Trust falls

Heartbeat

"We can't get the big shots right away, or else everyone will be in shambles."

I hid back behind a tree, my breath heavy and my mind in ruins.

Surprisingly, I'd stumbled upon a not-so-secret 'Murderer meeting.' I almost dropped a couple of my fries in surprise when I first heard it.

Out of everyone here, I can't believe that one of them was Tree. Of all people, I never expected it to be him. And Needle? On our team, it seemed to be Pen. I could almost feel the tension from partially across the forest.

"I'm going to go see what the others are doing." I recognised Pen's voice say.

I need to run.

Fast.

Looking around to find a suitable escape route, I spotted a small opening which I doubt Pen would try to go to. I bolted for the path, praying that none of them heard me. I'd be absolutely SCREWED if they found out I knew.

I felt my heart rate increase suddenly, the sound thumping in my ears. Tears pricked at my eyes - "Love life" could mean Puffball. I need to find her.

The slightly damp grass from what I assume was rainfall brushed against my legs, causing me discomfort. Trees surrounded me - only reminding me of the ruthless murderer I just heard try to advise someone against murdering someone.

All I can do is hope.

Soon enough, I spotted Puffball. She was talking to Eraser and - you guessed it - Pen.

"Puffball!" I heard myself shout, taking her by surprise.

She glanced over, spotted my struggles, and flew over to assist. "What happened? Are you okay?!"

"Puffball, we have to run. Now!"

"I- what?"

"I can't tell you here. Fly."

She let me get onto her head, and glided upwards. "So, what's the matter? Why are you all.. panicked?" She asked, her vocals soothing me in a strange way.

Taking in a deep breath, I finally mustered up enough courage to mutter out what I wanted to say. "I know who it is."

————

"Book! Are you alright?" I heard Price tag ask me.

I didn't reply.

Nickel is DEAD, for goodness' sake! How is everyone - I glanced over at Bomby, crying his eyes out - well, almost everyone, so calm!

Trying to hold back tears, I looked over at Ice cube. She was talking to Clock and Winner, seemingly having fun. I miss the older days, when me and Freesmart could have fun. I even miss PENCIL.

A couple others on my team approached me, trying to comfort me.

"It's okay, Book. We'll make it out of here!" I heard Cake say enthusiastically.

"I'm scared too, but we'll be fine!" Naily claimed hesitantly. It was clear she didn't believe that.

"Stop being dramatic! He was a puny wimp anyway, so why should WE care!" Snowball boasted.

Greaaat.

Cake got defensive quickly, trying to defend Nickel. "How dare you, Snowball! We're grieving!"

"He was a WIMP! Want me to spell it out for you? W-I-M-P!"

Snowball is really starting to get on my nerves.

He stared at me, a smug grin on his stupid face. His glare was amused, yet intimidating.

"Snowball, you should stop before someone tries to do something.." Basketball begged, whilst also handing over the small blades of grass on her head to Robot flower.