SPOTLIGHT - THE BOOK

Chapter 2 - Pulling One's Leg, Two Legs, Three Legs....

30 minutes earlier

- "It feels good to finally begin filming in this new set. I feel like I just went on air for the first time again." - He says to himself, looking around the main hall.

- "Talking to yourself again, Oh dear host?"

- "W-What?! Kayla, what are you doing here?"

It's been a while since Spotlight has shown itself on live television, and it wasn't without cause. The team has been working hard to bring an audience a brand new set for 2 months, styled to the Host's personal taste. Everyone was preparing to film the best episode yet, with hours of new twists and turns everywhere the audience's keen eye can see. They've been working hard, and the Host has spent the day restlessly waiting for the time to start filming. The contestants were going to arrive in 30 minutes.

- "I thought it was explicit that I was going to host today, Kayla. Get back to work."

- "What? I can't walk around our new set before filming time? I don't think that was mentioned in the contract." - Kayla put her hands behind her back and smiled mischievously. - "Love what you did with the place, but I would have added some more...modern furniture. What's with the vintage drag, grandpa?"

The Host, better known as Arcu, made his point clear since the start about the way he'd design the set. He wanted something that spoke old and sinister, yet somehow cozy. He landed on Victorian design, to get the real "haunted mansion" feel.

- "'Our' new set? I think you mean my new set." - He corrects her, raising an eyebrow. - "You're clearly here to tell me something, so make it quick. - Arcu's gaze seemed to stab right through her, but Kayla kept a straight smile.

- "Well, remember the staff meeting this morning?" Kayla averted her eyes to the ground.

- "Yes? What's this about?"

- "I had a talk with the Manager, and...I was demoted." - She covers her mouth with the back of her fist. -  "They weren't happy with the state of the set the last time I hosted.." 

- "Hah! How the cocky fall." - He chuckled, making Kayla roll her eyes. - "So what were you demoted to? Toilet scrubber? Coffee maker? You can start with making me some." - He teased, but Kayla's eyes lit up as she slowly grew a grin, making him stop talking.

Arcu and Kayla's relationship was a weird one. Kayla was hired a few weeks after the debut of the show, and while the staff seems to like her bitchy attitude, Arcu was never a fan. She climbed the ranks and became co-host, but due to an 'accident' at her last game, she was promptly demoted. They constantly tease eachother, but Kayla seems to always one-up Arcu in these arguments, making him despise her. Still, he enjoys having a higher position than Kayla, even if she doesn't listen to him. It's no wonder that he was so happy to hear about her demotion.

- "Actually...I have quite the surprise for you." - She crossed her arms and put on a baby voice. - "They told me how I couldn't be trusted alone...so they said I would be joining you today."

- "What."

- "Remember the Intercom and how it went into maintenance? They told me they needed someone to read the votes in it's place..so..."

- "No. No, no- Stop talking!" - He covered his face with his hands.

- "Looks like you'll be having company today, oh Host one... -" She said with a grin, getting closer to him.

- "God, dangit. And I thought today would be a good day." - Arcu mumbled to himself.

- "What was that?" 

- "Prepare yourself! You're messy and you're NOT ruining my day." - Arcu yelled, irritated at Kayla's annoying voice and messy exterior.

- "Fine. By the way, when do we meet the contestants?" - She asked, putting her hair up in a ponytail.

- "In around 30 minutes. Tell the crew to get the cameras ready, and do NOT slack off. Today must be perfect." - He reassured her.

- "Whatever. I'm excited to meet the contestants. Heard it was you that chose them today, so they're probably going to be annoying." - She checked her nails as Arcu grunted. - "See ya, Archie. Enjoy the show." - She provoked, going backstage.

- "Oh. I know you'll personally adore it, Kayla." He said to himself, wearing a sinister grin.

Arcu went backstage, and the main lights went off. The mood was set for the contestants' arrival.

End of chapter 2.

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Writer's notes:

Hello everyone! Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't worry, you'll learn more about Kayla and Arcu soon.

The next chapter will introduce every contestant, being 16 of them! (That's quite a lot of characters!) So it will take a little longer to write than these two chapters. (Not only because of the characters, it's just a really long chapter!)

Hope you can be patient, and as excited to read the next few chapters as much as I am to write them!

Matt, signing off!