He's gone, isn't he? BOOK 1 - Espressleine - EspressoxMadeleine

What a Stupid Contract.

A bit of time passed, Madeleine didn't leave Espresso's side ever since Latte redirected Madeleine to him. They decided it would be somewhat best to stick together, in case an emergency took place they could help each other out.  It was starting to become less of a nuisance to Espresso. Luckily, nothing really happened for the next few hours. But that's exactly when something happened. The lights dimmed, and the miniature stage area with the locked doors opened. Everyone's eyes locked onto the people who came out of it, you couldn't even properly identify them because of the appearances.

Red suits, Black masks with the similar symbols of the cards on them. Some of them held guns, and they lined up in a straight line perfectly it was almost scary. Thats when one of the people, with a square on their mask stepped up. Their words were so unrealistic, nothing a normal person conversing with another would say.

"I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to you all.  Everyone here will participate in six different games over six days. Those who win all six games will receive a handsome cash prize."
The Anonymous voice spoke, the crowd was completely silent. It wasn't finished though, so everyone listened.

"After these games are completed, we will return all of your personal belongings to you. We ask if you have magical abilities you refrain from using them to ensure equality and fair play to everyone. If we find out you are cheating, you will be eliminated from the games. We will also not reveal any personal information, or the faces of our staff team to ensure fair games and confidentiality." The Square guard spoke, after a moment of silence the crowd of people began chattering to each other. This was all throwing in more unanswered questions to the equation.

"You're spitting nonsense! Im pretty sure everyone here is confused on where we even are! You took us here without our consent, now throwing this at us? Im pretty sure this is illegal in many different ways." One of the people in the crowd yelled, most of everyone else agreeing. Espresso and Madeleine stood in the back, observing this interaction.

"Every single person in here called the number on the card, and entered data information. By doing that, it was legal consent. We have documented forms telling so as well, therefore you are all willing to participate in these games." The Person with the Square Mask spoke once more. The crowd began chattering again, it seems they were trying to discuss something. Espresso held his hand up high, before speaking up above everyone else. "And, if we were all cooperative. And decided to take part in your silly games, how much would winners receive?" Espresso spoke out his question, a bit of silence straight afterwards filled the room.

The Guard with the Square Mask pulled out a miniature remote, clicking a button on it as the lights dimmed even darker then before. A golden light shined from the roof, as it seemed a giant piggy bank was being lowered just a bit. It was massive, even bigger then a human body. Everyone looked at it, then stared back at the Guard.

"This will contain all the money you will receive, after the 1st game we can determine how much money will go into the bank. After each game, determining on who gets eliminated or not the price will continue to evolve. Yet if you wish to not Participate, please let us know at this time." The Guard explained, after their words the crowd didn't seem to have much of a problem any more.

"A few games wont kill us! Lets just do it, and if anything bad happens Ill protect you." Madeleine said, taking Espresso's hand. Espresso gave him a look, but then sighed and allowed it just this once. After a few minutes the lights came on, and all the contestants were told to get in a few lines to sign a consent form for the game. It was more of a contract though, even if it was simple.

—
Contract Form
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1 - A Player is Not allowed to stop playing.

2 - A Player that refuses to Play will be eliminated.

3 - Games may be terminated if the majority agrees.

—

Espresso sighed and looked down at the contact, before picking up the pen and signing it. Mostly everyone else did as well, some people left though but no one knew where they were brought beyond those doors. Once everyone was done signing the papers, a short intermission happened before the sounds of the intercom turned on.

"Attention, all players the first game is about to begin. Please make your way into the game hall."
The woman over the intercom said, everyone was being lead into different lines to exit the room. Madeleine and Espresso stuck together though, as they promised each-other. They were lead into this odd room, with different color varieties.

"This looks straight out of a fever dream.. Honestly its giving me a headache already." Espresso said, joking a bit as they walked up the mysterious path of stairs. They lead different directions, but were instructed to go across certain ones. They reached this platformed area, where everyone was told to one by one take pictures. Espresso didn't understand why it was much of importance, but when it was his turn he didn't smile. For some reason, when he didn't smile he looked so much more elegant. The pictures ended quickly, and they continued up the flight of stairs.

After what it felt like forever, they finally reached their destination. It was a field, that looked like an empty playground. From a distance, you could see a giant doll facing the tree. The intercom spoke again, when everyone was lined up for the game.

"For the first game, you will be playing Red Light, Green Light. You are allowed to move forward when the doll shouts "Green light." Yet stop when it says "Red Light." If you be caught moving during "Red Light." You will be eliminated. If you fail to make it across the field before the timer runs out, you will also be eliminated."

"Good luck to all, Begin."