South Park: Bloodlines, Book 2: New Horizons, Old Shadows

The Riddled Unveiled

The lodge was suffocating with tension, the weight of the situation pressing down on everyone as they debated the impossible choice before them. The TV screen crackled in the corner, displaying a live feed of Tolkien and Red, bound and helpless. Time was running out. Kyle paced the floor anxiously, his hand raking through his hair.

Kyle: "This is insane. We can't just pick someone to die! What kind of psychopaths do this?"

Stan: "We have to choose, Kyle. We don't have time to argue about how messed up this is. If we don't, they both die." he said while leaned up against the wall, his arms crossed tightly.

Wendy looked torn, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she stared at the screen.

Wendy: "But how do we decide? They're both our friends. We can't—" Her voice cracked, and she looked away, swallowing hard.

Tweek sat on the couch, his leg bouncing up and down rapidly as his anxiety peaked. He could feel the walls closing in, his mind spinning out of control.

Tweek: "What if we choose wrong? What if they trick us and kill them both anyway? I can't... I can't take this, it's all happening all over again!"

Butters was huddled in a corner, his knees pulled up to his chest.

Butters: "This is so bad. This is so, so bad. I don't wanna pick. I don't wanna be part of this."

Lucas standing near the door, his face pale but determined, spoke up.

Lucas: "We don't have time to break down. We need to make a decision. One life is better than losing them both."

There was a pause as his words hung in the air. It was cold logic, but it was the truth. No one wanted to face it, but there was no escaping reality now. Clyde standing off to the side, gritted his teeth.

Clyde: "This is so messed up. I hate this."

Stan: "We have to focus. If we don't act, Tolkien and Red are both dead."

The group turned to face the TV again. The masked killer moved into view, standing ominously behind Tolkien and Red. The killer lifted a gleaming axe, making his intent clear. Kyle's voice shaking with frustration and anger,

Kyle: "Tolkien went out there to fix the power for us. He was trying to help. We owe him."

Stan turned to him, meeting his eyes.

Stan: "And Red was dragged into this. She didn't ask for any of this either. She's hurt, Kyle. If we don't pick her, she's dead."

Wendy wiped a tear away, her expression hardening.

Wendy: "Guys enough! none of us asked for this at all, We don't have a choice. It's not about who deserves to live more. It's about saving one life. Just one."

Lucas finally stepped forward.

Lucas: "We need to save Red."

There was a murmur of agreement, though it was clear no one was truly satisfied with the choice. It was a bitter decision, and they would all carry the weight of it, they all agreed to pick Red. Suddenly, the masked figure on the screen turned toward Tolkien, who had been slumped in the chair. The group's eyes widened in horror as the killer raised the axe high above his head.