Death Games

**Chapter 3 - Chaos** My head was throbbing from the whack I had taken from the intruder. I was dazed and confused. What the hell going on... The last thing I remember is being in the stock room. I find myself in the storefront, huddled in the middle with my fellow co-workers and some other customers [[...|Blurred Vision]]

With slightly blurred vision, I gaze around the store to find it in disarray. The windows are covered up, unable to know what is going on outside in the world. The interactive displays have been thrown to the side, toys are scattered across the floor. Who the hell has done this? [[...|Amy Asks Marcus]]

Amy notices that I have come around, and asks “Marcus are you okay? You have been knocked out for quite a while.” [[“Yeah my head is hurting but I’m okay I guess”]] [[“More importantly, what the hell is going on?”]]

“I’m so glad, we didn’t know if you were going to wake up” [[...| As I put]]

“It all happened so suddenly. Marcus, We were all so scared” [[...|such a mess]]

As I put on a fake smile, “Thanks Amy, I appreciate your concern” [[...|Alright love birds]]

“Alright love birds, you want to get a room?” [[...|Amy quickly averts her eyes]]

Amy quickly averts her eyes, as the unknown voice continues to speak to his captives [[...|Cuckoo introduces himself]]

“I should probably introduce myself. I’m your host for today, Cuckoo the clown. Let’s all get along and have a fun time” [[...|what the hell are you doing]]

“Why is the place such a mess?” [[...|unknown voice]]

An unknown voice begins to speak, “That’s because of me young boy, remember me” [[...|look away from Amy]]

As I look away from Amy, the tormentor comes into view [[...|Cuckoo introduces himself]]

“What the hell are you doing, untie us immediately.” The vein popping out on Keith’s forehead highlighting his rage [[...|No no no]]

“No no no, my manager friend, I’m the boss now. I will explain everything in due time” [[...|The clown was very authoritative]]

The clown was very authoritative, it had no trace of fear or worry in its voice, very much in control of the situation [[...|Ladies and Gentleman]]

“Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the Death Games” [[...|Death Games out of a movie]]

“The Death Games, are you actually serious? Is this something out of a movie?!”, one of the customers questions the clown. [[“I think this is going to be better than a movie because you guys get to experience it all”]] [[“I don’t think this guy believes us, what should we do with him already?”]] [[“Silence human. Let us speak.”]]

“Experience it? What are we going to be doing? We need answers” [[...|Shut up]]

“Not so soon, we need to play with them a bit more first” [[...|Fine, you do you]]

The clown had suddenly changed, no longer was he the cheery entertainer. His aura was surrounded by death and darkness [[...|Contestants]]

“WELL IF YOU SHUT UP. WE CAN TELL YOU” The rage fuelled clown made us cower in fear [[...|Contestants]]

“Contestants, introduce yourselves to our lovely audience!” [[...|reveal audience]]

Fine, you do you, before I get to play my lovely games” a sinister laugh added to our frightened state [[...|Contestants]]

The clown pulls back a sheet to reveal the audience. Disfigured dolls are set on the shelf, staring at us with their empty eyes. The nightmare dolls I have despised so much, have front row seats to our demise [[...|These cuties]]

“These cuties are our wonderful audience for tonight. Oh what is that, the audience wants to know more about our audience. Now each contestant will tell us about themselves. Who to choose first” [[...|Lets choose the guard]]

“Let’s choose the guard which I had to knock out earlier, I wonder what he is going to tell me and our wonderful audience” [[...|nastiest guy]]

“I have seen a lot of characters in my time, and you for one are the nastiest guy I have ever seen” [[...|However Ben]]

“However, I guess I have no choice in the matter, I’m Benjamin, I work as the security guard for Trinkets” [[...|real sweetheart ]]

“I heard you are a real sweetheart towards your co-workers, I’m sure that will prove vital in the upcoming games” [[...|How the]]

“How the...” As Benjamin was about to question Cuckoo, Cuckoo turns to the audience and asks their opinion on the contestant [[...|Cuckoo turns to the audience]]

“So audience, what do you think of him” [[“He seems a bit weak minded, why is he a guard, pathetic”]] [[“If he couldn’t protect the store, I’m sure he won’t get far in the games”]] [[“Forget about him, he seems boringggg”]]

“He isn’t worthy of being a guard” [[...|Benjamin gives a menacing stare]]

“That wasn’t the only thing he couldn’t protect in life it seems, is that why you went into security work?” [[...|Silence from Ben]]

“I agree! A middle-aged guard in a shitty kids store, talk about a deadbeat” [[...|Onto more exciting contestants]]

Benjamin gives a menacing stare towards the clown, but Cuckoo was having none of it “Oh it seems like we pissed off the guard a little. What ya gonna do all tied up there? Haha” [[...|Onto more exciting contestants]]

“Onto more exciting contestants, let's choose you!” He points at the oldest man here [[...|Tell me your name]]

There was silence from Benjamin, he wanted to say so much, however, he was holding back as he didn’t want to be in a worse situation than they already were in [[...|Onto more exciting contestants]]

“Tell me your name and why you love coming to this store so much” [[...|I’m Herbert]]

“I’m Herbert, and you are a criminal who deserves to be behind bars” [[...|Oh like I haven’t heard that one before]]

“Oh like I haven’t heard that one before, remember old man, you don’t have much time left in your life, don’t make it shorter than it already is” [[“I’m not afraid of people like you. I never was.”]] [[“You are just evil incarnate. You should set us free.”]] [[“Don’t hurt the younger ones, they are good souls.”]]

“Oh old man, you naïve fool. You really should be afraid of us. You don’t know what we are capable of” [[...|A darn criminal]]

“That’s a real nice compliment, thank you very much, I will treasure your words deeply [[...|Monster]]

“Sorry I can’t promise that everyone is going to get their hands dirty today” [[...|Planning criminal]]

“You are a monster!” [[...|Next contestant Amy]]

“What are you planning criminal!?” [[...|live long enough]]

“Live long enough and you will find out” [[...|Next contestant Amy]]

“Next contestant to speak shall be our favourite little worker, Amy” [[...|Amy is in major distress]]

“I have been alive long enough. You don’t scare me. You are just a darn criminal!” [[...|okay old man]]

“Okay old man, just you wait and see” the clown was not trying to take the bait that Herbert was giving [[...|Next contestant Amy]]

Amy is in major distress it seems, she is not coping with this very well. You can’t blame her. “Come on Amy, speak up, tell us about yourself” [[Silence]] [[“Leave her alone!”]]

“Well if she doesn’t want to speak, maybe I can tell the audience about yourself” [[...|Amy not speaking]]

“Oh, and who is this fine gentleman that is defending the maiden of Trinkets” [[...|My name is Jaiden]]

“My name is Jaiden, you leave Amy alone!” [[...|Oh it’s you]]

Amy was not willing to speak, I felt like I needed to speak in her place and defend her, but I was too afraid of the consequences that could come of it [[...|happy girl]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.“She is a happy girl, who loves to dye her hair loads of different colours” [[...|Clown reaches for her hair]]

As the clown reaches for her hair, she starts to frantically sway side to side [[...|Doesnt like to be touched]]

“Seems like she doesn’t like to be touched much, you aren’t getting away while tied up like that my love” [[...|leave her alone]]

“Leave her alone!” [[...|My name is Jaiden]]

“Oh, it’s you. Then lonely teen who comes here every day. Don’t you have anything better to do?” [[...|Jaiden stiffens in anger]]

Jaiden stiffens in anger, he wants to retaliate against the clown. However, he is unable to do anything being tied up like this [[...|Jaiden a stalker]]

“I think we know Jaiden a bit already, the stalker of this store” [[“I’m not a stalker!”]] [[“That’s rich coming from someone who knows us already”]] [[“Sorry I don’t speak to criminals”]]

“Oh I have evidence saying otherwise, would the audience like to know?” [[...|clowns persona changed]]

“It’s all research my friend, how would I be able to play with you guys if I didn’t know you” [[...|play with us]]

“Me a criminal, no no. Well I’m not, I don’t know about the others” [[...|What others]]

The clown’s persona instantly changed, from an authoritative adult to an exuberant child, “Yessss, we want to know all about our contestants today” [[...|as quick as the child came out]]

As quick as the child came out, the adult was speaking yet again, “It seems like our little Jaiden has a small crush on Amy, I don’t know whether I could call it small if he comes here every day just to have a chance to speak to her” [[...|Jaiden looked in the direction]]

Jaiden looked in the direction of Amy, however, she was too distraught to even react to this news [[...|fixated on the broken Amy]]

“While Jaiden is fixated on the broken Amy, let’s get on with introducing the others” [[...|oh what do we have here]]

“What do you mean play with us?” [[...|you are my toys after all]]

“Well you are my toys after all” the clown gave a large smirk, sending chills down my spine [[...|fixated on the broken Amy]]

“What others, there is only one of you” [[..|you have a lot to learn]]

“You have a lot to learn about me, and the others” [[..|clown was not going to make stuff obvious]]

The clown was not going to make anything obvious it seems, he loved the mystery and tension that he has instilled in the atmosphere [[...|fixated on the broken Amy]]

“Oh what do we have here, do we have a couple in our midst” [[...|Ex-couple]]

The woman of the two corrects the clown “Ex- couple actually fuckface” [[...|a fesity one]]

“Oh ladies and gentleman seems like we have a feisty one here, I wonder how long she is going to last with that attitude” “So who wants to go first then?” [[Man]] [[Woman]]

“My name is Reggie. Cuckoo, that’s your name, right? It doesn’t have to be like this, you can just go right out that door, and we can go back to our normal lives” [[...|Oh Reggie]]

“Sorry I don’t speak to child in a clown suit” [[...|Reggie the ex-husband interrupts]]

“Oh Reggie, you think everything can be solved with talking, what happened to the old Reggie” [[...|Reggie’s face instantly changes ]]

Reggie’s face instantly changes to a face of regret and sorrow. It really does seem like the clown knows every person’s dark little secret [[...|Miss Jessica]]

“So Miss Jessica, ex-wife of Reggie, overworked, rigid single mom, any more thoughts on Reggie?” [[...|The neutral pokerfaced Jessica ]]

The neutral pokerfaced Jessica was not willing to reveal any more about herself or direct any sympathy towards her ex-husband [[...|summed it up clown]]

“Seems like you summed it all up clown, why don’t you just get on with the other hostages” [[...|not hostages]]

“Not hostages, contestants my dear. You are all just my wonderful contestants” [[...|Watch out folks]]

“Watch out folks, if these two team up, it will be a force to be reckoned with. The fearless Jessica and the composed Reggie” [[...|Keith and the others]]

Reggie the ex-husband interrupts before he can sling back a witty remark towards Jessica, “Jessica just speak to him, don’t make the situation worst than it already is” [[...|Who told you to speak]]

“Who told you to speak, this fool in the clown suit is nothing to fear” [[...|Oh Jessica]]

“Oh Jessica, I don’t think you should say that to a man wielding a gun” The clown proceeds to point the gun at Reggie. “What would you do if I shot him right here and now” [[...|Jessica is unwilling to respond]]

Jessica is unwilling to respond, not wanting to push the clown to his limits. “Fine, I will play along with your little game. My name is Jessica and I’m a single mother. This beside me is a useless husk of a man called Reggie” [[...|The submissive Reggie ]]

The submissive Reggie was unable to respond before the Clown started to ensue with manic laughter, “Haha, seems like she really got you by the balls Reggie, makes sense after what you did to her” [[...|two contestants ]]

The two contestants look away from the clown, not too keen to reveal their past marital problems [[...|Watch out folks]]

“Let’s see who is left to introduce. We got the aforementioned manager Keith and his other two workers.” [[“I will speak first. I’m Keith the manager of this store.”]] [[“I might as well get it over and done with, names Jason.”]]

“Yes yes, the manager of the store. All you want is to climb the corporate ladder and be the one everyone looks up to be” [[...|Who doesn’t want to be successful]]

“Seems like Jason is eager to start with the games. This guy might be the underdog the audience roots for” [[...|Jason has always been a quiet one]]

“Who doesn’t want to be successful, I will become the CEO of this company one day, and when I am… mark my words I shall make this company the greatest it has ever been” [[...|Seems like we have a dreamer here]]

“Seems like we have a dreamer here, let’s see how far he gets with his dreams. All we have left is Jason the mute it seems” [[...|don’t have much to say]]

“I don’t have much to say, that’s why” [[...|Boringggg]]

“Boringggg” The audience begins to boo Jason [[...|livens up later]]

“Let’s hope this contestant livens up later on in the competition” [[...|sneaky little Marcus]]

“Finally, we come to the sneaky little Marcus” [[...|On the surface I was trying to stay strong]]

Jason has always been a quiet one, he just does the work given to him, no more, no less. Even to Amy and me, he is a mystery [[...|Do we have to introduce the manager]]

“Do we have to introduce the manager? We kind of already get the gist of him. Power hungry man, who wants to go up in life but is in a lull currently, did I miss anything, Keith? [[...|How dare you]]

“How dare you, I’m not in a lull, I’m in the prime of my life” [[...|Catching everyone off guard]]

Catching everyone off guard, the clown changes yet again, “Stuck in a dead end job, with nowhere to go for the past five years, seems like you are a bit stuck mate” [[...|The manager was filled with rage]]

The manager was filled with rage, but in this situation even he knew it was wise to not unleash it upon the clown [[...|sneaky little Marcus]]

On the surface I was trying to stay strong, making sure to not show my fear, but within, I was petrified of what this clown is capable of. “I didn’t hide from you, I was there before you came in” [[...|stock boy]]

“Yes, you were a stock boy. Do you really want to excuse me of lying?” [[“I heard some explosions and everything was shaking, who in their right mind would come out?”]] [[“Sadly hiding didn’t really work did it now?”]] [[“I don’t want to talk to the likes of you”]]

“I don’t fault your way of thinking, but I soon as you tried to peek, that’s where your true feelings were felt” [[...|What do you mean ]]

“Look what we have here, a funny boy. I don’t really like wise guys do we?” [[...|Cuckoo the clown]]

“Marcus, me and you are closer than you think” [[...|demanding hostages ]]

“What do you mean by all this true self-stuff you keep hammering on about?” [[...|little head Marcus]]

“Don’t you worry your little head Marcus, all of you shall find out very soon” [[...|The clown comes]]

The clown comes closer to me, and whispers in my ear “I have big plans for you” [[...|Bemused]]

Bemused by the clown’s words, I repeatedly questioned within. Why did he single me out? Was it because I was the only one not in the initial grouping. Is it because he had to hunt for before all his plans were successful. What makes this clown ticks [[...|That’s all for our contestant’s folks]]

“That’s all for our contestant’s folks! With the pleasantries done and dusted, let’s move onto the main event!” [[...| fours games will narrow down the winner]]

“There is more where this came from, Cuckoo the clown” [[...|I like you Marcus]]

“I like you Marcus, you are pretty fearless when facing pretty much certain death. You crazy. Not nearly as much as me. But you are up there” [[...|That’s all for our contestant’s folks]]

“I don’t go around shops demanding hostages to play your little games” [[...|maybe not]]

“Maybe not, but what’s inside is what matters to me” [[...|ambiguous trail]]

His ambiguous trail of thoughts is leaving us with no clues on why we are his hostages [[...|That’s all for our contestant’s folks]]

“There will be four games that will narrow down the winner. Whoever wins will be able to do anything they want... even kill me!” [[...|The first three games]]

“The first three games will eliminate two contestants from the show, with the remaining two fighting it out to the death in the final showdown” [[...|let the games begin]]

“If everyone understands, let the games begin!” [[...|Chapter 4 - Let the Games Begin]]

**Chapter 1 - The Kid's Dream** Within the dark depths of a basement in Sunshine City, exists a clown. A very peculiar clown. One who has renounced his status as a member of society, and even a human [[...|The basement]]

The basement was an explosion of colour, a rainbow pallet splattered across the four walls. A light, illuminating the room, nowhere for the shadows to hide. Reminiscent of a children’s play room, his toys were scattered across the floor, sharp clamps, blades and a variety of torture devices. In the middle of the den, a large table containing the vital plans of the clown. Floor plans, camera locations, blue-prints for explosives, everything he needs is here to set his plan in motion [[...|Descending from the stairs]]

Descending from the stairs is tonight’s entertainment. “Hi folks, I’m Cuckoo, your friendly neighbourhood clown! I’m available for parties, gatherings and anything you need”. After his small welcome, he proceeds to trip on the stairs due to his abnormally large clown shoes [[...|As he lifts himself up from the floor]]

As he lifts himself up from the floor, and turns on the basement light, the darkness withdrawals into the four corners of the room; revealing the clown in all his glory. He was the embodiment of a nightmare. His brightly coloured hair covering his bloodshot eyes. White and red paint plastered across his face. His torn and tattered, striped clown costume; looking like he came out of a fight with a bear. His bright red shoes, a couple of sizes too big leading to the previous fall [[...|Intro of the clown]]

“What the fuck was that introduction about kid.” [[“That was funny okay, we are entertainers after all”]] [[“I’m sorry I didn’t mean it”]] [[“Daddy he said a bad word!!”]]

“Well it isn’t funny if we fall down the stairs is it now?” replies the sadistic game maker, brushing himself off the floor [[...|not my fault basement]]

The kid cowers before the game maker, not wanting to piss him off in anyway. The last time he pissed him off, the pain was excruciating. He has lost this battle, but the war is not over [[...|the toys laying ]]

“Stop swearing in front of the child, I don’t want him picking up bad habits from you individuals” [[...|while adjusting his clown costume]]

“Not my fault for situating us in a basement now is it?!”. The kids snide remark adding fuel to the fire [[...|Enough on to business]]

“Enough you guys. On to business. Please.” [[...|the toys laying ]]

“Why are all the toys laying around. We really could get hurt on these. Do I need to start putting hazard signs around this place?” [[“I’m sorry your majesty, I will clean them up now if you would like”]] [[“I got a bit excited last night”]] [[“…”]]

While adjusting his clown costume, the heartless clown grunts, “If I could, I would really smack the shit of that kid, he does my head in” [[...|the toys laying ]]

He proceeds to picks up one of the knives, throwing it a target on the wall. “I just don’t want any injuries; we are in the final stages of preparation.” [[...|After grudgingly cleaning the place up]]

Giggling with excitement, “I just wanted to practice a little, I just can’t wait.” [[...|with a large sigh]]

“So no one wants to own up? Children… the lot of you” [[...|I take offence to that]]

After grudgingly cleaning the place up, they approach the large desk riddled with plans. “We are in the last phases of our plan. Is everyone ready for the job?” [[...|Yes daddy!]]

With a large sigh, “Fine, just next time clean it up.” [[...|After grudgingly cleaning the place up]]

“I take offence to that, don’t compare to me that kid we got in here.” [[...|After grudgingly cleaning the place up]]

“Yes daddy! I will make you proud” [[...|All my games are ready]]

“All my games are ready to be played” [[...|Silent response]]

"......" [[...|Just in case]]

“Just in case, I’m going to go through the plans one last time” [[...|Cuckoo goes through the different plans]]

As Cuckoo goes through the different plans, a variety of problems rear their head. Arguments begin to in sue throughout the four different camps [[...|Why do we need to go to that store in particular]]

“Why do we need to go to that store in particular? That’s really boring, it just has clothes in there? I think we should do the Toy Store, it’s much more fun in there!” [[...|we do all the work]]

“That’s just because while we do all the work, you want to play” [[...|What’s wrong with that, I’m a kid aren’t I]]

“What’s wrong with that, I’m a kid aren’t I?” as the kid and the game maker begins to argue about the different stores to visit within Wonderland shopping centre, the silent one finally speaks [[...|Silence you humans]]

“Silence you humans. I want bodies. The toy store is most popular. We go with that.” [[...|The reasonable one]]

The reasonable one takes over to calm the situation down, “Whatever he says goes, I don’t need him going haywire on us just yet.” [[...|Okay fine, we go with that the big guy]]

“Okay fine, we go with what the big guy says, but the packages need to be delivered at these locations” pointing at the blueprints of the shopping centre [[...|Okay let’s have a vote?]]

Okay let’s have a vote? Everybody in favour for those delivery points? [[“I don’t mind anymore, whatever is good”]] [[“As the architect here, and the one with the sane brain, I agree that is the best spot”]] [[“Boom Boom”]]

“I’m just happy we are going to the toy store, I want to go there and play with all the toys. I wonder what they have. Thinking of it gets me so excited!” As the kid happily dances in place, his happiness is short lived [[...|Any other questions?]]

“It seems like stealing these plans have been very helpful in planning our little outing.” The architect smugly enjoying his time in the limelight [[...|Any other questions?]]

The silent demon does not say anymore then he already has. Paranoid of revealing too much of their plans. He believes the government is listening into every single one of their conversations that they have [[...|Any other questions?]]

“Is there any other questions or are we all good to go?” [[“I have one, what if the store has a guard, will he have a weapon?”]] [[“How many of them will we be able to pass judgement on?”]] [[“What will we do with the victor?”]]

“None of the guard carry around weapons in a mall stupid. Wonderland shopping centre hasn’t had a crime in the past 10 years, people are too chicken shit to even steal from here.” Wonderland centre has been a staple of Sunshine city for decades, many visitors come to shop from surrounding cities [[...|Chapter 1 End]]

“All of them will be able be judged by us, no can hide from their fate. We are doing what needs to be done, not even the gods can judge our actions” [[...|Chapter 1 End]]

“That is all up to the victor, the one who wins will be able to choose their path” [[...|none of them are worthy]]

With the plans finalised, Cuckoo the clown is ready to give judgement. The kid, the killer, the game maker and the architect will work in unison to carry out the plans. Unknowing to the workers and customers of the toy store, they shall soon be entertained by Cukoo the clown [[...|Chapter 2 - The Toy Store]]

“But what if none of them is worthy?” [[...|we shall see about that]]

“Well we shall see about that, if none of them is worthy, then they shall all be punished.” [[...|Chapter 1 End]]

**Chapter 2 - The Toy Store** A new day full of wondrous opportunities in life, new and exciting people to talk to and events that can change my life. That’s what I would have liked to think about my life, but in the end, it’s just another ordinary day of work [[...|Working in the flagship store for Trinkets]]

Working in the flagship store for Trinkets is no easy feat. There is a constant stream of kids entering the store after school, playing with all the toys we have on offer. The hardest part of my work isn’t even the endless stream of children, it's dealing with the parents. They always seem to be putting up a façade in front of their kids, buying their love. It’s kinda sad, but hey ho that’s none of my concern [[...|As I take a stock count for the day]]

As I take a stock count for the day, as I do every week, the same way I have done since starting here months ago, I ponder what I’m going to have for dinner [[...|Food Choice]]

Hmmm, should I have Steak, or be cheeky and get a Pizza... [[Get Steak]] [[Get Pizza]]

Even though it’s a bit of expensive I think I deserve a treat every once in a while. Need more of that protein, so I can grow my muscles. Which reminds me I should probably go to the gym after work too, hoping I can impress Amy a little bit. Hmm, I wonder what’s her ideal man is? [[...|My time pondering Amy]]

Ahh, yes the food that descended from the heavens. I guess I can order it in while I’m playing some games. It’s always relaxing to do sweet fuck all after a hard day’s work. I could ask Amy is she wants to come round and split a pizza, that would be a dream come true [[...|My time pondering Amy]]

My time pondering Amy was short-lived as Keith comes around to give me a daily dose of “You are shit at your job” [[...|MARCUS!!]]

“MARCUS!!” Ahh shit, here he comes… [[...|Marcus Entrance]]

“Marcus I told you to get this done thirty minutes ago, why are you still doing this!” [[“Because this is not a 1-person job, and you aren’t willing to spare anybody to help”]] [[“I’m sorry, I’m trying my best here”]] [[Shrugs]]

“Don’t speak to me like that, I’m your superior. Give me a reason why I don’t just fire you here right now on the spot?” [[“because you aren’t powerful enough?”]] [[“...”|Silence response b]]

“It’s not good enough! You need to work harder and quicker, what do you think I’m paying you for.” [[...|“Again, I’m sorry]]

“Got nothing to say, boy?! I’m speaking to you, why isn’t this done already.” [[“There is a lot of stock to take. We just got a new shipping yesterday”]] [[Remains silence]]

“How dare you, I have plenty of power. I’m the manager of the flagship store, and soon I shall be at the head office. I swear kids nowadays have no respect for their bosses.” [[...|You’re the boss]]

“Yeah I thought as much, I will spare you the begging of your job. Just get this done as soon as possible” [[...|You’re the boss]]

“You’re the boss, your word is final. I will finish it as soon as possible” [[...|next 15 minutes]]

“If it isn’t done in the next 15 minutes, there is going to be some serious consequences for you boy.” [[...|As I mumble in my head]]

As I mumble in my head, trying to avoid another ear full, “I swear, fuck that guy. Just became a manager so he could boss people around. Most likely got bullied at school, and now shouts at his workers as revenge” [[...|As the manager storms out]]

As the manager storms out of the stock room and into his office, we like to call hell, Amy strolled on in. Her face as bright as ever, just filling the workplace with her joyful presence. With the dejected look on my face, I try to briefly smile at Amy, but it was difficult after having a right bolloxing by Keith [[...|Amy Entrance]]

“Again, I’m sorry. I will make sure not to make this mistake again.” [[...|Yeah you better not]]

“Yeah you better not, otherwise I will need to reevaluate your place in this store” [[“Yes sir, I will work faster!”]] [[As I spoke under my breath, “yeah you and what army”]]

“For now, just get this done as soon as possible, I got mountains more work for you to do” [[...|As the manager storms out]]

“What did you just say to me” [[...|“nothing at all”]]

“Nothing… nothing at all” [[...|better watch your mouth]]

“You better watch your mouth, next time round I won’t be so forgiving.” [[...|As the manager storms out]]

“I don’t give a flying monkey if it just came yesterday. I want it done now. Otherwise, your pay is going to be cut for bad work ethic.” [[“You can’t do that!”]] [[“Yes Sir”]]

“You so scared you can’t even speak. You know what I don’t want a mute like you on the store front, stay here until you grow a pair.” [[...|As the manager storms out]]

“Oh the hell I can. I can easily just break something. Say you broke it. And deduct it from your pay. Simple. You don’t know who you are messing with boy. Now get this done now!” [[...|As the manager storms out]]

“Now that you know the law of this store, get this done ASAP. Or else! [[...|As the manager storms out]]

“I could hear the commotion from the shop floor, seemed real rough. Don’t let Keith get your down, you are a great worker Marcus.” [[“Yeah we all know Keith is a bit of a dick”]] [[“I try and try and try, but I can never please him, I really don’t want to be fired”]] [[“Thanks for your concern Amy, but I really don’t want to talk about it”]]

“That’s an understatement”, I think watching her giggle was the only highlight of the day it seems. “I’m going back onto the floor; I don’t want to leave Jason on his own for too long.” [[...|As she leaves]]

“It’s nothing wrong with you, sweetie. You are doing your job perfectly, you should have seen me when I first came. Gosh, I was such a wreck.” [[...|I can’t see you being a wreck]]

“Oh okay, I guess I will just leave...” [[...|Shit, I shouldn’t have snapped at her]]

As she leaves, I thought, “Shit, if she stayed I could have gotten this done quicker” [[...|Stuck in this stock room]]

Stuck in this stock room, is really annoying. It’s better to be out on the shop floor. It’s so lively and vibrant, instead of this toy prison I am currently in. With the toys stacked across on shelves across the walls, and tons of demonstrations going on in the centre of the store, it is a kid’s paradise [[...|Now let’s compare that]]

“I can’t see you being a wreck, you are perfect, always cheery and outgoing.” [[...|I’m not perfect]]

“I’m not perfect... trust me” [[...|With a brief silence]]

With a brief silence, I could see that Amy might not have been who she seemed. But as quickly as the silence began, Amy’s jubilant persona came out once again. “Anyways, I really should get back to work. No rest for the wicked as they like to say” [[...|She takes her leave once again]]

She takes her leave once again, leaving me to finish all this stock by myself [[...|Stuck in this stock room]]

Shit, I shouldn’t have snapped at her, that was real dumb. I could have just been polite and accepted her warmth. Well, I guess I just got to finish this, I will see if I can apologise a bit later [[...|Stuck in this stock room]]

Now let’s compare that, to this bland and dark stock room, surrounded by toys, one little nudge and it could be death by toys for me. Don’t even get me started about the doll section, that shit is creepy. Hundreds of dolls staring at you while you take stock, it is really disturbing [[...|Just as end that nightmare ended]]

Just as end that nightmare ended, another began as everything started to shake. [[“An earthquake? In Sunshine City?]] [[“Noo! Death by toys is not how I’m going out in life.”]]

“Sunshine isn’t anywhere near a hotspot for earthquakes. Okay, calm down, I need to think. What do they do in movies.” I dart out of the aisle of toys I was standing in, just as they collapse in on each other. Not only was there shaking, I could hear explosions coming from outside the store [[...|What the hell is going on out there]]

As I dash out of the aisle dodging the toys aiming for my head, it was not only shaking I could feel, I could hear what only could be described as explosions outside the store [[...|What the hell is going on out there]]

What the hell is going on out there [[...|After several explosions]]

After several explosions, which consisted of me cowering under a table, there was silence. That silence was broken immediately with a large bang that sounded like it came from the shop floor. A shriek was unleashed. Amy was that you [[...|Shit, what do I do?]]

Shit, what do I do? [[“I think I need to have a look at what happened outside”]] [[“I need to call for help, people could be hurt outside”]] [[“I need to stay here. Here is the safest place”]]

With tentative steps, I approach the stock room door. I take a sneak peek outside. I can see the others gathered in the middle of the store, what the hell is going on [[...|As I’m about to close the door]]

I dive into my pocket to grab my phone. I shakily tap in the code to unlock my phone, taking me 3 tries before I get it right. I jabbed in the emergency service numbers, but to no avail [[...|I hurry to the store phone ]]

As I continue to cower under the table, I could faintly hear the sounds of whistling [[...|Curiosity killed the cat]]

As I’m about to close the door, a hand is wedged in between the door [[...|I finally found our last contestant]]

“I finally found our last contestant!” [[...|Chapter 3 - Chaos]]

I hurry to the store phone in the stock room to try call for outside help. But again, the line had been disconnected. What the hell had happened outside [[...|With no help coming]]

With no help coming, I decide to go out to the front store. Opening that door had changed my life for sure. As the door swings open I meet my soon to be called tormentor [[...|Hi contestant!]]

“Hi, contestant! I was looking everywhere for you. Now. Come here.” [[...|Chapter 3 - Chaos]]

Curiosity killed the cat, I’m I right? Those are wise words to live by it seems [[...|Beside the door]]

Beside the door, I put my ear against the door, trying to listen out for anything else, but everything was silent [[...|I wonder what’s behind this door]]

“I wonder what’s behind this door. Let’s find out shall we!” [[...|The door fly’s open]]

The door fly’s open, throwing me across the room. Dazed and confused I look up to see a new nightmare unfold [[...|Hiding are we]]

“Hiding are we. We can’t have that. All the other contestants are waiting!” [[...|Chapter 3 - Chaos]]

**Chapter 4 - Let the Games Begin** “Erm, we may have a little bit of a problem” [[...|What do you mean problem]]

“What do you mean problem? Everything is going so well” [[...|Well ya see]]

“Well ya see, I counted how many people we have, and we don’t the agreed amount” [[...|The clowns face had dropped]]

The clown's face had dropped, “NO! You got to be wrong, let me count” [[...|As the clown points at each of us]]

As the clown points at each of us, counting in his head, he had come to the realisation he had 9 hostages [[...|No no NO! ]]

“No no NO! This can’t be happening, none of it will be right anymore. We planned for months and now we have too many people for my games” [[...|Keith took an opportunity ]]

Keith took an opportunity to try to undermine the clown, giving his opinion on the situation [[“Seems like you are just going to have to let us go then”]] [[“Serves you right criminal!”]] [[“Hey everyone! Look at this clown breakdown before our eyes! His isn’t as scary as we first thought!”]]

The snarky attitude taken by Keith was not taken lightly by Cuckoo, he turned around to stare Keith dead in the eye “This is no laughing matter Keith, I could easily kill you all right now, fuck the games. I will take pleasure in your bodies squirming before me” [[...|Keith changed his boldness rather quickly]]

“Call me a criminal one more time, and you will be able to experience what a true psychopath does to their prey” Cuckoo was far more serious than he had ever been before [[...|The true side of Cuckoo was being unearthed]]

Benjamin took this as an opportunity to rally us all together, “It looks like he can’t handle the situation, we should take this an opportunity to escape. I’m sure if we all rush the door he can’t get all of us.” [[...|Herbert also joins in on the effort]]

Keith changed his boldness rather quickly. He had piped down as Cuckoo carried on talking to himself [[...|Daddy what do we do]]

“Daddy what do we do, the game maker is going nuts” [[...|Okay, let me just think for a moment]]

The true side of Cuckoo was being unearthed. However, this was truly frightening, we would come to learn what he really is capable of [[...|Daddy what do we do]]

Herbert also joins in on the effort, “I concur with Benjamin, this is a prime opportunity that we need to take” [[...|The clown hears the commotion and turns to face us]]

The clown hears the commotion and turns to face us, “if you really want to go, be my guest, but there will be immediate consequences” [[...|Cuckoo’s words had reverberated with all of us]]

Cuckoo’s words had reverberated with all of us, are we willing to risk the life of others for our own gain? [[...|Daddy what do we do]]

“Okay, let me just think for a moment, it’s annoying to think straight when he is going off on one” [[...|The silent one gives his short opinion ]]

The silent one gives his short opinion on the whole fiasco “Kill 1. That is all” [[...|Did you hear that? ]]

“Did you hear that? We have a solution, now you just need to figure out a game to play, that’s okay right?” [[...|We looked on from our positions as captives]]

We looked on from our positions as captives, trying to decipher what the clown was debating. All I saw was a clown arguing with itself, switching between different personalities. [[Is the clown a schizophrenic?]] [[Must the clown be faking it?]]

If he really does have multiple personalities, this situation is worse than I thought, one wrong step and he could kill us all. I need to warn the others [[...|Before I’m able to reveal my knowledge]]

If the clown is really faking it these multiple personalities just to mess with us, there has got to be a moment where he slips up revealing his true self. Observing him won’t cut it. For now, I will have to play along with his little games [[...|Welcome back from our short commercial break]]

Before I’m able to reveal my knowledge, the clown continues with the twisted competition [[...|Welcome back from our short commercial break]]

“Welcome back from our short commercial break, we shall now begin with our first game!” [[...|To even out the numbers a little]]

“To even out the numbers a little, we shall have a small game of picking straws.” [[...|Straws, what the fuck]]

“Straws, what the fuck, that’s not even fair” outcry’s Jessica [[...|NO INTERRUPTIONS!]]

“NO INTERRUPTIONS!” Cuckoo blasted back at Jessica, with one setback already, he was very much on edge [[...|As we listened intently]]

As we listened intently, Cuckoo explained the rules of his sick, sadistic game [[...|The rules of the game are simple]]

“The rules of the game are simple. Each of you shall be released from your constraints and you shall pick one straw from my hand.” He proceeds to wave the sticks towards the audience [[...|The player with the shortest straw ]]

“The player with the shortest straw will have to face the penalty game!” [[Remain silent]] [[Herbert questions the host, “The penalty game?”]]

None of us wanted to question him on anything. After seeing him shout at Jessica, who knows what he would do next [[...|Also, contestants]]

“Herbert, did you learn nothing from Jessica. Don’t interpret me while I’m speaking to the lovely audience. BUT, as you already disturbed my flow, I shall show you” [[...|Cuckoo pulls out the gun]]

“Also, contestants, if you do plan on not playing according to the rules. I have a backup plan for that” Cuckoo unzips his clown costume to reveal multiple bombs strapped to his chest [[...|The explosions you heard and felt before]]

Cuckoo pulls out the gun from his suit and proceeds to fire wildly, riddling the store with bullet holes. “Instead of the store, I will do that to your body” [[...|This was no longer ]]

This was no longer a situation we could back out of, we were all destined to die in this store [[...|Also, contestants]]

“The explosions you heard and felt before were all the same type as what is strapped to me. So be my guest, don’t follow the rules, but in doing so, your fellow contestants will be blown to smithereens”, the sinister laughter of the clown was by far the evilest I have ever heard, no movie villain could ever compare [[...|There was an eerie silence before the game started]]

There was an eerie silence before the game started, what was running through everyone’s heads? Fear? Terror? Sadness? Regret? Whatever emotions everybody was experiencing; the threat is real [[...|“Let the games begin!”]]

“Let the games begin!” Cuckoo goes around untying us from our restraints. I glanced at Amy, and her expression had not changed. I really hope she is okay [[...|Everyone proceeds to take a straw. ]]

Everyone proceeds to take a straw. As it comes around to me, there is 3 left. I glance into Cuckoo face; he gives me a malicious grin. Which one should I take? [[Right|Your fate is sealed ]] [[Middle|Your fate is sealed ]] [[Left|Your fate is sealed ]]

“Your fate is sealed Marcus, no matter what straw you take, it won’t matter” Cuckoo whispers those words softly into my ear [[...|Everyone glances at me]]

Everyone glances at me, I don’t even know what’s going on anymore, why is he singling only me out [[...|Jason gives comments on the interaction]]

Jason gives comments on the interaction, “I think Marcus isn’t telling us something about his relationship with Cuckoo it seems” [[“What do you mean, I have never ever seen him before?”]] [[“Come on guys, let’s not fight now.”]] [[“Jason, shut the fuck up please.”]]

“All I’m saying, it is a bit suspicious. He whispers to you about stuff that none of us are made aware of. You were the only one not in the shop floor. How do we know you are not in cahoots with this crazy bastard?” [[...|The rest of the hostages]]

“Oh we ain't fighting Marcus, I’m just pointing out a fact.” [[...|To make things even worse]]

I thought I might have been a bit rude towards him, however, I just couldn’t have him spreading false information to an already fucked up situation [[...|Marcus, don’t use such harsh language]]

The rest of the hostages also seemed to want answers to Jason questions, apart from Amy, she stood there motionless [[...|I don’t know what to tell you guys]]

“I don’t know what to tell you guys, I have never met him before and I don’t know why he is singling me out, I can tell you what he tells me!” [[...|I wouldn’t do that if I was you Marcus]]

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you Marcus, I don’t like big mouths. Who knows what could happen to poor little Amy if you say something” [[...|I decided to not say word]]

I decided to not say a word, it’s better for everyone to be wary of me then have something bad happen to Amy [[...|Let’s reveal who has the shortest straw]]

“Let’s reveal who has the shortest straw, drum roll please!”, as the presenter of our demise plays a pre-recorded drum sound, the first hostage to go was revealed [[...|Cuckoo, whips out his gun and fires ]]

To make things even worse, the damn clown chirps in on the conversation, “Good buddy Marcus, you don’t have to lie now” He was obviously lying, but to the others it had put yet another layer of doubt and fear [[...|Let’s reveal who has the shortest straw]]

“Marcus, don’t use such harsh language. It doesn’t suit you, even the audience agrees”, Cuckoo always twisting the situation for his own amusement [[...|Let’s reveal who has the shortest straw]]

Cuckoo whips out his gun and fires the whole clip into the loser of the rigged game. Herbert lays on the floor. This was my first time witnessing death, however, it was not going to be my last [[...|Herbert’s experienced not a flashback of his whole life]]

Herbert’s experienced not a flashback of his whole life, however just one important sitting with the kids in this store [[...|“Herb, you are really old right?”]]

“Herb, you are really old right?” [[...|Yes I am junior]]

“Yes I am junior, but I’m actual a kid just like you inside” [[...|What I don’t get it?]]

“What I don’t get it? You are all wrinkly and you walk with a stick, how can you be young like us?” [[“It’s not what’s on the outside that counts…”]] [[“When you are of my age, you shall learn everything…”]] [[“Make sure to live your life to its fullest…”]]

“... its what’s on the inside that really matters, I may have the body for an old man, but I got the imagination of any kid” [[...|Chapter 5 – Musical Chairs]]

“...is not about school, work or that other adult stuff, it’s all about having fun and experiencing what you want” [[...|Chapter 5 – Musical Chairs]]

“... no matter what, everyone has to be true to themselves and do what they want, don’t let anyone hold you back from you being you” [[...|Chapter 5 – Musical Chairs]]

**Chapter 5 - Musical Chairs** The Death of Herbert had resonated with all of us. I don’t think any of us had previously witnessed death. Herbert was a kind, old soul. He always came into the store to entertain the kids with his ancient tales. Sadly, he always got strange looks from the adults, stranger danger and all that new era crap [[...|We all knew him pretty well. ]]

We all knew him pretty well. He tried his best to get along with Jason. He was the quiet one amongst us all, Herbert was always trying to cheer him up in some way or another. I glanced over at Jason staring at Herbert. The motionless body of Herbert mirrored Jason’s stare. There wasn’t any emotion on his face, there never is, but inside he must be a wreck [[...|“Thank fuck that old man is dead” ]]

“Thank fuck that old man is dead”, The clown speaks after his fatal actions. We are all unable to reply, whether this is through shock or fear, nobody was willing to speak [[...|“Who thinks his murder was rigged?”]]

“Who thinks his murder was rigged?” The random question by the clown puts us all on edge [[Jason finally speaks, “It couldn have been rigged, everyone took a random straw...”’t]] [[“To be honest, I’m glad he is gone. He was always driving away business”]]

Keith’s unforgiving words made my blood boil! “Keith how the fuck can you say shit like that” [[...|Ya know, I think I’m warming up to this Keith]]

“Well let’s see, I’m a devious clown. Nobody will trust me whether I tell you the truth or not. Nobody will believe what comes out my mouth. So if I said I really hated that old fool and rigged his death. Would anyone believe me?” [[...|The clown brings up a fair point]]

The clown brings up a fair point, what if all the games are rigged in his favour? Will he choose every single person to the die, meaning our fate lies in the hand of this killer? [[...|I would like to think everyone was smart enough to figure it out here]]

I would like to think everyone was smart enough to figure it out here, but I was not going to say my thoughts out loud. Not only is everyone suspicious of me, who knows what the clown would do if I revealed his plans [[...|1 down, 7 more to go]]

“1 down, 7 more to go before we find the champion of the death games!” the clown goes back to his announcer's voice, entertaining the creepy doll audience [[...|What are we going to do with the body?”]]

“Ya know, I think I’m warming up to this Keith, he speaks his mind at least” the clown yet again speaks his mind on the whole situation [[...|1 down, 7 more to go]]

“What are we going to do with the body?” Jessica was covering her mouth, trying to not vomit [[...|“We could cut him up and have him for lunch]]

“We could cut him up and have him for lunch, haha” the maniacal laughter of the clown made all my hairs stand up on edge [[...|Don’t look all so grossed out]]

“Don’t look all so grossed out, I’m kidding. I ain't a monster!” [[“Let’s just put him in the back, in the storage room. Give him a little bit of respect”, Benjamin gives some good advice on the situation]] [[“I think we should just leave him there, so we have a reminder that this isn’t a game to be messed with”, Jason’s sinister reply shocks us all]]

“I will lend you a hand Benjamin...” But before we could do anything the clown interrupts with his own opinion [[...|“I will dispose of the body]]

“Jason what a brilliant idea! Maybe we can do that for the other contestants but not this one. He is special… yeah let’s just leave it at that” [[...|I have no idea what the clown is going to do]]

“I will dispose of the body; I have special plans for this one in particular.” [[...|The clown proceeds to drag the body away]]

The clown proceeds to drag the body away, leaving a large pool where the body had been gunned down. We could see the trail of blood being left as he was taken from us [[...|Amy, crouches next to the pool of blood]]

Amy, crouches next to the pool of blood, she reaches out with her hand and dips her hand in blood. Her fingertips soaked in blood, she watches it drip down into the palm of her hand [[...|Jaiden rushes over to her]]

Jaiden rushes over to her, “What are you doing Amy, give me that” Jason grabs her hand and cleans it with his t-shirt. “What has gotten into you Amy, are you sure you are okay?” [[...|Amy nods slowly]]

Amy nods slowly, her gaze still fixated on the blood pool in front of us. Whatever has gotten into Amy, it is not good [[...|Cuckoo returns, covered in blood and guts]]

Cuckoo returns, covered in blood and guts, his grin wider than ever. “Now that he is dealt with, on with the games I think!” [[...|The fake audience begins to cheer with a pre-recorded clip ]]

I have no idea what the clown is going to do with that body but as he drags it away I look at the others to see how everyone is coping [[...|Reggie and Jessica]]

Reggie and Jessica seem to be dealing with the situation well, I guess they been through a lot in life it seems [[...|Keith is being an egotistical bastard]]

Keith is being an egotistical bastard, so who cares about him, I just want to punch the smug grin off his face [[...|Jaiden seems to be protecting Amy]]

Jaiden seems to be protecting Amy, while she is in a state of withdrawal [[...|Benjamin looks calm]]

Benjamin looks calm, he seems to be paying his respect to Herbert. Didn’t really take Benjamin as the religious type, but who else are we going to look toward for help [[...|Cuckoo returns, covered in blood and guts]]

The fake audience begins to cheer with a pre-recorded clip coming from the store's speakers. How the clown hacked into the computer systems of the mall, we will never know, but it shows how cunning he really is [[...|We are playing a good old favourite of any kid’s party]]

“We are playing a good old favourite of any kid’s party, musical chairs! The rules are simple. I shall be playing some music, courtesy of my beautiful voice. I shall be standing in the centre of the circle surrounded by the chairs. Once I stop singing, one shall be taken away and you will all have to dive onto a seat. If you don’t have a seat and you are left standing… well, we all know what’s going to happen.” [[...|Cuckoo the clown, begins to move some chairs]]

Cuckoo the clown began to move some chairs into a circle surrounding the pool of blood. He begins to stamp the pool of blood, like a kid in a puddle. Blood being all over the place, hitting some of us that were standing nearby. He finally commands us to stand around our respective chairs [[...|“I want to know the specific rules of this game]]

“I want to know the specific rules of this game? Is there anything you aren’t telling us?” Keith was wise to ask that question. We never really know what could be lurking in the brain of a killer [[...|Hmmm whats the fun in that]]

“Hmmm what's the fun in that, let’s keep you guessing and on your toes!” [[“We need to be careful then, we never know what is and is not allowed”]] [[“I guess anything goes, if the rule maker doesn’t state the rules, we can do anything right?” Keith gives an ambiguous response]]

Benjamin steps up and speaks, “I agree, we need to be careful. Follow the normal rules of a children’s musical chairs game” [[...|Oh Ben, don’t be so assuming you all need to be careful]]

Keith is definitely planning something, those words seemed far too aggressive. I better watch out for Keith. With his ‘don’t give a fuck attitude’, he could get us into some real dangerous situation [[...|Keith, you are a devious one aren’t you]]

“Oh Ben, don’t be so assuming you all need to be careful... Just some of you hehe” Cuckoo’s laugh echoes throughout the room [[...|“Now lets begin!” ]]

“Now let's begin!” The clown starts to sing, his voice sounding like a strangled cat. I’m unable to even figure out what he is singing as we pace around the chairs. Round and round we go, when will he stop, nobody knows [[...|I can feel the gaze of others]]

“Keith, you are a devious one. aren’t you. I look forward to seeing what you are planning!” Not really an answer to his question, but the clown is not willing to give anything away [[...|“Now lets begin!” ]]

I can feel the gaze of others, each of us not wanting to end up like Herbert, everyone wanting to survive. Survival is key, I must survive [[...|Suddenly the time had come]]

Suddenly the time had come, Cuckoo had stopped singing, which chair will he take away? [[1st chair]] [[3rd chair]] [[5th chair]] [[8th chair]]

As the 1st chair is taken away, we all scramble to find a chair. I quickly dash for the nearest chair, luckily I was able to seat down before anybody could fight me for it [[...|Jessica Death]]

By selecting this route, Reggie would have been killed. Check out the Death Choices flow chart to find out the outcome of this route. [[Return|Suddenly the time had come]]

By selecting this route, Jason would have been killed. Check out the Death Choices flow chart to find out the outcome of this route. [[Return|Suddenly the time had come]]

By selecting this route, Benjamin would have been killed. Check out the Death Choices flow chart to find out the outcome of this route. [[Return|Suddenly the time had come]]

Everything happened in such a blur, I looked up and I only saw one person left standing. Jessica. [[...|We have a loser on our hands people, time to be eliminated from the game]]

“We have a loser on our hand's people, time to be eliminated from the game. Thanks for playing.” Jessica tries to reach out for Reggie, but before she can. She is shot in the head, I witness the bullet exit the back of her head [[...|“NOOO! JESSICA!”]]

“NOOO! JESSICA!” Reggie cradles Jessica in his arms. Tears streaming down his face. He turns to face Cuckoo. Reggie lunges at him. I and Benjamin had to hold him back, who knows what the clown would do if someone attacked him [[...|“Woah there Reggie, calm down]]

“Woah there Reggie, calm down. She lost fair and square. Aren’t you supposed to be the ex-husband? Don’t they usually hate their wife’s?” [[...|Fuck you. I’m going to kill you]]

“Fuck you. I’m going to kill you.” The reaction from Reggie made it clear. He still did love his wife very much [[...|Reggie goes back to his wife]]

Reggie goes back to his wife and kisses her on the cheek. He mutters “I will protect our children when I get out of this, I will not do you wrong again” [[...|The rest of us are powerless to help]]

The rest of us are powerless to help, we sit back and watch a man lose his one and only love. However, we are also thankful for not dying [[...|With zero remorse in Cuckoo voice]]

With zero remorse in Cuckoo voice, he ushers on the next round “Now let’s move this body quickly so we can get on with round two, everything is getting real exciting now. I love it!” [[...|Me and Benjamin offer our help]]

I and Benjamin offer our help, but Reggie declines. He carries her body away and puts it in the back room [[...|Cuckoo, you really are crazy aren’t you? ]]

“Cuckoo, you really are crazy, aren’t you? Do you enjoy the sight of death”, Benjamin questions the killer? [[“I don’t like death per say, the killer does.”]] [[“Death is a natural occurrence.”]]

“He loves it. He thrives on it. His motto is one death a day keeps the police away.” [[...|The killer?]]

“Everyone dies eventually. It is a natural occurrence like waking up in the morning, well except the dead. Because ya know. They dead.” [[...|The awful joke]]

The killer? So there is more than one of him in his head. Just how many voices are in his head [[...|Reggie emerges from the back room]]

Reggie emerges from the back room and takes his place around the chairs again. He is staring at Cuckoo dead in the eyes [[...|Now Reggie is back]]

“Now Reggie is back, let the next round begin!” [[...|The singing begins yet again]]

The singing begins yet again, each of us starts the walk around the chairs. I’m thinking a lot more than last round. I need to be smart about this. Is there even any way to be smart about it? How do you get an advantage in musical chairs? [[...|Just when the clown looks like he is about to stop singing]]

Just when the clown looks like he is about to stop singing, he bellows out another chorus. He is trying to mess with us. Waiting for one of us to trip up [[...|Daddy can I take one of the chairs away now]]

The awful joke did not go down well with us, however, the clown found it hilarious [[...|Sorry I know it’s bad to laugh ]]

“Sorry I know it’s bad to laugh at your own jokes, but I just can’t help it.” [[...|Reggie emerges from the back room]]

“Daddy, can I take one of the chairs away now?” [[...|No, not just yet]]

“No, not just yet, I want to see if any of them are going to crack under the pressure. Come on minions, do something against the rules. I dare you.” [[...|Unfortunately for him]]

Unfortunately for him, the hostages did not do anything out of the ordinary. They stood united in the face of death. They had followed the rules perfectly. Cuckoo started to get annoyed at this, he was waiting for someone’s true nature to come out [[...|“Enough. Kill. Now.”]]

“Enough. Kill. Now.” [[...|Time to take another one out of the equation]]

“Time to take another one out of the equation, which one shall it be this time” [[2st chair]] [[4rd chair]] [[6th chair]] [[7th chair]]

This time, it was not that easy, I was in between a gap in the chairs. I started to panic. I wasn’t as close as I was before [[...|I slid slightly to the left]]

By selecting this route, Jason would have been killed. Check out the Death Choices flow chart to find out the outcome of this route. [[Return|Time to take another one out of the equation]]

By selecting this route, Benjamin would have been killed. Check out the Death Choices flow chart to find out the outcome of this route. [[Return|Time to take another one out of the equation]]

By selecting this route, Jaiden would have been killed. Check out the Death Choices flow chart to find out the outcome of this route. [[Return|Time to take another one out of the equation]]

I slid slightly to the left, grabbed the chair and quickly sat down. Did I cheat? Grabbing a chair is not in the rules he set out. What will happen if I get caught? [[...|I immediately turned to Cuckoo]]

I immediately turned to Cuckoo, but he was facing the other way at the time. Did I just cheat death in that moment? [[...|I was too focused on my own ]]

I was too focused on my own situation to find out who was left standing [[...|I frantically looked around to see who was left on the chairs]]

I frantically looked around to see who was left on the chairs, beside me, I had Amy and Benjamin. I’m glad they are safe, those two are the people I care about the most [[...|Before I could even find out who was left standing]]

Before I could even find out who was left standing, I heard the gunshot [[...|On the floor lay Reggie.]]

On the floor lay Reggie [[...|Unlike the previous contestants]]

Unlike the previous contestants, Reggie didn’t die straight away. He was one tough son of a bitch it seemed [[...|Everyone stood motionless. ]]

Everyone stood motionless. But Benjamin rushed over to check on him. Benjamin tried to hold his wounds however it was too late, he was losing too much blood, and with no immediate treatment, Reggie was a lost cause [[...|With his final dying breaths]]

With his final dying breaths, Reggie muttered out the words “I’m so sorry I couldn’t be a better man” [[...|I’m sure if Jessica heard those words]]

I’m sure if Jessica heard those words, it would have meant a lot [[...|Well it seems like the only couple here is dead.]]

“Well, it seems like the only couple here is dead. ‘til death do us part’. Seems like you can now part ways from each other.” [[...|I would have liked to think I would be moved ]]

I would have liked to think I would be moved by the death of two people. However, nothing had changed within me. All I wanted to do was survival [[...|Initially I wanted to try keep everyone safe]]

Initially, I wanted to try to keep everyone safe, but that utopian reality was quickly crushed with Herbert’s death. This mad clown really isn’t going to stop until one of us is left [[...|Two down in this round]]

“Two down in this round, I think we can call quits on musical chairs and move on to the next game I have install for our lovely contestants!” [[“You really aren’t going to stop are you?”, Benjamin asks while staring intently at the still warm body of Reggie.]] [[Benjamin begins to drag the body of Reggie away from our sight]]

“There are 6 of you now, and I only need 1. So you do the maths” Cuckoo sarcastic reply did not go down well with Benjamin [[...|Benjamin there is no point in questioning him]]

“Hey where you going with that, I didn’t say you could take that away!” Cuckoo is angered at the actions of Benjamin [[...|You killed both of them.]]

“Benjamin there is no point in questioning him, it’s not going to help” Jason was right, we aren’t going to get anywhere asking questions to a madman [[...|Now we have disposed of the body]]

“Now we have disposed of the body, let’s see who is left of the contestants” [[...|We still have everyone’s childhood sweetheart Amy]]

“You killed both of them. They should lay beside each other.” [[...|Oh how romantic]]

“Oh how romantic, I didn’t think about that. Alright then, carry on.” [[...|Now we have disposed of the body]]

“We still have everyone’s childhood sweetheart Amy, however, she is turned into a mute all of a sudden. Hopefully, we get something from her later on!” [[...|Next along we have our previous contestant’s protector]]

“Next, along we have our previous contestant’s protector, Jaiden! The teen will have his work cut out for him in the next few games if he still wants to protect Amy.” [[...|Moving along we have our favourite villain]]

“Moving along we have our favourite villain, the store manager Keith. It seems everyone hates him more them me, better watch your back Keith.” [[...|And this is getting boring real fast]]

“And this is getting boring real fast, so let’s wrap it up quickly. We still have Benjamin the guard, Jason the loner, and Marcus our star of the show.” [[...|That’s everyone, let’s move on to the next set of child friendly games]]

“That’s everyone, let’s move on to the next set of child-friendly games. Everyone is going to be running around frantically in this deadly edition of Duck Duck Goose!” [[...|Chapter 6 – Duck Duck Goose]]

**Chapter 6 - Duck Duck Goose** “On with our next game ladies and gentleman. We are back at it again with a children’s classic. You can play this inside, outside anywhere you want. Duck Duck goose!”, his announcement was followed by a large cheer by the puppet audience [[...|I shall explain the rules for everyone]]

“I shall explain the rules for everyone, just to make sure nobody breaks them again. Yes, I saw you last round, Marcus.” [[“Well, you never said we couldn’t. How was I supposed to know?”]] [[Instead of giving a clever retort, I apologised for my wrong-doings]]

“Don’t get cheeky with me Marcus, I’m happier than a tornado in a trailer park!”, Cuckoo’s dark personality even transcended towards his humour, how can someone be this evil? [[...|I had to do what I had to do]]

“I’m sorry I didn’t follow the rules. From now on I won’t be breaking any of the rules.” [[...|Well, aren’t you a gentleman]]

“I had to do what I had to do. Survival of the fittest is the name of my game” [[...|After Cuckoo ratted me out to the rest of the hostages]]

After Cuckoo ratted me out to the rest of the hostages, the rest of them had become even more wary of me it seemed. Nobody looked at me in the eye. Everyone is going to turn against each other for sure. Who do I even trust? [[Amy]] [[Jaiden]] [[Benjamin]] [[Jason]] [[Keith]]

“Well, aren’t you a gentleman. I accept your apology”, he proceeds to take a snarky bow [[...|After Cuckoo ratted me out to the rest of the hostages]]

Amy is isolating herself from everyone else. She is an entirely different person now. I’m used to seeing a happy-go-lucky girl, not this introverted Amy. Can I really trust someone that I don’t even know anymore? [[...|Definitely not that one, who is next on the list?]]

Jaiden is far too in love with Amy to even trust anyone else. He will do anything to protect Amy, I mustn’t put her in danger or he might do something irrational [[...|Definitely not that one who is next on the list Second]]

Benjamin seems like a good companion, he has always been very friendly with us staff. But after the death of three people, I think he is starting to get a bit defence. I don’t blame him. I’m sure he has people to protect outside this torture room [[...|Definitely not that one who is next on the list Third]]

Even if he is my co-worker, I know nothing of Jason. He is far too reclusive to team up with. He is very much a lone wolf character; his true potential has not been shown yet [[...|Definitely not that one who is next on the list Fourth]]

No. never. I would never ever think about helping Keith out. He can rot in hell for all that I care. I hope he is the next one to die in these games [[...|Definitely not that one who is next on the list Fifth]]

Definitely not that one, who is next on the list? [[...|Jaiden1]]

Jaiden is far too in love with Amy to even trust anyone else. He will do anything to protect Amy, I mustn’t put her in danger or he might do something irrational [[...|From the remaining hostages, who else can I trust?]]

From the remaining hostages, who else can I trust? [[Benjamin|Benjamin1]] [[Jason|Jason1]]

Benjamin seems like a good companion, he has always been very friendly with us staff. But after the death of three people, I think he is starting to get a bit defence. I don’t blame him. I’m sure he has people to protect outside this torture room [[...|This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trustSecond]]

Even if he is my co-worker, I know nothing of Jason. He is far too reclusive to team up with. He is very much a lone wolf character; his true potential has not been shown yet [[...|This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust Second]]

Even if he is my co-worker, I know nothing of Jason. He is far too reclusive to team up with. He is very much a lone wolf character; his true potential has not been shown yet [[...|Maybe this last person I can team up and survive with?]]

Benjamin seems like a good companion, he has always been very friendly with us staff. But after the death of three people, I think he is starting to get a bit defence. I don’t blame him. I’m sure he has people to protect outside this torture room [[...|Maybe this last person I can team up and survive with?]]

Maybe this last person I can team up and survive with? [[...|KeithEnd]]

No. never. I would never ever think about helping Keith out. He can rot in hell for all that I care. I hope he is the next one to die in these games [[...|I guess it’s just me by myself in these games]]

I guess it’s just me by myself in these games… I should really be listening to the rules of the game, instead of spacing out [[...|I hope everyone is listening, let me explain the rules]]

Definitely not that one, who is next on the list? [[...|Amy1]]

Amy is isolating herself from everyone else. She is an entirely different person now. I’m use to seeing a happy-go-lucky girl, not this introverted Amy. Can I really trust someone that I don’t even know anymore? [[...|From the remaining hostages, who else can I trust?]]

Definitely not that one, who is next on the list? [[...|Jason3]]

From the remaining hostages, who else can I trust? [[Amy|AmyChoose]] [[Jaiden|JaidenChoose]]

Amy is isolating herself from everyone else. She is an entirely different person now. I’m used to seeing a happy-go-lucky girl, not this introverted Amy. Can I really trust someone that I don’t even know anymore? [[...|This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust third]]

Jaiden is far too in love with Amy to even trust anyone else. He will do anything to protect Amy, I mustn’t put her in danger or he might do something irrational [[...|This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust Fourth]]

Even if he is my co-worker, I know nothing of Jason. He is far too reclusive to team up with. He is very much a lone wolf character; his true potential has not been shown yet [[...|From the remaining hostages who else can I trust Second]]

This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust [[...|Benjamin2]]

This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust [[...|Jason4]]

This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust [[...|Jaiden3]]

This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust [[...|Amy3]]

Jaiden is far too in love with Amy to even trust anyone else. He will do anything to protect Amy, I mustn’t put her in danger or he might do something irrational [[...|Maybe this last person I can team up and survive with?]]

Amy is isolating herself from everyone else. She is an entirely different person now. I’m use to seeing a happy-go-lucky girl, not this introverted Amy. Can I really trust someone that I don’t even know anymore? [[...|Maybe this last person I can team up and survive with?]]

Definitely not that one, who is next on the list? [[...|Ben3]]

Benjamin seems like a good companion, he has always been very friendly with us staff. But after the death of three people, I think he is starting to get a bit defence. I don’t blame him. I’m sure he has people to protect outside this torture room [[...|From the remaining hostages who else can I trust Second]]

Definitely not that one, who is next on the list? [[...|Ben4]]

Benjamin seems like a good companion, he has always been very friendly with us staff. But after the death of three people, I think he is starting to get a bit defence. I don’t blame him. I’m sure he has people to protect outside this torture room [[...|From the remaining hostages who else can I trust Third]]

From the remaining hostages, who else can I trust? [[Amy|AmyChooseFirst]] [[Jaiden|JaidenChooseSecond]]

Amy is isolating herself from everyone else. She is an entirely different person now. I’m used to seeing a happy-go-lucky girl, not this introverted Amy. Can I really trust someone that I don’t even know anymore? [[...|This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust Fifth]]

This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust [[...|Jaiden4]]

This is getting real difficult to decide who I can even trust [[...|Amy4]]

Amy is isolating herself from everyone else. She is an entirely different person now. I’m use to seeing a happy-go-lucky girl, not this introverted Amy. Can I really trust someone that I don’t even know anymore? [[...|Maybe this last person I can team up and survive with Second]]

Maybe this last person I can team up and survive with? [[...|JasonEnd]]

Even if he is my co-worker, I know nothing of Jason. He is far too reclusive to team up with. He is very much a lone wolf character; his true potential has not been shown yet [[...|I guess it’s just me by myself in these games]]

“I hope everyone is listening, let me explain the rules. I personally get to choose who is ‘it’. Instead of calling them ‘it’ we are going to call them ‘killer’. I could be biased in choosing or I could be completely random. You won’t know, so who cares.” [[...|The person I pick walks around the circle]]

“The person I pick walks around the circle, instead of ‘duck’, you will say the person’s name. Instead of ‘goose’ the player shall say ‘innocent’ [[...|The ‘innocent’ then proceeds to chase the ‘killer’ around the circle]]

“The ‘innocent’ then proceeds to chase the ‘killer’ around the circle, trying to catch ‘killer’ before they sit down in the ‘innocent’s’ spot” [[...|Has everyone got that]]

“Has everyone got that?” [[“Why did you changes the names?”, Benjamin’s curiosity was peaked]] [[“Can I put myself forward to being the Killer” Jason questioned Cuckoo]]

“I thought I could make the game a bit more suited to the atmosphere we have here. The innocent hostage chasing the killer, it is going to be an amazing sight!” [[...|We arranged ourselves in a circle]]

“Aren’t you a hasty hostage Jason. Like I said previously, I’m the one choosing, you can’t offer yourself to be the killer. I’m the only one true killer here anyway.” [[...|I’m amazed at his lax attitude]]

I’m amazed at his lax attitude in this situation. He makes jokes, he acts naturally, he admits he is a killer. He is very much self-aware of himself [[...|We arranged ourselves in a circle]]

We arranged ourselves in a circle, I was encircled by Benjamin and Keith. It's good I’m the one separating these two, their hatred for each other transcends our hatred for the clown. I think [[...|Now that we are all settled down]]

Now that we are all settled down, Keith. You shall be the ‘killer’ for this first round [[...|This was not what we wanted]]

This was not what we wanted. Keith expressed his happiness for the role, “Thank you Cuckoo, I will finally be able to kill the one I have always wanted too” [[...|I would love to wipe that smirk off Keith face]]

I would love to wipe that smirk off Keith's face, but the power is with him. Piss him off in the wrong way and you could be ending up dead [[...|Keith stood up]]

Keith stood up, and we all shifted a bit too close the void left by Keith. I’m now next to Jaiden, not the friendliest of people towards me. He gave me a deadly gaze of, “stay the fuck away from me” [[...|Cuckoo announces the start of the game with a large cheer ]]

Cuckoo announces the start of the game with a large cheer from the audience, Keith begins to circulate around us. He taps everyone head, calling everyone’s name one by one [[...|Jason, Amy, Jaiden, Marcus, Benjamin.]]

Jason, Amy, Jaiden, Marcus, Benjamin [[...|Whose time has run out?]]

Whose time has run out? [[Jason|DeathJason]] [[Benjamin|DeathBen]] [[Jaiden|DeathJaiden]]

“Innocent” [[...|The word had been signalled]]

By selecting this route, Benjamin would have been killed. Check out the Death Choices flow chart to find out the outcome of this route. [[Return|Whose time has run out?]]

By selecting this route, Jaiden would have been killed. Check out the Death Choices flow chart to find out the outcome of this route. [[Return|Whose time has run out?]]

The word had been signalled. Before Keith even finish, he had already begun to run around us [[...|Jason stumbled to get up from the floor]]

Jason stumbled to get up from the floor. He started to run around us as fast as he could, and it seemed he was catching up to Keith [[...|However, that first stumble proved to be his fatal mistake]]

However, that first stumble proved to be his fatal mistake. Keith slid into the open space, reminiscent of a baseball game. He had knocked into Benjamin in the process, who was not happy at all [[...|Jason stopped before Keith]]

Jason stopped before Keith and looked at Cuckoo, who had his gun already raised. “Stop, let me say something!” [[...|You could see it in Cuckoo eyes]]

You could see it in Cuckoo eyes, that he was unwilling to let Jason speak his last words. Cuckoo personality had changed once again, into the silent aggressive persona [[...|Speak fool]]

“Speak fool. Quickly.” [[...|Jason took a deep breath]]

Jason took a deep breath, you could visibly see him shaking in the face of death [[...|I wanted to fight for survival]]

“I wanted to fight for survival. All I wanted in life was excitement and thrills. Something with a purpose. That game was rigged for the killer to win, there was no way we innocents could catch up. It just isn’t fair [[...|The clown was deciding whether to reply]]

The clown was deciding whether to reply or just shoot him it seems. In the end, he simply replied with “Life isn’t fair” [[...|Jason lunged towards the clown]]

Jason lunged towards the clown, he was not going to go down without a fight. I could see a smile glaze across his face. The quiet and emotionless co-worker I once knew, had exploded with life in his dying moments [[...|Before Jason could even reach two feet in front of him]]

Before Jason could even reach two feet in front of him, Cuckoo had launched a hail of bullets. Cuckoo had his signature grin on his face while he gunned down the newly invigorated Jason [[...|Jason laid there looking up at Cuckoo]]

Jason laid there looking up at Cuckoo, blood just flooding from his wounds. With blood dripping from his mouth, Jason was able to give his final regards to the clown [[...|Thank you, I have to say]]

“Thank you, I have to say that this was probably the best way I could have died” [[...|I’m glad someone finally put up a fight]]

“I’m glad someone finally put up a fight, it’s not like he was going to win. But I appreciate the effort. Let’s give a round of applause to Jason.” [[...|The audience had started to clap]]

The audience had started to clap, Cuckoo demanded us to also clap along. This was the final send off for the co-worker I use to know [[...|Let’s proceed with the second round of our game]]

“Let’s proceed with the second round of our game. To make this a little bit more exciting, let us be reunited with our contestants of the past” [[“What do you mean by reunited?”]] [[Amy had finally spoken, “You mean the dead...”]]

“You shall all find out very soon, it is a little treat that I wanted to give you all.” [[...|Knowing Cuckoo]]

“Aren’t you a sharp one Amy, I guess the cats out of the bag.” [[...|This was the first time Amy had spoken in a long time]]

Knowing Cuckoo, it won’t be a treat that we like [[...|Cuckoo wondered off into the back]]

Cuckoo wondered off into the back were the other contestants where situated [[...|He came back dragging the bodies of Jessica]]

This was the first time Amy had spoken in a long time, even Jaiden was shocked at the sudden outburst [[...|Cuckoo wondered off into the back]]

He came back dragging the bodies of Jessica, Reggie and Herbert. Jessica and Reggie were just how we remembered them, however, Herbert was mutilated beyond recognition. I only knew it was him due to the clothes he was wearing [[...|Here we have our ex-contestants]]

“Here we have our ex-contestants. Everybody remember the married couples, Jessica and Reggie. We also have Herbert, don’t mind his face, I decided to change it myself” [[...|On closer inspection]]

On closer inspection, Herbert’s face was carved into. A large grin was cut into his face, his nose was removed just revealing bone. He had also carved in the word ‘KILLER’ on his forehead [[...|I had underestimated Cuckoo]]

I had underestimated Cuckoo. He is crazier than I thought [[...|Now let us all play the last round of Duck Duck Goose together]]

“Now let us all play the last round of Duck Duck Goose together!” [[...|The circle was a collection of the living and dead]]

The circle was a collection of the living and dead. The remaining hostages, me, Jaiden, Amy and Benjamin and Keith were sat next to the dead Reggie, Jessica, Herbert and Jason [[...|Now that everyone is re-united]]

“Now that everyone is reunited, let us start the next round. Marcus if you could do me the honours of being the ‘Killer’” [[...|Me, the Killer]]

Me, the Killer. No no. Why me [[...|I stood up]]

I stood up, my hands shaking with the power I have been given [[...|I begin to walk around the circle ]]

I begin to walk around the circle touching the living and the dead. I can feel the difference in heat between the two [[...|I tap Reggie’s head slightly too hard and it droops forward]]

I tap Reggie’s head slightly too hard and it droops forward. Cuckoo marches on over to prop his head up, while simultaneously telling off a dead guy. Round and round I go, I start to realise the circle is so small. There is no way the innocent could catch up to the killer [[...|This was rigged]]

This was rigged in favour of the killer all along [[...|I’m going to have to kill an innocent]]

I’m going to have to kill an innocent [[Benjamin|BenSecondRound]] [[Jaiden|JaidenSecondRound]] [[Keith|KeithSecondRound]]

I’m so sorry Benjamin [[...|innocent]]

Jaiden had bolted upright to try and chase me [[...|I’m not going to let you win Marcus]]

I finally get my turn for revenge. Keith will suffer for what he has done in the past. All the times he shouted at me for no reason. His evil intention in these games. They will end now! [[...|He was no match for me]]

“Innocent” [[...|That one word ]]

That one word was the most difficult thing I have ever had to say [[...|It was inevitable]]

It was inevitable, there was no way Benjamin could catch up to me, it seemed like he wasn’t even trying to catch up to me. I was already in the empty space before he was able to pass the bodies of the dead [[...|I was out of breath when I was sitting down]]

I was out of breath when I was sitting down, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins [[...|Seems like we have another contestant who shall be eliminated]]

“Seems like we have another contestant who shall be eliminated”. With a hop and a skip in his step, Cuckoo came face to face with Benjamin [[...|Abruptly]]

Abruptly, Benjamin fell to his knees in front of Cuckoo [[...|I could never have thought the end of my life would have ended up like this]]

“I could never have thought the end of my life would have ended up like this. I wanted to start training others in security eventually. But alas, life is never what you planned in your head.” [[...|With a short pause Benjamin continued. ]]

With a short pause, Benjamin continued [[...|I loved working at this store]]

“I loved working at this store, as I grew fond of people like Amy, Jason and Marcus. I felt like this job was worth giving what I gave to it.” [[...|Cuckoo interrupted his heart felt message]]

Cuckoo interrupted his heartfelt message, “Oh shut your trap about this sentimental crap and die” [[...|Just as Cuckoo was about to pull the trigger]]

Just as Cuckoo was about to pull the trigger, Benjamin shouted “SURIVIE YOU GUYS!” [[...|Those where the last words we had heard from Benjamin.]]

Those were the last words we had heard from Benjamin [[...|Chapter 7 – Red Light Green Light - Benjamin Died Route]]

“I’m not going to let you win Marcus! Amy is mine to protect!” [[...|I turn around to see him diving towards me]]

I turn around to see him diving towards me [[...|I was alive by inches]]

I was alive by inches. I was able to sit down with my life still intact. [[...|But Jaiden was not willing to accept the fact that his death was sealed in fate]]

He lunged at me. Pinning me to the ground. Wailing punches at my face [[...|I closed my eyes and ]]

I closed my eyes and tried to cover my face with my arms [[...|Suddenly, I hear a gunshot. ]]

Suddenly, I hear a gunshot [[...|The pain of the punches stops]]

The pain of the punches stops. All I felt is a heavy weight falling on top of me [[...|I open my eyes to feel blood ]]

I open my eyes to feel blood splattered across my face and to realise Jaiden is laying on top of me [[...|I freak out]]

I freak out and quickly push him away from me. My heart pounding [[...|He was a petty human]]

“He was a petty human. Accept death like a man”, Cuckoo spits on Jaiden’s body [[...|I wiped my blood soaked face]]

I wiped my blood soaked face with my sleeves. Standing up was difficult, but Benjamin gave me a helping hand [[...|I had just survived ]]

I had just survived an encounter with death [[...|Chapter 7 – Red Light Green Light - Jaiden Died Route]]

He was no match for me, his fat physique was his downfall. That’s what you get for not helping us in the store all this time [[...|I secured the empty space in no time]]

I secured the empty space in no time. Keith was out of breath trying to run and chase me [[...|Cuckoo strolled over]]

Cuckoo strolled over, clicking his heels with joy, “Oh finally I get to kill this worthless piece of shit” [[...|Keith, the prideful manager]]

Keith, the prideful manager that would never succumb to anyone, was now grovelling on his knees. Tears running down his face while he pleads for his life [[...|Please, I will do anything to survive]]

“Please, I will do anything to survive. Money. You want money, I got money I can give you. You want me as a slave. I’d do anything. Just please let me go”, Keith appeals to the reaper that stands before him [[...|Keith. You are the lowest of the low]]

“Keith. You are the lowest of the low. You use people for your own personal gain. Once you are down with them, you chuck them aside like a piece of meat. I really despise people like you” [[...|Keith this is just another rejection]]

“Keith this is just another rejection from the long list you have accumulated over the years” [[...|As Keith stares down the barrel of the gun]]

As Keith stares down the barrel of the gun. Rejections flash before his eyes. The moment his mother stopped giving him food because he was getting too fat. The first moment he was rejected by a girl he asked out. The final rejection by the CEO of Trinkets [[...|I stared at Keith’s dead body]]

I stared at Keith’s dead body. I was the one who killed him. However, there was no trace of remorse inside of me [[...|Instead, I felt better than ever]]

Instead, I felt better than ever [[...|Chapter 7 – Red Light Green Light - Keith Died Route]]

**Chapter 7 - Red Light, Green Light ** With Benjamin dead, there is only four of us remaining [[...|Jaiden, Keith, Amy and Marcus]]

**Chapter 7 - Red Light, Green Light ** With Jaiden dead, there is only four of us remaining [[...|Benjamin, Keith, Marcus and Amy. ]]

**Chapter 7 - Red Light, Green Light ** With Keith dead, there is only four of us remaining [[...|Benjamin, Jaiden, Marcus and Amy. The sole survivors of the past death games.]]

Jaiden, Keith, Amy and Marcus. The sole survivors of the past death games [[...|Benjamin is dead, he is finally dead]]

Benjamin is dead, he is finally dead. Thank you, Marcus, for killing him.”, Keith’s large grin showed how happy he was [[...|Fuck off Keith]]

“Fuck off Keith, I should have chosen you instead” [[...|Then why didn’t you? ]]

“Then why didn’t you? Seems like you still have too much respect for me” [[...|Respect. Pah.]]

“Respect. Pah. You couldn’t get respect even if you paid for it” [[...|The clown interrupted our bickering]]

The clown interrupted our bickering, “Ladies, can we stop arguing and get on with the games” [[I put my middle finger up towards Keith for a final fuck you]] [[“Why doesn’t Keith piss you off Cuckoo, he is the worst out of the lot”]]

There was a tense atmosphere in the room, with only four of us remaining in this twisted competition, we knew the end was near [[...|Let me introduce the final game we have]]

“Keith is an evil son of a bitch I do admit, but it doesn’t make him the worst out of everyone.” [[“Then who is the worse?”]] [[Leave it at that]]

“I had a personal hatred for Herbert, as you can see by the way I fucked up his face. However, so far everyone has had their own respective weakness.” [[“Out of us four, who do you think shall survive?”]] [[Leave it at that]]

“Soon we shall find out, but you know I have a little soft spot for you Marcus”, Cuckoo blew a little kiss towards me [[...|Let me introduce the final game we have]]

“If you don’t have any more questions, let's proceed with the final group game” [[...|Let me introduce the final game we have]]

“This one is called, Red Light, Green Light. You four shall stand behind me, let’s say over there”, the clown points near the door, specifically the end of the entrance mat [[...|I shall have my back to all of you]]

“I shall have my back to all of you, so you best not try anything funny, or this whole place is going boom. When I shoot into the air, that means you will be able to try to get closer to me. However, if I turn around and see any of you still moving, you shall be shot dead” [[...|I do hope all of you understand?]]

“I do hope all of you understand? Getting real tired of explaining everything all the time.” [[“In the original game, you have to tell us when you are turning around, this isn’t the original children’s game”]] [[“What if multiple people are caught moving?”]]

Jaiden’s questioning had irritated Cuckoo’s other personality, “Do you dare question me on my game-making skill! I will do what I want to spice things up. You’re lucky I haven’t made these games impossible to win” [[...|Slyly under his breath]]

Keith asked the question that we all knew the answer to. Yet again the personality of the clown had changed once again. I have felt this familiar killer aura before [[...|Everybody caught]]

Slyly under his breath, I could just hear Jaiden say, “They have all been rigged anyway” [[...|We all lined up next to the entrance of the shop]]

“Everybody caught moving will die. Simple.” [[...|His short and sharp words always send shiver down my spine]]

His short and sharp words always send a shiver down my spine. I can deal with regular Cuckoo. But I can’t be strong against that persona [[...|We all lined up next to the entrance of the shop]]

The walls and floors were covered in blood from the previous contestants. There were bullet holes all along the walls from where Cuckoo had taken out his frustration. The dead bodies of the former hostages are propped up under the puppet audience, endlessly judging our every move [[...|Cuckoo had taken his position against the wall furthest away from us]]

Cuckoo had taken his position against the wall furthest away from us. I could easily escape through the front door, but is that a risk I’m willing to take? [[Lunge for the door]] [[Carry on playing the games]]

As I lunged for the door I was immediately pulled back. I turned around to see Keith’s hand clutching my arm [[...|He let go of his tight grip]]

Even if I try to sneak out, the blast radius from Cuckoo blowing up will probably still get me. I guess I’m pretty fucked either way I look at it [[...|Time to focus on the game]]

He let go of his tight grip, “Don’t you fucking dare. If you get out right now. Everyone dies, and I’m not dying because of you been a fucking idiot.” [[...|I turn back around quickly to face Cuckoo]]

I turn back around quickly to face Cuckoo, whose back is still turned. I guess I got to survive the hard way [[...|Everything was going well so far.]]

Everything was going well so far. I was in-between the start line and the finish line. I hadn’t had any near misses with death so far. I was definitely going to win this round. I was ahead of the other contestants! [[...|I will survive. ]]

Time to focus on the game, and get out of here alive [[...|Everything was going well so far.]]

I will survive [[...|Jaiden however had other plans.]]

Jaiden, however, had other plans [[...|I can’t let him get away]]

“I can’t let him get away. He needs to be taken down. I’m the only one who can protect Amy. He isn’t worthy of her. I have been with her every step of the way. He hasn’t even cared for her once throughout all the games” [[...|Jaiden was adamant on beating Marcus ]]

Jaiden was adamant on beating Marcus [[...|How will I take down Marcus?]]

How will I take down Marcus? [[Distract Marcus]] [[Tackle Marcus to the ground]]

“Hey Marcus! Amy looks like she is about faint” [[...|Shit, well I can’t really come and help her can I]]

I just need to get close to him so I can jump on him. I’m too far back as it is [[...|If I start running]]

“Shit, well I can’t really come and help her can I”, Marcus replied. See. He wasn’t worried about her one bit [[...|I need to pile on more pressure it seems]]

I need to pile on more pressure it seems. I turn around to see her reaction to what I said. She is facing forward not even giving me the time of day [[...|The more I look at her]]

The more I look at her. It feels like she is staring at Marcus. Fuck. Why him! Why does she choose him instead of me? This is it [[...|Jaiden tackles Marcus full force into the ground]]

Jaiden tackles Marcus full force into the ground. Before smacking the ground, Marcus stared at Cuckoo turning around, all he ever saw was the large grin of Cuckoo [[...|Well it seems like we have two that are being eliminated]]

“Well, it seems like we have two that are being eliminated. Is that Marcus? Oh, what a shame it is to have you eliminated. I had money on you surviving.” [[...|Cuckoo, you gotta listen to me]]

If I start running, the damn clown will turn around after hearing my footsteps [[...|If I can just take ]]

If I can just take ... one ... more ... step [[...|Got you.]]

Got you [[...|Jaiden tackles Marcus full force into the ground]]

“Cuckoo, you gotta listen to me. It wasn’t me. It’s this crazy nutjob on top of me. Get the fuck off of me” [[...|Marcus pried Jaiden off of him]]

Marcus pried Jaiden off of him and pushed him aside [[...|Jaiden commented on his actions towards Marcus,]]

Jaiden commented on his actions towards Marcus, “It was inevitable Marcus. You couldn’t have won with me here. Amy shall win and be set free.” [[...|You did all of this ]]

“You did all of this just to let the one you love to have a chance of winning, aren’t you a romantic Jaiden”, Cuckoo begins to laugh hysterically [[...|I’m gonna kill him before ]]

I’m gonna kill him before Cuckoo can kill me. I have nothing to lose. I’m already dead [[...|I pounce on top of Jaiden]]

I pounce on top of Jaiden. My hands around his throat. He was trying to resist. But I just kept applying more pressure [[...|I could faintly hear Cuckoo ]]

I could faintly hear Cuckoo telling everyone to stay away from us [[...|I could feel the life fading away]]

I could feel the life fading away. Eventually, he had stopped struggling. All I felt was his eyes staring at me [[...|What a wonderful turn of events we have here tonight!]]

“What a wonderful turn of events we have here tonight! Marcus has killed Jaiden in cold blood. Strangled him to death. What an amazing sight to behold.” [[...|Cuckoo kneeled next to me]]

Cuckoo kneeled next to me, “Didn’t it feel satisfying. For once you felt in control. You felt strong and powerful.” [[...|However, I’m going to have ]]

“However, I’m going to have to take that all away from you now.” [[...|It seems like I have run out of time]]

It seems like I have run out of time. What will my final moments be like... [[Survive]] [[Run]] [[Embrace]]

I shall win. I will not lose. I SHALL NOT DIE [[...|I take my hands away from the throat of Jaiden]]

I don’t deserve to die. It wasn’t my fault. I will live [[...|I charged towards the entrance of the store]]

“Cuckoo. Can I do it myself? Can I just end my own life? Let me have that as my final wish.” [[...|Are you fucking nuts]]

I take my hands away from the throat of Jaiden. I could see the marks I have left [[...|You want to stand and get shot]]

“You want to stand and get shot, that’s fine. Be my guest” [[...|That was the last witty remark ]]

That was the last witty remark Cuckoo was going to give. He is mine. This is my time to strike [[...|I dive underneath Cuckoo]]

I dive underneath Cuckoo and tackle him from below. His gun goes flying up into the air [[...|I begin to pummel him with everything ]]

I begin to pummel him with everything I have. My fists had begun to be covered in his blood [[...|But through it all]]

But through it all, I could still see that fucking grin on his face [[...|I stop momentarily]]

I stop momentarily to see a device in his hand. It’s a button [[...|The bombs.]]

The bombs [[...|His manic laughter had begun]]

His manic laughter had begun. His final words echoed throughout the store [[...|“I LOVE HUMANS!”]]

“I LOVE HUMANS!” **END**

I charged towards the entrance of the store. I had employed the serpentine technique to try dodge Cuckoo’s bullets [[...|But he had not fired a shot yet]]

But he had not fired a shot yet. Is he actually going to let me go? [[...|I glance behind me]]

I glance behind me, I could see Cuckoo aiming his gun at me, why hasn’t he fired yet? [[...|Cuckoo shouts at the top of his lungs]]

Cuckoo shouts at the top of his lungs, “YOU CAN’T ESCAPE HELL MARCUS!” [[...|I swing the door open to find rubble blocking my way.]]

I swing the door open to find rubble blocking my way [[...|There is no way out. ]]

There is no way out [[...|It’s been rigged ]]

It’s been rigged from the beginning [[...|None of us were getting out.]]

None of us were getting out alive [[...|I turn to face Cuckoo however it was too late]]

I turn to face Cuckoo however it was too late. He had fired his gun. The bullet ripped through me [[...|I clutch the wound as I fall to my knees]]

I clutch the wound as I fall to my knees and keel over to my side [[...|The last thing I saw was Cuckoo’s damn grin. ]]

The last thing I saw was Cuckoo’s damn grin. The last thing I heard was his fucking laugh. The last thing I felt was the remaining bullets he shot into me [[...|Wherever I’m going]]

Wherever I’m going, let’s hope it’s better than this. **END**

“Are you fucking nuts, I’m not giving you the gun. But you can pull the trigger.” [[...|I’m glad Cuckoo agreed to this]]

I’m glad Cuckoo agreed to this. At least I have a small amount of control in my death. Up till now, everything has been decided by other people. I haven’t been able to control anything I was doing [[...|I can finally control my own actions]]

I can finally control my own actions [[...|I grab the barrel of the gun]]

I grab the barrel of the gun and pull it closer to my forehead. I could feel the cold metal against my skin. I grab the trigger with my finger [[...|This is it. ]]

This is it. I just need to pull the trigger [[...|I shall not fear death]]

I shall not fear death. I won’t regret what I have done in life. I won’t be scared. I won’t be sad [[...|But it doesn’t matter how much you try embrace it]]

But it doesn’t matter how much you try to embrace it [[...|Death shall always be the most frightening experience in life]]

Death shall always be the most frightening experience in life. **END**

Benjamin, Keith, Marcus and Amy. The sole survivors of the past death games [[...|Benjamin’s caring personality shone through]]

Benjamin’s caring personality shone through, “Amy are you okay? I know Jaiden was caring for you throughout this whole ordeal” [[...|Amy carried on with her silence ]]

Amy carried on with her silence and didn’t utter a word about Jaiden’s death. But she did utter a few words [[...|Winning.]]

“Winning. Winning is all that matters” [[...|Before Benjamin gets to reply]]

Before Benjamin gets to reply, Keith interjects, “You aren’t the one winning this honey, this is all mine for the taking!” [[...|Benjamin was not happy about being interrupted by Keith]]

Benjamin was not happy about being interrupted by Keith. [[Benjamin grabs Keith by the scruff of his neck]] [[Benjamin takes the high road ignoring Keith]]

I have had enough of your shit Keith. You best watch your back in this next round.” [[Keith spits in his face]] [[Keith apologises for his comment]]

Speaking to Amy in a soft, gentle tone, “It’s okay Amy, I won’t let Keith beat you” [[...|Benjamin turns around to give a death stare towards Keith.]]

Benjamin turns around to give a death stare towards Keith [[...|Keith huffs and turns around to face what’s in store for us]]

Keith huffs and turns around to face what’s in store for us [[...|Let me introduce the final game we have, until our final brutal showdown.]]

“Let me introduce the final game we have, until our final brutal showdown. Audience! Are you ready to see our four contestants fight it out to survive and reign champion of the death games!” [[...|The audience roared into life. I don’t know if it was the fake cheers of the non-existent audience]]

Benjamin lets go of Keith, and swings his arm to punch him right in the face [[...|Keith staggered backwards]]

“I’m sorry alright, just let go of me” [[...|“Damn right you are, we aren’t staff anymore]]

Keith staggered backwards, his nose bleeding from the blow. “Fuck, you actually punched me!” [[Benjamin was readying another attack]] [[I quickly interject before this escalates any further]]

Surprisingly, Cuckoo decided to intervene, “You lot, cut it out and behave. I would like you guys to be able to play this next game” [[...|Nobody was going to argue with Cuckoo]]

I slide between Benjamin and Keith, Benjamin held back his punch [[...|“Leave it for the games Benjamin]]

Nobody was going to argue with Cuckoo, we have learnt that the hard way. Benjamin stood away from Keith, just for safe measures [[...|Meanwhile, Cuckoo was just watching]]

Meanwhile, Cuckoo was just watching the situation from afar. Analysing our every move [[...|If you guys are done over there]]

“If you guys are done over there, I would like to start with the penultimate game!” [[...|Let me introduce the final game we have, until our final brutal showdown.]]

The audience roared into life. I don’t know if it was the fake cheers of the non-existent audience, or the adrenaline getting to me, but I was pumped to play these sadistic games [[...|This one is called, Red Light, Green Light. You four shall stand behind me, let’s say over there”, ]]

“Damn right you are, we aren’t staff anymore. We don’t owe you shit.” [[...|Benjamin goes over to Amy and makes sure she is okay]]

Benjamin goes over to Amy and makes sure she is okay, but the effort is futile [[...|Meanwhile, Cuckoo was just watching]]

“Leave it for the games, Benjamin. Settle it there.” [[...|Benjamin looked past me straight into eyes of Keith]]

Benjamin looked past me straight into eyes of Keith. If only looks could kill [[...|Meanwhile, Cuckoo was just watching]]

“I do hope all of you understand? Getting real tired of explaining everything all the time.” [[In the original game, you have to tell us when you are turning around, this isn’t the original children’s game”]] [[“What if multiple people are caught moving?”|What if multiple people are caught moving]]

Keith’s questioning had irritated Cuckoo’s other personality, “Do you dare question me on my game-making skill! I will do what I want to spice things up. You’re lucky I haven’t made these games impossible to win” [[...|Slyly under his breath, I could just hear Keith say]]

Benjamin asked the question that we all knew the answer to. Yet again the personality of the clown had changed once again. I have felt this familiar killer aura before [[...|“Everybody caught moving will die. Simple.”]]

Slyly under his breath, I could just hear Keith say, “They have all been rigged anyway” [[...|We all lined up next to the entrance of the shop. I couldn’t recognise the store anymore. ]]

“Everybody caught moving will die. Simple.” [[...|His short and sharp words always send shiver down my spine.]]

His short and sharp words always send a shiver down my spine. I can deal with regular Cuckoo. But I can’t be strong against that persona [[...|We all lined up next to the entrance of the shop. I couldn’t recognise the store anymore. ]]

Cuckoo had taken his position against the wall furthest away from us. I could easily escape through the front door, but is that a risk I’m willing to take? [[Lunge for the door|lunge for the door Jaiden Route]] [[Carry on playing the games|carry on playing the games Jaiden Route]]

As I lunged for the door I was immediately pulled back. I turned around to see Benjamin’s hand clutching my arm [[...|“No Marcus, you cannot escape right now. Think about the rest of us. ]]

Even if I try to sneak out, the blast radius from Cuckoo blowing up will probably still get me. I guess I’m pretty fucked either way I look at it [[...|Time to focus on the game, and get out of here alive. ]]

“No Marcus, you cannot escape right now. Think about the rest of us. We will all die if you somehow escape. Think before you act, please.” [[...|You are right Benjamin]]

“You are right Benjamin, I’m sorry. I should have thought of that” [[...|Benjamin stopped me right in my tracks, ]]

Benjamin stopped me right in my tracks, I guess he is caring for everyone more than I am [[...|Everything was going well so far. I was in-between the start line and the finish line. ]]

I will survive [[...|It was a slow and cautious round, however by the end of it. ]]

Time to focus on the game, and get out of here alive [[...|Everything was going well so far. I was in-between the start line and the finish line. ]]

It was a slow and cautious round, however by the end of it. Luckily, all of us had made it through [[...|“So all of you got through it seems.]]

“So all of you got through it seems. I guess I got to spice it up a little bit next time. Just make it a bit harder for you guys to get on through” [[Keith had begun complaining to Cuckoo]] [[I questioned Cuckoo on what if we all get through this round also]]

“You can’t just change the rules like that. We have all won fair and square! Just let us go, we have beaten your little games” [[Keith walks towards the door]] [[Cuckoo responds to Keith’s claims]]

“What if we all get through this round again? Then what will happen?” [[...|With yet another ambiguous answer, ]]

Keith mustered up all his bravery and walked towards the door [[...|Just as he was about to open the door]]

“Keith you no longer have power in this store, I’m the one who creates the rules and the games here. You are just a mere puppet for my own amusement” [[...|Cuckoo had revealed more of his motive]]

Just as he was about to open the door, one of Cuckoo bullets flew right past his ear [[...|The bullet nestled itself in the door frame. ]]

The bullet nestled itself in the door frame. Keith slowly turned around to face the clown [[...|“I wouldn’t open that door if I was you.”]]

“I wouldn’t open that door if I was you.” [[...|Keith slowly stepped away from the door,]]

Keith slowly stepped away from the door, eventually joining us back into the line [[...|Cuckoo started dragging around tables and displays]]

Cuckoo started dragging around tables and displays. He was placing them in random places between us and him [[...|“Et voilà, it is done. Instead of an easy route for you guys]]

Cuckoo had revealed more of his motive; however, can we really trust anything he says? [[...|Cuckoo started dragging around tables and displays]]

With yet another ambiguous answer, “Let’s just cross that road when we get there. But I’m positive something special will happen this round” [[...|Cuckoo started dragging around tables and displays]]

“Et voilà, it is done. Instead of an easy route for you guys. You guys shall have obstacles you will need to avoid!” [[...|Benjamin pulled me aside. His tone and facial expression was something ]]

Benjamin pulled me aside. His tone and facial expression were something I had never seen before. His usual smiling expression had transformed into a strict and stern face [[...|“Marcus we need to talk”]]

“Marcus we need to talk” [[...|“What’s up Benjamin, ]]

“What’s up Benjamin, you worried about the next round?” [[...|“Regarding the next round, you and Amy will survive. I will make sure of that”]]

“Regarding the next round, you and Amy will survive. I will make sure of that” [[“What do you mean?”]] [[“So will you Benjamin! We will survive together.”]]

“I can’t tell you everything. I don’t want you stopping me at all” [[...|I could already figure out what he was trying to say. ]]

“In another world, I’m sure we would. We wouldn’t be in this mess. We would just have a regular day at work” [[...|Benjamin continued his monologue, ]]

I could already figure out what he was trying to say. But I didn’t want to believe it. I shrugged off the thought and put the façade back on [[...|“Don’t worry Benjamin, we will get through this together. ]]

“Don’t worry Benjamin, we will get through this together. We can go out for a drink after, it’s on me!” I put on a slight smile as Benjamin smirked back [[...|Who would of thought, ]]

Who would have thought, those were the last smiles we would have had [[...|Cuckoo had signalled for the start of the round. ]]

Cuckoo had signalled for the start of the round. We started to take a few steps forward. Then we stopped immediately when he turned around [[...|Constant starting and stopping. ]]

Constant starting and stopping. Cuckoo trying to catch us out. But, we finally got to one of the first obstacles [[...|This is where Benjamin’s plans come in to play.]]

Benjamin continued his monologue, “but we have to accept the fact that we are fucked, royally fucked. So we need someone to save the day” [[...|I took a deep sigh, “And that’s where you come in?”]]

I took a deep sigh, “And that’s where you come in?” [[...|Damn straight! I will be the star of the show if you don’t mind.”]]

“Damn straight! I will be the star of the show if you don’t mind.” [[...|The exuberant expression slapped across his face ]]

The exuberant expression slapped across his face was a nice sight to see after all the turmoil we have been through [[...|Cuckoo had signalled for the start of the round. ]]

This is where Benjamin’s plans come into play [[...|Keith was ahead of us all]]

Keith was ahead of us all, with Benjamin just behind him. He was never letting him out of his sights [[...|Benjamin got to the first obstacle]]

Benjamin got to the first obstacle. He grabbed the table and chucked it at Keith with all of his force [[...|Keith was chucked to the ground by the impact of the table hitting him.]]

Keith was chucked to the ground by the impact of the table hitting him. The large bang of the table hitting Keith and crashing to the floor, alerted Cuckoo [[...|He spun around to see the chaos that had unfolded. ]]

He spun around to see the chaos that had unfolded. His smile was wide and grand. I all knew too well what he was thinking in his head [[...|“Well it seems like two of our contestants are being eliminated! ]]

“Well, it seems like two of our contestants are being eliminated! Keith and Marcus, have you got anything else to say before you are all doomed for death.” [[Keith expressed his anger!]] [[Benjamin’s was ecstatic at the soon to be dead Keith.]]

“Cuckoo, it wasn’t me. I was playing the game just fine. I was even winning. Then this fucking psycho chucked a table at me!” [[...|“Benjamin, I didn’t expect you to flip out like that. ]]

“Finally, Keith I’m going to drag you to hell with me! You deserve it for everything you have done in life” [[...|“Benjamin I’m going to kill you!”]]

“Benjamin, I didn’t expect you to flip out like that. That’s great!”, Cuckoo begins to laugh hysterically [[...|“But it’s the end of the road for both of you”]]

“But it’s the end of the road for both of you” [[...|It all happened so quickly]]

It all happened so quickly [[...|Cuckoo pulled out his gun and fired it at Benjamin first. ]]

“Benjamin I’m going to kill you!” [[...|Keith is about to lunge at Benjamin, ]]

Keith is about to lunge at Benjamin but was immediately stopped by Cuckoo [[...|“No no no, Keith]]

“No no no, Keith. This is my job” [[...|It all happened so quickly]]

Cuckoo pulled out his gun and fired it at Benjamin first. Hitting him right in the temple. Death came to him swiftly [[...|Keith started to freak out. ]]

Keith started to freak out. He did not want to die at all. He tried to flee for his life, dodging and weaving. But he could not escape the reaper [[...|Cuckoo started firing rapidly, me and Amy dived for cover.]]

Cuckoo started firing rapidly, I and Amy dived for cover [[...|I covered my head, cowering in fear. ]]

I covered my head, cowering in fear. I didn’t want to get shot by a stray bullet. But Amy was bolt upright. Not a trace of fear on her face [[...|Once the shooting had stopped]]

Once the shooting had stopped, I arose to see the cold dead bodies of Keith and Benjamin [[...|Another two contestants]]

Another two contestants have been eliminated [[...|Leaving just me and Amy.]]

Leaving just me and Amy [[...|Chapter 8 - Final Game - Marcus & Amy]]

Benjamin, Jaiden, Marcus and Amy. The sole survivors of the past death games [[...|A rift has emerged. ]]

A rift has emerged. Amy and Jaiden versus Marcus and Benjamin [[...|Benjamin had noticed the division that had come about]]

Benjamin had noticed the division that had come about. Jaiden was very protective of Amy, not wanting anyone to interfere. Benjamin was sort of wary of me but was still supporting me due to our past [[...|Benjamin wanted us to unify and be strong for the forthcoming final games. ]]

Benjamin wanted us to unify and be strong for the forthcoming final games. Benjamin approached Amy with his caring personality, “Amy are you okay? I know Jaiden was caring for you throughout this whole ordeal” [[...|Shocking everyone]]

Shocking everyone, she uttered but a few words [[...|“Winning. Winning is all that matters” ]]

“Winning. Winning is all that matters” [[...|Before Benjamin gets to reply, Jaiden interjects]]

Before Benjamin gets to reply, Jaiden interjects, “Stay away from her Benjamin!” [[...|Benjamin could see the troublemaker in our group. Jaiden.]]

Benjamin could see the troublemaker in our group. Jaiden. [[Benjamin grabs Jaiden by the scruff of his neck]] [[Benjamin takes the high road ignoring Jaiden]]

“Jaiden, you are breaking us apart. You need to snap out of it!” [[Jaiden spits in his face]] [[Jaiden looks straight into Benjamin’s eyes]]

“You know what Jaiden, it’s your life to live. If you let us help you, we will be able to survive.” [[...|“You don’t know anything Benjamin, just stay out of me and Amy’s life.”]]

Benjamin lets go of Jaiden, and swings his arm to punch him right in the face [[...|Jaiden staggered backwards, his nose bleeding from the blow. ]]

Amy needs to be protected and I’m the only one who can do it. So leave us alone” [[...|“She would be protected better if me and Marcus helped as well.”]]

Jaiden staggered backwards, his nose bleeding from the blow. [[Benjamin was readying another attack ]] [[I quickly interject before this escalates any further ]]

Surprisingly, Cuckoo decided to intervene, “You lot, cut it out and behave. I would like you guys to be able to play this next game” [[...|Nobody was going to argue with Cuckoo, we have learnt that the hard way. ]]

I slide between Benjamin and Jaiden, Benjamin holding his punch back [[...|Leave it for the games Benjamin. Settle it there.”]]

Nobody was going to argue with Cuckoo, we have learnt that the hard way. Benjamin walked away from Jaiden, as Cuckoo enjoys the rift between us. [[...|Meanwhile, Cuckoo was just watching the situation from afar. Analysing our every move.]]

“Leave it for the games, Benjamin. Settle it there.” [[...|Benjamin looked past me straight into eyes of Jaiden. ]]

Benjamin looked past me straight into eyes of Jaiden. His eyes were full of disappointment and pity for him [[...|Meanwhile, Cuckoo was just watching the situation from afar. Analysing our every move.]]

“She would be protected better if I and Marcus helped as well.” [[...|Benjamin shakes his head and walked away from Jaiden]]

Benjamin shakes his head and walked away from Jaiden. There is no way of getting through to him [[...|Meanwhile, Cuckoo was just watching the situation from afar. Analysing our every move.]]

Meanwhile, Cuckoo was just watching the situation from afar. Analysing our every move [[...|“If you guys are done over there,]]

“If you guys are done over there, I would like to start with the penultimate game!” [[...|“Let me introduce the final game we have, until our final brutal showdown. ]]

“You don’t know anything Benjamin, just stay out of me and Amy’s life.” [[...|Jaiden goes back to Amy’s side as Benjamin was looking very much dejected ]]

Jaiden goes back to Amy’s side as Benjamin was looking very much dejected [[...|“Let me introduce the final game we have, until our final brutal showdown. ]]

The audience roared into life. I don’t know if it was the fake cheers of the non-existent audience, or the adrenaline getting to me, but I was pumped to play these sadistic games [[...|“This one is called, Red Light, Green Light. You four shall stand behind me, let’s say over there”, the clown points near the door, specifically the end of the entrance matt. ]]

“This one is called, Red Light, Green Light. You four shall stand behind me, let’s say over there”, the clown points near the door, specifically the end of the entrance mat [[...|“I shall have my back to all of you, so you best not try anything funny, or this whole place is going boom. When I shoot into the air, that means you will be able to try get closer to me. However, if I turn around and see any of you still moving, you shall be shot dead”]]

“I do hope all of you understand? Getting real tired of explaining everything all the time.” [[In the original game, you have to tell us when you are turning around, this isn’t the original children’s game” ]] [[“What if multiple people are caught moving?” ]]

Slyly under his breath, I could just hear Jaiden say, “They have all been rigged anyway” [[...|We all lined up next to the entrance of the shop. I couldn’t recognise the store anymore. It was no longer every kids dream. ]]

“Everybody caught moving will die. Simple.” [[...|His short and sharp words always send shiver down my spine. I can deal with regular Cuckoo. But I can’t be strong against that persona. ]]

His short and sharp words always send a shiver down my spine. I can deal with regular Cuckoo. But I can’t be strong against that persona. [[...|We all lined up next to the entrance of the shop. I couldn’t recognise the store anymore. It was no longer every kids dream. ]]

We all lined up next to the entrance of the shop. I couldn’t recognise the store anymore. It was no longer every kid's dream [[...|The walls and floors were covered in blood from the previous contestants. There were bullet holes all along the walls from where Cuckoo had taken out his frustration. The dead bodies of the former hostages are propped up under the puppet audience, endlessly judging our every move. ]]

As I lunged for the door I was immediately pulled back. I turned around to see Benjamin’s hand clutching my arm [[...|“No Marcus, you cannot escape right now. Think about the rest of us. We will all die if you somehow escape. Think before you act, please.”]]

“No Marcus, you cannot escape right now. Think about the rest of us. We will all die if you somehow escape. Think before you act, please.” [[...|“You are right Benjamin, I’m sorry. I should of thought of that” ]]

“You are right Benjamin, I’m sorry. I should have thought of that” [[...|Benjamin stopped me right in my tracks, I guess he is caring for everyone more than I am.]]

Benjamin stopped me right in my tracks, I guess he is caring for everyone more than I am [[...|Everything was going well so far. I was in-between the start line and the finish line. I hadn’t had any near misses with death so far. I was definitely going to win this round. I was ahead of the other contestants!]]

Time to focus on the game, and get out of here alive [[...|Everything was going well so far. I was in-between the start line and the finish line. I hadn’t had any near misses with death so far. I was definitely going to win this round. I was ahead of the other contestants!]]

I will survive [[...|It was a slow and cautious round, however by the end of it. Luckily, all of us had made it through. ]]

It was a slow and cautious round, however by the end of it. Luckily, all of us had made it through [[...|“So all of you got through it seems. I guess I got to spice it up a little bit next time. Just make it a bit harder for you guys to get on through”]]

“So all of you got through it seems. I guess I got to spice it up a little bit next time. Just make it a bit harder for you guys to get on through” [[Benjamin had begun complaining to Cuckoo ]] [[I questioned Cuckoo on what if we all get through this round also ]]

“You can’t just change the rules like that. We have all won fair and square! Just let us go, we have beaten your little games” [[Benjamin walks towards Cuckoo ]] [[Cuckoo responds to Benjamin’s claims ]]

“What if we all get through this round again? Then what will happen?” [[...|With yet another ambiguous answer, “Let’s just cross that road when we get there. But I’m positive something special will happen this round”]]

Benjamin marched towards Cuckoo to look him right in the eye [[...|Benjamin had got rid of his fear of dying, he wants to face his demons.]]

“Benjamin you no longer look after everyone in the store. You failed that when you let me in. I’m the one who creates the rules and the games here. You are just a mere puppet for my own amusement” [[...|Cuckoo had revealed more of his motive; however, can we really trust anything he says?]]

Cuckoo started dragging around tables and displays. He was placing them in random places between us and him [[...|“Et voilà, it is done. Instead of an easy route for you guys. You guys shall have obstacles you will need to avoid!”]]

Benjamin had got rid of his fear of dying, he wants to face his demons [[...|“Yes Benjamin, do you want something with me?”]]

“Yes Benjamin, do you want something with me?” [[...|“No, not at all. I just want to see the eyes of the man I shall kill”]]

“No, not at all. I just want to see the eyes of the man I shall kill” [[...|Cuckoo pushes Benjamin away, “Woah woah, why the hostility Benjamin remember I’m the one with the gun. So go back in line and wait for your turn.”]]

Cuckoo pushes Benjamin away, “Woah woah, why the hostility Benjamin remember I’m the one with the gun. So go back in line and wait for your turn.” [[...|Benjamin was amazing just then! I wish I had the balls to do that. Cuckoo shakes off the confrontation and began the preparation of round 2. ]]

Benjamin was amazing just then! I wish I had the balls to do that. Cuckoo shakes off the confrontation and began the preparation of round two [[...|Cuckoo started dragging around tables and displays. He was placing them in random places between us and him.]]

Cuckoo had revealed more of his motive; however, can we really trust anything he says? [[...|Cuckoo started dragging around tables and displays. He was placing them in random places between us and him.]]

“Et voilà, it is done. Instead of an easy route for you guys. You guys shall have obstacles you will need to avoid!” [[...|Benjamin pulled me aside. He wanted us to have one final gathering before we go through this round. His usual smiling expression had been transformed into a strict and stern face.]]

Benjamin pulled me aside. He wanted us to have one final gathering before we go through this round. His usual smiling expression had been transformed into a strict and stern face [[...|“Everyone we need to talk”]]

“Everyone we need to talk” [[...|“What’s up Benjamin, you worried about the next round?”]]

“What’s up Benjamin, you worried about the next round?” [[...|“Regarding the next round, you guys will survive. I will make sure of that”]]

“Regarding the next round, you guys will survive. I will make sure of that” [[“What do you mean?” ]] [[“So will you Benjamin! We will survive together.” ]]

“I have accepted death, and I want you guys to be the ones who are getting out.” [[...|Is Benjamin guessing what I think he is saying]]

“In another world, I’m sure we would. We wouldn’t be in this mess. We would just have a regular day at work” [[...|Benjamin continued his monologue, “but we have to accept the fact that we are fucked, royally fucked. We need a miracle to get us out of this.”]]

Is Benjamin going to do what I think he is saying, no he can’t just throw his life away like that? [[...|Jaiden chuckles at Benjamin’s heartfelt message, ]]

Jaiden chuckles at Benjamin’s heartfelt message, “You and Marcus will survive. I got other plans for this round.” [[...|“Don’t do anything stupid Jaiden, this can affect us as well. Think about the consequences to Amy especially”]]

“Don’t do anything stupid Jaiden, this can affect us as well. Think about the consequences to Amy especially” [[...|“I’m doing this because of Amy, just watch me.”]]

“I’m doing this because of Amy, just watch me.” [[...|Cuckoo had signalled for the start of the round. We had taken a few steps forward before Jaiden’s plan had come into play.]]

Cuckoo had signalled for the start of the round. We had taken a few steps forward before Jaiden’s plan had come into play [[...|Jaiden grabbed Amy’s hand and ran for the door. ]]

Benjamin continued his monologue, “but we have to accept the fact that we are fucked, royally fucked. We need a miracle to get us out of this.” [[...|I took a deep sigh, “So have we got any ideas on how to get out of this?”]]

I took a deep sigh, “So have we got any ideas on how to get out of this?” [[...|“Don’t worry kids, I will do something, my job is to guard you all right?”]]

“Don’t worry kids, I will do something, my job is to guard you all right?” [[...|The large smile of Benjamin was a nice sight to see after everything we have been through.]]

The large smile of Benjamin was a nice sight to see after everything we have been through [[...|Cuckoo had signalled for the start of the round. We had taken a few steps forward before Jaiden’s plan had come into play.]]

Jaiden grabbed Amy’s hand and ran for the door [[...|Benjamin and I wanted to stop him from throwing his life away but this was our perfect chance to win. ]]

Benjamin and I wanted to stop him from throwing his life away but this was our perfect chance to win [[...|Cuckoo with his ‘vulcan’ hearing, instantly spun around to see them at the door. ]]

Cuckoo with his ‘vulcan’ hearing, instantly spun around to see them at the door [[...|He shot at Jaiden, I could see the bullet entering the back of his head.]]

He shot at Jaiden, I could see the bullet entering the back of his head [[...|Amy shrieked after Cuckoo shot her in the leg. He made his way across the room, warning us to stay away and not make a move.]]

Amy shrieked after Cuckoo shot her in the leg. He made his way across the room, warning us to stay away and not make a move [[...|“Hey there Amy, how is that wound feeling right about now”]]

“Hey there Amy, how is that wound feeling right about now” [[Stay in silence ]] [[“I wanted to kill you so much”]]

“You wanna play that game then? Alright then” [[...|Cuckoo crouched next to Amy, and drove his finger right into the Amy’s bullet wound.]]

“That’s all I was doing the whole time. Repeating your death in my head, over and over again. Do you want to know my most favourite way of killing you?” [[...|“Do tell Amy, I love listening to stories all about death”]]

Cuckoo crouched next to Amy and drove his finger right into Amy’s bullet wound [[...|She cried out in pain, her screams and cries were hard to listen to.]]

She cried out in pain, her screams and cries were hard to listen to [[...|“I won’t give you the satisfaction, just kill me”]]

“I won’t give you the satisfaction, just kill me” [[...|Cuckoo, stood back up, and shot Amy once again. Killing her for good.]]

Cuckoo stood back up and shot Amy once again. Killing her for good [[...|“You were boring. I guess that’s that.”]]

“You were boring. I guess that’s that.” [[...|Cuckoo turned to face me and Benjamin, still frozen in place.]]

Cuckoo turned to face me and Benjamin, still frozen in place [[...|“At ease you two. You are the finalists of the death games. Congratulations.”]]

“At ease you two. You are the finalists of the death games. Congratulations.” [[...|Chapter 8 - Final Game Marcus & Benjamin Route]]

“Do tell Amy, I love listening to stories all about death” [[...|“I would get your head, and slam it against the floor. Again and again. Till there was nothing left.”]]

“I would get your head, and slam it against the floor. Again and again. Till there was nothing left.” [[...|“Oh how gruesome, I love it Amy. In another life I could see you as my little prodigy”]]

“Oh how gruesome, I love it Amy. In another life I could see you as my little prodigy” [[...|I wanted to speak up and try save Amy, but I just couldn’t. I wanted to live. I wanted to survive. ]]

I wanted to speak up and try to save Amy, but I just couldn’t. I wanted to live. I wanted to survive [[...|I turned to my left to see Benjamin. I could see tears trickling down his face. He promised to keep everyone safe. But he just can no longer do his duty.]]

I turned to my left to see Benjamin. I could see tears trickling down his face. He promised to keep everyone safe. But he just can no longer do his duty [[...|All we heard was the final gunshots of this competition. ]]

All we heard was the final gunshots of this competition [[...|Me and Benjamin were the final contestants in these wretched Death Games]]

I and Benjamin were the final contestants in these wretched Death Games [[...|Chapter 8 - Final Game Marcus & Benjamin Route]]

**Chapter 8 - Final Game** Keith and Benjamin’s body were riddled with bullets, each wound oozing out blood. I had never seen so much blood in my life. But today, I have seen too much for one lifetime. Weirdly, the blood sort of fitted into the whole aesthetic of the store. Blood smeared across the walls, pools of blood on the floor. What a wonderful sight [[...|What the hell I’m I saying]]

What the hell I’m I saying. Has Cuckoo’s mind tricks finally got to me? I need to end this final round quickly and get out of here before I lose my mind [[...|“It’s just two of us left Cuckoo]]

“It’s just two of us left Cuckoo, what’s in store for your remaining contestants?” [[...|Cuckoo was still transfixed on the bodies of Keith and Benjamin.]]

Cuckoo was still transfixed on the bodies of Keith and Benjamin. He ignored me and walked towards the dead bodies. He dragged them to where the other dead contestants were, leaving a streak of blood across the floor [[...|To finish his collection, he placed Keith and Benjamin on a seat to watch the final round]]

To finish his collection, he placed Keith and Benjamin on a seat to watch the final round. The blank stare of their dead eyes was darn right creepy [[...|“Now then, welcome our new additions to the audience]]

“Now then, welcome our new additions to the audience, Benjamin, and Keith!”, the crowd begins to clap. Cuckoo even grabs the hands of a previous contestant Reggie and makes the dead man clap [[...|“Cuckoo, I’ve had enough of this illusionary game show]]

“Cuckoo, I’ve had enough of this illusionary game show, can we just get on with the games” [[“But the fun of the game is the illusion, nothing gets my blood pumping more than the cheer from the audience”]] [[“It’s not an illusion Marcus, this has been a game show televised all over the world”]] [[“Marcus, Marcus, Marcus, why must you try ruining everything”]]

“The audience is a fake recording, it’s just filled with dolls and the dead.” [[...|“It’s called using your imagination Marcus, ]]

I and Amy were both shocked by what he just told us, Amy reacted to the news “People are watching this sick and twisted game show? People have watched us kill others?” [[...|“Yep, they have seen everything. I told you guys there was always an audience]]

“You always butt in randomly when I’m trying to make an amazing event. Can you just shut up for once?” [[...|I took his advice and didn’t ask any more questions]]

“It’s called using your imagination Marcus, you should use it sometimes. The world becomes such a wondrous place. No longer do I witness the negatives of life. Poverty, crime, war, famine. Through the use of my imagination, I can fix it all.” [[...|“So you are just running away from the real world? ]]

“So you are just running away from the real world? Isn’t that just the coward’s way out” [[...|“If you want to think that way, be my guest]]

“If you want to think that way, be my guest. But I’m having the time of my life currently, compared to you who is shitting themselves.” [[...|“We are only scared because of what you are doing to us!” ]]

“We are only scared because of what you are doing to us!” [[...|Cuckoo took a deep breath in, and held out his arm, ]]

Cuckoo took a deep breath in, and held out his arm, “Maybe you should just embrace it all instead of fighting it” [[...|What does he mean by embracing it]]

What does he mean by embracing it, embrace death? [[...|“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have the gorgeous, shy and crazy Amy! Give her a good cheer, but don’t approach her, or she might bite your head off]]

“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have the gorgeous, shy and crazy Amy! Give her a good cheer, but don’t approach her, or she might bite your head off. Alongside her, we have the ever so charming and witty Marcus! Give a round of applause for our finalists!” [[...|“The next game, shall be our final game!” ]]

I took his advice and didn’t ask any more questions. I should keep my cocky comments to myself from now on [[...|“As Marcus just ruined the moment, let’s just get on with the damn games”]]

“As Marcus just ruined the moment, let’s just get on with the damn games”. It seems like I have won a small victory against the clown [[...|“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have the gorgeous, shy and crazy Amy! Give her a good cheer, but don’t approach her, or she might bite your head off]]

“Yep, they have seen everything. I told you guys there was always an audience, but none of you wanted to listen. Thousands, no scrap that. Millions are watching you. But be proud you two are the finalists, you will be known across the world.” [[...|I kneel to the ground, with my hands in my head. ]]

I kneel to the ground, with my hands in my head. It’s hard to process what I have been told. I have just been the pawn of a sick and twisted game that millions have seen. Millions have seen who I have killed [[...|Cuckoo suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. ]]

Cuckoo suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. He started to roll around on the floor, continuing his maniac laughing fit [[...|He began to contain himself, chuckling randomly]]

He began to contain himself, chuckling randomly. “Got you. It was all a joke. I don’t want to advertise this to the world. Boy. You should have seen your faces.” [[...|Amy instantly flipped. ]]

Amy instantly flipped. “I’m going to claw your eyes out you little fucker” [[I pulled Amy back]] [[Amy launched at Cuckoo]]

“Amy don’t do it. We have been through so much. We are so close to getting out of here together.” [[...|Amy shakes me off]]

Amy swings a punch at Cuckoo. But as Cuckoo dodges the punch, he puts his gun up against her head [[...|“Amy, I dare you.]]

Amy shakes me off, I felt a little offended. But she has been through a lot I guess [[...|“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have the gorgeous, shy and crazy Amy! Give her a good cheer, but don’t approach her, or she might bite your head off]]

“Amy, I dare you. Try punch me again. See what happens. That pretty little head of yours won’t be so pretty once I’m done with you” [[...|I could see Amy shaking, ]]

I could see Amy shaking, she hurried away from Cuckoo and came back to my side. It feels good to finally have Amy by my side [[...|“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have the gorgeous, shy and crazy Amy! Give her a good cheer, but don’t approach her, or she might bite your head off]]

“The final game shall be a little different to the rest of the games we have been playing. This will ensure only 1 victor. It shall be a game to the death. You shall unleash your predatory instincts, in this final fight. You two shall fight to the death until only one of you is left alive.” [[...|What. You telling me have to fight Amy]]

What. You telling me I have to fight Amy... I can’t [[...|“The game will go like this. You will start at either end of the store.”, ]]

No. I just can’t… Then again… I want to survive, but at what cost [[...|“There are two conditions to winning this game. The first is]]

There it is! I just got to make Amy surrender, and then persuade Cuckoo in letting us go! That’s what I need to do [[...|“With the final game explained, I need you two to turn around and both face the wall]]

“With the final game explained, I need you two to turn around and both face the wall, while I get everything prepared.” Cuckoo made a hand gesture to turn around. I could hear him constantly giggling to himself every time he placed a weapon down [[...|I was right next to Amy now]]

I was right next to Amy now, I needed to speak to her before it was too late [[...|“Hey Amy. I got something]]

“Hey Amy. I got something to tell you” [[“I have a plan”]] [[“I like you”]]

“I need you to surrender to me. He never said anything about the other player dying when they surrender. This is our chance to get out together!” [[...|Amy did not say anything for what felt like an eternity]]

I have finally confessed my feelings to her. I can finally die happy. I won’t have any regrets if I die now [[...|“Scum like you is ]]

Amy did not say anything for what felt like an eternity [[...|What crap]]

“What crap” [[...|Did Amy just think my plan ]]

Did Amy just think my plan was shit? [[...|“You expect me to surrender]]

“You expect me to surrender, to a man like you. Never will I ever surrender.” [[...|“Woah, Amy. This plan can work]]

“Woah, Amy. This plan can work. Just listen, hear me out” [[...|Before I was able to continue my explanation]]

Before I was able to continue my explanation, I was shut down by Amy [[...|“I will kill you. I will kill Cuckoo]]

“I will kill you. I will kill Cuckoo. Then I will get out of here alive” [[...|I looked at Amy]]

I looked at Amy. I could see a smile stretching across her face. Has she gone insane? Did Cuckoo get into her mind and do this to her. She is a lost cause now [[...|“You can turn around ]]

“You can turn around and walk to your respective corners” [[...|As I walk to my corner]]

“Scum like you is what I hate the most in the world” [[...|I was taken aback by what Amy said]]

I was taken aback by what Amy said. She hates me. When the hell did this happen? [[...|“Amy, what did I do to you? ]]

“Amy, what did I do to you? I’m sorry if I hurt you in any way” [[...|You are all the same]]

“You are all the same, your feelings are useless” [[...|I felt a sharp pain coming from my chest]]

I felt a sharp pain coming from my chest. Being horribly rejected is not how I pictured what could be my final moments [[...|“Marcus, I will kill you]]

“Marcus, I will kill you. I will then kill Cuckoo. This is my destiny and nobody can stop me” [[...|I looked at Amy]]

As I walk to my corner, I glance around the room trying to see any weapons I can use against Amy. However, the damn clown covered all the weapons with a cloth [[...|So I won’t know the weapon until I’m there]]

So I won’t know the weapon until I’m there, seems like Cuckoo wants to make everything interesting until the very last moment [[...|I could see Amy across the room]]

I could see Amy across the room, she was making all kind of weird face towards me. Angry, sad, happy faces. Had she actually gone clinically insane? [[...|“Player one, are you readyyyyyy?”, ]]

“Player one, are you readyyyyyy?”, Cuckoo points to my corner [[...|I nod to say I’m I ready.]]

I nod to say I’m I ready. All I have to do is survive. Get a weapon. Kill Amy. Simple right. C’mon, I can do this [[...|“Player two, are you readyyyy?”, ]]

“Player two, are you readyyyy?”, Cuckoo notions at Amy’s corner [[...|Amy replies with a slitting throat gesture]]

Amy replies with a slitting throat gesture. Cuckoo rolls his eyes, “Such a cliché” [[...|“Let the games begin]]

“Let the games begin!” [[...|I sprinted for the first cloth I could see]]

I sprinted for the first cloth I could see. I flew the cloth aside to reveal a fish. An actual fish [[...|Cuckoo starts to laugh hysterically. ]]

Cuckoo starts to laugh hysterically. “Haha, I never thought the first thing you would pick up is the fish” [[...|I flung the fish at Cuckoo]]

I flung the fish at Cuckoo, he catches the fish and started to munch on it, “Thanks for the snack” [[...|I saw Amy across the room, wielding a knife in her hand]]

I saw Amy across the room, wielding a knife in her hand. Shit. she already got a weapon [[...|As she charged towards me]]

As she charged towards me, I grabbed the nearest weapon. Yes, it was a bat! [[...|Amy was coming at me at an alarming rate]]

Amy was coming at me at an alarming rate, now I got this bat I can defiantly fight back… But should I? [[Swing the bat at Amy]] [[Run away to find another weapon]]

I swung the bat furiously in front of me. No way Amy could even take a step near me now. My bat has a longer reach than her knife. She isn’t going to win! [[...|She huffed and cursed at me]]

Shit, I can’t hurt her [[...|I ran away from her]]

She huffed and cursed at me. She then bolted away to find another weapon [[...|I need to look for another weapon]]

I need to look for another weapon. I need to end this swiftly [[...|“Just thought I would tell you]]

I ran away from her, leaping over a table trying to gain some distance [[...|I need to look for another weapon]]

“Just thought I would tell you. There is a gun hiding somewhere. See if you can find it” [[...|Cuckoo, had thrown another spanner]]

Cuckoo had thrown another spanner in the works [[...|Shit, that isn’t good]]

Shit, that isn’t good. If Amy gets the gun, I won’t stand a chance [[...|But, if I get the gun]]

But, if I get the gun, I can kill Cuckoo [[...|I couldn’t see Amy anywhere, ]]

I couldn’t see Amy anywhere, where the hell has she gone. I gripped the bat with both hands, I could see a weapon under the cloth next to me [[...|As soon as I reach for the cloth]]

As soon as I reach for the cloth, Amy emerges from the other side of the table. She slices at me with her two knives she has acquired [[...|On instinct I swing bat]]

On instinct, I swing the bat. The bat connects with Amy across the face [[...|“Shit, I’m ]]

“Shit, I’m so sorry Amy!” [[...|Amy, looks back at me. ]]

Amy looks back at me. Blood dripping from her face. She licks her lips as the blood is pouring from her head [[...|“I love the ]]

“I love the taste of blood” [[...|She is fucking ]]

She is fucking nuts [[...|I sprint away from her]]

I sprint away from her. While running, I grab a weapon that was on one of the tables [[...|The gun]]

The gun [[...|I have the gun now]]

I have the gun now. I found it. I can kill Cuckoo! [[...|I raise the gun, and point it at Cuckoo]]

I raise the gun and point it at Cuckoo. He was smiling at me. Why the hell was he smiling at me? [[...|He needs to die]]

He needs to die. [[Shoot at Cuckoo]] [[Run ]]

I squeeze the trigger of the gun. Yes. I will finally end this nightmare! [[...|Cuckoo was still smiling]]

I can’t shoot him if he is smiling, this isn’t right. He has something up his sleeve [[...|While I was lost in thought]]

Cuckoo was still smiling! He is going to die! [[...|He knew he was going to survive]]

He knew he was going to survive. He knew that he was going to be saved. He knew everything that was going to happen [[...|Amy leaped in front of Cuckoo]]

Amy leaped in front of Cuckoo and stood right in front of him. Smiling in the face of death [[...|The bullet had hit her directly in the chest]]

The bullet had hit her directly in the chest. She now lays in Cuckoo’s arms [[...|Cuckoo picked up Amy, and came over to me]]

Cuckoo picked up Amy and came over to me. He dumped her right in front of my feet [[...|“Congratulations Marcus. ]]

While I was lost in thought, Amy had appeared in front of me, brandishing her knives [[...|Just as she was about to stab me]]

Just as she was about to stab me, I pulled the trigger [[...|She recoiled, but wasn’t stopping]]

She recoiled but wasn’t stopping. She came at me again slashing away [[...|I pulled the trigger again and again]]

I pulled the trigger again and again. I don’t know how many bullets I had fired [[...|All I heard was the click of the empty gun]]

All I heard was the click of the empty gun. Amy was laying on the floor dead. What have I done? [[...|Cuckoo walked on over towards me and Amy]]

Cuckoo walked on over towards me and Amy [[...|“Congratulations Marcus. ]]

“Congratulations Marcus. You are the winner of the first Death Games!” **END**

Jaiden and Amy’s bodies lay still. The one I use to like is dead. The one and only rival I had for her is dead. What I’m I suppose to do now. She was the only one I cared for. The reason I came to work. What will be my drive now? [[...|The hole Jaiden had in his head was oozing out blood. ]]

The hole Jaiden had in his head was oozing out blood. I had never seen so much blood in my life. But today, I have seen too much for one lifetime. Weirdly, the blood sort of fitted into the whole aesthetic of the store. Blood smeared across the walls, pools of blood on the floor. What a wonderful sight [[...|What the hell I’m I saying. Has Cuckoo’s mind tricks finally got to me? ]]

“It’s just two of us left Cuckoo, what’s in store for your remaining contestants?” [[...|Cuckoo was still transfixed on the bodies of Amy and Jaiden. He ignored me, and walked towards the dead bodies.]]

Cuckoo was still transfixed on the bodies of Amy and Jaiden. He ignored me and walked towards the dead bodies. He dragged them to where the other dead contestants were, leaving a streak of blood across the floor [[...|To finish his collection, he placed Amy and Jaiden on a seat together to watch the final round. He made sure Jaiden had his arm around Amy, as Amy was cuddling Jaiden. Cuckoo playing with the dead was very unsettling. They should be at peace, instead of being played with.]]

To finish his collection, he placed Amy and Jaiden on a seat together to watch the final round. He made sure Jaiden had his arm around Amy, as Amy was cuddling Jaiden. Cuckoo playing with the dead was very unsettling. They should be at peace, instead of being played with [[...|“Now then, welcome our new additions to the audience, Benjamin and Keith!”, the crowd begins to clap. Cuckoo even grabs the hands of a previous contestant Reggie, and makes the dead man clap.]]

“Now then, welcome our new additions to the audience, Jaiden, and Amy!”, the crowd begins to clap. Cuckoo even grabs the hands of a previous contestant Reggie, and makes the dead man clap [[...|“Cuckoo, I’ve had enough of this illusionary game show, can we just get on with the games”]]

“Cuckoo, I’ve had enough of this illusionary game show, can we just get on with the games” [[“But the fun of the game is the illusion, nothing gets my blood pumping more than the cheer from the audience” ]] [[“It’s not an illusion Marcus, this has been a game show televised all over the world” ]] [[“Marcus, Marcus, Marcus, why must you try ruining everything” ]]

“The audience is a fake recording, it’s just filled with dolls and the dead.” [[...|“It’s called using your imagination Marcus, you should use it sometimes. The world becomes such a wondrous place. No longer do I witness the negatives of life. Poverty, crime, war, famine. Through the use of my imagination, I can fix it all.”]]

I and Benjamin were both shocked by what he just told us. I could see Benjamin was in a state of rage, “You mean, some mutherfuckers have been watching us and seen every single killing. Every single sick and twisted thing you have done to us. And to top it all off, they haven’t even called for help?” [[...|“Yep, they have seen everything. I told you guys there was always an audience, but none of you wanted to listen. Thousands, no scrap that. Millions are watching you. Not one of them have called for help it seems. I think they like to see the people suffer. ]]

“You always butt in randomly when I’m trying to make an amazing event. Can you just shut up for once?” [[...|I took his advice and didn’t ask any more questions ]]

“So you are just running away from the real world? Isn’t that just the coward’s way out” [[...|“If you want to think that way, be my guest. But I’m having the time of my life currently, compared to you who is shitting themselves.”]]

“We are only scared because of what you are doing to us!” [[...|Cuckoo took a deep breath in, and held out his arm, “Maybe you should just embrace it all instead of fighting it”]]

Cuckoo took a deep breath in, and held out his arm, “Maybe you should just embrace it all instead of fighting it” [[...|What does he mean by embracing it, embrace death? ]]

What does he mean by embracing it, embrace death? [[...|“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have big friendly security guard, Benjamin! ]]

“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have a big friendly security guard, Benjamin! I wouldn’t get on his bad side, he has a very short temper. Next to him we have the ever so charming and witty Marcus! Give a round of applause for our finalists!” [[...|“The next game, shall be our final game!” The audience booed at Cuckoo. “I’m sorry folks, this is all we got time for.”]]

I took his advice and didn’t ask any more questions. I should keep my cocky comments to myself from now on [[...|“As Marcus just ruined the moment, let’s just get on with the damn games”. It seems like I have won a small victory against the clown.]]

“Yep, they have seen everything. I told you guys there was always an audience, but none of you wanted to listen. Thousands, no scrap that. Millions are watching you. Not one of them has called for help it seems. I think they like to see the people suffer. But be proud you two are the finalists, you will be known across the world.” [[...|I kneel to the ground, with my hands in my head. It’s hard to process what I have been told. I have just been the pawn of a sick and twisted game that millions have seen. Millions have seen who I have killed. ]]

I kneel to the ground, with my hands in my head. It’s hard to process what I have been told. I have just been the pawn of a sick and twisted game that millions have seen. Millions have seen who I have killed [[...|Benjamin’s fists were clenched. He had finally been pushed over the edge. His faith in humanity had been lost.]]

Benjamin’s fists were clenched. He had finally been pushed over the edge. His faith in humanity had been lost [[...|Cuckoo suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. He started to roll around on the floor, continuing his maniac laughing fit. ]]

Cuckoo suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. He started to roll around on the floor, continuing his maniac laughing fit [[...|He began to contain himself, chuckling randomly. “Got you. It was all a joke. I don’t want to advertise this to the world. Boy. You should have seen your faces.”]]

He began to contain himself, chuckling randomly. “Got you. It was all a joke. I don’t want to advertise this to the world. Boy. You should have seen your faces.” [[...|Benjamin had snapped. “You are going to die right now!”]]

Benjamin had snapped. “You are going to die right now!” [[I held Benjamin back]] [[Benjamin flung himself at Cuckoo]]

I grabbed Benjamin and looked him straight in the eye, “Don’t do it. He was just trying to mess with us.” We are so close to the end of this. Let’s settle it the only way we can.” [[...|“But this guy is fucking insane, there is no way of reasoning with him.”]]

Benjamin swings a punch at Cuckoo. But as Cuckoo dodges the punch, he puts his gun up against his head [[...|“Benjamin, I dare you. Try punch me again. See what happens. If you really want to survive, I suggest you stop trying to attack the guy with the gun”]]

“But this guy is fucking insane, there is no way of reasoning with him.” [[...|The moment I had let go of Benjamin, he had grabbed me, ]]

The moment I had let go of Benjamin, he had grabbed me, “When you survive, you need to kill this man, so he doesn’t do it again.” [[...|“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have big friendly security guard, Benjamin! ]]

“Benjamin, I dare you. Try punch me again. See what happens. If you really want to survive, I suggest you stop trying to attack the guy with the gun” [[...|Benjamin could never stand up to Cuckoo. ]]

Benjamin could never stand up to Cuckoo. I don’t think his security guard training ever prepared him to go up against a schizophrenic killer with a gun [[...|“Let me just take a little time to congratulate our contestants. We have big friendly security guard, Benjamin! ]]

“The next game shall be our final game!” The audience booed at Cuckoo. “I’m sorry folks, this is all we got time for.” [[...|“The final game, shall be a little different to the rest of the games we have been playing. This will ensure only 1 victor. It shall be a game to the death. You shall unleash your predatory instincts, in this final fight. You two shall fight to the death, until only one of you is left alive.”]]

You are telling me, I have to fight Benjamin. The man who is trained in self-defence as a guard. I’m screwed [[...|“The game will go like this. You will start at either end of the store.”, he points at the respective corners. “Riddled throughout the store shall be different weapons you can use against your opponent for maximum killing potential!” ]]

“The game will go like this. You will start at either end of the store.”, he points at the respective corners. “Riddled throughout the store shall be different weapons you can use against your opponent for maximum killing potential!” [[...|There is no way I can win. I want to survive to see another day. I want to see the blue of the sky, instead of the dark blood covered interior I’m currently trapped in.]]

There is no way I can win. I want to survive to see another day. I want to see the blue of the sky, instead of the dark blood covered interior I’m currently trapped in [[...|“There are two conditions to winning this game. The first is, if you kill your opponent then you win the game, obviously. The second added bonus is if you make your opponent surrender, then you shall also be victorious and be crowned champion!”]]

“There are two conditions to winning this game. The first is, if you kill your opponent then you win the game, obviously. The second added bonus is if you make your opponent surrender, then you shall also be victorious and be crowned champion!” [[...|“With the final game explained, I need you two to turn around and both face the wall, while I get everything prepared.” Cuckoo made a hand gesture to turn around. I could hear him constantly giggling to himself every time he placed a weapon down.]]

“Marcus we need to talk” [[...|I was real worried about what Benjamin was going to say to me. He was definitely going to beat me to a pulp.]]

I was really worried about what Benjamin was going to say to me. He was definitely going to beat me to a pulp [[...|“What’s up Benjamin, you worried about the next round? I may not look like much, but I can fight!”]]

“What’s up Benjamin, you worried about the next round? I may not look like much, but I can fight!” [[...|“Haha, I’m sure you can. But regarding this final round. You will survive and Cuckoo will die”]]

“Haha, I’m sure you can. But regarding this final round. You will survive and Cuckoo will die” [[“What do you mean?” ]] [[“So will you Benjamin! We will survive together.” ]]

“Just follow my lead okay, don’t do anything out of the ordinary. Just do what I tell you.” [[...|What was he trying to say, ‘follow his lead’? What is Benjamin actually planning.]]

What was he trying to say, ‘follow his lead’? What is Benjamin actually planning? [[...|“Don’t worry Benjamin, we will get through this together. We can go out for a drink after, it’s on me!” I put on a slight smile as Benjamin smirked back.]]

“Don’t worry Benjamin, we will get through this together. We can go out for a drink after, it’s on me!” I put on a slight smile as Benjamin smirked back [[...|Even if I’m fighting against the odds, I will do everything in my power to beat him in this final round.]]

Even if I’m fighting against the odds, I will do everything in my power to beat him in this final round [[...|Cuckoo interrupted our conversation, “You can now turn around and walk to your respective corners”]]

Cuckoo interrupted our conversation, “You can now turn around and walk to your respective corners” [[...|As I walk to my corner, I glance around the room trying to see any weapons I can use against Benjamin. However, the damn clown covered all the weapons with cloth. ]]

I took a deep sigh, “And that’s where you come in?” [[...|“Damn straight! I will be the star of the show if you don’t mind.”]]

“Damn straight! I will be the star of the show if you don’t mind.” [[...|The exuberant expression slapped across his face was a nice sight to see after all the turmoil we have been through. ]]

The exuberant expression slapped across his face was a nice sight to see after all the turmoil we have been through [[...|But, I will take any advantage I can get in winning and get out of here, even it is using him. ]]

But, I will take any advantage I can get in winning and get out of here, even it is using him [[...|Cuckoo interrupted our conversation, “You can now turn around and walk to your respective corners”]]

As I walk to my corner, I glance around the room trying to see any weapons I can use against Benjamin. However, the damn clown covered all the weapons with a cloth [[...|So I won’t know the weapon until I’m there, seems like Cuckoo wants to make everything interesting until the very last moment.]]

So I won’t know the weapon until I’m there, seems like Cuckoo wants to make everything interesting until the very last moment [[...|I will need something that can wound him, or kill him instantly. There is no way I will win in a fist fight, or with brute strength. I need to be cautious and sneaky.]]

I will need something that can wound him, or kill him instantly. There is no way I will win in a fist fight, or with brute strength. I need to be cautious and sneaky [[...|I could see Benjamin across the room. He just a large smile plastered across his face. It wasn’t sinister at all. It seemed like the first genuine smile I had seen this whole day.]]

I could see Benjamin across the room. He just a large smile plastered across his face. It wasn’t sinister at all. It seemed like the first genuine smile I had seen this whole day [[...|“Player one, are you readyyyyyy?”, Cuckoo points to my corner. ]]

“Player one, are you readyyyyyy?”, Cuckoo points to my corner [[...|I nod to say I’m I ready. All I have to do is survive. Get a weapon. Kill Amy. Simple right. C’mon, I can do this.]]

I nod to say I’m I ready. All I have to do is survive. Get a weapon. Kill Amy. Simple right. C’mon, I can do this [[...|“Player two, are you readyyyy?”, Cuckoo notions at Benjamin’s corner. ]]

“Player two, are you readyyyy?”, Cuckoo notions at Benjamin’s corner [[...|Benjamin just replies with a simple, “Aye”]]

Benjamin just replies with a simple, “Aye” [[...|“Let the games begin!” ]]

“Let the games begin!” [[...|I sprinted for the first cloth I could see. I flew the cloth aside to reveal a fish. An actual fish. ]]

I sprinted for the first cloth I could see. I flew the cloth aside to reveal a fish. An actual fish [[...|Cuckoo starts to laugh hysterically. “Haha, I never thought the first thing you would pick up is the fish.”]]

Cuckoo starts to laugh hysterically. “Haha, I never thought the first thing you would pick up is the fish.” [[...|I flung the fish at Cuckoo, he catches the fish and started to munch on it, “Thanks for the snack”]]

I flung the fish at Cuckoo, he catches the fish and started to munch on it, “Thanks for the snack” [[...|I surveyed the rest of the store to see where Benjamin is. But he was just standing in the corner. Doing nothing.]]

I surveyed the rest of the store to see where Benjamin is. But he was just standing in the corner. Doing nothing [[...|I frantically ran around the whole store looking for other weapons. I had found bats, knives, you name it I found it. ]]

I frantically ran around the whole store looking for other weapons. I had found bats, knives, you name it I found it [[...|Finally, Cuckoo had asked Benjamin why he was stood still, “Benjamin, what the hell are you doing? You are going to die at this rate”]]

Finally, Cuckoo had asked Benjamin why he was stood still, “Benjamin, what the hell are you doing? You are going to die at this rate” [[“This is my strategy”]] [[“Nothing in the rules stating I can’t stand here and wait”]] [[“I don’t need a weapon to kill him”]]

“So your strategy is to just stand in a corner and wait to die?” [[...|“Nope, I’m just waiting for him to get close. Then the fight will end there”]]

“Well, you are not wrong I guess…” I could see Cuckoo was about to throw a fit. He hates not getting his way [[...|Benjamin looked on with a small grin, as he could see the clown imploding on himself.]]

“So you are a tough guy I guess. You think you can go up against a knife!” [[...|Benjamin didn’t even give a response, a simple nod was all he was going to give to Cuckoo.]]

“Nope, I’m just waiting for him to get close. Then the fight will end there” [[...|Cuckoo was not pleased, he wanted a display of fighting, blood and death. Not a guy standing a corner.]]

Cuckoo was not pleased, he wanted a display of fighting, blood, and death. Not a guy standing a corner [[...|Cuckoo’s had enough of Benjamin’s actions, “There is a gun hiding under one of the cloths! Find it and kill!”]]

Cuckoo’s had enough of Benjamin’s actions, “There is a gun hiding under one of the cloths! Find it and kill!” [[...|This had changed the whole game. A gun can kill Cuckoo, me and Benjamin can survive]]

Benjamin looked on with a small grin, as he could see the clown imploding on himself [[...|Cuckoo’s had enough of Benjamin’s actions, “There is a gun hiding under one of the cloths! Find it and kill!”]]

Benjamin didn’t even give a response, a simple nod was all he was going to give to Cuckoo [[...|Cuckoo was furious, he was shaking with anger. His fuse was about to blow.]]

Cuckoo was furious, he was shaking with anger. His fuse was about to blow [[...|Cuckoo’s had enough of Benjamin’s actions, “There is a gun hiding under one of the cloths! Find it and kill!”]]

This had changed the whole game. A gun can kill Cuckoo, I and Benjamin can survive [[...|Benjamin had instantly reacted, I started sprinting around the store trying to find the gun.]]

Benjamin had instantly reacted, I started sprinting around the store trying to find the gun [[...|Is he going to kill me or Cuckoo?]]

Is he going to kill me or Cuckoo? [[...|The gun!]]

The gun! [[...|I have found the gun! I can kill Cuckoo and end this all.]]

I have found the gun! I can kill Cuckoo and end this all [[...|Benjamin shouts, “KILL HIM MARCUS!”]]

Benjamin shouts, “KILL HIM MARCUS!” [[...|I raise the gun, and point it at Cuckoo. He was smiling at me. Why the hell was he smiling at me.]]

I raise the gun and point it at Cuckoo. He was smiling at me. Why the hell was he smiling at me? [[...|He needs to die.]]

He needs to die [[Shoot at Cuckoo ]] [[Question Cuckoo]] [[Shoot at Benjamin]]

“Why are you smiling Cuckoo!? What have you got up your sleeves? Just tell us everything! We are all going to die here anyway.” [[...|“Marcus, I have been very clear on everything.”]]

I quickly switched my aim at Benjamin [[...|I could see the lips of Benjamin about to move. But before he could even say a word, I had shot him 5 times in the chest. He was bleeding out on the floor. I could see him squirming on the floor.]]

I squeeze the trigger of the gun. Yes. I can finally kill him and end this torture! [[...|Cuckoo was still smiling. He began waving around a remote in his hand.]]

“Marcus, I have been very clear on everything.” [[...|“Stop wasting time Marcus, just shoot him!”]]

“Stop wasting time Marcus, just shoot him!” [[...|Benjamin was getting impatient and charged at me.]]

Benjamin was getting impatient and charged at me [[...|He tackled me to the ground, trying to grab the gun.]]

He tackled me to the ground, trying to grab the gun [[...|What if this was his plan all along? If he gets the gun, he is going to kill me!]]

What if this was his plan all along? If he gets the gun, he is going to kill me! [[...|I somehow was able to kick Benjamin off of me. I got off the floor and stood to my feet, pointing the gun at Benjamin. ]]

I somehow was able to kick Benjamin off of me. I got off the floor and stood to my feet, pointing the gun at Benjamin [[...|I pulled the trigger again and again. I don’t know how many bullets I had fired.]]

I pulled the trigger again and again. I don’t know how many bullets I had fired [[...|All I heard was the click of the empty gun. Benjmain was laying on the floor. Finally, I had ended Cuckoo’s crazy game.]]

All I heard was the click of the empty gun. Benjamin was laying on the floor. Finally, I had ended Cuckoo’s crazy game [[...|All I heard was the click of the empty gun. Benjamin was laying on the floor. Finally, I had ended Cuckoo’s crazy game.]]

Cuckoo walked on over towards me and the dead Benjamin [[...|“Congratulations Marcus. You are the winner of the first Death Games!”]]

“Congratulations Marcus. You are the winner of the first Death Games!” **END**

I could see the lips of Benjamin about to move. But before he could even say a word, I had shot him 5 times in the chest. He was bleeding out on the floor. I could see him squirming on the floor [[...|Cuckoo rushed over to Benjamin’s body, and shot him in the face to end his misery.]]

Cuckoo rushed over to Benjamin’s body and shot him in the face to end his misery [[...|I dropped the gun, and I had my hands in my face.]]

I dropped the gun and put my hands on my face [[...|Cuckoo walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. ]]

Cuckoo walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder [[...|“Congratulations Marcus. You are the winner of the first Death Games!” ]]

“Congratulations Marcus. You are the winner of the first Death Games!” [[...|I revealed my face to Cuckoo. ]]

I revealed my face to Cuckoo [[...|I had a massive smile upon my face. I started to laugh uncontrollably. ]]

I had a massive smile on my face. I started to laugh uncontrollably [[...|Me and Cuckoo stood in the middle of the store laughing. Surrounded by death and chaos. I had descended into madness. ]]

I and Cuckoo stood in the middle of the store laughing. Surrounded by death and chaos. I had descended into madness. **END**

Cuckoo was still smiling. He began waving around a remote in his hand [[...|Shit, we had forgot. The bombs. ]]

Shit, we had forgotten. The bombs [[...|He knew if we tried to shoot at him, he could just blow up everything.]]

He knew if we tried to shoot at him, he could just blow up everything [[...|“Kill him Marcus, end it here. With all of us dying!”]]

“Kill him, Marcus, end it here. With all of us dying!” [[...|I carried on looking at Cuckoo, my hands were shaking. ]]

I carried on looking at Cuckoo, my hands were shaking [[...|All I ever wanted was to survive. If I kill Cuckoo, I would throw away everything I was striving for. ]]

All I ever wanted was to survive. If I kill Cuckoo, I would throw away everything I was striving for [[...|So many people have died for just one of us to survive and live. This needs to end.]]

So many people have died for just one of us to survive and live. This needs to end [[...|“I’m sorry Benjamin”]]

“I’m sorry Benjamin” [[...|I pointed the gun at Benjamin, I was no longer shaking. This was the right thing to do. ]]

I pointed the gun at Benjamin, I was no longer shaking. This was the right thing to do [[...|“Marcus you don’t need to do this. Just end it here with …”]]

“Marcus you don’t need to do this. Just end it here with...” [[...|Before Benjamin was able to end his sentence. I had shot him in his head. I would have liked to hope it was a quick and painless death.]]

Before Benjamin was able to end his sentence. I had shot him in his head. I would have liked to hope it was a quick and painless death [[...|“Congratulations Marcus. You are the winner of the first Death Games! As I promised, you get to ask or do anything you like”]]

“Congratulations Marcus. You are the winner of the first Death Games! As I promised, you get to ask or do anything you like” [[Kill Cuckoo]] [[Leave Trinkets]]

I had quickly raised the gun and pulled the trigger [[...|Cuckoo fell to the ground. ]]

I drop the gun on the dead body of Benjamin. Closing his eyelids. Rest in peace buddy [[...|I walk to the exit of Trinkets. I can definitely say I’m not coming to work tomorrow.]]

Cuckoo fell to the ground [[...|I looked over his body to make sure he was really dead. I couldn’t even trust if he was dead or alive.]]

I looked over his body to make sure he was really dead. I couldn’t even trust if he was dead or alive [[...|There it is. The bullet wound through his head.]]

There it is. The bullet wound through his head [[...|Finally, everything was over. I have survived. ]]

Finally, everything was over. I have survived [[...|“Not so fast Marcus, the games have only just begun”]]

“Not so fast Marcus, the games have only just begun” [[...|I turn around to see 3 other clowns beside the dead body of Cuckoo. ]]

I turn around to see 3 other clowns beside the dead body of Cuckoo [[...|All dressed in the same outfit as Cuckoo. All with the same smile as Cuckoo.]]

All dressed in the same outfit as Cuckoo. All with the same smile as Cuckoo [[...|“Let’s commence the real mind games now Marcus”]]

“Let’s commence the real mind games now Marcus” **END**

I walk to the exit of Trinkets. I can definitely say I’m not coming to work tomorrow [[...|I open the door. Its blocked. It’s just rock and rubble.]]

I open the door. It's blocked. It’s just rock and rubble [[...|There was never a way out of this hell]]

There was never a way out of this hell [[...|“Marcus, there was never a way out. You are trapped. You are staying with me for a little longer”]]

“Marcus, there was never a way out. You are trapped. You are staying with me for a little longer” [[...|All I could hear was the laughter of Cuckoo. That damn laughter…]]

All I could hear was the laughter of Cuckoo. That damn laughter... **END**

But Jaiden was not willing to accept the fact that his death was sealed in fate [[...|He lunged at me]]