ONE Human

Part 7: A Sacrifice Made

(Lava Bucket's POV)

All the contestants railed around us, it was just the two of us. Me and Backpack looked at each other with sorrowful looks, it was time. We gave each other one last embrace before a few seconds later...when Backpack disappeared, leaving me as the last member of my team. I fell on my knees, contemplating the situation. It felt like I lost one of my family members, now I felt alone. Pearl and Scenty came over to me and comforted me, knowing how difficult it was. Despite them comforting me all morning, it was too difficult for me to handle. I couldn't help but feel like it was my fault this had to happen as a payback for my selfish self.

Airy told us the challenge would be happening the next day and to relax for the rest of the day. I didn't listen too well because I sat there for the rest of the day, doing nothing. I wanted to go back to the tower, but I knew Airy would just bring me back. Then in the first time in over 6 months, I heard the voices. Except what they said this time was different. The repeating of Apathetic was not there thankfully, but I heard echos stating how much I was alone, and how I'm gonna be alone forever. I believed these echos more than my previous echos, since I knew those were lies to make me feel bad. However, this time it was true. None of my teammates were here to help me, and there was no doubt in my mind that I was most likely gonna go next.

I tried to get some sleep that night, but it took me hours to actually get some. Once I fell asleep, I had a dream. I woke up surrounded by nothing, and I was still in my bucket form. I then looked up and saw Backpack, looking sorrowful. I took one step and that's when a huge gap formed between us and it split open. We both were shocked by this, but that wasn't the worst part. The side Backpack was on started breaking, and he called out for my help. I ran over to the edge and yelled for him to jump, he was about to do so, but the land had already broken before he could jump. I tried catching him but I just couldn't, it ended with me watching him fall down the pit.

(Pearls POV)

I woke up hearing a scream, and found out it was Lava Bucket having a nightmare. Scenty went over to check and see if she was ok, but that's when I started to think. I didn't know how to feel about her staying, I was fine with us staying together a bit longer, but her reaction made me conflicted. And seeing this just now made me start to wonder if I should make her stay for much longer so I could help her. Not only did her feelings make wonder if this was worth it, but also the fact she was the last of her team, there's no way she could handle all these challenges. So after thinking about it the rest of the night, when dawn came, I finally made my choice.

That morning, Airy said "Everyone get into your teams for the next challenge." It took a while for everyone to figure out their teams again since we haven't done this in a long time, but as we were figuring stuff out, I rolled over to Scenty, asking if I could borrow her. She was confused but agreed and we went to a separate part of the plane. She then asked me if there was something wrong, and I said this "Your team needs to try at this challenge today. I mean it when I say put your all into it." She then looked at me confused and was about to say something to get her out of it but I cut her off and explained my plan to her. She asked "Are you sure you wanna do this?" I nodded with hesitation, we then got back to our teams.

The challenge this time after 7 months was have one of us jump in the pool, the team who's member didn't jump in the pool was UFE. Moldy said "Isn't this just a more giant version of the last challenge we did?" I said passive aggressively "Just go with it!" She glared at me but I didn't even care at this point. The teams started picking their members and that's when I started to set my plan into action. Moldy said upfront that she's gonna do the challenge but I said "No! I'm doing this!" We then started to argue again but thankfully it didn't last long. Whippy Creamy and Circle pulled us apart and that's when I said "You know what..go right ahead. If you want to get all soggy like the floating challenge and cause that mold to grow even more." She started to steam with anger as I continued talking. "And what was it you said again about letting people do things by themselves or you'll hurt them?" Moldy then lost her anger and said "...Touché. Fine you can do this challenge, but you better not screw this up." I agreed, as I looked over at Scenty and gave her a nod, as she chose her teammate Contact Lens to do the challenge.

(Lava Buckets POV)

I was not excited about this challenge, not only because I was the only one eligible for me to be safe, but it was in the water again, which made me spiral into a panic attack. I looked at the other teams and something actually surprised me. Scenty was actually doing the challenge with her team, I thought she wanted to get home. I was confused why things were playing out like but I ultimately decided I couldn't do this. 10 minutes have gone by and me and Moldy's team was left. The only reason the other team was safe was because Scenty's team helped them be safe, this made me even more confused. I saw Pearl in Circle's arm, it looked like he was gonna launch him again, Pearl then gave me a look of gratitude and got launched into the tub.

Airy announced the challenge had ended and said "Lava Bucket is Up for elimination." I should've felt upset but I felt more confused than ever before. Scenty then came over to me and said "This is great, You're finally gonna go home after so long." I replied with "Well..I guess so...but what about you?" Scenty said "Backpack told me this long ago, all of us will make it home eventually, no matter how long it feels." She then gave me a gentle smile because of this. I felt more reassured but I wanted answers about the challenge, specifically from Pearl. An hour later, I went over to Pearl who looked a bit upset, but at the same time relieved."

Pearl looked over at me and said "Guess it's over for you, huh?" I answered with "Yeah..but what was with that look you gave me? We're you planning something?" Pearl then lost his smile and spoke the truth. "...Here's the truth, I planned for you to get out since this morning. Months ago, I heard about Scenty doing the same for you guys, I just wanted to make things work out for your team..you've suffered just as much as Backpack, if not more. You deserve to leave more than anyone here." I was shocked by his explanation and that he wanted to get me home, since ever since we met, he's been happy being my friend. So I said "But Pearl...I'll never see you again."

Tears actually welled up in his eyes for the first time ever and he replied with "...I know. Lava Bucket, ever since we first met, I never wanted our friendship to die. Especially since I just started to live and be free, but there was a lot of stuff I needed to work on. And helping you has been my number one priority, but I've learned more and more that sometimes..that help can only go so far..and that sometimes, you have to let them alone..it's the best kind of help. I know I might not ever see you again or eventually never experience life again, but I would rather be inanimate, if it means you're home, safe and happy." That's when tears of joy welled up this time, and we both gave each other a big embrace. Airy then came on and said "It's time for the elimination." Scenty's team came over to see me off, and she came over saying "Have fun being a Human again." Tray added on with "Yeah, be sure to say hi to us when you get back." I gave a chuckle and said "I'll try." Both Pearl and Scenty held my hands, feeling confident. I was finally gonna go home after all this time...right?

To be continued