CH1: Two Beats One

I almost forgot about the game going on just watching those two go at it. I hope I’ll not have to shoot them. They seemed happy together. Maybe… somebody else will get them? I have not been near the cafeteria, but I’m guessing it’s somewhere on the first floor. So I head there while watching out for any other players. The Recreationists sound a little scary. I would prefer it if everyone played by themselves, but there was no rule for teaming up, so some are going to do that to wipe out the rest of us. That’s just the truth of the situation right now.

I make my way to the first floor but out of the blue I hear careful footsteps approach and take cover behind a corner, my gun ready. I wonder if I should just turn and shoot or wait. It’s too risky. Also, what if it is… Yes, I have to ask. “W-who goes there?”

I wait for an answer and hear the footsteps stop. “Lilah? Don’t worry, it’s me.” The girl whispers. I recognized it at once. It is Grace and she’s alone, still holding the pistol we found together and which I slid for her previously. “Ah, I’m so glad to see you!” I hurry to hug my friend and she seems somehow tense.

“M-me too… I thought those hardcore bitches got you.” She grunts and I am sure she means the Recreationists and I shake my head: “No. I found these people upstairs. I met Wicky! She’s at the safe zone.” Grace looks at me thoughtfully and nods and I continue: “She is trying to find a way to cheat the game… she said you would understand.” I smile at Grace who gets a little smirk on her face and she fixes her hat: “Yeah… did she also boast about winning against me? Yeah, she’s a total cheater. Well, what did she want?”

I explain to her the mission I am on and Grace looks a bit hesitant. “You know… this ain’t a game you cheat in, you know? We’re playing for experimental treatment here… there’s a lot of money in this. She… won’t get away with it, you know.” I am not sure what to think. Wicky helped me understand so many things, she seemed like a good ally to have. What Grace is saying is that I shouldn’t listen to her. “Well… what do you think we should do then? Side with someone else?” I groan and get an uneasy vibe. I can’t think of any better way to ensure that Wicky is fine than to help her.

“No. You are going to take my side, silly. We’re gonna do it together, ok? Let’s go play the game. We are badasses, remember? Come on. Maybe we’ll come across some players in the cafeteria.” Grace pulls me along and I’m not sure if she’s willing to do what I and Wicky want or if she just liked the idea of looking for people at the cafeteria or what. Either way we head towards it. We pass the atrium on the way and find it surprisingly empty. After that we come across the gym. Then I remember what Wicky said earlier and I pull my friend away.

“What?” Grace asks ready with her gun. And I point at the door. “I heard from Wicky… there’s a group there. The group with Kendall, remember? The annoying girl.” And just as I say it, someone walks through the door and looks around the hallway. She is carrying a shotgun and I recognize it as the girl who stopped Calliope leaving so early in the game. The girl has brown hair which is on a low ponytail. She looks scary holding the big gun and we hide some distance away. Her suit is even darker than mine. “Looks clear. Hey! If you are coming, then come already! Weren’t you all about playing, huh? I’ll show you!” She shouts and points in both directions of the hallway with her gun.