Bookview Valley 3

Chapter Twenty-Three: Begin!

Monday, September 6th

The light is a piercing white, causing me to shield my eyes initially; which is hard when being held by the Crimson Skeleton. The platform jerks to a stop, and I slowly put my arms down; blinking away the brightness. My ears are met with a deafening silence as I stare out at the crowds of Skeletons. I glance over to see Erin, who's mask has been put back on, holding Vincent up. His violet eyes meet mine, they show fear.  

"Here is what we've all been waiting for," The Crimson Skeleton announces to the crowd, holding me up like a trophy, "With Morgan Brooks out of the way, we may finally do our deeds in peace." 

"Peace," I spit out, "You call kill-" I'm cut off as the Crimson Skeleton shoves a rope in my mouth; tying it behind my head. The Crimson Skeleton then shoves me aside, and I stumble falling to the ground. Behind me are the bagged people who came to become on of these psychopaths. I silently pray that my friends are still hidden among them. 

"Not only do I have Morgan Brooks, but I also have a traitor, Vincent Quinn. For todays trials, these five must kill Morgan Brooks, and Vincent. The one or ones who succeed will be welcomed into our welcoming arms. Those who fail...will be killed." The crowd goes up in cheers. How can anyone be like this? Why do people like this exist. The panic has finally reached me and my body trembles in fear. Tears slowly fall down my face as I sit, watching these humans act this way. 

"Tie her up," The Crimson Skeleton motions to me. Two other Skeletons come out of nowhere and struggle with me, but they manage to tie my arms behind my back, as well as my legs together. I should've ran when I could, but...the shock, "Now, him." 

The other two Skeletons walk over to Vincent, taking him from Erin. However, at the last second, he knees one in the groin, and head butts the other. Pulling away from them, he grabs me, forcing me to stand. We glance back at the Crimson Skeleton, before he drags me away. We race towards the back of the stage.

"Seize them!" The Crimson Skeleton calls out. I stumble, my legs being tied, and nearly fall. Vincent hoists me up into his arms, and carries me through a back door. We race down a hallway before he hides us in a room. He sets me down before going back and blocking the door with one of the many barrels in this room. 

When he's done he strides back over to me and unties my legs. Then he unties my arms and I quickly remove the rope from my mouth. Taking in huge gulps of air, I give him an unsure look. 

"Erin caught me," He whispers, "I was on my way to the door, and she stopped me. Somehow she had figured out what I was doing. She knocked me out and took my place. I'm so sorry." 

"I really thought you'd betrayed me," I whisper back, remembering moments ago the feeling of betrayal, "We should've had a secret code or something." 

Vincent chuckles, "I guess so." 

"What do we do now?" I ask, standing and taking in the small room around me. There's a couple of barrels and shelves. The shelves are filled with old wine bottles, but I'm not sure if any of them have anything in them. 

"We need a back up plan," Vincent says, pacing back and forth. 

"Is there any way to contact my friends?" I ask, "They could get us out of here, and fast. I'm sure some of them were the contestants and are probably worried. I hope they don't do anything stu-"

Vincent cuts me off, placing his hands on my shoulders, "It's okay." 

I realize I was spiraling, I take a few breaths, "Sorry, I'm just panicking a little bit. Sure, I've fought Skeletons before, but nothing like this."