103C - Interlude 1 (Please Read Before Going Into Nightly)

[Vaellin the Bard]

Interlude

As everyone enter the trial room–either by force or willingly–the find the room is rather full. All fourteen players, fourteen faceless mannequins and the three hosts of the island–one of which only a few had met. Rio stands a bit away from the two girls , expressionless flag covering his face Tia shakes nervously with tears in her eyes and Sue stands quietly with a creepy smile on her face.

There is a bit of confusion and annoyance as the dolls push or pull as they need to direct the group. The movements seem even more mechanical than the ones who operate the machinery outside or around the main floor. More stiff, like soldiers instead of workers.

Once everyone is forced towards the center with the mannequins encircling them, Sue speaks.

“It seems most of you haven’t really gotten the idea of what we’re doing here. You have to prove yourself, not idly wander around and befriend your competitors.” She glances at a couple of people in particular with that smile still plastered on her face.

“Make no mistake here, most of you will not leave this island alive. Only the best of you have a chance to escape. If you want you or your actual friends and loved ones to make it out without any grief, please actually put in effort to prove yourself.”

She waves an arm and the mannequins step forward to each of the players, a small letter in hand.

“Read the letter quickly as it will vanish very soon. It’s written to each of you with a task you must accomplish tonight. Failure to do so will result in being punished severely.”

She turns to the two hosts beside her. “And just to prove how serious we are… Tia, I have a task for you as well. Shoot Rio. He has been slacking off far too much lately and has become useless to me.”

Both Tia and Rio look shocked momentarily.

“Woah, wait, Sue, I was only–”

“No excuses, Rio. You should have done your job,” Sue states without turning her gaze from Tia. The green haired girl tugs on her hat, tears streaming down her face. Still, it is a smile she shows to Sue and the others as she pulls out a gun.

“Y-yes, Sue.” She points it at a frightened Rio.

BANG

A single shot rings out.

“I… I’m… sorry…”

The body collapses. Silence hangs in the air for a few moments. Sue once more turns to the others. “Don’t let yourself become the next useless one. You are dismissed.”