The Games

Into the Abyss

The bag over my head made everything a blur. I could make out vague shapes, but nothing was clear. We walked for what felt like hours until, finally, we were separated and led into different rooms. The bag was yanked off my head, and I blinked against the harsh light.

The room was sterile, filled with medical equipment. I scanned for exits—just in case—and realized I was alone. "You need to be examined before joining the others," a guard barked, tossing something at me. "Put this on, sit on the table when you're done." Without another word, he left. "Asshole," I muttered under my breath.

I pulled on the medical gown and perched on the table. No sooner then I sat the doctor entered. "Hello, I'm Dr. Garrett. I'll be examining you before you meet the others." He smiled in a way that was probably meant to be reassuring. Nurses flooded in with supplies—far too many, including clothes. Garrett's cold hands brushed my skin as he began the exam. "Looks like you're all set. The nurses will get you dressed in the proper attire. The game master has... specific requirements." With a final smile, he left, leaving me with the nurses.

One with bright pink hair yanked at my hair, braiding it roughly, while another thrust clothes into my hands. They didn't give me a choice—they just started stripping me down and dressing me. Tight black leather pants, a dagger holstered on my thigh, and a fitted black shirt with a vest beneath it. At least they let me keep my boots. "So, black's our team color, huh?" I asked, but they ignored me. 'Rude.' They stepped back, and the guard returned, putting the bag over my head again and shoving me forward.

I stumbled until a door creaked open, and I was shoved into another room. The bag came off. "Sit," the guard ordered, pointing at a chair. I flipped him off and leaned against the wall instead. The room was empty. 'Guess I'm the first one here.' The guard stood by the door, watching me intently. "What?" I snapped, and he looked away.

I was sizing up the windows and doors when I heard a commotion. The door opened, and another bagged figure was tossed inside. It was a guy, fighting the guards tooth and nail until they pulled a gun on him. "Sit, or you won't make it to your first game," the guard snarled. The boy sneered but sat, clearly pissed.

When he noticed me, his gaze lingered, but he quickly turned back to the guard. Soon, two more players were thrown in. One was a girl, visibly shaking as her bag was removed. The other guy was silent, his blue eyes cold, betraying no emotion. "Finally," the guard said, rolling his eyes. "Your team color is black. Stick to it, or there'll be consequences." He barely finished before storming out.

As soon as the guards left, the guy who'd fought them stood up, grumbling under his breath. The other boy, the one with the blue eyes, watched us all carefully, as if deciding whether to trust anyone. His eyes lingered on me the longest. The girl, meanwhile, was trying to calm herself in a corner. She was the one we'd need to watch out for.

"Well, since we're stuck here together," the girl spoke up, her voice shaky but determined. "Can I at least know your names? I'm Izzy White, I'm 16... and I'm really scared." She was beautiful, with long blonde hair and striking green eyes, her face dotted with freckles.

"What's the point in getting to know each other when one of us might die anyway?" the angry boy snapped, glaring at her.

"It's called being polite," Izzy shot back. "And it distracts me. So if you don't want to share, shut up."

He rolled his eyes but relented. "Max Whitt, 17. And these games are bullshit."

Izzy shook her head, turning to the blue-eyed guy. He sighed, "Atticus Knight, 20. And I'm not supposed to be here."

Max's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, not supposed to be here? Did your parents pay to keep your name off the list? Spoiled brat."

Atticus stood up, stepping into Max's face. "You don't know me, and don't bring up my parents again."

Before things could escalate, I cut in. "Alright, kids, cool it. Or it'll just be me and Izzy playing the games."

They both backed off, though they shot glares at each other. Izzy, now calmer, stood and joined us. "And you?" she asked, looking at me.

"I'm Kennedy Black, 19. I've been trained for these games my whole life."

A note slid under the door, catching my eye. I walked over there eyes following me, I picked it up, and read it aloud. "Welcome to your first game. You must escape the Game Master."

"Shit," Atticus muttered, taking the note crumpling it. "So, we're supposed to escape this room?"

We searched for hours, finding nothing—until a suspicious book on the shelf caught my attention. It didn't belong here. I pulled it, and with a 'click,' the bookshelf shifted, revealing a dark tunnel. "I think I found it," I called out. They gathered around me.

"Who's going first?" Izzy asked, eyeing the tunnel warily. "I vote not me."

Max smirked. "Kennedy found it, so she should go first."

I rolled my eyes and glanced at Atticus. He didn't look thrilled either. "Scared?" I teased, smirking.

He shot me a look, but I just laughed. "Scaredy cats," I muttered as I stepped into the tunnel, leading the way. Izzy and Max followed, with Atticus bringing up the rear, keeping watch.

The tunnel was dim, barely lit, but after what felt like forever, I spotted an opening. "I think we're almost out," I said, but just then, I heard voices.

"Wait," I whispered, causing everyone to freeze.

"Think any of them will make it through the first game?" one guard asked.

"Most teams do, but it usually takes hours," another replied.

I turned to the group, lowering my voice. "We're the fastest to make it out."

Atticus raised an eyebrow. "Well then, let's make an entrance." He strode out confidently, and the rest of us followed. The crowd erupted in cheers.

"Congratulations, Black Team," the announcer said, his tone mocking. "You're the first to escape. Now, let's see who else survives."

We'd made it. We survived the first game. I looked up at the sky and smiled for the first time in what felt like ages. But this was just the beginning.

Word count (1,106)