Idiots .

He was surrounded by idiots .

“I told Neil to make sure nobody eats the mashed potatoes! How could he fail at a task that simple !? Isn’t he supposed to be the smart one?!”

David gently put his hand on Max’s shoulder and got down to his level.

“Max…calm down…you’re not making any sense…”

Max saw Gwen perk her head up as she clutched her stomach.

“Ugh…the fuck…? Fucking Campbell…”

FINALLY!

It was about time that someone with a brain woke up.

Max ran over to her “Gwen! We were all drugged! We need to get out of here!”

Gwen nodded as she reached into her pocket. 

“...Fuck.”

“What?”

“They took my phone.”

Max groaned loudly. 

“Of fucking COURSE! Nothing can just go right today, can it!? I fucking knew it! Wait! I took David’s phone! Maybe I can-!”

He reached into his hoodie pocket, and his heart sank when there was nothing there.

“FUCK! They took that too! We’ll all gonna fucking DIE AND-”

Max stopped himself when he saw brown curls appear from behind some unconscious bodies, then he saw Neil’s head pop up.

Max stomped over to Neil, raised his hand, and…

SLAP

The sound echoed in the room, and Neil was left with a red handprint on his cheek. Neil grabbed his cheek. 

“OW! MAX-!” 

David went between them, gently pushing them an arm's length away from each other “Oookay! There’s no need for violence!” 

Max roughly pushed at David’s arms and snapped “Shut up!” He peeked from behind David to give Neil a look that could kill. 

“Neil! I told you to tell everyone else not to eat the mashed potatoes! What the fuck!?” 

Neil threw his hands up in exasperation “I tried! But nobody listened to me!” Neil started pacing as he recounted what happened “Ered just completely blanked me and ate the mashed potatoes RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME! Then when I continually asked her WHY she finally said the STUPID FUCKING REASON WHY!” Neil put on a high-pitched, mocking voice “‘Neil, you’re overreacting, there’s probably nothing in the mashed potatoes, just be cool and go with the flow’” Neil put on his normal voice “Then she did a STUPID hair flip with a smug smirk on her face when she said-” Neil put his mocking voice back on ”Like me’” Then he went back to his normal voice, yelling “OH YEAH! SHE LOOKED REALLLL COOL WHEN SHE WAS PASSED OUT ON THE FLOOR! You know what would’ve been even COOLER of her!? If she listened to me so she wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place!” 

Neil stopped to huff “Oh! And then– and then Nurf! Ohohoho! He said that he wanted to finish his mashed potatoes before anyone else did and when I told him not to eat them, he threatened to PUNCH ME because he thought that I was lying because I wanted to finish my mashed potatoes first! When literally nobody else cared! That was just a desperate cry for attention! When I told Nerris they said they needed to eat them to refill their ‘mana’ when I told Harrison, he told me not to worry and that he could just make them disappear from his stomach with a disappearing spell, when I told Preston, he WANTED to eat it MORE for-" Neil did air quotes "'dramatic tension', Space Kid was in the bathroom, but he probably ate some anyway, or not because he always forgets about his STUPID HELMET! And Dolph already ate some! Like I wasn’t running around clearly worried about SOMETHING !”

Neil groaned and buried his face in his hands.

“These IDIOTS don’t listen to the SCIENCE! Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one here with a brain!”

David stood frozen in shock before the words finally came out of his mouth in a rush “What!? What happened!? Why did you have to tell people not to eat the mashed potatoes!?”

Max spat “Because they were drugged you fucking idiot! Everyone else ate the mashed potatoes and got drugged. Meanwhile ‘Cameron’ restrained me and gave me a shot in the back of my neck!”

David put his hand over his mouth. “What!? Mr. Campbell can be difficult…but…he…he would never-!”

Max growled out “Well he fucking did! Still, think people can ‘change’ now David!?” David looked to the floor “A-are you sure that’s what happened…? Maybe it was just someone who looked like Mr. Campbell o-or”

“OR IT WAS FUCKING DANIEL!” Max shouted out.

David’s eyes went wide, his heart nearly stopping at the mention of Daniel, he couldn’t stop his lips from moving when he snapped “STOP SAYING THAT!” Then he slapped a hand over his lips when he saw Max flinch “Oooohhh my gosh! I shouldn’t have yelled! I’m sorry if I scared you, Max!” Max shoved his hands in his pockets “Whatever…I don’t care…we just need to get out of here! I don’t know what Cameron has planned, but I already know that there’s no chance in fucking hell that it can be good!”

David twindled his thumbs “M-maybe it’s something good…?”

Max narrowed his eyes. 

“David I swear to god, if you say one more optimistic thing, I will slap you.”

The lights turned on and one by one everyone else awoke. Max has been able to calm himself down mostly, he was still terrified but was pretty good at hiding his feelings.

David was worriedly looking at the guards, rubbing his arm. “T-those guns aren’t real…right Max?” Max raged “David! Take your rose-colored glasses off for two minutes and just THINK! Why the hell would they drug us if this was just a fun little game!? C’mon! You have to have a brain in there SOMEWHERE!” 

Nikki jumped on all fours “Ohh! I should bite them to assert dominance!”

Just when she was about to jump at them, David gently held her back.

“That…doesn’t seem like a good idea Nikki…”

Nikki snarled out “Let me at ‘em!” As she kept moving her limbs around wildly.

Max taunted “Yeahhhh Davidddd! If this is just a fun lil’ game, nothing baddddd will happen to Nikki…riggghtttt?”

David put his head down “Max…”

Just then, a girl with pink hair and freckles walked over to David.

“Hey darlin’...do you remember how you got here…? Do you know what’s going on…?”

David shook his head solemnly.

“No to both of those…sorry Ma’am…I just remember feeling really tired…then my f-...someone I know said something to me…then I woke up here…”

The girl frowned “Well that’s mighty disappointing…I was just taking out trash…then I felt awfully dizzy…I don’t remember what happened afterward…”

Max glared at David “Gee, look David! Multiple people are talking about how they were doing normal things, then passed out! It almost sounds like they were DRUGGED!”

The girl giggled as she ruffled Max’s hair, with Max looking like he was planning out her murder.

“And who’s this little guy?”

David smiled so brightly that he could power a lightbulb.

“That’s Max! He’s quite the mature, passionate, smart, strong-minded child!”

Max groaned, his cheeks turning slightly red in the kid ‘“You’re embarrassing me” way then he griped, “Shut up!” He used his hood to hide his face “Don’t say random shit like that to people you’ve never met before! It’s embarrassing!”

Then David looked at the girl with his head tilted slightly “Forgive me for asking, but you look familiar…do I know you?”

She nodded “Oh! Sorry hun! I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Lillian! I’m a waitress! Say, you look familiar too! You must’ve been at the place I work at! It’s pretty popular! Either way, it’s nice to formally meet you!” She took her hand out and David used the hand not holding onto Nikki and shook it.

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you! My name is David!

Lillian spoke, voice as sweet as honey “Well, it’s lovely to meet you as well!”

David rubbed the back of his neck with a smile.

“Thank you! I try!”

Lillian giggled and Max quirked an eyebrow.

“If you want his dick just say so.”

Lillian’s face got red as she gasped, throwing a hand over her mouth, meanwhile, David gave him a disapproving glare and scolded

“Max! That was very rude!”

Max scowled

“We might fuckin DIE and you’re over here talking to little miss barbie! Get your priorities straight! Well…not THAT straight.”

David sighed as he gently placed Nikki down since she tired herself out. Then he got on one knee to get on Max’s eye level “C’mon Max…we’re not going to die, I’m sure everything will be fine.”

Max crossed his arms “Famous last word Davey.”

David sighed “Max…”

Lillian frowned “Awww…you must be scared sweetheart…this is a new place…I don’t even remember how I got here…but-” 

Max rolled his eyes, cutting her off “I don’t care what you think Barbie ”

David sighed and mouthed an “I’m so sorry” to Lillian while Lillian gave an understanding smile. 

“But, I’m on your dad’s side, nothing bad will happen! Nobody seems to be hurt…so I’m sure these folks won’t harm us.”

Max’s face twisted in surprise before his cheeks got red with embarrassment mortification and anger. “I- What the hell are you smoking!? He’s not my dad! He never will be my dad! He sucks!”

Lillian quickly jolted up “Oh! My apologies!”

Max scoffed “We don’t look the slightest bit alike! We’re different RACES! How did you think he was my dad!?”

Lillian blinked “Well, he spoke mighty high of ya’ and not all families are the same races, some just take their race from their mom, or it could be a foster or adoptive family.”

Max exhaled “Yeah, whatever.”

Lillian got down to his level “Where are your parents, Sugar? A small kid here without their parents would be a mighty frightening thing…”

David answered that question “Oh, he…well uhm we were at a summer camp, Camp Campbell! It’s a wonderful place really!”

Max rolled his eyes “If by ‘wonderful’ you mean ‘broken down shithole’ I agree!”

Lillian frowned “Where’d you learn that language sweetie?”

Max spat out “It’s none of your fucking business!” 

David shook his head “Max! Be polite! I’m so sorry! He can be… a bit of a handful at times, but he’s a great kid!”

Max sighed “Sure, whatever you say David.”

Gwen walked over “What’s this? Another victim? Did she get brutally beat and kidnapped too!?”

David quickly went in front of her. 

“What!? You got beat!? Are you ok Gwen!?”

Gwen nodded “Yeah…Cameron pretended to be you to lure me out into an alley…then when I got there, he beat me then drugged me. Look.”

She slightly lifted her shirt just enough so the bruise on her stomach was visible.

David started stammering “W-w-what! Oh no! There has to be a first-aid kit somewhere around here! M-maybe some ice?!”

Gwen put her hand down “David…don’t worry it’s ok.” David implored “But Gwen, you got hurt…” Gwen sighed “I know, it hurts like a bitch. But we have bigger problems to deal with! We have to find a way out of here…if we can just find a way to corner that son of a bitch Campbell-”

Lillian started shaking, then she unintentionally interrupted Gwen “T-they beat you…oh no…oh dear…”

Max cocked an eyebrow “Uh…you good…?”

She gulped hard “W-what are they going to do to us…ohhhh…I-I feel all light-headed all of a sudden…”

Lillian then fainted and David quickly caught her before she landed on the floor.

“Lillian! Are you ok!?”

Max stood in front of him and fumed “I told you! Campbell can’t change! He’s a disgusting piece of shit and we have to stop him!”

David looked down at Lillian’s face, his head was spinning, Cameron can be…a little difficult…but…he would never…he was still…

David vacillated Mr. C-Campbell…w-why would he did this…I thought…?”

David jolted when he heard a familiar voice.

“David! Ugh, of course, you’re here! As if this wasn’t bad enough already…drugged and kidnapped and now you’re here too…”

David awkwardly looked over and saw, yep, Bonquisha, considering the last conversation they had led to David decking her boyfriend…

… Yeah

“Oh! Uhm…hi Bonquisha…is your boyfriend’s jaw healed…?”

“Just about…they think he might have a concussion because SOMEBODY slammed a chair over his head.”

David inhaled sharply “I’m…very sorry for that Bonquisha…I know that was extremely wrong of me and there’s no excuse-”

Bonquisha shook her head “Oh don’t apologize to me, I’m not the one with the concussion.”

Max exploded “Oh shut the fuck up! Your boyfriend was practically begging for it with that holier-than-thou shit, David only did that because you broke his heart because he wasn’t ‘man’ enough, but if you wanted someone manly you wouldn’t have gotten with David in the first place! Oh! And did you forget that you were so desperate for some dick that you forced DAVID to go on a date with you? Fucking DAVID! WOW! No wonder why you were on Tinder!”

David quickly got involved “Max! Don’t say that! I was the one in the wrong! Don’t-”

Then Max cut him off “This is the only time I will ever stand up for you David . Cherish it.”

Bonquisha seethed, and she went down to Max’s level “The adults are talking. Stay out of it.”

Max retorted “Oh yeah? Why don’t you put that lack of gag reflex to use and suck my di-”

David got in between them, speaking hastily “Oooookay! I think things are getting a little too heated-”

 Bonquisha interrupted “As I was saying David , My boyfriend is right here if you want to talk to him.”

She stepped out of the way and there he was, Bonqusiha’s boyfriend.

David stuttered “L-listen I am so, VERY sorry! You have no obligation to forgive me, I acted out of anger and made a HUGE mistake! I-”

Bonqusiha’s boyfriend cut him off “Hey, no worries, my jaw’s just about healed now, you pack quite the punch! Sure, wish you wouldn’t put that strength into punching me though.” He laughed.

David nodded “I’m so sorry-”

He put his hand up “Hey! It’s ok! I already forgave you. What’s your name, by the way, man?”

David gulped “Uhm David…”

The man smiled “Cool name! I’m Jacob! I already told you my name before, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you forgot about that after what happened.” Jacob laughed warmly before he began talking again, patting David’s back “We’ll talk soon, yeah?”

David gave a wobbly smile “Uhm…yeah…”

Bonquisha sighed as she placed her hands on her boyfriend’s chest “You need to be less forgiving babe…it seems like he got a new girlfriend anyway…” She acknowledged, gesturing to Lillian.

David’s looked down at Lillian, an eyebrow raised “Wha-?” His eyes went wide with the realization “Oh! No! Nononono! She just fainted so-!”

Bonquisha waved her hand “No, it’s fine, I’m happy for you. Bye, David.”

Bonquisha walked away with her boyfriend. 

David opened and closed his mouth a bit, trying to explain the situation, but even if he could find the words, it was clear that Bonquisha had her heart set on ignoring him, considering that David punched and broke a chair on her boyfriend out of jealously, it was hard for him to blame her.

Eventually, Lillian groaned, rubbing her eyes, her vision focusing then she got up “Oh…sorry if I scared you Darlin’, I just felt mightly light-headed all of a sudden…thanks for catching me Sugar, you’re a sweetie.” Neil walked over “Wait…isn’t that the waitress were-” Just then he heard a voice that made him shiver “Ohhhh Neil! I missed you!” She hugged him and Neil groaned “Ughhh Tabii?” Tabii grinned “With two is! Wait…are you talking with that skank!?” Tabii asked, pointing a finger at Lillian. Lillian gasped “Oh my stars! You’re that little girl that got a fork in your eye that night! Are you ok!? Oh no! Your eye!” Tabii snarled “I’LL KILL YOU! STAY AWAY FROM MY NEIL!” David made an unexplainable worried sound before he quickly grabbed Tabii while Tabii was clawing at the air. “Let me at her!” David stammered “C’mon! Let’s..uh…let’s all be nice!” Tabii growled “She’s the reason why I have to wear this eyepatch! She ruined my life! I’m a hideous BEAST now!” David frowned “Awww, don’t think like that! I think that eyepatch looks very neat on you! You look like a pirate!” Nikki got up on all fours and frowned “Whhattt!? No fair! I wanna look like a pirate! I’ll bite her eyepatch off!” She tried to jump at Tabii, but David shirked and grabbed onto Nikki. “Nikki no! You can’t bite people!” Tabii cried “I’m hideous!” Before she ran away. Max rolled his eyes “Nice going genius.” David blinked “I-I didn’t mean to-!” Gwen sighed “What did you think would happen, David? You just called a girl a pirate.” David spluttered “I-I…aren’t pirates cool!? I was trying to be considerate! I’m the nice one!” Gwen facepalmed “You really don’t know anything about women…no wonder you’re single.” 

The bearded Miller looked at Ered from behind his mask. His partner was next to him “What do you think they will do to her…?” The bearded Miller hesitated “I…I’m not sure…but no matter what…we’ll be here to protect her…” The other Miller smiled from under his mask.

Ered got up groggily and rubbed her head. “What?! Where am I!? Did I get kidnapped?! Ugh, that is SO uncool!” Nikki then ran to her, skipping “Ered! Don’t worry! I got kidnapped too! I’ll protect you from all the crazies!” Ered griped “This is the least cool thing EVER! When you find the people who did this to me. Kill.” Nikki nodded “Of course! Anything for YOU Ered!” Ered did a hair flip “Cool.” Nikki squealed “I did something cool Ered?!” Ered blinked “Yeah. Whatever. We’re going to get out of here, this place is really uncool.” The blonde Miller chuckled “That’s our girl…as strong as ever…” The bearded Miller grinned “She gets it from her dad.” They held hands and looked at each other lovingly.

Max groaned “Why is everyone acting so casual!? We need to get out of here!” David looked down “M-maybe we can reason with Mr. Campbell! H-he’s been changing! I just know it! We just…we just need to get through to him!” 

Max’s fist clenched so hard that they were shaking with the sheer amount of restraint Max had.

This fucking guy…

He wanted to punch him.

Knock some fucking sense into him.

“That isn’t how it works David! He’s a piece of shit and who knows what he’ll do with us!? We’re in a room with armed guards and a lot of people who also got DRUGGED and KIDNAPPED! Open your fucking eyes DAVID! Stop living a fucking fairy tale and take off your rose-colored fucking GLASSES!”

David flinched and Morty inhaled sharply. Maybe he was a little too frank…damn, how did David know how to make him feel like a piece of shit without trying…? No. He can’t go back now.

“I said it before and I’ll say it again, this was DANIEL!”

Then Max heard a horrifying familiar laugh behind him.

“I WISH I thought of something like this! This would’ve REALLY pleased Xemüg! There would’ve been SO MANY new sacrifices for him! Ah well, at least I can put the prize money to go use by spreading his name!”

Max flinched no…no…nononononononoNO!

FUCK NO!

He gulped as he looked behind him.

The same white cult leader getup…

That pale blonde hair…

Those light blue eyes…

Nononononono

David pulled Max behind him, Max gasped slightly but didn’t fight, allowing himself to hide behind David. Why was David like this…? Max wasn’t worth this…Max’s parents would never face a serial killer for him so why did David…?

His train of thought derailed when he heard David talk

“Daniel.”

Daniel laughed “Aw David! I’m not here to cause any harm to Max! I’m here for the same reason YOU are! I’m going to win millions so I can show the WORLD Xemüg’s vision! Besides, do you have any idea how inconvenient it would be to kill you without any weapons?” Daniel guffawed heartily and way too cheerfully, considering that he was talking about killing a kid. “Xemüg would never approve of such a death! He deserves a sacrifice worthy of him! And even then, he said that he no longer requires a sacrifice! So I have no reason to kill you!” Daniel chuckled “Although, if I had a weapon, I wouldn’t let it go to waste! Especially since killing Max would salvage me! Just like the great Xemüg said!”

David narrowed his eyes, walking backward, gently pushing Max back with him. “Don’t.” Ignoring the way his own heart was beating, the way his mind was speedrunning all the interactions he had with Daniel, chewing on his lip to prevent himself from screaming.

Whatever.

He could handle it

He’s an adult.

Max needs him now.

Max hated the way his heart rate went up when Daniel looked at him with the huge grin that he knew too well. He started sweating. He started breathing hard.

Shit.

Why did the room get so hot all of a sudden?

Shitshitshitshitshit…

 David looked back, gently took his hand, and brought Max to a somewhat isolated spot.

“Max are you ok…?”

Max kept breathing heavily “Daniel…he’s…he’s back…”

“Max…”

Max didn’t fight when David’s arms wrapped around him.

“As long as I’m here he won’t get anywhere near you…I’ll always protect you…”

Max bit his tongue. Hard. To stop the “Why?” that nearly came out.

David broke from the hug, looking Max in the eyes “Just breath ok…?” 

Max wheezed “Gee…I never…” He took a shallow breath “Tried that David…”

David gently took Max’s arms “Do it with me…in…” David inhaled “Hold it…” then after a few seconds, David exhaled, “Then exhale…” and Max begrudgingly mirrored David. After a bit, Max was back to normal. 

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t touch you. Okay, Max? As long as I’m here, I promise I’ll never let anything hurt you.”

Max looked down, he hated this.

He hated how he felt…how he was…goddamnit…

How he was scared…and fucking David , the biggest pussy he knows, had to be the one to comfort him. God…how pathetic was he?

Then Max, against his own wishes, nodded.

The lights came on and Cameron was on a stage

“Welcome everyone! I’m sure you’re all wondering why you’re here…well, you were all chosen for a VERY special game show! If you win, you will win 31. Million. Dollars!”

David sighed with relief, then beamed over to Max, getting up “See Max! I told you this was fine!”

Max mumbled “Wait for it…”

Cameron continued “This is made possible with the delightful Penny! Known to most of you as Penelope Priss, I made this plan and she…added her own spin on it!”

Penelope went up on the stage, and sassed with her hands on her hips. “You mean I made it better.” The flower scouts gasped.

Sasha clenched her fists and furrowed her brows “Miss Priss!? How could you do this?! We’re beautiful and you’re our garden mother! You’re supposed to respect us and everything we do to put the Flower Scouts on top! But instead, you just drug us!?” Tabii had tears in her eye “I-I thought you loved us!” Erin put her arms around Tabii and patted her back. And complained ”Mrs. Priss! If you wanted money, all you have to do is be a prosti-”

Penelope interrupted Erin “Ooookaaayy girls! Sorry. A girl can only have so much sugar daddy money…some very nice people paid us a LOT of money for this.” She turned to Cameron. “And about the plan, I can’t say I’m surprised it worked so well, I do have a bachelor’s degree in-.” Cameron sighed “There she goes again mentioning her degree…” Penelope narrowed her eyes “Excuse me?” Cameron looked away “Nothing…nothing…everyone! Get into these green tracksuits with your corresponding numbers on it, then we will reveal the whole extent of this.” Cameron commanded, gesturing to a table with pink guards and stacks of green tracksuits on them.

Sasha gasped “And you’re making us wear these ugly tracksuits?! Ugh! Green is so NOT my color!”

Penelope snapped, “Shush! The tracksuits weren’t my idea anyway. Cameron won a game between us and if he did so he got to pick the outfits the guards and players wear.”

Cameron frowned “Why doesn’t anyone like my outfits? They’re snazzy! Whatever! Everyone just put them on!”

Pikeman smirked “If you flower scouts don’t feel like you can take the task, feel free to leave! This game is obviously only able to be won by a man anyway…” Sasha’s face may as well have been red with anger “Uhmmmm, what’s that supposed to mean!?” Pikeman smirked “Obviously women should be cooking, not participating in something like this…” Sasha stomped on his foot, causing Pikeman to grasp his foot and pathetically whimper. Sasha demanded “We’re winning this! This game probably has loads of cooking challenges, we can do this ladies!” Max groaned “Jesus christ! Do any of you realize that we got DRUGGED?!” Pikeman shrugged and Max facepalmed. Then after calming himself down, Max raised his hand. Cameron called him out. “Yes, Max?” Max asked, “What if you don’t want to do this because it’s shady as hell?”

The guards pointed their guns at Max as Cameron chuckled darkly.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you…”

David’s eyes became wide as he stood in front of Max.

“M-Mr. Campbell! You wouldn’t do that would you!?”

Cameron looked at David.

“I’m capable of much worse than this David…”

David shook, gulping down a lump in his throat, and then Cameron slapped his hands together with a sadistic smile “Ok! Now, everyone put your tracksuits on and I will explain everything!”

Max growled 

“You fucking MONSTER!”

Max attempted to lunge at him, but then Cameron curtly replied, “Don’t forget who has the guns here, Max…”

David put his hand on one of Max’s shoulders and looked at Max pleadingly “Max please…”

Max looked to the floor and kept his mouth sealed shut. His small fists clenched so hard that his knuckles turned white, his fists shaking, and a low growl left his throat.

Cameron beamed “Amazing! Now get your tracksuits, everyone!”

David got his first. 001.

Then everyone began taking their tracksuits and putting them on.

David felt as if he was in a movie…or a badly written fanfic.

This didn’t feel real …

Cameron…was never the nicest man. David knew this the moment Cameron tried to frame David for his crimes.

But he’d never…do this…would he?

He’s been changing…David knows this, he saw him!

Was that all…just a lie?

Did Cameron become worse?

No…

NO!

It was all David’s fault! He should’ve seen that Cameron was going to relapse! He should’ve helped! But he didn’t, and now all of the campers were in danger…because of him!

This was all his fault!

Allhisfaultallhisfaultallhisfaultallhisfault…

Those words went through his head as he felt tears of guilt and shame form in his eyes and began sobbing.

This was all his fault!

All he can do is hope that…maybe…Cameron just brought them here for a normal reason and just had a…very unique way of starting the game show.

Maybe the guns weren’t even real!

Yeah…

Yeah!

David had to believe that.

Because if one of the campers got hurt because of him…

David could never forgive himself.

Chapter Text

Eventually, everyone got their tracksuits on. And the guards led them to a weird colorful room with stairs everywhere and got led to a camera with a tv screen that said “Smile!” When Max got there he huffed, directly, to the screen “I’m not smiling, suck my dick.” while David put on the most forced smile you’ve ever seen. And the only other people who ended up smiling were Preston, thinking that it was for his headshot, and he wasn't about to pass up free headshots, Nikki, Dolph, Nerris, and Space Kid, being clueless about why they are here. Sasha, Tabii, and Ered smiled as well, wanting to look their best. And Pikeman smirked, it was the smugest one you’ve ever seen.

Then everyone was relocated to a huge field with a huge doll, it had a yellow shirt, orange skirt-overalls, and black hair in pigtails. Then Cameron grinned, standing on a large platform with the pink guards standing on the platform surrounding the players.

“Ok! The first game is Red Light Green Light! I assume everyone on Earth knows the rules to this game…so I won’t waste your time explaining them! Anyone got any questions?” Multiple people raised their hands, then Cameron instructed “Good! Go on now!” Nikki rubbed her hands together then jumped around on all fours “I got this! I’m faster than a cheetah!” Then Max rolled his eyes. “And even they still don’t move faster than the speed where your mom will spread her legs.” Nikki laughed “My mom can’t do the splits silly!” Max sighed “No you idiot, that means-” David shot him a “behave” look and Max sighed and reluctantly kept his mouth shut. Cameron got a gun and pointed it to the sky “Are you ready? 3…2….1!” Cameron shot the gun into the sky, then the doll bubbled “Green light!” 

Nikki sped to the finish line on all fours and laughed “Aha! What a rush!” Max stood with his jaw to the floor “How…how the fuck did she- Whatever.” Max grabbed David’s hand, or uh, finger, since Max was so small it took his entire hand to hold David’s finger. “Let’s go.” He grabbed Neil’s arm “You too Neil.” Neil stammered “W-what?! No! Just give me a second! I’m sure if I studied the robot for a bit, I could find the algorithmic expression for-” Max snapped “We have no time for that nerd, let’s just go.” David frowned “Max! Be nice!” Max rolled his eyes. David continued, beaming “Red light green light! I told you that this was a regular game show Max! I knew it! Mr. Campbell really has turned over a new leaf!” Max rolled his eyes “Yeah, yeah, whatever….they still threatened to shoot me.” David let out of forced laugh “I’m sure that was all just a misunderstanding! The Mr. Campbell I know would never do that!” Max was not amused and David attempted to change the subject “I actually played red light green light with a lot of old campers! And not to brag but…” David adjusted the collar of his tracksuit with a smug smile “I won every single time!” Max scoffed “Congratulations David…you officially have no life. Just shut up so I can actually hear the doll.” David pitifully whimpered but kept quiet. 

Meanwhile, the wood scouts were standing still, knees straight, hands at their sides, then Pikeman ordered “At-ten-tion!” Petrol and Snake stood at attention, then Pikeman instructed “Foward…march!” All the wood scouts start walking while Pikeman chuckled “These simpletons are going about this all wrong! We will go about this the woodscout way!”

The flower scouts on the other hand were walking prim and proper with their hands to their sides, and their hands sticking out. Sasha ordered “Make sure not to get anything on your shoes girls! If we’re going to be forced to wear these ugly tracksuits-” They could’ve sworn they heard Cameron's distant voice yell “OH C’MON!” Sasha continued “-We at least have to make sure that our other looks can carry us through this! We still have our beautiful hair and our pretty faces! Let’s just make sure that we don’t mess up these clothes so they don’t look worse!” 

Then the doll sang “Red light~!” and turned around. Nurf pushed Space Kid “Whoops!” Space Kid screamed and fell down. “Owww!” Then Nurf explained “By the way, while you may be confused since I said ’whoops’ which is something indicative to something you did not intend to do, I have to clarify that that was not an accident, I purposefully pushed you because-” 

BANG

…

Nurf’s lifeless body fell to the ground. 

PLAYER 108 ELIMINATED

All.

Hell.

Broke.

Lose.

Screams and cries rang out, and multiple “I don’t wanna die!”s and “Get me out of here!”s

Space Kid looked around “Wait? What happened? What was that loud sound?” Space Kid giggled “It hurt my ears.” He looked up and saw Nikki, eyes wide, hands shaking as she pointed behind him 

“Oh! Hi! Why are you on the floor?” Space Kid kept looking, then his expression changed, his smile gone, his eyes becoming bigger by the second “Wait where’s…?”

“Where’s your head-”

BANG

Space Kid fell limp on the ground. A clean shot right in the middle of his forehead.

PLAYER 003 ELIMINATED

Daniel smiled blankly, not blinking at all chaos happening around him, not moving an inch, not even blinking. Not that the lack of blinking was out of the ordinary for him.

Nikki was frozen, tears forming at the centers of her eyes.

Lillian gasped with tears in her eyes, and fainted, her body hitting the grainy sand.

Neil was staring wide-eyed in shock.

Gwen was frozen with her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open in a scowl, her eye twitching.

Nerris gasped and was frozen with their hands over their mouth and stammered. “T-this isn’t what the tarot cards said!”

There was a myriad of reactions, screams, cries, others were just frozen.

Max had his eyes wide “What. The fuck? Like seriously what the actual fuck?!” David began hyperventilating, tapping his foot, gripping his arms tightly, his body hot.

“David…?”

David couldn’t hear Max over his own racing thoughts.

This was all his fault…

He signed them up for this!

Now 2 kids were dead, DEAD! Because of him!

They had so much potential! They could’ve done anything with their lives!

But now…

Now…

T-t-they were…

Were…

…

Tears fell down David’s sun-kissed cheeks. David stammered “N-Nurf…Space Kid…I-I’m so sor-” Max jumped on David, covering his mouth “SHUT THE FUCK UP!” David nodded, eyes watery, breathing heavily under Max’s hand, the doll scanned them, and they went undetected.

Nikki’s mouth dropped to the floor, she grabbed her pigtails, and began rocking herself back and forth as an attempt to sooth herself.

It didn’t work.

 “W-what is…?” She got teary-eyed “S-space Kid…i-is he…?” She sniffled, burying her head in her legs, voice muffled “This…this isn’t fun anymore…I…I want to go home…”

Preston screamed, clutching his head, hyperventilating.

The doll detected him.

He was next.

The bearded Miller fumed “What!?” Then Cameron repeated himself “I already told you! You have to shoot them!” Bearded Miller shook his head and threw the gun on the floor “I don’t care! I am THROUGH with letting you threaten me! I already helped you kidnap an innocent woman, but I will NOT be responsible for killing children!” He raged, fists clenching. 

Cameron laughed, clutching his stomach, then he looked at the bearded Miller with a smirk “Truly inspiring Mr. Miller….” Then he pulled out a remote…

And he blew up. His body was mangled, nearly unrecognizable, his head was blown clean off, his body covered in blood, his legs were gone, his left arm has a visible bone coming out of it, and the rest of his body was burnt to hell.

Cameron put the remote back in his pockets with a smile “I knew those bombs would come in handy!” The blonde Miller screamed, shaking the bleeding arm of his deceased lover, pretending like he didn’t smell the metallic scent of blood “No! Nononononono! Y-you’re ok! You’re ok! Y-y-you have to be…you have to be…I-I can’t raise Ered alone! S-she needs us! Both of us! She needs you! I need you! Please! Please tell me you're alive!”

…

Nothing.

The blonde Miller begged “P-please…I-I-I can’t I can’t…I can’t live without you…please…please….you’re ok…y-you’re…” He broke down in tears. “P-please….you’re  ok…I…I can’t lose you…I…I love you….so much…” He looked up with teary eyes when Cameron walked in front of him, holding the remote. “Now…are you going to be a hero like your husband? Or are you going to do what you came here to do?” The blonde Miller stammered “I-I don’t know if I can, killing kids…dead bodies of adults are one they…they are on the governers conscience but dead bodies of children-” Cameron interrupted him “Before you answer…remember it’s not just your life at stake…but your daughter’s as well…” 

Ered…

…

Fuck.

He has to do this.

Ered deserves to have parents-

…

A parent…

She deserves to live, to live a happy fulfilling life.

She doesn’t deserve to die in this sick, twisted game.

The blonde Miller got up, his hand shaking, he closed his eyes, put his finger on the trigger, squeezed the trigger and…

BANG

And with that…Preston was gone…

PLAYER 87 ELIMINATED

He dropped his gun, and fell to the floor, shaking and crying.

He did it.

He killed a kid.

Something that he never thought that he would do…

And now he has to live with that for the rest of his life.

Cameron yanked him up by his hair “COME ON! We’re wasting daylight! We need all of you on watch!” Then he pushed him to the railing.

There were hundreds of innocent bystanders running and screaming, getting gunned down, they started the game with a thousand…now only a few hundred people were left.

Nikki was clutching her knees, still rocking herself back and forth “I don’t want to be here…I don’t want to be here….I don’t want to be here…wanna go home…wanna go home…wanna go home…” She cried into her knees.

She always thought that death was cool in the ninja movies and stuff but actually seeing it…

I-it was…it was terrifying…one minute he was the starry eyed stupidly adorable spacey kid…and now…

Now…

….

Pikeman screamed “Change of plans men, we go, NOW!” he ran but then…

BANG 

With a shot to his heart, Pikeman was dead before his body hit the ground

PLAYER 457 ELIMINATED

Snake was frozen “Pikeman is…” Petrol put a hand on Snake’s shoulder and grunted, Snake nodded “You’re right…he’d…he’d want me to keep going…want us to keep going…for him…f-for the wood scouts…” Snake broke down “S-so why does it still hurt? I-I’m not supposed to be like this! I’m supposed to be tough-!” Petrol hugged him, and Snake hugged him back.

With tears pouring from his eyes.

Sasha screamed, stomping her foot, tears at the corners of her eyes “GET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE-!”

BANG

PLAYER 789 ELIMINATED

Tabii was frozen, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. She was about to scream, but Erin put her hand on her shoulder. “Tabii. Panicking won’t do anything. You’ll just get yourself killed.” Tabii took a steadying breath “Y-you’re right…you’re so smart, Erin…” She gave a strained smile, and looked over to Erin. Erin looked away.

She really thought Tabii wouldn’t notice the tear streaks on her face.

Harrison hyperventalitated “I-I can revive them! L-let me just-!” Harrison pulled out his magic wand from his pocket and waved it around “Abracadab-!” 

BANG

PLAYER 666 ELIMINATED 

Cameron bubbled “Is everyone calm now?” 

Nobody moved a muscle. 

Cameon clasped his hands together “Great! Let’s continue!”

The doll chirped “Green ligghhhttt~!”

Lillian got up groggily then saw Snake and Erin just walking past, she ran over “Oh no, Im not letting you little darlings go through this alone! I’ll be walking with ya!” She walked slightly in front of them and shielded them.

David swallowed down the lump in his throat and held onto Max’s hand, hoping that Max didn't notice how much he was shaking, or that he was crying quietly he had to be tough for the campers! They all thought that he was a tough guy, if they knew how freaked out he was, they would lose all hope! Meanwhile Max prayed that David didn't notice that his hands were sweaty, that his breath quickened, or that he was clutching David’s hand so tightly that he nearly left marks. Max used his other hand to grab onto Neil’s arm. 

Petrol was the 2nd one to make it to the finish line. Doing a backflip and landing on his feet. He saw Nikki crying and got on one knee and put his hand on her shoulder, grunting. Nikki sniffled “W-well you do make a good point…” Max and David finished next. Max and Neil immediately went to Nikki, and David…well…

He wanted to be strong for the campers but as soon as he crossed the line, he just…broke.

His knees buckled and…

He sobbed. Loud and desperate, it rang throughout the field, he was burying his face into his hands. How could he not!? He was the one who signed the campers up! He put them all in danger! This was all his fault! Blood, the blood of little kids , were on his hands! This was his fault! All his fault! He killed them! Oh god, he killed them!

His breathing got quicker and quicker.

Oh his heart, why was his heart beating so fast?!

Why was his body heating up?!

He deserved to feel this! Every bit of it!

He was just as bad as Campbell! Maybe even worse! At least Campbell didn’t sign little kids up for their deaths!

This was his fault! All of it! He killed them! Hekilledthemhekilledthemhekilledthem…

That was all the went on through his head.

On.

Re.

Peat.

Those thoughts filled his head. Leaving no room for anything else, leaving everyone’s voices muddled together, vision blurry, those thoughts even filled his body, leaving him like a ghost, watching what was happening, but not being able to do…anything…just crying.

Just seeing a pathetic man crying, mumbling the truth, that all of this was his fault.

Useless.

He was useless.

He was a useless child murderer.

And he deserves to die.

He deserves to burn in hell for all of eternity.

Neil sat down next to Nikki with his arm around her, whispering to her as an attempt to calm her down, you could hear the shakiness and the quivering of Neil’s whispering. And Max was looking over to Nikki, sitting next to her, but not doing anything, not knowing how to help, being scared out of his mind himself.

So many people just..died…just like that…shit…he can’t just thinking about how just today all of them were having a food fight in the mess hall…Max hated it but if he knew that that would be one of their last interactions with all of them together…and his last interaction with some of them period…

…

I mean…it’s just…so surreal…just this afternoon, everything was normal, unbearably hot Summer heat beating down on them, slow ass wifi, David being insuffablely cheerful, why couldn’t it just stay like that…?

Max never thought that Cameron could…I mean, at the back of his mind, he always thought Cameron would, but would never actually succeed or follow through on it. Cameron was an idiot, even with the help of Penelope, Max would’ve never though Cameron actually pull it off…and committing so much murders in one day…fuck…even MAX wasn't THAT fucked up. I mean, Cameron being a piece of shit didn't surprise him, but the fact that he's being THIS much of a piece of shit, pulling a camp scam is one thing, but murder...? Shit... 

Max shivered as he remembered Cameron’s disgustingly warm hand on his mouth, and the last words he heard before the drugs took over.

“Go on tell them…”

Max looked to the ground, praying that he could just dissaciossate, and pretend that this all wasn’t happening for just.

One.

Second.

Some other people, Lillian, Snake, and Erin were next to finish it. With Lillian’s arms shielding both Snake and Erin while Snake was clinging onto the arm that Lillian was shielding him with and Erin was crying softly. Tabii was right behind them, eyes wide, walking slowly, mouth slightly open, breathing slowly.

So slowly.

Lillian got down on Nikki’s level, misty eyes staring so softly at her, her sugary sweet voice quavery. 

“Aww…Darlin’, I’m sorry that you have to go through this…this situation is awfully frightin’...so many young lives with so much potential were lost…” Her voice trailed off, eyes glossy “B-but I’m here for you ok deary?” She brought her shaky hand to Nikki’s “Just focus on your breathing, ok deary?” Nikki nodded, but then her lip quivered and she cried into Lillian’s chest, hugging Lillian tightly, and Lillian stroked Nikki’s hair and patted the back of her head with one hand and hugged her back with the other, as she cried softly as she rested her chin on top of Nikki’s head, worriedly looking at David.

David was breathing heavily, clutching his stomach and dry-heaving.

He killed them!

It was all he could think about.

They were so young, and now they were dead all because of him!

He signed them up for a slaughter house, and they were dead because of it!

Max hesistated, then got up, and walked over to David, looking away and patting his back. He didn’t know if he was doing the right thing…but he couldn’t just…

It’s just…David has been there for him so many times…he was truly too good, and to just leave David when he left him…that just felt…wrong…

Petrol walked over to David, put his hand on David’s shoulder and grunted, too bad David couldn’t hear him over the sound of his own thoughts. Petrol said something really inspiring. 

Nerris and Dolph, were next to finish, and rushed over to Nikki. Nerris put a hand on Nikki’s back, “Thoughts and incantations friend…” but it was clear that they were holding back tears themself, especially when they hugged her. Meanwhile Dolph joined in on the hug, and consoled “Don't worry mein friend, I will be here for you, un we will make sure to take revenge on the monster who did zhis! Meanvhile, Feel free to cry on mein shoulder anytime you like!” Nikki croaked out “T-thanks Dolph…that…” She hiccuped “That means a lot…” But when Nikki wasn’t looking, Dolph cried quietly, not wanting to ruin his standing as a brave un cool badass. Nikki gently broke away from the hugs she was receiving, and looked around at the ones who helped her, wiping away the last of her tears. “T-thank you to all of you…this was really sweet of you guys…” She gave a small smile, that didn’t have much happiness to it. 

“I just…I wish they were still here…y’know…” Nerris nodded “I wish I worked more on my revival spells…maybe I could have saved him…” Nikki gave a strained smile “You did what you could, this is Campbell’s fault!” She got up “When I get my hands on him…I’m going to bite him so hard!” Nerris smirked “And I’ll use my most deadly charms on him! I’ll just have to find a way to restore my mana.” Dolph jumped up, doing his best puppy eyes “And I vill distract him with my adorableness! Nikki giggled “Thanks guys…we will make sure he gets what he deserves!” 

Daniel laughed as he crossed the line “Awww, this is so cute! But it’s useless! You guys don’t have to be sad when you have-” Daniel tilted his head, you could hear an audible crack ”-Xemüg! Since when you’re gone, you’ll know that you’ll ascend to a higer plane of existence!” Max glared “Are you serious!? Now is NOT the time to be promoting your fucking cult! You are trying to prey on people who JUST witnessed deaths!? You’re a fucking freak! God, I hope you die next!” 

Gwen crossed the finish line, crossing her arms. “Ditto.” Then she worriedly looked at David “David…?” She walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “David…we talked about this remember?” David was clutching his chest and gagging, Gwen sighed and gently grabbed David’s head, tilting it to look at her “David remember…follow me…inhale” Gwen inhaled “Hold it…exhale…” Gwen exhaled, David followed her and calmed down. David gave Gwen a wobbly smile “Thanks Gwen…” Gwen smiled softly “Don’t worry about it…we’ll get Cameron back for this…what he did to those fucking kids…” She gripped David’s shoulder without even noticing how tight she was gripping it until David flinched, then she let go. “Sorry…” David simpered “D-don’t worry it’s fine…I-I’m fine…” Gwen sighed, knowing full well that that was bullshit. But she didnt call him out on it, she just hugged him and David, despite knowing full well how much he didn’t deserve this, didn’t deserve kindness, didn’t deserve Gwen , let himself hug her back, and crying into her shoulder. Gwen asked “David…by the way…you were mumbling about how this was your fault…” She broke the hug to look David in the eye “What did you mean by that?” David looked down “W-well I…I-I…” 

Just then a loud buzzer was heard, Bonquisha and Jacob crossed the line, Cameron clapped his hands and resounded “That was the end of the 1st game! Time for dinner! The guards will lead everyone back inside!” The guards led the remaining players back inside

Chapter Text

When everyone got inside, they saw that now there were bunk beds set up, David’s stomach dropped, this was all his fault…the kids were going to die here, some already had! He’s the worst camp counselor ever! He hugged himself tight, closing his eyes shut, hoping that if he opened them, he would wake up back at the counsoler’s cabin, ready for an exciting day at camp, and that he really didn’t kill kids and put the campers who he was supposed to care for in danger.

…

But it was to no avail. When he opened them, he was right back where he dreaded. He fell to the floor, his legs suddenly jelly. Gwen sat next to him, with a hand on his back and a soft smile. He pulled out the most convincing one he could muster, but even then it still looked like he was about to burst into tears. Max, Nikki, and Neil all sat down next to David and Gwen. Neil was hugging his knees, looking down, occasionally trembling, Max had a blank face, but he was always hard to read. Nikki was stroking one of her pigtails, occasionally whimpering. 

Eventually, the guards came through with lunchboxes and handed them out. Once David got his, he opened it, what was inside was a cheap peanut butter and jelly sandwich with stale, chewy bread. There was also a regular milk carton that was lukewarm and about a day away from its expiration date. David closed the lunchbox and pushed it away. “I’m…not hungry…” He wasn’t lying, his stomach was twisting with guilt, he felt like if he ate something he threw up. It wasn’t just that the food didn’t exactly look appitezing, after years of working at Camp Campbell, his stomach was clinically dead, so that wasn’t a problem. He looked over at Max, the poor boy was all skin and bones…he was so small…

“Do you want it instead, Max?” 

David blurted that out almost without thinking.

Max blinked “Uh…okay…?”

He took the food, making David smile a little.

At least he did one good thing today…

But it would take hundreds of years of good deeds to even begin to make up for the kids he killed.

Nerris called Nikki over “Nikki! Come over here!” Nikki yelled back “O-oh! Ok! Yeah!” She ran over to them and Nerris looked at the sandwich “Remember how Harrison tried to do an illusion trick with the Caprimoon straw but kept failing?” They laughed and Nikki chucked “Heh…y-yeah…” She looked down. Nerris sighed “I just…I can’t believe he’s really…gone…” Nikki nodded and Nerris continued “I mean…his magic was always terrible and we were never really friends…but” They sighed and hugged their knees. Eyes becoming watery. “I’ve been thinking and…I-I was always so mean to him…I don’t even know why…I just wanted to be the only magic kid…I always felt outshined by him…everyone used to fawn over his magic…I…I finally got my wish but now…” Nerris’ voice cracked as they sniffled “I-I just want to take it back” They buried their face in their knees and sobbed. Nikki looked at Nerris softly “Nerris…” Dolph placed a tiny hand on their arm “We cannot change zhe past! We just have to march forward!” Nerris lamented, voice muffled “I-it’s just…” Nerris picked their head up from their knees “I was so terrible to him…more than anyone else and now…” They cried and Nikki comforted “Aww…Nerris…c’mere…” She opened her arms out for a hug with a sweet smile, and Nerris hugged her, crying into her shoulder, while Nikki patted her back. Nikki cried a little while she hugged them. Then Dolph comforted “Hey! No matter what, ve vill always have each other! Group hug!” They all hugged with a smile on their face.

While David was looking down, thinking about how horrible he was, then Lillian walked over to him and sat next to him, with her legs to her side. “Sugar…are you ok?” David’s head snapped over to her “O-of course!” David insisted, putting on his most cheerful voice. Lillian frowned and put a hand to his shoulder “Darlin’...you don’t have to be what happened was…” Lillian’s voice trailed off, with a faraway look in her eye. David looked away, his stomach twisting again. Lillian sighed “I just…I saw what happened with you…back there…” David’s stomach dropped and he hugged his knees. Lillian gave him a look with a kindness David felt like, no, knew he didn’t deserve. “Darlin’...” David sniffled “I-it’s just…th-this is…this is all my fault…” Max groaned “I’m sick of hearing about this shit! David this wasn’t your fucking fault! You’re not the one that put us here! That was all Campbell’s idea! You should be hating him right now! Not yourself!” David simpered awkwardly “Uhm…yeah…about that-” Max slapped a hand over David’s mouth “Shut the fuck up! Your stupid fucking guilt almost got us killed last time!” Max immidately regretted what he said when David flinched back and the tears forming in his eyes. Max hesitantly put his hand back and stuffed the mediocre sandwich in his mouth, swallowing it down along with the apology that he was about to say. Who cares about morals here? Why the fuck did he hate seeing the hurt look on David’s face when he said that?

Whatever.

That didn’t matter.

Nothing mattered.

Not now.

Not ever.

Eventually everyone was finished and the lights were shut off. Cameron’s voice filled the room “It’s time for bed everyone! Make sure you rest up because we have a full day of fun tomorrow!” David’s stomach churned as he laid in the bottom bunk of a bed, curling himself up, tears falling down his cheeks. How could things get so bad? He was such a horrible person…he got children killed! He should’ve been the one getting killed! Max saved him but…why!? Max knew better than anyone how bad of a person he was! But he still saved him! Why!?  

David kept crying and sniffling, trying to be as quiet as he could, but then he heard a voice from the top bunk “Ugh! Can you shut the fuck up!? I’m trying to get some sleep!” David grabbed the dusty pillow from the bed, after beating the dust off of it, he squeaked “S-sorry!” He was so annoying…he pressed the pillow to his face to muffle his noises.

Then the voice mused “Wait…” David heard rustling from the bed above him “Oh come the fuck on!” Then he saw Max’s face hanging upside down “Of fucking course…” Max put his hands on the bar and jumped off, sitting next to David on his bed “Ok David, tell me why the fuck are you like this? You’re even more annoying and whiny than usual.” David hugged his knees and looked down, every cell in his body fighting, on one hand, he wanted so badly to tell Max, for Max to know how horrible he was and to lose all respect for him. Which is what he deserves, on the other hand…how would Max take this information? Max’s mind was far beyond his years…but he was still just a kid…David looked down, his lip trembling, Max sighed. “David for the last fucking time, this isn’t your fault!” David hesitated, then spoke, voice resolute “You’re wrong…” Max pinched the bridge of his nose “David I swear to god-” David sighed. He had to tell someone… “Max…I…I have something to tell you…” Max crossed his arms “What?” David clenched his fists “I..I-I…” 

“HELP!”

They were cut off by a woman screaming for help. “No!” David got up but then Max held David’s arm “David. I know what you’re thinking. Don’t be a martyr.” David broke his arm away from Max’s grip “I’m sorry Max, but if someone is hurt, I have to help them!” “David!” Max tried to reach for him but ended up falling on his face. He groaned as he watched David run. “That fucking idiot…” Max mumbled. 

David saw a guy with a light brown beard and green eyes holding back Lillian by her arms, while another guy with brown hair and brown eyes was punching her stomach. David gasped “Lillian!” He pulled the guy punching her stomach back, then he took Lillian’s hand and pulled her out of the other guy’s arms “Are you ok!?” Lillian took a deep breath “Y-yes…” She hugged David “Thank ya darlin’...”Just then David was pulled back by his arms, hard and fast.

CRACK!

“AUGH!” David screamed. Lillian gasped “H-hey! W-we don’t have ta-” She was pushed back. “Stay outta this!” The bearded guy lashed “Dirty Kevin’s got this!” David groaned as he was punched the stomach by the brown eyed guy. Then Nikki tackled the guy punched David’s stomach and started biting him. While Gwen roughly kicked Dirty Kevin in the groin. Kevin groaned in pain and fell on the floor, clutching it. David fell to the floor due to the relief that washed over him like a wave. Gwen helped him up “Are you ok?” David gave a meak smile “Yeah…don’t worry…I’m fine…” Gwen looked at his arms, there were bruises on them “You sure? Those look bad…” David beamed, not caring how fake it looked “Yeah, don’t worry.” He looked over at Nikki, who was biting the guy’s arm. He tried picking him up, but then fell down, a searing pain went through his arms when he tried. “AUGH! S-sorry…” Gwen sighed “You’re not fine…c’mon David.” She led him back to his bed, then walked over to get Nikki.  

Max looked at David’s arms, littered with purple bruises. He threw his head back as he complained “Ugh! You’re such an idiot! Why are you like this?! I fucking told you not to be a martyr!” David smiled weakly “Aw, it’s sweet that you care about me!” Max rolled his eyes in a silent protest “But don’t worry! I’m ok! This is just a little boo-boo! Nothing to worry about!” Boo-boo? This man was fucking pathetic. Max raised an eyebrow and lightly poked David in the arm. Causing David to inhale sharply and shut his eyes tight. Max sighed “Of fucking course…just go to sleep idiot.” Max exasperated, pulling himself up to his own bed. While David looked up at the bars above him. A throbbing pain in his arm.

This was what he deserved.

He deserved to be in pain.

Child murderer.

That’s all he was.

He fell asleep to the sound of his own crying muffled by a pillow hours later, he had to lay face down since his arms cruel pain made it impossible to pick anything up.

Only this time he couldn’t pretend that he was excited for tomorrow.

In fact it was the exact opposite.

He wasn’t dreading anything more.

Chapter Text

Penelope chirped into the mic on the stage, “Everyoneeee wake up~!” Campbell is speaking to the wonderful donors to make sure they are happy with how the games are going, so I’ll be supervising the activities today!” David groggily got up, rubbing his eyes…he barely got a few hours of sleep. He always had trouble going to sleep…but now with all the sins he committed in mind…it was astonishing that he even managed to get a few hours in…

Not that he deserved it anyway…

Penelope sang, “I can lead you much better than quitter Campbell can anyway! I don’t have a bachelor's degree for nothing! Now get up! I made sure to get the best breakfast for your looks! Just because you’re in a dangerous situation doesn’t mean you can’t look great while doing it!” 

Everyone trudged over to the breakfast cart and got their breakfast lunch boxes. Penelope gushed, “It’s an oatmeal bowl! It has oats for fiber, so you can keep your figure after eating it, and it also has banana, chia seeds, peanut butter, and oat milk to keep your skin looking young and fresh! Strawberries and blueberries to keep your hair shiny! And hot green tea with a fresh slice of lemon so your nails can stay healthy and strong, and your eyes bright! Just because you’re in a death game doesn’t mean you can’t still look beautiful!” She looked at David's eye bags and Nikki's crusty hair that hadn’t been washed in a while. “Well…ahem…mostly beautiful. Okay, dig in!”

Tabii rubbed her arm. “Well…at least my ugly pirate face won’t get worse…” Erin placed a hand on Tabii's shoulder. “Tabii, I said it before, you’re fresh to deaaaa…” Erin stopped what she was about to say. “You’re beautiful! And no stupid death game is gonna change that.” Tabii flashed a hesitant smile. “Thanks, Erin…” She sighed, “I wish Sasha were here to tell you how wrong you were…” Erin looked down, and nodded slowly, “Let’s just…get our breakfasts, you heard our garden mot-....Mrs. Priss.”

Everyone emotionlessly got their breakfasts. David looked down at it. The strawberries…the blueberries…the banana slices…It was so bright…so pretty…so delicious…so healthy…

He didn’t deserve it.

He looked over at Gwen and Max and saw their eyebags…his stomach twisted.

This was all his fault…all of his fault…all his fault…he must’ve kept Max up all night with his ugly crying…and Gwen probably spent all night dealing with Nikki since David was too weak and pathetic to do it. Even now, he can barely lift his tray up due to the burning ache in his arm.

He didn’t deserve this.

He was too weak for it.

He slid over to Gwen, Max, Nikki, and Neil. “Hey…how are you guys liking the food…?” Nikki got one of the chia seeds from the bowl and popped it into her mouth. “This actually isn’t that bad as long as you avoid all of the yucky ‘healthy’ junk.” Neil was picking up the oatmeal with his spoon and dropping it. “It doesn’t seem like this is drugged as well…at least that’s good. The texture is normal, slightly goopy, but that’s to be expected.” 

Gwen sipped the tea. “I’m not that hungry, thinking about everything that happened yesterday makes me lose my appetite.” Nikki gasped slightly as her eyes got wide, she dropped a chia seed and hugged her knees, whimpering into them once Gwen mentioned yesterday. David worriedly placed a hand on her back, looking sympathetically at her. While Neil worriedly looked at her. Max reached his hand out, but put it down. Occasionally glancing concernedly at her, then looking away, thinking he was slick and that nobody saw him. Gwen continued, not noticing how she triggered Nikki, “But the tea is fine, I guess, it’s not coffee, but caffeine is caffeine.” Max shrugged “Anything beats the shit that somehow qualified as food that we got last night. It somehow made me miss the Quartermaster’s shitty potatoes…what happened to him anyway?” David looked down, fidgeting. “I’m…actually not sure…I hope he’s okay…maybe he got out…?” Nikki poked at the oatmeal, shyly lifting her head up from her knees, picking up the lemon slice from the tea and sucking the juice out of it without even reacting to the sour taste. “I hope so…he was the only one weirder than me! Imagine if I was the weirdo here.” Dolph sat next to Nikki. “Ja, where iz that son of a vinch?” Nerris sat between them. “Mayhaps he got a dark hex cast on him!”

They heard a familiar, gravely voice, “Oh, I did.” David yelped and flinched, then he saw a guard behind him. “Q-Quartermaster?” The guard nodded. “Mhm.” David gasped “Quartermaster! How could you betray me and the campers like this?!” Quartermaster shrugged. “You heard me, boy, I told you I would betray you all once the opportunity arises. Besides, this is your fault anyway.”

David’s heart stopped, his eyes widened, pupils shaking, chest rising and falling quickly.

Did Quartermaster know!?

Of course he did!

David can’t hide from his sins forever, Quartermaster was going to reveal it and everyone was going to hate him and he would deserve it!

David was fine with that, he knew that all of that was true!

But h-how- how did he-!?

“You broke the bond I had with arch lord Xoz'gaz. I had to mend that bond somehow. He will be very pleased with the amount of death and carnage that will come from this.”

David hated the weight that was lifted from his lungs when he heard that.

It was just Quartermaster being weird as usual…

Dang it…

He wished that Quartermaster knew…just so he would get exactly what he deserves.

Max sighed, “This…isn’t as unexpected as I would’ve liked…” Gwen agreed, “I’m with you…”

Nikki looked up at him with watery eyes. “B-but…what about your appreciation day…? I…I thought you liked the gifts we gave you…” Quartermaster shrugged. “I may have been on your side before, but I value the prolonged existence of this world more than I do measly human bonds; all of my stuff is down here.”

Nikki looked down and sniffled while Neil patted her back, and Max worriedly looked at Nikki, before he glared at Quartermaster, “Can you just go now!?” Quartermaster was already turning around, and he began walking away, still talking. “Alright, boy.”

David looked at Gwen, “I’m…not hungry. Would you like my tea, Gwen?” 

She actually deserves it, unlike him, he’s fucking child killer. No better than Cameron, hell, he’s even worse than him! He’s the one who signed the poor campers and Gwen up! If it wasn’t for him, Space Kid…Nurf…Harrison…Preston…they would still be alive! This was all his fault!

David bit his lip, hard, licking the warm metallic blood that came from the bite before anyone saw it, the pain grounding him. Gwen blinked. “Oh, I’m fine, you didn’t eat anything yesterday, right? You should eat something, you need your energy.” David shook his head. If he was too tired to compete in the activity today, so what?

If he died, it would be better for everyone anyway.

David shook his head. “Oh, no, I’m ok! I insist!” Gwen smiled and rolled her eyes fondly as she took the cup from David’s hands. “You’re too nice.” Max rolled his eyes. “Yeah, you’re gonna die here.” David flinched 

That should scare him, but…

…

It’s not like that his death would be anything he didn’t deserve.

He had already caused so many deaths because he was stupid and reckless, and now kids were dead because of him!

An eye for an eye, right?

Gwen spat out her drink and coughed, when she snapped, her voice came out hoarse “WHAT THE FUCK MAX!?” Neil stared at Max. “Yeah, Max! That’s fucked up even for you!” And Nikki just whimpered and dug her face deeper into her knees. Max crossed his arms. “What?! If he keeps playing martyr, it’s only a matter of time before people find out and use that against him! Hell, he'll probably sacrifice himself before they even get the chance! I mean, look at him!” Everyone looked over at David, including Nikki, who barely lifted her head from her knees to look at him. “He has eyebags and puffy red eyes from crying all night, he’s not eating or drinking because he thinks this is his fault for whatever fucking reason, and his arms are all bruised because he just had to save some rando last night!” Lillian was walking by, but then she stopped. “Actually, he saved my life, and I am very grateful that he did,” Lillian commented with the tone of a mother scolding her child. Then she crouched down, put her hand on David’s shoulder, and pressed her lips to his cheek. David felt the soft flutter and held his cheek afterward. He didn’t mind it, it just wasn’t expected, I mean, the farthest he got with Bonquisha was a peck on the lips. Lillian giggled, “Thank you for that again, Sugar.” Gwen glared at Lillian, but then forced her gaze away from Lillian before anyone could notice and took a sip of her green tea.

Lillian sat between Gwen and David with her legs to her side and looked at David’s food. “Are you gonna eat, deary?” David shook his head, “O-oh! No, I’m not hungry!” Lillian shook her head. “Nonsense! You didn’t eat anything yesterday! You gotta eat today, hun!” David shook his head. “Really! I’m fi-” Lillian interrupted him, “David.” He looked at her. “Hm?” She looked at him sweetly. “Please? It would mean a lot to me.” David hesitated, pupils shaking.

But he can’t…he doesn’t deserve it, he deserves the aching pain gnawing at his stomach right now, he was a child murderer! The worst kind of murderer! But…what if he made things worse for Lillian by rejecting it!? Oh, he can’t do anything right! Lillian gave him her best puppy eyes, and he whimpered, conflicted, but then smiled softly. He couldn’t resist those eyes! “Oh, alright.” He tried picking up the spoon, but ended up groaning in pain, thanks to the throbbing pain in his arm. Max groaned and rolled his eyes. “What was that you said last night?” Max put on an extremely high pitched, purposefully annoying, voice “‘Just a little boo boo! Nothing to worry about!’ Yeah right, something tells me you were full of shit!” Lillian gasped, “Language! Where’d you learn to talk like that, young man!?” David chuckled weakly, “That’s our Max…he’s always been a very unique child…” Max hated the amount of parental affection that oozed from David’s voice when he said that. Lillian shook her head with her hands on her hips, then turned her attention to David. “I’m sorry you can’t eat because of me…I can feed you!” David smiled, “Oh! That’s very sweet of you, but-!” He didn’t deserve it, didn’t deserve it, didntdeserveit… ”Aw, c’mon, deary! It’s the least I can do since ya saved me last night! Just let me do this, please? As thanks.” She asked with an innocent tilt of the head.

Why did she have to look at him like that…?

It was impossible to say no…

David sighed, “Well…you don’t owe me anything, but…if you really want to, then…alright.”

You’re selfish David.

Selfishselfishselfish…

Lillian smiled, unaware of David’s self-hatred going through his head right now as she took a spoonful and brought it to David’s lips. While Gwen was sipping her tea and rolling her eyes so hard that they looked like they were going to the back of her head, looking away from the…display going on in front of her. David finally ate the oatmeal.

…

Yeah, it was really good.

Or…objectively, it was, it should’ve been.

The bananas were sweet, the peanut butter had the perfect mix of crunchiness and smoothness, and the oat milk made it just the right amount of creamy. But it was all tainted with the bitterness of the situation. Making the sweetness taste sour. Even if David didn’t hate himself for being a kid murderer who deserves to die, he still couldn’t enjoy it in this situation…was he being ungrateful…?

He looked down at all the people who were sitting near him, Lillian smiling at him sweetly, the way Gwen was defending him when Max rightfully snapped at him…

He didn’t deserve it.

Hedidn’tdeserveit.

Hedidn’tdeserveithedidn’tdeserveithedidn’tdeserveithedidn’tdeserveit…

Suddenly, he was clutching his head and hyperventilating.

How did that even happen!?

One moment he was having a perfectly nice breakfast, and the next-

OH GOD HIS HEART IS POUNDING SO FAST! He’s not sure if he can breathe!

He curled himself up in a ball.

Lillian gasped as she dropped the spoon and nervously reached for David. “Hun, are you ok!?” Max worriedly looked at him but couldn’t get any words out. Neil narrowed his eyes and seemed to examine David. And Nikki worriedly reached her arm out to him, “David…? Why is your breathing all funny?” Gwen pulled Nikki back gently when she tried to get closer. “Everyone, back up!” Gwen ordered. They hesitantly shuffled, all except Lillian and Max, still worriedly looking at the hyperventilating man, who now had tears at the corners of his eyes. Gwen pushed them away softly. “Back.” She started talking to David in a soft voice and carefully moved his arms and tilted his face so he could see her. “David…focus on me and my breathing, ok? Focus…” She took a deep breath. “Calming thoughts, David…calming thoughts...Lake Lilac on a calm day...when we watched Bob Ross together...remember those things and follow my breathing, ok? In...and out...” David followed her lead and calmed down. Gwen looked back at everyone. “Everything’s ok now.” And everyone went back to their sitting positions to awkwardly resume their breakfast.

Snake was poking at his oatmeal, waiting for Petrol to come back from the bathroom, his mind still spinning from Pikeman’s death, meanwhile Daniel was walking by and stopped when he saw Snake. He crouched down to his level. “Hey! I couldn’t help but notice that you’re looking all glum! What’s the matter, sport?” Snake twisted his spoon. “It’s nothing…” Daniel sighed and got up. “Well…I only wanted to help you…but if you don’t trust me…” Snake hesitated but spoke, “Wait…sorry for being rude…my mind is just…so crazy lately…” Daniel smiled while he crouched down to Snake’s level. “Aw! Don’t worry about it, kiddo! This is a crazy situation! It just brings out the worst in people! Now tell me what’s the matter so I can help you out!” Snake looked down, Daniel tilted his head. “Well, you’ll tell me, right sport?” Snake finally spoke, “It’s just…our scout leader was killed yesterday…like actually killed r-right in front of me and I just…” Daniel tsked “Ah yes, I remember that…such. A. Shame.” Snake sighed, “You have no idea…I just…feel so lost…what should I do now…? Ah…wait…no, sorry, I shouldn’t be bothering others with my problems. I just have to shove them down and bottle them up, like how a real man does.” Daniel smiled, showing his teeth. “Ah, don’t worry about it, bud! It’s no problem!” Snake looked up. “It’s not…? But Pikeman-” Daniel shook his head. “Don’t concern yourself with his teachings! I’m your friend, and I won’t judge you no matter what! Much like Xemüg!” 

Daniel stopped himself, putting a hand over his mouth, and shooting up. “Oop! Sorry! I only tell real men who can handle Xemüg about him…forget I said anything!” Snake shook his head, “No! Wait! I’m man enough! Tell me!” Daniel stopped and rubbed his chin. “Hmmm…” but then he went back down to Snake’s level and agreed, “Well…alright! You’ve twisted my arm! Xemüg is a savior! He has the only teachings that really matter!” Snake blinked. “But-” Daniel interrupted him. “No buts, Billy! You’re scared right now, aren’t you? I imagine a little boy like you would be terrified in a situation like this.” Snake looked down, then hesitantly nodded, then attempted to backtrack as fast as he could.”But it’s nothing I can’t handle, I earned my wildness survival badge-” Daniel stopped him with a finger to Snake’s lips. 

“Shhh! You don’t have to pretend like you’re strong and brave around me! I told you I won’t judge you, quite the contrary! I want to help you! I, much like Xemüg, want to help the weak and helpless!” Snake protested, “But I’m not-!” Daniel grabbed Snake’s wrist and pulled him roughly towards him, cutting Snake off. “Billy, please don’t interrupt me when I’m trying to talk! I just want to help you, but you’re making me feel like some kind of monster!” Snake looked down. “I’m…I’m sorry…” Daniel let go of Snake’s wrist and ruffled his hair. “Aw! Don’t worry about it, bud!” Daniel put his hand on his own chest, right on his heart, then he tilted his head slightly. “You’re lucky to have a friend like me since Xemüg encourages forgiveness!” He put his hands on his knees, looking like a caring uncle. “With Xemüg, you don’t have to be afraid! You will know what it truly is to be free in his eternal paradise!” Snake looked up at him with a slightly downturned mouth and a raised eyebrow. 

Daniel put one of his hands behind his back and pulled a pamphlet from seemingly thin air, then put it in Snake’s hand and carefully put Snake’s fingers over the pamphlet. “I would never want to force someone on the right path, so just take this and think about it, okay, Billy? I’m giving this to you because I trust you! Do not show it to any non-believers or they might try to lead you away from the path of redemption, ok buddy?” He patted Snake’s head and planted his hand on Snake’s shoulder, looked forward, and pulled Snake towards him, stretching his other hand out, as if he was reaching out for something. “Come find me if you’d like to learn more about Xemüg at any time! Just remember, Billy,” He moved his hand in a wistful motion. “Xemüg will accept you no matter how weak or scared you are!” Snake looked at him. "Wait...why are you saying that…?" Daniel laughed, "Oh! No reason!" Then Daniel walked away with a big smile on his face. 

"No reason at all..." 

Snake looked down at the pamphlet. Petrol went over to Snake and grunted, then Snake said, “What’s this in my hand?” He clumsily hid his hands behind his back. “Oh, nothing…” 

“Nothing at all…”

Tabii poked at her food, her expression blank. “Remember how Miss. Priss made us this for breakfast…?” Erin stopped in her tracks, then slowly nodded. Tabii looked up. “I miss that Miss. Priss…I just don’t get why, Miss. Priss would do this…d-did we not sell enough c-cookies, i-is she still mad about Cabo, or…” Tabii broke out into tears and Erin hugged her. “Tabii…” Tabii sobbed harder. “I…I miss Sasha s-so much…she would have the perfect sassy remark right now…” Erin patted her back. “I-I know…” Tabii broke away from the hug and looked up at Erin, “What about you…how are you feeling…?” Erin looked away “Nothing…I-I’m fine…” Tabii’s face softened. “Erin…come on, you can tell me! We’re best friends!” Erin snapped, “I’m FINE!” Tabii winced, then her expression hardened. “Fine then, be that way, skank!” Then she took her breakfast and stormed away as Erin reached her hand out, then forced her attention back to her breakfast, angry. Suddenly feeling a lot less hungry, maybe that had something to do with the lump in her throat.

Dirty Kevin was talking to the guy he was using to beat people. “I don’t know Vince…you see any other weak person that doesn’t have anyone protecting them?” Vince thought, “We could try that homeless twink…but he has people defending him soooo…” He looked around, and his eyes locked on Snake. Then he pointed to Snake. “What about that little kid?” Dirty Kevin debated, “Ehhh…I dunno how I feel about attacking kids…besides, he’s got the one big quiet guy next to him.” Vince beseeched, “We just have to wait till that guy is asleep and make sure the kid doesn’t make any noise. You have always helped me physically assault the homeless people in needle alley, and you’re a drug dealer.” Dirty Kevin jolted. “How did you know that? I never told you that.” Vince crossed his arms. “You told me to buy ecstasy from you when we first met.” Dirty Kevin smacked his lips, “Ohhh…righttt…” and punctuated that with a click of his tongue.

Vince continued ”And don’t think I forgot when you told me about how you’re helping little girls sell cookies laced with Crystal Meth, so don’t act like you’re developing morals now. Besides, do you want someone else to win money? We agreed to weed out to competition.” Kevin vacillated, “Ehh…I don’t know, I mean I don’t even sell to kids…besides…uh…that one time. But they were selling it, not consuming it, so that’s different.” Vince groaned, “Stop acting like you’re ‘holier than thou’. You’re not, and you never were. Especially not in these conditions. You know what happens if we lose.” Kevin shivered but didn’t say anything. Vince cajoled, “As long as we eliminate the competition, we’ll get to the final 2 together, then split the money.” Dirty Kevin squinted. “How do you know that will even be allowed?” Vince shrugged. “That guy who got me signed up for this told me so.” Dirty Kevin rolled his eyes. “And he’s sooo reliable…” Vince scoffed, “Oh yeah, like you’re reliable?” Dirty Kevin sighed, and after hesitating, he gave in. “Alright, alright, you’ve gotta point…fine. But if someone comes to get him, next time, I’ll choose the victim.” Vince stuck his hand out. “Deal.” But Kevin just slapped it away. Vince accepted the rejection with grace; he simply took his cigar out of his tracksuit collar, lit it with a lighter he took out of his collar, and smoked his cigar. Kevin flinched. “Wait, we were strip-searched before we put our tracksuits on, and we don’t have any pockets on these, where did you hide that?” Vince smoked his cigar more and exhaled the smoke. “You don’t want to know…” Kevin’s face quickly turned to disgust. “Ugh…yeah…you’re right, I don’t wanna know.”

A bell rang and just like that, it was time for the next game.

Chapter Text

Penelope exulted, “Oookay, everyone! Time for the next game! The guards will lead you to it!” Everyone was being led to the next game. It was a playground set in a giant sandbox. The guards sat everyone down and set a paper with multiple shapes in front of them. The blonde Miller’s gut twisted with guilt as he saw the state the campers were in. At best, they looked numb. Like Gwen and Max. Both of whom were just staring blankly at the page. One was a passionate young adult with so much untapped potential, and just wanted a normal life, full of snark and sarcasm. The other was a brilliant 10-year-old full of sass and now…

He gulped.

At worst, they looked absolutely exhausted and miserable. Like David and Nikki. David has eyebags and a deep frown. Nikki was hugging her knees and staring at the paper, visibly shaking. The blonde Miller tried to hide the shakiness in his voice when he said: “Pick a shape.” He hoped he would succeed. He secretly prayed that nobody would choose a shape that was too difficult.

David mumbled, “I..I don’t know…I guess I’ll choose the triangle…” David gulped and clenched his fists into his legs. Maybe if he looked at the shape for long enough…he could imagine that he was still in the forest looking at trees…and not causing the deaths of young children…maybe nobody will die in this challenge…right…?

…

David knew he was kidding himself.

Miller sighed with relief when David picked his shape. Good…good, good, good.

Nikki hesitated, stroking one of her pigtails “U-uhm…I guess I choose the triangle…? It uhm…kinda looks like a tree and…I like climbing trees…”

Lillian nodded, “I choose the triangle too…it’s the shape of a freshly baked slice of pie at the restaurant I work at…”

Gwen agreed, “I’ll choose the triangle as well, it reminds me of when I could just watch trash reality tv shows and someone needed to shank a bitch…god…I can’t believe I miss watching trash tv at camp fucking Campbell…at least innocent fucking kids weren’t getting murdered .”

So far, so good…

Max shrugged, “I don’t fucking care…uhhh I guess I’ll choose a square? I don’t fucking know…” Max's stomach twisted as he hoped Gwen, Nikki, David, made, and Neil would make the right choice.

If they were gone, Max would…

He would…

…

It doesn’t matter.

He just…needed them to be alive…

Meanwhile, Miller was thinking about everyone’s shapes thus far…

Good…

Very good…

Dolph smiled, “I choose ze square too! It is ze shape of mine home country’s flag! Ve are so similar Max!” Max’s expression turned angry, his brows furrowing. “Ew. Never tell me that again.”

Snake said, “I’ll choose square. It’s the shape of the American flag.” Petrol grunted. He agreed with Snake. At least the American flag resembled hope…something they desperately needed in this situation…

Vince smiled, “I choose the square, the same shape of the dollar bill! After all, money makes the world go round! That’s why we’re here anyway!” Vince elbowed Dirty Kevin, and he said, “Uh…yeah, I agree. Square.”

Miller’s heart felt a little lighter as they picked an easy shape.

Ok…good…

Bonquisha said, “I choose circle. I guess…I mean…at least in this…situation…” Bonquisha nodded, gulping shakily as she remembered the deaths she had witnessed, hoping she could scrub her brain so she could just…forget it all. “It kinda reminds me of something…good…but anything would be better than this, it’s like the shape my mouth is in when-” Jacob gently put his strong to her mouth. “Uhm, sweetie…there’s children here…” Bonquisha grumbled as she removed his hand “These children have seen death, and you think they can’t handle talking about s-” Jacob interrupted her “Honey...please…” His eyes were soulful with sadness. “Let’s just…keep the last bit of innocence they have left…” Bonquisha looked down, and nodded.

Tabii said, “I choose the circle…at least it kinda looks like the eye I had before I became a pirate freak…” Erin agreed, “Uh, yeah, good choice Tabii.” Tabii scoffed and turned away, “You copying slut!” Erin looked down but didn’t say anything. 

Alright…

Nerris scoffed, “Uhm…H-Harrison would’ve chosen the star before h-he…” They gulped “So uh…I choose the star.”

At least they can keep Harrison’s memory alive..

No.

Neil concurred, “Exactly! These idiots don’t realize that this is the most scientific shape there is! Tell me another shape that has scientific value! Although real stars don’t have this shape…but I’ll allow it.” Neil looked down and mumbled, “Maybe I can work on the revive ray while I’m down here…”  Neil put one of his hands into a fist and put it into the palm of his hand. “That way I won’t cry myself to sleep at night!”

No…

Jacob laughed. “That’s cool of you, kids! It’s cool to see you guys being cheerful in this…situation. I love your passion! I’ll choose the star too!” 

Daniel smiled wider than usual. “I choose the star! That shape will please Xemüg!”

Ered asserted, “Yeah…I choose the star cause it’s like…cool and…stuff…I-I guess” Her voice cracked as the memories of yesterday flashed through her eyes, causing tears to develop in her eyes, which she desperately hid by hugging her knees to her chest and burying her face in her knees.

Miller’s heart broke at the sight…

His precious baby girl…he wanted so badly to get up and hug her…to take her away from…everything…

The shape she chose through…the shape she chose!

Nonononononono…

The blonde Miller interrupted them, “Are you SURE that you want this shape? You can’t change it later.” Wishing that he wasn’t wearing this dumb mask so they could see the pleading in his eyes. Tabii snarled, “Are you saying we’re stupid and didn’t choose the right shapes?!” The blonde Miller shook his head profusely. “No! It’s just-! The shape you choose, it-” Penelope cleared her throat purposefully loud, and when the blonde Miller looked back, Penelope was holding onto the remote, with her thumb on the button.

Not pressing.

Just resting.

Miller faltered “Ok…fine…if you’re all sure…” He deliberately paused, hoping, begging that the stars would change. But when he saw that Penelope still had her thumb on the button, he gave up. 

Everyone else chose their shapes. Afterwards, Miller went to the side of the room against the wall, holding his gun. Hands shaky as he gulped.

Please, please don’t have him shoot anymore children today…he couldn’t get any sleep last night because he still hears Preston’s screams ringing in his ears…he can still see him everytime he closes his eyes…he was just a kid…he had a family, a possible future career in acting and now…

Now…

He’ll never be able to reach his full potential…

And it was all.

Because.

Of.

Him.

He knew it was wrong! But if it was either Preston or Ered…did he even have a choice…? He already lost his lover…he couldn’t lose Ered…he just…can’t. She’s his only family that he has left…

Penelope walked in with a cart with all of the cookies categorized by shape. 

While Penelope was passing out the cookies with the help of the guards, Cameron was talking to the donors who are funding this game in the first place, paying Cameron and Penelope, and whose money is the prize money.

“So…the Campwells, how are you enjoying the game so far? Do you have any thoughts, notes?”

The Campwells were sitting on a plush black couch with wine glasses and a coffee table. Along with a large flat screen TV, live-streaming the game is currently happening. With a sidebar showing the still-alive players. Along with other flat-screen TVs live-streaming the kitchen, the bedroom/dining space, even the hallway leading to their room just in case any players felt like getting wise.

Mrs. Campwell laughed, “It is simply marvelous! Seeing the deaths of the little devils who ruined our lives with all the camps they destroyed and the donations they forced us to give them is most delightful! I also enjoy seeing more still-surviving camps fall! Especially civilians! Why couldn’t they give any support to us when our business was crumbling!?” She slammed her wine glass into the table so hard that it cracked. Her husband placed his hand on his wife’s. “Although I think we would both prefer if you get rid of that ‘Max’ kid sooner rather than later. You said he was the one to orchestrate the plan against our camps, yes?” Cameron put his hands up “I know, and we are trying, I promise! But we can’t just kill off a player for an illegitimate reason! Don’t worry! He will get killed sooner or later!” Mrs. Campwell scowled, “We would prefer sooner…” Cameron promised, “Then you will have it! Just give it some time, and I promise you will get your wish!” Mrs. Campbell sat back. “We better…we’re not paying you and your little girlfriend to slack off! While we’re pleased with the deaths so far, there’s one person we want dead more than anyone else. And you know that. So you better give us what we desire. ” Cameron continued, “Oh you will…”

“I promise.”

Penelope clapped her hands. “O-kay~! Does everyone have their cookies?” After she heard several mumbling confirmations, she continued. “Alrighty! We couldn’t afford honeycomb cookies…so we just used some leftover flower scout cookies.” Nikki licked her cookie and recoiled harshly “Ugh! How do you make thin mints taste gross?! This is like toothpaste! No wonder why they were left over!” Penelope snapped. “Nikki! Everything the flower scouts make is delicious. You just don’t get it because you were never worthy of being a flower scout! Why do you think Sasha ran you out?!” Nikki flinched and her eyes widened slowly as they began filling with tears as memories of the deaths she witnessed flashed through her mind. 

Tabii growled and charged at Penelope. “DON’T YOU DARE FUCKING BRING HER UP!” She jumped onto Penelope and slapped her cheek as hard as she could, the slap left a red mark on Penelope’s cheek. “Sasha was my best friend! And she’s fucking dead!” Tabii seerched “BECAUSE OF YOU!” She then roughly tore Penelope’s hair out, her hands moved lightning fast. Leaving strands of brown hair on the ground. Screaming at Penelope while doing so. “YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE OUR GARDEN MOTHER! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT US! BUT YOU KILLED US! YOU.” 

Tabii grabbed the back of Penelope’s hair and pulled it roughly. Taking out a clump. A searing pain overwhelmed her scalp.

”FUCKING.” Tabii slapped her cheek again, causing swelling.

”KILLED US!” Tabii scratched Penelope’s face, leaving a red scratch against her cheek that was bleeding lightly. Penelope yelled as a quick burning pain covered her cheek. “OUCH!” and threw Tabii off roughly. Strands of Penelope’s brown hair on the ground. But right before Tabii was thrown off, she grabbed one of Penelope’s earrings and tore it out. Taking the earring down with her. Making Penelope scream as she gripped her ear. Causing her hand to quickly cover in warm blood, the earlobe completely torn in half, you could see blood the needle. Tabii landed on her feet. Then she stuck the earring in Penelope’s leg, leaving blood that the earring took on it’s descent on it, she dug it deep, staring at Penelope’s intensely while doing it, before she quickly yanked it out upwards, making the wound on her leg longer. Blood dripping from it, a metalic scent that the kids were all too familiar with lingered in the air while Penelope fell to the ground. Tabii then took a handful of sand and throwing it in her leg wound, rubbing it in. Penelope gritted her teeth as a pain rushed through her, she could feel every single grain of sand being rubbed into her wound.

Penelope snarled and kicked Tabii back roughly, making Tabii clutch her stomach as a bruise quickly formed. “You little brat! You were always my least favorite…so unladylike!” Tabii growled louder as she put her hands on the ground, crouching, ready to pounce on Penelope again.

Just then Penelope jolted forward and grabbed onto Tabii’s arm roughly to the point of pain, yanking her closer, as she pulled out a gun with her other hand and pointed it directly in the middle of Tabii’s forehead, the cold metal digging into it. Penelope was staring at her with a mean look “You think you can scare me you brat!? I MADE you and I can BREAK you!” Tabii tried to charge at her again, yelling. “You think you can stop me with a fucking gun bitch!? I’ll KILL YOU!” Penelope’s finger rested on the trigger, tightening slightly, her stare challenging Tabii to go further. Erin sweated as she watched the scene, running to Tabii. Tabii attempted to pounce on Penelope again, but…she couldn’t move. Her legs were moving like crazy, but she wasn’t moving.

She looked behind her and saw Erin holding her back by her arms. “Of course Miss. Priss!” She began leading Tabii back to her spot “I’ll take her back and you finish your game!” Tabii started moving wildly and then she snapped. “Why are you doing this Erin!? Let me at her! She betrayed us! She deserves to DIE!” Then Erin yelled “Becuase you’re my friend! And friends don’t let other friends make dumb decisions! I won’t let another one of us die!” Tabii’s eye filled with tears as she winced. Erin commanded, voice assertive and loud. “Now. Sit. DOWN!” Tabii flinched but sat down. Erin took deep breaths than sat back down at her spot. She looked at Tabii “I’m…sorry…” Tabii’s gaze softened, but then she looked away.

Penelope tore the earring from Tabii’s hand and stumbled as she walked “The guards will explain the challenge to you! I will go to our medical tent!” She glared at Tabii “I know who I hope will fail this challenge.” Tabii gulped and Erin gently put her hand on her arm. Erin comforted “For what it’s worth…I think Miss. Priss deserved it.” Tabii scoffed “Of course she did!” Erin gently looked at her and Tabii whimpered as she curled herself up against Erin’s chest, as Erin hugged her softly. Tabii exhaled and looked up at her clutching her stomach tightly.

“...I’m really scared…”

Erin nodded. 

“I know…”

And maybe…she is too…

Lillian put a hand on Tabii’s back “You’ll be ok sweetie…”

David was frozen and sat next to Erin “Are you ok…?”

Erin looked away and David gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

At least he didn’t kill Sasha…he already killed enough children though…he killed more than enough to justify him burning in hell.

Erin began crying softly, resting her head on the top of Tabii’s as David hugged her from the side.

Quartermaster walked over. “Hello children and adults. Today’s challenge needs you to cut a cookie into your chosen shape. I can foretell that not all of you will survive this challenge.”

David’s stomach twisted.

His fault…

This was his fault!

Quartermaster could be wrong…right?

Right…

Sure he was…

Everything would be fine…

…Maybe if David repeated it in his mind enough, eventually, he’d believe it…

Quartermaster picked up a spare thin mint with his hook hand “Like so.” Quartermaster said as carved out a triangle with a needle. “If you crack or break the cookie, then your lively existence will come to a brutal end in front of all of your peers. Xoz'gaz loves this. This will surely mend our bond with his world. Everyone separate now. We can’t have people helping each other.” Everyone separated as they got needles and began attempting to crave their shape.

Neil whispered harshly “How am I supposed to do this!? This cooki!” He looked to the side of him and saw Nikki licking the cookie. He stared at her like she was insane. “Nikki!” He whisper-shouted “What are you doing!?” Nikki looked at him like a lost puppy. “What?” Neil questioned “I thought you said it was disgusting!” Nikki nodded “Yeah it is!” She punctuated that with another lick of the cookie. Neil narrowed his eyes “Wait…try to cut out a piece of your cookie.” Nikki raised an eyebrow but did what he said. It came off easily. Neil snapped his fingers “Exactly! The impact of a human tongue on the chocolate of the cookie must break down-” Nikki tilted her head “Uh…English, please!” Neil sighed “If you lick the cookies, it becomes easier to cut.” 

Quartermaster barked “HEY! No fraternizing! Get back to work!” Neil answered “Ok!” Then he whispered to Nikki “Pass it on.” And he began licking his cookie. It really did taste like toothpaste, but it was a small price to pay for his life. Nikki whispered that to Nerris, who tried to pass it onto Dolph. But Dolph wasn’t there, Nerris blinked but then they turned their head and saw Dolph playing on the monkey bars while Lillian was pleading with him. “Dolph was it? Please come back and do the challenge! I know that this is fun, but the challenge is very important!” David was next to Dolph begging. “Dolph, please go back and do the challenge! I can’t be responsible for another death!” Another death? What the-

Quartermaster ordered “Lillian! Boy! Back to your stations! If the Hitler kid wants to play on the monkey bars, he can! He can get himself shot!” David looked at Dolph “Dolph please!” “NOW!” Quartermaster barked, David flinched and ran back to his spot.

Cameron went back. “Hello! Penelope texted me that she got hurt by someone …” Cameron informed, looking at Tabii, who’s hands were shaking as she brought the needle to the cookie, quickly retracting the needle as if she got burned whenever she poked the cookie with it. Cameron continued. “So I will be subbing for her until she comes back, as the meeting with our sponsors ended sooner than I expected. Andddd meaningless to say…” Cameron dusted off his brown vest with a smugness that made Gwen’s blood boil . “They are extremely pleased with how the games are going right now! They just have a few…suggestions.” The way Cameron looked at Max after saying that made Max feel as if spiders were crawling in his skin.

And he can never.

Get them.

Off.

As everyone passed around the advice, Dolph eventually went back and carved the mona lisa out of the cookie. He raised his hand and Cameron walked over. Dolph lifted his cookie, trembling. “I-iz…iz thiz suitable Mr. Campbell…?” Cameron blinked “That’s…that’s not even a shape…Penny probably wouldn’t be happy if I passed you for this but…ah what the hell, if she wanted to judge this she shouldn’t have gotten hurt! You pass! Go play on the playground or…whatever it is that you do.” Dolph exhaled and went to play on the monkey bars. 

Nikki, Neil, Max, David, Lillian, Jacob, and Gwen have finished their cookies. Nikki and Dolph were playing together, meanwhile Lillian and Jacob were playing along with them as well. Max, David, Neil, and Gwen were sitting down. David sighed of relief when he sat down, watching the rest of the campers. “Maybe…maybe things will be ok….I mean…8 are alive already…” Gwen sat next to him, rubbing his back. David looked over to her and gave her a meek smile. “Right…?” Gwen asked “Are you…okay…? I mean…these challenges and stuff…” David hugged himself “I’m-...I’ll be okay, don’t worry. You think all the campers got the advice…?” Gwen smiled at him “I’m sure…don’t worry David…”

Ered’s hands were shaking as she was cutting her cookie, but then…

SNAP

…

Her cookies snapped into two.

Ered began hyperventilating “Nononononononno….”

Penelope went back, her earlobe stitched up “I’m back~” She sang cheerfully. Ered backed herself up to the wall, clutching the sides of her head as she was hyperventilating and mumbling to herself.

“Thisisn’thappening…thisisn’thappening…thisisn’thappening…”

Tears filled her ears as she continually mumbled to herself that this wasn’t happening.

She kept closing her eyes shut tight and opening them back up. Hoping that she would wake up back in her tent, that she went back to get some mediocre breakfast, and that nobody really got killed but no matter how many times she did it, she never went back home.

This is bad…

Thisisbadthisisbadthisisbad…

Her heart was racing faster than it had any right to, she felt as if it was trying to beat out of her chest. Her body was burning

“This can’t be real…” She mumbled. She grabbed onto Nerris’ shoulders and shook them “TELL ME THIS ISN’T REAL!” And because of that Nerris misplaced their needle and…

CRACK

…

Penelope laughed “Oh how unfortunate…well, first come, first serve! Come up Ered!” 

“NO!” David begged “Please! No more…no more…” Penelope giggled “Would you like to take her place?”

David hesitated then nodded “Ye-!” Then Max jumped in front of him. “NO!” He was breathing heavily. “No…he doesn’t…just…” Max’s voice trailed off, his eyes were on the floor.

He…he just couldn’t let David die…he couldn’t!

David can’t be gone he was…

He was…

…

He was a father figure to him.

He was just a dumb camp counsoler. But he just…can’t let him die.

Cameron smirked “Just do what Max?”

Max mumbled “Just…do what you were going to do.” David begged “Max! Let me-!” Max glared at him “No! I won’t let you fucking leave me David!”

David flinched.

“Max…”

Max looked down and just muttered, “Shut up David…”

Penelope grabbed onto Ered’s arms as Ered struggled, moving her limbs around wildly. “NO! NO! LET ME GO!” She began sobbing “I DON’T WANNA DIE! PLEASE!” Penelope dragged her to the front of the room, planting a gun to the side of her head. The blonde Miller ran to her, pointing a gun at Penelope. “Let my daughter go, NOW!” Ered looked up “Daughter…?” Penelope cackled “Oh, you won’t do anything. Unless you forgot who has the power here…” She gestured to Cameron who was fishing the button out of his pocket. Miller gripped his gun, and hit Penelope and Cameron in the face with it. They fell down and Miller got down to Ered’s level, grabbing her shoulders protectively. “Ered. Run. And don’t stop running.” He turned her around and pushed her. She ran and her father said. “Ered…” Ered looked back and her dad took his mask off, he had gentle eyes, a warm smile, tears running down his face, and blonde hair that was slicked back. He was looking at is daughter with pure parental love and affection “Me and your father will always love you. Never forgot that. And you’ll meet him again in Heaven. And I’ll always love you, even if I won’t be there with you and other daddy.” 

BOOM

…

And with that Ered had lost both of her fathers in 2 days.

Ered ran to her father’s blown up body and tugged at his arm.

“Dad!? DAD! WAKE UP DAD! WAKE UP PLEASE! I LOVE YOU!” She cried into his arm and Cameron pulled her up by her hair. She kicked and screamed. “LET ME GO! PLEASE! LET ME GO! I’LL DO ANYTHING! JUST LET ME GO, PLEASE! I DON’T WANNA DIE! DAD! DAD PLEASE GET UP AND HELP ME!” Cameron pressed a gun to her forehead. Ered shivered as she felt the cold metal of the trigger pressed against her skull. “Your father always caused such problems for us…but he’s gone now. They both are.” Ered’s eyes widened “W-wait…they both…?” Cameron laughed “Yep! And they did it to save you! If it weren’t for you, they would both be alive by now!” Ered stopped struggling, her body going limp, her face emotionless. She just…silently cried.

Her dads are dead…

And it was all her fault.

Cameron threw her to the floor, she curled up in a ball, crying, and Penelope pointed the gun at Ered’s head and…

BANG

PLAYER 026 ELIMINATED

Screams ran out. Dolph began sobbing with Jacob quickly hugging him and patting his back. Gently comforting him. “It’s ok little buddy…we still have each other, yeah? We’ll be ok…?” Dolph looked up with teary eyes. “J-Ja…we have each other…” Lillian was stroking Nikki’s hair while she was crying softly. Lillian gently tilted Nikki’s head up. “Nikki…keep your focus on me…what happened here…I’ll make sure it will never happen to you…” Nikki wiped some of her tears away “But…it’s going to happen to me…I c-can’t stop it…neither can you…” Lillian looked at her in a caring way “Nikki…” Nikki sniffled “I-I’m going to die…” Lillian stayed quiet and hugged Nikki again.

David was hyperventaliting again, and Max tilted David’s head up. “David. Look at me!” He looked at Gwen, but she was trying to calm Nikki and Dolph. He tried to remember what Gwen did. “David! Breathe! Breathe you fucking idiot!” David clutched his death and said “My…fault…” between labored breath. Max groaned “This isn’t your fault, David! Penelope killed Ered, not you! Hell, I’m more responible since I stopped you from…just take deep breaths ok!?” David took deep breaths and hugged Max softly. “Thanks Max…” Max stood frozen. “Yeah…whatever. Let me go now idiot.” 

Nerris was crying and desprately clawing at the door. “U-uhm…maybe I can use a door opening spell!? But I’m out of mana! Help! Someone help please!” Cameron chuckled darkly. “Nobody can help you Nerris, but this is adorable…”

This isn’t how Nerris was supposed to go!

They were supposed to die in an epic battle!

They never even died in D&D! How were they supposed to die now?!

Nerris backed up “HELP! SOMEONE PLEASE!” Nikki and Dolph ran, shielding Nerris. Nikki begged “Please! You can’t kill them! They’re my friend! I won’t let you hurt them!” Dolph nodded with a soft “Hmph!” in agreement with Nikki. Cameron walked closer and Nikki barked “Bark! Bark!” Then she went on all fours and began biting Cameron, leaving angry red bite marks on his arm that bleed. Dolph was stomping on Cameron’s legs. Cameron was struggling, groaning in pain whenever Nikki bit him or whenever Dolph stomped. Each one sending an intense pain through him. Dolph stomped practically hard and Cameron let out a deep groan as he gripped his ankle. His fucking ankle got sprained! “GO YOU LITTLE GREMLINS! THIS IS WHY I HATE KIDS!” Nikki denied his request. “Not until you agree to let Nerris live!” Nerris looked at them with tears in their eyes. “Guys…” Dolph encouraged them. “Go! Try to escape! Ve vill keep him from getting you!” Nerris kept banging on the door, they yelled “Help me!” Bonquisha and Jacob ran and began to help. Gwen lifted David up by his arms. “Let’s help them!” David nodded. Max and Lillian followed. Banging on the door. Nerris smiled “Look! It’s moving! We’re almost there!” Penelope grabbed Nikki and Neil by their hair and threw them. Then she grabbed Nerris by their shoulders.

Nerris cried “NO! I WAS SO CLOSE!” The guards restrained everyone else. Nikki closed her eyes. “I can’t watch! Penelope helped Cameron up and Cameron forced Nikki’s eyes open. Nikki cried “NO! I DON’T WANT TO WATCH! PLEASE!” Cameron glared at Quartermaster who was holding Dolph. “Force his eyes open.” Quartermaster showed his hook and Cameron inhaled sharply “Right…just trade with another guard.” Another guard got Dolph and forced his eyes open. He kicked “I DON’T WANT TO WATCH MINE FRIEND DIE! PLEASE! GRANT ME VHIS ONE DIGNITY!”

Nerris, kicked, and screamed, and begged, “PLEASE! SPARE ME! I’LL GIVE YOU ALL MY MANA! RICHES BEYOND BELIEF! JUST LET ME LIVE! PLEASE! SOMEONE SAVE ME! HELP M-!”

BANG

PLAYER 404 ELIMINATED

Nikki dropped to her knees and sobbed, loud.

Her sobs rang through the room.

And now Nerris wasn’t there to comfort her.

Dolph just stood there, frozen, staring at where Nerris used to be standing.

It…didn’t feel like they were gone.

Dolph just stood there and didn’t respond to anyone who tried talking to him.

Their voices were muffled.

Just one second ago, there was a begging, crying, pleading little kid.

And now…they are nothing.

Just…gone.

It didn’t feel real .

Eventually everyone finished.

Lillian gently picked up Nikki and walked her to the living space as Nikki cried loudly in her shoulder, occasionally stopping to hyperventilate but going right back to crying and screaming.

Jacob went over to Dolph and gently took his hand.

“C’mon little buddy…it’s time to go…”

He held Dolph’s hand and took him to the living space.

Dolph was calm.

He was just like a ghost.

Just floating.

It just…didn’t feel real .

How…how could someone who was so energetic, so full of life and personality, just be… gone? Just like that? 

He couldn’t get it.

But life just went on.

Chapter Text

When everyone got back, Penelope cleared her throat. “Hello everyone! Now…I was originally planning to let you guys go without dinner…because a certain someone .” Penelope gibed, staring daggers at Tabii, who simply crossed her arms and let a low growl bubble from her throat. Then Penelope clapped her hands.”But-” She clarified. “I decided that you don’t all deserve to be punished because one of you was being… unladylike. ” Penelope quipped. “So~!” Penelope sang. “All of you will get dinner, but if you share with Tabii, you won’t get food tomorrow~” Penelope smiled, it was so self-satisfied, it made David feel sick to his stomach. 

How could she be so happy with herself?! She was torturing these poor, innocent, kids! All of which had so much potential! And now all of them are GONE!

…

But he hasn’t been much better…acting all clueless and innocent when he know gosh-darn well why all of the poor campers are in this situation…it’s all because of him.

He buried his face into his legs. Shivering as silent tears started running.

Gwen…the campers…so many young lives were lost…and it’s all because of him!

Why did he trust Cameron!? Why didn’t he know that he was going to relapse!? But this…this was worse than anything David could imagine! Admittedly…he knew Cameron was no hero…he used to think so…l ong ago… David thought distantly to the first month of Camp…how much he idolized Cameron…

The grip on his legs got tighter.

A lot has changed since then…a part of him wanted to believe this wasn’t the same guy he admired for so many years…a guy who he aspired to be like…even down to his outfit!

…

But the truth was staring him right in the face.

This is the same guy…

And that made accepting the truth about this situation…something crucial for survival…

So. 

Fucking. 

Hard.

Boy would he have to come to terms with it soon if he wanted a quarter of a chance to survive the next challenge ahead

Penelope hummed as she gave them their dinners, it was in pastel colored plastic bowls. It was a salad with bright red strawberries, toasted almonds and fresh burrata cheese, marinated in balsamic glaze. The drink was watermelon-infused water, with a splash on lime juice, ice, honey, and sugar.

As soon as David got his, he looked down, a frown deepset on his face, his hair-poof deflated, a clear sign that he wasn’t his usual peppy self, his eyebags were massive, he was barely sitting up, hunched over, his eyes wet and puffy, tear streaks obvious on his pale sunkissed cheeks. He’s been crying a lot recently…a lot. He was numbly poking the salad with his fork, but not eating it. His eyes had a faraway look in them, and he was swaying from side to side, looking like he could barely stay up. Even Max couldn’t hold the sympathetic, worried look he gave to David when he saw him in such a sorry state, 2 emotions he often felt for David, but that was information you couldn’t beat out of him.

David just looked so…pitiful and pathetic, and it made Max’s heart twist in the worst way.

He hated it.

God , he wished he hated David.

David looked over at Tabii. She was hugging her knees, whimpering softly. His heart twisted when he heard her stomach grumbling. He walked over to her and set a bowl in front of her. Tabii looked up at him, her eye wide and misty. “But…if you give this to me, you won’t be able to eat tomorrow.” David gave a soft smile. “Don’t worry about that.” He patted her head fatherly. “You’re young and need all the energy you can get for tomorrow. I’m a grown-up, so I’ll be fine if I don’t get any food tomorrow.” Tabii grinned and sang. “Well, if you’re sure, I’ll eat it! Thanks! Being beautiful has its perks~!” David chuckled awkwardly. “Uhm…not that you aren’t…pretty, but that’s not really why I’m-” Tabii rubbed her arm and snivvled. “So…I’m not beautiful…?” David backtracked. “W-well, I mean, of course you are! But that’s not why I-!” Tabii lavished in the praise and hummed happily. “I know! Thank you!” David cleared his throat and awkwardly went back to everyone else.

Gwen lifted an eyebrow. “You’re not going to eat? You didn’t eat too much yesterday too…” David gave his best fake smile and waved his hand dismissively, his wrist going limp. “Aw, don’t worry Gwen! I’ll be fine!” Gwen hesitated, then brought a spoonful of her salad to David’s lips. David moved it back. “Gwen! This is really sweet, but it’s fi-!”

Gwen stuck the spoon into David’s mouth before he could finish his sentence. The cheese, which should’ve tasted delicious, tasted like nothing more than bitter, sour, rancid, mold on his tongue, like he was swallowing clumps of wet dirt, making David nearly gag, but he held back so he wouldn’t seem rude, as Gwen shared food with him when she had no obligation to! She was really nicer than he deserved…but if he knew what he did…that children were dead because of him…he may have well pulled the trigger…there is now way she would’ve been so nice to him…much less this.

The ripe, fresh, strawberries that should’ve tasted sweet and paradoxically, pleasentantly tart on his tongue, tasted metallic and coppery, as if he was sucking on a penny. It was also slightly salty, with a bitter overtone that made his stomach churn in the worst way, the way it lingered like a ghost on his tongue made his stomach churn more. The juice from the strawberries should’ve been tastefully saccharin, offering a temporary escape as it flooded his mouth, instead was thick and velvety, as if he was swallowing ribbons that were shoved down his throat. He could barely hold back his throw-up. The toasted almonds tasted like they were burnt, making him flinch as they felt like scolding hot stones when they hit the back of his throat. The cheese was sour, like milk after it’s gone bad, making his face reflexively scrunch up from the taste, it felt as if it was in toxic chunks as it went down his throat, as he kept forcing himself to swallow it down, giving a smile that screamed: “I’m fine!” when Gwen’s eyes crinkled as she patted his back, probably thinking he would throw up by the way he was gagging.

All things considered, this should’ve been a delicious meal, the entire things was sweet due to the balsamic glaze, and the cheese, strawberries, and almonds were fresh. Not to mention that they were also toasted to perfection. The cheese was the perfect amount of creamy, and the strawberries were juicy, even if the juice was by far the most difficult thing to swallow due to the texture. He coughed viciously into his fist when juice came out of the strawberries again, the texture hitting him hard, surprised when he didn’t see blood covering his fist. He felt a hand on his shoulder, making him flinch. 

He turned around and saw eyes filled with soft, genuine, kindness, too much, way too much, kindness, way more tha he deserved, directed at him, Lillian tilted her head. “You’re coughin’ an awful lot darlin’...are you ok?” David gave a meak smile along with an even meaker nod. “Y-yeah…I’m fine.” He placed his hand on the one Lillian had planted on his shoulder. “Th-thanks Lillian.” She smiled. “No problem sugar!”

Meanwhile Daniel was sitting criss-cross apple sauce, not eating the oatmeal in front of him, just staring at it with his normal non-blinking, smiling expression. When Snake shuffled over to him, Daniel turned before Snake even announced himself, then he clasped his hands together. “Heya Billy! How are you doing little buddy?” Snake clutched the pamphlet Daniel gave him in his hands. Hard. So hard Daniel was worried that he might rip it. He gently took hold of Snake’s hand and loosened his grip. “Woah! Be careful with that now Billy! I only trust these with a select, trusted, few.” Daniel made sure that he emphaized the word “trusted”, Snake gulped, and clutched his leg instead, Daniel was decently sure that he was clutching this leg so hard that his nails were digging into his bare skin, not the tracksuit.

Perfect.

Snake them stammered. “S-sorry it’s just…I’ve been looking at the uhm…pamphelt and a lot of things didn’t make total sense…I just had some quest-” Daniel, then, as if he didn’t hear what Snake just said, grabbed his bowl and handed it out to Snake, meanwhile he blinked dumbly at it. “D-Daniel…? Don’t you need this?” Daniel’s smile got wider, which Snake didn’t think was possible. “Oh no need to worry about me little buddy! Xemüg gives me all the sustenance I need!” Snake looked down. “You’ve just been so nice to me…I…I don’t know what to say…how can I repay you?” Daniel laughed hollowly, eyes still wide open, making the deceptively warm laugh highly unnerving instead of comforting like how Daniel probably intended. Then he pat Snake on the back. “You can thank me by eating up little buddy! A young, helpless boy like you needs all of the strength he can get! I was worried about you in the last challenge you looked like you were about to pass out!” He ended the statement with a hearty chuckle, meanwhile Snake’s cheeks turned slightly red with embarrassment as he curled into himself, dropping the spoon into his bowl. Daniel guffawed. “That’s not how you eat it! My, you are a funny little lad aren’t you?” Daniel asked, punctuating that sentence with a ruffling of Snake’s hair. He took Snake’s chin with one hand and took the spoon with another. “C’mon! Open wide! Say ‘Ahhhh’! Xemüg’s space cruiser wants to invade the new pla-net~!” Snake kept his mouth closed, and Daniel distrubingly playfully poked Snake’s lips with the fork “C-mon~! What is Xemüg going to do if he can’t invade the new planet? How is going to ascend to the next level?” The corner of Snake’s lips twitched up in a quick smile and Daniel laughed. “I saw that~! Open u-ppp~!” After a few more pokes, Snake opened his mouth, and Daniel put the spoon in Snake’s mouth with a beam. “That’s a good follower!” He patted Snake’s head, and Snake let him, even slightly leaning into his touch, make Daniel’s grin get even bigger, nearly reaching his ears, he removed his hand, placing it to his own side. “How did it taste little buddy?” Snake actually smiled for the first time in a while, but then brought it back to his stoic face, being the man Pikeman taught him to be. “It…tastes pretty good.” 

Snake couldn’t lie, the strawberries were the perfect balance between sweet and tart, it was juicy, the juice pleasantly flooding his mouth, the almonds were roasted perfectly, adding a tone of warmth and campyiness to the meal, Snake would do anything to go back to camp…

Snake was snapped out of his thoughts by Daniel’s voice, giggling and pinching his cheek, speaking in a baby voice. “D’awww! You are so cute when you smile!” He gently caressed Snake’s cheek. “You can smile in front of me pal! Unlike some previous leaders, I will never judge you!” Snake looked down, his hands clenching into fists as he remembered Pikeman. He had a point…Daniel didn’t get mad at him when he was sad…or happy…he just…accepted him…Daniel has already treated him much kinder in 2 days than Pikeman has in the last 3 months…Snake felt a pang of guilt in his chest for speaking ill of the dead…but he wasn’t exactly wrong…and that made Snake feel worse.

Daniel cleared his throat. ”By the way sport, what was that thing that you wanted to talk to me about? I’m all years!” Daniel chriped with a bigger smile, now running his hands through Snake’s hair absentmindly. Snake blinked “I uhm…don’t remember…” Daniel tilted his head, a crack being heard. “Are you sure? I seem to remember you having questions about our great lord Xemüg…” Daniel commented, removing his hand from Snake’s hair and using it to rub his own chin. Snake shook his head. “No! I mean…uhm…no…it…it was nothing…nevermind” Daniel’s smile got bigger, now reaching his ears. “Well ok! If you’re sure pal!” Snake nodded his head.

Got him.

Daniel looked around.

Now it’s time to get someone else…

Daniel saw a young blonde girl with an eyepatch, poking at her food, then rubbed his chin as if he was thinking about something when his mind was already made up, then he snapped his fingers like he just got an idea, went to Snake’s side, put a hand on his shoulder, and pulled him closer, using his other hand to point to Tabii. “Billy! Do you see that little girl?” Snake answered. “Uhm..Tabii? With two is? What about her?” Daniel continued. “I was just thinking, wouldn’t it be great if we could introduce her to the wonders of Xemüg!” Snake blushed and looked down. “O-oh no we…we can’t…” Daniel tilted his head. “Why not?” Snake huffed. “She…wouldn’t be interested in it…she’s far too free-sprited to worship any sort of god…she’s terrifying too…” Snake sighed dreamily and Daniel smirked, planting his hands on Snake’s shoulders, then tilted his head.

CRACK. 

“Oooohhh! I see what’s going on…” Snake raised an eyebrow and Daniel continued, voice fatherly and proud. “You’re in love with her aren’t you?” Snake flinched, cheeks red. “I-!” Daniel interrupted. “Don’t be afraid of her!” Snake sighed. “You’ve never met her have you?” Daniel chuckled. “That’s a good point, but we’re simply giving her the opportunity to be closer to Xemüg…to get closer to you .” Snake’s face got red before he turned his head.  “We…we can’t! Now is not the time for love…we’re in a death game! This is the worst time for it. I need to focus on my mission.” Daniel put a hand on Snake’s upper back. “Aw, don’t worry sport! Just because you can’t be together right now doesn’t mean you can’t be together for entirety in the paradise Xemüg gives all of his loyal followers!” Snake looked down, conflicted. “It’s just…I thought you told me about Xemüg because I was special…” Daniel reassured him matter-of-falucty “You are . That’s why I chose to tell you about it first! And if you deem this girl worthy enough to foster romantic feelings for her, then she is MORE than worthy to learn about our great ultralord! Don’t you want what’s best for her? Besides, we’ll always be best friends, we’ll just introduce someone else to the great world that Xemüg has to offer! Besides, do you really want to question Xemüg?” 

Snake looked down, then shook his head solemnly. Daniel’s grin got wider. “Exactly! Xemüg may be a kind leader, but he does not take those who question him lightly. Now, how about we talk to her?” Then Daniel took Snake’s hand and walked over to Tabii. 

“Hello, what might your name be, little lady?” Daniel asked, voice curious. Tabii poked at her food. “Tabii…my friend’s name is Erin and she went to bed early, so sorry if I’m uhm…” Daniel scoffed. “Well, that’s no reason to leave a pretty girl like you all alone!” Tabii agreed. “I know, right? Wait…you really think I’m pretty?” Daniel nodded. “The prettiest! I’m sure my buddy Snake would agree with me! Won’t you, Snake?” Snake stammered. “Y-yes! Yes! Sure do!” Tabii giggled. “Thanks, boys.” Daniel pulled another pamphlet from thin air and pushed it into Snake’s hands, pushing him closer to Tabii. “Snake actually wanted to ask you something!” Tabii tilted her head. “Hm?” Snake took a deep breath. “Well…there’s someone called Xemüg.” Daniel laughed. “Not just someone! He’s a god! He created this world and allows it to thrive!” Tabii pouted. “So he put me in this game? The one that is making me miserable? The one that MURDERED Sasha!? IS THAT IT!?” Snake whispered, voice dreamy. “See? She’s terrifying!” 

Daniel cleared his throat and went to Tabii’s side, getting on one knee and putting a hand on her back. “Oh Tabii…sadly, Xemüg cannot control the radioactive evil that affects his minions…we’re all bathing in it every second, the only way to be truly pure at heart is to devote your life to him.” Tabii began backing away, but then Daniel grabbed onto her arm, firm but not rough. Holding her in place. “What are you talking about? You sound crazy!” Daniel spoke calmly. “Calm down Tabii…you’re being hysterical, we’re just telling you about Xemüg, we just want what’s best for you…given how dangerous this place is…you don’t want to face eternal damnation, do you?” Snake put a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “D-Daniel , what are you-?” Daniel used his other arm to grab Snake’s wrist and whispered in a voice that seemed calm, but had an undercurrent of an unspoken threat. “Play along.” Snake recoiled back, but with one glare from Daniel, he slowly nodded and began. “Yeah…we just…want to help you…stop…freaking out.” Tabii tried tugging herself out of Daniel’s grip. “Let me go! You’re cra-!” Daniel let go of Snake and put a hand over Tabii’s mouth. “Tabii…you’re a smart lady, aren’t you? Just listen to us and you’ll gain access to an eternal paradise where you’ll be the prettiest lady there, even prettier than you already are.” Tabii slowly nodded and Daniel let her go, then Tabii fell to the floor then looked up. “You…really think I’ll be pretty there..p-prettier than I already am, I mean…” Daniel smiled in a way that was deceptively warm, then placed a soft hand on her cheek. “Of course. We would never lie to you. But I guess if you don’t trust us we can always just leave.” Daniel got up, but then Tabii grabbed his hand. “NO! I mean…uhm…tell me more…about how I’ll look…beautiful…p-please?”

Daniel grinned widely. “Of course! Xemüg will help you anyway he can! He wants to give his thanks to his followers by giving them eternal paradise when they ascend to the next level! And Snake and I, we're loyal followers who just want to help you!” He put a hand on Snake’s shoulder and shook him slightly. “Isn’t that right, Snake?” Snake nodded slowly, and Daniel continued, “Xemüg gave you your extreme beauty, don’t you want to thank him?” Tabii’s eyes sparkled. “You mean it?” Daniel clasped his hands. “Of course! Look at you! Golden locks, a stylish eyepatch that will surely start a trend! Xemüg is the one who gave you those things! Don’t you want to thank him for it? He clearly took his time with you!” He ended his statement with a finger gun and a friendly wink, making Tabii smile. “Well, I-” Daniel nudged Snake, and Snake got the gist, handing the pamphlet out to Tabii. Tabii hesitated, but gingerly took it, looking over it. Daniel patted her head. “Remember, Tabii, this is your choice! Choose what you think is right, although you are a very bright young lady, so I’m sure you’ll make the right choice, remember not to show it to anyone unworthy, ok?” Tabii nodded slowly, and Daniel grabbed Snake’s arm and swiftly exited the scene, while Tabii stared at the pamphlet in her hand and timidly opened it.

When everyone began going to bed, Vince talked to Dirty Kevin. “Ok…that big tank looking guy seems to be gone….time to get rid of the competition.” Dirty Kevin rubbed his arm. “I dunno…he’s just a kid…I’m sure he’ll uhm…” He shifted. “Go away…naturally. I mean…do we really want to be the cause of-” Vince interrupted him. “And what if he doesn’t hm? You were fine with trying to kill that poor young girl, but a kid is where you draw the line? Get off of your high horse, you’re just as bad as me. Now come on.” Dirty Kevin hung his head and followed him. 

Snake was sleeping, then Vince pulled him up with an arm around Snake’s neck and covered his mouth with his free hand. Then he looked up at Dirty Kevin and whispered harshly. “Do you have the needle? I was able to sharpen it on some smooth rock I found.” Dirty Kevin nodded and walked over to Snake the needle in hand. Snake’s eyes sleepily flickered open...then widened as he realized what was happened, he screamed from behind the hand and kicked furiously. He didn’t even notice he was crying until he felt warm liquid going down in his face. Dirty Kevin hesitated, Snake looked so young like this…he was just a kid…god, what the hell was he doing…? Dirty Kevin hesitated. “I…I can’t-” Right afterwards, he felt a creepy presence behind him, he turned and saw Daniel with his head tilted. “Hello gentlemen!” He grabbed the needle out of Dirty Kevin’s hand, and stabbed Vince in the eyeball, and pulled it out upwards. Vince screamed in pain and let go of Snake, stumbling backwards while covering his injured eye. Dirty Kevin growled. “Nobody threatens Dirty Kevin’s business partner! Let me show you-!” Then Daniel turned and silt Dirty Kevin’s throat, making his grasp it, his hand getting covered in blood as he stumbled back, choking on his own blood. It wasn’t long before his body hit the floor, cold and lifeless.

PLAYER 420 ELIMINATED

Vince was still on the floor, writhing in pain, grasping his eye, his still intact one was shut tight. Daniel walked up to him, staring down at him with his hands behind his back, and hummed in satisfaction. “Hello.” Vince opened his other eye. “You…fucking psycho…” Daniel shrugged. “Well, you did try to kill a kid…I suppose you’re not moral yourself. I am simply doing Xemüg work… ridding the Earth of filth, like yourself!” Daniel threw the needle up and caught it with a maniac grin. Vince groaned as he clutched his eye tighter. Daniel bubbled. “But don’t worry! I’m not completely heartless…I’ll make sure your death is quick!” He grabbed the needle in his hand and stabbed it in Vince’s heart in a quick in-and-out motion. Then Vince stopped breathing.

PLAYER 501 ELIMINATED

Afterwards, Daniel looked at Snake, hands behind his back, putting as much fabricated worry as he could in his voice. “Billy, are you ok? Xemüg told me you were in danger so I had to come here.” Snake was in tears and ran and hugged Daniel’s legs. “You saved me! I…” He broke into sobs; meanwhile, Daniel patted his head. “Of course I did, Xemüg appoints me to protect his followers, and even then, I’m your best friend, but really, Xemüg was the one who saved your life, since he alerted me.” Snake wiped his face. “Thank Xemüg…I can’t believe I even thought about questioning him…” Daniel cooed. “No worries, buddy, happens to the best of us.” He went down to Snake’s level and grabbed his shoulder. “But now you know never to question him again, right?” Snake nodded as he tried to stop his shaking. “Yes…of course…” Daniel pulled him into a hug, which Snake reciprocated with shaky hands as he cried, still in shock by his near-death experience. And Daniel said lowly, clutching the back of Snake’s head tightly.

“Perfect…”

Meanwhile, Dolph looked next to him…Nerris wasn’t lying in the bed beside him anymore…his lip quivered and he cried.

All alone.