Seven

Chapter 20- The Undead

Mario and Carmen were led aboard the old, rusted steamboat that sat in the harbor, alone. It looked very worn and very heavy. It would likely only stay afloat for just a few minutes, and when it went down, it would go down fast.

That didn't give Mario much time to plan. It was either find the diving gear or make peace with death. There were no longer any other options.

He looked around at the crystal clear blue sky and blew out a nervous breath. At least it was a beautiful day to die, he thought to himself.

"Players, follow your personal staff member to your respective positions. Once there, you will receive more detailed instructions," Winston explained.

Mario looked at Carmen, but again, she wouldn't look at him. Her face was still hard and stoic and she hadn't said one word since they left the mansion. He sighed and followed behind Richard.

He was led all the way to the stern end of the ship before Richard stopped. "Player Six, it has been an honor serving you. I wish you the best of luck in the final game. If you are ready, I will explain to you what you must do in order to win."

Mario only nodded. He was suddenly so nervous, his brain was becoming fuzzy, his thoughts spinning out of control. In the previous games, he had managed to keep himself somewhat calm and collected. He knew he would survive those games. He had a good feeling. This time though, there wasn't anything good about the way he was feeling. Even if he won, he would still feel like he lost.

"When the ship's horn sounds, you will have to start looking for the diving equipment immediately. There will be no time to waste," Richard explained to him, although Mario was only half listening. "Once you find it, gear up and dive into the water. The boat will sink quickly and you'll want to get away from the current, lest you'll be pulled under and won't be able to escape."

Mario nodded.

"I'd say you'd have fifteen to twenty minutes that you can safely move about the ship. After that, things will start to deteriorate quickly," Richard went on.

"And...what if neither of us find the diving gear within that time? What then?" Mario asked.

"It's hidden in plain sight, but I'm afraid that's all the hints I'm allowed to give you. Finding it won't be the problem. Finding it first will."

Mario knew he had to make a decision right now. He couldn't wait around to see what Carmen would do, there wouldn't be time. So he nodded, letting Richard know he understood the game's instructions.

"See you on the other side, player 6," Richard said, touching Mario's arm.

After he walked away, Mario blew out a breath and hopped from one foot to the other to get his body warmed up. He looked around, surveying the boat, its doors and hatches, trying to figure out his first move.

He jumped back when the boat's horn sounded, signaling the start of the game.

Mario didn't hesitate. He ran up the stairs to the top level and moved down the narrow walkway until he found a metal door, covered in rust, dings and scratches. There was a small window on the door, so he peered inside and gasped when he saw the diving gear, hidden in plain sight, just like Richard said. It was propped up against the wall just waiting for him.

He put his hand on the handle to open the door, but he was startled by a figure that suddenly appeared in the window. He stepped back, staring in disbelief at Jackson's disfigured face. He pounded on the door, letting out an unearthly howl.

Mario backed away slowly, his limbs frozen over with fear. What in the hell was going on?

When the door sprung open and a zombified Jackson came limping out, Mario scrambled to his feet and took off running, only to nearly crash right into another familiar face...