Chapter Text

Was life fair?

If you had to ask Jeremy Heere, he’d most likely respond with a simple “maybe”. Because it was true. Life was sometimes fair and life sometimes wasn’t fair.

If he was being honest, It was mostly unfair.

Though, maybe he shouldn’t be saying that. He was gifted. At least, that’s what everyone else said.

He had a talent, not everyone had one. It was a gift, they’d say. That those who were truly gifted had the strength, the determination and the willpower to earn a talent.

He’d like to think that was the case. If he was being honest, his talent got him nowhere.

Well, except for one place.

Middle-Borough High. A school for students with magnificent talents. It was the only school in New Jersey that was specifically for those with Ultimates, similar to himself.

It had been two years since he was a freshman at the school. Now, He was attending it as a junior with roughly around two more years until he’d finally graduate from the god forsaken school and start a life anew.

It’d be difficult, however. What kind of jobs supported his talent? He’d like to think none. What other use would his talent be if not for strategies for video games and for trying to hide from his much more talented peers.

That’s another thing. Middle-Borough didn’t have any entrance exam where you show off your extravagant talent and they decided whether you’re in or not. No, It only scouted students who they thought were worthy. There might have been people who had the same talent (they were typically sport based talents) but despite that, they were all unique and way better than his could ever be.

Maybe that was why they ridiculed him for his talent. It could never live up to theirs. They were right, of course but the realisation still cut deep like a knife to his poor heart.

But looking back at his school, he felt a sense of courage in his veins. Who knows? Perhaps he’ll end up in his mother’s footsteps and be a successful lawyer.

With a sigh, he entered the campus, ready to start his day.

H̴̝̙͙̻̓u̵̹̓̉h̶͖̤̝̊̈?̴̯͓̬̒

W̵͉͑h̷̠͊̃ä̵̮̠̦̦̲̓̔͆t̴̼̘̫̠̿̿͛́’̷̹̓͛s̶̢̧̟̑̕ͅ ̴̢̺̭̜̻̂̀͑̕h̷̢͖̹̯̭̔͑̈́̎a̶͙̗͆̎͛͠p̴̛̘̩͇̼̱͝p̴̜̆ȩ̶̺̗̜̈́n̶̹͒͌͂ï̷̯̹͖͐ͅn̷̮̼̈́̇̃͛̔ǵ̴̘̘̖͊̕?̶̝̎̏̑͠

W̴̧̛̘̭̞͈͚͖̪̟̹̠̼͖̻͉͒̉̐́͊̊̒̿̊̽́̊̚Ã̴̟͓̟̱͙̖͍̤͎͖͍͑̒̈́͝ Ř̴̢̨̪͇͎̥̻͈̮̳͔̤͖̱̖̘̐̅͂́͒͒͋͋̕͘͜ͅ N̶̛͔̭͈̼̱̮͐͑͒͌́̅̍͛̑̅̀͆͐̓ I̸̛̛̮̪̭̥͂̌́̔̋̑̄̌͑̍͐̉͌Ń̸̤̤̰̟̆͋̉̌͌̎G̶̢̻̩͓̣͔̹̮͚͈̹͈̩͚̙̤̫̦̎̐̔̏̇͌̾͋̉̎̋̚͜͝!̷͔̹̘̤͇͕̜͖̺͐̇̈́̏́̽́̇̏̓́̾͑̐̆̄͘̕͠͝  ̶̲̈́̈́̓̀͑̈́̕͘̚̕͠W̴̱͔̾̌̿̿̈́̄̐̄͊͂̔̈́̕̚̕A̴̹̲͉͆̿̚͠͝ jnR̵̡̛̹̘̻͉͉̰̲̓͑̒̎͑̈́͑́̕Ṇ̴̰̪̩̰͕͍̠̄̈ͅI̵̛͉͎̺̟͋̆́̓̈́̔̇̾͊̿͌̈́̾͘͜ Ņ̸͖̬̣̮̫̖̱̖̤̔̒̓́̀̌̀̑͒̐̾̿͊̕͘̕͝ͅĢ̴̥̬̻̭͈̳̞͕͐̔̈́͛̏̾̈́́̒̈́̈͛́̈́̾̏̂̍̚͘!̵̢͉̪̖̯̖͇̬̣͔̣͓̙̖̏̀͌̈́̔̊͜ ̸̢̛̛̝̝̞͚̝̝͎̻͉̟͛̅̐̃̀̅̽̈́̔͊̕͠͠͝W̸̧̢͎͕̰̰̗̗̭̩͓̩̩͔͐͒͗Ą̴̨̙̱̗͕͙͈̬̣̮̂͋͛͆͆̆̅͘ͅR̶̢̧̢̛̞̯͚̻̘͖̜̤̩͎̱̈͊͂̆̔̌̓̔̈̎̅̅͛̎̄̚̕̚͝͠N̸̢̡̨̢̢̧̖͔͉̖̳̠͈͉̘͕̳̣̳̺͓̆̽̂̒͗͂̐͑̂̿̆͌͌̅̐͊ͅÍ̷̧̱̺͚̫̖̲͕̫͖̥̲̜͖̥̤̞̂̈́́́͐̾̾͂͝͝  fchŃ̴̛̛͇͓̮̟̾̌̀̓͆́͊̍̒́͆̄̇̏͌͐̇̚͝G̶̡͉̮͎̩̱̟̘̳͙̮̃͋̈̒̑̊̚!̴̣̲̺̯̟̜̗̬̦̅̈́͂̎̑̔̅̀̏̒̐͗̊̈́̒͒̃͘

 b

S̵̛̛͖̻͉͛̏̾̾̾́͛̅̐̄͝ͅÒ̷̢͉̜̯̟̥̣̗̝͕̫̻̞͗̿̈́̌̀̅͊͘͝ͅM̵̨̳̾͜E̶̡̧̨̢͖̝͕͍̰̲͕̭̐͂̏͑̓͊͂̒̚̕͘͠͝͠jŢ̸̛͈͎̫̓̐̅̊͋͒̏̄̈́͒͝H̶̨̛̦̞̻̪̻̣̭̦̬̰͆̓̈́̓̽̒͛̄̀͛̌̂̓̓̕͝͝I̵̛̭͍̦̪̞͙͎͍̫͛̒͐̓́͛̌̏͂̉͌̆̃̓̓̇͛̈̑̒͘N̶̡̡͕͎̯̻̯͆͆̎̾͋̌͆͊̍̈́͐͆͂̾̃̋̑̈́̅̈́͘̕̕̚͘͝͝͝hhG̷̛̥͎͖̻̏̈́̄́̆̅̈̎̌̀̃̓͌͛̓̚̚ ̷̗̹̠̞̠̦͈̣͕̩̖͎̫̯͙̙̬͓̓̌̔͌̇͌̀̇̆͠͝͝ͅḦ̵̢̺̱̘͚́̓̒̍̄̈̏̅̐̀̆̍̈́̓̂̿̔̿̕͠͠ͅA̷̻̦͚͎̲͖̺̼̣̟̭̾͌̽ͅS̷͈̫̅͒͌̅̽̌ͅ ̶̧̧̛̩͖̘̝͙̫̙̖̮͙̭̥̬̖̣̺̮̮̑͐͂̂͂̊͑̍͗͛̊̕̚͜E̴̱̱͇͍͔̦̤͓̺̮̿͐̾̌̏̓͆̋̒̀̈́̌̃͆͋͋̾͆̑̕͜N̵̡̢͇͔͍̙̼͖͙͓̹̰͖̼̘̤͚̼̞̼̤̰̪̪̖̆͜ckŢ̵̧̢̻̗͔̝̥̺͕̙̼̱̦̮̥̱̤͍͈͉̗̝̏́̄͗̏̑͑̌̆̊̈́͌̌̃̒͆̑̇͌̇͝͠͠͝E̶̡̢̢̲̰͖̱͕̜͙̣͎̤̣͎̪̙͉̖̥̦͑͋̕R̵̡͈̳̰̬̞̦̭̠̼̟̬̼̼̫̝̪͓̺̲̎͑̑͜Ȩ̷̨̨̡̥͈̩͎͎̻͖̮̣͔͎̤͓͕̫̘̫̠͙̘̟̲̘̿̉̈̐̅̒̾͊̍̓̉̉̎̽̏̚͜D̶̡̧̤̫̫̖͖̮̤͕̱̰̲̿͗̆̈́̈́̽͒̒͗̈́̉̅͜͠͝ ̷̨̨̮̻̙͓̝̣̹̱̳̜̩͖͓̲̟̺̥̦̒͆̽͊̀͒́̉̓̈̂̔̆̽̀̔̌̌̾̐͐́͆̌̒͘͘͝͝Ţ̶̛̜͖̞̳͓̲̄̿͗̃̔̒͊̓̊͆̄̂̌͑̉͗̄̌͆́̍̔̐́̑͛͋͝H̴̻̪̭͎̘͇͎͕̹͉̯̘̟̲̫̞̯̒̽͊̅̓̋͊̓͐̒̈́́̍̓̽͘͘͘͝ͅbE̸̼͆̈́̔̿͂̀̀̂̿̄͛̀̓͌͐̄͛̕ ̷̡̧̮̯͔̳̤͚͚̤̞̝͉̟͕̪̟̣͈͔̳̭̜͓̐̋̔́̑̂̃̓̇͠S̷͍̻̳͚̺̪̗͕̭͈͓̹̫͆́̎̓́̋͌̔͒͐́̍̌͛̏̽̀͘͠Y̷̧̨̢̗̣̭͓͚̎̾͂ͅS̵̨̙̘͇̞̰̬̝̙̺̙̱̯͔̗̪̜̻̩͈̫͕͒̑̀̀͐͐̑̓̅̋̑̾͘͝ͅͅͅT̷̡̛̛̮̩̬͙̺̦̯̹̣̺̮͚̆͆̑͆̑̌̄̀̿̂͐̇̔̑̋̍̒̌́̆̑̆̚͘͝hbE̴̛̯̲͖̅͒̊͑̽͗̏͊̓͋̆͒͂͑̇̂̓̕͘͠͝ͅM̷̡̫̖̦̝̟̝͍̖̩̣̓́̒̚

̷̣̮͙̮̞͕̥̬͒̂͒͑̋͘͝͠ Ẅ̸̢̳͖̜̪̞̟̪̻̤͈̩̲̾o̷̢̡̳̼̦̼̩̯̩͇̗̼͛ͅu̶̧̨̲̜̖͙͒͂̇̏̚ͅͅmbl̷̟̲͙͕͆̈́̍̿̆͊͒̌̚d̵͓̪̘̙̳̤̀͂̐̒̐͊͗͂̈̔̒ ̷̧̥͕̟̩̈́̎̏̉̾̈̅ͅý̸͓̮̜͚̠͚͙̹̻̬͍͛ͅȍ̷̙̅̂̾́͒̕̕̕ų̶͕̭͈̤͙̗̰͓͈̤͉̉̀̽̅̈̒͋̿̏͋͛̄̓͐͜j ̵̢̮̉̇͛͐͛̒͌̽̍̑͂̔ͅl̴̛͕̣̟̮̊̓̎́̐̍̈́̌͌͝ḯ̶̫̇̀hbķ̵̛̪͉̬̪̝̯̱̝̔̿́̒̊̊͑̂̉̇͘͝ͅê̴̢̖̦̖̝̱̖͙̲̝͓̆ ̴̲̺̫̻̓̈́̓̆̊̿́̐̾̽̽́̚͘͜t̸̡̨̯̝͇̮̊̏̆̂͝ͅo̶͎̗̺͈̓̈̐͆̎͗͂͘bj?̸̼̼͎̭̹͙͍͚̬̱̫̓̀͂͗͌ͅ

Ẉ̶͍̙̪̭̰͉̥̳͂̈́̌͋͗͛̔͐͆̽̓̚͠ͅȏ̵̦̠̳̥̣̞̦̤̈̓̃͘͜hbu̶̡̨͇̜̲͔͗͗͂̉͌͘͘͘͝l̷̡͍̜͙̂̓̌͛̎̋̿͊d̷̨͉̪̻͚̎̾̃̑̀̔̈́̋͛̏̽ ̵̨̡̰͓͉͚̣̹͙͎͌̿̊̾̓͘ͅỷ̷̘̳̳̟̆̈́̈́͌͌͆̉̓̚̕jno̵͕̩̼̬͊̈̿̓̓̏̎͑̚ų̷̢͔̹̼͇̣̺̖̘̤̦͖͇̿̆̿͗͐͑͑̕?̸͈͔̬̞͙̙̮̮͈̱͈̊̔͌̃̋́̿̆́̓̋͘͝

W̶̢̧̡̛̝̮̬͔̜̲̙̙͍̣̺͋̀̇̎-̸̛̯̥̥̩͛̇́̒̐̂͋͆̽

“Where am I?”

That was the first thing he said after opening his eyes.

He instantly takes in his surroundings. That’s what he was taught. To always analyse the place he was in before freaking the fuck out.

Who was he kidding though? He was currently freaking the fuck out.

This wasn’t his room. His room had more geeky posters on the wall, he had two beanbag chairs laying around and his room in general was a huge mess. Yet this room was cleaner, the sheets were pure white instead of the galaxy pattern it usually had, his beanbags were replaced with normal white chairs. It looked similar to a hotel room. Or at least, that's what he thinks anyway.

Did he get kidnapped? Where was his parents? Why can’t he remember anything?!

I need to search the room for a clue to explain where I am.

He walks towards the mini fridge that was close to the door. He opens it, not expecting to find anything of importance. He was correct. All that were inside were Mountain Dew and clear glass bottles filled with water. He closes it. At least, I won’t die of dehydration.

He notices a glass table that was at the left corner of the room. A notepad was on it, next to a black pen. What both had in common was the word SQUIP was on it. It was on the top of the notepad and it was printed on the pen.

He’s never heard of a hotel like that which makes this whole experience even more suspicious.

He goes over to the drawer on his bedside table. He opens it and finds a sharp knife, wrapped in a handkerchief. It’s probably for room service. He still found it weird that there wasn’t a spoon or a fork.

He opens the TV. Maybe there was some video explaining why he was there. Maybe the news was currently talking about his disappearance. Maybe it would show a video of his parents because they were actually the ones being held hostage and not him. As he fiddles with the remote, The TV opens revealing a show about a blonde kid joining some jazz band club because his childhood best friend forced him to. He tries to change the channel but is unable to.

He turns the TV off not being interested in the show that was playing.

He moves towards the closet. He wonders if there was anything inside. It turns out that all that was in it were clothes. Clothes, mind you, that were identical to the one he was wearing at the moment.

A white and black jacket paired with a white shirt that had a red stripe in the middle. There were also navy blue jeans inside.

He feels his skin start to crawl.

Next course of action was going to the bathroom, thinking that perhaps there could be a window in there he could use for escape.

However, It was just a normal fancy looking bathroom that had a shower on the left, next to the toilet and a bathtub on the right side of the room. It had a black marble vanity and had towels that were hidden away underneath the sink. There was a rectangular mirror on the wall and a white fluffy rug on the ground. The ceiling was way high up making him feel small.

All in all, there was nothing useful inside and so, he left the bathroom.

Then once he got out, his eyes landed on the CCTV camera and his breathing got heavier. He was being watched. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t escape.

He couldn’t find a way out.

How worthless could he be?

What’s going on…? What’s happening…?

Ding Dong!

The doorbell rang, pulling him out of his thoughts. Jeremy turned around, grabbed a pillow from his bed and held it above his head, ready to strike as he slowly approached the door.

The kidnapper probably has a gun, you moron. He thinks to himself but he didn’t want to go without a fight.

He wanted to survive. He wanted to live.

He opens the door, preparing to swing the fluffy pillow until…

“Whoa, Hey! Hey! Hey! Calm down.” A voice said, the moment he opened the door. Jeremy faltered a bit, not dropping the pillow but looking quite confused.

The girl at the doorway was slightly shorter than him. She had brown eyes and short shoulder length hair. She was in a blue denim jacket and a blue scarf of a different hue. She also had a white shirt and a purple skirt.

“Are you okay? You seem out of it.” The girl in front of him said. Jeremy flushed in embarrassment. He didn’t know that he was staring for so long. He tossed the pillow back onto his bed.

“Sorry. I just do that a lot.” He said awkwardly, not wanting to humiliate himself anymore. He looks behind the brunette to the opened door behind her. “Was that always open?”

“Yeah? You could have just walked out of your room like everyone else did.”

Jeremy cringed. Looks like I didn’t embarrass myself enough today.

Hold on… “Everyone else?”

“Yup.” The girl said. “There are like a bunch of other rooms in this floor and they’re locked, at least I think they are. I tried ringing the doorbell on the other rooms but you’re the only one that opened the door. Plus, I saw that the elevator was in use so I assume that there's gotta at least be one person in here." She paused for a second, deep in thought, before continuing. "The windows are barricaded though. That I know for sure.” She pulls out a notepad from her pocket and handed it to him. The writings on it verified what she was saying.

However, the words “dear diary” made it feel like he was reading something personal. He quickly returned it. “Well, if you’re still in doubt. I can always show you.”

“Huh?”

The girl went past him as Jeremy held the door open in place. She was heading towards the curtains before swinging them open in one swift movement.

Metal plates were nailed to the window. Not a single ounce of sunlight shone through the outside world.

“It’s like this in the halls too and in my room.” She states, before moving the curtains closed. It wouldn’t be any use for them opened or closed, to be honest. “This whole thing’s kind of trippy.”

Jeremy couldn’t believe it. Why were the windows blocked with metal? Why would any adult do this? Did he even agree to this? How did he get here?

WHERE EVEN IS HERE?!

“Hey.” He feels a hand on his shoulder and instantly relaxes. “Listen, I know this entire thing is fucked up but just take a deep breath, okay?”

Jeremy nods, inhaling and exhaling slowly with some random stranger guiding him. Definitely not what he’d expect from this whole situation but regardless, it was working.

“See? Just calm down and we’ll find a way out, alright?” The girl says, reassuringly. Jeremy weakly nods.

“Thank you for that.” He says. The brunette smiles at him, comfortingly.

“No problem.” She says. “I have a friend that deals with this kind of thing before so I understand how to deal with things like this.” She pats his back. “It’ll be better if you don’t die of stress.”

Believe me. It wouldn’t be surprising if I do.

Jeremy doesn’t say that out loud, though and instead asks what the girl’s name was. “Oh, sorry, I uh, didn’t quite catch your name?”

“Shit, right.. I’m Veronica Sawyer, The Ultimate Writer.” The brown haired girl introduced. She extended a hand for him to take and he shook it, albeit hesitantly.

His eyes widened. “Wait?! Veronica Sawyer?! The one who wrote “Let’s Be Seventeen”?!” She tilts her head to the side but nods. “I read your books like a ton during last year! You’re an amazing writer!”

She looked flustered but regardless, let out a chuckle. “Thank you. I’m flattered I really am.” She raises her eyebrow at him. A moment of silence passes then it finally dawns on him.

“Oh. Oh! I’m Jeremy!”

What the fuck?!

The girl laughed and the awkward tension evaporated like thin air. “Just Jeremy?”

“No, I’m Jeremy Heere. The Ultimate Strategist.” The brunette introduces. “I’m usually good at analysing people. I don’t really know everything about everyone. I’m just good with creating strategies about how to survive.” The girl stares at him for a while and he starts to feel overwhelmed. “I know I probably don’t deserve my title. Especially, after that freakout earlier and i’m not even good at strategies when it comes to stuff like sports...”

Veronica looks lost in thought. Jeremy couldn’t blame her. There were very rare people with an Ultimate like him. The only other Ultimate Strategist he knew was his mother.

“Hey, what school do you go to? I just haven’t seen you around in Westerburg before.”

“Westerburg?” He questions. “Oh no! I uh, I go to Middle-Borough..”

“That’s in New Jersey, right?” He nods at her. “And I’m from Ohio. So if that’s the case that we’re from different schools, where are we now?”

She had a point. Were they in Ohio or New Jersey? Either option would put the other in a place that they’ve probably never been to.

Though, it could be that they were in a different state entirely.

“Ugh!” Veronica scribbled in her notepad, presumably in frustration. Jeremy thought he should probably stop her before she accidentally breaks the led.

He clears his throat. There was something that had been bothering him and he needed to know if he was just the only one. “So Veronica, do you also not remember why you’re here?”

“Not a clue.” Veronica replies, not minding the change of conversation. “Last thing I remember I was hanging out with… some people. Then I woke up and then got transported here.”

Okay so, maybe someone wiped our memories. But that makes no sense! Why would someone wipe our memories? How can someone even do that? Or maybe the more logical answer is…

“Jeremy? You okay?”

Jeremy shrugs, moving away from his thoughts. “Could I even be okay at the situation right now?”

“Fair enough.” Veronica chuckled. “But don’t worry about it so much. Sure, this whole thing is pretty shitty but it’s not like some random person’s going to show up to kill us or something.”

“Oh, I thought I was the only person up here!” Both of them turned to the door, Jeremy instantly fell on the floor in a panic. The door slammed shut once he let go of it.

“Shit… Now, I just feel bad.” Jeremy muttered.

He walked towards the door and opened it again. He got a good look at the figure that was in front of him. It was a short girl with her pitch black hair in a bun.

She wore a red off-the-shoulder dress and carried around a denim bag. Jeremy noticed a few pins on it. One was Hamilton, another was Wicked, he spotted a Mean Girls one, too.

“Let me guess, Ultimate Actress?” Veronica asks.

“How’d you know?!” The girl looked genuinely amused.

“Uh, your pins.” Jeremy says, pointing to the pins on her bag. The girl glanced at her denim bag and grinned.

“Oh yeah! I forgot about those…” She says sheepishly. She places a hand on her chin. “Now that I think about it, I should add more! I have way more at home! If only I was at my house, right now.”

“You and me both, sister.” Veronica said. Jeremy looked at the girl for a longer time than he probably should have. She looked familiar. She sounded familiar.

“Uhm, Did I do something?” She asked, puzzled by Jeremy’s silence.

Veronica smiles in reply. “Don’t worry. That’s just his thing.”

I got it! “Sorry but your name is Christine Canigula, right?”

She nods and smiles brightly. Jeremy could feel himself going blind at it. It was like he was looking directly at the sun.

“How’d you know that?” Veronica questions. Jeremy rubbed the back of his neck with an embarrassed look.

“Well, I was kind of a theater kid in my day and I vaguely remembered her making school newspaper headlines as a High-school student being in countless of productions.”

“Oh yeah!” Christine bounces up and down with excitement. “I’ve seen tons of Broadway shows too! I even had numerous of playbills signed!”

What someone like her could accomplish as a teenager makes me feel small.

“To formally introduce myself, My name is Christine Canigula, The Ultimate Actress! I like musicals and plays of any kind. I also adore Shakespeare! Ooh, play rehearsal too!”

“You’re also from Middle Borough, right?”

“Yeah! Why do you ask?”

“I got scouted just like you.”

“Really?! Nice to meet you!” She grabs his hand and shakes it with a tight grip. “I never really talked to any other Ultimates before! Aside from other Ultimate Actors and any others who do theater.”

“Geez, I kind of feel left out.” Veronica jokes. Christine gives her a concerned look on her face. “Don’t worry, I’m joking.” She lets out a forced laugh.

“She’s from Westerburg so she doesn’t go to our school.” Jeremy explains. Christine’s eyes lit up.

“Oh my gosh! I never met another Ultimate from another school! That’s amazing! How’s Westerburg like? Is it different from Middle-Borough?!” She asks, her voice quick. She crushes Veronica in a hug. The girl in question was having trouble breathing.

“Chris… tine… can’t… breathe.”

“Oh! Sorry!” She let go of Veronica as the brunette took a deep breath.

“So Christine, Just to make sure, You don’t happen to remember anything before this, do you? Like how you got here?” Veronica asks, getting straight to the point. She tucks her pencil behind her ear, eager to hear her response.

“No, actually. I don’t know where I am or how I’m here. The last thing I remember was being in Play Rehearsal with Mr. Reyes.” Christine replies. “I also don’t know why the windows have metal on it.”

“We can assume that if there are other people here, they probably don’t remember anything.” Jeremy said.

“Speaking of the others, Should we go down?” Christine suggests. “I remember seeing an elevator near here.”

“Yeah, we probably should. It’s not like we can do anything up here. Besides, there has to be someone in charge of this whole thing.” Jeremy exits his room, followed by Christine and Veronica, respectively. When he tries to shut the door, It practically closes on its own. “Woah.”

Veronica and Christine weren’t paying attention to that and instead beelined over to the elevator. Jeremy follows them and stared at the lobby in awe.

He doesn’t remember the last time he’s been in a hotel so seeing the regal and fancy atmosphere the elevator lobby had was breathtaking. He feels as if he was in a palace.

Ding!

The elevator opened and Veronica gets in, Christine goes in too and drags Jeremy along with her.

“Agh!”

The door closed and all Jeremy could hear was the annoying elevator music blaring in his ear. He glances at the controls in front of him. There were a bunch other floors above the rooms and the ground floor. However, two had tape on the buttons that said OUT OF ORDER in big bold letters.

Jeremy wonders what was in those other floors.

Ding!

The doors opened again and the three teens walked out. Where do we go from here?

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!”

That answers his question. They looked at each other for split second before heading off to the sound they had heard.

They found themselves in the lobby of the hotel. If the halls in the first floor weren’t grand enough, Jeremy definitely thinks this takes the cake.

Jeremy felt as if he were some rich person. This definitely was a place where they would stay. Golden pillars, a fountain in the center, This all screams “I’m rich and I can afford everything in this planet.”. Will he be paying for all this?

Something was off about the fountain, he notices. He crouches down and moves closer to the ledge. He spots a red button underneath.

What the?

He decides to ignore it for the meantime. For god’s sake, it could be a self destruct button for all he knew! He goes over to see all the commotion that lead him there in first place.

He finds a brown haired boy trying to get behind the check in counter and a blonde haired girl trying to get him to stop. A girl with curly brown hair was yelling at him for being an idiot and another girl with brown hair was seemingly enjoying this entire debacle.

The brown haired boy wore a t-shirt with black on the top and red at the bottom. The number 1 was seen on his sleeve. He’s probably athletic or something. Also there was the fact that he was… very well built.

The blonde girl was wearing a yellow cardigan and a white sleeveless dress. She also had a teal scarf around her neck.

The curly brunette had a purple beach hat with a black bow on it. She had a long sleeved fishnet shirt and a purple normal shirt on top of it. She had a black skirt too.

The other brunette had a white cap and a pink cardigan with a hood. She also had a black tie and white shirt and black stripes.

It was no denying that those four are also Ultimates. If the three of them are students with talent, then it isn’t like everyone else could be talentless. Besides, Jeremy recognises their faces. He’s seen them around school.

He looks back to Christine and Veronica who were already going towards him.

“Excuse me?”

The four stopped their chaos and looked at him. He waves, feeling embarrassed.

“Who are you?” The curly brunette asked. “We’re in the middle of something here!”

“I’m Jeremy Heere. The Ultimate Strategist.” He points to his two newfound companions. “That’s Veronica Sawyer, The Ultimate Writer and she’s Christine Canigula, The Ultimate Actress.”

“Hi!” Christine waves and extends her arm to shake. The brown haired boy went to take her hand but the curly brunette swatted his hand away.

“Mind telling us who you guys are?” Veronica asked.

“I’m Jake Dillinger! The Ultimate Athlete! Nice to meet you, homeslice!”

“Ultimate Athlete?!” Jeremy reiterated with a surprised look. “You’re good at every sport?!

“Well, not every sport but most of them!” Jake explains. “I joined a lot of sports in Middle-Borough and I’m even a part of Model UN on top of it!”

Jake had this aura of courage that honestly made Jeremy feel inferior compared to him. Model UN with all the sports he does?! Feels unreal.

“If you’re an Ultimate Athlete, Does that mean you’ve been to the big leagues?!” Christine asked, the shimmer in her eye sparkled even more.

“Yeah! Well, as big as you can get as a High-Schooler.”

Veronica looks at him skeptically. “So you haven’t been in the Olympics?”

“I haven’t been in the Olympics.” Jake said with a bashful smile on his face. “Though I do win every single game I’m in! I even beat adults twice my age! Y’know, maybe one day I might be able to play in the Olympics or the Super Bowl!”

“That’s a pretty big dream.” Veronica notes, surprised by Jake’s enthusiasm.

“I mean.. he is the Ultimate Athlete.” Jeremy reasoned. “He probably can if he could.”

I honestly wish I had his confidence.

“Hey, speaking of your Ultimate, How many sports are you good at?” Veronica questioned. Jake placed a hand on his chin while he counts on the other.

“Well, there’s archery, football, soccer, baseball, tennis,” One by one, he placed up a finger. Jeremy thought that’d be the end of it but no, he keep on going. “Volleyball, badminton, fencing, basketball, golf, running, rugby and swimming.”

“What the fuck.” Veronica said. Jeremy didn’t know whether he was impressed, jealous or slightly concerned. “You do every single one of those? You’re way better than the jock assholes in my school!”

“Yup!” Jake grinned. “It’s pretty fun once you try it!“

I’d probably die from all the stress. It may be his talent and all but it’s still almost impossible to do that many sports throughout your life.

“I’m Brooke Lohst. The Ultimate Fashion Designer.” The blonde next to him said. “I look forward to getting to know you all.”

That did explain why she was dressed like some model.

“Ooh! You’re a fashion designer? Did you design your clothes?!” Christine questions eagerly. Brooke giggles.

“Not really. I did design my scarf but everything else I got from stores.”

“Do you also sew your own clothes?” Jeremy asked.

“No, actually. I don’t sew my clothes. I only design them. Most fashion designers actually don’t need to sew to do their jobs.” Brooke elaborates. “I mean it’s not that I can’t sew but it’s only basic skills. I can’t exactly make clothes with it.”

“You can still design clothes, though! That’s amazing! You’d be perfect for the drama club! You can design costumes, can’t you?!” Christine asks, grabbing Brooke by her shoulders. The blonde girl in question shrinks a bit.

“Yeah, I can! I designed a sexy dog costume for Halloween!”

A sexy dog…?

“Hey, you must be a fashion expert then, right?! My clothes are perfectly fine and not a fashion disaster, right?!” Veronica approached her beside Christine. “I need to make a point.”

“Guys, you’re crowding her..” Jeremy said, prying the two teens away from the overwhelmed girl.

“It’s fine!” Brooke says, waving her hand dismissively. “If I ever have free time, I could design something for you. ..Provided that we leave this hotel.”

I definitely need to take up that offer.

“Since you’re an ultimate, do you have your own clothing line?” Jeremy asked.

“No, not really but I have been offered multiple times to work for others.” MULTIPLE?! “But I rejected them. I mean I still need to focus on school, don’t I?”

She has a point but still, it’s surprising on how she’s been offered MULTIPLE times. She really must be the best.

His train of thought went to a halt when he heard a cough. Everyone turned to source of the sound.

“I’m Chloe Valentine. The Ultimate Pageant Queen. Pleasure to meet you or whatever.”

“How long have you been one?” Christine asked.

“Since I was a little kid, I was trained by my mother to win every single pageant I entered in. And to add on that, I also won Prom Queen this year. At this point, I think the Ultimate Winner would be more fitting!”

“She sure reminds me of someone.” Veronica mutters to herself. Jeremy heard it, though he doesn’t know what she meant.

“Because of that, I’m also good at multiple talents. Dancing, playing a musical instrument, juggling, singing, speaking in around ten different languages.” Chloe begins to list off more attributes she had. Jeremy gaped at her, terrified at the power that she held. Jesus, all this for a beauty pageant? “Knife throwing, weightlifting…” Does anyone even do those?! “Luckily enough, not every pageant has a talent portion which makes things easier for me.”

“So let me get this straight,” Veronica starts. “Your talent… gives you even more talents?”

“Woah, you gotta be winning this year’s pageant, right?” Christine asked, impressed.

Chloe scoffed. “Of course I did. I won last year’s Miss Cosmos so obviously I’d do it again.”

“And I’ll cheer for you the entire way, Chlo!” Brooke beamed.

Chloe turned to her and smiled. “I even try out some of Brooke’s designs from time to time.” Chloe says. Jeremy didn’t want to assume but from the tone of her voice, it feels as though it’s supposed to be an honor for Brooke and not her.

“Yeah! You look great in them!”

“Thanks!”

I can almost feel her confidence growing as Brooke said that. She certainly is sure of what she does. That’s commendable, at least.

“Chloe also has numerous of crowns that come from her various of competitions.” The other brunette girl said. Jeremy had just noticed she was there. Chloe stared her down with an irritated expression.

“I was just getting there, Jenna!” They all flinched at her booming, authoritative voice.

“So who are you?” Jeremy asked the other girl, trying to distract everyone from Chloe’s little outburst.

“I’m Jenna Rolan. The Ultimate Journalist. It’s good to meet you, I guess.”

“So you must work for the Middle-Borough News, right? Or is it like the actual news?” He questions.

“It’s only for Middle Borough.” She replies. “I’ve been a school journalist for a really long time. I always had this habit of knowing what everyone was doing all the time. That’s why another title I have is the Ultimate Gossip.”

That’s weirdly terrifying..

She doesn’t continue to say anything about herself. Jenna remains quiet, not saying a single word and instead looks at the other three she was with, waiting for them to speak. He notices that Veronica is trying to avoid looking at her.

Huh?

Putting that strange discovery aside, Jeremy felt bad for Jenna. He wanted her to elaborate more about herself but he’s cut off by Chloe before he even gets a chance to speak.

“Anyways, now that that’s out of the way.” Her eyes bore into his. He felt tense. “Do you have any idea where we are? We’re running out of guesses here.”

“No?” He choked out. It came out less convincing than he wanted it to be. “I honestly thought that one of you would know the answer.”

“Actually, None of us have any recollection of why we got here in the first place.” Jake says. “I’m sure the others don’t know either. Though, I’ve only talked to those two football guys.”

“So there’s more people aside from you guys?” Christine asked.

“Probably. I seen like nine around here somewhere. I didn’t really talk to them since I was busy trying to find a phone.”

“A phone?” Jeremy urges him to keep on going. Chloe answers for him instead.

“This braindead idiot thinks that if we have phones we can have contact with the outside world. Call the police or whatever.”

“But that’s a good idea.” Veronica said. “So why are you so against it?”

“Do you see any phones here?” Chloe gestures to the counter. Surely enough, there was nothing on it aside from a glass vase with a flower inside and a clock. There wasn’t anything noteworthy about the counter other than the flat screen TV behind it. “Exactly. They probably got rid of it when they cleared us.”

“What do you mean?” Jeremy asked.

“We think that whoever sent us here stole the essential things that we had on us.” Brooke stated. “I remember having my phone in my back pocket before this all went down. But it’s gone now.”

“Same here!” Christine opens her denim bag and shows everyone its empty contents. “It was filled with scripts and my phone was in there too! What happened?”

“I don’t know but I think we have to talk to everyone else to be sure on what’s going on.” Jeremy suggests. He looks over to Veronica and Christine, silently asking for them to come with. They smile, understanding the message. “So we’ll see you around?”

“There isn’t really anywhere else we can go.” Jake jokes and was launched into an argument with Chloe after a few seconds.

“Where should we go next?” Veronica asked.

“Um..” The three turned to the blonde who was patting Chloe's back in comfort. “I don’t know if anyone’s there but if you make a left turn, there’s a buffet. Last time we went there it was empty but someone could be eating there. Besides even if you don’t find anyone, you must be hungry.”

“She’s right. Guess, we’re heading to the buffet next.”

The three made a left turn and instantly entered the buffet.

——

“God, It felt like I haven’t eaten in forever!” Veronica exclaims, before taking another bite out of her chicken. Christine laughed before eating her pasta. Jeremy silently ate his Chili fries while Veronica watched him judgmentally. “Are you eating chili fries?”

Jeremy gawks in offense. “Hey! Chili Fries are actually good!”

“Whatever you say.” Veronica says, dropping the conversation.

“Woah man! This place is so huge!” Jeremy’s attention was suddenly placed on the two tall looking jocks that entered the buffet. One was wearing a football jersey with a jacket wrapped around his waist and had black hair while the other had brown hair and wore a letterman jacket.

“I bet you’d like that. Wouldn’t ya, Ram? Punch it in!” The fist bumped each other. Was this how all popular kids act? Jeremy had no clue. The two boys glared at him, both giving the most intimidating stares he’s ever seen. He cowers in his seat.

“Hey creep. Why are you staring at us?” One of them asked.

“My buddy Kurt just asked you a question.” The other one- presumably Ram- went closer to him as his friend- Kurt probably- did the same. Jeremy looked over to Christine and Veronica who were just as speechless as him. He gulped.

“I’m Jeremy Heere, The Ultimate Strategist and you both wouldn’t happen to be ultimates would you?”

“Well, obviously we are! We could even be the Ultimate… Ultimates!” Kurt brags. Veronica stares at him unamused.

“That isn’t even an Ultimate.”

“And what are you the Ultimate of then?” Ram provoked, standing up for his friend. “The Ultimate Know-It-All?” He pauses for a moment then smirks. “Well, Well, Well if it isn’t Sawyer.”

“Veronica, you know them?”

“Yeah, they’re from Westurburg. And they’re also dicks.”

Kurt and Ram looked appalled. The latter came up to her, close to her face with a frown. “What’s that supposed to mean, Sawyer?”

“Okay, enough with all this arguing!” Christine sent a disappointed stare at Veronica who pouted and crossed her arms. Ram rolled his eyes and backed away from her, he mirrors her expression. “Could you mind telling us who you are?”

“Sure thing, cutie.” Kurt winked as Christine was ignorant to the obvious flirting that was happening. Or maybe she wasn’t. She was an actress after all. “I’m Kurt Kelly. The Ultimate Quarterback.”

“Jake has you beat. He’s the Ultimate Athlete.” Veronica smirks.

“Yeah, Well, Is he an Ultimate in any of the positions in football?! Exactly! He isn’t!” Kurt defended himself.

“And I’m the Ultimate Linebacker, Ram Sweeney!”

“Can you guys play other positions? Or any other games for that matter?” Jeremy questions.

“Duh! Ram and I switch positions all the time to practice! We just excel in our specific roles!”

“They’re basically nothing without the other.” Veronica whispered to Jeremy.

“What the fuck?! Of course not!” Kurt exclaimed, flabbergasted. “But Ram does help me in game a lot. Can’t ask for a better Linebacker, Can I?!” He wraps his arm around his friend’s neck and ruffles his hair.

“We’re still awesome in our positions! We’re the reason Westurburg High is even winning against the Razorbacks!” Ram brags.

“I’m sorry but the Razorbacks?” Jeremy questions. “Is that some kind of school for Ultimate students?”

“Yeah! It’s some other boring ass school in Ohio!” Kurt claims. “It helps them work on their talents or something like our school does. I don’t really care. I mean why be better when you’re already the best?!”

Another school in Ohio. Makes sense why I haven’t heard of it or Westurburg.

“Are we done with dumb Q&A?” Ram whined. “I’m starving! Besides, Can’t flirt with the Heathers on an empty stomach, Am I right?” Kurt snickers and high fives his friend.

“Heathers?” Christine repeats, puzzled.

“Yup. Some three hot girls named Heather.” Kurt said, a smirk present on his face.

“Why do they all have the same name? Doesn’t that get confusing?” Jeremy says. Ram shrugs.

“Who cares, dude? They’re hot.”

“Wait… The Heathers are actually here?!” Veronica yells out. Jeremy couldn’t tell if her voice held fear, dread or anger but regardless, it seems like it wasn’t a positive emotion.

“Yeah, They went in the ballroom or something.” Ram informs with a smirk, looking subtly at Veronica. Wow, an actual ballroom? How fancy is this place?

Christine seemed to be thinking the same thing. She lights up at the the fact that there is as a ballroom. Her smile grows wider than it ever was before.

“What are we waiting for?!” She grabs Jeremy’s hand and leads him out of the buffet. Veronica runs after them.

“Wait! Uh, dammit. Wait for me!”

——

They approached the ballroom and found a black haired boy that had a black trench coat and a grey shirt. Veronica seemed to smile when she saw him.

Geez, This guy was covered in all shades of black.

”If you’re thinking about going in, don’t. The Heathers are there and you don’t want to mess with them.” The boy said. He notices a familiar face then started to smile. “Hey, Veronica.”

“Hey, JD!” She goes over to him, grinning from ear to ear. Jeremy tilts his head at her, confused.

“Uh, Who are you?”

Veronica points to the tall boy next to her. “That’s Jason Dean. Though, He prefers to be called JD.”

“What’s your talent?” Jeremy asks the boy at her side.

“I don’t remember mine.” JD admits. “In fact, My memories have always seemed to be a vague picture. Though, it seems that I'm lacking the ability to remember more than everyone else is, at least, those who I checked.”

“That’s why I promised him I’d help him regain his memories of his talent.” Veronica says determined. "Well, before this all happened." Jeremy looks at her and then back to JD. It looks like they were already friends. Maybe they were dating. Either way, Jeremy didn’t want to intrude.

“So why aren’t you guys going inside?” Christine questions, gesturing to the door. Veronica rolls her eyes annoyed.

“Like I said, The Heathers are in there and they’re being stone cold bitches.” JD says. “They also don’t like me or Veronica. Not that I like them either. They think the world revolves around them.”

So the Heathers are from Westerburg too if Veronica knows who they are. Same with JD.

“So we can’t go in?” Christine looked disappointed. Even Jeremy felt a bit upset about not seeing the inside.

“You can. I’d suggest you not to since there’s a likely chance they’ll kick you out but be our guest.” JD warned.

“It’s a chance we’ll take! I’d love to see this place’s ballroom!” The shorter girl practically rips the door open and struts in.

Jeremy sighs. Hopefully, the Heathers weren’t as bad as he thought.

———

When they enter the room, they were greeted by a bunch of tables with white sheets on them. The golden chandeliers on the roof brightened up the room in an elegant way. There was even a stage where three girls were staying.

If he didn’t know any better, He’d think that he just walked into a wedding reception in the making.

“Who the hell are you?” A voice asked. He turns to the sound of the voice and sees it comes from an ginger haired girl. “Speak. Right now.”

She had a red scrunchie keeping her hair up in a high ponytail. She was wearing a red robe with flower patterns on it but also had a white dress with black spaghetti straps.

“I’m Jeremy Heere, The Ultimate Strategist and we were just planning to look inside here.”

She hops off of the stage and walks towards him, two girls following behind her. Jeremy fidgets, terrified. She grabs his face with her index and thumb.

“You sure could use a lot of work.” Was all she said before she let go.

“Are you the Heathers?” Jeremy questions as Christine was still taking in her surroundings in awe.

“You don’t know who we are?” The black haired girl asked, trying to be as intimidating as the girl in front of her. She shrinks when she sees the ginger’s glare.

“Shut up, Heather.”

“Sorry Heather.”

“I’m sorry but you’re all named Heather? Isn’t that confusing?” He asked.

“It gets confusing sometimes but we all have different last names so it’s fine!” The blonde girl explains. She was a lot more chipper than the other two.

“Oh. And your last names are…?”

“I’m Heather Chandler, the Ultimate Croquet Player and I’m the one in charge here.”

“Oh, croquet player?” Jeremy says. “Isn’t croquet like a sport you play in your backyard? Is it an actual competitive sport?” Chandler glares at him. He immediately corrects himself. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way! I’m just surprised! That’s all!”

“If you must know, Croquet actually is a competitive sport. It’s hard winning every single game like me.” She says with pride. “I’ve won every single game that I had taken apart in and am a professional in every single variation of croquet.”

“I’m sorry but variation?! There’s more than one way to play?!” Jeremy has no idea about how croquet worked and still doesn’t. The fact that he didn’t know there’s more than one variation on how to play makes him feel dumb.

And clearly Chandler thought the same too, her expression practically screaming judgement and disgust. “Yes, there’s golf, association, one-ball…” She halts. “You know, how about you do your research and stop bothering me with questions.”

“So the rest of the Heathers, are like your friends?” Despite Chandler’s command, he still asks her a question since he has no idea on how to socialize with her.

Luckily for him, She didn’t seem to mind this time. “I’m the leader of the Heathers.” She brags. “Yes, they’re my friends but no matter what, I’m always in charge.”

“Anyways, ask me another question again..” She steps on his foot. With her high inch heels, Jeremy felt like he was about to cry. That hurt a lot. “And i’ll have your head.” She left the ballroom and shut the door with a loud thud.

Jeremy fell on the floor, trying to get his foot to stop aching as the Heathers (or well, the remaining Heathers) were watching, not knowing what to do while Christine looks at the ballroom, blissfully unaware of what was happening.

“Aren’t you going to stand up? The floor’s dirty, y’know.” The blonde states. She doesn’t help him up, not that Jeremy expected her to at all. He mutters an apology before standing back up on his two feet.

The three stared at each other for a long period of time. “Well?” The black haired one asked.

“Well, what?”

“Aren’t you going to ask who we are?!”

“I mean you can always just introduce yourselves..” Jeremy reasoned. She grumbled, crossing her arms.

“Well, I’m Heather McNamara! I’m the Ultimate Cheerleader!” Jeremy probably should have assumed that because of her cheerleader outfit. He also notices that on her shirt that it said “Westurburg High.” “I love cheerleading! It’s really fun! I really get passionate about the choreography, the cheer itself and everything else!”

“A cheerleader?“

“Yeah, When I was a kid, I always liked cheering people on! I liked seeing the pride in their eyes! Still do, actually!” She grins ear to ear. “I managed to make my team win a cheering competition!”

“Those exist?”

“Totally! And I motivated my team to do their absolute best!”

“So you cheered your team on to do well in a cheering contest?” Jeremy asked slowly. McNamara giggles.

“I guess so!”

“Cheerleading is a sport, right? I mean it does seem as difficult as one with all the flips and the carrying and the dance moves.” He’s seen cheerleaders in his school before and seeing them preform was Insane. It’s commendable at the trust they have in each other, if it were him, he’d be expecting to hit the floor at every second.

“Yup… It really is difficult. One time I remember I sprained my ankle two weeks before an important cheering competition..” McNamara explains. “But me and my team pushed through and Westerburg ended up winning! It’s all about the trust you have with your team and how hard you guys work!”

Wait.. She went to a competition with a sprained ankle? That seems inhuman. Unless it healed before, either way, that’s some serious dedication.

“You don’t need to give him your life story, Heather.” The black haired girl said, moving closer to the two. She had a green scrunchie similar to Chandler’s that she wore on her wrists and she wore a green sweater vest on top of a white shirt.

“Sorry Heather.”

“I’m the Ultimate Editor, Heather Duke. I mostly edit the yearbook.”

“You just edit the yearbook?” He almost facepalms at his dumb rewording.

“Hey! I’ll have you know that because of my talent, Westerburg’s yearbook committee managed to submit on time, okay?!” Duke yells defensively. “I practically run the yearbook!” Jeremy shrinks back, terrified of the girl in front of him. “Plus I’m in multiple of editing clubs.”

“It’s true, she is! There’s video editing club, photo editing club and I’m pretty sure that’s it.” She scowls at McNamara’s statement.

“Oh, you’re in video and photo editing too?”Jeremy asked.

“Of course I am. Photos are a huge part of the yearbook so my skills would obviously branch out to that.” Duke rolls her eyes at the inquiry. “Plus, I got my video editing skills from that one time in freshman year where we made a video yearbook.”

McNamara shuddered. “That was so not our year.”

“Does most of your ultimate center around the yearbook?” He questions. Duke looks away, embarrassed.

“Maybe… but I’ll have you know that I’ve been asked to work in as an editor for some lame-ass news organization!” She crosses her arms. “I didn’t take it, of course but that doesn’t matter!” Her angry glare was now replaced with a small look of insecurity. “I know my Ultimate isn’t as flashy as Heather’s or Heather’s but it’s still important!“

“Yeah, I won’t deny that. I mean it does seem like a pretty difficult job.” Jeremy reassures. Duke looks at him, both suspicion and surprise were in her gaze.

Eventually, She turned back to her normal self. That tiny smidge of self doubt was now erased almost as if it was never there. “I know right?! It’s just a good as Heather’s and even Heather’s!”

Wasn’t she the one bringing herself down in the first place? And how do they not get confused with the whole Heather thing?

“See! I told you, Heather!” McNamara says brightly. Duke’s grin dropped and was replaced with a scowl. Seems like the two don’t get along or from what it seemed like, Duke doesn’t like McNamara.

He turns back to Christine was still looking around, her eyes twinkling in awe, ignoring everything that was around her. This really does seem like her scene.

He heard screaming on the other side of the door. It sounded like…

“Was that Veronica’s voice?!”

“Well, that’s our cue to leave.” Duke mutters, heading towards the door. “See you around, Nerd.” McNamara gives him a wave but puts her hand down when Duke glared at her for it.

The door once again slammed shut and that seemed to have caught Christine’s attention.

“Huh?! What happened?!”

“I think we should be going now.” Jeremy says.

“Actually, Jeremy, Can I stay?” Christine asks. “This place is just so amazing! Can I spend a few minutes more in here?”

“Sure, I guess I can just update you on what I find.” She grins and immediately runs to the stage. She probably misses being on one. She’s the Ultimate Actress so she enjoys being on stage all the time.

He is more worried about her spending time alone. Especially with the Heathers outside the door.

But if it’s what Christine wants then he shouldn’t stop her.

He exits the ballroom, he heard faint bickering from the Heathers and Veronica as he walks away.

Now, where does he go?

———

Jeremy ended up spotting three figures by the door. He hadn’t expected to find them there though he did check everywhere and there was nowhere else anyone could have gone in

The black haired boy was trying to open the main door by shaking the handle back and forth. Meanwhile, the girl was frowning, mumbling something. There was also a blonde in the corner, mumbling to himself.

The boy had glasses and was wearing a black hoodie with a green pixelated heart patch on his top left side of his chest.

The girl had a pink turtleneck sweater and a unicorn clip in her hair. She also had rainbow streaks in her hair that were slowly fading.

The blonde wore a black beanie with devil like horns at the top. Despite this, Jeremy caught a glimpse of his hair though. It appears like he had blonde hair with some kind of red streak in the middle. He wore a flannel with a white shirt.

Jeremy smiles. He knew one person who had glasses and wore hoodies with patches. Finally, a familiar person.

“MICHAEL!” He goes to hug the boy who was taken aback. He was about to scream at some random stranger hugging him but he softened upon realizing who it was.

“PLAYER TWO!” Michael hugs him tighter. Jeremy’s glad he has one person in this weird hotel that he knows well. He lets go and scowls.

“Excuse me! I’m Player one!”

“You think that you’re player one? Compared to the Ultimate Gamer?! Don’t think so.” Michael flicks his forehead as he laughs.

“Touché.”

“What are you doing here, man?! I haven’t seen you in like forever! Do you still even know who I am?” Michael accused, it held no bite to it. Something he loved to do was tease the everliving fuck out of Jeremy.

“Of course I know who you are. How could I forget the loser that thinks retro games are the greatest gift to humanity next to sliced bread.”

Michael held his hand over his heart. “I can’t believe you just called me a loser, Jeremy! I might just cry in the bathroom, right now!”

“You wouldn’t.”

“I would, don’t try me.”

“That’ll just make me feel bad.”

“Good.”

The two laugh for a short while before Jeremy notices the hairpin in his grasp. “What’s that for?”

“Trying to bust us out!” Michael replies, trying to unlock the door. “Trust me, we’ll be out of this place in no time!”

As Michael does that (or well, tries). Jeremy noticed a girl just staying silent, minding her own business. “Hey, Who are you? If you don’t mind me asking.”

She looked quite startled but calmed down after a second.

“I’m Martha Dunnstock. I’m the Ultimate Librarian.”

“Oh, you have any books that you like?” Jeremy asked. She smiles. He’s glad that she was finally out of her less than upbeat mood.

“I can’t really decide but I do enjoy stories with a happy ending. I’m really a sucker for them.” She says, her eyes twinkling. She must really like her fantasy stories.

“You like fantasy ones?” She cocks her head. Jeremy points to her hair clip. “You have a unicorn clip on your hair.”

“Oh right! I adore them. I love things that are rooted in fantasy just so long as they aren’t terrifying.”

“I don’t want to sound mean or anything but.. what exactly do librarians do?” Jeremy asks, curious.

“Well, I have an internship in a library that’s near Westurburg! Normally what I do is arrange every book in the library, give recommendations to those who want one, direct people to find the books they want.” Martha elaborates. “Just basic stuff. It isn’t too remarkable.”

No, arranging every single book in a library is extremely remarkable, Martha.

He notices another boy who was seemingly talking to himself. Jeremy walked over to him and tapped his shoulder. The boy whirls around and punches him in the gut.

“Fuck! Oww!” Jeremy stumbles to the floor, holding his stomach. The blonde looks at him in pity.

“Shit! Sorry about that!” He helps him up. Jeremy’s still groaning in pain. “You shouldn’t just sneak up on me like that though, you know?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry..” Jeremy made a mental note that the blonde had a lisp (It didn’t really matter anyway, just something he noticed).

“It’s fine. Honestly, I should have been able to see a tall-ass like you from a mile away.” He shrugs. “So i guess it’s my fault. Sorry.”

“Tall-Ass? I’m not even that tall.”

“Well, you could be. If you weren’t hunched over all the time.” The blonde cringed at his words. Jeremy stood up straight. He was right. He was a solid six inches taller than the boy in front of him.

“Sorry about that.” He added. “I just- It’s just impulse, you know? I don’t really think when I say something. I just say it. I don't think about what I do either." 

“Yeah, I get that.” Jeremy replies awkwardly as he went back to slouching. “Though, there’s always my nerves and anxiety warning me in case i do something that I might accidentally fuck up on.”

“Huh? Oh, i don’t have that. And who cares about that when i’m way more cooler than I’ve ever been!” The blonde exclaims. “It helps with my talent! You know how many cool stories I have that happened because I didn't think about shit? It's like my brain's being controlled by something else!”

That's concerning. Jeremy didn't say that out loud (even if he really wanted to) and instead asked a question that plagued his mind. “What’s your talent?”

The boy smirks. “Rich Goranski, The Ultimate Daredevil.” He introduces. “I like being in the face of danger. It’s exciting and makes me look exciting by default. Even if I do get in trouble for it.”

That explains a lot actually.

“What kind of stuff do you do?” Jeremy asked, a tad bit terrified.

“Oh, the standard stuff. Getting into detention, telling the principal to fuck off, jumping from a two story balcony onto a pool, skateboarding without any protective gear.” He feels himself getting more petrified by the minute. Luckily, Rich doesn’t go on. “I’m pretty sure there are school headlines about the dumb shit I do.”

“But why do you do it?! What could you gain from all that?!” Jeremy asked. Rich shrugs.

“Like I said, It makes me look exciting.”

I don’t think putting yourself in dangerous situations makes you look exciting. It just makes me concerned for your mental state.

“Hey, you’re Heere, right?” His conversation with Rich was cut short by Jake who walked up to them with Jenna, Brooke and Chloe. He gave Rich a fist bump, upon seeing him then looked back at Jeremy. “Is the door working?” 

“I’m Jeremy, yeah and no, it isn’t.” 

“The door’s been locked ever since we’ve gotten here.” JD says, approaching with Veronica. She waved to Martha and she waved back.

“Does that mean we’re stuck here?” Kurt appears with Ram by his side. “That fucking sucks. How am I supposed to hit on hot babes in here?”

Is that really what’s important, right now?

“What the fuck is going on in here?” Chandler has her hand on her hip as the rest of the Heathers- with Christine in tow- follow her.

“We’re trying to find a way to escape.” Martha explains Chandler glares daggers at the poor girl.

“Did I ask you, Martha Dumptruck?”

“Hey, don’t talk to Martha that way.” Veronica scolds, stepping in between the two of them.

“And why not, Sawyer? I don’t need to listen to you.”

“Can you just stop being a bitch for five seconds?!”

“Veronica, Calm down.” JD tries to comfort her but she was too determined to put Chandler in her place.

An argument arose within the group of teens as they all tried to one up the other. Jeremy just sighs. It was like he never left Middle Borough High. At the very least, It was nice to have something familiar.

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

Their fight stopped and everyone fell silent. They all turned to the sound. It was coming from the screen behind the counter. They gathered around it.

“Testing, Testing. For God’s sake, Why is this protocol?” A tired, snarky voice rang. A twenty something year old man appeared on the screen. The best way Jeremy could describe him was that he was if Keanu Reaves looked even cooler than he was. “Is this thing on? I’m sure it is.”

“What the hell?” Michael mumbled. Jeremy flinched, not realizing he was there.

“To all incoming students, I would like for you to go to the ballroom for an important announcement. Then again, where else could you go?”

Way to rub salt in the wound.

“That is all I’ll be waiting.”

They all stayed silent, none of them moving in their spot. What just happened?

“There’s no way I’m going.” Duke crossed her arms with her head held up high. “That guy could easily kill us.”

“I don’t think we should ignore it.” JD said. “Who knows what he’d do if we don’t come?”

“Also he could be in charge of this entire thing. We might get some answers from him. Besides, as he said, we have nothing else to do.” Jeremy adds. JD sends him a small smile.

“I hate to admit it but Jesse James is right.” Chandler spoke up. “I want to get out of this place as soon as possible and if the only way to do that is to talk the weird asshole then fine.”

Chandler went towards the ballroom with the other Heathers behind her. Ram and Kurt instantly followed the Heathers and JD went along with Veronica and Martha.

“I’m not letting those two choose for me!” Chloe complained.

“I mean if you don’t want to leave that’s on you but I for one, want to get out of here.” Jake says, heading off to the ballroom. Chloe stands there, steaming before storming off too. Brooke follows her and so do Jenna and Rich.

Jeremy turns to the last two left (that being Christine and Michael) and gestures them to come with him.

What’s going to happen this time?

———

Everyone was in the ballroom. The mysterious man hadn’t shown up yet which makes Jeremy think that this was all a ruse. However, He noticed the tables were stacked up, probably to make room for space.

Something was definitely up.

“This was a huge waste.” Ram said, annoyed. “Can’t believe we wasted time to get over here!”

“Maybe we should go back and explore around?” Jeremy suggested. Duke looked at him, judgmentally.

“Wasn’t it your bright idea to go here in the first place?!”

“Actually, It was him.” Rich corrected, pointing at JD who just shrugs.

“We don’t even need to fight about this!” Jake says, trying to calm the waters. He walks over to the door that was still open. “We can just walk out and do our separate-“

He stops in his tracks. The door slams shut.

“What the hell, man?” Kurt asks. “Why did you close it?!” Jake turns back to them with a terrified look in his eye.

“That wasn’t me.”

“That was me.” They all heard the familiar voice again. They looked on the stage that had a podium on it. The man stepped out from the curtains and walked to the podium. “I don’t advise you on leaving when I have something important to say.”

He was wearing a black trench coat and a blue t-shirt. He stood tall, looming over them all as if he was in charge. To be frank, he pretty much was.

“What do you need to tell us about?” JD asked, carefully. Jeremy wished he was as calm as him. His anxiety was currently through the roof.

“I’m sure you’re all wondering why you’re here.”

“Yeah, we sure are.” Michael says, glaring at the man. “Did you kidnap us or something? Who even are you?”

“Firstly, No, I did not kidnap you. Secondly, I go by Squip.”

Jeremy blinks in confusion. “Squip? Does that stand for something?”

“Maybe it does. Maybe it doesn’t. Is that really what you want to know?” Squip asked, leaning against the podium. “Aren’t you curious on why you’re here?”

They all shut up, awaiting for an answer. He smirks, glad he trapped them right where he wanted.

“You sixteen students were chosen to participate in this school trip due to your outstanding abilities.”

“Trip? This was funded by our schools?” Jeremy asked.

“Yes. However, to be completely real with you, it isn’t a trip.”

“You just said it was.” Rich said, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, though you can call it a school trip. It isn’t really a trip if you’re forced to stay here forever, isn’t it?” Everyone felt themselves tense up. Squip’s smirk grew. He loved every single second of this.

“What are you talking about?!” Christine cried out, frantically.

“You aren’t leaving this place. That really is all to it. God, you teenagers really are extremely dumb if you think I have to explain all this to you.”

“You’re supposed to! We have no idea what’s happening!” Brooke exclaims.

“Are we seriously never going to escape?!” Jeremy yells, louder than he’s ever been. No, He was the Ultimate Strategist. He had to find a way to escape. He had to. Sixteen pairs of eyes landed on him.

“You can’t. All the exits are shut. You can’t even climb out the windows now that they’re all covered.” Squip rests his chin on his hand which was resting on the podium. “It’s quite pitiful, though. The Ultimate Strategist being unable to find a strategy out of this place. Guess, your talent isn’t useful enough.”

“Don’t talk to him like that!” Michael spat. He sent him a reassuring look but Squip was right. Jeremy was pathetic.

“It’s not all bad.” Squip says. “You get to live inside a hotel. Isn’t that a good thing? There’s lots of things you can do here.”

If the rest of the floors were accessible. Jeremy thought bitterly.

“But I don’t want to be in here! How can I play if I’m stuck inside?!” Ram yells.

“I am going to miss a lot of Mr. Reyes’ play rehearsals.” Christine says, dejectedly.

“Can I cheer from inside?”

“This isn’t fair! I want out! My talent revolves around the yearbook! How can I do that when I’m not in school?!”

“It is troubling not getting a lot of gossip from anyone else other than a small group.”

“Eh, No detention for me.”

“How can we play Apocalypse of the Dammed?! Is there an arcade in this hotel or something?”

“Quiet down.” Squip scolds. Everyone shut their mouths, not wanting to anger the man anymore than they already did. If looks could kill, they’d all be underground. “Now, if you’d let me finish, I would have told you all a way on how to get out.”

“Why didn’t you tell us that before?” Jenna questions.

“I would have if you all didn’t start interrupting me with your nonsensical problems.” Squip countered. “Plus living here isn’t too big of a deal.”

“Speak for yourself! You don’t even have a talent!” Chandler barks.

“True. I suppose it’ll stop your whining if I tell you how to get out.” They all remained silent. “If you’re really that desperate to, then all you need to do is disturb the peace.”

“Disturb the peace?” Jeremy asked.

“Uh huh. Disturb the peace of the school trip and by that I mean…” Squip drags his finger across his neck and tilts his head to the side with closed eyes.

Jeremy feels his blood grow cold. They all got the hint. They had to… “You don’t mean..”

“Ooh, but I do mean it. I assume you’re all thinking about murder, right?”

“Murder?!” Martha exclaims in fear.

“Yeah. Murder of any kind. Strangling, Poisoning, stabbing. It doesn’t really matter as long as it causes despair.” Jeremy saw a twisted grin of Squip, It made him sick.

Why would he murder anyone?! Why would anyone murder anyone?! Just to escape? Was that really worth it? He shivers. There was no way this was real. There was no way. There has to be another way.

Please.. I don’t want anyone to die.

“What the hell?!” Rich yelled.

“That can’t be!” Christine exclaims.

“There’s no way anyone would let you do this.” Veronica says. “Where are the cops?! There going to come for us, right?!”

“The adults are powerless, Sawyer.” Squip says, not caring about the frightened students. “No one even knows where you are. Believe me. You all are practically in the middle of nowhere.”

“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” JD asked. Despite his calm persona, He still looked shaken up and a tad bit terrified.

“Do I look like I’m lying? If you don’t believe me, you can try it out for yourself and see if I am.”

“Why would we?!” McNamara shrieks.

“What even happens if we kill anyone, anyway?” Chandler questions. Jeremy looked at her in fear. She couldn’t… She wasn’t thinking about it anyways right?

“You have to find that out yourself.”

“Hey! Weren’t you supposed to answer all our questions?!”

“Why do you even want to know? Aren’t you all against murder or something?” Chandler quiets down at that and scoffs. “Anyways, that was all I called you in for. Oh wait, there’s one more thing.”

“What is it?” Jenna asked.

“This.” Squip pulls a sack from behind the podium and hands it to Jake who was conveniently the closest one to him. Everyone crowded around him to see what it was. Jeremy looked inside and found around sixteen tablets. That was weird. He gets one and opens it instantly. His name appeared once it started up.

That’s even more odd.

“Those are E-Handbooks. They include a list of school trip rules. There will be consequences for breaking rules, believe me. Aside from that though, There’s also information on each one of you and a map of the hotel. You also can’t break it so don’t even try.” Kurt and Ram groan at that. Jeremy looks at his E-handbook and back to Squip.

“Hey, Wait-“

“That’s all for today. I hope you all enjoy your life here and I hope someone dies soon. I can’t deal with all this teen angst forever.” And just like that, He disappears, leaving everyone in shock.

“What the hell was that?!” Duke asks, still in shock and terror. Jeremy couldn’t blame her. He was feeling scared.

“You don’t think anyone would actually do it, right?” Martha questions. “No one will actually die, right?”

“No. No one’s going to die, Martha. We’re going to find a way out of here.” Veronica says, comforting her friend. Even she looks like she’s in distress, Did she even believe herself?

“I guess the only choice is to live here forever.” Brooke says. “It can’t be too bad. I hope.”

“Can we even hope at this point?” Chandler asks, more quiet and calculated than minutes before. “That Squip guy was right. The adults don’t care about us. They would have found us already if that was the case.”

“So we have to find a way out.” Jeremy mutters.

“It’ll be easy with the Ultimate Strategist on our side!” Christine says, hopeful. How can she still smile after all that was said and done? He gives her a small smile but he didn’t believe her words.

What did Squip say again?

“It’s quite pitiful, though. The Ultimate Strategist being unable to find a strategy to survive. Guess, your talent isn’t useful enough.”

He was right.

“We better find a way out of here.” Rich says, his eyes glued to the wall, Not looking at anyone. “Who knows what someone could do in here.”

“Hey! Don’t talk like that! No one’s going to die!” Christine scolds. Jeremy can tell that she’s on edge.

“He isn’t wrong, is he? We’re all strangers and even if we aren’t, We either hate each other or don’t care.” Chandler states.

Everyone fell into silence once again, all looking at each other. Would anyone even kill? No, they were all strangers, sure but they couldn’t be enemies, could they? This was fine. He would go home to his parents any moment now. This was like some crazy dream, right.

But he wasn’t waking up.

He couldn’t believe the fact that this was reality and this was the one he was forced into. He couldn’t believe it was the reality that all sixteen of them had to face.

He didn’t even notice the pit of despair, he was descending into.

Chapter Text

Rule #1: Students may reside only within the hotel for the rest of their lives

Rule #2: "Nighttime" is from 10 pm to 7 am. Some areas are off-limits at night, such as the buffet. Water will also be turned off too.

Rule #3: With minimal restrictions, you are free to explore the hotel at your discretion.

Rule #4: Violence against Squip is strictly prohibited, as is destruction of surveillance cameras.

Rule #5: Anyone who kills a fellow student and becomes "blackened" will graduate, unless they are discovered.

Rule #6: The guilty party may only kill a maximum of two people during the "Killing Game."

Rule #7: The killing game will continue until only five surviving students remain.

Rule #8: The "Body Discovery Announcement" will play when three or more students discover a body.

Rule #9: Squip will never directly commit a murder.

Rule #10: Your E-Handbooks are valuable, Don’t lose them.

Rule #11: Additional regulations may be added if necessary.

Jeremy felt like he could throw up. The way that this was all a game to Squip made him sick. This entire situation was sickening.

He took another look at his E-Handbook. Maybe his eyes were deceiving him. Maybe it was all just some cruel joke that held no true weight or consequences.

But was too scared to find out if it was real or not. He was terrified to know if someone would actually die by another’s hands. That one of them had to deal with their blood on their hands.

Would he succumb to it? He wouldn’t. He knows he wouldn’t.

Could he really be sure anymore?

“Jeez,” Jenna starts, glancing up from her E-Handbook. That single word snapped Jeremy’s attention back to everyone else. He nearly forgot that he wasn’t alone. “This entire thing is really.. terrible.”

“Yeah, these rules… they can’t be true, right?” Jake asked, scrolling through the rules once more before turning to everyone else. “I mean “Squip can’t kill anyone”? There’s no way he isn’t going to kill one of us.”

“There’s also one thing I noticed.” Jeremy pipes up. They all looked at him. He feels as though his little outburst a while ago was replaying in his brain. “In the rules, Squip is referred to as Headmaster.” Each of them looked through their handbooks to confirm it. It was there. “We all go to different schools, Westerburg and Middle-Borough. I can speak for Middle-Borough, we don’t have a headmaster like that.”

“Neither do we.” Veronica says.

“So what? Does one of our schools just have a new headmaster?” Chloe asks, skeptically. “I mean wouldn’t have we remembered?”

“We don’t remember how we got here so it isn’t far off to say that we lost some of our memories.” Jeremy notes. “It’s likely that our schools merged and got a new headmaster.”

“Is that really the case?” McNamara questions.

“I don’t know but I think it’d be a possibility.” Jeremy says.

“Will-Will we never go home again?” Martha asks, hugging herself, frantically. “Is this the end?”

“Martha, no. Okay? No one will kill anyone. I promise that.” Veronica tries to reassure her friend but it seems like her attempts were worthless.

“You can’t promise anything, Veronica.” Chandler says. Veronica glares, pissed off that she was reminded was more of Heather Chandler’s existence. “You can’t vouch for everyone here when you say that no one will kill anyone.”

“God, what’s your damage, Heather?” Veronica fumes.

“I hate to admit it, Veronica. However, She does have a point.” JD cuts in. Veronica looked at her friend (boyfriend? Jeremy wasn’t sure), betrayed. “We don’t know what anyone’s thinking right now.”

“You planning on killing anyone, freak?” Ram snarls with Kurt in tow. “I wouldn’t be surprised, honestly.”

“I wouldn’t.” JD said, calm and collected. “But that isn’t to say that someone else wouldn’t.”

“This’ll all stop when five remaining students are still alive.” Rich states, fiddling with his handbook. “Can’t like the rest of us fake our deaths?”

“But where would we hide? We don’t know anything about this place.” JD notes.

“Maybe we really just need to kill someone.” Chloe says.

“Chlo! Don’t even say something like that!” Brooke scolds.

“She definitely has a point.” Duke said, bitterly.

“Hold on.” They all turned to the source of the voice. Jeremy looks over to him, worried.

“Michael?”

He stared at them with a raised eyebrow. “Are we really going to do something Squip’s forcing us to do? Are we seriously considering doing this?!” He looks uneasy but also determined. “Like hell, I’m going to do what Squip wants! I’m going to get us all out of here!”

“How? Squip said it himself, the doors and windows are shut and there didn’t seem to be any phones in sight.” Jeremy says.

“But..” Christine smiles, for the first time since they’ve been in the ballroom. It filled him with hope. “We have to try, right? This’ll all end happily for everyone involved!”

“Except Squip.” Michael corrects.

“Yeah!”

“Full offense but this isn’t like one of you plays, Canigula.” Chandler interjects. “We can’t have a guaranteed happy ending. Especially since the only way out is to kill.”

“Honestly, I get it.” Michael says, Jeremy looks back to his friend, awestruck. “I mean I’m terrified too. I feel like one wrong move and Squip could kill me on sight. But what’s the point of living if you’re stuck in one place forever?”

“Michael…”

“I agree with Michael!” Christine says, happily. “Come on! We can’t let Squip win!”

“It’s true. I do want to see the grin wipe off that smug bastard’s face.” Chloe said.

Chandler chuckles. “It would be a pretty sight to see.”

“Are you guys seriously only agreeing to this to bring people down?” Veronica asks. Her expression remains unsurprised. She probably saw this coming from Chandler.

One by one, everyone agreed. Though, it wasn’t like they had much of a choice. It was either cower in fear and be paranoid someone’s going to kill you or find a way to escape and not die.

Just when they were about to leave to explore, They heard a sound.

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

“Guys, look over there.” Jenna points to a screen that none of them had notice when they first entered the ballroom.

The screen switched on and there was Squip sitting on a chair, his chin resting on his hands.

“It is now 10 pm. That means it’s nighttime. The ballroom and the buffet will now be off limits. That’s all.” He chuckles. “Sleep tight, kiddos.”

The screen faded to black and Jeremy felt the positive atmosphere Christine created disappear.

“Well, we should all go up now.” Veronica says. As if on cue, the door opened on its own. “I’m kind of getting tired after all this.”

Chandler yawns. “I need my beauty sleep too.”

“I think we should all go to bed. We’re all too tense right now.” Christine says. “We can plan a way to escape tomorrow.”

Jeremy checks his E-Handbook and scrolls through the rules. “Uh, Nighttime ends at 7am. We can all go investigate during then.”

“Yeah! We can all meet at the buffet after for breakfast!” McNamara suggested.

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan.” Michael says.

Everyone headed out the door and went to the elevator lobby. They failed to look each other in the eye. That announcement really shook everyone to their core. Jeremy presses the up button.

Ding!

The elevator opened and each teen went inside. The awkward silence was unbearable. Jeremy goes over to Michael since he practically knew him the longest. Michael notices his nervousness and gives him a warm smile. He smiles softly.

Ding!

Everyone hurried out of the elevator to go to their respective rooms. Jeremy did the same, desperately trying to open his door. But the damm thing wouldn’t unlock.

“You have to swipe your student Handbook on it.” A voice said behind him. Jeremy turns around and finds Michael with the door already half opened. He turns back and does what Michael suggested. The door opens.

“Thanks, Michael.“ His friend gives him a thumbs up, before going inside. Jeremy goes in his room and shuts the door behind him.

God, what a day.

So many things happened that he couldn’t even begin to wrap his head around it.

At least, his best friend was also in this strange situation so he wasn’t necessarily alone in this.

Though, there was the whole killing shtick. He groans and places his E-Handbook on his bedside table. He turns off the lights before tossing himself onto the bed. Tired from what had occurred in the last few hours.

He gets in bed and eventually, falls in a deep slumber.

-SQUIP THEATER-

Squip:

“I find it strange that kids these days are so against the idea of murder yet watch violent tv-shows and call it okay. Some even have crushes on fictional murderers. Teenagers these days are so hypocritical, y’know? Defending killers thinking they can change. Haha, I find that pitiful to be honest. Who knows what these kids are thinking. I don’t really care about it but teens certainly are an example of human errors.”

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

“Rise and shine, everyone. It’s now 7 am. Up and at em. You wouldn’t want to miss out on an amazing day now would you?”

Jeremy whined. He didn’t want to get up. He was too tired. However, he promised Michael that he’d investigate and it was more important than sleep. With a yawn, He got up.

He reached the remote, just to see if there was any news revolving around them and their disappearance. Come on, there has to be something.

No, It only showed the same slice of life TV show with someone joining the jazz band or something. Nothing related to them vanishing out of thin air.

He did notice something, the time was at the bottom of the screen. Huh, Guess that announcement really is legit.

He closes his TV, grabs his E-Handbook (It was practically his room key, He wasn’t going to leave it there) and heads off to start the day.

The moment he opened his door, He found Michael at his doorstep with a bright smile on his face. He tilts his head at this.

“Michael? What are you doing here?”

“I was waiting for you, dude!” He hits him lightly in a playful manner. Jeremy chuckled. “I was wondering if you wanted to investigate together!”

“Well, I guess I wouldn’t mind- Agh!” He drags Jeremy to the elevator lobby before he knows it.

He presses the up button and waits for the elevator. He turns to Jeremy with a grin. “So what’d you think we’d find? What if there’s a secret underground tunnel?! Or like maybe some conspiracy where-“

“Stop making everything a conspiracy theory, Michael.”

“We can never be too sure! I mean we’re trapped in a hotel, Jeremy. Something shady must be happening!”

Well, obviously. He thinks to himself but keeps his mouth closed.

“Speaking of investigating,” He starts, opening up his E-handbook, looking at the hotel map. Squip said that there was a map in here. He certainly wasn’t kidding. “There isn’t really anything we haven’t investigated yet.”

The map flashed on his screen. It showed the lobby at the center near by the elevator lobby, the ballroom at the right and the buffet at the left. It was all things they found out the day before. He sees something that was in a corridor near the ballroom.

“Huh? The entrance to a mall?! Hotels have malls now?!”

Michael shrugs. “I guess.”

Ding!

Jeremy and Michael walked into the elevator. He watches the door close. As they went down, the two began to converse about where to go first.

Ding!

Once the door opened, they were greeted with a familiar dark haired girl.

“There you guys are!” Christine says as they stepped out of the elevator.  “You two have to come with me!”

“Did you find a way out?!” Jeremy asks. Was there hope for all of them after all?! Christine cringes and all his hope quickly went down the drain. “So no?”

“Nope. Sadly. Though, Jake and Rich did find something strange.”

“Really?” Michael asks, curiosity laced in his voice. “What is it?”

“It’s kind of this weird machine! I don’t really know how to explain it so...” Christine gestures them to follow her. They look at each other before following suit.

What did those two find?

———

They went through a corridor that was just around the corner near the ballroom. He spotted Rich and Jake huddling over something and Chloe trying to break something with Jenna and Brooke watching her, amused and concerned, respectively.

“Uh? What’s that?” Jeremy asked, approaching the two. They went down the ramp that the machine was placed on. He got a good look from it. From the looks of it, It was one of those strange machines that had little prizes inside a capsule.

“We can’t use it.” Jake notes. “I mean none of us have any money.”

“And that’s where you’re wrong.” Squip says, appearing out of nowhere.

“Gah!” Brooke yells, clinging on Chloe who was just as frightened as she was.

“Where the fuck did you come from?!” Rich exclaims.

“You do have currency for the Squip Machine.” Squip ignores Rich’s question. In fact, He ignored all of their frightened expressions.

“Squip machine?” Michael snorts. “What’s the currency? Squip coins?”

“It’s actually called Quantum Currency, for your information.” Michael glares daggers at him. “And you. You know breaking down doors is against school rules, right?” He turns his attention to Chloe who scoffs.

“No, it isn’t.”

“It is now.”

“Are you even allowed to change your own rules?” Jenna questions.

“The last rule says I can add rules so technically I am abiding by my own rules.”

“Hey, what if you break your rules? Would you let us go?” Rich asked. Squip looks at him for a moment, possibly to think about it.

“That’d never happen but if it did, then maybe I’d give you a second chance.” He answers. His unnerving expression turned into a glare. Jeremy saw Rich tremble. “You better not get any ideas, Goranski.”

“Enough with this cryptic shit! Can’t you open the door to the mall?!” Chloe asks frustrated.

“I thought the door would be opened.” Jeremy says. “Is it really locked?” He goes up to the stairs and approaches the glass door. Surely enough, he spotted a couple of shops like Payless shoes and Spencer’s gifts all while trying to open the door with all his strength. “Oh.”

“I’m afraid I can’t yet. Maybe I will when a murder happens.”

“Are you trying to manipulate us to kill?!” Jeremy asks.

“No, I’m not. That would be a pretty dumb motive, wouldn’t it?” Squip was silent for a while. “Then again, what else could I expect from teenagers?” He chuckled before he disappeared.

“Wha?! Hey!” Michael yells, puzzled. “What the hell?! How did he-?!”

“Is he like the Ultimate Magician or something?” Jake questions.

“That honestly doesn’t seem like that far of a stretch.” Rich says.

“Screw the stupid rules.” Chloe grumbles. She was probably still mad that she couldn’t shop.

Jeremy realises that Christine hadn’t uttered a word in the entire exchange. It wasn’t like her to be quiet. So far, she seemed to be more happy and talkative. He looks at her, wondering if something was wrong but her smile still remained.

I guess there’s nothing to worry about.

“We should check and see what everyone else is doing.” Michael suggested. Jeremy nods in agreement.

“Hey, Mind if I join? I don’t really don’t have anyone I can go with.” Christine says.

“Sure. I don’t see why not.”

“You want to join?” Jeremy asks Rich and Jake since Chloe, Jenna and Brooke seemed to be doing their own thing. They stared at him for a while as he flushed red with embarrassment. Of course, why did I have to open my stupid mouth. 

“Nah, we’re good, dork.” Rich says, ruffling Jeremy’s hair as he stood there confused at to what was going on. Shouldn't they hate him or something?

“Yeah, we’re fine, thanks for the offer, bro-tato!” Jake says with a bright grin.

“Oh. Okay." He waves at the two, albeit awkwardly before going over to Christine and Michael.

We should probably explore some more.

———

“We’re back in the ballroom?” Michael asks, opening the entrance door, following the two. “Weren’t we just here yesterday?”

“There could be something else important in here.” Jeremy defends. He goes up on the stage and sees the curtains opened already. Both halves was brought to their respective side together by a rope tied in a bow that was wrapped around a hook. Strange. Problem is that said rope and hook were way too high up for him. Even if he tiptoed he probably couldn’t reach it. Was this Squip trying to keep them from getting rope to escape somehow?

He looks behind the curtains, it wasn’t much. He noticed that the Squip’s podium from the day before was hidden there. It was alongside a ton of boxes, some were closed, some were open, some were in stacks but the rest on the floor scattered. He saw Veronica and JD desperately trying to open one.

“Any luck?” He asks while Michael and Christine walk up unto the stage to see what he’s found.

“No. Besides, I don’t think it would really be much help.” Veronica grabbed the box from JD’s grasp and starts shaking it. “If it was a key, it’d make some noise, don’t you think?”

“We checked the opened ones but there doesn’t seem to be a clue or anything.” JD states. Jeremy spots a stack of boxes at the corner of his eye and tries to grab the one on the top but fails miserably. JD upon seeing this grabs the box and hands it to him.

“Oh, uh, thank you.”

“It’s no problem.”

He puts the box closer to his ear and starts to shake. Michael raises an eyebrow at this. “Anything? At all?”

“Nope. Nothing.” Jeremy says dejectedly. Michael places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He placed the box down on the hardened floor of the stage.

“Do you think we could stack all the boxes up and it could be a ladder or something?!” Christine advised.

“That wouldn’t be a bad idea.” Veronica says, putting her hand on her chin. “But I don’t think we have enough boxes for that.”

“And I doubt there’s an escape route in the second floor.” Michael adds. “That’s where the rooms are. I don’t think there are any leads there.”

“Plus, do you really think Squip would allow an escape route?” JD pondered, Jeremy’s blood ran cold. As much as he hated to admit it, It didn’t match up. “He trapped us in here without our memories and the only way out is to kill each other. I don’t think he’d let us go easily.”

Jeremy felt his fears take over him. When the whole situation was casually said, it made him feel more uneasy. It’s like he has to accept this as the reality he was put in.

But he doesn’t want to.

“We’ll try though!” Christine said determined. “We’ll leave this place together! I’m sure of it!” Jeremy looks at her, awestruck. She was so positive all the time. How could a girl like her possibly be stuck in a place like this?

“Yeah! I’m sure if we can band together, we can all bust out!” Veronica says energetically. That enthusiasm went as soon as it came, replaced with a tired stare. “Though, That’d mean working with the Heathers and I do not want to do that.”

“What even happened between you and the Heathers?” Jeremy questions. He instantly regretted his decision when he saw her furious expression. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“It’s fine, really. I just don’t want to talk about it.” Veronica responds. Jeremy nods in understanding.

If she doesn’t want to talk about it then there must be something serious going on between them.

He opens his E-Handbook and looks at the map as JD and Veronica converse in their own world.

Where should I go next?

———

What surprised Jeremy was that Kurt was in the buffet too. He honestly expected the Kurt to follow Ram as he was with him majority of the time he’s known him (which isn’t a lot so to speak but it was still strange) but he was proven wrong apparently. At the very least, he would have guessed that he’d be following the Heathers but they weren’t there either.

Nevermind. He catches a glimpse of Ram a couple of tables away, stacking pancakes.

“What are you doing here?” Jeremy asks.

“I was hungry.” Kurt answers simply, placing a waffle onto his plate. “Not that it’s any of your business, nerd.”

“Yo Kurt!” Ram comes rushing it a full speed with seven pancakes stacked on top of one another. “I bet you fifty bucks that I can make it ten.”

Kurt smirks. “Oh, Hell yeah, man!” He raises his hand for his friend to slap. Ram gestures to his plate and Kurt lowers his hand back down.

Jeremy grabs the tongs near the pancakes and picks one up. He looks at it, skeptically. “Who even cooks this?”

“I don’t know.” Kurt says, taking a bite from his waffle. “But the Squip guy said that it always restocks. Maybe living here isn’t so bad if the food’s this fucking good!”

“It always restocks?” Christine reiterated.

“Yeah, Squip said that it’d restock everyday. He also said “what’s the point of killing you all? The game would end before it started” or something. I don’t remember what else he said. I wasn’t listening.” Ram explains, before dragging Kurt to a nearby table. They both sat down and continued their antics. Meanwhile, Jeremy looked at Christine.

“A game?” Christine repeats. “You don’t think it’s the killing game in the handbook, do you?”

Jeremy sighs. “There’s nothing else that would explain it.”

“Is there anything in the kitchen?” He adds, pointing to the door at the far back. Kurt looks at where’s he was pointing before looking back to his waffle.

“Just regular kitchen shit.” Kurt said. “Nothing cool. Though, the knives are strangely sharper than they probably should be.”

That sent chills down Jeremy spine. He shouldn’t be scared because of that but regarding the situation he was in…

I need to stop taking things so seriously.

“Oh! There are other people here?” A voice calls from the entrance. They turned to see Heather McNamara with Heather Duke and Heather Chandler beside her, looking intimidating as always (at least, Chandler was). “We’re all meeting here after investigating, am I right?”

“Yeah. I almost forgot about that.” Jeremy mumbles to himself. “Where did you three go?” He asks, turning his attention back to the Heathers.

“We investigated the second floor where all the rooms are.” Duke answered. She then scoffs. “It was hell to stand with Martha Dumptruck the entire ride down.” Behind the Heathers, Jeremy saw Martha looking apologetic and upset. I really feel bad for her.

As the three sat down in a table in the far back (with Martha being ordered to sit far away from them), Jeremy heard another set of footsteps heading towards them.

“See, Chlo! I told you we were supposed to meet here!” Jeremy spotted Jake alongside Chloe, Jenna, Rich and Brooke. Chloe rolls her eyes in reply to his words and sits down with the others

There were only a few people missing.

“Hey, Where’s Veronica?” Martha questions. Everyone turns to her but she persisted, standing up tall. It was probably the most confident he’s ever seen her. “She’s supposed to be here too. And JD.”

Jeremy looked around the buffet, trying to spot for the two but his heart dropped into his stomach at the lack of his best friend. “Michael’s gone too! But he was just with us!”

“Last time we saw them was in the ballroom.” Christine notes.

“You guys don’t think that they…” McNamara cuts herself off as the tension grows. Surely, Veronica wouldn’t kill JD. They seem really close. They wouldn’t kill each other, right?

Michael wouldn’t die too… He can’t die on me. He can’t leave me alone. So he has to be okay, right?

That was the thing. Jeremy didn’t know them well enough to know if they would or wouldn’t. He just met them. He hoped they wouldn’t kill but he can never be too sure.

“Dumptruck should go find them.” Chandler says. “If Sawyer was killed by her boy-toy and she gets killed due to being a witness, It can’t really be a big loss, would it?”

Martha doesn’t respond to that and instead heads out to find Veronica and JD as everyone continues doing their own thing.

Jeremy stops her. “Hey wait!” He leaves his table and goes towards her. “Can I come with you?”

“Huh? Why would you want to?” Martha asks.

Jeremy shrugs. “I want to make sure Veronica and JD are okay.” He pauses. “And also…” He looks around and his deductions were still clear as day. “Michael isn’t here too. I’m getting worried for the three of them.”

Martha nods, not saying anything about it and they left the buffet in a hurry.

———

“What are you guys doing?” Jeremy asked, completely dazed. What he saw was Michael trying to pick a lock and Veronica furiously writing on her notepad as JD watches in amusement. He wasn’t expecting that.

“Trying to escape, duh.” Michael says bluntly, while he took out the bobby pin that was lodged deep in the lock. “I’ve done this before in video games but it’s harder in real life.”

No shit, Michael.

“You should come with us. Everyone’s waiting for you.” Martha says, stretching the truth a bit. JD and Veronica looked doubtful but followed her anyway back to the buffet.

Jeremy looks at Michael who was still trying to pick the lock. “Michael, Maybe you should stop.” He looked at him, exhausted before placing the bobby pin back in his back pocket.

“That was a bust. You know how much coins I wasted on that one bobby pin after my last one broke? Around like… five! That isn’t a lot but it’s more than one which is more than necessary!” Michael exclaims as he walked alongside Jeremy to meet everyone else.

“You tried but maybe there’s another way to get out of here.”

“Yeah, hopefully.”

They didn’t say anything for the rest of the walk.

———

“Okay!” Christine clapped her hands together. “Now, that everyone’s here! Does anyone want share what they’ve found?”

“We found out more knowledge about the second floor.” Chandler says, calmly. “Nothing too much to say other than the rooms are all soundproof. Well, Soundproof in a sense that you can’t hear anything from the inside but you can hear from the outside.”

“There are also notepads!” McNamara adds on. “It isn’t too important. I just thought that it could be a help to write down strategies on how to escape.”

“There’s also utensils in a drawer, wrapped in a handkerchief.” Duke states. “It’s probably used in case the people here wanted room service since there are also mugs in our rooms but..”

“But what?” Jenna urges her to keep on going.

“In all the rooms or at least in all of ours, there aren’t any spoons or forks. In short, It’s basically just a sharp knife in a handkerchief.” Chandler explains nonchalantly. “We even made Dumptruck enter her room to see if it was just a coincidence and it’s not.”

A silence engulfed the sixteen students. They knew the reason on why. It’s just that none of them wanted to say it out loud. Jeremy had almost forgotten about the knife. Keyword being almost as the image still lingered on in his mind. He thought it was strange that it was the only utensil that was wrapped. Now he knew why.

And it terrified him.

“On the bright side, I found bottles of water in the mini fridge! So at least we don’t need to go to the buffet for a drink!” McNamara says, thankfully breaking the awkward silence.

“Uhm, I found out something else about the second floor.” Martha adds. “It isn’t as much as what the Heathers found out but there is a fire escape.”

“Oh shit! We can use that to get out of here!” Rich says, excitedly. A few celebratory cheers broke out from the group.

“Let the fat girl finish.” Chandler commanded and everyone’s cheers were short lived.

“I wish that was the case but it’s locked with a chain too. Similar to the one on the entrance. I tried opening the door but it didn’t budge.” Martha says. Everyone sighed in disappointment.

“If that’s all on the second floor, Did anyone else discover anything?” Veronica asked. “JD and I were able to find a bunch of boxes behind the stage curtain.”

“Was anything in them?” Brooke inquired.

“Nope. Nothing at all.”

“There’s some kind of machine near the ballroom called the Squip Machine. It’s like some weird contraption where you put a coin in and a ball rolls out with something inside.” Jake tries to explain but even he’s confused with his own wording.

“Yeah, spent too much coins on it.” Michael whined.

“Coins? You guys have money?” JD questioned.

“No, It takes coins called Quantum Currency.” Michael corrects.

“Oh.”

“The mall is also closed.” Chloe mutters bitterly.

“There’s a mall in here?” Chandler asks, her full attention on Chloe who nods slowly. “Well, why the hell is it closed?”

“I have no idea.” She says, crossing her arms.

“The food here restocks.” Ram notes. “So at least we wouldn’t starve to death.”

“Is that all?” Chandler questions. The teens looked at each other, to say something else but no one dared utter a word. “Since no one else has anything important to add, We’ll be on our way.” She stands up and McNamara and Duke follow her to the exit.

“Wait before we all go, Can we agree to meet here the same time everyday so we can keep track of everyone?” Veronica questions. Chandler stares at her.

“Do we have to agree to it?” She complains, irritated that she couldn’t leave already.

“You don’t have to but I think it would be better if we all meet up in one place so no killings could happen.” JD smirks. Veronica snickers behind her hand.

“Ugh. Fine.” Chandler groans. “But you’re on thin ice, Dean.” JD’s smirk dropped and was replaced with a chilling glare.

Veronica did say he preferred to be called JD…

Eventually, Everyone else agreed, much to Jeremy’s surprise. Though, It did seem like a reasonable option if he thinks about it. It was either agree to it or risk dying.

Jeremy went back to his room.

Can we really escape? The doors are locked and the windows are barricaded. Our only hope of survival is… Honestly, I’d rather not think of that.

He sighs. Everyone’s doing their own thing. I shouldn’t just be laying down here doing nothing.

-FREE TIME EVENTS-

He found Michael outside the ballroom. He waved to his friend, catching his attention.

“Jeremy! What’s up, my player two?” Michael says, grinning brightly. “Did ya need something?”

Should I hang out with Michael?

> Yes

No

“I was wondering if you wanted to hang out. I mean I don’t really know anyone here and the idea that someone could… y’know..” He seemed to know exactly what Jeremy meant, giving him a frown in reply.

“Hey, It’s alright, dude. We can totally hang out together!” He places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “What’s a player one without a player two, huh?” Jeremy felt at ease, now that his best friend was there. “Anyways, I was going to the Squip Machine. Wanna come?”

He tilts his head. “But why?”

“Despite the horrible name, I’m sure there has to be something that’s useful. Plus I have shit ton of coins.” Michael gestures to his front pocket. “So you coming, man?”

“I literally don’t have anything else to do.”

The two laugh and made their way to the Squip Machine.

“I’m literally suffering.” Michael fumes, getting another pebble from the machine. “Why can’t I get something good?!” Jeremy giggles at his friend’s dismay. He puts another coin in and grabs the capsule as soon as it went down.

He got two matching hair clips. One was green, another was red but both had a white flower on it. He smiles at this.

“At least I didn’t get another pebble and an upside is that I can give this to my moms.” He paused. “When we all escape that is.” Jeremy sees Michael’s feigned smile and starts to worry.

“Why aren’t you good at this machine? Aren’t you good at all games?” He asks, changing the topic of the conversation. He hopes Michael takes the bait.

“I’m not good at games of chance, Jeremy. You’re completely misunderstanding my talent.” And he takes it. “I feel hurt that my own best friend doesn’t even know my specialities. I’m hurt. I really am.”

“So you’re only good at video games?” Jeremy questions.

“Of course not! I’m amazing at board games too! Did you seriously never notice how many times I beat you in monopoly?”

“You cheated and I know it, You ass!” He counters. Michael chuckles at his reaction. “Don’t laugh, It’s true!”

“No, It isn’t. I’m a professional gamer so my abilities aren’t even limited to just video games.” He states, leaning his back against the wall. “For fucks sake, Jeremy, I beat you in chess. Chess! That shouldn’t even count as a game!”

“I’m terrible at chess! You don’t have to rub it in!”

“Oh, but I will.”

“Jerk.” Jeremy spat at him. Michael sticks out his tongue and flips him off. “If you’re so good at board games,” He says with heavy sarcasm dripping from his voice. “Why don’t you play them often?”

“Not my thing.” Michael responds. “I’m more familiar with video games so it’s easier to beat your ass in them.” Jeremy glares at him. “The only board games I’m really passionate about are out-of-print games but most of the time, I prefer video games just because i’m such a professional at it.” He dramatically says that last line.

“If you don’t stop, I will hit you.”

“You’re just mad because I’m better than you.”

“Obviously, It’s your entire Ultimate. You always get a higher score than me.”

“I always get a higher score than everyone in our neighborhood, you mean.”

Jeremy’s jaw hung low. “No…”

“Yes… Jeremiah Heere, You are now looking at the guy who single handedly got the top score in every single video game in our local arcade!” Michael bragged.

“Are you serious?!” Jeremy didn’t know whether to scream in frustration, disbelief or joy.

“Like you said. It’s my Ultimate.“ Michael says, beaming. “I haven’t been on top since my last gaming competition.”

“Wasn’t that when you were like ten?”

“No, It was actually this month.”

“What?! And you didn’t tell me?!”

He shrugs. “Once I tell you what happened the first time, It’s pretty much all the same.” He explains. “It gets tiring sometimes though. I’ve already been in several different contests and I want to try something new, y’know? Master a new game!”

“And by wanting to do that, you tried to get top score on every single game you can play?”

“Yup! As much as I do want to try something new, I always crawl back to what I know best. It’s kind of a curse, honestly.”

“All I’m getting at is that you won’t be helpful with this machine.” Jeremy says, trying not to laugh as he sees Michael give him the middle finger. He grabs a coin from his pocket (making Michael gasp at the act of thievery) and places it in the slot. He gets the capsule and opens it. He got two bracelets, both of them looking identical with a pac-man chain hanging on the center.

He looks at Michael for a moment.

Should I give Michael a gift?

> Yes

No

He gives one of the bracelets to Michael and puts the other one on himself. “Now, we have matching tattoos and bracelets.”

“Jeremy, This is kind of gay.”

“Shut up, Asshole!”

It’s nice that I got to talk to Michael casually despite what’s going on around us. I even found out stuff that he hasn’t told me before! It feels like nothing has changed.. even if everything has.. But regardless, I got his back and he’s got mine!

Michael and I grew a little bit closer today.

———

Everyone met at the buffet for dinner and it felt like there was nothing wrong, like they weren’t in the predicament they were in at the moment. It reminded him of Middle Borough’s Cafeteria. Everyone was in their own cliques and you can tell who are the popular kids and who weren’t.

“Do you eat anything aside from Chili fries?” Michael asks, Jeremy is brought back into reality by his annoying best friend.

“Do you drink anything aside from slushees?” Jeremy retaliates and he sticks out his tongue to taunt the boy in front of him.

“At least, they taste good.” Michael defends. Jeremy let out an offended gasp. Deciding that he wanted to mess with him a bit, he leaned over the table and snatched his glasses. “JEREMY! GIVE IT BACK!”

Jeremy chuckles to himself before putting the pair of glasses on. “Eh, they fit me better.”

“Asshole, I can’t see without them now give it back!”

“Only if you admit that Chili fries taste good.”

“Fine! Just give them back!” He gave Michael his glasses back as he tried to stifle in his laughter. “I swear to God, Heere. If my lenses are broken.” He could see his smile. Despite the teasing, Jeremy knew that it wasn’t all that serious.

“They aren’t broken, Michael. Besides, don’t you have plastic lenses?”

“No. Fuck you.” Michael says, placing the glasses back on his face prior to flipping him off.

Jeremy rolls his eyes at his antics. It was nice that they were still able to have some lighthearted fun in a situation like the one they were in. It made him forget about all the people around him (that could potentially kill- He stops that train of thought).

Speaking of other people he was around, He looked at Christine who was sitting alone in the table next to him. That was strange. She struck him as a girl willing to befriend anyone. Hell, she could probably score a spot in the popular kids table if they weren’t so judgmental.

A part of him wanted to reach out to her. Aside from Michael, She was the one that got everyone’s act together when Squip first discussed the whole Killing Game debacle (which Jeremy would rather not think about). She was so kind and caring. It was off putting to see her all by herself.

Unfortunately for the both of them, Jeremy had trouble talking to people. He only had talked to people when he was forced into a position to talk or at least, he felt like he was. Even Michael has better people skills than him (albeit mostly online through video games).

Besides, What if she liked being alone and he would just making a fool of himself. She had already looked content writing in her notepad, her eyes shone with inspiration and resolution.

Huh, wonder what that’s about.

It wasn’t long before dinner soared by. It was quicker than he could have ever imagine. One by one, everyone left and by the time the Night time announcement played, most of them were in the elevator.

Jeremy practically fell face first into his bed the moment he went into his room. He placed his E-Handbook on his bedside table and shut the lights closed.

What a day. At least, nothing bad happened. Yet… He shakes his head. No. Nothing bad is happening. Period. The adults will come rescue us and everything will be okay!

He sighs. I need to rest.

He closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

-SQUIP THEATER-

SQUIP:

“I’ll be honest, being friends and friendship in general is such a foreign concept. How are you supposed to achieve anything if you’re friends with someone who’s just as incompetent as you? That being said, befriending popular kids has to be the greatest trope ever used in media. After all, True friendship is exploiting everyone who has ever helped you. That’s what life is about.”

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

“Rise and shine, everyone. It’s now 7 am. Up and at em. You wouldn’t want to miss out on an amazing day now would you?”

Jeremy tossed and turned in his bed, not wanting to wake up. What day even was it? His sense of time was already fading away and he’s only been here for like two days.

He yawns and gets up from his bed. He wouldn’t want anyone to think that he overslept so he opened the door.

There, he’s been greeted with a tired looking Michael who nods at him.

“Hey Jere.” He says before stretching his arms. “You doing good?”

“I’m tired as hell so yeah, I’d say I’m good.” Michael grins at his sarcasm. “What’re you doing waiting for me though?”

“I can’t abandon my best friend so I have to wait for him!” Jeremy rolls his eyes and shuts the door behind him.

The two walked towards the elevator, chatting about video games they want to play the moment they get out.

“We hadn’t played Apocalypse of the Dammed in a while.” Michael notes as Jeremy pressed the down button. “Can’t wait to finally get out of here so we can beat level 10!”

“Don’t exaggerate Michael.” Jeremy says, rolling his eyes. “It’s only been like a week and two days.”

“Yeah but if we started already, we could be finished with the game by now! I mean, Let’s be real, I could probably beat it in a week!”

“Then why haven’t you?”

“I have my reasons, Jeremiah.”

Ding!

The two enter the elevator as the door closes. Jeremy looks at Michael. “What do you think the others are doing?”

“Either their own thing or -god forbid- actually working together to find a way out.” Michael responded to latter part of the sentence dramatically. Jeremy sends an annoyed glare towards his best friend but couldn’t help but crack a smile.

Ding!

The two made their way towards the buffet, Michael chatting about his new World of Warcraft friend that he made while Jeremy just listened in. As he was listening, he spotted Rich walking to the ballroom distressed.

He raises his eyebrow at Rich’s expression and the confusion turned into worry. He had to check up on him. They all had to get along and work together if they wanted to escape this hellhole.

Besides, It would be a shitty thing to do to see someone suffering and not offering to help.

“Hey, Michael. I left something upstairs.” He says, cutting off Michael’s rant about the writing of an Apocalypse of the Dammed fan sequel. “I’ll just get it real quick.”

“Oh, alright. You want me to go with you?”

“No, I’ll be fine.” Michael nods in understanding and went off to the buffet, humming a small tune before disappearing from his view.

He ran to the ballroom and put his ear to the door to find Rich mumbling to himself. All he could hear was “get out.” and “why are you here?”. Jeremy wanted to help him but he felt like he couldn’t. His legs wouldn’t move forward. He felt trapped in one place.

He tries to unlock the door but it was locked. Strange, he didn’t expect it to be so. If that was the case, if his body wasn’t frozen in fear, he wouldn’t have helped him anyway.

“Fuck! Fucking hell! How are you here?!”

“Get out! Get the fuck out!”

Rich’s yells were growing more increasingly loud. Jeremy felt petrified. What was going on with him? Was he alright?

A thud was heard on the other side of the door. Jeremy began shaking it, desperately trying to open the door.

No, Rich.. Rich, He couldn’t! He couldn’t have died! He couldn’t have! It’s not possible! There’s no way he could have…

“Heere?”

“Shit!” He stumbled back in shock. “Jake?! What are you doing here?!” He saw the brunette in front of him. His signature smile (albeit a bit confused) was on his face. He had no idea what horrors Jeremy had heard through the door.

“Your buddy Michael is waiting for you. He was supposed to get you but he’s kind of preoccupied at the moment.” Jake said. He looked slightly uncomfortable and disturbed. Jeremy didn’t take that as a good omen.

“Is Michael okay?!” Jeremy yells. Not Rich.. Not Michael.. Not anyone.. No one needs to be hurt. Please, I don’t want that.

“Woah, Woah, Woah! It’s okay, man! He’s just breaking up a fight, right now.” Jake explains. “I came to get you since he asked!” The boy grins, Jeremy smiles back. “Hey, by the way, have you seen Rich? Been wondering where he went.”

Jeremy felt the fear come rushing back as it did moments ago. “Oh god, Jake, Listen, I don’t have time to explain but Rich-“

The door slammed open and Rich came out, with a smirk. “Hey, Tall-Ass. Hey, Jakey-D! What’s up, man?”

“Rich?” Jeremy mutters in disbelief. Was he just imagining it? Was Rich acting? Was this a trick Squip was playing on him to make him act more paranoid?

He didn’t know. And he so desperately wanted to.

“Come on, I’m starving!” Rich exclaims as he runs toward the buffet. Jake still stays next to Jeremy and for a moment, Jeremy wonders why he was still there.

Luckily, that got answered. “Are you okay?”

“Huh?”

“I can tell you’re upset, Heere.” Jake says, scratching the back of his neck. “I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but I can usually tell when my teammates are stressed or having a bad time so I thought I’d ask you.”

“Oh, Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

Jake grinned then turned to leave. He noticed Jeremy not moving. “Huh? Heere? Aren’t you going to come?”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes. Just thinking about stuff, y’know?”

Jake nods before he went to the buffet. Jeremy watches him leave and sighs. He opens the door to the ballroom that was now unlocked.

With a shaky breath, he entered and shut the door behind him.

“Alright, what happened in here?”

——

Jeremy felt like an idiot. He managed to find no clues to what happened to Rich and by extension, how to escape. Looks like all his skills in murder mystery games isn’t helping him in the slightest.

He enters the buffet and most people have already left. Rich was with Jake, Chloe and Brooke and Veronica, JD and Martha were all chatting with each other.

Though, aside from that, everyone else had left.

“Ahem?”

He twirled around to find Michael, crossing his arms and glaring at him. Uh oh.

“Jeremy, where the hell were you?! I was worried sick!” Michael scolded. It almost made Jeremy laugh at how much he sounded like a mother. Though, with two moms you’d expect that he would be picking up some of their habits. “I had to ask Jake Dillinger for help since I had to break up this fight between Kurt, Ram and JD. It was a whole thing!”

“Glad I missed it, honestly.” Jeremy glances down and sees Michael’s right hand, his palm had a napkin wrapped around it. “Wh- Michael! What the hell happened?!”

“Oh, that was the aftermath. Kind of cut my palm by holding up some big glass shard. The fight was pretty big ergo the mess was too.” Michael looked at the napkin wrapped around his hand. “But Christine helped me clean up and gave me this napkin. It’ll heal in no time.”

“So everything’s back to normal now?”

Michael gave him a troubled look. “I’m not a miracle worker, Jeremy. So i managed to stop them from kicking each other’s ass but not for hating each other’s guts. I tried to help but..” He sighs. “Guess, I didn’t do much.”

“Hey! Don’t say that! It’s already good enough that you broke up a fight before it could escalate into anything worse!” Jeremy exclaims.

“Yeah, thanks, Jeremy.” Michael says with a small smile. “You should have seen it though! It was fucking insane!”

“Yeah, I’d rather not.”

Michael coughed. “Wuss.”

“Fuck off.”

They both laughed as they left the buffet. Jeremy was glad that even after what had happened, even after the days before where they were threatened to be killed because of the strange killing game, Michael could still smile as bright as he always did.

As they were walking out, Jeremy noticed Christine running over to him with determination in her gaze. “Eep!” Jeremy squeaked as she went to a halt right in front of him.

“Jeremy!” Christine grinned brightly. “I was looking for you! But hey, guess what?!”

“What?” Jeremy asked. He looks beside him and finds that Michael wasn’t next to him anymore. He sees his friend give him a thumbs up before walking to the elevator lobby. “Really, Michael?”

“Huh?”

“Oh, It’s nothing.”

“Alright then! So anyways, there was like this whole fight that happened, right?” Jeremy nods. “Right! So that means that everyone’s kind of on edge and aren’t really so trusting of each other.” Christine beams. “So I’m planning on doing a play here!”

“… A what?” Jeremy asks, confusion laced in his tone.

“A play! It’ll be great and I would really love to have you on there!” Christine said with pleading eyes, her hands on Jeremy’s arms, gripping them as if she were being taken away. “I heard from Michael that you were a really good actor when I tried to recruit him.” Michael, that betrayer. “And I thought you’d be perfect for it! So please?”

“Uh, okay, I will. Plus, it’ll help take my mind off what’s happening so I don’t see why-“ he gets crushed in a hug. “N..ot..”

“Oh thank you! Thank you so much, Jeremy! We have more members now and with enough time, we’ll create the play of the century!” She releases him and he takes a deep breath. Wow, she is really strong. “We can all meet up around six and decide what we want to do!” Christine said. Her grin was so bright, Jeremy felt like he could go blind at the sight of it. “We’ll meet in the ballroom, alright?”

“Are we even allowed to be in there?” Jeremy asked.

“Yeah! I mean Squip said we can do whatever we want in there!” Christine answers. “That’s what he told me anyway.”

The conversation went to a halt with both of them waving goodbye to the other before Christine left to go into the elevator lobby.

After he ate, Jeremy tried to spend some time using the Squip Machine, using some of the coins he found. After a few tries Jeremy found himself getting some noteworthy items he didn’t even expect to get.

Christine’s asking all of us to meet at six. But.. He looks at the clock on the counter in the main lobby. It’s still one o clock. I should probably talk to someone and not spend my time just wandering around.

-FREE TIME EVENTS—

Jeremy decided to talk to Rich. After his strange encounter (or lack thereof) with him, he’s been thinking about him ever since. Not only that but his talent and his confidence and persona in general really intrigued Jeremy.

He finds him in the buffet, just minding his own business, eating a pizza. Rich notices him and gives him a smirk. “Sup, Tall-Ass.”

“Again, not that tall.”

“It’s a fact, Jeremy.” Rich shrugs. “Don’t see why you’re so against it. If anything, I want that height.”

Should I hang out with Rich?

> Yes

No

“Sure thing, Heere! Jake’s busy doing something with Chloe and Brooke anyway so I’m bored as shit.”

Rich spends his time telling Jeremy about all the cool things he’s done at school. Jeremy’s emotions ranged from “huh.” to “holy shit. what the fuck, richard?”

Should I give Rich a gift?

> Yes

No

“Oh speaking of which, I have something to give to you.” Jeremy dug through his pockets to find a lighter that he got from the Squip Machine. It had a camouflage pattern except instead of green it was two shades of blue. He gave it to Rich with an embarrassed look on his face. “I kind of just assumed that you liked dangerous stuff so..”

“You assume I’m a pyromaniac?” Rich asked in a teasing tone. “That’s quite a jump going from Ultimate Daredevil to Ultimate Fire Starter.”

“Shit! Sorry, I didn’t mean-“

“Relax, Jeremy. You’re good.” Rich takes the lighter from Jeremy’s hands. “Besides, this is fucking awesome! This could be helpful when i’m trying to stir shit up! Thanks, man!”

“You are a menace.”

“You think I don’t know that already?” He jokes. “I am the Ultimate Daredevil after all. I deal with a lot of fire. Like you know those tricks where someone rides a motorcycle into a ring of fire?”

“Richard Goranski. Don’t you fucking tell me that you- “

“I didn’t. Fuck, Tall-Ass. I'm just saying it would be cool to do something like that one day. I've dealt with fire before but they're all some hazy memory. It's weird, you know?" He smiles sadly. "That's the only way I can be cool, right?"

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Rich laughs but it lacks any humor in it. He hesitates for a moment before speaking again. “Well, C’mon, Jeremy, It’s not like I want to do any of this shit out of my free will. I do it because people tell me to."

“You.. don’t?” Jeremy mumbles, confused. That’s when he remembered one of the first things Rich said to him.

“But why do you do it?! What could you gain from all that?!” Jeremy asked. Rich shrugs.

“Like I said, It makes me look exciting.”

Oh fuck. OH FUCK.

Maybe giving him a lighter was a bad idea. Fuck, he feels terrible for the boy he was talking to. It was almost like he didn’t like his talent or his talent was making him miserable.

“It’s the only thing I’m good at, though.” Rich states. “Being a cocky asshole. That’s my persona. That’s what everyone knows me as. That’s what Jake knows me as.”

“Why bother changing when I won’t even let myself be the real me?” He mutters. Jeremy’s heart broke even more. His talent really was like a double edge sword that came with popularity but also made him suffer. “I really like the gift, Jeremy. Don’t get me wrong. I like the design.”

“But..” He clicks it open. The flame dances. Jeremy sees Rich start to crumble. “For some reason, I can’t look at flames the same way again. It’s almost like I’m scared of them.” He pauses. He was lost in deep thought. He begins to speak again. “It’s like my life in a way, Just unpredictable chaos wilting everything that it touches.”

“… Rich?”

The blonde boy flinches, realising that he was there. “Sorry about that. I used to write poetry during freshman year. It was kind of a bust.”

“Are we going to talk about-?” Jeremy gets cut off.

“No, we aren’t. Please. I don’t want to talk about it and I don’t even know why I told you in the first place.” Rich says, he looks away. “It’s just..” he laughs once more. “It’s like we’re connected in some way. I don’t know. It’s probably just my dumb thoughts.”

“I thought you didn’t think about what you do.” Jeremy humored. Rich chuckles, this time it was actually genuine.

“Guess you’re rubbing off of me, Tall-Ass.”

“Heh… maybe.”

“Thanks for listening, though. It feels weird talking about this to someone who I know so little about.” Rich says, his eyes still haven’t met Jeremy. “Yet you seem to be a better listener than my friends.”

“You mean Jake?”

“Jake wouldn’t understand. The guy, ironically enough, looks up to me. I can’t break that level of trust I worked so hard to build.” Rich mutters. “Chloe and Brooke are on their own world so I can’t talk to them.”

“Can’t believe that meant I had to talk to some nerd about my problems.” Rich shoves Jeremy who glares back at him. “Seriously though, don’t tell anyone I told you this.” He smirks. “Not that anyone would believe you anyway.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t say a word.”

Rich sends him a small smile, childishly flipping him off as Jeremy left the buffet without a word.

Rich was certainly interesting. I can’t believe he was suffering because of his talent. And he did all just so he could be known? Why? Though, It’s not like I have any room to judge. I’d definitely do the same thing. Huh, it seems like Rich and I are more similar than I originally thought.

Rich and I grew a little bit closer today.

——

It was six pm and after Jeremy ate his dinner, he made his way into the ballroom. The second he opened the door, He was greeted with Christine waving at him.

“Jeremy! I’m glad you could make it!” She says brightly, writing something on her notepad before turning to face him once again.

“Hey, what are you writing?” Jeremy asked, stepping closer to the girl.

“A bunch of play ideas! We could do something with Shakespeare!” Christine proposes. “Ooh! Or make something totally original that’s fine by me! Just as long as it isn’t zombies.” She shudders.

“You don’t like Zombies?” Jeremy asks, tilting his head, feeling a tiny bit disappointed.

“No! That’s not it! I like the concept but after Mr. Reyes’ a Midsummer Night’s Dream with Zombies, I kinda don’t really find it all exciting anymore.” Christine explains.

“Ah, I see.” Jeremy mutters. He peers in to look at what she written down. “So what have you got written down so far?”

“We can do Romeo and Juliet!” Christine offers. Jeremy blushed. He’d rather not do something so romantic like that… “If that’s not your type, We can do a Midsummer Night’s Dream but without the zombies this time.”

“I mean the zombies could be interesting.” Jeremy jokes.

“It was a whole mess but more people did attend that year.” Christine notes, scribbling more on her notepad. “Do you think Brooke can make us costumes? She is the Ultimate Fashion Designer!”

“Brooke isn’t in charge of sewing so we wouldn’t really have any costumes to use.”

“Fair enough.” Christine continues to think to herself. Before she hops onto the stage, looking at the black background. “Can we paint the background to make it fit?” Jeremy opens his mouth to speak, She cuts him off. “Right. We have nothing to work with.”

“Sorry.”

She hops off stage. “What’re you sorry for? It’s all fine! This isn’t anything new. I’ve dealt with this before when the Drama Club was low on resources. Then again, At least we had something back then.”

“Christine…” He decides not to press on it. Though, It wasn’t like he could either way with the   sudden opening of the door. “Huh?” He turns his head towards the noise and there stood Jake Dillinger and the rest of the popular kids.

What the hell..?

“You guys made it!” Christine runs over to them and a bright grin was on her face. “Honestly, I didn’t even expect you to come!”

“I didn’t even know you guys were even coming.” Jeremy said, louder than he had intended. All eyes were on him, he feels his cheeks heat up. “I uh- I mean I’m glad you’re here?”

“I didn’t know you joined.” Jake said bluntly. It was then Jeremy wanted to curl up into a ball and die. “You never really seemed like the type to.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jeremy asked pathetically. He would much rather prefer it if the floor had just eaten him whole.

“You’re always quiet so I thought you wouldn’t want to be in front of people.”

“He isn’t that much of a loser, Jake.” Rich defended (or well, at least tried to). He ruffled Jeremy’s hair as his words died in his mouth. “Are ya, Tall-Ass?”

Jesus Christ, Where is Michael?

“Hey! I didn’t mean it like that!” Jake exclaims. Jeremy noted that he looked a bit embarrassed, though, maybe that was just his imagination. “I just worded it wrong..”

This whole experience was strange to him. He glances at Christine who seemed to be happily chatting with Chloe and Brooke while Jenna seemed to peer in, not saying a word. It wasn’t like Christine saw his desperate look for help.

Never in his wildest dreams would he imagine the popular kids from Middle Borough High being in a play. Never did he even expect Rich and Jake to be kind to him, given their reputations in school as popular people.

Popular people typically hated his guts.

“Alright!” Christine called out, clasping her hands together. “We’re just waiting for a couple more people!”

“oh wait, there’s more?” Jeremy asked her.

“Yup! Though, I’m not sure where they-“ Christine got cut off by the door opening once more to reveal the Heathers alongside Veronica, JD and Martha. “There you guys are!”

“Woah, didn’t expect this many people.” Jake mumbled to himself. Jeremy glanced at him with a small smile.

“Yeah, this is probably the most students the drama club has ever had.” He jokes. Jake stared at him, he didn’t laugh. Jeremy felt like dying right then and there.

“How do you know that?” He tilted his head like a confused puppy. Jeremy was taken aback by the question. Yet he couldn’t just avoid Jake. The god forsaken king of his school.

“I was in the drama club before. It’s dumb and it was only for freshman year but it didn’t have a lot of members since acting was kind of considered…” He stopped. “Lame.”

“Nah man, it’s not lame. It sounds kinda fun. Besides, you guys do that cool thing where you go up and do your victory dances after you do the play-“

“You mean a bow?” Jeremy asked correcting Jake.

“Yeah! That! Plus, last year’s play was depressing. It’s weird how people pretending to be dead can really leave an effect on someone.”

Jeremy snorted. “That’s the magic of acting.”

“You good at it?” Jake asked. Jeremy froze. He really didn’t know how to keep up with the conversation. Shouldn’t Jake be talking to Rich? Or hell, even Christine? Why was he talking to him?

“No, not really.”

“Well, you are an ultimate, after all, I’m sure your talent with strategies or whatever will help you.” Jake patted Jeremy on the head before heading over to Rich.

Jeremy took a moment to register what had happened. Jake Dillinger just spoke to him. That certainly was something he wasn’t expecting.

“You okay?” He flinched, only to find JD, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Yeah, sorry. It’s just.. I’m not really used to popular kids talking to me.” He says. JD nods. He gets it, at least, that’s what Jeremy thinks anyway.

“Hmm, yeah, they’re assholes. High-school would be better off without them.” JD says, slouching against the wall. Jeremy does the same except looks less cool and badass when he does it. “Dillinger wasn’t bothering you, was he?”

“No! He was surprisingly nice.”

“Huh, could have fooled me. Jocks are the most arrogant people on earth, after all.”

JD uttering those words unlocked a new memory in Jeremy’s brain. One involving Michael and what he was telling him a while ago. Taking a look at JD, he looked bruised, yet not as much as Jeremy thought he would be. In all honesty, against two jocks, Jeremy thought he would be about beaten up terribly, right now.

“The fight with Ram and Kurt. Are you okay?”

“Oh, i’m fine. No need to worry about me.” A twisted grin is seen on his face. “It’s more that you should worry about them.” Jeremy’s blood ran cold as JD laughs. It was a manic laugh but it was unsettling.

“Don’t worry. Didn’t do anything to them. In fact, tried to go easy on them. Well, for the most part.”

“What did they do?”

“Just be themselves.”

“Oh.”

It didn’t take long after that awkward discussion for Christine to call everyone towards the stage.

“Alright, Everyone! Now, it’s time to-“ Christine notices JD. “I didn’t know you wanted to join!”

“I wanted to support Veronica and I figured I might as well help with the stage. Not that there’s much I can do any way.” He responds.

“Alright so Martha and I actually thought of something-“

“No need for that.” Chandler says, raising her hand to silence Veronica. “The Heathers and I already decided on what we wanted to make the play about.”

“And you didn’t talk about it with the rest of us?” Veronica asks, fuming. “Isn’t that a nice way to show your team spirit, huh Heather?”

“Don’t talk to me like that, Sawyer. It’s not my fault that Dumptruck can’t have any good ideas other than basic kindergarten fairytales.”

Martha looks down, ashamed. Jeremy looks back and forth and the two girls who looked at each other with a glare that’d send them six feet under. He knew that he had to stop this argument but he didn’t know how to.

“Alright. Alright. Calm down you two.” JD inserts himself in between the two. “How about we just make a compromise? The Heathers can do whatever story they want but we get a chance to add and remove whatever we want.” He spares both of the girls a glance. “Are we good now?”

“Yeah, the hell is wrong with you two? We’re trying to do something here!” Chloe chastised them. “Can you both just get along so we can get this over with?”

“Fine.” Chandler agrees, grabbing Veronica’s hand to shake. “We have a slight truce this time, Sawyer.”

“Whatever.”

Jeremy sighs in relief. He silently thanked JD for what he did to help the argument (or the soon to be argument) die down. The Heathers started talking about their play idea. From what he hears, It’s about a popular girl going batshit crazy because she wasn’t prom queen.

That’s super comforting.

“Ooh! Like the ballad of Sara Berry?” They all looked at Christine, dumbfounded. “What? No one knows that song?”

“No. Sorry.” Jeremy mumbled. The rest of the group says something similar.

“Don’t you think it’s too graphic? We are in a killing game after all.” Brooke said. “I feel like it’s a poor choice to perform in front of everyone to make them feel better.”

“Yeah, You’re right. If anything, It’ll bring them more fear which we don’t want.” JD stated.

“Maybe we can like vampires or something!” Christine exclaims. “Usually, that’s what Mr. Reyes does when the topic of our play was too dark! It’s what he did with Romeo and Juliet!”

“Romeo and Juliet… with Vampires?” Rich asked, struggling to hold in his laughter.

“Isn’t that just that weird movie with the werewolves?” Jake questions. Jeremy looks at him confused.

“Are you talking about Twilight?”

“Maybe without the vampires or the murder. We can make it about a clique of high-school girls who take in this new girl who’s friends the school losers and-“ McNamara rambles on but gets cut off by Duke.

“Heather, that’s literally Mean Girls.” She pinches the bridge of her nose in frustration. “No one’s going to want to watch a Mean Girls copy.”

“How about a story where the main character pretends to be best friends with a dead kid but he gets caught in his lies at the end.” Jenna suggests.

“That’s way too messed up!” Jeremy exclaims, blanching at the idea.

“So we can’t think of a single idea we can all agree on?” Chloe asks, annoyed.

“I think Heather had the right idea.” Jeremy said. A beat passes. “McNamara.” He confirms. “While we shouldn’t make it exactly like that, I feel like we should make it appeal to everyone else.”

“Yeah and it’s a memory of what’s familiar to us.” Veronica added on. “But we need to make it different. We need to set it apart from other boring typical High-School stories.”

“Aren’t you stories those typical High-School stories, Veronica?” Chandler mocked. Veronica opens her mouth to retort but the sound of the nighttime announcement rings in the ballroom.

“It is now 10 pm. That means it’s nighttime. The ballroom and the buffet will now be off limits. That’s all.” They hear a chuckle. “Sleep tight, kiddos.”

“We should all get some sleep.” Martha proposes. “Maybe we’ll get more ideas about what are play should be about.”

Once she said that, they all left the ballroom and went to the elevator lobby. He hears his peers talking about possible ideas in advance. Chandler is speaking with her lackeys, Veronica is talking to Martha and Rich and Christine are having a one sided conversation about theater in general.

The only person who didn’t speak to anyone was JD who was just listening in on Martha and Veronica’s conversation. JD met his eyes, upon realizing that he was staring at him. He gives him a slight smile and a nod. Jeremy replies back with a nod too as he did not know how else to respond.

Finally, the elevator opened and they all got in as it carried them to the floor above. Upon exiting the shaft, The Heathers seemed to be the first ones to walk out.

“Good night, Heather! Good night, Heather!” McNamara says cheerfully as she walks down the halls. Chandler and Duke follow behind.

“Night, Heather.”

“Yeah, Good Night, Heather or whatever.”

McNamara goes to her room while Chandler instantly goes over to hers. Duke’s voice stops her in her tracks.

“Uh, Good night, Heather!”

Chandler turns around, looking at her with a merciless glare. “Shut up, Heather.” Then she walked to her door and slammed it shut. Duke frowns and goes inside her room.

“You know, if Heather wasn’t a bitch, I’d honestly feel bad for the way Heather is treating her.” Veronica says. Seriously, How are they not confused with this Heathers thing?

“Hey, Jeremy!” Christine exclaims, next to him. He looks at her in surprise. “Don’t forget about rehearsal tomorrow, okay? I’ll be counting on you as our lead star!”

Jeremy’s face blanched. “Lead?! No, No, No, No, No, No! I can’t be a lead! I’ll mess up in front of everyone, forget my lines and then cry!”

“I was originally joking but you shouldn’t have that mindset. With enough practice, everyone can be a lead role! I didn’t become an Ultimate Actress out of nowhere, y’know.”

“But there’s a difference between you being an Ultimate Actress and me being.. me.”

“During rehearsal, we need to work on your self confidence more. But trust me, Jeremy! You’re a future star! I can see it!” She says, doing the frame pose as if her hands were a camera. “All it takes is practice! And I’ll help you every step of the way!”

“Uh, Thank you, Christine.” She gives him her signature dazzling smiles before she runs off to her room.

He looks out in the mostly empty hall and sees JD waving goodbye to Veronica. He had completely forgot to thank him for saving their ass from witnessing a bloodbath.

“Hey, JD.” The boy looks at him. “Thanks for what you did back there. They would have ripped each other apart if you didn’t help.”

“I was inspired by your friend. Michael, Was it? He stopped my fight with Kurt and Ram. So I thought I’d follow in his example.” JD explained. “I do want to get out of here with Veronica and the only way we can do that is if we work together.”

“You’re right!” Of course he was right, Escaping with everyone was the end goal that he was working to achieve. “Thanks again, JD. Glad Michael managed to inspire you. Didn’t expect him to do that unless it was related to video games or something.”

JD gave him a ghost of a smile. “Me too but I too am glad. I want to escape with Veronica so I won’t let anything get between us.” He enters his room after bidding his farewell to Jeremy.

He closes the door and lays down in his bed. Oh boy, what a day. There was a fight first thing in the morning and now, he took part in a play that could bring everyone together and distract them from the horrors happening.

Which was what they needed if he was being honest.

He gets underneath his sheets and soon enough, drifts into a comfortable sleep.

-SQUIP THEATER-

SQUIP :

“Fights are extremely unnecessary. Do you know how much the world would benefit if society was just one singular hive mind that agreed on one truth? It’s ridiculous to see teenagers fighting over a partner or over popularity. It is extremely petty and immature. However, I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t entertained by it’s childishness.”

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

Squip’s announcement rang while Jeremy used his pillows to cover his ears from the sound. He sure was awake now as much as he didn’t want to be.

He got up from his bed and walked out the door. There he was greeted by Michael who waved at him.

“Hey Michael..”

“So how was play rehearsal?” Michael asked as the two walked to the elevator lobby. “You guys started on an idea yet?”

“In a way, yes. But Veronica and Heather seem to be having a hard time agreeing on things. It’s like there’s some tension between them.”

“You never noticed? That’s probably one of the first things I noticed about them. And you’re supposed to be the Ultimate Strategist who knows everything.” Michael teased.

“Well, I’m not a good Ultimate Strategist, Now am I?” He was left awestruck by his friend’s response. Jeremy makes his way to the lobby and presses the down button for the elevator. “I mean Squip was right before. There isn’t any strategy to escape if you’re stuck in here.”

“Fuck what Squip thinks. You’re the best strategist I’ve ever got the pleasure of knowing!”

“Thanks Michael.” Jeremy says, touched by Michael’s words and kindness.

“That’s why you’re my favowite pewson!”

“Fuck you. I take it back.”

Ding!

The two boys laugh as they made their way inside the elevator, feeling themselves sinking lower. Was the sinking feeling because of the elevator or because Squip had yet to do something to them and it made him terrified.

Ding!

The two get out of the elevator and walk over to the buffet. Michael runs up ahead with a little spring in his step. Most days, he’d be listening to Bob Marley while he bops his head to the music. This time, He didn’t have his signature headphones on but was still sauntering on with pride.

Jeremy’s behind him. It fits their dynamic. Michael was the leader and Jeremy followed along. He was player one while Jeremy was his player two.

They got to the buffet and the clamoring was loud. Each clique was doing their own thing and happily chatting with each other.

“Okay, so like, what if your play was about zombies, eh? eh?”

“Christine doesn’t like zombies. Mr. Reyes went overboard with it last year when they were doing a Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

“Welp, I’m out of ideas.”

Jeremy snorts. “Is Apocalypse of the Dammed the only thing you think about?”

“How could it not be?” Jeremy gave his friend a blank, unamused stare. “In all seriousness though, I don’t know how to help you, dude. I could give you ideas from video games I played.”

“No offense, Michael but we’re trying to appeal to everyone here. Only the two of us like video games.”

“Then we have good tastes!”

“No, we don’t.”

“Yes, we do.”

“Michael, Why do you think no one ever talks to us?” Jeremy asks, turning his attention back to his waffles. As if on cue, He feels a light tap on his shoulder. “Michael, What?”

“That wasn’t me, Jere.” Jeremy whips his head to the right side to find a familiar blonde boy and brunette next to him.

“Gah! Rich?! Jake?!”

Rich was entertained by his reaction (Jeremy can tell because of he was holding in a laugh) while Jake seemed unbothered. “Christine says that we’re going to meet up for play rehearsal again at six so don’t be late.”

“Yeah, I won’t. Thanks.” Rich clicks his tongue before shooting him finger guns before he goes to leaves the buffet. Jake gives him a wave before following him

“See! People do talk to us!” Michael joked.

“Firstly, Not us. Secondly, It was for play rehearsal not because they wanted to.”

“Aren’t you friends with them?” He asked, his eyes darting to the entrance of the buffet where he left.

“Uhm, no? Michael, they’re popular. They’re only talking to me because they have to for rehearsals.” Jeremy replies. A smirk creeps on his face. “Why? Jealous you won’t be my best friend anymore?”

“Nah, I know you’d never abandon your favowite pewson.”

“Michael, I swear to God. That was the second time today.”

“But I’m right, though.”

“Duh, you idiot.” Jeremy shoves his arm lightly as Michael yelped in pain. “Even if you were jealous, you’d have nothing to worry about. Most people are too cool for me.”

“Please, No one’s too cool for you.”

“Everyone’s talent here is at least somewhat more competent and cooler than mine.”

“Hey, don’t say that. Your talent is awesome!”

“I can’t even win a game of chess. That’s like what most people expect from me and my talent!” Jeremy sulks, miserably continuing to eat his waffles. “Even you have a better talent than me.”

“Middle Borough wouldn’t have scouted you if you weren’t the best at your Ultimate. You could break us out of here in no time! And even if you don’t, You’re still cool either way!”

Jeremy smiled at Michael’s compliments but he doesn’t believe what he said. Everyone had a talent that made them cool and full of worth while all he could do was strategize for video games and use his abilities to be ignored by his fellow peers.

And even with his strategies, He still wasn’t good enough. He’d be better off being talentless in all honesty because that’s how he felt like.

“Hey! I saw on discovery that humanity has stopped evolving!” Michael exclaims after a while.

Jeremy looks at him, confused. “That’s good?”

“Evolution’s survival of the fittest, right? But now, thanks to technology, you don’t have to be the strongest to survive! Which means there’s never been a better time in history to be a loser!” Michael nudges him. Jeremy rolls his eyes. “So own it! Who cares if you aren’t the best ultimate in the world?! Just as long as you’re yourself, you’re cool enough for me!”

But what if I don’t like myself? Jeremy doesn’t say that. Instead, He smiles at Michael. He didn’t get it and he was trying his best to make him feel better. Jeremy decided to keep his mouth shut and just appreciate his attempt to boost his self esteem.

When he and Michael split ways, He went back to his room, thinking about this hotel, thinking about Squip, thinking about how useless and lame his talent was.

Squip. What was he planning? Why wasn’t he bothering us?

He should stop being so stressed. Squip was leaving them alone. That was a good thing.

I shouldn’t waste my time doing nothing. There had to be a thing I could do until play rehearsal starts.

—FREE TIME EVENTS—

The first person he thinks of to talk to is Jake. If he was being honest, he didn’t even know why. Maybe it’s because he wanted to try (try is the keyword here) to talk to a popular kid.

However, he’s so sure Jake would never give him the time of day.

He goes to the lobby and sees him sitting on one of the chairs.

“Sup, Heere. Did you need something?”

Should I hang out with Jake?

> Yes

No

“Cool. I wasn’t planning on doing anything, anyway.”

Jake begins to talk to him about different kinds of sports. The subject changes from so many different activities, Jeremy was having a hard time keeping up.

Should I give Jake a gift?

> Yes

No

“Oh, Jake! I actually got you something from the Squip Machine.” Jeremy pulls out a golden necklace in which it’s charm took the shape of a bow and arrow. He hands it to Jake who stares at it for a while. Jeremy wonders if he had actually done something wrong.

However, to his surprise, the boy just smiled and placed it around his neck. “Geez, thanks, Heere. Didn’t realize we were giving each other gifts.”

“It’s fine.” Jeremy says. “I’m just glad you like it.” He paused. Throughout his entire conversation with Jake, he mostly just talked about the rules of sports and how he plays them. Hell, he wouldn’t be surprised if it was the only thing he knew, at this point.

But… “Does it ever get tiring?” Jeremy blurts out before he even knows what he’s doing. Jake looks at him, startled and that’s when he placed his hands on his mouth. “Shit! I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

Jake laughed. “Don’t worry about it, Heere. It’s the least I can do for you giving me a necklace.” He plays with it a bit. His smile is more soft. “Anyways, to answer your question. Yes, it does get tiring. A lot actually.” He sighs. “Sometimes my schedules conflict with each other and i have to miss some practices.”

“Why do you do it then? If it’s that exhausting?”

“I just..” Jake shrugs. “I want to, I guess. I always wanted to ever since I was a kid. So when I became the Ultimate Athlete, It was a dream come true. I didn’t care at how conflicting it was. And I still don’t. I just- I want to be good at something you know?”

“But you are good at a lot of stuff! For fucks sake, Jake, you’re a star player in every single sport! You’re good at so many things, I-“ I’m not. Jeremy doesn’t say that part.

“Appreciate the compliment, Heere but I’m not perfect, y’know?” Jake looks away from Jeremy. “It’s like I have this image of being perfect and the best at everything. I have a feeling that I’ll put people down if I don’t do what they expect from me.”

“Who tells you that?” Jeremy asked. “That you had to be perfect, I mean.”

“No one. But it’s not like they’re hiding how they really feel or anything.” Jake bitterly said. “Everyone’s talking about me. They always do. I’m always the center of attention. Loved and feared by everyone.” He curls his hands into a ball. “One wrong move and boom! I’m no longer Jake Dillinger. The guy who everyone’s into. I’m just.. Jake.” Jake puts on a grin. “Geez, never knew there were two mes, isn’t that funny?”

“Well, you don’t have to feel that way. You can just be yourself.” Jeremy comforts. What was he even saying? What kind of hypocritical advice was that? Jeremy hated being himself. Why was he giving Jake that kind of advice?

He looks into Jake’s eyes. Maybe, he thinks, Maybe because his true self his better than anything I could ever hope to be.

“I can’t. And I won’t. They like the Jake that hosts parties. They like the Jake that sleeps with almost every girl in school. They like the Jake that plays every sport imaginable.” Jake rambled, Jeremy could barely catch on. “But you know what? I’m good with that! It’s always better to be the lone wolf, anyway.”

Lonely.

Jake Dillinger was lonely.

“But you have so many friends. You can always hang out with them and tell them about how you’re feeling.” Jeremy says. “I mean everyone in school loves you, Jake. I’m sure your friends would listen if-“

“No!” Jake cuts him off. Jeremy flinches as Jake’s face softened. He looks away. “It’s fine this way. I barely know anything about Chloe and Brooke. Let alone my best friend. We like to keep our popular kid secretive persona up, y’know? I think I’m fine that way.”

“But I want to know about you.” Jeremy says softly.

Jake scoffs. “Do you, really?”

“Maybe. I mean that’s why I’m hanging out with you, isn’t it?”

“Guess so.”

Jake doesn’t say anything more. Jeremy thought he might just get up and leave. Despite the fact that he could have done that or done anything really, he said something Jeremy didn’t expect.

“I like Sbarro.”

Jeremy blinked in confusion. “I’m sorry?”

“You said you wanted to know more about me. I like Sbarro.” Jake said simply. “Then again, all my friends know that so that was probably dumb of me to say.”

“It isn’t. Tell me more about it.”

“It was where my parents and I would go to whenever we ate out. It was great. We used to do it all the time!” Jake had a smile on his face. Jeremy didn’t know if it was sincere or not. But it still made Jeremy want to smile too. “Kind of miss it.”

“Yeah, I understand that. I miss my parents a lot.” Jeremy awkwardly patted Jake’s back. “But we’ll find a way out of here! I can promise you that! And you’ll be able to go to Sbarro with your family again!”

Jake places his hand on Jeremy’s. “I hope so, Heere.”

Jake wasn’t who I thought he was. In the end, he was lonely just like everyone else was. Who would have thought that someone with so many friends could feel so alone? He won’t admit it. He keeps on insisting he’s fine but from the looks of it, He doesn’t seem like it. No matter what, I’ll escape with him and he’ll be reunited with his parents. …In Sbarro…

Jake and I grew a little bit closer today.

——

Six pm rolled around faster than he had expected. Jeremy ate dinner and bid Michael goodbye when he was going back to his room. He strutted over to the ballroom to find everyone already there.

Veronica and Chandler were working together, actually talking. That creeped Jeremy out a bit. Duke and McNamara watched them while Martha and Christine were writing something down. Chloe, Brooke and Jenna were most likely gossiping about something meanwhile, JD, Jake and Rich were conversing with one another, away from the girls.

“There you are.” Rich says, gesturing him to come closer. “Thought you’d be late.”

“I’m not, Am I?”

“No, They’re working on the script.” JD supplies. “All you missed was the role assigning but we can fill you in on that.”

“JD’s in charge of backgrounds and shit, Pretty much like tech stuff. The Heathers plus Chloe, Jenna, Brooke, Rich Christine, you and me are acting while Veronica and Martha are writers.” Jake explained.

“You can act?” Jeremy says, skeptically.

“Was that the only thing you got from this?” Rich teased.

“Most of it’s obvious aside from that.” He glanced at the girls and then looked back at the three boys. “Why aren’t you guys helping?”

“They hated our ideas.” Rich notes, folding his arms.

“It was and I quote “too gruesome”.” JD leans his back against the wall, unamused. “But they let Chandler write the script.”

What were they even suggesting for it to get to that point?!

“Don’t worry, Heere.” Jake comforted. “It wasn’t that bad.”

Not helpful, Jake.

“Guys!” Veronica called out, motioning them to come towards the stage. The three guys went towards her and sat down alongside the rest of them. “We need your help deciding which story we should do.”

“It’s kind of a split tie so we need your guys’ opinions on it.” Martha continues. Jeremy notices Christine lighting a candle. He rubs his eyes to see if he caught that correctly.

“Uh, Christine? Is that a candle?”

“Yeah! Found it in the kitchen! I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be for brownouts in case the lights go off. Isn’t that cool?!” Christine grins. “Thought it might set the scene a bit. Y’know, especially since we need to decide between-“

“Christine!” Brooke exclaims. “It’s meant to be a surprise, remember?”

“Right! Sorry!”

“Anyway, So it’s between-“

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

“Huh?” Veronica mumbled after being interrupted by the loud sound.

“Attention: Students.” Squip’s cold uncaring voice filled the ballroom. “Please go to the ballroom, I have a surprise waiting for you all. Attendance is mandatory.”

“I mean we’re already here.” Chandler said, her expression calculating. “I wonder what he’d do now that we wouldn’t kill each other.” A smirk tugs on her lips. “Perhaps he’ll let us go.”

“Or kill us for not complying.” JD adds. Chandler stares at him, her stare was deadly but he didn’t look intimidated in the slightest.

“Oh, Most of you are here already. That’s good.” Squip says, resting his arm on the podium that was somehow back to the front of the stage.

Jeremy hears the door open and sees everyone else (AKA Kurt, Ram and Michael) come inside, wearily.

“Okay, what the fuck did you want this time?” Chloe spat, fuming.

“I’m disappointed at you all. I really am.” Squip says, dramatically. Jeremy couldn’t help but scoff at him. “No killings happened yet. What do I look like to you? Some person who can wait?”

“You look like a Keanu Reaves Knock off.” Michael answered truthfully. Jeremy tried his best to stifle in a laugh.

Squip sighs, exasperatedly. “Because of this upsetting predicament, I decided to give you a motive to start the killing.”

Everyone fell silent. They couldn’t say anything. They were in pure shock. Squip smiled, happy to be in control of the situation again.

“Whatever you want us to do… It won’t work!” Christine yelled. “We won’t play your terrible game!”

“Oh really? What if I told you that was the only way to survive tomorrow.” Squip’s grin grew a tenfold as he saw Christine falter.

“What does that mean?” Martha cautiously asked.

“The first motive is this.” Squip pulls out a wheel that had all their names on them from behind a stack of boxes. How long had that been there and how did they not notice that before?!

“What the hell is that?” Duke questioned.

“I’m glad you asked. This is a wheel of names. Tomorrow afternoon if no one has died yet, I will spin this wheel a couple of times and whoever it lands on.” He looks at them. “They’ll all be killed as every hour passes until a murder occurs or there’s no one left.”

Their mouths hung wide open. They were all just as disturbed as the rest. Jeremy couldn’t believe his eyes. Instead of worrying that someone was going to die, It was a definite thing that would happen by tomorrow.

All their lives hung onto a wheel of fate.

“Look on the bright side, At least one of those options can help one of you escape so I’d say it’s a win-win.”

“You kidding me?! That’s like a lose-lose!” Michael exclaims.

“It said in the rules that you weren’t supposed to kill anyone.” Rich said. “Aren’t you technically breaking your own rules?”

“I said I wasn’t allowed to commit a murder. However, I never said the true one in charge was unable to.”

“What do you mean by that?” Jeremy asked, puzzled.

“Basically, the one who started this whole killing game in the first place.” Squip chuckled. “I’m not the one in charge of it. It’s one of you.” He gestures to the sixteen teens below him.

Each of them looked at each other in fear, doubt, confusion… despair.

“That’s all I had to say to you. I hope one of you makes the right decision and if you don’t then I’ll still have fun either way.” With that, Squip disappears within the speed of light. But not before leaving a timer, ticking down like a bomb that was about explode.

Tomorrow afternoon…

Everyone stood there not knowing what to say and not knowing what to do. This time..

…It’s a guarantee someone would die tomorrow. Nobody knew who’d be a victim and who’d be a possible killer.

It’s almost like they were back just where they started with despair and uncertainty glued to their minds.

Everyone instantly left the ballroom and went over to the buffet. Some of the sat tables away from each other, analyzing their food as if it was poisoned and even looking behind their backs expecting someone to strike.

They all look doubtful of everyone around them even those upbeat were filled with fear.

Most eventually left, not wanting to be trapped in a room with possible killers and hurried to the elevator, keeping to themselves.

Jeremy was one of them, looking down at his feet, glaring at the crimson carpet, not meeting anyone’s eyes.

Would someone really die? Could I die?

He gulps and continues to walk to the elevator lobby.

When the elevator opened, They wasted no time getting in and immediately left the second they could.

Their fears were consuming them whole.

Jeremy quickly walked to his room, before looking at Michael’s room. The door was half open. Curiosity peeked his interest and he went in.

Long before tripping on a shoe. He scoffed and picked himself back up.

“Michael?” He didn’t see his best friend inside and began to panic. The door had also closed on it’s own so naturally, he was freaking out. Michael was here, right? His E-Handbook was placed on his bedside table so then there’s no way he wasn’t in his room. Right?!

He looks in the closet and under the bed before he turns to the bathroom and slowly opens the door.

“M-Michael?”

“BOO!” Michael swung the door open with a grin. Jeremy fell to the floor, noticing the fact that he was missing one shoe and scowled.

“AH! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” He hits his best friend lightly.

“Sorry! Sorry! Just thought you could use some cheering up after all that.”

“That isn’t funny asshole! I thought I lost you.” Jeremy crosses his arms and turns away. Michael looked down, guiltily.

“Listen Jere, You won’t lose me. It’s a two player game, right? We’ll have each other’s backs. No matter what.” He walks towards Jeremy and gives him a hug. “We’ll be okay. I promise. You said that yourself. We’ll survive together.” He pulls away and lightly punches his shoulder. “Don’t go back on your word, Jeremiah Heere.”

“I won’t, Michelangelo Mell.”

“Don’t call me that.”

He paused for a bit before speaking up. “Hey, about yesterday… I rarely seen you like that.”

“I’m not necessarily the type to talk to people I don’t really know or care about but I know you, dude. I knew that you were uncomfortable so I decided to just tell my anxiety to fuck off.” Michael says.

“For me?”

“Jeremy, you’re my best friend. Even if we’re put in this situation that doesn’t stop me from worrying about what might happen to you. You doubt yourself too much, y’know? Maybe you should just believe in what you could do.” He pats his friend’s back. “I’m sure we’ll find a way to avoid the twenty four hour shit. You’ve gotten out of so much trouble than you give yourself credit for.”

“I don’t think I have.”

“Oh come on, remember those escape rooms that your mom made you go to?”

“Anyone could breakout of those let alone an amateur.” Jeremy said in reply. “Besides, once you’ve gotten the strategy down, It’s very simple. Follow the clues because most of the time they’re connected, solve the riddles, It’s all easy.”

“Yeah but you all did it on your own with no help! Not everyone can do that.”

“It’s because you’re meant to break out of there. You’re meant to analyze every single detail but here? Squip wants us to stay forever. There’s no hope in going out.”

“I think there is.” Michael says it with a smile. “Look, no matter what happens and no matter what you decide to do, I’ll be with you, okay? And I seriously meant what I said. You got the talent, you just need to be more confident!”

“Confident?”

“Yeah! Y’know, Take charge, Never let anyone get you down! That’s what I would do!”

“I appreciate the advice but you do know who you’re talking to, right?“

He scoffs at Jeremy’s reply. “Dude, you have to stand up for yourself. You have to not let everything get to you. You have to fight for what you want. And if you believe in yourself, Everyone else will believe in you too!” His smile widens. “I mean I sure know I do!”

“Thanks Michael.” Jeremy says, mirroring his friend’s expression. “You’re a good friend.”

“And so are you.”

The two did their handshake before wishing the other goodbye.

It was then when Jeremy finally went into his room. He fell onto his bed and looked at his E-Handbook. He puts it on his bedside table and covers his eyes with his arm. He lets out a groan.

Why me? Why us? What did we do to deserve to live in fear? Why was one of us in change of this whole thing? What did they want from us? Why does one of us have to die?

Jeremy drifts into sleep as the night time announcement rang, millions of questions buzzing in his mind, none of which were answered.

-SQUIP THEATER-

SQUIP :

“Plays are probably one of the most boring things human kind has ever created. You sit there for two hours to watch people have fun while you just stay there silent. You’re entertained but you don’t do anything. It doesn’t help your social status either, usually considering it is social suicide. Unless you’re surprisingly attractive. Double standards are a peculiar thing.”

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

“Rise and shine, everyone. It’s now 7 am. Up and at em. You wouldn’t want to miss out on an amazing day now would you?”

Jeremy woke up, reluctantly. He really considered just staying in his room so no one could harm or hurt him. Although, there was also a possibility that someone could somehow sneak into his room -Probably the mastermind- and strike at the place where no one could hear his screams.

The first thing he notices was that his entire room was soaked in water, albeit a bit dried up already. He looked up and noticed the sprinklers. Huh, that was something he didn’t notice.

Oh, well. Jeremy gets up from his bed and decides to go downstairs to the buffet to have breakfast. He grabs his handbook and opens the door. He sees no one in the halls. At least, no one can kill me.

He should stop being so pessimistic but he can’t really stop, can he?

He goes into the elevator, hoping that all of them would get through the day alive. He quickly got out and spotted Veronica coming out of the other elevator next to him. She looks over to him and waves awkwardly.

“You going there too?” He nods and follows her.

“I’ll be honest. I thought you would be the first people in the buffet.” Jeremy admits.

“I thought so too but stuff happened and I went to talk to JD early in the morning who actually knows a plan to escape before the twenty four hour deadline.” Veronica states. Jeremy feels at ease by hearing those words. “So I pretty much slept late so that’s why I’m up now.” She yawns.

Soon they got to the buffet and it was less upbeat than it should have been. No one was talking to each other save for a few people. It was more quieter than ever. Veronica instantly went to Martha and Jeremy searched the place for Michael.

“Michael?” He looks around but couldn’t find him. He does though find Christine, sitting by herself. Jeremy pokes her back and the girl yelps. “Christine, have you seen Michael?”

“No and I was the one of the first people here!” Christine exclaims. “I haven’t seen Michael anywhere but I did go to the ballroom for a few minutes so maybe he went to the kitchen.”

“I’ll go check his room again just to be sure.”

“I’m already full so I can come with you!” Christine beams, rising from her chair.

He nods and the three exit the buffet. They head toward the elevator lobby. Jeremy thinks about the possibilities. Michael was one to oversleep so maybe he just didn’t hear the announcement or something.

That was probably it. The elevator opened and Jeremy was ready to scold Michael about scaring him for a brief moment. Was Michael doing this all to scare him? Jeremy didn’t know.

The elevator took them to the second floor but the moment they got out, they saw Michael walking towards the elevator with a smile, his hands in his hoodie’s pockets.

“Michael!” Jeremy yells, ran over to him, giving him a tight hug. “I was fucking terrified.”

“There, There, Jeremy.” Michael pats his best friend’s back. “I’m not going anywhere.” He yawns as Jeremy released him. “Sorry for being late, I slept in. Though, I’m pretty sure Rich and Jake are still too.”

“Oh, there he is! Jake!” Christine waves towards him. Jeremy and Michael turn to see Jake. His hair looking disheveled, his eyes filled with tears and standing there emotionless. “Jake? Is everything alright?”

Jake looks Jeremy dead in the eye and runs over to him, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards Rich’s room. Christine and Michael followed, with confused shouts from the both of them.

It was then they went to Rich’s door. Jake slowly opened and there was Rich.

Except, It wasn’t the Rich he had known. No, This Rich had the light drained out of his eyes. He was hanging by his waist from the ceiling, a knife stabbed into his stomach as he swung a little bit side to side. Burns scars were found on his arms and a trashcan was underneath his hung body.

Not only that but the room around him looked burnt and if not burnt, it was a mess in general. Jeremy couldn’t believe his eyes. Jake’s hold of his hand got tighter by the minute. As they blankly stared at the body, not knowing how to react.

It wasn’t long before he heard Christine’s scream as he fell into a pit of despair. 

Chapter Text

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

“A body has been discovered! Things are finally getting interesting around here. Anyhow, after a certain amount of time, the class trial will begin.”

It was a sight that hardly anyone could believe, seeing the unmoving body that was in front of them. Jeremy felt his stomach churn. He could have sworn that he was so close to puking. God, he’s never seen a body in front of him before. He never even wanted to. Who the fuck would have wanted to?! 

He knew exactly who. Squip. That stupid gamemaster, that stupid motive, that caused a tragic death of one of Jeremy’s classmates. How was he supposed to react? How should he react? He was never close with Rich but he was someone who he saw through the halls of Middle-Borough. 

How was he supposed to go back to that damned school when he knows Rich is dead? 

“Fuck.” Michael mutters. “Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. HOLY SHIT!” He kept on repeating the same word under his breath until he couldn’t take it anymore. It was his outburst that made Jeremy realize that none of them had said anything yet. 

“Who would even do something like this?” Christine’s voice was hoarse from the scream she had just let out. She looked like she still wasn’t done but as it turned out, her throat wouldn't let her utter another scream. She looked at Jake. “I’m- Jake, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

“Does he look okay?” Michael questions. “Like, fuck , my ass wouldn’t be.” He stares at the body, terrified. “Why the hell is this happening to us? Why would…” He trails off, not saying much. 

Jeremy continued to look at Jake. Despite him being so close to tears, none would seem to fall out. He just stared at the lifeless body of his friend. The usual confident shine in his eyes was gone. However, there was something in his eyes. Something stronger than the grief he held. 

His possible words of comfort died down when everyone entered the room, most likely to inspect the body themselves. 

“Holy shit!” Duke exclaimed, her eyes filled with fear. Everyone seemed to have a similar reaction at the sight of Rich’s body. Fear, Despair, any twisted sickening emotion that they felt had reflected in their expression.

“C-Can we still get him down?” Brooke asked, stepping closer to the body before backing away in horror. “I mean, hey, maybe he’s still breathing!”

“No, the announcement rung.” Chandler stated. Despite her being on guard, she looked nonchalant. Jeremy can’t tell if it’s just who she is or an act. “That means the pipsqueak isn’t breathing anymore.” She pauses. “Goranski’s dead.”

“This has to be a trick, right?!” Martha yells out, voice trembling. “We all were supposed to escape together! We all were supposed to make it out alive…”

“Fuck, Ram.. Do you think we’re actually going to fucking die?!” Kurt asks, not looking away from the corpse. “I mean Goranski did look strong.”

“We’re stronger, man! We’re stronger than anyone else here! There’s no way this is fucking real, right?!” Ram shouts, chuckling nervously. “If it is, I bet JD murdered him.”

“Hey, I’m right here, you know?”

“I can’t believe that someone… died.” Veronica mutters. “We were just finding a way to escape.” She places her hands on her face. “God damn that stupid motive.”

“Yup, It’s a shame that Rich Goranski died.” Squip says, appearing out of nowhere, once more. Jeremy glared at him.

“You were the one who killed him, weren’t you?!” He yells with venom in his voice. “Why would you do that?! I thought..” Jake grabbed his arm, slight fear in his eyes. It was like he was scared he was going to slip away too. 

“It wasn’t me, slugger.” Squip says with a smile. “It’s one of you.” He gestures to them, similar to how he did the day before. “Well, technically one of you is also the one in charge of this whole charade but we’re trying to find out the killer here.”

“How are we supposed to find that out?” Jenna asked, her eyes shifted from the body to the man calmly sitting on Rich’s bed. “None of us are detectives.”

“Well, yes. None of you are but with this, you can at least have a lead.” Squip pulls out a tablet. “It’s the Squip file. It contains all the information needed about the victim.” He hands it to Jeremy. “Remember, you may use your time however you like but be warned, you’ll all get punished if you don’t find the culprit.”

With that, Squip disappeared.

“We’ll get punished?! What the hell was that supposed to mean?!” Chloe asked.

“Uh guys, There are new rules in the E-Handbook.” McNamara says, taking hers out. Everyone immediately pulled out their handbooks.

Jeremy couldn’t believe what he was reading.

Rule #11: Attempting to break into closed off/locked rooms is strictly prohibited.  

Rule #12: Once a murder takes place, a class trial will begin shortly thereafter. Participation is mandatory for all surviving students.  

Rule #13: If the guilty party is exposed during the class trial, they alone will be executed.

Rule #14: If the guilty party is not exposed, they alone will graduate and leave the hotel, and all remaining students will be executed.

“Wh- what is this?” Jeremy asked softly to himself. Even then, he was still clearly heard as the only sound aside from his voice was everyone else trying to hold their breaths. “Is the execution supposed to be the punishment Squip was talking about?”

“Probably.” Veronica claims bitterly. “God, okay, so let me get this straight, if the killer wins, we die but if we win, the killer dies.” She lets out a tired sigh before going back to question the situation. “How is that even allowed?! This isn’t fair play!”

“This game isn’t exactly the best thing to ever happen to us.” JD states, his expression does nothing to mirror how hopeless he sounded (well, to Jeremy, anyway). “I doubt a supposed game like this would play fair.”

“We just have to find out who did it and why.” Jeremy added onto him. He grips onto the Squip file in his hand. The room seemed to darken in mood. Those who were always cheerful like Christine and Martha were downcast. It was a sad picture to see. His hands were trembling- no, his whole body was. 

He glanced at Michael, even his own happy-go-lucky best friend was looking terrified, maybe even guilty because of the lack of time any of them had spent with Rich before his demise. He wasn’t a beacon of hope. There was nothing to say.

They could all die with one wrong move.

One wrong move that he could do. 

But… 

Breathe in. Breathe out. 

There wasn’t anything else he could do but steady his breathing for a while. There wasn’t anything else he could do but push himself to do this. For Rich’s sake. 

“We have to try. We- We can’t sit here forever. If we’re unprepared for the trial, everyone’s going to die except the killer.” Jeremy says, his voice shaking. “Is that really fair for Rich? That his killer gets away?” Jake gives him an uneasy look. “I mean I never knew Rich but shouldn’t we do this for him? So his death won’t be in vain, you know?” He pauses. “Or we can do it for ourselves too. So we can survive for him.”

Jake finally smiles at him. Determination shines in his eyes and Jeremy felt his spirit get lifted by seeing that spark. “You’re right. Rich wouldn’t want me to be like this! Plus, we got the Ultimate Strategist on our side!” He ruffles Jeremy’s hair. He chuckles back at the action, awkwardly. “I’m sure we’ll be able to crack this case wide open!”

A few cheers fall deaf to his ears. While Jeremy was glad that everyone had a newfound hope inside of them, this was still far from over. He looked at the body in front of him, ready to start the grueling investigation. 

I don’t like this. I don’t want to look at a dead body nor do I want to believe that this is all real but I don’t think I have a choice, do I? I promise you, Jake. I will find out who killed Rich and we’ll escape together. This won’t happen again.

I have to find out the truth behind his murder.

———— INVESTIGATE ————

Martha :

“Uhm, There’s something that we need to do before we start investigating.”

Jeremy :

“Huh? What is it?”

Martha :

“In some of the mystery novels I read, There has to be someone who guards the body so that the killer can’t tamper with it or any of the evidence.”

Veronica :

“She’s right. All investigations in murder mystery stories have them.”

JD :

“That leaves the question of who is up for the task.”

Christine :

“I can do it! I don’t think I’d be super helpful in the investigation. Besides, I feel terrible just leaving him on his own like that.”

JD :

“There’s always the possibility that you could be the one doing it.”

Jeremy :

“You really think Christine would do something like that?!”

Heather C. :

“No. He’s right. We’re all prime suspects in this so we can’t assume that she’s in the clear just because she looks innocent.”

Heather C. :

“Heather, you guard with her.”

[Duke looked appalled by what Chandler had just said. Jeremy didn’t even think that she was referring to her at first but it’s clear by her stern expression that she meant Duke.]

Heather D. :

“You seriously want me to be next to a dead body?!”

Heather C. :

“Heather.”

[She gulped, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to get out of Chandler’s commands.]

Heather D. :

“Yes, Heather.”

Michael :

“Nah, it’s fine. I can be the one in charge of guarding.”

Heather D. :

“Thank fuck, honestly, I owe you. There’s no way I want to be next to..”

[She stares at Rich’s body and then shivers.]

Heather D. :

“Yeah, you get what I mean.”

Jeremy :

“Michael? Are you sure you’re up for this?"

Michael :

“Yup. As fucked up as this is, It’d be better if I just focused on staying on one place instead of exploring. Also there’s no way in hell I’m leaving someone like Christine with Heather Duke.”

[He whispers the last sentence quietly. Jeremy awkwardly chuckles at the jab. Michael pats his shoulder with a smile.]

Michael :

“I’m leaving it all up to you, Jere. You got this.”

Jake :

“Alright, we have two people guarding the body. I think that’s about enough.”

Veronica :

“I think it would be best to split up. We can cover more ground that way and we only have a limited amount of time before the class trial.”

[Everyone agreed to that and eventually, everyone left the room aside from those who were guarding the body. The only people that were left in the room were Jeremy and Jake.]

Jeremy :

“Jake? What are you still doing here?”

Jake :

“I wanted to investigate with you. You’re an Ultimate Strategist, after all. And I really don’t want to screw up. I want to bring Rich justice, you know? He was my best friend.”

Jeremy :

….

Jeremy :

“I’d love to help you, Jake. And I’m sorry about Rich. I’m sure we’ll get to the answer we’ve been hoping for.”

Jake :

“Yeah, I know we will.”

[The two stood there in an awkward silence for a few minutes until Jeremy coughed and broke the silence by starting to speak.]

Jeremy :

“Well, we should probably look at the Squip file first, right?”

Jake :

“Huh? Oh, yeah.”

[He looked at the tablet in his hand. It read: “The Victim is Richard Goranski. The body was discovered inside of his assigned room. The body appears to be hung from a rope and has a stab wound on his stomach. His body also seemed to have burn scars on it. The estimated time of death is around 6 am and weapon seems to be a knife.”]

Jake :

“At least we got something. You think you could find out who the culprit is, already?”

Jeremy :

“No, it’s way too soon to figure this out. While it does tell us what we need to know, we still should investigate the body. There’s no way I trust Squip with anything so he could be leaving stuff out.”

Jake :

“Yeah, I get that. I don’t trust Squip either if I’m being honest.”

Jake :

“This is proof, right? That one of us actually did it?”

Jeremy :

“As much as I don’t want to admit it, this is proof. With the way Rich was killed, It seems like it wasn’t Squip’s doing. He’d make it far more clean instead of..”

Jeremy :

“Well, this.”

[Jeremy forces himself to look at the body. He gestures to it, emphasizing his point.]

Jake :

“I guess you’re right.”

Jeremy :

Still though, this might help us find clues towards the crime. It’s better we keep it in mind for now.

[“SQUIP FILE #1” has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy :

“Now we have to search the body..”

Jake :

“Yeah..”

Jake :

“Sorry, I- I guess I’m just not good with this thing. Especially if it’s my best friend who’s being… y’know… hung.”

[Jake lets out a loud groan, Jeremy flinches in surprise. Jake buries his face in his hands.]

Jake :

“I have to do it! For Rich! I can’t just do nothing when he’d want me to find the one who did this to him!”

Jeremy :

“And we will! At least, I hope so, anyway.”

Jeremy :

Geez, way to go, Heere. Very comforting.

[Yet despite what Jeremy had thought, Jake’s mood seemed to brighten up. His smile left Jeremy blinded. He liked to think that it was genuine.]

Jake :

“Great! Now, Let’s go, Heere!”

Jeremy :

“Wh-! Jake! Hey! You’re crushing my hand! Can you let go?”

[Jake didn’t listen as Jeremy silently wallowed while his hand was slowly becoming damaged in Jake’s grasp. The two walked towards the hanging body, despite him feeling the immense guilt seeing the light drain from Rich’s eyes. He saw something metallic thrust in his stomach. He feels his heart shatter. His hand shakily wraps around the knife.]

Jeremy :

“There’s a knife in his stomach.”

Jake :

“Do you think that’s what killed him?”

Michael :

“Yeah, that's probably the answer we're looking for.”

Christine :

“Ah, because of the.. excessive bleeding, right?”

Jeremy :

"Yeah, that's definitely enough to kill him."

Jeremy :

“Speaking of the bleeding, it looks like the blood has been dried."

Michael :

"Which makes sense since it happened early in the morning."

Christine :

“So how do you think they did it? Aside from just plainly stabbing Rich.."

Michael :

“Beats me. What I think is that it’s probably hidden under our noses this entire time. The culprit wouldn’t be dumb about this.”

Jake :

“You’re right. Thanks, Mell! But how do you know all that?”

Michael :

“Gaming isn’t as useless as many make it out to be.”

Jeremy :

If the stabbing is the cause of death, then how did the culprit do it in the first place? Where did they get the tools? What was their true motive? We won't know until the trial.

[“Knife” has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy :

“Actually, am I allowed to remove the knife?”

Michael : 

“Wouldn’t that mean your fingerprints are on the murder weapon?”

Jeremy :

“Oh, no, because I noticed something about the knife which might be related to the wound.”

Jake :

“How, Heere?”

Jeremy :

“Well, it’s just something I noticed but you know how the knife isn’t fully stabbed into him? Like realistically speaking, you would need a deep stab to the chest to make it fatal.” 

[Jeremy looks at the knife’s blade which isn’t fully in the stomach area. Only half of it was stabbed in the victim’s body.]

Jeremy :

“That has to mean that the wound wasn’t fatal. His death wasn’t necessarily from the stab wound more as it was the blood loss.”

Christine :

“Oh, so if that’s the cause of death then that must mean…”

Christine :

“…. Oh…”

[He felt guilty for even daring to look Jake’s way. In a hurry, he tried to correct himself.]

Jeremy :

“But hey! It’s not confirmed! Maybe he did die quickly!”

Jake :

“Is that what you really think?”

Jeremy :

“Well, nothing’s real and true until we gather all the evidence. Either way, we still have, hopefully, enough time to investigate everything.”

Jake :

“Yeah! You’re probably right!”

Jeremy :

Then again, a wound that isn’t too deep likely will hurt a person but can it instantly kill them? Especially in the stomach?

Jeremy :

At the end, who’s to say?

[“Cause of Death” has been added to the truth bullets]

[Jeremy looked at the body once more and one of the first things he noticed was Rich’s burn scars. Burn scars were seen all throughout his arms. His clothes looked burnt too.]

Jeremy :

“Rich has burn scars. This was caused by the fire, right?”

Jake :

“Probably. I mean I never saw him with this many burn scars before and he did a lot of crazy and insane dares involving fire.."

Jake :

“Was that the culprit’s plan? Did they want to burn Rich alive?!”

Christine :

“That’s terrifying!”

Michael :

“And way too dark. What kind of teenager would have that sick idea in their heads?!”

Jeremy :

“No matter what the culprit wanted to do, there’s no doubt that the burn scars are the result of the fire.”

Jeremy :

“Also if the culprit was planning on burning Rich alive, why wouldn’t they? It certainly would have helped with removing evidence that was seen on his body.”

Jake :

“That’s true. But I can’t think of any other reason why the culprit would have started a fire other than killing Rich.”

Jeremy :

“Maybe it was a diversion?” I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

[“Burn Scars” has been added to truth bullets]

[Jeremy bends down and touches the trash can that was underneath the body. He tilts his head.]

Jeremy :

“What even is this for?”

Jake :

“I don’t really know, Heere. Maybe the culprit used it to hang Rich?”

Michael :

“Well, we certainly know for sure that it is the culprit who did this. I mean, no offense to Rich or anything but I don’t think he’d be able to reach the ceiling to hang it.”

Jeremy :

“And it would be hard for Rich to hang himself from his waist. If he were to have done the hanging himself.”

Christine :

“…!”

Christine :

“Hey, hold on, Jeremy. Can I try something?”

Jeremy :

“H-Huh? Uh, okay. Sure.”

[Christine stood at the top of the trash can, trying to reach the hook that was attached to the ceiling (and to the rope where Rich was hanging from). She failed due to her short stature.]

Jake :

“What was that for?”

Christine :

“I had a theory that could give us a clue as to who the culprit is! Though, it really isn’t set in stone.”

Michael :

“What is it?”

Christine :

“Everyone taller than me is likely to be able to reach the ceiling which means that they could also be the most likely to be the culprit who hung Rich.”

Jake :

“Huh, hold on.”

[Jake stood on the trash can to touch the ceiling. His head was about ten inches away from the ceiling. He was unable to touch it with his hand without being in an uncomfortable position.]

Jake :

“Well, taller than Christine but shorter than me.”

Jeremy :

That doesn’t really tell us much.

[“Trash Can” has been added to truth bullets]

Jake :

“Hey, speaking of which, why is there a hook on the ceiling?”

Jeremy :

“A what?”

Jake :

“Yeah, it’s connected to the rope.”

Michael :

“That’s strange, though.”

Jeremy :

“How so?”

Michael :

“I’m pretty sure that there wouldn’t be a hook in Rich’s room. I mean there isn’t one in my room and it’s not like there would be any use for it.”

Christine :

“Aside from that, I’m amazed at how the hook hasn’t fallen down yet. I mean a body weighs a ton, right? So I just assumed that it would make the body fall.”

Jake :

“Maybe they got it from the Squip Machine. Though, you would need a ton of luck to get what you want so that definitely rules that out.”

Jeremy :

“If that’s the case, then where could they have gotten the hook? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Michael :

“And how did they manage to place it in Rich’s room?”

Jeremy :

There are a lot of questions to uncover. Hopefully, we’ll find our answer.

[“Hook” has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy :

“Jake, you can go down now.”

Jake :

“Oh, you’re right.”

[Jake gets down from the trash can. He didn’t take his eyes away from the body. That was until he finally turned to Jeremy, curious.]

Jake :

“Where do you think they got the rope from?”

Jeremy :

“Oh, well, I'm not really sure.”

Jeremy :

Actually, speaking of the rope…

[Jeremy touched the knot that was behind Rich’s waist. It was exactly what he thought.]

Jeremy :

“The knot. It’s loose.”

Christine :

“Huh?! What do you mean it’s loose?”

Jeremy :

“It’s tight. But it looks like the culprit did it in a hurry. The rope is barely touching the back of his back.”

Michael :

“So it’s tight enough to make sure the victim wouldn’t fall when being hung but it’s loose enough to the point where it was likely done in a few seconds.”

Jake :

“Yeah, that’s strange. Especially since choking him could have been the quicker option for the murderer.”

Jeremy :

“It can’t be that their intention was to hang Rich either. Why did the culprit even want to hang Rich in the first place?”

Michael :

“Especially, since it would just be a hassle regardless.”

Jeremy :

It's strange. There has to be a reason but what exactly is it?

[“Rope” has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy   :

"Wait a second.. There's something I'm noticing.."

Jake   :

"What is it?"

[Jeremy takes a step closer to the body, He looks in absolute fear as he takes a closer look at Rich's body. He looks closer. That's when he finally realized what he had been looking for.]

Jeremy :

"Rich's clothes.. They're smudged with blood."

Michael   :

"That should make sense, shouldn't it? He was stabbed, after all." 

Jeremy   :

"No, but listen, take a closer look at his clothes. Specifically his shirt. It looks like it was wiped away or at least, attempted to be wiped away. It’s smudged in a way that someone would wipe a stain off their shirt."

Christine   :

"So the culprit must have wiped away the blood when they saw it was dripping so that it wouldn't get on the floor!"

Jeremy   :

"That could be the case and it does make a lot of sense. Their footprints and fingerprints wouldn't be accounted for if that were the case."

Jake   :

"If that's what happened, Then we're closer to solving the mystery of Rich's death! Great job, Heere!"

Jeremy   :

"..Thanks, Jake." Still, something feels off.

["Wiped blood" has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy :

Alright, that’s enough looking at the body. We should investigate the room next to find clues!

Jeremy :

“Alright, Let’s go.”

Jake :

“What? Wh? Are we done already?”

Jeremy :

“Oh, no. We should probably investigate the room too to see if the culprit left any clues we could use.”

Jake :

“Heh, you really know your stuff. It’s honestly impressive.”

[Jeremy blushed, avoiding Jake’s gaze. He scratches the back of his neck.]

Jeremy :

“Yeah, well, I do play murder mystery games so I guess I kind of know what to do.”

Jake :

“Huh, Never would have guessed. That’s pretty cool.”

Jeremy :

“thanks..”

[The two sat in a short silence until Jake broke it by taking a quick look at the body before opening his mouth to talk.]

Jake :

“So Heere, where’d you think they got the weapon from?”

Jeremy :

!!!

[Jeremy rushed over to the drawers on Rich's bedside table. He opened them in a hurry. There, in Rich's drawer, held nothing. No handkerchief and no knife were inside. It was absolutely empty.]

Jeremy   :

"So this means that..."

Jake :

"It means what?"

Jeremy   :

"It means that the knife being used in the murder, the murder weapon, was in Rich's drawer. Which means the culprit didn't provide the murder weapon. They used something in Rich's room."

Jake   :

"Oh yeah! One of those Heather girls mentioned it, right? That all rooms have knives and shit. Or wait.. Was it Dunnstock?"

Jeremy   :

"It doesn't matter who said it! All that matters is that the culprit somehow broke into the room and got the knife from Rich's bedside table. This might have been an ambush.."

Jake   :

"No way, man! Rich is like the strongest guy I know! There's no way he could have not been able to defend himself even if someone took him off guard!"

Jeremy   :

"Yeah, I believe that too but…”

Jeremy :

“The weird thing is that alongside the knife, the handkerchief is missing too. We've seen the knife but not the handkerchief."

Jake   :

"But what has that got to do with anything?"

Jeremy   :

"Well, for starters, the room is messy. Unless it was to clean up the blood, it would have been a futile effort especially with the amount of blood coming out of him. A simple handkerchief wouldn't have cleared up the blood so it's got to have been used for something else."

Jake :

"Then what was it used for?"

Jeremy   :

"That I'm not sure of." We didn't even find it on or near the body. What could be the answer?

["Missing Handkerchief" has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy   :

Alright.. what else do we have-

[Jeremy's train of thought was then interrupted when he tripped on something on the floor.]

Jeremy   :

"Ow!"

Michael   :

"Shit.. Dude, are you okay?"

Jeremy   :

"Yeah, I'm good."

[His eyes landed on the thing that he tripped on and picked it up as he stood on his own feet again.]

Jeremy    :

"This is a.."

Jake   :

"A lighter. It probably caused the room to end up looking so burnt."

Christine   :

"That's the one from yesterday! When I lit a candle in the ballroom to set the mood for our play theme. ..Didn't expect that I'd set the mood for murder.."

Jeremy   :

"Christine! That's not-!"

Jake   :

"Hey, doesn't that mean that I was right? The culprit wanted to burn Rich alive?!"

Jeremy   :

"Jake, stop saying it like that! There's no way someone would think of doing that!"

Christine   :

"What if he's right?! Oh gosh, I can't believe that I caused this!"

Jake   :

"Wait.. you did this?"

Jeremy   :

"No, she didn't mean it like that! And Christine, stop blaming yourself! You weren't the one who killed Rich!"

Christine   :

"I..."

[Christine walks out of the door, clearly overwhelmed with a frown on her face, almost close to tears.]

Jeremy   :

"Christine!"

Jake   :

"So did she do it?"

Jeremy   :

"Of course not! At least, I think so, anyway."

Michael   :

"Plus, are we really sure that the culprit was the one that got the lighter in the first place? I mean, what would they have even done with it? It could have always been the victim who did it."

Jake   :

"Hey! What would Rich have done with it?! Why would he want his room to look like this?!"

Jeremy   :

"Guys!"

[Jeremy tugs on Jake's arm, trying to get him to calm down. He looked upset at Michael. Irritated, angry, whatever negative emotion it held. Jeremy didn't want time to be wasted. He also didn't want his best friend to get beaten up by the strongest guy he knows.]

Michael   :

"Listen, it doesn't make sense, either way. I'm just saying that whatever the answer is, we have to prepare for every worst case scenario. That's what I think, anyway."

[Silence falls on the three boys. No one said a word. Jeremy looked to the door of Rich's room. He thought about it.]

Jeremy   :

Michael is right but who could have even used the lighter in the first place? Seems unlikely on both ends..

["Lighter" has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy :

I better check on Christine.

[Jeremy leaves the room for a moment and is greeted with Christine sitting on the floor, looking hopeless and guilty.]

Jeremy   :

"Christine, It isn't your fault. You wouldn't have seen this coming."

Christine   :

"I should have, though. I just feel absolutely terrible."

Jeremy  :

"You weren't the one who killed Rich! That was someone else and we'll find out who they are during the trial!"

Christine   :

"No, I could have done something to prevent this! I saw him hurting! I knew there was something off about him and yet, I just turned a blind eye because I didn't know how to help!"

Jeremy   :

"Wh-What do you mean by that?"

Christine   :

"I saw Rich today, Jeremy and he was acting.. different than he was before."

—

Christine   :

"Oh! Rich! I didn't see you there! Didn't peg you as a morning person."

Rich   :

"Yeah, I just couldn't sleep."

Christine   :

"Hmm? Did something happen? You can always talk to me if you want!"

Rich   :

"It's.. personal. Nothing you can help with if I'm being honest."

Rich   :

"But that doesn't matter. Why are you still awake?"

Christine   :

"I was rehearsing with a few others about our lines in the ballroom! If you still can't sleep, you can join us!"

Rich   :

"Sure, I'm not doing anything, anyway."

—

Christine   :

"Then after that, we rehearsed our lines with the rest and then he got sleepy and went upstairs."

Christine   :

"When he said I couldn't help him, I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to push him but now, I can't help him anymore. I can't see why he was so upset."

Jeremy   :

"Who else was with you?"

Christine   :

"Just Jenna, Brooke and Chloe if I remember correctly."

Jeremy   :

So Jenna, Brooke, Chloe and Christine saw Rich. I don't want to believe that they're the suspects but there has to be something that can lead us to the culprit. "Thank you, Christine. You really helped me."

Christine   :

"Glad I could, Jeremy."

["Christine's Account" has been added to truth bullets]

[Jeremy and Christine entered the room once again. He noticed Michael, staring up at the ceiling while Jake was just investigating stuff in the cabinets.]

Jeremy   :

"Find anything?"

Michael   :

"Jeremy, look at the room. It looks messy, right? Because it got fucked over by fire?"

Jeremy   :

"Michael, where are you going with this?"

Michael   :

"What I'm trying to say is do you think that fire could do this?"

[Michael picks up a pillow that looked like it had been stabbed through. Jeremy's skin crawls.]

Michael   :

"A fight must have happened. I mean look at all the feathers on the floor. Look at how shitty the bed is, The ripped up blankets. The room is an absolute disaster."

[Michael wasn't exaggerating. He points to all the items he mentioned and that's putting aside the rest of the mess that was inside of Rich's room.]

Jake   :

"But it can't be a break in or an ambush so then, what is it?"

Jeremy   :

"I'm not quite sure but Michael is right. There had to have been a fight here. This could have been him struggling."

Christine :

"But didn't Squip say that no one can get in or out unless you have the E-Handbook. Did someone steal Rich's?"

Jeremy   :

How did the culprit even get inside to perform the murder in the first place? Were they let in? Did they threaten Rich? What's the truth?

["Status of the room" has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy   :

"We should go look to see if any other places have any other clues that could point to who did this."

Jake  :

"Got it... so where do we go now? Most of the evidence was in Rich's room and I don't think there's anywhere else that the culprit could have gone to."

Jeremy    : 

"Despite that, we can't rule out any other possible locations. If the culprit went to a place that we hadn't looked at, we won't be able to collect the evidence. And that'll mean that what we do have is useless if we don't have the complete story."

Jake    :

"I mean you have a point but where are we supposed to look?"

Jeremy   :

“Looking downstairs may be our best bet. There’s no way the culprit didn’t go downstairs for supplies and either way, better to be safe than sorry.” 

Jake   :

“Yeah, sounds like that’s good. Are we down to go?”

Jeremy   :

“Oh, uhm, I just need to confirm something. You can go on ahead.”

[Jake, to Jeremy’s relief, nodded and left the room with the promise to meet him by the elevator lobby. Jeremy thought it was good that he got some space away from the body. He goes up to Michael, worriedly.]

Jeremy  :

“Michael, are you really okay guarding the body?”

[Michael looked at him, slightly shocked, only to hide it with a soft smile afterwards.]

Michael   :

“Don’t worry about me. Seriously. It’s less of a hassle for me and I think you need your time to shine as player one.” 

Michael   :

“Temporarily, of course. Duh.” 

[Jeremy smiled at him. They were getting out of here. After the trial, they’ll defeat Squip and go back home to their normal lives. If it’ll be normal at all.]

Jeremy   :

“Alright, see you during the trial, Michael.”

Michael   :

“Go get em, man.”

[A quick nod towards his direction and then he was off. He met Jake in the elevator lobby who was still looking around, trying to find clues. There hasn’t been anything of notice from what they can see.] 

Jeremy   :

“Uh, are you ready to go…?”

Jake   :

“Yeah, I am. We got this, Heere!”

[The elevator dinged before any of the two could utter another word. They went in and waited for the elevator to come down. Weirdly enough, that ride felt like it was slowly going down despite it only traveling a floor down. After a ding, they stepped out.]

Jeremy   :

Looks like we should start with checking the hotel lobby. 

[The two walked up to the lobby. It looked grand as always but it still for some reason, after this murder, it taunted Jeremy. This would have been a perfect break. A well deserved rest from the struggle that high-school had plagued him with. However, it only further amplified the danger of being trapped here. Possibly forever.]

[He stares at the fountain once more. A part of him is still convinced that it’s a bomb about to explode somehow. He takes a step towards it, perhaps he could see his reflection in the water. For a while, he actually could. He could see how tired he was. That was until there was something caught at the corner of his eye.]

Jeremy   :

….!

Jenna   :

“...”

Jeremy   :

“Oh! Jenna, You’re here!”

Chloe   :

“Hey, Jerry. We’re here too, y’know?”

[Jeremy caught a glimpse of Jenna, Chloe and Brooke. After he noticed them, His attention was back on the fountain and the thing he saw floating in the water.]

Jeremy   :

“Sorry… didn’t see you…”

Brooke   :

“Hmm? Found something, Jerry?”

Jeremy   :

“Yeah, I think I did…”

[Jake was watching Jeremy now and slowly started to follow his way to the fountain, that’s when they found a handkerchief, similar to the ones found in the room. However, this time, it was covered in blood, surrounded by liquid that was slightly stained with red.]

Jake   :

“What the…?”

[Chloe snatched it out of the water, cringing slightly. Jeremy wasn’t sure if it was because the fountain water was cold or the idea of holding a used napkin just made her gag but either way, She held it out, only touching the part that was farthest away from the blood.]

Jeremy   :

It’s likely related to the case… 

Chloe   :

“This is the most disgusting thing I've ever seen.”

Jake   :

“Even more than Rich’s hanging body…?”

Chloe   :

“....”

Jeremy   :

… The tension’s so thin you can cut it with a knife… 

Chloe   :

“Either way, I don’t want it anymore, fuck, that’s messed up.”

[She throws it to Jeremy who frantically catches it in his hands, stressed.]

Jake   :

“Come on, Chloe, at least, try to care.”

Chloe   :

“How about we just let Jerry do the work since he isn’t trying to prove a point and actually wants us out of here?”

Brooke   :

“...”

Jeremy   :

Is this really the time for this? 

Jenna   :

“Jeremy, look at this.”

Jeremy   :

“Ah! What?”

[Jenna peers over his shoulder. He flinches when he sees her so suddenly.]

Jenna   :

“Notice how there’s a huge blood spot on the left side of the napkin but at the far corner on the right side there’s a light red smudge on it.”

Jeremy   :

“Wait… Yeah, that’s pretty strange..”

Brooke   :

“Does that mean it was used in the murder? Then again, what else would it be used for? It’s unlikely for someone to get an injury the day of… the murder…”

Jenna   :

“Well, I highly doubt that someone got a nosebleed during the time it happened. Plus, why would they throw it in the fountain?”

Chloe   :

“Plus wouldn’t the asshole throw it in their own trash bin? Like do they not care about what we feel about them leaving their stupid trash behind?”

Brooke   :

“Hey, Jeremy…”

[Brooke tapped his shoulder. Jeremy turned to look at her even if she hadn't said much.]

Jeremy   :

“Yeah?”

Brooke   :

“I was with a couple of other people yesterday. The fountain, at least from what I can remember, didn’t have this.”

Jeremy   :

Right. Brooke was with Chloe, Jenna and Christine. It aligns perfectly with Christine’s testimony…

Jeremy   :

“Yeah, I heard from Christine. You were with her, right?”

[Brooke nods and that told Jeremy all he needed to know.]

Jake   :

“So, Canigula couldn’t have done it.”

Jenna   :

“And removes suspicion for a couple of people.”

Brooke   :

“So we’re good.”

Chloe   :

“Depends if we can defend it. If not, well…”

[Everyone was silent for a while. Jeremy stared at the piece of bloodied cloth that was in his hands.]

Jeremy   :

Was it something related to the murder? I mean, it has to be but why? What’s its relation to this case? And when would it have happened?

[“The Fountain” has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy   :

“There isn’t much here. We should probably explore some place else.”

Jake   :

“Oh, sure thing! Lead the way, bro!”

[They exit the lobby and head towards the ballroom. Jake looked at Jeremy then turned to look at the doors heading towards the inside of the room.]

Jake   :

“Wait! Heere, stay behind me!”

Jeremy   :

“Eh?! Why should I?”

Jake   :

“You know, If the killer is behind the doors ready to kill us!”

Jeremy   :

“That… likely wouldn’t happen…”

[Jeremy opens the door, Jake trails behind him. They immediately see the Heathers on the stage. McNamara and Duke were chatting while Chandler was examining what she could see. The right side of the stage had the curtain closed but the left side was completely open.]

Jeremy   :

“Huh?! What happened here?!”

Heather C.   :

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out.”

Jake   :

“I’m pretty sure this place looked different compared to last time we were here.”

Heather D.   :

“How about we just show it to you?”

[Duke rolls her eyes and gestures for McNamara to go to the right side of the stage. The two boys look at each other before following her. She pulls the curtain to the side to reveal the wall and a bunch of boxes. Jake blinks, puzzled.]

Jake   :

“You lost me…”

Jeremy   :

Wait a second…

—

“There could be something else important in here.” Jeremy defends. He goes up on the stage and sees the curtains opened already. Both halves were brought to their respective side together by a rope tied in a bow that was wrapped around a hook. Strange. Problem is that said rope and hook were way too high up for him. Even if he tiptoed he probably couldn’t reach it. Was this Squip trying to keep them from getting rope to escape somehow?

—

Jeremy   :

“Where’s the hook for the other side? And the rope too?!”

Heather C.   :

“What do you think, Sherlock? Isn’t it obvious that it’s the one used for the body?”

Heather M.   :

“We were investigating here for clues but when we saw the rope missing, it was clear that it had some part in the murder.”

Jeremy   :

I don’t think Christine mentioned it during her testimony and the others who were awake didn’t say anything about it.

Jake   :

“How were they able to take the hook off of the wall?”

Heather D.   :

“That’s what we originally thought too at first but well,”

[Chandler and McNamara walked over to the other side of the curtain that still had a rope tied around a hook. Chandler climbs on McNamara, trying to reach the hook. She takes it off, struggling a lot until she finally gets it off. She gets off of McNamara before putting it back on the wall.]

Jeremy   :

“It’s attachable?!”

Heather C.   :

“It is. I’m pretty sure it’s so that anyone can untie the rope from it easily despite their height. Even if it seems pretty fucking high.”

Heather M.   :

“It’s extremely sticky though so it’d be hard to remove.”

Jeremy   :

At least, it tells us something… 

[“Stage’s Appearance” has been added to truth bullets]

[The two left the ballroom to leave the Heathers to their investigation and decided to go over to the kitchen to see if there would be any clues there. They found Ram and Kurt.]

Jeremy   :

“Uh, hi?”

Kurt   :

“Oh god, what does the nerd want?”

Jeremy   :

“I’m just here to investigate!”

Ram   :

“Yeah, yeah, sure.”

Jeremy   :

Okay, I managed to make it out alive thankfully…

Jake   :

“What have you guys been doing?”

Ram   :

“We’re checking if any of these knives are the murder weapon, duh.”

Jeremy   :

“Isn’t the buffet closed at night time?” and the knife was literally in the stomach of the victim…

Kurt   :

“I mean you never know! Maybe some weirdo sneaked a knife or weapon before they went up or something! Or maybe, caused something to distract us, I don’t know!”

Jake   :

“Well, dude, have you found anything yet?”

Kurt   :
“Nope Nothing, man. Absolutely nothing.”

Ram   :

“It took us way too long. We got to see some other places before, though, so guess our time isn’t fully wasted.”

Jeremy   :

I almost didn’t expect them to actually try…

[Kurt looks at him. An intimidating yet curious aura around him.]

Kurt   :

“Hey, you’re the geek in charge of this case, right?”

Jeremy   :

“I wouldn’t say that but-”

Kurt   :

“I don’t care. Anyway, I heard something strange last night.”

Jeremy   :

“What? What happened?”

Kurt   :

“I was watching TV in my room which was only one channel by the way, I mean if we’re going to live here forever, could they not have given us more goddamn channels-”

Jeremy   :

“You’re getting off topic…”

Kurt   :

“But when I was watching, the fucking sprinklers came on!”

Jake   :

“Sprinklers..?!”

Kurt   :

“Yeah! Like that water sprayed my room! It almost made my TV malfunction! And right when the show was getting good too!”

Jeremy   :

“Do you remember the time the sprinklers came on?”

Kurt   :

“No? It was really early but like, it wasn’t like I had a clock in that room or anything. After the sprinklers went on, I took a nap.”

Jeremy   :

“The sprinklers were the cause of the fire. So that must mean….”

SQUIP   :

“Indeed it was!”

[The four boys yelped, Ram grabbed Kurt’s sleeve while Kurt and Jake held on tightly to Jeremy who was already shocked and terrified at Squip’s entrance.]

Jeremy   :

“Stop doing that!”

SQUIP   :

“I am sad to say that although the sprinklers work perfectly, it’s still a bit outdated.”

Ram   :

“How?”

SQUIP   :

“As shocked as you all may be, This is the first time the hotel has experienced a fire. Sadly, our sprinklers aren’t the best at detecting fires so it’d be until like… maybe 10-15 minutes in? Not sure about it myself, honestly.”

Kurt   :

“Dude, isn’t this your hotel?”

Jake   :

“Why didn’t you even fix it?”

SQUIP   :

“Well, it's too much work to put in for you kids of all people. I'm not going to waste so much time on it. If it works then it works and the time where it kicks in doesn’t matter.” 

Jeremy   :

“Ugh, whatever, you can go away now.”

SQUIP   :

“Now, now, kiddo. Don’t talk back to me like that. I helped you. You should be grateful!”

SQUIP   :

“Besides, you’ll need it.”

[Squip leaves and Kurt and Ram flip him off or, at least, the spot he was in. Jeremy restrained himself with every bone in his body to not do the same.]

Jake   :

“That guy gives me the creeps.”

Jeremy   :

As much of a bastard he is, he still gave us more insight on the sprinklers. Kurt too. Nevertheless, I won’t give Squip the thanks he wants. 

[“Sprinklers” has been added to truth bullets]

[Jeremy walks over to the kitchen along with Jake. He sees JD, Veronica and Martha talking amongst themselves. He waves at them.]

JD   :

“You’re investigating here too?”

Jeremy   :

“Mhm, I hope we aren’t interrupting.”

Veronica   :

“Don’t worry about it. We’re just looking around.”

[Jeremy turned towards Martha who was looking through the cabinets, deep in thought. He went up to her, a bit confused.]

Jeremy   :

“Martha? Are you looking for something?”

Martha   :
“Oh, sorry! I was trying to look for something. I had a theory and it looks like I was right.”

Veronica   :

“Huh? What was your theory, Martha?”

Martha   :

“After Squip revealed the motive, I wanted to bring back the lighter while everybody else went up. In case it might be used sooner. And, well, it’s dangerous around… you know.”

Martha   :

“But I can’t even find it anymore. It’s not here. The cabinet is open too which is strange because I’m pretty sure I closed it.”

JD   :

“The culprit must have taken it then. It’ll lessen possible suspicion towards people like Kurt, Ram and Michael because they haven’t even seen the lighter before nor do they even know about its existence.”

Veronica   :

“So if ever the lighter was a part of the culprit’s plan, then they’d be in the clear for that particular aspect of the crime.”

Jake   :

“So that’s like what? Three people already proven innocent?”

JD   :

“I wouldn’t say necessarily innocent since we don’t know what to expect but clears some suspicion anyway.”

Martha   :

“That’s still a lot more possible suspects to go through if we’re going down that route.”

Jeremy   :

However, it could be possible that someone unrelated to the crime took it. This is all pretty tiring…

[“Opened Cabinet” has been added to truth bullets]

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

[The five teens looked at the monitor that was on the kitchen table.]

SQUIP   :

“I’m sure you all already had enough time to investigate. Now, it’s the moment of truth. Everyone, meet me in the lobby.”

[The scream fades to black and they had hesitantly left the kitchen and went over to the lobby like Squip had demanded them to do. Jeremy felt nervous. The trial was finally going to happen. They’d find out what happened to Rich and everything would be fine. He hopes so anyway.]

SQUIP   :

“Alright, Now we can start.”

[Squip made his way to the fountain and pressed the red button that Jeremy had noticed the day he got here. He winced in fear.] 

Jeremy   :

I knew it! …Is it really gonna blow up?!

[Instead of that happening, the fountain had moved backwards and an elevator had ascended from the floor. Squip goes down and gestures to everyone to follow him. One by one, despite the fear, they went with it until Michael and Jeremy were the only two left.]

Michael   :

“Got something to give you, Jere.”

Jeremy   :

“Huh? What is it?”

[Michael places a Pac-Man stress toy and a letter in his best friend’s hands. Jeremy notices that his left hand is still wrapped in a cloth.]

Michael   :

“Don’t open the note yet. It’s a surprise for after the trial’s done. I made it yesterday. It’ll calm your nerves after catching the culprit.”

Jeremy   :

“Where did you get the stress toy?!” 

Michael   :

“I got bored when I woke up this morning so I thought to try until I get something cool! Consider it an act of charity.”

Jeremy   :

“Jeez, how early did you wake up for this?”

Michael   :

“I don’t know. I didn’t really see anyone downstairs so it must’ve been pretty early.”

Jeremy   :

“Guess your talent extends to arcade games as well.” 

Michael   :

“Guess so!”

[The two chuckled, staring at each other for a few seconds with bright smiles.]

Michael   :

“We got this.”

Jeremy   :

“We do.”

[Jeremy and Michael go down the elevator to meet with the others. Once they got down, they were met with podiums in a circular formation and a high throne at the edge of it.]

Kurt :

“Holy shit! It’s like a courtroom!”

Veronica :

“So this is where the class trials will be held?”

SQUIP :

“Indeed it is. Now, go to your assigned seats. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and it’s about time one of you kids finally committed a murder. It was about time.”

Jeremy :

It’s not like we really have a choice…

[They did as they were told and went to their assigned seats. They looked at each other, worried, doubtful and confused. Jeremy noticed that a portrait of Rich was in front of him with a big X on it. It was like Rich was still here, with all of them. Jeremy looked at Jake who nodded at him.]

Jeremy :

Rich was killed by one of us.

Jeremy :

Who could it even be?

Jeremy :

If we don’t figure it out correctly, All our lives will be on the line.

Jeremy :

So for those still alive, and for Rich, I will find out who’s the true killer behind his death!

Jeremy :

I’ll do my best to uncover the truth!

[And so it all begins: A fight against a lie, a fight against despair, a fight against the past, a fight against suspicion and a fight against doubt. All in one deadly class trial!]

Chapter Text

[Oh dear, Rich Goranski is left for dead with the usual fire in his eyes being replaced with cold despair. Will Jeremy be able to handle the truth and most importantly, who will be the culprit of this trial?]

— Court Preparation —

 — Pre Trial Prep —

> Open E-Handbook

Set Skills

Finish Preparations

— Truth Bullets —

[“SQUIP FILE # 1”]

> “The Victim is Richard Goranski. The body was discovered inside of his assigned room. The body appears to be hung from a rope and has a stab wound on his stomach. His body also seemed to have burn scars on it. The estimated time of death is around 6 am and the weapon seems to be a knife.”

[“Knife”]

> There was a knife that had stabbed the victim. The knife was stabbed deep inside the victim’s stomach. The blood surrounding it looks like it has been dried which matches the time of death of the murder. 

[“Cause of Death”]

> It has been detected that the stab wound wasn’t fatal as the knife was not plunged deep in the body. This means that the victim had bled out and the blood loss was how the victim had died. 

[“Burn Scars”]

> There are burn scars on the victim’s body. This is a direct result of the fire that had taken place inside the room. The reason as to why the fire had happened and if it was a murder attempt is unknown. 

[“Trash Can”]

> There was a trash can underneath the body of the victim. It is inferred that the body was hung by the culprit. Height needs to be taken into consideration to properly hang the body. Height hasn’t been narrowed down too well (Taller than Christine, Shorter than Jake). 

[“Hook”]

> There is a hook on the ceiling that helps in hanging the body. It is unknown how the hook had ended up in the room in the first place. 

[“Rope”]

> The rope was used as what hung the body. Not only that, however, the knot was loose. The culprit had possibly been in a hurry when tying the knot, making it tight enough to not make the body fall but still rushed.

[“Wiped Blood”]

> The blood had been smudged on the victim’s clothes. It is assumed that the blood was wiped off to not make the crime scene messy and possibly to get rid of evidence like fingerprints and footprints. 

[“Missing Napkin”]

> The weapon was most likely the knife that was hidden in the drawer. This knife is seen in all rooms accompanied by a napkin. However, when further investigated, there was nothing in the drawer. This proves that the knife was used but the napkin was as well. 

[“Lighter”]

> The reason as to why the room had looked so burnt. There is a slight possibility where either the culprit or the victim could be the one using the lighter. Whoever used the lighter is unknown as is their motive.

[“Christine’s Account”]

> Christine had seen and talked to the culprit. She remembers him being upset about something. After inviting him to rehearse lines, he got tired and went upstairs. Parties who were also with Christine are Chloe, Brooke and Jenna. 

[“Status of the room”]

> The room was not only burnt but the room in general was messy. Observations made were ripped up blankets, feathers on the floor, a messy bed and pillows that looked like they were stabbed through. These were not the only messes made in the room. It is possible that there was a fight or sign of struggle. 

[“The Fountain”]

> There was a bloodied napkin that was in the fountain, gliding across the water. There is a big spot of blood on the left side while the far right corner of the napkin has a smudge of blood. It is currently unknown as to why it appears like that aside from it being important in the murder. 

[“Stage’s Appearance”]

> The right side of the stage had the curtain closed but the left side was completely open, revealing many boxes. This is where the hook and the rope came from and it is revealed that the hook is detachable. When accompanied by another person, one is able to get both the hook and the rope. 

[“Sprinklers”]

> According to Squip, The sprinklers don’t work as well as they should. The sprinklers are not able to detect fire instantly, only being able to activate about 10-15 minutes when the fire is spreading. Kurt had experienced the sprinklers working while he was watching TV.

[“Opened Cabinet”]

> Martha had placed back the lighter in one of the cabinets in the kitchen. However, once she looks back, it isn’t there anymore and is instead in the murder scene. The cabinet is opened when Martha claims to have closed it. Anyone, even someone unrelated to the crime, could have possibly taken it. 

— Court Preparation —

— Pre Trial Prep —

Open E-Handbook

Set Skills

> Finish Preparations

—CLASS TRIAL: ALL RISE—

SQUIP:

“Alright, let’s all begin with a brief introduction of the class trial. During the class trial, you must all find out who among you committed the murder. If you figure it out correctly, then I’ll punish the blackened. But if you make the wrong choice, the blackened gets to graduate while everyone else gets executed.”

Veronica:

“In what way is that fair?”

JD:

“It isn’t.”

Brooke:

“Well, if Squip is apparently not the one who killed Rich, then who is? And why did they kill him?”

Heather D.:

“Maybe someone really is as dark and twisted as Squip.”

Heather M.:

“Heather, you can’t just say stuff like that!”

Veronica:

“I don’t want to believe that anyone did something like this… But if the evidence points to one of us doing it and the handbook backing it up…”

Heather C.:

“How about we stop running in circles? We’ll all die if we can’t find out what’s going on. And I will actually haunt you all in hell if you get me killed at 17.”

JD:

“Thank you, Heather. Thank you for your never ending optimism. It never ceases to amaze me.”

Heather C.:

“Can it, Dean.” 

Jeremy:

“Heather’s right. Because we know that Squip didn’t commit it, that leaves one less thing we have to prove. We have 15 suspects instead of just 16.”

Chloe:

“Plus the sooner we get to the answer, the sooner we can get out of this place and this trial.”

Jake:

“And avenge Rich.”

Jeremy:

“Exactly…”

Michael:

“Actually, before we start I have a question..”

Michael:

“What’s that portrait for?”

Jeremy:

He points over to Rich’s portrait that had a big X on it. Squip just had to put an X above Rich’s face. It’s almost like he’s taunting us…

SQUIP:

“Why, It’s for the deceased, of course! I’ll admit, I never liked Rich, at all. However, I do feel bad about leaving him out in this. Besides, I had sixteen podiums so I’m sticking to it.” 

SQUIP:

“Now enough of the questions, you all have to figure out who killed him while I watch and possibly laugh at your stupidity.”

Heather D.:

“Gee, thanks.”

Brooke:

“What do we even talk about? I’ve never been to a trial before.”

Chloe:

“Yeah, how are we supposed to solve anything?! Especially if our lives might end because of it!”

Jenna:

“I mean we have already investigated and there’s a lot of evidence pointing to the sequence of events so I wouldn’t say it’s completely hopeless.”

Martha:

“Maybe we just need to take all this at a slow pace to get to the answer.”

Heather D.:

“So we seriously have to solve this on our own?! How the hell can we do that?!”

Jeremy:

“Well, we could always start with what we know. If we start with that, we can find out who was behind the murder.”

Veronica:

“Here we go…”

— Non-Stop Debate —

[Truth Bullets:

-> Rope

-> Knife

-> Cause of Death]

Martha:

“From what we know about the case, it should be simple enough to find out the true culprit!” 

Ram:

“Uh huh, any ideas for that, Dunstock?”

Martha:

“Nope…. Not one…”

Jenna:

“Well, we found the body in his room and he was hung by a rope attached to the ceiling.” 

Veronica:

“Not only that, but he was stabbed. That should explain how he died.”

Brooke:

“What do you think? Was it on purpose? On accident ?”

Chloe:

“Who the hell would kill a person on accident? 

Heather M.:

“And where would they get the chance to do so?”

Michael:

“Well, I mean, that can happen but I bet the culprit would still get executed.”

Heather D.:

“Helloo? We’re wasting time here!”

Heather M.:

“Do you guys think he was choked before he was hung?”

JD:

“No, there weren’t any indicators on his body about being choked. Aside from the stab wound, he was seen with burn scars.”

Christine:

“Someone can die from inhaling the smoke from the fire, right? We can consider that!”

Jenna:

“But that’s the least likely option due to how little Rich showed symptoms of it. He’d only show signs of this when he’s… you know, alive.” 

Kurt:

“Man, guess getting stabbed through the stomach did a number on the guy. Don’t understand why he didn’t fight back though. He’s pretty strong.”

Veronica:

“Maybe because the culprit had a knife?” 

Jeremy:

There’s something that feels off about how Rich died…

>> >> >>

Kurt:

“Man, guess getting stabbed through the stomach did a number on the guy.”

-> Cause of Death

Jeremy:

“No! That’s wrong!”

Break!

Kurt:

“The hell did you just say, Heere?!” 

Jeremy:

“Huh? I didn’t-?”

Jeremy:

“Nevermind. Point is Rich didn’t get fully stabbed if that makes sense… Like the blade wasn’t fully stabbed into him. It was just a part of it.”

Jake:

“Uh, what does that mean again?”

Jeremy:

“Well, I doubt that it’s a fatal wound that could kill anyone instantly on impact. And that could only mean one thing.”

Jeremy:

“He died from blood loss. And that explains a lot actually.”

Michael:

“How so?”

Jeremy:

“For starters, Rich’s death was around 6 AM. This would mean that the culprit would have come at an earlier time than his death. Probably nearing an hour or so.”

Jeremy:

“At the very least we know about what time the murder took place even if it isn’t when Rich died. Not yet, anyway.” 

JD:

“That’s dark.”

Heather C.:

“You of all people seriously can’t be talking about that right now.”

Jenna:

“While it does give us the timeline of how each crime took place and makes sense, you have to wonder where the fire fits in this.”

Jake:

“Yeah! Rich got badly burnt! His room looks like trash too!”

Jake:

“Not in the “it sucks” way but in the “everything’s destroyed” way.”

Veronica:

“You’d think rooms in this crummy hotel would be fireproof.”

SQUIP:

“I’m not a miracle worker, Veronica. Besides, I don’t think the world is ready for that kind of advancement yet.”

Jenna:

“If you appear out of thin air, can’t you- You know what? It doesn’t matter.”

Jeremy:

“Back to the case…”

Jeremy:

“With what Jenna said, I like to believe that the fire plays an important part in the case. Like why would the culprit want to set the room on fire? Why was it done during or after the crime? Was there a purpose?

Heather M.:

“Wait? Huh? Couldn’t it have been before?”

Jeremy:

“It’s more likely that they were both done at around the same time or after. If the fire did happen before the murder, it would have been the victim’s cause of death.”

Jeremy:

“Besides, I highly doubt that the culprit would risk getting burnt and dying with Rich. It wouldn’t make sense that they would use a knife too.” This had to be planned… but how…?  

Christine:

“How about we discuss that next?”

Jeremy:

Yeah, that’d be better.

— Non-Stop Debate —

[Truth Bullets:

-> Sprinklers

-> SQUIP FILE #1

-> Burn Scars]

Christine:

“So with what Jeremy said, the victim died from getting stabbed and the murder was at around 5 ?”

Jenna:

“Or maybe that’s the time the fire went off . The fire could have been a diversion to kill him!” 

Kurt:

“Man, the killer must be an idiot if he thinks we would believe his dumbass excuse of a distraction.” 

JD:

“Could they really be that gullible?”

Heather D.:

“He was being sarcastic, Dean.”

Kurt:

“Yeah…. Yeah….! I totally meant that.. Duh..”

Veronica:

“....Going back, all we’re talking about is if they happened at the same time. Though, what if the fire happened after he got killed?”

Jenna:

“If the fire happened after, wouldn’t there be barely any evidence in the crime scene?”

JD:

“His body would have burnt too. Actually, his body would have burnt either way .”

Christine:

“His body was fine for the most part though! Like he was shielded from the fire.”

Brooke:

“The fire likely happened before he died. I mean he was barely touched, right? There’s no way he would have survived without burning to death!”

Jeremy:

Hold on, there’s something we’re missing here…

>> >> >>

Brooke:

“The fire likely happened before he died. I mean he was barely touched, right? There’s no way he would have survived without burning to death!”

-> Burn Scars

Jeremy:

“No! That’s wrong!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“Rich had burn scars, yes. But that doesn’t mean that it would be impossible for him to survive the fire.”

Heather M.:

“You’re kidding yourself… There’s no way that someone would be able to survive that fire!”

Heather D.:

“It’d be a miracle that he of all people would survive a fire. Especially considering how much of a small guy he is.”

Jeremy:

“Well, yeah, it’s true that he… isn’t the tallest guy around.”

Michael:

“He’s rolling in his grave now, Jeremy.”

Jeremy:

“... As I was about to say, we’re missing a crucial part of this case. If you think about it, there was something off about the crime scene.”

Jeremy:

That would be…

– > Status of The Room

Jeremy:

“Michael brought this up before but the room was a mess when we all first entered. It makes sense, of course, with what we know. But notice how the fire wasn’t the only thing that made the room look like it is.”

Michael:

“Yeah, the pillows on the floor were torn up. There were signs of restraint likely from the victim but maybe also the culprit.”

Jake:

“What are you trying to say, man?”

Michael:

“I know it’s a bit early for this… but haven’t any of you considered the possibility for Rich to be the one who provoked the culprit.”

Jake:

“Hey! That’s my best friend! My bro wouldn’t hurt someone unless they hurt him first!”

Michael:

“A death game like this can make you question who you are! Everything happening in the heat of the moment… You mean to tell me that you wouldn’t do anything rash? How well do you know Rich?”

Jake:

“…”

Jeremy:

“Wh- Michael?! What’s gotten into you? We’re not here to talk about who struck first, we’re here to talk about who is in charge of the death of Rich!”

Michael:

“...”

Michael: 

“Yeah, you’re probably right. My bad, all this trial business is making my head hurt. Sorry.”

Jeremy:

… Morale is pretty low now and we haven’t even gotten to the core of the murder. 

Jeremy:

If this goes on, people might just lose hope and it’ll be game over.

Jeremy:

What can we–?

JD:

“Is suicide a possible option on the table?”

Jeremy:

The room went tense at the question. I don’t think anyone thought of that. The possibility that it could be a suicide never crossed any of our minds. We just assumed someone cruel took the life of someone undeserving of death.

Jeremy:

But… I turn my gaze to Squip.

Jeremy:

“What happens if the victim kills themself? What if Rich killed himself? Would anyone get executed that way?”

SQUIP:

“Well, if I were to be honest, this kind of thing didn’t happen before. Therefore, I can’t give you a concrete answer. But, if it were to happen, I suppose that we could bring out the corpse or the accomplice of the suicide if any.”

Jeremy:

Could it be that Rich planned it to be that way?

Jeremy:

No, there’s no evidence for it. Something else could be happening with Rich.

Jeremy: 

“We can’t get rid of the idea… but we should go back to the crime. If we get the wrong guy, we’ll... you know?”

Heather C.:

“Die?”

Jeremy:

“Well, yes.. Also.. we never finished talking about the fire anyway… we should get a good picture of how it started.”

Veronica:

“Or, if it happened after, how it ended.”

Martha: 

“We haven’t had a lead culprit. I know we’re just trying to figure things out.. But in most books, a primary culprit would be helpful to get to know what happened.”

Ram:

“That’s dumb. Who would confess to murder unless they’re a dumbass.”

JD:

“So you then?”

Ram:

“Dean, you son of a–!”

Brooke:

“Guys enough! We’re on trial!”

Jeremy:

“We need to know who was awake by the time of Rich’s murder. The Squip file says that he ended up dead around 6 AM. So we’ll need to know who’s seen him.”

Veronica:

“Like witnesses!”

Jeremy:

“Uh, yeah.. I guess…?”

Christine:

“It’s like the real deal!”

Heather M.:

“This… is the real deal?”

Jeremy:

Thankfully, we already have a lead on who saw him before he was killed.

Jeremy:

And that is…

– > Christine’s Account

Jeremy:

“Christine, you mentioned that Chloe, Brooke and Jenna were rehearsing with you, right?”

Christine:

“Yeah! But afterward, we went back down to practice our lines and do improv practices! Oh! And we edited the script as well…”

Jeremy:

“You also mentioned that Rich came with you, right?”

Christine:

“Yeah, he then got tired and went back upstairs.”

Jeremy:

“That means… there can’t be a possible way for them to murder Rich.” 

Heather D.: 

“That makes no sense! We know they were awake! They have the capability to do it!”

Jeremy:

“I get what you mean but-”

Heather C.:

“Bet it was Chloe. She certainly seems like the type.”

Jake:

“Jesus, Chlo!”

Chloe:

“What the hell, Jake?! How can you take some randos word against mine!”

Brooke:

“You did treat him like-”

Chloe:

“Whose side are you on right now, Brooke?!”

Christine:

“How about we just stop pointing the finger at–!”

Jenna:

“It was none of us. That I know for sure.”

Christine:

“Yeah, we would know if one of us was were separated since we were with each other the whole time!”

Jeremy:

“Exacty! So that’s why they wouldn’t have done it! That’s too many people which means–”

JD:

“Squip, I don’t think you mentioned anything about if multiple people killed someone.”

SQUIP:

“Oh, right. Well, basically, if there were multiple culprits for a trial, then that means the killer of the first victim will be executed. However, in this instance, since it’s only one victim, it should be the one who delivers the final blow. For example, if a victim died by drowning, it’s the person who shoved them in, not the group of accomplices who them up.”

Veronica:

“So in short, if there were multiple culprits, we also have to figure out who stabbed him cause that is what killed him.”

Kurt:

“It doesn’t even matter, man! Can we hurry this up?! This place is creeping me out…”

JD:

“Good.”

Kurt:

“What the fu-? Do you hear this guy?!”

Jeremy:

“Either way, there’s no way that–

Chloe:

“It couldn’t be me!”

Jeremy:

“What? I’m–”

Christine:

“Yeah, it wasn’t any of us! We were all together until we came upstairs!”

Ram:

“Upstairs to kill Goranski?!”

Christine:

“No, we all went to our rooms!”

Jenna:

“We’re wasting time! We’ve been telling you we didn’t do it.”

Brooke:

“Yeah! Why are you accusing me- I mean us!”

Chloe:

“I’m not the culprit!”

Brooke:

“I’m not the culprit!”

Christine:

“I’m not the culprit!”

— Mass Panic Debate —

[Truth Bullets:

-> Lighter

-> Missing Napkin

-> Trash Can]

Chloe:

“Okay, so what if I was not the best to him? How is that my fault? He’s weird!”

Brooke:

“I promise! I wouldn’t have killed Rich! He was nice to me! I’d never!”

Jenna:

“We all went straight up to our rooms and I saw everyone go in. There’s no way any of us killed him.”

—

Heather M.:

“You are the type to be cruel to others… I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Michael:

“Everyone can be nice. That doesn’t mean you didn’t kill him , though.”

Veronica:

“And why is that, Jenna? Huh? Did you wait until everyone was there so you could overpower him?!”

—

Chloe:

“Fine, yeah. I’m a bitch. But I’m not a murderer!”

Brooke:

“The evidence doesn’t line up ! We were just rehearsing! We couldn’t have planned all of that!”

Jenna:

“No! You’re just twisting my words now!”

—

Jake:

“Sure… You could have killed him if he annoyed you too much! You always held a grudge .”

JD:

“That may be true but… most of the evidence likely came from the stage where you so happened to be.”

Martha:

“Veronica, maybe lay off a bit? This isn’t really helpful…”

—

Heather C.:

“Ha. That sure is petty. I have gained a bit of respect for you, Valentine.”

Christine:

“Wh-?! Wait! We left it in the same way! We didn’t kill anyone!”

Jenna:

“Yeah, Veronica. Listen to Martha.”

—

Jeremy:

They’re talking at the same time… I can’t hear it all but there should be a contradiction somewhere…

>> >> >>

Brooke:

“The evidence doesn’t line up! Didn’t he die around six? We were in our rooms by then!”

-> Lighter

Jeremy:

“I agree with that!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“Let’s go back to the fire. Because, for some reason, we keep on brushing past it. There’s one thing that should be answered once and for all so we can stop running in circles.”

Jeremy:

“Christine, did you ever somehow get your hands on the lighter?”

Christine:

“Well, no. I was going to but Rich stopped me in my tracks! He said that since it was nighttime. Thankfully he reminded me. I almost forgot!”

Jeremy:

“Right. So why would Christine or anyone in the ballroom be in charge of the crime? They had no access to the lighter.”

Jeremy:

“That is the truth, right? Jenna? Chloe? Brooke? If it’s a lie, you can say it. This’ll prove your innocence.”

Chloe:

“... yeah, its true.”

Brooke:

“We’ve been trying to say from the start that we couldn’t have killed him.”

Jeremy:

“Even if all the evidence came from the stage, they’re still missing the lighter which is likely the aftermath of the fight.. Or even the cause of it.”

Jeremy:

“And that’s good. At the very least, we have 11 suspects instead of 15.”

Heather C.:

“Are we gonna have a problem?!”

— INTERJECTION —

Jeremy:
“I- uh- what?”

Heather C.:

“Honestly! I have absolutely no idea why I’m listening to some geek who has no idea what he’s doing.”

Jeremy:

“But there was no way they could have had the lighter. They backed up the claim that the lighter was stolen.”

Heather C.:

“Did you have a brain tumor for breakfast, Heere? You couldn’t have possibly thought that they were lying?!”

— Rebuttal Showdown: START! —

[Truth Bullets:

-> The Fountain

-> Sprinklers

-> Rope]

Heather C.:

“They all could have been in on the crime! And I would like to think that little theater girl was in charge of it!”

Jeremy:

“No, there’s no reason for her to lie. And there’s also no reason for everyone to agree with her at the cost of their lives. And she’d have no access to the lighter because of the rules.”

Heather C.:

“Even so, couldn’t one of them had pocketed the lighter for later?! You mean to tell me one of them didn’t take the lighter before nighttime started? The timing of the crime was perfect, wasn’t it?! After they went up, they could have went back out when the coast was clear.”

-> Sprinklers

Jeremy:

“Allow me to cut through those words!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“About the timing… Were any of you awake for the sprinklers to get on?”

Jeremy:

“....Aside from Kurt.”

Jeremy:

No one responded. Alright, so Kurt was the only one who was awake. That tells us all we need to know. 

Jeremy:

“Because no one aside from Kurt was able to witness the sprinklers, that means Christine, Jenna, Chloe and Brooke had no way of committing the crime since they were all asleep by the time the fire occurred.”

Jeremy:

Even if they were awake by then, it wouldn’t have worked because….

> The sprinklers activate 10 minutes after the fire

Kurt is the culprit

The culprit already murdered Rich

Jeremy:

“The sprinkler activates around 10-15 minutes after the fire. Rich would have likely been dead by then.” 

Kurt:

“By the way, I didn’t do anything. I was just awake. I was watching the worst soap opera in history. I would much rather be doing something cooler.”

Jenna:

“And how are we supposed to believe–”

Kurt:

“Christina was actually in love with her ex’s brother, Alejandro who was already going to be married to her distant cousin, Maria. Alejandro’s a wuss. He so clearly loves Christina. Like be a man! Take what you want!”

SQUIP:

“...yeah, no, I can confirm. That is basically the plot.”

Jeremy:

I won’t even ask. “Anyways, even people who have seen Rich that hours before his murder are in the clear so far which means we’re back at the start.”

Michael:

“Bright side though. We know how the timeline of the fire.”

Jeremy:

“We do?”

Michael:

“Man, think about it. Especially with that information about the sprinklers, what do you think the answer could be? Which came first?”

Jeremy:

That’s right. We weren’t able to decide if the fire came before or after the stabbing. That begs to question.. Which came first..?

Rich was stabbed after the fire

> Rich was stabbed before the fire

Jeremy:

“Rich was stabbed before the fire. Not only would the panic cause him to move around more leading to his death, but there is a chance that the fight happened before the fire.”

Jeremy:

The main evidence backing that up is..

-> Rope

Jeremy:

“The rope. Notice how the knot is done a bit too quick, sturdy enough to keep the body suspended in the air but it wasn’t to hang the body by the neck. No, it was by the waist.”

Jeremy:

“The culprit was trying to save Rich from the fire. If his murder was after the fire, they would have fled the room but if Rich was already down, the culprit would have everything to lose by dragging Rich out with them.”

Jeremy:

“That means the only way to protect Rich was to keep him away from the flames. But well, clearly that didn’t work.”

Heather D.:

“Alright, so the culprit was an idiot and acted impulsively and the fire happened before the murder…”

Ram:

“Does this mean we gotta do this whole trial backwards? Lame!”

Jeremy:

“Uh, yeah. I guess so. We still need to find out how the culprit managed to get the rope and hook.”

Jeremy:

Time to get to the bottom of this. 

— Non-Stop Debate —

[Truth Bullets:

-> The Stage’s Appearance

-> Hook

-> Wiped Blood]

Veronica:

“The culprit probably waited until those using the ballroom got out of the room.”

Jake:

“Yeah, I mean, I’m sure it isn’t that hard to get it down.”

Kurt:

“Pfft… Ha!”

Heather C.:

“Ignoring that. He’s right. With another person, you can very well get both the hook and the rope down.” 

JD:

“So there was an accomplice then?”

Christine:

“Maybe. I don’t remember anyone moving anything during our rehearsals and even before! It was the same as when we left it!”

Brooke:

“So Veronica’s theory is more likely then!”

Michael:

“It doesn’t tell us much though. That still means it could be any of us. Preferably those who were awake before the sprinklers turned on.”

Kurt:

“Hey! It was not me!”

Jenna:

“I missed when we actually had a lead.” 

Martha:

“You were the lead…?”

Jeremy:

Huh… Wait.. I heard something that’s the most likely answer…

>> >> >>

JD:

“So there was an accomplice then?”

-> The Stage’s Appearance

Jeremy:

“No! That’s wrong!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“No, I don’t think there was an accomplice at all. There is something in the ballroom that could be used.”

Veronica:

“Right! The boxes!”

Jeremy:

“Exactly! Anyone could have used those boxes and stacked them up to climb on and get either the hook or the rope. They could have even used Squip’s Podium which still would have worked.”

Jeremy:

“But no, that’s not the only reason why I think the accomplice idea doesn’t work.”

Jeremy:

“I think someone else got both the rope and the hook.”

Jeremy:

Who is it? It’s on the tip of my tongue.

— Hangman’s Gambit —

Who was the one who had gotten the evidence used in the murder?

T H E  V I C T I M

Jeremy:

“Now, I understand!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“The culprit has no reason to get both the rope and the hook. We already came to the conclusion that the culprit wanted to protect Rich from the fire. That’s why they ended up using the hook and the rope at all. A change of heart that quick wouldn’t be realistic if they planned it from the start in detail.”

Jeremy:

“That means if the culprit didn’t…”

Jake:

“Heere…”

Jeremy:

I refused to look in his eyes. “Rich was the one who stole both the rope and the hook. There could be a likely chance that he stole the lighter as well.”

Jake:

“Jeremy. You don’t mean that. Right?”

Jeremy:

“All the culprit did so far is protect Rich even when it was an easy way to kill him.”

Jake:

“You tryna tell me it’s Rich’s fault for his own death?!”

Jeremy:

“I didn’t say that! It just makes more sense if all the evidence was with him. So far, the culprit hasn’t done anything to shown signs of–”

Jake:

“That’s bullshit and you know it! Why are you trying to protect them so much?!”

Jeremy:

“Jake, I–”

Michael:

“It’s like I said before. We need to know every single possibility. And we all know which one we’re thinking of.”

Jeremy:

What was Rich’s end goal?

> Suicide

Jeremy:

“Rich.. He was planning on–”

Jake:

“You don’t have proof, Heere! He would just talk to me if that was his problem!”

Heather M.:

“It’s not that simple–!”

Heather D.: 

“Like you would know anything about it, Heather. This all seems too convenient for it to be a suicide.”

Christine:

“Maybe it was supposed to be a suicide but it ended up as a murder?”

Michael:

“The signs of restraint could also be the culprit trying to stop him from the decision.”

Ram:

“Yeah, I don’t buy it. The guy likely had some enemies. Someone coulda just finished the job before he could start it.”

Jenna:

“With what we know about the culprit, Rich planning a suicide would make the most sense.”

Veronica:

“Especially considering the motive.”

Martha:

“An impulsive self-sacrifice maybe? The killing game got too much? I get that.”

Chloe:

“Hey, Westerburg freaks! We know Rich better than you do!”

Brooke:

“I mean, I don’t believe that he would attempt suicide but do we really know that much about him?”

Jake:

“...”

Jeremy:

“Jake…”

Veronica:

“Looks like we’re split on this.”

SQUIP:

“Hold on, Did you just say split?”

Veronica:

“Yeah…? Why are you smiling all creepily…?”

SQUIP:

“Don’t worry. I have a solution for this. Hope none of you are scared of heights.”

Jake:

“What..?!”

Martha:

“Where are you going with this?”

Jeremy:

Rich likely thought about committing suicide. Regardless of the culprit’s intent to save him, they still killed him. But this is a very important piece in figuring out the truth!

— Split Opinion —

— The culprit had a plan VS Rich had a plan —

Jake:

“We don’t have any proof that Rich took the evidence in the first place!”

Jenna:

“The proof is that the culprit wouldn’t want to murder Rich which means there was no motive for the crime!”

Kurt:

“So you mean to tell me that the fire was Goranski’s idea too?”

Christine:

“The fire could have been an accident but it wasn’t done on purpose by the culprit!”

Heather C.:

“Rich planning his own death doesn’t make the culprit any less guilty.”

Michael:

“The culprit is guilty and he deserves it but that doesn’t mean he plotted Rich’s death!”

Heather D.:

“He didn’t have a reason to get all that evidence for his suicide.”

Veronica:

“We’ll never know the reason why but that means we just have to focus on how to put an end to his trial.”

JD:

“Why would he have waited that long if his plan was a suicide mission?”

Jeremy:

“The culprit likely caught him bringing up the evidence from the ballroom so he didn’t wait!”

Chloe:

“His cause of death was loss of blood, wasn’t it? Doesn’t that mean the culprit killed him?”

Heather M.:

“Yes, but we already found out the cause of death! We need to figure out the evidence!”

Brooke:

“There surely should be another way the evidence played a part, right?”

Martha:

“The evidence is pointing to the fact that Rich had all of it before the culprit’s intervention!”

— Crouch Bind —

<- Rich had a plan

Jeremy:

“This is our answer!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“We’re not saying that it’s because of Rich that he ended up dying. What we’re trying to say is that Rich likely had all the evidence in his room. No one left anything in there. The culprit didn’t expect things to turn out the way it did.”

Jeremy:

“I’m not saying you can’t be upset. Just.. We need the full story. This, so far, seems to give us a huge chunk of the story.”

Jenna:

“His plan realistically makes sense too. If he took the fall and died, no one would be executed for his suicide. Squip even said he wasn’t sure of what would happen realistically.”

Jeremy:

“After getting the rope, that would lead to him being seen by the culprit. Upon seeing Rich with the rope, I doubt the culprit thought of anything good especially with the motive. That would lead to a conflict between the culprit and Rich.”

Veronica:

“It’d also explain how they managed to get into Rich’s room. They would have fought a lot until Rich got killed in the heat of it all.”

Jeremy:

Yeah, we seem to be on the right track… just.. where does the fire fit in all of this? Looks like I have to find that out myself.

— Mind Game —

Q1: How did the fight between Rich and the culprit end?

> Rich getting stabbed

> The culprit getting injured

> The fire starting

Q2: How did Rich’s room manage to catch on fire?

> The lighter dropping

> Rich manually started a fire with rocks

Q3: What did the culprit do after the fire?

> Hang Rich

> Check to see if Rich was alive

> Put pressure on the wound

Jeremy:

“It’s all coming together!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“The fight was only put to a stop when Rich ended up getting stabbed by the culprit. This resulted in the lighter dropping and causing the fire. After the culprit stabbed Rich, they put pressure on his wound to reduce the bleeding.” 

Jeremy:

This is proven by…

-> Wiped Blood

Jeremy:

“The blood has been smudged on the victim’s clothes. At first, I assumed that it was mostly to remove evidence. But it would make more sense if it was someone desperately trying to save another person.”

Jeremy:

“That would also help with another piece of evidence that we ended up finding…”

-> Missing Napkin

Jeremy:

“The napkin that went along with the knife used to murder is gone. It’s likely that this was used for this purpose to prevent Rich’s bleeding from getting any worse.”

Heather D.:

“And look how that turned out.”

Jeremy:

“That should be all we know about this case. All that’s left to do is–”

Jake:

“What if it’s you?”

 — INTERJECTION —

Jeremy:

“Jake?”

Jake:

“You’ve been defending the culprit so much! How do I know that you didn’t do it?! How do I know that you’re not trying to spin this into a suicide case to save your own skin?!”

Jeremy:

“Jake, I’m not saying that Rich’s death is a suicide. I’m saying that he was likely strategizing his death!”

Jake:

“... I believed you.”

— Rebuttal Showdown: START! —

[Truth Bullets:

-> Knife

-> Opened Cabinet

-> Hook]

Jake:

“You’ve been going on and on talking about how the culprit was the one to try to save Rich! Why are you protecting the culprit so much?! Were you just messing with me the whole time? I thought you were serious about this, man!” 

Jeremy:

“I am serious about this and we’ll die if we don’t get the answer. And I’m not defending the culprit! They could have done way more in order to kill Rich but instead the evidence is pointing to them helping him!”

Jake:

“You’re so full of shit, Heere. Are you trying to tell me that Rich wouldn’t tell me about his plan? That Rich would keep something from me?! Even if he did get the rope, there’s no way he got the lighter!”

-> Opened Cabinet

Jeremy:

“Allow me to cut through those words!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“Rich could have gotten the lighter and the answer is because the cabinet that had the lighter was opened when Martha swore she closed it the previous night.”

Martha:

“I always thought it was odd, looking back on it now. I tried to put it back in fear that something like this would happen! Turns out.. I was wrong and it would happen anyway.”

Jeremy:

“Jake? Do you believe me now?”

Jake:

“... Why didn’t he tell me?”

Michael:

“No one’s ready to tell their best friend everything.”

Jeremy:

“Huh? Michael?”

Michael:

“That still brings up a problem though. We have the full picture but we still lack a culprit.”

Veronica:

“Fuck, yeah. All this effort and we still don’t have a clue on who it is!”

Jake:

“Whatever Jeremy says.”

Jeremy:

“What?!”

Jake:

“I trust you. Whoever you think the culprit is, they’re the culprit. You’re better than me when it comes to this. Clearly.”

Michael:

“Finally speaking my language. We trust you, Jere. You got us this far.”

Jeremy:

Michael brings out his palm. It was the one that was scarred from picking up the pieces of the aftermath that happened between JD, Kurt and Ram. It was a sign of comfort. That everything would be okay. It was like he was reaching out to me despite the distance.

Jeremy:

I know who it is.

— Select Someone —

—> Michael Mell <—

Jeremy:

“Michael, did the wound on your hand heal?”

Michael:

“Huh? Oh yeah, I guess that’s right. Surprised you noticed, bud.”

Jeremy:

“Michael… why is there a napkin wrapped around your other hand?”

Michael:

“....!”

Michael:

“I think you know why.”

-> Knife

Jeremy:

“You… You fought with Rich. You killed Rich.”

Jeremy:

No. No. No. No. No. NO! Michael would never kill someone. That’s my best friend! He.. He’s going to die. He’s going to die after this. 

Jeremy:

No. Stay with me, Michael. Stay with me for a bit longer. Please. That’s all I’m asking. 

Jeremy:

Please. Please. Please. For once in my life, the universe better be on my side. Just for a little while.

Jeremy:

“Wait! Can we talk about this please?! I think I’m wrong!”

Jake:

“Heere…”

Veronica:

“Alright. One last time.”

— Non-Stop Debate —

[Truth Bullets:

-> The Fountain

-> Hook

-> Trash Can]

Michael:

“Hey, Jere. Don’t keep quiet and pull on my leg! I couldn’t have done it!”

Kurt:

“Yeah? Explain the mix up with the napkin. Wasn’t that missing? It’s clearly Goranski’s !”

Ram:

“Notice how no one from Westerburg is a murderous weirdo?”

JD:

“I didn’t expect this.”

Michael:

“I mean I dropped a plate and had to pick the pieces up. See? No harm done. I was just clumsy!”

Christine:

“Michael… you were the last to come down .”

Michael:

“Oh! Well, what I meant to say was that I wanted to change it! You know? Then afterwards I threw it in the bin and put on a new one. For sanitary reasons.”

Heather C.:

“And put on a different hand? Yeah, not believing you for a second.”

Jeremy:

…Michael… Pull yourself together, Heere.

>> >> >>

Michael:

“Oh! Well, what I meant to say was that I wanted to change it! You know? Then afterwards I threw it in the bin and put on a new one. For sanitary reasons.”

-> The Fountain

Jeremy:

“No! That’s wrong!”

Break!

Jeremy:

“Michael. We found a bloodied napkin in the fountain. It had a bit of blood on one side and a lot on the other.

Jeremy:

“That would mean…”

> You took the napkin 

Michael:

“.... See, told you your abilities were really helpful, Jere.”

Michael:

“But you’re missing one thing. There couldn’t be any other reason why I’m the culprit could there be?”

-> Trash Can

Jeremy:

“When looking at the hook used to hang Rich, there’s someone needed to stand on a trash can to reach the ceiling. In that scenario, they need to be taller than Christine and shorter than Jake.”

Jeremy:

“And…”

-> Hook

Jeremy:

“They need to be the perfect height and have a good amount of strength to make sure the hook sticks properly.”

Jeremy:

“Michael, please stop making me say this. It’s torture. Just say it isn’t true, please.”

Michael:

“...”

Jeremy:

“Say it isn’t you.”

Michael:

“...”

Jeremy:

“Michael, say it..”

Michael:

“...”

Jeremy:

“Just say it already! Please! I can’t do this! I can’t! I can’t–!

Michael:

“Jeremy.”

Michael:

“One last debate between us two. Okay? Will that make you feel better?”

Jeremy:

“Okay.” No. No, it won’t Michael. No, it won’t.

— Clash of the Culprit —

Michael:

“You know what’s true, don’t you?”

Michael:

“Stop avoiding me. You can’t run from the truth.”

Michael:

“You’re going to say something stupid and blame yourself, won’t you?”

Michael:

“All the evidence is against me and you know it.”

Michael:

“Stop running away!”

Michael:

“I told you! You could do this if you finally learned to believe in yourself!”

Michael:

“I didn’t mean to kill him. You know that, right?”

Michael:

“We both know who’s the reason why he’s dead.”

Michael:

“None of this is your fault.”

Michael:

“I’m sorry.”

— FINAL BLOW —

Michael:

“Why do you think I didn’t tell you?”

TO PROTECT ME

Break!

Jeremy:

I don’t think I was aware that I was crying. I just wanted to curl up and die, wishing that I was the one who was going to be executed and not him. 

Jeremy:

Why is the world so cruel to us?

Michael:

“I’m really sorry, guys. Especially you, Jake. You didn’t deserve to see your best friend die. I swear it was only out of self defense.”

Jake:

“It’s fine. Just.. what happens to you now? To Jeremy?”

Michael:

“Nice to know someone will take care of him when I’m gone.”

Christine:

“Don’t say that! You’re not allowed to die! I don’t want you to die! I didn’t even get to know you before you- you-”

Veronica:

“Shit.. someone’s actually going to die… That motive.. It killed someone.. It’s going to kill another.. Everyone’s dying!”

JD:

“You were certainly a nice companion to have along, Michael. In another life, we would have drunk slushies in 7-Eleven together.”

Michael:

“Ha. Thanks, Dean.”

Jeremy:

I kept on squishing the Pac-Man stress toy that he got for me. I’m never going to see him again. I’m never… going to see him… again…

Jeremy:

“Michael? Did you find Rich right after you got this for me?”

Michael:

“Actually, it was before I got it for you. Just used that as a way to calm myself down after all of that. ..Luck has its ways of being funny.”

Jeremy:

“This isn’t funny at all.”

Michael:

“Haha.. sorry.”

Jenna:

“Are you still up for this, Jeremy?”

Jeremy:

“I should be.”

— CLOSING ARGUMENT —

Jeremy:

“The crime first started when Squip revealed the motive that would set this crime into motion. Rich, not wanting anyone to die, staged a suicide plan. After everyone went back up to their rooms and Martha placed the lighter back into its proper place, he took it and walked off to prevent any suspicion. Since Nighttime was coming anyway, he didn’t mind that he left the door open.”

Jeremy:

“After Rich left his room, likely to get the rope and the hook for a backup plan or a first plan with the fire as a backup or diversion, he saw Christine who offered to rehearse with them. Rich went down to rehearse with them before going back upstairs because he was feeling tired. When the coast was clear, he went back down to grab the other materials he needed for his suicide.”

Jeremy:

“That’s when the culprit caught him with the rope and got worried, likely causing an altercation between the two. At that point, Rich got his knife from his room and the lighter and tried to stop the culprit from stopping him. Eventually, the fight got to its climax when the culprit stabbed Rich while trying to get him to stop.”

Jeremy:

“Rich dropped the lighter as he was bleeding out. The culprit, trying to stop the bleeding from happening, used the napkin from his injury to try and suppress the bleeding. However, due to his efforts not working and the fire getting worse, he tried to protect Rich from burning to death if ever he was still barely conscious.”

Jeremy:

“He used the hook Rich was planning to use and a trash can, to hang the rope. This rope was to be tied around Rich’s waist to keep his body propelled so that he wouldn’t burn in the fire. With that, the culprit ran out of the room to not be seen and to not be scarred by the fire, heading downstairs but not before stealing Rich’s napkin from his drawer to hide his injuries.”

Jeremy:

“Downstairs, the culprit threw their old napkin in the fountain out of panic and pretended that nothing happened. Afterwards, around ten minutes after the fire, the sprinklers started to work, causing the fire to go out. However, that still left Rich with minimal burn scars on his arms.”

Jeremy:

“That’s the truth about this case, isn’t it, Michael?!”

COMPLETE!

Michael:

“Hey! You got everything right! Couldn’t expect any better from you. Maybe with this rate you’ll be player one.”

Jeremy:

I broke down sobbing. I couldn’t hear anything. Even my own voice was incoherent aside from a few woeful murmurs of: don’t leave me. The conversation still carried on. At least I think it did.

Martha:

“Do we.. just vote now? This seems wrong.”

Veronica:

“It’s all so wrong.”

Jake:

“I don’t want you to die, Mell.”

Michael:

“And I didn’t want Rich to die.”

Michael:

“Seriously Jake. I’m sorry about what happened to him. I wasn’t Rich’s friend by any means. But he was hurting a lot. Always talking to himself, crying about a voice in his head even when we were battling it out. He.. He looked like he didn’t want to hurt me. Like his body moved on its own. I guess.. It was the instinct to survive.”

Jake:

“...”

Michael:

“I’ll say hi to him for you.”

Jake:

“Thanks…”

SQUIP:

“You kids ready to vote?”

Heather D.:

“Let’s just get this over with already.”

— VOTING TIME —

— CLASS TRIAL END! —

SQUIP:

“You all guessed right. Michael Mell, The Ultimate Gamer, was the one who killed Rich Goranski, the Ultimate Daredevil. Good job.”

Michael:

“Guess it’s time for the execution. Is it on a guillotine or–?”

Jeremy:

My body moved on its own. I was trembling. He couldn’t die. He wasn’t allowed to die. No. No. I hugged him as tight as I could.”

Michael:

“I’m sorry, Jere.”

Jeremy:

No… No.

Michael:

“Remember what we say?” 

Jeremy:

Stop it. Don’t.

Michael:

“This world is fucked but it’s a two player game.”

Jeremy:

Don’t you dare. Who am I–?

Michael:

“L- Looks like you gotta be playing solo, Jeremy..”

Jeremy:

Who am I without you? No! No! His voice was trembling and I cried harder.

SQUIP:

“That’s sweet and all but execution is waiting for you, Michael. Don’t keep it waiting.”

Michael:

“Don’t forget who you are, okay? Mr. Ultimate Strategist? Promise?”

Jeremy:

Fuck… “I promise..”

SQUIP:

“Let’s give it everything we got!”

Jeremy:

No… No… No! “Michael!”

SQUIP:

“It’s punishment time!”

Michael:

“I- I don’t want to die…”

G A M E  O V E R

MICHAEL MELL HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY

TIME FOR PUNISHMENT!

— PAC-MAN FEVER —

At first, It was a pain in my neck as I felt something metallic around it. I was dragged away from Jeremy who was screaming and crying. Honestly? I felt like crying. But the only thing I felt at that moment was uncontrollable pain.

I was in a room. I didn’t know where it was but it was a maze. Since when did hotels have places like this? And.. wait… it was a familiar tune. 

Was that fucking PAC-MAN?

I hear a blaring voice. Squip’s annoying one. He yelled: Three! Two! One! GO! I

Out of pure instinct my legs pushed me forward. I heard something follow me. With the way I heard something crunching into walls, I knew what it was.

Holy shit. I was about to be killed by PAC-MAN. What a way to die.

I kept on running until I stepped on something. Then a spike launched into my leg. God, this hurts. God, this hurts so much. 

I follow the arrows, choosing between watching my step and running as fast as I can. I settled for both, making me slower and causing more of those stupid, painful, annoying spikes to get thrusted deeper into my skin, until my clothes became a darker shade of red. 

All I could do was run. Run. Run and Run. Was this what it was like to die from blood loss? Rich, dude, I’m so sorry. This is so painful. I can’t even cry because it would just slow me down. 

Keep running. Keep running. Go faster. And faster. And faster. These spikes came faster and faster and faster until…

I reach a door. I smile as I run as fast as I can. I could live. I could see Jeremy again and my moms! I could live! I could live– 

Then reality hits me as hard as I hit a wall. 

A few more spikes hit my chest from below.

I was barely conscious when PAC-MAN finally finished the job.

Ram:

“HOLY FUCKING SHIT?!”

Martha:

“What did we just watch?!”

Chloe:

“Why did we even need to watch that?!”

Jeremy:

My knees were on the floor. I barely saw anything. Jake was shielding me from it. My face in his chest. It did nothing though. I heard it. I heard his screams. The way his bones were crushed after the execution. 

Jeremy:

“Will it get better?”

Jake:

“I don’t know.”

Jeremy:

“...”

Jake:

“I didn’t know anything. About my best friend. About what he was going through. About this game. About whatever this guy wants.”

Jake:

“I know I want to keep hugging you though.”

Jeremy:

I stood up, turning away from the screen that showed Michael’s brutal execution. “I’m fine.”

JD:

“Haha… hahaha…. HAHAHAHA…”

Veronica:

“JD?”

JD:

“This game! It’ll never end until someone makes it end. Rich thought killing himself was the way out? We all think killing others is the way out?"

Jeremy:

With another manic laugh of pure ecstasy, one I didn't recognize coming from JD, he was always so calm and collected and he just- he just snapped, he pulled out a gun. He pointed it at Squip and everyone stiffened.

SQUIP:

“This is against the rules, Dean.”

JD:

“Fuck you! Fuck the rules! Nothing will change here! Everyone will die and nothing in here matters so why bother?! Will it ever even change when we get out?! How do I know we won’t get put somewhere after this?! We can’t trust anyone!”

Jeremy:

He presses the gun at Squip’s temple. 

JD:

“Give me one good reason why I can’t just do us all a favor and kill you.”

SQUIP:

“If you want to break the rules, then do it.”

Jeremy:

It happened in a blur I couldn’t comprehend anything. I know a shot was fired. I know Squip wasn’t hit at all somehow and I know, I, the person behind Squip, was fucked if not for Kurt tackling me at full strength. I didn’t know whether to yelp in pain, cry or profusely thank him. He was panting on top of me. His arms on my shoulders as if telling me to stay down.

JD:

“I- How did that not-?”

SQUIP:

“Rules were never made to be broken, Dean. It’s how society functions.”

Jeremy:

With the click of a button on his podium, JD fell into a trapdoor. Everyone stared in shock. It would have been comedic if it weren’t for the horrible atmosphere.

Veronica:

“JD! Where did he go?!”

SQUIP:

“In timeout. He’ll be back soon.”

Jenna:

“What’s down there?”

SQUIP:

“None of your concern. Yet, anyway.”

Kurt:

“Good riddance he’s gone. That crazy dick.”

Jeremy:

Kurt gets off me and afterwards, we were dismissed to do whatever we wanted to. That was what we did. We didn’t get out of our rooms. At least, I didn’t get out of mine. For both lunch and dinner. Squip didn’t seem to care either.

Jeremy:

JD.. I wonder if he’ll be okay. I was terrified of him with that gun. Where did he even get that from? Then again, could I blame him? I was already going insane. Not in the pull a gun out way though. I couldn’t blame Michael for hiding his crime. I couldn’t blame Rich for wanting to kill himself to save everyone.

Jeremy:

They did more than I could. I’m useless.

Jeremy:

With a heavy heart, I placed my stress ball on the counter and opened the letter from Michael. I took a deep breath.

“Dear Jeremy Heere,”

Chapter Text

Dear Jeremy Heere,

Too formal? Alright. That’s my bad.

Hey, Jeremy. If you’re getting this note, I’m probably dead. I got executed or whatever. Unless, I’m reading this and I survived because for some reason, you did something stupid. I’d never forgive you, by the way. 

I’ve been thinking about what I said that night to you about not leaving you behind but I knew after I accidentally pressed that knife in his chest, I was going to die. You’re probably reading this after the trial so you’d know by now that I killed him. I killed Rich. God, do I regret it. I can still see his blood on my hands even as I write this, even after I washed it off. 

I know you said that letting my feelings out is good and all but I couldn’t make you worry. I’m worrying like hell right now even more than I was before. Since I’ll die today- or since I died yesterday, whenever you’re reading this- Remember to not give up, okay? You’re the strongest person I know. You just need to believe in yourself and stop being an anxious little shit. You’re my best friend and my favorite favowite pewson, I don’t want you to suffer in this stupid game. Just survive for me. You can do that. Better than anyone I know.

Stay strong, Player 2! Tell my moms I love them, alright?

Player 1, logging off 

———

Jeremy’s eyes fluttered open. He felt weary. After yesterday’s events, He had a hard time sleeping. He didn’t know if he could sleep after what happened. Most of the night, He just squished the stress ball in his hand, thinking back to all the memories he and Michael shared together. 

He can still hear the crunching of his friend’s bones. He sees it in his nightmares too. This time. Jake couldn’t protect him.

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

The stupid announcement fell deaf to his ears as he continued toying with the ball in his grasp. It was pathetic and he knows that. This wasn’t what Michael would want. 

He got out of bed and stood up tall. He doesn’t move. He was still as a statue. He was weak, pathetic. Why? Why couldn’t he do anything? He was the Ultimate Strategist. He could have created a plan to escape the confines of this living hell. 

But he didn’t make a move. He had no plan. Hell, he still had no plan! 

A flurry of emotions were all whirling inside of him like a hurricane. None of which were good.

His goal was to escape. He was supposed to achieve that goal and yet he didn’t! Why was he so useless?! 

Ever since Michael’s death, Jeremy wonders what would’ve happened if he took his place. He wondered what it would be like if he died instead of him.

Michael was the one everyone could believe in. He was the optimistic one. He was someone that never let anything get to him. 

So why did he have to go?

All these questions, none contained an answer. There was one fact that he knew for sure. It was that this game was cruel and Michael shouldn’t have had to kill Rich. 

That was another thing. Despite Jeremy’s fond memories of him, despite Michael being there for him until the very end, He still killed someone. 

Michael Mell, his best friend, killed Rich Goranski. 

Michael Mell had killed someone. And he was now dead too.

It all felt surreal and even then, there was a small part of Jeremy that wished he had died instead of Michael, instead of Rich. That they all would escape and avenge his death like in those stupid movies he’d watch as a kid.

But that’s the thing, isn’t it? He can’t redo anything. He could wish for a reverse for as long as he likes but in the end, he couldn’t get it. He couldn’t have Michael back.

And that hurt. It hurt a lot. 

Jeremy wanted to be strong. As much as Michael’s last words gave him and filled him with so much hope and belief, He couldn’t move forward. There was no one to guide him. There was no player one to motivate the player two.

He felt dizzy. Once the adrenaline of the case vanished, He truly, finally had the chance to mourn Michael’s death and it sickened him to his core. A positive upbeat guy. His best friend. He died. He felt the sour taste on his tongue. It wasn’t fair. 

Michael didn’t deserve this.

If anyone deserved it, It was him.

Ding Dong!

Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong!

He tilts his head to the side and walks to the door, opening it slowly. He sees a familiar brunette waiting for him outside.

“Jenna Rolan?” He asked, shocked that she was in front of him. Jenna waved at him before entering his room.

“Oh my god, you’re worse than I thought.” She stares at him with sympathy. He didn’t like that look. 

He promptly closed his door and followed her. “I don’t look that bad.” He tried to defend himself. 

“You haven’t eaten in a day.” 

“I wasn’t hungry.” Jenna eyes him up and down. The pity still in her gaze. Jeremy ducked his head in shame. Okay, granted, last time he looked at himself in the mirror, he didn’t look.. okay. “Why’re you here again?”

She raises an eyebrow. “Am I not allowed to be here?”

“No! I’m just curious.. That’s all.”

“Everyone’s waiting for you.” She states. “We knew yesterday would have affected you but you didn’t come down for lunch or dinner.“ She pauses. “Well, you and Veronica…” Veronica too? “Are you okay?”

Jeremy laughs without humor. “No. God, It’s like everything dawned on me at once! I’m now alone without my best friend because I was so lackluster with my Ultimate that I couldn’t even plan an escape strategy or a plan!” He grabs bits of his hair. “I just kept on pretending that everything was going to be okay. That this was all some sick joke! That he wasn’t actually the culprit! But it wasn’t and he was the one who killed Rich and now… because I was careless..”

“Hey.” Jenna places her hand on his shoulder. “It isn’t your fault to try and make light of a bad situation. Squip says escaping is impossible and just because you’re an Ultimate doesn’t mean you can’t make mistakes.” 

“But if I don’t do anything…”

“If you stress yourself out, then you’ll get hurt. Taking a fresh breath of air isn’t a bad thing to do. If you don’t relax then you’ll get yourself killed and I don’t think you’d want that.” She comforts. “And besides, I’m going to help you.”

He blinks confused. “Help me? Help me with what?”

“I’ll admit, I wasn’t close to Michael or Rich but if there’s one thing I want more than anyone else, It’s to escape.” She grins. “Being the Ultimate Journalist has its perks, you know? It’s like it’s hardwired into your brain to ask and know what’s happening around you.”

“Where are you going with this?” Jeremy asked. He wouldn’t be lying if he said he liked the path this conversation was steering towards.

“If there’s something else I will admit, It’s that you were really cool during the class trial. You knew things even I didn’t. Though that’s mostly on me, I should have asked around more.” Jenna says. “So I was thinking about a plan.”

“A plan?”

“With your strategies and my knowledge, I think we could potentially bust out of here.” She said, “I’m sure we can work together to break out of this hell.”

“And if we leave this hotel, no one will die anymore!” Jeremy exclaims with a grin on his face. “But why’re you teaming up with me, though? There are many other people qualified for the job.”

“Jeremy, I wouldn’t go to you if I thought you weren’t good at your talent. Yesterday’s trial? You solved it like it was nothing!”

“I wouldn’t say that but-“ He sighs. There wasn’t any other choice. It was either this, killing someone then dying or having everyone else die for his survival. Besides, Jenna was the Ultimate Journalist. She knew what was going on. She’s confiding in him.

Kind of like someone he used to know….

In return, He believed in her and her talent.

“But?”

“But I’ll do it. If there’s a chance that we could escape and stop Squip’s plan, I’m in. It’s what Rich would have wanted.” Jeremy smiled at her. She nods, copying his expression. “Plus…”

He looks down, his grin never faltering.

“Michael would want it too.” He wanted me to see his moms for him. He wanted me to tell them how much he loved them. 

Loved... 

Despite how useless he is, He can’t die now. He owes it to the two who had died. He’ll master his talent, he’ll do whatever he can so he can avenge his friend’s death. He looks back at Jenna who was at a loss for words.

At least, Until she said “We should probably go down now. They’d be even more worried if we don’t.” She extended an arm for him to take. 

A sign for their alliance, 

their partnership, 

their friendship.

Jeremy took it. Jenna beamed at him. 

“We’ll escape this place. No one else is going to die on our watch.” She said determined. He squished the Pac-Man stress ball in his grasp. 

“You’re right.”

“I’ll be waiting outside.” She left his room while Jeremy went inside his bathroom to rinse some water in his face to relax and cool down.

He looks at himself in the mirror. Jenna was right. He looked awful. He had eye bags, his hair was messy and unkempt and his eyes were bloodshot red from all the crying.

Was this really how he wanted to be? Was this really the person that Michael believed in? 

No. It wasn’t. 

He can’t be what Michael was. He can be who he is now. He can be what he’s grown into.

Was that the person everyone could trust? 

He balls his hand into a fist. He doesn’t know. 

But being himself was what Michael was proud of. And if he’s making him proud from beyond the grave, then that was a good enough person for him.

———

Jeremy rang the doorbell for Veronica’s room but the brunette never opened the door. He tried a bunch of times to the point where even he thought he was being obnoxious.

“Let me try.” Jenna suggested. He stepped out of the way so she could do whatever it was she was planning. Jenna rang the doorbell. 

Once again, No response.

“Maybe we shouldn’t intrude.” Jeremy defends. The two surrendered and walked away from the door until they heard the noise of a door opening.

A brown haired girl walks out, giving both of them a smile. It was a weak smile but Jeremy was just glad she had the ability to smile at all.

“You both do know that I was just taking a bath, right?” Veronica asked. Jeremy looked at her. In general, She seemed pretty upset which surprised him. 

“Veronica?“ He questions slowly. “Are you-“

“Okay?” She finishes his sentence with an eyebrow raised. “Not really. We’re still in the killing game and JD’s… well, gone.” Jeremy gasped, absolutely mortified at what she said. 

“He’s dead?! But there wasn’t a trial! Squip would have woken me up and-!”

“JD got punished because he pulled a gun out in front of Squip.” Jenna cuts him off. “You know what happened towards the end of the trial.” 

Jeremy gulped and nodded, remembering how crazed JD looked, how he laughed, how he spoke, how that was his breaking point. Then again, Jeremy couldn’t really be surprised. He did start a fight with Kurt and Ram. 

Still though, watching it in real time. It was insane to think anyone would pull a gun on Squip. 

But with what he’s done, the two deaths that happened, Jeremy got it. It would break any person. 

But if it were to continue…. How many strikes would JD get? 

“Don’t worry. Squip says he’ll be released today, he’s just trapped in a closet apparently.” Jenna states, patting his back in reassurance. All things considered, she was comforting the wrong person.

“That trapdoor led to a closet?”

He receives a shrug in reply. “Apparently.”

“Hope he doesn’t have claustrophobia…” 

“Yeah…” Veronica smiled again. It was just as weak and forced as her previous grin.

“Everyone’s waiting for you. We should probably head downstairs now.” Jenna says, her arms were crossed and she looked uncomfortable. She was avoiding Veronica’s eyes. Jeremy found that strange. 

“Right. I’ll just get my notepad.” Veronica replies prior to closing the door shut. Jeremy looked at Jenna who was deep in thought. She noticed him staring at her.

“What?” She asked skeptically. He flushed in embarrassment.

“Sorry. You looked like you were thinking about something important.”

“I was.” Jenna confirmed, pulling a piece of paper out of her pocket. Jeremy peers over her shoulder to look but she placed it back in her pocket before he could read anything. 

“I still don’t get it though. Why do you need my help?” Jeremy questions. “You’re the Ultimate Journalist. You’re capable of doing everything on your own with all the information you could get.” 

Jenna continued to stare at Veronica’s door, not meeting his eyes. “Maybe my talent’s only good for helping people.” She smiles to herself. “And you could use some.”

Jeremy didn’t say anything. He didn’t know what to say. Luckily, He didn’t have to. Veronica went out of her room, a notepad in her hand. “So what’re we waiting for?” 

The three teens walked towards the elevator. Jenna ahead of Veronica and Jeremy who was trailing behind her. She looks at the boy next to her.

“Are you okay? After what happened to Michael?” She asks. “Like really okay?”

“To be honest, I don’t know if I’ll ever get over it. There’s still a large part of me that wishes that I was executed instead. That Rich and Michael didn’t have to suffer their deaths. They were my classmates and one was my friend.” She sent him a pitying glance. But she understands. Jeremy feels like she does. “But I want to live for his sake. For both of their sakes. So I can’t keep living on in guilt.“

“I get how you feel.” Veronica replies. “Michael wanted us to escape. We can’t just abandon that wish after that… horrible execution.”

Jeremy tensed up. Michael’s execution was horrific. He wonders how Squip had managed to make a punishment ten times more cruel than it had to be. The sounds of muffled screaming, at that point, Jeremy could hear it in the tense silence. Like he was still haunting him. 

Making him watch it happen was the worst punishment that he’s ever gotten.

“We’ll escape, Veronica.” He says with a smile. “We’ll escape for everyone.” 

“I hope you’re right.” 

Ding!

Before they knew it, They had reached the elevator lobby. They went inside one by one. The doors closed and they felt themselves descending. No one said a word. There wasn’t anything to say anyway.

Ding!

They left the elevator and walked towards the place where everyone decided to meet up. Once they stepped foot into the buffet, Veronica and Jeremy were surprised at how quiet it was. 

Michael was in the loner or even the freak categories of the High School hierarchy and Rich was barely as popular as Jake and by extension, Chloe and Brooke. Therefore, They (mostly Veronica) were surprised that the popular kids kept quiet, especially those from Westurburg who didn’t know any of the two at all. They expected that everyone else would pretend that nothing ever happened. Turns out, It wasn’t true.

They’re probably thinking about their lives right now. Jeremy thinks. After what happened yesterday, you’d obviously be terrified.

Veronica went over to Martha who looked so close to tears. Jenna went and sat at Chloe’s table. She gave him a look. Jeremy nodded. Our plan to escape. Can we really do it?

Jeremy sat at an empty table. Without Michael, He truly was alone. There were no longer a duo of friends against the world but instead only one.

He was against the world without his best friend. His close companion- someone who was like a brother to him- was left behind.

What sorrow that is. 

“Heere!” A hushed voice whispered beside him. He winced at the sudden sound prior to turning towards it. His eyes widened when he saw a familiar boy.

“Jake?!“ He asked. “What’re you doing?” Jake sat next to him, his chin on his right palm. 

“I thought you could use some company.” He said.“And after what happened, you could.. use a friend.” He placed a badly cut slice of pizza on Jeremy's plate. Jake avoided his stare. “We’re kind of on the same boat, us two.”

Right… He was talking about… “Seriously. You don’t need to pity me. I’m sure you have some other friends to hang out with.”

“Heere, I don’t know if you noticed but I have no one else to hang out with.” Jake says, nonchalantly. Jeremy gapes at how easily he admitted that. “I mean yeah, Chloe and Brooke are cool and technically, I knew them longer-“ Jake shifted in his seat looking tense. “But listen, I never really had any real friends before that I could talk to freely, aside from Rich. Chloe and Brooke are already their own thing and being around Chloe is awkward sometimes. Even Rich, I-“ 

He awkwardly pats Jeremy’s back as if he was unsure how to express how he was feeling. If it weren’t for the sudden- but not unwelcome- comfort, Jeremy would have been thinking about how Jake Dillinger, Prince of coolness, was tripping on his words. “What I’m trying to say is you were there for me when my friend died so i’ll be there for you too. It’s the least I can do, I think.”

He halts with a cough as if to ease the air between them. “So yeah, I'm here for you, Heere. If you need anything, let me know.”

“Uh, you can stay here. With me if you want.” Jeremy blurts out, blushing a bit before giving him a soft smile. “And I never got the chance to thank you for what you did yesterday. You didn’t have to help me.”

“I kind of did.” Jake replies. “And that's all I could do! You practically carried the whole thing on your back!” 

Jeremy snorts at that. “I didn’t really-“

“No, you did. We would have been dead now if it weren’t for you.” Jake claims before taking a bite from his pizza slice. “And there I was spouting all that bullshit about you being a liar and being the one who killed Rich. I was such an asshole, man. You should’ve voted for me.”

“But then we all would have died?”

“Oh yeah.” There was a brief silence until he spoke again. “But still, you were smart enough to find out it was your friend. I meant it before.. I trust your judgement.”

“Thanks..” Jeremy mumbles in response, smiling slightly. He glances at Jake, wondering when would be the right time to bring up Rich. 

However, he looked so content. Nothing like the cool, party boy that he’s seen. He’s just in a state of calm. Jeremy decided to not bring it up for now.

For a while, things were good. He felt at ease. He just wanted it to stay like this. Not too loud chatter coming from the popular kids, A newfound friend who promised to stick by him and a peaceful air surrounding them. 

It was like nothing could ruin this moment.

But nothing ever truly lasts, does it?

He noticed a man with black hair.

Squip. 

Everyone in the buffet looked in his direction, possibly also feeling the same chills that Jeremy was feeling.

“What do you want?” Chloe was the first one to speak. Her eyes sharp as daggers, every inch of her was fueled with venom and hate. 

“I came to congratulate you all for the trial. I’m impressed that you all managed to participate despite being so against the killing game.”

“I think we wouldn’t have done anything if our lives weren’t on the line.” Veronica speaks up again, getting more irritated with every passing minute.

“Speak to me like that again and you won’t get to know the reward I have planned for you.” Squip says, matching her annoyance and snark. 

“Reward? What reward?” Jenna asks, her eyes gleam with hope. Hope that I won't be in this hotel. Hope that will immediately be crushed by despair.

But maybe.. just maybe… this hope was deserved. Maybe there was a hope waiting for them.

“One of the floors has been opened up for your convenience as a prize for the last trial.”

“Prize?! This is a game to you?!” Veronica yells, standing up from her chair in anger. Jeremy feels an urge to follow her but he sits put in his chair.

“And is this really a good enough prize for making us go through that?!” Chandler follows suit, standing up in rage similarly to what Veronica did. The rest of the Heathers soon follow after. “I’ve a better idea. It starts with you letting us the hell out!” 

“Why would I do that when the game’s only just begun?” Squip asked, a look of arrogance and pride in his eyes. Jeremy felt his blood boil. 

It was obvious since day one that he just wanted to use them for his entertainment. For his game.

His hand curled into a fist. He bit his lip, trying to restrain himself from screaming, crying, anything really. 

“But if you kids keep complaining about it, then I could always lock it back up again.”

“WOAH- WOAH- WOAH- WOAH- WOAH WAIT!” He scrambles to pick himself up. All eyes were on him and he was crumbling under the pressure of their looks. He took a deep breath. 

“Don’t. Please?” He said. Despite the stares lingering on him (more confused and skeptical than before), he stands his ground.

“I’m glad at least one of you is thinking straight.” Squip says. “Who knows what secrets you could have missed out on if you didn’t take up the offer.” He grins, all Jeremy could sense was the malice behind it. “That is if there even is one.”

Before any of them had known it, he disappeared in front of them. Jeremy let out the breath of air he didn’t know he was holding. 

“A new room, huh?” Jake starts. “What could be up there?”

“Who knows? How do we even know we can trust the weirdo in the first place?!” Duke yells. “What if it’s a trap and kills all of us?!”

“That’s unlikely.” Jenna counters. “It says directly in the rules that he wouldn’t be participating in any murders. The only time he even mentions a mass murder is when we all get killed in place of the culprit in a trial..” 

No one dared to utter a word. After the mess of what happened, Everyone would prefer to just ignore that it ever occurred. 

But they couldn’t. It was a picture in the back of their minds that they couldn’t get rid of. It was a reminder that yes, the game was real and yes, it was as serious as it sounded.

“What about the one among us?” Chandler asked bitterly. “The asshole said there was someone among us helping him so who’s to stop them from killing all of us in that new level.”

“No. I don’t think they could.” Jenna said. Jeremy looks at her, perplexed. In a way, she was right. Squip exposed that there was someone amongst their roster as the true villain of the game they were forced in. If Michael hadn’t acted, some if not most of them would be dead. 

“What are you talking about?” Chloe snarls. 

“What’s the one thing Squip is so adamant about?” 

Jeremy’s face whitened. “The game.” 

“So if all of us are dead and the one in charge is the only one left….”

“This game will mean nothing to Squip anymore.” Veronica says in realization. “That’s why he can’t afford us to die. He’s using us as his little guinea pigs for his own amusement!” 

“Either way, whether it’s a trap or not, I think we should definitely search around.” Jeremy chimes in.  “If there’s a chance to escape, isn’t it worth taking? If we could have all the answers we need, We can’t just stay stuck to this one level. I think to avenge those who died, we need to stop this killing game from going on any longer!” 

Once again, It was dead silent. He feels himself flush. He wasn’t one to give inspirational speeches. That wasn’t his forte. But it was the truth. Squip wasn’t going to stop the killing game. It could keep on going forever. 

So the only way to stop it was to take action themselves.

“Wow.” Chandler says dully. She looked unamused. He felt more shame pile up on top of him. “That’s like the only good thing you’ve said so far.” 

“Uh, Wh- I-? What?”

“Don’t stammer or I’ll take back the compliment.” She uttered. “But as much as I hate to admit it, You’re right. If we don’t do anything, We’re all going to lose to Squip. And I never lose.” 

There was something deadly in her eyes. Considering her Ultimate, It was to be suspected. She was one of the five who had their talent relating to sports and competitions. 

“Then what are we waiting for?” Chloe had a hand on her hip. “Are we going to investigate or not?”

Everyone agreed, one by one they left the buffet with a new faith blossoming in them. Despite their differences, Jeremy knew that they all had a reason to get out of here. If anything, that’s all they had in common.

Will they actually find a lead or is this just a waste of time? There’s only one way to find out.

Since everyone was already going to explore the newly opened area, He should follow suit. He exited the buffet, walking to the elevator lobby.

They all wouldn’t make the same mistake again, would they? He’s going to put a stop to the killing game and escape the hotel with everyone else. 

It’s what he had to do.

It’s what needed to be done.

———

The first thing Jeremy noticed when he walked into the elevator was that there was only one button that had tape on it that had said OUT OF ORDER.

He remembers the tape that was placed on top of one of the buttons. That must be the new level Squip had opened up. Did he fix the elevator or something? 

His questions went to a swift halt when he saw the doors open in front of him.

Jeremy stepped out of the elevator. He got his E-Handbook from his pocket and began looking at the different rooms that he could explore in this level.

He looks up at the several doors that are waiting to be opened.

Where should he start?

——

When Jeremy opened the door, He saw a dimly lit room with candles that were lavender scented. The smell managed to calm his nerves. 

“Woah.” Was all he could muster. 

“Impressive, right?” Brooke says. Jeremy just noticed her. He also noticed the two familiar girls in the room with them. “I’d love to get a massage and just relax.”

“Knowing what we’re going through, We’d need it.” Chloe complains. Jeremy grimaced. It’s true. They all needed a break from the killing game and spas could be a great distraction. 

“I actually never had a spa day before.” Christine states. “Is it as fun as it sounds?”

“Christine,” Brooke starts, her eyes serious. “You have no idea what you’re missing.”

As the two girls converse (with Chloe talking over Brooke every once in a while), Jeremy’s eyes trailed over to the two beds with white sheets and two pillows stacked at the top. 

He places his hand on the blanket. It didn’t have the silk texture like the ones his room had but it was still soft. 

“You’ve been to a spa, Jerry?” Brooke questions, noticing where he was staring at. 

“Uh, no. Not really. I don’t know what happens during it.” Jeremy replies, trying not to acknowledge the fact she said his name wrong. “It isn’t really my thing.”

“But it should be!” Brooke exclaims, grabbing his shoulders. “It helps you become less tense and you look extremely tense right now!”

“You don’t say..” Jeremy awkwardly said. 

“You want a massage? I might not be the best at it but I’d say I’m pretty good!” There’s an intense fire in her eyes. It was almost terrifying if he was being honest.

“I’ll think about it.” 

It does sound like a promising offer. 

Jeremy turns his attention to the other side of the room and spotted a sink. Two candles were placed on opposite sides ( that must be the candles I smelt, he thought) alongside two vases with roses of varying colors. Meanwhile, Underneath the sink was a cabinet. 

“Do you think they’re real?” Christine asks him. He looks at her, confused.

“What do you mean?”

“The roses.” She places her hand on the rose to touch. “I mean they look real but how long have they been here? They’d die already if it’s been that long. Especially with no sunlight and no one watering it.”

“Maybe Squip watered it?” Brooke suggests. “He does appear out of nowhere all the time.”

“Since when would Squip care about something like gardening?” Chloe questions. “He’s planning a life and death game for crying out loud. He doesn’t care about any forms of life aside from his own.”

“So are these roses brand new?” Brooke asks. She grabs a yellow rose from the vase. She sniffs it. “Well, It smells like the real thing.” 

“Yeah, so Squip probably designed this room before we came.” Chloe reasons. “Maybe days before if not the day before this all happened.”

But why would Squip even care? Unless this was someone else’s doing.

Thinking about the idea that someone was behind this. Someone who was fighting with them. It made him nauseous.

He shoves that thought in the back of his head. That wasn’t going to happen. They are going to escape.

“Uhm, excuse me?” He mumbles. The three girls looked at him in anticipation (and slight annoyance in Chloe’s case). “Can you move? You’re blocking the cabinet.” 

Brooke and Christine let out their apologies while Chloe scoffed but still did as she was told. Jeremy thanked them and squatted down to open the cabinet.

Not much was in it aside from a few towels and supplies that Jeremy assumes that hotels use for relaxation. Apart from the lighter which he was unsure of if it was spa material. 

Though, It was a candle lighter so it did somehow earn a place there.

He closes the cabinet and stands up. 

“Nothing?” Christine asks, disappointed. Jeremy feels the same and solemnly nods. “There could be a secret clue that’s hiding in plain sight!“

She sits down on the floor and reopens the cabinet. She rummages through the items inside. 

Jeremy highly doubts that there’s a hidden truth in this room but he doesn’t have the heart to destroy her enthusiasm.

Instead, he searches around the room for more things he could take note of. His eyes landed on a tub at the other side of the room. It was filled with water and had petals floating on it. He places his hand to touch the water. It was warm. 

Was it supposed to be like that? He had no clue. He got one of the rose petals swimming in the water. “Huh.” 

“I crave a spa bath right now.” Chloe moped. Jeremy saw her coming over next to him, both of them staring at the tub. 

His eyes furrowed. “But can’t you just do that in your room?” 

“Unless there are lavender scented candles and rose petals in my bathroom, I don’t want it.” She says sharply. He didn’t want to argue with her about that.

He looked down at the petal in his hand. It felt just as real as the ones in the vase. 

Huh. So these are real rose petals. 

His head hurt at the thought of picking apart whatever Squip’s motive was.

If his real plan was them staying here and having a “peaceful” life. Why would he follow through with the killing game? Why give them these motives?

And if he wanted killing in the first place, Why make them comfortable? Why give them free food and a spa for relaxation?

He groans. He should stop thinking about Squip. The man can literally appear out of thin air. Why even bother deciphering him? 

He takes one last look at the room, seeing Brooke and Chloe converse while Christine sits on the bed, listening to them. 

With that, He leaves the room and goes to explore the floor some more.

———

Jeremy entered another room, curious at what was in store for him. The first thing he noticed were the two jocks, one lifting weights and the other doing sit-ups on a red mat. Both of them were staring right at him. 

“What’re you doing here?” Kurt asks, dropping the dumbbell on the floor. 

“Just investigating.” Jeremy responds, avoiding his gaze. At any moment now, Kurt (and/or Ram) had the potential of smashing him against the wall.

“Whatever.“ Ram says. “Just don’t bother us.” He then continues to do sit-ups as Kurt watches, counting each one.

I wasn’t planning on it. 

He scanned the room and peers over at the dumbbell set that sat next to the wall. Kurt watched as Jeremy made his way towards the set.

He raises an eyebrow at this. “You seriously think you can lift that, nerd?”

“I-“

“No. No. Kurt, Let him prove himself.” Ram sits right up with a scheming smirk on his face. Kurt looks at him, puzzled before suddenly catching on.

“Yeah, Jeremy. Do it.” 

Weren’t they the ones who told me not to bother them? Why are they bothering me now?

He silently mopes before reaching to pick up a dumbbell. 

“Hey, how about..” Kurt grabs the dumbbell that he had when Jeremy first entered the room. “You try the heaviest one here.” 

He drops in on the floor making Jeremy flinch at the booming sound. He’s surprised that it didn’t make a gaping hole through. He mopes once again as he bends down and tries to lift it. 

It doesn’t move from its spot.

He can hear Kurt and Ram’s howling laughter as he tries his best to lift it. However, no matter how hard he tried, he failed at every attempt. 

He gives up and sits on the floor, his arms in pain while Kurt and Ram are practically rolling on the floor in laughter.

He’ll never live this down. Thankfully for him, they go to different schools.

In order to not think about that embarrassment, his eyes drifted over to the bench press. He paled. Kurt and Ram seemed to notice him staring at it, terrified. 

“Hey buddy…” Ram says sinisterly. Jeremy felt chills down his spine. “How about you try the bench press?”

“No! No! I’m fine!” He’s learned from what happened seconds ago. I have to finish this investigation or they’re going to kill me! 

“I feel like if that geek even lifts a barbell, It’ll fall on his chest!” Ram laughs at Kurt’s words. He was brimming with pride that the dig at Jeremy’s strength managed to make his friend laugh. Jeremy would have found it sweet if they weren’t tormenting him.

Still though, thinking about even trying to bench press, it would be an immediate death sentence to him. Kurt was right. His chest would be instantly crushed.

Maybe he could do it (he highly doubts it but maybe ) but he sure as hell won’t risk it to find out. Besides, It seemed more up Jake’s alley. Definitely not his. Plus, his arms still hurt from trying to lift that dumbbell Kurt gave him.

After Jeremy rested his arms for a few minutes, He decided to explore more of the room. There wasn’t much to note aside from stationary bicycles, a punching bag and a couple of treadmills. I’d try the treadmills but maybe when they aren’t here.. , Jeremy thinks. 

He’s discovered everything he wanted to. He goes to leave since he will probably get tormented some more if he stays a lot longer.

They’ll probably use me as a punching bag. He shives at the thought. How are they scarier than Jake Dillinger?

He closes the door behind him and goes to explore another room.

———

The first thing Jeremy noticed when he stepped foot on the room was the two pools in the room. There was a big rectangular one and a smaller circular one. 

“Now this is what we need.” He recognized the voice and spotted the ginger haired Heather who said it, sitting down on a sun lounger. The rest of the Heathers were next to her. “If only it was an outside pool.”

“If it was an outside pool then we could have easier chances of escape.” Jeremy reasons. “Squip wouldn’t want that.”

“That’s true.” Chandler spat. “I hate that asshole.”

“Who doesn’t?” Duke chimed in next to her, rolling her eyes. Jeremy doesn’t say anything in reply. No one does.

The silence was deafening and rather than standing still awkwardly like an idiot, He begins to investigate. 

He walks towards the rectangular pool and squats down, placing his hand in the cool water. 

“Feels refreshing…” McNamara says as she walks next to him. “I’ve always adored swimming and it’s way better in a pool than it is in the beach.”

Jeremy nods in agreement- not knowing what to say- as he watches her take her shoes off and dip her feet into the freezing water. She brims with excitement. 

“Geez, this feels like an actual hotel and not a death trap.” She whispers the last part underneath her breath. He heard it, though. 

He opens his mouth, in hopes to comfort her but she starts to talk. “I haven’t been to a place like this in a long time, though. I’m too busy with cheerleading. But once we get out of here, we should all have a pool party! Even you can come!” 

“Thanks?” 

At least she’s feeling better about herself.

“I remember one time, Heather shoved Heather into Ram’s pool and it made a mess of her clothes.” McNamara tells him. Jeremy just smiles, desperately trying to figure out which Heather she was referring to. “It was a great night. I just hope we can do it again, y’know?” 

“What do you mean?”

“Things have been tense between all of us.” She says with a frown. “Heather is closing herself off. She isn’t like herself.”

Jeremy looks over where Chandler was. She was yelling at Duke for some reason he couldn’t hear. Was that why-?

———

“And is this really a good enough prize for making us go through that?!” Chandler follows suit, standing up in rage similarly to what Veronica did. The rest of the Heathers soon follow after. “I’ve a better idea. It starts with you letting us the hell out!” 

———

“Don’t stammer or I’ll take back the compliment.” She uttered. “But as much as I hate to admit it, You’re right. If we don’t do anything, We’re all going to lose to Squip. And I never lose.” 

———

Is Heather pushing her friends away on purpose?

“Don’t worry. It’ll be fine, Heather.” Jeremy says, placing a hand on her shoulder. It just has to be.

He stands up and goes to the smaller circular pool next to the rectangular one. Based on first glance and how little water the pool contained, Jeremy just assumed that it was a kiddie pool. 

“Don’t touch it.” Duke says from behind him. She was still sitting on the sun lounger but her eyes were now fixated on him. “It’s probably filled with piss.” 

Jeremy recoils, stepping away from the pool. It most probably hasn’t been used by children in a long time but he still couldn’t help but think of gagging at the thought.

He sees a list of pool rules on the wall. Almost all of which are standard like don’t go running around next to the pool and don’t dive into the pool . One that stood out- mainly because it was underlined and at the top of the list- was no swimming during night time .

“So we’re not allowed to enter this room and swim.” Jeremy said aloud. Why was that an underlined rule? 

“It’s because I’m thinking about your safety, of course!” 

He panics at the familiar voice. He’s here . 

“And why are you here?!” Chandler snarls at Squip. Duke and McNamara both have the same frightened expression Jeremy was wearing.

“Jeremy’s asking a question about the pool rules so as your headmaster, I’m obligated to tell him.” 

“Then tell me. Why is that rule underlined?”

“It’s just like I said. I’m thinking about your safety.” 

“If you’re really thinking about our safety then why start this killing game at all?”

“I wasn’t the one who started the killing. It was one of you. I offered you all to live a peaceful life in this hotel and you refused. How is that my fault?”

“You gave us a motive!” 

“And one of you complied with the motive.” Jeremy shut his mouth. Michael. It wasn’t his fault. Half of them would have been killed because of the motive. 

“What happens if we break that rule?” He asks, changing the topic and not wanting to waste his breath on Squip.

“You get punished, similarly to if you break the rules in your student handbook.” Squip explains. “That’s why it’s underlined. It’s the most essential rule that’s more important than the others. If anyone steps foot here, they’ll be executed before they can even commit a murder.” Jeremy pales. He remembers what he said the first day they came here. Was that the consequence he was talking about?  “On the bright side, you wouldn’t need a class trial for it.”

“Isn’t it against the rules for you to commit a murder?” Chandler questions. 

“Well, if you break the rules, you force my hand and I have no choice but to discipline.” 

“You’re seriously messed up!” Duke yells at him, appalled. Her frightened look was now mixed with repulsion and anger. 

Squip says nothing at her and keeps his wicked grin on. “Oh, and I’ll leave you with this.” Jeremy eyes him, doubtful. “You may not step into this area but a non living person can.” 

“What? What does that-?” He disappears before Jeremy could finish his question. 

What did he mean? A non living person? Was he referring to… He stops himself. He knows exactly what he’s talking about and it appears like the Heathers do too. The tension in the room was so thick he could cut it with a knife. 

Jeremy just continues looking around but he couldn’t help but feel uneasy with the atmosphere. A part of him wants to make up a conversation but they’re the most popular girls in Westurburg. He may not go there but he’s definitely not going to embarrass himself in front of popular kids.

He spots another room, seemingly connected to the one he was currently at and slowly walks toward it. The silence was deadly and he feels himself suffocating from it. As he stepped in the room, he infers that it seemed to be a standard shop for swim gear. There was a counter a few inches away from the door. 

There are two different doors. “So the pool and this store are different areas?” 

“You’re correct about that.”

“Agh!” Jeremy draws back. Once again, the face he wanted to punch appeared right in front of him. “If you’re going to come back then don’t leave!”

“Well, what you just said is crucial information to the question that you asked before.” Squip elaborates, leaning against the counter, looming over him. “You are right. These are different rooms.”

“What does that have to do with pool rules?” 

“Since this isn’t a part of the pool. The rule doesn’t apply, which means this area isn’t restricted.” He claims. “You teenagers can go midnight shopping here and you won't be punished.”

“But if we go to the pool-“

“It’s an immediate execution.” He finishes Jeremy’s sentence. “Though strange, If you want to wait here until morning to swim early, I can’t do anything about it. But if even one part of your body is in there before morning, That’s when I intervene.”

“You’re the worst.” 

“Save your petty insults. You think I’m not aware of that?” Once more, He disappeared. Jeremy felt a strange urge to punch something. 

“Hey, geek.” He doesn’t turn around to face them but he knows who’s voice that belonged to. He hears it alongside the footsteps behind him. “I need to- God, what happened to you? You look pissed.” 

Heather Chandler. That was where the intimidating sound was coming from. A normal, innocent question that made Jeremy’s skin crawl by the way she asked it. The sour tone in her voice did the trick. 

He turns around, facing her. “Nothing happened. Squip was just giving more information about the pool rules.” He says. She raises an eyebrow, prompting him to elaborate more. “Squip says that this room, while being connected to the pool, isn’t the same area as it. Meaning that if you were to stay here during nighttime you wouldn’t be breaking the rules.” 

“So that’s what you were pissed about?“ 

“Yeah. I’m just tired of this game Squip is making us play.” When Chandler doesn’t respond, he feels a wave of dread wash over him. He worriedly turns to look behind her and sees the rest of the Heathers doing their own thing. “So…”

“You. Shut up.” He freezes in fear at her chilling command. She grabs his wrist, her painted crimson nails digging into his skin. “I need to have.. a talk with you.”

“Heather, what-?” Her nails sink deeper into his skin. It starts to hurt even more than it already did.

“I meant what I said before.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I will escape this stupid hotel and I will do whatever it takes to do it. If this is a game, I will not lose it. And I won’t let anyone, not Squip and especially not a nobody like you, get in my way.” 

She lets go and heads out the door. His skin crawls. She isn’t going to kill anyone, Is she? Shit, what if she does?! 

They all promised not to let the killing game continue but Chandler might resort to it if she thinks it could be the last way out. And considering what Veronica and JD said about her and her clique, It could be dangerous to let her roam around with that kind of mindset. 

He pushes Chandler out of his mind. She wouldn’t resort into something that mundane, right? He doesn’t know her well enough. Maybe he could ask Veronica about her later. 

“Hey! Where did Heather go?” He finds Duke and McNamara entering the room. “Did you do something, lame-ass?” The former asks with disdain.

“No, I uh- She just left.” He replies lamely. 

“Should one of us follow her? I feel like we should.” McNamara says. “I want to investigate this room some more so Heather, you-“

“To hell with that! I’m not going with her when she’s most likely pissed off!” Duke sends a dirty glance Jeremy’s way then looks back at McNamara. “You go with her!”

The two go back and forth with several “you go!” “No you!” being thrown around. Jeremy honestly found it a bit humorous and amusing. In the end, the two stopped their bickering and just decided that none of them go with Chandler (which in retrospect he thinks is a bad idea but he doesn’t want to voice that opinion out loud).

He goes back to investigating now that the situation has been defused. He sees Duke looking at the bathing suits on display. All of them were either one piece swimsuits or swim trunks.

“Why do they only have these?” She whined. “How am I supposed to look good in those?” 

“I mean what you wear when you swim shouldn’t even matter.” Jeremy states. She once again glares daggers at him. She really takes after Heather.

“That’s like the worst thing you’ve ever said.” She sneers. “Obviously what you wear in the pool is going to matter! How else are you going to take pool selfies?” 

We don’t even have phones.

“Heather, Do you think this one’s good or this one’s good?” McNamara grabs two bathing suits from the rack. One of them was colored yellow and the other was a lighter blue. Aside from the colors, He couldn’t tell how they differed. 

“The blue one brings out your eyes but the yellow one just suits you more.” Duke replied honestly. McNamara beams at the answer. 

“Thanks! But I should keep looking around.” She places both bathing suits back on the rack. “You think we should get one for Heather too?” 

“No. She has a higher taste in fashion than we can ever dream of.” 

I kind of feel out of place overhearing this. Is this what popular girls do?

“Oh, I think this’ll fit you!” McNamara says, holding up a pair of blue swim trunks. Jeremy looks around the room before dumbly pointing to himself, his brows creased. 

“You mean me?”

“Who else would Heather be referring to, dumbass?” Duke asked. She eyes the pair in McNamara’s hands. “It does seem like it can fit.”

“Wait! Don’t I get a say in this?” 

“Full offense but we have a better fashion taste than you do.” She said, “Find better clothes then we’ll talk.” 

Jeremy looks down at his clothes. His jacket with a black and white color scheme and his white shirt with a red stripe in the middle. It wasn’t that bad, right?

“Do we just take these? Do they have the same currency as the Squip Machine? Do we still have to pay for it?” McNamara asked. 

“We probably don’t. There’s no cashier and it isn’t like we manually open the cash register and put our coins inside.” Duke says. 

Hopefully there’s nothing in the rules about “stealing” clothes.

As the Heathers looked through more of the swimsuits, He looked around to see what else they were selling. Turns out it was just the basic necessities for swimming. They had different types of swimming gear in stock like goggles and kick boards. He even saw floaters for kids in different designs that were contained in a box. He saw a flamingo, unicorn and donut. All of them were already filled with air.

“Who even pumped this up?” Jeremy asked, reaching into the box and grabbing the horn of the unicorn floater. “Geez, these are big.”

Aside from those, there was nothing else noteworthy about the room so he left, the Heathers came along with him to possibly find Chandler.

When they reached the hall, they parted ways and Jeremy was faced with the range of doors again.

Where will he go now?

——

He went into a new room, eager to find out what kind of area it would be. In a hotel like this, anything was possible. 

So he was greeted with the sound of glass shattering. 

His attention was alert and he whips his head to look at where the sound was coming from. 

“Oh..” Jake said, shaking his head in defeat. “Man, and I thought I was getting good at it.” He stares at the glass shards in sorrow.

“Jake?!” Jeremy called out. The boy noticed him and waved him over. 

“Hey, Heere.” Jake greeted as he shot his finger guns. “You exploring this part too?” 

“What happened?! What broke?!” 

“I tried to bartend but I did an awful job at it.” He complains, kicking the shards underneath the carpet near him.

Jeremy decided to leave him alone and began to search around the room for clues. The first and most obvious thing he noticed was the bar counter that Jake was currently behind.

“Heere! Do you want a drink?” Jake grinned. Jeremy looked at him incredulously.

“Did you just forget what happened a few moments ago?” He asked him. Jake shrugged.

“Second time’s the charm. Everyone says that.”

“No one says that.” Jeremy sighs. “Seriously though, I’m not really a big drinker.” He stated. “But thank you. I appreciate it.” 

“No problem. I can try to look for a non-alcoholic drink if you want.” Jake scans the bottles that were available. “I don’t really know which ones are non-alcoholic… kinda just grab the dopest one out of the bunch and chug, y’know?”

“It’s fine.” He shrugs as Jeremy goes behind the counter and grabs one of the bottles. He doesn’t even want to question Jake’s weird drinking habits. “Are we sure these are safe? Like are they expired?” 

“I mean I drank half of an entire bottle.” Jake inputs, gesturing to the puddle of booze and the poorly hidden bottle shards. “So I hope it’s not.”

“You what?!” Jeremy panicked.

“It’s fine, Heere. I checked the bottle and it’s like mostly safe.” 

“Mostly?!” 

“Hold on, I’m gonna fix myself another drink.” Jake says, ignoring Jeremy’s concern. “I won’t break shit this time, don’t worry!”

“Where did you even learn to do this anyway?” Jeremy asks him as he gets a glass from behind the counter.  “And why do you want to?” He glances at the badly hidden shards. 

“When you throw parties a lot, it kinda just comes to you.” Jake says, grabbing a bottle of scotch and pouring it into a cup. 

“Isn’t it supposed to be more complicated than that?“ Jeremy asks, watching him take a sip from the drink. 

“I guess but I don't want to complicate it besides it’s not like I mind.” He takes another sip before eventually chugging down the whole thing. Jeremy watches him in awe. 

…That’s impressive as it is concerning.

He swiftly moves his gaze towards the pool table. One of the main games is placed in the farther side of the room. Two others were next to each other in a vertical position. They may have been near the other but it still had enough space to be played. Meanwhile, the pool table was in a horizontal position right above them. 

“Oh Heere! You want to play pool with me?” Jake asked, walking towards the pool table and grabbing a cue stick. “Trust me, I’m a pro! This girl I knew, Madeline, was all like: “I’ll only sleep with you if you beat me at pool” and then I won!” 

Does he know that she could have lost on purpose? Jeremy didn’t have the heart to tell him the alternative possibility so he just smiled anxiously. 

“No, I’m fine. I don’t really know how to play.”

“Don’t worry man! I’ll teach you! And I promise I’ll go easy on you.”

“Maybe some other time?” 

Jake grins. “Alright! Honestly, with your skills you could beat me with some cool, unheard of strategy. But I won’t lose to you!”

“Haha.. I’m not really that good at sports..” Also does pool even have a strategy? Guess he’ll think about that more.

He looks at the other game tables and finds a foosball table right beside another. Jake goes up towards one side. His eyes light up then he looks up at Jeremy. 

“Come on dude! You gotta know how to play foosball!” 

“Well, yeah I do but it isn’t like I’m any good at it. I mean you’re the Ultimate Athlete! You’d be a champion at Foosball too by default.” 

“You gotta try it first!” 

Jeremy sighs. He was supposed to find a way to escape. He had no idea how he ended up in this position. Knowing that there was absolutely no way he could convince Jake to think otherwise, he agreed to one round. 

He felt his palms sweat as he got a hold of the rods controlling the tiny foosball men. He looks at Jake who had his game face on. He is most certainly going to lose. 

“So who serves first?”

“The ball isn’t with me so I assume it’s with you, Heere.” 

Jeremy nods, finding the ball in the opening on his side of the table. He delicately places the ball in front of the foosball man at the center. That’s when the game finally began.

The ball was pushed back and forth as both boys tried to restrain the other from shooting the ball in the hole. 

Jeremy tries to think of several techniques to score while he keeps on blocking and kicking the ball. Guiding the foosball men to not lose in the hands of Jake Dillinger. 

Unfortunately for him, the ball moves towards his side of the table (ergo to his hole). He uses the rod to kick the ball forward and it goes farther from his side and more to the middle.

It kept on going on until Jeremy saw a smidge of an opening. He hits the ball towards it but Jake’s faster. He blocks then kicks and the ball goes flying to the other side before Jeremy could block back. 

“Crap.” Jeremy mutters as Jake let out a loud whoop. “I did tell you that you would win.” 

“Don’t worry about it. I didn’t expect you to be that good!” He complimented. “Honestly, with a little more practice, you could win against me! You are an insane strategist, after all. You should be smart at these things.”

How do I tell him that I mostly use my abilities for video games? 

“Well, that was fun,” Jeremy starts with a smile. “You’re really good.”

“Thanks, man! Every time I go against people I know, they say I cheat! Which I’d never! Cheating is the one thing I’d never do!” Jake defended himself. “Except like once but only because I was proving a point so that shouldn’t count.” Jeremy’s mouth hung wide open. 

No, I think that should count.

Another game table was an air hockey table. Jake ran over to it, his eyes once again glimmering. He looks up to Jeremy who shakes his head. “I’m good. Thanks.” One look at Jake made Jeremy crumble as the athlete gave Jeremy the “kicked puppy” expression. “Okay, fine.” 

“Alright then!” 

Before they could even start, the door opened and Kurt and Ram entered the room. Jeremy sighs, ready for another round of belittling that will come from them.

“Huh, I knew I heard a little bitch in here.” Kurt ruffles Jeremy’s hair as he groans in exasperation. The shit eating smirk was on his face, a slight glint of something in his eyes that Jeremy couldn’t detect. 

“We came to check out this room. Looked cooler than the rest.” Ram eyed the air hockey table, his eyes widened. “Holy fuck, man! I need to play this! Yo, Kurt!” 

“One step ahead of you.” Kurt grins. “Dillinger, you don’t mind tapping out for a while, do ya?”

Jake looks at Jeremy before smiling at Kurt. “Go ahead, homeslice! Heere and I will have a turn later!”

We absolutely will not! 

Kurt goes to the left side of the table and Ram goes to the right side. Jeremy grabs the puck that was on the latter’s side of the table and places it in the center. 

Once he did that, The puck went haywire, going anywhere but holes that it was supposed to go in. None of the boys were giving up as they tried to discern when to block and attack. If the atmosphere wasn’t so deadly, he would honestly be impressed at the commitment to winning.

Typically, Air hockey wouldn’t be too intense. The times he’s played it in the past, he either fucks up and accidentally scores the other team a point or it’s just slowly gliding across the table as Jeremy desperately over analyzing everything until he gets distracted and the other team wins. 

But whatever was going on in front of him, It didn’t feel as if it were a casual game. It felt as if their lives depended on it. 

Eventually, the competition had to end. The puck clashed with Kurt’s striker and sent it forwards in a swift movement. Ram didn’t have the time to block and so it fell in the hole.

“That went on for way too long.” Jeremy notes as Kurt raised his arms in victory and sat down on a nearby leather chair. 

“You aren’t praising me, Heere.” 

“Oh, sorry.” Jeremy avoids Kurt’s expecting glare. “But you did really well, Kurt. It’s really impressive.” 

“That’s my best friend! Punch it in, Kurt!” Ram seemed happy for someone who lost. He was proud of his friend which, at the very least, made Jeremy smile at their nice moment. 

“Dude, that was impressive! We should do this again. Heere, you gotta go against me!” 

We’re seriously going to do this again?! 

After that weirdly spectacular game, Jeremy leaves the game room ( or is it a bar? or is it both? ) and heads towards the final door in the hallway. 

He wonders what awaits him there. 

———

He opens the door to the last room that was on this level and is immediately blown away. It was a library. It wasn’t too huge but it was big enough to have staircases in the room that lead to other shelves of books. 

Staircases. Plural.

“I’m really glad this library opened up.” Martha says, approaching him. She too is taking in the scenery of the library. “My local library is bigger than this but this place is more grand. It looks like I’m in a fairytale.” 

“God, The situation sucks ass but at least, we aren’t paying for this trip, Am I right?” Veronica asks, walking up to the two of them. She laughs at her joke. Was it even a joke? He didn’t know.

He looks around the room. It was evident that there were multiple book shelves of dozens of different books raging from different genres. Some were drama, murder mystery, fantasy and even cookbooks. 

There’s one name that sticks out among the rest. 

“Dear Diary” A story about a girl struggling in High-School by Veronica Sawyer.

“Veronica! Your book is here!” She snapped her attention to him.

“Wait seriously?!” She runs towards him, followed by Martha, and gets the book from his hands. Her eyes widened. “Holy shit! I can’t believe this!” 

“I’m surprised “Beautiful” isn’t on here.” Martha says. “Isn’t that one your best work?” 

“It depends on who you ask. Personally, I think “Dear Diary” is better but I’m proud of both of my works! I wouldn’t be a professional writer if I wasn’t proud!” Veronica says, dignity in her eyes.

“I love all of your books, Veronica! Especially the endings!” Martha compliments. Veronica smiles at her friend. 

“I know you love happy endings. It’s why you love the Princess Bride so much.” 

“When we get back, We should totally do a movie night!” 

“Yeah!” 

Jeremy stares at them. He’s glad Veronica was able to lean on her best friend during a situation like this. She needed all the support she could get after what happened during the trial and Martha was the support she deserved.

Their friendship reminded him of… 

He frowned. He couldn’t live in despair. Michael wouldn’t want him to. He’ll avenge him and he’ll find whoever is in charge of this horrible killing game. 

“I’m so stoked! I haven’t seen one of my books in a library before!” Veronica brims with excitement. “This means I made it as an author!”

“I’m pretty sure you’ve already made it as an author with the fact that you wrote a bestseller.” Jeremy says.

“But you don’t understand… It’s now a book you can get in a library! I mean how many people have forgotten to return it because they read it too much? That’s how you know your book is good!”

"If your book is in a library and someone forgets to return it, It makes your book good?” He asks, rephrasing what she said. 

“Exactly! See! You get it!” 

“I don’t think he does, Veronica.” Martha pipes in.

I definitely don’t. 

He turns to look at Martha. “Did you find anything that you like? You are the Ultimate Librarian. This place seems like your scene.”

“It is! And there’s a lot of books I love here!” She chirps. “I’ve been here since after we met at the buffet and it’s like I’m in heaven!” 

“Do you have any book recommendations?” Jeremy asked. “Reading would hopefully take our mind off of this situation.”

“I actually do! I suggest fantasy books!” Martha says cheerily. “They’re great and they also help the inner child in you!”

“Yeah. I can see why you like them so much.” He remembers Martha lighting up when he mentioned fantasy books the first time they met.

“Of course, I also suggest Veronica’s books if those aren’t your style.” Veronica places a hand over her heart and smiles at the recommendation. “I know she likes mystery books.”

“Yeah, a friend of mine got me into it in grade school. Maybe I should write a mystery novel of my own.” She scribbles on her notepad possibly to write down an idea.

No matter what she writes, It’s guaranteed to be good. That’s the charm of being the Ultimate Writer. 

After a chat with Martha and Veronica, He goes up the staircase to explore the second floor of the library. Maybe something there could catch his eye. 

He noticed someone familiar the moment he reached the top. 

“Jenna?!” He exclaims. He shuts his mouth. No screaming in a library. How could he have forgotten that? 

She lifts up her cap and looks at him. “Hey Jeremy.”

“I almost didn’t notice you!” 

“I don’t blame you. I wasn’t trying to be seen.” 

It’s true. She wore her hood on above her cap, covering most of her head. The only reason why he managed to notice her was because of her clothing. It’s a shocker that Martha and Veronica didn’t recognize her.

“Why though?” He expected her to be with the popular girls of Middle-Borough. Why was she alone?

“No reason. Just thought it’d be faster that way.” Jenna explains. “I was with Chloe and Brooke when we visited the library but they left to go to another room and I stayed here. Don’t think they noticed me staying. Anyways, so far, I haven’t found anything important.”

His sullen expression increases tenfold. “Nothing? Really?” 

“Appears so.” Jenna says. “Then again, If Squip really wants his so-called game to keep going. He wouldn’t give us the answer right away.”

“I kind of feel stupid for pressuring everyone else to investigate.” 

“It isn’t stupid because I’m sure there’s something we can find out.” She comforts. “And even if we don’t this room seems like a good distraction for however long this is going to go.” 

“Yeah, you’re right. There has to be an answer somewhere.”

“And I’m going to help you find it.”

“Same here.” Jeremy hadn’t forgotten about their unspoken alliance. While they were from different groups, he was a nerd and she was a gossip, they banded together to fight against the killing game.

We’re going to find a way to escape! I know that!

It was one of the first times in his life, he’s been positive but he believes in it. He believes that they’ll find a way to escape together.

He goes back down the stairs and sees Martha looking around while Veronica is sitting down on a leather chair, reading her book. On the coffee table, there was a stack of parchment paper. Aside from that, there also was a quill pen dipped in an inkwell.

Fancy, He notes. He picks up the quill, feeling the feather brush his skin. Maybe this would be useful for them. We could write a letter to those who’re outside. Maybe they can find us.

“Oh, hey Jeremy!” Veronica called out. Jeremy yelped and turned around to face her. She gestured to the seat next to the coffee table he was standing in front of. He sits down and she places her book on the counter next to the parchment.

“Yeah?” 

“I just wanted to say that it was cool what you did in the buffet earlier.” She says. “I can’t believe you managed to convince Heather Chandler of all people.” 

“Yeah, I honestly don’t know how I did that either.”

“But what you said. It was true. We need to stop this killing game. I don’t trust a lot of people here if I’m being honest. Most especially the Heathers and to a lesser extent Kurt and Ram.” She looks at him. She looks so determined. “However, If we plan to escape, we have to work together and causing tension and getting pissed off won’t help. That’s the only way we can get out!”

“Veronica, you don’t have to force yourself to work with people you don’t believe in.” Jeremy says. “I don’t know what happened between you and the Heathers but I do know that you’re incredibly entitled to feel angry. Whether at this game or them for what they did. It’s justified.” 

“I guess you’re right. Just arguing with them now seems like a waste of time.” She slouches on her chair. “But they probably won’t leave me alone. I just want to get out of here, finish my senior year and go to Harvard. Or Duke, Yale, Stanford. I don’t care anymore, just anywhere but here.” 

“Yeah. I know the feeling.”

“Oh, and about what you talked about with Jenna. What you did wasn’t stupid. You’re just determined to escape for your best friend if anything that’s admirable.”

“Hey, wait! Speaking of the Heathers,” She raised an eyebrow at the start of his sentence. “Uh, Heather kind of had a talk with me.” Her eyes looked panicked. “Veronica?"

“Which Heather?” She talks as if whoever he answers with decides his fate. That could be what’s happening in all honesty.

“Heather Chandler.” Her panicked eyes widened even more than they already were.

“What did she say? A talk with Heather Chandler isn’t good.”

“In summary, She said that she’s going to get out of here no matter what it takes even if it means winning the game .” She got what he was trying to say. He could tell by the way irritation took over her expression. “She says she won’t let anyone get in her way. I’m a bit worried about what she’ll do.”

“Knowing Heather, Killing could be her last resort if all else fails. If she wants something, She will get it. That’s why she’s the Demon Queen.” Veronica says bitterly. “But I don’t think she would try to attempt it. She’s smarter than that. With the success of the last trial, even despite her ego, she wouldn’t risk death.” She stays silent before continuing. “Then again, the motives Squip might give could be promising. So I think for both of our sakes and everyone else’s, I’ll keep an eye on her.” 

“Thanks Veronica.” Heather wouldn’t do something that horrid but it wouldn’t hurt to be sure.

Veronica and Martha soon left the library after exploring all they needed to. Jeremy took one last look around the room before noticing a fake painting on the wall that left a horrid gap between the bookshelves. It portrayed Squip in his classic trench coat. 

Why was it painted on and not an actual painting?

His first instinct was to touch it. It could lead to a secret base or room. There could have been a button that was hidden in plain sight.

However, He got nothing. That was to be expected, realistically speaking.

He walked away from the wall but it was then that he noticed something he hadn’t before. 

There was a door being blocked by a bookshelf with only the doorknob (and some part of the door) seen. 

“Looks like you found it.” Jenna hurries down the stairs and goes towards the buried door. They looked at each other before using all their might to move the bookcase. Thankfully, It did not topple over as they were pushing.

The door was now fully seen and had a window on it where they managed to see what was inside. It was just a bunch of desks, chairs and shelves that contained newspapers that he couldn’t read the headlines of. He tries to unlock the door but the knob won’t budge.

“It’s a reading room.” Jenna states. “Specifically a newspaper reading room.” 

“Why would this place be locked if it just contains a bunch of newspapers?”

“No clue. It could be related to our disappearance, who Squip is, who is really in charge of the game.” She lists off. “Either way, It’s something Squip doesn’t want us to know about so it could be important.”

Jeremy smiles. “So we did find something after all.”

“Surprisingly, yeah.” She says. “We just need to know what’s inside.” 

Jeremy’s smile doesn’t falter. His investigation has led him somewhere. They were one step closer to the truth which meant one step closer to escaping. 

There was finally a deserved hope.

He hurriedly leaves the room. He explored the entire level and now, it was time to meet up with everyone else. 

He closed the door and headed to the elevator lobby.

———

“Since everyone’s here, We should start getting this over with.” Chandler says with boredom and annoyance. “Who’s going to start?”

“There’s a spa room on the new level!” Christine claims. “It could be a nice place to relax.. with everything that’s going on.” 

“It has the whole package, really.” Chloe added. “It has a bath with rose petals, lavender scented candles, Everything.” 

“It’ll be fun! We can make it like a girls thing!” Brooke suggests. “Then again, It is pretty small…”

“Maybe some other time.” Veronica shudders. 

“Aside from that, There’s a gym.” Kurt says. “It’s a great place to train so we can beat the shit out of Squip.” He cracks his knuckles. The sound echoes through the room. 

Isn’t that against the rules? 

“Exacly! We’ll get out of here in no time!” Ram exclaims. 

“Won’t you get killed if you try to do that?” McNamara questions. Ram and Kurt’s confident personas withered to dust. Both of them looked uneasy. Jeremy’s eyes shined when looking at Kurt.

It’s not too bad of an idea though. Would apprehension result in a punishment? It isn’t stated…

“Anyways…” Jenna said, changing the topic. “There’s a library. It isn’t too huge but it does have a lot of interesting books in there. Alongside, Parchment, a quill and an inkwell. That could be useful.”

“Plus, My books are there!” Veronica says happily. Jenna raises an eyebrow at her. She crosses her arms in defense. “What? I’m allowed to be proud.”

“While there are different genres to read there, None of which have anything that applies to our situation.” Martha informs. “Then again, I haven’t checked every shelf so I wouldn’t be 100% positive.”

“I don’t think there would be a book about escaping a hotel.” Jenna argues. Martha looks down on the ground, ashamed. Veronica glares at Jenna.

“You didn’t need to shoot down her idea that quickly.”

“But there’s something else in the library!” Jeremy blurts out, trying to defuse the tension between the two girls. “I think it could be very important and could give us the answers we need.”

“What is it?” Jake asks.

“It’s a reading room.” Jenna replies to him. “A newspaper reading room. There was a door that was covered behind a bookcase. When we moved it, the inside of the room had newspapers in it.” 

“So? How’s that so important?” Chloe questioned. 

“We think that it might contain articles related to our disappearance or even who Squip really is and why he’s making us play this game.” Jeremy responded. “The room’s locked and there should be a reason why it’s locked, right? It’s something Squip doesn’t want us to figure out.”

“Whether he wants us to figure it out or not, It doesn’t change the fact that the door is locked.” 

Chandler points out. “Ergo, It’s useless for us now.”

Is it really? At least now we know Squip is hiding something.

“There’s also a pool!” McNamara says, beaming. “We don’t have to worry about swimsuits since there’s a store providing us with them. Alongside, Kickboards and goggles.

“But there’s a catch to it.” Duke tells them. “Apparently, You can’t go to the pool during night time. Unless you’re…” She doesn’t bring herself to say it yet everyone understands the implication. 

Non living.. 

“Although, there is more to that rule.” Chandler gets the conversation back on track. She met Jeremy’s gaze. Her attention focuses on everyone else after a second. He couldn’t help but recall the things she said earlier. He suddenly felt intimidated by her stare as he’s always been. “You can stay in the store during night time since they are two separate rooms but if you step foot onto the pool…”

“You get executed.” Jeremy doesn’t even realize he finished her sentence until a few seconds after when the silence rings hollow. His hand flies up to his mouth. 

“What he said.” 

Jake clears his throat, trying to cut away from the sour atmosphere of the room. “There happens to be a game room in the new level. As well as a bar.”

“A bar!” Kurt and Ram echo in unison. They had grins on their faces. That was probably one of the few times Jeremy’s seen them happy. They must have had a fun time drinking with Jake when I left them. Someone should keep a lookout.

“Yeah! And there are tons of games too! Like pool, foosball and air hockey!” Jake adds in more.

“Those are technically the only games there.” Jeremy corrected. 

“Man, I’d love to play another round and play foosball too!” Kurt says. He looks at Ram. “What’d you say, dude? Wanna kick back, play foosball and drink beer?” 

“Hell yeah!” The two fist bumps. Those two will never cease to confuse him. 

“So in short, There’s nothing that can aid our escape.” Chandler gets up from her seat, the other Heathers do the same. “That means there’s no reason for us to stay here anymore.”

“Where are you going?” Jeremy turns his head to Veronica who looks livid. “We are supposed to stay together and find a way to stop this game!” 

“Veronica, don’t you get it?” Chandler growls. “None of us trust each other! Especially now that someone went and committed a fucking murder!” Jeremy looked at the floor, avoiding everyone’s stares. “And to add the cherry on top, a certain psychopath has been keeping a gun from all of us! Who knows what he could do?!”

“Don’t call JD a psychopath.”

“I’d say he is.” Squip appears in front of everyone. Jeremy flinches and everyone in the room falls silent. “I’m glad you brought him up actually. I had been meaning to talk to you all about him!” 

Veronica glares at him. It wasn’t filled with rage. It was filled with horror. “Tell me you didn’t. Tell me it’s a sick joke.” 

“Veronica?” Martha asked. “What’s he talking about?” Veronica followed Jeremy, staring at the floor so she wouldn’t have to look anyone in the eye.

“As you may remember, JD pulled a gun on me. Violence against the headmaster is not allowed.” Squip scolded. It was as if he was talking to little children, not scared teenagers. It made Jeremy even more angry. He felt as if it was deserved. What JD did is what anyone would do at their breaking point. 

“So?” Chloe asked, raising her eyebrow.

“He had to be punished.” The room went cold. Jeremy felt himself shaking, his eyes widening slowly. It was only now that he realized that Squip had a hand behind his back. 

Jeremy couldn’t even comprehend anything anymore when Squip pulled out something from behind him.

“Take this as a lesson.” He tosses the item in front of them. “This is what happens when you disobey the rules. This is what happens when you don’t do what I say.” 

He threw it as if it was a toy. He threw it as if it wasn’t anything important. He threw it as if it was a fucking burnt up arm wearing a torn up black sleeve. The one JD had always worn. The arm was burnt up, barely recognizable aside from the cloth from the jacket and the blood. Veronica screamed, grabbing the blown up piece of someone close to her. 

“Say you’re just messing with me, please…” She choked out a sob. Jeremy just stared. It was all he could do. Everyone didn’t move from their spot, nothing was heard aside from Veronica’s sobbing.

Martha hugged her tight, muttering apologies as Veronica cried harder than ever before. Jeremy blinks back tears. Seeing a part of JD's body up close and smelling how decayed it was, he couldn’t even catch his breath.

“Next time. No resistance, okay? I feel like you kids should know that by now.” Squip sighed with disappointment. “Remember, it’ll be less fun for everyone if all of you die.” He disappeared, going as quickly as he came.

Veronica kept sobbing, Martha’s attempts to calm her down proved to be futile. There were whispers all around, Jeremy just found it all to be white noise. 

“Really?” Veronica said, no emotion in her voice. She looked at them, blankly. “This isn’t your typical gossip.” She glared at Jenna who winced, avoiding the angry look she had. “Someone actually died. Someone got blown up. This isn’t some joke.” 

“We aren’t saying anything, Veronica.” Chandler pipes up. Everyone had somewhat of a guilty expression when Veronica called them out even if it varied in intensity. Despite that, Chandler remained the same. “It’s his own upbringing. If he didn’t aim that gun and hide it from us, he wouldn’t have-“

“Don’t you dare blame him.” Veronica says, her glare and tone deadly. “You are not that heartless. No one can be that heartless, can they?” 

“You agree. Don’t you, Jeremy?“ Chandler looked at him, ignoring Veronica. He couldn’t say anything. It was like his mouth was sewed shut. He couldn’t even let out a word. He just stared at the floor. 

He didn’t even know why Chandler picked him to speak up. Maybe it’s because he was the first one she managed to look at first. Who knew?

He didn’t hold a grudge towards JD. It wasn’t JD’s fault. It wasn’t his fault for dying. He thinks, deep down, they all knew it. He thinks they know that they would do the same or something similar. 

Would we actually?

“No.” He finally speaks after what felt like a lifetime. He had to say something, anything to stop the ticking time bomb that was about to blow. 

Fuck, poor choice of wording.

Squip wants this, doesn’t he? If they were divided, they’d never escape, they’d never put trust in each other, they’d earn an urge to kill. 

And it appears like his first victims were Heather Chandler and Veronica Sawyer. It was always them.

“He couldn’t take two deaths. It isn’t his fault. He just- He couldn’t take it anymore.” He was mad but out of everyone he could be mad at, JD wasn’t one of them. “JD died, leaving us with three people gone. That’s too much. We need to work together.”

He gives Chandler a pleading look. But he knows that she won't back down. She knows he knows that she wouldn’t back down. Her threat keeps on repeating, like a mantra that she lived by. She didn’t believe in an escape route. All she knew was that this game was the only way to get out. 

And no one was going to stop her if she wanted to get out. 

Because under no circumstances will she want to lose.

Veronica said it best herself. If Chandler wants something, You bet your life that she’ll get it. No one will get in her way. She was an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. 

“You all really are naive.” Chandler scoffs at the arm in Veronica’s grasp. “Don’t go crying to me when someone ends up shooting you in the back.” 

She leaves with the rest of the Heathers while everyone else in the buffet reflects on the weight of her words. Even when Jeremy left to go to his room, her words affected him. 

She was right. Anyone could be the one controlling the killing game behind the scenes. Anyone could kill someone in cold blood. Anyone could be the next victim.

Trust? Belief? Faith? Hope? They were all useless in this situation. 

Yet for some reason, Jeremy didn’t want to succumb to it. 

They all had to stick together. It was the only way the killing game would stop. If they couldn’t find an escape route then Jeremy would be damned if he couldn’t get everyone to work together to create one.

He wasn’t a leader, He wasn’t an optimist, Hell, He was sure that most of the people in this hotel hated his guts. 

But if staying together was going to stop the killing game, If it was going to avenge Michael and Rich, (and now, apparently, JD) then he’ll do whatever it takes to try and bring them together. 

Anything was better than being in a killing game.

I don’t have anything to do. I should do something to pass the time.

—FREE TIME EVENTS—

He decided to talk to Martha. She was honestly the nicest person among all of them (aside from Christine) and he would really like to talk to someone sweet after what happened with Chandler.

He found her in the library, organizing books.

“Squip has no idea how to organize books! These aren’t even in alphabetical order!” 

Should I hang out with Martha?

> Yes

No

“You really want to?! That’s great!”

Martha begins to talk about her favorite book. Jeremy weighed in some comments about the story and they had a small discussion about its themes.

Should I give Martha a present?

> Yes

No

“Martha, I think I have something that you’ll want.” He pulls out a unicorn bookmark out of his pocket. It doesn’t take too long before Martha snatches it out of his hands in awe. 

“It looks so adorable! Are you really giving this to me?!” He nods. “Jeremy, that’s one of the sweetest things anyone’s ever done for me!” 

That has to be an exaggeration, right?

“I’ve actually been wondering. Why are you the Ultimate Librarian? Because no offense or anything, The job seems kind of dull…” He pauses before apologizing profusely. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to say it like that… I just meant-!” 

“No, I think I got what you were trying to say. It does seem like a pretty boring job but it’s a job I've wanted since kindergarten and that’s why I love it so much!” 

“Because it reminds you of kindergarten?” 

“Mhm! In kindergarten, I would always love to read in front of everyone. It was one of the only times in my life where I felt confident. I used to read stories to everyone since I had a higher reading level than they did.” She beams at the memory. “The person I’d read the most to was Veronica or my kindergarten boyfriend.”  

Jeremy did a double take. “You had a boyfriend?!” 

“Yeah…” She looks down, blushing. “You know Ram Sweeney, right?”

“The Ultimate Linebacker?” His mouth gaped. “That was him?! You dated Ram?!” 

“All throughout that time, we were inseparable. There was this one time where he pulled a scab one time while playing kickball and then he kissed me on the kickball field!” She clasps her hands together and sighed dreamily. Jeremy smiled. “I took the scab and put it in a locket. I wore it near my heart the entire year.” 

I don’t know how to feel about that.

“He didn’t care about how I looked. He.. didn’t.”

“Didn’t?”

“First grade rolled around and he stopped talking to me. He focused all his attention on sports, his team, Kurt. He didn’t like me anymore.” Martha’s voice cracked. Jeremy felt like he was about to cry with her. 

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t be silly! It’s not your fault and it’s fine!” She reassured. “We may have drifted apart but I know that he still longs for me!”

Does he?

“Anyways, I’m getting off topic. When I was in the first grade, I would go to the library to read fairy tales since they were my favorite books to read in kindergarten. They still are, actually.” Her joyous expression turned bittersweet. “I sometimes see Ram outside the library’s window.”

“You do?”

“He’s playing a new sport with Kurt and he looks so happy. He looks happier without me. It hurts but I’m glad he’s able to find something he loves, y’know?”

He felt horrible. Martha was trying to escape reality through fiction. It was like she was in a never ending sleep that she didn’t want to wake up from. 

“I volunteer in our neighborhood libraries and whenever the elementary school kids come and visit, I would always read them my favorite stories when I was their age!” Martha says happily. “You should meet them. They’re really sweet!”

“I’m sure they are.”

“You should come visit the library if you ever come to Ohio! You can even read the kids something! I’m sure they’d love it!” 

She grins and he returns it. “Yeah, I will if I get the chance to.”

Martha’s been through so much. She still hasn’t let go of her past. Everyone’s like that. In a way, they’re scared of the future. They’re scared of everyone leaving them. Fuck, her talent came from the fact she didn’t want to leave behind the past. Everyone except Veronica left her. Ram left her. I feel horrible just thinking about it. I hope she’s okay. She doesn’t deserve that. Being left behind… it must suck.

Martha and I grew a little closer today.

———

After I hung out with Martha, I returned to my room. 

I still have time left. I should do something else. Anything’s better than doing nothing.

———

Jeremy went back to the library to find Jenna Rolan looking at the door that was no longer covered by a bookcase. 

“What could Squip be hiding from us? Why does he want us to play his game?” 

Should I hang out with Jenna?

> Yes

No

“Well, We’ll find out what it is eventually.” 

Jenna begins to share with Jeremy about some recent gossip that she’s heard lately. It was mostly about the popular kids from Middle-Borough. 

Should I give Jenna a present?

> Yes

No

“Oh, I have something to give you.” Jeremy places a toy camera in Jenna’s hands. “I’m not sure if it has any film or anything but uh-“ He shakes his head. “Sorry, It’s probably stupid.”

CLICK.

“Wha-?” He rubs his eyes from the sudden flash. Jenna checks the small camera’s footage and smiles to herself.

“It works just fine. Thanks. It could be really useful.” 

“So…” Jeremy begins his sentence, not knowing where he’ll go with it. He doesn’t know a lot of conversation starters. “…Jenna, How are you?” 

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “What?”

“Uhm, How are you?” 

“I- uh-“ She fumbles for a response but doesn’t say any. “No one’s ever asked me that before.” Was the only thing she could say. Jeremy gives her a condoling stare. How did he not realize it sooner? The first thing she ever said to him was about Chloe’s achievements.

“They don’t?”

“No. It’s always: “Who slept with him?” “Who does she like?” “Which kid got expelled?” “Who’s doing drugs?”.” He felt his heart ache for her. “It’s fine, though. I don’t really care.” 

She does, doesn’t she? “Well, How are you, Jenna?” 

“I’m.. not good. We are still trapped here.” 

“True.” Once again, There was an awkward feel to the conversation. Neither of them knew how to start it up. “So, uh, Tell me about yourself.”

Jenna looked even more surprised than she did before. “What?” 

“Like, y’know, How you got your ultimate talent, What’s it like being the Ultimate Journalist and working for the school newspaper. Things like that.” She was silent. Her eyes wide like he just pulled a knife right in front of her. “If you don’t want to.. that’s fine!”

“I've had this talent since I was a kid.” She opens up. Jeremy let out a breath of relief. He could not take anymore awkwardness. “Ever since I could remember, I liked eavesdropping on other people. I always wanted to find out what was going on around me so I wouldn’t be left out.”

“But aren’t you supposed to ask people for information? Like research and investigation?” 

“I did. That is until High-School rolled around. Afterward, I was nicknamed as the Ultimate Gossip and it was one of the only things I was known for aside from my already existing talent.” She clarifies. “Naturally, Not a lot of people trust me with their secrets.” She shrugs. “It doesn’t even matter that much because if I ask the right people, I’ll end up finding it out eventually.” 

“I guess that’s why you’re the Ultimate Journalist. You know exactly who to ask.” He pauses for a second. “If you have connections, then why do you eavesdrop?”

“More convenient. Most of the time, I end up at the right place at the right time.”

“Like luck?”

“You can say that.”

“Do you do the same thing for our school’s paper?” 

“For that, I actually utilize my talent. I ask around what’s happening around campus if I don’t know already and I interview some students for Middle-Borough News.”

“So gossiping is like a side job?” 

“Try my main job.” She snorts. “If anything, The school paper is something I do on the side.”

“But it’s your talent! Don’t you like Journalism?” 

“I do but everyone sees me as the Ultimate Gossip. If that’s what they want from me then who am I to tell them differently?” Jenna keeps a straight face. 

She isn’t upset, She isn’t on the verge of tears, She just accepted it. 

Jeremy had to say something to ease her. “What’re your favorite things to report on? For Middle-Borough News?”

Jenna looks taken aback once more but it didn’t stop her from answering. “Probably about school events. It’s one of the only times where I don’t tell someone what another person is doing or accomplishing. Just once, It isn’t about a person or a team but about everyone.” She looks away embarrassed. Her gaze fleeting to another direction except his. “It sounds strange but..”

“No, It isn’t! I’m just glad you’re talking about yourself.” 

Jenna’s eyes enlarged, realizing what he said. She then turns to him and Jeremy could have sworn he’s seen a grin itched on her face. “I guess you’re right.” 

I couldn’t help but feel bad for Jenna. All she’s known is for her gossiping abilities and not for her own talent. It makes me feel even worse knowing that she’s already accepted this. She makes it her job to know what everyone’s doing but no one gets a chance to know her. I hope that changes once we’re out of this hotel.

Jenna and I grew a little closer today. 

———

Afterwards, Jeremy ate dinner alongside the rest. Nothing happened during that time. He had a conversation with Jake about ideas to escape but they both couldn’t think of anything. 

That alone proved that he definitely needed Jenna’s help.

Nighttime rolled around, everyone exited the buffet and went to their rooms whether to do their own thing or to get some sleep. 

He was about to do the same until he heard a noise coming from the ballroom. With a shaky breath and several anxieties circling in his brain like a carousel, he walked towards the area.

The more steps he took to the familiar room, the more worries he had. He thought it was dumb but in a place like this, anything could be possible. 

Thinking about worst case scenarios and preparing for them were naturally things he does best. But to his defense, they were usually for basic things that he would blow out of proportion and usually not used in a life or death game.

Realistically speaking, yes, there wouldn’t be another murder. Everyone was present in the buffet and Squip has yet to present a motive like he did last time. Nonetheless, he didn’t want to take that chance.

Feeling his heart pump louder as he approached the handles of the door, he opened it with a heavy shove.

———

As he laid on his bed, He couldn’t help but think about his talent, himself, everything that was going on. 

He made allies, no, friends today. He wishes it was under different circumstances but they were friends nonetheless. 

Or that might just be him reading too much into it. 

He couldn’t fall asleep. No matter how hard he tried. Something was eating him up inside. He feels useless. He had to plan an escape, He had to have a plan to defeat the one who was in charge of this twisted game. 

For countless hours, He tried to think of a plan to escape. He recalled the rooms he’s investigated. Nothing led to an escape route. The only thing that could help was the door in the library but it was more of an answer to their questions than an escape.

The only way to stop the game was to either live forever in this hotel (a nightmare) or he finds out who was really the one in charge and reprimand them. 

And so, He made a bad idea. He left his room in a hurry with one destination in his mind. He walked through the hallway until he found the door he was looking for. 

He tries to force himself to knock on the door or press the doorbell. He had to make himself known. He couldn’t. He was too scared. He was terrified at what the man inside would do when he realized that he was outside his door.

He could be sleeping. Just leave him alone and go back. His common sense yelled at him.

He didn’t want to listen to common sense at the moment. He rang the doorbell as its obnoxious sound filled the air. He shivered, a part of him was hoping he was asleep. 

It was a shame that he was wrong. 

With a loud thud, The door opened and there revealed Kurt Kelly in the flesh, staring down at him, pissed off. Rightfully so, he thinks.

“What are you doing?” He demands an answer. 

“Uhm, Remember when you and Ram were making fun of me a while ago in the gym?” Kurt was too angry to even chuckle at the memory. 

“Uh huh… and what does that have to do with anything?” 

“I was wondering…” He starts off slowly. “if you could… train me.” He sees Kurt’s perplexed expression and begins to elaborate. “Since it’s only against the rules to hurt Squip, I was wondering if you could teach me how to be stronger. So I could corner the one working with Squip in case a motive like before comes up again. You suggested it a while ago and-“

Kurt laughs, he laughs harder than Jeremy’s seen him laugh. “No.” He says after his laughing fit and goes to go back to whatever he was doing.

Jeremy inserts his foot to stop the door from closing. He tries to pry himself inside. “Kurt, please!”

“Fuck off, Heere! It’s not happening!” Kurt’s back was against the door, trying to push him out. 

“Come on! Please! I want to be able to fight! I want to be stronger! My talent won’t help me! So please!” 

“You want to defeat the one who created this game?! Yeah, right! A twig like you can’t even hit a punching bag without getting hurt!” 

“That’s why I need your help!”

“Like hell I’m helping a nerd like you!” 

“It can be like training for you too! You can see me fail to lift a dumbbell like you did with Ram! You can make fun of me failing! Just help me!” Jeremy begs because he has no other choice.

Kurt wasn’t pushing as hard. “How do I know you won’t stab me in the back?”

“How do I know you won’t do the same?” How did he know? The thing is he didn’t. However, he was running out of options and this was one of the only ones left. He hears Kurt scoff. “Please. You can try it for like a couple of days and if you still want nothing to do with me then I’ll leave you alone!” 

The door opens, Kurt looks defeated. “Heere, you tell anyone about this and your ass is grass. Understand?!” 

“Yes! How could I ever-“

“Shutting up is the first one. I don’t want anyone to hear about this. Much less Dumptruck’s lookalike.” Kurt checks to see if anyone’s looking. No one is. “Meet me in the gym in five minutes.” 

He walks towards the elevator lobby, Jeremy trails behind him. As he hears Kurt mutter curse words under his breath, he wonders if it was a good idea.

Most likely not but he can blame his sleep deprived brain in the morning.

———

The two arrived at the gym. Kurt made a quick detour to get a beer bottle from the bar. According to him, It was the only way he could survive the encounter.

“How do you normally start training?” Jeremy questions. It had finally dawned on him that he didn’t know what he would be doing. 

“Why did you go to me?” 

“What?” 

Kurt pinched the bridge of his nose. “Ram’s stronger than me and Dillinger is literally an athlete in multiple sports and your new best bud. Why the fuck did you go and bother me?” 

“In your testimony, you were the only one up early. Among the strongest ones here, anyway. And you brought up the idea of getting stronger when we were discussing so I thought you’d be open to it.”

“Makes sense. Ram is a heavy sleeper.” Kurt groans, taking a sip from the bottle. He scoffs. “For the record, I said that “getting stronger” thing without thinking about you. Like you can even do anything with the way you look.” He scowls, taking another swig. “Whatever, Let’s just get this over with before I finish the bottle.”

“Great! What do I have to do first?”

“Firstly, your scrawny ass needs to build muscle. If you plan on wanting to defeat the big man in charge, there’s no way you can do it with your strength.” Jeremy doesn’t find it in him to be offended at the truth. “And that means…” Kurt points over to the bench press. The color drains from Jeremy’s face. 

“No! I’ve never done something like that before!” 

“You want to get stronger? That’s one of the only ways to! Stop being a pussy and just do it already!” 

“I don’t think I can!” 

“Either you want my help or not. Now, just do it! It isn’t even that bad! It’s like 75 pounds. That’s basic beginner level! Be a man and stop making this longer than it has to be!” 

Jeremy didn’t argue. Despite his better judgement, He walked over to the bench press. Kurt follows him and watches as he lays his back down on the bench.

He gets into the right position. His legs hung off of the bench and feet were on the floor. He looks at Kurt, uncertain. Regret was the one emotion he was feeling at the moment and he felt as though his life would be flashing before his eyes. 

“Stop looking so terrified. I’ll spot you.” 

“Seriously? You aren’t going to let it suffocate my chest?”

“For starters, It wouldn’t even do that despite how much shit Ram and I give you for it. And as much as I would want to see that, I’d rather just hurry this so I can pretend this never happened.”

“Right… You’re still training with me tomorrow, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, Yeah, Sure. Just don’t tell anyone.” 

With shaky hands, Jeremy got the barbell. Kurt guided him through it. He grasped on its sleeve as Jeremy slowly pulled it down towards his chest. 

“I’m going to let it go and if, on the off chance that it does suffocate your chest, I’ll get it off. After laughing about it for a few seconds.” 

Kurt did exactly what he told. 

He let go. 

Jeremy didn’t drop the barbell. In fact, Kurt was correct. It wasn’t too heavy in the slightest. It was just 75 pounds and there was nothing to be proud of but holy shit, He was carrying a barbell. 

“Keep going. Don’t just lift it up in the air.” Kurt's voice snapped Jeremy back into reality. 

He brought it down to his chest before bringing it back up again. Up and down. Up and down. It was a continuous cycle that kept on repeating over and over again like a routine. He knew that it was easy. Kurt said it was a beginner level. Things will clearly get harder the more he progresses. But just for this moment, He finally felt like he did something right.

He felt strong. 

…for like a few minutes until his muscles eventually got tired of the repetitive cycle.

Jeremy gently placed the barbell on the floor and his arms felt numb but he did it. He lifted a barbell! That was an accomplishment enough for him. 

“You aren’t getting stronger just because you carried that barbell.” Kurt says, eying his excitement. 

“Yeah but I've never done anything like that before.” He digs his nails in his palms. “Thanks to you, I feel stronger.. like in control in a way. Like I can stop the one behind this. Or even Squip.”

“That’s way too much confidence, Heere. Not even a gun could do it. Anyway, We got a long way to go before you leave me the hell alone.” Kurt heads out the door, Jeremy follows with a newfound determination. 

Just wait, Squip. I will fight against you and whoever is working for you. There’s no way I’m going to let anyone else die in this place.

When he got to his room, He collapsed onto his bed. It didn’t take him a while before he fell asleep. 

-SQUIP THEATER-

SQUIP :

“The most important part about getting fit is that it’s automatically a guarantee for popularity. Think about it, Have you seen anyone who’s popular who isn’t someone who’s fit? If they aren’t that means, they accomplished something great or have intelligent minds. And as everyone knows teenagers are highly unlikely to have those feats.”

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

Jeremy shifts in his bed. He didn’t want to listen to Squip’s announcement. He got around two hours of sleep and he wanted to get more. 

However, He couldn’t. They all promised to meet in the buffet and if he wasn’t there, It would set off some major red flags.

He jumped up from his bed and left his room. He sluggishly walked to the elevator lobby. For the past two days, He hasn’t exactly had a healthy sleep schedule. He either overslept or did the opposite. 

Ding!

He jolted up as the elevator door opened. He didn’t even notice that he was leaning against the wall. He walks into the elevator, shutting his eyes as the door closes.

Ding!

He then forgot how quick it was to get from floor to floor. His brain wasn’t working as of currently. He walked to the buffet, slapping his cheeks to keep himself awake. 

He entered the buffet and sat next to Jake who was greeting him with enthusiasm. Jeremy smiled. At least he was full of energy. He rested his face on the table, his cheek against the silk white tablecloth. 

“Heere? Bro, Why’re you so out of it?” 

“Bwuh? Huh?” He squinted, slowly drifting off into sleep. He opens his eyes the minute he closes them. He sits upright. “Jake, slap me.”

“What?”

“I have to stay awake.” Jake hesitantly flicks his forehead. It wasn’t hard but Jeremy appreciated the attempt. Besides, with Jake’s strength, he was grateful that he didn’t face the wrath of an athlete.

“What happened?” 

“I stayed up until I think 6?” 

“6? Why didn’t you sleep, man? You look like you’ve got ten seconds until passing out. Kind of like me when I’m hungover.”

“I was up all night thinking about an escape plan.” 

“All night?” Jake was genuinely concerned. Jeremy thought it was somewhat justified. 

Besides, He spent too much time and all he got was nothing but a dumb idea that his brain thought off due to the lack of sleep. 

“Dude, I’m glad you’re taking one for the team and all with this strategizing junk but you should probably get some sleep.” Jake continues before giving him an award winning smile. “It’s like what my coach says! If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take home the trophy.” 

“It was stupid anyway.” He waves it off, dismissively. “I didn’t think of anything.” He stretches his arms. “My muscles hurt.” He whined. 

“From planning?” 

A simple ask. A valid one in fact. Anyone would question it. His eyes focused on anything that wasn’t Jake. He couldn’t risk telling Jake. Kurt would have his head on a mantle for it. Would Jake even believe him? Jeremy himself couldn’t.

His eyes landed on Christine, chatting with all the girls. Bingo! A conversation starter!

“Hey, what’s Christine doing?”

“She’s talking to them about some spa day, I think. It’s supposed to bring them closer together.” Jake didn’t mind the subject change. He looked confused and skeptical but said nothing. “It’s supposed to be a girls’ day or something.”

Christine really isn’t giving up. And I’m glad for that. She’s dedicated to bringing everyone together.

“When we escape and go back home, We should have a boys’ day.” Jeremy suggested. Jake grins. 

“Heere, yeah!” He seemed really hyped up. “That’d be a great party! It could be like… an all boys party! We could invite Kurt and Ram!”

Jeremy chuckles, albeit a little forced. Kurt definitely did not like him. Jake would need to do a lot of convincing to get Kurt to make him come to a party Jeremy was at.

He could picture it now. “A party?! With Heere?! I’d rather eat cow manure than spend a day with him!” 

Or maybe he was assuming too much. These training sessions with Kurt could potentially have him on the quarterback’s good side! He glances at Kurt from across the buffet. 

He gets a middle finger in response. Or not.

Ram’s a whole other can of worms that Jeremy would rather not get into. 

Upon realizing that he left Jake hanging, he began to speak. “Aren’t Kurt and Ram the only ones we can invite?” He speaks hesitantly. Jake frowned, thinking about it.

“Oh, yeah. That’s not cool.” You don’t say…

“Guess it would be more of a hangout than a party, don’t you think?” 

“Hangouts… not good with those…”

“Why not?” 

Jake scratches the back of his neck. “I’m better at doing huge events. Not small hangouts. Even stuff with my team, it turns into this huge party! Closest thing I’ve got to that is hanging out with someone alone.” He shivers. “Feels too weird and formal though. Much prefer parties.” 

“I guess I can see that.” He’s literally the definition of a party animal… or social butterfly. “I mean I can help. Typically, Michael and I can play some video games. I can recommend them if you want.”

Jake lights up. “Totally! We can play it together! On boys’ day!” 

For a moment, Jeremy’s mind flashed different memories between him and Michael. Talking about or playing video games like Apocalypse of the Dammed, discussing lore, watching gameplays. It left a hole in his heart now that they wouldn’t complete the game. 

But he wouldn’t want anyone to play it with that wasn’t him. 

No one could be Michael. No one aside from him could be Jeremy’s favorite person. 

But that didn’t mean that he couldn’t let anyone else in.

“We can always play tabletop games. You guys seemed to enjoy that and it’s fun to watch occasionally.” He smiles. “When I’m not getting my ass beat by you.”

Jake chuckles. “We could get beer too! Or any kind of booze really… I have a ton… We could unwind.” He balls his hand into a fist. Jeremy pushes his fist against his. “Boys’ day’ll be dope! Like a little party!”

Dope? “Yeah, It will.”

The girls rose up from their seats and left the buffet, one by one. Jake and Jeremy glanced at each other, befuddled. They were most likely going to do their girls’ day. 

“Jeremy.” He looked up to see Jenna in front of him. “Can I talk to you?”

“Uh, Sure? What-?”

“Jenna! Come on!” Chloe yells out to her at the entrance of the buffet. She taps her foot impatiently with Brooke at her side. 

She takes a short glimpse at them then looks back at Jeremy. 

“Meet me in the Spa at 4 pm.” She walked away before he could ask what for.

“What’d Rolan need you for?” Jake questions. 

That’s what I want to know. What did she want to talk about?

Eventually, Everyone had left the buffet after they had finished eating. Jeremy went up to his room and thought about Jenna’s meetup. He thought about what she could possibly want to talk about.

Did she already come up with a plan? Did she know why we’re here? Has she snooped around and found Squip’s true intentions?

So many questions racing through his head and the only answers he’ll get was at 4 pm. It would be a long while until then. Last time he checked the clock in the lobby, It was 1 pm so he still had time. 

I can’t spend my time doing nothing. There has to be something to do.

Chapter Text

—FREE TIME EVENTS—

Against Jeremy’s better judgement, He decides to talk to the one person who most likely didn’t want to see him. 

He finds Kurt, downing a bottle of Brandy in the game room. Or well, the bar section of the game room. 

“What do you want? Didn’t we agree to the stupid training during nighttime?”

Should I hang out with Kurt and risk being turned into a punching bag?

> Yes

No

“You’re lucky Ram isn’t here otherwise I’d beat your ass for even suggesting it.”

Kurt begins the conversation to passive aggressively take a dig at Jeremy’s strength, physique and generally everything about him. He’s starting to take back his decisions but he can’t leave in fear of the consequences.

Should I give Kurt a gift?

> Yes

No

“I know you probably wouldn’t want this but I got you something.” He brought out a silver football necklace. Kurt scoffs at it. 

“You really think I’d wear a necklace? Only girls and queers wear it.” 

“Yeah, I expected you would say that.” Jeremy went to put it back in his pocket but Kurt stole it from him.

“Fuck you, I’m keeping it.” He places it around his neck. “I’m going to sell it when we get out so don’t think I want to keep it, you got that, nerd?!” 

“Yeah, I got that.” Why did you even get it at all? 

“Alright. We’re done here. You can go now-“ 

“Hey, wait! I want to know something!” Jeremy exclaimed. Kurt raised a brow.

“ What ?” 

“How’d you even get into football? I mean you’re a professional quarterback so you got to have had some practice, right?” 

“Professional?“ He laughs. “I’m a fucking Ultimate, Heere. I’m even better than a professional.” Well, he’s sure confident… “but I got into during first grade.”

“Isn’t that a bit too young?” 

“No way! My dad taught me how to catch and tackle when I was a kid! It was mostly because of Ram.” 

“Ram?” Jeremy asks, he blinks confused. “What does Ram have to do with it?”

“Uh! Everything!” Kurt yells out. “Ram was the person that got me into football in the first place! He’s the reason I even got this far!” 

“Did he like.. talk you into doing it?”

“Kind of. Ram and I live next to each other and I saw him playing catch with his dad and I thought it looked fun. My dad thought it’d be fun too so he and Ram’s dad decided to train us to be football players when we grew up.” He smiles. It was a genuine smile. Jeremy hasn’t seen him smile genuinely when he was away from Ram. “I was so interested in it that I watched games and did boring nerd research.”

“You? Kurt Kelly? Doing research?” 

“Yeah! Is that so hard to understand?!” Kurt barks at him. “I’ll have you know I’m the smartest guy in our team! I help with our strategies!” He stands proud.

“That’s something we have in common. We both make strategies.” 

“While you make them for silly nerd shit, I make important strategic decisions that actually matter and help my team!” He says, offended at the comparison. “I did a ton of research just for my boys! And y’know what, I’m proud of it!”

“You should be! It’s nice that you’re doing that for your team.”

“…When you say it, I feel less proud of it.” Seriously? “But even if I do feel proud, My old man thinks it’s a waste of time.”

“Why? You’re clearly helping your team.”

“He’s all brawn and no brain. He wants me to just do things without being a sissy and researching all the damn time. Because that’s all I am to him! A sissy!” Kurt looks away, seething. “My mom used to say that she thinks that it makes me smarter while my dad thinks it holds me back from my true potential. They fought a lot.” He grips the bottle in his hand. “I mean my mom’s gone so it doesn’t even matter.” 

Oh. “I’m sorry. What happened?”

“She died around middle school. But who gives a shit? I sure don’t!” He chugs the bottle. “Fuck. I need something stronger.”

I should stop him before he gets absolutely wasted. “So smartest guy in the team, It must be nice.” 

Why did I start it like that?!

“You bet your ass it is! I’m not just smarter than the entire team! I’m smarter than the entire school!” 

“Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an over exaggeration.”

“Is it? Because I get 90% or higher on average in tests!” Jeremy’s jaw dropped. “Awesome, right?”

“But- I- Wh- How?!” He spluttered. “That’s more than I get!” 

Kurt scratches the back of his neck. “Yeahhh, I never told anyone about it. Aside from Ram, because he’s my best friend. I only told you to make my point clear. Make sure to keep your mouth shut.”

“I will but isn’t that something to brag about? Like getting high grades is a good thing.”

“It isn’t a good thing! It’s a nerd thing! At best you pass the class by just a little bit! You don’t ace it! That something more up Sawyer’s alley.” 

“Do you even study for tests?” He stays silent. “You do?!” 

“Shut up!” Kurt whined. Kurt Kelly was whining. Who knew that phenomenon could happen. “Say a word and I’ll have your head.”

Jeremy treaded lightly. Who knows what Kurt could do? “I won’t say anything but it’s still really impressive juggling school and football.”

“Of course you of all people would say that! You’re a damn geek!” Kurt spat. “And besides, playing football with Ram is way cooler than studying!” 

Then why do you study in the first place? Jeremy doesn’t say that. Instead, he says “You and Ram really are close.”

“Yeah! We have been since grade school! He’s quick to defend me and he’s always got my back! He’s the man!” Kurt once again flashes a genuine smile. “Don’t think we’ve ever fought about anything! Ever!”

Woah.. Until senior year? That’s incredible.

“He’s my best friend. Don’t know where I’d be without him.” Kurt says. “He says I carry the team but honestly? He does. He does even more than I do.”

“That’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said about someone.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kurt barks with a huff. “I can say nice things about people! You’re just too lame to warrant it!“

That just proved my point.

Kurt is more complex than I first thought. He’s smart. The smartest guy on the team! Which to be honest isn’t that much of a flex. Still, 90% on average?! That sounds impossible for a guy like him! He should be more proud of it even if his dad doesn’t think he should be. It’s nice how he cares for Ram. He’s probably the only one Kurt can stand. He certainly can’t stand me so if we ever talk again, I should be prepared for insults.

Kurt and I grew a little closer today.

———

Soon enough, The clock struck 4 and Jeremy made his way to the Spa. A slight feeling of dread rests in his stomach. What did Jenna want to talk about? Was it an escape plan? Did Squip find out about what they were doing?

His nerves grew as he walked through the hallway to get the room they promised to meet in. He slowly opened the door.

The first thing saw was likely something he wasn’t supposed to see and his mind short circuited. He instantly slammed the door shut while his face grew red in embarrassment. He knocks on the door. “Uh, Jenna? I’m here.” 

There were a few words shared among the other side of the door before Jenna walked out. From the glimpse that Jeremy’s seen before, She was the one giving everyone massages aside from Brooke. 

“Are you okay?” She asked, seeing how bright red his face is. 

“Y-Yeah…” His voice cracked. “I’m sorry for intruding.” 

“It’s fine. We didn’t really notice until you slammed the door.” Jeremy whined before covering his face with his hands. “Calm down.” She pats his back. “Anyways, Let’s go to the library.” 

He lifts his face from his palms. “Huh?” 

“To investigate the door and plot an escape route.” She smiles as she walks away. “I told you I’d help, didn’t I?” 

“Eh?! Hey, Wait for me!” Jeremy stops in his tracks when he hears the door to the spa room open.

Out came Martha Dunnstock, looking at the two with her head tilted to the side. “Jenna? Jeremy? Where are you guys going?” 

He gives Jenna a panicked look. She gives a neutral face back. She gives Jeremy a nudge and pushes him forward towards her. He looks back at her, she nods. “Uh, We’re going to the library.”

“Why?” 

Jeremy silently begged Jenna to help him come up with an excuse but she already started to speak. “We’re planning on ways to escape and we’re going to investigate the newspaper reading room.” 

Wait what…?

“Oh! Can I join?! I’ve been wanting to help the best that I can.” 

“Sure.” Martha brightens up at Jenna’s answer and she heads to the library. Jenna goes to leave too and Jeremy catches up with her, picking up his pace.

“We were allowed to tell people about it?” Jeremy asked. 

“Originally, No. But do you really think that Martha Dunnstock could be the one secretly pulling the strings behind this? Out of everyone here?” Jenna did have a point with that. Martha, bless her soul, was way too kind and naïve for her own good. 

The two went over to the library’s door. They gave each other a nod prior to opening the door. With a target set in their minds, they entered the room, ready to find an answer to the game.

———

“What do we do now?” Jeremy asks dumbly. They have been staring at the locked door for around five minutes without saying a word. “There isn’t really much we can investigate since the door’s closed.” 

Martha stands closer to the glass window on the door and squints her eyes. “I can’t really see anything but it looks like some of the drawers are labelled.”

“They’re labelled?” Jenna inquired, curious at the new discovery. “We didn’t notice that.”

“Again, I can’t really see too clearly what it says.” Martha elaborates. “But I have a feeling that they’re marked by different time periods. The library I volunteered at works the same way.”

“It makes sense for it to be organized like that. But how can we get in and find the answers we need?” Jenna tries to open the door but much to her dismay, it doesn’t open. She isn’t surprised. 

“I still find it weird. Why would Squip keep this locked? Why a newspaper reading area of all things?! It just doesn’t make any sense!” Jeremy yells, slouching against the bookshelf they moved the day before. “This was a bust.”

“No. It isn’t. Because I have a theory.” Jenna starts, Martha and Jeremy look at each other before looking back at her, anticipating for her to continue. “What if it isn’t organized by year like a normal library? What if it’s organized by each day of our disappearance?” 

“I mean sixteen Ultimate students missing will cause a panic.” Martha mutters. “But can we really be sure that’s the case?” 

“No. At least, Not until the door is unlocked but it makes sense, doesn’t it? It could be a secret alluding to what’s happening outside instead of an answer about why we’re inside of here.” Jenna alludes. “But the theory has its flaws. Like it could easily also be newspaper articles dedicated to the creation of the hotel or other kidnapped Ultimates forced to play a killing game.“

“You think other Ultimate students were in here too?!” Jeremy screeched.

“It’s not a solid theory but it is a possibility.”

“Maybe we should focus on our escape plan now.” Martha suggests. “As much as I don’t want to admit it, there isn’t much we can do from theorizing about this.” 

“You’re right.” Jeremy walks over to one of the chairs and sits down. Jenna follows him and sits on another unoccupied chair while Martha stands next to her. 

Jenna takes out the notepad that she had the day prior. She flips the page to a new sheet and gets out a pen (provided by the hotel). “The first idea I thought of is Martha mentioning the fire escape our first day here but it’s obvious that it won’t work out.”

“Because it’s locked?” Jeremy asked.

“Exactly. And another downside is that we have nothing to break the lock with and the Squip Machine is basically a game of chance so we can’t rely on that.”

“Yeah, I thought so too.” He mumbled. It was one of the ideas he had last night that ended up being unpromising. 

“Can there be other ways to break out?” Martha questioned.

“There are a lot but they require luck.” Jenna states. “And it also doesn’t help with the fact that there are CCTV cameras everywhere.” The three turn to the one in the library. They glare at it.

“So there isn’t a solid way that guarantees success unless…” He stays quiet. His last resort. The reason why he’ll now be up early in the morning. “…we defeat them .” That sounded more geeky than I intended it to be…

“You aren’t talking about what I think you’re talking about, are you?” Jenna’s eyes had concern and fear in them. He realized how badly he worded it.

“No! No! I don’t mean to kill them! We could restrain them and get them to talk! Besides, they’re working with Squip so they’d have to crack eventually.” 

“But the problem is.. we don’t know who it is..” Martha says with a frown. “It could be one of our closest friends and we wouldn’t even assume so.”

“Then maybe you should be close to people you trust. Or maybe you should trust the people closest to you that they won’t betray you.” Jenna says. “Trusting others is hard but if you feel a bond with them, Can you really doubt them?” 

Martha presses her lips into a thin line. “Yeah, You’re right! I shouldn’t doubt Veronica! I know she’ll never take part in this awful game!” She smiles at Jenna. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I’m just telling the truth.” She cracks a smile back. Jeremy looks at the two, replicating their expressions.

“You two look alike.” 

“Well-“

“I don’t really see it.” Jenna replies, cutting off Martha. 

“Me neither honestly. We look extremely different.” Jeremy looks at them in disbelief. They never noticed they looked similar?! That couldn’t be right. They look like carbon copies of one another! He opens his mouth to start a rant about how they were mistaken but the door to the library swings open.

“Martha! There you are! I’ve been looking for you!” Veronica comes up to her. She notices the other two in the room. “Jeremy. Jenna. What’re you guys doing here?”

“We were thinking of ways to escape.” Martha replies. “We never really found a clear answer…” 

“Well, Can I join you guys next time? I had to listen to Chloe ramble about this french-but-actually-not-french girl in her school.” Veronica shivers. “Took me out of my relaxation a bit.” 

“Of course, You can.” Martha looks at Jeremy and Jenna, bashfully. “Uh, Can she?”

“Sure, I guess.” Jeremy says. More people coming together was a good thing and they could use all the help they could get.

“You guys hungry? Everyone else is already at the buffet to eat.” Veronica leads Martha outside the room. Jeremy and Jenna remained in the room. 

“That whole thing about trusting others. Did you mean it?” He asked after a short silence.

“Yeah, But I don’t really think that way.” Jenna whispers. He almost didn’t hear it but he did. He glances at her, stumped. 

“What do you mean?” 

“It’s good to trust in the people you’re close to. But I don’t have anyone like that.”

“That’s not true. You have the popular kids.” 

She looks at him, dubiously while they sit in silence. He didn’t understand. Did Jenna not trust anyone? If that was the case, then why was she helping him? Pity? 

“Since we’re working together,” Jenna begins clearing the air and ridding it of its tension. “I thought that I should finally share this with someone.” She slides her notepad towards him.

Curious, Jeremy reads the writing that was on the first page.

It was a list of everyone and their abilities. Some were crossed out (Jeremy noticed that there was a lack of JD, Rich and Michael, he knew why) while the rest had notable observations that likely came from Jenna herself. Some of them were listed as a bit unhelpful such as Jake, Ram, Christine, Brooke and both Heather Duke and McNamara while others like Martha and Veronica were labeled as trustworthy and reliable respectively. 

Huh, no wonder she didn’t mind them joining us. He spotted Heather Chandler in the list being referred to as untrustworthy with Chloe under her being declared “a less intense (and less of a threat) version of Heather” . He also noticed him and Kurt, Kurt was “ smarter than he leads on ” (he believed that wholeheartedly) and Jeremy was referred to as the “most competent”. 

What was all of this? How long did Jenna have this? Why did she have this? What was the point? 

He couldn’t say anything other than “Why?” 

“You’re the Ultimate Strategist. You need to study your surroundings before making strategies.” 

Jenna explains. “So I assume that you observe others too because of that.”

“I mean.. you’re right but-“

“That’s why I wanted to ask for your opinion. I consider myself extremely good at reading people but I was wondering if I missed anything that you managed to pick up on.” She looks on, expecting an immediate response. 

“Well, you got it pretty spot on.” Jeremy mumbled. Jenna beams with pride. “You are way better at this kind of stuff than I am so I wouldn’t doubt you on this.” 

“Thank you.” She takes a moment to pause then looks down on her notepad. “Do you actually believe that someone is going to betray us?” 

“I’d like not to think so but we don’t know for sure.” He feels his palms sweat. “That’s why we all have to stick together more than anything.”

“Why are you so keen on trusting others?” Jenna asked. “What if they’re just waiting for your downfall? What if they actually doubt you?” 

“I mean I can’t get out of this hotel by myself. I don’t think I have what it takes. That’s why I have to trust everyone.” Jeremy said. “I’m not a leader and I’m not charismatic. I’m just doing what it takes to survive and it’s one of the only options.” He sighs. “Sure, I’m still terrified that someone can kill me at any moment but I also believe that it won’t happen. Not anymore.” 

“How could you be so sure?” 

“I’m not but it’s what I have to believe in. Doubting others just makes me fear them. How are we supposed to escape if we fear each other? That’s why I have just a tiny bit of hope in every single person here.” 

“You’re strange.” Jenna says, standing up from her seat. She grabs the notepad from the table. “No matter what I do, I can’t seem to understand what you’re thinking about.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“It’s frustrating but yes, it is.” 

“Thank you?” He stands up from his chair, following her to the exit. 

“I don’t trust many people but I think I’m willing to trust you.” It was a simple statement but Jeremy felt himself grinning at it. Jenna returns it. Their expressions mirror the other. She leaves the library with him trailing behind her. 

“I trust you too.” It was hard to trust others. Jeremy knows that. Sometimes you doubt said trust. 

But sometimes you just need to trust in someone in order to get to the goal that you’re so desperate to reach. 

She doesn’t turn around to face him. 

“I’m glad.”

———

“Heere!” Jake yells from their table. He waves. He notices Christine sitting in front of him who waves at him too. Jeremy waves back to both of them in a more sheepish manner. He sits down next to Jake. 

“Christine? What’re you doing here?” He winces at his accusatory words, sweating a bit. “No- No offense. Just thought you’d prefer to be alone or something.” 

Christine smiles reassuringly. “It’s fine! Jake saw me sitting by myself and decided to invite me to hangout with you guys!” 

Jake stares at him for a while. “That's cool with you, Heere?”

“Of course!” He says way too quickly. “I mean we should all stay together after all. It’s better if no one’s by themselves.” He returns their grins. 

For a while, they reach a silence that was only halted by the sound of them chewing their respective foods. 

Jake glances at his plate then at Jeremy’s. “Are you not gonna eat, bro?” He had some pizza in his mouth as did Christine.

Jeremy shook his head. “Nope, I’m probably going to get something to eat. I was just talking to you guys.” He picked up his plate. “I’ll be back.” He says, waving to them before he leaves to scan the food options laid out for him. 

He couldn’t help but look back at Christine and Jake. It being a one-sided conversation with her talking and him listening, clearly confused. Huh, even Jake can’t compete with Christine’s energy. He wonders how Christine even got on Jake’s radar. 

He shouldn’t be asking himself about that of all things. The less people alone, the better. With more people in groups, there’s a higher chance of collaboration and less… murder. Someone could still kill their friends when they’re backed in a corner. He shivers at the thought. Hopefully, a new motive won’t come soon.

As he goes over to get buffalo wings, he sees someone else doing the same thing. That someone notices him and snarls. “You again?” 

“Hey, Kurt..” Jeremy greeted nervously. “I’m just here to get some food.” 

Kurt looks around, similar to what he did that morning. “Fucking hell.” He places a firm hand on his shoulder. “Heere, if you’re late, I swear to God, I’m going to beat your ass.”

Jeremy had gotten used to Kurt’s attitude at that point. It was all bark no bite. Probably, Hopefully. Wait a second.. “You still want to train?” 

“Don’t look at me like that or I’ll change my mind.” Kurt stuffs his right hand in his letterman jacket as he balances his plate on the other. “It’s something to do and the day you stop bothering me is going to be the best day of my life.” 

“I-“

“Yo, Kurt!” Ram comes up to Kurt and slings his arm around his neck. He notices Jeremy and scowls. “What’re you doing with this freak?” 

“I don’t know, man! He just started talking to me!” A look of disgust is on Kurt’s face. Jeremy thinks it’s genuine. 

The two leave as Jeremy places a buffalo wing on his plate. He goes back to his table and finds Christine and Jake having a conversation. He listens silently. He didn’t mind it. He likes that they’re getting along. He remembers days before when he spotted Christine all by herself, alone. He recalls being too shy to ask if she wanted to sit with him because he thought she liked being alone.  Who would have guessed that she’d be eating in front of him while he had Jake at his side? 

When all was said and done, and as much he hated to admit it, this experience did bring him closer to other people. Some people he wouldn’t imagine himself to be closer to. He just wished they could’ve all become friends under different circumstances. Jeremy leaves that thought in the dust as he watches Jake and Christine have fun talking to each other. He feels a grin on his face, watching the two enjoy their conversation that he was only partly listening to.

After they finished eating, The three teens decided to bid their goodbyes and headed back up to their rooms. 

The moment he got in, Jeremy rested his back on his bed. He looks at the Pac-Man stress ball on his bedside table. He grabs it and squeezes it tightly. As he continued the motion of squashing the ball in his palm, He thought about numerous questions. 

Was Jenna’s theory about the reading room correct? What was in the reading room? Who was cooperating with Squip? No, Who was the one who started the game in the first place? Is there even a true escape from this building? 

Jeremy knew it was stupid to think about these questions because it really was stupid and he was stupid but there wasn’t anything he could think about. He wanted an explanation. He wanted a reason as to why his best friend was stripped away just for some sick asshole’s amusement. He wanted to know who would even have the audacity to betray them. He never really thought about it too much until Jenna showed him her list of everyone and her observations. As of now, It was stuck in his brain. Who was the one they couldn’t trust?

Jeremy trusted everyone because he knew working alone was the worse case scenario. You need someone to rely on. Perhaps it was just because he’s just been a second player in a two player game but he needed someone to guide him because he could never do it himself. Even so, running away and ignoring the issue won’t help. There is someone who will betray them in the end and he doesn’t know who. It’d be so much easier to write everything off as Squip messing with them but that wasn’t the case, was it?

He slid into his covers and fell into a deep sleep. The darkness that loomed over him once he closed his eyes wasn’t different from the twisted reality they were in.

———

A loud knock wakes him from his slumber. He jolted up from his bed. The knock continues on growing in volume by the second. His panic stops when he realizes who it could be. 

He walks towards the door prior to getting his E-Handbook and with a yawn, he opens it. “Kurt, what time is it?” 

“Hello to you too, Sunshine.” Kurt jeers. “And it’s a quarter to six for your information.”

“What- How are you up so early?”

“Quit your whining and let’s go.” 

The door shut behind him whilst Jeremy stepped out of his room. Kurt walks on ahead as he follows. “Hey Heere! Pick up the damn pace!” 

“Sorry!”

This was going to be an excruciating occurrence. 

Yet he couldn’t complain. He asked for it.

———

“So what do we start with?” Jeremy asks when they entered the gym. Kurt, just like last time, had a bottle in his hand. 

“You should probably go bench press again. You clearly lack strength so you should work on that.” He takes a sip from the beer. “It’s either that or you can try lifting one of the dumbbells.”

“I think I’ll just go with the bench press.” Jeremy walks to the bench press and brings his back down on the surface. Kurt stands next to him, ready to spot him. His feet are set on the ground and his legs dangle from the edge of the bench.

“Use the same weight again.” Kurt suggests. “Since you’re not used to it, It’s better if you stick to something you can already lift before you exert yourself.”

“I wasn’t planning on doing anything more, anyway.” 

“Pussy.” He coughs. “Either way, I’m forced to spot you just so you don’t die and I won’t die because of your death.” 

It goes about the same way it did the morning before. Jeremy grips onto the barbell while Kurt guides him through it by grabbing the sleeve. He pulls it near his chest then ascends it into the air. It goes upwards then it goes downwards over and over. He was so focused on the swift pattern that he didn’t even notice that Kurt left. 

He’s slowly fearing the day where he’ll lift something heavier than what he already was carrying. He places the barbell back on the safety catch where it was originally stored and stood up from the bench. It was then that he realized that Kurt was gone. His eyes searched the room in a worry but he calms when he sees him lifting a dumbbell. Jeremy recognizes it as the one he had when he entered the gym for the first time. According to Kurt, It was the heaviest in the room. It really makes him wonder about how much work Kurt put himself through to have that kind of body type. That applied to all the strongest ones that were trapped in here too. Ram and Jake were just as strong as Kurt. 

Even Rich was, despite the short stature he had, surprisingly muscular. 

“That was quicker than before.” Kurt notes. 

“Yeah, well.. I don’t feel myself getting any stronger.” 

He furrowed his eyebrows in response. He drops the dumbbell in his grasp (making a loud noise like the days before). “Then do push ups.”

“What?” 

“Push Ups help too and if you’re already so bored with the bench press then you can do that.” 

“I’m not bored of it!” 

Kurt ignores him and gets a mat from the locker at the corner of the gym. He lies it down on the hard floor and points at it. “Now, come on, what are you waiting for?”

“I- uh- okay?” He gets down on the mat and gets into position. He feels Kurt’s glare bore into his skull but he doesn’t say anything. 

“You’re doing it wrong! Jesus Christ, Heere, Have you never done a push up in your life?!” Jeremy can’t tell if he was offended or teasing him. 

“I have! In gym class!” 

“Then you’ve clearly done it wrong, idiot! You’re supposed to straighten your arms! Not whatever the hell you’re doing!” 

Jeremy follows his advice and straightens his arms. “And your hands are too close.” He moves his hands farther away from the other. “Okay, now give me fifty pushups.”

“Fifty?!” 

“Fine, Thirty! But that’s as low as I’m going to go.”

Jeremy lowers his chest until it’s an inch away from the floor then he gets back into his position. He does this repeatedly until he reaches thirty pushups. His arms felt like they were about to give out any second. He was always a minute away from collapsing on the floor. Luckily, He does reach thirty without passing out and with only a few belittling comments from Kurt. That’s when he finally lays down on the mat. “Your goal should be fifty next time.”

That’s too much!

The two stay speechless. They don’t talk to each other for a long period of time. Kurt goes to leave. His job was done and so he could rest. Jeremy stops him with the first question that comes to mind. 

“Do you really think I can beat the one among us?”

Kurt, for a second, is stunned by the question. His face turns back to its uncaring expression a moment later. “Realistically, no. Unless they’re way weaker than you but you’re pretty weak already. No wonder you came to me.”

“Do you suspect anyone?” Was another question that was in his mind. Kurt was smarter than he leads on, even Jenna noticed that. 

Kurt, again, looks dazed by the ask. He stays silent, actually pondering on it. “It’s definitely not you. You’re built like a twig. It certainly isn’t Ram because he wouldn’t do something like that.”

Would he? “My best bet was Dean. His ass was always trying to start fights with me and Ram. I’m not even surprised a guy like him pulled a gun out.” Kurt reasoned. Jeremy freezes at the memory. JD looked at him with his gun pointed at him . He wasn’t going to shoot him. He had no reason to.

Right?

Kurt tackling him down, weirdly protective and defensive unlike how he normally is. His eyes with anger and fear, placing Jeremy below him like it was some reflex. He should ask about that sometime. Now’s probably not when.

“Not that I couldn’t kick his ass! Because I could! Just saying, it was a tie last time.” Was it? JD looked barely hurt. 

“JD wouldn’t do that.” Granted, he didn’t know him as well as someone like Veronica did. The fact that they went to different schools didn’t help so Jeremy didn’t get a clue on who he was as a person until his introduction. Even then, he was mysterious. He still remembers the barrel of the gun staring right at him. He wasn’t going to pull the trigger, was he? “He hates this game just as much as we do.” 

“Really?” Kurt asks skeptically. “That asshole- That guy he pulled a gun on Squip. He could have shot someone. He could have-“ For once, in all the time Jeremy’s known him, he showed immense fear. “I don’t want to see anyone get shot. Regardless of if they’re as big of a freak as you.”

No, JD wouldn’t have. The trigger. The gun. He wouldn’t have, right?

“Dean’s in the clear, anyway.” Kurt says, leaning against the wall. “He’s dead. Didn’t expect it or for it to happen early but he’s dead.” He snarls. “It doesn’t even matter who they are because I’m kicking their ass, no matter what.”

“Me too. But not the kicking their ass part! Maybe locking them in a room or tying them up will do the trick!”

“Jesus, Heere. Where would you be without me?” Jeremy follows him out the door. It seems as though Kurt’s fully embracing this coaching thing. 

“Wait!” Jeremy yelled. Kurt turns to look at him. He shouldn’t be wasting his time with him but there’s something that he just had to say. “Thank you for what happened during the trial. If it weren’t for you, I would have gotten shot. How did–”

How did you know JD was going to shoot?

———

Jeremy:

It happened in a blur I couldn’t comprehend anything. I know a shot was fired. I know Squip wasn’t hit at all somehow and I know, I, the person behind Squip, was fucked if not for Kurt tackling me at full strength. I didn’t know whether to yelp in pain, cry or profusely thank him. He was panting on top of me. His arms on my shoulders as if telling me to stay down.

———

Kurt replied, already turning his back towards him. “Pure instinct.”

After a pause, the two say their goodbyes. Well, It’s more like Jeremy said his goodbyes while Kurt flipped him off and slammed a door in his face. They go back to their respective rooms. 

Jeremy passes out on his bed, tired from the workout session that he had just taken a part in. 

When I get out of here, I’m never doing pushups again… He complains in his mind before falling into a deep slumber. He didn’t even notice the envelope that was lying on his bedside table, waiting to be opened later in the morning.

-SQUIP THEATER-

SQUIP :

“I never understood the concept of spas. It’s essentially supposed to make you less stressed but what is there to be stressed about? Nothing matters in the long run so why get stressed over something? And why spend your time on something that could just be considered a bath? It’s a huge waste of money and time if we’re being honest.”

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

Jeremy threw a pillow at the monitor in his room, with an exasperated groan. It fell to the ground due to his less than ideal throwing abilities. He knows he should get used to the regular annoyance that was the morning announcement but he knew that he was never going to. He gets up from his bed. He rubs his eyes and stretches his arms. His eyes noticed the large rectangular envelope that was on his table. 

Curiosity getting the better of him, He opens it to find a tablet. “What?” He turns the tablet on and all of a sudden, It starts playing a video.

“Well, If it isn’t the Ultimate Strategist!” Squip’s voice was heard but the screen was pitch black. “Though, It seems as though you’re not one. Not anymore anyway!” 

What did that mean? Jeremy gulped and continued watching the video. 

“Normally, When people go missing, There’d be search parties, right?” It was no longer pitch black and it panned to Jeremy’s house. He felt himself in a panic. Squip knows where I live and that means…

Mom… dad…

“Don’t worry. You pitiful children weren’t forgotten or missing because you’re back home!” 

A figure walked out the door. That figure was Jeremy Heere. It was himself, looking at the camera with his backpack slung on his shoulder. 

“What the hell?!” He backed away from the TV. The fear and worry he had took over his body. All he wanted to do was run. “Who is that?! That isn’t me!” 

“It’s an AI, in case you were wondering. An artificial intelligence that knows all your mannerisms, quirks and just about everything you do but it does your talent better than you!” He felt his heartbeat accelerate. “So no one knows you’re gone. To their knowledge, you never left at all!”

There were figures behind his AI self. 

It was his mom and dad. Both of them were grinning at him, With their hands on his shoulders. Jeremy felt like he could cry. That wasn’t him. That wasn’t him. 

“Son, I don’t know what happened to you but I want you to know how proud of you I am! Your talent is getting better by the day!” His dad from the screen said. “I’ve never been more proud! You’re finally reaching your potential!” 

Dad would never say that. Dad was always proud of me. That was what he wanted to think. Was he really? He liked to think he did but as of lately, he didn’t even have the energy to put pants on. 

What hurt more was his mother’s words. His mom smiled at the AI version of him. Jeremy can’t even remember the last time she’s smiled at him. “Sweetie, You’re doing so well. You’re following everything I asked of you and you’re doing it flawlessly. It almost doesn’t seem like you.” That small jab was like a knife that stabbed his heart. “But nonetheless, I’m so happy that you finally decided to take my advice.”

“We love you, my son.” 

Those words. She wasn’t saying it to him. They weren’t talking about him. It was to this AI. It wasn’t him. She was saying those words to a perfect version of Jeremy. A version that he couldn’t dream of reaching. 

“This could be you. Once you win the killing game, You can have the great life that you had always wanted.” His AI self and his parents hug. “Don’t you want to live that life? Don’t you want to make them proud?” 

“While they’re happy, you’re in here, playing this game.” It once again switches to pitch black. “It’s such a shame they’ll never realize that who they’re truly proud of isn’t even their son.” He hears an evil cackle and the tablet turns off. 

“I-“ He doesn’t know what to say other than that one syllable that made his way out of his mouth. This couldn’t be real. He wasn’t being replaced by an AI. He couldn’t have been! 

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

The monitor flashed to Squip. It wasn’t for the morning announcement this time… No, It was for the motive. “Attention Students: Please all meet in the ballroom. Attendance is mandatory once more and so there will be consequences if you do not attend. That is all. I’ll be waiting.” The monitor turns off. Jeremy grabs the pillow on the floor and throws it towards the monitor in a rage. This time he successfully hit it. Not that it had done any damage. 

He leaves his room, not wanting to go against Squip despite the tempting offer and goes to the ballroom. 

He has a horrible feeling in his stomach. He tries to ignore it.

———

“What. The. Fuck.” Was the first thing he heard when he entered the ballroom. It was Duke, looking absolutely ticked off. Thankfully, It wasn’t him she was ticked off at. “Did that creep think it’d be funny to show us that fucking video?!” 

“Someone else taking over our lives while we’re trapped here?” Veronica asks, her voice cracking. “It sounds insane. I can’t be the only one who thinks this is…” She runs a hand through her chestnut hair, cutting herself off. 

“It isn’t fair that I have to suffer through this torture while some robot is living my life!” Chloe yells out. 

“Robot?” McNamara questioned. “Our school just randomly took in new students who had our ultimates to replace us! All because we were “dead”. My parents were cheering too for this new Ultimate Cheerleader, can you believe that?! Didn’t even mourn…?”

“What? Ours was an AI version of ourselves.” Jenna responded, looking just as confused as Jeremy felt. 

“What was Squip’s goal? Why would he want us to look at that video?” Martha questions. “I mean what could he gain from this?!” 

“Isn’t it clear?” Chandler’s calm voice was chilling. It was somehow more terrifying than when she was angry. “It’s to show that no one’s going to come looking for us. Help from the outside world? Help from our parents, the police, our schools? Yeah, They’re never coming for us because to them, we either aren’t missing or we’re dead.”

“That’s correct, actually.” That voice. That fucking voice that he so badly wanted to kick in the face. They all turned around to see Squip on his stupid podium. “It’s a sign to crush your hope. Asking for help? Forget about it! No one’s coming for you. And now you all know that for sure!” 

“You asshole.” Duke mutters. 

“Save your insults. In fact, there’s more to it than meets the eye.” Squip says. ”To the eyes of everybody, your close companions and your family, you’re the best at everything or your legacy praised you as such. Isn’t that an interesting life to live?” 

“We were always the best at everything.” Kurt snapped. “We’re fucking Ultimates! Without our talents, we’re just normal people!” 

“That’s true but even Ultimates make mistakes. You guys are no exceptions. As much as you hate to acknowledge it, There are other students with the same Ultimate as you. The Westerburg students saw that first hand.” 

Kurt stays silent at that. Jeremy bit his tongue because what Squip said was true even if he didn’t want it to be. There were other people with a similar talent than he had. His mom was one example of that. Those people could be way better in his talent than he was.

“That doesn’t matter because we won’t kill for that!“ He exclaimed. “It doesn’t matter what motive you give us! Nothing will happen!” Squip raises his eyebrow, unimpressed.

“Yeah! We won’t listen to you anymore!” Christine yells, backing him up. “Even if what you showed us is true, We’re more than our talent!” 

While it was true, Jeremy prided himself in being the Ultimate Strategist. He wasn’t the best at it, sure but using it in things like video games and hiding in plain sight in the halls of Middle Borough High was something that was second nature. Analyzing his surroundings, observing others and making strategies on how to survive was a part of him. 

He was more than his talent.

But he had a hard time seeing it as so.

“You aren’t threatening our lives anymore so what’s the point?” Veronica questions. “Now that none of our lives are on the line, We don’t have a reason to comply with the motive.” 

“I agree with Veronica.” Martha speaks up. “No one is going to try anything!” 

“I don’t know. It seems like your friends are awfully thinking about it.” Squip points to the people that remained silent. The ten of them failed to look at each other and opted to look at the ground or the suddenly interesting wall. 

“Guys…” Jeremy mumbles out. 

“The nerds have a point.” The one person he didn’t expect to speak up talked in their defense. Kurt takes a step forward. “I mean I’m the best at my Ultimate! It doesn’t matter what kind of twisted, shitty motive you made! I’m the quarterback of Westerburg's team and I rule at it!” He points towards Squip and scowls. “You and some second place replacement won’t tell me anything else. I’m better than any Ultimate Quarterback! I’m on the goddamn team for a reason! So why the hell would I risk my life for something that isn’t true?” 

As egotistical as Kurt’s speech was, It did make a tiny bit of sense. They were chosen for a reason, right? They had to be the best at what they do. Besides, who would risk their lives for a motive that couldn’t even be the truth? 

“If you want us to actually do something, Make a better motive. There’s no way I’m going to let my ego get ruined by some stupid video.” Kurt looks at Ram with a cocky grin. “You too, right bud?” 

He doesn’t say anything. Kurt cocks his head at this. 

“Whether or not you comply with the motive is your choice but it would make it interesting if someone did something.” Squip says before disappearing in front of the distressed teenagers. 

“Come on, we can’t actually buy into this.” Veronica states, her voice pleading.

No response. They were thinking about their worth like Jeremy did his mind a few minutes before. Was their talent all that mattered to them? It set them apart from the crowd so maybe that’s why it was so important to them. Were they thinking about the glory that they would get now that people thought that they were the best? He couldn’t get a clue.  

“Maybe we should eat!“ Christine suggests. “Some of us haven’t eaten yet and we can’t get through the day hungry!” 

That got a reply, everyone agreed and they all left the ballroom to go to the buffet. 

All except a few people. 

“Kurt? Where are you going?” Jeremy asked, spotting the guy walking towards the elevator lobby. “The buffet’s the other way.” 

Kurt looks at him as if he was stupid. He laughs. Either mockingly or genuinely but in some negative way. Both are not taking Jeremy as seriously as he’d like. He couldn’t expect anything more. “Sometimes I think you have a pea sized brain, freak.” Kurt waves him off. “Ram stormed off or something. He’s in a pissy mood. Gonna follow him and ask why he’s acting like he’s on his man period.”

“But- Are you sure you’ll be alright?” 

“Please, as if I could get hurt.” He laughs again. “Don’t talk to me, weirdo.” He walks away. Jeremy watches as he goes to the lobby. He wants to call out to him but he can’t. Kurt clearly doesn’t want to be bothered. Besides, Ram wouldn’t hurt his friend. He hopes anyway. 

His mind goes to thinking about Ram and the motive. What was going on in Ram’s mind to storm out? Did his talent mean a lot to him? Was it because of the people in his video that his AI version was impressing? Was it because of his desire to have a life where everyone loved him and his talent?

Despite being friends, Jeremy doubts that Kurt can help ease Ram. Kurt may be sure of his talent but with his bluntness and attitude of not taking things seriously, he might not get to him.

He looks back at where Kurt once stood before walking towards the buffet, hands in his pockets. 

———

“Jeremy!” Christine lights up when she notices the boy. “How are you? Jake’s just getting some food. He’ll be back in a few!” She points to Jake who catches their eyes and waves.

“I’m not doing too well because of..” He gestures wildly, not sure what point he was trying to make but hopes she understands regardless. 

“I get that. It must be the motive.”

“Yeah..”

“I meant what I said there a while ago.” Christine said. “I know everyone else is more than their talent and I know I am too but theater’s just a large part of me.” She lets out a sigh. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s stupid to think that because I do have other interests aside from theater but it shaped me into who I am. Seeing an AI do what I couldn't makes me… upset.” 

“I get how you feel. And it isn’t stupid. You’re allowed to get upset about this. Yes, Theater’s a large part of who you are but you can always find joy in other things in life.” Jeremy comforts. “And even then, It’s not like you have to be the best Ultimate Actress in the world. You just need to be yourself.” 

She grins at him. It wasn’t a bright, blinding smile as she usually gives but it was a natural smile. It was like the sun, Jeremy thought. 

“Heere, you doing anything?” He freezes when he averts his attention from Christine and sees Kurt in front of him, judging him extremely. 

“Kurt?! What are you doing here?!” It was a rule that Kurt made very clear that they weren’t supposed to talk to each other unless during their workout sessions. 

“I want you to go to the pool with us. At 4 P.M.” He says. “Dillinger is coming too since it’s like an all guys thing.” He looks at Christine and winks. “Sorry, sweetheart.” He glances back at Jeremy. “You’re already going. Dillinger said you’d be cool with it.”

“Don’t I get the decision if I want to go or not?” They both know Jeremy had nothing better to do.

Kurt looked at him with an eyebrow raised. He sighs. “Yeah, I’ll be there.” With that, He walked off, leaving Jeremy in a confused haze. 

“It’s nice that you two are getting along! Though if I’m being honest, that was unexpected.” Christine said happily. “Plus, a hangout with the guys? That’s a great way to get along more!” 

“Yeah.” And tragically, the only guys here aside from me are jocks. 

But that begged the question. Why would Kurt just break his own rule like that? Jeremy knew it wasn't because he thought of him as a friend so what was the reason? Did something happen? And as unlikely as it sounds, Did the motive give him humanity? 

All he knows is that he’ll be in a pool with Kurt, Ram and Jake. That shouldn’t end well especially since the first two torment him all the time. Jake approaches them and starts talking about the pool hangout. “Heere, it’ll be awesome! Just like the boys’ night we wanted!” His smile falters a bit. “Though we won’t play your video game stuff. It sounded cool...”

“It’s okay. Some other time.” Jeremy offers. 

Guess I’m going to the pool later.

He ate his waffles while the three teens were conversing (Jeremy once again being more on the listening side) then he went back up into his room. 

The motive. It was getting to the others’ heads. I’m sure they’re thinking about the life they could have had. The life that this motive would give them. If it was anything like mine, It probably used their families against them. Squip mentioned something about close companions too. It could be different for everyone.

I need to stop thinking about this. There has to be something I can do before Four P.M. roles around. 

—FREE TIME EVENTS—

Jeremy’s first thought was to hang out with Ram. He actually didn’t know why his train of thoughts had led him to this decision but even so, He was back in the pool room where Ram was. 

“I wonder how cool it would be if I dived into the pool. It’d look so sick!” 

Should I hang out with Ram and risk getting drowned to death?

> Yes

No

“You better be grateful that I’m even considering giving you attention.” 

Ram proceeds to make the entire conversation about him and begins to brag about his many achievements in football. He doesn’t even let Jeremy say a word. 

Should I give Ram a gift?

> Yes

No

“I got you something. I think you’ll like it.”

“Is it alcohol?”

“Uh, no?” 

“Then I don’t want it.” 

Jeremy reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gold chain bracelet with a football charm on it. Ram grabs it from his grasp. “Holy shit! Is this real gold?! Not that I like it. It looks like it was found in a dumpster… but it would be a waste not to wear it.”

“Hey Ram, I’ve actually always wondered why you play football so much. What made you like it in the first place?” 

“I tried it out because of my dad.” Ram responds. “He always taught me manly things like football and fishing.”

“Fishing?” Jeremy repeats incredulously. Somehow he could picture Ram as the Ultimate Fisherman. 

“Yeah! But fishing is so boring so I guess I just focused on football because he wanted me to.” Ram said. “I mean it is fun so I guess I can’t complain about it. Plus I’m pretty damn good at it too!”

“I’d assume so. You’re probably one of the best linebackers on your team.”

Ram scoffs. “One of? I’m the best linebacker on my team. They’re all good and all but I’ve been carrying those wimps to victory for three years! Me and Kurt!” 

“So you do have more linebackers on your team. Are they all Ultimates?“

“Duh.” Ram rolls his eyes. “It’s a school for Ultimates so obviously they’d also be one. Sports are one of the only exceptions that Westerberg allows when accepting people with the same talent. Sometimes, they get more credit than me which is trash! I’m stronger than them and I’m like the best linebacker on the team! I’m the one who beat the Razorbacks’ asses!” 

“The Razorbacks?”

“They’re like our biggest rivals! And they’ve got a huge stick up their asses. We win every game against them because of how much they suck!”

“Well, Good for you guys. I’m sure your dad was proud.”

“He was the only one proud actually.” Jeremy looks at him, clueless. “Not that my mom wasn’t proud. Because she was. She just wanted me to focus on school while my dad wanted me to keep on practicing football. Mom always said that she thought dad was too hard on me.”

“What did she mean by that?” 

“Whenever there’s a problem, My dad would stubbornly not listen to her. He likes to pretend he’s in his own world where he’s in control. He pushes everyone around him away because he doesn’t know how to deal with his bullshit so he takes it out on others. My mom didn’t want him to treat me like that.”

“Yikes, that must be terrible.

“Don’t pity me, Heere! You don’t understand anything!”

Like father, Like son. He doesn’t say that . “I still think it’s sweet that your mom cares about you a lot.”

“She used to. Ever since my parents got divorced, I never see her anymore. When she left Ohio, She left me too.” Ram grins. “It’s all fine though! Because now I get to throw house parties whenever my dad’s away!”

“You throw house parties?"

“Yeah! Every time my dad goes fishing with Kurt’s dad, Kurt and I throw a party and most of the guys in our year attend! Like the Heathers, they’ve been to my parties before.”

“What do you do?” If Jeremy was being honest, He has never been to a party in his life. At least, one that wasn’t with his family and wasn’t with Michael’s family. 

“Drink liquor, smoke, get laid. That kind of thing.”

“Oh, makes sense.” 

“You know, You’d be invited if you weren’t such a dork.”

Ouch… “Who else gets invited aside from the Heathers?”

“All of the guys from our team, some other popular kids I don't give a rat’s ass about and Kurt, obviously since he helps me with the party.”

“So he brings even more drinks and..” Jeremy scans the area to see if anyone was peering in. “..drugs?” He asks in the most hushed voice possible.

Ram looks at him, annoyed before he replies. “Pretty much. He’s why my dad leaves me by myself at home. He thinks Kurt’s sleeping over.”

“You guys have sleepovers?” 

“No! He thinks we have sleepovers! We don’t have them!” He yells, embarrassed. Jeremy finds it amusing. “Sleepovers are a girly thing! Kurt and I plan parties! It’s completely different!”

“I got it.” They aren’t really too different. “How did you even meet Kurt at all?” 

“We met in grade school. Some jackasses were picking on Kurt and I decided to defend him!” Ram explained. “His dad was a friend of mine so I thought I had to. That’s how we became friends!”

Someone picking on Kurt Kelly?! Westerberg's Quarterback?! What would justify him getting bullied if he was one of the coolest guys in High-School? 

“We played sports together, We tried out for football together in Freshman year, We did everything together! That’s why he’s my best friend!” He pauses, for once a cocky smile doesn’t make its way on his face. It was a soft smile. Jeremy didn’t think he was capable of it. “Don’t think I’ve ever had a friend like him before. I mean.. I kind of did in kindergarten. There was this girl I used to know.”

“What happened?” 

“She just.. didn’t get me anymore. Kurt was kind of like her but better and way cooler too! He’s way smarter than I am.” 

Did he just admit that he isn’t smart?

“I’m kind of jealous of him for that. He’s the leader. He’s the guy who helps come up with strategies for our plays. He gets better grades than I do and isn’t about to flunk Senior year like me.” Ram says. “But he’s still my best friend and I look up to him more than anyone else. He’s the most competent person in the team! I don’t think I’d be where I am without him.” 

“Ram..” Jeremy felt himself smile at the genuine heart to heart. Ram looks away.

“Screw off, Heere! And don’t tell anyone I said that!”

And the moment is gone. 

I learned more about Ram today. I didn’t know that he hosted parties and I certainly didn’t know that he used to fish. His parties sound interesting. I wonder what it’d be like to attend one. Not that I’ve ever attended a party in my life.. The girl that he befriended in kindergarten that reminded him of Kurt…. Could it be? No, yeah, it’s definitely her. Speaking of Kurt, He really is special to him. It’s sweet coming from someone like him.

Ram and I grew a little closer today.

———

It was five minutes before Four P.M. and Jeremy was walking to the elevator lobby. He would hate to be late. Kurt would probably have his head for it. Scratch that, Kurt and Ram. Ram who probably did not want him to be there. Guess he’ll just awkwardly stick by Jake. 

Jeremy anxiously taps his feet, waiting for the elevator to open. That’s when his eyes caught someone heading his direction. “Jenna!” 

“Jeremy, Just the person I wanted to see.” Jenna says, moving towards him. “Are you doing anything?” 

“I’m going to the pool.” 

“Just you?” She asks, interested. 

“No, Jake, Kurt and Ram are there too. And I don’t want to be late so Kurt’s will not kick me once I get there.” 

“Can you come with me just for a little bit? There’s something I need to show you and it can’t wait.” 

“Why? What is it about?” 

“The reading room. It’s open.” Jeremy felt his heart stop. “Martha and Veronica are already waiting for the both of us so we have to hurry before it closes again.”

“Right.” Sorry Jake.. you’re on your own with those two for now.

And so, The two walked to the elevator lobby. Jenna was gossiping to him that he wasn’t paying that much attention to. It’s not like she minded, though judging by her grossed out expression when explaining, maybe he should have listened. He thought about the reading room. It was unlocked which meant to get the answers they wanted. Although, It felt way too easy and way too convenient. Would Squip really expose the secrets inside so quickly? If nothing was important there, Why would Squip hide it in the first place?

For once, He had a bit of hope that there would be answers that he was waiting for. 

———

Jenna and Jeremy entered the library and found Martha and Veronica talking to each other, next to the opened door. So it really opened. The two girls stopped their conversation when they noticed them. 

“You guys made it!” Martha cheered. 

“I can’t be long, otherwise Kurt will kill me.”

“Kurt? Kurt as in “Kurt Kelly” Kurt?” Veronica asked in shock. Jeremy nodded. “You’re hanging out with him? No offense or anything but he makes fun of those who aren’t popular and you… well, aren’t.” 

“I don’t get it either.” Jeremy admits. “But I don’t want to face the consequences of not going. Besides, Jake and Ram are there too so it isn’t like Kurt and I are alone.” 

Except we are, every early morning. He leaves that part out.

“Ram’s there too?” Martha perks up. “…Can you tell him I said hi?”

“Uhm..” Jeremy met Veronica’s gaze. She mouths “Just do it.” and he nods at Martha, nervously. “Sure thing!” 

“We should go in already to investigate.” Jenna says, cutting the conversation short. 

Right, The room. It’s why we’re here at all. 

Jeremy, alongside the girls, go into the room. It was a clearer picture than what he saw in the window of its door. The room had two long tables on each side with a total of eight seats per table. Newspapers were hung up on the walls but none of which were helpful in finding out the truth behind their situation. 

What caught his attention was the cabinet at the very back of the room. Some drawers were labelled as Secrets while an opened drawer was labelled as Motives . He focuses on the opened drawer and runs to it. The girls follow him. He checked to see if there was anything left in the drawer but there was not a trace of what could be in it. 

“The motive… The tablets.. could it be that they were stored here?” He whips around to face Jenna who had a calculating expression on her face. “What do you think, Jenna?” 

“It’s definitely likely since this is the first motive Squip gave us that’s an actual physical copy instead of a threat.” She says. “But it doesn’t make sense as to why it was placed in the reading room of all places.”

“Guys, we can’t open the rest of the drawers!” Veronica called out. She tries to tug on the handle connected to the drawer. It doesn’t budge. “Screw this.” 

“Jenna, Do you think that this is actually what’s happening in the outside world?” Martha asks. 

“It’s possible but if that’s the case, my theory falls apart.” Jenna speaks up. “I thought that each labelled drawer could have an article relating to our disappearance but if the motive is actually true then there shouldn’t be anything related to us because we aren’t missing. There could be some about the death of eight Westerburg students but it’s unlikely...” 

“Then Squip could be lying.” Jeremy points out.

“That’s what I think but we can’t be a hundred percent sure about it. He’s just as likely to make AIs to replace us and fake our deaths as he is to fake the video.” Jenna declares. She turns to Veronica. “You should also stop doing that. It’s against the rules and you could be executed.”

“Why didn’t you say that earlier?” Veronica hisses. 

“Guys? I think I found something.” Martha says, pointing to the drawer in front of her that was also named Motives . “You don’t think he’s planning on giving us another motive, do you?” 

“It might happen if someone doesn’t commit a murder soon.” Jeremy says distressed. “Or it might be for a later date. Squip might plan for this to go on until only a few are left.” 

“What we have to make sure of is that he isn’t going to use the motive.” Veronica insists. “Because we aren’t going to let this game continue.” 

“That’s right.” Jenna smiles. “We’re going to end this pathetic killing game. And to that,” She exhales. “We need everyone’s help.” She looks at Jeremy. “We have to trust everyone to not do anything.“

“That’ll be tough. None of us can get along with each other.” Veronica utters. 

“Then we can do something like our girls’ day! Except make it for everyone! Everybody can just put aside their differences and work together!” Martha advises. 

“You really do have a big heart, Martha.” Veronica fondly says, patting her in the back. 

Speaking of Girls’ day… “Right… The pool… Crap…” The girls looked shocked at his sudden words. “I have to go to the pool otherwise Kurt will kill me!” He quickly says his goodbyes and speeds out of the library.

He hopes that Kurt finds it in him to have mercy on him.

Shit, I hope he isn’t too pissed.

———

“There you are! If you still weren’t here in like ten minutes, I would have dragged your ass here myself.” Kurt gets out of the pool and stares at Jeremy, his eyes trailing up and down. He throws Jeremy a pair of swim trunks that were resting on the shop’s counter and he catches it, confused.

“I don’t understand.”

“Heather found out we were going to the pool and you were coming so she gave me these swim trunks she said would fit you.” Kurt briefly explains, rolling his eyes. “Now hurry up and get changed. I won’t wait for you.”

“Like…. Here?” Jeremy asks hesitantly. Kurt glances at him amused. 

“If you want me to see how small it is then sure.” He smirks when he sees Jeremy flushing. It doesn’t take a genius to know what he’s referring to. “What’s wrong, Heere? Is your height compensating for something?” He cackled. “Come on, I wanna see.”

His face grows redder. One of the many times he wishes he was thinking first before speaking. “I’d rather not..”

Kurt shrugs. “Suit yourself, sweetheart. Whatever you do, just make it quick.” He jumped into the pool which was against the pool rules but Jeremy knows that he didn’t care. 

Plus, it wasn’t like it was a major one. 

There’s also a restroom on this floor. I can just go there.

“Yeah, I’ll just do that.” Jeremy mumbled to himself and awkwardly waved Kurt goodbye (even if he knew they’d be seeing each other in a few minutes from now) before he went out the door.

He leaves the shop and goes down the hallway to find the restroom. He enters it and is blown away by the scenery. Everything in the room looked like it could be sold for a million dollars. The sinks were marble, the frame of the mirrors were gold, there were roses inside of silver vases. And all you had to do was place your hand under the faucet and it pours water out.

It looked amazing.

Jeremy didn’t want to waste time staring at the beautiful setting and went into the nearest stall to take off his clothes and get in his swim trunks. He exits the stall and goes to leave.

However, he’s stopped in his tracks. His heart gets caught in his throat and he doesn’t move a muscle. He just hears voices coming from the outside of the door.

“-Don’t beat yourself up over it. It’s her loss anyway.” A muffled voice said.

“I will beat myself up over it! She’s… she’s the only person I have left!” Another voice replies with emotion. Jeremy couldn’t decipher who those people were since their voices were muffled. He could barely hear what they were saying. Some of their words, he couldn’t hear at all and it left gaps in their statements.

“And you’re allowing her to throw you away? For… Just like that? Come on, this happened… before. You need to understand that she-“

“No! ….was different! She cares about me! I know it! She might not show it. She may be more engrossed in her… and… but I know she cares about me! Just like.. Does!”

“Alright, If you say so.” 

“I think she still cares for you too.”

“I highly doubt that…” 

He hears footsteps walk away from the door. Jeremy doesn’t take the opportunity to take a peek as to who were the ones talking. He just stills, trying to take in what was going on.

What was that about? It didn’t help that some key parts of their conversation were just muffled sounds Jeremy couldn’t hear. 

He tries to ignore the nagging feeling of suspicion. He knows it isn’t important. That’s why he shouldn’t care. 

But it was interesting for sure.

Jeremy finally stepped out of the door and walked to the pool, trying to piece together what he had heard and who the two voices belonged to.

———

“Finally!” Kurt complains while Jeremy sits on the sun lounger. “Heere, What the hell are you doing?” He swims towards the side of the pool where Jeremy was resting. “I did not invite you to a pool only for you to be sissy and not swim!” 

“Maybe later but I-“

“No buts, Heere.” Kurt interjects, getting out of the pool. He picks Jeremy bridal style and he panics. Kurt glares at him. “Chill out, princess. I’m just gonna make you sit down.” 

Kurt did exactly as he promised, letting Jeremy down next to the pool so that he could properly dip his legs in the water. He goes back in the water.  “You’re lame.” He says, unamused. “What kind of weirdo doesn’t want to swim right now? In any other situation, I’d drag your ass underwater.” 

Jeremy tilts his head. “But in this situation?” 

“I don’t trust your twig self to even survive being dragged underwater.” Kurt mocks. Jeremy colors at that.

“I’ve swam before!” He defended. While that was true, he had to admit that it was less than what someone would expect which was already a low bar. “Just not that much.” He looks over to Ram then back at Kurt who follows his line of sight. He sees his jaw clench. “Why are you talking to me and not him? Can’t he take your… insults?”

“Does it matter?” Kurt asks. “I was the one who invited you so it’d be weird if I didn’t talk to you.” He jabs a finger in Jeremy’s chest. It made Jeremy realize how much taller Kurt is when he’s sitting on a higher plane and the quarterback’s reaching up to his nose. Jeremy could blame his bad posture though. He sits up straight, making him effectively taller. “Consider this the only time I tolerate you.” Kurt claims. Jeremy feels the urge to bring up their workout sessions but he doesn’t really want to when Kurt’s glare is satisfactory in shutting him up.

“Man, You’re boring. I’m not going to waste my time on you.” Kurt splashes water in his face while smirking. Jeremy groans, as he tries to wipe his face to get the water out of his eyes. “Bet you got a boyfriend who’d find your stupid ass cute, huh Heere?” 

Kurt swims away. He didn’t know whether to take his words as a compliment or not. Jeremy was way too busy with trying to clear his vision. He finally opens his eyes. “Ugh…”

Kurt reminded him of some of the bullies he encountered in Middle Borough. Except, thankfully, he didn’t beat him up. All bark no bite from the looks of it. He’d only fight someone if they’d provoke him too much.

Jeremy had good survival instincts so he knew better than to poke a wild bear with a stick.

He had to admit. It was strange how despite the way Kurt looks, he was nowhere near as terrifying as Heather Chandler. He had to give the girl some credit. Her painted nails digging into his wrist was scarier than being trapped in a room with the worst bully he’d ever had. He rubs his wrist subconsciously.

Come to think of it, I never had that many bullies since I was the school nobody. No one knew my name. People only picked on me because of- His eyes glimmered with a sense of something creeping up on him.

“Heere!” Jake’s voice called out from behind him. He sat next to him with some items in his reach. Just like that, Jeremy’s train of thought halted. What was he thinking about again? “I almost didn’t see you! When I did see you, it’s like my legs worked on their own! Guess I was excited to see my broseph!” He ruffles his hair.

Where and when does he come up with these bro based nicknames?

“You’re not going to swim?” Jake asks, moving a bit to get the things he got from the swim store. “You know, it’s a pool party, right? You gotta be in the pool, my dude.”

“The water was chilly… I didn’t want to freeze. But I guess it isn’t that bad. It’s relaxing, in a way.” Jeremy glances at him. “What are those?” 

“Oh! I got them from the store! I’ve got uh..” He looks through all of the stuff he’d gotten. “Some goggles. I got an extra pair if you want.” He throws it in the water, Jeremy miraculously catches it before it can sink too deep. “A kickboard, some inflatable pool volleyball net.” He tosses them in the pool. Jeremy tries to hold on to them so they won’t float away. “And this donut floaty.” 

“Woah,” Jeremy mumbles, impressed. “And you hadn’t had a small group hangout before? You sure know of many ideas to keep people entertained.”

“Thanks man, but it’s just become I’ve had a lot of folks come to my pool. Typically the swim team I’m in.” Jake says. He turns to face Jeremy. “You know, thinking about it, I didn’t think this was your style.” 

“Me neither. Kurt just invited me randomly.” Jeremy replies. “But it’s still nice. Makes me forget about what’s going on around us.” 

“I get what you mean but I’m kind of worried about those two.” Jake gestures to Kurt and Ram. Ram was swimming back and forth from each end of the pool while Kurt was staring at him, ticked off from the far side of the pool. “Before you appeared, They both seemed tense. I think it’s because of what Squip said but I’m not sure.” 

Jeremy did feel concern over them too. Kurt inviting him in on its own was a red flag. He assumed that Kurt didn’t want to talk to him because he had to keep this cool guy persona in front of Ram. Yet now that Kurt invited him and he and Ram seem to be awkward with each other, Something must have happened. 

“How are you? With everything that’s happening?” 

“I’m fine, honestly. I mean I just learned not to think about it, y’know? Like focus on the positives!” Jake says. “Besides, I still got Model UN. My talent isn’t a huge part of my life, just like Canigula said!”

I still find it hard to believe that you’re in Model UN.

“Since you’re the Ultimate Athlete, you’re also good at swimming too? Like you mentioned it a while ago and I doubt you were lying out of nowhere.” 

Jake nods. “Hell yeah I am! I was on the swim team in Middle school! I might try out this year too if I wasn’t already so busy with a ton of other extracurriculars.”

How many sports does this guy play?

“Anyways, come on, bro! You should swim!” Jake puts on the green goggles in his hand while Jeremy fiddles with the blue one he had. “It won’t be a party if not everyone’s having fun! Or… hangout.. I guess..”

Jeremy looks at the donut floater that was around his leg. “I have always wanted one of these…” 

“Be my guest then.” Jake says, helping Jeremy get out of the pool as the other inflatables in his hold floated away. He placed his hand on the float as he went down to sit, in order to keep in place.

Unfortunately for him, It was dragged away from him with an even stronger grip on the floaty. It sent him back underwater. He swam back up to the surface and saw Kurt with a malicious grin on his face. 

“I wasn’t even wearing my goggles! Couldn’t you have waited?!” Jeremy whined as he just now put them on, glad that they didn’t sink as he did. Kurt rolls his eyes at him. 

“Well, What do we do now? We already did everything before Heere got here.” Ram says. He smiles a bit at the sentence. He looks at Kurt, he avoids his stare. “And I’ve already swam back and forth more times than I can count.”

“On the contrary,” Jake flings a beach ball at Ram’s face. The beach ball had a bright hue of red, blue and yellow alongside white. “We can always play pool volleyball.” He gestures to the floating net that was already drifting away. 

“I dunno. It seems small.” Kurt said. They watch it float through the pool before looking back at each other. “How the hell are we supposed to play?” 

“Yeah, doesn’t it move?” Ram added.

“It could make it more difficult! It sounds pretty fun.” Jake proposed. 

“I’m in.” Ram looks at Kurt. “Are you, man?” 

“Yeah. I’m in.” Kurt continues to avoid his gaze. “I assume you are too?” He places all his attention onto Jeremy as if he was the most interesting person in the room. 

“Sure but I’m not good at volleyball so whoever I team up with will probably have to do all the work.” Jeremy admitted. 

“It’s fine, Heere!” Jake reassures. “With us grouped together, we’ll make the dopest team! We’ll give Middle-Borough’s volleyball team a run for their money.”

“Woah, hey! Who said you two were teaming up together?” Kurt asked. Jeremy and Jake sent each other confused glances. “No. Heere’s mine. Pick Ram.”

“What?!“ Jeremy screams. “Did you not hear anything I just said?! About how I’m not good at volleyball?!”

“I’m not deaf, Heere. I just don’t care.” He looks mortified. Who was this person and what has he done with Kurt Kelly?!

“That’s cool.” Jake notes. “So I’ll just go with Sweeney.” He swims over to the man who was still reeling from Kurt’s decision. He noticed this and gave his shoulder an affirmative pat. 

“But we always team up with stuff like this!” Ram exclaims. Kurt still doesn’t look at him. 

“We should switch it up a bit. Less lame that way.” He replies. His voice is void of any emotion. No sadness, no anger, just blank. 

“Then let’s start already.” Jake said. He turns to the net. “How will this whole net thing work?” 

Wasn’t this your idea? He keeps that to himself. “I think if we could always block the net’s way to make sure it does drift too far.” Jeremy replies. “If ever, we can just move to the left or right if it drifts there.” 

“Yeah, pretty sure we’re supposed to tie it to the side of the pool.” Jake shrugs. “It’ll be fine.” 

Jeremy nodded, him and Kurt shared a look. “So should we get started?” 

The two teams split up and were on opposite sides of the pool. The net was still floating around. Jeremy starts to think that it was a bad proposal to have a floater as their net with the way it kept on gliding around in several directions. He doesn’t say anything and looks at Kurt instead. “Kurt? Why do you want me on your team?” 

“Just be thankful I took pity on you.” Kurt glares at the other team. He was out for blood and in hindsight, being on a team with him wasn’t that bad as Jeremy originally thought.

“Did something happen between you and Ram?” 

“I don’t want to talk about it, Jeremy.” He struck a nerve. He knows that. He shuts up so he wouldn’t make Kurt even more angry. He still sends him a worried glance. 

The game started and Jeremy had learned that he wasn’t as bad at volleyball as he thought. When he dives for the ball, It manages to go up in the air. He manages to hit the ball more times than he had thought. They had seemingly ditched the whole “floater is the net” thing and they alternatively pretended that there was an invisible net that was in between the two teams.

That created some bias (“Dillinger, That did not go in!” “No, It did!” “I say that it did!” “Shut up, Ram!”) but regardless, Jeremy was having more fun than he thought it’d be. 

Another thing Jeremy didn’t suspect was how much of a strategist Kurt was. He knew Kurt was smarter than most would expect but he didn’t expect it to be at the same level as him.

“Don’t aim at Dillinger. He’s way better at this than Ram is since he’s the Ultimate Athlete.” Kurt tells him. “And make sure to crush Ram for me.” 

Jeremy angled his hit towards Ram who dived to retrieve it but didn’t make it past the point that was considered to be the invisible net. If there was really a net, Jeremy had a feeling that the ball would be smashed against it as Ram’s hit was hard.

They scored a point. Jeremy raises his hand to get a high five. Kurt gave him his middle finger in reply. I’m not surprised in the slightest.

An observation he had was that did notice that most of Kurt’s hits have been directed towards Ram while Ram’s was directed onto him. That made the unspoken rivalry and feud much more evident. He wonders if the people fighting outside the door were Kurt and Ram. Perhaps they had a fight. Over who? Who was the girl that one of them was talking about?

He didn’t even notice the ball flying to his face as he thought to himself. “Ack!” He almost tumbled over. 

“Sorry, Heere!” Jake yells from the other side. 

“Jesus, Get your head in the game! Do you want them to win?” Kurt barks at him. Jeremy shakes his head. “Good! Then don’t let them!” 

The game continued for a couple more rounds. The ball goes up in the air before it is pulled down towards the water. They kept the ball up as their opponents dived for it so it could stay up. It repeated. Sometimes they were too late and the ball landed on the water, Sometimes it went on the invisible net (which Jeremy still thinks is biased). Despite all of that, It was them who had stood on top. 

Ram dived to retrieve the ball but it was too late. It bounced out of his hands and landed in the water, no less than a few inches away from them.

“You guys win!” Jake applauded the winners. 

“Holy crap! We won!” Jeremy screams. He felt proud of himself. “That was a workout, wasn’t it?” He jests. Kurt snorts. 

“You weren’t too bad out there. But you’re still shit at this game and I should have chosen Dillinger over you.” He hisses. He doesn’t regret not choosing Ram. “You made me look good in comparison, though, so I guess I can’t complain too much.” 

Jake continued to congratulate them for their win. Ram didn’t say a word and settled on staring at Kurt. 

“We should all go back and take a shower. I think the pool’s about to close soon anyway.” Jeremy notes, getting up from the pool as the rest follow. He drapes himself in his towel and walks out of the room. He was still soaking wet. 

“Hey! Wait up!” Jake runs towards him. When they were out of the water, Jeremy finally noticed that Jake’s hair was down. It was shabby and a mess but it fit him. Not as much as his normal hairstyle but it still suited him. 

“You must be feeling even better now, huh?” Jeremy asked.

“Surprisingly, yeah! It was really fun.” Jake says enthusiastically, he had the floaters secured in his arms, seemingly having no problem with them. “I’m glad you could make it.” 

“No problem. I should really thank Kurt for inviting me .”

“You still don’t know why he did it?” 

“Nope. But I’m starting to think that it was to piss off Ram.” Jeremy theorized. “They have been avoiding each other all day and giving each other suspicious glances.” 

“Makes sense. He would do something like that.” Jake turns back to see Ram and Kurt who were not talking at all. “They’ll probably make up. It must suck being mad at your friend. They were like.. two bros in a pod. Looks like something changed.”

I just hope to get some answers from Kurt when we go training. 

The four boys all went their separate ways and headed back to their room. After a quick shower, Jeremy went downstairs to the buffet to have dinner. Jake and Christine were having an interesting conversation like the day before while Jeremy just peered in and listened, only saying a few words to add to the conversation. It was the same old routine honestly. He was almost starting to think he was third wheeling. 

He looks around the buffet some more and sees Kurt and Ram, finally both acknowledging the other’s existence that wasn’t in a furious way. 

…Is what he originally thought before Kurt left Ram by himself. He leaves the buffet, fuming. Jeremy’s concerned about him. He thinks that he should follow him. Ask what’s wrong. However, He doesn’t have the strength to do it. Kurt would undoubtedly kill him if even wanted to talk about anything related to feelings. 

It still plagued him. All the way to after he finished eating and when he got into his room. What were they fighting about? Was it really about the motive? Who were the people talking in front of the restroom?

In the long run, He knew these questions didn’t matter but if they were trying to work together, they had to not be divided. If there was a bright side to this situation, Going swimming actually helped him calm himself from the motive. Alongside that, Kurt was slowly starting to tolerate his existence. It brought most of them together, to an extent.

But with every bright side, There was a bad side. That was the motive. The motive that crushed their hope of finding help in the outside world, The motive that made them feel like they could be replaced in just a snap. The motive that could get one of them killed.

He goes to sleep after a while, the thought pestering him in his mind. 

———

A loud knock on the door came from outside. Jeremy got up, begrudgingly. His brain wasn’t fully functioning. It felt as if he had just been forced to wake up by his alarm clock. His eyes felt like they could shut at any moment.

He opens the door. “Kurt?” He asks, yawning. The smell of alcohol hitting me instantly.

“Up and at em, princess.” Kurt complains, snapping his fingers in front of Jeremy. “How are we supposed to train if you’re so tired?” 

“I- what time is it?” 

“It’s like quarter to five last time I checked.”

Jeremy was on high alert. “What?! That’s an hour earlier than last time!” 

“If you want to get stronger, then this is the only way to do it!” Kurt exclaims. “It doesn’t matter what the time is! You’re the one who came to me so you’re not allowed to complain about this!”

“I know that but I-“ Jeremy looks at Kurt’s right fist, balled up and trembling. He backtracks on his previous sentence. “Can I just get something real quick first?” 

“Fine. But be quick.” 

Jeremy runs back into his room and grabs the Pac-Man stress ball on his bedside table. He’s definitely going to need it due to Kurt’s seemingly bad mood.

If he was lucky, Kurt maybe wouldn’t be all too angry.

“What are you both doing up this early?” 

Chandler looked at them expecting a reply. Jeremy couldn’t give her one without telling the truth. He looks at Kurt, worriedly. 

“I’m inviting this geek to wrestle with me! It seemed like an easy win so why not?!” Kurt lied. Chandler seemed to believe it or maybe she just didn’t care. Jeremy wasn’t good at reading Heather Chandler.

“Well, that’s interesting. Wrestling isn’t my thing but make sure to break his spine for me.” She sends him a fleeting glance. It was a warning. 

Chandler most certainly doesn’t like him. 

“Will do.” Kurt smirks and she walks towards the elevator lobby. “Shit, that was close.” 

“You won’t actually beat me up, will you?” 

“Who knows?” 

Once Chandler went inside her room, Jeremy and Kurt took the elevator to go to the gym. He squeezes the stress ball in his hand.

Hopefully, Kurt was joking.

———

Jeremy finds out that angry was a bit of an understatement. The moment they stepped into the gym, Kurt steps towards the punching bag and starts throwing punches left and right. 

It made Jeremy worry about his safety. “Kurt?” 

“First lesson? How about you check if you’re still a weak little bitch?” Kurt keeps on hitting the punching bag, not looking back at him. 

“Kurt.” Jeremy watches Kurt only stop boxing just to take a sip from a bottle. It was a large sip. “Is everything okay?” 

“Why wouldn’t it be?!” Kurt exclaims. There’s a little quiver in his voice. He hears it and punches the punching bag harder. He clears his throat. “I’m fine.” He lowers his voice.

“Did something happen with Ram?” 

“I already told you I’m fine, didn’t I?!” Kurt screams this. Jeremy stands his ground, not even moving a muscle. A firm glare. 

Let’s hope this works. “Where’s the real Kurt Kelly? You’re hiding behind something, aren’t you?” He crosses his arms. “The Kurt Kelly trying to hide behind alcohol isn’t the strong Kurt that I deserve to train with.” He poked the bear and now, he can see Kurt twitch his eye in anger. Out of all the times where he miraculously spoke his mind to people he knew, this one gave him a sense of immediate regret. 

Kurt laughs darkly. “God, have you ever learned how to shut up?! You and your stupid, dumb mouth!” 

He wasn’t wrong about that. 

Jeremy frowns when he sees Kurt just standing there, looking distressed. “Kurt.” 

He sinks to the floor. “I’m such a fucking mess.” Jeremy sits next to him but still keeps his distance so he doesn’t get beaten up. He passes him the stress ball that was placed in his pocket. Kurt glances at it, confusion written on his face. “The hell is this for?” 

“It’s to calm you down.” Jeremy explains. “You just squeeze it.” Kurt comments on how dumb it sounds but ends up doing it anyway. “And then you keep squeezing it.” 

And he does. He keeps on crushing it with each second, his expression changes. Previously, He looked bored and angry but currently, He was maniacally grinning from ear to ear. “This actually works!” Kurt says as he keeps on crushing the ball. “It feels like I’m crushing Ram’s dick!” Jeremy stifled a laugh. 

“So it is about Ram.” He declared after he managed to compose himself. He sees Kurt grab onto the stress ball tighter than he did before. 

“Now it’s your dick I feel like breaking.” 

“Kurt, It’s not like I’ll tell anyone. I mean if this whole training session is kept a secret then I won’t tell anyone about what you said.” Kurt refuses to spare him a glance. “I’m not going to force you into anything, alright? But just know that it’s good to let your feelings out.”

“Of course, you would say that.” Kurt mutters. He looks at him, his glare concealing doubt. “What if you tell other people about it?” 

“You really think I’d tell anyone? You’re way stronger than me! You could easily crush me and I don’t think I’d risk that chance.” Jeremy soothes him. “Just know that you can talk to me and I won’t judge you.” Kurt is silent. “I feel like hiding yourself doesn’t make you stronger. That includes emotions or whatever. And as much as it’s weird to say, the blunt Kurt seemed to be way better.” The silence lingers. “I can start training if you want. I’m just here.” He stands up but halts when he hears a voice.

“Ram’s being a huge asshole.” Jeremy turns back and looks at Kurt. “That’s why I’m not talking to him as much as I normally do.” Kurt chugs the rest of the bottle. He tosses it aside. It doesn’t break and instead rolls to the other side of the room. 

“What did he do?“

“He’s being a dick. That’s what he did.” 

“That’s not an answer.” Kurt doesn’t say anything. He’s soundless not uttering a single word. “Kurt, Are you-”

“The asshole doesn’t fucking tell me anything anymore!” He throws the stress ball to the wall in a rage and it bounces against the surface before dropping on the floor and sliding in the opposite direction. “I thought we were friends! I thought he trusted me! I thought-“ He stops for a moment. “That son of a bitch is hiding something! When I ask him about what happened a while ago, he’s all like: “why’re you asking me this?! I’m fine, Kurt! You’re acting weird!” as if he isn’t being a fucking dick!” He exhales. “I knew something was wrong with him ever since the stupid motive was announced but he didn’t tell me anything! He kept on dodging the question and lied to my face! Which is bullshit because he never hides anything from me! Never! Not since grade school!”

“So you’re mad because he’s hiding something from you?” Jeremy asked.

“You don’t understand it. Ram never kept any secrets from me. No matter how weird it is. No matter if it made us look like sissies because we had each other and we knew that we’d keep it.” Kurt grimaced. “But now we don’t even talk anymore. Ever since this shitty game started. I just wanted this to be over so we could be normal again.” 

“Kurt-“

“I tried to ignore it. I thought it was just because of the game but ever since the newest motive, He’s been acting weirder than usual and he won’t tell me what’s going on.” He continues on. “Not only that but he won’t even let me talk to him. When I try to talk about something, He just fucking dodges the question and says I’m being weird for wanting him to open up. I tried to tell him how bullshit the motive is and he just ignored me.” 

“Yeah, I think I get how you feel.” 

“You do?” Kurt looks at him skeptically. “How?” 

“Before this whole situation happened, I was a loser.” Jeremy hears Kurt laugh at that. 

“Still are.” 

“True. Anyways, Alongside me was Michael who was also a loser, geek, or whatever people called us. I would often tell him about how I hated being a loser and he told me to think about the positives.” Jeremy elaborates. “He would always ignore what I’m feeling to focus on the positives and to cheer me up. Even if it isn’t working. It makes it feel like I’m in the wrong and I’m the asshole because I want to be something more and I’m tired of what I'm given.” 

“At least he tries to make you feel better.” Kurt folded his arms. “Ram just makes me feel more like shit.” He halts. A beat passes between them. “Did he ever not tell you about anything?” 

“Actually, yeah. There were many things he didn’t tell me even though we were best friends since we were five. At the same time, There are many things I haven’t told him.” He stares at Kurt, his interest peaking. “Is there something you’ve never told Ram? I’m sure you didn’t tell him about us training together, did you?”

“Nope. I told him everything including that. Ram knows that we have these training sessions. I told him I only agreed to it because you forced me to.” Well, that was the truth. “And it’s why it pisses me off.” Kurt grumbles. “I told him about how I wanted to go to Harvard when I was like ten, I told him about how I pass classes even if I tell the whole team I get a 60% on average, I told him everything because he promised he’d do the same!”

“Hey…” Jeremy touches his shoulder. Kurt was too angry and too tired to care about what he had just told him. “He probably has a reason for it. Like Michael did. Even when it makes us upset or annoyed. He had to have a reason for it.” 

“I just wished we could talk to each other like we normally did.” Kurt groans. “Fuck, I sound like a pansy.”

“You don’t and I feel the same way. I wished we could both escape from this awful hotel and talk about our feelings. We were far from perfect best friends to each other but it’s still 12 years of friendship. Always bound to have some problems. Maybe my constant negativity made him annoyed as his positivity did for me.” 

Jeremy lets out a sigh. Ironic how he tries to suck up all of Michael’s positive nature now. He couldn’t afford to be negative, sure. That isn’t to say that it wasn’t tiring. “Guess we’ll never know, huh?” 

“That just proves I’m a pansy.” Kurt says but there’s a bit of pity in his eyes. Jeremy almost thinks he’s imagining it. “I just want him to tell me shit. I want him to know that I’m someone he can trust.” He lets out an even louder groan. “God, what’s wrong with me?! I think the alcohol’s finally getting to me.” 

“Nothing’s wrong with you. If there is, it’s definitely not feeling this. And I’m sure he’ll tell you eventually.” 

“I want to kick his ass for being a dick.” Kurt said. “I want to kick his ass for breaking our promise that we kept since first grade.” He laughs at himself. “Jesus, I can’t believe I’m hanging onto something from grade school! Who am I? Dumptruck?”

“Is this why you invited me to the pool? Was it to spite Ram?” Jeremy voices out a question he’s been thinking for a while. 

“Yup. He hates losers just as much as I do. He got extremely pissed when I invited you. I’m surprised he didn’t drag your ass underwater.” Kurt diverts his attention to something else. Anything that wasn’t Jeremy. “Thinking about why I’m mad now feels stupid. I’m still obsessed with some promise I made in grade school! Ram can do whatever he wants! I don’t give a shit!” 

He, unfortunately, did. 

“It’s just that… Why did he stop now? Why does he stop telling me anything once this stupid game starts? Why are we drifting apart?” Kurt’s nails dig into his legs. 

“I’m sure you’re not. If it is, you both can fix it.” 

“Ram’s my only friend. He’s my best friend. He’s the only one I trust.” He says. His defenses were broken down for just a split second before being rebuilt. “Why do I even care so much?! What’s wrong with me?! Why do I feel so weak and pathetic and insecure?!” 

“Hey, Just talk to him. I know it didn’t work but maybe you can-“

“I came here just to avoid talking to him.” Kurt cuts him off. Jeremy looked taken by surprise. “Why do you think I woke you up so early in the morning? He invited me to talk and I didn’t want to talk to him.”

“But why? If he wanted to have a talk with you, It’d be a good thing, right?” 

“Heere, I’ve been trying to get him to talk about it the whole entire day and now, he wants to talk?! Early in the morning?! When I know better than anyone that he can’t get his ass up before six?!” Kurt fumed. “He just did it to give me hope. I know that asshole.” 

“What if he didn’t? Maybe he truly wants to tell you. Maybe all he needed was time!” Kurt doesn’t say anything. “Okay, How about this? If I’m wrong, I’ll do fifty push ups but if I’m right, you have to tell Ram what you’re feeling. No matter if he tells you what he’s hiding or not. You did say you’d never keep anything from him.”

“Fine but only because I want to see you do fifty push ups.” He shakes Jeremy’s hand. “You better be ready tomorrow, Heere.” 

“You bet I will, Kelly.” Jeremy stands up, walking towards the door. He turns back to see Kurt glaring at him. It isn’t as menacing as his previous ones.

“If you tell anyone about this-“

“-Then I’m dead. I know that.” Jeremy finished his sentence for him. He places his hand on the doorknob but he fails to move. “I hope you and Ram make up. You guys seem like good friends.”

“Yeah, Me too.”

He turned the doorknob and exited the room. 

———

Jeremy laid down in his bed. He wonders if the two were talking at the moment. He wonders if they fixed their friendship. He wonders if Kurt finally told Ram how he felt. He thought about how Kurt was so desperate to connect with his best friend again. Was that why they were so attached to each other? Kurt didn’t want to lose the most important person in his life? He did say that Ram was his only friend so that could have been the case. 

All Jeremy could do is hope for the best. Hope that the two could talk to each other about how they were really feeling. He’ll.. never get a chance to do that again.

He tries to ignore the thought. 

After a few seconds of tossing and turning, his eyes closed and he fell into a slumber. 

-SQUIP THEATER-

SQUIP :

“Talent is something that’s based on what society tells you. To everyone else, you could be extremely good at something but you could be miserable in your talent. To everyone else, you could be extremely bad at something but you think it’s your talent. In the end, what is talent really if not something you do to make yourself feel superior to others?”

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

Squip’s announcement rang and Jeremy did not want to get up from his bed. Just as much as the announcement was a routine, His reluctance to wake up was a part of that too. But because he was forced to and because he hates himself, He reluctantly got up and made his way to the door. 

He made his way down the hall and to the elevator lobby with as minimal energy as he could possibly have. Despite not doing anything aside from talking to Kurt, Jeremy felt groggy from being woken up at four in the morning. It was like school all over again. He pressed the down button and patiently waited for the elevator. 

Ding!

The elevator door opened and inside were McNamara and Duke. They both look at him in their swimsuits. Jeremy feels slightly threatened. “Why are you guys staring at me like that?” 

“Are you going up or not?” Duke asked, crossing her arms. “Heather and I are going to go for a swim. We got bored and it’s the only way to unwind.”

“Sure. Why not? I mean I’m not even too hungry anyway.” 

“Well, we won’t wait for you.” The elevator door shuts. Jeremy walks back to his room. He sees Kurt’s door. He thinks about what happened last night and if Ram showed up. Regardless, He just wants those two to get along again. They all couldn’t risk falling apart because of Squip and his motives. 

He enters his room, grabs his swim trunks and goggles then exits. He goes back to the elevator lobby and rides an elevator to the floor above. 

———

“Why did you guys want to swim again?” Jeremy asked the second he came out of the elevator. 

“It seemed to help you guys so we thought to give it a try. Not to mention, I was always looking forward to it!” McNamara says and they all started moving towards the pool. “We were supposed to invite Kurt, Heather and Ram but they didn’t answer and they weren’t at the buffet either.”

Maybe they finally made up! Jeremy smiles at the idea. 

“We’ll get them later!” Duke told them, dismissively. “Heather and those two could be sleeping for all we know. They’ll come eventually.”

“We should invite everyone too. For a pool party of some sorts.” Jeremy suggested. 

“No way!“ Duke exclaims. “This’ll be a Westurburg pool party only! Minus Veronica and Dumptruck, of course.” She gives him a once-over. “Besides, they wouldn’t allow you to be there. So you’d probably leave the moment they enter.”

That sounds about right.

After heading down the hallway, they finally reached the room where the pool was located. McNamara pushes the door open. “You know, It’ll be nice if we invite other people like Jake and Chloe. It’d feel-“ She stops when her eyes get fixated on a certain figure. “What the hell?!” 

Duke and Jeremy enter the room after her. They looked to see where she was looking at and both of their moods had instantly dropped. 

“Holy fucking shit.” Duke murmurs. 

Right across the pool, there was a pegasus floater. On that floater, laid Martha Dunnstock’s, the Ultimate Librarian’s, unmoving dead body.

Jeremy’s blood curdling scream could barely be heard by the new announcement echoing in the room.

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

“A body has been discovered!” 

Chapter Text

Ding Dong Bing Bong!

“A body has been discovered! Everyone, head upstairs to the pool. Use your time wisely otherwise you’ll never find out who killed the victim!” 

“No. It can’t be.” He felt like crying. Martha Dunnstock. She was across the room. The inflatable she was on was stained with blood. He thought they’d just ignore the motive. He thought that it wouldn’t happen again. That the fates of Michael, JD and Rich were just nightmares that he’d eventually wake up from. 

However, That wasn’t the case. This nightmare was endless and was never going to stop. Jeremy likes to believe in hope. He did believe in hope. But now that hope was crushed in front of him, bloodied on a pegasus inflatable. 

“Can someone check for her pulse or something?!” McNamara says frantically. “There’s no way someone’s actually dead, right?!” 

“Then that annoying announcement wouldn’t have rang.” Duke counters. He looks at Martha’s body, he turns away and trembles. “There’s no mistaking it. Someone must’ve wanted her dead badly . Like Jesus…”

Jeremy, in spite of himself, walked to the body. He pressed his index finger against Martha’s neck. There wasn’t a pulse. He wasn’t expecting one but the reality of their situation just came crashing down on him. “She’s…” He couldn’t bring himself to say it. It wasn’t like he needed to say anything anyway. One look at his horrid expression and you can tell what word he was about to utter out.

As if the situation couldn’t get any worse, He hears footsteps behind him. He turns around and sees everyone else behind Duke and McNamara. 

“What…?” Jenna looks mortified. So did everybody else but they weren’t the ones he was paying attention to. 

He meets Veronica’s eyes. The light inside them had died as her eyes started to tear up. She ran over to her. “Martha?! MARTHA?!” Her voice grows increasingly loud. “MARTHA, COME ON!” 

Jeremy stands there. He doesn’t move an inch. He doesn’t hear anything else aside from Veronica’s wails and his own breathing. 

He felt a sense of deja vu.

She doesn’t say another word. She doesn’t yell in anger. She just cries. She cries harder than she had when JD died. She cries her heart out.

“Martha…” Veronica whispers. Jeremy was close enough to be able to hear her. He feels as if he was intruding. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t able to protect you… I wasn’t able to be a good friend. I’m-”

Veronica breaks down in tears, cradling Martha’s limp body in her arms, sobbing in her auburn hair that was now tarnished with crimson blood. She repeats her apology over and over again. She doesn’t let go of Martha. She doesn’t want to let go. Jeremy watches on. He feels guilty in doing so. He hears murmurs coming from behind him. He doesn’t even bother to look at their reactions. What he paid attention to was Veronica in front of him. 

He’s been here before, hasn’t he?

“Martha…” 

“Michael…” 

His eyes widened. His face pales.

“I’m sorry…”

“Just say it isn’t you, please.”

He feels his heart beat quicken.

“I’m so fucking sorry…”

“Wait! Can we talk about this please?! I think I’m wrong!”

He remembers. He recalls what happened before. The moment that replayed in his head ever since he saw it unfold in front of him. The crunching bones, the sounds of pain that he never heard out of his best friend. He just knew there was blood. So much blood that he wasn’t able to see, that he didn’t want to see. Metal around Michael’s neck. Michael being dragged away. 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

“Just say it already! Please! I can’t do this! I can’t! I can’t–!”

He doesn’t want anyone to feel that way again. He doesn’t want to go through the pain again. So why was it happening again ?

“I should have been there for you..”

“This isn’t funny at all.”

He snaps his attention to Veronica, weeping while holding onto Martha. 

Martha. He couldn’t save Martha. She didn’t deserve this. Neither did Michael and JD. So why? Why were they the ones to go? Why were they sacrificed to continue this game for some sick entertainment? 

“It’s all your fault.” He hears Michael’s voice whisper in his head. Amongst the other voices in his head, he stood out as the loudest. 

And he was right. He couldn’t protect anyone. He failed to protect everyone. So much for a plan of escape, so much for the Ultimate Strategist. So much for Jeremy fucking Heere. 

“…Heere?”

He continues to stare at Veronica.

“Don’t forget who you are, okay? Mr. Ultimate Strategist? Promise? ”

“Jeremy Heere!”

“I promise.”

What did she do to deserve this? What did any of them do to deserve this… this….

“Michael!”

Despair ?

All of a sudden, he felt a hand colliding with his face. It was strong enough to make him stumble back a bit. He looks up and sees Kurt who clearly was the one who slapped him. He gripped on his wrist as if he exerted any effort.

Jake was there looking surprised. “Dude! You weren’t supposed to slap him!” He said in a hushed voice. Probably since everyone else was mourning Martha. 

“Don’t give me that bullshit man.” Kurt said, his voice was hushed too. At least, if anything, he had some decency. “I saw you about to slap him too.”

“The back of his head! Not his face!” Jeremy just stared at them in shock.

“Yeah, cause that wouldn’t hurt the same.” Kurt walks away from the both of them. “You’re too soft on him, Dillinger.”

Jake glares at the back of his head. “I don’t like him.”

Jeremy wasn’t particularly fond of him either. However, that slap brought him back from his thoughts. Jake looks back at him. “You okay?” He places a hand on Jeremy’s shoulder. 

“Sorry. I zoned out for a second.” He replies. “And the slap is fine..” He rubs his cheek. “It isn’t so bad.”

That pain meant nothing compared to…

He frees himself from Jake’s grasp. He can still feel his lingering gaze on him. He walks over to Veronica. He gives her a hug. “I’m sorry.” That’s what he says. Veronica breaks down even more. She cries in his arms. She gives up trying to shake the body awake for any reaction. 

“Holy shit. I can’t believe she’s dead.” Duke mutters, mortified. Jeremy saw fear in her eyes. Could there also be regret and pity in it too? If there was any sign of those, It was buried under the despair in her eyes.

That was a way to summarize every single one of their expressions. Pure frightened despair. There could have been regret and sympathy in them as well but nevertheless, despair was the one emotion that Jeremy gouged out of them.

“Well, Isn’t this a nice surprise?”

Him.

“What do you want?!” Veronica yells. Her sadness, her pain had turned into unbridled rage. At that point, Jeremy had to hold her tighter to keep her from doing anything reckless. 

“I’m obviously here to give you the Squip file. How else are you supposed to solve this case?” 

“You asshole. You’re fucking insane.” 

“I appreciate the compliment, kid but do you not want to get the file that could help you solve this case?” Squip smirks. He holds up the tablet as if it were a toy he was hovering above them. 

“Just give us the file already. You’re no help at all.” Jeremy demands. Squip obliges, handing him the Squip file. Once he had it in his grasp, It was extremely difficult to not hit him in the head with it. 

“You may investigate however you like. You can even try to get rid of all the evidence for the crime if you’re the culprit.” Veronica glares at Squip. “But that’s risky, isn’t it?”

“Can you fuck off already?” Chandler scowls, placing a hand on her hip. “If you want us to investigate, you have to get the hell out of here.”

“Alright then but remember that all your lives are at stake if you don’t find the culprit.”

Squip then disappeared, bringing back the tense air surrounding them all.

“Thank god, he’s gone.” Jenna mutters. She glanced at Martha’s body. “So someone actually acted upon the motive.”

“But why?! Who would do something like that?!” Christine exclaims.

“It was clearly one of us.” Chandler states. “As much as we don’t want to admit it, Squip is clearly obsessed with his rules so even if he wanted to kill Dunnstock, he couldn’t have. Same as last time.”

“Heather has a point. We have to find out who the true culprit is.” Jeremy looks at Veronica. He lends her a hand. “If you don’t want to leave her side, you can always be on the lookout.”

“No.” She stands up and lets go of Martha’s hand. “I want to investigate and I want to find out who did this to Martha. I want to uncover the truth behind her murder otherwise I won’t be satisfied.” She balls her hands into a fist. “I failed to protect her so I won’t let her down this time. It’s for her and JD.”

“If you want, we can investigate together.” Jeremy offers her a smile. He knew what it was like. He knew what it was like to have your friend be sacrificed in this twisted game. 

Veronica smiles and shakes her head. “Thanks. But no. I prefer to be alone if you don’t mind.”

“Actually, I mind!” Chandler yells. “We’re all culprits, Veronica! You without anyone keeping an eye on you is suspicious!” A smile made its way onto her face. “So you’ll investigate with us.”

“What?!” Veronica asks, appalled at the suggestion. “Yeah, no. I’d rather stick by myself.”

“She does have a point.” Chloe pipes in. “How do we know that you won’t change the crime scene or get rid of any evidence behind our backs?”

Veronica tries to retort but she can't say anything. She sighs, looking so tired. “There’s no use arguing about it. The more we waste time, the higher chance that Squip will start the trial without us completing our investigation.” 

She’s right. We can’t afford to waste time. We have to start the investigation now. 

He looks over to Martha and frowns. 

Who would have done something like this to her? Was it really one of us who would kill someone so nice? Was it really one of us who complied with Squip's motive?

No matter who the killer is, I will get to the truth of this case!

———— INVESTIGATE —————

Heather C.:

“So just like before, there will be two people guarding the body while everyone else goes to investigate.”

Heather D.:

“I still don't want to be the bodyguard. Literally.” 

Heather C.:

“Shut up, Heather.” 

Heather D.:

“Sorry, Heather.”

Christine:

“Actually, Can I help with investigating this time?”

Jeremy:

“Huh?”

Christine:

“I know I said I wasn’t too useful before but I want to try and help everyone solve this mystery! It’ll be a challenge but I’m ready to give it all that I got!” 

Jeremy:

You’re making it sound like it’s a workout routine.

Jenna:

“If Christine isn’t guarding anymore then that would mean that someone else has to fill in Christine’s role of helping Heather guard the body.” 

Brooke:

“I can do it. I mean last investigation I didn’t really do much so it’d be nice to have something important to do.”

Veronica:

“Well, that settles it. Now we can start investigating and then we’ll find out who’s the bastard that did this.” 

[Some of them went to the store near the pool in order to investigate while others had left to see if there were any other clues in the other rooms on the floor. There were only four people left near the pool.]

Jenna:

“Jeremy, Could I investigate with you?” 

Jeremy:

“What? Why?” 

Jenna:

“During the previous trial, you knew a lot about the crime scene and you even managed to solve how the crime took place. So I want to help you investigate so that we can both reach the truth.”

Jeremy:

“Well, I could use your help. I definitely can’t do this alone.”

Jenna:

“And you won’t need to.” 

[She gives him a reassuring smile. Jeremy returns it. Both of them look at Martha’s body. They went still at the sight of it.]

Jenna:

“So Squip gave you the file, right?”

Jeremy:

“Yeah, It’s right here.” 

[He stares at the tablet in his hand and Jenna peers in, looking behind his shoulder. It reads: “The victim is Martha Dunnstock. The body was discovered near the pool. She was shown to have signs of blunt force trauma to the head and a stab wound on her chest. Estimated time of death is 5:15 in the morning.” ]

Jeremy:

“5:15?! Isn’t that a bit too early?!” 

Jenna:

“Wait.. Jeremy, Did you notice something?” 

Jeremy:

“What do you mean?” 

Jenna:

“What’s the one thing that’s not explicitly stated in this file?” 

Jeremy:

….!

Jeremy:

“The cause of death wasn’t stated. Just like last time.”

Jenna:

“Exactly. So there has to be something about Martha that doesn’t meet the eye.” 

Jeremy:

Maybe it could be blood loss again? Or was there something else we weren’t seeing? Either way, It certainly alludes to something suspicious.

[ “SQUIP FILE #2” has been added to truth bullets]

Jeremy:

“And speaking of Martha, I think we should check the body now to get a clearer picture of what happened during the crime.”

Jenna:

“Well, Right after you.” 

[Jeremy walked towards Martha’s body with Jenna trailing behind him. He looks at the body more critically, trying to fight the urge to run away and vomit at the corpse that was on the inflatable. Jeremy looks at Jenna to see what she thinks about it. She looks blank and somewhat sorrowful.]

Jeremy:

“If you don’t want to investigate this, it’s-“

Jenna:

“No, I’m fine, I was just thinking.”

Jenna:

“Anyways, First things first, She looked like she got hit really hard. There’s a deep wound in her head. Like extremely deep.”

Jeremy:

“You think it was enough to kill her?” 

Jenna:

“I’m not too well versed in stuff like this so I’m not one hundred percent positive but judging from her injuries, I’d say that it definitely would make her have some sort of brain damage.” 

Heather D.:

“Jesus, Dumptruck was a weirdo but even I think that’s too far.”

Brooke:

“What do you think she got hit with?“ 

Jeremy:

“I don’t know. There are millions of options that could have been used.“

Heather D.:

“This is going to be harder than last time, isn’t it?” 

Jenna:

“Most likely, considering that we managed to solve the last crime, the killer would have tried to up their game a bit.” 

Jeremy:

“Since the wound is deep, We can assume that the culprit used a lot of force to strike Martha. That being said, Anything could have been used to do it.” 

Brooke:

“So the culprit had to be strong enough to kill Martha in one hit.”

Heather D.:

“At least that cancels out Jeremy.”

Jeremy:

“Aside from that, The culprit also had to have something that was sturdy enough to hit an unsuspecting victim with.”

Jenna:

“It doesn’t seem like there’s anything in the pool to account for that.” 

Jeremy:

“They could have used something from the store since that’s where the inflatable came from.”

Heather D.:

“Is there anything in that cheap shop that can even be a murder weapon?” 

Jeremy:

“Maybe not but that doesn’t mean that the killer didn’t use something from the other rooms or even in their own room.” 

Jenna:

“Either way, We need to find the murder weapon to get to the culprit.” 

Jeremy:

I’m sure we’ll find some leads the more we investigate.

[ “Head Injury” has been added to truth bullets]

[Jeremy took a closer look at the body. Alongside the blood that was coming out of her head. There was also blood on her pink turtleneck from a small stab wound on her chest.]

Jeremy:

“Blunt force trauma isn’t the only thing that was stated in the file. There’s also the fact that she got stabbed in the chest.”

Jenna:

“Just like the head wound, it looks really deep. Both of them could easily be the possible causes of death.”

Brooke:

“Stabbing again? You think this was another accident or…?” 

Jeremy:

“Doesn’t look like it. The wound is pretty deep. It wasn’t like last time when the weapon wasn’t completely stabbed through. Plus, the culprit didn’t leave anything on the wound so.. She likely bled.. A lot...”

Heather D.:

“I’m sure we’ll find the murder weapon soon enough. I mean the culprit can’t not leave any clues behind.”

Jenna:

“Doesn’t their life depend on not getting caught?” 

Heather D.:

“They’ll fuck up something eventually.” 

Jenna:

“That’s encouraging.”

Brooke:

“Jenna said that both of them are probable causes of death but which one happened first? Maybe that can narrow it down to who’s most likely to be the culprit.”

Jeremy:

“It might not even matter because no matter the order, There’s still a high chance that Martha was just knocked unconscious or that she wasn’t dead yet.”

Jenna:

“So even if we do figure out which one came before the other, It still won’t give us the right cause of death.” 

Jeremy:

“Besides, I don’t think the sequence of events would narrow down the culprit since anyone could have killed Martha.” 

Brooke:

“You do have a point but if that won’t lead us to the culprit then what will?” 

Jeremy:

“I don’t know but I hope something will.” 

[ “Stab Wound” has been added to truth bullets]

[Brooke looks at Martha’s body conflicted. She has something on her mind and Jeremy wonders what it was.]

Jeremy:

“Brooke? Are you okay?” 

Brooke:

“I am. It’s just that there’s something that confuses me about the crime scene.” \

Jeremy:

“Huh? What is it?” 

Brooke:

“Why would the culprit place Martha on an inflatable? It doesn’t make any sense. They could have just placed her on the floor. Was it really necessary?” 

Jenna:

“Maybe it’s to limit the blood?” 

Heather D.:

“Or maybe there’s something under it!” 

[Duke sits down on the floor. She grabs the tail of the pegasus. Brooke holds onto Martha, keeping her in place so she wouldn’t slip off.]

Jeremy:

“Wha-?! Heather, what are you-?!”

Heather D.:

“I’m looking for clues underneath the body! It’s the only thing I can do.”

Jenna:

“Honestly, She might be onto something.”

Brooke:

“You think so?” 

Jenna:

“I mean worst case scenario, it just wastes our time.” 

[Heather lifts the inflatable higher while Brooke and Jeremy try to make sure that Martha wouldn’t slip off of it. But when she put her hand under it.]

Heather D.:

“Ew! What the hell?!” 

Jeremy:

“What’s the matter?!” 

Heather D.:

“It’s wet!” 

Jenna:

“Wet?” 

[As Duke wipes her hand on her skirt, Jenna slides her hand under the inflatable.]

Jenna:

“She isn’t wrong. It is wet.” 

Brooke:

“We are next to a pool so it makes sense.”

Jenna:

“No. I don’t think it came from the pool. It has a familiar smell.”

Jeremy:

“What?” 

Jenna:

“It smells like oil.”

Brooke:

“Like the oil from the spa?”

Heather D.:

“Seriously?” 

Jenna:

“It smells the same. Though, It doesn’t make sense as to why there would be oil under the inflatable in the first place.”

Jeremy:

“It might be an important piece of evidence.” I don’t know how but just in case.

[ “Pegasus Inflatable” has been added to truth bullets]

Brooke:

“Wait… Martha’s on something.”

Jeremy:

“What do you mean?”

Brooke:

“Heather, Can you hold Martha in place?” 

Heather D.:

“Uh, sure?” 

[Heather does as she was told. Brooke tilts the inflatable to the left. A small stress ball rolls out from Martha’s back and slides onto the floor. Everyone stills, recognizing the ball.]

Jeremy:

“Crap, I almost forgot about that.” 

Heather D.:

“What the fuck, Jeremy?! Don’t tell me you’re the one who did this!” 

Jeremy:

“What?! No, I’d never do something like that!” 

Brooke:

“Then why is your stress ball there?!”

Jeremy:

“I don’t know! But I promise you that I didn’t do it!”

Heather D.:

“Like we’d believe you! You’re like the prime suspect!”

Jenna:

“You guys need to calm down.”

Jeremy:

Jenna?

Jenna:

“I can’t say for certain that Jeremy isn’t the culprit but it does make sense that someone could easily frame him.”