The Hardest Thing

When Mike and Ashley arrived in the cafeteria, there was a clear tension. Summer's message from yesterday was still ringing in their minds.

Lucy was wearing a blank collar by the insistence of Mike, while Gwen was in her usual fit body.

When Summer appeared, it was clear she was still uneasy.

"Before the Director arrives, let's go over the current VP rankings," she said.

1st: Lucy 118 VP

2nd: Gwen 94 VP

3rd: Gabby 87 VP

4th: Alex 73 VP

5th: May 50 VP

6th: Bri 46 VP

7th: Ashley 22 VP

8th: Penny 19 VP

No one was very surprised by the scores. Gabby was frustrated, however, as her score hasn't really changed much.

"Some of you are doing great, while others really need to step up their game," said Summer, her usual smile creeping onto her face. This fell however, when thunder rolled.

In a bolt of lightning, the Director appeared. Everyone grew uneasy as he walked over to them, his eyes scanning each one of them. Out of an instinct he didn't know he had, Mike put himself in front of everyone at his table. The Director noticed this, but didn't react.

"It is good to see all of you again," he said in a smooth but terrifying voice. Although she tried to hide it, Penny was trembling.

"For this next challenge, you will all be faced with the one thing you can never escape, yourselves," he said. He drew his sword, and eight full length mirrors appeared beyond the room.

"You will walk through your mirror, and come face to face with yourself from an alternate universe. Whoever can stay there the longest will win," he said. Lucy's head snapped up.

"Alternate universe? Wait, THE MULTIVERSE IS REAL!" she exclaimed, her nerdom on full display.

"Yes, it is. But I must warn you, these are not good outcomes. The other selves you will meet are not good versions. When you cannot take any more, just say that you're done," he said.

"Wait, what do you mean, not good outcomes?" asked Summer, who seemed afraid of the answer. But it was an answer she didn't get.

"Go fourth, and discover for yourself," he said. Although everyone hesitated, they entered their mirrors. Leaving just the Director, Summer and Mike behind.

"This will be the hardest thing they'll ever do"